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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Truly you are good, and your lovingkindness endures forever! (2 Chr 7:3 NASB). You discipline your children and rebuke them for sin, but when they humble themselves and pray and seek your face, you hear from heaven and forgive them and send healing to their land. I bless you today and praise your name! Today in Your Word Today you told me how you visibly expressed your approval of Solomon’s temple and his dedicatory prayer. When Solomon finished praying, you sent fire down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices, and your glory filled the temple. The people bowed down with their faces to the ground and worshipped and gave praise to you. This teaches me that humility is the appropriate response when I am in your presence, and that praise is proclaiming the truth about your character (2 Chr 7:3). Solomon and the people celebrated a dedication festival and observed the Feast of Tabernacles. When it was over, they went home joyful and glad of heart. This shows me that worshipping you is a blessing, and that you are delighted when I find my happiness and satisfaction in you. Solomon spent the next thirteen years building his palace. When he was finished, you appeared to him a second time and told him that you had heard his prayer and would grant his request. But you also warned him that disobedience would bring disaster: exile from the land and destruction of the temple. This teaches me that I have the power to bring blessing or ruin on those under my authority. I have a solemn obligation to walk before you in integrity and uprightness of heart (1 Kgs 9:4). Reflection Solomon and the people consecrated the temple, that is, they set it apart for the exclusive purpose of honoring and worshipping you. In the same way, I am called to consecrate my heart and body to your service. Am I honoring you in all I say and do? Request Father, I echo Solomon’s request for the blessing of your presence, the desire to do your will, the ability to obey your commands, the provision for each day’s needs, and the spread of your Kingdom to the entire world (1 Kgs 8:57–60). Thanksgiving Thank you for the privilege of serving you. There is no higher calling, no greater mission, no finer purpose than a life dedicated to your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “A Living Sacrifice” — Lucena C. Byrum. Meditation Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:12–14. |