Darlene Zschech: Loving the House of God

Psalm 52:8 - I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God.
There is a dynamic that is only found within the Kingdom, when the 'lovers of God' come together in unity to become 'THE CHURCH'... the glorious, unblemished, whole, beautiful bride that the King is returning for.
As an individual believer, I am 'His House'. He lives in me, and in Him I have my purpose. Collectively, we come together to create a structure that is made up of the powerful testimonies of His people. Here are a few keys to being effective and fulfilled in the Great House of God.

1. Remember there is room for everyone

John 10:10 says that 'I have come that they may have LIFE & LIFE in all its fullness'. Church is all about family, and the commitment and dedication you bring.
When the house is operating as it should, it is flourishing, growing, successful, far-reaching, influential, embracing and challenging! When a house is not doing what it was born to do, it is containing, limiting & frustrating - and there's no one to cheer you on! In God's house there is room for everyone to find their place to serve, to flourish and grow in Him... to live life in all its fullness.

2. You can't build on a foundation of doubt, fear or unbelief

You either trust God with your life, or you don't! He has put people in authority over you and it's your role to honor and serve without grumbling or feeling like you are missing out. No man (working in opposition) can get in the way of God's divine appointment & His divine timing - you can only do that yourself!
When you are working through the 'faithful in little' (Luke 16:10) principle, it's a HEART decision, not a 'marking time' decision ... you need to love your 'little'. Don't mess with God's house! God loves His house, and will do all to defend it. Give your life away in this: is the secret to walking in His way beyond anything you could ever ask or think. A journey of FAITH, not FEAR.

3. Don't fight the silent years

In Luke 2:51-52 we read about Jesus, who was faithful to serve and do his silent years of training well. The Word says He increased in wisdom, stature and favour with God and man. Fighting for your time, your place, your voice, or your importance will always hinder your effectiveness in the great House of God.
If you are faithful with what belongs to somebody else, God will give you your own. The silent years bring a depth of devotion not found in "quick fixes". Silent years that are done well build a foundation of TRUST that is not easily shaken. I am personally so grateful for the unseen years, when God's hand so steadfastly corrected me, preparing me for the future ... the ultimate FATHER.
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. YEA, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility for God revisits the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in DUE time." 1 Peter 5:5-6. In the Great House of God remember there is a time... BUT there is also a way!

4. Greatness begins with wholeheartedness

The house of God will continue to become great as the BODY becomes wholehearted. In 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon often refers to the WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION of David. A wholehearted approach will always release God's hand. When we read of Amaziah's reign in 2 Chronicles, the first half of the book is victory (due to obedience) and the second half is defeat (due to pride and disobedience).
"He served well as in the eyes of the Lord... but NOT WHOLEHEARTEDLY". God's hand is limited when your heart is misdirected. Anything that you desire to be great at needs to be approached wholeheartedly ... and when it comes to living as a worshipper in His house, there is no other way.

5. Ask God to teach you to love His house

Nothing is too hard when you are in love. Ask God to increase your ability to be what He loves and to love building His great house. Recently, Mark and I have been thinking about why we love God's House:

• We love HIS PRESENCE... the place where He lingers and loves to be adored.
• The sense of FAMILY... rich, dedicated, belonging, a place for all ("Do not forsake coming together").
• The greatest learning ground for LIFE... leadership, living skills, people skills.
• Being able to give our lives to something that BUILDS and restores LIVES (including ours).
• A place where our CHILDREN FLOURISH.
• A place where, as a married couple, we can SHARE our lives, our dreams and our future.
• Healthy ground to see our GIFTS released, challenged and honed.
• FRIENDSHIPS have been born and developed, that continually overwhelm us.

The House of God is not about buildings and things, it's about the body, the church, Heavens pride and joy, coming together to make His name famous and His praises glorious ...

The magnificent House of God

There is a house
Different from any other
Filled with light and love
Radiant with a glory that is totally irresistible to all

It's an open home
A huge WELCOME sign hangs from the door
Inside overflows with good food and bountiful supply
Laughter and healthy conversation
And for all who are questioning there are answers
An ABUNDANCE of HOPE
SALVATION is offered to all
MERCY & GRACE kiss each one.

A fire is crackling within its solid walls
Always there to warm and soothe
Gently drying tear-stained faces
Affirming the wandering soul...
and bringing strong counsel to give clear direction
to ALL negotiating this journey of life.

Captivating melodies fill every inch of every room
A new sound available to even the untrained ear
Causing EVERY heart to willingly sing and every knee to humbly bow

This is the House I give my life to build
To gather His church... and to bring healing to the nations
This is the only house fit for a King
This is THE MAGNIFICENT HOUSE OF GOD

Published by permission of Darlene Zschech.
Photographs: www.darlenezchech.com, Pertti Muikku
Published also on www.Integritymusic.com