Haggai 1:2-11 The Lord Almighty said to Haggai, “These people say that this is not the right time to rebuild the Temple.” The Lord then gave this message to the people through the prophet Haggai: “My people, why should you be living in well-built houses while my Temple lies in ruins? Dont you see what is happening to you? You have planted much grain, but have harvested very little. You have food to eat, but not enough to make you full. You have wine to drink, but not enough to get drunk on! You have clothing, but not enough to keep you warm. And workers cannot earn enough to live on. Cant you see why this has happened? Now go up into the hills, get lumber, and rebuild the Temple; then I will be pleased and will be worshiped as I should be. “You hoped for large harvests, but they turned out to be small. And when you brought the harvest home, I blew it away. Why did I do that? Because my Temple lies in ruins while every one of you is busy working on your own house. That is why there is no rain and nothing can grow. I have brought drought on the land—on its hills, grainfields, vineyards, and olive orchards—on every crop the ground produces, on people and animals, on everything you try to grow.” Dear People of God, the above passage is a reminder to us, and especially to those who think giving their resources to Gods work is a waste simply because they believe it is their hard earned money and that the Priest or Pastor will get the money for themselves. As in the time of the Israelites, so it is in todays world, as God has said He does not change (Malachi 3:6a and Hebrews 13:8). If you honour God with your resources for the work of the Gospel, God will SURELY honour you. Recall that God owns everything in the Universe and He is the one who gives us power to create wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). The act of gratitude we can show to Him for His many blessings upon us is by praising and worshipping Him sincerely as well as giving tithes and offerings as He has commanded. God asks for ONLY 10% of our resources as tithe while the remaining 90% we are free to use. Some people obey and even give more than 10%. If we refuse to obey this simple command, the work of the Gospel suffers and makes Christ Jesus unhappy. After the temple was built, God sent a message through the prophet Haggai to the people in Haggai 2:18-19, Today is the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day that the foundation of the Temple has been completed. See what is going to happen from now on. Although there is no grain left, and the grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced, yet from now on I will bless you.” God promised to bless the Israelites for obeying His command to rebuild the temple and that same promise applies to everyone and anyone who SINCERELY and HAPPILY supports the work of the Gospel. God is not a man to lie and there is nothing He cannot do and He ALWAYS keeps His Word (Number 23:19). We brought nothing into this world and we will take nothing out, so let us learn to obey God truthfully and contribute to the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ so it can be preached to save souls from dying and perishing in hell. God bless you today as you heed His word and act accordinly in Jesus Mighty name, Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 19:47:43 +0000
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