Tag: House of prayer.
You and God’s House!
Scripture reading for January 29th: Matthew 21, Psalm 21, Prov. 21
Key Scriptures: Matthew 21:12-15 “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, . .”
One of Jesus’ last acts of ministry in the temple was the cleansing of the temple and the healing of the blind and lame. He stated plainly that His house was to be a house of prayer. He demonstrated that by praying over the blind and lame and they were healed. Children were calling out in worship to God. This caused the Pharisees and temple rulers to be indignant! Faith often has opposition.
Faith’s Confession: I believe God’s house is to be a house of prayer for all people. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit, a part of God’s house. Through His presence I can pray for the hurting and see healing. (Action step: Ask God for an opportunity to pray for someone who is in need of healing today and step out in faith.)
Proverbs 21:3 “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable than sacrifice.”
Joy in the House of Prayer!
Scripture reading for October 24th: Mark 8-11
Key Scriptures: Mark 11:15-17 “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'”
As Jesus entered the temple for the final Passover week He would enjoy with His disciples, He found the temple defiled by the buying and selling of sacrifices and trading of temple merchandise. He overturned the tables and drove out those who were trading in God’s house. He quoted from both Jeremiah and Isaiah as He cleansed the temple and re-established prayer for all nations as God’s original purpose and desire!
Joy in the House of Prayer: “And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve Him, to love the Name of the Lord, and to worship Him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to My covenant–these I will bring to My holy mountain and give them joy in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 57:6-7)
Thankful for a God who Watches!
Scripture reading for August 18th: Jeremiah 5-8
Key Scriptures: Jeremiah 7:9-11 “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not know, and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, “We are safe”–safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching!” declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah was called as a young child to be a prophet to the nations. In fact, before God formed him in the womb, this call was on his life! Jeremiah had a hard message for his own people, the Jews. Many of them were going through the motions of religious activity, but their daily lives were a mess of sin and rebellion against God’s Law and loving character. God sent Jeremiah with a message of what He saw!
Thankful for a Watchful Savior: “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations/? but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’ (Mark 11:15-17)
Prayer is a priority!
Scripture reading for September 26th: 1st Timothy 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Timothy 2:1-6 “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men– the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.”
Paul urged Timothy to make prayer a priority. Jesus taught that God’s house should be a house of prayer for all people. Paul expanded on Christ’s instructions to urge prayer especially for kings and those in authority. God places people in positions of authority with the purpose of punishing the evil-doers and protecting and commending the righteous. When authority does it’s rightful job, believers can live quiet lives and promote the gospel without hindrances from law-breakers and those opposed to God. Jesus Christ is our High Priest who has interceded for all men on the Cross and now prays for them exalted to God’s right hand!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers are men and women of prayer who prioritize prayer for people in authority in the home, church and government. “And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve Him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship Him. . . .these I will bring to My holy mountain and give them joy in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:6-7)
Zeal for His House!
Scripture reading for April 7th: John 2
Key scriptures for over-comers: John 2:14-17 “In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and over-turned their tables. To those who sold doves He said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written, “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”
At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was angry at finding His Father’s house turned into a market! He quickly took cords and made a whip and drove the animals and money-changers from the temple. The disciples later remembered this event and the Scripture “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.” They applied it to Jesus and his strong actions to cleanse Father’s House so that His people and the nations could be gathered there. Are we who follow our Lord as zealous for His house today?
Observations for over-comers: We listen to this story and ponder its application for us. Ask the Lord to give you new zeal and understanding of the purpose of His house. We are that ‘house’ today! “How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to My rebuke, I would have poured out My heart to you and made My thoughts known to you.” (Proverbs 1:22-23)
A House of Prayer for all Nations!
Scripture reading for February 24th: Mark 11
Key scriptures for over-comers: Mark 11:15-17 “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’?” But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'”
Jesus was beginning His last week ministering on earth as a man. He went to the temple the first evening and just observed what was going on and then quietly left. (Mark 11:11) The next day Jesus returned to the temple and began to drive out the money-changers and those who bought and sold sacrifices. He upset their tables and their “apple cart!” His problem was with the purpose of the temple: God designated it a place of prayer for all nations! (See 1st Kings 8:23-61) The activities of buying and selling were hindering people in their sincere approach to God! God desired to give all people joy in His house of prayer as they received answers and forgiveness through drawing near to Him. (Isaiah 56:6-8) Jesus used this cleaning of the temple again to emphasize and teach His desire for all nations to commune with Him and the Father.
Observations for over-comers: Jesus is zealous for His house and has designated it a “house of prayer for all nations.” His Church must joyfully allow the Spirit freedom to direct them in prayer for the nations! “And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve Him, to love the name of the Lord and to worship Him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to My covenant–these I will bring to My holy mountain and give them joy in My house of prayer.” (Isaiah 57:6-7)
A House of Prayer!
Scripture reading for March 3rd: Mark 11:1-25, Psalms 46:1-11, Proverbs 10:23
When Solomon dedicated the temple about a thousand years before Jesus visited it, he had dedicated the temple as a place where people could seek the Lord for healing, forgiveness, and deliverance. The presence of the Lord was in the midst of the nation, with God dwelling there in the Holy of Holies. People were to come there with their needs and seek God in humble prayer. “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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” (2nd Chronicles 7:14-16) God watched over the temple and it was consecrated as a place of prayer!
