February 29 – "Foretaste of Glory Divine"

 Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 5

"Foretaste of Glory Divine"

The Ark of the Covenant, the Cherubim, and the Holy of Holies hold profound symbolic significance in the Old Testament, offering rich layers of meaning that resonate throughout Scripture and into our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity.

For Christ followers today, the symbolism of the Ark, the Cherubim, and the Holy of Holies holds profound spiritual significance and practical application in our lives.

Presence of God: Just as the Ark represented God's tangible presence among the Israelites, Christians have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within them. Our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), signifying that God's presence resides within us. This reality underscores the intimacy and closeness of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Holiness and Reverence: The imagery of the Cherubim guarding the Ark reminds us of God's holiness and the reverence with which we should approach Him. As Christians, we are called to live holy and set-apart lives, honoring God in all that we do (1 Peter 1:15-16). Our reverence for God acknowledges His sovereignty, majesty, and authority over our lives.

Covenant Relationship: Just as the Ark symbolized God's covenant relationship with Israel, Christians are partakers of the new covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20). This covenant promises forgiveness of sins, adoption into God's family, and eternal life with Him. Our relationship with God is built on His faithfulness and promises, demonstrating His unending love and grace toward us.

In essence, the Ark, the Cherubim, and the Holy of Holies provide a foretaste of the heavenly realities awaiting believers. They point to a future where God's presence, holiness, worship, and covenant promises will be fully realized in the eternal kingdom of Heaven, where believers will experience perfect communion with their Creator for all eternity. Oh, what a day that will be!

February 28 -- "Concealing Offenses"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 17

"Concealing Offenses"

Personal relationships are delicate things. To maintain healthy friendships takes an intentional effort. Depending on your experience, you may wonder if healthy relationships are even possible. There’s a lot of brokenness in the world. Are good, solid, joy-filled relationships even possible? Yes. The Bible makes that very clear. When God created human beings, He made them relational beings. His intent was for us to have wonderful, God-honoring relationships.

Every good relationship requires love, humility, service, patience, acceptance, affection, and forgiveness. Unfortunately, every one of us is infected with the disease of sin. As a result of our sinful nature, we can veer off the course of healthy relationships and can, at times, cause offense to others – even those we are closest to. This is where Proverbs 17:9 comes in – teaching us that in a true, healthy relationship, the loving person will “cover” the offense of the one they love. The word “cover” in this verse means to conceal; hide; cover up. The lesson here is that there is virtue in keeping someone else’s sins to yourself rather than “repeating” them to others. Being a telltale gossip does nothing but degrade relationships and end friendships.

The greatest example of this type of love is found in our Heavenly Father. He, out of His deep love for us, has chosen to cover our offenses and sins. Psalm 32:1 says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” This is the same Hebrew word for “covered” that we find in today’s verse. Think about that! God has chosen to conceal and cover up your sin with the blood of Christ rather than allowing you to be separated from Him! Oh, what love the Father has for us.

God covers your offenses because He seeks love and a relationship built on love with you. And it is our call as His children to do the same for others in our lives. Is there someone who has offended you? Is there a relationship that has been spoiled by another person’s sin or mistake? Do you know someone whom you should forgive? Do it now. Take a moment in God’s presence and bring that person (or persons) to His attention. Tell Him you want to be like Him, forgiving transgressions and covering past sins. Then, from your heart, forgive that person.

If you’ve furthered the damage to your relationship by repeating the matter to others, take another moment to ask God to forgive you. If you ask, He will grant it. Then, if the situation warrants, go to your friend and ask for their forgiveness as well.  Whoever covers an offense seeks love.

February 27 -- "Transfer Your Load"

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16 

"Transfer Your Load"

Picture a father and his son on a long, challenging hike. As they journeyed through the forest, the child's backpack grew heavier, weighing down his small frame. Seeing his struggle, the father gently lifted the burden, offering relief and reassurance. With the weight lifted, they continued together, strengthened by their bond. That is the picture being conveyed by Proverbs 16:3.

The word “commit” in verse 3 carries the idea of transferring a load. It means to roll the heavy load off of your back and roll it onto the back of another – as a man transfers a burden from his own back to one stronger and better able to bear it. Here we are being told to roll our load of work onto the Lord’s back.

While “work” may mean everything we have to do in life, it primarily refers to the “works” we do for God. This includes the entirety of the Christian life – faith, worship, learning, fellowship, prayer, and service. Jesus was a Man who was laser focused on the works He was called to do. Once, after healing a blind man, He said “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4) This was His way of saying, “I must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to Me by the One who sent Me.” The Apostle Paul mirrored this sentiment when he said, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 20:24 NLT)

All of us have tasks to do which have been assigned to us by our Heavenly Father. If we try to carry the burden of these tasks in our own strength, they will be too heavy for us. This is why you must roll your load onto the Lord’s back. Trust Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to enable you to accomplish your assignments from Him. It is in Him that you will find the strength to complete the work He has given you to do. 

