June 12

<p>I Kings 8-10 We are in the Nation Stream today and will attend the dedication of the Temple by King Solomon. What a treat! We are reading from the New American Standard Bible this week. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | <a href= "https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YPPA8XGTQ2YHU">Donate</a></span> <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis</span></p> <blockquote>Lord, today is yet another reminder of the glory and wonders you are preparing for us.  Thank you and Amen.</blockquote> <div>8 - It is fascinating in this reading pattern that we are doing together that yesterday we read about Bezalel making the Ark of the Covenant. And today it is being brought into the finished Temple (not the Tabernacle/[tent] that was carried throughout Sinai. The two stone tablets inside the Ark and the Ark itself were made well over 500 years prior and today, in our reading, they are finally in place! Imagine the "it's done!" sentiment that swept over the people after all these centuries.  Well they probably felt this way because God felt this way.  The Cloud, signified God's Presence, and The Glory of God filled the house as soon as the Ark was in place.  I don't know who else feels this way, but it sure would have been exhilarating to be there!</div> <div>Solomon's address to the people is historical!  The ceremony that followed was regal  - perhaps excessive, but it was for God (with a definite 'touch of Solomon') so let's do it in a big way!  This initial dedication is not going to happen again.   Solomon's prayer included remembering David, seeking God's blessing, prayers and rituals of worship, dealing with sins, enemies and their related interaction, famine and pestilence, foreigners, and battles.  The blessing Solomon gave to the people was marvelous - it would have been good if Solomon had followed his own advice all his life.  but So it goes.  At any rate, the 14 day celebration was 'one for the books!'</d