Today's Devotion
Sunday, April 27, 2025
1 Kings 8
The temple is finished, and it is time to celebrate. Solomon gathers his people to Jerusalem and reminds them of the awesomeness of their great God. He reminds them that the God of Israel is the one, true God and that His power is unmatched in the universe. He reminds them of His gracious choosing of Israel as His people, and the great work He has done throughout their rich history. He also reminds them that God has chosen to dwell among them in this magnificent house of worship. Solomon’s prayers are heartfelt, and his blessings inspire them to a singular focus in their lives. When the cloud descends upon the temple, the people watch in awe as the Almighty moves into his new earthly dwelling place. It had to be a life-changing moment to see God work in such a visible and obvious way. Solomon celebrated the occasion with thousands of sacrifices and offerings. It was an incredible dedication service and a beautiful reminder of God’s importance in their lives, families, and culture. Does God have that much value in your life? Have you surrendered the throne of your heart fully to Him and do you know Him as Lord and King? We are the temple of God. He has chosen to reside inside of His children; therefore, we must recognize Him as the one, true God and rest in His unmatched power. We must never forget that He has chosen us and welcomed us into His family. We must continually look back at His awesome work in our lives and trust that He will continue to do that work until the day of redemption. (Philippians 1:6) Our great God is worthy of our time and energy. He is worthy of a daily time in His Word and in prayer. He is worthy of our service, and our faithful commitment to corporate worship. He is our awesome God! Solomon surrendered fully to Him; will you?
Help me, Lord, to live my life in a manner that honors Your Name and celebrates Your great fame. Help me to lean fully upon Your power and enjoy Your constant presence in my life.
1 Kings 8
The temple is finished, and it is time to celebrate. Solomon gathers his people to Jerusalem and reminds them of the awesomeness of their great God. He reminds them that the God of Israel is the one, true God and that His power is unmatched in the universe. He reminds them of His gracious choosing of Israel as His people, and the great work He has done throughout their rich history. He also reminds them that God has chosen to dwell among them in this magnificent house of worship. Solomon’s prayers are heartfelt, and his blessings inspire them to a singular focus in their lives. When the cloud descends upon the temple, the people watch in awe as the Almighty moves into his new earthly dwelling place. It had to be a life-changing moment to see God work in such a visible and obvious way. Solomon celebrated the occasion with thousands of sacrifices and offerings. It was an incredible dedication service and a beautiful reminder of God’s importance in their lives, families, and culture. Does God have that much value in your life? Have you surrendered the throne of your heart fully to Him and do you know Him as Lord and King? We are the temple of God. He has chosen to reside inside of His children; therefore, we must recognize Him as the one, true God and rest in His unmatched power. We must never forget that He has chosen us and welcomed us into His family. We must continually look back at His awesome work in our lives and trust that He will continue to do that work until the day of redemption. (Philippians 1:6) Our great God is worthy of our time and energy. He is worthy of a daily time in His Word and in prayer. He is worthy of our service, and our faithful commitment to corporate worship. He is our awesome God! Solomon surrendered fully to Him; will you?
Help me, Lord, to live my life in a manner that honors Your Name and celebrates Your great fame. Help me to lean fully upon Your power and enjoy Your constant presence in my life.
Weekly Archive
Saturday, April 26, 2025
1 Kings 7
Solomon builds himself a massive palace and puts the finishing touches on the temple. He hires Hiram from the tribe of Naphtali to complete all the bronze work in God’s new earthly home. He puts his skills to work for the Lord and does a beautiful work in decorating the temple with bronze pillars, pomegranates, oxen, and gourds. He took each idea from King Solomon and made it a reality using his God-given skills. Do you see it? God gave Hiram those skills to take care of his family and to complete this work on the temple. Our gifts and abilities are all from the Lord and have a dual purpose for our lives and for God’s kingdom. It is important that we prioritize both and use everything God has given us for our good and His glory. Hiram prepared for his masterpiece through years of hard work and continued growth. He honed his skills perfectly in preparation for this moment whether he knew it or not. As we continue to hone our skills for the Lord, He will put them to work in His kingdom. His plan might make perfect sense, or it could be something completely unexpected that uses our gifts and skills in a manner we never dreamed. Hiram might have never considered adding the finishing touches to the most magnificent structure in Israel, but eventually he knew that God prepared him perfectly for this moment. What gifts and skills has God given you? How could He use them for your good and His glory? I pray as you hone those gifts and skills, you will be open to the Spirit’s guidance as He shows you exactly how God wants to use them.
