1st King chapter 8.
- The people gave countless sacrifices before the Lord! What are we going to sacrifice for all God has done or is doing in our lives? Or are we more willing to hold on to countless things instead of giving up countless things?
- They had a prayer of dedication so God would be glorified and lifted up. Have we dedicated our hearts to the Lord 100%?
Have we dedicated all our possessions to the Lord as a way of saying, “God, please use anything I have For Your Glory at any time. I'm willing to give up anything I own in order to further your kingdom.”
- When a new person comes into our fellowship, are we quick to accept them or act like they aren't there because we love the comfort of our own group of friends? Or are we quick to try and include them into the fellowship?
- Are we striving for Holiness and Faithfulness to the Lord? Or do we expect God's Blessings without us making any attempt to be holy and faithful to him?
I’m reminded today of Romans 12:1-2.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Solomon’s prayer is so beautiful. He was truly inspired by God to leave us these writings: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Psalms 72 & 127.
His benediction prayer (v57-61) is a great model for our own prayers. In it, he prays for 5 basic things: for God’s presence; for the desire to do God’s will in everything; for help with each day’s need; for the desire and ability to obey God’s decrees and commands; and for the spread of God’s kingdom to the entire world.
In verse 9 we learn that there was nothing in the ark at this time except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb. Only the Word of God endures. Signs and wonders – budding rods and pots of manna are not lasting. Amen.