2 Chronicles 8; 1 Kings 9 A Promise and a Warning

God had blessed Solomon in so many ways. God blessed him with men to build the temple and other buildings. God also gave him riches to pay for all the construction work as well as a friendly neighbor who assisted by sending workmen who were gifted to help. After many years,the project was finished and again God came to Solomon with a promise and a warning. He promised that if he, Solomon as well as his legacy honored God above all other gods, He would bless them and all the nations around would bless them as well. In the middle of his speaking to Solomon is a dire warning! Stay true and I will bless. Walk away and honor other gods and I will bring the other nations to ridicule you and remove you and your riches to another land. 

That principle applies to us as well. If we want God to bless our families and our nation, we must honor and serve God only. If we turn our hearts to other gods, He will bring that same ridicule upon us. History proves the truth of that principle as later Israel was taken captive to Babylon and the temple was destroyed.  Presently we see that principle in our own nation and in our own families. 

There is one redeeming promise here; if we turn to God and pray He will return to us His blessings.