We in todays society have neglected the house of the Lord by playing the "game" of Christianity but acting as Christians by following the teachings of Jesus. We are to be separate from the world meaning we shouldn't act like the world for it we act like the world then how will the world know we are different? We shouldn't use the same foul language, the same behavior whether it be to react with anger, bitterness or strife or following in the same sexual paths as the world or any other deviant behavior. We should be willing to take critism and even being mocked for we are not above our master, Jesus, who was mocked etc.
We have also stopped teaching properly in the churches and have not spoken of the Holy Spirit properly who is our power source to God and leads us in our daily lives and reveals the scriptures to us. We have not spoken of hell and the consequences of sin nor taught the proper message of the gospel of grace. Instead of proper teaching we have gone more social and pleasing words to tickle the ears of mankind. Is it no wonder people are turning from the church/body of Christ to the world?
I believe God is saying that whatever it is he has told us to do, we must do it in order for our lives to prosper in the way we hope for. Maybe we're putting off tithing or studying the Word regularly, or going to church, or writing a book, or starting a bible study class, or whatever to build his house. God does not enlist spectators. He expects us to participate in building his church. Once we do that, it doesn't matter what our paycheck says we have, we'll have plenty. And to the comment that there are many who don't believe in God who get blessed. Well, the Devil blesses his people with earthly wealth also. The real difference between God's blessings and Satan's is that God's blessings are attached to eternal life. The Devils blessings are attached to death in a burning pit of fire. Hope this helps.
I don't agree with @5.45, the wealth may have much but deep down they are suffering with rage in their heart and soul, look at King Solomon with all wealth he ended up saying it is all vanity, chase after wind, if you read Jeremiah 17.11 and many others you will understand and or appreciate the above verse, i guess.
I know the scripture and there are plenty of wealthy people who do not believe or acknowledge GOD. Yet they continue to prosper. I believe this scripture says a person can do all hard work yet, he will never be content- meaning satisfied. Satisfy also means to pay or compensate; doing a great job and feeling satisfied far outweighs doing a bad job and getting paid.
Haggai 1:6 describes the systems of any society that disobeys Deuteronomy 25:15 and Leviticus 19:35 (just weights and just measures). When money is debased, as it has been in all countries and throughout recorded history, and is now happening all over the world, those who sow much (gross) bring in little (net). Those who eat are not satisfied, and those who earn wages earn them only to put them into a bag full of holes. Jesus' instruction to "be content with your wages" is made difficult when the value of those wages are continuously and invisibly siphoned away, only to be given to others without the wage earner's knowledge or consent.
God is telling Haggai, I believe, that our house is His house, the time is short for us, all, to recognize that and act accordingly. This should be adhered to, time to close your "house" to outside world and open your house to God. He will Always be there for you/us.
Haggai 1 is so touching and I believe when God was speaking to Haggai, he had seen the wickedness of the Israelites. Most of us we think of ourselves and concentrate on our lives, only forgetting that there is God and it's all about God. And Haggai is saying, let�s keep away from sin for our body is the temple of the Most High so preparing God a HOUSE IS TO REMAIN CLEAN; FOR GOD DOES NOT STAY IN A DIRTY PLACE.
My thought on Haggai verse 6, you must put God first in all things when you plant ask him to help grow in my walk with him I think I am on the right track but could help me out and with this verse it something to think about. Thanks...Joyce
Living in the 21st century, Haggai 1 is a warning to all of us. We are spending less time in seeking the Lord, reading His word, and doing His command. We are too busy doing things for our own, accumulating wealth, garnering education, position but there is still something lacking and that is our relationship with our Maker, our Redeemer and Friend. Let us wake up and listen to the WARNING of HAGGAI 1.
It actually clearly shows that, we may attempt to satisfy ourselves but we should build the house of God. It makes me respect more than the statehouse.
Our \"GOD\" is an awesome GOD. On June 24, 2012, my son was appointed Pastor of our church. On Sunday, August 19, 2012, he preached a sermon on Haggai 1. Subject: The People said,\"Now Is Not The Time. Sub-Subject: The LORD said, \"Consider Your Ways.\" Looking at verses 14 & 15. My son stirred up the spirit of the people. As it was on the four and twentieth day of the sixth month that he was appointed. Two months after the appointment. If we put GOD first in everything we do, all other things will fall in order. As our people have the mind to work. Praise GOD.
God never send His Prophets to tell you something Good, He send out a message of waring before destruction. Haggai is pleading with the people to build up human temples; that will do the work of the Lord. A two fold question was ask? Who has seen the first Church in it's Glory? and why do you think of it being a little matter? The two olive trees that is in the most Holy Place. repersents The Old and The New testament; showing us history from the old looking foward to the future. There is work to be done! is there oil in your lamps? So let's build up houses for God can dwell in.
'GOD' is a good 'GOD' that He will not leave us ignorant to go about our way and not consider reproof, right now I repent unto the 'LORD' and beseech HIS FORGIVENESS that I may be a sweet savor unto His nostrils, I thank you for the word that came unto me this morning 'LORD", AMEN
This passage teaches me that god is a giving and patient god, but he is also a jealous god; he provides, but he wants gratitude. He desires for his people to be faithful to him. To worship him.
My pastor ministered to us from this chapter and it is amazing how the word is real then and now. I am once again encouraged to turn from unfruitful ways and follow God with my entire existence. I am nothing without Him, I have nothing without Him.
We have also stopped teaching properly in the churches and have not spoken of the Holy Spirit properly who is our power source to God and leads us in our daily lives and reveals the scriptures to us. We have not spoken of hell and the consequences of sin nor taught the proper message of the gospel of grace. Instead of proper teaching we have gone more social and pleasing words to tickle the ears of mankind. Is it no wonder people are turning from the church/body of Christ to the world?