How can we apply Solomon's dedication to our personal worship practices today? Scripture spotlight “Solomon consecrated the middle of the courtyard that was in front of the house of the LORD; there he offered the burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar he had made could not accommodate the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat portions.” (2 Chronicles 7:7) What Solomon actually did • Set apart more space than originally planned so every sacrifice could be presented • Filled that space with wholehearted offerings—burnt offerings (total surrender) and peace offerings (fellowship with God) • Treated the moment as holy, marking it off for the Lord alone Timeless principles behind his actions • Worship overflows normal limits when hearts are overwhelmed by God’s greatness (Psalm 96:8) • Dedication is tangible: it claims real time, space, and resources for God (1 Chronicles 29:3) • God receives worship that costs us something significant (2 Samuel 24:24) • The Lord responds to sincere, obedient dedication with abiding presence (2 Chronicles 7:1–3) Moving from Solomon’s courtyard to today’s living room 1. Offer your whole self – Romans 12:1: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” – Treat every part of life—work, leisure, relationships—as altar space 2. Make room for more worship – Examine your schedule; carve out additional, protected time with the Lord – Remove distractions just as Solomon cleared a courtyard 3. Bring varied “offerings” – Praise: Hebrews 13:15, “sacrifice of praise” – Generosity: Philippians 4:18 calls gifts “a fragrant offering” – Service: Colossians 3:17, doing all “in the name of the Lord Jesus” 4. Expect God’s presence – John 14:21 promises Christ will “reveal Himself” to obedient worshipers – Approach each quiet time anticipating the same reality Solomon witnessed Practical ways to consecrate your personal space • Dedicate a specific chair, desk, or corner solely for Bible reading and prayer • Use physical reminders—keep a Bible open, light a candle, play Scripture songs—to mark the space as holy • Schedule regular fasts or special nights of worship beyond Sunday services • Keep a journal of answered prayers to rehearse God’s faithfulness, echoing Solomon’s public thanksgiving (2 Chronicles 6:14) A pattern worth following Like Solomon, we enlarge our “altar” when love for God exceeds convenience. The more space we give Him—in heart, home, and habits—the more He fills it with His glory. |
    |