Corona Devo 773

King David had proposed to build a Temple to honor God, but (in His wisdom and authority), the Lord qualified that David's son Solomon would construct the Temple.

And it was time to start building that Temple.

We too are building a temple for the Lord's honor--with our lives/our relationships/our efforts/and our hearts. 

The "building blocks" that Solomon used in constructing his Temple for God are excellent foundations for the "spiritual" temples that we are seeking to live out and "build" daily to honor the Lord as well.

Block #1: Be kind.

King Hiram of Tyre had always been a loyal friend of David. When Hiram learned that David’s son Solomon was the new king of Israel, he sent ambassadors to congratulate him.  ~I Kings 5:1

King David had been kind to King Hiram, and in return, King Hiram was then kind to Solomon, David's son. 

Our kindness may be the only kindness that someone receives today.  And likewise, the love of Christ is lived-out through our kindness.  Kindness often comes back to bless us, but even if it doesn't, be kind today.

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Block #2: Be honest. 

Then Solomon sent this message back to Hiram: (3) “You know that my father, David, was not able to build a Temple to honor the name of the Lord his God because of the many wars waged against him by surrounding nations. He could not build until the Lord gave him victory over all his enemies. (4) But now the Lord my God has given me peace on every side; I have no enemies, and all is well. (5) So I am planning to build a Temple to honor the name of the Lord my God, just as he had instructed my father, David. For the Lord told him, ‘Your son, whom I will place on your throne, will build the Temple to honor my name.’   ~I Kings 5:2-5

Solomon leveled with Hiram and gave an honest rendition of where the Israelites stood at that time.  Solomon didn't brag and nor was he seeking pity---He was just honest.  

We can be honest with others too.  Honesty levels the playing ground and is a critical building block in any relationship/agreement/business because it creates a stable and strong foundation.  Be honest today. 

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Block #3: Ask for help when we need it.

“Therefore, please command that cedars from Lebanon be cut for me. Let my men work alongside yours, and I will pay your men whatever wages you ask. As you know, there is no one among us who can cut timber like you Sidonians!”  

Solomon had the plan, the architects and the finances, but you can't build without materials, and he knew it.  We can't do everything on our own either...and nor were we meant to.  Community is built in unified efforts and there is a healthy humility in needing others.  The combination of these things provides for rewarding relationships.  Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it today.

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Building Block #4: Be willing.

Let my men work alongside yours.  We need others and their gifts and resources too.  Other people need us and ours.  That's what the family of Christ is all about!  When we approach others (and life) as a team effort, everyone wins.  Forget the pride, intimidation, falsehoods and facades--get real with people and ask if they will partner with us today.  And let's keep our hearts open to those who are asking us.

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Building Block #5: Be fair.

Solomon wasn't trying to hustle, guilt or strong-arm King Hiram.  Solomon knew Hiram had what he needed, and he was not only honest in asking for it, but he was also honest in providing payment/exchange for it (I will pay your men whatever wages you ask). 

Today, be fair.  

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Block #6: Be good to people, in word and deed.  (As you know, there is no one among us who can cut timber like you Sidonians!”).

Solomon had already asked Hiram for help, offered to work alongside him and guaranteed payment, but there is more to any meaningful relationship/partnership/agreement than just the brick and mortar of the agreement.  Solomon built into Hiram: He complimented him, praised his good reputation, and reminded him that he had purpose and value.

Add the valuing-of-people to your temple-dealings and it changes everything, because having purpose changes us.  That is why people who come to know Jesus Christ can undergo such radical emotional/physical/mental/spiritual change---because the sky is the limit when we realize that we matter to someone and that we have purpose.  And God has declared in no uncertain terms that we do matter to Him and have a purpose in Him ("For I know the plans I have for you",  declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you a hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11).  

Be good to people in word and deed today...and watch how they respond.

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When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he was very pleased and said, “Praise the Lord today for giving David a wise son to be king of the great nation of Israel.” (8) Then he sent this reply to Solomon: “I have received your message, and I will supply all the cedar and cypress timber you need. (9) My servants will bring the logs from the Lebanon mountains to the Mediterranean Sea and make them into rafts and float them along the coast to whatever place you choose. Then we will break the rafts apart so you can carry the logs away. You can pay me by supplying me with food for my household.”   ~I Kings 5:7-9

Building Block #7: Honor God as you "build the temple" and He will take care of the logistics.

I don't think it could have worked out better for King Solomon.  Not only did King Hiram give him the timber, but Hiram's men cut it, brought it from the mountains to the sea, crafted it into rafts for transporting "to whatever place you choose", then Hiram's men deconstructed it into building-ready material again.  

Have we ever had a business proposal end like that?  

But also, have we honored God with the building blocks?  If our answer today is, "Yes", then we can anticipate that the Lord will take care of the logistics.  

If we will honor God today with the "temple" of our lives--watch as He provides for us, brings us from the mountains to the sea, re-works us for moving down river with Him, and then renew and rebuilds our spirit for whatever our next "assignment" in Him is.  

Our hearts and our lives are a temple for the Lord, and it's time.

Blessings,

Sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com