He asked for wisdom; God gave him riches as well. Why? (1 Kings 10:14-29)

Today we study 1 Kings 10:14-29 and note at least two things that make us think: why did God give Solomon riches and wisdom, when he only asked for the latter? Also, is there any siginificance to the fact that Solomon is the only other person (other than the antiChrist) who is identified with the number 666? Check our short video out on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/lVXK7EPfryM .

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Peer Recognition and the Christian (1 Kings 10:1-13)

We all wish we had it -- peer recognition that is. Solomon got a big dose of it from another person of royalty -- the Queen of Sheba. Fascinating story that teaches us a lot about how to handle it. It's based on our study of 1 Kings 10:1-13 and you can catch the YouTube video right here: https://youtu.be/Dd9nbLUhdl0 .

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Israel Then & Now. God keeps His eyes on her. So should we. (1 Kings 9:...

As we study 1 Kings 9:15-28, marveling at what Solomon was accomplishing, we can't help but see the continuity of its history through the ages right up to today. God is certainly keeping His eyes on her. Perhaps we should as well. Join us on YouTube for a short study that has a lot to say to us today. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/UuNBtqPU0vU .

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Giving Away what God Wanted You to Keep (1 Kings 9:10-14)

Studying an interesting passage on Solomon's dealing with Hiram (his father-in-law) and the giving away of 20 cities that God had given to Israel. Perhaps not a wise move. But we learn a lot about Solomon and gain an opportunity to think about our relationships as well as our blessings from God. Join us as we study 1st Kings 9:10-14. Catch it here: https://youtu.be/20WYmkiwc7g .

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Not All of God's Promises are Unconditional (1 Kings 9:1-9)

Hey, that's right. Some of God's Promisred are indeed Conditional. Our study of 1st Kings 9:1-9 tells us that. Join us to see which one is key, and what we have to do. You can catch our YouTube short video study here at this link: https://youtu.be/jGfAX20HUSE .

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The Biggest Barbecue on Record (1 Kings 8:62-66)

Solomon was not only the smartest king, he was also the most extravagant. And this account of his sacrifices and feast(s) proves it. Join us on YouTube as we study 1 Kings 8:62-66. We learn a lot from this passage for our own lives. You can catch it here at this link: https://youtu.be/Xe5HM-sA4n0

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All About Praying. (I Kings 8:54-61)

Solomon talks to the people after his prayer to God and we get to think about how we might want to pray when we do, and much more. Join us as we study 1 Kings 8:54-61. You can catch the clip here on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/XY1IUu3waoA .

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Solomon's Assumptions Still Hold (1 Kings 8:46-53)

As Solomon concludes his prayer to God, in 1st Kings 8:43-56, he makes some assumptions about man and God -- and all these years later, his assumptions still hold true. Join us as we study this passage on YouTube. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/VL6Rp2sGL6c

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Foreigners in Our Land. 1 Kings 8:41-45

As Solomon, one of the world's wisest men, continues his prayer to God, he asks for special prayer w.r.t. the foreigners in his land as well as prayer for his soldiers to who go out to battle, but under certain conditions. We can learn a lot from Solomon in our study of 1 Kings 8:41-45. Join us on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/6lTf3HxHhq0 .

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If you had a choice, what would it be: Western Justice System or God's? ...

As we continue our study of Solomon's prayer to God we find a number of gems, but key to me was some thoughts on God's justice system and how He makes His judgments vs. those of our secular justice systems. Take a look at our study of 1 Kings 8:325-40. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/KweYcy2RkCw .

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

Solomon prays for God to Hear His People . . . and Forgive Them (1 Kings...

What is sacred any more? Does sin cause illness? Why we lose some battles? And more. Join us as we look at Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:31-35. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/NueUQAivQYE .

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Asking God a Rhetorical Question. (1 Kings 8:27-30)

I don't know about you, but I have never asked God a rhetorical question. Solomon did. Let's find out what that is all about as we study 1 Kings 8:27-30. I was amazed what these 4 verses can teach us. You can catch the short video here: https://youtu.be/-Y3kSmPoVm0 .

