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- Oct 26, 2007
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It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace.1 Kings 7:1 NIV
Today’s verse is the first in a Bible chapter, so the word however might seem a little out of place. But if you go back to the previous verse—1 Kings 6:38—you’ll see that the two verses together make a comparison between the time it took Solomon to build God’s temple and the time it took to build Solomon’s palace.
Both buildings were magnificent—and important. Some scholars believe this difference was because Solomon made the building of the temple his priority, but others say it was because God had given Solomon perfect instructions for building the temple. Either way, these two verses together say something about priorities. God had made the completion of His temple Solomon’s top priority because God Himself was to be the nation of Israel’s top priority.
God gives every man a list of important responsibilities. You’ll be unshakable in meeting those responsibilities when you make God your top priority. Always make sure that spending time with Him in prayer and Bible reading takes precedence over all your other important responsibilities.
Prayer: Loving Father, You have given me many responsibilities. Sometimes it’s hard for me to prioritize the things I know You’ve given me to do. I know, however, that my relationship with You is by far my top priority. May I always put You first.
Today’s verse is the first in a Bible chapter, so the word however might seem a little out of place. But if you go back to the previous verse—1 Kings 6:38—you’ll see that the two verses together make a comparison between the time it took Solomon to build God’s temple and the time it took to build Solomon’s palace.
Both buildings were magnificent—and important. Some scholars believe this difference was because Solomon made the building of the temple his priority, but others say it was because God had given Solomon perfect instructions for building the temple. Either way, these two verses together say something about priorities. God had made the completion of His temple Solomon’s top priority because God Himself was to be the nation of Israel’s top priority.
God gives every man a list of important responsibilities. You’ll be unshakable in meeting those responsibilities when you make God your top priority. Always make sure that spending time with Him in prayer and Bible reading takes precedence over all your other important responsibilities.
Prayer: Loving Father, You have given me many responsibilities. Sometimes it’s hard for me to prioritize the things I know You’ve given me to do. I know, however, that my relationship with You is by far my top priority. May I always put You first.
