"And in fact, they did turn his heart from the Lord." 1 Kings 11:3b
"They." "They" get blamed for a lot. Every generation that has passed has had their own "theys" and in every generation to come "they" will be there. Who is they? In today's reading "they" refers to the foreign women King Solomon married. These women are blamed for turning Solomon's heart away from the Lord. We have our own "theys"; those people or things that we blame for turning our hearts from the Lord. But should "they" get the blame?
Solomon's heart was turned from the Lord and I am sure the foreign wives did have something to do with it. Women can be quite persuasive. However, I have discovered only a heart that is unsatisfied and a life unfulfilled can be turned from the Lord. Solomon's heart must have been ripe for the taking.
The wise King paid dearly for his willful disobedience. Obedience is the bridge to blessing while disobedience is the river to ruin under that bridge. My heart broke as I read the turn Solomon's life took. The Israelites were finally at peace with a wise and just king. His disobedience not only cost him dearly but God's chosen people would pay a price as well. Obedience matters to you and it matters to others.
Solomon's unfaithful living brought about discipline from the Lord that stirred the pot of peace in Jerusalem. We learn a great deal by seeing how Solomon's discipline progressed. Applying the lessons learned about discipline to our lives can help us obtain a satisfied heart and fulfilled life.
Solomon's heart was turned from the Lord and I am sure the foreign wives did have something to do with it. Women can be quite persuasive. However, I have discovered only a heart that is unsatisfied and a life unfulfilled can be turned from the Lord. Solomon's heart must have been ripe for the taking.
The wise King paid dearly for his willful disobedience. Obedience is the bridge to blessing while disobedience is the river to ruin under that bridge. My heart broke as I read the turn Solomon's life took. The Israelites were finally at peace with a wise and just king. His disobedience not only cost him dearly but God's chosen people would pay a price as well. Obedience matters to you and it matters to others.
Solomon's unfaithful living brought about discipline from the Lord that stirred the pot of peace in Jerusalem. We learn a great deal by seeing how Solomon's discipline progressed. Applying the lessons learned about discipline to our lives can help us obtain a satisfied heart and fulfilled life.
- The Lord warned Solomon of his sin. The Holy Spirit is our "Warner" and "Reminder." (V10)
- The Lord showed mercy in His discipline because of His covenant with David. The Lord is faithful to keep His promises to us. (V11-12; 34)
- The Lord brings about discipline. He raised up leaders against Solomon. He is serious about doing what it takes to bring us back to Him. (V14;23)
10 Comments:
Wendy, I just love how you focused on the word, "they" and brought about such personal application! WOW!!!!
My Pastor also often uses that quote by Dr. John Piper. Powerful.
My thoughts and writing today centered around verses on either side of yours, focusing on some of the same ideas. “The LORD had clearly instructed the people of Israel, ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway.” “He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the LORD’s command.” 1 Kings 11:2,10
I read here about specific, personal teaching ignored. Solomon refused to apply God’s warning. He disregarded God’s instruction and faithlessly disobeyed God’s command. He held fast to sin, insisted on his own way and recklessly abandoned the clear directive from God. For all the wisdom Solomon possessed, he still chose to act foolishly. It wasn’t that he didn’t know what God required; he made a conscious decision not to obey. Head knowledge alone is not enough. God is looking for a heart change.
I remember a very dear friend saying to me years ago, “Joy, you do not need to read any more books!” Her message to me was clear. My head was packed full of learning, but where was my living? How had all this knowledge changed my life? Quite truthfully, it hadn’t. I was still a fearful, insecure, people-pleaser.
If all we are doing is amassing facts, the accumulation without the application is useless. We can be zealous and diligent to our daily time in God’s Word and be praised for our commitment and dedication, but without the obedience accompanying our learning, quite frankly, it‘s all for naught. Change must be evident. Every morning as I leave my quiet time and move into the rest of my day, I need to ask myself, how is today going to be different than yesterday because of my time with the Lord?
More than knowledge, God desires knowing Him.
More than research, God desires response.
More than hearing His Word, God desires heeding His Word.
More than gathering facts, God desires growing faith.
More than religion, God desires relationship.
More than intellect, God desires intimacy.
More than study, God desires surrender.
More than learning, God desires living.
I long to allow His Word in me to make a difference today,
Joy
PS. I'm going away today for the weekend!!! Can't believe it!!! THREE DAYS!!!! A "Women of Grace" retreat "up North" where we spend our summer. You can check it out here if you want: http://muskokabiblecentre.com/
Wow, I just love what you wrote Wendy, and you too...Joy! So much for me to grasp this morning!
We could easily end up like Solomon if we allow the "things" to crowd out our relationship with God. "God knows [our] hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." Luke 16:15
It seems like that during these 40 years of his leadership as king, he did not have an "accountability partner." I never remember reading about Solomon asking another prophet to help him to be faithful to God. Who we choose to surround ourselves with makes a HUGE difference. Yes, we can faithfully read God's Word each day, but I believe it is also important to be around others' that are on the same walk. Godly Christian women that will keep us focused on God's Word when we slip. Girlfriends that we can talk about the Glory with!
