Devotional on Hebrews

2014 ā€“ Oregon 101 ā€“ along the southern coast

A different kind of ā€œstreet serviceā€

Hebrews 13: God takes particular pleasure in acts of worshipā€¦that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.

Weā€™re not sure who is the writer of Hebrews, but this chapter (and not just the Timothy, Italy, and prison references) feels a whole lot like Paulā€™s writings. As he closes the letter, as Paul does, the writer tosses in a lot of one line instructions. As a reader, what I get out of a chapter like this depends a lot on whatā€™s happening in my life right now. Tomorrow I might read it again and have a different ā€œone-linerā€ jump out at me. Anyway, the instruction to take our faith out of the church and into the streets stands out to me. Christians are to be generous people who not only respond to needs when weā€™re confronted with them, but who actively go out and seek those in need that we might minister to them in Christā€™s name. I tend to think of ā€œworshipā€ as what takes place on Sunday mornings inside the church building. In this passage Iā€™m reminded that God really likes it when I make my ā€œsacrificesā€ (an Old Testament style of worship) outside the church building and into my everyday life; at home, at work, and out in the general public. In-church worship is important, a vital part of living in Christ. Out-of-church worship is just as important as I take Jesus in practical ways to those ā€œout there.ā€

Take Away: Worship inside the church and service outside the church are both vital parts of Christianity.

Devotional on Revelation

2014 – Monterey Peninsula, CA

Lamb, Lion, King

Revelation 5: Look ā€“ the Lion from Tribe Judah, the Root of Davidā€™s Tree, has conquered.

The One who sits on the Throne has a small, sealed scroll full of mysteries to be revealed. However, not just anyone is qualified to open it. In fact, no one can be found and it appears to John as though his ā€œrevelationā€ isnā€™t going to happen. Then, he sees a Lamb that appears both weak and strong at the same time; bearing marks of death but with traits of unequaled wisdom and strength. John hears one of the Elders call this Lamb ā€œthe Lion from Tribe Judah.ā€ We know about Judah. Thatā€™s the royal family tree of Israel. King David was of that family; so is Jesus. The One John sees looks like a slain Lamb that’s very much alive and powerful. This Lamb is also a Lion ā€“ a conqueror. He takes the scroll but at that moment no one’s thinking of the scroll. All heaven bursts forth in praise for the Lamb-Lion. Itā€™s a thrilling moment as ā€œthousand after thousand after thousandā€ of heavenly beings break forth in a song of praise. That group gets the first verse, then for the next one, all creation joins in. What a scene! Thereā€™s more to read, more to be revealed, and more to consider. For the moment though, as happens in this scene of worship I think Iā€™ll just stop and join them in worshiping this Lamb-Lion-King.

Take Away: Worship of Jesus is at the heart of all Creation.

Devotional on Genesis

2010 – Goose Island State Park, TX

Sin, murder, and grace
Genesis 4: Sin is lying in wait for you…youā€™ve got to master it.
The first children are born to the human race, two boys. These boys become men and these men are worshipers of God. One is a dirt farmer and the other raises livestock. These two worshipers of God bring sacrifices to the Lord. To Cainā€™s dismay God likes his brotherā€™s offering better than his own. Iā€™ve heard a few sermons on the reason why. In fact, Iā€™ve attempted to deal with the topic myself. Some people think itā€™s the lack of blood in Cainā€™s offering. Others pounce on the ā€œfirstbornā€ aspect of Abelā€™s offering and the writer of the book of Hebrews focuses in on the faith aspect of it. Deciding why one offering is more acceptable than the other is a hard call. After all, Cain brought from what he had, just as Abel did. Of course, we know that this passage isnā€™t here to elevate one type of offering over the other. This account is about sin, murder, and grace. When Cain’s angry with God about his brotherā€™s offering the Lord warns him that heā€™s skating on thin ice. Being disappointed with God, apparently, isnā€™t sin in itself; but such an attitude attracts sin. The Lord speaks to Cain like a father talking to his son, warning him that itā€™s a dangerous road heā€™s traveling. This situation has potential for Cain to be humbled. If he responds to the Lord by asking for an explanation concerning why his offering is inferior to Abelā€™s we wonā€™t have the mystery concerning it. Instead, Cain proves God right by doing the wrong thing. At this point, the score is Sin: one, Cain: nothing.
Take away: Some things that arenā€™t quite sin, can, if Iā€™m not careful, open that door.

