My Temple

Dictionary.com defines temple as: 'an edifice or place dedicated to the service or worship of a deity.' 

Also, 'any place or object in which God dwells, as the body of a Christian,' as referenced in 1 Corinthians 6:19. In this verse, we read, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"

I've been doing a One Year plan to read the entire Bible. (Can I share with you that I'm a little behind? But can I also share with you that I'm learning sooo much?) The Lord is revealing some things to me that I wouldn't want to miss by rushing through His word.

In my reading yesterday in 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon had just finished building the temple that was to be for The Lord. He then offers a prayer of dedication for it. 

In this dedication in verses 20 & 21, he says, "May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place"

When I read this, I get excited! Especially when I think of my body being God's temple. 

Think about that...if your body is a temple, this prayer of dedication is asking God to keep His eyes open toward it day and night...to never turn away...to never close His eyes toward it. 

This prayer of dedication asks God to have constant, unwavering, laser-like focus on YOU.

So, with this in the back of my mind, I continued to read. All the way to chapter 7. Where I found the Lord appeared to Solomon.

In verses 15 & 16, the Lord says, "Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there."

Wait...what...what did I just read?

Ok, so not only can I be so bold as to ask God to never, not for one second, take his eyes off of me...no, more than that...don't even CLOSE them. But I can also ask Him to listen for my prayers...and He will do it?!?!?!

He says He will listen for my prayers. 

He says HE chose and consecrated this temple...me, my body. But why did He do it? Did He do it because I'm so wonderful? Because I'm so great at obeying Him? Because I'm so unselfish? 

Good gracious no. He did it so that His name would be there forever. Not just for the day...not just for the week...not for that one year that you've I've really got your my stuff together...but FOREVER. Even when you're I'm acting a fool. Even when you I forget about Him...He never forgets about you me. 

His eyes and His heart are always there...with me...in my temple, that was built for service and worship to Him. 

He did it so that He can get the glory.