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Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. II Kings 17:40a (II Kings 17-18)

Despite God’s loving pursuit, Israel soundly rejects Him and His laws. Long gone is the covenant keeping of Jacob, the memory of Moses and the freedom from foreign powers. The Northern Kingdom of Israel has been paying homage to Assyria for some time, but on the sly, king Hoshea makes secret deal with Egypt that fails and brings the full wrath of Assyria.  The last region to fall was Samaria. The people were exiled, if they lived, taken into slavery and their towns, homes and businesses were resettled with a melting pot of people from foreign places, who brought their gods with them.

As repopulation of the Promised Land, God’s gift to His covenant people, is taking place, God allows wild lions to attack some communities. The people cry out for guidance in how to appease the God of Israel so He will spare them. Assyria returns an Israelite priest to teach these people, but they simply add the One True God to their worship rotation.

These comments are more historical than inspirational, but sin’s absolute consequence is separation from God. It is seen at its very worst as mother and child are separated and bartered into bondage and men are mutilated if not killed. Why? Because man wanted their own lusts and pleasures in the immediate far more than they wanted Holiness from now until eternity. It’s a sad story. Don’t let it be yours.

Love,

Gretchen

How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves. Song of Songs 1:15 (Song of Songs)

Song of Songs, a Hebrew expression meaning “the greatest song,” celebrates human love. Although this book never mentions God and is not associated with Jewish Law or history, it suggests that all life, including human sexuality, is holy because it is part of God’s created plan. The speakers portray a sexuality within the bonds of marriage meant to procreate and provide human companionship throughout life and through the trauma of death, exclusively between a man and a woman. Sexuality outside of marriage or in unnatural ways perverts God’s gift.

While seen by many as an allegory of Christ and His Church, this collection of love songs may have been used in a week long wedding feast. Whatever the purpose, Song of Song’s presence in the Bible enables us to see an appropriate view of sexuality when others try to cheapen, denigrate or pervert what God has ordained.

All that God wove into mankind was done for His glory and our joy. Don’t let shame/satan’s voice, take the wonder and beauty that you have been given. Those that God has given you deserve, and are in need of, your unbridled love and devotion.

LOVE,

Gretchen

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psalm 127:1 (Psalm 72 and 127)

Solomon wrote lyrics for over a thousand songs, but only two are preserved, Psalm 72, which refers to his visit from the Queen of Sheba and alludes to a kingdom greater than any so far known, and 127, a song of ascent.

Broken into two parts, Psalm 127 talks of building the temple, then the family.  At the heart of God’s desire for each of us is that we worship and exist in functional family relationships. These things are not accomplished through man’s effort, but by allowing God to guide and provide.

Solomon’s end did not turn out the way it should have. All the wisdom in the world couldn’t stop him from turning from his adoration, to idolatry, but he did discover all things earthly are empty without God. The human race can be demanding and manipulative, and in the process we destroy our blessing and the Master Builder’s opportunity to work His miraculous plan. Put down your hammer and let God be God today.

Love,

Gretchen

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the right of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (Proverbs 30-31)

These verses speak for themselves, but they are part of a section written by a second author. Some believe Lemuel is another name by which Solomon answered. If so, Bathsheba was the mother who taught him the oracle. Others believe these are wisdom sayings from the east that Solomon held in high regard, so he included them in his book.

Proverbs 31:10-31 is without question, accredited to Solomon. This isn’t simply an epilogue or conclusion, it is a portrait of what the woman, that has the capacity to change the world for the better, one child, one family at a time, looks like.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 (Proverbs 25-29)

Wisdom is the application of insight into how to live well. 200 years after Solomon penned his words to live by, King Hezekiah led a renewed interest in God’s Word and had these proverbs copied to preserve them.

When this king inherited the throne of Judah the Jewish nation was threatened with extinction by the Assyrian Empire. His father had led the nation in abandoning God. The odds were stacked against Judah, and Hezekiah knew the only hope for this doomed people was a return to correct honor, obedience and worship. Through this young king’s devotion, God produced miracles that saved his generation from annihilation.

