TOGETHER WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS

Proclamation:

“And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders did hew them, and the cornerstones; so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.” 1 Kings 5:18 (KJV)

"... Except I shall see in His hands the print of nails, and put my finger into the print ..." (John 20:25)

This is for "Footprints In The Sand"
(Poem, Author Unknown)
A person walking on the beach with God leaves two sets of footprints in the sand except during the times when God is carrying them.

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah. Because The Lord God had blessed Solomon peace and rest from his enemies on all sides, he prepared to build a house unto The Lord. He sent to Hiram king of Tyre and requested cedar trees for use as lumber and gave him wheat for food in exchange for the cedar. (1 Kings 5:1-12) There were tens of thousands of men working on the house. Solomon also requested some very large costly stones to be used as the foundation of the house. Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders worked together to build the house for The Lord. (1 Kings 5:13-18)

Application:

It is amazing what we can accomplish when we work together in peace and have respect for one another and our differing abilities. When we disregard our individual differences and combine our skills, talents, and abilities, we can do great things for The Lord. Let us pray and work together for the glory of God.

"... The Spirit of God descending like a dove ..."
(Matthew 3:16)

THE WISEST MAN IN THE WORLD

Proclamation:

“Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men …” 1 Kings 4:30-31 (KJV)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
(Romans 10:9-10)

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah. Solomon was wiser than all men. (1 Kings 4:29-31) Chapter four listed the names of the officials and administrators which were under King Solomon including the priests and the commanders of his army. (1 Kings 4:1-19) This chapter also detailed the area over which Solomon ruled and the amount of provisions which were required to feed his hosts for one day. (1 Kings 4:20-25) Solomon’s wealth was also described. (1 Kings 4:26-28) He wrote three thousand proverbs and over a thousand songs. He was knowledgeable regarding all manner of things. People and kings came from all over the world to hear the wisdom of Solomon. (1 Kings 4:32-34)

Application:

There have been a lot of smart men in this world but none of them was smarter than Solomon. He was the smartest man in the world during his day. There was no one wiser born before him and there has never been anyone who was wiser since Solomon. (1 Kings 3:12 and 4:29-31) It is an extreme compliment to be told that you have the wisdom of Solomon. We may not be as wise as Solomon was but we can still pray for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

SOLOMON ASKED GOD FOR WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

Proclamation:

“Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?” 1 Kings 3:9 (KJV)

"... Did ye never read in the scriptures ...?"
(Matthew 21:42)

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
(Psalm 51:10)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah. Solomon loved The Lord and kept His statutes as his father David had done. (1 Kings 3:3) He went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices to The Lord. It was there that The Lord appeared to him in a dream and asked him what he wanted. Solomon asked The Lord for an understanding heart that he may judge the people and discern between right and wrong. (1 Kings 3:5-9) The Lord God was pleased with Solomon’s request. He blessed Solomon with wisdom and understanding, and He also blessed him with riches and honor which he had not asked for. Solomon was the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings 3:10-12) and he was the richest man of his time. (1 Kings 3:13) The Lord told him that if he kept His statutes and commandments that He would also bless him with a long life. (1 Kings 3:14) When Solomon woke up he went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant, and made an offering unto The Lord. Then came unto him two women who both claimed to be the mother of an infant. After hearing their story Solomon said bring him a sword and he would cut the child in two and give a half of the child to each woman. One woman said give the living child to the other woman but do not harm it, while the other woman said divide it. Solomon said give the child to the woman who wanted no harm to come to the child for she is the mother. All of Israel heard of the judgment and they feared Solomon for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him. (1 Kings 3:15-28)

Application:

Most of the time our prayer requests are often selfish and for our personal benefit. All too often we limit our requests to The Lord God to money, wealth, and material things when there are many things which are much more important and more valuable. It has been said that the best three wishes one can ask for are good health, long life, and happiness. Here Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding in order to be a blessing to the people. The fact that he wanted to bless others pleased God and He blessed him with much more than he asked for. He who blesses others shall himself be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
(Psalm 150:6)

