Solomon

What Would I Have Asked For?

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In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him,
“Ask what I shall give thee.”
And Solomon said unto God, “Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let Thy promise unto David my father be established: for Thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?” And God said to Solomon,
“Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge My people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.”
2 Chronicles 1:7-12

Solomon is now the king of all Israel. God came to Solomon, and said, basically, “Ask Me for anything,” I believe it was a test of his character, his heart.

What would I have asked for? Solomon was probably a very young man. We are not told anywhere I can find where we are told his age, at the time he became the king. As a young man of 18 through 30 or so, I am not so sure that I would not have asked for God to make me wealthy. I know in my heart, and I knew then, that wisdom and knowledge were two of the greatest things you could ask God for. Now, I no longer want to be wealthy. That would be a trap for the ruin of my family,  and my life.

Solomon was wise before God even gave him this offer. He had a large task ahead of him as the king of Israel, judging the people, and leading them in the way of the LORD God, and building the temple, which his father David had planned and designed.

Over the years, I am now 70 years of age, I have asked God many times for wisdom and knowledge,  and God has met our needs, and I look back at my twenty or so years, and I can see I am much wiser than I was back then, and I pray more knowledgeable at least in the ways of the Lord,  and His word.

God answered Solomon’s request, and gave him more than what he asked for. God gave Solomon wisdom and knowledge. He also gave him great wealth, and honor before kings. Solomon, even as wise as he was, was not a perfect, nor a sinless man. He is believed to have been the human author of Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and many of the Proverbs in that book of wisdom.

There is a great need in today’s world for godly wisdom. There is much earthly wisdom that is foolish in God’s eyes. Earthly wisdom is like, “Grab all you can, while you can,” “Do unto others before they do unto you,” “My golden rule is that he who has the gold makes the rules,  and such frivolity as that. While the wisdom of the God who has made all things, says, “Love God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” He also says, “Love your neighbor as you do yourself,” and to “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all His righteousness.”

The wisdom of the world says, “I have no sin that needs forgiveness.”  The word of God and wisdom says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

I have chosen to believe and live for God and His word and wisdom, and shun the world and its so called wisdom. I have done that by turning from my sin to Christ Jesus; who died on the cross for our sins, was buried and He rose again; and have confessed that He is Lord and thoroughly believe that He rose from the dead. Now I have assurance that I will be with Him forever.

Will you join me? Call on His name and be saved from sin, death, and hell.

The Heavy Yoke

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And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him; and spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.” Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that He might perform His saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
1 Kings 12:13-15

Solomon was the anointed king of Israel following David. He had been told by God Himself that if he would live as David had, that is, in fellowship with Him, the He would bless him by a continuing, perpetual kingdom. Read 1 Kings chapters 11 and 12.

Solomon is now gone to be with his fathers, and Rehoboam is king. Because of Solomon’s idolatry, due to the deception of his foreign wives, which began because he did not heed God’s word concerning marriage of foreign women. These women are not to blame, but rather, it is Solomon’s own undoing.

A prophet named Ahijah comes to a servant of King Solomon and tells him; his name is Jereboam that God is about to dived the kingdom of Israel, and that Jereboam will be the king of the northern kingdom. Ten of the twelve tribes of Israel would be in his rule. Judah and Benjamin would be only David’s descendants place of rule.

Through all of this travesty of the kingdom God shows Himself to be sovereign Lord over Adam’s kind. He has sent the prophet with the word of the LORD that this will take place, and He uses a matter of taxes to divide the kingdom. Jereboam is in on the rebellion and is appointed the first king of the northern kingdom which is called Israel, and the southern kingdom is Judah.

The division started when Rehoboam refused the counsel of the elders when he had asked what to do about the request from the people that the tax load be reduced. The elders said to do what the people requested. The King had also asked the young counselors about it, and they told Rehoboam to increase the taxes; and that what King Rehoboam did. Jereboam and those of Israel departed, and they were divided, just as God had said.

What can we learn from these things? One thing is that we need to hear and take heed to the word of God, and keep His commandments. Don’t tell me that the commandments of the LORD are done away with. They are not, The commandments show us when we have sinned, and point us to our Savior.

Another thing we can see is that those who are in leadership and positions of power, need to listen to the people. Pastors need to listen to the people whom they shepherd. We are all servants of God. Listen to Him.

The last thing I will point out is that when God says something and anytime God says something, then you can certainly count on it coming to pass. God will hasten His word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12).

