Now King Solomon was king over all Israel. These were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest; Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the army; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests; and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the deputies; and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest, was the king’s friend; and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor. 1 Kings 4:3-6

Solomon had some mad organization skills. His wisdom was on display in the way he appointed many of the men who had served his father David, into important roles. All of us can receive Divine inspiration and ideas. The Bible says ‘now we have the mind of Christ’.

Right now with some new job assignments, I need the mind of Christ. This morning I will not fear but demonstrate humble faith that God can reveal true genius to solve any problem, resolve any conflict, and lead the way forward.

Oh how awesome it is today Lord, to know you still operate in the lives of men and women. Work mightily in mine. You know the heartache in our family right now. You know the financial pressure. You are not worried. In faith, I ask You to carry us along with the sweet favor of your presence.

So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 1 Kings 3:9

Solomon was a complex man. I really don’t have a full grasp yet on what this ‘sacrificing on the high places’ is all about. But, one thing I get, is this. He knew he needed God’s wisdom and discernment. James, the brother of Jesus wrote that God gives it generously to us when we ask.

I am asking like crazy these days. And God is speaking to me with amazing insight. Do this! Stop that! Give that to someone else. Hire this person. Meet with him and talk to her. Wow!

Lord Jesus, You keep your promises. You disclose to me the hidden things that I need to know. Oh may I please You today in the way I walk and talk and minister to others. O, continue by Your grace to bless me with discernment. I love You.

As David’s time to die drew near, he charged Solomon his son, saying, I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man. Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that the Lord may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ 1 Kings 2:2-4

Solomon was charged by David to keep what God had charged him. He passed on more than the scepter to rule Israel, he transferred the responsibility. The promise was that success would follow… and it did to a great degree. Solomon was to make sure his sons were careful to walk in truth before God.

How am I doing keeping the Charge of God and passing it to my sons and daughter. I want to think on this today. I see some conversations in the near future, praising my kids and challenging them anew.

God, I want success, Your success! So, I will walk in your ways, keep your ordinances, statutes and commands. Give me the wisdom you gave Solomon.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

I love singing this song when I am driving or traveling along. What an amazing promise. If I stay close to God, I will experience His great protection. It all begins with putting my trust in Him.

Is this where I dwell? Do I have intimate communication with God, where He shows me secret things (even as described in Jeremiah 33)? Yes, I believe I do.

So today O Lord, I will walk in faith and confidence knowing You are my strong tower and fortress. Oh I trust in You.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

The Bible says that this life is not the end. In fact, those who die in the Lord will be part of the glorious return of Jesus Christ. That’s a fascinating idea. If I am alive when Jesus return, I will see with Him the saints who have died coming with Him. What a reunion!

So, I do not have to grieve to despair when I lose a believing loved one.

Lord Jesus, Oh what you have made possible. Certainly death has no more sting! Wow.