TEXT: ‘The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” …. Give to your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil’ – 1 Kings 3:5 & 9 THOUGHT: Today’s generation is not slow when it comes to asking, particularly in the run up to Christmas (now less than 150 days away!). Clever, manipulative, in your face advertising creates millions of reasons to spend your money. If they are not careful, parents can all too easily over-spend in an effort to satisfy their children’s wish list! It is amazing in a world where so many have so much that thankfulness and contentment are so often the missing ingredients. How thoroughly selfish society has become! Today’s Teaching focuses on how King Solomon’s life changed dramatically after God appeared to him in a dream and challenged him to ask for whatever he wanted, (read 1 Kings 3:5-15 for the full account). The Book of James states, ‘You do not have because you do not ask’ – 4:2. Jesus responded countless times to people asking Him for help, resulting in miraculous healings and deliverances from satanic influences. They all had a pressing need when...
Learn More
TEXT: ‘When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him,”You are not far from the kingdom of God”’ – Mark 12:34 THOUGHT: One of the greatest mistakes a Christian can make is to encourage interested non-believers that they are not far from the kingdom of God. They use phrases like: keep on praying; it took me a long time too; God will reveal Himself to you soon. The truth is, God has commanded all men, everywhere to repent, in order that they may be saved. So all a person can and must do is “Repent”. Feelings do not need to come into it and in fact are usually a distraction and misleading. Obedience is the key. By faith a person obeys God’s command and the reward for doing that is very clear – forgiveness of all sins and the gift of eternal life! The Bible urges, ‘Right now God is ready to welcome you. Today he is ready to save you’ – 2 Corinthians 6:2 Living Bible. So why was it such an encouragement for Jesus to tell this scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God”? As we consider the context (see Mark 12:28-34), it will become apparent and an example for us too....
Learn More
Recent Comments