A life of grace

Thursday July 29, 2021

A life of grace

Searching the Scriptures

When he heard Solomon's words, Hiram was overjoyed and said : Blessed be the Lord this day, who gave David a wise son to become the head of this people ! And he answered Solomon : I have heard what you sent me to say. I'll do whatever you want about the cedars and cypresses. 1 Kings 5:21-22

Shortly after his accession to the throne, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said to him : "Ask for what you want me to give you." Recognizing that he was "just a young man", he asked for "an understanding heart to judge your people, to discern good from evil." It pleased God, who promised to give him "a wise and understanding heart" so that no one would ever be like him (1 Kings 3:5-15).

One of the first opportunities to apply this wisdom came to him in his relationship with Hiram, king of Tire, who "had always loved David." When Solomon asked for his help in building the Temple, Hiram "had great joy" and agreed to do whatever he asked for. Why ? Because God had given him grace.

God wants to offer this type of favor to each of us. Solomon himself wrote : "When the Lord approves the ways of a man, he disposes even his enemies to make peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7).

Today, do you want the grace of God in your life ? God is ready to grant it to you : at work, in church, in your family and relationships, and even with your adversaries. How ? Humble yourself before God. Submit your life to him. Ask him for wisdom. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Walk in integrity and may your ways be agreeable to him. Then you will see that he will do you amazing favor in whatever you do.

Listen to the voice of God

Let’s take the time to listen to what God means. He is ready to bestow his grace on you in all areas of your life.

Praying is easy. Talk to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example prayer : "Father, please grant me your wisdom and your discernment. Help me to walk in integrity and please you in all that I do."

Praise God

To praise God is to show him our gratitude. What are your subjects of recognition today ? Take a time to thank the Lord.

Act today

Now dig deeper into what you have received. What can you do to apply what God has told you ? Write down the concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our route for the day ends. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Father, I thank you for your grace in my life. I praise you and give you glory. Yours be the kingdom, the power and the glory, amen !"

John Roos

Source (The Thought of the Day)