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June 8th

Our bible reading today is in Proverbs 16, 17, 18.

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the body.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭

I rather like the KJV of our text. “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭

Both renditions highlight our words and the powerful positive benefit that they can be to others. But let us remember Solomon’s warning in chapter 18:21

“Death and life” are in the power of the tongue” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

James wrote that “the tongue was a fire”...it can destroy. Therefore let us choose our words carefully for every occasion. And make a habit of using gracious words as much as possible.

In ancient Biblical culture, nothing was as sweet as honey from a honeycomb. Solomon compared the benefit of gracious words to the benefit of honey to the weary life. Remember our reading in 1 Samuel 14 where an exhausted Jonathan found a honeycomb on the ground in the forest of the battle. He dipped his spear into it and ate of that delicacy. And the bible says that his eyes brightened and his strength revived.

Such can be the uplifting effect of pleasant and complimentary words spoken to another. Encouraging words bring enjoyment to the soul of a man. They also can positively affect the health of a person.

“Lord, we have little power in ourselves to bridle our tongues...and too many times our words are hurting words. God forgive us of such carelessness.

Holy Spirit, “You” can bridle our tongues...help us...inspire us, remind us, and empower us to speak gracious, encouraging words that build up and strengthen others.

Moving on in the text.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon was complimenting his children’s “making of plans” for living. But he said, “Your heart” will be important in the kinds of plans you make.

Solomon’s kids would no doubt remember another proverb from their Father...” keep your heart with all diligence”. Since our plans come from our heart, then let us make sure that our heart is not cold and hard toward God. Let us humble our heart and ask the Holy Spirit to infill use all day long.

And then the Lord will establish our steps. Our route for the day and for the rest of our lives...for His glory and our enjoyment.

Have a great day

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June 7th

Our bible reading today is in Proverbs 13, 14, 15.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When someone promises to do something good for us, what does that do? It usually raises our expectations and causes us to look forward to that good thing with exciting anticipation. Sounds good. And when that promise is fulfilled...wow, how good it is!

Solomon said, “when our desire and expectation is fulfilled, it’s like living under the “tree of life”... in the garden of eden...awesomely happy and fulfilled.

But Solomon also gave another scenario...So we have waited excitedly for the day when our friend will finally fulfill his promise. The day comes and goes and our friend fails to fulfill his promise. What does that delay do to us? At some level it stings, it hurts, and at worst “It sickens and infects our heart”.

We learn from our bible reading that from the heart flows the issues of our life. If our heart is not well, then out of it will flow contaminated springs of self-centered pouting, burning disappointment, hurtful anger, and even long-lasting bitterness.

Hmmm...Hope deferred or desire fulfilled...

This brings to my mind 1 Peter 5:10. Answering a couple of big questions. #1 Is dealing with broken promises a part of God’s will for our lives? #2 Will God do anything about it?

Let’s listen to God through Peter.“...after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will “himself” restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” ‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Suffering for awhile is in God’s plan for our lives even from broken promises. However, there will be a day when God will restore what we have lost in those broken promises. Now that’s pretty awesome to me!

But there is something more to add to that proverb. When we read the word “hope” in the Bible it means “a confident expectation”. A confident expectation of something happening. And most of the time, “hope” means a confident expectation of “God’s promise being fulfilled”.

Our western civilization use of the word “hope” is closer to “a wish”. A wish, that down deep, is afraid...afraid that it won't come to pass. But our hope is not in a well-intentioned family member or even in a best friend. They are great, but they are not the good news. Jesus always is!

Our hope, our confidence is in Christ. And we will never have to be afraid that Jesus will break his promises to us.

Such as...“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son...that whosoever believes Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“Go ye into all the world and make disciples in every nation, baptizing them in the name of the father the son and the holy spirit...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and listen...I will be with you to the ends of the earth.”

Huge promise for “life in heaven”. Huge promise for “His presence” with us wherever we go on earth as His salt and light. Now that is hopes’ strength. Jesus’ words to us...golden...we can take it to the bank.

Reminds me of one of my favorite hymns Solid Rock by Pastor Edward Mote of Rehoboth Baptist Church Sussex England 1834.

“Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame...But wholly lean on Jesus' name.”

“On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

“His oath His covenant His blood...support me in the whelming flood...When all around my soul gives way...”He then” is all my “hope” and stay.”

