Solomon- Bad Decision

By Mary Vee
I Kings 11, Proverbs 8:1-11

From the Scrolls of A Servant of Solomon

I am sad to record these events.

My king, the one the Almighty God put on the throne to govern our great nation, Israel, has gone against God's commands. 

His choice to marry Pharaoh's daughter was not a good one. And worse yet, in the following years he loved other foreign women, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonian, and Hittites. The Lord strictly told us not to marry anyone from those nations because they would turn out hearts to their gods.

Still, he went against what he knew to be right and loved seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred other women.  Just as the Lord said, those women led him away from God's commands.

Gradually Solomon grew old. His heart no longer was devoted to the Lord his God as his father, David's heart had been. He, I hate to say this . . . but he worshipped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. 

Surely the Lord was deeply displeased and angered.

On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the detestable god of Moab, and for Molech, the detestable god of the ammonites. He did the same for all his wives so they could burn incense and offer sacrifices to their gods.

My heart ached. This was wrong.

The Lord said to Solomon: "Since this is the way you are going to behave, and have not kept my covenant and decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of the people serving under you.

But, for the sake of your father, David, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will carry out my punishment upon your son. And then, for the sake of David, I will not tear the entire kingdom from him.

I hope I don't live to see the day this happens.  

Author's note: Following the stories to come, sections of Proverbs will be given.

Proverbs 8:1-11  The Call of Wisdom

Does not wisdom call?
    Does not understanding raise her voice?
² On the heights beside the way,
    at the crossroads she takes her stand;
³ beside the gates in front of the town,
    at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
⁴ “To you, O men, I call,
    and my cry is to the children of man.
⁵ O simple ones, learn prudence;
    O fools, learn sense.
⁶ Hear, for I will speak noble things,
    and from my lips will come what is right,
⁷ for my mouth will utter truth;
    wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are righteous;
    there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
⁹ They are all straight to him who understands,
    and right to those who find knowledge.
¹⁰ Take my instruction instead of silver,
    and knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹ for wisdom is better than jewels,
    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

Proverbs 8:1-11 from the ESV version

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1.  What did Solomon do wrong?
2.  What did Solomon do differently from his father, David?
3.  What punishment did God give Solomon?
4.  What is wisdom?

Hudson Taylor-Money From Heaven

By Mary Vee

From the Notes of J. Hudson Taylor

My servant, the one who left Shanghai with me and later disappeared, never showed. After asking several people on my way back to Shanghai, I learned that my servant had stolen the last of my belongings and ran away. 

Each person I asked urged me to press charges against my servant. "Have him arrested, thrown in jail."

My stomach churned. It didn't seem like the right thing to do to me. The man's soul was worth far more than the return of my few possessions. Once convicted, the prison guards and other prisoners would beat him. 

I chose, instead, to send him a letter. Perhaps my words would stir his conscience. 

I wrote: "At first I made up my mind to report you to the police. You know the severe punishment you could have received. But a verse from the the very Bible you helped me carry came to my mind. "Return good for evil." Because of this verse I have not told the police. You, my dear servant, will be the one who suffers for stealing my belongings. There is a greater punishment from God for those who steal. I freely forgive you and urge you to repent of your crime and return my possessions. I will teach you about God's love."

Upon my return to Shanghai, I stopped by the post office hoping there would be mail for me, preferably money. I didn't have anything left after giving the last of my funds to mail boat captain to pay for my passage. Neither did I have a place to stay or any belongings. 

I'm not exactly sure why I didn't feel sorry for myself or get angry or run around begging for help. I just stood in line and prayed for God to help me. Maybe He would whisper something about my situation to the heart of someone back home. Someone who would send money for my support.

When my turn came, the postal worker recognized me. He reached back to the counter and picked up two envelopes. "Here you are Mr. Taylor."

