Are You Happy?

2 Chronicles 9:7

How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!

Maybe it was the trend of the generation before us. But I’ve heard quite a lot stories of this kind: guest arrives in a home, the homemaker brings out their best linen, best plates, best recipes, all at the newcomer’s disposal, while her own kids wonder: ‘how come we don’t get to use those?’  I don’t need to go far into your homes. It happened in mine. My husband’s too. We’ve been teasing our moms about that for the longest time. Good thing their smiles and thoughtfulness weren’t for special occasions too. Because in some families, such were the sad cases.  

Reading again the Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon account, I wonder what difference would it make if her remark ‘How happy your men must be!’ wasn’t true at all. What if it was just a best foot forward show like what schools do when a DepEd representative visits, or when DOH officials check the sanitation of your business?  Imagine her coming in, overwhelmed with Solomon’s wisdom, and the order in his palace, and his pious temple service, and all she had were praises to God and commendations to the king, but at her going, everything shifts back to ‘normal’: the king locked in his library, the officials cursing one another, and the servants with their silenced complaints, ‘Happy? Yeah right!’ How ironic if would have been if that pagan queen praised God for their act, but the insiders weren’t a bit blessed at all.

I have two take homes here. First, as leaders (parents, teachers, bosses, etc), let’s ask ourselves, is our people really happy with us? Is the reputation outsiders hear runs parallel with what’s really happening inside? We may be good leaders up there, bringing down the house and all, but are we bringing it home? Second, as recipients of God’s wisdom, we who claim to have heard and known His word and will, can outsiders see the difference at all? Or are we the Pharisees in Matthew 12 who were close to the kingdom but with hearts far from the King? Or maybe the better question is, if all that there is in life is hearing His wisdom, if all He requires is we sit at His feet and read His Word, will our hearts be content and say ‘How happy am I!’ For if that’s not your case, does it follow then that this is the main reason why you’re not happy in life?   

House Leaks

2 Chronicles 8:2

Solomon rebuilt the villages that Hiram had given him, and settled Israelites in them.

Leaks in the ceiling, carpenter’s ants eating our walls, moisture-damaged vinyl tiles, rowdy kids in the neighborhood, ‘Anything else?’ was my stubborn complaint yesterday morning. I wish it was just some waking on the wrong side of the bed, or having a bad hair day, but this one? It brought me slouching in the corner, crying ‘I want out!’.  This house was supposed to be our transition place. I agreed because of the statement, ‘while we’re adjusting to the city and ‘til we’ve identified the best where to stay here’.  After a year and seven months, I declared, it’s time to call it quits.  

In 1 Kings 9, we’d find Solomon giving Hiram, king of Tyre, twenty towns in Galilee because the latter supplied him with all the cedar and pine and gold he wanted for his building projects. But when Hiram saw the towns, he was not pleased and called it ‘Cabul’ or good-for-nothing. Scholars say it was because these towns were not suitable for Tyre’s maritime industry, or in other words, not profitable to him. So here in 2 Chronicles, it noted that Hiram gave the villages back to Solomon. With a lot other good lands to attend to, we’d think that wise king would likewise brush the unpromising towns aside. But he did not. We can’t be sure if t’was really his next project after the grand temple and his own palace, but why it was first mentioned here cannot be ignored. He saw something in these towns for him to rebuild it. And the very fact that he called in Israelites to settle there, and not foreign slaves, meant he found the towns special. Then reading again: Galilee? Oh, this is definitely not some plain coincidence.

So imagine me crying discontent in the morning and being given this passage by lunchtime. If you’re not a believer, I don’t know what else you’d call it. It was undeniably God speaking to His child. It is He seeing what I’m going through, feeling it, and helping me go through it. It may not be how theologians would want us to interpret it, but here’s what I heard God say: ‘Why do you think I chose to spend my thirty years Galilee? It may be good-for-nothing for kings, poor, and sickness-stricken when I first stepped in, but did you see what changed after I left?  Was it economy or structure? Isn’t changed lives far better than all these?’ And so I had a good clean up all afternoon yesterday. Full house scrubbing, and heart’s too. And yes, we’re staying, until God says go. 

File Overwrite

2 Chronicles 6:4

Then he said: "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David.”

One full month of VBS daily preps and pressures, plus a 4-day mission exposure trip immediately after, and our family caught the unsurprising sum: pneumonia for Kjaran, flu for me, dry cough for Rilian, and gastro-something for Tris. But don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t because of all the busyness we did. Rather, it was more because we did nothing to prevent it. Forced to stay in bed, unable to speak or move for long, all I did for two days now was to note my lessons learned and submit the report to God. It was humbling and you could imagine my long face. But as always with God, He’s never done until it’s praiseworthy. He sent me back my paper this morning with a perfect score. Not from my handwriting of course. The file was overwritten. He covered it with grace, signing it with His very Name.  

After long years of wandering and waiting, Israel finally saw their nation secured in Solomon’s temple. With God Himself marking it with His Name and favor, they considered it peak in their history. The promise land conquest may have been their victory, but this was the enjoyment of it. The fruit of David’s battles. The peace and prosperity longed for. The sum of it all. But on a personal note, Solomon saw the Temple as a promise kept to his family. With detailed answers to his father’s prayers. Every beam and frame and wall richly provided. Every furnishing according to specifications. And on that day of dedication, seeing the priests, the craftsmen, the officials, and all the people, all who contributed for the rise of the grand Temple, his heart remembered that day David prayed for him. And before his very eyes, God overwhelmed him with answers: the temple finished, every willing, skillful man helped out, and all the people obeyed his every command. Exactly the very words David uttered.

