Claudette's Blog

One Sunday on my way to church, I saw a "Going out of Business Furniture Sale" sign snugged up next to a Stop sign, and as I began thinking about this, it occurred to me that we as Christians need to have a "Going Out of Business Furniture Sale." We need to sell the lazy recliner that we so often fall into with our own mindset and self-agenda stating how church should go using Religious Processes, and we must also not forget the couch potatoes that sit together in their own little groups, lining up their next programs designed to take the place of God's Glory and presence.

I think many churches are needing to clean out the ungodly furniture and start replacing it with the Lord's furniture. They need a "Going out of Business Furniture Sale," so the new furniture can be put in place.
Maybe you are asking What new furniture? And the answer to that question is: The furniture that resembles a Tabernacle of God, not a building of good public works.

The Tabernacle of God mentioned in the Bible has the essential furnishings to help us understand His Will for us, let's take a brief look at these furnishing:

First, we enter into the Outer Court and it’s big enough for all to gather together, after all, we serve a big God, and it is His desire that none should perish.

As we proceed through the Outer Court, we come to the first piece of furniture, the Brazen Altar of the Tabernacle. This is where the Blood of Jesus is applied.

We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. …And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 10:10, 14, 18

Jesus washed our sin and shame away through His shed Blood.

The second piece of furniture we encounter is the Laver of the Tabernacle. This is where we wash with the water. All of us are in need of a much needed washing, and this washing must take place by reading and living the Word of God (the Bible).

So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word. Ephesians 5:26 Amplified Bible

The third piece of furniture that will be encountered, after entering the Tabernacle's Inner Court, is the Table of Showbread. This is where we come together, sharing in Communion and unity to remember what Christ did for us on the Cross. The Table of Showbread should be the foremost active part of the Church Body, and should be taken of more often.

Then he took a loaf of bread, gave thanks, broke it in pieces, and handed it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Keep on doing this in memory of me." Luke 22:19 ISV

Across from the Table of Showbread you find the Golden Lampstand. This Lampstand illuminates the whole room, and as we stand there, the Lord looks into our eyes with the light of the flame, peering deep into us. This is one piece of furniture many churches have not put in place, perhaps they are afraid of what might be seen.

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Revelations 2:4-5 NIV

Our next step is towards the Alter of Incense, a piece of furniture that literally releases a fresh scent into our Heavenly Father’s nostrils while we pray.

“Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” Revelations 8:3-4

“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141:2

Then we come to the heavy curtain (the Veil), that has to be pulled back in order to enter the most Holy Place. Most churches do not go any further, why? Because it requires deeper water, and most do not seek the deeper things of God. Our lack of intimacy with Jesus has caused many blessings of healing and deliverance to be lost.

Entering into the most sacred place, called the Holy of Hollies requires a "Going out of Business Sale" in order to sell off the lazy recliner agenda, and to replace the couch potatoes' groups of programs with the Lord's presence.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body …let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10:19-22

When we sell the lazy recliner, and replace the couch potatoes' programs with God's presence, we will see the Ark of the Covenant and feel God's Glory manifested.

“…the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on the ark.” 2 Samuel 6:2

Church, today we need His divine presence and power. We must have intimacy with Jesus and we must be hungry for His presence. The Church must lay down its idols, so the Lord can hand out the end time mantles to His bride before we get passed by.

But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 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 him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelations 3:17-22

Blessings,

Claudette Moss