Saturday, April 12, 2014

1 Kings 8-9

Solomon has finished building God's temple and his royal palace in Jerusalem.  Now it's time to celebrate in 1 Kings 8-9 and dedicate the temple.  All the important people in Israel take part in bringing the ark of the Lord's covenant from the City of David to its new home in Jerusalem.  God's glory fills the place, and the priests are unable even go through with their service.  I imagine it being an amazing sight.

As I read through Solomon's blessing, and then his conversation with God, I started thinking about all the ways God "appears" to me in my ordinary life.


When Solomon had finished building the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had achieved all he had desired to do, the Lord appeared to him a
second time as he had appeared to him at Gibeon.  The Lord said to him,

“I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there."

I'm no great ruler, like Solomon, but God loves me just as much.  I am made great in Christ, my Lord and Savior.

And as Easter approaches, I am reminded what Jesus' death and resurrection means for me, for my life, and for you and all who believe in Him.

God hears our prayers.  As we believe in Christ, God puts His name on us forever.  His eyes and his heart are always with us, now and for eternity.

So, as you look around, where does God appear?  When you open Your heart, what conversations is He having with you?

I would love to celebrate our risen Christ and give Him glory by sharing some of the places and times in our lives when God "appears" to us.  I pray that by sharing how we come to "see" God in the world, we will help each other grow closer to Him and get to know Him even better.  


***If you're feeling adventurous, use the comment section (below) and fill in the blank with me.  
I see God ____________.

A prayer for today-


Dear God,

Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who died and lives for me, so that I may dwell with You for eternity.  

Open my heart and mind to "see" You and "hear" You in my day to day life.  Forgive me for the ways I fail to notice Your presence and power and give You thanks.

You are here with me, claiming me, and putting Your name in my heart forever. 

As I see You in the world, Lord, I also pray for _______________ to see You and be filled with Your healing love.  

In the name of Jesus I pray,
Amen

Love of Christ,



*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

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