I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the LORD. Ps 122:1

The weekend brings much excitement and anticipation. Many people break from the work week to spend time relaxing, reflecting, and refreshing themselves with recreation and other revitalizing activities. Many people look forward to the weekend as an emotional recharge while others strive for spiritual solstice. For some, the weekend is anticipated with excitement to gather with the saints of God at a local assembly to worship, give honor, praise, and thanksgiving to God. Their thoughts are filled with anticipation to hear the Word of God, to receive the message that God has given to a local shepherd, sing songs of praise, and fellowship with the saints of God. There is a sense of gladness to “go into the house of the Lord.” For the children of Israel, they pilgrimage to Jerusalem and excitement grew as citybegan to fill the horizon. They were delighted when they were able to see and enter the Temple area. The Temple was the place where sacrifices were given to God, and the Jews worshipped Him. The Temple was the center of Jewish worship. But Jesus changed all that. We no longer need to travel to Jerusalem to worship the Lord. Jesus is the “high priest” (Heb 4:14) to all who believe on Him for salvation and trust Him as Lord.  The Temple of God is now the born-again child of God.  Believers are the dwelling place of the Spirit of God. The Bible teaches us “that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Cor 3:16). The Spirit of God indwells the child of God, and we live with the presence of God every day, at every moment of the day. What an awesome privilege! Yet, this special closeness with God comes much responsibility. We are to keep our temple clean from sin, not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), obey His will, and bring honor to the One that dwells in us. Dear friend, are you living up to those responsibilities? Is your testimony worthy of the One you represent? Begin today and prepare your heart to be “glad” for worship in the presence of the Lord. Rejoice and be glad for “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:” (1 Pet 2:9). Father thank You the eternal presence of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the continual worship that indwells the hearts of all saints. I worship You now and give everlasting praise to the Name of Jesus. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.