Category: Solomon

References to Solomon and His Books

Your Dirty Little Secret

R. Mangold

DLS

I have some startling news about your dirty little secret – Yes, it’s dirty, but it’s not little and it’s not a secret. We can tend to think that just because the masses don’t know about our hidden sin, addiction, or affair, that we’ll never be discovered. What a delusion when we fall for that deception. Our lives may not immediately be an open book to those around us, but there’s ONE who sees our every move and knows our every intent.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as, “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

See, we may think we’re getting away with something, but we’re not because in another portion of Solomon’s own unheeded wisdom, Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Ecc. 8:11)

Our confession will not be new information to God for He knows the secrets of the heart.

Rather than trying to hide from God and foolishly cover our sins like Adam and Eve, Christ’s redemptive work at Calvary has enabled us to run to God with our failures and our sin. While it is far more admirable to resist sin altogether, it is even more vital if we have sinned, not to cover it up. Like King David, we must lay it bear before a merciful and loving Savior. 1 John 1:9 intreats us, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Our confession will not be new information to God for He knows the secrets of the heart. Our confession is more of a humble admission and a revealing to God that we know nothing can be hidden from Him, and that only He can truly provide us with the overcoming power we require to beat that sin and never fall prey to it again.

Let’s stop fooling ourselves by living in the illusion that God doesn’t see what we’re up against. The sooner we admit our sin is bigger than we can handle on our own, the sooner God’s grace and mercy can come to our rescue.

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute.  One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes, Devotionals, and Sermon Ideas  for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students!  Visit our ABOUT PAGE  for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you.  Rev. RD Mangold

Big Lessons in Small Packages – The Lilly

R. Mangold

“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:28 – 30 (NKJV)

“Indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard.” After a thorough investigation of her own, the Queen of Sheba was left in a state of bewilderment over the sheer enormity of Solomon’s Kingdom, wealth, and wisdom. First Kings Chapter 10 attempts to inventory Solomon’s earthly treasure, but even that could not adequately capture “Solomon’s glory.”  Even more baffling is Jesus said, “Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like” one of the lilies of the field! Yes, the beauty of ONE lily exceeded that of Solomon in “all his glory.”

We’re easily impressed with the immense wealth of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, but in “all their glory” they pale when compared to ONE that is arrayed by God’s beauty. If you’re a child of God, don’t you dare stoop to compare yourself to the fleeting fortune and fame of this world. We are sons and daughter of the MOST HIGH GOD!

You may be struggling now, but Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Big Lessons in Small Packages – The Foxes

R. Mangold

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines [have] tender grapes. (Songs of Solomon 2:15)

Who isn’t fond of the little fuzzy furry puppies? Pet store windows are full of puppies toppling over each other as if to say, “Pick me!” They start out cute and cuddly, however they don’t stay small forever. That cute little habit of gnawing on your favorite shoes and couch gets worse. Soon, it’s your hand, your arm, and…well you get the picture!

As cute as they appear, small foxes cause irreparable damage to grapevines by burrowing holes around the roots, nibbling flowering buds, and eventually consuming all the grapes. “Small” seemingly harmless things can and will infringe upon our relationship with God. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life, attack the root system of our moral and spiritual fiber, stemming the flow of vital nutrients to the branches, or our areas of influence – Marriage, Family, Church, Work, etc.

Big formidable enemies are obvious. Seeing them coming, you’re immediately on guard. David had no problem taking out the “giants” in his life; the bear, the lion, and even Goliath, were all very obvious opponents. His downfall was in not recognizing the “small” innocent looking “foxes” that can literally bring a man to his knees.

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Big Lessons in Small Packages – The Rabbit

R. Mangold

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise…The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; (Prov. 30:24-28)

This particular species rabbit (coney) resides near rock formations and crevices of mountains. Ill-equipped to face predators, the coney surrounds itself with protection and can quickly evade capture by hiding amongst rocks. What great wisdom may we glean from our “feeble” friend the rabbit? 

  • Not quick to defend itself
  • Sometimes it’s better to flee (youthful lusts)
  • Holding his peace allowing God to fight his battles
  • No greater protection and defense than God

Ironically, David, Israel’s most courageous king was quite the “rabbit!” 

