This past Lord's day was such a blessing via a message brought by a young brother only 25 years old. Speaking on the book of Haggai which is only 2 chapters in length- but a powerful theme, the following is what he spoke about!

Very shortly into the book God's people (that would mean us who follow the Lord Jesus) are told to "Consider your ways." (some thing  repeated several times in this book) The Lord via Haggai, goes onto to correct His people for their focus on their material comforts --their lovely houses, their eating, drinking, and working--not bad things, but ones that were taking their heart away from what the Lord sets His heart upon. The Lord's desire was that they would build His house; one where He could take pleasure in and be glorified.  He then goes on to say that it was HE Who was causing some difficulties and with holding blessings from His people. (We need to pay attention when something like that is happening) 

 When they realized these situations were the hand of the Lord,  the people did obey His speaking to them, and it says, "the people feared the Presence of the Lord."   HE then comfortingly responds by saying, "I AM with you," and then we are told that He stirred up the spirit of all the remnant of the people, and they came and worked on the house of the Lord."    Before much time had passed by, the Lord asks them a question that perhaps many of  us who follow Him have asked ourselves, "How do you see this building in comparison with the former one you saw?  Is this one not in your eyes as nothing?"   

 I realized right then, that this is something that I do many times--I allow my  joy to be robbed because the present is not "quite" as glorious as the past. (at least in my perception)  But look how the Lord responds--He does not deny that the previous building was more glorious but goes on to say, "Yet now be strong and work for I AM with you."  (He has not deserted us!) The Hebrew word for strong is chazaq which conveys the idea of "fasten upon, be bold, even violent to seize, conquer," and I had a fresh realization that- even when a Christian gathering may not seem (or even be) as glorious as it should be, each of us is not to be stopped by that, but the Lord charges each one to press through to Him- to stand against (violently if necessary) the negative and distracting thoughts which come in those moments)   HE goes on to say , "My Spirit remains among you, do not fear."

Later the Lord describes the future temple which will be "filled with glory...it shall be greater than any of the former ones!" We as His followers have a glorious place awaiting one day! In Revelation 21 there is a vision of "the holy city, New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven...as a Bride prepared for her husband...the tabernacle of God, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people."  THIS is our final inheritance as believers in HIM.   In the meantime, while we are here on this earth, let's encourage one another to "build up with unwavering focus!"  When we do get distracted, let's  get back at it again. Let's keep going, with an eternal view, for we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord!