"Ask the Lord for rain
in the time of the latter rain."
Zechariah 10:1
____________________________________________________________
Dear Praying Church,
I have this word from the Lord for you today.
“Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, ‘I am with you, says the LORD.’”
This message from Haggai the prophet was given to the Jews who had returned from exile in Babylon. They had an assignment to rebuild the temple. After sixteen years they had not yet finished the project. Why? That is the subject of this lesson.
PROPHETIC WORDS: POWER!
The prophetic word of grace and mercy came forth to encourage and strengthen Israel to walk in holiness, renew their courage, and to have faith in God for the present and also for their future.
Prophetic words have the power and ability within them to advance Kingdom purposes…but only when they are acted on.
They pull down strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Paul admonished Timothy that by them we wage a good warfare. 1 Timothy 2:18
Prophetic words must be:
As it was then so it is now.
The Jews had a mandate to rebuild the temple. The Glorious Church has a mandate to build a building also.
The building that our prayers are helping to build is in the spirit realm…“in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord…for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22
As all the people obeyed the voice of the Lord through Haggai, the presence of the Lord came upon them. The Lord stirred up the spirit of His people and they came and worked on the house of the Lord. Haggai 1:14
Prophetic Words: For the Present and Out into the Future
Haggai declared the decree not only to his nation but also to the “royal priesthood, a holy nation” to come… The Church! 1 Peter 2:9
“‘Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts…‘My Spirit remains among you: do not fear!’”
“For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.
“‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:6-9
The Pathway of Grace
The rest of the verses in this chapter detail the consequences of a nation that had left their first love and became defiled. The curse had come upon the land, but as the people received correction and returned to do the work of God, He said, “from this day I will bless you.”
Is our generation any different?
SECRETS OF THE GLORY
The prophetic word from Haggai came to bring correction and realignment:
“Without prophetic vision, people abandon restraint, but those who obey the Law are happy.” Proverbs 29:18 ISV
What is the vision for the End of Days Church?
THE CHURCH —2015—The Day of Salvation
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says:
“‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Paul brought much needed correction to the Church of Corinth. He desired that they should grow up, remember that they are a new creation in Christ Jesus, and to do the work of reconciliation to the lost.
But in order for the Spirit of God to work in and through them, their hearts needed to be separated from defilement.
The hidden affections of the heart will eventually be displayed by actions.
“You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
“For you are the temple of the living God.
“As God has said:
‘I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.’
“Therefore
‘Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.
I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty.’” 2 Corinthians 6:12-18
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
As it was with the Jews and also with the early church, so it is now. God’s people began to drift away from their purpose. See Hebrews 2:1.
Whole denominations have turned from scripture to embrace and approve corrupt behavior. 1Timothy 4:1
Unequally Yoked—A Sign of Leaving our First Love
God knows well the affections of our heart, whether we are seeking after other things or putting the Lord, His Word, and His assignment first place in our heart and mind. On occasion, let’s take an inventory of what is in our heart.
Have we tired of church gatherings but enjoy going to the movies more? Is our first priority in the morning to seek the internet or to seek His face?
The things we enjoy…are they good before the Lord? Do they edify us? What things lead us away from the Lord? What about our close companions and those we share our heart with? Are they devoted to the Lord? If not they may bring a snare.
Worldliness Impedes Spiritual Progress
If worldly affections begin to dominate us we will begin to lose our inner peace, direction, and freedom. That can result in restlessness. Restlessness can be a sign of distress in the spirit. This could be the root of why Christians hop from church to church.
Letting go of our most important of all relationships, our fellowship with Love Himself, our Father, will lead to unwanted circumstances. The calling of God is the enemy's target.
God is jealous for our affections. Deuteronomy 4:24
Not only that, but when we lose affection for our Father, we will lose affection for the brethren also. See 1 John 1:7.
What does all this have to do with faith?
Faith is a spiritual substance that comes out of a heart of love that is continually abiding in the Word of God. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. 1 John 5:4
If faith is depleted, how can we overcome the world?
Praying people need continual contact with the Holy Spirit Himself.
What does all this have to do with the glory of God?
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
The mystery has now been revealed to His saints: It is God’s will to make known what are the riches of the glory…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory! Colossians 1:26-27
Prophetic Word for 2015
We have been given a prophetic word from a long-time trusted minister concerning this year of 2015. Now the Body of Christ must act on that word. How?
Receive it in your heart and confess it with your mouth often as you pray for The Church and your local church. I have placed it as a new resource for you—beloved people of God.
2015 Prophetic Word
“The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14
REVIVAL
The day of the Lord is drawing close.
Let us not be fearful or weary, but pursue fervently our purpose and reason for being born in this age: to help in building a holy temple in the Lord, in whom we also are being built together, a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE: Isaiah 40:3-11
Suggested Assignment: Read the Book of Haggai this week.
Copyright © 2013 – 2015 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org
I have this word from the Lord for you today.
“Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, ‘I am with you, says the LORD.’”
This message from Haggai the prophet was given to the Jews who had returned from exile in Babylon. They had an assignment to rebuild the temple. After sixteen years they had not yet finished the project. Why? That is the subject of this lesson.
PROPHETIC WORDS: POWER!
