1 Kings 4-7

Throughout 1 Kings 4-7, life is good in Israel with the wise and very wealthy King Solomon in charge.  The king has chosen his officials and district governors well, and Israel enjoys a time of peace.  It doesn't take long for Solomon to become a well respected leader as word spreads of his great knowledge and discernment.  Four years after taking over as king, Solomon begins building the Lord's temple, and he develops a strong working relationship with King Hiram of Tyre.  The temple is a massive project; and after it's done, he moves on to building his own palace.  God fills Solomon with the same promises he gave his father David.  Solomon clearly has God's blessing and favor on his side.

Solomon's story reminds me that realizing God's promises for my life depends on my willingness to listen to Him and obey Him.

Our God is a good God, full of redeeming grace.  And, that means that God blesses us above and beyond what we deserve or could ever earn.

God has shown us (through David's example) that no matter what, He always loves us.

However, God also continues to remind us that He needs us to listen to Him and do His work and will in the world.  We see that as God speaks to Solomon.

11 The word of the Lord came to Solomon: 12 “As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. 13 And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.”

1 Kings 6:11-13

Listening and acting on God's call for our lives is where His greatest promises are fulfilled.

We are never closer to God or more empowered than when we become instruments of God's grace, aligning our passions and dreams with God's purposes for our lives.  That's where the biggest blessings happen.

Jesus, our example and Savior, did just that.  And now, we have new and abundant life for all eternity.

Thanks be to God!

A prayer for today-

Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who blesses me with new and abundant life.  Help me to remember Your ultimate sacrifice and perfect love during this time of Easter and always.  Fill me with Your promises and transform my heart.

I pray that You will make my passions and dreams one with Your purposes for my life.  Direct my steps to work for You.

To You, Lord, be all the glory forever and ever.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.