Today’s Reading: Psalms 32-34, 36-37, 121, 124, 126, 130

Life is very much like a fresh snowfall. It is absolutely beautiful and full of the potential for fun, but with it comes fear. Just like driving on an icy surface, there is fear of that feeling of being out of control – when life is happening to you and, no matter which way you turn the steering wheel, your life seems to be spinning the wrong direction. It is in these moments that we turn our eyes to the Lord. We cry out for His help and we place our family and our life in His hands.

MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD

I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. – Psalm 121

WHAT IF THE LORD DID NOT HELP ME?

I love this picture of God watching over me, providing a protective shade. But what if He did sleep? What if He did not watch over us protectively? As a mother, I can drive myself crazy in a matter of a few minutes if I let my mind go to the “what if’s” in life. It is better for me to relax in the reality that I serve a God I can count on – a God I can trust.

What if the Lord had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat:
What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us?
They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger.
The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.

Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free!
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 124

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! – Psalm 126:3

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.

O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin. – Psalm 130

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

There are times in our lives when we wonder if God is watching, if He is going to respond to what is happening around us. The psalmist felt that way at times – times when he was struggling and needed desperately to hear from God. But this same psalmist, David, introduces us through his songs to the kind of wonderful God we serve. It is nice to simply sit back and relax in who He is.

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.
For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. – Psalm 33:6-9

He is our Creator. He made us and, therefore, He understands us (33:15). He is our help and our shield, surrounding us with His unfailing love. In Him alone we can put our trust (33:20-22).

WE CAN TRUST THE LORD.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy…
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles…
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help…
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. – Psalm 34:4-6,15-19

There are so many scriptures that warn us that we will experience troubles and difficult times. Consider John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” There is no promise that our heart will never hurt or that we will never face disappointments or persecution. But we serve a God of unfailing love who never leaves us – who is bigger than any difficulty we are facing.

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity find shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. – Psalm 36:5-9

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
So rejoice and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! – Psalm 32:10-11

The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.
The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them, and they find shelter in him. – Psalm 37:39-40

Today’s Reading: Psalms 97, 101, 103, 105, 106, 119

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:11

I memorized Psalm 119:11 as a child and have sung the words, recited the verse, and used the words to encourage others. I read it again this morning and it is fresh and new. Isn’t God incredible?!! His word is living and active. Even the scriptures we have known for years come alive to us at different times. We go from “Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that before” to “Wow, I never thought of it that way!”

So what is this revelation to my heart? Holiness – I hide God’s word in my heart so that I can live out the holiness He is calling me to. To settle comfortably into a life of sin would be to sin against a God who loves me – who created me with a plan to live in relationship with Him. But sin separates me from God because God is holy. It is the desire of my heart to experience God, to remain close to Him. How can I do this? His word is a lamp unto my feet on this journey of holiness; a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.
Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions…
Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for this is where my happiness is found.
Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!
Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.
Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.
Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.
I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness. – Psalm 119: 33-40

God’s word encourages me when I am sad.
God’s word reveals truth to me when I am trying to convince myself of what I want to be true.
God’s word reminds me of the value in God’s plan.
God’s word reassures me of His promises and I am renewed!

God has done more than just hand us His word. He continues to use His word to teach us and to give us understanding. Obedience comes from these teaching moments and these teaching moments create more obedience. We walk along the path of holiness and find happiness in following His ways.

How I delight in your commands! I love them! – Psalm 119:47

Let’s join the psalmist in his love song of commitment to the God of holiness.

Lord, you are mine!
I promise to obey your words!
With all my heart I want your blessings.
Be merciful as you promised.
I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.
I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.
Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations.
I am a friend to anyone who fears you – anyone who obeys your commandments.
O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. – Psalm 119:57-64

You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands…
For I have put my hope in your word…
Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight…
My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. – Psalm 119:73-77,82

Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
Yes, I have more insight…I am even wiser…
Your commandments give me understanding… – Psalm 119:97-104

Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight…
Your word is my source of hope – Psalm 119:111,114b

The Lord gives righteousness… – Psalm 103:6a

I could just stop right there. I love the powerful message contained in these four words. I cannot in a million years be holy or righteous on my own, but I serve a generous God who GIVES righteousness. I can never be good enough but He is enough – His righteousness can look at this ungodly heart and call me godly.

