If you could ask God for anything ∙∙

If you could ask God for anything ∙∙

God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” – 2 Chronicles 1:7

Psalms 119:96-100

96 Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit.
97 Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I always think of your laws.
100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.

Many of us know the story of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, famously retold by Walt Disney Pictures in 2019. It’s the tale of a poor street boy who stumbles upon a magical lamp. When he rubs the lamp, a genie emerges, offering to grant him three wishes. A world of possibilities suddenly opens for Aladdin.

We recognize this as a fairytale—there are no magic lamps or genies in real life. Yet, there is a Father in heaven, the living God. Unlike the genie of legend, He engages with His people in profound and personal ways, responding to prayers and sometimes revealing Himself through dreams, visions, or even directly in person. At the start of Solomon’s reign, the Father appeared in a dream (1 Kings 3:5) and gave him an incredible opportunity. He essentially asked him to “make a wish.”

The Father initiated a personal dialogue with Solomon, asking a straightforward yet life-changing question, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” (2 Chronicles 1:7). This moment feels reminiscent of the fabled genie’s offer in the story of Aladdin. Notably, Solomon’s request reveals his character and the priorities of his heart. His decision was a valuable example for us to emulate.

2 Chronicles 1:7-10 highlights this interaction:

7 God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
10 “Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”

What can the children of the King learn from Solomon? How can we continually grow in wisdom and consistently make excellent decisions? Solomon teaches us that when we pursue righteousness and nurture wisdom, God often blesses us in extraordinary ways. Solomon’s choices were guided by the desire to lead with understanding, and his example serves as a powerful model for us to emulate.
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 records God’s response to Solomon’s request:

11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people properly.”
12 “I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”

What is wisdom? It is a unique and fascinating concept, yet simultaneously, it is somewhat of an oddity. On one hand, wisdom is a divine gift that God has freely bestowed on many throughout history. On the other hand, wisdom is also a skill that can be developed and refined over time.

The Hebrew word translated as wisdom is chokma. Chokma can be understood as “skill for living.” It is the ability to apply knowledge in a thoughtful, discerning, and practical way. Wisdom reflects seeing life through God’s eyes—understanding situations from His perspective. The Father, being all-knowing and omnipresent, comprehends all things perfectly.

Wisdom is the extraordinary capacity to understand, discern, and make sound decisions instinctively. It provides deep insight into human thoughts, feelings, and motives (John 2:24-25). When wisdom takes root in someone’s heart and mind, it fosters discernment, sharp judgment, shrewdness, and the practical ability to act sagaciously and thoughtfully in various situations.

God’s wisdom is hidden from much of the world, but He is eager to reveal it to His children. He delights in sharing it with anyone who seeks Him wholeheartedly.

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 51:6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being and want me to possess wisdom.

Father, I long to grow in wisdom. Help me spend meaningful time in Your Word, nurture wisdom in my life, and make wiser choices as I walk through this world.

INSIGHT

The best news is that anyone can grow in wisdom—no matter their starting point, whether simple, naïve, slow, average, or quite limited. God delights in giving wisdom to the humble (Psalm 19:7). Wisdom is available to all who seek it as long as they open their hearts and minds to the Word of God. The path to wisdom begins with forming a genuine relationship with the living God and applying His truth in everyday life.

King David serves as a prime illustration of a person who pursued and gained wisdom.

Psalms 119:99 I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.

Where did David’s wisdom originate? It certainly wasn’t from conversing with sheep. Sheep aren’t known for their engaging dialogues and have a minimal vocabulary. During the countless hours David spent alone tending his flock, he filled the solitude with the presence of God. He devoted himself to studying God’s Word, memorizing it, and treasuring it deeply within his heart, committing it to memory, locking it forever within his heart.

Psalms 119:11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

Psalms 119:100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your precepts.

David clearly possessed an exceptional mind, but his wisdom did not stem from intellect alone. His extraordinary discernment and decision-making flowed from his commitment to God’s Word. Day and night, he meditated on the scriptures, internalizing their truths. This devotion made David wiser than his teachers and elders. His life was a testament to how faith, knowledge of God’s Word, and lived experience combined to form a deep, profound understanding. He had extraordinary tolerance for the ambiguities and uncertainties of life. David consistently demonstrated resilience and courage, facing life’s uncertainties with faith and clarity. Over decades, he overcame trials and emerged stronger, not merely surviving but thriving.

Every child of God has access to the vast, inexhaustible source of divine wisdom. However, the level of wisdom we achieve depends on how we choose to spend our time. It is up to us to draw from this well of knowledge and shape our lives in alignment with God’s truth. We determine how we utilize our time and allocate our hours. Only we can choose for ourselves how much time we spend reading, meditating upon, and memorizing the word of God.

