October 9, 2013
More than one person has dreamed of being given a divine blank check. If the God of all possibilities offered anything, the choices would be mind-boggling. And, the temptation to choose selfishly would be tremendous. But, this is no hypothetical situation; it was a very real scenario for an ancient king.
"In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, 'Ask what you wish me to give you.' " (1 Kings 3:5)
I've always chosen to allow a night of sleep before making big decisions (much to the frustration of car salesmen). In Solomon's case, the biggest decision of all came during his sleep. Reasoning out this offer in his dream-like state (verses 6-9), Solomon concluded that discerning wisdom was his greatest need, and thus his request.
Borrowing an analogy from a modern game show, God gave him what was behind door number two and three, as well as door number one:
"Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words ... I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days." (1 Kings 3.11-14)
God's gracious and unexpected offer reminds me of a similar offer made by His Son: "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6.33). Make the main thing the priority, and secondary matters will be supplied.
Without question, our Father is well able to abundantly supply beyond our wildest imagination. The key is to make His priorities our priorities, in order for His abundant resources to follow. So, some challenging questions are before us today: If I partnered with my Father in work that unquestionably has His favor and blessing, what might result? What "kingdom project" that I were to involve myself with would prosper under His guiding hand?
Carefully and prayerfully considering these important questions could very well redirect our lives, and place us at the very center of His most abundant blessings. May we imagine, dream, and commit to greater partnership in kingdom work, and reap His bountiful blessings in so doing.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
"In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, 'Ask what you wish me to give you.' " (1 Kings 3:5)
I've always chosen to allow a night of sleep before making big decisions (much to the frustration of car salesmen). In Solomon's case, the biggest decision of all came during his sleep. Reasoning out this offer in his dream-like state (verses 6-9), Solomon concluded that discerning wisdom was his greatest need, and thus his request.
Borrowing an analogy from a modern game show, God gave him what was behind door number two and three, as well as door number one:
"Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words ... I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days." (1 Kings 3.11-14)
God's gracious and unexpected offer reminds me of a similar offer made by His Son: "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6.33). Make the main thing the priority, and secondary matters will be supplied.
Without question, our Father is well able to abundantly supply beyond our wildest imagination. The key is to make His priorities our priorities, in order for His abundant resources to follow. So, some challenging questions are before us today: If I partnered with my Father in work that unquestionably has His favor and blessing, what might result? What "kingdom project" that I were to involve myself with would prosper under His guiding hand?
Carefully and prayerfully considering these important questions could very well redirect our lives, and place us at the very center of His most abundant blessings. May we imagine, dream, and commit to greater partnership in kingdom work, and reap His bountiful blessings in so doing.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:42 AM
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