1 Kings 12-13

1 Kings 12-13

This prophet had been given deadass orders from God not to eat or drink anything on his mission. He died because he was trolled by someone who be lying that he got a message from God. Wallah scary. Judging from the fact that many Australia 'christians' are becoming more and more lukewarm and cherry picking in scripture, a scenario like this will definitely occur to me. Let this passage be a lesson not just about the importance of truthful doctrine but also the astounding holiness of God. I should not be taking advantage of His name or be taking his commands lightly. After all, God did indeed wipe out a legitimate prophet for not obeying Him even though to us it doesn't seem like a big deal. Even though I may not directly hear voices or interpret visions from God, he directly talks to me through scripture. The knowledge I receive from this is all that's necessary for me to seek direction from Him. 
Thank you Lord for giving me resources to understand your character and your commandments in which I can apply them more and more. 

1 Kings 8-9

1 Kings 8- 9

Solomons prayer is a format we should all follow I reckon. His prayer is consisted of
- pleading for God's presence (8:57)
- for the desire to do God's will in everything (8:58)
- for help in everyday's need (8:59)
- for the desire and ability to obey God's decrees and commands (8:58)
- for the spread of God's kingdom to the entire world (8:60)
[Life application study notes ]

One thing that has definitely changed since moving to Cheil is that my insight on prayer has changed. My church life went from self interest to Jesus. I know longer have an expectation that things will go easy in life since I'm consistently reminded of what carrying my cross will do to me. Solomons prayer is perfect because it goes agaisnt the self centred nature of our self glorifying ego. It aligns our interest with God and therefore will put our beliefs into action.

1 Kings 5-7

1 Kings 5-7
Honestly idek how to apply this so imma wing it. Solomon put get effort to make sure the Temple was built with the instructions his father gave. He did this with the intention oh honoring God, he went through great lengths to make sure the temple was designed in a way that was appealing to God and his kingdoms spirituality. Appearently he sent twice as many labourers to foreign allies for wood in the specific purpose of making sure they weren't away too long from their family. He acknowledged that they were the head and provider of the family and didn't want to cripple that relationship. Solomon made sure that his kingdom was working for God without neglecting their Godgiven responsibilities. This may have been difficult for them I really don't know lol but I know Solomons approach is a mentality we should adapt. We should go through serious lengths to maintain our sight on God and family because there are serious stakes involved.

1 Kings 3-4

Unlike those of the Old Testament we are blessed to know Jesus personally. We have wisdom that is observable, learnt and applied through scripture. And just like Solomon, it is within our ability to apply wisdom in corporate society, church and most difficultly our vulnerable space (home). 

Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. - 1 Peter 4:10

I try to remind myself why daily quiet times are an essential, I could have knowledge and be wise beyond my years but still eventually cripple my relationship with God. This lesson is what stands out to me most of Solomons life. He would eventually write the book of Ecclesiastes which some depressing but necessary verses "life is meaningless, life is nothing without God etc". Solomon was wise, but he still succumbed to the flesh and popular thought/convenience, and later regretted it. Let this be a lesson to me to continue striving for God in times of convenience and inconvenience, the essence of Good biblical stewardship.

Luke 23

Luke 23
I was reminded of two things when reading about Pilate giving Jesus over to the pharisees jurisdiction. We have the discernment to know what the right thing to do is and because of that I should strive to appease God in my purpose. When stakes are high can I guarantee to myself that I will persevere in Christ rather than fall into pressure? I think about this because I know we're all very much like Pilate when we know what is morally just but decide not to do it. If i'm to make God an obvious priority in the eyes of others then it will probably always be difficult to stand up for what goes agains't our societies standard. These can be petty things like giving tithes even though you might not have a lot of money or life impacting choices such as ending an idolising relationship. I'm thankful that I have a community to keep my accountable so I wont have to go through these trials alone. Lord, help me to seek your approval above all else even if it hurts or impacts others view on me.

Luke 22

Luke 22 is like a Game of Thrones plot, the characters are sympathetically relatable and yet unjustifiable and costly. How often do I commit apostasy in my heart? How often do I refrain from the gospel at Tafe, the workplace and even church out of all places? I’m scared of being overly confident/self sufficient which ends up to me not committing to a task I’ve initially accepted from God. Reasons like this is why I’m hesitant to say whether I love God, because I know I turn my back on him everyday one way or another. I have to always remind myself though, great men and women have turned their back on God, pursued sin and been broken by it and came back triumphant with powerful testimonies. Samson, King David, Saint Paul and Matthew the Tax Collector are those who come to mind. Christ can and will use those who recognise their failure and repent. To those reading, please pray that I do not fall into my self hatred to the point of crippling my trust in who'm is greater than my insecurities. Praise Him who is of grace. Amen

Luke 21

Just like Jesus, I should not leave those young in the faith unprepared. We should spread awareness that spiritual warfare can happen both in society (persecution) and in the church (false doctrine). What we should also remind each other on top of these is that God reassures us that He will protect us spiritually and will continue to make His kingdom through us. These warnings and promises apply to us as we await in Jesus second coming, up until then we cannot rest. I hope and pray that I will not stumble those who are younger or weaker in the faith than me. I must always uphold myself against the standards of scripture to hold myself accountable because I am corrupt and forgetful. Thank you Jesus that you have given me a written and observable format to know how I can become more like you.