2 Chronicles 24:17-25a, 2 Kings 12:17-18, 2 Kings 4:1-44, 13:4-8, 8:1-6, 13:9-11, 12:19-21, 2 Chronicles 24:25b-27, 2 Kings 14:1-6, 2 Chronicles 25:1-10

2 Chronicles 25:2 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly. How often do we act like this? We will do what is right in the eyes of the Lord - reluctantly.  Just because it is the right thing.

2 Kings 4 - I love this story - the widow needed money and God provided and more.  But it was done behind closed doors.  They didn't boast about it. brag about it. tell their neighbors what they were doing. they simply obeyed and were incredibly blessed for it.

Elisha and the Shummanite woman - she had such faith in him and God.  Like the woman who washed Jesus' feet - she fell at Elisha's feet and grasped them.  She reached out for something so dirty as his feet to cry out to him.  And Elisha went to her house ... prayed. laid with her son. prayed. touched him again and he lived.  Faith in healing.

2 Kings 4:43 "How can I set this before a hundred men?" his servant asked. But Elisha answered, "Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the LORD says: 'They will eat and have some left over.'" I don't think I ever knew about this.  This was long before the feeding of the 5000 by Jesus.  A foretaste of miracles to come?  Pretty amazing.

1 Kings 14: 1-18, 22-28; 2 Chronicles 11:5-12, 18-23, 12:1-12; Psalm 89:1-52

Imagine Jereboam's wife's surprise to be greeted by name! And she thought she was being sneaky.  Don't we try to be sneaky with God? And yet he sees right through it and calls us out on it.

Psalm 89 is a praise and worship to God - acknowledging that David's line is forever - and stating the wonders that God has performed with creation.

1 Kings 12:1-19, 2 Chronicles 10:1-19, 1 Kings 12:20-24, 2 chronicles 11:1-4, 1 Kings 12:25-31, 2 Chronicles 11:13-17, 1 Kings 12:32-13:34

Jeroboam ... he messed up.  We knew this was going to happen.  And we are still messing up!

God tried to help Jeroboam, but he refused the help.  Often God tries to help us and we too refuse the help.  At least we don't get eaten by lions when we disobey!

Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14, Psalm 73:1-28, 88:1-18, 1 Kings 11:41-43, 2 Chronicles 9:29-31, 1 Kings 14:21, 2 Chronicles 12:13-14

11:5 5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, 

so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

Even as science discovers more and more - we still cannot understand the work of God.  The path of the wind is not 100% predictable.  How a body is formed in the womb is more understood, but there are still many, many unknowns that plague science about the miracle of life. 

 

I heard a joke once about some scientists who finally figured out how to create a person and went to show God that they were just as powerful as he was.  They knelt down to create a man from dirt when God interceded and told them to create their own dirt first.  The more we understand - the less we know.

12:13-14 ... Fear God and keep his commandments, 

for this is the whole [duty] of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, 

including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. 

The psalms are cries to God.  Solomon was not a happy man the last years of his life.  When he died, his son Rehoboam, was king in Jerusalem.  Rehoboam did not seek God and 'did evil.'  He only reigned for 17 years.  

Ecclesiastes 7:1-10:20

7:3  Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.

The next time someone tells me to 'just be happy' or 'it takes more muscles to frown than smile' or some other thoughtless cliche - I will tell them this!  (can you tell those cliches drive me crazy???)

7:10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. 

Guess this is God's way of telling me to stop asking the 'if only's.'

10:19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. 

I am very surprised this isn't taken out of context much more often!!!  Of course it seems that in our culture, this is how people are truly living!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-6:12

(so I was a day early - today you can hum the Byrds today)

3:12-13 I know that there is nothing better f

or men than to be happy (cheerful, joyful)

and do good while they live. 

That everyone may eat and drink, 

and find satisfaction in all his toil--

this is the gift of God.

Not all gifts are easy to accept. 

3:21 Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward 

and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?"

I don't know about you, but I firmly believe that I will see all my former puppies in heaven!!!

