Life apart from God is miserable. You might remember that time in your life. You might still be in that time of your life. Ecclesiastes is the book of the Bible for you! Punchline: you will love having God in the center of your life!

An intro to what you will find in Proverbs.

Solomon shows his honor for the Lord by building the Temple, the central expression of the worship of Yaweh God in the kingdom of Israel. To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Solomon begins his reign as king. Wisdom directs him as he rules for the good of his people. The effect of this discerning king is happiness, peace, and provision for all as well as God receiving glory through a life well lived.

Solomon is meant to become king. His older brother Adonijah set himself as king before their father David died. When God wants something and obstacles come, do we lose heart and stop pursuing His will? Or do we pray and press on for His sake?

Solomon had a messy start. As a child, his family was incredibly dysfunctional. You too may have had a past, but in Christ you have a different future.

Solomon is remembered for his remarkable wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge to a particular situation. It is one thing to know what is right. It is another, to act on that knowledge when needed. Where did Solomon get that wisdom? From the same place YOU can get it: from God.

God loves when His Good News brings broken friendships back together in wholeness.

God is not a kill joy, He is a loving and concerned Father that yearns for the best in all His children. The abuse of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are a detriment to the health of our body and soul. It robs us of our potential and it steals our precious and limited time. God wants us to live on purpose and therefore strongly warns us against the pit that is substance abuse.

What does God say about the forces at work in this world which we humans are not able to see or observe? God and His angels, Satan and his demons, all are out for your soul. The first work for your good. The later work to destroy you and those around you.