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Bible Pathways - Apr. 25, 2007

 

04252007

1 Kings 9 

In Today's Scripture Reading:

Warning to Solomon; alliance with King Hiram of Tyre; Solomon's riches and wisdom

The Lord gave Solomon special privileges far exceeding those of other kings. But the Lord's continued blessings are conditional, as He said to Solomon: If thou wilt walk before Me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do . . . all that I have commanded thee . . . Then I will establish . . . thy kingdom . . . for ever (I Kings 9:4-7).

Did Solomon assume that building the most sacred Temple in history, praying the longest prayer, and offering the most sacrifices meant that God would overlook his self-centered life? In disregard for the Word of God, Solomon lived in an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury. Did Solomon deceive himself into thinking that, as king, he could ignore the Word of God in his personal life?

There is no indication that Solomon made an effort to encourage any of his wives to worship the One True God. His pleasure-driven life eventually became his downfall. The Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice (11:9).

What happened to Solomon can happen to anyone who allows an abundance of "things" to crowd out their loyalty to the Lord.

We were created to first fulfill His will in our one brief lifetime in preparation for the next one hundred million years and more. The Lord created us to use our talents (abilities) to extend His kingdom throughout the world. His righteousness is what we can become: Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Peter 2:1-2).

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (God's love). For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall (II Peter 1:4-10).

Word Studies:

9:8 hiss =coff, ridicule; 9:13 Cabul =nproductive wasteland; 9:15 levy =ax in the form of forced labor; 9:22 bondmen =laves, forced laborers; 9:24 Millo = mound of earth raised as a fortress just north of Mt. Zion and outside the original city of David; 10:2 train =oyal attendants; 10:5 there was no more spirit in her =he was breathless, overwhelmed, amazed; 10:19 stays =rmrests; 10:21 nothing accounted of =ot considered of value; 10:24 sought to =onsulted with; 10:26 bestowed =tationed; 11:1 strange =oreign; 11:5 abomination =orrible, detestable idol; 11:31 rend =ear.

Christ Portrayed:

By David who walked before the Lord in integrity of heart (I Kings 9:4). Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Pastor Alvin Williams, Prayer Temple C.D., G.I.C. Staff: Dr. John A. & Letha Hash Government Official: Sen. Jon Kyl (AZ) Country: Norway (4 million) in northern Europe Major language: Norwegian Religious freedom 95% Protestant; .4% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Have faith in God's Word (John 4:49-53).

Optional Reading: Acts 26

Memory Verse for the Week: I John 2:4



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