Ecclesiastes 7:25 I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness.

In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified. Wisdom seeks us to make us wise.

Proverbs 1:20-25

20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?”
23 “Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.”
24 “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. “
25 “You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered.”

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand” (Albert Einstein). An intelligent man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from others’ mistakes. What does a fool learn from his mistakes?

If you could ask God for anything, what would it be?

Imagine for a moment what your life could be like if you memorized and internalized His eternal Word of God.

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© Dr. H 2024

Choose life ∙

Choose life ∙

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life so that you and your descendants might live! – Deuteronomy 30:19

Isaiah 5:20-25

20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light, and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
21 What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.

24 Therefore, just as fire licks up stubble and dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will rot and their flowers wither. For they have rejected the law of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies; they have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 That is why the LORD’s anger burns against his people, and why he has raised his fist to crush them. The mountains tremble, and the corpses of his people litter the streets like garbage. But even then, the LORD’s anger is not satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike!

The 9/11 attacks were shocking, but they should not have caught anyone off guard. Islamist extremists had long made it clear they intended to kill large numbers of Americans indiscriminately.

According to the 9/11 Commission’s Final Report, “The most important failure was one of imagination. We do not believe leaders understood the gravity of the threat” (911commission.gov/report). They had somehow lost the ability to conceive of pure evil. Many Americans who embrace the goodness in people have become “evil skeptics.”

What steps can be taken? The 9/11 Commission Final Report recommended that to prepare and protect against such threats and attacks; we must recognize the malicious intent of pure evil.

Broadly speaking, evil—including moral wrongdoing—is often explored in theological discussions, such as the problem of evil (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). The conversation surrounding pure evil and absolute good moves beyond the philosophical to the theological. When the existence of God is denied, so is the reality of pure evil. History demonstrates that labeling others as “evil” can be misused to justify harm; however, this risk does not negate the validity of the concept itself.

For those who stand on the truth of God’s Word, there is no compromise in the belief in absolute good and evil. Evil exists in this broken world, and there are those committed to working against God’s purposes, especially against the children of the King.

1 Kings 21:25 serves as a stark reminder of how evil can take root and thrive in a fallen world. “No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife, Jezebel.”

REFLECT & PRAY

“The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine” (Sun Tzu).

Father, we live in an age where good has been considered evil, and evil has been considered good, and what is evil is celebrated as good. Help us to stand firmly for righteousness, truth, and life.

INSIGHT

Evil and injustice strike deeply at the heart of the Father. He does not remain neutral or passive in the face of such things.

Isaiah 5:24-25

24 For they have rejected the law of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies; they have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 That is why the LORD’s anger burns against his people and why he has raised his fist to crush them. The mountains tremble, and the corpses of his people litter the streets like garbage. But even then, the LORD’s anger is not satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike!

However, the Father does not always act immediately, and the consequences are often disastrous collateral damage.

Ecclesiastes 8:11 When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.

When the scales of justice tip too slowly—or worse, not at all—the result is often an even darker wave of evil. Timely action is crucial; without it, we risk letting wrongdoing fester and grow.

Ecclesiastes 8:11 reminds us, “When punishment for a crime is delayed, people feel free to act wickedly.”
This verse warns us that delayed justice doesn’t just fail to deter wrongdoing—it actually feeds the cycle of evil.

If evil acts were punished immediately, people would be discouraged from committing wrongdoing. However, with justice moving so slowly, some feel they can get away with even the most heinous crimes—both in a literal and figurative sense (Ryken). It gets worse when this mindset shifts from individuals to groups. Groupthink emerges as a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony or conformity within a group leads to irrational or harmful decisions. This collective mindset reinforces an individual’s confirmation bias.

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out or interpret information that aligns with existing beliefs. Typically unconscious, this skewed way of processing information is often irrational and one-sided.

When people lose faith in God, they lose sight of why life holds value. Without that foundation, they drift from righteous living and allow their hearts to turn toward evil (Ryken).

Revelation 19:6-16

6 Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war.

14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.
15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.
16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of kings and Lord of all lords.

Isaiah 5:20-21

20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light, and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
21 What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.

Every child of the King is called upon to stand against evil. We are to choose life and not death. We are to choose to do good and not evil. We are encouraged to embrace life in all its vibrant beauty, steering clear of the shadows that lead to despair. We must actively choose the path of goodness, embracing kindness and compassion while firmly rejecting the allure of wrongdoing.

