1 Kings 8:65-66 - Consecrating time to the Lord

Scripture:

1 Kings 8:65-66
65 So Solomon observed the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt, before the Lord our God, for seven days and seven more days, even fourteen days.
66 On the eighth day he sent the people away and they blessed the king. Then they went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord had shown to David His servant and to Israel His people.
NASU


Thoughts:

Consecrating time to the Lord seems like a lost act of worship.  Here Solomon and the nation have set aside 2 weeks to dedicate the temple (verse 65). 

Today, with busy schedules and sometimes just an infatuation with entertainment, we might grow impatient at a worship service that goes a little long.  What if we were to consider our time at church as consecrated to God?  Rather than just another entry in our calendar, what if we celebrated this time, looking forward to it as though it were a birthday or holiday?  How much that could change not only our attitudes, but our relationship with God.  How much might that change our churches, as well.


Prayer:

Lord, help me to have the right focus, setting aside time to hear from You and worship You.  How I need this time with You and Your people!  Shield me from my own selfishness and the cares of this world.  Let me be immersed in Your presence.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.