May 13, 2013: Catching Up.../ Finished!

When King Solomon's name is mentioned, most of us think of the building of the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. 
And most of us think of his wisdom. He was wise to seek help from the most gifted artisans he could find. And he was definitely wise to make a treaty with King Hiram of Tyre. 

1 Kings 5:1-12

Amplified Bible (AMP)

5 Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, when he heard that he was anointed king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David.

2 And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,

3 You know how David my father could not build a house to the Name of the Lord his God because wars were about him on every side, until the Lord put his foes under his feet.

4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil confronting me.

5 And I purpose to build a house to the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, Your son whom I will set on your throne in your place shall build the house to My Name and Presence.

6 So, Hiram, command them to hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; my servants shall join yours, and I will give you whatever wages you set for your servants. For you know that no one among us can equal the skill of the Sidon men in cutting timber.

7 When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, Who has given David a wise son to be over this great people.

8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things for which you sent to me; I will do all you wish concerning the cedar and cypress timber.

9 My servants shall bring the logs down from Lebanon to the sea, make them into rafts, and float them by sea to the place that you direct. I will have them released there, and you shall take them away. And you shall fulfill my desire by providing food for my household.

10 So Hiram gave Solomon all the cedar and cypress trees he desired,

11 And Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 measures of wheat for food for his household, and 20 measures of pure, beaten oil. He gave these to Hiram yearly.

12 The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as He promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and they made a treaty.

Collaboration:Collaboration is working with each other to do a task and to achieve shared goals. It is a recursive process where two or more people or organizations work together to realize shared goals, (this is more than the intersection of common goals seen in co-operative ventures, but a deep, collective determination to reach an identical objective - for example, an endeavor that is creative in nature—by sharing knowledge, learning and building consensus. Most collaboration requires leadership, although the form of leadership can be social within a decentralized and egalitarian group. In particular, teams that work collaboratively can obtain greater resources, recognition and reward when facing competition for finite resources. 

When we collaborate with each other and with the God who created the universe, we can accomplish the impossible. When we stand alone, we cut ourselves off at the knees. It doesn't matter who gets the glory and praise. It all belongs to God anyway!

2 Chronicles 8:16

Amplified Bible (AMP)

16 Thus all the work of Solomon was prepared from the day the foundation of the Lord’s house was laid until it was finished. So the house of the Lord was completed.

"Jesus, I am very impressed at Solomon's great wisdom in being willing to ask for help to do the great work he was assigned to do. You have laid HUGE projects on my heart. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. No way can I accomplish all You have asked me to do! I'm sure Solomon must have been overwhelmed at times. But he finished the work You gave him to do. With A LOT of help. Thank You for this encouragement today! Please help me to humble myself and ask for help to accomplish Your work. I want You to say, Well done, thou good and faithful servant!", when I stand before Your judgement throne! 

Matthew 25:23

Amplified Bible (AMP)

23 His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.

I want to complete ALL You have asked of me! And I will worship and honor You forever and ever! In Jesus precious name, AMEN."