The LORD said to Solomon, “If you walk before me, as your father David walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my ordinances, then I will establish your royal throne, as I made covenant with your father David.”   2 Chronicles 7:17-18

Anyone who reads about the building of the temple will see what a fine structure it was. King Soloman ordered the finest cedar and cypress for the timbers. He hired stonecutters to cut stone from the hills; artisans to work in bronze, silver, and gold; and weavers to make the finest fabrics and linen.  Solomon asked for God’s blessing on the temple and prayed that God would make it holy. In return, God asked Solomon to keep the holy laws and ordinances. God wanted Solomon to dedicate his heart, not just to build a beautiful temple. God wanted a relationship with Solomon and the people.  A place of worship may be functional and plain, or it may have inspiring art on its walls, elaborate decoration, candles on the altar, and more. Is the right decor enough to please God? No.  God wants relationship with us — to share our burdens, to guide us in times of trouble, to rejoice with us.

Lord God, we need you in our lives. Come into our hearts today. Amen.