From Glory to Glory

Our labor in the Lord is never in vain. Whatever we do, we do it unto Him. We are called to be carriers of the gospel and God’s glory wherever we go, walking in step with the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:6 (NIV): "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

A Call to Build God’s House

The first temple, symbolizing God’s presence, was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar. When King Cyrus allowed the Israelites to return and rebuild, they prioritized their own houses over God’s. As a result, they suffered.

Haggai 1:2–4 (NIV): "These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.’" Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"

Haggai called the people to realign their priorities, and they completed the temple in four years. This same temple was where young Jesus was later found teaching among the Rabbis.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV): "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

A Call to Courage

Haggai 2:9 (NIV): "The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house," says the Lord Almighty. "And in this place, I will grant peace."

From humble beginnings, God has expanded our ministries and outreaches. When we labor for Him with one heart, we can do great exploits.

Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV): "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another."

Our transformation into Christ’s image is a lifelong process, moving from glory to glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB): "But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory."

A Call to Holiness

God sees beyond appearances and looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV): "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

God desires holiness in our lives.

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV): "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

A Call to Confidence in the Future

Haggai 2:23 (NIV): "‘On that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, My servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you.’"

God’s plans for us are for good, even when we face trials.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Carrying the Glory of God

Jesus carried the anointing to proclaim the good news, heal the brokenhearted, and set captives free.

Luke 4:18–19 (NIV): "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

We are vessels of His glory and must bring His message to the world.

Philippians 2:10–11 (NIV): "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Faith in the Impossible

Faith requires obedience, even when we don’t understand.

Luke 5:4–7 (NIV): "Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break."

Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed 5,000, showing that we should not let limited resources stop us.

Conclusion

God will never give us more than we can bear. When He provides, it is always more than enough. Whatever we have, we surrender it to Him. Our present and future glory will be greater than the former.