Oct 7, 2024

There are several references in the gospels to the fact that Jesus spent time in prayer.  Luke 5:16 indicates that as a regular course of action, Jesus slipped away from the crowds (which always seemed to be around) to pray.

The account of the feeding of the 5,000 recounts that the hours preceding the miracle was filled...

Sep 30, 2024

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 12:25-33

Following Solomon's death, the tribes of the northern area of Israel withdrew from the rule of Rehoboam, his son.  No longer was there one, unified kingdom of Israel.  Now, at the hand of God, there would be two separate kingdoms … Israel, with 10 tribes, in the north … and Judah,...

Sep 22, 2024

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 12:12-20

At the end of his life Solomon became idolatrous, having been influenced by his many foreign wives.  God was angry with him and the penalty was that Solomon's son, Rehoboam, would not be able to rule over all of Israel.

The nation would, in fact, be divided into two kingdoms. ...

Sep 15, 2024

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 11:1-13

In our modern vernacular, we would say that Solomon 'had it all.'  He had money.  He had fame.  He had power … and honor … and position.  He had the best food … the best clothes … women at his beck and call … a luxurious house … 4,000 horses … 12,000 horsemen … and a...

Sep 8, 2024

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:161-168

Saul was the first king of Israel and he ruled for 40 years, but on more than one occasion he was grossly disobedient to God (cf. 1 Sam 13:1-14;    15:1-33).  The result of this rebellion was that God gave the kingdom of Israel to David (1 Sam 13:14; 15:28; 16:1). 

David is described in 1...