That prayer in 1 Chronicles 28:20-21 was God’s word to me that night when I was so tired and down from VBS preps. It was the promise of hope I carried with me every time I had to collect my guts and stand amidst my competent, efficient, hardworking team. Reading the verse above, how God fulfilled His promise to David, I readily referred back to what He promised Solomon… and ME. And every word, which was hope to me last month, is now an answered prayer.  And so, I’m making this choice that every time I’ll remember April 2012, I’ll not end with ‘…and we got sick after' or '..because I failed somewhere’. Rather, I’ll boast that this month was a job well done. A perfect score. Not for what I did of course. That was already overwritten. This file is tagged Promise Kept, Answered Prayer, and Praise Worthy.  File saved!

The Wise Choice

2 Chronicles 1:11

God said to Solomon, ‘Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king..’

When I was studying Rilian’s homeschool curriculum last night, I found a very interesting note to parents: Don’t answer your child’s questions, help them find the answers.  Such a wise thought! I remember in senior high when we were preparing for a standardized test, instead of having regular classes, all we did in class for weeks was to take sample tests. They showered us with tips on how to outsmart the items, like that process of elimination for multiple choices. It was actually helpful. So yes, the school achieved its goal of getting high pass percentage, meaning good community reputation. But I don’t think it equipped us with much for college life. I believe it would have been better if they trained us on how to study well, and not just pass a mark. It may have given us a good headstart, but still not a guarantee that we’ll make it very far.  Oh well.

‘Ask for whatever you want Me to give you’ was the Lord’s offer to Solomon. It was a chance of a lifetime. A genie experience every Disney child dreams of.  But Solomon didn’t find it in some cave of wonders. He was in God’s Tent of Meeting when it found him. He was seeking God first when all these things were offered to him as well. So what would a young, new king ask from the Provider of all things? Given the vastness of his task and how numerous Israel was at this time, I would have easily blurted ‘happy ever after’ for everyone. That would have made him popular and comfortable, and the country satisfied. Then they all can enjoy their fairy tale life. But how commendable that Solomon asked God for nothing but wisdom. A light for the journey instead of some glittering destination. He sought not an escape route, nor an easier path, but to know the right ones. God was pleased that his heart was towards His face and not His hands. The same desire the chronicler wanted the remnants to take home given their dim present. A lottery win may look appealing, but the long walk would bring them farther.     

In our Ladies Lifegroup last Wednesday, we came across these words from C.Samuel Storms: ‘Paul did not pray that they be spared suffering. Nor did he request that material wealth be added to their spiritual zeal. He said nothing about illness, or healing, or better jobs, or any of those things for which we pray and ask others to pray in our behalf. Such requests are not always inappropriate, but we see Paul considered spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment of greater value.’  Very true.  How often were our prayers so limited to getting products instead of going through the process. We all wish for wealth and honor and long life, but do what with those? What will we gain if we have all things now and in abundance? How else will we grow in excellence, mature in character and pursue faith if we’re spoonfed? Our earthly desires may give us a good headstart, but wisdom will see us to the finish line - - and with flying colors! Choose wisely :>

High Expectations

1 Chronicles 29:23

So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered and all Israel obeyed him.

It seems Broadway music will long sustain its note in Manila this year. With still two months to run for the very successful, thereby extended ‘The Sound of Music’ production, Resorts World already has another stage set for their next big thing: ‘The King and I’. Last week’s audition, I heard, was jam-packed, from veterans to dreamers, and yes, even with performers from SOM. With a different director on the seat, no less than Freddie Santos himself, it sure promises a fresh, distinct touch from their previous offering. But it also implies comparisons and expectations, from production to cast. With superb performances as predecessor, it’s a big shoe to fill. No doubt, they’re up to the challenge. Why also, it’s worth looking forward to.   I really hope to catch it on September. Better, of course, if I get a backstage pass :>

On the second half of the final chapter of 1 Chronicles, we’ll likewise find an account of two of Israel’s greatest kings: first the son, Solomon, rising to the throne; then the father, David, closing his forty years’ rule. Both reigns were blessed with big words: to Solomon, highly exalted and royal splendor; and to David, long life, wealth, and honor. But before those came to Solomon, I’m sure it gave him overwhelming pressure putting on his father’s shoes. For how could he ever beat those giant slaying records and war-winning streaks? I’d probably contemplate shifting on a different career path. But Solomon didn’t. He knew he was called for it. And he knew that the One who called him will make him fit for it. That’s what his father taught him. The verse above proved that: Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord. Not on David’s throne, but God’s throne. It was God who had set it up for him, thus will establish him. That was his confidence. That was his security.

It’s a pressure to live up to the people’s expectations, especially in reference to those before us. When we were new parents, it gave me paranoia when the lolos and lolas visit us, seemingly checking on how I was attending to their apos. I felt the need to always justify my decisions, although I’m sure t’was farthest from their intentions. Being the new director for VBS this year also gives me goosebumps. What if I don’t get support? What if I fail somewhere? The list will go endless if I’ll entertain the thought. But God’s been reminding me, daily, that He gave me that seat. Before me, it wasn’t someone else’s but His. And it still is. A wise kuya once said, ‘It’s not a big shoe to fill. It’s a different shoe.’ So instead of comparing ourselves with others, let’s focus on being a different one. Not for the sake of being different, but to rejoice in the diversity of God’s design. It will be for His glory that He appoints one in place of another. Not for the successor to prove that he’s better, but for him to showcase that God just keeps surprising us with better. For His praise. That’s the catch. Also why it’s worth watching.

Family Roof

1 Chronicles 23:6

All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king.