When Jesus came into the temple on the first day of Passover week, He came riding on a colt of a donkey with the people crying out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:9-10) He entered the temple as the Son of God and with His eyes He saw and observed what was happening there. The sight must have grieved Jesus for He went away to pray overnight.
The next day He returned, entered the temple, and began driving out those who were buying and selling sacrifices and changing money. He overturned tables and caused quite a stir with His righteous anger. He taught them, “Is it not written: “‘My House will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of robbers.'” (Mark 11:17) Jesus quoted from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 where the prophets had re-emphasized the role of God’s house and rebuked the people for using it for their own selfish purposes.
Now we are the temple of God and God dwells in our midst! Take a moment to think about your life. Is your life marked by prayer, not only for yourself, but all nations? Let your house be marked by prayer! Remember, the same God lives in you today!
Preaching at the church door!
Scripture reading for August 4th: Jeremiah 7-10
Jeremiah was told to preach to his people and warned they would not listen! (Jeremiah 7:27) God told him on several occasions not to pray for his people because their sins. Jeremiah wept rivers of tears for them anyway! (Jeremiah 7:16) (Jeremiah 9:22-23) His preaching was straight and he used interesting object lessons in 40 years of ministry!
He stood at the door of the temple and preached as God instructed him. “Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. This is what the Lord Almighty, The God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!” If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, and in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.” Jeremiah 7:2-7
His people were going through the motions of religion and were deceived! They were using religious activities to justify selfish lifestyles. Their trust was in their attendance at the temple. God called for a change in ways and actions that would align the people’s hearts with His. God cared about orphans and widows. He cared about the alien and the poor. His heart was broken for injustice and innocent bloodshed. God wanted His people to reflect His heart of love. They were in idolatry to their own selfish ways!
God was watching over His word! He saw hypocrisy and used Jeremiah to call them to repentance. 600 years later, Jesus Christ went into the temple of the Lord and saw similar things with his people and the money changers. He quoted from Jeremiah: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a ‘den of robbers’.” (Mark 11:17) (Jeremiah 7:11) He cleansed the temple and drove them out! Do we need more preaching at the church door?
The Glory of the Lord filled the Temple!
Scripture Reading for April 4th: 1st Kings 5-8
Solomon had heard God’s decree that he would build the house where God’s Name would reside among His people. He knew of the desire of his father David and willingly offered himself to the Lord to build this “House”. (1st Kings 5:5) In building the temple, Solomon employed many people. Some came from lands outside Israel. Solomon made covenants with many nations and the nations were drawn to Israel during this time of peace. God granted favor and peace during the reign of Solomon for this purpose.
The temple was made of stone, cedar and pine wood, and precious metals. Craftsmen worked off site on the stones so that the temple could be assembled without saws, chisels or hammers used on the site. (1st Kings 6:7) The temple took seven years to construct with thousands of workers meticulously adding every piece and detail in precise order and design. (1st Kings 6:38) God is truly a God of order and a master craftsman!
The crowning moment at the dedication of the temple tells how God filled the House with His Glory! The priests had carried the Ark into the Holy of Holies and then withdrew. The priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud of God’s glory! (1st Kings 8:6-11) Solomon declared a blessing over the people gathered there and thanked God for His faithfulness!
Solomon then knelt down, raised his hands toward heaven, and prayed a magnificent prayer of petition and dedication! In this prayer are eight petitions of God to “hear from heaven” when His people call upon Him for help. The central focus is forgiveness! All of man’s troubles are caused by sin, either against God or man made in God’s image. The consequences of sin bring famine, disease, plague, war, and death. As God’s people cry out, God’s glory is that He will hear and forgive and act to bring healing and restoration!
Another focus of Solomon’s prayer was for the foreigner and those drawn to the temple from other lands and peoples. Solomon asks God to hear their prayer as well so that all peoples of the earth may know His Great Name and fear the Lord! (1st Kings 8:41-43, 60) This prayer reminds us of Jesus instructing his followers to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations! His house would be a house of prayer for all nations! (Mark 11:17)
A House of Prayer!
Scripture reading for March 3rd: Mark 11:1-25, Psalms 46:1-11, Proverbs 10:23
When Solomon dedicated the temple about a thousand years before Jesus visited it, he had dedicated the temple as a place where people could seek the Lord for healing, forgiveness, and deliverance. The presence of the Lord was in the midst of the nation, with God dwelling there in the Holy of Holies. People were to come there with their needs and seek God in humble prayer. “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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” (2nd Chronicles 7:14-16) God watched over the temple and it was consecrated as a place of prayer!
When Jesus came into the temple on the first day of Passover week, He came riding on a colt of a donkey with the people crying out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:9-10) He entered the temple as the Son of God and with His eyes He saw and observed what was happening there. The sight must have grieved Jesus for He went away to pray overnight.
The next day He returned, entered the temple, and began driving out those who were buying and selling sacrifices and changing money. He overturned tables and caused quite a stir with His righteous anger. He taught them, “Is it not written: “‘My House will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of robbers.'” (Mark 11:17) Jesus quoted from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 where the prophets had re-emphasized the role of God’s house and rebuked the people for using it for their own selfish purposes.
Now we are the temple of God and God dwells in our midst! Take a moment to think about your life. Is your life marked by prayer, not only for yourself, but all nations? Let your house be marked by prayer! Remember, the same God lives in you today!