Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 5 & 6

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The work was finally completed on the Temple.  It was time to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the Temple, along with all the silver and gold and all the furnishings that David had dedicated.  King Solomon gathered all the leaders of Israel as they dedicated the Temple.  The priests make more sacrifices than they could count.  There was an orchestra and choir of priests all together making a glorious sound of worship and praise to God.  They proclaimed that God is good and His mercy endures forever.  The place was filled with a cloud of the presence of God.  The power and presence of God was so thick that they could not continue ministering to the Lord.
    Solomon prayed a powerful prayer of dedication.  This was the culmination of decades of planning and work.  The Temple was a special place where they would worship God and be reminded of God’s righteousness and their need of repentance.  God would receive glory as they honored Him.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God has a plan for life.  King David had his own plan that went contrary to God’s plan for his life.  David was submissive to God in this that he did not build the Temple.  Solomon followed through with the instructions and had the Temple built.  They recognized that this whole plan came from God. The worshiped, they honored God as they dedicated this special place and God filled the place with His presence and glory.  Doing what God requires and being blessed to be in His presence is very important.  Life provided many exciting events.  There is nothing that comes close to being in God’s presence and sensing His power.  The end of chapter five says that the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud and the priests could not minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house.  That strong sense of the presence of God is something to long for, it is the best.

3.  How can I help someone?
    People seek fun and fulfillment in many ways.  Some use various chemicals and substances never intended to be put in a human body to seek a good experience.  Some seek illicit relationships to fill a void in life.  People try all kinds of things.  People need to know that God is the One who brings the greatest and only real fulfillment in life.  Nothing beats being in His presence.