SOAP 05/19/2014; 2 Chronicles 2:12

Today's reading: 1 Kings 4, 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

S) "¹² Then Huram continued, 'Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, who will build a house for the Lord and a royal palace for himself.'"

2 Chronicles 2:12 (NASB)

O) Huram was the king of Tyre, who had some dealings with David, Solomon's father. Here, Solomon was on the throne, and was preparing to build the temple for the LORD, so he reached out to Huram to obtain the necessary timber. Solomon also inquired about any craftsmen that Huram can send to help. The result of Solomon's actions (being politically wise), were not only that Huram agrees to help, but it also results in this foreign king praising the LORD, despite the fact that he is not one of God's own people.

A) If I am living my life in righteousness and productivity, and people around me see that I am trustworthy and have integrity, then any compliments I receive can ultimately be turned into praise for the LORD. It is harder, when the culture is so full of atheism, but if I continually credit my God for every positive trait I have, then any amount of praise that could be attributed to me, is instead given the the LORD. My actions, words, and life, can actually cause others around me to praise God, even if they didn't set out to do so.

P) Father, I want to worship You with my life. In every way, I want my life to be a reflection of Your goodness. So, even more than my own worship and praise for You, my life can be used to even cause others to praise and worship You. Let me walk in the fullness of Your ways, to glorify Your name. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.