May 31 – 1 Kings 3-4

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 1 Kings 3-4. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

When I was in high school we had these monthly youth group nights called Youth After Church a.k.a. YAC. On YAC nights we worked hard to invite our friends because after church we would invade a church member’s home where we would hang out, play games, eat food, and enjoy a devotional time together. On YAC nights at church, before leaving, would typically involve a game we loved to play called boundary breakers. In this cherished game a question would be asked and everyone in the group had to answer the questions. Sometimes the questions were plain crazy and off the wall. Other questions would be more introductory like name, age, and high school. Some questions where deep and caused us to think. I absolutely loved this game and have used it with my own youth groups over the years.

One of the questions asked every few months would be if you were going to be stuck on a deserted island what three items would you take? Another question would often be if you could have three wishes what would they be? Often the responses were funny, off the wall, and even serious. Someone inevitably would always give the response for three more wishes. Let’s have some fun, in the comments what three items would you take to a deserted island or what three wishes would ask for. (By the way needs are met; food, water, and shelter; your items are for pleasure). My deserted island items … My iPad, a satellite connected router, and a solar charging station.

As Solomon begins his reign this is essentially what God request of him. God ask Solomon what he wants and He says he will grant it. What would you ask for … wealth, grownup toys, health, family, notoriety, or victory? Solomon asked for none of that, he asked for Wisdom. Why do you think he asked for wisdom? I think he was already wise, and he knew he was young and over his head. But I also think it is much deeper than that. I believe Solomon asked for what pleased God because his heart was already connected to God. He was already doing his best to worship and serve God as his father David had. His heart was connected to God and that shaped his request.

When our heart beats as God’s heart beats, our request of Him become molded after His heart. Our heart will begin to break where God’s heart breaks. Our heart will rejoice after what makes God’s heart rejoice. This all comes by a continual process of growing closer to him each and every day. So what would be your request?

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