Last week, we considered the greatness of Solomon. YHWH had promised to make him greater than any other king and He had performed what He promised. However, with success comes many temptations. The book of Ecclesiastes is a journal of Solomon's wanderings apart from God. In that book we see that the results of being "wise in your own eyes" is continually: "vanity of vanities." At the conclusion of Ecclesiastes, Solomon summarizes his findings after looking to the world for fulfillment: "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, 'I have no pleasure in them' " In our passage today, we see the end result of Solomon's wanderings.

In our study of the biblical history of Israel we have been considering the reign of Solomon. We have seen the establishment of his throne, his request for wisdom and his act of building the temple of God. At the beginning of his reign, when God came to him in a dream, Solomon had requested to be given wisdom and understanding. God was pleased

with his request and told Solomon, "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days." (cf. 1 Kings 3:11-13). Today, we see the fulfillment of that promise of God to Solomon.

In our study of the biblical history of Israel we have transitioned into the reign of Solomon. We have seen the establishment of his throne, his request for wisdom and his act of building the temple of God. Today, we continue our quick look at the building of the temple with a consideration of Solomon's dedication of the temple.

While David was king, he had a desire to build a temple for YHWH but he was prevented from doing so by YHWH Himself. God would have David's son, Solomon, build that temple. Today, we see the fulfillment of that promise.

Samuel, Part 3, 1 Samuel 5:1 - 6:18

As David is considered the man after God's own heart, so Solomon is referred to as the wisest man who ever lived. But as the Word of God is clear regarding David's failures, so it is clear regarding those of Solomon. If God were to give you the opportunity to ask for whatever you wanted, what would you ask for? Would you ask for a longer life, more money, or the healing of a close friend or relative? Your first reaction to that question would share alot about your focus. Today, we examine one of the highlights of Solomon's reign ... by considering his response to that question.

As David is considered the man after God's own heart, so Solomon is referred to as the wisest man who ever lived. But as the Word of God is clear regarding David's failures, so it is clear regarding those of Solomon. At the close of David's reign he gave some specific instructions, or requests, to Solomon. Today, we see Solomon's first acts as the King of Israel.

Jesus came in order that our joy should be full. When we are walking in His light, love and life, His joy will surround us regardless of the circumstances. As we move into the new year, we reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Sadly, many do not analyze their lives and make necessary adjustments before it is too late. Too many people reach their death only to regret the past and dread the future. Today, I would like to present a philosophy of life that will assist you living a full life ... if you accept it and apply it.

During the advent season, we have considered the impact of the incarnation upon the Revelation of God, Redemption of Man and the Reflection of Christ. Today we consider the greatest of these reflection ... our reflection of His gift of eternal life!

During this advent season we will be considering the impact of the incarnation upon our lives through a thematic study of John's first epistle. Last week we considered the impact of the incarnation upon the revelation of God. In that study, we saw that the validity of our testimony is contingent upon the veracity of God's testimony! Truly all of our "faith" (doctrine) and "practice" (works) are intricately tied to the revelation of God in His word! Probably the most important of those truths in our relationship with God is: The Redemption of Man. Interestingly, it this thought John brings up first and intertwines into the three aspects of our reflection of Christ.