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Kenny's Karats @#52: The Shock of the Resurrection

In today's clip from Christopher Watkin's "Biblical Critical Theory" we learn 5 ways the Resurrection of Christ is shocking to the world. Join us for this short clip on YouTube. You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/i5bosmReHzg . Also, if you like our video -- please hit like on this page and consider subscribing to our YouTube channel "Digging For Scriptural Gems".

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Speaking to God. Learning from Solomon. (1 Kings 8:22-26)

We should all be speaking with God, but how? Well Solomon has some ideas and we can learn from him. Join us as we study 1 Kings 8:22-26. You can catch it on Youtube at this link: https://youtu.be/0eYoXEhTJrQ .

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Kenny's Karats #51: The Paradox in the Theology of the Cross

Christopher Watkin takes a quick look at what the world saw and sees when they consider Christ on the cross, and what Christians. Most interesting. Take a look here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8oICgdAKE5M . If you like these videos, please indicate so and also subscribe to our YouTube Channel: "Digging For Scriptural Gems".

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"It's the thought that counts." Well, not exactly. (I Kings 8:12-21)

Temple is complete. God moves in. Priests scared off their feet. Solomon decides to give a sermon. Was he arrogant? You decide. Also, we learn about "things on our heart". Join us on YouTube as we study 1 Kings 8:12-21 together. You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/6SylOACpxgM .

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Kenny's Karats #50: How Do We Judge or Think Of Those Who Are Not Saved?

Watch this clip . . . preferably on your own. Then think about how you view those unbelievers who want nothing to do with what you have. Then go relate to some of them and see how you feel about them now. You can catch this clip here on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/ubZ_xEf3UI4 .

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The Shekinah Glory? Maybe then, but now? (1 Kings 8:11-12)

The Temple that Solomon built is open for business, but something happens that causes the priests to stop their work and fall down. They can't work there. Find out why and how as we study 1 Kings 8:11-12 together on YouTube. You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/9E6Ce9RF5Rw . And also find out if you and I can experience it today.

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Kenny's Karats 49: The Grace Narrative

What's so amazing about Grace? Well, Christopher Watkin and C.S. Lewis tell us in this short clip. You can catch it here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DOjIKoobWhM . If you like what you see or hear, like us on YouTube and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Digging For Scriptural Gems.

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What Solomon can teach us about Weddings & Funerals (1 Kings 8:1-9)

It's time to celebrate. The Temple is complete. Just move the ark to its designated spot. And let's celebrate our doing it. And that's what Solomon does (1 Kings 8:1-9). In the process he indirectly teaches us about weddings and funerals. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/xYx1JshnvlI .

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Kenny's Karats #48: The Scandal of the Cross

Listen to this short account from Christopher Watkin's "Biblical Critical Theory" and you will never think of The Cross -- Christ's Brutal Suffering -- in any other way again.  And that's good news.  You can catch it here on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/sdyej3PKJKk .
(Also more of these on our YouTube Channel "Digging For Scriptural Gems".

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Invitation to Joy.

 

Invitation To Joy: Your Pathway to a Purpose-Filled Life

Author: John Murray

Publisher: Self-published, White Rock, BC, 2023

 

Making the Plain Things the Main Things

 

I recently told my spouse that I would be happy just staying at home for the rest of my life. Up to my last birthday (my 76^th) I had been a very active and very involved type-A doer. But somehow things had changed, and I no longer felt like making the effort.  Well, clearly God wasn’t finished with me yet and (I believe) He arranged for my friend John Murray to send me his latest book, Invitation To Joy. I read it in one day and am delighted to recommend it highly.

John makes the “pathway to a purpose-filled life” very simple, very quick, and very effective – if you want it to be. He takes Alistair Begg’s quote to heart making some very “plain” things the “main” things. John gives us a plain (not simple) means of getting to Joy.

He shares with us some things he considers important to a life of purpose and meaning. While recognizing our uniqueness and differences as individuals, he dares ask the question, “Are we not all the same on the inside?” He contends that every person has the same inherent value, and it is “we” that regard some with greater respect than others and put them on pedestals, adoring some like sports personalities and actors.

