How can we prioritize God's presence over physical buildings in our lives? Setting the Scene 1 Chronicles 17:5 records the Lord’s words to David: “For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling.” God reminds David that His presence was never confined to bricks or cedar beams. From the tabernacle in the wilderness to the tents scattered through Israel’s journeys, the Lord chose mobility over masonry so His people would follow Him rather than merely guard a structure. Truths We Learn • God’s presence is dynamic, not stationary. • He values relationship over real estate. • Physical buildings are useful tools, never ultimate ends. • When hearts are focused on Him, He gladly meets us—whether in a sanctuary, a living room, or a field. Supporting Scriptures • Acts 7:48-49: “However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands…” • 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” • John 4:23-24: True worshipers “will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” • Hebrews 11:9-10: Abraham lived in tents, looking for “the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” • Revelation 21:22: In the New Jerusalem, “I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” Practical Ways to Prioritize God’s Presence 1. Daily Communion • Begin and end the day acknowledging His nearness—Scripture, prayer, quiet listening. • Keep a verse or thought from your reading with you; revisit it often. 2. Responsive Obedience • When He prompts through His Word or Spirit, act quickly. Tents move easily; stone walls don’t. • Hold plans loosely so He can redirect without demolition. 3. Gather as Living Stones • Invest in relationships within the body of Christ; people, not pews, are the temple. • Small groups, shared meals, and spontaneous worship can nurture awareness of Him beyond scheduled services. 4. Steward, Don’t Idolize, Buildings • Give thanks for church facilities, maintain them well, yet remember they are tools for mission, not monuments to preserve at any cost. • Budget more for ministry and outreach than for cosmetic upgrades. 5. Cultivate Pilgrim Perspective • Like Israel with the tabernacle, be ready to move whenever God leads—across the street to help a neighbor or across the world on mission. • Remind yourself often: eternal dwellings await; everything here is temporary. Encouragement for Today The same Lord who led Israel by cloud and fire walks with us now by His Spirit. Every hallway becomes holy ground when hearts seek Him first. Let buildings serve the mission, but let His presence shape the people. When we treasure Him above all else, the structure—whether tent, cathedral, or house church—simply becomes the backdrop to a living, vibrant fellowship with the God who loves to dwell among His own. |
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