I think Solomon was onto something.

I've been reading the One Year Bible. In my case, however, it is more like the "Two Year Bible." I began on January 1, 2006, and I am currently reading the entry for July 22nd. Let us not forget, however, that the tortoise beat out the hare in the old fable by La Fontaine . . . I'm taking inspiration from that little guy. Slow digestion of the Bible has its benefits. :)

I have a special attachment to 1st and 2nd Samuel. When I read them in the early fall, I was overjoyed to return to fascinating narratives of these dynamic men. As of late, I have been reading 2nd Chronicles in the Old Testament and Romans in the New Testament. Until recently, I had never read the two Chronicles. Much to my surprise (and my delight!), they retell the stories of David and Solomon!

Yesterday, I read the passage where David gives the kingdom over to Solomon. Solomon receives a mighty kingdom - an immense amount of land, tremendous riches - and he rules over hundreds of thousands of people. Furthermore, he is the leader of God's chosen people. In the passage, God appears to Solomon. Solomon has pleased God, and he lets Solomon ask anything that he wants and God tells him he will give it to him. (Can you imagine!) Solomon, thankful for all that he has and overwhelmed with the responsibility that he faces, asks God for wisdom that he might rule Israel with godly wisdom.

What struck me when I was reading this passage is that I too am like Solomon. I have been entrusted with a lot. I am overwhelmed with the bountiful blessings God has bestowed upon me. I have been given not only plentiful material possessions, but I am also receiving a great education and have a lot of friends and peers that I encounter each day. Like Solomon, each of us has a sphere of influence. When he took account of all that he had been given, Solomon responded with thankfulness, humility, and a recognition of his shortcomings. He recognized that in his abundance he was in need.

It is true that when we have, we need. I have much, therefore, I am in need of God to humble me and make me wise. It would be a waste for Solomon to have all that he had and to lack wisdom in what to do with his kingdom.

Can you believe the Bible?

How incredible is Jesus!? I have nothing to add to this passage but to share it with you and let God blow you away. This is from the Living Bible. Before you read this, pray that God would let you hear it anew.


"In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make. Life itself was in him and this life gives light to everyone.

The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was only a witness to the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world. But although the world was made through him, the world didn't recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted.

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn!

This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan - this rebirth comes from God.

So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us.

He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.

And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father.

John pointed him out to the people. He shouted to the crowds, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Someone is coming who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before I did.'" We have benefited from the rich blessings he brought to us - one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But his only Son who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart; he has told us about him.

This was the testimony of John when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John whether he claimed to be the Messiah. He flatly denied it. "I am not the Messiah," he said.
"Well, then, who are you?" they asked. "Are you Elijah?"
"No," he replied.
"Are you the Prophet?"
"No."
"Then who are you? Tell us, so we can give an answer to those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?"

John replied in the words of Isaiah: "I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare a straight pathway for the Lord's coming!'"

Then those who were sent by the Pharisees asked him, "If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?"

John told them, "I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not know, who will soon begin his ministry. I am not even worthy to be his slave." This incident took place at Bethany, a village east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing."

(John 1:1-28)

Psalm 23 Remix

I have been praying the twenty-third psalm lately, whenever I feel myself growing overwhelmed. The psalms are often helpful to guide me in prayer. For a long time, I have steered clear of this one because I have heard it so much that I think I have taken it for granted. It's popular, however, because it's a good one!

I have thought about changing the word "shepherd" to "keeper" but I think that the word "sheperd" is so accurate to describe the guarding, loving, providing nature of God. It is good to know that someone is shepherding me when I feel a bit confused or alone.


Psalm 23 - Remix

The Lord is My Shepherd
He is all I will ever really need.
at every moment. of every day. even when I am blinded by my own selfish desires.

He gives rest to me amidst the turbulence of my emotions
and self-addiction.
He refreshes me with His presence
He restores my soul

He guides me toward truth and purity
for His own sake
that others might know how good He is.

Even when I am in the midst of hardship
I don't have to worry or fear
for You are always with me
your open arms and soft, encouraging voice,
they comfort me.

You lavish me with your love and goodness
even when I am in the midst of those who dislike me.
You bestow upon me your favor and annoint me to show your love to my neighbors,
I am overflowing with all that you give me.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days that you allow me to live,
and I will abide in God, my Father,
forever.