I held my envelopes like a treasured possession and stepped out of the way. Once I found a private corner I ripped open the envelope hoping to discover a miraculous provision from God. Inside I found a letter from my faithful giver, Mr. Berger. I looked back inside the envelope and found forty English pounds! Forty! Praise God. This money would buy new medical supplies.

I ripped open the second envelope. This one came from George Mueller. He sent an encouraging letter and a commitment to help support my missionary work in the future. I checked the envelope again and found forty English pounds. Forty more! This alone more than compensated me for the stolen furniture and my other possessions.

Praise God. 

Both these gentlemen sent the money well before the thieves had stolen my belongings. And God enabled the funds to arrive on the very day I needed them.  These envelopes truly delivered money from heaven.

My next plan is to wait a week or so for the waters to rise in the river and try to sail again. This time there should be enough water to sail all the way to Ningbo where my missionary friend, Dr. Parker lives.

I feel . . . so blessed.

J. Hudson Taylor
Missionary to China
Blessed by God

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

Solomon-Celebrating God's Blessings

By Mary Vee
Psalms 71:1-19

photo taken by Mary Vee

Following a visit from the Queen of Sheba, Solomon broke out in praise to God. He understood the blessings God had given him. When you are in a time of awe, think of this passage so you too can praise God.

Psalm 72 
Solomon's Psalm

 Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God,
    the gift of just rule to the crown prince.
May he judge your people rightly,
    be honorable to your meek and lowly.
Let the mountains give exuberant witness;
    shape the hills with the contours of right living.
Please stand up for the poor,
    help the children of the needy,
    come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
Outlast the sun, outlive the moon—
    age after age after age.
Be rainfall on cut grass,
    earth-refreshing rain showers.
Let righteousness burst into blossom
    and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
Rule from sea to sea,
    from the River to the Rim. 

Foes will fall on their knees before God,
    his enemies lick the dust.
Kings remote and legendary will pay homage,
    kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth.
All kings will fall down and worship,
    and godless nations sign up to serve him,
Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
    the destitute who have run out of luck.
He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
    he restores the wretched of the earth.
He frees them from tyranny and torture—
    when they bleed, he bleeds;
    when they die, he dies. 

And live! Oh, let him live!
    Deck him out in Sheba gold.
Offer prayers unceasing to him,
    bless him from morning to night.
Fields of golden grain in the land,
    cresting the mountains in wild exuberance,
Cornucopias of praise, praises
    springing from the city like grass from the earth.
May he never be forgotten,
    his fame shine on like sunshine.
May all godless people enter his circle of blessing
    and bless the One who blessed them. 

Blessed God, Israel’s God,
    the one and only wonder-working God!
Blessed always his blazing glory!
    All earth brims with his glory.

Amen and Amen

************

from the Message paraphrase

1. Why are Psalms are included in the Bible? Give as many reasons as you can, at least three.

Solomon-The Queen of Sheeba's Visit Part 2

By Mary Vee
I Kings 10, II Chronicles 9

From the Queen of Sheba's Journal

I am standing in king Solomon's magnificent chambers. He escorted me to a chair. 

I had many questions to ask about science, philosophy, music, and government. He answered every question I posed, no matter how difficult or strange it seemed. The more questions I asked the more I thought to ask. 

Wise men had come from far and wide to hear Solomon speak, and now I understand why. If what I had heard was a mere sample of what their God knows, as Solomon says, he and his people truly are blessed. 

Solomon gave me a tour of his palace, the food on his table and all the guests he'd invited to share the meal with him. The attendants dressed in regal robes, the cupbearers, the burnt offerings sacrificed at the temple of the Lord. In all truth, I became overwhelmed and didn't know what to say.

At the end of the tour, he took me back to his justice chamber and asked if I had anymore questions. 

"No," I said. "But I want to tell you this. The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But, I didn't believe it until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me. In wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 

"How happy your men must be! How honored your officials must be who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom. Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness."

I presented him with the gifts I brought. The gold, spices, and stones. Solomon told me he had never received so many spices ever before. It made him really happy.

