Pastor Matt recently introduced us to one of the more obscure of the “Minor Prophets” – Obadiah. Another of those minor prophets was a man named Haggai. God used him to address a problem of discouragement among the Jewish people because the Temple they were building would not be as great as they remembered the old Temple to be.
We are obviously in a time of transition at Fee Fee Baptist Church. We know God has called us to continue to worship and serve Him in this place, but we are uncertain what our future may be. We wonder who our new pastor will be, when God will lead him to us (and us to him), how will he lead this church into the next chapter of our story, and if that chapter be as great as previous chapters.
I think the book of Haggai gives us a great outline to follow as we continue to serve God in this time of transition. Haggai asks us 1) to examine our priorities to see if we are more interested in our own pleasures than doing the work of God; 2) to reject a defeatist attitude when we run into opposition or discouraging circumstances; 3) to confess our failures and seek to live pure lives before God; 4) to act courageously for God because we have the assurance that He is with us always and is in full control of our circumstances; and 5) to rest secure in God’s hands knowing that He will abundantly bless us as we faithfully serve Him.
In the second chapter of Haggai God challenges the people to “Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you. … My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised … so do not be afraid.”
Then God gave some assurances to the people. God then gave the people some assurances if they followed His commands. The assurances included: “I will fill this place with glory.” “The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory.” “And in this place, I will bring peace.”
Those were encouraging words in Haggai’s day and I believe God is giving the same assurances to us. God is continuing to work, even during this time of transition.
Let me challenge you to look for examples of how God is currently blessing the ministries of Fee Fee Baptist Church. There are so many people in this church who are faithful in prayer, Bible study and service.
I am impressed with the men and women who lead Bible study classes for our children, youth and adults. We have so many people involved in our music ministry, leading us in worship. Our volunteers who minister to children and families are making a real difference.
The technical crews who run the sound, lights, video and our streaming services enhance our worship and enable people who are unable to attend personally to worship God with us. Our deacons and other volunteers help care for senior adults, the homebound and others who are experiencing difficulties. Others work behind the scenes to help with so many different needs of our facilities and assist with administrative functions. Many help in outreach ministries to the less fortunate in our community.
That is just a small list of reasons to be encouraged by what God is doing in His church. Let me suggest that you tell some of these people how much you appreciate them. When you are around people who are discouraged, find ways to encourage them. Speak positively about what God is doing here.
There is nothing as refreshing as an encouraging word or deed. I believe encouragement is one of the greatest needs in the church today. In a very real sense, encouragement is supposed to be a part of our church culture.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “encourage each other and build each other up.” So, will you to be an encourager of other believers? Look for the work of God’s grace in the lives of others. When you see it, encourage them to keep going.
Blessings,
Pastor Derald