Stirring up the Spirit

I want to say a big Thank You to Chip Jackson for following the lead of the Holy Spirit in "stirring up the spirit..." of the leaders of Fellowship and "the remnant of the people." (Haggai 1:14) I was reading about Haggi the prophet this morning and key verses stood out: "you have planted much but harvested little, You eat but never have enough to be satisfied. You drink but never have enough to become drunk. You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm. The wage earner (puts his)wages into a bag with a hole in it"(1:6). The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was halted for 16 years after the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon. Opposition to God's call became an excuse for inactivity. The "Lord of Hosts" raised up Haggai to rouse the Jews from their doldrums. I have been in that complacent state and thank God that he is persistent and faithful in his love for me. He has called Chip Jackson and other pastors at Fellowship to send us a message: Draw Near to God, "I am with you." and "Be strong all you people of the land...In a little while, ...I will fill this house with glory." Haggai 2:4. I can identify with the people of Judah who proclaimed, "the time has 'not come' for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt". They weren't ready to listen to God, but Haggai told the people and the Lord is telling 'me', It is time to "Go up...Think carefully about your ways." I've "expected much, but then it amounted to little. When ...I... brought the harvest on My house, I ruined it. Why?" Because the Lord of Hosts' house still lies in ruins, while..." I've been... "busy with my own house." (Haggai 1:7-9). I'm thankful to bear witness to the glory that is filling our hearts and minds as we obey the voice of the Lord our God and the words of the prophet Haggai and pastors at Fellowship. - Donna Sheppard