June 20. Song of Songs 2. Well, dear one, we have now left Proverbs behind. We will read just two chapters from Solomon's poem to his beloved wife. Here are a few little details that might interest you about this book: Most commentators believe this was written early in Solomon's life. First of all, his ardor for his wife sounds youthful, and second of all Song of Songs 6:8-9a (NKJV) says, "There are sixty queens and eighty concubines, and virgins without number. My dove, my perfect one, is the only one, the only one of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The daughters saw her and called her blessed, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her." Solomon ends up with many more wives […] Read more »

June 19. Proverbs 31. Hey everyone, how do you feel about the Proverbs 31 woman? Does she exhaust you? Encourage you? Inspire you? Irritate you? I love that she is so competent. In a day when women were not treated well, this lady was managing real estate and handling a small business venture. She managed a household that included serving maids, as well. So ... first of all ... I feel I could do a bit more if I had lots of serving maids. Ha! Seriously, I love that she is portrayed as a good wife and mom, and also a good manager. I love that she cares for the poor. I love that she is not afraid of old age. Oh my. So much […] Read more »

June 18. Proverbs 27. Hey everyone, I didn't choose Proverbs 27:14, but it made me laugh. ("If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.") Why would this make me laugh, you say? Well ... in the first days of our marriage, I was that loud blessing kind of person early in the morning. I wake up quickly and energetically and I was full of vigor and vim as I would chatter away to my husband, assaulting him with many happy words upon his rising. Ray, on the other hand, Needs Coffee First. Plenty of it. I had to learn that the best gift I could give my not-a-morning-person guy was my silence! I needed to go cheerily […] Read more »

June 17. Proverbs 24. Hello friends, we are back in Proverbs again, finishing up our readings there this week. Today's verse, for me, was a real zinger. I am thankful for strong words from a loving God that help me evaluate and act! My verse: Proverbs 24:11-12 "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this, does not He who weights the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" My response: Father, these words trouble me. They condemn those who turn a blind eye toward injustice. And so I have to ask ... who are […] Read more »

June 16. I Kings 9:1-9. God's Promises and Warnings. As with all good things, God wanted to make sure Solomon understood that neglect and disdain would result in loss. As much as I might love my new car and want it to stay shiny forever, if I don't have it regularly maintained and if I abandon it for years at a time, it will not stay shiny. Not at all. Choices have consequences. My verse: I Kings 9:6-7a "But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel ..." My response: Oh Father! The responsibility that came […] Read more »

June 15. 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 The Dedication of the Temple. Can you imagine what that magnificent moment must have been like, as thousands of people gathered to marvel at the huge and impressive temple? The size alone would have produced gasps of wonder. Add to that all the gold and detailing that seven years of steady work produced and you have a temple worth gasps of wonder! And then, here comes your king, who put making a home for God before making his own palace home. It would be one of those days that you would recount to your grandchildren in later years, etched on your memory as a "big day." My verse: 2 Chronicles 6:13b " ... He stood on the platform and then […] Read more »

June 14. Proverbs 21. Hello fellow seeker after the Lord. Happy Friday! How has your week gone? Do you have a steady rhythm by now, knowing each day when and where you will meet with God? I hope so. My corner of the couch, where I always have my quiet time, feels like a "sacred spot." When I sit there with my tea and my lamp, with the Word of God, the "lamp to my feet and the light to my path," it's a holy moment and the very best way to start my day, surrendered to Him. Hope you can find a way to meet with Him this weekend, too. Hold on to that precious time with God with both hands, friend. Oh, how […] Read more »

And ... just like that we are just about halfway through our study. Are you seeing any themes emerge as you look at Solomon's life and words? I've been struck, so far, by his care for the poor and his desire for fair treatment for all. It's been good to see him in a positive light, as he started out so very, very well. Here's Week 3's verses for you. I like to give them out on a Thursday, in case you aren't an "every day on the computer" kind of person. These start on Saturday. Keep reading and studying. And, if you find the time, email me and let me know how it's going for you, or comment below. Love, Sharon (sharon@sweetselah.org) Read more »

June 13. Proverbs 18. Good morning, friend. Oh, there was a proverb that convicted me, today in chapter 18. How about you? Sometimes these are real zingers, and I am grateful to be "zinged!" My verse: "He who answers before listening - this is his folly and his shame." Proverbs 18:13   My response: Dear Lord, I confess that this is something I do waaaay too often. I'll finish my husband's sentences for him, or I'll interrupt someone while they are still speaking. Often, after I've assumed what they were going to say, I find out I was wrong. "No," says my patient husband, "that is not what I was going to say." Help me SLOW down, Lord. Help me to consciously listen, today. Help […] Read more »