Help me, Lord, to be thankful for every gift and every skill You provide. Help me to hone those gifts and skills in preparation for the work You have for me to do in Your kingdom.
1 Kings 7
Solomon builds himself a massive palace and puts the finishing touches on the temple. He hires Hiram from the tribe of Naphtali to complete all the bronze work in God’s new earthly home. He puts his skills to work for the Lord and does a beautiful work in decorating the temple with bronze pillars, pomegranates, oxen, and gourds. He took each idea from King Solomon and made it a reality using his God-given skills. Do you see it? God gave Hiram those skills to take care of his family and to complete this work on the temple. Our gifts and abilities are all from the Lord and have a dual purpose for our lives and for God’s kingdom. It is important that we prioritize both and use everything God has given us for our good and His glory. Hiram prepared for his masterpiece through years of hard work and continued growth. He honed his skills perfectly in preparation for this moment whether he knew it or not. As we continue to hone our skills for the Lord, He will put them to work in His kingdom. His plan might make perfect sense, or it could be something completely unexpected that uses our gifts and skills in a manner we never dreamed. Hiram might have never considered adding the finishing touches to the most magnificent structure in Israel, but eventually he knew that God prepared him perfectly for this moment. What gifts and skills has God given you? How could He use them for your good and His glory? I pray as you hone those gifts and skills, you will be open to the Spirit’s guidance as He shows you exactly how God wants to use them.
Help me, Lord, to be thankful for every gift and every skill You provide. Help me to hone those gifts and skills in preparation for the work You have for me to do in Your kingdom.
Friday, August 25, 2025
1 Kings 6
The new temple was beautiful, massive, and grandiose. It was built to accomplish every purpose God ordained for His earthly home and to create awe in the hearts of all who saw it. The dimensions were exact, and the décor was fit for the King of all kings and perfectly balanced. Solomon’s wisdom guided the workers to create the most magnificent structure in Canaan and one of the greatest in the world. Why? The young king built this palatial, gold overlaid temple for the one, true God who deserved nothing less. His God was satisfied with a humble tabernacle made of wood and cloth, but he was not. Just like his father, Solmon only wanted the very best for the Almighty. In Christ, we are God’s temple, His dwelling place on the earth. When we are justified (declared right by God) by grace through faith, His Spirit moves into our lives and begins to dwell (abide) in us (John 14:16-17). Paul tells us at the end of 1 and 2 Corinthians 6 that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should live like it daily. He focuses on our morality in that text but reminds us throughout his writings that our new status as the temple of God should change everything about our lives. Is your temple physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy? Solomon spared no expense to build the best house for God; should that not be our goal, as well? What are you doing at this point in your life to stay healthy in every aspect of your life? It will take discipline and some serious changes, but it is so worth it because you are the temple where God’s Spirit currently dwells. He is worthy of all the work you put in and all the discipline that becomes a normal part of your daily grind. He is worthy! Are you ready?
Help me, Lord, to be a healthy, well-balanced temple for Your Spirit. Help me to be a temple that honors You with a strong faith, hard work, and a growing love for the life-changing disciplines of Your Word.
1 Kings 6
The new temple was beautiful, massive, and grandiose. It was built to accomplish every purpose God ordained for His earthly home and to create awe in the hearts of all who saw it. The dimensions were exact, and the décor was fit for the King of all kings and perfectly balanced. Solomon’s wisdom guided the workers to create the most magnificent structure in Canaan and one of the greatest in the world. Why? The young king built this palatial, gold overlaid temple for the one, true God who deserved nothing less. His God was satisfied with a humble tabernacle made of wood and cloth, but he was not. Just like his father, Solmon only wanted the very best for the Almighty. In Christ, we are God’s temple, His dwelling place on the earth. When we are justified (declared right by God) by grace through faith, His Spirit moves into our lives and begins to dwell (abide) in us (John 14:16-17). Paul tells us at the end of 1 and 2 Corinthians 6 that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should live like it daily. He focuses on our morality in that text but reminds us throughout his writings that our new status as the temple of God should change everything about our lives. Is your temple physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy? Solomon spared no expense to build the best house for God; should that not be our goal, as well? What are you doing at this point in your life to stay healthy in every aspect of your life? It will take discipline and some serious changes, but it is so worth it because you are the temple where God’s Spirit currently dwells. He is worthy of all the work you put in and all the discipline that becomes a normal part of your daily grind. He is worthy! Are you ready?