DAVID GIVES CHARGES TO SOLOMON

Proclamation:

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; he charged Solomon his son, saying, ‘… Be thou strong … keep the charge of The Lord … as written in the law of Moses … thou knowest what Joab did to me … and … Shimei … which cursed me … thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him …’ ” 1 Kings 2:1-9 (KJV)

"In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God."
(John 1:1)

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
(Romans 15:4)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute The Bible Books of First and Second Kings to the prophet Jeremiah. As King David drew near his death, he charged his son Solomon to be strong, to be a man, to walk in the ways of The Lord and keep His commandments. (1 Kings 2:1-4) David also reminded Solomon that Joab killed the two captains of the army of Israel then told him to deal with Joab as he saw fit. David told Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite because they helped him when he fled from Absalom. He also told Solomon to deal with Shimei who cursed him when he went to Mahanaim. (1 Kings 2:5-9) King David reigned over Israel for forty years before He died and Solomon sat on the throne. Then Adonijah went to Bathsheba to ask her for a favor. He wanted King Solomon to give him Abishag the Shunammite to be his wife. (1 Kings 2:10-17) Bathsheba agreed and spoke to Solomon regarding Adonijah’s request. Solomon was upset remembering what Adonijah had done with Joab and Abiathar the priest, then he sent Benaiah to kill Adonijah. (1 Kings 2:18-25) Solomon felt that Abiathar also deserved to die but he would not kill him because he was a priest who carried the ark of God for David. (1 Kings 2:26-27) Solomon then sent Benaiah to kill Joab who ran into the tabernacle for safety, but Solomon told Benaiah to kill him there and then bury him. (1 Kings 2:28-34) Solomon sent for Shimei and told him to build himself a house in Jerusalem and to stay there. He told him if he leaves the house he will die. Shimei agreed and dwelt in Jerusalem for three years. Then he left the house to pursue two of his servants who had run away. When Solomon heard that Shimei had left the house he sent Benaiah to kill him. Thus Solomon fulfilled all of the charges that David had given him and he established his kingdom. (1 Kings 2:35-46)

Application:

People place a lot of importance on promises made to a loved one who is on their death bed. We should place even more importance on promises we make to The Lord God. Unfortunately, we make promises to God when we are going through bad times which we forget when things get better. It is a good thing for us that God does not treat us like we treat Him. The Lord God always keeps His promises. (Joshua 21:45)

"And they said one to another, 'Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?' "
(Luke 24:32)

THE RISE OF KING SOLOMON

Proclamation:

“King David then said, ‘… Have my son Solomon ride on my mule, and take him down to Gihon … anoint him king over Israel … blow the ram’s horn and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ … He is to come in and sit on my throne. He is the one to become king in my place … to be ruler over Israel and Judah.’ ” 1 Kings 1:32-35 (KJV)

"Thus will I bless Thee while I live; I will lift up my hands in Thy name."
(Psalm 63:4)

"Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
(Psalm 119:105)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute The Bible Books of First and Second Kings to the prophet Jeremiah. Chapter one begins with the final days of King David who is old and stricken in years. Even covered with clothes he was unable to keep warm. His servants even had a pretty young virgin sleep with him to keep him warm at night. (1 Kings 1:1-4) During this time David’s son Adonijah made a bid to be the next king and conspired with Joab and the priest Abiathar who supported him. (1 Kings 1:5-10) On the advice of Nathan the prophet, Bathsheba went to David and asked him did he not say that Solomon would be king after him. Then she told him that Adonijah had installed himself as king and that the commanders of the army were supporting him. Nathan went in to speak with David after Bathsheba and told him the same things. (1 Kings 1:11-27) Then David called for Bathsheba, Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest, and Nathan, and told them to take Solomon to Gihon and anoint him king of Israel. (1 Kings 1:28-40) When Adonijah and the invited guests to his feast heard the noise from the coronation of Solomon, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest told them that David had made Solomon king. The guest left trembling in fear and went their several ways. Adonijah was also afraid of Solomon and pleaded for his own life. (1 Kings 1:41-53)

Application:

We need not worry or fret regarding that which others receive. The Lord God blesses the good and the bad; it rains on the just and the unjust. (Matthew 5:45) However, God will make sure things happen so that we will receive the blessings which are for us, even if others try to claim them before we receive them. Our blessings have our name on them and no one else can receive them.