When I consider that it is HIS righteousness that makes a godly life possible, I can join in with the psalmist in this prayer of commitment to living a godly life. If I think for one minute I can do it on my own, this prayer is said with uncertainty. I HOPE I can live a blameless life, I THINK I can lead a life of integrity. If the foundation of my prayer starts with “The Lord give righteousness…”, then I can join in this prayer with confidence that it is all about my WILLING heart and God’s CAPABLE heart. It’s not about what I HOPE I can do but what I KNOW God can do! If I am willing to commit to living a holy life, He will give me His righteousness.

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life – when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. – Psalm 101:1-2

Give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. – Psalm 106:1-3

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. – Psalm 105:4

Lord, I search this morning for you and for your strength. I am seeking you and asking you for a fresh outpouring of YOUR righteousness into my life. Fill me with your Spirit so I cannot submit to your plan for my life. Every word I say, every action I take today, may it be evidence of your righteousness at work in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness. I desire to sing your praises all day long! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalms 112, 113, 116, 118

I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! – Psalm 116:1-2

He loves you and He hears you. There is nothing going on in your life that He is unaware of – no detail missed by Him. He is bending down and listening. Enter into His presence and share your heart with Him. You will find kindness and mercy. THE LORD IS FOR YOU!

Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Please save me!”
How kind the Lord is! How good he is!
So merciful, this God of ours.
The Lord protects those of childlike faith;
I was facing death, and he saved me.
Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.
He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth!
I believe in you, so I said, “I am deeply troubled, Lord.” – Psalm 116:4-10

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.
THE LORD IS FOR ME, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Yes, THE LORD IS FOR ME; he will help me.
I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. – Psalm 118:5-9

God is for you! He is aware of everything going on and loves you deeply. It is better to go to Him and take refuge than to look to other people for answers. It is better to go to Him and take refuge than to trust in earthly authority and leadership. When we enter into His presence and pray to Him, bending down to listen He answers us. He saves us from death. He wipes the tears from our eyes and keeps our feet from stumbling.

Light shines in the darkness for the godly… – Psalm 112:4a

He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people!
He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. – Psalm 113:7-9

We serve a God who sees the hurts and needs of His people. He reaches down and cares for them through the generous love of the godly. He creates in them a natural desire to be generous with others. It is through us that God meets the needs of others. It is through others that God meets our needs.

Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate and righteous.
Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.
Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
They do not fear bad news:
They confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.
They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor. – Psalm 112:4-9

Let us draw into God’s presence and take refuge in Him so that He can strengthen us and prepare us to be His hands and feet in the lives of others. THE LORD IS FOR YOU! Until we have entered into His presence and allowed Him to heal us and fill us with His Spirit, we are not ready to help others. We need to first go to Him and then allow Him to send us.

Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord.
These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there.
I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory!…

This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:19-21, 24

Today’s Reading: Psalm 85, 62, 95; Proverbs 8, 23

Like his father, Solomon was a writer – a poet. God gave both father and son the gift of eloquently expressing their emotions and telling the story of where they were at in their intimate walk with God. He put a new song in their heart and powerful words to express their amazement of how wonderful God is.

Solomon, the wisest of all men in the land, spoke beautifully of how each one of us can be wise if we listen closely to what God has to say:

Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Hear as understanding raises her voice!…
“Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth…
My advice is wholesome…
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.” – Proverbs 8:1, 6-9

And in the words of his father, David:

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people. – Psalm 85:8a

I wonder if God is speaking to me. I wonder if that is His voice. Have you ever had a similar experience or time when you wondered if you were hearing from God? Do we miss out on opportunities to hear God because we do not step out of our busy schedules to sit still and listen? Is He speaking to us but we do not recognize His voice?

“Get into the habit of saying, ‘Speak, Lord,’ and life will become a romance. Every time circumstances press in on you, say ‘Speak, Lord,’ and make time to listen. Chastening is more than means of discipline – it is meant to bring me to the point of saying, ‘Speak, Lord.’ Think back to a time when God spoke to you. Do you remember what He said? … As we listen, our ears become more sensitive, and like Jesus, we will hear God all the time” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, January 30th).

Those words resonate with my heart’s desire to be close to God. Many times in my life I have been challenged to think of my relationship with God as any other relationship in my life. In order to draw closer to someone, we must spend time with that person and communicate with them, both listening and speaking. This makes sense but the intimacy we have with God is so much deeper than any other relationship. I love how Oswald Chambers describes the life of listening to God as a romance. The more we listen, the more we will hear from God; the more we hear from God, the more sensitive we become to His voice and the more easily we recognize Him.

