Advancing Encouragement By:
Bishop James Jr. Hairston

Hag:1:14: And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

In this text the people of God had given up on doing the Lords work because of opposition, their adversaries (Ezra 4:1) which weakened the hands of Judah and troubled them in building, (Ezra 4:4). There are times in our lives where we become weary of opposition keeping us from accomplishing the great things God has in-store for us. Many obstacles get in our way especially people in general. Just like the people that hindered Judah it is the same with people in our lives that find way’s to keep us from doing what God has for us to do. Here is an example; when there are struggles in a marriage for instance, one of the parties would receive bad advice saying you need to leave your husband or wife. They are hindering the possibilities for that marriage to work things out under the guidance and direction of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. There are many other examples in life where people, so called friends are a hindrance not a help! What is it that God has called you to do and do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, knowledgeable enough or what you are trying to do won’t work, too accomplish those things God has for you. In this text the opposition wanted to help with the work yet they were not qualified because of their lifestyle. IN-turn they became jealous because they could not be apart of the work, Ezra 4:2, 3. People can become jealous of you because of what God has for you are for you and no-one else and if they cannot have what you have they will try to block your blessings. Therefore, don’t get discouraged, weary, or heavy laden God wants you to stir up the Spirit that is in you and all of those who are apart of what you are trying to accomplish. You are surrounded by people of God who wants to help you in what God has called you to do. I declare and decree that everyone that is involved with what God has for you, He will stir up the Spirit so that you and those around you will be successful and prosperous in the Kingdom of God. Let go of the people that are holding you back that are not apart of what God has for you and cling too the people of God because they are there as a help not an hindrance. Just like what Paul told Timothy (2Timothy 1:6) to put into remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in you and not be fearful, verse 7, because God did not give you the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind! Today my friend it is time to stir up the Spirit that is in you who gave you a mighty powerful gift to do what He ask you to do in Jesus Name…

James Jr. Hairston