I miss my dad. Possibly highlighted by my mom coming over to visit us this weekend. But with her friends, meaning not with dad. Another likely stirrer was last week, when I promoted an event to a group of more or less forty pastors. My rapport line was: ‘I’m a PK and being here, seeing you, made me miss my dad more’. Yes, I call him as often as I could. Share funny updates of his apos and post pictures every week and whenever possible. But nothing beats the daily routines of waking up and eating breakfast with him; watching noontime shows and laughing-out-loud with him; and our favorite pastime of course, exasperating my younger brother, and sometimes my mother, hahaha! I’ve been under his roof for thirty years and all I wish then was to go out and pursue independence. Now out for seven years, it’s funny I’m missing being back in.  Guess it’s true: there’s no place like home :>

As heir to the throne, the young Solomon possibly grew up in a roof with stricter rules. I can imagine the other princes already out and free to play, while he stayed for a couple more hours taking ‘Kingship 101’ class. And his tutor? No less than his father, the king himself. Lately, all he talked to him about was the Temple plans. David mentioned it was for him to build it, but he’s all-out helping with the preps. Very dad-like: helping with homeworks, ‘til just before the final answer! So first, it was just a list of logs and gold.  Later it was a record of people, and more people. But there was something noteworthy about how his father grouped them. Something familiar and close to home. Like the singers and gatekeepers in this chapter and the next, David clustered them according to families, specifying that fathers were to train and supervise their sons. I wonder, why not group them according to skills and assign them to a master teacher? What’s in a family set-up that makes work relationship better? Isn’t it more prone to clashes and conflicts? Yes. But isn’t love and support even deeper there?  Solomon experienced that firsthand. It may seem more difficult to have a father for a mentor, but it sure was more sincere and very meaningful.

A magazine show last night featured young girls calling themselves gangsters. You can easily guess why they were out in the streets: they were parentless. Some, not because they’re orphans, but because they were abandoned. Their concept of love, security, and relationship became distorted since then.  Truth is, what we learn from home is what prepares us for life. It’s why it’s coined the basic unit of our society.  Our relationship with our kids is what they will always refer back to in their contact with the world. And our relationship with ours is our obvious direct upline. That’s how God designed it. And it’s purposeful, beautiful and doable. It defies and is beyond status and limitations. Parents have no excuse. God Himself modeled it to us. Allowing us to call Him our Abba so we could have a picture of what’s it really like, especially when ours failed somewhere. Mine was not perfect either. But he did the best he knew how. And thank you Dad for that. (Mom too!) So grateful to God I was placed under your roof.  See you soon :>

Bitter Bite

1 Kings 11:26

“Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom.”

With the exclusion of coffee, chocolates and CD cars, there’s nothing cool about being bitter. One site describes it as a frozen form of latent anger and resentment. It remembers details, refuses to let go, and often reacts violently. Reading Hitler’s childhood in Wikipedia today surprised me, for there I found this was exactly the root of all his hate. It was said that he was once confident, outgoing and excellent ‘til his younger brother died of measles. Then his father failed in his farming efforts and frequently beats him up and ignored his wishes to pursue his dreams of attending an art school. His German nationalism birthed in defiance of the Austrian monarchy, whom his father expressed proud loyalty. Bitterness not only consumed him, worse, it contributed to the destruction of significantly a lot others.

Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s older brother whom he twice deceived: first by taking his birthright, then by intercepting Isaac’s blessings. What was left for Esau were these words: ‘you dwelling will be away from richness, you will live by the sword, and you will serve your brother’. No wonder he was determined to kill his brother. A grudge his people kept for all time. One major event was when they did not permit Israel to pass their country during Exodus time. It was heartless inconsideration. Probably one reason why God ordered them blotted out during Saul and David’s time. And because they failed, Solomon now has Hadad as an adversary - - allowed by God Himself as consequence for his disobedience. He was never a threat until Solomon’s folly. To fully understand the weight of this punishment, that is, being up against bitter people, let me site three more info under the category Edomite: first, Doeg, the one who killed all the priests of Nob; second, King Herod, the one who ordered the murder of all the boys in Bethlehem; and third, they helped plunder and slaughtered the Jews when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. Bitter and barbaric. Sounds like Nazis huh? 

What is worse than being bitter is being an enemy of one. They will surely not stop ‘til their hearts’ content. The biblical Greek words meant sharp or pointed. Guess we have to think twice before disobeying. These people may not have the perspective of God’s purposes for their pains, neither fear of God at least, and yet they’re serving His sovereignty and justice. I pray we’d be wise enough not to be deceived by the luster of the forbidden fruit. The bitter aftertaste is sure not worth it.

Angry, But..

1 Kings 11:9

“The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.”

It is said that the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. Defined as having no particular interest or emotion or concern, our Pinoy term for that is dedma, derived from dead malice. In relation to love, it’s worse than hate, for haters at least relate with you. An indifferent person completely ignores your existence. It’s my son playing deaf ear and unmoved at my plea for household help. Such heats me up for it implies I’m undervalued and my works were met with ungratefulness.  No parent would brush off the disrespect. But will we care less if they continue in disobedience? Love will not permit us. 

Coming from the context of love and much grace, God as a Father became angry with Solomon for he turned his back from Him. Solomon’s indifference is evident in how he deviated from the wisdom he was equipped with, defying the commands God twice personally warned him about, and disregarding all blessings he and all Israel were enjoying. He lived his last years ungrateful and undervaluing the God who made ‘him’ all happen.  ‘He turned his heart away’ meant he called not, and worse, cared not. God was angry for it insulted His Being and His blessings. But He was never indifferent. The punishment of tearing the Israel’s kingdom proves He still is committed to the relationship. Sparing one tribe for David’s line was that grace. God detests the sin and the sinner, but did He stop loving Solomon as his son? 

