Wisdom

Saturday, ‎April ‎29, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith....—1 Peter 5:8-9

Memory of the Month: John 10:27-28

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Today's reading: 1 KINGS 6-7 LUKE 20:27-47

Wisdom

As Solomon took over the throne of his father, David, he prayed these words,

9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:1-15

Our Eternal God was pleased and said to Solomon,

“Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 1 Kings 3

What do you think people ask God for the most? You just read it. They ask for health and wealth-long life and wealth.

God wants our desires to be centered on what really matters. Solomon said he wanted to discern the difference between right and wrong.

With all that is happening in our country and world today, what do you think is most important? There is plenty of wealth to go around but the greed of the world keeps it from all people. The rich get richer and the poor-you know how it goes. We can see that this is wrong. But what goes on in our own hearts?

We throw the word narcissist around like it does not pertain to us. Here is the definition:

"mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others."

Before you say that sounds like 90% of our government, look in the mirror. It is a problem when we put names on sin and call it a mental disorder(and, yes, I know that it has to be done because this mental disorder exists). The folks who are really sick are singled out and the rest of us act as if we have no problem with it.

Medical science makes a distinction between the people who have 'Narcissistic personality disorder' and the rest of us-yes, the rest of us.

If you are conscious of yourself and your own needs, and we all are, you and I are narcissistic. Some have learned to cope well and put others before self but even those still have personal desires that they will see met if possible. It is a natural human thing.

It is sin when we are not led by the spirit. It is sin when the needs of others are overshadowed by our own needs.

2 Timothy 3 :2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Most will say immediately, "I am not that bad...". No, probably not. But the first word in that statement is "I". Self defense is a narcissistic trait and we all have it.

Don't stop reading yet, please. Solomon prayed for wisdom to judge because he wanted to not fail. He had a desire to be the best judge over his country that he could be. He asked to know right from wrong.

He pleased God with this request. Why? God saw in him a heart that wanted to be the best man he could be for the people-not for just himself. So, God gave him wisdom and also health and wealth.

What happened then is rather deep narcissism. He had over 900 women... and tried to please them all.

Back to us...the desire to know right from wrong must stay alive in us. Our prayers for this wisdom must be daily. Why? Solomon got into trouble because he was consumed by the world around him and how he could look powerful and show off his wisdom and prowess. If we get our eyes off God and on self, we go the same way. Sin blinds us.

We must pray to discern right and wrong in our own lives first. We must continually walk before our God in humility and never elevate ourselves before others. We must learn from Solomon's mistakes.

Micah 6:8

8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

We must pray for wisdom and follow the will of God for our lives:

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

...and love...37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-40

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Teach me Your wisdom and keep my eyes on You and off me. I confess that I am always being consumed with my stuff.

Have mercy on me.

Loving and forgiving God!

In the name of Jesus,

Amen