This brings my mind to one of my favorite worship songs – The More I Seek You, written by Zach Neese and sang by Kari Jobe. This song has a melody that stays in your head – a song that gets stuck in your heart, causing you to desire to recline on the Savior and hear His heartbeat.

“The more I seek you, the more I find you.
The more I find you, the more I love you.
I wanna sit at your feet, drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, hear your heartbeat.
This love is so deep, it’s more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it’s overwhelming.
The more I seek you, the more I find you.
The more I find you, the more I love you.”

Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to draw me closer to you. I thank you for the experience of resting in your presence and simply drinking from the cup of your hand. Teach me to recline and trust you at all times, finding my hope in only you.

I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken…

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge. – Psalm 62:1-2,5-8

And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:10

My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course. – Proverbs 23:19

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today! – Psalm 95:6-7

Today’s Reading: Psalm 40, 52, 70

“Oh Holy God! I stay amazed.
You are so much more than words could ever say.
Oh Holy God! I pour out my praise
On the One who never ceases to amaze.”

OUR GOD IS AMAZING

These are lyrics to the song I Stay Amazed by Gateway Worship. Our God is so amazing, but consider how easy it is for us to get so used to that idea that we stop celebrating it. We can easily get so used to the concept that our God is awesome that we don’t stop to really consider just how incredible He is. What if we were to recognize how amazing God is and then stay there! What if we were to stay amazed?!!

He is more than words can say, yet the Psalmist did a great job of putting the wonderful attributes of God into words. Let’s read the words of Psalm 40 this morning as if we were hearing these things for the first time. Let’s celebrate our wonderful God and STAY AMAZED all day long!

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord

But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” – Psalm 40:1-9, 11, 16

OUR GOD IS GREAT

But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done.
I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. – Ps. 52:8-9

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!” – Ps. 70:4

“God is so great – higher than the heavens, higher than the farthest stars.” – Job 22:12

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!…
Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.
Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before him. – Ps. 96:4a,8-9

OUR GOD IS HOLY

O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? – Psalm 77:13

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. – Psalm 103:1

Lord, we stand before you AMAZED! You are great and you are holy! Your wonderful deeds are too numerous to recite, your love beyond unfailing. Lord, we praise you for what you have done and we join our voices together to say we trust in your good name.

If you have time, soak in the words of the song I Stay Amazed by Gateway Worship.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Cfo8atJPo

Today’s Reading: Psalm 33, 96, 98, 144 and 149

Sing a new song of praise to him…and sing with joy. – Psalm 33:3

Today is a new day. It’s not just any other morning. It’s a new day with new opportunities and a fresh chance to experience God in a new way! It is not just a day to be relieved the work week is almost over. It is a special day with a unique purpose woven into God’s greater plan. Today is God’s day and THE SHOW IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves…Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! – Psalm 96:1-2,4a

I love having a new song to sing to the Lord! I love when my worship reflects what my heart is feeling and I get lost in the “dance”. I love the new song by Danny Gokey that speaks of the moment when we Rise from the hold fear, shame, rejection and defeat have on our lives. “But something inside you can’t deny. You hear the cry of your Creator. I made you for more, unlocked the door. I wanna restore your glory. So rise…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJS42sKrM8c

There is one song playing on the radio right now that makes me turn the volume up more than any other song. It’s a song written for all the mothers praying out for their prodigal children to Come Alive as the Dry Bones in the book of Ezekiel. “God of endless mercy, God of unrelenting love, rescue every daughter, bring us back the wayward son. And by your spirit breathe upon them. Show the world that you alone can save; you alone can save.” http://centricworship.com/come-alive-dry-bones-story-behind-song-w-lauren-daigle-michael-farren/

I love songs of salvation that celebrate that point of change in our life. What song do you sing because of the place God has saved you from and the wondrous place to which He has brought you? God wants us to continue to sing his praise about the salvation we have experienced. He wants us to share our salvation experience so that others can see that our God saves!

Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! …Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! – Psalm 98:1,4

Sing a song of praise today for all of the wonderful things God has done in your life since you gave your heart to Him. From what has He delivered you? In what ways has He made a difference in your life? How has He shown Himself to you and in what ways has He been faithful?