King Solomon gave me more gifts in return than I could have dreamed. 

I wanted to stay longer, but had a country of my own to care for. I ordered my guards and servants to pack. We needed to go home. 

But I will never forget what I learned from King Solomon. Nor will I forget what his God has done for His people.

********************************
photos courtesy of christianimagesource.com

1. What did the Queen of Sheba think about King Solomon's answers?
2. What did Solomon show her in the city?
3. What did Queen of Sheba tell Solomon about the reports she had heard.
4. The Queen gave Solomon __________.
5. Before she left, Solomon gave her what gifts to take home?
6. Who did the Queen of Sheba think gave Solomon his wisdom and wealth.

Hudson Taylor-The Good Samaritan

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

I was not the good Samaritan in this even I am about to tell you. I would have liked to have been, but it seems this missionary journey had one main person to minister to, me.

Last time, I mention hiring a Chinese worker to carry my few remaining possessions, a bed and a few other things, to the port where I planned to take the next ship north. He stole my belongings and sold them.

With nothing left, I turned back wanting to go to Shanghai. I walked for miles and that evening slept on the steps of a temple. Three thieves kept watch for my eyes to close and attempted to steal my money throughout the night. They gave up in the early morning, giving me only an hour to sleep.

The next morning, my walk back to Shihmenwan proved more difficult than I realized. I had eaten much, hadn't slept, most of my belongings burned in the Shanghai fire, I needed medical supplies but couldn't get to Dr. Parker to get any, and now the last of what I owned had been stolen. I was tired and didn't feel well. 

I am not one to give up, but there are times when our human bodies can do no more. I pushed myself to reach the port in Shihmenwan and went to the boat office to purchase a ticket to Shanghai.

"I'm sorry, sir, there are no ships moving on the river. Look, see the boats trapped in the mud for lack of water to sail?"

"But there must be something. Anything." If her offered to let me ride in a canoe, I would.

"No one will be leaving today and probably not tomorrow either."

"Is there a boat going to the next port?"

"Not even Kashing." He answered. "The mail boat is all that moved and it already left." 

Over his shoulder, I saw a mail boat floundering in the water. It scooted along in the low water at a slow speed in the direction I wanted. "Hey! Hey Wait. Are you going to Kashing?" I pulled every ounce of strength left and chased the boat down the canal for a whole mile. "Wait, I say."

A worker on the boat answered. "We're not going to Kashing."

"But will you let me pay you to take me as far as you are going?" 

He scowled at me and said "No."

I couldn't take any more. I hadn't slept, eaten, rested, had anything go right . . . I wanted to weep like a child but didn't have the energy to do even that. My legs buckled and tumbled me to the ground.

Sometime later, I have no idea how long I slept, I woke and heard voiced. I opened my eyes and found a group of people standing around me talking about me. "He speaks the dialect of someone from Shanghai..."

I looked around at my surrounds and found myself on a ship. These people apparently saw me and felt sorry for situation, sent a small junk across the canal and brought me back to their ship. They gave me tea and food, removed my socks and soaked my blistered feet. I think God sent angels to care for me. After I ate and drank, I heard them calling out to smaller boats able to move in the low water. "Can you give someone a ride?" But none said yes.

Early that evening, the captain noticed a mail boat heading toward Shanghai. "Taylor, there is a mail boat!"

"Thank you captain, but I cannot afford to pay what they would charge for the ride."

The captain shouted to the mail boat anyway. "Where are you going?" 

"The port before Shanghai." 

I wish I could have ridden with them. They would dock only nine miles form Shanghai.

The captain leaned forward and said. "This man here is a foreigner from Shanghai and has been robbed. He doesn't have money to pay for a ticket. Take him to where you will dock and then hire transportation to carry him the nine miles. He will pay you in Shanghai. Look here. My boat is stuck. I cannot go anywhere. If you are not paid in full in Shanghai, I will pay what is due when you return."

