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Psalm 83
1 Chronicles 29:23-25
2 Chronicles 1:1-13
1 Kings 2:13-3:15

1 Kings 3:5, "At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.'"

Think

Imagine this happens to you: The all-powerful God of the universe comes to you personally and gives you the chance to ask for anything. What an exciting opportunity! Already you may think of the financial security and success you could attain, the illness in the family you'd want to be healed, or even how you might "cheat the system" by asking for additional wishes to be granted.

King Solomon, however, asked for none of those things. He did not treat God as some genie in a bottle to be exploited for personal gain. Instead, he approached God with humility and asked only for a wise and discerning heart to better serve and govern his people. And because his answer was not a selfish desire for wealth or long life, God did what Solomon asked - and gave him those personal benefits he did not ask for.

When we put God first, when we put God's will before personal gain, He will bless us. The more we pour out to God, the more He pours out to us. The blessings we receive will not always be material, but living for the Lord will always result in a deeper and stronger relationship with Him. And that is by far the most valuable blessing we could ever receive!

Pray

Dear Lord, I ask for Your discernment today. Help me put Your will above my own and to serve You with my whole heart. Thank You for Your provision and for all the blessings You have poured out on me. Amen!