I Kings 11:9-43 - Solomon's Final Days

I Kings 11:9-43

So the Lord said to Solomon, "Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant. Nevertheless I will not do it in your days for the sake of your father David, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. (verse 11-12)

Message: Solomon's Final Days

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah.

What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson, the disobedience of Solomon was described. Disobedience is often simple - it is trading God for something else in life. The main thing that led to sin of Adam and Eve was selfishness and wanting something that wasn't theirs. It was questioning a situation. It was an unwillingness to live within the standards set up. And that is a problem that continues throughout our lives today. 

Solomon had a way within him that seemed right and he pursued it rather than lining it up with God and what God thought was right. But it also could be that he looked at the things he was doing for God and felt like he was okay with doing some things his way or for himself. Thus, there wasn't a complete surrender to God and His ways. 

11:9 says "The Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord." God had blessed and called Solomon and his turning away was outside of the will of God. He expected more of Solomon. Instead he went "after other gods." I think we don't call the vices and sins in our lives other gods but I think they really are. I think we downplay those other things often and try to frame them as sounding not as offensive to God. And because of his turning away there would be consequences. I think this is the lesson here - our sin has consequences. 

Verse 11 the Lord says, "I will surely tear the kingdom from you" which means the kingdom goes from being united to being separated - splitting into Israel (north) and Judah (south). A reminder that unity is preferred over division. But while there is a long term consequence there is also a shorter term consequence - verse 14 - "The Lord raised up an adversary...Hadad the Edomite." Hadad is associated with a storm god and the Edomites have long opposed Israel. 

Context is provided. Joab, the army commander under David "had struck down every male in Edom" (verse 15) staying in Edom 6 months to make sure it was complete and carried out. Hadad was a young boy at the time, but he fled to Egypt with others in exile and was provided a home and food by Pharaoh, establishing him as an ally. Pharaoh gave Hadad the sister in his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen" (verse 19) as his wife, had a son named Genubath and was brought up in the Pharaoh household.

Then upon Hadad hearing of David and Joab's death, he sought to return to his home country, though Pharaoh wondered why he would leave. This became Solomon's adversary, allowed by God, something that can occur (Judges 2:14). A reminder that we not only wait for God's judgment upon death and in the future for all mankind, but judgment also is present at times in life, most often when we see the corruptness of national leaders. 

"God also raise up adversary...Rezon the son of Eliada" (verse 23). Rezon is also connected to David's previous reign in defeating Hadadezer king of Zodah (2 Samuel 8:3).  Rezon "gathered men to himself...and they went to Damascus (a strategic location in the ancient near East; verse 24)."

Once again, "King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharoah, Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian and Hittite women" (verse 1) and in the process has enmity with men from those kingdom like Rezon and Hadad. 

In verse 26, "Jeroboam...Solomon's servant...also rebelled against the king." Solomon originally placed Jeroboam as one of his servants. He was an Ephraimite (within the tribe of Ephraim), a tribe of leadership and strength. As a servant, Jeroboam showed loyalty and was part of the administration of Solomon. There was a repair in the wall of the city. Jeroboam was placed in charge of the labor force. And during Solomon's reign, the prophet Ahijah met Jeroboam on a road (a divine appointment). Ahijah took his cloak as prophets often used physical objects to illustrate divine truths. He tore the cloak into 12 pieces, signifying the 12 tribes of Israel. And Ahijah gives Jeroboam 10 pieces. "Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes" (verse 31). The ten tribes represent the majority of the Israelite nation, which would form the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam's rule.

Ahijah lets Jeroboam know that taking ten tribes is "because they have forsaken Me." And verse 33 is a tough verse of judgment: (1) "worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of Sidonians" - a prominent deity in the ancient Near East, associated with love and war; their worship practices often included rituals that were abhorrent to the Israelites, such as temple prostitution. The worship of Ashtoreth represents a direct violation of the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods (source); (2) "Chemosh the god of Moab" - deity of the Moabites, a people often in conflict with Israel. The worship of Chemosh included practices such as child sacrifice, which were strictly forbidden in Israelite law; (3) "Milcom the god of the sons of Ammon" - involved detestable practices, including child sacrifice. 

And then there is mention of metaphors signifying the disobedience of the people. "they have not walked in My ways" - Walking in God's ways is a metaphor for 'living according to His commandments and statutes.' Not walking in His ways led to judgment and exile. Verse 34 mentions that the remnant is because of "My servant David whom I chose, who observed my commandments and statutes." The contrast is "not walking" and "observing." -- this is hard, especially after reading Solomon's prayer in I Kings 8. But it is like that never happened. His words were one thing, but his actions were more important and unlike David who had bouts of sin, Solomon seems to have let sin crept into his life and stayed in the name of foreign wives. 

In verse 36, "But to his son I will give one tribe" or a remnant and this is Solomon's son Rehoboam. God says this is because of David and his faithfulness and therefore while there is judgment upon Israel and there is division, a remnant remains. There will be a "lamp always before Me." And this is in Jerusalem - clearly a place of significance for God. Yes, a symbol of His presence but also it has a role in end times - Zechariah 14:4 - The prophecy of His Second Coming - "In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east." 

In verse 40, despite the divine sovereignty from the disobedience Solomon, "Solomon sought to put Jeroboam to death." He sought to take matters into his own hands, but Jeroboam fled to Egypt. 

"Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel for 40 years." And "His son reigned in his place." 

I have taken my time with this text as I have studied it daily, but it has taken me 4 days to get through it. It remains a haunting text to me knowing the life of Solomon and yet the judgment that comes from him, despite him worshipping God and praying to Him and leading a life at times of wisdom to God and taking care to build the temple and furnish it. Yet, he married foreign wives. To me, he did a lot of right things and at times had his heart turned toward God, but he clearly had God's judgment. I am not sure what to think of this. Maybe I tend to focus on the good rather than the bad and wonder about these acts of obedience that I see in people. 

Summary: The Lord was angry with Solomon. His final days was marked by God raising up adversaries and splitting the Israelite kingdom. And then he died. 

Promise: God has grace on me and spares me often from the repercussions of my sin. 

Prayer: O God, king of the earth, king of all. You are righteous and true and You are holy. You recognize our frailty as people and how we often walk away from You. You give us grace and spare us very often. You give us moments of victory. Solomon lived a lavish life. He had the finer things of life and you remind me of this. Wealth was big in his life and as I look at and see people experiencing this, that lifestyle is often what I want to emulate, but I am to be obedient to your commandments and statutes. You expect a people to be faithful first and the riches come to some but not to others. This is your grace and your providence and your divine way. I am grateful for whatever gift comes my way. Lord, I pray my life ends well, like my friend Karl. He had good people in His life and it encouraged him to remain steadfast and learn Your Word. Lord, good people are needed and present in our lives. Help me to be this to other people. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:24 - Give Freely

Proverbs 11:24

There is one who scatters, yet increases all the more. 

And there is one who withholds what is justly due, but [it results] only in want. 

Message: Give freely

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: The King James version of this verse is "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor." New Living Translation says, "Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything." The principle seems clear, perhaps here more specifically applying to our money. We are to see it as a gift from God and as such we are to give it away freely. The New American Standard version seems to move beyond only the thinking of money and more of the idea of anything in our life in which we have an opportunity to give - our time and our finances. Both are significantly important in our lives. It seems that thinking about time and applying this to giving freely my time actually gains more time. 

I give my time to people and being with them and serving them rather than being at home so often and sitting in front of a screen. God's blessings are tied to our willingness to share with others, reflecting the selfless love of God. 

When my focus in only on myself and only taking care of my own needs, there is never enough money, but as I shift that focus and give to others freely, then it makes my heart feel good and blessed. And suddenly the cares of this world are not as great and what I need is not so great. 

