Devotionals for August 19, 2022
"One Another" sermon series continues this Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30am! Make plans to join us!
READ
2 CHRONICLES 6:18-21
But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! Yet, LORD my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.
But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! Yet, LORD my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.
REFLECT
King Solomon prayed these beautiful and honest words when dedicating the finished Temple to God. He had spent years building a golden dwelling place for God. Solomon recognizes how the presence of God brings healing and forgiveness. Also note Solomon’s opening question: “But will God really dwell on earth with humans?” Praise God we know the answer looking back over history! Not only will God dwell in His complete fulness with humanity at His return (see Revelation 21-22), but He also pours out the Holy Spirit into the hearts of Christ followers right now. We have the beautiful mission of being His temple on earth and messengers of forgiveness.
APPLY
Q: Why do you think Solomon offers this long prayer to God at the completion of the Temple?
Q: Do you see yourself as a dwelling place of God?
Q: Jesus said, “you are the light of the world” to His followers. Who’s someone that needs the light of Christ right now?
Q: Do you see yourself as a dwelling place of God?
Q: Jesus said, “you are the light of the world” to His followers. Who’s someone that needs the light of Christ right now?
SING
PRAY
"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Lord, don’t let me yield to the temptation of unforgiveness. You have forgiven me all. Help me to reflect your character, mercy, and love to everyone around me! Amen.
Lord, don’t let me yield to the temptation of unforgiveness. You have forgiven me all. Help me to reflect your character, mercy, and love to everyone around me! Amen.