It is true for the Christian, and the non-Christian – unbeliever. if you do not believe one sentence of God’s word, does not nullify the truth of His word. The New Testament is just as much the word of God as is the Old Testament. In the New we hear of God sending His only begotten Son into a sinful world which God loved so much, that He sent Him to die for the sins of the world. He did. He died on a cross for your sins and mine, He was buried carrying our sins away as far as east is from the west, leaving them there, and He conquered death by rising from the grave, walking with us forty more days, then ascending into heaven where He is forever seated at the right hand of God the Father.

The only way of salvation is through Jesus Christ who was proven to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). Call on the name of the Lord, and you will be saved (Romans 10:13).

This House

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And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,
“Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in My statutes, and execute My judgments, and keep all My commandments to walk in them; then will I perform My word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.
1 KIngs 6:11-13

King David had a heart to build a house for the LORD. However, the LORD would  not allow David to build because he had been a man at war, and had shed much blood. God had told him, “Your son will build me an house,” and thus we see after Solomon is anointed King, that he begins to build that house.

The LORD is not so concerned with a physical house; as He is with the human heart. The heart of Solomon was what God wanted.

Could or would Solomon walk in the statutes of God? Would or could execute the judgments of God? Would or could he keep all the commandments of God? The answer to all three questions is; NO!

The house GOD wants to dwell in is the house of the human heart. That heart of the man or woman is corrupt and evil, unless that heart is changed by God Himself. Second  Corinthians 5:1through 2 speaks of this house. I leave the reference hear for you to investigate, and see for yourself.

GOD wants to make your heart His house to dwell in. He made that possible only through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ on a cross. He was buried, and He rose from that grave and is alive forever  more.

If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, your shall be saved. Will you do that today.

Be Strong, and Of Good Courage…

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And David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.”
1 Chronicles 28:20-21

Secret Things and Wisdom

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“These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:1-2 (KJB)

The Virtuous Man; The Virtuous Woman

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“The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
What, my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows?  Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.  Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.  Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”  Proverbs 31:1-9 (KJB)

Man of Virtue; Woman of Virtue – Proverbs 31:1-31

No one is for certain who Lemuel was. The name means “Belonging to God”, and could be another name for Solomon.
We often hear about the woman/wife of verses 10-31, but little about the virtuous king/man in verses 1-9.
According to Strongs Dictionary of the Hebrew language “Virtuous” means ‘a force’ or ‘valour’, ‘strength’. Probably referring to moral excellence and strength or power.
1. The king should be virtuous in his judgment/justice and other decisions. He is to stand for the weak and defenseless.
The word “strength” (v. 3) is the same as the word “virtuous” of v. 10 [chayil; khah’-yil]. Not controlled by unethical women, nor by power, neither by mind altering drink or drugs. Only a virtuous/strong man or king can make righteous judgments. (vv. 1-9)

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”  Proverbs 31:10-22

2. The woman/wife of virtue. A force of moral integrity. Look at her value “far above rubies”. She has the “trust” of her husband; he knows she will not bankrupt their home and family – morally or financially (vv. 10-12).
She is a hard and diligent worker and wise shopper (vv. 13-15). She endeavors to increase her resources (vv. 16-19) She is thoughtful of others, and cares for her own (vv. 20-21).
The wife of virtue is an artist, designer, homebuilder, etc. (vv. 22-24).
“Strength” (v. 25) is a different [‘oz; oze] meaning “force, security, majesty, praise”. And honour are her clothing; her covering; her unashamed quality. This virtuous woman is honoredby her neighbors, her husband, her children.

“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”  Proverbs 31:29-31

The virtuous woman is more concerned with the way her life and family appears, than her personal beauty. A woman who has the adoration of her family, friends, and neighbors due to her strength in the Lord has much, very much, and is praised by others (vv. 26-31).

Fear of the LORD

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It is evident as I look over the world, and look into each culture on the earth; and not that I have done a thorough examination of any or all; but just an short observation.  My observation leads me to reach the conclusion that we as a race of people; the human race; do not have a fear of GOD.

In every culture, and nation, we make god in our own image, and after our own likeness; thus we can approve of anything, and everything, that suits “Me”.

Many times this is true even in Christianity.  There are many professors who proclaim that “God is so good and loving.  He would not cast anyone into a fiery place called Hell”.  Or “God is so loving, accepting, and kind that he loves same sex couples. He does not expect them to change their minds or their lives”.  Guess what?  Doing that you deny the God of the Bible, the Scriptures, and you have made god in  your own image and likeness.

Hear the Proverbs of Solomon…

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27 (KJV)

We must understand that when we fear the LORD it is not that we go around trembling every time we mess up, or fear messing up (sinning).  To live in the “Fear of the LORD” is to live with confidence.  Confidence that when we do sin He is gracious, merciful and will forgive us.  When we live in the fear of God it is actually living in the love of God which is greater than all our sin.

