In Haggai's day he was faced with the task of proclaiming a message to Zerubbabel the Governer of Judah at a time that seemed inappropriate.

The temple had been destroyed and all that was left was a literal mountain of rubble. The people had a jaded perspective and many were so discouraged that many had lost hope in ever seeing it rebuilt. That reality is again a common sentiment with the people of God and many are not concerned with building the House of Prayer. As a result the House of Prayer lays in ruins.

"This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built. Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"

I personally felt such a weight of this verse about 6 weeks ago as I was contemplating whether I was going to do a home improvement project or not. Then it hit me. I am acting as the people in Haggai and Zechariah's day. I put my stake in the ground and determined that I would pour my finances, time, and energy into the "temple" of our day. 

Over the past 6 weeks I have been so proud of the community at TPR who have answered the call to build His house. I really think that the Lord is so pleased at our efforts to build a place that He would receive glory and honor and praise every day. As we finish up the final week of construction and prepare for our opening rally I feel like the encouragement found in Zechariah 4 is fitting:

“ This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:

      ‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
      Says the LORD of hosts.

‘ Who are you, O great mountain?
      Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
      And he shall bring forth the capstone
      With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying:
        “ The hands of Zerubbabel
      Have laid the foundation of this temple;
      His hands shall also finish it.
      Then you will know
      That the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you.
     
For who has despised the day of small things?
      For these seven rejoice to see
      The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
      They are the eyes of the LORD,
      Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”

Grace Grace people of God. Build Him a house. Grace Grace to the House of Prayer.

bless you!