I will sing a new song to you, O God!…Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 144:9a,15

Let’s sing a song of joy to the Lord today. My prayer is that all those around us today will sense that we have been in the presence of God by the joy that we show. If God has saved us, if God has delivered us, if God has healed us, if God has done wonderful things in our life, let our joy be evident!

Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praise in the assembly of the faithful…Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds. Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands… Psalm 149:1,5-6

If you were going to write a song today, what would the lyrics be? Perhaps that is what God is calling you to do today – to write a song or a poem or a love note to Him. What does your new song say?

Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing his praises from the ends of the earth!…Let the people of Sela sing for joy; shout praises from the mountaintops! Let the whole world glorify the Lord; let it sing his praise. – Isaiah 42:10,11b-12

Sing a NEW song! What is God doing in your life now – today? What is your most recent story of God’s faithfulness? It is great when we can tell the stories of the wonderful things God has done in our life but how wonderful to share a new and fresh song of what God is DOING.

What will God do today? I eagerly anticipate to hear from God today or to see Him in action – to feel His presence and be filled with His Spirit. What NEW song will God give me today? Will it be a song of praise or a song of salvation, a song of struggle or a song of commitment? I sit in expectation as I wait for the show to begin.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 9-11; 2 Chronicles 7:11-9:28

I love my job! I thank God all the time for this incredible opportunity, yet there are times when the job is so big and the responsibility so heavy! I find my heart heavy over big decisions that have to be made. I pray for the gift of God’s wisdom – the same gift He so generously gave to Solomon, and the same gift He promises to each of us, if only we will ask.

King Solomon asked for wisdom and was blessed by God with wisdom and so many more blessings. God was generous with Solomon, equipping him to lead well and blessing His people through Solomon’s leadership. Yet, as with many previous leaders, Solomon lost his focus on the source of everything good in his life. 1 Kings 11:6 says that Solomon “refused to follow the Lord COMPLETELY as his father, David, had done.”

INSISTING ON OUR OWN WAY

God had given Solomon so much – wisdom and riches and honor among everyone who heard of his wisdom – yet Solomon desired what God had not given him. The Lord had specifically instructed Solomon not to marry foreign women because they would turn his heart to their gods and away from the one true God. “Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord” (1 Kings 11:2b-3).

Immediately my heart feels conviction at these words. How often have I desired what God has NOT given me instead of resting content in what He has given? I could easily change this verse to say, “Yet Sherry insisted on _____________ anyway.” Maybe it is because I am the youngest child in my family. Maybe it is because I am a stubborn and determined person. IT’S HARD NOT TO GET WHAT I WANT. Anyone with me? My nature is to want to manipulate and beg and stubbornly hold onto desires when God has already told me “No”.

God reduced the reign of Solomon’s descendants to only one tribe in response to Solomon’s unfaithfulness. He then placed Jeroboam on the throne of the other ten tribes and God’s generosity was poured out on someone else besides Solomon. Solomon’s selfish decision divided God’s people. Some were still under the reign of King Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, and some were now under the reign of King Jeroboam.

GOD SAYS, “FOLLOW MY WAYS”

God laid out the expectations right away for Jeroboam, giving him instructions that can also help us avoid a fall such as Solomon’s.

“And I will place you on the throne of Israel, and you will rule over all that your heart desires. If you…
Listen to what I tell you and
Follow my ways and
Do whatever I consider to be right, and
If you obey my decrees and commands as my servant David did,
THEN I will always be with you.” – 1 Kings 11:37-38a

And this is where God brought me again today – to a familiar passage in 2 Chronicles. These verses popped off the page, giving me a good way to end my morning coffee time and begin my day:

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy – a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.” – 2 Chronicles 7:12-16

SEEK GOD’S FACE

Here is that dance of life between God and man once again. God is sovereign and He is good. We are meant to let Him take the lead in our relationship with Him. But, just like the Israelites and like King Solomon, we often pull out of His arms in a desire to do our own thing or in a gesture of pouting over God’s response to our requests. These verses we just read in 2 Chronicles are so powerful. He is God! At times He may bless us and at times He may take away His blessings in order to get us to once more call out His name, humbling ourselves and submitting to His lead.