John the apostle wrote in his first epistle,

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10

When we fear the LORD we also will be like a “fountain of life” (Proverbs 13:14; 14:27).  The Word of God is like a fountain of running, flowing, fresh, refreshing, cleansing water that flows giving eternal life to all who will freely drink it.  Jesus said…

“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38

That is a flowing, cleansing, refreshing stream of water flowing from Christian lives that shows what it really means to walk in the love of God.

To walk in the fear of the LORD is to believe what He says, then make Him all of our life, and live as He has given us privilege to do so.  Because of the gift of Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection we now have the right to be called the sons and daughters of GOD (John 1:12); but you must believe and receive what He has said, and what He has done.

Wisdom of Work, and the Mouth

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Words have power.  It is my belief that if we as people would do our individual jobs, and responsibilities, and listen twice as much as we open our mouths the world would be a better place.  God gave us two ears and one mouth; and that means we ought to do twice as much listening, as we do speaking.

Hear the Proverbs…

“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but He casteth away the substance of the wicked. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” Proverbs 10:1-6 (KJV)

At least 13 times in chapter ten there is reference to “mouth”, “lips”, or “tongue”. Verses 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 31, and 32 with a couple of verses having two references.

There is power in our use of words with our tongues, lips, our mouth; hear what God says about the power of the tongue; “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21).

From Warren W. Wiersbe –

Wise and righteous are key words in this chapter, and they go together, for the wise practice righteousness and the righteous grow in wisdom.
The wise bring joy and not grief to their parents (v. 1). They will take advantage of God-given opportunities (v. 5) and will obey orders (v. 8). Wise people gather knowledge (v. 14) and share it with others (vv. 13, 21, 31). They also know when to be quiet (v. 19). They do not jest about sin (v. 23) but are serious about obeying the Lord.
The righteous have God’s protection and provision (vv. 2–3, 24–25), and He blesses them in life (v. 6) and after death (v. 7). Their words give life (vv. 11, 20–21, 31–32), and their works prosper (v. 16). Their future is secure (v. 30) and joyful (v. 28).
If you are wise and righteous, those traits will be revealed by your words (vv. 6, 11, 14, 20–21, 31–32) as well as by your works.

Of verse 6 Matthew Henry Commentary says,

“Verse 6
Here is, 1. The head of the just crowned with blessings, with the blessings both of God and man. Variety of blessings, abundance of blessings, shall descend from above, and visibly abide on the head of good men, real blessings; they shall not only be spoken well of, but done well to. Blessings shall be on their head as a coronet to adorn and dignify them and as a helmet to protect and secure them. 2. The mouth of the wicked covered with violence. Their mouths shall be stopped with shame for the violence which they have done; they shall not have a word to say in excuse for themselves (Job 5:16); their breath shall be stopped with the violence that shall be done to them, when their violent dealings shall return on their heads, shall be returned to their teeth.”

Let us commit ourselves to doing what God has given us to do, as unto Him doing it with all our heart; then with busy hands and feet the mouth will be used for right and good.  There is power in words.

It is Best to Listen to Wisdom

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“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.” Proverbs 1:24-27 (KJV)

For the month of March I will be endeavoring to do a short study from the Wisdom book of Proverbs.

In the above verses the message begins from Wisdom in verse 20.  So Wisdom is personified by Solomon here and in chapters 8 and 9.  We will get to those later.  For the study today we focus on 1:24-27.

Wisdom will not be ignored.  When we speak of Wisdom we speak of God’s Wisdom.  Compare godly wisdom to the wisdom of men…

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:13-18

Since this wisdom is godly wisdom it comes from none other source than the  heart of God Himself.  It comes from His Word, His promises, His power, His Spirit, and His works – His works that He does even, maybe especially, in His people; as His people yield to His wisdom.

When the child of God chooses his/her own way rather than God’s way and wisdom we end up showing our bitterness, envy, anger, strife, and we start disbelieving the word of God; until God gets ahold of us, and sets us right.  It is not a pleasant thing for the child of God for Him to get ahold of us (Hebrews 12:6-8).

When we are not right with God; walking with Him in His Spirit, then, there will be great fear with no peace to face it.

Those who reject God, His wisdom, and His grace will one day find themselves being laughed at and mocked because your own wisdom fails you; and your calamity will be an eternal one.

