WISE WORDS FROM SOLOMON

I have been reading the book of 1 Kings and in chapters 7 – 8 is the story of Solomon rebuilding the Temple of God. The story describes in great detail everything that went into making this beautiful structure. When the building was finished, the Ark of the Covenant was moved from Zion to sit in the “Most Holy Place” within the Temple. When everything was complete and the Ark was standing in all its glory,

Solomon offers a prayer to God. What did Solomon pray?

1. He gave praise that “there is no God in heaven like you.”

2. He gave praise that “God keeps his covenants…”

3. He gave praise that “God shows unfailing love…”

4. He gave praise that “God keeps his promises….”

5. He gave praise that “God forgives…”

6. He gave praise that “God punishes the guilty and acquits the innocent.”

7. He gave praise that “God alone knows each human heart….”

8. He gave praise that “God is great – his hand strong – his arm powerful…..”

Solomon then blesses the people by offering this blessing:

“May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us or abandon us. May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors.”

As children of God, our one desire should be – as Solomon states – “To do his will in everything, to obey completely, so that people all over the earth will know the Lord alone is God and there is no other.”

As we give praise to God for all he has done for us, and continues to do; as we are assured each and every day that God is with us, that he will not abandon us; as we strive to live by his commands – may our lives reflect the love of Jesus in such a way we greatly impact the people in our corner-of-the-world, and then proclaim “there is no other God but our God.” Do what you must today to MAKE GOD FAMOUS!

MOM’S CINNAMON ROLLS

Soak 3 packages of dry yeast in 2-1/2 cups lukewarm water. Add 1 Tbsp. sugar – soak about 10 minutes, until a foam appears on top.

Meanwhile, beat 2 eggs (not foamy) and set them aside.

Take 1 cup sugar, 1-1/2 tsp. salt, 2 cups flour and beat this into the above yeast mixture.

Add 2 more cups of flour. Pour the eggs over all, along with 1 scant cup shortening. Beat well. Add enough flour to form a soft dough. (You may knead this until the right texture).

Grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, then turn over so both sides are greased. Cover and let rise several hours – until double in size.

Punch down, and gently knead several times on a floured board. Divide into three sections. Roll out a section into a 6” x 10” (or so) size. Lightly spread with melted margarine or butter.

Using a cinnamon/sugar mixture, generously sprinkle over the dough. Tightly roll into a long strip. Cut into 1” sections, place on a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise until doubled. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, until lightly brown. Remove and place on a cooling rack. When cooled, frost with your favorite frosting.