This verse almost communicates that there is something magical that occurs when we give to others. 

Prayer: Lord, show me how we are to give. You have put people in our life with needs and as they come to us, show me how I am to give freely, expecting nothing in return. This may include family members and children. Direct me Lord. And show me what this means with all aspects of my life.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Kings 10:14-11:8 - Solomon's Disobedience

I Kings 10:14-11:8

And Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as David his father [had done]. (11:6) 

Message: Solomon's Disobedience

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah.

What the Lord is Saying: Solomon was indeed wealthy. "King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom" (10:23). Solomon accumulated wealth annually. Traders and trade was significant under his reign and Israel's strategic location made it a hub for commerce. He had so much gold he used it in shields. The House of the Forest of Lebanon (verse 17) was a place to store treasures. He used ivory in construction of the throne, showing opulence. Gold was also readily available at the time. Silver was actually not as much of a luxury due to the abundance of gold. In verse 27, "The king made silver [as common] as stones in Jerusalem." His wisdom is also legendary with the books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon associated with him. 

But Solomon had a problem - "he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away." He formed alliances with other nations through these women, nations were often hostile toward Israel. The concern was intermarriage would lead someone away from worshipping God.  His heart was divided between his love for God and his love for his wives. And as he aged, his heart turned away from God, sometimes a problem for aged men. Aging can bring challenges to maintaining the same fervor for God. "His wives turned his heart away after other gods, and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God" (verse 4). 

I think of this verse and the impact these wives had on Solomon, turning him away from God. Yet we think of Solomon as a man of great wisdom. The principle here is found in the verse and it is real and true. I am seeing this occur in someone life that is close to me. I am watching a woman (though it could be a man as well in other situations, but in this case a woman or girlfriend) take this person off course. He was deeply involved in church prior to her, but since her he has not been as strong in church and continues to wander and find reasons for himself to not be involved. He has become divided and the focus on spiritual things is not as strong as it once was in his life. It makes me think about my own life and making sure I am being careful about what might be moving me away from God and serving Him. Are there other gods in my life? I think in reading this about him having so many women seem preposterous today, but in a way men can have a tendency to do this with the lust of the eyes and more specifically pornography. Through that people can form a union with those pictures even though it is not the same as real life, but back in those times real life relationships with women was the option. 

In Solomon's life it also seems like riches also became a problem and might have lured himself away from God as well. I think Solomon had a lot of respect for God. He followed the ordinances, but still his heart, later in life especially, had turned away from God. In this passages he is compared often to his father David. David's sins were apparent as well, but maybe didn't stand out as much. Like Solomon he penned many of the wisdom literature (Psalms). 

Summary: While Solomon accumulated a lot of riches and had access to much wealth his life was also marked by union with many women and this led him away from following God completely. 

Promise: Only Christ will never fail in our lives and while there are good men in life all of us have areas of compromise. 

Prayer: God, you are rich in mercy and you make real people that have real problems. I want to be guided by your principles and seek You. I thank you for Solomon and the wisdom that he had but also see some of his words about being lured away by women he wrote he fell victim to in his life. I thank you for the wisdom he had and you gave him. Help me to be wise and focus on doing things right. Thank you for the peace that is found in You. Lord, thank you for my friend Karl and hearing of his passing yesterday, I am thankful for the man of God he was and the testimony he had for others. He struggled in his life as well with many sort of temptations, but he ended well and I am thankful for this. Thank you for placing Him in my life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 8:1-9:12 - Solomon's Accomplishments and Renown

2 Chronicles 8:1-9:12

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions. She had a very large retinue, with camels carrying spices, and a large amount of gold and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon she, she spoke with him about all that was on her heart. (9:1)

Message: Solomon's Accomplishments and Renown

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: Today is Sunday morning, prior to church. This is when I begin this lesson though not sure what day it will be that it ends as my study of late is taking longer each day. I really enjoyed chapter 7 after I really enjoyed the prayer in chapter 6. Though for some strange reason those two lessons were over 6 weeks. I just get off doing too many different things in the morning. Not bad, just trading best for good. 

Chapter 8, verse 1-2 - Solomon is done building the temple and his own house and now he moves to building "the cities which Huram (or Hiram) had given to him." Hiram, the king of Tyre, was a significant ally of Solomon. He now enlarges his territories, capturing and building cities "in all the land under his rule" (verse 6). The people not destroyed but left in these cities "Solomon raised as forced laborers" (verse 8). From the sons of Israel he made rulers over the people. He set up his government in the way he felt best. Laborers were needed and rulers. He was a leader and he led in the way he thought was best. 

In verse 11, he establishes a house for his wife, separate from the holy places (house of David and where the ark of the Lord had entered). 

In 12 and 13, "Solomon offered burnt offerings...according to the daily rule...for the sabbaths, the new moons, and the three annual feasts." This seems like an ordinance. Leviticus 1 details burnt offerings - "a male without defect (v.3)...to make atonement (v.4)...the priests shall offer up the blood and sprinkle the blood around the altar (v.5)...cut it into pieces (v.6)...offer up in smoke all of it on the altar for a burnt offering (v.9)...a soothing aroma to the Lord (v.9)." The animals can be from the herd (a young bull), from the flock, of the sheep or of the goats, or birds, the turtledoves or young pigeons. The daily rule references Exodus 29:38-42, "you shall offer...each day, continuously. The one lamb you shall offer in the morning; and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight...a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the Lord. It shall be continual burnt offering throughout your generations." [Note: I went to a Greek Orthodox church 2 weeks ago and this is one thing I noticed - a soothing aroma in that place...the priest swung a Thymiato during services to burn incense, which symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.] I wonder if this is one reason we make sure we bathe and prepare ourselves with our best clothes for church (or our best presentation) so that our bodies might be a sweet aroma to the Lord. 2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are a fragrance of Christ to God." The goal of the burnt offering was to offer atonement which is made to turn away wrong and restore harmony with God. My belief is this offering must be outside of my self, like a lamb, or like Jesus, with the goal of it being an aroma or fragrance to God. Ephesians 5:2, "Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." 

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Now it is Monday. I really enjoyed learning about burnt offerings yesterday, the atonement and how Jesus replaced the animals that had been sacrificed daily. "For the death that he died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God." I have been speaking online to a young woman that sounds Muslim. She says Paul's words are the works of Satan. And yet there is a connection between the Old Testament offerings and the sacrifice of Jesus. 

Solomon was committed to observing the religious practices instituted by God through Moses or the Torah. He mentions the daily rule of the burnt offering, the weekly Sabbath, the new moons (monthly festivals), and the three annual feasts -- the feast of Unleavened Bread (associated with Passover, commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:17-20)), the Feast of Weeks (celebrated the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai; in the New Testament this was Pentecost which marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church, and the fulfillment of God's promise to write His Law on believer's hearts), and the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles, rejoicing and remembering Israel's wilderness wanderings, anticipating the future dwelling of God with His people). 

I immediately think here that I wonder if we are this intentional in our celebrations yearly about commemorating God's activities or if we are more focused at times on our worldly reasons for gathering. Jehovah's Witnesses I understand do not celebrate any of the world's holidays including birthdays, citing all are pagan. This seems unnecessarily too radical and yet the idea to focus more on God seems admirable (even though I believe most of the JW doctrine to be an offense to God and His word; it has a questionable foundation). 

These feasts were times of communal worship, thanksgiving, and remembrance of God's provision and deliverance.

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Now it is Tuesday and in verses 14-16 Solomon "appointed the divisions of the priests for their service, and the Levites for their duties of praise and ministering before the priests according to the daily rule." And then in verse 16, "the house of the Lord was completed." Every detail has been addressed. The financial resources (storehouses) are present. The duties of praise makes me think of worship service and signing songs. Solomon's reign is marked by wisdom and wealth, where peace and prosperity abound. 