We each have a role in the Body of Christ and a distinct mission to fulfill… and God has perfectly equipped us to succeed in His assignment.

The second part of this verse promises that when we roll our burdens onto Him, He will arrange and establish our plans. A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows your unseen motives and controls events according to His purposes and His plan for your life. It is vitally important, therefore, to always bring God into your planning. When your wisdom comes from God, your decisions will always be right. The promise here is that when your plans come from God, they will be firmly established (firm, secure, steadfast, settled). He will quiet your fears and insecurities and put you on the firm foundation of His plan for your life.

February 26 -- "Abomination!"

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 15 

"Abomination!"

Abomination! What a harsh and strong word. It means: a repugnant and despicable thing; a thing so despicable and disgraceful that it causes revulsion and disgust. There aren’t many things that the Lord is disgusted by, but here in Proverbs 15:8, He reveals one of those things – “the sacrifice of the wicked.” There is nothing more offensive to God than the pious actions of those whose hearts are far from Him.

One reason that the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, is that their action “flies in the face” of God’s revealed truth about righteousness and salvation. The Bible is very clear on this matter – salvation can NEVER be earned or merited by one’s external actions. Anyone who tries to “earn” their acceptance by God through their religion is pridefully disputing with God, Himself. They oppose His truth that our righteousness comes as a free gift from Him, not by works, but by grace through faith.

Even the person who diligently applies him/herself to following the commands and ordinances of God and performs the ceremonies and formalities of religion is an abomination to the Lord if his/her heart is not right with Him. No religious acts will do in place of true holiness to the Lord. God will not allow himself to be `bought off' by gifts and sacrifices of the unrepentant and unbelieving person. Not only is God not interested in any sacrifices that the wicked might offer to Him, He finds them to be repulsive. 

But the glorious truth found in the second half of this verse is that “the prayer of the upright is acceptable to Him!” But who is the upright? This is the person who has repented of their sin and self-centered religion and sincerely desires God’s true salvation. When a person admits their own inability to do - or be - anything remotely close to righteous by their own efforts and who - by faith - accepts Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for their sin they are declared “righteous” and “upright” in the sight of God.

From that point on, the upright person seeks the Lord and desires to follow in His ways – not to earn their right standing with God – but because He has graciously declared them upright and they love and worship Him for it. Oh, how God loves to hear the prayers of that person! Pray to Him now. Your heartfelt prayers will be acceptable to Him! It is an amazing truth that God loves to hear from His children.

February 25 -- "A Serious Miscalculation"

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 14 

"A Serious Miscalculation"

Today’s key verse speaks to us about the danger of self-deception. It tells us that something can “seem” to be right, while being all wrong. There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough, but look again, it could be leading you away from eternal life. Tragically, people on the “way to death” have made a serious miscalculation. They have chosen to do what is right in their own eyes without realizing their own vulnerability to self-deception.

Is it possible for us to deceive ourselves into believing what is false? God says it is! People can delude themselves into believing whatever they want. Self-deception is a common thing that happens in some way or another to all of us. The chilling thing about self-deception is that you don’t realize when it is happening to you. Tragically, for many, they may never realize it.

For the unbeliever, unrealized self-deception will culminate in “the way of death.” They may believe that getting into heaven is a matter of “living a good life.” Or following some religious creed or new-age mantra. Or being charitable. Or even “going to church.” Or, they may not believe in the existence of a “heaven” at all. They may say, “It doesn’t really matter what you believe, as long as you believe something.” Sadly, people can become complacent in these self-deceptions and not even see a need for an alternative path. They have made a severe miscalculation that will end in eternal separation from God and the life that is in Him.

For the follower of Christ, self-deception is a serious matter to consider as well. Christians may be believing doctrines or following a way of life that is not consistent with the truth of God. It has been said that “Discernment is more than knowing right from wrong. It is knowing right from almost right.” As a follower of Christ, it is so critical that we discover any ways we are going that are “almost right,” and turn to back to God’s “right” way. To be a “little bit off” can take you severely off course on a long journey.

Perhaps you are compromising with sin, or getting into false doctrine, or teachings that are “nearly right.” You may not even realize it. This is why the Bible repeatedly urges us to check ourselves to make sure that God’s word is the standard for what we believe and how we live. Paul the Apostle exhorted us to, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence that Jesus Christ is in you and that you are following His way of life. If you discover an area where you’re not quite right and true to God’s word, do something about it.

February 24 -- "The Lord's Radiant Outshining"

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 8 

"The Lord's Radiant Outshining"

Here we read about the cloud, the brilliant symbol of the Divine glory and presence. At the inauguration of the Temple and the first service there, the cloud appears to have filled not only the Holy of Holies, but the whole Temple, courtyard, porch and all. It was visible and was evident to all the people who had gathered for this sacred event. By this, Solomon knew that God had honored the place with His presence, and had taken up residence therein.

