Haggai 1:4, 8 – “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? … Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the Lord.”
Those verses talked about a story when God was correcting the Israelites. “You’ve been so busy building your own houses, yet you’re neglecting mine.” The condition of the Israelites at that time was not so good. Haggai 1:6 says that they “have sown much, and bring in little; … eat, but do not have enough; … drink, but you are not filled with drink; … clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages […] to put into a bag with holes.”
God’s correction to the Israelites also applies to us these days. God’s reminding us to build His house so that we can be blessed. We’ve been busy with our lives, building our own career, and all the other things in between. Although that’s good, God also wants us to take care of His house. That means our spirituality shouldn’t be left neglected. We have to build up our spiritual life and get even more serious and intimate with the Lord. That’s how we can see His greater glory in our lives!
This month, we’re entering a prayer and fasting period for 40 days. There are several prayer targets that we’re focusing on: pray for Indonesia, pray to be freed from the coronavirus, pray for the global economic recession, pray for God’s second coming, pray for the ability to fulfill the Great Commission, pray for the revival of the young (Jeremiah) generation, and pray for the outpouring of the Third Pentecost. Go up to the prayer tower often and pray to the Lord.
Aside from building our spiritual life, we also have to live by the principle of sowing and reaping. Sow your wealth to enlarge the Kingdom of God through local churches. The Bible talks about four different offerings: tithe, first fruit, special offering, and voluntary offering. Give them all faithfully and with obedience.
Here’s a testimony from “The Send” in Brazil. “The Send” revival event was held at three stadiums in two major cities in Brazil. There were 180,000 participants, including young people around 24 years of age. The most amazing part was that the event was held on one day simultaneously at three stadiums, where Brazil’s president was also present. The event lasted from 10 am to 10 pm, a full 12 hours. There were praise and worship, and each servant of God shared for 10 minutes. Afterward, all the world’s youth leaders met together, during which we all agreed that there are two countries God is using to revive the world. The first one is Indonesia and the second one in Brazil! Praise the Lord. This is the time for the young generation to rise up and fulfill the Great Commission. God bless you.
Taken from a sermon by the Global Pastor of GBI Gatot Subroto, Ps. Niko Njotorahardjo