Weekly Guide:Week 36
September 30, 2018
Question
Who is the righteous judge?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Humanity is sinful for they know God but neither glorify nor give thanks to Him. Although they know they would be judged for their evil conducts but still do those things and approve of others who practice them.
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No one is righteous but only God can be the judge of that.
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Religious ceremonies cannot save us.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - What is circumcision? Who is the true Jew? Although we don’t have the custom of circumcision, do we have other customs that might make us feel superior subconsciously to others?
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Community - Humanity is sinful and filled with corruptions. But we have no authority to judge anyone. What does He mean when our Lord says whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself? What are the differences between committing sin and judging?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How does a sinner become righteous?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Man’s unfaithfulness does not diminish God’s faithfulness. Our unrighteousness makes more apparent God’s righteousness.
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There’s no one righteous. All are under God’s judgment.
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Through God’s grace and Jesus’ salvation, those who are faithful are declared righteous.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are given righteousness. What is my value being declared righteous? What should be the focus of my life to be commensurate with this value?
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Fidelity - Should God not judge us for our sins if God’s righteousness is made more apparent by our unrighteousness? Should those who stumble argue with God? How should I serve God whole heartedly without looking for excuses?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Why can’t we claim righteousness for our works?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Righteousness comes not from works.
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Righteousness comes not from religious ceremonies and formalities.
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Righteousness comes not from obeying the laws.
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Righteousness comes by faith alone so that we can reconcile with God and be saved by God.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - What does it mean to reconcile with God? How have I gone against God before I become a believer? How I reconciled with Him after?
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Community - Righteousness does not come from our works, nor from obeying the laws, nor from religious ceremonies, but from faith and from faith alone. The Jews emphasized on their works, their ceremonies, their relentless pursuing of the law to the letters, and yet looked down on the gentiles. Have I fallen into the same trap and looked down on them when facing those who are yet to believe the Lord or other fellow Christians?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is the source of sin? What is the source of righteousness?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Sin and death entered the world to all people through Adam for he sinned once.
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Life and grace came to all people where all may be declared righteous through Jesus Christ for His one righteous act.
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Grace wins over sin, Righteousness reigns in life through grace wins over sin which reigns by death.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - God grace is greater than Adam’s sin so that we may win over sin in our daily lives through grace. Do I have any sin that I’m unable to overcome? Trust God and ask Him for His grace to overcome my sin.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How to unite with Jesus Christ to escape from sin through Him?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Through baptism, we die with Jesus Christ; Through His resurrection, we live by uniting with Him and live to be like Him.
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Dead to sin. Alive in Christ. Offer ourselves as obedient slaves to righteousness.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - What does dead mean in dead to sin? What does alive mean in alive in Christ? How does these remind me what should my attitude toward sin be while facing the stubborn sins of mine? How do I unite with Christ to escape from the authority of sin?
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Walking with God - Is there any area of my life where I submit to my fleshly desires and let sin reign? What is offering myself as a slave to righteousness?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What identity do we receive through the Holy Spirit?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The law of sin causes us to die through the law of righteousness. However, the law of the Spirit releases us in Christ to free us from the law of death.
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Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the adoption to sonship as glorious descendants. With Holy Spirit praying for us, God helping us, and with us in Christ, there’s nothing can separate us from the love of Christ!
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - We struggle as the law of sin battles in our heart with the law of God. How do I rely on the law of the Spirit to gain freedom in Christ? What does it mean to serve the flesh and to serve the Holy Spirit? Have I experienced fleshly suffering in exchange with peace through the Holy Spirit?
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Identity - There’s nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Do I see my value in eyes of God from the description of God’s love in verses 8:31-39. Let’s remember how God loves us! Have I looked down upon myself due to the influence of the world? Likewise, have I looked down upon others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the Israelites continue to go to war for lands after Joshua had passed?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Israel had no more leader after Joshua.
+ After consulting with the Lord, the tribe of Judah and Simeon went with God to obtain and destroy completely Jerusalem, Hebron, and other cities. But they were not able to drive out the Canaanites who had chariots fitted with iron. Caleb drove out Anak was given Hebron as Moses had promised. The tribes of Joseph, with God, attacked Bethel.
+ Othniel captured Kiriath Sepher and married Caleb's daughter as wife. He then became the first judge God had raised.
+ Benjamites, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Danites weren't able to drive out the Canaanites but pressed them into forced labor.
+ Lord's angel said to the Israelites for they did not drive out the Canaanites, did not break their altars, and made covenant with them, so the Canaanites will not be driven out and will become traps and snares to the Israelites. The people wept aloud.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The Israelites compromised and did not drive out the Canaanites because: 1. They benefited from slavery; 2. They were afraid of the iron chariots. Their compromises became their traps in later days. Do I often compromise because of the worldly gains or the pattern of the world is too powerful for me to rely on God to fight for me?
