In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, Pastor Randy Spacht, welcomes our listeners to a special family worship service. Every fifth Sunday, we invite children to join us in the sanctuary, creating an opportunity for both kids and adults to learn how to worship together. Today, we find ourselves in between two sermon series: we just wrapped up a series on grief and will soon begin a new series titled "Between Kingdoms," which aims to guide us as we approach the upcoming elections.

In this transitional moment, we are going to focus on the theme of wisdom, a topic that naturally brings to mind the biblical figure of Solomon, King David's son. Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, but he is also known for having a thousand wives. I delve into both aspects of his life, starting with the context of his reign. Solomon became king during a tumultuous time when the kingdom of Israel was divided, and he faced challenges, including a rival brother who sought the throne.

I recount the pivotal moment when God appeared to Solomon in a dream, offering him anything he desired. Instead of asking for wealth or power, Solomon humbly requested wisdom to govern his people effectively. This request exemplifies true wisdom—recognizing one's limitations and seeking guidance. I share the story of how Solomon demonstrated his wisdom through a remarkable judgment involving two women and a baby, which left the people in awe of his ability to render justice.

As we explore Solomon's wisdom, I draw parallels to the New Testament, specifically the book of James, which encourages us to ask God for wisdom. I emphasize that God is generous and willing to provide wisdom to those who seek it, but we must approach Him with unwavering faith.

However, I also highlight the tragic turn in Solomon's life. Despite his wisdom, he ultimately strayed from God's commands, influenced by his many foreign wives. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of not just knowing what is right but also acting on that knowledge. I challenge our listeners to reflect on their own lives—how often do we know the right thing to do but fail to follow through?

Thank you for tuning in to the New Hope Church podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at questions@becomehope.com. Have a great week, and remember that we are praying for you as you strive to be a reflection of Jesus in every corner of your world.