Oh, may I not lose focus on the source of everything good in my life! Lord, you have my attention! Today I choose to follow you COMPLETELY. May I not insist on anything in my life that is not what You desire for me. Please change the desires of my heart to match what you desire for me.

Please give me wisdom as I listen to what you tell me, follow your ways, do whatever YOU consider to be right. Give me a spirit of obedience. Lord, this morning I humble myself before you and seek your face. Please forgive me, open your eyes to me and be attentive to my prayer. May your name be forever honored through my life. Today may I hear you say, “YOU ARE DEAR TO MY HEART!”

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 5-8; 2 Chronicles 2-7:10; Psalm 84

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

These New Testament verses come to mind as we study this passage in 1 Kings of the beautiful, elaborate temple that Solomon built for God. Solomon took 20 years and many resources to build a gorgeous physical place for God to dwell and for God to be worshipped. Solomon knew that God was too big and too great to be contained in any one place but he desired to CREATE A HOLY ATMOSPHERE where God would be honored.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Even the sparrow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! – Psalm 84:1-3

Oh, how incredible it is to experience the presence of God! I understand Solomon’s desire to create an atmosphere where the Spirit of God is invited to dwell. What a blessing to enter into a place of worship and be surrounded by the God who is worthy of our praise! I can relate to the words in Psalm 84 – the desire to be in His sanctuary, whether that is at Church or in my own quiet time each morning.

When the temple was completed, Solomon dedicated it to the Lord and 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. You have kept your promise to your servant David, my father. You made that promise with your own mouth, and with your own hands you have fulfilled it today…”

“But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built! Nevertheless, listen to my prayer and my plea, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you today. May you watch over this Temple night and day, this place where you have said, ‘My name will be there.’” – 1 Kings 8:23-24,27-29

Solomon went on to pray to God for justice, protection, provision, healing, growth, deliverance and forgiveness. Then he prayed, “May your eyes be open to my requests and to the requests of your people Israel. May you hear and answer them whenever they cry out to you” (1 Kings 8:52).

To experience the presence of God, to be heard and answered – how generous God is to allow us into this kind of relationship with Him. This passage speaks to the earthly temple we build within ourselves, creating a place where the Holy Spirit can dwell – a holy atmosphere where God can be honored. As we open our hearts to God’s will in our lives, He comes in and finishes the work. With His hands, He creates something beautiful and elaborate out of our plain, earthly lives.

Can God be contained in one simple place? No and isn’t that wonderful! Our God is so great and we are so unworthy of His presence, yet He shows unfailing love to us when He meets with us and creates within us something holy. And then He places His signature on His artwork – My name will be there.

So this morning my prayer echoes Solomon’s – a prayer for justice, protection, provision, healing, growth, deliverance and forgiveness. Thank you, O Lord, for your faithfulness and for the unfailing love you show to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion. With confidence I know that you will keep your promises – that the promise you make with your mouth, you will fulfill with your own hands.

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you. – Psalm 84:10-12

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Proverbs 2:3-6

Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9

Solomon understood the enormity of the task before him and humbly asked for God to make him all he needed to be for this position of honor and authority among God’s people. He knew what he lacked was wisdom, so he asked God for wisdom. His father David had praised the God who could examine hearts and find integrity (1 Chron 29:17). Solomon needed the ability to find this same kind of integrity in the hearts of God’s people as they came to him to settle disputes.

Some time later two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled. “Please, my lord,” one of them began, “this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth while she was with me in the house. Three days later this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there were only the two of us in the house.

“No,” the first woman said, “the living child is mine, and the dead one is yours.” And they argued back and forth before the king. – 1 Kings 3:16-22

Integrity in the heart of a prostitute – that is what Solomon was looking to find. Prostitutes were the most despised class of women in the Israelite community. For Solomon to even agree to meet with these women demonstrated that he was kind and just. He could have rejected them for being pregnant outside of marriage, but he took the time to hear their story and extend a helping hand.

They were alone in this world, no one to even witness the births and testify to whose child was whose. They were cast off from their families, used by men and then abandoned. Yet Solomon had the gift of an UNDERSTANDING HEART and he took time to listen to their story and meet their needs. Solomon’s greatest desire was to help his people, so God gave him the WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE he had requested (2 Chronicles 1:11-12).

Then the king said, “Let’s get the facts straight. Both of you claim the living child is yours, and each says the dead one belongs to the other. All right, bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought to the king.

