MOVING FORWARD IN HOPE: February 10, 2013

...God appeared to Solomon in a dream: God said, "What can I give you? Ask."

"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?" God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for--I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for--there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:5, 9-14, MSG).

Living God:

Thank you for being real and eternal! I bow before You to offer my praise and worship.

Forgive me, O God, for my sins. Lately, I have allowed disappointment and frustration to overthrow my joy, hope and peace. Cleanse my heart and filter out anything that is not like You. Pour the fruit of the Spirit into my heart; satisfy me with more of You!

Lord, I ask that you help me govern myself according to Your statutes. Let my lifestyle demonstrate an undying love for You. Give me an optimistic perspective that will sustain me as I wait for my wins. Give me the strength to combat "arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of" You, and help me "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). Increase my discernment, enhancing my ability to decipher what is good and evil. (1 Kings 3:9, MSG). May my commitment to You overthrow the temptation of sin.

This year, I desire to move forward in hope. Instill within me an unwavering confidence in Your promises. Let my actions be proactive and purposeful, being totally obedient to You, following the life path You have cleared, alert and attentive to everything You have made plain this day. (1 Kings 8:61, MSG).

As I move forward in hope, remind me daily that You, my God who has called me into fellowship with Your Son Jesus Christ my Lord, are faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:9, NIV).

In the name of Jesus...AMEN.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. (Psalm 145:13, 16, NIV).