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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise The things we create reveal what we value most. I want my life and everything I do to bring glory and honor and praise to your name. I join with David when he says, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Ps 34:3). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the completion of the temple and its furnishings. In front of the temple were two bronze pillars about 34½ feet high, 18 feet in circumference, and 3 inches thick. They were called Jachin and Boaz. Jachin meant “He [Yahweh] will establish,” and Boaz meant “In him [Yahweh] is strength.” They stood at the doors of the temple to remind the people that you had promised to establish David’s dynasty, and that you had the power to perform what you had promised (cf. Rom 4:21). The craftsmen who labored on the temple, particularly Hiram, put an immense amount of creativity and detail into their work. A simple tank might have sufficed for the water needs of the priests, but Hiram crafted a beautiful bronze basin so large they called it “the Sea” (1 Kgs 7:23; Jer 52:17). Did it stand on a plain platform? No—it was supported by twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. This teaches me that I should put my whole heart and might into my service for you. You are worthy of the most beautiful, majestic, detailed work that my skills and talents can achieve. Indeed, Solomon built a temple so wondrous that when it was gone, people wept when they remembered its glory (Ezra 3:12). Reflection Kings and Chronicles both make a point of saying that Solomon completed all the work that was required to build your temple. Am I diligent to finish the tasks you have given me, or do I find myself starting well and then never following through? Request Father, I know that you are most honored when I give you my best. Help me to labor for you with all my strength. I want to present myself to you as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed (2 Tim 2:15). Thanksgiving Thank you for blessing me with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:3). I rejoice in knowing that I am your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph 2:10). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Give of Your Best to the Master” — Howard B. Grose. Meditation Verse: 2 Chronicles 4:18.