My Heart, His Dwelling Place # 112

Deuteronomy 12:13-14

Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:

But in the place which the Lord shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

There are many religious places where people gather to worship with different beliefs. A spiritual name is posted on the front to identify them as the house of God. Design to make people welcome in a pleasant environment suitable for religious activities. However, it is ludicrous to believe the Holy Spirit dwells in every one of these places simply because of what they call themselves.

God is not obligated to come because we created a place for Him. The Lord chooses His dwelling place, not man. Consider the testimony of those deceived by a religious noble deed. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? These are notable religious works, but it was abominations in the sight of God. On judgment day, many will be terrified to hear God say I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Evaluate for yourselves the evidence of the presence of the Lord in a place. Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Before His presence, we hear His voice, and reverence quickly penetrates our hearts. Our sins instantly become transparent in His sight. Unworthy, we bow before His presence with broken and remorseful hearts.

Consider what happens in the absence of the Holy Spirit. My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. The Holy Spirit is offended and rejected. Without His presence, there is no reverence or conviction, and the people do what is right in their own eyes. Thieves infiltrate His house to steal the glory and gain wealth in His name.

God has chosen a place for Himself to dwell. He is not interested or impressed with a house made of wood or clay but with the hearts of men. My son, give me thine heart. Our hearts are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Brethren, every day, purpose within yourselves to come before the Lord and surrender your hearts. After all, the Lord has done for us, can we do this for Him?

Mat 7:22, Mat 7:23, Ex 3:5, Mat 21:23, Prov 23:26, 1 Cor 3:16

KJV