O turn to the One who is All Wise, believe His promises, and trust His grace and mercy that He has given mankind by that God-Man Jesus the Christ who died on the cross for our sins, was buried and He rose again;  believing He is the Son of God; God the Son.  That is where Wisdom begins.

That the Earth May Know

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That The Earth May Know…
1 Kings 8:1-61

“And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto His people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant. The LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers: let Him not leave us, nor forsake us: that He may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and His statutes, and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers. And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that He maintain the cause of His servant, and the cause of His people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: that all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep His commandments, as at this day.” 1 Kings 8:54-61 (KJV)

Prayer was given by Solomon in veres 15-53, a prayer of dedication for the Temple. The above verses are a blessing on the people, and what is required of them.

The ultimate responsibility of the people of God, Israel, is found in verse 6o “….That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.” That is the desire of God through the cross of Jesus Christ and through those who are Christians; through the Church, the Body of Christ on earth.

The Christian’s life lived is to show forth to the world that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. We do that through the Spirit of Christ Jesus who is in us. Our lives are to be a continuing, growing testimony of the glory and power of God. Is it?

When the Church ceases to fear God; we cease to fear sin. When we have ceased to fear sin, then we have adopted the gods of the world around us, and there is no differentiation between the two. Then, the people of the earth have no motivation to fear God, or to know Him.

Praising and Honoring God With Music

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“And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.” 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 (KJV)

These verses begin a chronicled list of Levites whom David placed as the authority over the singing in the “Tabernacle of the congregation” after it was brought to Jerusalem thus the phrase “after that the ark had rest”. You find that genealogy from verses 33-48.

I believe the LORD likes us to sing unto Him in worship. I also believe He is glorified with instruments of music, as they are played unto Him. He is glorified when we are enjoying Him. John Piper has written, “God is most glorified in us; when we are most satisfied in Him” and music is one way that is expressed when it honors His name, His holiness, and His righteousness.

I sometimes laugh as I drive in a city once in a while, and occasionally I will see folks in their cars tapping the steering wheel, or moving to the rhythm of a song they are listening; maybe even singing along. I laugh, because I find myself doing that, just about every time I have the car radio on, and listening to a good uplifting God honoring song.

Sing a song today, and honor God in your music.

In the Sight of God

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“And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.” 1 Kings 11:6 (KJV)

The wisest, and the wealthiest of all kings among men “did evil in the sight of the LORD”. He was noted by men, as being a good king, even by the Queen of Sheba.

The LORD had promised Solomon a kingdom continuing (9:1-9), yet the king violated the commands and word of God; thus it was taken from him and given to another.

Evil in the day of 2015 is much defined by the world outside of the Word of God. Evil has become good; and good is now evil (Isaiah 5:20). It is more so in the United States of America than any other nation; I have heard. We have “Political Correctness” to deal with.

It is no longer evil to practice sodomy; but is acceptable by many to marry same sex individuals. God still calls it an abomination. It is evil to say it is an abomination. Not according to God and His word though – It is still an abomination for man to lie with man, or woman to lie with woman in immorality (Romans 1:18-32).

According to PC people a Christian cannot live their own lives in their personal businesses, by their faith; and it is evil by them to speak of Jesus and the cross, except in places of worship, maybe.

“In the sight of the LORD” is the key. People may read the chapters of today, and see that Solomon married many wives, for political causes, and even though it was against God’s commands they will commend him for it. In the sight of the LORD it is evil. He violated the word and will of God. Also note 1 Kings 11:29-39.

We as Christians are to judge sin by what God calls sin. It matters not what the world says of us. We are told, “Judge not lest you be judged”. Guess what; we are already judged, and by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ we are found “Not Guilty”. We still need daily washing, cleansing and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

What God says is evil, or an abomination, or sin; it still is.  It does not matter where the PC Police, politicians, president, or kings may stand; what counts in the end is what God has said, and continues to say.  I stand with God and His Word.

People of the Earth… Know that the LORD is God

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“And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto His people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant. The LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers: let Him not leave us, nor forsake us: that He may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and His statutes, and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers. And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that He maintain the cause of His servant, and the cause of His people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: that all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep His commandments, as at this day.” 1 Kings 8:54-61 (KJV)

Prayer was given by Solomon in veres 15-53, a prayer of dedication for the Temple. The above verses are a blessing on the people, and what is required of them.

The ultimate responsibility of the people of God, Israel, is found in verse 6o “….That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.”  That is the desire of God through the cross of Jesus Christ and through those who are Christians; through the Church, the Body of Christ on earth.

The Christian’s life lived is to show forth to the world that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. We do that through the Spirit of Christ Jesus who is in us. Our lives are to be a continuing, growing testimony of the glory and power of God. Is it?

