Haggai 1, Hebrews 6

(Haggai 1)

In chapter one, Haggai brings the news that it is time to build the house of the Lord. Although Haggai was speaking of an actual place of worship, today, as believers living under the new covenant, this passage holds an amazing word picture for our own lives as the temple of the Holy Spirit but also as the body of Christ corporately as “the church”. Don’t miss it, God reveals to Haggai that His desire is that this place be built for two reasons at this time, “…so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored”

I think often about trying to honor God in my life and church. But in all honesty, I probably don’t think enough about God taking pleasure in it. And that is His desire. Pleasure. Wow, can you believe that in our lives, we have the opportunity to bring pleasure to the heart of God?

But we have to be reminded and be aware of our nature. God speaks of our natural focus on ourselves, and reminds us of our selfish pursuit. He reminds us that, “What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.” We have to remember that God desires HIS best for us and not OUR best. And His best is far greater than we can fathom.

Something really special happened after Haggai reminded Israel of the off-center focus. Scripture says that, “…the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD.”

How awesome that God was moving in such a way that the “whole remnant of people” obeyed the voice of God. They obeyed because of their respect and fear of the Lord. And God’s response, “Then Haggai, the LORD's messenger, gave this message of the LORD to the people: "I am with you," declares the LORD.”

God, thank you for your continued grace. As we fall to the temptation of selfish gain and focus, may we remember your greater plan and desire for your will to be done. When we are redirected by your spirit, through circumstances, through other believers, through your word, or through your direct leading may we obey with a humble spirit that we might hear your words and find pleasure when you say that, “I am with you.”

(Hebrews 6)

Amazing words I read about verses 11-20 today: “There are things that are never separated from salvation; things that show the person to be in a state of salvation, and which will end in eternal salvation. And the things that accompany salvation, are better things than ever any dissembler or apostate enjoyed. The works of love, done for the glory of Christ, or done to his saints for Christ's sake, from time to time, as God gives occasion, are evident marks of a man's salvation; and more sure tokens of saving grace given, than the enlightenings and tastings spoken of before. No love is to be reckoned as love, but working love; and no works are right works, which flow not from love to Christ.”