His Joy

I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. Isaiah 56:7

Does this sound familiar? Jesus Himself became enraged at the money lenders and sellers of goods in the temple in Jerusalem. They were selling in the court designated for the foreigner. It was not a place of worship but rather a place of trade. See Matthew 21:13

If the unchurched come into our churches, what do they see? Do they see a house of prayer? They are in need when they come, their world is falling apart and they need a place of refuge. Is this what they find? Or do they see a well oiled machine that is caught up in a professional programme? Do they sense we wait on the Lord, do they feel His presence?

We no longer have burnt offerings but we do have sacrifices of praise, we do give an offering to the Lord.

At my church we have a scruffy looking guy with long dreadlocks come every Sunday night. I have often said hello to him and he has not replied. This past Sunday night he came over and had a conversation. I told him it was good to see him there. He said it was good to be there to find the Lord. I am so grateful that he finds himself welcome at church. Another young man, who is obviously from the other side of the track, has been coming. He also came over to chat and ask about baptism. I was able to encourage him in this step.

The lord is working, He needs us to be doing His works. As we do His works we experience joy because we are partnering with Him and this is His joy. Amen!