Saturday Reading: 1 Kings 3:5-10
Key Verse: 1 Kings 3:10
10 And the word was good in the eyes of Jehovah, that Solomon had asked this thing.
Devotion:
What sort of things do you ask God for and what sort of response do you expect? Christ has told us that whatever we ask for in His name He will give to us but before you go asking to win the lottery, think about what you are actually asking God to do. When God asked Solomon what he would desire Solomon’s response was one which came from his heart, not one that he needed to get himself out of a bind or one to make himself more comfortable but rather a request to make him a better person for God’s children. Note that Solomon did not ask for wisdom so that he could be wise but rather so that he could rule as king in a way that would please God.
How many of our prayers are selfish prayers, asking thing for ourselves rather than for others. When Christ reminded us that whatever we do to others we do to Him it was a reminder that we need to know what we should be asking for as well. When we lift up our prayers to Him we are exercising a right given to us by Christ. How better to use that right than to ask for things for His people. We don’t all have to ask to be good kings nor good citizens but rather that we may be used for God’s glory. What better witness than to show love to others in the same manner as Christ showed love to us?
God wants us to have a good life and to be blessed with the things that He does for and to us. He wants us to know that He is in charge and that He is in control. If we go asking things for ourselves we will pretty quickly forget who it was that gave us those things as we rest in the luxury that He is able to provide. Instead of resting in those blessings rather use them to bless others with. Instead of taking everything, try giving. Instead of complaining about a lack of wisdom, show people wisdom that they too may learn... Show them Christ!
Points to Ponder:
What gifts has God given you?
Are using His gifts to the best advantage?
