Sunday, March 11, 2012

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - The One and Only

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" comes from the book of 1 Kings.

The verses are taken from the beginning of King Solomon's prayer of dedication for the newly-built Temple in Jerusalem. After hundreds of years, a permanent home for the presence of God was finally completed!

It was a joyous time of celebration.

Solomon's Temple was a glittering spectacle, displaying the riches of a prospering nation. As a dwelling place for God, it was fitting for the Temple to be beautiful.

In the final climactic moment, when all the building was complete, the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Most Holy Place, and "…the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple." (1 Kings 8:11)

Then Solomon gathered the people of Israel together to dedicate the Templebut he also wanted them to rededicate themselves to God's service.

I can almost hear his voice resounding across the centuries:

"Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the entire community of Israel. He lifted his hands toward heaven, and he prayed.
'O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion…
(and to the people of Israel)…And may you be completely faithful to the LORD our God. May you always obey his decrees and commands, just as you are doing today.'" (1 Kings 8:22-23, 61)

Solomon declared that even the highest heavens, the far reaches of the universe, could not contain God. His majesty shines brighter than any light in the sky, and His riches far surpass any man-made structure.

Can you imagine what it was like when the glory of God filled the Temple?

But have you ever stopped to think about your own heart?

Isn't it amazing that God is willing to live in the hearts of those who believe in Him and love Him?!

We are blessed indeed.


So where is God's presence?
He's here, in my heart,
Directing my pathways
As He has from the start.

Where is God's presence?
He's here! Don't you see?
The Most High of the Universe
Dwells within me.

© Sharon Kirby, October 4, 2000


Let us walk in wholehearted devotion to Him – obeying Him always, just as we are doing today…


What does it mean to you to have the presence of God within you?


Linked today with Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

4 comments:

  1. It's amazing God loves us enough to do that for us. sandie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Feeling His presence is the best thing ever....I feel so free and so full of joy that it's hard to contain it. Have a great week Sharon....full of His Sonshine

    ReplyDelete
  3. God makes me so happy, I love Him beyond measure.

    ReplyDelete
  4. How blessed those people were to actually see the temple after it was completed. It must have really been dazzling. Even more important is God's temple in people. We need to remember we are temples of the Holy Spirit and pray we can live in such a way that people will see Christ living in us.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

    ReplyDelete

"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)