THANKS
Today's reading: 1 Kings 5-9

God has put a lot of words, detail and time into recording the details of Solomon's temple. The measurements. The dimensions. The colors. The materials used. The workmen hired. The imports required to build this masterpiece.

Why?

To remind me of what a spoiled, rotten brat I am.

Really. He has taken notice to each and every effort put forth by the people of his country to contribute to serving God. Some God allows to be name specifically, some to be acknowledged by family name. He touts their workmanship and effort. He applauds their sacrifice. He spotlights their gifts.

And I'm humbled.

I walk into a spotlessly clean church. I sit in a comfortable and lovely pew. I am serenaded into His presence by people giving up sitting with their families to play instruments and have spent time in prayer selecting music. I hear folks sing special music they've spent time practicing. I am ministered to via the heartfelt and sometimes sweated over words of the pastor--the pastor who also holds down a full time job and maintains a family.

Need I continue?

The folks who have taken turns to allow me the privilege to sit in big church while the children are served. The bathroom facilities I am never afraid to use. The worship folders always available. The fellowship meals that never fail to leave me filled to the brim.

I applaud each and every worker in my church! Kudos to the ones who make my worship time possible--those in front and those behind the scenes. Thank you for serving God--and me!