What instructions did David give Solomon before David died? “I am going the way of all the earth; be strong and show yourself a man. Keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and following His laws, His commandments, His rules, and His admonitions as recorded in the Teaching of Moses, in order that you may succeed in whatever you undertake and wherever you turn.” 1 Kings 2:2, 3 David told his son Solomon that true success comes from walking in God’s ways, following His laws, His commandments, His rules, and His admonitions. The same is true for us today. If we apply the advice David gave to Solomon in our lives, we can claim the promise of success. It is interesting that David, a man after God’s own heart, equated being “strong and showing yourself as a man,” with following God and keeping His commandments. Real men follow God and keep His commandments. This is the formula for success in life. When Solomon was about to become King, what did he ask of God, showing His devotion to his people? The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream… “Ask, what shall I grant you?” Solomon said...An understanding mind to judge Your people, to distinguish between good and bad. 1 Kings 3:5, 6, 9 The burden of Solomon’s heart was to be able to help the people and do right before God. What would you ask for if God, who rules the universe and owns everything and is all powerful, asked you what you want? What a noble gesture that Solomon would ask first for wisdom to help other people and the ability to tell right from wrong. Solomon did not rely on his own wisdom. Instead he asked God to give him discernment and an understanding mind. True wisdom, understanding, and discernment come as a gift from God. Since this gift comes only from Elohim it is important for us to pray for it before we read the Bible, this book, or any book, or do anything. How did God respond to Solomon’s unselfish request? The LORD was pleased...And God said to him, “Because you asked for this—you did not ask for long life, you did not ask for riches, you did not ask for the life of your enemies, but you asked for discernment in dispensing justice—I now do as you have spoken. I grant you a wise and discerning mind; there has never been anyone like you before, nor will anyone like you arise again. And I also grant you what you did not ask for—both riches and glory all your life—the like of which no king has ever had. And I will further grant you long life, if you will walk in My ways and observe My laws and commandments.” 1 Kings 3:10-14 If we put God and others first God will be pleased and will more than take care of us. “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.”
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 09:01:17 +0000