SOLOMON'S TEMPLE

SPENDING TIME AT THE QUARRY

Read 1 Kings 6

      In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built. 1 Kings 6:7 NIV

* * *

      Solomon was given the task of building the temple according to God’s exact specifications. Among those details were instructions to dress the stones at the quarry–not at the temple site. The temple itself could not be desecrated by the harsh pounding of hammer or chisel. Someone walking past the site would see only the quiet actions of master builders–gifted by God–setting the stones in place.

* * *

      We are told that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Each day should find us at the “quarry” of Jesus our Rock, being molded into shape by His Word. Only then will those walking by the temple site of our lives see calm, peaceful activity as we use our talents for Him.

* * *

      Lord, as I sit before you just now, mold me into your desired shape and use. May I exhibit the evidence of Your Holy Spirit in my life today to my family and everyone who walks by.

* * *

      "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19‑20 NIV

A WISE HEART

BELIEVE AND NOT DOUBT

Read 1 Kings 2:1–4; 3:4–15

      "I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart...” 1 Kings 3:12 NIV

* * *

      When David’s son Solomon first became king, Solomon realized that he was young and inexperienced. When God appeared to him in a dream he said, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties… So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong." (1 Kings 3:7b,9a) God gave him even more than he asked--he also gave him wealth and honor, commending him for his righteous and humble request.

* * *

      God is pleased when we ask Him for wisdom, believing that we will receive it. He promises, “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–-but when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6)

* * *

      Lord, Your insistence that we "believe and not doubt" gives me confidence to ask for guidance in every decision. It also gives me hope that our words and actions will be effective in the lives of our children and grandchildren, as we trust You to bring about godly character in them.

* * *

      The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him… “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart… Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for–both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 1 Kings 3:10–13 NIV