+ **Fidelity** - With his complete faith and reliance on God, Caleb gotten the inheritance through Moses the promise from God. When I have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith, there will be the crown of righteousness in store for me. Pray to God to take my vision away from the worldly gains and fixate on the glorious crown in heaven.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What kept recurring during the time of Judges?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The new generation of Israelites who knew nothing of what God had done for them turned away from God and started to worship foreign gods. The Lord brought them disasters and put them in the hands of raiders as He had sworn to them.
+ The Israelites were in great distress so God raised up judges to save them out of the hands of those raiders.
+ After the judges died, the Israelites returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors. The Lord left some nations to teach them warfare and to test if they would obey the Lord's commands. But the Israelites disobeyed by living among those people, served their gods, and intermixed with them in marriage.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The Israelites had a tight grip on God when they were in distress and yet they relied on Baals for their worldly indulgence. We are just like them. We want God's salvation and yet could not let go of money, power, fame and pride. Let me go in front of God and let Him be my Lord, let Him take control of my life.
+ **Fidelity** - The previous generation of Israelites saw what God had done for them and feared God. But they did not pass that onto the next generation and caused the later generations to turn away from God. Let me recite to my children what God has done for me to help them know God, to experience God, and to understand that God is not their parents' alone, but their God, as well.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who were the four judges God raised up first?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God put the Israelites into the hands of Canaanites and caused them suffering because they turned away from God to serve other gods. God raised up judges to save the Israelites when they cried to the Lord. However, they became corrupted as soon as peace came.
+ God raised up Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah as judges.
+ Deborah, the female judge, encouraged Barak to rely on God to battle and defeat the army of Hazor which had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron. Another woman, Jael, drove a tent peg through the temple of Sisera, the commander of Canaan's army who fled the battle field, which led to the end of Jabin king of Canaan.
+ Deborah and Barak sang a song to praise the Lord for His victory against army of Hazor.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - With an insignificant oxgoad, Shamgar struck down six hundred Philistines. His ordinary oxgoad became extraordinary like Moses' staff because God was with Shamgar. We must be equipped with the armor from God in order to battle "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Let me rely on God and His armor when I face challenges.
+ **Fidelity** - As Miriam sang song to praise the Lord at the Red Sea, Deborah and Barak sang praising song to commemorate the victory God had won for them. We must often count the blessings and praise God for His deeds to bring more lost souls to Him.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the fifth judge battle the huge army of Midianites and won with only three hundred men?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Israelites again behaved sinfully after a time of peace and were put in the hands of Midianites.
+ The angel of God came to Gideon and burned all offerings as proof that he was called upon by God. Gideon built an altar and called it "The Lord is Peace."
+ Gideon, obeyed God regardless of the danger, demolished the altar his father had built to Baal then built an altar to God. Baal was not able to defend for himself.
+ Before fighting the Midianite army, God showed Gideon twice that He was in control with dry/wet wool fleece.
+ God cut down the number of Gideon's already small army to just three hundred men. God enabled them to defeat the Midianite army and killed one hundred twenty thousand. (Judges 8:10)
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Gideon disregarded the danger of being stoned to death to destroy Baal's altar. We may also face misunderstanding, disrespect, insults, and even personal danger when testifying for our Lord. Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith and help me to live out a holy life.
+ **Fidelity** - Gideon obeyed God's command to cut his already small army to just a mere three hundred while the Midianite army was one hundred thirty five thousand in number. God did this to show that it was He made possible the impossible. If we rely on ourselves, we'd move forward only when we have an apparent advantage but retract otherwise. Let God help me to focus on Him, the rock that never fails.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was the late generations influenced by the ephod Gideon built for the victory over the Midianites?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Ephraimites complained because they weren't called to fight the Midianites. Gideon comforted them by being humble.
+ Gideon and the three hundred men kept pursuing the remaining fifteen thousand Midianites. The two Midianite kings were killed and their entire army fled.
+ Gideon punished the men of Sukkoth and Peniel for their refusal to help Gideon's men.
+ Gideon refused to rule over the Israelites but with the Midianite gold he built an ephod which became a snare.
+ After Gideon's death, Israelites turned away from God to worship Baals and failed to show any loyalty to Gideon's family.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - After winning the war over Midianites, Gideon did not build an altar to God but an ephod to commemorate his victory. Have I remembered to glorify God for the victories I experienced or did I steal the glory for myself?
