Matthew 21:13a - A House of Prayer

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Exposition

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer – The temple in Jerusalem was where God dwelt. It was a very large edifice and different activities were performed in the place. There were traders who sold items which were used for sacrifice and in doing so exploited the poor and underprivileged in the society.

In the verse before this, Jesus Christ had entered the temple and sent out the traders who were desecrating the temple, using it for purposes other than prayer and worship of God.

The call is to become a person of prayer, not doing it alone but encouraging members of your family to dedicate time and effort to ensuring your home becomes a ‘house of prayer’. Wherever people gather together to pray, God is always present. God answers, yes He does.

Prayer

Let my home be sanctified. Let my heart be sanctified. Give me a heart that desires prayer. Open my inner eyes to the benefits of a life of prayer. Help me Father to turn to you at all times. Help me so that I become a good example in the area of prayer. As your word says, whenever I call on you, answer me speedily in Jesus name. Amen

Habakkuk 2: 1 - Watch and Pray

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Exposition

I will stand upon my watch – Prophets watch whether in good times or in times of distress. Whatever they see or hear, they are meant to pass on to the people.

You have a watch too!!! You have a responsibility to watch. You might be a father or mother, even a child or a minster or member serving a group. You might be a business owner or an employer. It is time to start watching.

Give up yourself to prayer. Look up to God for direction or ask Him for insight into situations. Your wards need Godly guidance and it is only from prayer that the answers will come.

and set me upon the tower – From the tower the watchman could see attackers before they got to the gates of the city.

As you make a decision to set yourself apart to pray, your eyes of understanding are enlightened. In your tower, you will start to fight and the victory gained for you by Christ, you will be able to enforce. The tower is also a place where you read the word of God and you meditate on it.

and will look forth to see what he will speak with me – God still speaks and as the prophet looked forward to hearing from God, so must you expect God to speak with you. The scriptures tell us that the expectation of the righteous will not cut off.

The Lord speaks in small audible voices and also through direct impressions on our hearts. That is why external noises have to be cut off when we are praying.

and what I shall answer concerning my complaint – God is expecting you to plead your case and He has answers which He wants you to pass on to those in your sphere of influence.

Prayer

It is time to pray, help me Father in Jesus name. Help me Father to stand. Help me not to give up or give in. Help me to overcome the challenges of fatigue or discouragement in Jesus name. Help me to dedicate a set time and place where I will always meet with you.

I ask Lord that you teach me how to recognise when you speak to you. Grant me boldness to be able to say what needs to be said to you.

I thank you, my prayer answering Father in Jesus might name. Amen.

2 Samuel 6: 11 - Bless me O Lord

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In the earlier verses, we see Uzzah die after touching the ark and King David consequently afraid of bringing the ark into Jerusalem.

Exposition

And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months – The ark of the LORD served as a symbol of the presence of God guiding the people of God in the times of old. Obededom spotted a gap and opened his house for the ark to be brought in. Today you have an opportunity to allow the Spirit of God into your heart to guide and to teach you. Just as Obededom did not exhibit fear so are you encouraged this day that you can only derive benefits from accepting the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household – What can be better than an assurance of eternal life !! How about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit !! Obededom was blessed and the world knew it. The blessing was extended to all in his household. Physical blessings are also a part of the package. No man serves God without blessing, for God cannot be indebted to anybody. He always fulfils His part of the covenant.

Do something today that will cause your future generations to appreciate and praise you forever. Let Jesus Christ in.

Prayer

I do not care about what anyone would say, I ask that you come into my life. I accept that Jesus Christ died for my sins and he is risen from the dead.

Help me Lord to grow in you day by day. Let every blessing associated with accepting you into my life not pass me by.  Help me Lord to serve you in any capacity and let the gifts of service be released unto me in Jesus name. Amen