SOAP: a time to build

S - "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little... Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD. — Haggai 1:4-6, 8 (ESV)

O - God is done with the people waiting for "right" conditions. Even though things have not gone as planned, and the road is not an easy one, God wants us to be overwhelmed with a passion for Him and His purposes. Compelled by love. We are clearly compelled to work hard on what seems to benefit us. But how has that really gone for us, really? "Stop doing your own thing and waiting for things to seem right to you," says the Lord, "Get about my business now!"

A - It's time to build. It's time to work on God's glory and plans just as we have worked on our own. I'm going for it this week. We will replant the gospel word, we will cry out to you, we will bless as we have been blessed.

P - Lord, I'm in. We're going. Teaching your word. Sharing your hope. Seeking your joy. May your name be lifted up in our house. In our neighborhood. In our city. In YOUR church.