June 8-14th, 2025

HEART PREPARATION:
This week we will be covering passages from Proverbs, 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Psalms. Four books written by different authors. One a collection of sayings, another full of songs, while two document the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Although, all four lead us to the cross and the need of a savior. 


WEEK’S READING PLAN:

• Sunday, June 8 — Proverbs 16-18
• Monday, June 9 — Proverbs 19-21
• Tuesday, June 10 — Proverbs 22-24
• Wednesday, June 11 — 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3
• Thursday, June 12 — 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4
• Friday, June 13 — 1 Kings 8, 2 Chronicles 5
• Saturday, June 14 — 2 Chronicles 6-7, Psalms 132

WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
Proverbs is a gift from God. It teaches us to live with integrity (Proverbs 19:1), to be humble (proverbs 16:18), forgive others (Proverbs 17:9), and seek wisdom (Proverbs 19:20). We are reminded of the importance of having good counsel (Proverbs 18:1), the value of a friend (Proverbs 18:24), and the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 19:23). Chapters 16-24 is full of knowledge. See where it takes you…


2 Chronicles 2-7 is an account of the planning and preparation Solomon put into the building of the Temple. It details his plan, the recruitment of skilled craftsmen, and material selected. It is important to note how everything was done in excellence. This chapter describes the construction of the temple. It includes its location (Mount Moriah), detail, and design. We learn about the placement of items within the temple including David’s treasures and the Ark of the Covenant. Near completion, the cloud of God’s glory fills the temple. There was a parade, songs of praise, and prayers of thanksgiving. Solomon gives a prayer of dedication. God appears to Solomon in a dream. He tells Solomon that he heard his prayer and that he accepts the temple as a place for sacrifice. He also told Solomon that if his people remain humble, pray, seek him, turn from their wicked ways, he will forgive their sin and heal the land. God tells Solomon if he remains faithful, his successors will continue to lead Israel.


In 1 Kings 5-8, Solomon begins his reign as king. He prepares for the construction of the temple that King David dreamt about. The temple is a tribute to the one and only God. Solomon builds the temple. Our reading describes its design and architecture. It also mentions some of Solomon’s other building projects one of which includes the palace. Israel prospers under the reign of King Solomon. Upon completion, Solomon dedicates the temple. Solomon’s prays to the Lord, asking God to accept the temple, reside in it, be just, and to be attentive to the prayers offered.
Psalms 136 gives us a call to worship. It reminds us of the blessings God provided Israel. Each followed by the chorus, “Give thanks to the Lord his love endures forever”.


PERSONAL INSIGHT:
Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, instructions, and reflections of how to live a good and successful life in both worldly matters and before God. One of the study-helps I used when working on this outline suggested a prayer before reading a chapter of proverbs. It read…


Dear God, give me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Let any knowledge I gain help me love You and others more, and not puff me up. Help me see something new about You that I’ve never seen before. Correct any lies I believe about You or anything I misunderstand. Direct my steps according to Your Word. Amen. (The Bible Recap by Tera-Leigh Cobble)


I like the idea of starting a reading time with God in prayer. God speaks to us through his word and it’s important to ask God to show us what we need to hear. What might speak to me “today” might not speak to you. What speaks to you “today” might be exactly what I need to hear. Praise the Lord for his guidance and wisdom.


The temple was one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of its time. Inspired by King David and completed by Solomon. It took Solomon 7 years to complete the temple. He only used the finest craftmanship and material. It was a gift to God, completed in excellence, and never intended for self-glorification. This is a great reminder of how we, as believers, should present our gifts and talents. Everything we do should be presented as a gift of to God, done in excellence, and never intended for self-glorification. 
Upon completion of the temple, Solomon prays to God asking him to accept the temple, reside in it, be just, and be attentive to the prayers of the Israelites. God hears Solomon’s prayer and responds to him in a dream. He tells Solomon, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people pray, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:12-14) God later goes on to tell Solomon that if he remains faithful, he and Israel will continue to be blessed. I see this passage having two points. The first is that our sin has consequences. Like the Israelites, if we turn from God, we will find ourselves in a mess. The second point is that no matter how far we stray from God, we are always just a prayer away from his forgiveness. Isn’t it awesome to know we serve a God that will “Forgive our sin and heal our land”. 
In closing, we often tend to think about the now and not about God’s enduring love. Psalms 136 is a call to worship. It is a wonderful reminder of God’s goodness, power, and mercy. This week take some time and think. Think about where you were before your salvation, at your salvation, and where you are now. “His steadfast love endures forever”.


PRAYER:
God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for sending your son as a sacrifice for my sins. Help me to see through the noise of the world and give me the ability to recognize wisdom and to receive it. Forgive me where I fall short. Help me to do everything in humility. Lastly, help me to love others as you love me. 


This week’s devotional was prepared by David Eddington