  • “My rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust;” (Ps. 18:2)
  • “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Ps. 61:2)
  • “My defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge.” (Ps. 94:22)
  • “Rock of our salvation.” (Ps. 95:1)

Apostle Paul spells it out better than anyone who our true “Rock” is…they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (I Cor. 10:4)

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Mission "Ant-possible 3" – The Power of a Team

R. Mangold

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer. Proverbs 30:24-25

Despite Proverbs stating the ant isn’t a strong creature, it is able to lift 20-50 times greater than their own weight all done with their mouth muscles. If a 175 lb. man could lift this weight with his mouth it would be nearly 8800 lbs.

Alone, an ant could accomplish very little, but multiply their efforts by millions; you have a true force to be reckoned with. And, if the weight of all the ants in the world were combined, their weight would be greater than the weight of all the humans.

God’s multiplication is even better; 1 can put 1000 to flight; 2 can put 10,000 to flight! Jesus had a team of 12 and empowered them to evangelize the entire world. If you’re a Christian reading this, Jesus’ team set the gold standard for effectiveness. Let’s continue building the team Jesus started over 2000 years ago. Our work, like the ants’ is never done. Let’s colonize the place Jesus is preparing for all of us – Heaven!

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold


Mission "Ant-possible 2" – The Power to Rebuild

R. Mangold

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer. Proverbs 30:24-25

As children we were amazed at the speed with which ants rebuilt after we maliciously spread the tiny grains of sand that comprised their homes. Without fail like tiny machines the ants would return to rebuild their mounds.

Ants aren’t a strong “people,” but what they lack in strength, they make up for in wisdom and tenacity. They show no visible signs of complaining. They just keep their heads down, roll up their sleeves and get to the business of rebuilding.

We’re going to have setbacks in life; emotional, financial, spiritual or otherwise. One may argue, the ant knows no better, that’s what their created to do. I would argue we do know better, and have a God who’s willing to help us rebuild saying, “cast all your cares upon me, because I care for you.”

Remember a just man falls seven times, and rises up again. Next time the devil kicks over your world consider the wisdom of the ant and her ability to rebuild…setback after setback!

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold


Mission "Ant-possible!"

R. Mangold

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Proverbs 6:6

Solomon was contrasting the sluggard with the industrious ant, but as Christians, what’s our take-home message? Have we become like Aesop’s lazy grasshopper, basking in the temporary pleasures of this world, flitting from one blade of grass to another seeking enjoyment and pleasure? Or, are we like the laser-sharp-focused ant who never forgets she’s on “Mission from God?” We’ve been commanded to go into all the world preaching the Gospel of Christ’s Death, Burial and Resurrection. An ant builds a colony, numbering in some cases in the millions. Let’s make God’s Mission, our mission. Let’s work the harvest while it is day, and colonize for the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

A Friend Named "Failure"

R. Mangold

II Cor. 12:9 – And he said unto me [Paul], My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • If Failure exposes our weakness…
  • If Failure removes the veneer of pride and selfishness…
  • If Failure causes God’s strength to be perfected in us…
  • If Failure draws us closer to God…

Then Failure is our friend!

These famous people defined their failure as…

  • “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.”– Henry Ford

  • “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”– Thomas Edison

  • “If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down.”– Mary Pickford

  • “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

Containing the Creator

R. Mangold

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee. (I Kings 8:27) Wise Solomon knew it was futile to even try to contain the Creator of the universe, but if anyone could do it, God could and did. Col. 2:9 says, “In him [Jesus] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Incredibly, He went even further, “You are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you;” (I Cor. 3:16). Praise God for His Spirit; the earnest of our inheritance!

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Humble Beginnings

R. Mangold

Moses started out a basket case. David was a sheepish boy. Solomon was a sleeper. And, Jonah was fish bait. Moses went on to lead Israel to the Promised Land. David was “giant-killing” man after God’s own heart. Solomon was the wisest man of his day. Jonah preached a revival message that saved a nation. Don’t underestimate God’s resourcefulness in your life. He even used a vocal donkey to save a prophet’s life!

 “Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold