Bible Pathways - May 20, 2006

May 20, 2006

In Today's Reading:

Solomon encouraged to build the Temple; David's gifts for the Temple; his thanks and prayer; Solomon made king; David's death

David had reigned over Israel forty years; seven years . . . in Hebron, and thirty and three years . . . in Jerusalem (I Chronicles 29:27). In his last year, David assembled all the tribal princes and military captains. He told them how God had chosen Solomon to build His Temple and that their greatest concern should be to be obedient to all the Commandments of the LORD your God (28:8). Then David charged Solomon: Know . . . the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off for ever (28:9).

David then offered one of the most inspiring prayers recorded in the Scriptures. David said, Blessed be Thou, LORD God of Israel our Father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD , and Thou art exalted as Head above all. . . . and in Thine hand is power and might . . . to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious Name (29:10-13).

David's heartfelt prayer is a reminder to all of us that prayer should be a time of praising, and worshiping God with thanksgiving for who He is, as well as for what He has given us. As we recognize our total dependence upon God for everything, we will praise Him for His provision.When we neglect to praise the Lord daily, our worship often becomes a mere ritual. Every day, under every circumstance, in every thing give thanks (I Thessalonians 5:18). To grumble about our circumstances is to express dissatisfaction with God and to question His wisdom and His love for us.

Kneeling, bowing the head, and stretching forth hands are all expressions of worship. David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD (Psalm 134:2). I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (I Timothy 2:8).

Christ Revealed:

Through the gold offered for the Temple by David from his personal wealth (I Chronicles 29:3-5). Gold is the purest metal (Revelation 21:21) and represents the preciousness and great worth of Christ. He is pure (I John 3:2-3).

Word Studies:

27:2 course =ivision; 28:19 works =b> details; 29:1 tender =b> inexperienced; 29:3 proper good =b> personal treasure; 29:15 none abiding =b> no expectation; 29:19 palace =b> Temple.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Sen. Michael Crapo (ID), Rep. Wally Herger (CA), and Rep. Nick Rahall (WV) · Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela · Major languages: English and Hindi · Religious freedom · 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that you would be sanctified through the truth of the Word of God (John 17:17).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Job 1:1