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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.

(324) 20 November : Proverbs 18v16 / 1 Kings 6-7 / Psalm 75v1-5

BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
As the place of God's presence on earth, the design of the temple stresses (1) it's importance - made of materials linked with royalty and purity, (2) it being a copy of heaven - decorated with cherubim, (3) it foreshadowing the Eden-like new creation - decorated with palm trees, flowers, pomegranates and mighty creatures. It's centre was the inner sanctuary comprising two rooms. The most special of these was "the most holy place" where the ark of the covenant was kept, containing the ten commandments. The ark was essentially the earthly throne of the heavenly God. This room was where his presence would be especially manifest, and so could be entered only by the High Priest once a year. Meditating on the details here should whet our appetite for entering the most holy place of heaven and the world to come, where we will be with God not in a room within a building but in everything. But we should note too, that building such a house for God means little without the obedience God requires (6v11-13). The LORD was pleased to accept it. But he hadn't asked for it nor required it, being quite content with the tent used since Sinai (2 Sam 7v5-7). It is not grand gestures that the Lord looks for in us, but simple loving obedience. Those who respond in this way are God's temple, built of spiritual stones, and far more precious to him (Eph 2v21-22, 1 Pet 2v5). As you read note the details.
1 Kings 6-7

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.