When the Church ceases to fear God; we cease to fear sin.  When we have ceased to fear sin, then we have adopted the gods of the world around us, and there is no differentiation between the two. Then, the people of the earth have no motivation to fear God, or to know Him.

Word Performance

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“And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying, Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in My statutes, and execute My judgments, and keep all My commandments to walk in them; then will I perform My word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel. So Solomon built the house, and finished it.” 1 Kings 6:11-14 (KJV)

The LORD will perform His Word.  Not one jot or tittle shall pass away (Matthew 5:18) till all shall be fulfilled.

Just as Solomon needed the assurance of the LORD, and to be reminded of his calling, and responsibility; so too does the child of God, who has been cleansed by the blood of the crucified, buried and risen Jesus Christ; today.

The Anointed King

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“And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king. The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: and let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” 1Kings 1:32-35 (KJV)

The kingdom of David was fairly well at peace, until the king committed adultery with Bathsheba, and murdered Uriah. Following that tragedy in the life of David his judgment was continuing conflict within his own family.

Adonijah, a son of David, tries to set himself up as king (1 Kings 1:5); and Nathan the prophet comes to Bathsheba to warn her. It has already been stated that God loved Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24), and has been promised the kingdom.

Notice how David sends Solomon out declaring him king, rather than Adonijah; “…Cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule…” Absalom was not the new king of Israel; he was dead. Adonijah was not the new king of Israel; he is too full of himself.

Just as the first two kings were anointed by a prophet and a priest; so too is Solomon. The new king, anointed by God was Solomon. This is the family dynasty of kings into which Jesus the King of all kings has been born; and He ever lives.  Jesus Christ will reign forever.

Trust Jesus the Christ, Son of God and God the Son King in your life.

The Righteous King

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“Give the king Thy judgments, O God, and Thy righteousness unto the king’s son. He shall judge Thy people with righteousness, and Thy poor with judgment.” Psalm 72:1-2 (KJV)

This is a Psalm most likely written by David to his son Solomon.  The title of it says, “A Psalm for Solomon.” Solomon was part of the Davidic dynasty which God ordained.

Of this verse the MacArthur Study Bible note reads,

Your judgments. A prayer that the king would faithfully mediate God’s justice on the nation (cf. Deut. 17:18-20).  the king’s Son. A reference primarily to Solomon, emphasizing his bond with the Davidic dynasty; but it also anticipates Messiah’s reign as the culmination of the Davidic covenant (cf. 2 Sam. 7:12, 13; Ps. 2:1-12).

This was a prayer for Solomon to be a just and right judge for the people of all the people of Israel.  He was to represent the right and just rule of the coming King who would be the Right and Just Judge of all the earth.

The Just and Righteous King is Jesus Christ.  He is coming soon.  Though we do not know the day or the hour.  We are told to be ready.  Believe His Word, trust Him, live for Him.

Seeing the Sign of the Son

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“An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.  The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.  The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.  When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.  Then he saith, ‘I will return into my house from whence I came out;’ and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.  Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”  ~Jesus (Matthew 12:38-45)

Heaven’s News – Provision in the Kingdom

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“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink?’ or, ‘Wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” ~Jesus (Matthew 6:25-34)

Through the Bible in a Year – Evening 011313

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Scheduled for the evening message of January 13, 2013; however, we did not have services due to sickness in the congregation.

The Greater of Jonah, and Solomon

Matthew 6 – 12

1.  The Giver of a Greater Commandment (6 – 7);

2.  The One who calms Storms, and Heals (8);

3.  He is the One who Forgives Sin, and sends Laborers to the Harvest (9);

4.  He Calls His Disciples to be Empowered for the Task at Hand (10);

5.  The One who Shares our Load, and the Burden is Light (11);

6.  He Speaks of a New Day of Rest (12).

-Tim A. Blankenship

Day 48 – From Love to Love and Salvation – excuse me day 49

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If there is one thing that the Bible declares to the follower of Christ and to any who will read it it is that God loves the world.  However, we also will find within the pages much of the fact that God is holy and righteous and will not overlook our sin.

My reading today, this morning, took me through the Song of Solomon or Song of Songs, and chapters 1 – 6 of the prophet Isaiah.  Now there is contrast.  From a love story to prophetic warnings; however, after some thought on the matter I see these chapters of Isaiah as the love of God toward His wife (Judah), warning and wooing her back to Himself; and that He will do whatever it takes to bring her back to Himself.

