Sreedhar's Journey

I am sure most of you have heard of the 2 women that had a child each, and how one of them lost her baby. She claimed the other child as her own and this matter was brought before Solomon. Solomon instructed that the baby be cut in half and shared. In the ensuing response the real mother was discovered. Where was this recorded? In the Bible. Where did Solomon get such wisdom? From God. 1 Kings 3:9, Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” This discourse between Solomon and God happened in a dream. Solomon was given the opportunity to ask something from God. Solomon asked for discernment. Solomon was a real person in history. He was renowned for his wisdom. At the end of his life he wrote some powerful advice based on his life experiences. What would you have asked for if you were Solomon? Father, I cannot do what I do without your wisdom, power and...

One of the saddest event in a person's life is when an immediate family member dies, especially if the person is your spouse or child. A couple, some years ago, lost their daughter at the age of about 12. It was heartbreaking. We could not imagine losing one of our children that way. David lost a child, but immediately after Solomon was born. 2 Samuel 12:24, Then David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her. So she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Now the Lord loved him, David clocked great favor with God. Only a compassionate and loving God could do this. David was rebuked for having Uriah killed and marrying Bathsheba. His sin was great and there was the consequence of death and other future consequences for his family. This emphasizes the need for me as the head of my household to always do right as a blessing for my family. Father, I will seek first your kingdom and your righteousness.

When you are desperate you would do anything. Sometimes this drives us to do things that will not yield long term benefit, or make it worse. But here the people of Israel are desperate to be released from the oppression of the Philistines. Samuel gives great wise advice. 1 Samuel 7:3, Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” They took the advice and throughout Samuel's days there was peace and Israel got back some of its territories. It was so simple but it took awhile for them to understand. They, like the Philistines, did not fully understand the significance of the ark of the covenant. They only feared it because people died around it. Are you desperate? Get right and pursue the God of the Universe. Father, let me not lose sight...