Only when the Holy Spirit comes will there be signs, wonders, and miracles. Only when the Spirit comes will there be the liberty to experience a New Testament outpouring of God’s presence. Until He comes, we have only what we can produce in our fleshly displays of exuberance and worked-up energy. Until He comes, we have only what is feebly built by our planning and good intentions. It would do us good to ask ourselves occasionally, “What has imprisoned the Dove in my life lately?” Only you can answer that question for yourself. If worship has become stale in your life and if ministry has become fruitless, take a look around. You may find at least a few reasons why the Dove has been confined in your temple. God is more than ready to release His Spirit in you, but some “money changers” may need to be driven out first.
How willing are you to allow the “tables” to be turned over in your spiritual temple? Paul asked the question: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
Today, the real temple and place of worship is found in the heart of man. It stands to reason that if Jesus took such measures to cleanse a temporary and earthly temple, He will utilize no less zeal to remove the clutter out of my life, as well. The only way to keep the “money changers” out of my heart is to allow Jesus to come in. Even when He shows up with the scourge in His hand, He is, nonetheless, welcome.
When the “money changers” are driven out, you will be happy with the end result of God’s cleansing power in your ministry. Nothing is worth losing the anointing of the Spirit upon your temple.
