STILL CONNECTED?

MEMORY VERSE: For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 1 Kings 11:4

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 15-16

The Lord loved Solomon, and He did not hide it. From the name He gave to this boy, Jedidah meaning beloved of the Almighty, it was obvious that the good Lord loved him. Solomon too loved the Lord with all his heart. One of the ways of expressing love is through giving. John 3:16 says, “for God so LOVED the world , that he GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Solomon, out of his love, gave an offering no man had ever given before. 1 Kings 3:4 says, “And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.” Because he gave an offering no man had ever given before, the Lord gave him something He had never given to anyone before that day. He gave the young king a blank cheque. He told Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” He could have asked for anything. Had he asked for great wealth, the good Lord would have given it to him. Had he asked for the life of his enemy, he would have gotten it but he asked for an understanding heart to judge God’s people. Impressed by his request, the Lord gave him an understanding heart and things he didn’t ask for – honour and riches. As long as he was connected to God (his Source ) obeying and pleasing Him, his wisdom kept on increasing. He spoke 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). The Lord kept on blessing him and it rubbed off on the whole nation. 2 Chronicles 9:27 says, “And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.”

All of a sudden, his wealth started to dwindle. It dwindled to a point where he had to tax his people to keep up with his extravagant lifestyle. He increased the tax from time to time to keep his head above water. At his death, the tax was so high that the people of Isreal complained. 1 Kings 12:4 says, “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.” What happened to Solomon? How did he loose all that wealth? He got disconnected from his Source. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.” Solomon left God and began to worship strange gods.1 Kings 11:4 says, “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.” Friend, the reason why things have suddenly become so difficult for you could be that you are now disconnected from the Source. The reason why you no longer dream dreams or hear from the Lord could be that you are now disconnected from the Source of revelations. The reason why you minister and the Spirit of the Lord no longer moves as He is used to could be that you are now disconnected from your Source. It is high time you looked inward. It is high you took a look at your life. Working harder will not change your situation if you are disconnected from your Source.

QUESTION: Are you still connected? Are there any secret sins you are yet to confess and repent of? Are you now living in Egypt – a land of compromise?

NOTE: It’s not too late. Retrace your steps back and put things right.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world