+ **Fidelity** - The Sukkoth and Peniel may not have believed that three hundred men could defeat fifteen thousand and thus refused to help Gideon. When choosing between the seemingly weak side of God and the seemingly strong side of the world, is my choice based on my fear in going against the popular culture? Pray and ask God to help me and strengthen my heart so that I can live out a life that pleases God.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened after Abimelek, a son of Gideon, was crowned king?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Gideon's son Abimelek crowned himself as king. He murdered his seventy brothers and only the youngest, Jotham, escaped. Jotham shouted to citizen of Shechem to warn them that they would be consumed by fire.
+ Animosity came between Abimelek and citizen of Shechem. Three years later, Abimelek was killed by a millstone dropped by a woman on a tower while attacking Thebez.
+ After Abimelek, God raised up Tola and Jair as judges.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - We all wish God to punish as soon as possible the evil doers such as Abimelek. However, God gave him three years. We are all sinners, under God's patience. Let me be grateful to God's patience and face my own weakness and sins in earnest.
+ **Fidelity** - Gideon appeared to be very successful with his victory over the Midianites. But, he was a complete failure in raising his son Abimelek. What have I been lacking in raising my children to walk God's path?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the apostles, being filled with Holy Spirit, preach?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Peter preached again and about five thousand men believed.
+ Facing the high priest, Peter fearlessly spoke of Jesus as the only way to Salvation.
+ All believers prayed together were filled with Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
+ God's grace worked in all believers that they shared everything they had and there were no needy persons among them.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Jesus is the corner stone and sets standard for all believers to follow. Do I often reflect my own conduct upon the examples set by Jesus?
+ **Fidelity** -It is a unique characteristic of early church that all things were shared. Would I assist financially those who are struggling in their livelihood even if it means lowering my own comfort level?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Where would the early church go when it faced deception, imprisonment, and complaints?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The outcome of deceiving the Holy Spirit puts our hearts in awe and fear.
+ The Lord enabled the apostles to perform many signs and wonders. More men and women believed and added to their numbers. Those who were sick or tormented by impure spirits were healed.
+ Prosecution could not stop the apostles. To the opposite, they were encouraged and preach more.
+ A Pharisee named Gamaliel wisely asked others not to fight against God.
+ As disciples increased in number, the needs of church grew. So, seven were chosen to "wait on table."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Peter and the other apostles said: "We must obey God rather than human beings!" Have I obeyed human beings due to peer pressure for my conduct in work or life?
+ **Fidelity** - Gamaliel wisely pointed out what comes from God cannot be stopped. Have I been oblivious of God's hand behind the scene due to my ignorance, perspective, or personal interest? Let me humble myself and seek God's will often.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Stephen proclaim Jesus until martyred?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God enabled Stephen to perform wonders and signs but he was falsely accused for blasphemy.
+ Filled with Holy Spirit, Stephen declared to those in Sanhedrin that they were living in sin just like their ancestors, always resisted the Holy Spirit, prosecuted prophets, betrayed and murdered the Righteous One.
+ Stephen martyred.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Stephen, falsely accused by all, had shown us the aspects of angel. As a follower of Jesus and the light and salt of the world, do I reflect God's glory?
+ **Fidelity** - Before being martyred, Stephen asked God to forgive those who falsely accused him. Would I pray for those who are against my faith? Can I forgive them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What changes to the church came about from persecutions?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ All disciples except the apostles were scattered from Jerusalem.
+ Philip preached in Samaria and baptized an Ethiopian eunuch.
+ Saul on the way to Damascus hunting for disciples was met by Jesus Christ.
+ Ananias was sent by the Holy Spirit to put his hand on Saul. Saul regained his eyesight and was converted.
+ Saul preached to the Jews to prove Jesus is Christ.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Philip was able to explain the scripture to the Ethiopian eunuch and baptized him for he followed the guidance of Holy Spirit. We won't hear God's calling and walk with Him if we don't give ourselves up to be close to Him and used by Him. Do I often seek for His presence? Am I willing to be a vessel of His?
+ **Community** - Even for Saul, a person whose only goal was to wipe out the disciples, could be turned around by God and become His vessel. Pray to the Lord to open my eyes, my mind, to grant me faith to preach to those who stand in the way of truth!
+ **Fidelity** - Ananias heard the Holy Spirit's calling and put his hand on Saul who was infamous for his persecution of the disciples. Am I willing to let the Holy Spirit lead me serve in areas I don't have the courage to? Pray to the Lord to strengthen me when I have little faith!
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the gospel spread to the Gentiles?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ By Jesus' name, Peter healed a paralyzed and raised a dead.
+ Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to preach gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. Holy Spirit poured onto the Gentiles for the first time.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Cornelius appeared to be a perfect man for he was devoting, God-fearing, gave generously to those in need, and prayed to God regularly. However perfect in our eyes, he still needed salvation from Jesus! We are often being self-righteous for our good conducts and become judgmental of others. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to remind me, to show me the not-so-pretty side of myself.
