Temple Building

I was reading Jeremiah the other day. Seeing how unwelcome the words that
God had gave this prophet were to the people. He was imprisoned, beaten,
throw into a cistern, and yet I don't remember him doing a lot of
complaining. Even when the people promised to listen to God's word, they
didn't because of selfishness and fear. Fear of captivity and fear of the
Babylonians. I have found myself complaining a lot, while having a warm
place to stay, more food than I can eat, and a job, simply because of
separation from my wife/church/friends in Central Pa. God is teaching me
what it means to be faithful to Him simply for His name's sake. Because He
is my Father, there is a peace and contentment in just knowing Him. If I
have nothing, having Him will be more than enough, regardless of what comes
my way and will set the stage for leadings of the Holy Spirit. I think what
an honor it is to be called His and to know that He loves us. Ancient
Israel always seemed not to be content with God and His blessings and want
more. I am at a place now where Jesus is my contentment and my prized
possession. He is my identity and the only thing that I must have.

Then yesterday, Justin form Pittsburgh City Outreach spoke at the church in
Braddock. His message concerned Zerubbabel. A man given a mission to
rebuild the temple. A man that had been separated from the line of God
because of the wickedness of his ancestors. Things seemed good at first and
then fear overtook them and the building stopped. When God sets a plan into
motion, He provides not only direction, resources, and strength, but also
encouragement to overcome our fears and lack of faith when the enemy comes
attacking. Enter Haggai, God's encouragement. Through this man of God, not
only did Zerubbabel find encouragement to finish the job, but a promise to
once again become the signet ring of God, simply by being faithful. It
wasn't about a building, but about being content with the Father and
following His lead (through Haggai) regardless of the what the enemy around
us is saying. God is our source! Jesus is the signet ring that is placed
on our finger that represents the promise and love of God almighty. Christ
is our authority to do the work given us through His written word and the
Holy Spirit. There is a broken down temple in Braddock that needs
rebuilding. Lives that are shattered by the world we live in. But God has
a plan and a promise to rebuild that is bigger than all of those things.
Not is not a time for complaining, but a time to get to work. Why, because
Jesus is worthy and for His name's sake. Thanks Justin for being my Haggai,
and reminding me not only of God's resources, but His promise never to
abandon through the living Savior.