In Chapter 9, the queen of Sheba arrives to question Solomon with riddles which was an intellectual exchange common in those times with kings to question their wisdom and discernment. "And Solomon answered all her questions" (verse 2). And seeing all he had done, "she was breathless" (verse 4). The queen of Sheba recognizes though that all this is because of the Lord God's blessing -- "Blessed be the Lor God who delighted in you, setting you on His throne as king for the Lord your God; because your God loved Israel establishing them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness." 

Israel has a special distinction and love by God. Deuteronomy 7:7-8, "The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the people, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the Lord loved you, and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt." 

Solomon exemplified power, wealth, and influence during his reign. This chapter mentions his building projects and at the end identifies trade routes. Solomon leaned on Hiram for help in establishing sea commerce. Sheba came to test him and saw his immense wisdom and Solomon gave her gifts. Yet, through all of this activity Solomon was also committed to the religious practices. He was a strong businessman and leader, but also very committed in his faith and obedience. 

Summary: Solomon demonstrates his power, wealth, and influence while also showing his commitment to worshipping God daily and seeking forgiveness for his sins. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, the Lord often rewards His people materially when they serve Him. 

Prayer: O God, you set apart people for your service and here with Solomon he responds by building the house of the Lord, his house, setting up every detail and along the way continues to worship and praise you through daily offerings. I know you have blessed me and I focus on You through my time in serving You and worshipping You. Yet Lord, I pray that this is done well and correctly. I struggle at times with daily prayers. I do praise your name and am thankful for your blessings. I'm thankful for that which you established in me. I pray for others and want to see change and am in discouragement when this does not occur. It is hard to keep fighting the fight. It is hard at times to press on. Last night, I simply wanted the distraction and so turned on the TV and watched shows with Pamela, maybe with a desire to escape things I had heard that concern me. I shy away from this Lord. Forgive me Lord for my doubts. Help me and make yourself known to my family always. I want to rest in You. I thank you for my wife and all those before me that seek you and pray that your will is continually done. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 7 - The Temple Celebration

2 Chronicles 7

...and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (verse 14)

Message: The Temple Celebration

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: I was really moved by Solomon's prayer of dedication in 2 Chronicles 6. In that prayer Solomon addresses God and also teaches people that the Temple is a place for the people to come to God, seek forgiveness for their sins and recognize their wrongful actions are an offense to a Holy God. Solomon also pleads to God to minister to those in need - like foreigners and those in battle. (The same prayer is recorded in 1 Kings 8:22-61.) 

One difference with I Kings is a benediction or a challenge he communicates to the people in verses 56-61, " “Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” What a wonderful closing thought that can be repeated by me and others. God has given us rest. He has not failed. May He never leave us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience and keep the commands. May God uphold the cause of His servant and His people Israel daily with the purpose of all people knowing Him. May we be fully committed. To know God and to make Him known. 

Chapter 7, verse 1 says "when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house." If one thing stands out here it is the importance of praying. In the aftermath of praying is God giving a blessing and validating the offerings of his people. The Lord loves and wants to hear from his people. And we are thankful for this as there were in this time "praise to the Lord, saying, 'Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.' " We pray. God confirms himself to us. He sends love and we are blessed and go back to praising His name. 

I am thankful for a church that acknowledges this and continues to praise God and His name always. In verse 4, "King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen, and 120,000 sheep." Oxen represents hard work and sheep represent God's people, the Israelites. I wonder if these #'s are more metaphorical than actual. That is a lot of animals and maybe in a way this is saying that the Israelites numbered that many people at the time and were communicating to God we are here to offer our entire life to God. And the numbers speak of the significance of that commitment. 

"They held a solemn assembly, for the dedication..." - they continue to dedicate the temple and its uses and their future sacrifices to God. "Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king's palace." 

The next section of this chapter is 12-22 with the heading, "The Lord Confirms the Covenant." The Lord is the name used in the Bible out of reference for the Hebrew letter YHWH. "The Lord appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer" which is good because Solomon has been praying (2 Chronicles 6). God listens to our prayers. The Lord also states that "this place (the temple) is a house of sacrifice." 

He explains then in verse 13 a conditional statement - if He were to control the weather in such a way to stop rain which means agriculture can't receive the water they need for plants to grow and then also sends locusts to devour the crops already established and pestilence and plague to confirm his withholding of what they value as important - if God were to do all of this and then His people respond by turning from their wicked ways then He will forgive their sin and heal their land. I think this communicates that God is active. He does not simply wind a clock (of history) and let it run. He is present in life. And any time a weather issue comes, it should drive us to our knees and thank Him. Weather problems are increasing. Science wants to only give credit to climate change for the reason, but perhaps God is growing displeased. And hoping to wake people up.   

This is verse 14 -- "My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land."  Pray - seek God - turn or repent - God hears- forgives and heals our land. 

In verse 17 and 18 God continues: "walk before Me....do according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances." And then God "will establish your royal throne." We are to walk in God's ways, in the ways He has instructed us. And we are to keep His statutes and ordinances. 

I am a little perplexed as to ordinances. It seems every denomination and every non-denomination has a different definition of what is included in ordinances. I think what concerns me about making sure we do them is the piety or boastful feeling that may result. Maybe also the feeling that doing them makes you special or feeling set apart from those that don't. It seems we do them out of a response for God's love for us. In essence, his words here should not be alarming anyone that follows God. Seek God, turn from wicked ways, keep doing what He says we need to do - simply show my allegiance to Him. But perhaps in this passage we have examples. Prayer, repentance, turn from sin, have feasts, gather together to commit His provision to Him, be humble. These are ordinances or practices we need to continue to do. 

The idea of God "will establish your royal throne" to me is similar to Paul's words in Romans 8:28-39 - "Nothing can separate us from the love of God." I think with the royal throne God is saying I will never leave you. You will always be My people. God will always be there to take care of us. 

Likewise in verse 19 - "if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments...and go and serve other gods...I will cast (you) out of My sight." It seems we can't be surprised then when things don't go our way. 

This is a really good chapter. I admit, I have taken my time getting through it. But, it is a great chapter and full of lots of great ideas and acts of obedience and evidence of God's love for us. 

Summary: After Solomon prayer of dedication, God makes a covenant with His people as they walk in obedience, pray, humble, obey, and turn from their wicked ways. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "When God’s people go astray, He will restore them if they return to Him."

Prayer: God, you bless your people. You prepare a place for them and in response we are obedient and you bless us, but as people turn from you, you deal with their obstinance and their sin. The order of things is simple. Live in obedience and expect good things. Help me to remember this passage. Take me back to it and let it remind me of your commitment to me. Be praised. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Falling in Love with God's Commandments - Psalm 119:97-104

Psalm 119:97-104

Message: Falling in Love with God's Commandments

Time: Psalms, a collection of lyrical poems, with multiple authors. David wrote 73 Psalms, though for 50 or so the author is unknown. Psalms means songs of praise. The writings span 1,000 years. They encourage us to praise God, illuminate the greatness of God, affirm His faithfulness in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His word. 

What the Lord is Saying: This was the message today, July 26, 2026, at Hoffmantown Church. I studied this as the preacher spoke. The pastor spoke with words of "We need to" and though I agree with the sentiment, I am not fond of the delivery. Instead I prefer to look at the example of the writer of this Psalm, see what they have done and working from the Word can automatically see the need to respond. The pastor got off on a lot of tangents during the message. I prefer to stay a little closer to the words. 

Verse 97 - O How I Love Thy Law! 