Help me, Lord, to be a healthy, well-balanced temple for Your Spirit. Help me to be a temple that honors You with a strong faith, hard work, and a growing love for the life-changing disciplines of Your Word.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
1 Kings 5
What about the temple? We have all been waiting in excited anticipation for the moment when Solomon decides to begin building the temple. It was David’s dream to build God a house on earth that was in some little way worthy of His presence. The Almighty forbid him from doing so but promised that his son would do so. Finally, we see the moment unfold as Solomon determines to build the temple and contacts his dad’s good friend, Hiram, to help with the lumber and stone. Hiram is exuberant and readily jumps at the chance to help build such a magnificent structure. In his wisdom, Solomon conscripts forced laborers from the land plus “transporters” and “hewers of stone.” He also placed “3,300 chief deputies who were over the project and who ruled over the people who were doing the work.” Solomon reminds us of the importance of planning before executing. He had a plan for this massive work, and he made sure his deputies were with him on the plan. He did not want any confusion; instead, Solomon prepared the people well for the work ahead. Plans are important in everything that we do. Obviously, we know that any plans made by finite minds will never compare to the plan made by an infinite mind, so we need to always be open to the Spirit’s leading as we make those plans. Planning without preparation of those who will execute the plan will lead to confusion and a lack of excellence and consistency. God planned for mankind’s salvation and then showed us exactly how to experience it (Romans 10:9-10). He prepared a plan for discipleship and then commissioned us with the plan. (Matthew 28:19-20) God gave us His Holy Word to study and apply to our lives and He then taught us how to do so (2 Timothy 2:15). As you make plans for your family, for your career, for your spiritual journey, search for God’s plan, follow His example, and prepare yourself and others well to execute those plans. Your frustration level will decrease while your peace levels and accomplishments will be off the charts.
Help me, Lord, to make plans that are led by Your Spirit and that honor Your Name. Help me to prepare those who will help execute those plans so they can thrive, and Your plan can be fulfilled.
1 Kings 5
What about the temple? We have all been waiting in excited anticipation for the moment when Solomon decides to begin building the temple. It was David’s dream to build God a house on earth that was in some little way worthy of His presence. The Almighty forbid him from doing so but promised that his son would do so. Finally, we see the moment unfold as Solomon determines to build the temple and contacts his dad’s good friend, Hiram, to help with the lumber and stone. Hiram is exuberant and readily jumps at the chance to help build such a magnificent structure. In his wisdom, Solomon conscripts forced laborers from the land plus “transporters” and “hewers of stone.” He also placed “3,300 chief deputies who were over the project and who ruled over the people who were doing the work.” Solomon reminds us of the importance of planning before executing. He had a plan for this massive work, and he made sure his deputies were with him on the plan. He did not want any confusion; instead, Solomon prepared the people well for the work ahead. Plans are important in everything that we do. Obviously, we know that any plans made by finite minds will never compare to the plan made by an infinite mind, so we need to always be open to the Spirit’s leading as we make those plans. Planning without preparation of those who will execute the plan will lead to confusion and a lack of excellence and consistency. God planned for mankind’s salvation and then showed us exactly how to experience it (Romans 10:9-10). He prepared a plan for discipleship and then commissioned us with the plan. (Matthew 28:19-20) God gave us His Holy Word to study and apply to our lives and He then taught us how to do so (2 Timothy 2:15). As you make plans for your family, for your career, for your spiritual journey, search for God’s plan, follow His example, and prepare yourself and others well to execute those plans. Your frustration level will decrease while your peace levels and accomplishments will be off the charts.
Help me, Lord, to make plans that are led by Your Spirit and that honor Your Name. Help me to prepare those who will help execute those plans so they can thrive, and Your plan can be fulfilled.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
1 Kings 4
A great person surrounds him/herself with experts in those areas where he/she is weak. Solomon lists the people who serve on his staff. These people are highly qualified and completely loyal to their king. They are the king’s hands and feet in the kingdom and beyond. The blessings God has poured out on Solomon are too numerous to record or even comprehend. The amount of food needed to feed his table every month is astounding and a reminder of the king’s generosity to those who care for and protect him. Solomon truly loves the Lord and enjoys the incredible gifts that he continually provides. His reputation has spread throughout the world, and his kingdom has no rival at that point in history. His wisdom is also unrivaled in the world and draws crowds whenever he speaks. Solomon reminds us that many people seek truth. Sadly, in today’s culture, they seek it in the wrong places. We assume media will give us truth, but it has proven instead to contradict itself on a consistent basis. We assume culture will lead us to truth, but instead it creates lies that lead people away from the truth. We assume religion will lead us to truth, but it is so man-made and man-focused that it leads its followers astray. God’s Word is truth. (John 17:17) When we read, study, and apply it to our lives, we live in the truth. It literally dwells in us and transforms everything we think, say, and do. Solomon’s ancient proverbs are still read by millions in the Scriptures, and they still make a life-changing impact. As you begin a new day or possibly a new journey in this life, take some time to read the Bible; you will be glad that you did!
