Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria - Grace for Living Devotional Thursday August 31, 2023 TOPIC: SOLOMON LOVED THE LORD

 

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria - 

Grace for Living Devotional 

Thursday August 31, 2023

TOPIC: SOLOMON LOVED THE LORD

BIBLE READING:

1 KINGS 3:4-13

4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.  

KEY VERSE:

“And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David.” 1 Kings 3:3  

MEDITATION:

As recorded in today’s bible reading, relishing in the God-given prowess in the demonstration of the wisdom and counsel of the Lord among God’s people, King Solomon displayed a heart filled with love for God, and offered an unprecedented sacrifice of a thousand burnt offerings on the altar at the great high place which attracted the attention of God. The Bible says “Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. This indeed reveals loving is giving; he loved God and he gave unto Him!  

Deuteronomy 19:9 confirms that “If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the Lord thy God, and to walk ever in his ways; then shalt thou add three cities more for thee” When we demonstrate our love and obedience to the statues of God, He adds unto us multiple and diverse blessings beyond our comprehension.  

As demonstrated by the life of Solomon, we are able to learn that truly, giving is the measure of one’s love. Love that does not touch our money, talents and time is short of our sacrifice and commitment. We love God because he loved us (1 John 4:19). He gave us His only begotten Son to prove His love for us (John 3:16). We ought also to love Him (1 John 4:11).  

When have you demonstrated love to someone and it cost you more than you had bargained or could afford?  

PRAYER:

Loving Father, help me to keep your love alive in my heart.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

PSALMS 91-94, 1 CORINTHIANS 6