God Knows All Hearts!
Scripture reading for July 23: 1 Kings 8:37-40 “If there is a famine in the land, if there is a locust or caterpillar, if their enemy besieges them in the land at their gates, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house, then hear from heaven Your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart You know, according to all his ways (for You, You only know the hearts of all the children of mankind, . .”
Prayer is a matter of the heart. Hearts that were humble and sincere and revered God and His Word were invited to ask the Lord, Whose presence had filled Solomon’s temple to bring healing or deliverance. Solomon asked God for grace in hearing and acting on each request. He stated that he believed God would bring an answer according to the condition of the heart. Only God knows each person’s heart.
Even in this time of the Old Covenant, God made provision for healing sickness, plagues, and disease. He loved His people and wanted them to enjoy health and blessings. He also knew that the law could not truly change the heart of His people, it could only reveal sin like a mirror. God encouraged His people to pray and seek Him for all their needs. The temple of the Lord built by Solomon as a dwelling place of God was given to help His people grow in faith and build a relationship with Him. As their hearts moved them, they could pray and God would respond.
But God’s plan was not a physical temple, but to dwell intimately with His people. Each person now can ask God in Jesus’ Name for whatever is needed and it will be supplied. “In that day you will ask nothing of Me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in My Name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in My Name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23-24)
Prayer: Father God, thank You for grace for each of us Your children to ask for healing or provision and knowing that You will hear and answer. Examine my heart and heal it. Amen.
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