Help me, Lord, to read, study, and apply the Scriptures daily so that I can enjoy Your best in all that I do. Help me to help others in their journey by sharing truth with them directly from Your Word.
1 Kings 4
A great person surrounds him/herself with experts in those areas where he/she is weak. Solomon lists the people who serve on his staff. These people are highly qualified and completely loyal to their king. They are the king’s hands and feet in the kingdom and beyond. The blessings God has poured out on Solomon are too numerous to record or even comprehend. The amount of food needed to feed his table every month is astounding and a reminder of the king’s generosity to those who care for and protect him. Solomon truly loves the Lord and enjoys the incredible gifts that he continually provides. His reputation has spread throughout the world, and his kingdom has no rival at that point in history. His wisdom is also unrivaled in the world and draws crowds whenever he speaks. Solomon reminds us that many people seek truth. Sadly, in today’s culture, they seek it in the wrong places. We assume media will give us truth, but it has proven instead to contradict itself on a consistent basis. We assume culture will lead us to truth, but instead it creates lies that lead people away from the truth. We assume religion will lead us to truth, but it is so man-made and man-focused that it leads its followers astray. God’s Word is truth. (John 17:17) When we read, study, and apply it to our lives, we live in the truth. It literally dwells in us and transforms everything we think, say, and do. Solomon’s ancient proverbs are still read by millions in the Scriptures, and they still make a life-changing impact. As you begin a new day or possibly a new journey in this life, take some time to read the Bible; you will be glad that you did!
Help me, Lord, to read, study, and apply the Scriptures daily so that I can enjoy Your best in all that I do. Help me to help others in their journey by sharing truth with them directly from Your Word.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
1 Kings 3
What would you ask for if God offered you a blank check? Solomon was given that opportunity and he asked for “a wise and discerning heart.” God loved that answer and gave it to him along with wealth, fame, and peace in the land. He would be considered the greatest king in the world of his day and would rule over a vast land that God promised his ancestors. In one of his first judgments, two “harlots” came to him with a baby. One mother rolled over on her baby and killed it. She placed her dead baby on the other sleeping mother’s chest and took the live one for herself. Solomon listened carefully to their story, repeated it back to them, and then asked for a sword to be brought to him. He decided to split the baby in half so that each mother could have a part. The true mother immediately begged him to give the baby to her adversary to spare its life. Solomon gave the baby to that mother knowing she was the true birth mother and would instinctively protect her offspring. When word spread of his wisdom, a great respect was experienced by all for the new king. Discernment and wisdom are valuable commodities in a culture filled with deceit, deception, and many distractions. God tells us that we must simply ask for wisdom with a pure, undivided heart, and we will receive it. (James 1:5-7) He never wants His children to wander in darkness feeling lost and fearful; no, God has called us to walk in truth and light without any fear whatsoever. Wisdom is the combined experience of knowledge and understanding and comes from a consistent deep dive into the Scriptures. Solomon knew that discernment and wisdom did not naturally reside in him; therefore, He sought it from the only Source that could truly provide. Will you ask the Lord for discernment and wisdom each day so that you can make a positive and powerful impact upon your world?
Help me, Lord, to ask You daily for discernment and wisdom. Help me to make wise decisions based upon quality time in Your Word that will positively impact those You bring into my life.
