Going to God’s House: Day One

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Day 1: The Joy of Gathering

Devotional
Have you ever felt that surge of excitement when you're about to experience something wonderful? That's the feeling captured in Psalm 122, where pilgrims rejoice as they finally reach Jerusalem's gates after a long journey. "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'" This wasn't just about arriving at a destination—it was about entering God's presence with others. Today, God's house isn't a physical temple in Jerusalem. It's found wherever believers gather together. The church isn't primarily a building but a people—living stones being built into a spiritual house where God dwells through His Spirit. This shift in understanding changes everything about how we approach church. Rather than seeing it as an obligation or a routine, we can recapture that pilgrim's joy—the excitement of entering God's presence with His people. When was the last time you felt genuinely excited about going to church? Perhaps it's time to rediscover that joy, remembering that each gathering is an opportunity to experience God's presence in a unique and powerful way.

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” - Psalm 122:1

Reflection Question
What might change in your approach to church if you truly believed that God's presence is uniquely there in a way you can't experience anywhere else?

“The joy of God's people is found in gathering where God dwells.”
~ Pastor Mike Mura

Prayer
Lord, restore to me the joy of gathering with Your people. Help me to approach each church gathering with expectation and gratitude, knowing that You are present in a special way when we come together. Amen.