SOLOMON IN ALL HIS GLORY (Luke 12:27)
Suggested Reading: 1 Kings 9-10
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Timna Valley is located in southern Israel in the southwestern Arabah, approximately 30 km north of the Gulf of Aqaba and the port city of Eilat, where Solomon built his fleet of ships for international trade. The area is rich in copper ore, and has been actively mined for at least 3000 years, from the time of Solomon onward. These great rocks are known as Solomon's Pillars.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Kings 9: 6 & 7a
But if you or your sons at all turn from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them; and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I have sinned and come short of Your Glory. Forgive me for my disobedience. I humbly ask for more grace to obey You more fully than ever. In and through the One who always obeyed fully, my Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When I visit Solomon’s Pillars (pictured above), my imagination is fired up with the thought of those early miners and the open smelters which were refining copper and other metals. When I visit Solomon’s chariot city of Megiddo, I can almost see the great stables full of huge war horses (pictured below). I’d like to encourage my blog participants to join me this Fall, November 12-26, if at all possible. God willing, we’ll travel to Israel. I’d love to spend those two weeks sharing in person with you at meal times, on the bus, or sitting in the hotel lobby. Let’s discuss the daily thoughts which I expect to be posting on my blog by 1:00 p.m. each day, Israel time (that’s 6:00 a.m. Ontario time). Bring your laptop computers. The hotels and the buses have WiFi. You can find the tour details here.
Have I shared that Norma-Jean and I have moved from our home north of Kingston into an apartment, 1100 square feet, in Burlington, Ontario? Don Simmonds, our Crossroads CEO, says he has lots of work for me to do here in Burlington as long as I have the strength. I want to obey God and those that He has put in authority in the Crossroads Ministry. Actually, I’m excited about the future opportunities, whatever they may be, to serve God well…God being my Helper.
Yours for obedience in doing all God has purposed, now and throughout eternity,
David
P.S. Below are pictures of Elat (“Elath”in our reading -1 Kings 9:26) and a model of Solomon’s chariot city of Megiddo.
Standing in Elat, Israel, looking across the Red Sea (the Gulf of Aqaba). Just beyond the hotel, which is in Israeli territory, you can see the mountains of Moab in Jordan.
Model of ancient Megiddo.
Welcome to Burlington neighbour! It’s a lovely city and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it; although I know you’re really no stranger to it anyhow.
So much of what we learn in God’s Word revolves around ‘obedience’. God wants us for His own, always gives us the freedom of choice, but expects us to use this freedom responsibly. Obedience to God’s Word and God’s authority is essential in the life of a fruitful believer. God desires only His very best for His children, that’s why He’s given His Holy Spirit to guide all believers into His wisdom. Yes, we can choose to be disobedient, but we can also expect God’s displeasure and subsequent chastening in our lives as a result. The principle of obedience in the life of a believer is always the better way and relates very closely to the Godly principle of sowing and reaping. I’m sure everyone struggles with disobedience, this is why we have His Word and Holy Spirit to guide us from day to day. Have a blessed day blog-buddies!
Right on, Scott!!
Such an amazing time in history reflected in Reynolds photo’s! In the absence of our technology today, it appears Solomons era was every bit as intracate in detail, infrastructure and trade as today. These readings have been much easier and inspirational than earlier readings were of war, destruction and cruelty. But, somehow it is necessary to tie it all in, in order to appreciate our human nature and relationship with our Creator. It is a question of finance whether we could join you on tour, however it was exciting to follow you when you were there. Congratulations on your move. It sounds best for both of you and a great location. Have a great day, fellow bloggers!
Inspiring blog again, David.
Thank you David for all the time, energy, prayer and thought that goes into this blog. I read it every morning. I like the link for a. Audio version of the scripture reading. I also find the photos very enriching, especially since I haven’t been to the Middle East. Many years ago I answered the phones occasionally for 100 Huntley when there was a call center in Ottawa with Roy Stewart (Stuart?).
I am sure you and Norma – Jean will bless many in your new location.