Deuteronomy 30:19 I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. . .. Oh, that you would choose life . . .!

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© Dr. H 2024

Bible glitchers ∙

Bible glitchers ∙

The Scripture cannot be broken. – John 10:35

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

“Barbie” is a 2023 American fantasy comedy film that was released on July 21, 2023. Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) deliver standout performances in this imaginative and vibrant movie. The film masterfully combines lightheartedness, humor, creativity, pure fun, and dazzling visuals. It also ventures into some unexpected serious themes reflecting the human condition.

Set in the whimsical world of Barbieland, the story follows a spirited Barbie doll whose seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected twist in her fairy tale life. Struggling with intrusive thoughts about mortality, Barbie begins to question her world and existence. Described as “glitching in a bout of existentialism,” her internal conflict is poignantly underscored by Billie Eilish’s soulful and evocative song, “What Was I Made For?” Ousted for failing to meet idealized expectations, Barbie finds herself expelled from her own world.

Her journey leads her to the real world, where she begins an adventure brimming with self-discovery and introspection. Barbie ultimately concludes that true perfection lies within and that genuine happiness comes from belief in oneself and acceptance.

But what exactly does “glitching” mean? The term “glitch” originated in the early days of computing and technology. It was first popularized by astronaut John Glenn during the 1962 Friendship 7 mission, when he reported irregularities in the spacecraft’s systems, saying, “I think I just had a glitch.” Back then, it referred to a sudden, temporary malfunction in a system. Over time, the term expanded to describe minor errors in programs or devices.

In gaming, glitching specifically refers to exploiting bugs or flaws within video games. Players who engage in this practice are often called “glitchers.” Much like the malfunctions in technology, Barbie’s “glitch” serves as a metaphor for her existential struggle, offering a playful yet meaningful reflection on finding inner peace amidst imperfection.

Over time, the term “glitch” has expanded beyond its original technical roots to describe any unexpected issues, problems, errors, abnormalities, or imperfections.

Barbie, the fictional “ideal” young woman first introduced by Mattel in 1959, is portrayed as flawed and imperfect, a departure from the idealized image she represents.

Similarly, some people view the Scriptures as flawed or containing errors. These individuals might be called “biblical glitchers,” searching the Bible for inconsistencies or mistakes.

However, the traditional theological view holds that the Scriptures are inerrant. This means they are free from error or contradiction in their original manuscripts. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It provides accurate information in matters it touches upon, including history, science, and theology.

Biblical criticism, on the other hand, rejects biblical inerrancy. It assumes that the Bible is errant and not a dependable source of knowledge or truth.

Which perspective is correct? Let the Scriptures speak for themselves, and make your own decision.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Scriptures don’t need defending; they simply need to be shared. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Bible is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose, and it will defend itself.”

Father, we thank You for giving us Your inerrant Word, making it a trustworthy source of absolute truth and a guide for living.

INSIGHT

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

The Greek word translated as “inspired by God” or “God-breathed” is theopneustos. Theopneustos combines two Greek words: theos (God) and pneustos (breathed), derived from pnein, meaning “to breathe.” The compound word means “God-breathed.” The Scriptures are God-breathed; hence, divinely inspired or inspired by God.

The term “inspired” means that God “breathed out” the Bible from Himself. The Scriptures are the product of God. He is the source behind their creation. While human authors wrote the words, God is the supernatural author behind them. He breathed it; writers wrote what they received. The word of God was inspired, not the writers of Scripture.

John 17:17 Your word is truth.

The Lord Jesus Christ refers to the Scriptures as God’s Word, originating from God Himself. They are not human opinions or philosophical musings but contain absolute and objective truth. They are unchanging, authoritative, and inerrant in all matters that they address. Because of this, they are trustworthy and provide a solid foundation for life and faith.

John 10:35 The Scriptures cannot be broken.

The Lord Jesus Christ emphasizes the unbreakable and infallible nature of the Scriptures, specifically the Old Testament. They are reliable, trustworthy, and stand the test of time. They’re not subject to human whims or interpretations.

Matthew 5:18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

The Father has a grand and comprehensive plan for redemption. Nothing can prevent His plan from being actualized. Every detail of His Word will be fulfilled, and nothing can stop it. It will be fulfilled; nothing can prevent it. God’s Word is unchanging and reliable.

1 Peter 1:10-11

10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,
11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

The prophets prophesied about the coming of the Messiah. They were not the source of the words that they spoke. Instead, the Spirit of Christ worked within them and produced the prophecies.

