Friday, my wife's cousin David was in town from Seattle. Man, I wish he could visit more often. I like that Guy. Saturday, Jeri (my wife's cousin who is staying with us for a while) went on her very first date! Keep in mind that she is twenty-four and not unattractive and you'll see that this is a rather remarkable statement. I like to think that my advice paid off for her, because I told her not to kiss on the first date and she didn't. She got home late and I stayed up and talked with her. She seemed very happy about her evening, and Glen talked to her about family, religion and other things that I would mention if I were twenty-seven, single and looking for someone to settle down with. She's just out for a good time now, but I think my male perspective will help her out in this. I'm only six years her senior, but I feel like a father figure. If you'll excuse me now, I've gotta wash that gray right out of my hair!

Yours in Christ,

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Day 2

For all of his wisdom, Solomon still made some silly mistakes of the flesh. God had told the Israelites not to intermarry with certain peoples, lest they tempt them with idolatry. This warning was meant for all and the king was not immune to the dangers of this. Can you imagine the horror of having an omnipotent God telling you that your heir would bear the brunt of your punishment due to the love He had for your father? No guilt trip would be bad enough!

If that wasn't bad enough, God allowed others to rise up against him. All of this turmoil obviously caused Solomon's comments that all of his toil was for naught.

Day 3

This grief could also be attributed to the pleasures Solomon went after rather than turning his heart to God, the source of pleasure. He tried drunkenness, possessions and sex but none of it filled the void made when he turned from God. At least he was able to admit it, though. Money and possessions were found to be like an addiction. No amount was ever enough to satisfy. Therefore, we need to be content with the lot we are cast and accept it as our place in life. I am not a rich man, yet I am happy. How many stories have you heard of a lottery winner heading to bankruptcy and divorce? Accept your place.

Day 4

I do have to say here that Solomon sounds like he could use some serious help here. His depressed state is actually bringing me down a bit while reading this! Don't worry about me, though. I'll get over it. While it is true that death visits us all at some point, Solomon seemed to be staying with this theme a bit longer than I believe he should have. Our lives are incredibly short, and perhaps many of us lead pointless lives chasing false hopes. That is why God's hope is a worthy goal. It will sustain us and bring true joy to our lives.

Day 5

OK, I agree that we come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing. But to say that this fact makes life meaningless is a very foolish statement. I already explained why, though, so I'll move along with the reading.

Rehoboam, son of Solomon, was asked by the people to lighten the load on them that Solomon had placed there to gain him riches and worldly pleasure. Rehoboam couldn't say that he was not given good advice in this matter. He could say, though that he only listened to the bad advice. This resulted in the splitting of Israel as God had commanded. The wisest man in all history was responsible for the overthrow of his heir and the splitting of his nation. Wisdom is not enough. Keep that in mind the next time elections come around. So Jeroboam decided to keep his subjects away from Jerusalem and away from Rehoboam's influence with idolatry, affecting ten of the twelve tribes of Israel. What a waste!

Day 6

God did send a prophet to Jeroboam to let him know that he would be punished, but another prophet brought him back to town after he left, which was against the wishes of God. The first prophet was killed for this. He was guilty of being lied to, which wasn't his fault, but if God was going to change his plans, He would have let the man know about it personally. The first prophet was guilty of being led astray, simple as that.

The punishment was as harsh as you would expect in these circumstances. Jeroboam's son died and his family line was to be utterly destroyed. Furthermore, Israel was being cast out of the land they were promised all those generations before. God was patient with Israel through their time in Egypt, the forty years of wandering, the time of the judges, three kings, and now this. He is a God slow to anger, but his anger is a terrible flame that consumes all He decides to cut from the rest.

Day 7

Talk about an era of turmoil! And notice that this is all because the leaders of Israel were wicked men who would rather serve their selfish interests and false gods than the God who led them out of Egypt. Finally, though, Elijah was set to come upon the scene. We'll start to see what the result is next week.

Weekly Link http://www.everyrule.com/ I don't understand certain contests, but then I haven't looked the rules for every contest, either. Of course, I don't really care to know any more about Bocce than I do, so that's one I won't be looking up. In case you're wondering, I have no idea how to play Bocce. I don't understand Poker, either. I once folded on a Straight Flush, or something like that and lost thirty cents. Haven't played since. I may read up on this game, though, if I'm ever invited to play again.

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Thanks for sharing my goal of reading the Bible in its entirety this year!