The cross references in my Bible are of note here. Psalm 119:47, 48, and 127 all say, "Love Thy Commandments." Rather than taking these words to immediately look at our entire Bible, I want to get more specific and look at the Law of the writer. The writer of this Psalm is not known. Most of the evidence is Hezekiah or Daniel, but God is mentioned repeatedly and we are told over and over to know, keep, and love God's laws. The Law is the Torah, the first 5 books of the Old Testament. Yes, we can subscribe the entire Bible but it would also be good to narrow our subject matter rather than broadening it. In narrowing it, we can see the riches of the text and God's word. Yes, we have more, but in the Torah is enough right now. 

It is my Meditation All the Day. 

We are not only to be obedient to commands, but love them. We are to love God's commands. Look at today's commands - speed limits, traffic signals, stop signs. Do I love at the airport the long ropes that I must weave through even when no one is there? Do I love the traffic signal at 3am when no cars are around? Do I really love God's commands or do I treat them more like obstacles or warnings rather than as loving statements. They are words of protection and they are meant to make me stronger and protect me. Is not life better if I have one God. Isn't life better if I work hard 6 days and then have 1 entire day to rest? Is not life better to dedicate an entire day to Him? Isn't life better when children are obedient to parents? Isn't life better when we do not, lie, murder, steal, covet? Psalm 1:2 - "In His law he meditates day and night." 

Verse 98 - Thy Commandments make me wiser than my enemies.

Deut. 4:6 - "So 'KEEP AND DO," for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the people's who will hear all these statutes and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'" When I keep these commandments, people notice. They see a difference in me. Plus, the psalmist wants to show always that there is a far reaching result when we keep thy commandments. 

For they are even mine (with me).

We know each other's possessions. I know the car my friends drive, the one's that have a boat, the one's with the nice house. But do people know I hold to God's commandments. They may think I do because they know I go to church, but do they know really? Does my life look like I do? 

Verse 99 - I have more insight than all my teachers.

Practice makes perfect. This statement speaks of repetition. Our teachers educate us in such a way for us to get ready for life after education. This verse says I have more insight than all my teachers. Insight is a clear understanding of a deep insight. What sets me apart from my teachers is not my intellect but my doing. In high school, Mrs. Romero gave me insight and awakened my desire for accounting and bookkeeping. And yet now I have more insight. But it didn't simply come about from reading books, but by doing and practicing. This all enabled me to have more insight and this mirrors my application to God's words. I get smarter not simply by reading, but by doing. 

For Thy testimonies are my meditation. 

verse 15 - "Meditate on thy precepts." A testimony is a formal statement about a personal experience. A testimony is God at work in me. I meditate on what God has done. And that is what gives me insight, deeper meaning of the things of God. I am to dwell on good works. The church is right now inside these walls, but the true church is outside of these walls. This is a place to educate or encourage and spur one another on. But the real church is in the parking lot. 

Verse 100 - I understand more than the aged. 

This is the practical advantage of living life and doing things in life in line with God's commands, His Law, the Torah. Our understanding eclipses the aged. We all want to be aged and have that level of knowledge, but again, by doing and keeping we have more understanding. 

Because I have observed your precepts. 

This is the reason. Because I am a "doer of the Word" (James 1:22). This gives me more understanding than those who are simply older. I have experienced life. 

Verse 101 - I have restrained my feet from every evil way. 

This is the result of loving the Law. There was a famous book called, "Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good people." But how do we define a good person. All of us are sinners. We all have sinned and no one keeps the whole law. To really know God we must abstain from every evil way. And I would say this is impossible. But at times it is our ambition. Proverbs 1:15, "My son, do not walk in the way with them (i.e. "sinners" in verse 10), keep your feet from their path." We need to be careful of how close we are walking near evil ways. How close are we to their paths? It is so easy to get off the path. And sometimes it is easier to live in the absolutes than the gray. 

That I may keep your Word.

This is my goal. Love thy law, practice it. Love it, practice it, meditate on it, stay clear of the path of the wicked. My goal - keep your word. 

Verse 102 - I have not turned aside from thine ordinances. 

Deuteronomy 17:19-20 - "By carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment." In other words, we have such a high view of his commandments that we don't want to be disobedient to him. In talking to people, often they can't accept they have been disobedient to their parents because they have such a high value of them. In Joshua 23:6, "Be very firm then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right or to the left." It is is okay to want to stay close to something but we need to be careful to have grace when someone stray's. We never want to be proud in saying we do not turn aside and when people fall, we want to have grace.

For Thou Thyself has taught me.

The source of all of these commandments is God. God has breathed in this word. 

Verse 103 - How Sweet are the Thy Words to my taste!

Amy Grant sang, "Thy Word" is a lamp unto my feet. We praise God. Sweet is a metaphor here to trigger in our minds the taste of something that we desire. I remember growing up and having something sweet was unusual. It wasn't an everyday thing. And this verse reminds us to look upon God's words with it being sweet. Do we crave God's word?

Yes, than honey to my mouth. 

Honey often accents food. Again, another metaphor here to arouse in my the wonder of God's words. Honey accents food like sopapilla's here in New Mexico and hot tea. These are words that need action. They are not meant to stand alone, but they are used in part with action. 

Verse 104 - From Thy precepts I get understanding

119:130 - Unfolding of thy words. Take apart. Dwell. 

Therefore I hate every false way. 

This section begins with love and ends with hate. We are to love the Law; We are to hate false ways. Myself, I need to be careful of the middle. In the middle, God spits out. In Revelation 3:16, the church of Laodicea was the church of the middle ground. "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." 

God's word is Rich. And this passage reminds us to love the Law, Love His Commandments, and in mediation and obedience we become wise and have more understanding. Practice makes perfect. 

Prayer: God, thank you for Your Word. Bring me back to it, to study and learn and be guided by it. I start to venture away from it and the study of it and start getting comfortable standing on my own two feet. Show me its importance continually and help me to walk in it always. You are good God, so good. Amen. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Romans 8:12-17 - Literal or Metaphor

Romans 8:12-17

So then brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh---for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba Father!" The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. 

Message: Literal or Metaphor - Finding Meaning

What the Lord is Saying: It is Friday morning, June 19, 2026. Juneteenth and as such a holiday for me, though I may still work some today. In the past 48 hours, in the midst of everything else going on in my life, on Thursday, I was directed to a video by Youtube in which a Mormon podcaster (opinion writer) is responding to a video by Allie Beth Stuckey in which she states that Mormons are not Christian. This isn't anything unusual for Allie Beth, but that video did get the ire of this Mormon podcaster and others as someone who represents Christianity is not backing down but being specific about Mormons not being including in the list of Christian denominations by a Department of Defense list on June 4, 2026 which was listing religious preference codes for military personnel. The DOD then revised that announcement on June 8, 2026, not by including Mormons as Christians, but simply listing all denominations separately. 

The first Mormon podcaster video was by a guy that had previously been on Allie Beth Stuckey's show that was labeled as a debate. I ended up posting a comment on the Mormon Podcaster's video page. As a note, I have been conversing with Mormons off and on over the last couple of years, meeting with them regularly, trying to understand first hand their beliefs. The conversations have been beneficial but a labor as it has been somewhat difficult to nail down their beliefs in person and in subsequent visits with other missionaries or other members of the LDS church pulled into the discussion, often as a mention what I learned previously, I am corrected. Now from their standpoint, they seem to know exactly where I stand in my beliefs as they are quick to agree with everything I state, and their beliefs are simply add-on's or upgrades. They often speak of my faith (and every other faith system) having partial truth or understanding and they have the full picture. 

