The Day He Busted Up the Church

OCT 16  / Sunday – Read John 2:13-22 / Matt 21:12-13 / Acts 2:42-47

Overview: Jesus made it real clear (i.e., used physical force) that the church is not an institution to serve our purposes or agendas.

17 / Mon – Temple = house of prayer  |  Read Matt 21:12-13 / 1 Cor 6:19-20

When Jesus cleared the outer courts of the temple because it had become a marketplace, he made a profound statement in v13a. The original word for temple can be translated as residence. By the time that physical building was destroyed, never to be rebuilt, early Christians understood that their bodies had become temples of the Holy Spirit, the new places where God chose to reside. What implications does this have for making your ‘temple’ into a house of prayer?

18 / Tue – Prayer  |  Read Various psalms including Ps 145

This acronym P-R-A-Y-E-R might be helpful as a template the next time you pray. P is for praise. It can be considered PT for the soul when you consider that praise honors God for who he is and thanksgiving expresses gratitude for all he does. Normal PT strengthens weak muscles. Why not practice some spiritual PT right now? Write down character traits you know to be true about God. Then list what he has or is currently doing for you and for other people you know?

19 / Wed – Prayer  |  Read Jn 16:13 / Rom 8:1

Repenting is the next step. The original word for sin implies missing the mark, God’s standard of pure living. Sin can be wrong things done, good things left undone, unChristlike attitudes, secret sins, any thought/word/action that is contrary to how God wants you to live. Sorrow and change is involved in this step. It will leave no room for the devil to distract you with false condemnation. Will you let the Holy Spirit show you what is wrong and then how to change it?

20 / Thu – Prayer |  Read Matt 7:7-11

What dad doesn’t get great joy in providing for his child? Asking God to supply your needs and even the legitimate extras you want will bless the heart of your heavenly Father, especially if you resist demanding them. And don’t limit those requests to just yourself. Who else needs you to intercede because they don’t have the strength or faith to ask or maybe someone who is clueless about what God wants to do for and in them?

21 / Fri – Prayer  |  Read Matt 26:39-42 / Psalm 34:8-10

The hardest part of prayer…yielding. We are prone to think we know best. It is tempting to tell God how he should answer but look at Jesus’ example. Though he was God in flesh, he did not trust his own human will. He asked repeatedly but also submitted to God’s plan. Is it easier to submit when you acknowledge God sees the big picture, that He knows and understands everything about every thing? And that he is good, that he has good plans for you? That is the essence of faith.

22 / Sat – Prayer  |  Read Romans 8:28

The last two are after-action steps that can often be overlooked…expect and rejoice. Intentionally expecting God’s best answers is an antidote to the doubts the devil will try to plant in your mind the minute you say amen. Waiting expectantly means you realize not all God’s answers will come in the next ten minutes. Rejoicing is possible when you understand that God always, always, keeps his promises, including today’s verse. Will you choose to live with expectant joy?