The prophetic word of grace and mercy came forth to encourage and strengthen Israel to walk in holiness, renew their courage, and to have faith in God for the present and also for their future.
Prophetic words have the power and ability within them to advance Kingdom purposes…but only when they are acted on.
They pull down strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Paul admonished Timothy that by them we wage a good warfare. 1 Timothy 2:18
Prophetic words must be:
- preached
- used in prayer
- declared in praise and worship
- professed daily
As it was then so it is now.
The Jews had a mandate to rebuild the temple. The Glorious Church has a mandate to build a building also.
The building that our prayers are helping to build is in the spirit realm…“in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord…for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22
As all the people obeyed the voice of the Lord through Haggai, the presence of the Lord came upon them. The Lord stirred up the spirit of His people and they came and worked on the house of the Lord. Haggai 1:14
Prophetic Words: For the Present and Out into the Future
Haggai declared the decree not only to his nation but also to the “royal priesthood, a holy nation” to come… The Church! 1 Peter 2:9
“‘Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts…‘My Spirit remains among you: do not fear!’”
“For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.
“‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:6-9
The Pathway of Grace
The rest of the verses in this chapter detail the consequences of a nation that had left their first love and became defiled. The curse had come upon the land, but as the people received correction and returned to do the work of God, He said, “from this day I will bless you.”
Is our generation any different?
SECRETS OF THE GLORY
The prophetic word from Haggai came to bring correction and realignment:
- To walk in holiness
- To strengthen and renew their courage to complete their assignment
- To have faith in God for daily work and vision for the future
“Without prophetic vision, people abandon restraint, but those who obey the Law are happy.” Proverbs 29:18 ISV
What is the vision for the End of Days Church?
- Outpouring of God’s Glory
- Worldwide Revival
- Doing the Work of the Ministry
- Looking to Meet Jesus in the Air
THE CHURCH —2015—The Day of Salvation
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says:
“‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Paul brought much needed correction to the Church of Corinth. He desired that they should grow up, remember that they are a new creation in Christ Jesus, and to do the work of reconciliation to the lost.
But in order for the Spirit of God to work in and through them, their hearts needed to be separated from defilement.
The hidden affections of the heart will eventually be displayed by actions.
“You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
- For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?
- And what communion has light with darkness?
- And what accord has Christ with Belial?
- Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
- And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?
“For you are the temple of the living God.
“As God has said:
‘I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.’
“Therefore
‘Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.
I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty.’” 2 Corinthians 6:12-18
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
As it was with the Jews and also with the early church, so it is now. God’s people began to drift away from their purpose. See Hebrews 2:1.
Whole denominations have turned from scripture to embrace and approve corrupt behavior. 1Timothy 4:1
Unequally Yoked—A Sign of Leaving our First Love
God knows well the affections of our heart, whether we are seeking after other things or putting the Lord, His Word, and His assignment first place in our heart and mind. On occasion, let’s take an inventory of what is in our heart.
Have we tired of church gatherings but enjoy going to the movies more? Is our first priority in the morning to seek the internet or to seek His face?
The things we enjoy…are they good before the Lord? Do they edify us? What things lead us away from the Lord? What about our close companions and those we share our heart with? Are they devoted to the Lord? If not they may bring a snare.
Worldliness Impedes Spiritual Progress
If worldly affections begin to dominate us we will begin to lose our inner peace, direction, and freedom. That can result in restlessness. Restlessness can be a sign of distress in the spirit. This could be the root of why Christians hop from church to church.
Letting go of our most important of all relationships, our fellowship with Love Himself, our Father, will lead to unwanted circumstances. The calling of God is the enemy's target.
God is jealous for our affections. Deuteronomy 4:24
Not only that, but when we lose affection for our Father, we will lose affection for the brethren also. See 1 John 1:7.
What does all this have to do with faith?
Faith is a spiritual substance that comes out of a heart of love that is continually abiding in the Word of God. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. 1 John 5:4
If faith is depleted, how can we overcome the world?
Praying people need continual contact with the Holy Spirit Himself.
What does all this have to do with the glory of God?
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
The mystery has now been revealed to His saints: It is God’s will to make known what are the riches of the glory…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory! Colossians 1:26-27
Prophetic Word for 2015
We have been given a prophetic word from a long-time trusted minister concerning this year of 2015. Now the Body of Christ must act on that word. How?
Receive it in your heart and confess it with your mouth often as you pray for The Church and your local church. I have placed it as a new resource for you—beloved people of God.
2015 Prophetic Word
“The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14
REVIVAL
The day of the Lord is drawing close.
Let us not be fearful or weary, but pursue fervently our purpose and reason for being born in this age: to help in building a holy temple in the Lord, in whom we also are being built together, a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
- Walk in holiness. Without holiness no one will see the Lord.
- Receive courage and strength to finish our race looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, casting off the sin that desires to hinder us.
- Pray in the Spirit often. Exercise your authority.
- Guard your heart’s affections.
- Pray for your counties. Continue to build “The Building!”
- Be looking for His return.
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE: Isaiah 40:3-11
- INTERCESSION FOR THE CHURCH
- INTERCESSION FOR THE LOST
- INTERCESSION FOR ELECTED LEADERS
Suggested Assignment: Read the Book of Haggai this week.
Copyright © 2013 – 2015 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org