1 Kings 3
What would you ask for if God offered you a blank check? Solomon was given that opportunity and he asked for “a wise and discerning heart.” God loved that answer and gave it to him along with wealth, fame, and peace in the land. He would be considered the greatest king in the world of his day and would rule over a vast land that God promised his ancestors. In one of his first judgments, two “harlots” came to him with a baby. One mother rolled over on her baby and killed it. She placed her dead baby on the other sleeping mother’s chest and took the live one for herself. Solomon listened carefully to their story, repeated it back to them, and then asked for a sword to be brought to him. He decided to split the baby in half so that each mother could have a part. The true mother immediately begged him to give the baby to her adversary to spare its life. Solomon gave the baby to that mother knowing she was the true birth mother and would instinctively protect her offspring. When word spread of his wisdom, a great respect was experienced by all for the new king. Discernment and wisdom are valuable commodities in a culture filled with deceit, deception, and many distractions. God tells us that we must simply ask for wisdom with a pure, undivided heart, and we will receive it. (James 1:5-7) He never wants His children to wander in darkness feeling lost and fearful; no, God has called us to walk in truth and light without any fear whatsoever. Wisdom is the combined experience of knowledge and understanding and comes from a consistent deep dive into the Scriptures. Solomon knew that discernment and wisdom did not naturally reside in him; therefore, He sought it from the only Source that could truly provide. Will you ask the Lord for discernment and wisdom each day so that you can make a positive and powerful impact upon your world?
Help me, Lord, to ask You daily for discernment and wisdom. Help me to make wise decisions based upon quality time in Your Word that will positively impact those You bring into my life.
Monday, April 21, 2025
1 Kings 2
Before his passing, David charges his son, Solomon, as the new king of Israel. His charge is a beautiful reminder that God made his servant many promises that will pass down to the new king if he will simply follow the Lord in all that he does. David knows that the future of this nation rests upon Solomon’s shoulders and challenges him to step up to the challenge. He also gives his son a list of people that he should not trust as he starts his reign. Solomon follows his father’s wishes and secures the throne for himself and his sons. For those who are fortunate enough to have a father and/or mother who loves you and continually challenges you, be thankful and obedient. God will honor that obedience and stretch the ministry that he has given you or will give you in the future. Let your parent’s example inspire you to be the best parent you can be and to raise your children in Christ and not in this culture. If you were not that fortunate, praise the Lord for those people He brought into your life to influence you and encourage you in your walk. God will honor that thankfulness and your obedience to the principles taught to you. Let your mentor or friend inspire you to be a mentor or friend to someone who needs to grow in his/her faith and walk in the truth. It is also important for us to listen to the warnings of those God brings into our lives. Understandably, some may be baseless and forgettable, but God will send some to provide insight and protection against those who would do great harm. David loved his son and only wanted God’s best for him. Our godly fathers, mothers, mentors, and friends love us and only want God’s best for us, as well. Solomon obeyed his dad and enjoyed a reign filled with peace and purpose. As you and I obey those truths that God teaches us through our godly parents and His godly people, we, too, will enjoy peace and purpose in all that we say and do.
Help me, Lord, to listen to those godly people You have brought into my life. Help me to be a godly parent to my children or godly mentor to those who need it so they can grow in their faith and walk in Your truth.
1 Kings 2
Before his passing, David charges his son, Solomon, as the new king of Israel. His charge is a beautiful reminder that God made his servant many promises that will pass down to the new king if he will simply follow the Lord in all that he does. David knows that the future of this nation rests upon Solomon’s shoulders and challenges him to step up to the challenge. He also gives his son a list of people that he should not trust as he starts his reign. Solomon follows his father’s wishes and secures the throne for himself and his sons. For those who are fortunate enough to have a father and/or mother who loves you and continually challenges you, be thankful and obedient. God will honor that obedience and stretch the ministry that he has given you or will give you in the future. Let your parent’s example inspire you to be the best parent you can be and to raise your children in Christ and not in this culture. If you were not that fortunate, praise the Lord for those people He brought into your life to influence you and encourage you in your walk. God will honor that thankfulness and your obedience to the principles taught to you. Let your mentor or friend inspire you to be a mentor or friend to someone who needs to grow in his/her faith and walk in the truth. It is also important for us to listen to the warnings of those God brings into our lives. Understandably, some may be baseless and forgettable, but God will send some to provide insight and protection against those who would do great harm. David loved his son and only wanted God’s best for him. Our godly fathers, mothers, mentors, and friends love us and only want God’s best for us, as well. Solomon obeyed his dad and enjoyed a reign filled with peace and purpose. As you and I obey those truths that God teaches us through our godly parents and His godly people, we, too, will enjoy peace and purpose in all that we say and do.
Help me, Lord, to listen to those godly people You have brought into my life. Help me to be a godly parent to my children or godly mentor to those who need it so they can grow in their faith and walk in Your truth.