Thank you, Pastor Mote.

Jesus is still our confident hope and stay. Come what may He has made His promises to us. And He sealed all of them with His blood on the cross, and the empty tomb. But you knew that too. Pastor...we will meet in heaven.

Have a great day.

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June 6th

The Bible reading today begins a new section of the proverbs...chapters 10, 11, &12.

This section begins 12 chapters of a particular arrangement where one proverb theme is grouped in 2, 3, or 4 verses.

Now to the text...“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This is a message to the children as well as to the parents. After my conversion to Christ at age 19, I began to read the psalms and the proverbs and a chapter in the gospels every day. From time to time I go back to that brown leather covered King James Version Bible and trace my early readings by the colored highlights and notations in the margins. I am reminded of how hungry I was to know the God of my salvation. But I not only wanted to know Him, I wanted to please Him. 2 verses stood out.

John 14:15...”If you love me, keep my commandments.” So in my reading of the bible, I would highlight God’s commands and promises and pray that God would help me to believe Him and obey Him.

Proverbs 10:1...”A wise son makes a glad father.” I loved my own dad very much. He was my hero. And there was something in me that wanted to please him...make him glad.

When I began to follow Jesus, I wanted to do that even more. And the Holy Spirit used this verse to prompt my praying...”Father make me a wise son that brings pleasure to my parents here on earth and that glorifies You in heaven. I don't want to bring sorrow to them or to You anymore. Help me, Lord. I know You will.”

Then Bev and I got married and started a family with Julie Dawn, Shelby DeAnn, and Michael James. We began to pray for our kids. We asked God to save them for Himself. We dedicated them unto the Lord. They became ours on loan from heaven for how long God desired. Our job was to love them and point them to Jesus. And our prayer became...”Father, help our children to grow up loving You and each other. Help them to be wise sons and daughters making You glad.”

I can't help but remember a Son in the bible whose Father said...”This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased...” That Son? Jesus, who would say to His Father, “Not my will but Yours be done!. Wisdom for sure, and a glad Father. May it be so with us and our Heavenly Father!

Now another piece of the text today Prov 10:2“Treasures of wickedness profits nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.” Solomon to his children and grandchildren.

Let’s listen to Jesus to his disciples...“And Jesus told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry."' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:16-21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

That rich fool gathered much for himself. It was “all about him!”

God called him a “fool”, not because he gathered much, but because he gave himself credit for the good harvest. And because he gathered it for himself and not others too. God called him foolish...it was “all about him”...when it should have been “all about God”.

Some might say that the man’s riches were not evil in themselves. And I would agree. What made him a fool was that he chose to be rich for himself, and wound up being poor toward God. Thus forfeiting what money could never buy, God’s eternal life. A righteous standing before God forever through Jesus Christ.

And could there be anything added to eternal life in heaven? Let us listen to Proverbs 10:3...“The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish.”

What a wonderful promise God makes to his children. “When your body is failing according to affliction, I can still cause your soul and spirit to prosper.”

“So friends and loved ones, should my body be overtaken by age or disease, fear not, God is strengthening my soul for a trip to heaven.”

Wow! Have a great day

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June 5th

The bible reading today is in Proverbs chapters 7, 8, &9.

“Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks sense she says, "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9:1-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In Proverbs 8, the Holy Spirit, through Solomon, personified Wisdom as a woman with many blessings for those who would listen to her and humbly follow.

Now in chapter 9, the Spirit, through Solomon, pictured Wisdom as a woman, perhaps a mother, who built her house and invited people in to eat and to drink and to enjoy the fellowship of that house.

Where does Wisdom dwell? In the House! In the House that she built. First the tabernacle...then the Temple...then Jesus in human form...then Believers in Jesus, the Church body. Where does Wisdom live? Wisdom-who is Jesus? He lives In us...that’s where!

Wisdom’s house had 7 pillars that held it up tall and strong against all foes. Including all human armies and natures innumerable stormy gales. Jesus is our house. Our fortress for security and peace against all comers.

Just as Wisdom called to the simple to come into the strong house and out of the deadly storm, Jesus invites us to Himself. The One who walked on the water and calmed a dangerous sea says...”come” and you will sleep well even in the midst of a storm.

