A Race not to Vanity

*Study scripture*
1 Kings 9:3-4 (KJV)
_And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there forever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:_

*Theme: A Race not to Vanity*
It’s so amazing how we live our lives as Christians today, at most every Christian’s desire is to live a life pleasing unto the lord (Psalms 19:14), yeah the summary of everything we do is to live assuredly knowing that the path you’ve taken is just that one the father set for you. As well as many of us this is our aim and goal, it also demand that we know assuredly what brings a smile on our father’s face. It’s not that we are trying as hard to please him, in Christ He is already pleased with us.

King Solomon built the temple because it was his and his father David’s desire to build the lord a temple to dwell. But our major emphasis today is the response God gave Solomon, the summary of it all was not in what Solomon could do with his hands but the ministry of his heart. God was pleased that they had carried a concern towards his dwelling on earth, but with just the temple built and without their hearts being towards what really makes that temple a temple (God), they would miss it.

When the bible speaks of the testing’s of our works in fire (1 Cor 3:10-15) it’s not speaking of non-believers, but works we as believers do. It’s possible to build a church building and such other great deeds in the ministry, but miss the main mark which is our hearts being yielded unto Him. The good news is it’s not hard to keep our hearts after the Lord, He already has it the very day we accepted Him, but by the renewal of minds ( Rom 12;2) we attend to who we are in God yielding to Faith which pleases God. So serve, minister and do all for the Lord but see to it that by knowledge in the Lord you run not the race in vain ( Gal 2:2), Hallelujah.

*Further study*
1 Kings 9:1-9, 1 Cor 3:10-15, Gal 2:2.

*Nugget*
_With knowledge and transformed minds we can do great deeds in God’s kingdom and still have our hearts in check not to run the race in vain. Beyond that ministry and service what God desires is our hearts._

*Prayer*
Dear God, I thank you for the opportunity to have a right heart before you, I do not work it on my own because a stony heart you have taken and a soft heart you have given me. By your word I keep my heart in check, and I do great deeds in your kingdom, AMEN.
7/11/22, 7:11 AM – Gershom: hello everyone.. Praise Darling Jesus??