To be perfectly honest with you I enjoy reading the Song of Solomon, but I do not see a whole lot to say about the matter except that we can see in this love story; God’s love for His people, and when she is right with Him, her love for Him.

Here is how the young Shulamite woman feels for her groom –

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.”  Song of Solomon 2:4 (KJV)

She has been taken to what she call “the banqueting house” and all she senses is his love for her.  If you will notice in reading the Song, all the words she has for her groom is love and admiration.  She adores him; and that should be what the Bride of Christ feels for Him as well.  After all He purchased us with His own blood; redeeming us from our sin and condemnation.  Should we not be loving, admiring, and adoring Him; even worshipping Him always.

One can learn much from reading the Song about how a man should love, and adore their girlfriends; and their wives.  There are several times it mentions too, about waiting for “love”; most likely referring to the sexual relationship.  Waiting for the time when there is a lifelong commitment to one another through marriage (8:4).  Marriage is about our commitment to Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32).

The prophet Isaiah was a man who loved the LORD.  He was a prophet from the nobility of his day.  The time was one of wealth and prosperity, but the people had forsaken the LORD of hosts.  They had turned to idols from the living God.  The prophet says to them –

“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, ‘I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me.  The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider.’  Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” Isaiah 1:3-4 (KJV)

The prophet found it difficult to see owners of oxen and donkeys able to use them for plowing, hauling things and such without any problem; the donkey and the ox being obedient to their masters commands, and guidance taps; yet the people of God did not know God in obedience; the One who had delivered them from Egypt; provided them with many judges who delivered them from tormentors and persecutors.

Yet, here too is a love story.  One of a wonderful salvation.  The prophet’s name means, “The LORD is salvation”.  The salvation of Israel is a direct result of the love of God for them.  Their salvation does not mean they are a perfect people; just a delivered people.  The same is true for the Christian of today.

It is the love of God; and the fact that He is holy and righteous; that will not allow His children to be a success at sinning.

“But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.” Isaiah 5:16

The Lord loves you today.  Christian do not continue in your sin.  Repent and obey Him.  If you are still in your sin that love has been shown to the world by the death of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, on the cross, His burial, and His bodily resurrection.  The goal for the child of God is to sin no more; and one day that will be accomplished through the return of Jesus Christ in His glory.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Day 46 – Proverbs of Wisdom and Fear

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Many wise men have written wise sayings for people to follow.  The wisest of men was King Solomon, because God gave him the wisdom to rule his people that he asked for.  Then, because of his wise prayer and requests God gave him what he did not ask for; and it was many of those blessings which caused him to fall.

My reading today was Proverbs 1 – 14.  I will not spend a whole lot of time here going through these chapters.  There are two or three things about the “fear of the LORD” I do want to point out.

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” Proverbs 1:1-4 (KJV)

Solomon gives us the purpose for the Proverbs; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive [discern] words of understanding; to receive instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; or as the New Living Translation says it –

“Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair.”  Proverbs 1:3 (NLT)

One thing we need to understand about these proverbs is that they are “Proverbs” not “Promises”.  They are basically a general rule of things.  God has given us many precious promises in His Word, these are not them.  There is much to learn in Proverbs.  How we deal with God, our fellow man, knowledge, understanding, wisdom – there are many individual verses of Proverbs dealing with wisdom, however, there are two complete chapters of Proverbs which personalize wisdom (chapters 8 – 9).

Let us proceed with a couple of more sets of Proverbs.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” 1:7

Of this verse Matthew Henry has written –

To make young people such as they should be,
I. Let them have regard to God as their supreme.
1. He lays down this truth, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (v. 7); it is the principal part of knowledge (so the margin); it is the head of knowledge; that is, (1.) Of all things that are to be known this is most evident, that God is to be feared, to be reverenced, served, and worshipped; this is so the beginning of knowledge that those know nothing who do not know this. (2.) In order to the attaining of all useful knowledge this is most necessary, that we fear God; we are not qualified to profit by the instructions that are given us unless our minds be possessed with a holy reverence of God, and every thought within us be brought into obedience to him. If any man will do his will, he shall know of his doctrine, Jn. 7:17. (3.) As all our knowledge must take rise from the fear of God, so it must tend to it as its perfection and centre. Those know enough who know how to fear God, who are careful in every thing to please him and fearful of offending him in any thing; this is the Alpha and Omega of knowledge.
2. To confirm this truth, that an eye to God must both direct and quicken all our pursuits of knowledge, he observes, Fools (atheists, who have no regard to God) despise wisdom and instruction; having no dread at all of God’s wrath, nor any desire of his favour, they will not give you thanks for telling them what they may do to escape his wrath and obtain his favour. Those who say to the Almighty, Depart from us, who are so far from fearing him that they set him at defiance, can excite no surprise if they desire not the knowledge of his ways, but despise that instruction. Note, Those are fools who do not fear God and value the scriptures; and though they may pretend to be admirers of wit they are really strangers and enemies to wisdom.  MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY, LibronixDigitalLibrarySystem

The final verses I would point out in my reading for the day are,

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”  14:26-27

Of these verses I have written previously.  There is strong confidence for the children of the LORD who place their trust in the LORD.  When we truly fear God there is absolutely nothing else to fear.