Devotional on Genesis

2013 – Watkins Glen State Park, NY

Something new: prayer!
Genesis 4: Thatā€™s when men and women began praying and worshiping in the name of God.
Things are really messed up. The human race is fallen. The Garden is gone. The first murder has taken place. Itā€™s all falling apart. This ā€œfree willā€ thing isnā€™t working out very well. Eve has another son and names him Seth. Seth has a son and names him Enosh. Then a wonderful thing happens: people start praying and worshiping. I wonder how that came about. Is Seth so thankful for the gift of a son that he decides to start worshiping God? Is it Enosh who has a hunger for God and introduces praying and worshiping? I donā€™t know the answer but I do see here a change for the better; one that brought hope to a hopeless situation. So what does it take in my life? Does it take tragedy…or some great blessing? Does it take someone else finding the way and showing it to me? What does it take to turn me from a life being lived for self to one being lived in fellowship with God?
Take away: Prayer and worship is an ā€œimportant discoveryā€ for every person to make.

Devotional on Exodus

2014 – Arches National Park, Utah

Praise and worship service
Exodus 15: Who compares with you in power?
When Moses tells the people to ā€œstand stillā€ heā€™s more right than wrong. While itā€™s true that they need to ā€œmove forwardā€ in response to what God is doing, itā€™s still God who provides their deliverance. They donā€™t exactly ā€œstand stillā€ but they never raise a hand in their own defense. Itā€™s God who provides the victory. Now theyā€™re celebrating. Moses leads the way with his song of victory: ā€œWho compares with you among gods, O God? Who compares with you in power, in holy majesty, in awesome praises, wonder-working God?ā€ Moses turns their hearts in the right direction. Even more than being about victory over the army of Egypt, this celebration is about God at work in their world. Obviously that victory is no small thing. Still, Godā€™s incomparable, powerful, majestic, wondrous work is the real reason to celebrate, whether it has to do with Pharaohā€™s army or not. After all, this is Godā€™s story even more than theirs. In my life there are many good things to celebrate, but beyond all that is the Reason behind the good things. Iā€™m glad to join Moses in this praise and worship service.
Take Away: Celebrate the good things but donā€™t forget to celebrate the Giver of those good things.

Devotional on Exodus

2014 – Dead Horse Point State Park, UT – glorious sunset

Worship Lessons
Exodus 34: God, God a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient ā€“ so much love, so deeply true ā€“ loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
Sinai II is taking place. During Sinai I, while the people rebelled Moses was on the mountain having an awesome encounter with God. Seeing that the people rebelled against God and his ways before they could even get started Moses broke the tablets containing the Law. However, Moses still intercedes for them and God graciously gives them another chance. In fact, God is willing to reveal himself to Moses in even a more personal way than he did out in the desert in the burning bush or when he came to Sinai the first time. Itā€™s during this indescribable encounter that the words that arrest our attention today are stated. Old Moses can hardly contain himself as he proclaims Godā€™s mercy, grace, and patience. Nope! This isnā€™t Moses speaking. Instead, itā€™s God! So whatā€™s going on here? I think I know. As the Almighty begins to create a people and works specifically with the man heā€™s chosen to lead them, heā€™s giving Moses a lesson in worship. And Moses gets it! He falls on his face before God. Maybe I need some worship lessons too. Iā€™m glad the Lord is a willing Teacher.
Take Away: Thank God for Second Chances and thank him also for being such a patient teacher.

Devotional on Leviticus

2014 – Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham, WA

Holy things
Leviticus 10: Distinguish between the holy and the common, between the ritually clean and unclean.
It starts with another ā€œfireā€ issue. Aaronā€™s sons, Nadab and Abihu have failed to follow the Lordā€™s instructions concerning fire used in worship. The result is fire from Above! The fire of the wrath of God kills them. Things have calmed down a bit, and Moses warns everyone to not take the things of God lightly. Holy things must be treated as such; with reverence. If itā€™s possible to treat uncommon things as common and thus bring condemnation, it is just as possible to treat common things as uncommon. Our society specializes in that. Things that should be treated with absolute reverence are tossed aside as though theyā€™re worthless. Silly things that are either simply common or worse are held up as shining objects of worship. My society does that with sports, entertainment, and so-called success. To treat the holy as common is sin that brings death. The same can be said of treating common things as holy.
Take Away: Priorities are critically important in all of life.

Devotional on Numbers

2014 – Whidbey Island, WA

Now that I have your attention
Numbers 7: When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with God, he heard the Voice [of God]ā€¦He spoke with him.
One thing about these ancient Israelites: they know how to throw a party. The dedication of the Tent of Meeting lasts twelve days with each day having its own pageantry and symbolism. Each of the family tree groups gets a day of its own and as the days progress each family is connected to this sacred place. The offerings have been made and now Moses, instead of going up on the mountain to meet with God, enters the Most Holy Place in the new Worship Center to complete its dedication. In an awesome moment, there above the Covenant Chest and between the golden angels Godā€™s Voice is heard. Wow! No longer will it take a trip up Mount Sinai for a meeting with the Lord. Instead, he comes to them, dwelling right there at the heart of their camp. Itā€™s impressive to remember that this wasnā€™t Mosesā€™ idea. The building and furnishing of the Tabernacle was initiated by the Lord, himself. The Israelites donā€™t have to figure out some way to get Godā€™s attention. In fact, from the very beginning of their story itā€™s the Lord who has reached out to them, initiating a relationship with them. So it is to this day. It isnā€™t that I figure out just what I have to do to get God to respond to me. Instead, from the start, he reaches out to me, inviting me to be his very own. When I hear and respond I find that the Almighty is more than willing to allow me to connect my life to his.
Take Away: God has always been a communicating God.

Devotional on Judges

2014 – Grand Canyon, AZ

The Golden Ephod
Judges 8: Gideon made the gold into a sacred ephod and put it on display in his hometown.
Gideon and his army have won a great series of victories and now he returns home to a heroā€™s welcome. When the people want to honor him he asks for some of the gold earrings that were taken from the slain enemy. One has to read between the lines a bit but it seems Gideonā€™s intentions are good. He takes that gold and uses it in making a priestly garment called an ā€œephod.ā€ In the history of the Israelites the ephod was worn by the high priest. It appears that this ephod isnā€™t intended to be worn; after all, it weighs around 100 pounds. Instead, itā€™s put on display as a reminder of all the Lord has done for them through Gideon. If this understanding is accurate this fancy ā€œreminderā€ isnā€™t all that bad. However, it isnā€™t long before this object of remembrance becomes an object of worship. In fact, Gideon, himself, leads the way in bowing down before the Golden Ephod. How easy it is for us to elevate things to supreme importance while overlooking that which really matters. We church people debate music styles or building plans and worry about who will clean up after the potluck dinner (none of which are bad in themselves) while forgetting why we came to church in the first place. All the while, God is calling out to us, ā€œHere I am, over here.ā€ We miss his call for attention because weā€™re busy buffing our Golden Ephod.
Take Away: Ultimately, itā€™s all about the Lord and our relationship with him.

Devotional on 1 Samuel

2014 – At Chapel of the Holy Cross – Sedona, AZ

Poor old Dagon didnā€™t have a chance
1 Samuel 5: They were shocked to find Dagon toppled from his place, flat on his face before the Chest of God.
The people of Israel aren’t much more spiritually aware than are the Philistines. When the Israelites get into a difficult battle they think that bringing out the Ark of the Covenant will bring them luck. However, it doesn’t work out that way. Theyā€™re soundly defeated and their enemies take the Ark, their most holy relic. Now, the story shifts to the Philistine city of Ashdod, the shrine of the idol Dagon. Someone has the bright idea of putting their new religious prize on display there with their idol. After a bit of rearranging the Ark is in its new place. To their surprise, when they visit the shrine the next morning their Dagon idol has toppled face down before the Ark. “I wonder how that happened?” someone asks in an unsteady voice. Dagon is stood up again. The following morning the priest of Dagon peeks around the corner and itā€™s happened again! This time, though, poor old Dagon’s in bad shape. His head and arms are broken off and heā€™s once again bowing before the Ark. Something has to be done and the decision is made, not to start worshipping the God of the Ark, but to get rid of it so that they can patch up poor old Dagon and prop him up back in his place again. It sounds dumb and in a sense it is. Still, they believe in national gods and the God of Israel, in their thinking, can never be theirs. The Chest has to go. As I read this interesting account Iā€™m reminded that everything in my life must ultimately yield to God Almighty. Also, God isn’t a good luck charm. Heā€™s the real deal and he insists that I live in a relationship with him.
Take Away: Ultimately everything in my life must bow before the Lord.

