SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Zechariah 4:6
6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
MORE LESSON: Haggai 2:1–9, 2 Cor. 3:5–6
1 In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2 Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3 Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts: 5 According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. 6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. 9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
2 Cor. 3:5–6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Friday, 5 September
Memory Verse: But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11
TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: Access to open doors; Isaiah 45:1-3; Psalm 24:7-10
There are times in life when challenges look insurmountable. The odds are stacked against you, resources are scarce and human logic fails. In such moments, we are reminded that the Spirit of God is not a supplement but the very source of strength and victory. When Zerubbabel faced the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding the temple, he faced discouraging realities: exile, ruins, few people and resources. Yet, God’s answer to him wasn’t strategy or manpower—it was His Spirit. Today’s reading reminds us that the Spirit of God is indispensable for supernatural results.
Zerubbabel’s assignment was daunting. Solomon had built the former temple with the best materials and artisans during peace and prosperity, but, decades later, the temple laid in ruins. The people were in captivity, resources were minimal, and opposition was intense. Then, the word of the Lord came, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit. This was not merely encouragement—it was instruction. God revealed a Kingdom principle: human strength, effort, or abundance can never substitute the working of the Holy Spirit. Even if Zerubbabel had manpower, money, and materials, he would not have succeeded without the Spirit. Conversely, even without those things, the work could be done with the help of the Spirit.
Many believers make the mistake of chasing power without pursuing the Holy Spirit. Note that the Holy Spirit is not just the Giver of power; He is greater than power. Power cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit; only the Spirit can produce power and character. While power may bring charisma, the Spirit brings true transformation and restoration.
Like the temple's situation, our lives often resemble ruins—broken dreams, unfulfilled potential, and spiritual dryness. Yet, it is the Spirit of God Who rebuilds, renews and restores. You may feel inadequate for your assignment, lack the qualifications or support system, but if you have the Holy Spirit, you are not without help.
The Spirit doesn't just empower; He leads, comforts, instructs. He is the Master Architect, the actual Builder. The Spirit who hovered over the chaos at creation is the same Spirit who breathes order into our lives today. Do not focus on what you lack, focus on who you have.
Don’t be discouraged by the mountains before you. Zerubbabel faced his situation, God reminded that the solution was not in human means but in divine partnership. The Holy Spirit is not an alternative; He is the only way. Your greatest need is not more help from men, but deeper communion with the Spirit. As you cultivate intimacy with Him through prayer, obedience and trust, what seems impossible becomes reality—not by power, not by might, but by His Spirit.
Prayer/Action
* Pray for the grace to remain connected and true to God.
* Declare that you will enjoy the full benefit of staying in and with God.
* Ask the Holy Spirit for help not to pursue only what is in His hand, but win His heart.
TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: My father and my God grant that I shall not be denied access wherever I knock this month, in the fantastic name of Jesus.
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