Bless the Almighty God, the man said yes. The kind people helped me on to the mail boat where the only place I be required me to lay down. I slept most of the journey back to Shanghai and arrived August 9th.

God didn't just provide me with food and rest, He gave me good Samaritan's who had kind and warm hearts. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. I have nothing to give, and nothing to live on. But since I am rested, have eaten, and witness the kindness of others, I have the strength to go on.

Please pray that God will put on the heart of someone to send the needed funds for my support.


J.Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

Solomon-The Queen of Sheba Visits

By Mary Vee
I Kings 10 and II Chronicles 9

From The Queen of Sheba's Journals

Unbelievable. I had never heard of such a man who ever lived.

My messengers reported to me, this man, Solomon, King of Israel, had a relationship with the name of the Lord, and that his fame spread throughout the world, and his wisdom exceeded any man who ever lived.

I find this most remarkable . . . and unbelievable.

Yet, I heard more than one report attesting to this same information. Typically I trust my messengers to tell the truth, but this? The wisest man who ever lived is the king of Israel?

I then heard reports Solomon had been blessed with great riches, making him the richest man. And Solomon didn't keep the wealth to himself. He used it to beautify his country, build up the cities and make grand buildings.

In truth, it seemed like a story a fisherman might say about catching a large fish but losing it. 

I must admit, my curiosity took a hold of me. If such a man had great wisdom, I wanted to hear him speak, and if he had such great wealth, I wanted to see the cities he built, and if this was all due to his relationship with the name of the Lord, I wanted to learn more. 

I decided to go and see for myself. 

As I would expect gifts from my visitor, I planned to take him such grand gifts to surpass any other he received.

I ordered my servants to pack the following: camels carrying spices, one hundred talents of gold, and precious stones, large quantities of spices. The next morning, my servants, guards, and I set out for Israel.

We journeyed to Solomon's city, the City of David. Immediately, I saw the reports were true. The city wall stood tall and in perfect condition. Solid and grand. We proceeded to the city gate and requested permission to enter. Once the Israelite guards realized who we were, they immediately granted us permission.

The city buildings had a majestic appeal, gold and cedar trees used liberally throughout the city. How grand. How rich. How their God has blessed them. The more we journeyed into the city the more my heart and soul became excited to meet King Solomon. 

High on a hill sat a magnificent temple building steeped in gold. It appeared new. The splendor took my breath away. What a magnificent structure, possessing a grandeur greater than any I had seen. This must be the temple Solomon built for the name of the Lord that my messengers reported to me.

The guards led us through the city streets to Solomon's palace. As we moved through the city streets I found myself captured in the brilliance of Solomon's kingship displayed in his city. The guards led us  to the final road to the palace and took us to the entrance. 

Before me stood three buildings joined together. I couldn't wait to see the inside and to meet with the king. Solomon's guards escorted my company into the palace.

And there I stood, amazed, in the palace of king Solomon. His God has given him and his people so much.

I have much more to tell you next time.

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photos courtesy of christianimagesource.com

1.  The Queen of __________ heard reports about King __________
2.  The messengers said Solomon had a relationship with ________
3.  his _________ spread throughout the world.
4.  and his _____________ exceed any man who had lived.
5. The Queen of Sheba believed or did not believe the reports.
6. Where did the Queen of Sheba want to go?
7. What did she take with her?
8. What did she see?

Solomon-The Gifts God Gave

By Mary Vee
I Kings 4 and II chronicles 1, 9

A Servant's Journal

I have never heard of, nor seen a king like Solomon. God has blessed our king tremendously. He has given him gifts that surpass others. Let me tell you about Solomon, our king of Israel.

God has given Solomon wisdom. Not just for certain times or about certain topics. Solomon's wisdom exceeds the wisdom of all the men of the east, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He is wiser than any other man.

How do we know? Many came to test him. Solomon proved wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite; Heman; Caldol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. Solomon's fame spread to all the surrounding nations.

