Haggai Introduction 

“When a man prays for a corn crop, God expects him to say Amen with a hoe.”
   –Bishop Mooson, from Georgia 

Haggai 1:9-15 

“First there was an appeal to the mind. He told them that at the very beginning. He said, ‘You say it is not time to build God’s house? I want you to think about this, how is it that you are living in fine houses?’ And that was the appeal to the mind. The second was the call to consider. And that was an appeal to the heart. He says, ‘Set your hearts, lay your hearts to this.’”
   –Dr. Frank Morgan 

When asked what is the mark of a great statesman, Gladstone said, “A man who knows the direction God is going for the next 50 years.”

Haggai 2:5-9 

Mid blended shouts of joy and grief were laid the stones
Whereon the exile’s hopes were based.
Then foes conspired, the king’s courage retraced
His throne against the enterprise arrayed,
And now self-seeking apathy in vain all hearts
The pulse grows faint, the will unbraced
They rear their houses, let God’s house lie waste.
So heaven from dew and earth are stayed
There comes a swift messenger from higher court
With rugged message of divine import
Your ways consider, be ye strong and build
With greater glory shall this house be filled.
He touched their conscience, and their spirits stirred
To nerve their hands for work, their loins regird.
   –Author unknown