Eleanor
Thank you for reminding me that God wants our obedience as a sign of our love for him. It is easy to get caught up in works and forget that he sees into our hearts.
Kingston’s loss is Burlington’s gain!
Shalom,
Graham.
2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus
Alas, I had a wonderful post, ready to send, which was lost in the abyss of cyber land. So disappointed; will try to re-write and send, later. God bless you, David and fellow saints!
Obeying God is dependent on one’s faith in God’s absolute Goodness and Love. If we sincerely believe everything God says to do is ultimately designed with our well-being and protection in mind, it becomes easier to follow His Direction. However, because we are still swayed by our fallen nature, a nature that thinks it knows what is best for us over God; a nature that doubts God’s intention and a nature that is build for rebelling, we often find ourselves, like St. Paul, doing things we know we shouldn’t do, and not doing the things we know we should do. However, God knows that weakness in us, and His Holy Spirit is always there to redirect us for any missteps along the way. Obedience should come from a place of belief, not duty, a place of trust not resentment, a place of love, not fear and when it does it becomes a whole lot easier to be who God created us to be, rather than what our sinful nature tries to distort us into becoming.
Amen, Donna!
There is nothing more I would love than to come to Israel in November–actually the trip is during a milestone birthday for me–November 22nd. There are hurdles in my way, and I pray for God’s will to be revealed and done.
I can only imagine being re-baptized in the Jordan River, and how incredible that would feel. I can only imagine taking part in Communion service in the Garden Tomb and how special that would be. I can only imagine being anointed with Holy oil, there. I can only imagine how miraculous it would be. I can only imagine!
I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by Your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see when Your face is before me
I can only imagine.
Chorus:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself, standing in the Son
I can only imagine, when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine.
Chorus
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You.
MercyMe
God bless you, and keep you, David and Norma-Jean, and fellow saints!
Wonderful words Beverlee. I pray God will reveal to you His desire for you regarding the trip.
Wishing you a pain free day. Catherine
Thank you, Catherine! God bless you, sister!
When I see the word OBEDIENCE I underline the DIE to remind myself to die to my own will and seek God’s will for me.
Thank you fellow saints for you encouraging words.
God bless you David and Norma-Jean as you settle in your new home and praying God will give you the strength each day to continue blessing others as you do HIS work.
Blessings to all my fellow saints and enjoy this warm and sunny day in Ontario.
Very well said, indeed.
Blessings to you all, and espeacilly D. Mainse and Norma Jean Thankyou
so much for the blog wonderful lesson nice to see you have moved,
I’m praying for you so you will feel much better….R…
Hi David,We hope you are enjoying your new home.It’s wonderful to be so close to the Crossroads Centre! What a lot of wealth and projects King Solomon had. It all sounds so excessive! No wonder he had trouble keeping focused on God,he had too many irons in the fire! He couldn’t think of enough ways to spend the money, and on top of that had quite an eye for the ladies! The temptations were overwhelming, and to be honest would any man be able to stay faithful to God when there was so much going on?!! A wealthy friend of mine said ,she could do and have many things,but preferred to KEEP IT SIMPLE, as a result she became a great prayer warrior for the body of Christ.I’m so proud of her and Abba l know is delighted! Have a great day everyone!
Dear David,
God has a perfect plan if we obey and follow His directions. Does that indicate that its going to be smooth sailing all along by now we know it is not so. But the good news is that through the Holy Spirit and His perfect plan for our lives each day can be what pleases our Heavenly Father. Even the choosing of your new apartment David was Gods perfect plan all along. I am a wheelchair amputee so the Jordan River will have to come to me through this blog which I will follow so carefully and as I go adapted sailing this summer I will be imagining being on the Jordan River. Thank you Jesus. God bless David, Norma-Jean and all my fellow bloggers on this beautiful Montreal sunshine.
xxxx Carole
Thank you Lord for such a beautiful day!!
Thank you too David for the recent posts!!
Be well, be happy!!
Nancy