DECEMBER 11 1 Kings 5:12-18

PREPARING TO BUILD

Solomon had the responsibility of preparing, organising, and gathering all the raw materials. He needed many men to work at various locations and bring materials to the construction site. Lots of planning and organisation work was needed. Look at the number of men needed!

30,000 to chop down timber,
70,000 to carry the materials to the construction site,
80,000 to dig up rocks from the mountains; and
3,600 to lead and oversee the work

A strong, solid foundation also had to be laid. Many types of stones were needed – great stones, costly stones, and stones that were cut out from far-away mountains. It’s exciting to see a building rise up from the ground! But the preparation work before that is very important. Without proper preparation, it is impossible to build anything well.

The importance of preparation does not apply only to Solomon, or builders of buildings. It applies to you too. Dear reader, if you have accepted Christ as your Saviour, every act of service that you do, is building upon Him as your firm foundation. Serve God among your friends and family!
But before you do any act of service, consider and prepare first.

Is your heart prepared to serve humbly, out of love? Ask God to prepare your heart so that you will serve with the right attitude.

Are you equipped to serve? Ask God to show you a person who can teach you the skills. Be equipped with the knowledge of God’s Word.

Are you prepared to sacrifice your free time to serve? Ask God to grant you faith, and the joy of serving Him and His people.

Thought: It is easy to say I want to serve, but I must prepare well so that I can serve God acceptably. Prepare now!
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for health and strength to serve You. Prepare my heart and equip me for service, that every act I do may be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.