People came from far away to hear him speak. Our king spoke three thousand proverbs, his songs numbered a thousand and five. He describes plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of  walls. He has taught many about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. Men have been sent by kings of all nations to listen to Solomon's wisdom.

Visitors bring gifts for our king. Solomon has received 666 talents of gold, not including payments due from merchants and traders, all the Arabian kings, and the governors of the land.

With the gold, King Solomon filled the storehouse with weapons fashioned from the gold. He made his throne with inlaid ivory and overlaid it with fine gold. A magnificent throne with six steps and on each side of the seat a lion stands. Twelve lions stand on the steps, one on each side of the step. No throne for any other king comes close to the magnificence of Solomon's throne.

All of King Solomon's goblets are gold and absolutely nothing has been made with silver, because, well, silver has little or no value. Solomon decorated our city with the gold he received, making this precious metal as common in Jerusalem as stones. He also used the great cedars of Lebanon throughout the city. 

Greater than all the king's possessions on earth, are the riches of my king, Solomon. People come from far all over the world to hear the wisdom God put in his heart.

Year after year, each person who has visited brings a gift: silver, gold, clothing, weapons, spices, and animals. 

How rich our country is. How privileged we are to have Solomon as our king. But greater than these, how blessed we are to worship God.

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photo courtesy of christianimagesource.com

1.  How do we know Solomon was wise?
2.  Solomon spoke ___________ proverbs and __________ songs.
3.  Solomon decorated the city of Jerusalem with ___________ and _________
4.  Solomon was wiser than __________
5.  Solomon was richer than ____________
6.  Solomon had wisdom and riches because ________ gave them to him.

Hudson Taylor-Thieves and Scoundrels

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

What a journey full of challenges. 

Last time, you may recall, I tried to sail up to Ningbo where my missionary friend, Dr. Parker is working to purchase medical supplies at a cheaper price, (my supplies had been lost in a fire). The river waters could not carry the boat due to a draught. I had to get off at the last port, hire workers to carry my things (bed, and other large items) to the next port. I walked ahead of them but then waited at a village along the road. Without my seeing, the workers passed the village and went on to the next port.

Darkness settled and made walking unsafe. I stayed the night where I stopped but rose early the next morning. I walked to the port city of Haining, arriving late in the afternoon and asked if anyone had seen workers carrying a bed. A few said, "Yes we saw such workers and believe they walked toward the East Gate where people go to trade items.

Oh dear. I prayed, "Lord, please let this not be so. Perhaps they are mistaken."  I asked a few other people. None had seen the workers.

I had no other choice than to stay in the city and search for the workers in the morning. With all the excitement, I felt quite tired and wanted to have supper. But each Inn I stopped at refused to let me rent a room. Even though I dressed Chinese, they still yelled at me and called me a foreign devil.

At midnight I could no longer hold my eyes open. I plopped down on the front stone steps of the temple and leaned against the steps.  So caught up in the day, my eyes didn't close right away. This, I truly thank the Lord. 

In the shadows a person crept toward me. They must have thought I had fallen asleep. He moved closer until he felt my coat, searching for a pocket. "What do you want?" I said. Hah. The man's eyes popped wide and he ran away.

A while later, though, the same man returned, this time with a friend. They must have thought I fell into a deep sleep because they lifted my head, no doubt searching for my money. Again I said, "What are you doing?" and used a demanding tone this time.

"Nothing." One replied. "Like you, we plan to stay the night."

I wanted to sleep. "Than go on the other side of the steps. This is my spot."

But the men refused to leave. I sat up and huffed. One man said, "You better sleep. You will be too tired to walk tomorrow. Don't be afraid. We will protect you."

I rubbed my eyes and yawned. "Thank you very much for your kind offer, but I don't need any protection." He yawned again. "I am not Chinese. I don't worship the meaningless idols you do. I am a Christian and worship the living God, He is my Father. I know who you are and what you want. I will remain awake all night and keep my eyes on you. Trust me. I will do as I have said."

