1 Kings 11:9
"Now the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice."
Inundated with not only wisdom, but with power and wealth, more processions that one could ever use, Solomon was overwhelmed with distractions that stole his focus from the Lord. Like ourselves today, we may be enamored with things of finances, health, wealth, leisure, even things of the ministry, whatever redirects our focus from the Lord, and eventually erodes our attention for Him. Continual reminders we have in His word that we may stay on track with Him are for our wellbeing and continued longevity in our relationship with Christ.
Pastor Russell
Psalm 5:1-2
“Give ears to my word O Lord, consider my meditation. Heed the voice of my cry for help, my king and my God, for to Thee do I pray.”
The psalmist expresses his heart felt feelings. Pursued and harangued for no good reason other than his destruction, he cries out to God for help. As we have seen the week unfold, we await the Lord’s plans and provisions for His people, as we stand by and pray, looking for His guidance and intervention within the hearts of all people. Please continue to pray.
Pastor Russell
Psalm 122:6-7
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.”
For many centuries, the people of Israel has sought a peaceful existence within the scope of its borders. Yet time and time, many have come in and sought the bounty of the land and and its people. Now under attack again, a peaceful people fighting for survival against terror and savagery. God’s ultimate desire for His people will not be fulfilled until the coming of the Prince of Peace. Pray oh Lord come, but not until the last one is saved.
2 Chronicles 6:13
“and he stood on it, knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven.”
We find Solomon praying over the dedication of the temple. Note he’s in a positive of humility and respectful reverence towards the Lord, hands raised in worship and adoration, surrender and the reality that we come without much to give to God except ourselves. Solomon's outward position speaks of how our own hearts should be in our relationship to Him.
Pastor Russell
1 Kings 7:45
"and the pails and the shovels and the bowls; even all the utensils which Hiram made for King Solomon in the house of the Lord were of polished bronze."
As we looked at all the implements and furnishings used in the temple, we likened bronze having many similarities with the gold used in the Holy of Holies. Bright and shiny, bronze, almost having the appearance of gold, yet being an admixture of copper and tin, it was hard like man kinds heart, and at times throughout the bible, representative of judgement and warfare, yet when polished up in the love of Jesus, useful the Masters use. We become vessels fit for the Lord's use as we surrender to Him.
Pastor Russell
1 Kings 5:12
"And the Lord gave wisdom to Solomon, just as He promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a covenant."
Within the realm of any relationship, whether nations, countries, states, people, it's always good to be at peace with those around us. Squabbles, misunderstandings, misinterpreted words can bring strife and ill will. It's, always best to take it to the Lord in prayer, staying away from dogmatic stands, and let Him work things out to His glory, as we wait patiently om Him. The difficult word is patiently wait. At times, quickly spoken words and actions can bring unwanted results. Was everything perfect between Solomon and Hiram? We may never know, but we see the results of God's promises, wisdom to bring about peace between the two nations.
Pastor Russell
1 Kings 4:25
"So, Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree from Dan to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon."
While the picture painted for us is one of peace and prosperity, we may struggle with the thought that we are so far from that today in this world. Our world today has gotten so far from the precepts and personal relationship with the Lord, we can only describe our situation as chaotic and hopeless. Crime, drugs, homelessness, open boarders are only a few we have inherited with our new world view. As things progress rapidly, we can only stay the course, seeking and following after the Lord, or surely, we fall prey to their agenda. Stay the course Christian, above all pray and seek to do the very best in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Russell
1 Kings 3:7
".....yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in."
Solomon, in all his honesty before the Lord, candidly admitted his lack of knowledge and leadership experience before the Lord. Thrust into the forefront of leading a nation, there was no time for an internship or a course in leadership 101. He did the wisest thing, he threw himself at the feet of God, seeking His counsel and wisdom. For us, we may be a family of one, or be the leader of a company or organization. A great place to be is always at the foot of the Lord, seeking His wisdom for our lives and situation.
Pastor Russell
1 Kings 2:3
"And keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn."
The charge to Solomon by his father David, may be appropriate for any child of God. To walk in His ways is a great thing, to keep it according to His word is even a greater exhortation. The results being, success in the way we go. Not so much rocket science, but simple words of wisdom that our life and times here on earth, may go as smoothly as possible, without our own interjection. Keep it according to Him, is the best thing we can do.
Pastor Russell
1 Kings 1:30
surely as I vowed to you, "As the Lord the God of Israel, saying, your son Solomon shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place; I will indeed do so this day."
Again, we find the throne of Israel in jeopardy. David, first challenged by his son Absolom who staged a coup, now facing another challenge by Adonijah, who self-appointed himself king, and then staged a coronation celebration, all without the knowledge of David. David, though hindered by age and health issues, makes swift decisive moves to circumvent his son's attempt to steal the throne. Promises to David, as far as the coming King, would not be thwarted. The Lord would have His way, not without challenge though, as we will see in coming chapters of Kings.
Pastor Russell
2 Samuel 24:18
So Gad came to David that day and said to him, "Go up, erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite."
Amidst the tragedy that took place this week in Lahaina, and the ongoing rescue, relief and recovery efforts, many may question how come Lord? It may be a good time to reflect on how transient life is, and remember that the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our Lord stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8) In Him we can come, within the altars of our hearts, bringing sacrifices of praise and thanks giving for His faithfulness through all and in all. Love Him, love one another and hang on.
Pastor Russell
2 Samuel 24:14
Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the Lord for His mercies are great, but do not me fall into the hand of man."
David was grieved as he realized his folly in numbering the people. The consequences of his pride would cause ramifications that would have far reaching effect. David was quick to remember, that the Lord was gracious and merciful, and it would far better to trust in Him. Sometimes, it's hard to remember, unless we are in a similar situation that God is gracious and merciful, and it's better to trust in Him.
Pastor Russell
1 Chronicles 12:22
"For day by day more men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God."
As the Lord assembled a great army, the various men from differing families and tribes came together. As willing as these warriors were, there must have been some tense moments where interpersonal differences came into play. Close quarters, work over load, differing personalities caused stress and focus shifted from the work at hand to nit picking and quibbling, I'm sure the enemy jumped in and had at times a field day seeing disharmony and loss of vision for the work at hand. For us, whether it be on the job, or in the neighborhood, or even within the family unit, know the enemy seeks to conquer and divide. Recognize the spiritual warfare, that often hits close to home.
Pastor Russell