Here is my comment: 

Well, Find me a Christian that believes:

- Children in Romans 8:16 is not a metaphor

- that non-Christians can go to heaven

- hold to an after life Spirit School World that gives everyone an opportunity to know CJCLDS / JS true prophet is really the only way

- that studies the New Testament corporately in their church once every 4 years

- that happiness is the object and design of our existence

This isn't simply 'full' vs 'partial' -- no, this is different and different is not Christian at least according to our definition, but hey, the definition for heaven, gospel, salvation, God, Jesus, Fall - are all different so why not Christian. 

Now, you all definitely have the good works and God definitely wants us to do good deeds, so here's hoping for your sake that good works (after all we can do) and atonement work collaboratively instead of good works being the natural response of the person saved by grace.

Granted, my comment was a jab. While Allie Beth focused on Trinity and Baptism and the podcaster did an admirable job defending those remarks, I felt like putting forth some items that I see as clear differences that separate the faiths and whereby I don't think that LDS theology is an upgrade. 

Thus far, no one has commented on my post. 

Later on, on the same page, I saw this comment: "If there was no Apostasy, then there is no need for the Protestant church, but if there was an Apostasy, then the Protestant church was built on that Apostasy." This is defending the Apostasy idea. I took a moment to look up Apostasy definition and it that definition speaks to renunciation of a religion. Yet, it seems the reformation didn't want to wash away the previous faith, just remove the idea that grace and works have sort of a handshake relationship in resulting in salvation. Thus my comment in response stated, "That is true. The Protestant church argued that the Catholic Church had replaced grace alone thinking with grace plus works (i.e. after all we can do)." I have since received 4 likes for this post and my guess is people don't understand that I am one again, making a dig in stating that by defending the notion of apostasy it is ironic because the Reformation wanted to move beyond grace + works and then Joseph Smith brought the idea back. But my comment is sort of cryptic. 

That was Wednesday. On Thursday evening, at home, I saw a different LDS video podcaster. This one was more of a group mentality and was basically a roundtable discussion on defending LDS as Christian again in response to Allie Beth's most recent comment regarding DOD"s first announcement. I got through most of it. These guys or more contemporary, young, and their banter is appealing. Initially, I took some notes: 

• 14:08 - The host wonders if the BOM presents a gospel that usurps Allie Beth's comments of the previous gospel found in the NT. This is an interesting question as Allie Beth didn't call out the Book of Mormon but rather stated "What Mormons Believe." But the host focuses instead on the words of the Book of Mormon. I thought this was noteworthy because the Book of Mormon is not really a book that in general differentiates too much from the Bible. It is recorded that 1 in 12 chapters of the Book of Mormon and 1 in 7 verses are directly pulled from Joseph Smith's reading of the KJV. Thus, it might be easy to link the central concept of the gospel of Mormonism to the NT, but the fullness of the gospel goes way beyond the verses of the New Testament. 
• 19:03 - Here the hosts focus on the ideas of central and secondary. Good points. But then he starts to go in a familiar direction that Protestants aren't correct on the gospel as the New Testament presents it mentioning that faith alone originated in the Reformation and the previous faith thinkers did not hold to justification by faith alone, but instead justification and sanctification worked in tandem. This is a bold statement and not sure if it is true. Thinkers like Clement of Rome and John Chrysostom did write of justification by faith alone. And it is hard to dispute the verses of Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28 when looking at those verses alone. 

That said, I awoke this morning with the video on my thoughts. I thought of adding this comment to the video: "You asked for comments from those not of 'The Church." I am not. In listening to your rebuttal it seems that on one hand you are stating that a Christian can simply be defined as a follower of Christ. Then later differentiating between central (I Cor. 15:1-4) and secondary (how it is received) definitions. In the secondary, then stating Protestants aren't even operating in the way Christ or the NT writers and early century believers practiced. Yet, still feeling a need to be under the umbrella of the Christian definition (which is predominantly post-Reformation denominations) and taking offense at anyone who might say otherwise. Why? Is it because Christians by their number represent the majority and Mormons one of the many minorities? Perhaps there is an agenda to align and then eventually show you are the only true Christian's? No faith system has a goal to simply play in the same sandbox but rather to be top dog."

Now, this morning in my daily quiet time I took time to first read Psalm 104, rally enjoying some of the metaphors as I am giving a lesson on July 5 in Sunday School on metaphors and preparing for that lesson, but also just really taken aback by this passage, thinking simply how God designed and ordained creation for us, for people. Even verse 15, "and food which sustains man's heart."  And in response the writer praises God. 

But then I turned to Romans 8, wanting to examine the metaphor I called attention to in verse 16. I took time to start with verse 1. Wow. These are some amazing verses. The first 11 verses speak of walking in the Spirit and "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." We must have the Spirit of Christ. But then in verse 12-17 states in verse 14, "all who are being led by the Spirit of God; these are the sons of God." The overwhelming theological interpretation of sons is that this is a metaphor. Then in verse 16 is "children of God" also a metaphor. The LDS folks believe this is literal. It struck me this morning, sitting under the Pergola the idea that these two beliefs are so sharply divided on interpretation. It saddens me. The division that is present. 

On one hand, questions like this simply rouse up two different camps. LDS I am sure has many professors, teachers, expositors that can defend their literal take, while non-LDS will have many to support this as a metaphor. The consequences or ramifications are plentiful. Both sides will claim the other is blinded to one perspective. 

Prayer: Lord, I look at these texts and thank you for them and yet hurt for the differences. I am reminded of your words to Paul in verse 7 that the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God. Help us all God to discern truth in this world that seems so confusing and has so many voices and help me to know how to keep my blinders on. On one hand I love the apologetics talk, but at times I struggle with it in a might way. Sometimes Lord I feel like I descend down rabbit trails and my brain is getting mixed up. Keep me anchored Lord and help me maybe to turn off the other views. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 6:12-42 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

2 Chronicles 6:12-42

And listen to the supplication of Thy servant and of Thy people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear Thou from Thy dwelling place, from heaven; hear Thou and forgive. (verse 21)

Message: Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: The Temple has been built by Solomon, the furnishings have been added, the Ark has arrived and now here at the end of 2 Chronicles 6 is Solomon's prayer. I looked at another prayer to start this month's lessons back in April that David had given that was beautiful. It was prior to the anointing of Solomon. As Solomon begins to pray he doesn't just stand anywhere, but stands at the altar. I liken this to standing at the front of the people, at a podium, in church. But it has a bigger meaning here for it represents the pivotal reason for the Temple. This temple is the place for sacrifice, for atonement of sin. It also is a place of worship. Worship extols God as the provider for our ransom, atonement and making us right with God. Thus, here is where Solomon prays. 

It begins with verse 14, a beautiful opening - "O Lord, the God of Israel, there is no god like Thee in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Thy servants who walk before Thee with all their heart." God keeps covenant and shows us lovingkindness. And then we as a people walk before Thee. But God keeps covenant with us first and shows us love first. And then we walk before Thee in response. In the prayer, Solomon confirms the promises made to David and the promises God will keep. The people of God need that assurance that God will do what He promised. 

In verse 18, "But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth?" And God that has regard to his servant's prayers (verse 19) and "listen to the supplications of Thy servant" (verse 21). Verses 22 and 23 also mentions the importance of the Temple as a place to settle disputes between people - namely those who sin and then take an oath. Verse 24 and 25 mention people returning to God after a time of turning away from God. God is to bring them back to the land He promised to their fathers before. It is as if the temple becomes the central place to come back to God after sinning. This seems to be where the idea of confessing sin to a priest possibly has its origin. 

In verse 26, the withholding of rain for agriculture is connected to people's disobedience. They then go to the temple to confess His name, turning from their sins. We go to the temple, yet in verse 27 God is "in heaven and forgive the sin of Thy servants." As people we need God's forgiveness. 

