Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Lord, I come In Jesus’ Name to thank You for the positive encouragement You gave to Your people in the book of Haggai and how it ​still applies today. You are constantly pointing us away from evil and turning us back to Your plan. I appreciate the examples of that love throughout this book.

​At the start of the book, You tasked Your people with building a new temple, but when the people heard of Your will, they wanted to postpone the work. ​In Haggai 1:2b the people said, “the time has not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.” However, in spite of their apathy, You stirred up the spirit of the people, giving them the will and the strength to build the temple. Haggai 1:14b ​says, “and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.”

You will always give us encouragement, direction, and whatever we need to accomplish the mission that You have set out for us to do. Haggai 1:8 ‘”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.”

Direct me to learn from the examples in this book and to be sensitive and obedient to anything You are calling me to do, whether it be physical labor, sharing the gospel, discipling, teaching, helping others, prayer or financial generosity. Give me the courage and strength to get involved in the building of your kingdom regardless of the task. Remind me that, like in the book of Haggai, You provide what is needed ​in every situation to accomplish the task ​You have given. ​There are no mental, physical, or financial barriers ​that You cannot overcome.

In Jesus’ precious Name, Amen.