This was the cloud of glory, which appears visibly at times in the Bible, sometimes called the cloud of “Shekinah” glory. Shekinah Glory is a visible manifestation of God on earth. The word Shekinah is a Hebrew name meaning “dwelling” or “one who dwells.” Shekinah glory refers to the divine presence of God.

This Shekinah is the cloud that stood by Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22); 

The cloud from which God met with Moses and others (Exodus 19:9); 

The cloud that stood by the door of the Tabernacle (Exodus 33:9-10); 

The cloud from which God appeared to the High Priest in the Holy Place inside the veil (Leviticus 16:2); 

The cloud of Ezekiel’s vision, filling the temple of God with the brightness of His glory (Ezekiel 10:4); 

The cloud of glory that overshadowed Mary when she conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35); 

The cloud present at the transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:34-35); 

The cloud of glory that received Jesus into heaven at His ascension (Acts 1:9); 

And this is the cloud that will display the glory of Jesus Christ when He returns in triumph to this earth (Luke 21:27).

What an amazing spectacle! Think of it! A cloud filled the house of the Lord with His glory. “For the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.” (V11). The word “glory” in this verse means honor, splendor, glory, magnificence, brilliance, grandness. It is a word that expresses the impressiveness of God and His holy presence. It is hard to define the glory of God, but we could call it the “radiant outshining” of His character and presence.

In this incidence, the cloud’s presence was so overwhelming that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud. The extreme presence of the glory of God made normal service impossible. The sense of the presence of God was so intense that the priests felt it was impossible to continue in their ministry.

The Lord your God is living and powerful and He wants to show you His Shekinah Glory. Perhaps not as a visible spectacle or an overwhelming cloud, but if you prayerfully seek Him, He will reveal His extreme presence and radiant outshining in your life.

February 23 -- "A Place for God's Presence"

 Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 4

"A Place for God's Presence"

Construction went on for seven years until the Temple, its furniture, its courtyard, and all other articles and decorations connected with it were completed according to plan. Solomon’s Temple (as it has come to be known) was a more permanent form of the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) which had been constructed under Moses’ leadership in the wilderness. It would become the new center of worship for the Israelite people.

It would be hard to overemphasize the importance to the Jews and to Judaism of the ceremony, the symbolism and the sacrifices involved in worship at the Temple in Jerusalem.  The Temple was the place where God dwelt among his people.  The Temple was the place where forgiveness for sins was obtained.  The Temple was the heart of what made a Jew a Jew.  The pilgrimage to the Temple at Jerusalem on the Day of Atonement or one of the other festivals was the highlight of the religious year - indeed it would become the highlight of the entire religious life of the Jew. The purpose all along for the building of the Temple was so that God could dwell amongst his people. 

While the Jewish Temple rituals held great weight for the Jewish people, their true meaning truly blossoms under the New Covenant ushered in by Jesus Christ. Each element of physical worship in the Temple served as a prefiguration of a deeper spiritual reality that finds its complete expression in Christ. For over a millennium, the Levitical priests carried out their daily and yearly duties, oblivious to the fact that they were living out a symbolic foreshadowing of the transformative New Covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice.

The purpose all along for the building of the Temple was so that God could dwell amongst his people without them seeing him directly. If the Temple was the place where God dwelt among his people, then one could argue that the entire focus of the Old Covenant worship was to establish a way to be in fellowship with God and to come into his presence.  This, too, is the focus of the New Covenant.

Once the  sacrifice of Jesus’ blood has been applied to us, we can come into the sanctuary - into the very place where God dwells.  As we spend time in quiet prayer, let us in our minds visualize entering into the Holy Place.  What do we find there?  There we find intimacy in our relationship with God. There we obtain forgiveness for our sins. There we find fellowship with our Creator. There we find the purpose for our existence - to dwell with our God.

February 22 -- "The Company You Keep"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 13

"The Company You Keep"

With whom do you spend your time? Think about this carefully because the people you choose to hang out with can have a dramatic effect on your spiritual health, your relationship with God, and your future. It has been said, “Show me a person’s company, and I will show you the person. Let me know the company he keeps, and I shall easily guess his moral character."

Choose your companions wisely. Here in Proverbs 13, we are told that “Whoever walks with the wise, becomes wise.” If you keep company with others who fear the Lord, and you spend time talking with them about spiritual things, and walk together with them in the ways of the Lord, then their good qualities will begin to “rub off on you.” Your spiritual life will improve by keeping wise company. Hang out with spiritually mature people, and you will begin to mature spiritually.

The opposite is also true, as we read in the second half of this verse, “The companion of fools will suffer harm.” The Apostle Paul confirmed this truth in 1 Corinthians 15:33, "Be not deceived. Evil communications corrupt good morals." If you spend time with those who are not walking in the fear of the Lord, but rather follow worldly and fleshly pursuits, watch out! Your spiritual life will decline by keeping foolish company. Their values and morals will begin to “rub off on you,” and you run the risk of becoming like them. The end result of being a companion of fools is you will “suffer harm.” The King James Version puts this much more bluntly – “a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” And, that is the reality - following unwise and carnal people will ultimately lead you away from God and bring eternal harm to your soul.