In verses 28-38, Solomon records activities that people of God do or find themselves in (famine, traveling foreigners, soldiers, sinners) and then a request from Solomon to God for each -- "hear from heaven their prayer and their pleading (verse 35)." For the famine, Solomon adds the word "forgive." He says to traveling foreigners "to do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You." For those in battle, "maintain their cause." And for those who have sinned, "repent." 

Once again, I really appreciate these prayers. They serve as a guide I think in helping us see how we can pray. This is a prayer of confidence. I think of all of the prayers that are offered for health related reasons and wonder if we need to make sure as we pray that we are also talking about sin and forgiveness. Health related issues are the result of sin and so with sin we need to talk of forgiveness. 

In the last 3 verses are some concluding thoughts or excerpts, "My God, please, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place...Lord God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed; remember Your faithfulness to Your servants.”

These words - please, do not, remember, hear - these are words I don't think I use much in my prayers, if at all. Need to change this. 

Summary: After the Temple has been completed, Solomon offers a prayer that centers on the Temple as the central place of refuge for God's people to navigate life.  

Promise: The Lord meets His people wherever they come together for worship.

Prayer: O Lord God, you are Savior, Lord. My God, please let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed; remember Your faithfulness to Your servants. Lord, I am a sinner, but I repent of my sin and come to You begging Your forgiveness for the many ways in my life I have sinned against You, not only recently, but in my life and not only me, but my family and humanity. Your grace is needed in this day. O Lord, is there is no god like thee in heaven or on earth. You are the God of Israel, of the United States, of Jews, of Gentiles, of every people group you keep covenant and show lovingkindness to Thy servants who walk before Thee with all their heart. You keep Your promises God. You speak with your mouth to Your people and fulfill our needs with Thy hand, in the past, present, and today. God, stay with us. Be with us. Be with our children. Anchor yourself in their life. Make your presence known to them. Be their God and their Savior. They have heard your truth in their life, from us, from the Church, from family members. Seal that truth in them. Heaven cannot contain Thee God. Your mighty works are displayed on this earth, on the land, in the mountains, as we walk and look out our windows, your creation God is your handiwork. You established the colors of the horizon we look at each day. Have regard to the prayer of Thy servant and my supplication. Listen to my cry. From heaven God here me and forgive. Provide for the needs of your people who call upon Your name. O God, hear Thou from heaven and act and judge Thy servants. Punish the wicked, justify the righteous. People sin, but when they return to You after sinning and repent and call on Your name, hear them, and bring them back to the land and people you intended for them. Teach your people in the way they should walk. Bend their minds and heads to You to embrace Your words and Your commands. Bend my mind and bend my head God. Awaken in me an urgency for focusing my time on the things of life which matter most. Your heart knows people. You alone know the heart of people. Remove blinders. Remove deception. Remove untruth. Divide the truth of Your word to people so they understand You as You are. May these people fear Thee, walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which Thou hast given to our father and all those before me. Listen to the prayers of all people, near and far. Hear their prayer. Hear thou from heaven in order that all the people of the earth may know Thy name and fear Thee. May Your name be proclaimed on this earth, in our communities, in our land. Open Thin eyes and Thine ears attentive to the prayer offered at this time, in this place. Do not turn away from the face of Thine anointed. Remember Thy lovingkindness to Your people. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11 - The Ark Comes to the Temple

2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11

10 Now the Lord has fulfilled His word which He spoke; for I have risen in place of my father David and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 11 There I have placed the ark in which is the covenant of the Lord, which He made with the sons of Israel.

Message: The Ark Comes to the Temple

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: This lesson picks up from 1 Kings 6:38 when it mentions the house of the Lord was completed. And now this passage in 2 Chronicles 5-6 is similar to Chapter 8 of I Kings as the Ark Comes to the Temple. 

In verse 2, everyone is assembled together -- "elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel." This is a big deal and all are on hand for this. The ark will be brought up from the "city of David, which is Zion." In verse 4, "The Levites picked up the ark." There is mention in verse 6 of Solomon sacrificing sheep and oxen, too many to count. And it is the priests that bring it "into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the cherubim" as the wings will act as a covering or canopy of sorts over the ark. Thus there is sort of a processional and a celebration in bringing the ark into the inner sanctuary of the temple, the most sacred part of the temple. The poles were long making the ark easy to move. "There was nothing in the ark except the two tables (the 10 commandments)" and signified "where the Lord made a covenant with the sons of Israel." 

God's covenant with Israel shows us that God chooses His people and wants to have fellowship with them. And this temple is a reminder of that. The Holy of Holies is the place where sacrifices are offered to restore the relationship with God. Relationships are not restored through good efforts or us practicing faith or kindness or good works. The only way to have relationship restored is through God's forgiveness through the washing of our sins through the blood of Jesus. 

"The glory of the Lord filled the house of God." This is the Shekinah Glory, a visible manifestation of God's presence. 

Solomon then declares how the Lord will "dwell in the thick cloud" (16:1). God desires to make himself known and he does this through people and also nature. Jesus eventually will be God's representation and then we his people will represent Him on this earth. In verses 4-11 it another summary of what has transpired in God choosing Jerusalem, David, and then later David's son to build this house. 

This was a high point in the history of Israel, commemorating God's covenant with His people and showing the importance of sacrificing or confessing our sins. It is important for me to worship God.

Summary: Samuel gathers the elders and leaders together to bring the ark to the inner sanctuary of the temple he has built, and God presences is seen in a thick cloud. 

Promise: God will always make a way for His presence to be made to people. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing yourself, in the thick cloud, in Jesus, and in me. I want to shine your love and hope that I do this. Thank you for showing me the importance of the temple and the importance of forgiving sin and the importance of covering sin. Thank you for this message and showing me the importance of your glory and reverence to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 2:6 - Digging for Treasure

Proverbs 2:6

The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Message: Digging for Treasure

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: This is another lesson I found of my mom's, from Our Daily Bread (She wrote on the bottom left corner 2005.) Lately, I am struggling once again getting these blog posts (my daily quiet times) completed each day. I wallow from being really productive to now once again, not very productive (and yet am I productive because I churn one out a day - more on that later). I feel like my brain in my thinking capacity has grinded to a halt. And yet, some days are worse than others. I’m sure there’s things like sleep, anger, disappointment or just other responsibilities that start flooding into my life and pull me away from these moments of "digging for treasure." Perhaps that is something my mom saw as well - the constant pull in life for other things. 

The reading today mentions 7 guidelines, or maybe for me, reminders or words of encouragement, to keep the word of God front and center in my life.

1. Set aside a regular time. Unless you schedule it, you’ll neglect it.

My observation: I suppose the good news with this admonition is I do attempt the regular time of spending ending time in the Word, though at times things too easily outrank it. 

2. Before you start reading, ask God for help and understanding.

My observation: I can’t see this is a practice I’ve ever been good at - asking God prior. I know God is present while I’m reading His Word as it has already been inspired, but perhaps I need to do a better job of committing, whatever time I spend, to Him and seeking His help towards me. One thing I notice is too often I prefer going deep rather than wide. As I study, things get me off track. And there’s so much joy in so many different things (reading, CT reading, online evangelism, journaling). Sometimes it’s really hard for me to finish a lesson once I let it go more than 1 day.

3. Carefully think about what you are reading. Not all of the Bible’s treasures lie like pebbles on the surface. To mine the gold, you have to dig.

My observation: Again, this can be my problem very often. Sometimes my digging doesn’t result in anything greater but just time spent.  Ocassionlly, something is memorable but I almost feel like I am expecting the reading of God's word to penetrate me by osmosis. 

4. Seek to understand what the author was saying to the first people who read the book or letter before you decide how to apply it today.

