When one of our buildings had to be demolished, at church, we were short office space. Part of our staff turned three Sunday school classes into offices. As we begin to see more people gathering in person and our parking lots fill up, we know it is time to make room for the church to meet. God provided a new office space for us. While we have a nice, quiet office space, we can have more classes meet in our Christian life center. What a wonderful “problem” running out of space is due to so many people wanting to worship!
The week before we moved to the office suites, our pastor had us go on a “field trip” to pray over them. We began by praying over the building that was being taken down. We thanked God for how it had been used and that it will continue to bring Him glory in whatever way He reveals to us. Psalm 127: 1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Since we had to walk by the Sanctuary, we prayed over it. It only made sense to pray over the fellowship hall as we walked by it. We continued paying over the CLC, the new office suites and the Mercy house. While at our new office space, one of our pastors anointed the door frames with oil. That is symbolic of the Holy Spirit protecting and enabling us to do His work. It also protects from the enemy coming in. You have to do this in faith, believing this to receive it. Matthew 21: 22, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Mark 11: 24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Easter is a great time to be thinking about making room. Not only will we be making room for visitors and new members, we always need to be making room for Christ in our own life. Matthew 5: 43-45, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” It seems our hearts are too small for this yet it is big enough for Jesus to live in. When we come to Jesus Christ, He transforms us. Our past is forgiven. He gives us a power to love, a love beyond our own ability.
Luke 2: 7, “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” There was no room in the inn. They did not know who would be born. If they had, people would have opened their homes and provided the very best. We do know who He is. Do we have room? Are we making more room for Jesus in our life? It seems we get too busy for Jesus. We get caught up in work, family, friends, sports, hobbies and even church work that we do not have time left for God. Some do not make room for Jesus because they do not feel worthy. They have done too many bad things. But Jesus wants you just where you are. Revelation 3: 20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” I think about the shepherds. They heard about Jesus and they abandoned their post, temporarily, to rush and see what had been revealed. After they see Jesus, they spread the good news. They give back by worshiping and praising Him. As we prepare for Easter, let every heart prepare Him room!
During this Easter season, let’s make room in our hearts for Jesus, in our pews (chairs) for other’s and getting our house in order because “He will come again!”