This doesn’t mean you should disown your unsaved friends and family. After all, how will they call on the Lord if they haven’t heard of Him? And how are they to hear if you don’t tell them? You should be intent on preaching Christ to them and influencing them for God’s kingdom. Who knows, perhaps by God’s grace you will “rub off” on them?

Just make sure that your “companions” are those who follow Christ and walk in His ways.  Their spirituality and wisdom will rub off on you. 

February 21 -- "The Blessing of Work"

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 12 

"The Blessing of Work"

The Biblical work ethic is one of hard work and diligence. Colossians 3:23-25 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Here, we are commanded to put forth our best efforts, to work from our heart and soul at whatever we do. 

Interestingly, it was God who instituted work at the beginning of creation (prior to the Fall). Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Work is not a burden or an inconvenience in life (as some consider it), it is part of the overall scope of God’s creative genius. The promise here is that working hard will result in “plenty of bread.”

Solomon’s writings contain many wise sayings regarding work. Proverbs 14:23 says, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 6:6-11 says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”

The New Testament contains another important principle regarding work: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) The refusal of an able-bodied person to work should have the consequence that he lacks food. Paul also says that an “idle” man who refuses to work should not be part of the church (verse 6). Solomon here calls it “following worthless pursuits.” The person who spends their time being idle or slothful, or trying to get out of working simply “lacks sense.”

It is important to note that the Bible does not condone workaholism. We do not work merely to amass worldly wealth (in fact, Matthew 6:19-34 warns about this). We work to bring glory to God. We also do not work ourselves into the ground or to the extent that our health is damaged or our families suffer.

Christians should work hard. Work is integral to life, and approaching work as God-given will give us more pleasure in it. We can work cheerfully and without complaint because we are working for the Lord who loves us and has redeemed us. A good work ethic can also be a witness to others (Matthew 5:16). The world takes notice of our efforts and wonders why we do what we do. Accordingly, the follower of Christ should stand out as the hardest worker in the firm; demonstrating the highest work ethic of all.

February 20 -- "The Irony of Charity"

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 11 

"The Irony of Charity"

The Bible is packed full of unconventional wisdom and paradoxes of truth. For example, we must go “down” in order to go “up” (James 4:10). Another example is that when we are “weak” then we are “strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10) Another, we must “lose” our life to “find” it (Matthew 10:39). Another, to be “great” we must be a “servant” (Matthew 20:26).

When Jesus walked this earth, He shocked the world with His unconventional teaching. He would often take a commonly accepted cultural belief and flip it completely upside down by using the leading phrase, “You have heard that it has been said…” and then rocking their belief by saying, “But I say to you…”.

In our culture today, there is a commonly accepted belief regarding riches and wealth. This is the belief that to be happy and satisfied, you must get rich by paying yourself first and holding tightly to the assets you’ve accumulated. The “path to financial freedom” is to invest in your personal future. On this topic, like so many others, the Bible is very unconventional. It may seem paradoxical or even ironic, but according to Scripture, the way to enrich yourself is to open your tight fist and use your assets to bless and enrich others.

One of the striking truths of Scripture is that you cannot outgive God. The more we give, the more we receive. Here in Proverbs 11:25, we are told that the path to enrichment is to open our penny-pinching fingers and use our assets to bring blessing to others. God’s promise is that “the liberal soul shall be made fat” (KJV). — He who gives to those in need, in the true spirit of charity, shall get a hundredfold from God's mercy. How wonderful is the Lord! He gives us the property, gives the heart to use it correctly, and rewards us for doing so - even though all the fruit was found from Himself!

You have heard that it has been said, “Hold on to all that you have, you never know when you may need it,” but I say to you, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” (Luke 6:38) Unconventional wisdom - If you want your life to be enriched, then make it your aim to bless others. You will be soaked with blessings from Heaven when you do.

February 19 -- "The Road Not Taken"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 9 & 10

"The Road Not Taken"

In Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken” we read these words: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” The metaphor of the road is one that speaks to us of a journey, with many roads which we must travel along, and with many alternative paths which we must choose between. As the two roads diverged, the author was forced to choose one, because he could not take both. By choosing one, this meant that he also necessarily had to choose not to take the other. In opting for one road, he was consciously rejecting the other.

In a similar fashion, Proverbs 10 lays out for us two distinct roads our lives could take during our journey here on earth. One is the road to life. The other, the road to going astray. We, too, must pause and intently consider these two roads, because we cannot take both. In opting for one road, we must make the conscious choice not to take the other.

Verse 17 tells us that “whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life.” This path is the road of submission to Jesus Christ. If we heed His instruction, trust His love, and follow His guidance, He will lead us to this “life.” This is the road to everlasting life – not only in the future “by-and-by” but in the present “here-and-now.” Jesus said that He had come to bring us “abundant life” – a life free from worry and free from condemnation for sin - a rich and satisfying life filled with joy and peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit. “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.” (1 John 5:12) This, sadly, is the road less traveled.

