10.28.24 - (1 Kings 8:27-30)

Introduction

Hello Dwell, this is Kenneth.

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Today is Monday, October 28th. Thanks for joining us for today's Dwell Kids Daily!

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For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we look to our Great King by opening our hearts to hear from Him through the words of the Bible.

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Silence

As we begin, let us remember that God calls His people, young and old, to be still and know that He is God. Let's take a few seconds to clear our minds, so that we can hear him better.

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Opening Prayer

(Monday)

The heavens were formed and filled by your word, O God. When you spoke the stars shone forth in the night sky. Help us hear your words today – shape our hearts according to your will.

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Passage

Today our passage is from 1 Kings 8, verses 27-30:

English Standard Version (Chapter 8)

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O LORD my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.

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Exhortation

In the Old Testament God has a house here on earth. Do you know what you call God’s house? The Temple. That’s right the Temple, which was in Jerusalem, was built as a house for God to dwell in. Now, you need to know that this idea of God dwelling on earth goes all the way back to the beginning of the Bible. In Genesis 3 we read about God walking in the Garden of Eden. In fact, God originally created the world as a place where he could dwell with his people! But after the people rebelled against God, he exiled them out of the Garden and into the wilderness. Although God had told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply in the garden, they had their children in the wilderness. Indeed, all humanity after the exile of Adam and Eve where born and raised in the wilderness. Even you and I!

But God does not give up on his plan to live with us here on earth. He comes into the wilderness to find his people and dwell with them. After he rescues his people out of Egypt, has has them build a special tent where he will dwell in their presence. Do you know what this special tent was called? The Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was to be set up right in the middle of their camp as they wandered in the wilderness.

After they settle in a lush land that God had promised them, King David wanted to turn than tent, into a grand house for God. It was actually his son King Solomon who ended up building it. Our passage today is a prayer of King Solomon at the dedication of the Temple. He prays that God will hear the prayers of him and his people as they orient themselves toward God’s presence, meaning as they face the Temple.

God’s presence with his people means that people can commune with him. They can have a relationship with him. They can talk with him.

In the New Testament, Jesus, who is called Emmanuel, comes to live with his people. He builds a new Temple where God will dwell. Do you know what this temple is called? The Church. That’s right, God now lives in his people. We can pray to him anywhere we are! He especially loves to to pray when we are gathered together.

Call to Action: If you are a Christian, then God dwells in you, and in the Christians around you. The Church is the new house of God. Let’s take a moment to reflect on this beautiful truth!

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Closing Prayer

Let’s pray together.

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Father in heaven, thank you for never leaving or forsaking us. Thank you for coming after us in the wilderness. Thank you for taking up residence in our midst. May we always come in to your courts with prayer and thanksgiving! We pray this in the name of King Jesus. Amen.

Outro

"It's been great to be with you today."

Tomorrow, we'll be in Isaiah 56:6-7. Until then, go in peace, and let the word of King Jesus dwell in you richly.

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Alternate Outro (Record Every Time)

Now, go in peace, and let the word of King Jesus dwell in you richly.