So, is God angry when I sin? Yes. Will He punish? Yes. Will He stop loving? No, but that will not stop Him from executing judgment. For where sin is, His wrath is there. It’s part of the covenant relationship. At the cross, Jesus became the sinner for us, bearing the sins of the world  past, present and future. But God did not step in to stop Christ from dying. His love kept Him there. Shall we then continue to live as if all these were nonsense? Shall we disregard His warning and discredit His blessings? Do we really want God’s anger against us? Because He will if we choose to. But that will not keep Him from loving us. Mindblowing!

Make or Break Your Man

1 Kings 11:2

“They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love.”

I am a one spoiled wife. Blessed with a husband who loves me so much, it warms my heart to see him consent to my wishes or whims, which I doubt many men would do – household chores especially. All it takes was a big hug, a sweet please, and a beautiful me that day, haha! There was a time I asked him to skip work and so he lazily stayed home with me. On one weekend, I was even able to drag him to watch a John Lloyd movie with me, unbelievable! haha :> My preference, being loud and persistent, usually wins over his passive and tolerant modes. But not always of course. There were times he’d lovingly rebuke me with ‘ay, sobra na yan’ - - I guess when he’s sensing manipulation at work. His love may be so big and bending, but not to the point of submission. That’s the side of a wife. 

As early as Deuteronomy, even before the idea was conceived on Israel’s mind, God already warned them that their king should not acquire many horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt and never take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. Previous chapters tell us Solomon built chariot cities and married Pharaoh’s daughter - that's two down :< Now we read he had one thousand women - that's one every two plus years! Imagine it only took one Eve for humanity to sin, one Delilah to cut man’s strength, one Bathsheba to ruin one’s name - -he multiplied that a thousand times!! Solomon held fast to them in love to the point of building a high place for each of their detestable gods. His big love crossed over to submission. It may not say he actually worshiped with them, but he funded their will. Even if he spent only a few yielding hours, when multiplied by their number, meant more than a lot hours farther from attending to the house of the one true God. They sure did steal his heart away. Wisdom was no guarantee. Nor did innocence kept Adam, or Samson his strength, or David his devotion. What they believed in and hold fast to for so many years, these women took even less than halftime. All they did was to tap on men’s desires, lure them away, and they’re trapped. Such is the birth of sin that soon brings forth death.  

Women may be regarded as the weaker sex, but we can also weaken men. Our words, our glance, our charm, our skirts, and our skin - -all sets a trap for men’s downfall. We can make them fail an exam, forget an appointment, even forego a principle. In doing so, we make them less of a man. They were created in the image the Father, let’s not change them to conform to our likes and dislikes; They were called to work diligently, let’s not waste their time waiting for us 5 hours; They were commanded to  take the lead, let’s not make them submit to our whims. Proverbs 31 says our men should be respected at the city gates where they’ll  take seats among the elders of the land. For in the same city gate, women who do noble things and who fears the Lord will be given praise. Let's not break them ladies- - and don't make them!

In Order, Your Order

1 Kings 10:8

How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!

No, I don’t have OCD, but let’s just say I’m visually particular. Two years of monitoring the ladies in our school’s dorm could have birthed it. I had to check if their dustings are well done, if they emptied their mailboxes, if they’re sitting upright during devotion time, and if their shoes are aligned. Now my family knows mom is restless when there’s a toy left on the floor, when they don’t finish their meal to the last rice, and when there’s peanut butter left on the spoon! Tris says it’s my unnecessary stress. I say, ‘then help me clean it up’, hahaha :>  Orderliness is my idea of a happy place to be in. 

Everything the Queen of Sheba found in Solomon’s courts we’re in order, thus exemplary. From the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, to his offerings made at the temple – all carefully designed and discharged. She was so astonished at the sight of it all, as we would in a museum or art galleries (assuming we all love art, haha). This is what exceeded her expectations. All she heard was the king’s fame in relation to his wisdom and his God, now she’s seeing his reason and religion applied. ‘What a happy place to be in!’ She ended her visit praising God – both for giving Solomon the kingdom and for Israel, for having him as king.  All played their part in making the court worthy for God’s praise.  No one thought his work as insignificant which could make a face frown. No one served half-heartedly which is a bad shrill when all else is in sync. Ever been to a nice hotel or restaurant with poor costumer service? Who cares about superb amenities when your people’s a complete turn off :< It was curiosity to Solomon’s big words that brought the queen to that court, but it was everybody’s big work that made her leave beyond content. 

We are all part of a whole. A family member, an employee, a student, a church member, a team player, a friend. The ear can’t say ‘Well, I’m not an eye’ or ‘Who cares about the eye?’ Both self-pity and self-absorption destroys the image of the whole.  We don’t make hasty decisions with the rudeness of ‘this is my life’ script. Here’s a scenario: we are all created beings in the courts of God, and the world is our visitor. God’s fame reached them – His prudence, His provisions, His power. Hearing from God Himself, they were all impressed. Now a tour of His Word applied. What will they see when they visit our homes, our workplace, and our churches? Will it match the ones God said to be His kingdom policies? Will they leave His courts in praise and beyond content? Will they say ‘What a happy place to be in’?  

Ungrateful = Ungodly

1 Kings 9:12-13a

But when Hiram went from Tyre to see the towns that Solomon had given him, he was not pleased with them. "What kind of towns are these you have given me, my brother?" he asked. 

My mom loves discounts and freebies. If she sees an added item to a shampoo for example, even if it’s not our favorite brand, or we still have a stock, worse, even if the giveaway is a just small canister which her pantry is already full of, she will still take that grab. Well at least supplies is her territory side. What we often frown about is when she finds a good buy for me and my sister - - clothes, shoes, or  accessories especially. Since her idea of a good purchase is price and not style, her excitement is often buried off with this line: ‘Oh mom please, can you just give us the money next time?’ or ‘You could have bought an ice cream instead’. My dad would always join in the fun and mockery, and my mom just got used to us. I know you’d all say cruel. But for some reason, my mom’s not buying our message. Still, that doesn’t give us the right, right?   

At the end of twenty years, Solomon thought of giving his partner-supplier -- Hiram, king of Tyre – twenty towns in Galilee. This man has provided him all the cedar and gold that he wanted for his building projects. I think this gesture is far and above their contract agreement of remuneration as evident in their peaceful relationship for two decades. But when Hiram saw the towns for himself, he was greatly displeased and in another account, it implied that he sent back this gift. Commentaries believed it was because Hiram was a seaport trade expert and the towns given him were inland, meaning, for farming benefits. Think of it as giving your mom a toolset instead of saucepans and spices. Hiram called the lands Cabul, or good-for-nothing, for it sure has no benefits for his country’s business. I think it’s no coincidence that it was also a king of Tyre that Ezekiel mentioned in his book as someone who grew proud because of his great wealth and skill. That chapter is the usual reference for Satan’s expulsion from heaven. Isn’t seeing yourself better and deserving more called ungratefulness? Now that’s a hair-raising thought.  

Ungratefulness. In 2 Timothy 3:2, it is regarded as part of the godlessness in the last days along with the lovers of money, boastful, abusive, disobedient, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, many other brutal words. Scary is, the people mentioned will act religious. They speak the Word but doesn’t live by it. And the bible warns that these are dangerous people. Ungrateful = dangerous? When the lot God gives you now is to be single or to live in tight budget or to stay low-key, and you reject the idea because you felt you deserve better, then that makes you a dangerous person to be with? Why? Because you point people to your pride and not to Christ?  Because you imply that God is unfair, and not good, and unworthy of praise? That may not be the intent of our minds, but it springs up from a heart that rebels against His rule, saying I have better ideas. Isn’t that playing God? So is that what I do to my mom? Isn’t my ungratefulness resulted to dishonoring her, mocking her, hurting her?  Anything godly there?

Affixed on God

1 Kings 9:6-7

“But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples.”

We got our iPad last July when Tris’ resigned from work. It was one of the fruits of his 15 year service in the company. He needed it as sketchbook for his next employment. Timing that I saw someone twitted selling her few-months used iPad, it was the moviestar Rica Peralejo actually, and she offered it to us in a much lower price because of some slight dent. It was the first time for me to own something that is still so fresh and hot in the market. It wasn’t even in the malls yet when we got it. We were so blessed. It became the family’s new bonding. However, it soon became the object of my jealousy. It angered Tris that I called it his mistress, and I knew that was foul. When his office prohibited him from bringing it in, I became hooked with Plants vs Zombies which later resulted to my son’s nightmare. So we had to delete the app. Now it’s the kids fighting over it, every so often. They alternately outwit each other for the first or the longer grab. But ey, don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t all bad, and definitely not the iPad’s fault. As with all other gadgets and pleasures, it’s not  in itself sinful. We just have to be mindful of the affixes that turn ‘use’ to words like overuse, abuse and misuse. 

As early as chapter 9, Solomon had everything a king could ask for. Verse one says he achieved all he had desired to do. It was all great because God has been graciously good to him. He was so blessed and so was the whole land. It was a time of peace and prosperity. Nothing left but to enjoy it. God saw it fit to appear to him a second time, but with the same message: promised reward for obedience, punishment for disobedience. For us, it’s our fourth read in this book - - all in the occasion of Solomon’s milestones: when David charged him the throne, when God granted his request for wisdom, at the dedication the temple, and here when he had everything in his hands. Power, Prudence, Presence, Pleasure - - more than enough blessings to keep you praising. But we know the end of his story. Solomon allowed the affixes to overpower, caused him to act in imprudence, ignore God’s presence thus inviting displeasure in the land. God saw Israel's exile in eternity past and so in faithfulness,  His infinity stepped in time to warn His child again. 

For two days I’ve been pondering on this chapter, hoping to write something new to blog. Now I know why. As early as Eden, it was still the same message for stewardship: promised reward for obedience, punishment for disobedience. God wants us to enjoy His blessings within the confinement of His will. Is that limiting? No, it’s actually is freedom from sin. Obedience to His rule is the only way we can fully live life. He blessed us with relationships but we have to mind our character and unconditionally love and forgive. He gave us work but we need to uphold His excellence and disciplines, and exercise diligence. He provides us with income but the tithes are His, the needy is to be cared for, and we should be debt free. These are all His gifts. But its overuse, abuse or misuse leads us elsewhere. The Bible might sound like our mom sounding like a record player, giving us dos and don’ts daily and repeatedly, but it’s all because He cares so much about us. He wants His blessing to bring wealth for He adds no sorrow to it. We can choose Him as our affix by making our days, God-days; our relationships, God-honoring; our work, God-glorifying; and our finances, God-directed. It's our best our God-app today :>

Gratis

1 Kings 5:6

“So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians.”

Around 15 years ago, my homechurch staged a big musical production for Holy Week. I think it was a fund raiser of some sort because I remember us selling tickets. My assignment was more on the musical side, while a committee was formed to attend to logistics, resource and all. But of course we have to help each other whenever and wherever needed.  I volunteered to tap in friends to do our backdrop. My mindset then was to cut some costs. Somehow I managed to get the commitments of three excellent artists, who were also my good friends. They did so well, it was very much commended, and I was even proud to have their services for free, along with my other guest singers. Looking back I think I was unfair, not to mention, I believe I dishonored God by my cheap offering. I may not afford them before the production, but I could have at least pushed for a budget allotment to bless them with a share of the returns.  