The other road is taken by the one who “rejects reproof.” He/she doesn’t pay attention to God’s truth or His chastisement. This person, tragically, will not only go astray themselves, but will lead others astray. In the end, the road they chose will come to a bitter end with pain and misery. That’s why Jesus urged us all to take the road less traveled: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way [road] is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  For the gate is narrow and the way [road] is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14)

So, which road have you chosen? The “path of life”? Or, the path of going astray? Jesus counsels you to take the road less traveled: “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel, you will save it.” (Mark 8:35)

As Frost said, “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

February 18 -- "Pillars in God's House"

 Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 7

"Pillars in God's House"

Two massive bronze pillars were constructed at the entrance to Solomon’s Temple. Their dimensions indicate the extent of the work involved in creating them. Including the decorative tops of the pillars, they stood approximately forty-five feet tall (about the length of the trailer on a semi-truck) and had a diameter of about five feet. 

These pillars were given names: “Jachin” and “Boaz.” Jachin (pronounced yaw-keen) and Boaz (bow·az) stood at the entrance to the temple’s foyer. Their names are significant. Jachin means “he will establish,” and Boaz signifies “in him is strength.” Taken together, the names were a reminder that God would establish the temple and the worship of His name in strength. God had king Solomon erect the two pillars and keep them at the entrance so that people understood the presence of God in the Temple. For the Jews in Solomon’s day these pillars stood as a pointed reminder each time they entered the porch of the Temple that Yahweh was their support and strength.

The pillars of Solomon’s Temple have significance for us today, as well. Jesus refers to them in Revelation 3:11-12 as He is encouraging the Church in Philadelphia. He promises them that “The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name”

With Christ as the foundation, the Church is referred to as the temple of God and the place where His presence dwells. His servants constitute the pillars by which the Church is decorated. In Galatians 2:9, Paul the Apostle refers to Peter, James, and John as “pillars” in the church. The picture, then, is one of the overcomer being established in Christ’s Church with His support and strength.

Just as the Temple pillars had names, so we too – as pillars in God’s temple – will one day bear three names: the name of our God, the name of God’s city, and Jesus Christ’s “new name.” We don’t yet know just what that name will be, but it will surely stand as a pointed reminder that He is the One who has established us (Jachin) and by whose strength (Boaz) we receive eternal life.

February 17 -- "God's Great House"

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 2 & 3 

"God's Great House"

The purpose of the Temple in Jerusalem was to provide a dwelling place for the presence of Yahweh, as it is written, “They are to make a sanctuary for Me so that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8) The Temple Solomon was to build was to be the place of God’s holy presence and the center of worship and spirituality for the nation. In Israel, this Temple to Yahweh was called “Beit Hamikdash,” which translates literally as "the Holy House."

The conventional thinking of Solomon's day was, “The grander the god, the grander the temple.” Thus, a routine or trite deity would have a rather inglorious temple, while the more powerful and great “gods” would have the most elaborate and magnificent temples. The Temple to Yahweh was no exception. It was to be the greatest and most magnificent place. As Solomon said, “The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.” (V5)

The reality is that a Temple great enough to house God’s presence and be a reflection of His grandness could never be built by human hands. The notion that the omnipresent Creator of Heaven and Earth could be confined in a house or a temple was laughable. As Solomon went on to say, “The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him.” (V6) We cannot localize God, nor confine Him to a structure made of stone.

Nevertheless, God’s Temple was to be built. And it was to be the grandest of temples. It was going to be the greatest undertaking ever for the Israeli people. In fact, it would take over 150 thousand workers seven years to complete. No expense would be spared.  And, when completed, it would serve as the place for God’s people to gather and come into His presence for prayer, sacrifice, and worship.

Solomon’s dedication to the magnificence of the Lord’s Temple is an example of a person who knows that everything done for God is worthwhile and it must be done with all of our might and commitment. We also have a calling from Yahweh to “build His temple.” Our undertaking is not a stone building, but a spiritual building made up of “living stones” who come to Him and become His Church (see 1 Peter 2:4-5). We, like Solomon, must recognize that everything we do to build this spiritual “Temple” is worthwhile and must be done with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Our Grand God deserves nothing less!

February 16 -- "Hear Ye! Hear Ye!"

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 8

"Hear Ye!  Hear Ye!"

In Proverbs 8, we see wisdom personified as a woman standing at the center of the town square and raising her voice loudly as she cries out, “Hear Ye, Hear Ye – Come and Listen!” She is calling at full volume for people to come to her so she can impart to them the qualities of her wisdom – qualities which include decency, righteousness, discretion, honor, and truth. She is not selling her goods, she wants no money in exchange for what she is offering. She invites one and all to come and take the gifts of wisdom freely and without charge. With her deafening voice, she reminds us that wisdom – true wisdom – is far better than riches, honor, or wealth.