My threat didn't work. One of the men left and the other watched me. Not much later the one man returned with a friend. Now there were three watching me and I had trouble staying awake.

I sang Christian hymns, quoted Scriptures, prayed all to stay awake. My companions became very angry with me. They did not want to hear my words. I spoke in Chinese and English, which annoyed them even more. Shortly before dawn the men left for good allowing me a short time to sleep. 

I set out in search of the workers and my belongings the next morning, but realized I needed to return to Shanghai. While I walked, I realized I had not prayed for good lodging in Haining. "Oh yes, Lord. Forgive me. I should have asked your help." A moment later another thought came to me. I had focused all my thoughts on finding my belongings instead of telling those around me about the God who loves them. I have been so selfish.

I stopped at a Changwan and ate a good meal. Found a place to nap. When I woke I continued walking to my destination. I prayed with each step I took. I prayed for my friends in England, for my missionary friends, Parker and Burns, I prayed for the lost souls I would meet. And as I prayed, I felt refreshed, tears of joy. Although I had little sleep, walked a long ways, and ate little food, I felt surprisingly refreshed as I arrived at my destination.

I stopped at the city gate and prayed. "Lord. I need a place to sleep. One with safety, one that will allow a foreigner to rest."  I did not find an inn that night. 

Instead a nice family invited me to sleep on their riverboat. What a delightful rest I had. 

Truly God takes care of His own. I plan to continue to the port in Shihmenwan where I left a few days ago. I'll buy a ticket and sail back to Shanghai. This did not turn out to be a useless trip. This time the lesson was for me.


Please pray that I will receive the support I need to continue this work and find my belongings.

J. Hudson Taylor
Missionary to China

Do you have any questions?

Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

Solomon-God Has Given Me a Task

By Mary Vee
I Kings 9 and II Chronicles 8

From Solomon's Scrolls

I never expected to become an architect, construction manager, or interior decorator. I did expect to serve as judge when the people brought me their problems. These are some big hats to wear. Hat's God has given me the abilities to do.

My days have not been boring in the least. I actually have enjoy participating in each project, watching new building raised from the ground into something honoring God. 

As you know, the temple has been completed and dedicated to God. My palace which I use for living quarters, my work, and separate living quarters for my wife, Pharaoh's daughter, is also completed. The next work project is rebuilding the cities.

During the years we Israelites have lived in this land, cities have been conquered. In order for our people to move into these cities, we must repair and rebuild those cities. The people are excited to have new homes, markets, and gathering places. There has been no shortage of volunteers willing to give their time and money for this project. We also use foreigners who have been conquered and still live on our land. Everyone living here must work to improve the country.

God has given us this land. By taking care of our new dwelling place, we will be able to serve Him better.

Rebuilding our cities is not enough, though. As we completed work on cities, I took the workers and used them to build ships at Ezion Geber which is near the shore of the Red Sea, on the south western edge of our territory. 

My friend Hiram, king of Tyre sent workers as well. These workers had expertise as sailors. They served in my fleet standing along side our men, training and teaching them their skills. The ships sailed to Ophir and brought back 420 talents of gold for the treasury. 

Once every three years the fleet returned to our shores carrying gold, silver, ivory, apes, and baboons. 

The Lord has used these years of peace to build our nation to be a Name for Him. How very exciting. I know many years have passed since I wrote this, still, I wish you could see the country as I do.

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photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.com

1. What has been the focus of these years for Israel?
2. To accomplish this God gave the country ____________
3. After rebuilding the temple and the palace, what building project did Solomon focus on?
4. And after that project what did he do.
5. Hiram, king of Tyre sent workers to _________.
6. What did the fleet bring back to the shores after three years?

Solomon-The Lord Spoke to Me in the Night

By Mary Vee
I Kings 9 and II Chroncles

From Solomon's Scrolls

The day was done. I'd eaten my supper and was ready to go to bed. The end of years of building. 

