If God were to directly speak to you today, what would He say? Would they be words of reassurance, or words of warning? Perhaps His words to one man might serve as a pattern for what He would say to us.
"Now it came about when Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all that Solomon desired to do, that the LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon." (1 Kings 9.1-2)
The setting is the conclusion of king Solomon's work in building a magnificent temple for worship, as well as other initiatives on his heart and mind. Against that backdrop, Yahweh God communicates this message:
"I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually .As for you, if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, just as I promised to your father David, saying, 'You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.' " (1 Kings 9.3-5)
God was pleased with the temple Solomon has had built, and looked at it with special favor. As for Solomon, he could anticipate God's special covenant blessings if he walked in faithfulness and integrity. But, a solemn warning is also issued: unfaithfulness will result in judgment and destruction (vss.6-9).
A special relationship with the Father is a type of two-edged sword: immense blessings and favor, but harsh judgment if there is blatant disregard and unfaithfulness. It's much like a marriage relationship.
So, what would God say to you today? He would be pleased with your initiatives for Him. He would remind you of the blessings of faithfulness to His covenant. But, He would also warn you of the consequences of unfaithfulness to Him. This is His timeless message to all His people.
Today is the day to continue with our godly initiatives. His blessings will rest upon such work in the form of His empowering Spirit to accomplish what we desire. Within His grace through His Son, Jesus, we are reminded of His promises. The kingdom is coming. The gift of resurrection and immortality is promised. But, should we reject His grace, a fearful prospect awaits.
So, let's be up and about with that which He has placed on our hearts. Remember judgment, but dwell on grace and promises. Live joyfully and confidently in His favor.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
"Now it came about when Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all that Solomon desired to do, that the LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon." (1 Kings 9.1-2)
The setting is the conclusion of king Solomon's work in building a magnificent temple for worship, as well as other initiatives on his heart and mind. Against that backdrop, Yahweh God communicates this message:
"I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually .As for you, if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, just as I promised to your father David, saying, 'You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.' " (1 Kings 9.3-5)
God was pleased with the temple Solomon has had built, and looked at it with special favor. As for Solomon, he could anticipate God's special covenant blessings if he walked in faithfulness and integrity. But, a solemn warning is also issued: unfaithfulness will result in judgment and destruction (vss.6-9).
A special relationship with the Father is a type of two-edged sword: immense blessings and favor, but harsh judgment if there is blatant disregard and unfaithfulness. It's much like a marriage relationship.
So, what would God say to you today? He would be pleased with your initiatives for Him. He would remind you of the blessings of faithfulness to His covenant. But, He would also warn you of the consequences of unfaithfulness to Him. This is His timeless message to all His people.
Today is the day to continue with our godly initiatives. His blessings will rest upon such work in the form of His empowering Spirit to accomplish what we desire. Within His grace through His Son, Jesus, we are reminded of His promises. The kingdom is coming. The gift of resurrection and immortality is promised. But, should we reject His grace, a fearful prospect awaits.
So, let's be up and about with that which He has placed on our hearts. Remember judgment, but dwell on grace and promises. Live joyfully and confidently in His favor.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 8:57 AM
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