It was God orchestrated that at the planning stage of the temple project, Hiram, king of Tyre, sent an envoy to congratulate the newly enthroned Solomon. I’m sure it’s the same feeling when we’re working on something so big and every circumstance are taken in connection to it. “An answered prayer! Just what we need!” - could be Solomon’s blurted excitement. He immediately sent back a message and invited Hiram to the project as a major supplier. The cedars of Lebanon are unparalleled and the Sidonians are exemplary in felling timbre - - just perfect and befitting for God’s glorious temple. Since it was his initiative for partnership, Solomon saw the need to assure him that the men will be given wages in acknowledgement for their skill, and Hiram can set the price. In the previous chapter we read about other countries bringing tribute to Israel, I wonder why not here?  Hiram was on friendly terms with his father David, why not tickle on that relationship? I guess the answer lies on the literal foundation of this project. It was exactly that place where Araunah offered his threshing floor for David’s free use, and the king declined. Solomon knows the story. It was the place where justice and grace met, and the temple he’s building will likewise operate exactly on those truths. It couldn’t be cheap. It had to be costly.

I think it’s already part of the Pinoy culture to count on built-relationships to acquire favors. We call it pakikisama, the mother of utang na loob.  I don’t want to be legalistic about it, but in reference to our context today, I think it’s dishonoring to God to abuse it in service-oriented matters. ‘By the sweat of our brow, you will eat your food’. It’s how many of us make our living. It’s an awkward position especially for ministries and Christian workers because of the argument of the free gospel. But could we at least factor in their transpo expense or food allowance or further studies? And who says the gospel is free? Didn’t Jesus pay a high price for our salvation? It’s never cheap because it was His life for ours. It was the right computation. So how do we see our friend’s labor of love? If we factor in their time, their sacrifices, their expertise - - isn’t it worth more than a tap on the shoulder? Be God’s rewarder to their hardwork.  Pray and trust God for His provision!

The Best Me

1 Kings 4:33

“He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.”

Nature vs Nurture? Who’s really responsible for who we are now? Physically, science has proven heredity. Health issues point both. But how about personality or attitudes? My dad blames my mom for my nose and hair, haha! I grew up hearing that and so I resented the idea. Add to that the society’s high regard for fine features and photoshopped hair. What started as genetics affected the emotions and became an attitude. As a solution, some have resorted to genetic alterations, which I believe is but an insult to our Creator.  I chose A.I. - - acceptance and improvement.  I praise Him for who I am and I will glorify Him by working on being the best me, that is, by taking care of my body and by taking control of my attitudes. Now that’s being responsible.

Solomon, by virtue of bloodline, inherited not just the throne but reaped the harvest of his father’s hardwork. Most of his chief officials were and sons of David’s trusted men. His rule extended beyond Dan to Beersheba, all enjoying peace and plenty, mainly as a result of his predecessor’s conquests. The path to righteousness was laid before him and God’s favor continued to overflow all in light of David’s faithful walk and upright heart. Solomon witnessed it all, and if ever those genes really worked, both nurture and nature paid off. But chapter 4 presents us with a  rule  beyond raw. Sure Solomon had the loyalty of David’s men, but he worked on his share of the relationship as proven by the two marriages of his daughters to his governors. David may have left him a structure for government, but here we see a systematized one. It may already be all peace and plenty, but not just as an overview. Solomon made sure it was felt at every home.  Every raw gift was cultivated ‘til it grew. Even the wisdom God gave Him was never stagnant in his yard. The text said ‘he taught’. Every teacher knows the hardwork it entails to move from being a learner to becoming a teacher. And learning never stops. Solomon did his fair share. He glorified God by being the best him.

I so love the principle behind the Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty. Theirs is to celebrate the natural physical variation embodied by all women and inspire them to have the confidence to be comfortable with themselves.  God has given each one a beauty, a talent, a skill. Blaming nature and nurture for the limitations which could have instead turned us to becoming great springs up from looking at another’s fence instead of discovering our own. God was not unfair, we are. All we do is stargaze in our dark holes of self pity and hopelessness which was neither given nor acquired. We allowed it to control us. Be free! Truth says we are wonderfully made! We’re created in the image of God Himself. We may be marred because of sin, but His grace can transform us back into the likeness of His Son. A gift that we have to accept in faith, and in gratitude and obedience we have to faithfully cultivate. Are you up and ready for today's question - - who is the best you?

They’ll Say Wow!

1 Kings 3:28

“When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.”

Today marks the 6th month of the curriculum project I have been assigned to. Let me emphasize: assigned. Given an option, I wouldn’t take it. First, because the material is first of its kind, meaning there’s no luxury for cross reference. Second, it’s my first time to write a full-length curriculum. I feel not just inexperienced, but so unequipped. Third, because I’m one and alone in this department. No option to delegate, I can’t even quit. But since my reasons are all but excuses, it’s still on my lap.  And because this is God’s call and it is His work, His blessings followed.  I may not have comparative studies to refer to, but He opened a thousand windows of related articles as resource; I was new in writing and so He pushed me to daily practice the skill. I’m unbelievably way past my hundredth blog now; I started as the sole writer, roughly finishing the first draft, but two weeks ago, He graced me with no less than one of the country’s best Music Educators as consultant. God is just amazing! I’m in awe seeing His wisdom at work. And it is with hope that soon, many will say wow seeing this project, surely not because of me, but for His undeniable imprint on each of its pages. His glory is my goal! Now that’s my push to keep me going, never quitting. I think I need to copy-paste this on my work folder :>

Immediately after his one wish to have a discerning heart to govern his people, the young king Solomon had his first test. Since God’s gift was through a dream, he may have struggled a bit. Maybe not about God’s sincerity-slash-ability, but more if he heard Him right. ‘Wisdom. Is it really now in me?’  He’s now in his courtroom and before him were two prostitutes, each claiming to be the mother of one baby. That’s all he got. No witnesses, no clues. This was one unprecedented case. Maybe it was first brought to the lower courts. But having no reference to compare notes with, they admitted it was beyond their skills, and so  they decided for the ultimate move up. It’s all up to Solomon now. Inexperienced, unequipped, alone, can’t quit - - I’m sure he felt it all too. The account did not mention that he prayed, but it was nowhere said that he didn’t either. In using a test to surface out the truth proved he was depending on God to provide him with clues. In listening to both sides, he made use of what is all available at hand. He did not dare give a verdict ‘til all ends were tied. He exhausted all efforts. He did his part. And God honored Solomon’s seeking for justice. It was, after all, God’s work through him.