First, the temple for the Name of the Lord. And it turned out to be such a magnificent building. It stirs my heart even thinking about it right now and causes me to sing praises to God.

And second, my palace. A three building structure. One building for my living quarters, one for my work as a judge and king, and the third for my wife, Pharaoh's daughter.

I walked out to the balcony of my room to look at the night stars. There the Lord appeared to me and said:

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple of sacrifices.

When I prevent rain from falling on the ground, or command locust to devour the land, or send a plague among my people, then if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 

I’ve listened to and received all your prayers, your ever-so-passionate prayers. I’ve sanctified this Temple that you have built: My Name is stamped on it forever; my eyes are on it and my heart in it always. 

As for you, if you live in my presence as your father David lived, pure in heart and action, living the life I’ve set out for you, attentively obedient to my guidance and judgments, then I’ll back your kingly rule over Israel, make it a sure thing on a solid foundation. The same guarantee I gave David your father I’m giving you: ‘You can count on always having a descendant on Israel’s throne.’

 “But if you or your sons betray me, ignoring my guidance and judgments, taking up with alien gods by serving and worshiping them, then I’ll remove from my land which I have given them and reject this Temple I’ve just sanctified to honor my Name. And Israel will become nothing but a bad joke among the peoples of the world. And this Temple, splendid as it now is, will become an object of contempt; visitors will shake their heads, saying, ‘Whatever happened to this land and temple?’ Then they’ll be told, ‘The people who used to live here betrayed their God, the very God who rescued their ancestors from Egypt; they took up with alien gods, worshiping and serving them. That’s is why he brought all this disaster on them.’”  

And then he left.

I want to respect and obey the Lord as He said to do. I pray my sons and their sons will do the same.

During the time that I had the temple and my palace built I gave twenty villages in Galilee, a city to the north, to Hiram king of Tyre in additional compensation to what I had given him before for all the cedar, pine, and gold he supplied me for the temple and palace.

Apparently Hiram visited the cities and was not pleased. He sent me a message, "What kind of towns are these you have given me, my brother?" Yes, this is what I had given him in exchange for the 120 talents of gold.

My next project, rebuild the cities of Israel.

****

Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com Translations used today: The Message and NIV.

1.  Solomon had finished the first projects he planned. Who visited him?

2.  God said to Solomon, If my people, who are called ______

3.  will _________ themselves and _______ and _____, and turn _________

4.  then I will ______ and will __________ and will heal ____________

5.  What did Solomon give Hiram? Was it a good gift?

6.  What did Solomon plan to do next?

Hudson Taylor-Snake Fried in Lamp Oil

By Mary Vee

Taken from J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

I planned to eventually return to William Burns and the work we set up in Swatow. Yes. I do remember the difficulty the task and how most of the people wouldn't listen. 

It seemed the prince of evil had a firm hold on the city and the island across the way. But like quicksand, there are ways to escape. And I am proud to say my Heavenly Father is resourceful and creative and mightier than the prince of evil.

Even though I still suffered from the woes of dysentery God had lifted my spirits. The medical portion of our work had attracted attention from many Chinese and opened doors to talk about the God who loved them. 

The discovery that all the medicines and most of the medical equipment had been destroyed in a fire back in Shanghai proved to be a puzzle, not a source of distress. God flooded my mind with a plan as I lay in the bed recovering from my illness. New medicines cost too much in Shanghai. If I could find them cheeper in another place I could purchase more for the same amount of money. I needed to go visit Dr. Parker who had set up a missionary hospital north of Shanghai. 

I forced myself from bed, and sailed with my belongings toward Nignpo where Dr. Parker stayed. Another mission wanted my apartment back leaving me no place to store my belongings. So, like a vagabond, I took everything I had with me, including my bed. 

The ship moved, no it barely crawled up the river. The area along the river experienced a drought. To irrigate the fields, farmers drained water from the river, thus lowering the level. Fortunately my ship was small and could travel a greater distance than larger boats. Still, I had an unexplainable sense of urgency. 

