Solomon's Highly Honored Prayer - Day 183 Through the Bible

Summer on historic Spruce Pine's Upper Street - near Mt. Celo Church

My Lessons and Applications from Today's Readings

The Highly Honored Prayer - 2 Chronicles 1 and 2 - David, the man after God's own heart, the great king, the sweet psalmist of Israel is dead.  God has chosen Solomon (not the eldest son of David!) to reign in his father's place.  King Solomon goes before the LORD in prayer with all the leaders of Israel to offer a thousand burnt offerings (scroll down to see what "Olah" signified).  God appears to Solomon that night and says, "Ask!  What shall I give you?"  And what follows is one of the great prayers of the Bible...from a humble man exalted by God who realizes his own inadequacies for the task ahead...who knows God personally...not just "my father's God, or King David's God, or even the God of Israel, but "my God."  Solomon answers, "Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?"  God honors this prayer mightily. Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”

My Lessons and Applications - We have learned in our study through the Bible that God sees and honors the intent - the heart - of a person - not just the words that are spoken.  He also honors humility before Him, dependence upon Him, a prayer offered to Him in thankfulness with our requests and petitions.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  Philippians 4:6  And, He honors the prayer that is for His kingdom, His people, His work - that glorifies Him.  We are, also, told to ask God.  (Jesus said),  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” What is my request of God?  Is it in alignment with His will, for His glory?  Do I ask with thanksgiving?  I especially loved Solomon's comment to King Hiram of Tyre when asking for help with skilled craftsmen and the highest quality wood,  "And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build Him a temple, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a temple, except to burn sacrifice before Him?  The only thing I can really do for God is worship Him, obey Him, thank Him, give all glory to Him.

From Evangelism to Discipleship to Missions - Acts 11 - The first reaction of the Jewish believers to Peter's acceptance of Gentile believers was contention.  "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!"  Peter took time to explain to them from the beginning his thrice-repeated vision regarding acceptance of unclean foods...how he observed it intently...considered it...even argued with God about it...the simultaneous appearance of the men to take him to the Gentile house of Cornelius, who had also had a angelic vision and command to call Peter to his house...of how the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles there just as it had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost...that he remembered the word of the Lord, "John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.  If God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" The second reaction of the Jewish believers was to glorify God for "granting the Gentiles also repentance to life."  The gospel was now spreading through the dispersion of believers at the martyrdom of Stephen.  There were believers in Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch.  Barnabas brought Saul (Paul) to Antioch.  "So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people.  And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."  Agabus stood up there and prophesied a world-wide famine.  "Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea."

My Lessons and Applications - Our work does not and must not end with evangelism.  New believers must be discipled through the Ministry of the Word and encouraged in daily, personal study and prayer to know the will of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit in mission outreach for God's kingdom work.

How Can I Gain Wisdom From God? (Dr. Charles Stanley - Life Principle's Daily Bible)  "1) Seek Him...ask Him...take time to pray...listen for God's still, small voice.  2) Meditate on God's Word...get His mind and heart...let God guide you through His Word.  3) Obey the principles of Scripture...set your heart on obeying God...He will teach you how to apply His truth in your life...Then you will know the way of wisdom. 4) Observe the faithfulness of God...He never fails to keep His promises...claim His promises as you read His Word.  5) Heed godly counsel...use a pastor or trusted Christian friend to help you see beyond your weaknesses...don't hesitate to share your needs and fears with those who love the Lord and you.  6) Associate with wise people...choose your friends wisely...include God in every relationship...you will establish a strong, godly base from which you can make wise decisions."