Shalom,
Proverbs 28:2:
2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue.
This is a vivid picture of the nation of Israel over the course of time in the Old Testament, and an equally vivid picture of the United States of America at this present time! When there is great sin in the land, then there will be many voices trying to be heard and many people vying for power. But when there is a person (the Hebrew word here for "man" is "`adam", which refers to all of mankind - "male and female created He THEM") of knowledge and understanding of God's Word, then there will be stability in the land! The ultimate stability will be over all the earth during the 1000 years that Jesus the Christ rules and reigns! Hallelujah! Then verse 14 says:
14 Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently and worshipfully fears [the LORD] at all times [regardless of circumstances], but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
When you face tests, trials and temptations here on earth, remember to continue to reverently and worshipfully fear the Lord! Be aware of His presence and remain in awe of WHO He is! That Godly attitude will cause salvation and deliverance in every area of your life! DON'T allow your confidence in God's Word to slip or your heart WILL begin to harden and THEN - true calamity! Avoid that at all costs! Praise Him! AMEN!
In Colossians 1:4-6 Paul has this to say about the believers in the church at Colossae:
4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God's consecrated one), 5 Because of the hope [of experiencing what is] laid up (reserved and waiting) for you in Heaven. Of this [hope] you heard in the past in the message of the truth of the Gospel, 6 Which has come to you. Indeed, in the whole world [that Gospel] is bearing fruit and still is growing [by its own inherent power], even as it has done among yourselves ever since the day you first heard and came to know the grace or undeserved favor of God in reality, deeply and clearly and thoroughly, becoming accurately and intimately acquainted with it].
When we meditate on the Word of God day and night, as instructed in Joshua 1:8, the results in our lives will cause the people around us to sit up and take notice! When we walk in love, treating every person as precious and valuable, just as God Himself treats us, they will also take notice! Remember that God's Word will NOT return to Him void and having accomplished nothing! His Word WILL accomplish what HE sent it into the world to accomplish! Keep preaching the Good News of the Gospel to every person you come in contact with, and the Gospel will DO THE WORK! AMEN!
In 1 Kings 3-4 we see the beginning of the reign of Solomon. He began his reign in a good and righteous way! 1 Kings 3:3-4:
3 Solomon loved the LORD, walking [at first] in the statutes and practices of David his father, only he sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon [near Jerusalem, where stood the tabernacle and the bronze altar] to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. One thousand burnt offerings Solomon offered on that altar.
God rewarded him for this in verse 5:
5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said, Ask what I shall give you.
God told Solomon to ASK! What did he ask for? Look at verses 6-9:
6 Solomon said, you have shown to your servant David my father great mercy and loving-kindness, according as he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of hearty with You; and You have kept for him this great kindness and steadfast love, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of David my father, and i am but a lad [in wisdom and experience]; I know not how to go out (begin) or come in (finish). 8 Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people who cannot be counted for multitude. 9 So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge and rule this Your great people?
God was WELL pleased with the heart of Solomon here! He said this in verses 11-14:
11 God said to him, Because you have asked this and have not asked for long life or for riches, nor for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to recognize what is just and right, 12 Behold, I have done as you asked. I have given you a wise, discerning mind, so that no one before you was your equal, nor shall any arise after you equal to you. 13 I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings equal to you all your days. 14 And if you will go My way, keep My statutes and My commandments as your father David did, then I will lengthen your days.
Chapter 4 tells us all the ways that the LORD blessed Solomon! As long as Solomon walked in HIS ways, he continued to live in a very prosperous manner, in every area! We will see as we go along! make it YOUR determined purpose today to walk in HIS ways in YOUR life! Then EXPECT to reap an abundant harvest of GOOD things now! Here is a song by Hillsong United called "Lord of Lords", just because I like it!
Shalom in Him!
