September 19th

Today is September 19

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 10.

1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed. 6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

The Queen of Sheba wasn't expecting to be so impressed with King Solomon. She, a woman of great wealth, traveled very far to see this famed kingdom for herself. She had heard the rumors, but when she arrived, she was overwhelmed. "How happy your people must be!" she saw even servants wearing remarkable clothing. What she witnessed was a society that began with the creating of a temple to God, built itself up by following the instructions of God, and maintained itself by mutual trust and obedience to God. As we enter our time of prayer today, consider the connection between happiness and putting God first.

God was at the center of their existence and they followed him faithfully. Think of the unity they felt, the way they were thriving by trusting and serving God, and maintaining justice and righteousness. Think about what would it be like to live in a society that was so just it was overwhelming.

When we put God first in even the smallest ways, things fall into place. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, What is one thing I can do to today put God first in my life?

Music Credit:
"Christ Above Me" - Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)