How did this leader lead? With God’s word, and faithful action! Hezekiah knew that obedience to him would not rescue and restore his kingdom. His subjects need to subject themselves to God. When the walls are broken down, only diligence, self-control and self discipline can rebuild them.

Happy Friday,

Gretchen

Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him. Proverbs 20:6-7 (Proverbs 20-24)

These Proverbs address things specific to our intimate relationships, that is, what goes on behind the front door. A nagging woman subtracts from the quality of life, a loose tongue hurts those closest to you, a good name is greater treasure than all the riches on earth, wise people plan and prepare to take care of others and social climbing is a waist of time. Treat your neighbors fairly and with compassion.

Our culture has made careless handling of relationships acceptable. It is not. The entitlement to just be ourselves is misguided. We are called to be righteous. 

The most important people you will encounter today will not be your coworkers, boss, a possible client, prospective investor or a stranger on the street, (although these people are important). Honor those who reside under your roof. You are their first encounter of the day, so make it a good one!

Have a Great Day!

Gretchen

The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Proverbs 15:3 (Proverbs 15-20)

God created the natural world with words. Man molds, inspires or destroys their social world in the same manner. Adversity and strife demand a response. Solomon outlines appropriate and correct actions in contrast to reactions that halt blessing. A gentle tongue or soft answer is a tree of life, prayers of the righteous delight God, but a fool’s mouth brings destruction and death.

Solomon’s wisdom speaks to man’s correct reply to human need. A gift to the poor is a gift to God, to cheat one another is a great offense to the One that loves us most. Proverbs places tremendous stress on the power of words and speech, so master them and don’t allow them to betray the integrity of who you are.

At life’s most difficult time, don’t give up and never waiver. Good deeds are seen by the only One that matters and wrongs WILL be dealt with in perfect place and time.

Love,

Gretchen

The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and He adds no trouble to it. Proverbs 10:22 (Proverbs 10-14)

When good comes my way, I hold my breath and wait for the other foot to fall. I am suspicious of good. God and I know I am a sinner saved by grace and He can forget my sins, but I struggle and know I don’t deserve all that I have. Yet, here is the wisest man that ever walked earth’s paths reminding us that God gives with no hidden agenda, no trickery. His gifts fulfill and make possible our life’s purpose.

Solomon addresses every aspect of life. The proverbs organized in chapters 10-14 are a series of stark contrasts, wise/foolish, diligent/lazy, rich/poor, righteous/wicked, tranquility/anger.  This is all summed up by life, death and the choices we each make. God is the giver of good things, but through man’s actions and self autonomy, we bind ourselves to the things of this world that turn to dust and miss eternal life.

God is good in all things and all ways.

Love,

Gretchen

For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines his paths. Proverbs 5:21. (Proverbs 5-9)

Solomon had many wives and concubines. They were his downfall. Wisdom should have spared him, but he failed to employ it. These prose are a picture of, “Do as I say, not as I do.”  He did not recommend that others follow the path he trod. It did not lead to a happily ever after.  Femme fatale is not a fairy tale.

Proverbs makes parallel connections to sin and an adulterous relationship, and righteousness and fidelity. Solomon warns to steer away from people and places that bring temptation. Choose  to be loyal and honor the relationships you first made.

Perseverance and determination are not just traits one needs to survive times of persecution. It is necessary to set a path of faithful behavior in every daily duty. There will be feasts along the way. Some will bring life, others, certain death. The choice is yours. God sees all we do and allows no excuses. Do the right thing!

Have a great Monday,

Gretchen

My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. Proverbs 1:10 (Proverbs 1-4)

Solomon wrote over 3000 short, intellectual proverbs focused on morality, chastity, diligence, compassion, personal finances, family life, the list goes on. His starting point was to put God in His proper place. He is the center of all things and you are not.

Proverbs is not a book of theology. Its purpose is to instill virtues taught throughout the Biblical discourse. God has a design for man’s peace and prosperity but man must embrace the life style God desires.

Don’t let satan, or his friendly neighborhood sinners, convince you that absolute diligence to love and good is a waste of time. Jesus’ commitment and perseverance is the supreme example that it is not. Stay so busy doing good that you don’t have time for bad.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen