How can we apply the call to "go up" in our own lives? Setting the Scene Haggai 1:8: “Go up into the mountains, bring down timber, and build this house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD.” God’s people had paused temple reconstruction for nearly two decades. Through Haggai, the LORD calls them to physical action—“go up”—so His dwelling place might be restored. The instruction remains a living word for anyone who longs to honor the Lord first. The Heart Behind “Go Up” • Prioritize God’s glory over personal comfort (Haggai 1:4). • Act on God’s timetable, not ours (Haggai 1:2). • Recognize that obedience invites God’s pleasure and presence (Haggai 1:13). Practical Ways to “Go Up” Today • Re-ordering Our Schedules – Identify activities that crowd out worship and fellowship. – Carve out specific, protected time for Scripture, prayer, and assembling with believers (Hebrews 10:25). • Stewarding Our Resources – Allocate firstfruits of income, talents, and energy to the Lord’s work (Proverbs 3:9). – Support the local church and missions—the present-day “house” of God (1 Timothy 3:15). • Pursuing Personal Holiness – “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4). – Confess sin quickly, embrace repentance, and cultivate integrity in hidden places (1 John 1:9). • Taking Bold Steps of Faith – Move beyond comfortable routines to serve where need is greatest. – Like Abraham who “went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8), trust God with uncertain outcomes. • Building Up Others – Encourage fellow believers to rise spiritually; “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). – Share Scripture, testimony, and practical help that lift people higher in their walk with Christ. Motivation Fueling the Climb • God Is Pleased: “so that I may take pleasure in it” (Haggai 1:8). • God Is Honored: our obedience showcases His worth (1 Samuel 15:22). • God Supplies: “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine” (Haggai 2:8). • God Promises Presence: “I am with you” (Haggai 1:13), echoed by Jesus’ “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Daily Checklist for Going Up □ Fix your mind “on things above” each morning (Colossians 3:1-2). □ Ask, “Lord, where are You calling me to climb today?” and listen in the Word. □ Act immediately on any conviction or prompting—delayed obedience is disobedience. □ Celebrate small victories; every faithful step builds the house. Living the Elevation Life Answering God’s call to “go up” means continual ascent—choosing higher priorities, deeper devotion, and sacrificial service. When we do, the Lord takes pleasure, His name is honored, and we experience the joy of dwelling in His presence. |
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