My observation: Could I say that this is easier to do when I read the old testament (more historical) than when I read the New Testament? On this blog, I think I challenge myself every time to follow up any reading with a prayer and thar prayer is often a request to God to make application of what I have read to my life. 

5. Write down at least one truth or principle you can put into practice.

My observation: Well, writing down my thoughts has never been a problem. But there is a problem of putting it into practice. Since an early age of coming into a relationship with God through Christ has been the encouragement to have a daily quiet time. Perhaps in the quiet time, there is a forced idea that everything I learned must actively be applied. Every Sunday I end up with a lesson in church two times with multiple application points and then often I will read God‘s word during the week and get more points of application. At times, I realize there’s nothing more that I struggle with more than this. At work there are constantly tasks that need to be done. And so often it seems the same thing happens when I leave work and go home and even think about being involved with the church. Everywhere I go there’s more and more application and expectations to do things. I guess this is part of life and a big problem I have in generally to accomplish things. My problem is often I reach a point where it is hard to just sit back and enjoy life, worship, God. And then start to get burned out on everything. Instead of resting on a Sabbath day, I go back-and-forth between working and resting.

6. Try different translations of the Bible. If you find yourself skimming over familiar words, a new translation may focus your mind on the passage in a new way.

My observation: I do this at times but not all the time and maybe that’s OK.

7. Don’t get discouraged. Some parts of the Bible are more interesting than others, and some you may not understand at all. But there’s enough that you can understand, and it will revolutionize your life if you apply it.

My observation: I am good at getting discouraged. Perhaps because I’m good at feeling like I never measure up. 

These 7 guidelines were written by Haddon Robinson. Basically I see - schedule it, ask God for help, dig, seek to understand before apply, write it down, use different translations and don't get discouraged. 

Prayer: God, I love to read and study and thank you for teaching and training me from an early age to spend this time with you. Thank you for giving me a mom that prioritized this time with You. Help me God to continue to schedule it in my life, come to You for help and prayer, examine it to the point I need to, seek to understand and Holy Spirit help me apply. And help me to not get discouraged. Lord, you are great and I praise You. Be glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:24 - Scatter your Giving

Proverbs 11:24

There is one who scatters, yet increases all the more,

and there is one who withholds what is justly due, but [it results] only in want. 

Message: Scatter your Giving

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: I checked out the NIV translation of this verse and it had a clearer understanding: "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." As a person who at times tend to give a lot, I always am feeling like I need to give more. In the online ministry I am involved with, it includes speaking to people in other parts of the world who have real big needs daily of financial matters and basically it seems that they can't really make it in life unless someone comes in and helps them out financially. Unlike America whereby the government swoops in often and provides people the things they need to make it, they don't have that structure in place. 

At church, I sit on a mission council where we decide how money that the church has received through special designation offerings, and also proceeds from land they owned is dispersed. I’ve been on the committee now for about nine months and in that timeframe the amount of money that we have has only increased. We give reasonable amounts to people. We try to be fairly consistent and how we give and still we continue to accumulate large balance of funds. So far, we have not gone out of our way to give to places that are not requesting for assistance, but instead sort of sit back and wait for request to come in and then make decisions on how we are to give. 

The antithesis of this verse actually doesn’t really tend to make a lot of sense as it says the person who does not give freely actually ends up in poverty. I suppose it gives us this idea that and giving the outcomes of being rich or being poor, you’ll be on monetary possessions and possibly it means feelings of being rich or poor.

Perhaps I go to quickly to this versus being about money and don’t also think about it being about time. Time it seems to be another possession and it is definitely something I’m noticing in my life also as I age, but I have time and many people are suffering from a loneliness and so by me spending time with them it helps them, almost in the same way giving helps. Thus, maybe this verse is really talking about the way I give freely concerning everything in my life I possess: money, time, possessions, scriptural, knowledge, financial wisdom. Maybe don't just think it is about and give myself a little more credit for the ways in which I am trying to give outwardly, toward others. Even words of encouragement is a way to give freely. Yes, I need to give monetarily, but even in the ministry I do, our calling is to give encouragement.  

From this perspective, the antithesis idea of poverty is contrasting the person that is always thinking they need more and so in the process they are actually poor. This person could have a huge bank account and lots of money but they are only building up more for self, so they can secure their own comfort. Thus, to not share yourself and stay isolated is in fact an act of poverty. In poverty, we are always wanting more. We are never satisfied. In other words give freely as NIV states and scatter your giving as NAS states. 

Prayer: God, you have given me much - money that can be shared. You have given me time as well that I can share with others. You have given me understanding of you that I can share as well and I do. You help me to see all the time the importance of investing in others. I see this more and more in people. Our Sunday school teacher has wisdom and shares that with others. Our class leaders see people and let them know they are missed. Everyday I have an opportunity to see people and value them and show they are important and in the process I give. Pamela and I give through prayer as we share with others. I take a moment each morning to think of these things. Selfishly I just want to sit back and listen to music, read, watch TV and increase my knowledge. There are a lot of fun things to read but I can't read them all so I need to be careful that I don't get too stressed out over it all. I read an article today God about a book review and it made me want to read the book, but frankly, that is not practical right now with all of the other books I have that I want to read. Lord, help me to know how to give freely. Help me to be practical in this and think about the people you have placed in my life and how I choose to focus my time. Yesterday I was thinking about taking a day off from work and perhaps helping at a ministry like Noon Day or Steelbridge, taking time for others, in different ways, at different places. Help me God to see people. Lord, root me in this. Let this be my roots. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Kings 7:13-51 - Furnishings for the Temple

I Kings 7:13-51

And Solomon made all the furniture which was in the house of the Lord: the golden altar and the golden table on which was the bread of the Presence. (verse 48)

Message: Furnishings for the Temple

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: The first part of chapter 7 basically describes Solomon's palace and its attributes. Early verses had spoken of the Temple but after it has been completed in 7 years, then the matter switches a moment to his palace which is bigger. Following this and beginning in verse 13 it seems that Solomon now switches back to the temple. In essence, what we have here is Solomon's building projects. Here is an outline for this chapter as I continue to use BibleHub for helps, but I also found this site which this lady has created to describe her journey through reading the Bible:

ii.  The Palace  ( 7:1⁠–⁠12 )

iii. Furnishings for the Temple  ( 7:13⁠–⁠51 )

1. The Pillars and Capitals  ( 7:13⁠–⁠22) - Solomon solicits help from Hiram, a man skilled in bronze. He "had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work." The bronze pillars were at the front of the temple. I just realized that God in choosing Solomon to build the temple chose someone of wealth who could outfit a temple with the highest quality of items. The pillars were not structural but symbolic, representing stability and strength. The height and design of the capitals would have drawn the eyes upward. The pillars had capitals or specialty decorations. 

2. The Molten Sea  ( 7:23⁠–⁠26 ) The sea is a large basin used for ceremonial cleaning showing purification. The cast metal means it was made through a casting process. Verse 25 says, "The Sea stood on twelve oxen" so the basin stood on 12 oxen possibly referring to the 12 tribes of Israel and the oxen were common sacrificial animals that were also symbols of strength. [Note: This verse is repeated in 2 Chronicles 4:4.] There are 43 verses in the Bible that mention oxen. It's purpose was simple, to wash hands and make one clean. It was an act to prepare oneself as we enter into a time of worshipping God, of performing rituals. In society, we do this to make ourselves clean, but in these times the purpose was to be clean before the Lord. That idea of being clean is central to our faith. We are to be a holy people, set apart to Him and for Him. And we see this in life. I think of the COVID-19 times of being free from germs and the most important activity that was mentioned over and over was to wash your hands. Even during sickness we often hear this. How amazing that this is one of the central ideas of our faith - to be clean. Even in the ordinance of baptism is that act signifying before God and everyone that we are clean and our sins are no more. It is a fundamental and core picture or metaphor of the cleansing we are before Him. We are set apart. We are different. I am so sad for those many people of faith that don't get baptized. 

