How Solomon got great wisdom.

“Because you have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word.” 1 Kings 3:11–12

“You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

How do you know if you are truly free?

You love.

You serve.

“What shall I render to the Lord
for all his benefits to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.” Psalm 116:12–14

Glorify bounty by calling for more.

And using it to act.

“The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us . . .
he will bless those who fear the Lord,
both the small and the great.” Psalm 115:12–13

“The Lord had ordained to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, so that he might bring harm upon Absalom.” 2 Samuel 17:14

There were 1,000 such moments in the rise of Absalom’s rebellion where God could have turned the course of events this way or that.

Trust his wise sovereignty.

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water.” Psalm 114:7–8

Tremble with fear or joy.

For your stony opposition is about to melt.

“They cried out again, ‘Crucify him.’ And Pilate said to them, ‘Why? What evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Crucify him.’” Mark 15:13–14

A drama of how the desire called envy destroys devotion to truth.

“Either I must lay hold of Christ or the devil will lay hold of me and drag me to the pit of misery.” —Jonathan Edwards

“The righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:6–7

Simultaneous fear and happiness.

“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commandments!” Psalm 112:1

Fear?

“They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide.” Jeremiah 33:9

“The high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I am.’” Mark 14:61–62

Jesus is the Jewish Messiah.

And Son of God.

This is the most important fact for Israel and Gaza.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’” Galatians 3:13

What curse?

“Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Galatians 3:10

What God said when David killed Uriah and took his wife.

“You have despised me.” 2 Samuel 12:10

“Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2

There are also those who study them to make a living.

As when beautiful art is bought and sold by blind men.

“Through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.” Galatians 2:19

It was the design of the law that we not have life by law.

“If the Syrians are too strong for me, you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you. Be of good courage, let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 2 Samuel 10:11–12

This is the greatest response to your existence.

“‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:23–24

They glorified God because of me!!

For our sins.

He gave himself.

“Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 1:4–5

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38

Staying spiritually alert and staying in touch with strategic air defense is essential for victory. 

“Help me, O Lord my God!
Save me according to your steadfast love!” Psalm 109:26

From anything and everything that would diminish our zeal for your glory.