When we know the One who has taken all the wrath of God upon Himself, and that is Jesus Christ; then we have perfect peace with God, there is no condemnation, and we have an eternal resting place with the Creator of all that is.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Day 27 – The Glory of the LORD Filled the House

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I love reading the events where the glory of God comes down like fire, fills the house, and even the priests cannot enter, because the glory is so bright no human being can enter it in the flesh.

My reading this morning was 1 Chronicles 24 – 2 Chronicles 8.  The seventh chapter is well known among Christians for verse 14.  A verse many of us like to memorize, quote, and pastors and preachers like to preach, but I fear it is often applied in the wrong way.  It is often applied as though it applies to the United States of America.  I do not want to destroy anyone’s hopes and dreams for our nation, but there are no promises of God in the Bible for the U. S. of A.  None.

Enough on that for now.

When we look at the first three verses of chapter 7 of Second Chronicles,

“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.  And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.  And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, ‘For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.'”  2 Chronicles 7:1-3 (KJV)

King Solomon had closed his prayer, and God shows up.  Fire came down from heaven, consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house.  There was no room for anyone else.  Now, is it not the glory of the LORD  that all God’s children desire?  I think so.

In chapter seven when the glory of God comes down God speaks with Solomon, appearing to him (v. 12) and saying,

“If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people; if My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (vv. 13-14)

This word from God is to Solomon and the people of Israel.  Let us be not ignorant of this; there is no promise of God to any nation on the earth, previous to today, today, or after today; other than Israel.  There is one thing for certain; the people of God are the people of God through their faith in God, and through His Son Jesus Christ.

There is certainly a principle given us in these precious words.  Promise we can rest on and apply to life.

We need the hope these words give us.  We can rest in God that He will do what is best for His people, but not necessarily for a nation.  Let us be clear on this matter;  the hope of the world is not the United States of America, Democracy, our Constitution, Bill or Rights, the Amendments to the Constitution, our President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Congress, Senate, Supreme Court or State governments.  The hope of the world lies in the hands of God through faith in His Son.  Our hope is not in the liberal agenda, the conservative agenda, the stock market, or the economy.  All of these things can and will fail and fall; but our God lives forever.

When the heavens are shut up and what we have is drought, cattle are dying, crops will not grow, wells are drying up, lakes and reservoirs are drying, and people are dying of thirst; then we had better be praying, and seeking the face of God and His glory.  When diseases are running rampant, pestilences, and plagues are destroying the land; and afflicting the people; then we better be seeking the face of our Creator, humbling ourselves before Him.  Seeking government aid is not seeking God.  That is seeking an idol

The only hope for the U. S. of A. is Jesus Christ and Him crucified, buried and risen again bodily from the grave, seated at the Father’s right hand.  The only  hope for the world is Jesus Christ and Him crucified, buried and bodily raised from the grave, and seated at the Father’s right hand.  He is coming again.  Be ready.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Day 22 – A Heart Turned Away

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David, even though he had committed adultery against Uriah the Hittite, and had murdered him is still the standard of a man with a heart for God.  The thing which makes a difference is that he did have a heart for God.  He loved God, and wanted only to glorify Him.  It is seen in his repentant heart and attitude when he comes to his senses about his sins.  God even promises David and eternal kingdom, of course, which will be seen in the reign of the Son of David who is Jesus Christ.

In reading 1 Kings 1 – 14 this morning I noticed the rise and fall of Solomon.  His rise came as David announced him king rather than Adonijah, so of David’s wife Haggith; who was trying to usurp the throne of David on his own; when it was not a God ordained thing.

Solomon starts off his time of king in a good way.  He sets out to build the temple which David has had a heart to build.  He has peace with all the surrounding nations; until his heart is turned away from God.

“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, ‘Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods:’ Solomon clave unto these in love.  And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.  For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.  For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.  And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.   Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.  And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.” 1 Kings 11:1-8 (KJV)

Solomon had began doing what God had given commandment to the children of Israel not to do; that is marry “foreign women” or “foreign men”.  Because of his turned away heart he begins to build monuments and temples to idols, which the apostle Paul refers to as “demons”.  This leads me to a question.  Where did the “turning away” begin?

