Friday Devotional 12/09/2011 "What would you wish for?

[BOFF]

Thought this was appropriate, as often during Christmas, there are wish lists, all around us. Taken from Our Daily Bread, written by David H. Roper:


I've been told that "three-wish stories" occur in almost every culture, all following a similar theme: A benefactor appears and offers to grant three wishes to an unsuspecting beneficiary. The fact that the stories so often occur suggests we all want something we cannot get on our own.

There's even a "wish story" in the Bible. It happened one night when the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said to him, "Ask! What shall I give you?" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon could have asked for anything—riches, honor, fame, or power. But he asked for none of these things. He requested "an understanding heart" (v.9), or a "hearing heart," a humble heart to listen and learn from God's Word. The young, inexperienced king, weighed down with the responsibilities of ruling a vast nation, needed the Lord's wisdom to govern well.

Am I that wise? If God spoke to me directly and asked what He could do for me, what would I ask for? Would I ask for health, wealth, youth, power, or prestige? Or would I ask for wisdom, holiness, and love? Would I be wise or foolish?

Suppose God asked you what He could give to you. What would you ask for?



True wisdom is in leaning
On Jesus Christ, our Lord;
True wisdom is in trusting
His own life-giving Word. —Anon.

God's wisdom is given to those who humbly ask Him for it.









Heavenly Father, help us to stay focused on you. May not only our wishes and desires be pleasing to you, but our actions as well. For it is in Jesus' name we ask and claim these things, Amen!!



God Bless,
David B.

[Eric Gregg]

It would be tempting to ask for something like healing. My wife and I are trying to have a baby, and have not been able to. We are spending a lot of money on doctor visits and procedures, and insurance doesn't cover one penny.
I would probably have to fight back the urge to ask for God to heal us so that we could have children and that I wouldn't have to see my wife's dissapointment when another month goes by and no good news.

I am grateful for what I have and what God has already given me. It is hard, however, when you have a genuine desire to push that aside and go after what is really important. I have told my wife, whether or not we have children, God still is worthy of my worship and service regardless. I hope I didn't share to much personal info here, but I am an associate pastor and still believe that God answers prayer, even when I am still waiting on my answer. That is hard, but God is great and I already have what I would probably ask for, and that is a fellowship with Him.

[BOFF]

It would be tempting to ask for something like healing. My wife and I are trying to have a baby, and have not been able to. We are spending a lot of money on doctor visits and procedures, and insurance doesn't cover one penny.
I would probably have to fight back the urge to ask for God to heal us so that we could have children and that I wouldn't have to see my wife's dissapointment when another month goes by and no good news.

I am grateful for what I have and what God has already given me. It is hard, however, when you have a genuine desire to push that aside and go after what is really important. I have told my wife, whether or not we have children, God still is worthy of my worship and service regardless. I hope I didn't share to much personal info here, but I am an associate pastor and still believe that God answers prayer, even when I am still waiting on my answer. That is hard, but God is great and I already have what I would probably ask for, and that is a fellowship with Him.

Heavenly Father,

I thank you for my brother, and his faithfulness to you.

Forgive me of my selfishness, anger, lack of desire, and unfaithfulness here lately in searching your face, each and every day. Hear my plea, as I lift up my brother and his wife to you. Let your Holy hands be upon them, and let your touch be felt through comfort, peace, and healing.

Help them to be fertile, fruitful, and to grow strong children in your ways. May your Holy Spirit work through those overseeing their care, or though your miraculous works. Let your will be done, and may it be for children in their lives.

Not for our glory, but for yours, our sweet Savior Jesus.

For it is in your name we ask, and claim these things, Amen!!




God Bless,
David B.

[Eric Gregg]

Thanks for the prayer.

[Duke0002]

Thank you, David.   Thank you, also, for your prayer for TeocTom and his wive.  May the hand of God's grace continue to distribute His blessings upon them, as they serve the Lord of Glory.