I love this picture my friends. A wise woman of generosity and great grace. A woman who showed mercy upon sinners who deserved worse. A woman who knew God intimately and therefore she had insight and understanding of the heart needs of her neighbors. She knew that her bread and wine would satisfy the people for awhile, but her great desire was for her countrymen to know God. In whom is eternal satisfaction for mind, body, and soul.

She invites them into the fellowship of her house. No more being alone, no more being a stranger, no more being unloved, no more being afraid of the darkness and the uncertainties that lie beyond their sight.

She invites them in to “live”...to really live. For the first time in their lives. To experience life abundant in God...in Wisdom...whose name is Jesus!

Remember...”Jesus said...Come...drink of the living waters and eat of the bread of life...I have come that you may have life...and life more abundantly!”

“Father, Solomon wanted wisdom from you. He wanted his children to have it too. And I can't help but believe that he understood that Wisdom was a person. The person of the living God...the Messiah...Jesus was and is his name!

Have a great day

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June 4th

The Bible reading today is in Proverbs 4,5,6. Some practical warnings from a father to his children.

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” ‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:14-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Our bibles instruct the older to teach the younger. The young believer must be open to learn from the experience of the older learner of God. So, Solomon gains wisdom from God and passes it down to the younger generation. It’s like my dad said, “Son if you’ll listen to me, you won't have to wind up in the same ditch that I found.”

So, I could choose to listen and learn, or I could refuse to learn and do my own thing. And sadly, I did much of my own thing growing up and the consequences were painful. As a child and as an adult.

Solomon warned his kids...”Don't go in the way of the wicked...avoid it all together...” ...”the way of the wicked is deep darkness...leading to violence and death...” “Your path is the one of the righteous...it’s like the light of the sun’s dawning...” ”yes...from somewhat dim to bright and brighter”...“the “darkness of fear” is chased away and “faith” is strengthened.

Isn't that good? By the way. Let us not miss Jesus here. The way of the righteous “is” Jesus. Paul said that we were in Christ. The one who became not only wisdom to us but also righteousness. Our “position” before God, fellow believer, is Christ’s righteousness in us and for us. The “way of the righteous” is Christ in us. For He is the Way and He is Righteousness Personified. In and through us who believe Him.

To another part of Solomon’s journal for his children...“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon taught his family that they were to “keep” their heart...meaning....guard it! Guard it from ever becoming double hearted. Keep it “only” for widom...for Jesus who is our wisdom. Guard it from becoming a hard heart. Keep it soft for desiring God. Guard it from becoming a proud heart. Keep it humble. God gives grace to that heart. Guard your heart from becoming an unbelieving heart. Keep it for faith. God finds pleasure in it. Guard your heart from becoming a cold heart. Keep it warm for people and hot for God. Guard your heart from becoming an unclean heart. Keep it for purity. That it might see God.

God said through Solomon that the children were to guard their hearts with all diligence. Diligence / Vigilance...implies that it won't be easy to keep one's heart for wisdom. But we are not left to guard it alone. The Holy Spirit in us is alert to the enemies of our new heart...and He will alert our minds and fight for us and with us.

And why is it worth the work and the fight to keep our hearts pure and single-minded toward Jesus alone? Because joy for life springs from that guarded heart for Christ our Lord!

Have a good day

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June 3rd

Our Bible reading today is in Proverbs chapters 1,2, & 3.

God breathed Proverbs. God inspired Solomon to pen them to his children. God has used these principles of wisdom and understanding to guide all who believe Him. Let us listen to Solomon’s reason for passing this collection to his kids and grandkids...“To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The text...Solomon sent this collection of quiet time notes to his kids so that in the years to come they might come “To know wisdom...” Wisdom for those who believe God is “doing things His way”. Or a son or daughter is wise when they are seeking to do things God’s way.

For instance...From Proverbs 9:10...”The “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of wisdom... or...Desire the Lord and grace empowered wisdom will be yours. That’s wisdom.

The wise man knows and understands that God has an order to His work. Before we can do things His way, we must first humble ourselves before Him to respect, to worship, and to accept His Lordship over us. That’s wisdom.

Now, let’s listen to the Apostle Paul speak to the church in Corinth on Wisdom...1 Cor. 1:30...”By God’s doing you are in Christ Jesus who “became to us” the “wisdom of God”...” Wow...!!!

“Wisdom “is” Jesus”!!! True wisdom comes from “Him “. To all who are in Him, to all who believe Him. It’s not “what” makes us wise...it’s “Who”...Jesus Christ our Lord and savior.

