1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3 & 1 Timothy 1

David had wanted to build a house for the Lord, but it wasn’t his job. Solomon, his son, was given this very important task.

“Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, ‘Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in My statutes and obey My rules and keep all My commandments and walk in them, then I will establish My word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake My people Israel.” (1 Kings 6:11-13 ESV)

What a promise this is! God isn’t obligated to promise us things, but He does. He is good to us.

Solomon needed to do some things and God would fulfill the promises. Solomon needed to walk in God’s statutes, obey His rules and keep His commandments. Not an easy task, but if he did all those things, God would dwell among them and never forsake them.

Fast forward to the apostle Paul testifying to how he used to be God’s enemy until God’s grace turned him into one of the most devoted followers in history.

“I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving full of acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV)

God is in control. If he can turn blasphemer Saul into devoted Paul, He can change me or you.

“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

(1 Timothy 1:17 ESV)

~Kellie

1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; 2 Thessalonians 3

The theme is work. In 1 Kings 5 and 2 Chronicles 2, the preparation of supplies to build the temple for the Lord. Solomon negotiates for materials, laborers, and payment. There is peace. He is stewarding time, talent, treasure. He is following through on a vision.

In 2 Thessalonians, there’s work there too.

⁶ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹² Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. ¹³ And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, NIV, emphasis added)

Work because it has to be done. Work to not be a burden on others. Work to set and live by example. Work to not be idle, disruptive, or busybodies.

Old Testament reading on building a physical temple for the Lord. New Testament reading on work that builds one up in Christ. Both to honor God. Both come at a cost. Both require perseverance.

This year I’ve thought a lot about the prodigal son, but mostly in terms of his father. What did his father do while his son was wasting time, talent, treasure? He was at home, working.

“How others treat you is a reflection of them. How you react is a reflection of you.”~a recent quote seen on social media.

Never tire of doing what is good.

Lord, help me to keep perspective. Help me to keep my eyes on you, focused on the tasks you prepared in advance for me to do. Help me to steward my time, talent, treasure, heart, and health for your glory–to set an example of discipline, perseverance, and obedience to you. Help me to not grow weary and to never tire of doing what is good.

Courtney (66books365)

Song of Solomon 7-8; Psalm 127; 2 Thessalonians 2

My prayer these days is for the Lord to come and return quickly. Not because I want to be taken out of a world that seems to be stuck in quicksand, rather, because I actually yearn to be with God. I was surprised to see that kind of love expressed today.

Hurry, my lover,
    be like a gazelle
or a young deer
    on the mountains where spices grow. – Song of Solomon 8:14 NCV

God grace is quite amazing and it brings salvation to all who want to receive Jesus. It is here, in receiving Him that I am finding myself denying ungodliness and worldly lusts and am finding joy in living soberly, righteously and godly. I am motivated to do so because of the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of Jesus. He gave Himself for me and redeemed me from all my sin and shame and purified me into a peculiar person, passionate about doing good. Even so, I am looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where peace reigns.

A young man approached me on Sunday wanting to know the steps towards inner transformation. What is the Holy Spirit doing in his life? It was after service so I gave him a few thoughts. A key thought I left him was to establish the trust factor with God and to resist worry. It does end up with a good night’s sleep. I am either going to trust God or I am going to worry.

It is no use for you to get up early
    and stay up late,
working for a living.
    The Lord gives sleep to those he loves. – Psalm 127:2 NCV

For those who still have old hurts that have not been healed, or unconfessed sin that still troubles, or even reconciled relationships that slip back into brokenness, the best advice still is to lean into God and His Word for guidance. I absolutely love this benediction.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever. – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NCV

Father, thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit who puts into me the desire to be like You. Thank You for the hope that I have in You – a hope that will enable me to endure and persevere. Thank You that I can lean into You and Your Word and that You guide me with Your eye and instruct me where I should go.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

Song of Sol 4-6; 2 Thessalonians 1

I have read some 55 marriage books in my lifetime – almost one per year of my life.  Currently I am reading one that has been out there for a while but I just picked it up on sale (Dutch men can be like that).  It is authored by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and it is called, Cracking the Communication Code.

Pretty sure that I have shared before that my wife and I have been married now for 37 years.  I read books on marriage because I want to grow and keeping growing.  Do not think for a moment that an adventure will pass me by – no way.  I want everything possible from my marriage and more and I am not afraid to engage others in sharing what they have learned.

One key ingredient in a healthy marriage is the ability to say, as often as possible and as creatively as possible, I love you to each other.

My darling, you are lovely,
    so very lovely—my darling, you are lovely
    in every way. Your love is sweeter than wine. – Song of Solomon 4:1,7   CEV

Young women of Jerusalem,
    he is my lover and friend.  – Song of Solomon 5:16

So it is not that odd when I think of our Church family and in particular, my small group, in the same way.  If I am surrounded with faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love, then I too, as part of the Church family, should be growing in my love for them too.

My dear friends, we always have good reason to thank God for you, because your faith in God and your love for each other keep growing all the time. – 2 Thessalonians 1:3  CEV

That is a lot of loving.  It challenges me every morning to meet with God and tell Him how much I love Him too.  The one difference from my spouse and my Church family is that God always tells me He loves me too.  In fact, He sustains me with His love, carries my through the day, gives me the Holy Spirit to do what He asks me to do and mostly that means loving other people. What a joy to grow in my love of Him every day – He nourishes my life.

Father, thank you for meeting with me each time I call out Your name.  No matter where I am or what I am doing You come and enter my world and fill me with Your love.  I never have to operate out of my own energy or expect anything from anyone else – You alone are all I need.  Thank you for continue to change me, cause me to grow, for allowing me to see You differently each day.  You have blessed me with Your love and I am so very thankful.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

From the archives. Originally published June 20, 2018.

Song of Sol 1-3; Ps 72; 1 Thess 5

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Song of Solomon‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

King Solomon’s banner over her was a symbol of his commitment to his beloved. She was chosen-not by force, but with love. God loves me with this same kind of extravagant love. Do I believe it? “My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies.” Song of Solomon‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Am I living my identity as Jesus’s beloved? Have I let it sink deep into my soul?

“In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field!” Psalm‬ ‭72‬:‭7‬, ‭12‬, ‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

My word for the year a couple of years ago was abundance. It was a step of faith for me. And a heart work in realizing that I have a hard time trusting God to supply all my needs, though he has provided over and over again. I wanted to hold on to things, when I should be giving away and letting go. It was a lesson in surrender. And Being generous, trusting that God would continue providing. Satan wants to steal my joy when Jesus came to give me life abundantly.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-18 ESV

Dear Father, thank you for being a good Father who likes to give good gifts to his children. Thank you for your faithfulness. I praise you for who You are. Amen.

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭72‬:‭18‬-‭19 ESV

Amy(amyctanner)