When all Israel heard the king’s decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice. – 1 Kings 3:23-28

The actions of the mother of the living baby revealed her heart. She loved her child enough to give him up. Solomon heard the love of a mother in her reaction and gave her back her child. COMPASSION, UNDERSTANDING, WISDOM and JUSTICE. What God had called him to do, God equipped him to do. God gave Solomon what he needed.

God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else…His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon. – 1 Kings 4:29-34

Lord, give us today all we need to be used by you in the lives of those around us. Equip us with the compassion needed to care enough to listen to the stories of those who are in need of justice. Fill us with the understanding we need to help them. Give us your wisdom – not for our own glory but for yours! May integrity be demonstrated in our lives and revealed in our hearts. We love you, Lord.

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:3-6

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
Praise him forever! – Psalm 111:10

When I read through this story of the two prostitutes, I think of all the incredible birthmothers I have met over the years. That moment of sacrifice when a mother cries out on behalf of her child…that courageous decision that shows she loves her baby enough to give him up…that selfless action of choosing a different life for the baby she loves…

Then I look at Solomon’s compassionate heart as he takes the time to listen to her story. I see in him a reflection of the God who knows everything about us and cares deeply about our future. Lord, give us this kind of compassion and understanding for others. Help us to seek justice and search for integrity. Give us insight and lead us into these kinds of moments today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 2:13-4

This weekend we had the privilege of celebrating our friend Abbott’s 4th birthday. I asked what toys he would really like and found out that Paw Patrol is his favorite. Last night we went to Pizza Ranch to give him gifts, sing Happy Birthday and eat some delicious food! I had never been to this buffet before and there were so many choices of pizza. I stood there staring at the options, struggling with what kind to try.

“What can I do for you today?” What if you hear these words from God as you sit down to spend time in His presence? How will you answer? What will you choose? I teach the 9th & 10th grade Sunday School class at church and we have been working our way through the Bible. We have spent the last couple of months studying Saul, David and Solomon. A couple of weeks ago, I asked the students to think of something they would like to ask God for. If they could pick one thing, one BIG request, what would it be? The answers varied. Some answers were humorous, some creative and some profound.

If you could ask God for anything, what would you ask Him for? If God woke you up this morning with the announcement that He wants to bless you greatly, that you are to choose a gift from Him and He will give it to you in abundance, what gift would you choose?

Remember the wish George made in the movie It’s A Wonderful Life? He wished he had never been born and an angel granted him the wish. For the next few days he saw what life would have been like for everyone else without him. The experience opened his eyes and changed his perspective on life. What if the gift you could ask for from God was one that would forever change you?

On his deathbed, King David gives his son Solomon advice on how to lead His people. If I put myself in Solomon’s situation, I imagine he must have felt overwhelmed and unequipped for the job ahead of him. Scripture tells us that Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father, David. But, in addition to his obedience, Solomon worshipped God and sacrificed generously to Him. The Lord saw Solomon’s heart and asked, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” (1 Kings 3:2-5)

Solomon replied, “You showed faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued your faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne. Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! GIVE ME AN UNDERSTANDING HEART so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for WISDOM. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies – I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for – riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.” -1 Kings 3:5-14, NLT

That is the God we serve! Our God gives us what we ask for and also what we do not ask for. God sees the hearts of His people and blesses them accordingly. Remember the words of David in his final psalm: “I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there” (1 Chron. 29:17a). In Solomon, God saw great humility and a desire to serve God well.

In response to the sacrificial life Solomon was living, God offered him the opportunity to ask for ANYTHING and Solomon asked for wisdom. Solomon could have asked for something for himself and instead he asked for something that would help him serve God and his people better. Solomon’s request was selfless and generous. God’s response matched Solomon’s as he generously gave him very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore… He was wiser than anyone else (1 Kings 4:29-31).

But we know that about God, right? We know he LOVES to give gifts, especially wisdom. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).

This week many of us will pull up to a drive-through at our favorite coffee place and hear the words, “What can I do for you today?” What if we hear those same words from God today as we sit down to spend time in His presence? How will we answer? “What can I do for you today?” I have some big decisions to make this week so my response is “I would like a venti of wisdom with a double shot of understanding, please!” What will you ask the Lord for today?

Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.
Give me an eagerness for your laws
rather than a love for money!
Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word. – Psalm 119:33-37