In the process, John gives us some gems to think about and incorporate into our daily lives. For starters, he makes us think about our real ‘friends’ by giving us a solid definition of a ‘friend’.  A plain thing.  He then takes us through thoughts on ‘love’.  Another plain thing. He borrows St. Augustine’s description of God’s love and shows us what an impact it can have on others.

From there the author moves us along to the need that millions and millions of people have today – the need for ‘physical touch’ – an arm around one’s shoulder, a hug, even a pat on the back. Another plain thing.

But wait, there’s more.  He delves into the matter of “contentment” and how we might ever find ourselves there. Time for another pain thing – gratitude. He covers the inter-relationship between gratitude and joy. And with the help of David Steindl-Rast, the Austrian-American Benedictine monk, author, and lecturer, he helps show us which of the two is dependent on the other.

And there are more ‘plain’ things for us to make into ‘main’ things. Some we may not like or welcome, but there’s no avoiding them as we pursue both Joy and Purpose.  Plain things like ‘kindness’ and ‘generosity’, both of which are linked to ‘gratitude’ and thus ‘joy’.

The latter part of John Murray’s book takes us to the point in time when we the readers are no longer around and makes us think about the question, “Have I made the world around me a better place because of my being here?”

One more thing. Don’t for a minute think Murray is living in a dream, imagining an ideal world. He isn’t.  He has had his share of difficulties in his life, so he shares with us about the co-existence of joy and adversity.

All very real.  All very useful. All very necessary. All very well written. The content clearly demonstrates John’s growth as an author, and we are the beneficiaries.  I highly recommend the book for you, and for your family and friends.  I’ve already shared it with a number.

 

GET Your Copies by Contacting John Murray:  jmurray150@hotmail.com .

 

n   Ken B. Godevenos, is the retired President, Accord Resolutions Services Inc., Toronto, Ontario, January 13, 2023.   You can go “Digging For Scriptural Gems” with him at https://www.youtube.com/user/accordconsulting/videos.

 

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

3 Key Temple-Building Lessons (1 Kings 7:48-51)

We learn 3 Key Lessons from Solomon about how to build temples. Join us as we continue our study of the O.T. today looking at 1 Kings 7:48-51. You can catch our short study right here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J3BdtCZ0J_0 . If you like what you hear, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel: "Digging For Scriptural Gems".

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.

Kenny's Karats #47: Love and Politics

A great explanation of how Biblical Love and Politics don't jive beautifully today. This was eye-opening. Christopher Watkin tells us about it in his book "Biblical Critical Theory". You can catch it here: https://youtu.be/F5IDMhoUswg . Also get more of these insights on our YouTube channel: "Digging For Scriptural Gems". I look forward to having you join us there.

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Hiram or Huram, a big bathtub, and much more. Studying 1 Kings 7:13-47.

More details about the temple and how it was built and by whom? Was a Gentile allowed to work on it after all? Was Hiram really Huram? Was he a king and from where? And more. Join us as we study 1 Kings 713-47 on our YouTube channel: Digging For Scriptural Gems. (Subscribe for more). Here's the link for this video: https://youtu.be/f8UgI3stf8A .

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Kenny's Karats #46: Love -- it is everything for the Christian

Join us as we take a look at how Christopher Watkin introduced this topic in his book Biblical Critical Theory. You can catch it on our YouTube channel "Digging For Scriptural Gems". Here's today link: https://youtu.be/wvoxSSMW5FI .

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God got His Temple, I need mine. Or do I? (1 Kings 7:1-12)

Solomon was wise, but did he have his priorities right at this time? We'll look at both sides and you can decide which one you agree with. We're studying 1 Kings 7:1-12. And you many never have even heard of this controversial point. Join us on YouTube: Get the clip on our channel (which we ask you to like and subscribe to -- Digging for Scriptural Gems) by going here: https://youtu.be/ZmJxVkDO5YU .

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.