Members of the Roman Catholic and CSI communities hold a deep reverence for the sanctuary of God. They aspire to see His house adorned with grandeur. However, within the Pentecostal group, the belief is that the house of God is not confined to a physical structure; rather, we ourselves are considered temples of God. Wherever we gather, His divine presence is felt. However, it’s essential to acknowledge a crucial aspect: God designates a place for His name, which He calls “My Name”. It is a spiritual principle that as we look up to that place bearing the name of God, it is a source of pleasure to God. The Pentecostal perspective acknowledges the freedom to gather in any setting, even humble or unconventional spaces. However, the house bearing the name of God should be a place that everyone would look up to. Cultivating such an attitude towards the house of God is important. The house of God should not only be our focal point but also a place that draws the world’s attention. In the Old Testament, during the journey from Egypt to Canaan, the people erected the Tabernacle in the wilderness. All twelve tribes positioned their tents to face this tabernacle so that every home was oriented towards it. God intended for them to regard His house with utmost reverence and look up to it as it bore the name of God. He held it in a special regard. We should establish a profound connection with the house of God and take pride in the place that carries His name. We must adopt an attitude that seeks to elevate it further. God takes pleasure when He sees our hearts turned towards it. We should strive for excellence in all that we do for God. The house of God, which bears His name, should look the best. When our hearts are primed for grandeur and great deeds, our lives undergo a transformation, and blessings pour forth as we earnestly pursue this goal. God extends His blessings and recognition when we possess a heart driven by the exemplary desire to serve His name. 2 Chronicles 2: 5-6 “5The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. 6 But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?” In the verses above, Solomon emphasizes that the temple he intends to construct will be magnificent, reflecting the greatness of our God who surpasses all other gods. When we envision our God greater than any other, we look up to the House of God. It’s important to always envision the House of God as a place of excellence and unparalleled quality. Constructing a dwelling for God doesn’t imply confining Him to a specific location. Solomon used silver, gold, and precious metals in building the House of God, not to confine God but to demonstrate His greatness. Heaven is His throne and earth is His footstool. However, the church serves as a place where we offer sacrifices to Him. In the Old Testament, it involved animal sacrifices, while in the New Testament, it pertains to the sacrifices of our lips through praise. We don’t go to church to meet God as He is in us. Rather, it’s a place where we come to present our offerings and extol Him, and as such, it should stand as exemplary to our God. Solomon adorned the House with gold because it symbolizes bearing the name of God, and it’s imperative that we align our minds with this profound understanding. A HIDDEN KEY TO SUCCESS 2 Chronicles 2:7 “Send me, therefore, a man skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, and in purple, crimson and blue yarn, and experienced in the art of engraving, to work in Judah and Jerusalem with my skilled workers, whom my father David provided. Solomon’s request is for talented craftsmen to contribute their skills to the construction of the House of God. This place is dedicated to worship, and Solomon sought to adorn it with gold, silver, bronze, iron, blue yarn, and the expertise of skilled artisans. Solomon’s motivation was to transform the House of God into a pinnacle of excellence, ensuring that everyone would look up to the House of God. To live a victorious life, it’s essential for us to nurture a mindset that envisions our God much greater. This is the secret to success. 1 Kings 9:2-3 “The LORD appeared to him a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. The LORD said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” 2 Samuel 7:13 “He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” The above verses clearly state God conveying to Solomon that the temple has been consecrated, and while He doesn’t physically reside within its walls, He has put His name upon it. God holds this place in the highest regard, underscoring that the house is to be constructed specifically for the honor of His name. 2 Chronicles 2:8-10 “8Send me also cedar, juniper and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants are skilled in cutting timber there. My servants will work with yours 9 to provide me with plenty of lumber, because the temple I build must be large and magnificent. 10I will give your servants, the woodsmen who cut the timber, twenty thousand cors of ground wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, twenty thousand baths e of wine and twenty thousand baths of olive oil.” Solomon asks for the best wood and skilled people to engage … Continue reading Looking Up To The House Of GOD