Listen to Wisdom’s words as she exhorts you to seek her: “Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it. Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.” (V33-36 NLT)  Take note that her wisdom is available everywhere and to anyone. You don’t need a “superior intellect” to be wise, you just need to listen – really listen.

In verse 5, she exhorts simple and foolish people to learn two things: prudence and sense. The word “simple” in this verse is not an insult or put-down. In the Hebrew it is a word which simply means naïve or inexperienced. Wisdom is inviting this naïve person to replace their ignorance with  true depth of wisdom. The word “foolish” refers to someone who finds sport in pursuing mischief and empty recreation. The great promise here is that if the naïve and foolish will but listen, they too can become wise.

The word “prudence” carries the idea of using forethought and good judgement when moving forward with life’s decisions. The person who is prudent can see the possible pitfalls that await them, and can devise a crafty course of action to avoid those pitfalls. If the simple person will but listen when wisdom cries out, he/she will become shrewd with life’s choices – able to distinguish the right path.The word “sense” means to have intelligence and have discretion. The fool who listens to and learns from the voice of wisdom will no longer be foolish, but will have the blessing of spiritual perception. This is the type of wisdom and perception that surpasses all human intelligence.

While Proverbs 8 gives us a virtual view of wisdom personified, there is One who came who gives us the literal and perfect view. His name is Jesus. "For in Him are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). He is standing at the center of your “town square” and raising His voice to you – “Come unto Me and Listen! I will impart true wisdom to you.” Seek Him first, and all these things will be added to you.

(Editor's Note: Because we are journeying through the Old Testament in chronological order, Proverbs chapter 8 is presented before chapter 7. Chapter 7 will be covered in its correct order after chapter 24.)

February 15 -- "The Way Of Life"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 6

"The Way Of Life"

Many people (Christians included) view God’s commandments as constricting. They think that God’s rules will somehow hold them back from fun and enjoyment or somehow restrict their freedom. As humans, it is part of our nature to crave independence and autonomy. We want to be the ones calling the shots and making the rules. We really don’t like someone else telling us what we can and cannot do. And, when we don’t understand the rationale behind the rules, we are more likely to resist complying with them. We want to agree before we obey. And before agreeing, we want to embrace the rationale underlying the rules.

Here in Proverbs 6, Solomon gives us several warnings regarding God’s commandments. He addresses such things as making hasty pledges, slothfulness, dishonesty, sowing discord, pride, and adultery. Thankfully, he gives us the rationale underlying each of these commands – namely that if you fail to follow God’s ways, you are setting yourself up for unintended consequences. He urges us to “save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter.” 

The reality is that God gives us rules for living because He loves us and knows the pain we will experience if we don’t follow His ways. His commands are not intended to hold us back from fun, they are to hold us back from pain and misery. For example, hasty pledges will result in financial ruin; slothfulness results in poverty; dishonesty results in brokenness; sowing discord results in calamity; adultery results in “fire next to your chest” and “walking on hot coals.” God gives you His commandments because He loves you and wants to prevent painful consequences.

But wait, there’s more! God’s commands are not just to prevent pain. God’s commands are intended to be “the way of life.” Rather than being restrictive, or cramping our style, God’s ways bring true freedom, joy, and pleasure. 

Verse 23 tells us that God’s commandment and teaching is intended to be a lamp to show us light and to guide us to true freedom. Along with His commands, God sends us His reproofs as corrective discipline to keep us on the right path. True life exists only as we walk in fellowship with our Creator, and His reproofs are given out of His pure love for us as a means of guiding us to this place of fellowship and the way of true living. So, don’t resist God’s commands – they are meant for your good. And don’t reject His discipline - they are the way of life.

February 14 -- "Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 5

"Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth"

The Bible speaks so much of the beauty of the love and the love relationship within marriage. God has ordained marriage. In the beginning when God made them male and female. He said, "For this cause shall a man leave his mother and father, and cleave to his wife: and they two shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)  

God wanted the earth to be populated by man. And so, God created the reproduction organs in the body. And God created strong sexual drives, powerful sexual urges. And He made the experience very exciting, very pleasurable. It is a God-created drive and must be used in a God-honoring way. God has ordained that these drives be satisfied and be fulfilled solely within the bonds of a marriage covenant, where two persons of opposite sex make a covenant before God that they will love, honor, cherish one another until death separates them. 

Chapter 5 of Proverbs presents a strong warning to men about seeking sexual pleasures from an immoral woman. In no uncertain terms, Solomon says “Beware of the prostitute and the temptations she offers.” The temporary pleasure that an illicit sexual encounter brings is short-lived, but the bitterness that follows is lasting.  Every man must flee the temptations offered by such immoral company,

In verses 18 & 19, Solomon focuses on the married man. The married man should be faithful to his wife and seek his sexual pleasures in her alone.  He should seek no pleasures from the immoral women found around the streets, offices, work places, and market places trying to seduce people. Married or single, a man must bear in mind that God sees everything. You cannot hide your sin from Him.

