Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

What would it do to the way we worship if we realized that every time we enter the house of God, angels are present? That is assuming of course that the building is still his dwelling place. So many church buildings today are in decline and/or disrepair. Usually the outward decay is also a sign of spiritual decline. “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” has as much to do with the physical condition of the house as with the spiritual condition of the worshippers. Where God is being worshiped in spirit and in truth, the worshippers will see to it that his house, however humble, is clean and prepared as though to welcome an honored guest.

As we prepare the place, so we must deliberately prepare ourselves to worship. As believers, we should not show up as empty vessels to be filled, expecting super-human performances from our worship teams and preachers. We should enter the house of God already in a state of repentance, thanksgiving, generosity, praise and expectancy, with the awareness that God has plans for each worshipper that day. “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14). In this atmosphere when the Spirit of the Lord descends we are ready.

“Yes, the angels are the Holy Spirit of the Most High God overseeing his churches in the earth. They minister to my people as they worship me in spirit and in truth. They judge, they purify, they rebuke. They bring the praises of my people to me. They see that my name is revered and lifted up. When they are not present nothing happens because true worship is not taking place. Beware therefore that your hearts are prepared before me when you enter my house to worship.”