The prophets carefully examined their own prophecies, trying to understand their meaning. Yet they were often puzzled, as these prophecies revealed a Messiah who would be both a suffering servant who would die and a glorious King who would reign over the kingdom of God on earth. How is that possible? They could not fully grasp how these two roles could coexist.

2 Peter 1:20-21

20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,
21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

The prophets didn’t speak from their own understanding or initiative. Instead, they were guided and carried along by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was the guiding force that moved the writers to create the Scriptures. God Himself is the ultimate authority and source of all that was written.

This process can be compared to how the wind fills a sailboat’s sails and steers it forward. Similarly, God directed and “carried” the human authors as they wrote His Word.

While some critics argue that the Bible contains historical inaccuracies, archaeology has provided significant evidence supporting its reliability. Although archaeology cannot definitively “prove” the Bible, its findings consistently affirm the Bible’s historical accuracy.

Renowned archaeologist Nelson Glueck once said, “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made, which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of Biblical description has often led to amazing discoveries.”

The Bible is indeed like a lion. It has roared and declared for all eternity that it is the infallible, inerrant Word of the living God.

Pause and consider yourself. Your conclusion determines the trajectory of your life.

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© Dr. H 2024

Confidence from within ∙

Confidence from within ∙

The Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”- Acts 23:11

Acts 9:10-17

10 Now, there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.
12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”

15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.
16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Does it sometimes seem like everyone around you is confident and sure of themselves? Chances are, they have doubts, just like you. So what’s the secret they’ve discovered about how to be confident? They know that confidence is not something you have, it’s something you create.

Being confident is nothing more than a feeling of certainty that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. Confidence comes from within. You can find ways to believe in yourself.

Creating confidence is not about knowing it all; it’s about trusting that no matter what happens in a particular situation, you’ll be able to handle it and learn from the outcome.

You must change your perspective and mindset and choose to be confident. Part of achieving this is believing—building certainty—that you are confident. It is all about becoming the master of your emotions (Tony Robbins).

Children of the King are encouraged to be confident. However, their confidence is not merely in themselves but rather in the character and promises of the Father.

Paul had the privilege and honor of hearing directly from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ on several occasions. He had absolute confidence in what he was told, and as a result, he passionately carried out his calling in complete faith.

He sets the high bar for the rest of us. However, any child of the King can seek to emulate him.

1 Corinthians 11:1 You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

REFLECT & PRAY

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Father, thank You for speaking truthfully and for having eternal plans for each child of the King. Thank You that I can have complete confidence that what You have promised, You will also perform.

INSIGHT

The apostle Paul was called for a specific mission to share the Good News with the Gentile world and the Nation of Israel.

Acts 9:15-16

15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”
16 “And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

He was also tasked to share the Good News in Rome.

Acts 23:11 The Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

The Father determined that Paul would go to Rome and present the gospel. Because the Father shared His plan, Paul had complete confidence that the Father would preserve him no matter what happened so that he might accomplish his mission. The Father had provided additional revelation to Paul via an angel. When the life-threatening storm occurred, as recorded in Acts 27, Paul had complete confidence that he would be preserved along with all of the crew members if they followed his advice.

Acts 27:18-44

18 The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard.
20 The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.
21 No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss.
22 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.

23 For last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me,
24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God, in his goodness, has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’
25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.
26 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”

31 But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.”

41 But they hit a shoal and ran the ship aground too soon. The bow of the ship stuck fast, while the force of the waves repeatedly smashed the stern and began to break apart.
42 The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape.
43 But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land.
44 The others held on to planks or debris from the broken ship, so everyone escaped safely to shore.

What was the source of Paul’s confidence? He believed that what the Father had spoken would undoubtedly come to pass. By faith, he knew he would make it safely to Rome.

Acts 27:25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.

The Greek word translated as “take courage” or “be encouraged” is euthumeo. Euthumeo means to be inspired with confidence, given hope, or courage. It also means to take courage or be of good cheer.

In the movie Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell knows that it is the Father’s strength that surges within him. The Father’s power gives Eric his supernatural drive, will, and the force to win against seemingly impossible odds. Liddell triumphs by tapping into the reservoir of the Father’s great strength, which courses within and bursts forth as needed.

His motivation and driving force are summed up in one statement, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Sadly, many children of the King are confused about the Father’s role in our lives. He does not exist to serve us. We exist to serve the Father. Everything about us has been designed by the Father to equip us for the work He preordained long before our birth. The Father created us for His purposes. He has equipped every child of the King to serve Him in some fashion. He has a unique desire for each of us. We serve at His pleasure (Stanley).