"They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, 'Be of good courage.' "
(Isaiah 41:6)

THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS MAY AFFECT OTHERS

Proclamation:

“And David’s heart smote him after that … And David said unto The Lord, ‘I have sinned greatly … and I beseech Thee’ … Thus saith The Lord, ‘I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.’ … So The Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel … and there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand men.” (2 Samuel 24:10-15)

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of The Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night."   (Psalm 1:1-2)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer. These are the last words of David, the son of Jesse, the king of Israel, the psalmist and man after God’s own heart. David said that The Spirit of The Lord spoke to him. (2 Samuel 23:1-2) The Lord God said that he that rules over men must be just. David knew that his house was not perfect in the eyes of The Lord but he had been blessed and that God had made a covenant with him. (2 Samuel 23:3-5) In the remainder of this chapter David goes on to list the mighty men of valor who were with him and their accomplishments. (2 Samuel 23:8-39) David ordered that a census be taken of Israel and Judah. This was a sin of David’s pride and security in his military might instead of trusting in The Lord. Joab, the captain of the army, saw the census for what it was and questioned David but David overruled him. (2 Samuel 24:1-9) The Lord was angered by David’s sin. David confessed his sin and The Lord forgave him but he still had to suffer the consequences for his actions. The Lord gave David a choice of three punishments to choose from which were spelled out by the prophet Gad. (2 Samuel 24:10-13) David placed himself on the mercies of God and let Him decide which to do. So The Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel and seventy thousand men died. (2 Samuel 24:14-15) David went to Araunah the Jebusite and bought some land as the prophet Gad had directed him. There he built an alter and offered a sacrifice unto The Lord and the plague on Israel ended. ((2 Samuel 24:17-25)

Application:

We will all pay a price for our sins. However, when we sin, there are consequences which affect not only us but also affect those around us which may not occur immediately. It is hard for us to understand but some of the bad things which happen to us are the results of the sins of our parents, grandparents, or our great grandparents. (Numbers 14:18 and Deuteronomy 5:9) The punishment that we receive for our sins may also affect the ones that we love.

"Let everything that hath breath praise The Lord. Praise ye The Lord."
(Psalm 150:6)

SING A SONG OF PRAISE UNTO THE LORD

Proclamation:

“And he said, ‘The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; In Him will I trust; He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; Thou savest me from violence.  I will call on The Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from mine enemies.”  2 Samuel 22:2-4 (KJV)

"Delight thyself also in The Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
(Psalm 37:4)

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
(Psalm 51:10)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer. This entire chapter is the song of praise which David spoke or sang unto The Lord after He delivered him from the hand of his enemies, out of the hand of Saul. The words are almost identical to the words of Psalm 18, and most of the Bible scholars believe that these words were written in his old age. This was David’s public expression before the congregation of Israel of his gratitude for his deliverance from his enemies. It was written and sung, to give praise, honor and glory to The Lord God.

Application:

We have all been in at least one bad situation which The Lord God delivered us out of, or through. We may not be able to compose a song of praise to The Lord, and we may not be able to sing the words of a song of praise in the proper key. However, the Bible teaches us that we should “make a joyful noise” unto The Lord. (Psalm 66:1, Psalm 81:1, Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 98:4, and Psalm 100:1) We can read out loud the words of this psalm of praise, or some other psalm of praise, to give God glory. As believers we should not have to be told to praise The Lord, we should do that spontaneously and frequently every day.

"I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Thy works ..."
(Psalm 139:14)