Friday, May 23, by Nancy

Scripture:
2 Chronicles 7:10
They left rejoicing, exuberant over all the good God had done for David and Solomon and his people Israel.

Psalm 135:19-21
Family of Israel, bless God!
Family of Aaron, bless God!
Family of Levi, bless God!
You who fear God, bless God!
Oh, blessed be God of Zion,
First Citizen of Jerusalem!
Hallelujah!

Observation:
Solomon has completed his temple. He dedicates it with joyful sacrifice and worship. He prays personally and in intercession for his people--a leader with a heart for those he serves--and God hears his prayers. God's presence boldly fills the temple, God speaks directly to Solomon in answer to his prayers, and the people celebrate. The Feast of the Tents that year lasted two weeks. Two weeks of worship and adoration. Two weeks of honor and sacrifice. Two weeks of celebration. And when they left, they did so rejoicing, celebrating God's goodness as they went back to their homes and communities.

Application:
Is that my response to God's presence in my life? I believe that God's temple today is me! His presence has filled me. Do I go my way rejoicing? Is there joy in my life as I work and live and serve? Is there joy in my life as I wait in line at the grocery store? As I pay for gas for my car? As I work in my yard? My life should be characterized by joy, after all I am saved by grace. God has taken my sins and placed them as far as the east is from the west. He has forgotten them--not because I am so great but because HE is. I live my life chosen by God, filled with His very presence, how can I get caught up in social slights from a neighbor, grumpy complaints from people around me, angst over the future? The God of the universe in His unspeakable grace has chosen to dwell in me!

Prayer:
I say today, I bless you, Lord, God of the Universe. Your grace is beyond understanding. Your faithfulness is beyond the measure of mere man. I stand in awe that you choose relationship with me. Your great compassion and mercy are gifts my mind cannot grasp. I rejoice in your grace. I rejoice in your faithfulness, I rejoice in your compassion and mercy. I rejoice to live the life you have invited me to. Hallelujah.
Amen.