Joshua 1

The Psalmist starts and ends chapter 136 exclaiming thanks to God.  In between he lists things to thank Him for and ends all 26 verses with a reason why, “for his steadfast love endures forever” (some translations say lovingkindness or mercy).  We could all put together a long list of things we are thankful to God for because everything good comes from Him.  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom…

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In God’s word there are many instances of people being influenced negatively by those around them.  One of those is Solomon.  “Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung…

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With all the knowledge that he had, Solomon recognized that there were still things only God knew.  “then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind,” (2 Chronicles 6:30)  It is easy for us to think we know someone’s heart or motive, but Jesus also said that only God can do that.  “The Pharisees, who were…

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God allowed Solomon to build the temple that his father David was not able to build.  “Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.  But the LORD said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart.  Nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son…

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No matter whether we are rich or poor, all blessings that we have are from our Heavenly Father.  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)  “The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all.” (Proverbs 22:2)  The blessings that we have been given were intended to also be shared with others.  “In all things…

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Decisions made without good information to back them up can get us into trouble.  “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” (Proverbs 19:2)  We can gain the knowledge we need for the most important things in our life from only one place.  “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every…

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Throughout my life I have made plans for certain things.  Whether they were short term or long term plans, many times I changed the plan before it was completed.  Solomon speaks of how fickle the human mind is compared to God.  “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)  If we focus our plans toward God’s will, we can have the most stable source to guide…

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It has been said that you become like the 5 people that you spend the most time with.  Solomon may not have followed his own advice, but he knew friends were important.  “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)  “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)  Paul gave a similar warning in his first letter to the Corinthians.  “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins…

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Solomon had great wisdom from God, but he did not always follow what he knew to be right.  He tells us where following instruction will put us.  “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.” (Proverbs 10:17)  None of us want to be one of those he is talking about who lead others astray.  We can all look back and see people who have been influences in our lives, both good and…

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Our actions are guided by what is on our mind.  Daily study and focus on God’s Word is the best guide for a Christian life.  “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 7:1-3)  Prioritizing spiritual thoughts over material thoughts will keep us on the path to an eternal home with…

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