Daily Reading: 1 Kings 7
Scripture Focus: The foundation was of costly stones, huge stones... (1 Kings 7.10)
Devotional Thought: At the start of our first assignment on the mission field, our supervisor gave us a challenge I will never forget. He challenged us, whatever we built in ministry, to lay a strong foundation, and to build it right the first time. When you are a new missionary, these two goals seem elusive. Some things you learn as you go. Other times you have false starts. Some things you wish you could build over again. But, I think there is wisdom in his challenge. Whenever we do the Lord’s work or any work, we must take adequate time to pray, study, and prepare, so that what we build is healthy, strong, and can stand the test of time and challenges of life.
Solomon did not skimp on his building materials. The foundation laid for the temple was built using “costly stones, huge stones.” Maybe to us, it seems excessive or exorbitant to use such pricey and robust building materials. To Solomon, it did not. He built the temple to last, to stand the ravages of weather and time. The foundation was strong, and the temple was built right the first time.
What kind of foundations are we laying in our lives? On what kind of values are we building our families and churches? Are we building it right the first time, as best we know how, by the wisdom and direction of God’s Spirit, God’s Word and godly counsel? Will the foundations we are laying, the work we are doing for the Lord, stand the test of time and challenges of life? Or, are we cutting corners, tossing in hollow, empty values, and other “filler” that won’t last?
Costly Stones. Huge Stones. Christ Jesus. Kingdom Values. Let’s build with these and build it right.
Joe Young
Prayer: Lord, help me to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ, using gold, silver, and precious stones - so that my work will survive. In Jesus' name I do pray. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.49-56
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
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