So many thoughts are running through my head today when reading this morning’s scriptures from “Walking in the Word”. A couple of questions (please help me if you know the answer or have an idea), a couple of thoughts, and just a good ole verse to share.
Questions: (I need some bible scholars to answer a couple of questions for me.)
1) In 1 Kings 6:7 we read, “In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.” I had to stop and ponder on this. Why? Why was no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool heard on this while the temple was being built? Was it because it was a place of reference? Just thinking.
2) In verses 17 and 18, we read about the Most Holy Place “The main hall in front of this room was forty cubitslong. The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was to be seen.” Again, I wondered why? Why was everything cedar there and no stone to be seen? Was it because He is our Rock and no other could stand beside Him? Just wondering.
Thoughts:
- The Temple of the Lord took eleven years to complete. Following God’s plan (like king Solomon did) takes time. (1 Kings 6:37-38) Life lesson: We will see fruition, and rejoice in it, when we just stay close to Him and follow His instructions. Patience my child.
- Have you ever attend a class or seminar, listened to a sermon, tried to read some confusing directions while putting a simple toy or piece of furniture together and it seemed a bit too deep for you to comprehend? Afterwards, you needed a tutor to help you understand or someone to sit alongside and guide you through those instructions. Well, that’s how Jesus was talking to His disciples before He was going to leave them to go to Heaven…confusing. Just like your teacher may have sent you to a tutor to help you understand math or chemistry, Jesus sends a “tutor” to us when we accept and believe in Him. That tutor is the Holy Spirit. (John 16:5-11) The Holy Spirit will live inside you of and help you simplify things. Teach you right from wrong. Your own personal assistant will be with you always. Now, don’t you feel important?
- John 16: 21,“When a woman gives birth to a baby, she has pain, because her time has come. But when her baby is born, she forgets the pain. She forgets because she is so happy that a child has been born into the world.” Now some woman may disagree with that statement and say, “Are you kidding me! I remember every ache and pain there was!” I must agree with the bible verse and “some woman”. Do I remember the pain? Sure. But I wouldn’t change a thing once I saw my precious babies. No pain. No gain. When we become Christians, we will have times of pain, but think of the glory to be gained in the end. Yes! Glory! Don’t let anyone steal your joy in life. God wants you to be happy, so do it. Be happy.
- “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33. Woohoo!!! He has already defeated the world! Satan will not win! Get on the winning team. God’s team. He will coach you through all the trouble you will have in life. Do as the verse says, “be brave!”
Just a good ole verse to share (in three different translations):
Proverbs 15:26:
- “God can’t stand evil scheming, but he puts words of grace and beauty on display.” (The Message)
- “The LORD hates evil thoughts, but he is pleased with kind words.” (Easy-to-read version)
- “The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.” (New International Version)
I love it! Be kind. Be gracious. Be beautiful.
Blessings to you. Stephanie