Scripture Reading: 1Kings 11:1 & 4
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David, his father.

Reflections: As Solomon neared the end of his reign, it became evident that he was longer the God-loving and fearing King the nation of Israel had known. He had entirely turned over to the worship of idols. This tragic turnaround in his life came about due to his LOVE (affection) for strange women. The word strange, as applied to these women, implies that they were of those who did not submit to the worship of God. They were natives of idol-worshipping nations. They gradually managed to turn Solomon’s heart away from the God of Israel and made him a worshipper of their gods. Solomon therefore began to involve himself in a lifestyle dictated by evil deeds. Most of our problems in life emerge from what we tend to love or show affection towards. Like Solomon, as long as what you love has no regard for God and his standards, you are sure to abandon your reverence for Him and turn to a lifestyle that abhors holiness. Watch what you love!

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to love you and only what supports my love for you.

Confession: I love God and connect to only the things that support my love for Him.