Heavenly Perspective

It's interesting to me what's important to us, the church, and what's important to God. As I read in Revelation, Jesus is judging His seven churches. He didn't say, 'hey you're all rich and have nice homes, clothes, and possesions. You did it! You believed the prosperity gospel and are increased with wealth! Congratulations. Hahahah! There is a common theme with them all though. He judges their works, right and wrong. He urges them to repent and strengthen their weakness. And this statement keeps coming up, 'to him who overcomes.' So obviously that's what really matters to the One who overcame death and Hell, that His people who are called by His name, overcome until the end. To him who holds fast to the end, to him who loves not his life unto death, to him who perseveres through adversity and holds fast to the truth receives reward from the Lamb. The american church knows little about persecution. It's become a selfish gospel. How can I get blessed today? What makes me feel good? We flock to the men and women of God with charisma, the great orators, and prophets with incredible gifts. Many of us walk around in me-mode all the time. When I go to church it's all about me. When I pray, if I pray, it's all about me. I guarantee you that the bride He's coming back for is not self-focused. She's expectantly waiting for the groom. She's looking for Him, praying for Him, in earnest expectation of Him coming for her. Let us prepare ourselves for Him. Let us have fresh oil in our lamps and our wicks trimmed so that when He calls us we're ready.
It's interesting to me that the highest honor I see given to men in Heaven, which is the 24 elders that surround the throne, spend most of their time on their knees worshipping God. Hmmm.... maybe we've gotten some things twisted. Instead of following those that make us feel good how about following those that spend the majority of their time worshipping the King of Kings. Jesus, give your church your perspective. Let us anoint our eyes with eye salve so that we may see our condition. That we are poor, naked, destitute, and in need of you. Yes we're increased with goods and surrounded with peace. But do we have a form of godliness and not the real thing? Oh God let us repent, change the way we think and put on the mind of Christ.

Building God's House

The Lord has been speaking to me about building Him a house, both through Moses and Solomon. A house that's completely dedicated to Him, to lift up His name and declare His goodness. It seems like only after we encounter the love of God and His wonderful presence do our hearts burst forth with desire to build His house. When we see His beauty and are changed by His love, then we seek to glorify Him alone. That's the first step, encountering His love births the desire to build Him a house that He can dwell.
Then the workers are gathered. Neither Moses nor Solomon could do it by themselves. They needed help. Exodus 35:30 Moses says 'the Lord has called Bezaleel and has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship'. There must be unity there, and a willingness for Moses to believe in what God had done in Bezaleel. He may not have even liked this guy but he heard the voice of the Lord say 'I've anointed this man'. Personal preferences and whether or not we 'like' someone should be put to the side. If not, it will be a work of the flesh and not God's house.
Also, the materials must be gathered. I love what it says in Exodus 35:21, 'and they came, every one who's heart was stirred and in those His Spirit made willing, and they brought their offerings to the Lord.' They brought earrings, bracelets, gold, silver, brass, wood, fine linen, precious stones, spices, and anointing oil. Moses didn't beg these people. Nor did he command them to do so. He said if it's in your heart do it. They brought their offerings and it was holy unto the Lord. Let us give out of a pure heart for God sees the heart, not the outward appearance. A few chapters later Moses had to forbid the people to bring any more because they had too much! Haha yes Lord! Would You stir up the hearts and spirits of Your people in this day!
Then came the construction of His house. Not only was Bezaleel anointed but also countless others to do all of the workings which needed to be done. Do you think these people were paid to do it? I doubt it. They gave unto God their precious time and energy because of their love for Him, and they gave in to the stirring in their hearts. It's a choice. We have a free will. God stirs and we choose to walk in it. Oh God let your people who are called by Your name humble themselves and pray and seek your face that You would stir up their hearts to build You a house to dwell in.