When you move sex out of the environment for which God has created it, then that which was created to be beautiful and meaningful and glorious becomes sinful. So God speaks very frankly here to all of us as Solomon speaks to his son and exhorts him about this beautiful gift that he has from God, fountains of life. Don't go spilling them on the street with just anybody. But enjoy the wife of your youth. "Be ravished always with her love."

The Lord here points out that fidelity to one’s marriage partner is His way, and results in His blessing. Strict faithfulness guards us from the heartbreak and tragedy that accompany promiscuity. Let your fountain be blessed and rejoice in the wife of your youth – and her alone.

February 13 -- "Conditional Blessings"

 Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 6

"Conditional Blessings"

Is there an area of your life where God’s promise to you seems just out of reach? Could it be that there is a condition that you’ve not met? King David had longed to build a house for God as a place where God would dwell and where He would be worshipped. But God told David, “No.” David was not permitted by God to build this “house,” but the Lord promised that David’s son, Solomon, would carry out the construction project per David’s plans.

This “house” or “temple” was to be a magnificent building, the grandest in all of Israel. The simplest way to describe this temple is as a rectangular stone building with a porch added to the front, and three stories of storerooms added to the sides and rear. Inside, the Temple would be laid out much like the Tabernacle (“Tent of Meeting”) had been, comprised of two main chambers – the Holy Place & the Most Holy Place – with a stone porch at the entrance. At the entrance to the porch there were to be two bronze pillars. Inside, Solomon was to place the priestly articles of worship – lampstands, table of shewbread, incense altar, and the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place. It was going to be a spectacular building – as long as Solomon met the conditions of God’s blessing upon it.

Here in verse 12, the Lord says, “Now, about that house, Solomon, if you want Me to keep My word and bless this building project, then you must submit to certain conditions.” God’s promise to bless the construction of the Temple was a conditional promise based on Solomon’s obedience to God’s laws. IF you will walk in my ways, THEN I will establish my word, as I spoke to your father, David. The promises made to David are now confirmed to Solomon, but on the express condition of obedience.

Many times in Scripture, the Lord gives us promises which are conditional. For example, if we want the Lord to give us “the desires of our heart,” we must meet the condition of “delighting ourselves in Him.” (Psalm 37:4) Another example is that the Lord “will direct our path,” if we meet the condition of “Trusting in Him with all our heart and leaning not on our own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Again, Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” Do you need God’s peace in your life? Then you must meet the condition of “staying your mind” on Him.

Is there an area of your life where God’s promise to you seems just out of reach? Could it be that there is a condition that you’ve not met? Pray that the Holy Spirit reveal these areas to you. God’s promises are sure! But His conditions must be met. 

February 12 -- "The Blessing of Wise Children"

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 5\

"The Blessing of Wise Children"

In verse 7 we read the words of Hiram, the king of Tyre, after he heard the news that Solomon was the new king, “Blessed be Yahweh this day.” We are told that Hiram was an admirer of David and, as such, he likely acknowledged the many times Yahweh had intervened with power on David’s and Israel’s behalf. For this, he had great respect for David and now going forward, David’s son, Solomon.

After acknowledging that Solomon was Yahweh’s choice as Israel’s new king, Hiram went on to recognize Solomon’s great wisdom. He rejoiced that Solomon had such a depth of wisdom as he began to reign in David’s stead. His words reveal that he knew the source of Solomon’s wisdom “the LORD… has given to David a wise son.”

What a blessing it is for any parent to witness God’s hand upon their child’s life. And it is heart-warming when others take notice of the Lord’s work in their child and bless God for it. 

For the follower of Christ, our mandate from God is clear – raise your child in the ways of the Lord. Ephesians 5:4 admonishes us to “Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” This is not an easy undertaking by any means. It requires diligence and love and persistence and lots of prayer on the part of the parents. Parents must be so careful to ensure that (in addition to their child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs) their spiritual needs are fostered and nurtured with the truth of God. And, what joy it brings when we can step back and say, “Blessed be the Lord this day who has given to [me] a wise son/daughter.”

It is an amazing thing to watch as your child “graduates” to interacting with God on their own. What a joy when your child demonstrates spiritual wisdom such that others take notice of it.

 It is truly a blessing when we have wise children. In this context, we remember the words of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” What joy it brings when your child remains on the “Highway of Holiness” even after you’ve released control of his/her life.

 

February 11 -- "Growing from a Glimmer"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 4 

"Growing from a Glimmer"

When I first received Christ and was born again, I became aware of God’s righteous and holy standards for human behavior. Simultaneously, I became suddenly aware of my own unrighteousness and unholiness. As I looked at my own heart and mind and actions, I became acutely aware of my personal failings. I lived in a constant state of “not-good-enough.” I was trying to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” but I was just so far away from God’s ideals. My mind was occupied with thoughts of my shortcomings and my heart was burdened with the impossible task of meeting God’s standards.

