365 Reflections

Solomon's reign is described succinctly here: 1 Kings 4:20–21 (ESV)  Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. The promise made to Abraham is now fulfilled. It took hundreds of years and many generations but Israel is now as numerous as the sand on the sea. Sadly, it will not stay this way but we should take note of what went into making this happen: Godly LEADERSHIP. It began with Moses, then Joshua, some good Judges, Samuel and David, now Solomon. In the end, people need leaders who will guide them along the path God has laid out for them. Here we see the "provision" (ate and drank) of Israel, and the emotional well being of Israel (happiness) connected to the wise RULE of Solomon. The purpose of leadership and authority is to care...

On to the Psalms. Psalm 1:1–2 (ESV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. The first Psalm lays the groundwork for the entire Bible. The Bible consistently portrays two opposite paths. The path of God's Word and every other option. From Cain and Abel to Lot and Abraham, to Jacob and Esau, and on to Peter and Judas. One path consistently yields blessing, the other path only harm and destruction.  The first word in the Psalm is "Blessed." It's the Bible's word for "happiness" I love how God gives us the path of happiness.  The Lord wants us to find the right kind of happiness.  God doesn't withhold it, God doesn't dangle it before us like a carrot. But He gives one clear statement here about how to find true and lasting happiness.  The first key to finding h...