Worship

Scripture

In July of 2021 my parents sold their home of over 40 years in Louisiana and moved to Texas to be closer to my family. The home they sold was the only one I knew growing up. I spent all 20 plus years of my early adult life living in that house. It was a bittersweet when they moved. On the one hand, it was a bit sad to see them leave a place where I know they, along with my sister and I, had so many wonderful memories. On the other hand it was great to have them closer to us, closer than we had been in years. 

Fast forward about 6 months and in December of that same year we got news that their former home had burned to the ground in a tragic fire. Up until that point leaving was a bit easier because the physical place still existed so going back and driving by the old house was still an option. No longer would we be able to do that. In that instant it became harder to deal with the memories that were so strongly connected to that place. 

I imagine the people of Israel felt much the same when the city of Jerusalem was destroyed, more specifically the temple burned to the ground. So much history, so many memories, destroyed in a single act. The temple represented the people’s connection to God so that connection had to have felt severed and defiled. 

As Christians this is a reminder that God no longer dwells in a physical temple, just as mine and my parents’ memories of their home don’t dwell in the burnt down structure of their former home. Instead, God dwells within us. We are the temple and it cannot be destroyed. It took some time, but we have since realized that our memories of my childhood home are stronger and more lasting than the physical structure. Let us continue to remember that our connection to God is strong, cannot be broken and will endure as long as we live!

Prayer

HONOR GOD

The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 NASB

Thank you Lord that I wake up everyday with more than I deserve, let me honor you with all that you’ve given me

ASK GOD

Everything you pray for with the fullness of faith you will receive!

Matthew 21:22 TPT

Faith moves everything in you into alignment to receive what you are believing for. Honor the Lord with the fullness of your faith.

SUBMIT TO GOD

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

Lord I put your glory and priorities over mine and trust that you still provide all that I need each day.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, life is complicated! But You guide me through everything and even when I miss the mark, You show me mercy and teach me something new. Thank You for Your forgiveness and that Your mercies are new every morning. In Jesus Name, Amen