Monthly Archives: October 2012

building the LORD’s temple

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Kings 6 The process of discipleship is very much like that of Solomon building the LORD’s temple. It is costly. Much of the work is done away from the public eye. It is detailed work, with great care taken … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

a peace-time army

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Kings 5 Solomon drafted an army of men from Israel, and hired thousands of others from elsewhere.  There was no battle to fight.  There was a house to build: a temple to the LORD.  The entire project was an … Continue reading →

Posted in discipleship, peace, Solomon, worship | Tagged | Leave a comment

what to do if you win the lottery

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Kings 4 Solomon inherited tremendous power, prominence, and prosperity – more than anyone else he knew.  What he chose to do with that wealth showed great wisdom.  He employed people, giving them good jobs which provided for their needs … Continue reading →

Posted in money, responsibility, Solomon | Tagged | Leave a comment

remarkable wisdom

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Kings 3 Solomon’s great wisdom was a gift from the LORD, because he asked for it.  James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all freely.  God does not reserve his … Continue reading →

Posted in discernment, prayer, Solomon, wisdom | Tagged | Leave a comment

dirty work

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Kings 2 The dark side of Solomon’s peaceful reign is shown in this chapter.   Benaiah goes about executing the enemies of Solomon, thereby preventing more insurrection and civil war.  But each enemy is given a chance to show himself … Continue reading →

Posted in discernment, enemies, Solomon | Tagged | Leave a comment

keeping one eye open

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Kings 1:28-53 Adonijah’s party was interrupted with news that Solomon had been made king in his place.  His first thought was self-protection.  For that reason he clung to the altar.  If he had been sincere in seeking the LORD’s … Continue reading →

Posted in discernment, forgiveness, Solomon, wisdom | Tagged | Leave a comment

awkward moments

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Kings 1:1-27 Circumstances conspired to bring about some awkward moments for several people in today’s text.  There were awkward moments for David, who had to feel uncomfortable in the presence of his wife, Nathan the prophet, and the beautiful … Continue reading →

Posted in David, dependence upon God, faithfulness, trust | Tagged | Leave a comment

surrendering our sovereignty

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 24 Are we puppets on a string? Is there freedom to choose our own destiny?  Might I suggest that the answer to both of those questions could be “yes.”  David owns the responsibility for taking the census, but … Continue reading →

Posted in David, dependence upon God, sovereignty of God | Tagged | Leave a comment

mighty men

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 23:8-39 The mighty men were known for three attributes: being victorious in battle due to discipline and skills. being courageous in spite of numerous opponents. being loyal to David and the others they fought with. The LORD provided … Continue reading →

Posted in David, loyalty | Tagged | Leave a comment

famous last words

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 22:1-23:7 These are the words of a man who had faced tremendous challenges in his life – internally and externally.  David’s words show confidence in God for what he has done by grace.  But there also sounds like … Continue reading →

Posted in David, grace, witness | Tagged , | Leave a comment