4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. 

But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 

But how can one keep warm alone? 

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. 

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

So - when you reach out to others and get seemingly rejected - what do you do? 

5:2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

Or as Hubby said, "So shut-up!"

1 Kings 11:1-40, Ecclesiastes 1:1-2:26

Solomon goofed. He intermarried with nations God told them to not intermarry ... and (in my opinion) too many wives (700!).  No wonder he was led astray.  Most men will tell you one wife is more than enough - and he had 700! Solomon's punishment - his kingdom will be torn from his son.  Not him.  That doesn't make sense to me - why not punish the one who is guilty - not his innocent children.  God then revealed his plan to Jeroboam who would take over the tribes except for Jerusalem. Jeroboam then ran away to Egypt until Solomon died.

(Now hum the Byrds song while you read Ecclesiastes)

1:2 ... meaningless, pointless, vanity, smoke, no purpose, futility, useless,
... that is what 'everything' is ... we can't take it with us. Nothing is really new.

1:18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;

the more knowledge, the more grief.

wonder if this is because the more you learn, the less you know.  And the more you know, the less you are able to help.

Proverbs 31:1-31, 1 Kings 4:20-28, 10:14-21, 2 Chronicles 9:13-20, 1 Kings 10:23-25, 2 Chronicles 9:22-24, 1 Kings 10:26-29, 2 Chronicles 1:14-17, 2 Chronicles 9:25-28

Proverbs 31:8-9 

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, 

for the rights of all who are destitute. 

Speak up and judge fairly; 

defend the rights of the poor and needy."

This is why I am an advocate for Compassion International.  If you want to sponsor a child and put these verses into action, click on the Compassion widget in the sidebar.

1 Kings 4:20 they ate, they drank and they were happy.

translated: eat, drink, and be merry!!!

Solomon was overwhelmingly wealthy. He makes Bill Gates and the Saudi Princes look poor.

Proverbs 28:1-30:33

30:33 For as churning the milk produces butter, 

and as twisting the nose produces blood, 

so stirring up anger produces strife.

Got the visual? There's more - go read it all! :-)

Proverbs 24:23-27:27

 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. I love this ... my 6 year old son is quickly getting to the age where it isn't 'cool' to kiss mommy on the lips. However, when he does I treasure it.  There is something about being kissed on the lips versus the cheek or nose that is so special!

27:10 ... better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. That is so true - especially when all family is far away. We rely on those nearby. Or we try to ... 

Proverbs 22:1-24:22

22:17-21 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.  So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?

If we study and learn and know the word, we will be prepared for anything. We will trust the Lord. We will have available answers when needed.  But we have to study. KNOW. 

Knowing God - John 5:21

(from Pastor)

just as the Father raises the dead

and gives them life

John 5:21

 

One of my saddest duties is standing beside some death beds.

 

Notice ... I said, "some."

 

Many death beds are like cruise ship dock. Many who are dying -- and their families -- have such an confidence in the power of the resurrection that death is a bon voyage.

 

Other death beds are like quicksand. Fear swallows hope and everyone's just trying to keep their head above being suffocated.

 

I love logic that is implied in John 5:21. If God gives life, why do we have such a hard time believing that he can -- and will -- raise the dead.

 

Faith is a powerful force. In fact, it's magic. It transforms a quicksand and sinking feelings into cruise ships, bon voyage, and hope. 

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy who's ready for a cruise

------------------------------------------------

Death scares many people. I am not one of them.  Living on earth scares me.  Getting hurt. making a mistake. Death would be welcome. I know where I am going. I know I will hold my son again. Death would be easy. Living is what is so very difficult. 

Proverbs 19:1-21:31

Can I say it again?  Read the book of Proverbs for yourself. Over and over.

Proverbs 16:1-18:24

16:3-4 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, 

and your plans will succeed. 

The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- 

even the wicked for a day of disaster.

These are two often quoted phrases.  The second one has turned into such a cliche. When a person is in a difficult time or has gone through a tragedy then it is very hard to believe that things will work out.  We may never see it or know the true outcome. 

Again - I encourage you to read these chapters on your own. Repeatedly.

 

Proverbs 14:1-15:33

There are so many little nuggets in these words.  If we would truly follow them, heed them - then life would be so much easier. Yet we are a stubborn creation. Given to folly. anger. brash words.  Keep reading them on your own.

Proverbs 11:1-13:25

These chapters contain many of Solomon's proverbs.  They are something that can be read over and over and you find a new jewel every single time.  I want to encourage you to go read them for yourself. 

Proverbs 8:1-10:32

Wisdom ... you just need to read chapter 8.  Wisdom was present before creation. Will keep us safe from harm. Will help us do what is right in the eye of God. We need wisdom. However, we often choose to ignore it.

9:10-12 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, 

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 

For through me your days will be many, 

and years will be added to your life. 

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; 

if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

 

Proverbs 5:1-7:27

Warnings about adultery - how it can ruin you - but you don't realize what is happening until it is too late.  It is best to stay far away from the temptation so you won't get swallowed in it. 

5:21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

We are warned to not give in to folly - we don't always need someone to tell us the right thing to do. We should just know - and do it. 

6:6-8 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 

yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

 

Here is a list of things the Lord does not like - and we are all guilty of doing them:

6:16-19 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. 

 

 

Proverbs 2:1 - 4:27

I will not be able to do the book of Proverbs justice. I hope that you read it yourself - over and over - you will continue to find jewels in there that you didn't see before. It is an ever changing book for me.

2:3-5 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 

and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 

then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

 

We live in a time of instant gratification. We want everything - NOW!  There are few treasure hunts anymore. We don't have the patience for it. Gaining wisdom and understanding take patience and perseverance.  And action. We have to be willing to call out, cry aloud, look and search.

3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and 

lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.

I have trouble with this one ... trust ... If I can't get that part then the rest won't come. Maybe if I do the second part - lean not on my own understanding, don't try to figure out everything on my own - then the trust will come. 

 

The last few verses of chapter 4 implore us to guard our hearts, watch what we say, watch where we look and not to stray off the path.  In our time - it is getting increasingly difficult to do all that. We are bombarded visually and auditorially with negative messages all the time. How do we escape that? Guarding hearts is a constant battle.

1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-12, 1 Kings 4:1-19, 4:29-34, Proverbs 1:1-33

10:1 ... the queen of Sheba ... came to test [Solomon] with hard questions.  I like her already!! 


And Solomon answered her questions - none of them were too hard for him. I wonder what those questions were and why we didn't see them or get the answers. 


Ben-Hur was one of Solomon's 12 12 district governors who supplied the palace with provisions one month a year. Is this the same Ben-Hur that the movie was based on? I haven't seen it so I don't know. 


4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.  It is rare to meet someone with all 3 - wouldn't it be amazing to have a conversation with him! He wrote over 3000 proverbs, but we only have a select few. 


Speaking of Proverbs - we start that book today.  It opens with the purpose behind them ...

1:2-6 for attaining wisdom and discipline; 

for understanding words of insight; 

for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, 

doing what is right and just and fair; 

for giving prudence to the simple, 

knowledge and discretion to the young--  

let the wise listen and add to their learning, 

and let the discerning get guidance-- 

for understanding proverbs and parables, 

the sayings and riddles of the wise.

They are for all ages. All knowledge levels. Everyone can benefit from studying the Proverbs and learning from them.  Solomon wastes no time with warnings - he starts right off with telling his sons to be careful - not to follow others into sin. Essentially - not to give into negative peer pressure. 

There is then a warning about rejecting wisdom - rejecting the fear of the LORD. Here are two version of v32. How often are we overconfident? Or don't really care? Or even don't listen? 

1:32 For the aimless wandering of the thoughtless will kill them, 

and the smug overconfidence of fools will destroy them; (CJB) 

1:32 Fools will die because they refuse to listen; 

they will be destroyed because they do not care. (NCV)