Monday March 20, 2006

Text for the Day -- I Kings 6:1, 11-14
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In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites came out
of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over
Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to
build the house of the Lord.

Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, 'Concerning this house that
you are building, if you will walk in my statutes, obey my
ordinances, and keep all my commandments by walking in them, then I
will establish my promise with you, which I made to your father
David. I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not
forsake my people Israel.'

So Solomon built the house, and finished it.

Devotional
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Solomon built the first temple in Israel. It was a magnificent
building, dedicated to the glory of God. God assured Solomon that if
he walked in the ways of the Lord, God would bless the people with
God's presence and divine protection. The temple became the central
symbol of God's presence with the people. Later Jesus would become
that center.

Prayer
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Lord, help me create a sacred space within for your presence. Amen