How can we prioritize God's presence in our lives like Solomon's temple? Honoring the Blueprint of 1 Kings 6:16 “He built twenty cubits on the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling, and he built this within as an inner sanctuary—the Most Holy Place.” • Solomon reserved prime space, finest materials, and meticulous detail for the Lord’s dwelling. • The inner sanctuary came first in his planning, not last. Making Room: Our Inner Sanctuary • 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… you are not your own.” • Begin every day by acknowledging His ownership; schedule time with Him before other commitments, reflecting Exodus 33:15: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” • Guard mental space: turn down competing voices (news, entertainment) so His Word can resonate. Selecting Cedar: Offering Our Best • Solomon chose cedar—durable, fragrant, costly. • Offer premium portions of resources and energy, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9). • Invest in Christ-honoring music, books, friendships that enrich holiness. Set Apart for Holiness • The Most Holy Place was separated by walls and veil. • Establish moral boundaries: “What fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). • Eliminate practices that dull sensitivity to sin; cultivate clean hands and pure hearts (Psalm 24:3-4). Continual Filling with Glory • Once finished, “the glory of the LORD filled the temple” (1 Kings 8:11). • Welcome His glory through praise and obedience (Psalm 22:3). • Stay teachable: sit at Jesus’ feet like Mary, Luke 10:39, valuing presence over performance. Regular Maintenance • Priests cared for the sanctuary daily; neglect invited decay. • Conduct frequent heart-checks: confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9). • Renew mind in Scripture (Romans 12:2); practice fasting to recalibrate appetites. Blessing Beyond the Walls • A God-filled temple became Israel’s witness to nations (1 Kings 8:41-43). • Let His presence overflow in service, generosity, and gospel proclamation (Matthew 5:16). • As He dwells within, our lives point others to the greater Solomon—Christ Himself—who “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). |
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