“The people were in awe because he had wisdom from God”.  There was nothing in Solomon to wow the public. He was young, the first heir to be king, and he was new in office. He was here the reflection of the young Jesus who amazed all the teachers in the temple courts with his answers and understanding. It was way beyond his years. But when you’re sitting next to the radiance of God, who would not notice? For when you ask God  for wisdom, He pours it so generously that it’s undeniably out of this world. Our tasks today may look uncharted and unpromising, but if it is God’s work and He’s calling us in to join Him, it will definitely not be without His blessings. And yes, our goal is to wow the public - - for His glory is praiseworthy! His glory is our goal! May it be the push to keep us going, never quitting.

One Wish

1 Kings 3:12-14

“I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart... moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor...  and if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands, ...I will give you a long life.”

When I was a child, I always hope I’d somehow find that magic oil lamp and be granted three wishes. Mine then was to own Goya Fun Factory, for Voltes V to come alive, and to see Disneyland of course.  But since I never saw that lamp, blowing out birthday candles and tossing  coins in the wishing well became the alternates. I think I also did message in a balloon and a list for Santa, hehe :> But that’s what I believed in as a child. Somehow, a wish is that desire for something so far within reach but you hope to receive in an instant. Deep inside, you know it’s just impossible to happen. But at least you wished. Who knows?

Solomon was one blessed man to be granted one wish by the Almighty Himself. His was not a wish-upon-a-star thing, or some will of the wind toss. He was face to face with God. While some of us could have readily blurted out our wants given such opportunity, Solomon started with humble statements. It was not the typical Pinoy beating around the bush, trying not to appear overly and obviously excited. The depth of his request is proof enough that his opening words was in sincere acknowledgement of God’s graciousness to their family. He did not refuse the offer either, signifying his dependence for God’s hand on the matter. His one wish was wisdom - - a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong. Couldn’t he ask that in an installment basis, as the needs arise perhaps? Why not go with  Google’s  popular answers like be a millionaire or good health, world peace or have superman powers, even access to unlimited wishes maybe? Here we see his heart was all set not on his personal welfare or safety. Doing God’s will was top of his list. But why not security and wealth for the land, that’s not selfish thinking right? But is that what really the land needs, or is it just feeding them with wants.

Verse 10 said “God was pleased that he asked for this’.  As a parent, when my kids are sleeping especially, I often utter a prayer for God to grant me long life so I could take care of them as they grow up; wealth so we could provide for their health and education; and, safety for them, from bad influences and evil at large. I know this is God’s will for me, my duty as a parent. But pondering on Solomon’s wish, being likewise given a trust, shouldn’t wisdom be top of my list as well? I could spend many years with my kids, but without God’s wisdom, will those years even significantly count? If I could have the riches of  this world, will that guarantee our family’s happiness? And if I ask God for a problem-free life for them, how can they ever learn faith and hope? How else can they appreciate grace? Wisdom may not  appear as a pack of instant noodles to free you from hunger now, but it will definitely teach you how to find and make food for yourself, to free you from poverty for the days to come.  You may wish for wisdom anytime, and guess what? God may even add items to your cart which you did not wish for, say riches and honor? Solomon got a truckload. Who knows? :>

Still In Love?

1 Kings 3:3

“Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.”

Falling in love. It’s the greatest feeling of all. It brings you so high in your emotions, so deeply concerned for the person, and so widely open to endless hopes. It’s so powerful it makes your heart helpless and uncontrollable, thus the ‘falling’ suggests. You can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t work - - so it’s fatal too, hahaha. Every second seems to revolve around that person. Your thoughts are filled with him - - every word he said, every move he made, even details of how he looked that day.  Yes, I can still vividly remember how Tris and I climbed that big tree in UP lagoon eight years ago. He could have literally fallen because of me. But up there with him, I just knew I’d do and give and be everything for him. Anything to please him. I emailed Tris a picture of that tree just now. Brings back beautiful memories…. and promises made.    

Whenever we hear the name Solomon, what usually follows is that we remember his wisdom and his wives (fyi: 700 official wives, 300 concubines!!). Only now did I realize we’re missing out one big word that defines him, one that came before his fame and big family - - LOVE. That’s right, I’m quite surprised myself. His parents may have given him a name which means peace, appropriately because of their restored fellowship with God, but then God sent Nathan to give him the name Jedidiah, meaning ‘loved by the Lord’. From peace to love, such grace! And he sure saw the full extent of that love when he was chosen to be next to the throne. Overwhelmed with that favor, we read now in verse three that ‘Solomon showed his love to the Lord’. He loved because God loved him first. He loved and so he walked according to the statutes. But like the rest of mankind, he allowed many things to come in between of that first love. Marrying Pharaoh’s daughter could just be political and sacrificing to the high places may  be the norm that time, but how could he not see that it is far from the pleasure of his Beloved?  Where was that promise of doing and giving and being everything for Him? Quite sad that we only remember him now as the Wise. Without love, isn’t everything meaningless?