It began when he departed from the commandments of the LORD.  Whether it was because he neglected to remember them, or be reminded of them; the responsibility of doing them was his own.  Solomon was a man whom God had given much wisdom; and he shows great foolishness in his departure from God, and he brings ruin upon the nation.

He had had great peace, received much wealth; and because of “A Heart Turned Away” God brings judgment against the nation through outside forces (11:9-25) and inside forces (11:26-40).

Keep in mind that judgment came upon Israel because Solomon departed from the commandments of the LORD.  God’s hand was not, and is not turned away from Israel, His grace is still sufficient.  He still has plans for Israel.

God’s hand is not turned away from you.  He still has plans for you.  His first plan for you is that you come to Him through faith in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose bodily from the grave and ever lives as our great High Priest.

Has your heart been turned by departing from the living God; worshipping idols [demons]; who have stolen your heart.  Now is the time to turn back from your path of destruction.  There is forgiveness, cleansing and renewing only through Christ.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The Virtuous Woman

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Does any man look for a “virtuous woman” in the world today?  I know some do, but by the world’s standard a woman of virtue is more shunned than shown honor.  What is virtue? First let me give you the text for today;

 “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”  Proverbs 31:10

By the meaning in the Hebrew word “khah’-yil” meaning,

“probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength: – able, activity, (+) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, (+) valiant (-ly), valour, virtuous (-ly), war, worthy (-ily).”  Strong’s Concordance — eSword.

The word virtuous would mean a woman who is strong, resourceful, powerful, and Matthew Henry even says, “A virtuous woman is a woman of spirit”.

There are a lot of women I have noticed who have “spirit”, but they are of the wrong spirit.  The Biblical virtuous woman is a woman who loves God, and her strength is in Him, her resources are from Him, her power is of Him, she knows it and lives on the promises of God.  She is a woman who loves and cares for her family; her husband adores her, as do her children; and she is loved and respected by others.

A virtuous woman is more concerned with the health and safety and provisions of others; especially than for herself.  You can read about those qualities through the rest of Proverbs 31.

The same could be said of men of honor or men of valor.  The words honor and valor are the same as virtuous.

As children of God – Christians are to be virtuous people trusting in the grace and mercy of God; being gracious and merciful as God is full of grace and mercy.  Being light in darkness.  Just as the sunshine of day always overpowers darkness so too does the light of Christ overcome darkness of evil.

-Tim A. Blankenship

When the Righteous Rule

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The wisdom of Solomon in the Proverbs has formerly said,

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”  Proverbs 14:14

and that is so evidently true in many cases of nations and people.  It is true of Israel, England, and the United States of America; and any other nation which has had righteous rule.  The writer of Proverbs also states;

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”  Proverbs 29:2 (KJV)

Many professing Christians believe that this nation is about to come under the judgment of God because of unrighteous rule, and unrighteous laws, and unrighteous deeds.  However, that is just not the case; we have unrighteous rule, unrighteous laws, and unrighteous deeds, because the judgment of God is already on us.  It is not coming it is here.

We have been a nation [USA] which has lived comfortably, leisurely, and selfishly.  And, without much thought of how God’s hand was on us without pride, and greed having a upper hand in it.

The people of a nation led by righteous authority do rejoice; there are more freedoms with self control, generosity, caring, sharing, and loving.  Righteousness equals right judgments in situations of law, court judgments in cases of crime, and injustice.  Righteousness is doing that which is right according to what God says; not what man says is right.  Righteousness knows right from wrong; and yes there is right and wrong.

When the wicked rule there is unrighteousness, fear, injustice, greed, religious zeal without fear of God or consequences of unrighteous acts.

When there is wicked men who rule a nation; that does not mean that Christian men and women cannot be righteous in their conduct.  It is the time for men and women of God to shine the righteousness of Christ to a world in darkness; to our nation in darkness.  No politician can save this nation from ruin.  According to the unrighteous prophets of our day, things will  get better, economically; but morally, and legally things will worsen, and get darker.  It is time for the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to shine.

Shine down YOUR righteousness O LORD.  Shine Jesus Shine.  One day we know YOU will come and rule;  then, that will truly be WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS RULE.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Note:  In my commentary above I have written, “According to the unrighteous prophets of our day, things will  get better, economically; but morally, and legally things will worsen…”  I was not meaning to say that the unrighteous prophets believed things would worsen morally, and legally; but that is my thoughts.