+ **Fidelity** - Jews consider the Gentiles as impure, unclean, and unworthy to be associated with. But, led by the Holy Spirit, Peter was willing to go into their house to preach gospel to them. Are there people around me need to hear the gospel? Pray and ask God to help me surrender myself, to rid of all my prejudices, to see their needs, and preach gospel to them.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the church reach unit on the question of gospel to the Gentiles?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Peter explained how the Holy Spirit went into the Gentiles so that everyone understood that God's salvation is for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
+ Gospel spread to Antioch and a great number of Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. Barnabas co-worked with Paul for a year, taught and brought up a great number of disciples.
+ Led by an Angel, Peter escaped from prison miraculously.
+ James executed, Peter imprisoned, Herod eaten by worms as he did not give glory to God.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Herod executed James and imprisoned Peter to please the Jews. Am I doing anything to please people but against God's will? Pray and ask God to help me to put Him first.
+ **Fidelity** - Barnabas, filled with Holy Spirit, was quite reputable in Jerusalem's church. However, he was not arrogant but valued Paul's gifts and invited him to co-work together. Am I humble when I serve? Do I value my co-workers' gifts and repect their strengths?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How were other duties in the temple assigned?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. They casted lots into twenty-four groups.
+ The gatekeepers, through their leaders, had duties for ministering in the temple of the Lord, casted lots for each gate.
+ Ahijah was in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries for the dedicated things.
+ From the Izharites: Kenaniah and his sons were assigned duties away from the temple, as officials and judges over Israel.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - We see the importance of music in worship as David assigned workers responsible for music in the temple to enable them to worship with music. How do I view music in worship?
+ **Fidelity** - David's workers served according to their gifts. Do I know what my gifts are? How may I thank the Lord for other people's gifts have and serve with them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who were in charge of David's property?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Israelites served the king were on monthly duty throughout the year.
+ The leaders of the tribes of Israel.
+ The officials in charge of King David's property. David's counselors. Joab was the commander of the royal army.
+ David told the people about his wish to build a temple.
+ David gave his son Solomon the plans for the temple. He encouraged Solomon to be strong and courageous and do the work.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - David wished to build the temple but when God told him not to, he obeyed because God's will is higher than his will. Have I experienced similar situation in my journey of faith?
+ **Community** - David displayed his reliance on God in the encouragement he gave Solomon. How do I encourage my children?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did David and the entire assembly prepare the materials for constructing the temple?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God-gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble-all of these in large quantities. David gave his personal treasures of gold and silver, as well.
+ The leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king's work gave willingly.
+ David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly.
+ The whole assembly praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king.
+ They acknowledged Solomon son of David as king a second time, anointing him before the Lord to be ruler and Zadok to be priest.
+ David died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - David encouraged the assembly to give: "Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?" What would my response be if David was encouraging me?
+ **Identity** - What was David's attitude in his prayer? How did he see himself and the Israelites? How may I pray like David?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened when David's son Solomon became king?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Solomon established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
+ Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge, that he may lead this numerous people.
+ God gave Solomon wisdom and knowledge as well as wealth, possessions and honor.
+ Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the Lord and a royal palace for himself.
+ Solomon sent message to Hiram king of Tyre asking for cedar logs. Hiram sent man of skills and logs.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Solomon asked God for wisdom to enable him to serve. What am I asking for? Am I focusing on my own desires or God's kingdom?
+ **Fidelity** - Solomon, the skilled workers, and labors worked together to construct the temple. Do I have the wisdom from God to co-work with others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Solomon construct the temple?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Solomon began to build the temple on the threshing floor of Arunah.
+ Solomon laid for building the temple of God using the cubit of the old standard.
+ For the Most Holy Place he made a pair of sculptured cherubim and overlaid them with gold.
+ For the front of the temple he made two pillars, a bronze altar, and the Sea of cast metal.
+ He then made ten basins for washing, ten gold lampstands. He made the courtyard of the priests, and the large court and the doors for the court.
+ Huram also made the pots and shovels and sprinkling bowls.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Solomon used precious materials and delicate tools with detailed methodology. When I serve, how may I serve with all my heart, all my mind, all my soul, and all my strength to glorify God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was the ark of the Lord's Covenant moved into the temple?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ King Solomon brought up the ark of the Lord's covenant from Zion, the City of David, to Jerusalem.
+ While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them.
+ Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands and prayed.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - In his prayer, Solomon emphasized that the temple is the temple for God's people's prayers. He asked God to listen to faithful prayers toward the temple. Is my church a church of prayers? How should I respond to prayer meetings?
+ **Fidelity** - David and Solomon wished to build the temple and it was finally completed. How do their fear of God and heart of servitude inspire me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses