the Formed.life Blog

Refined Imagination | Week 5

Written by Christ Community KC | Saturday, May 9, 2026

Read | 1 Kings 6:1–4, 11–13, 37–38

Solomon began to build the temple for the LORD in the four hundred eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of his reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month. The temple that King Solomon built for the LORD was ninety feet long, thirty feet wide, and forty-five feet high. The portico in front of the temple sanctuary was thirty feet long extending across the temple’s width, and fifteen feet deep in front of the temple. He also made windows with beveled frames for the temple.

The word of the LORD came to Solomon: “As for this temple you are building—if you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep all my commands by walking in them, I will fulfill my promise to you, which I made to your father David. I will dwell among the Israelites and not abandon my people Israel.”

The foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid in Solomon’s fourth year in the month of Ziv. In his eleventh year in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the temple was completed in every detail and according to every specification. So he built it in seven years.

Click here to listen to the Scripture in ESV.

Focus

Read and reflect on the prayer below. As you end your week of study and prepare for Sunday, how might God be inviting you to express light and see shadow in your spheres of influence in this coming week?

Pray

Lord thank you for your word,
a rich canvas of color, light, and shadow. 

Teach me to be curious.
Show me your patterned purpose 
that exists on these perplexing pages. 

Teach me to see as you see. 
Teach me to hear as you hear. 
Teach me to accept your mysteries. 

Let my mind become your new canvas
of color, light, and shadow. 

Make me a living image 
of your mercy and grace, 

Until I see you 
in all your beauty and splendor.

Amen

Going Deeper

If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.