My boat stopped at Shihmenwan, unable to travel any more in the shallow waters. I had no choice but to walk. I hired two Chines workers to carry my bed and other belongings to the next town. We only walked a short ways and the time had only reached noon when the workers stopped.

They set all my things down and said, "We're too tired to walk any more." I had smelled the drugs on them earlier, but hoped they would still be able to do the job.

There I stood in the middle of nowhere with all my belongings. Thankfully my loyal servant turned to me and said, "Would you like me to hire new workers? I will go find them." 

"Yes, thank you." I sat on the bed, knowing I could trust him to hire better workers than I had. Not long after, he returned with two workers. I didn't want to walk at the slower pace required for someone carrying such a heavy load. I gave them the instructions and walked ahead.

I stopped in a village for a rest and a cup of tea while waiting for the workers to catch up. All afternoon I watched and saw no sign. I became concerned about my things and asked the local people if they had seen workers carrying a bed and some bamboo boxes.

"Why yes," one said. "I saw two men the same as you described. They said they came from Shihmenwan and needed to take their load to Haining by nightfall to be paid."

Great. I wasted the afternoon watching for them to come when they had passed me and already arrived at the port city.

Night fell. The road way to dangerous to walk in the dark. I had to stay in the inn in this village and eat from their, um, delicious menu. Burnt cold rice and snakes fried in lamp oil. I slept on a large community bed with ten other lodgers. And the bed, well it was made of boards set across a few stools.

Tomorrow, as early as possible, I will set out for the port town and catch up with my belongings.

I should write a book about these adventures. 

Please pray that I will receive the support I need to continue this work.

J. Hudson Taylor
Missionary to China

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

Solomon-The Palace

By Mary Vee
I Kings 7, II Chronicles 7

From Solomon's Scrolls

The Lord has bless me. More than my wildest imagination.

He allowed me to build a magnificent temple for Him. Just thinking about the celebration stirs my heart to sing praises to the Lord.

Now that the temple is finished. I want to build a palace. 

Yes my father had one, but the Lord's chosen people need to make a statement to the world. He is Holy and his people are cared for by Him. 

The Lord has provided us with the resources to build a grand palace, one that will draw people's interest to the Lord.

I took wood from the forest of Lebanon and built the palace a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high with four rows of cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams.  Magnificent, right? Yes. This is a home worthy of a king who serves the Lord.

The palace was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the columns. Forty-five beams, fifteen to a row. Its windows were placed high in sets of three, facing each other. All the doorways had rectangular frames, placed in the front in sets of three, facing each other.

Can you picture the palace? Let me tell you more of what God allowed to be built.

Over here is a colonnade fifty cubits long and thirty wide. In front of it was a portico, and in front of that were pillars, huge supporting pillars and an overhanging roof.

In my throne room, called the Hall of Justice, where I judged cases, I covered the room with cedar from floor to ceiling. Take a deep breath and inhale the cedar scent. Yes. I like that. 

My living quarters was set farther back and similar in design. 

I made a separate palace like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom I married.

Large stones of good quality formed the foundations of these three buildings, some stones measuring ten cubits, some eight. We laid high-grade stones, cut to size, and cedar beams above. 

Over here is the great courtyard. As you can see it is surrounded by a wall of three layers of dressed stone and one layer of trimmed cedar beams. You may recall, the inner courtyard of the temple of the Lord had the same with its portico.

The three buildings took thirteen years to complete. 

And now the temple of the Lord and the royal palace are finished. I have finished all I had planned to do. 

Now I will wait for the Lord to tell me what is next!

*********************
photos courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. Which did Solomon build first, the temple of the palace?
2. How many buildings did he have for the palace?
3. What were the buildings used for, tell each one.
4. What trees did Solomon use for this project?
5. How long did it take to build the palace?
6. What did Solomon plan to do next/