Devotional on 2 Samuel

2015 -Pictured Rocks Cruise – Munising, MI

Iā€™m part of this story
2 Samuel 7: God himself will build you a house!
For David, the sun’s finally beginning to shine. His long struggle with Saul has come to an end. The promise made to him when he was a mere shepherd has come to pass and he sits securely on the throne of Israel. Even the Ark of the Covenant is now at rest in the city called the “City of David.” David’s comfortable and settled and he wants the same for the precious Chest of God, so he proposes the first ever permanent worship structure, a Temple, for Israel. To his surprise God says “no.” It isn’t that the Lord’s against the building of such a place but this is not the time. Still, God’s pleased with David and he tells him so. David will become one of the most famous people in the world. Heā€™ll reign in peace and when his days on earth are over it will be one of his own offspring who will rule Israel. Even as the Lord fully rejected Saul he now fully accepts David. His family will rule Israel forever. David doesn’t know it, but heā€™s just heard the promise of the Messiah. One of his descendants will be King of kings and Lord of lords. Heā€™ll rule, not only Israel, but all of Creation — forever! Iā€™m not a part of the people of Israel but, today, Iā€™m a beneficiary of the promise God makes to David. That ultimate Ruler only hinted at in this passage is the Ruler of my life. How wonderful to read about an event that happened thousands of years ago and to suddenly find myself a part of the story!
Take Away: All those who live by faith have a place in the story of the people of the Lord.

Devotional on 1 Kings

2015 – Mackinaw Bridge, MI

Glory!
1Kings 8: The glory of God filled The Temple of God!
The painstaking work of constructing the Temple is complete. Itā€™s a truly impressive structure with every detail perfect. This house of worship is one of the wonders of the world. But thatā€™s the least of the story. What really matters is what happens next. As the dedication service is about to begin God’s glory falls on the place. His glory is so powerful that itā€™s tangible. The Presence of God flows into and through the structure to the extent that the priests, who have assumed their assigned positions of service are driven out! Like a cloud, God’s glory has descended and the people are in reverent awe of the Lord. Iā€™ve been in church services in my life in which God came in glory and majesty. The scale was much smaller, but Iā€™ve tasted just enough to imagine what itā€™s like on this day. In less public moments God has touched my life and these are my most precious spiritual memories. I thank him for such wonderful encounters with the divine. Beyond that, I hunger for God to pour his glory out on me and on his church. Passages like this both warm my heart and rekindle a hunger for God in the depths of my spirit.
Take Away: Thereā€™s nothing like the presence of the Lord.

Devotional on 1 Kings

2015 – Mackinac Island, MI

How far is too far?
1Kings 12: It’s too much trouble for you to go to Jerusalem to worship.
Jeroboam is now king of Israel with Rehoboam left with only the loyal tribe of Judah. Jeroboam immediately realizes that Rehoboam holds one powerful trump card. He has the Temple. Even though the people have made him king, his subjects will still go to Jerusalem to worship. Once theyā€™re in Jerusalem theyā€™ll be reminded of David and Solomon. When that happens, theyā€™ll remember that Rehoboam sits on the throne of these two great men. He solves this problem by turning his back on God and the Temple. How does he convince these worshipers of Jehovah to abandon worship at the Temple built in his Name? He does so by telling them that itā€™s too much trouble to travel to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. By keeping them away from the Temple he keeps them out of Judah, and by doing that, he keeps them away from Rehoboam’s influence. Of course itā€™s a blatant sin. The people, though, go along with his suggestion. I understand the temptation because, like them, I like convenience. I like having a remote control for my TV, a microwave oven, a garage door opener. I even like having my church less than a mile from my house. Still, there are some things that are worth inconvenience. I’ll drive extra distance to see the doctor in whom I have confidence and I will go out of my way to spend some time with my grandchildren. Am I willing to be inconvenienced to worship God? Do I want a worship experience that isn’t too much trouble, or do I want to really connect with God Almighty? What value do I place on having a genuine worship experience? Thanks, but no thanks, Jeroboam. I think I’ll just go on making that trip to Jerusalem!
Take Away: If we have to choose between convenience and God, well, the choice is obvious.