So, when we are reading this wisdom literature, may the Spirit remind us that Jesus is wisdom to us! Praise His Name!!!

Back to the text “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Oh Lord, it is true that You love me, even and especially, when You discipline me, as a good father would for the sake of his son. That discipline often comes in the form of a “reproof”.

Perhaps You use the Bible reading to bring “my sin” to my attention. Maybe it’s where I have failed to ask an offended brother for forgiveness. Or where I have failed to love my wife and children according to your word.

So Holy Spirit, You reprove us. You convict us for our disobedience and our unbelief...and all of that for a good reason. For when we repent/turn back to You O Devine Comforter, “You” infill us...like wind fills the sail and drives the vessel of our lives in the direction of God’s will.

Lord help us!

Back to the text “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Lord, You know that I am so prone to lean on my own understanding. And because of it, I’ve gotten off track, dishonored Your Name, and made much trouble and stress for my whole family in the days and years gone by. “Thank You Holy Spirit for faithfully coming after me. Wooing me back. Breaking my heart if need be. Bringing me back to the basics of “Trusting the Lord” with all my heart.

And Jesus, help me to remember You, everywhere, all the time. Especially when I'm making decisions...For You “are” the Way.

Have a good day

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June 2nd

Our Bible reading today is the Song of Solomon. To summarize, the song is a “picture window look” into The God View of Marriage and how the relationship between a husband and wife should be a window to the Gospel of Christ.

Now to the text...“He brought me to his banqueting table...”

A banqueting table is an environment of gratefulness for the blessings of God upon those who surround the table. It’s a place of happiness and joy among family and friends. It includes talking and laughter and partaking of the finest food and drink. It’s a time for exalting and paying tribute to a special loved one. It’s a place of peace and love and smiles and hugs.

And to be invited to the banqueting table?!?! Well, that was and is a great honor. The husband shows this same “honor” to his beloved wife every day. The husband bestows this kind of abundant generosity toward his wife every day. The husband toasts and praises his wife in front of family and friends all the time. The husband throws parties for his wife, especially in times of stress and affliction, to encourage her and lift her spirits. The husband creates opportunities for family get-togethers which especially blesses his wife.

“She” left her father and mother to cleave to her husband. But the wise husband always invites his wife’s loved ones to the banqueting table, and strengthens the whole family bond.

Yes, the wife referred to in this song was loved by her husband. The banqueting table was appreciated. But this wife’s main message was “And his banner over me is love.”

The word banner was a military term. It was the “flag” that united the army in battle that motivated a commitment to inspired fighting for one another until the end. That banner over the wife was her husband’s life long commitment to her and their marriage. That flag of husband love said to that wife, ”No matter how hard the battle rages...no matter how long the battle continues, I'll keep on fighting for you snd our marriage until I die.”

This song by Solomon highlights the definition of “love for a lifetime”. And the most pronounced part of the definition is...“Commitment”. “I promise by the power of God, to love you and protect our marriage for as long as we live.”

And do you see the parallels to the gospel of Jesus? “Come and dine” were Jesus' words to his disciples during one of his resurrection appearances. He invites us to his banquet table too, church. To be loved...to be satisfied with the food that he gives. Even that which we know not of. To be refreshed and empowered by the drink of the Spirit’s filling.

Yes, we are his servants but he calls us “friends” around that table and shares with us all that He is going to do and invites us to join Him in it. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them...they know not what they do.” Wow. His banner over those first believers was indeed love. That banner?!. The Cross... where He suffered and died for all who would believe Him.

To this hour that flag of the Cross reminds us of God’s commitment to us. Fighting for us. Our salvation, our sanctification, and our glorification in heaven. Fighting sin, fighting death, fighting hell. For as long as we both shall live. Meaning everlasting life together.

Enjoy the rest of the story.

Have a great day.

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June 1st

Our Bible reading today finishes up Psalm 119 from verse 89 to verse 175. It’s my belief that David wrote this long poetic expression of the glory of God and His Word.

Years ago I was purchasing Bev a new wedding ring for our 40th wedding anniversary. The jeweler showed me several stones and I looked at them under a microscope. It was quite a revelation to me. To my naked eye, each diamond looked similar to the others. But under the high-powered microscope, as the stone was slowly turning, the kaleidoscope of shapes and colors defined each stone uniquely.