When was the last time you felt so inloved with the Lord? And now? Has it been years or months? What stood in between? Are you really that busy with work that you completely forgot your ‘dates’ with Him? Did you found someone better? You sure? Did He love you less? Impossible. Try to go back to that time you first promised love to Him. Think about Him. What were His words to you? What did He do just for you? And what did you promise back? We’ve been carrying His name everyday - - saying we’re Christians and all - - but how many times we preferred to be called  Dr., Atty., Prof., Sir, Mrs., etc? Even the wisest who ever lived said such were vain efforts, and so he ended Ecclesiastes with these words: ‘Fear God and keep his commands’. Uhm, where is love there? Jesus gave us the answer: ‘If you love me, obey my commands’. Ready to go back to your first love? If you’re having a hard time remembering when was your special time with Him - -  look at the cross! That’s how special you are to Him!

Second Chance

1 Kings 2:24

“And now, as surely as the Lord lives – he who has established me securely on the throne of my father David and has founded a dynasty for me as he promised – Adonijah shall be put to death today!”

I have my discipline guidelines set. One disobedience, one spank. If Rilian’s hits Kjaran by the hand, the rod will fall hard on that hand. If he stomps his feet in tantrums, his legs will get the scolding. If he snarls aloud in defiance, I tap his mouth to make my point. This might not be agreeable to some moms, but it’s quite effective for us.  Anyway, one time, after giving him a spank for disobeying, he turned and made an angry growl at me. And then as if it surprised him as well, he shifted gears and blurted, ‘Ay, sorry mom!’ For a few seconds I stood there not knowing what to do next. My book says I have to scold him for the snarl, but this was admittedly unguarded. I decided to take a step back and leave him with a warning. I was not sure then if I did it right.

First on Solomon’s to-do-list as newly enthroned king were discipline issues. Not a very nice welcome assignment right? Especially if first in line is your own brother. Good thing Adonijah chose to bow in surrender after his caught-rebellion. So was Shimei, David’s curse-r. Both admitted their wrongdoings and so was given another chance. Guess I did right with Rilian that time. But Solomon did not just let go. He implied that his eyes are on them. Alongside giving a second chance is to make sure they are now accountable for their actions. Discipline is a necessary follow through for the rebellious. Since they have breached the trust, they have to prove their loyalty back. Sadly, these two men never learned their lesson. Or probably, repentance never really took place.  Adonijah’s scheme to have David’s last concubine proved he’s still eyeing the crown, while Shimei was caught breaking his sworn oath by leaving Jerusalem without permission. Both faced death by the sword. They have been warned. But they gave away that second chance.

As leaders, parents, or teachers, let us be mindful of those who cry out for mercy. It is true that every sin has its consequences, but every repentant sinner needs a second chance too. We do have a merciful God and His patience stretches to giving us nth chances right? But read again the qualifier: repentant. Context? Insubordination. For Joab was still killed for the murder of Abner and Amasa, not because he conspired against Solomon's authority. Withholding punishment for discipline doesn’t mean disregarding the offense. It merely changes its form to positive measures, moving the rebellious from being passive receivers to active responders. But this implies taking responsibility as leaders. Shifting to yield mode is signing a conforme that says we’re keeping an eye on them. If we’re giving them a second chance, we have to be there until they’re fully submissive. It’s no accident that forgiveness has the word ‘give’ in it. Quite a thought. Still pondering here….

In Fairness

1 Kings 2:6-7

“Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace. But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.”

Too often, what adults put aside, kids beautifully displays affront.  Little things that I take for granted, my little tots marvel at, laugh about, and thank God for. Just now, I gave a banana to Rilian and delightfully he exclaimed, ‘Ang sarap nito mom ah! Thank you Jesus!’. Or the other day, Kjaran showed me her shoes and said, ‘Mom, o, pretty’. I know it was God telling me to stop and praise. Not stop and complain. Because what normally grabs my attention, what makes me leave the computer table, is their loud scream or the mess they created. It takes effort and (their) prompting for me to mind their little achievements. Generous to scold, cautious with praise - - such imbalance :<

At his deathbed, David called in Solomon for his final charge. Given minimal time to delegate, he has to sift through his forty years reign and identify the most important. ‘Be strong’ was his first point. He opened his eyes to the reality of the task at hand. But instead of strategies and solutions, he armed him with strength. ‘Walk in His ways’ was next. He assured him of the promise and presence of God. David need not give details of how to run a kingdom for God’s law is suffice for faith and practice. Solomon just needs to faithfully abide. Third was about three people: Joab the backstabber, Shimei the curse-r, and Barzillai the old man.  David asked his son to mind his unfinished business and deal with them accordingly. To Joab and Shimei, for the wrong they did, and to Barzillai, for the kindness he gave.  An exact application of the firmness and faith he’s charging his son to embrace. He needs one and the other on both sides of the scale. For a leader is not called merely to police the violators and warn the public, but one who upholds good deeds to inspire the people and further promote God. He’s both the God of mercy and the God of wrath. A God we have to fear, and the God we can embrace. It needs to be a fair reflection.

To my kids, I am quite heavy on the ‘wrath’ side. Sometimes familiarity robs us of the simple joys found in gratitude and appreciation. I have to work on that. But my scale is not balanced with those outside my family either. To maintain a pleasurable relationship, aren’t we all more inclined to be generous with praise and cautious with rebuke? We see our friends blurt out harsh words, post indecent links, curse their parents, complain about the government - - and we do nothing. We somehow hope our inspirational quotes would strike a chord somewhere. David gave him specific names. Shouldn’t we be direct as well?  Check your scales again. And be fair.