3. The Ten Bronze Stands (7:27⁠–⁠37) - It is amazing to be that there are 11 verses here describing the stands. Each stand was bronze as bronze is currently being used for its durability and being able to withstand weather. The stands are movable as they have wheels around them and these wheels are described as chariot wheels. On each stand is lions, oxen, and cherubim. Lions are strength and majesty, oxen are stability for service and sacrifice, and cherubim are angelic bringing in the presence of God. These stands have a meaning about them, more than what simply meets the eye. Hiram was the one that built each of these stands. I spoke to a Hiram today. He did jury duty with me. I wish I would have remembered this name when I spoke to him. The stands were on wheels and each stand had a handle at each of the four corners. These stands were made to be moved about. 

4. The Ten Bronze Basins  (7:38⁠–⁠39) - The description of the stand is 11 verses while the description of the basin sitting on the stand is but two verses. The foundation was important so the basin could be used. These stands and basins would be used a lot at times, with priests moving them around, making sure they are clean and the sacrificial elements are clean. The basins are not small, but large to handle substantial gallons. Five stands on the north side and five on the south side. Though the animal would be sacrificed it would be cleaned. And the basins were also to clean tools used. 

5. Completion of the Bronze works  (7:40⁠–⁠47) - Pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls are also mentioned as made by Hiram out of bronze. And then everything is mentioned again and repeated in summary. Again, there is a strong meaning here. 

6. Completion of the Gold Furnishings  (7:48⁠–⁠51) - In addition, there is the mention of 12 loaves of bread which will be a continual offering. This represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Also wick trimmers to keep the light going and present. Also bowls for sprinkling the blood. Ladies or door hinges, and censers or fragrance to ensure a pleasing aroma. 

As I read these descriptions they are all intentional in their description meaning the attributes of this temple that are being built are not haphazard, but have intentional meaning. The temple in all of its parts held something of significance. In some ways to look and see a lot of the churches in Europe that hold significance in their structure, those places seem to mirror somewhat the idea of the Temple. 

Summary: All of the elements and structural parts of the temple are described with a strong emphasis on preparation and organization of material in performing the sacrifices. 

Promise: Each person has unique gifts to include in the service to God. 

Prayer: O God, there is order in sacrifice. There is preparation that you have shown me. I wonder if I take time to prepare myself in this way. Help me to stop and evaluate and not be in a rush, to take matters seriously. We do not have all of these elements today nor need them. Jesus you did much in preparing to be sacrificed for our sins. But even as I worship you regularly I can do much to prepare myself properly. Forgive me for rushing in and sitting down and starting without any time to prepare myself. I'm too focused sometimes on accomplishment and getting it done. I think again of my mom and the table she had in the house set aside for her time with You. I think of her chair that she had in the living room that was her and was set aside for praying and spending time with You each day. I am thankful for her great example. Slow me down Lord. Help me to think of others more and what they are doing in their service. Thank you for the time. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Psalm 97 - Perfect Hatred

Psalm 97

You who love the Lord, hate evil! (verse 10)

Message: Perfect Hatred

What the Lord is Saying: I was going through my mom's papers recently. She kept a lot of papers and was devoted to God in an intense way that I am still discovering. Her time dwelling in God's presence is significant. A couple of weeks ago I sat at her desk. She had a chair in the living room that I often saw her at when I came up the stairs in the morning to get my breakfast and get ready for school. She was in that chair in the early morning hour, praying and studying. But in the den area now, where there was a pool table when I grew up, is another round table which scripture cards on it, a basket with a prayer book devotion and also another one of Mom's bibles. She had multiple Bible's and all had many markings in them. She had multiple devotions. There was a lot of variation. I guess I am the same way. But she had many different devotionals where I have been using the same one for years - Tabletalk - though inching my way through it. As of right now, I am still focused on the 2019 issues. 

The paper I came across this time was a page taken out of the devotional book, "Our Daily Bread." There are two sides or two entries to the paper, so I am not sure which devotional my mom had saved this piece of paper. Haddon Robinson wrote the devotional and I think wrote many of the devotions for Our Daily Bread. She had me listen to a sermon or teaching that he had done one time. I also don't know when this came out, but the entry says, "October 21, Friday." Prior to my mom's death that date occurred in 2016. 

I don't find this particular devotion online anywhere. The devotion ends with a prayer. My mom prayed a lot and she often had prayer books. She gave me one for my birthday on September 4, 1988 when I turned 21, that she did in calligraphy from some prayers by Tozer. In one of this books, each chapter ended with a prayer. Well, each of these entries ends with a prayer. 

I suppose I am trying here to better understand my mom. I admired her and she helped me know God. And in her I saw someone that I wanted to be like. I think I am like her. There are truths here that she saw and that made an impact on her. There are remnants of this throughout the house. She encourages me. And helps me to know God better. 

The prayer reads: 

Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Amen. 

Simple. Direct. 

On the drive in yesterday I was thinking about me and my struggle to pray. And I thought of my mom and wondered if she had the same struggle. And even at times the same struggle to read the Bible and depend on it. I think she might have because she had so many 'help's' in her life to get her knowing God and knowing His truth.  

The lesson from this devotional is in loving the Lord I am to hate evil. 

Looking at this text - Psalm 97 - I refer to one of my books by Phillips, "Exploring the Psalms." I also take a moment to look on BibleHub at the summary stated of this chapter. The chapter begins with "The Lord Reigns." 

Phillips says this Psalm looks forward to a time when the Righteous One, the Beloved will return to Reign on this earth. It is a Psalm of Prophecy, looking forward in the future to the Millennial reign. He sees the first 9 verses as speaking of Jesus the Reigning One and those verses describe him ruling nature and ruling nations. The earth and with the clouds and darkness about Him, rolled away, and there is fire, burning up His enemies, lightning enlightens the world and the hills melt in His presence. This earth responds to His reign and surrenders to Him. And then in verses 6-9 the peoples respond to Him. All those with idols will see them as worthless. Instead "Worship Him." Zion or the Jewish people have often persisted in unbelief of Jesus but they will see that God is exalted and the Lord is most high. And then in verse 10-12 the lives of the people will be seen because the Lord not only reigns but is Righteous. And it is here the people are told to hate evil. Evil is in society but we are on the side of hating it at every turn. And we are delivered from its hand. There is light and gladness and we give thanks for His holy name. 

BibleHub isn't specific in its summary of this being prophetic but it is prophetic in that it showcases God's sovereign and just rule over all of the earth and all people at any time - past, present, and future. There is opposition of the Lord at times such as idols and enemies but there will be a point when these are no more. And the people of God are always to be about hating evil. Because we are those who love the Lord. So maybe this text is speaking about a future time when these situations which right now are ideal but not true because there are opposing forces, but one day there will be a earth that is only about God. So that is the hope. Right now, we are to be a people that hates evil, but right now we are back and forth in that regard. We are selfish and self-serving and defensive and not always only about good. I am to hate evil at every turn, but right now I don't and let it in at times. 

So I return to the prayer of this passage which I am thinking for my mom is found in this passage and Haddon Robinson also mentions Amos 5:15, "hate evil, love good." 

Prayer: I read the prayer again God - Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Help me God to only be about You. Don't let my personal feelings impact what you hate. I pray that I can read Your word each day and understand it and not read into it. Let me accept it and read it for what it is. God, I want to be that person that hates evil. I don't want to go along with it simply because others do. I want to stand up and be strong. O God, help me to truly be that person. I am to hate what you hate, but I admit a struggle with this so often and knowing what it is. Truth is hard for me often to come by. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.