Joy, what you wrote: "How is today going to be different than yesterday because of my time with the Lord?" That is a statement and a half!
Wendy, I loved what your pastor said about when we are satisfied in Him He is most glorified in us!
I have found that to be soooooo true! When I'm walking with Him throughout the day, I see His Glory so easily. The key, is keeping Him on our minds. Praising and thanking Him all day long. For all the good that happens we give Him the Glory!
I'll have to add too, that I've begun praying spontaneously quite a bit more that past year. Little things I'll ask Him about...sure enough the answer will pan out. He's so sweet to show me that He is listening to me! The more I see His Glory and feel His Presence, the more close I want to be to Him. I know I've never been as satisfied and felt at peace as right now.
Thank you dear sisters for letting me go through this journey with you. It just keeps getting better! Love ya, Lori - AZ
PS Joy, Oh, so happy you are getting out of town. ENJOY...ENJOY...ENJOY!!!
Lori - AZ
Excellent teaching today, Wendy! I'm going back to make some notes alongside that verse (and the word "they")...I think I might be referring back to it in the future!
Always enjoy everyone's voices as we walk and learn together.
Morning reflections are so tender and new - delicate seedlings which with care (meditation & memory) can grow deep roots and provide fruit for eternity.
It's wonder-full were are able to share our hearts!
It has indeed been a rich & satisfying walk this week. I, too, am blessed by this journey.
Lifting you all up in prayer as we head into the weekend!
Liz
Alaska
I can relate to Solomon in some ways. (bar the 700 wives and 300 concubines) Does it ever happen to you when life seems to be going along great and it seems you are just coasting through life free of worries, bad news, health concerns etc?
That's when the enemy catches us off guard and instead of maintaining our relationship with God...He gets placed on the back burner. Instead of being in an attitude of prayer and thanksgiving during those great times. I've been guilty of just coasting along on my own.
And then something comes up and throws me back into reality and my need for God comes back...the positive in the negatives of life is that they do tend to bring us back into relationship with God.
However, sometimes I wonder if God feels used by me for running back when I feel I need him.
Remembering that I need to be in relationship with him during the good as well as the not so good times otherwise I can be as Solomon, disobedient and deceived by the enemy.
REMEMBER where you came from and what I have brought you through and to... God often reminded the Israelites.
Today's reading reminded me to be obedient and thankful at all times, seeking to be in relationship with Him all ways, always.
Love from Debbie in Illinois
PS It is bright and sunny in Northern Illinois today, blue skies not a cloud in sight...just love it! And thanking God for it!
I just read the Proverbs 31 devotion for today by Micca Monda Campbell, "God's Lifeboat". It was so related to my post...just needed those extra words of assurance this morning! Praise God for his everpresent ways.
Debbie from Illinois
Wendy,
Your comment that "only a heart that is unsatisfied and a life unfulfilled can be turned from the Lord" jumped out at me from your musings today. That is so true. It's pretty much the same thing in a marriage. One of the spouses has to turn their eyes from the other one and start looking elsewhere for the marriage to fall apart. Thanks for all the good opinions you put out here for us today!
God bless!
Marilyn
Hey all. My postings have been sparse since the boys are home from school. I still love reading all that you have to say!!
Was anyone else surprised by the amount of wives that Solomon had? It was not just one who each worshipped another god, it was hundreds.
I couldn't help but wonder if with each taking of a new wife one more small brick was cemented between Solomon's heart and God's. Isn't it the same with us? One extra chore here, one service project there, another favorite TV show here, and soon we have erected our own barrier between God's heart and ours, spending time anywhere but with Him!
Looking forward to vacation soon, so I will not be posting. Praying for all of you as you continue on your journey!!
P.S. Sorry, I forgot a major point in my previous post.
Yes, we may erect barriers, but thankfully through God's supreme promise kept, Jesus tore them all down for eternity. He will do the same in our heart, if we just ask!!
Hugs!!
I had an extremely difficult weekend. I prayed this morning for a new start and some guidance from the Lord. Then I read this blog. It never ceases to amaze me how God works.
My husband is having an affair and spent Thursday through today with the other woman 400 miles away at her home. I consider myself a christian in the "infant stages" so I'm not completely familiar with Solomon's story. Just reading what you and the others wrote makes so much sense to me. My husband's heart is in the grips of the enemy right now. His disobedience is very painful to watch.
But what I've learned over the past 6 months is that I can only control myself and I work every day on my relationship with God and try to set a good example for my 2 amazing daughters. I love the statement "Applying the lessons learned about discipline to our lives can help us obtain a satisfied heart and fulfilled life."
I will continue to learn the lessons and pray for my husband: "He is serious about doing what it takes to bring us back to Him."
God Bless all of you.
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