Times of Transition, Day 10 Solomon’s reputation. Read 1 Kings chapter 10. The Queen of Sheba came for a visit. She had heard of the wisdom of Solomon but interestingly she had also heard about his relationship with the Lord. She came to test him and to see what that was like. What she found was that Solomon was indeed as wise as his reputation suggested. As a result, she praised. God it’s interesting to note that what she had also heard about was his relationship with God. not just about his wisdom. She understood where his wisdom came from. She praised the Giver of that wisdom not the recipient.…

Times of Transition, Day 9 Sometimes it’s on us. Read 1 Kings chapter 9. While is true that bad things can happen to people that don’t deserve it, it is also true that sometimes we do deserve it. God reminded the people that if they don’t follow him, they will have to endure the consequences. The same is true for us. We must follow and obey him or we could experience the same consequences in our own lives. Are we following him today?

Times of Transition, Day 8 God leads transition. Read 1 Kings chapter 8. As we read through this passage, it’s important to remember that God is the one who orchestrates transition. No changes occur outside of what God has for each situation. When we take a look at the incredible blessing and dedication prayer that Solomon prays over the new temple, we see very clearly that God is the one who orchestrated this and planned this from the very beginning. God moves through transition, but he remains the same. It’s important to understand that transition is never really about the change, it’s about God being always the same, and he…

Times of Transition, Day 7 Time and priorities. Read 1 Kings chapter 7. We see that while Solomon made the temple the most amazing thing ever constructed, it didn’t stay that way. Solomon then built his own palace and it took almost twice as long and was even more grand and lavish than God’s house. Do we give our best to God? Do we save the best for ourselves instead of ensuring that God gets the best? Solomon used the best for himself, instead of reserving that for God.

Times of Transition, Day 6 Why would God live in the temple? Read 1 Kings chapter 6. Solomon goes to great trouble to build the temple of God. He spares no expense and he makes it as lavish and amazing of a structure as he can possibly imagine. However God shares with him what his criteria will be for living in the temple. God states that he will live in the temple if the people are obedient to him and do what he has asked them to do. God is not interested in the riches and the treasures. He didn’t need all of the beauty that Solomon put in the…

Times of Transition, Day 5 Praising God. Read 1 Kings chapter 5. When was there last time that someone praised God because of us? When we display the characteristics and attributes of God, others take notice and praise God as a result. Solomon displayed wisdom and integrity and Hiram noticed and praised God. As we allow God to live through us, we display his characteristics. Does that describe us today?

Times of Transition, Day 4 When the mission field comes to you. Read 1 Kings chapter 4. God told the people that they were to be a blessing to rest the world and here we see the rest of the world is actually coming to them. The people did not enough to spread out to share the message of God. The people of the world were actually coming to Solomon. Sometimes God puts us in a position where we go out to the world, and sometimes God leaves us in a spot where the world comes to us. Either way, our purpose remains the same. We are to share the…

Times of Transition, Day 3 Discernment. Read 1 Kings chapter 3. In this famous chapter we see the recounting of Solomon’s request for wisdom. What we see here is a man who realized that he needed help and that God was truly the only person who could help him. Here asked God to give him the ability to discern between these good and the bad, the right and the wrong. What would we ask for? What in our lives would be the most glorifying to God? Are we seeking his wisdom in out decision making today?

Times of Transition, Day 2 How-to guide for dealing with change. Read 1 Kings chapter 2. This was a tremendous time of change. King David died. King Solomon went through and exacted justice on a great number of David’s enemies. Before he died David gave Solomon the key to navigating change. Follow God and keep his commands. Do what he says. This is how we will be able to navigate the change that we are going through in a way that pleases and glorifies God.