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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today, O Lord, God of Israel, for you always keep your promises. You are a God who hears and forgives those who cry out to you in repentance. You punish those who sin, but you delight to bless those who love and obey you. I worship you today and exalt your name! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me how Solomon moved the ark into the temple. The Levites were careful to follow your instructions, and when they came out of the holy place, the cloud of your presence filled the temple, and your glory was so great that the priests could not stand to minister (1 Kgs 8:11). This teaches me that when I’m faithful to obey you and follow your will, your presence will be with me. Solomon was overcome with gratitude when he saw you inhabit the temple. He praised you before the people, pointing out that you had been faithful to keep your promise. How thankful I am that I can always count on you to keep your word! Solomon then knelt and spread out his hands toward heaven in prayer. He acknowledged: “There is no God like you” (1 Kgs 8:23). You keep the covenant of love with all who continue wholeheartedly in your ways (cf. Deut 7:7–9). This reminds me that all you do is motivated by divine mercy and love. Solomon continued by asking you to shower your love and grace on Israel, even if one day they rebelled against you. His prayer was grounded in texts like Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27–28, where Moses told Israel that you would richly bless them for obedience, but would punish them severely for rebellion. Yet even in the ashes of exile, there was a way back to you through repentance (1 Kgs 8:46–50). Praise the Lord! Reflection You chose Israel to be a light to the surrounding pagan nations, yet tragically, their own selfishness and sin kept them from fulfilling their great commission. Am I striving each day to enter the kingdom and to reach a lost and dying world with your love? Request Father, you told me that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). I want to live in such a way that your glorious presence is always there, filling me with love and grace. Thanksgiving Solomon said, “The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” (1 Kgs 8:27 NIV), and yet you humble yourself to live in my heart! How wonderful is grace like this! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Fill Me with Thy Spirit” — Daniel S. Warner. Meditation Verse: 2 Chronicles 6:41. |