What Solomon Knew: Lessons in Wisdom

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Statement: The more I live, the more I observe the world around me, and the more I study from the Word of GOD, the more I marvel at how wrong mankind gets things.

A.M. Thoughts: With arrogance and pride, he [mankind] struts about with a sense of intellectual superiority , but he has not an ounce of true knowledge. He refuses to acknowledge or perhaps to accept the Fullness and Glory of our awesome GOD. He fails to take to heart or to keep in mind the statues, laws, ordinances, and instructions contained within the Word of GOD itself. He denies the Savior even when He sacrificed Himself once and for all. He often neglects that which he professes to believe in. He speaks words that are a far cry from the truth, yet he wants others to believe it is truth nonetheless. He demonstrates a lack of love and a lack of awareness when and where a compassionate response for the care and concerns of others may be needed. He straddles the fence where morality, honor, justice, and integrity are concerned, but he wants to proclaim that he is taking a righteous stance for the good of all. He sings aloud with many words from a heart that is lukewarm, hardened, or maybe even empty. He boasts of having godliness, spirituality and wisdom, yet his actions, behaviors, attitude, and choices say otherwise. He is not humble nor is he sincere when it comes to surrendering or submitting to GOD.

Preparatory Bible Study: Read 1 Kings 3:5-15. Emphasis should be placed on 1 Kings 3:9.

What Solomon Knew: Lessons in Wisdom – > A new series of lessons based on the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon is planned for the coming weeks and months.

We will explore topics such as:

  • Where Knowledge Begins
  • How to Live a Godly Life
  • How to Walk Toward Wisdom
  • The Heart, Character and Integrity of a Man
  • The Limitations and Folly of Man
  • The Sovereignty of GOD
  • How to Enjoy Life
  • Lasting Love in Relationships
  • Pride: The Anti Agent
  • The Inevitability of Imperfection
  • The Ugliness…From a Spiritual Perspective
  • The End As in the Beginning

Look for featured Bible study lessons and Spiritual Life Fitness messages to be sprinkled into this year’s Phone Tree Bible Study Group blog line.

Credit: Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

Singing David’s Song of Deliverance

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A Phone Tree Bible Study Group ACTion Article

Reading Assignment: 2 Samuel 22

Personal Reflection ACTion Statement:

You know what? The Sesame Street Cast was on to something when they encouraged listeners to, “Sing. Sing a song. Sing out loud. Sing out strong. Sing of good things, not bad. Sing of happy, not sad… Make it simple. To last your whole life long.” I love that.

In 2 Samuel 22, David sang a song to the LORD. It was song of deliverance. It was a song of declaration that celebrated the GOD who had rescued him – a man who was sought after by his enemies. The words that David sang out loud and sang out strong were heartfelt and revealing. We would do well to sing those words for ourselves.

A Final Challenge:

  • Develop a personalized list of Bible study questions to consider from the 2 Samuel 21-24 chapter readings. If you are inclined to do so, feel free to share them with the group.
  • Comment by email or on the blog as to which section of David’s song resonated with you the most.
  • Pen your own song of deliverance. Once it has been completed, do what David (and The Sesame Street Cast) did…SING!

Photo Credit: FREERANGE

A Study on the Books of Samuel: 2 Samuel 21-24

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In this final week of study,

  • Pray that the LORD might grant you a clear understanding of His warnings and His wisdom lessons.
  • Read 2 Samuel 21-24.
  • Take notes on the following:
    • The Three-Year Famine
    • The Gibeonites
    • The Seven Descendants
    • The Sparing of Mephibosheth
    • Rizpah
    • Philistine Giants Destroyed
    • David’s Song of Deliverance
    • The Last Words of David
    • Mighty Men of David
    • The Census: Israel and Judah
    • David’s Confession of Sin
    • GOD’s Directive to Gad
    • The Altar on the Threshing Floor

  • Look for A Phone Tree Bible Study Group ACTion Article later this week.

Photo Credit: Frugal Mom and Wife

The Portrait of a Rebel

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A Phone Tree Bible Study Group ACTion Article

Reading Assignment: 2 Samuel 20:1

Personal Reflection ACTion Statement:

The selfish, self-serving rebel, with his unruly heart, his defiant attitude, and his recalcitrant nature, is a far cry from being obedient. He is a narcissist who practices the art of antagonism. He actively entices and provokes, all while seeking to undermine authority. He incites chaos and encourages conflict. However, his plots and schemes will always find him out. His wayward, disorderly behavior all but guarantees a swift race toward the path of destruction. In the spiritual sense, there will be no salvation in the face of his divisive obstinance.

Bible Study Questions to Consider:

1) Considering etymology, what is the Hebrew meaning of the word rebel (in the noun form)?

2) Based on 2 Samuel 20:1, what can be deduced about Sheba?

3) In chapter 20, how and/or why are the people divided?

4) In Biblical terms, what is the usual meaning of the blowing of a trumpet or a horn? Why is the act considered to be significant, as it relates to Sheba?

5) What chain of events transpired following Sheba’s revolt?

6) What was the final outcome of the rebellion?

7) Why is it important to know that order was restored under King David?

Meditative Scripture:

Photo Credit: FreeP!k, BibleHub

A Study on the Books of Samuel: 2 Samuel 20

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This week,

  • Pray the Psalm 27 prayer over your life and over the lives of those who are in your sphere of influence.
  • Read 2 Samuel 20.
  • Take notes on the following:
    • The Life, Rebellion, and Death of Sheba the Benjamite
    • The Men of Israel Versus the Men of Judah
    • The 10 Concubines
    • Amasa, Commander of the King’s Army
    • Abishai (David’s nephew)
    • The Presence and Actions of Joab
    • The Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah
    • King David’s Officials and Their Posts
  • Look for A Phone Tree Bible Study Group ACTion Article later this week.

Photo Credit: ​The Tel Abel Beth Maacah Excavations

Happy New Year!

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Prayers and blessings to you and yours!

May 2026 bring renewal, rejuvenation, restoration, relaxation, and relationship [greater intimacy and connection with the LORD] in all the ways that truly matter.

–

Let us walk into the new year with a refreshed spirit and with a newness of life attitude.

The Many Faces of Grief

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A Phone Tree Bible Study Group ACTion Article

Reading Assignment: 2 Samuel 18:33–19:8

Personal Reflection ACTion Statement:

Grief can sometimes feel like a living organism. It can be so all consuming that it overwhelms a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. It has its own voice, its own rhythm, and its own presence. It manifests itself in facets, affecting behaviors and movements in life. It even holds the power to affect relationships. It wears many faces.

Understanding grief, managing grief, and healing from grief require much. Part of the process includes sensitivity, patience, time, prayer, and intentionality. Further, it might require help. The beneficial source of aid might come by way of counseling or therapy. Ultimately, however, it is the Higher Source – GOD – who can assist best.

1) Who was David grieving?

2) How did David demonstrate his grief?

3) Why was David’s grief so impactful?

4) Who was affected by David’s display of grief?

5) What person spoke to David regarding his grief, and what did he say?

6) How did David respond after he was confronted?

7) What lesson can be learned from studying David and his process of grieving?

Reflective Thinking: Facets of David’s Grief

Create a comparative timeline of David’s 4 major losses: Saul, Jonathan, his infant son, and Absalom. Take notes on how his grieving process evolved. Notice how he was affected by each. Describe how he moved beyond each loss.

The Phone Tree Bible Study Group’s study of 2 Samuel will resume on January 4, 2026.

Artwork Credit: Käthe Kollwitz | Photo Credit: Woman’s Day