Reading some time ago in 2 Samuel, I thought, once again to write what I believe He, that is the Lord was emphasising to me.

David the king had just built himself a house of cedar and desired to build a house for the Lord.

2 Samuel 7 v 2-17

Part of The Lord's reply through Nathan the prophet was -

Had He ever asked any of the tribes of Israel ....why build ye not me an house of cedar? - and in the middle of this question the Lord it seems to me is reminding David that it is He who provides for the people, not the other way around by saying that He commanded to feed His people, but had not asked for any permanent house - why?

The Lord went on to tell David that He would build David a house, that house was to be established for ever.

2 Sam v 10-11

I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more. And would also build David A house - 

Now this one is a permanent, continuous house - no longer just a physical place.

V 12 - .... I will set up thy seed after thee, and I will establish his kingdom, v 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

V 16 to David - thy throne shall be established for ever.

The Lord spoke of walking with the people, with all the children of Israel, in a tent and in a tabernacle. 2 Sam 7 v 6 & 7

Then He went on to say how that He had taken David out of what we would consider to be obscurity to make him a ruler over His people, over Israel and the Lord went on to say how that He had delivered David and that He would make a place for His people.  Was this a gentle rebuke to David, thinking that he needed to build a house for the Lord? Then He told David that He was going to build him, that is David a house. V 11.

It was the Lord's people that were His inheritance, with God it was always about the people, not first a building. The building was the people, as Don has been saying lately if someone came into his house they were in the church because the church is the people.

We don't live in church, we live among people and though the church building has become a meeting place, the Lord desires to walk among people and demonstrate His grace and love for them.

We always think of bringing the people to an assembly for them to hear of His salvation but perhaps He would say to us to walk among the people and spread His Word, His grace. It may be that we will bring people to an assembly but do they first need to know of His love and compassion out there where we all live?

I have, as I have told others difficulty speaking of the Lord to people outside but I think that is what I need to do to bring the Lord to them rather than expecting them to come when they do not know or haven't been introduced to the host of the party, the good news.

Perhaps we should be praying for opportunities and boldness to speak to the outside world where they live, I don't mean in their homes but their general living, on the buses, at work, social events etc where they are.

This was and is my prayer because I realise that I should be in a place where I delight to speak of the Lord and who He is, and who He is to me instead of being fearful of what others think. There may be a time when wisdom would hold me/us from speaking, but we should not be held by fear and I think should be pleased to speak of the wonderful salvation that we have. Others may have already got past these things, but I have to come to truth of where I am to move from where I am to a better place in the Lord, bless His holy name.

This, my prayer:

Dear Father give me the courage, the boldness even the pleasure of knowing I have something wonderful to tell people of, instead of almost being apologetic for mentioning your lovely name. Please forgive me for my wrong attitude and may I be proud in the right sort of way to declare what a wonderful Father and Saviour I have. Give me, I pray opportunity and pleasure to declare you to those who don't yet know you and forgive me for a wrong attitude in the past. Only You can save but you have allowed for us to be the mouthpiece to deliver Your wonderful Word of Salvation to the world, therefore give me opportunity and courage to speak Your Word with joy that others may share this so great salvation.

I ask this in the precious name of Jesus.  Amen

Thank you Lord, for whatsoever I ask in accordance with your will, You hear and I have my petition that I have asked of you. Praise your Wonderful Name,

Love in Jesus

Marion

We are HIS house that He is building and His place to dwell in.