DAY 7 - HOUSE OF PRAYER - PT. 2

Matthew 21:12-13 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'"

I find it interesting when I think about church today. What have we made it into. Does it really have the aroma of prayer? Are we flocking to be a part of prayer times? Do we listen when the pastors call us to fast and pray? As I said yesterday, have we made it into a House of Preaching or a House of Music? Neither or wrong or unbiblical, but if they become the focus of church life, are we missing it's true intent?

Did the revival in Acts begin while someone was preaching? Nope. Acts 2 records those gathered in the upper room where praying and waiting on the promise of the Father. It was during that time when God's Holy Spirit was poured out. How about Joel 2:28, those two words, "And Afterward." And afterward He will pour out His Spirit. After what? People returning to God in prayer and fasting. Even the revivals of the past, they occurred because people where praying!

Let me finish with this thought...if I told you to choose between coming to the free prayer meeting or paying $20 to see your favorite Christian Artist in concert, what would you choose? And be honest about it! Have we come in a place in the history of the church where we would rather be entertained rather than to entertain the throne room of Christ? Only you can answer that question. God is truly calling His church to Wake Up. Are you listening?

APPLICATION TO MY LIFE
1. Prayer Meeting or Concert? Why
2. Does my church have the aroma of prayer?
3. Go and study the revivals of the past. How did they start? Was it prayer or preaching? How did they continue? Was it prayer or good music?

*Devotional thoughts inspired by sermon of Pastor Jim Cymbala and his book "Fresh Power"