God used this verse from Proverbs to finally get ahold of me and deal with my chronic self-condemnation. One day, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” In that moment I realized that the Christian life was not one of instant perfection, but rather one of slow and steady growth. God did not expect me to be perfect! And I did not need to occupy my life with self-condemnation and thoughts of failure. Just as the sun begins to shine brighter as the dawn approaches and the day begins, the path of the Christian is one of spiritual growth – starting out as barely a glimmer and growing day-by-day into the righteous and holy person God intends me to be.

What a freeing experience. I learned that I was not alone struggling with my sin. I was in this Christian life side by side with the God who loved me, and saved me, and will one day bring my spiritual growth to completion in eternity. The Holy Spirit had been dispatched to my spirit to bring me closer and closer to the image of Christ. The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. The Message paraphrase puts it like this, “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.”

So… Don’t be so hard on yourself! You are not yet what God wants you to be and that’s OK. As you follow Him, and trust Him, the longer you live, the brighter you will shine. “We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

February 10 -- "Being God's Hands"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 3

"Being God's Hands"

How generous are you with your time, your talent, and your treasure? Is it your pattern to keep as much of it as you can for yourself? To hold onto your resources with a tight fist? If so, then God has a message for you… the resources in your possession are not actually yours. Everything you have – everything you own – belong to the Lord. God has given you of His resources so He, through you, can meet the needs of others around you. God has called you to be His hands reaching out to a needy world. It is not your place to withhold His resources when it is “in your power to do it.” 

Do you have time? Are you using that time wisely in service to others? Or is your busy schedule so filled up with personal pursuits and activities that you can’t spare a moment to help another person? God has given you time so you can be His hand reaching out to someone in need. The simple act of sharing your time with another person is one of the most God-honoring things you can do. You can be His hand reaching out to someone in need.

Do you have talent? Or skill? Or know-how? Are you using your skills wisely in service to others? Perhaps someone nearby needs your skillset for some particular situation – are you sharing your know-how with them? Or, are you consuming all of your talents and skills on yourself and your personal success? God has given you certain talents and abilities not so you can keep them to yourself, but so you can be His hand reaching out to someone in need.

Do you have financial resources? Is it your practice to generously share your treasures with others in need? Or, have you adopted the mindset of the world around you by getting, and getting, and getting some more? Remember, God has placed His resources into your hand so you can manage them for His glory. You don’t have to give more than you have the power to give. Verse 7 urges you not to withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. God has given you financial resources so you can be His hand reaching out to someone in need.

Remember, there are people all around you praying for God’s help to meet their need… don’t miss the opportunity to be the answer to those prayers! Never walk away from someone who deserves your help; your hand just might be God’s hand for that person.

February 9 -- "The Voice of Truth"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 2

"The Voice of Truth"

There is more information available today than at any other time in human history. There are literally millions of libraries with billions of books, magazines, newspapers, reports, articles, and commentaries at our fingertips. And, with the advent of the Internet, this information is now available to billions of people around the world with the click of a mouse. Tragically, however, this overabundance of information has not resulted in a reduction of human stupidity. We live in world where people are woefully lacking in sound knowledge and wisdom.

Why do so many people lack true knowledge and wisdom? Because they are listening to the wrong voices. And, believe me, the voices among us are rampant. Those who are peddling their ideology speak loudly. They are hard to miss. Politicians promote their social agenda. Scientists endorse faulty science (falsely so-called.) Popular preachers promote their “flavor” of Christianity which, in reality, does not resemble true faith in Christ. Advice columnists and radio talk show hosts dole out their misguided philosophies. And so many people listen to and, tragically, take their advice – even when it is far from truth. People everywhere are listening to the wrong voice and obtaining faulty or incomplete information. This is why it is so important to qualify your source when listening to someone’s voice.

Whose voice are you listening to? If you are listening to the voices of these scientists, politicians, preachers, advice columnists, self-improvement books, astrological prognosticators, etc. then you are bound to be confused and lacking in true wisdom. This is why it is so important to listen to the ONE TRUE VOICE - the voice of the Yahweh our God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

The LORD doesn’t really have a “mouth” as we know it. When He speaks, it is not usually in the form of audible words. When the LORD speaks, He generally does so in three ways. First, and foremost, through the verses of Scripture. People have said, “If God wants to speak to me, let Him do it by writing in the sky.” They want to “see it to believe it.” The reality is, everyone of us can see the words He has spoken simply by looking in our Bible. God’s word can cut through the confusion and chaos of today’s “voices.”

Second, God speaks to our hearts thorough the “still, small voice” of the Holy Spirit communicating intimately to our innermost being. Finally, the LORD can speak through the wise counsel of the other mature Christians in our lives. If you are “schooled” in the voice of God, you will easily recognize the voices of error that come your way. For the LORD gives wisdom. You can trust His voice as the voice of truth.