“But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites— 2 from the nations of whom the Lord had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David.”
1 Kings 11:1-4 NKJV
Lord God Almighty,
Solomon knew Your faithfulness amidst war, enormous building projects, family treason and threatening neighbours. Where did his downfall come from? His own weakness. He was politically building relationships through marriage as well as letting his eye guide him.
But it was not the women that You pointed to, though it was excessive! But the fact they led him to worship their Gods and he did. Today we have learned to live in peace with our neighbours wherever they come from and whatever their faith. (Except for extremists of all faiths and none. Their faith is violence.) And we sometimes struggle to give testimony and share our faith, and having an understanding of their faith can keep us from offending. But we would not want to change You, our God or practice their worship. Solomon went right over the line and seemingly willingly.
Father, help us to be tolerant, good neighbours, and willing to share the good news of the gospel, or prayer, where there is opportunity, with the whosoever. It is Your Spirit, God Almighty, who does the work in hearts, gives the visions and calls the lost (John 16:8-11). Help us to help You.
In Jesus name we pray.
Worship Monday 18th May 2026
Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. You are the one who works miracles in hearts.
In the darkness we were waiting
Without hope, without light
‘Til from Heaven You came running
There was mercy in Your eyes
To fulfill the law and prophets
To a virgin came the word
From a throne of endless glory
To a cradle in the dirt
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
To reveal the kingdom coming
And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation
You did not despise the cross
For even in your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus for our sake you died
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
And the morning that You rose
All of Heaven held its breath
‘Til that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who’d come
To the Father are restored
And the church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel, shall not faint
By His blood and in His name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
Praise forever to the King of Kings
Lyrics: Jason Ingram, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ross Ligertwood.