Devotional on 1 Kings

2015 – Finn Road Campground – Essexville, MI – trail

Trading bronze for gold
1Kings 14: King Rehoboam replaced them with bronze shields.
Solomonā€™s son Rehoboam sits on the throne of Judah, sovereign of whatā€™s left of his fatherā€™s great kingdom. While itā€™s true that rival Israel is worse off than Judah, both of these kingdoms are unraveling. Up in Jerusalem, idol worship is taking root and a mixture of Jehovah and idol worship is common. When Egyptian forces raid Jerusalem and carry off the gold shields that Solomon made, Rehoboam simply replaces them with bronze shields. Theyā€™re not as beautiful as the gold ones, but theyā€™ll have to do. Rehoboam orders that these substitute shields are to only be used for special occasions and kept in storage the rest of the time. I think this substitution of bronze shields for gold ones reflects whatā€™s happening in the life of the people of Judah. Under David and Solomon they had the ā€œgoldā€ as they worshiped the God who had brought them to this land in the first place. Now, though, they settle for a cheap substitute. Those shields arenā€™t the real deal but they look a lot like the gold ones. How often do we substitute bronze for gold in our own lives? We could have the real deal, but we settle for a mere replica instead. Many years in the future Jesus will tell us that God is looking for people who want to worship ā€œin truth.ā€ Iā€™ve already decided that I have no time or patience for just going through the motions. I want to know God, to live in him, and to experience him. I wonā€™t settle for ā€œbronzeā€ when ā€œgoldā€ is available.
Take Away: The Lordā€™s best is simply ā€œthe bestā€ ā€“ nothing else even comes close.

Devotional on 2 Kings

2017 – Badlands National Park, SD

When the church isnā€™t at church
2Kings 17: They don’t really worship God.
After defeating and exiling Israel the king of Assyria relocates other people from under his rule to the now empty land. At first, these settlers ignore Jehovah God, but it becomes apparent that the Almighty is not going to allow that. A priest is brought back to teach them how to worship God. However, they only add worshiping the God of the exiled people to their list of gods to worship. In fact, weā€™re told, they don’t really worship God at all. How do we know that? The writer proves his point by saying that they don’t take seriously what God says about how to live and what to believe. Apparently, just doing the right things in a worship service isn’t sufficient so far as God is concerned. Heā€™s just as interested in how people live, how they relate to one another, and what they really believe as he is with whether or not they can put on a proper worship service. What I do outside of church is just as important to God as what I do inside the church.
Take Away: Worship is defined as much by what I do outside the church as what I do inside it.

Devotional on 2 Kings

2017 – Black Hills, SD – Scenic Drives

What to do when you face a giant
2Kings 19: Maybe God, your God, won’t let him get by with such talk.
Even though Hezekiah has tried to mend relations with Sennacherib king of Assyria itā€™s too late. Having whipped into shape several other countries that attempted to break away, Sennacherib returns his attention to Judah. A representative is sent, not to broker a deal, but to call for complete surrender. That representative is named Rabshaketh and, in an attempt to frighten the people of Jerusalem into rebellion against Hezekiah he not only insults Hezekiah and his small army, but he insults the God Hezekiah serves. This situation is filled with military, political, and historical elements but we read the story from a spiritual viewpoint. Earlier Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, yielded to Assyria and even installed a new altar at the Temple modeled on one used for idol worship in Damascus. When Hezekiah comes to power he not only refuses to pay tribute, but he gets rid of that altar and all the shrines and altars to the pagan gods. Even when he agrees to resume paying tribute to Sennacherib, his removal of the pagan altar is seen as a refusal to be the lap dog to Sennacherib. Because of that, the insults by Rabshaketh focus on God Jehovah. Now, Hezekiah faces absolute destruction from the giant Assyrian army. He turns to the man of God, Isaiah, asking for prayer and direction. He thinks that perhaps God will take up his cause, especially in light of the way Rabshaketh has insulted the Almighty. Facing the impossible, he turns to the One who specializes in doing the impossible. And, he isn’t disappointed.
Take Away: We donā€™t want to make enemies but to, instead, live in peace with all people. However, if we have to make enemies, letā€™s make them for the right reasons.

Devotional on 1 Chronicles

2017 – Black Hills Needles Highway

God bless the singers
1 Chronicles 6: These are the persons David appointed to lead the singing in the house of God.
As I read page after page of ā€œChroniclesā€ I meet lots of people. There are fighters who cried out to God and received his help, farmers, potters, and linen workers. Now, Iā€™m introduced to some professional singers. These are the song leaders who served during Davidā€™s reign. Hereā€™s choirmaster Herman and his associate Asaph, the writer of some of the Psalms in our Bibles. These singers were faithful to their assignment and, now we see them included in the list of people in the opening pages of 1 Chronicles. Music has always been important to the people of God. David, a song writer and musician himself, didnā€™t want to take any chances with the worship music of his day so he appointed people to give their full attention to it. I donā€™t want to carry things too far here, but itā€™s good to remember that the music of worship is worth our best effort. That doesnā€™t mean that any one style is the right one, but it does mean that our music is an offering to the Lord and we want to give him our best. Personally, Iā€™m thankful for the talented musicians and singers and song writers who have blessed me and helped me focus on the Lord. This Sunday it might be a good idea to let these folks know theyā€™re appreciated.
Take Away: Thank the Lord for those who lift our hearts to God through their music.

Devotional on 1 Chronicles

2017 – Wilson State Park, KS

Anointed worship leaders
1 Chronicles 16: That was the day that David inaugurated regular worship of praise to God, led by Asaph and his company.
Having secured his hold on Israel and having brought the Ark to Jerusalem David moves to establish regular worship services. Itā€™s quite instructive to see the lists of, not only the mighty warriors who fought with David, but of “mighty worship leaders” as well. We thank God for those who have the bravery and skill to protect us from those who would harm us. Such people are worthy of our admiration and thanks. Here, Iā€™m reminded that those who are gifted and trained to lead me into the Presence of the Almighty are also people worth my deepest appreciation. Also, I see here that David feels worship services are important enough to merit the appointing and organizing of specific worship leaders. That doesn’t mean that those who arenā€™t ā€œofficialā€ can’t lead in worship, in fact, they often do. Some of the finest worship services Iā€™ve ever seen were led by ordinary people with little formal training but who knew something about getting into the presence of the Lord. Whether a personā€™s “on salary” or not is a poor reflection of whether or not theyā€™re gifted in leading genuine worship. I thank God for worship leaders who usher us into the presence of the Lord. Thank God for anointed people.
Take Away: Some people are gifted to lead in worship, thank God for them.

Devotional on 1 Chronicles

2017 – Wilson State Park, KS

Real worship
1 Chronicles 16: God is great — well worth praising!
Itā€™s a world class worship service. A tent has been pitched for the purpose of housing the Ark of the Covenant and that Ark is being brought into Jerusalem for the first time. King David, himself, leads the procession, joyfully dancing before the Lord. The great worship leader, Asaph, leads the choir in singing praises to God. They sing a wonderful song of praise and worship in which they recount the wonders the Lord has performed and declaring “God is great — well worth praising!” They sing of God’s goodness and love and holiness. When the song has ended, the congregation responds with shouts of “Amen” and “Praise God.” What a holy event! Know what, Iā€™m glad that such worship services arenā€™t just for the pages of the Old Testament. Iā€™m glad that there are times when the people of God go all out in praising him and that at such times the Lord comes close, filling such holy moments with himself. This passage reminds me of awesome worship services Iā€™ve been in. Even more, it creates in me a desire to occupy such holy ground again, real soon!
Take Away: The great worship events of the Bible, along with worship events weā€™ve experienced personally, provide the inspiration and desire to once again enter into the presence of the Lord.

Devotional on 2 Chronicles

2018 – Woodland, PA Campground

I love it when God moves in
2 Chronicles 5: Then a billowing cloud filled The Temple of God.
Solomonā€™s building project is complete and itā€™s a great success. An impressive Temple is now the official place of worship for the people of Israel and all others who will come. The building is complete with the fixtures in place, the offerings ready, and the personnel standing ready to serve. Then God moves in. In a display of glory that hasnā€™t been seen since Moses climbed the mountain to meet the Almighty, the Glory of the Lord fills the Temple. The Presence of the Lord is so great, so real, that the priests canā€™t even carry out their assigned duties. Outside the Temple Solomon does the only reasonable thing: he begins to call on God in prayer. Today, I long for Godā€™s glory to fall on his Church, for Him to come in such majesty that the order of worship is set aside and people begin to simply call on the Name of the Lord. Oh God, we seek, not so much the ā€œbillowing cloudā€ as we seek you. Pour yourself out upon your Church as you did upon the Temple so long ago.
Take Away: The people of the Lord need to seek and, yes, expect, the Lord to fill our worship services with himself.

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