Changing Houses

Last night I went to hear my pastor preach a revival at another church. I was ready for some soul-stirring fire and brimstone because that is what most southern baptist revivals contain. It is not my pastor's way but I figured he was not at his home church so he may fulfill that character. True to his convictions and what I love about him, he preached simple truth in a manner that the Holy Spirit uses to seal the words in our hearts.

I have heard many sermons on Mark 11:15-18 "Jesus cleanses the temple". Yet I had not heard the focus on vs. 17 which reads...Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’

Church service is not meant to be a house of worship, a house of preaching, nor a house of fellowship though these things are very important parts of the service. We are called to meet in church - in a house of prayer to communicate with Christ where we will PRAY and in doing so worship Him, hear His word, and share His presence in fellowship. Preacher Lance shared "When people of prayer come to the house of prayer, we experience the power of prayer...the power of God through prayer." Hallelujah!

Friends when we gather in prayer as a body of believers we will experience miraculous healing, clarity of mind, and see God's hands working in "whatever" you are believing Him for. Most of us have at one time or another have said, "All I can do is pray." Yes ma'am that is what you can do! It is the most important thing you can do! He wants to hear from your heart. Prayer is truly powerful and instills such hope and peace.

2 Chronicles 7:14

NKJV

if my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.

In Context:

2 Chronicles 7:13-15

NKJV

13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.

I suggest you read the entire chapter re: Solomon dedicating the Temple. This is not a Bible study but just a post to share what I have learned. However, as you read verse 14 in context, you see where prayer-simple, humble communication with God is powerful.

I hope you find yourself ready in spirit, in your heart as you gather this weekend for church service with your fellow believers and experience His presence like never before by “just” praying!

Preacher Lance

Seven days without prayer makes one weak – source unknown

You are Loved, acf