To me, God used David to reveal the “WOW” of His Word. Its beauty, its clarity, its immensity, its greatness, its power, and authority, it’s “Very” Godness. And all of it for you and me who believe Him.

What an “awesome” gift God has given to us in our Bibles. And that’s the God who loves us in that very same immeasurable way!

Now to the stanzas...“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119:71-72‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What was good for David? That he was afflicted. Wow...that’s a leap for most of us ” affliction” is good?

Let’s go back a few verses. David wrote...“Before I was afflicted, I went astray...” David knew by experience that afflictions and trials were God’s hedge of thorns to keep us in the green pastures. No wonder David would say....”Lord, You're good” Yes, right after he gave God credit for sending the afflictions.

Yes, God would choose to afflict His loved ones in order to get them back into the Word...the Bible. For it is from the Bible that the Spirit keeps us from unrepentant sinning. And it is from the Word of God, our Bibles, that the Spirit leads us in the way everlasting.

Martin Luther said, “I never knew the meaning of God’s word until God used afflictions to be my schoolmaster.” No wonder David said, in and through afflictions, that he learned God’s Words.

I can't help but believe that David was saying that it was worth the suffering to see and hear God afresh once again from the glorious scriptures.

Back to the text...where, David opens his own heart’s appreciation for the Word. “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119:72‬ ‭ESV‬‬

David just testified that having the Word of God was more valuable to him than his own comfort. Now David declares that the words from God were more valuable than riches. No wonder he writes the following in this half of the 119th...“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” ‭Psalm‬ ‭119:97-99‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Some may read this text and say, “ It is my duty to read and meditate on the scriptures.” But only the “spiritual man and woman” “love the words” of God, and truly desire to live in harmony with them.

For some, the reading of the Bible is little more than satisfying the conscience. But for the David’s, the Bible is his food, his medicine, his comfort, his light for the road ahead. The bible is “life” to him.

Friends, may the One whose name is the Word, Jesus, our Lord, and Savior, and God..may He give us a new and fresh love for Him and His message in the Bible.

Have a great day

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May 31st

The beginning of Solomon’s reign as King of Israel. We are reading 1 Kings 3,4 2 Chronicles 1 and Psalm 74.

God revealed Himself in a dream to Solomon. God told him that He would give him anything for which he asked. What an amazing promise.

We might wish that God would come to us in a dream with such an offer until we remember that we have something better in the written Words of Jesus. To the humblest believer, not just the king of a nation...not just for some random slumber in our life...but every single day... all day...just open the bible and believe Him.

Matthew 7:7. ”Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto You.” Jesus.

John 15:7 “If you abide in me and my word abides in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be given unto you.” Jesus.

So Solomon made his request to God as soon as he woke up. “Therefore give to Your servant an “understanding” heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? And God was pleased.”

Solomon asked for more than just knowledge. He wanted understanding...and he wanted it in his heart...not merely in his head. The Hebrew word for understanding comes from the root word for “seeing”. Solomon desired a “ hearing heart”, one that would listen to God. Wow...no wonder God was pleased. May He give us “heart ears” also to hear God speaking to us.

Paul put it this way in Ephesians 1:18...”I pray that God would open the eyes of your understanding...” (to recognize and hear the Lord speaking to your heart.)

This reminds me of a retreat where Henry Blackaby shared the main message of his book, “Experiencing God”. “If we cannot hear God’s voice in our hearts, then there is something wrong. For hearing God is central to our Christian life.”

Then he sent all the participants at the retreat on a walk with God...reading a passage of scripture and listening as we strolled the East Texas Camp grounds. It was amazing. God gave me “heart ears” that night. And I heard the voice of the Spirit clearly that night and for years thereafter to this very day! Thanks Henry and thanks Lord Jesus!

God gave Solomon what he asked for that night. And he also gave him much more.

God made Solomon...the Wisest man...richest man in the world of his day. People came from the world over to see the buildings and the cities that he built. Perhaps Solomon was the most popular man in the world as well.

We will see much of this son of David in our reading to come. But today’s reading reveals the chink in his spiritual armor that would come back to haunt him and trip him up at the end of his days. He married an Egyptian princess to solidify an alliance with that nation...after God’s Word prohibited being unequally yoked with unbelievers.

And how did that work out for him? Well that’s the rest of the story.

Have a great day