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© Dr. H 2024

Being in the way ∙∙

Being in the way ∙∙

Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who has not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren. – Genesis 24:27- KJV

Genesis 24:4-27

4 [Abraham said] go to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac
7 For the LORD, the God of heaven . . . will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son.

12 “O LORD, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.
14 This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ – let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”

15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out . . .
17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”
18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink.
19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.”

26 The man bowed low and worshiped the LORD.
27 “Praise the LORD, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The LORD has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”

Life was once relatively simple, but as we moved into the latter part of the 20th century and now into the whirlwind of the future-shocked 21st century, it has become almost overwhelmingly complex.

The Getting Things Done (GTD) system offers a method to organize and boost productivity amidst this chaos. GTD simplifies the process of managing to-dos, priorities, and schedules, making them more manageable. It helps you clearly see your obligations and decide what to tackle next. Transferring your tasks from your mind to a structured format frees you from mental clutter and enhances efficiency (https://lifehacker.com).

The aim is to streamline necessary tasks to free up more time for activities you truly enjoy. The system emphasizes capturing, organizing, and prioritizing your work.

GTD outlines five steps to help you stay organized:

  1. Capture everything: Record your tasks, ideas, and recurring responsibilities in a notebook, a to-do app, or a planner. Jot them down as they occur to avoid thinking about them until it’s time to act.
  2. Clarify tasks: Instead of vague goals like “Plan meals,” break tasks into actionable steps to eliminate barriers to completion.
  3. Organize by category and priority: Assign due dates, set reminders, and ensure tasks are categorized and prioritized correctly.
  4. Reflect on your list: Review your to-dos regularly to determine your next step. Monitor progress and adjust priorities as necessary.
  5. Engage and act: Select your next task and dive in. With tasks prioritized and categorized into manageable steps, you can efficiently work through your plan.

In biblical times, how did the Father’s servants get things done? God’s servants went about their tasks in varied ways. Luke was a meticulous planner, while Peter was more spontaneous. Abraham’s servant, on the other hand, executed his task with both organization and reliance on divine guidance. Charged with finding a wife for Isaac, he had specific criteria: a woman who was generous, caring, and loyal. His approach was focused and specific, not left to vague hopes or solely seeking God’s “best,” but rather making precise requests; he depended on the Father for guidance and intervention.

Genesis 24:12, 14

12 He prayed, “O LORD, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success today.
14 This is my request. I will ask one of them [the women coming to draw water], ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ – let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”

How did that work out? Flawlessly! The servant was wise and knew how to get things done. He skillfully balanced making plans with listening for the Father’s guidance and praying. His prayer life was effective because he allowed the Father’s insights to shape his thoughts and plans. The Father had input into his thinking. He collaborated with him in small steps, guiding him with specific actions and ensuring their completion. Moreover, the Father moved in the hearts of all the necessary individuals, influencing them to fulfill His perfect plan.

Genesis 24:27 captures this beautifully: “Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who has not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me.”

Each time the Father acted, the servant responded with gratitude and prayer, worshiping and praising Him for what He had done.

But there’s more. Rebecca proved to be an extraordinary woman, willing to go beyond what was requested. Instead of doing the minimum, she excelled, taking each request and elevating it to a higher level. She “supersized” them.

REFLECT & PRAY

Isaiah 65:24 states, “I will answer them before they even call to me.”

Father, thank You for Your constant work in our lives and for inviting us into Your plans. Even as we pray, You have already set the answers in motion.

INSIGHT

As servants of the Father, we should see our relationship with Him as a long journey that ends in our Father’s house, our eternal home. The Lord Jesus Christ has gone ahead to prepare a place for each child of the King (John 14:2).

Servants have one task: to serve their masters loyally at all times. But there’s something special about this anonymous servant. He was utterly devoted to Abraham and lived only to please him. His favorite name for Abraham was “my master” (Wiersbe). Being anonymous was just that. He didn’t even get an honorable mention.

Servants have one primary duty: to serve their masters with unwavering loyalty. However, this unnamed servant stands out. His complete devotion to Abraham was evident; his sole purpose was to please him. He fondly referred to Abraham as “my master,” and despite his anonymity, he didn’t seek recognition.

As a servant, he took directions directly from his master without questioning, suggesting alternatives, or altering them. He asked a few clarifying questions and then committed wholeheartedly to obeying. Abraham’s servant was “all in.”

He held a steadfast faith that the Father would ensure the completion of his task. While he carefully formulated his plan to get things done, he relied on the Father for empowerment. He intentionally set aside time for prayer, seeking guidance and direction. He repeatedly prayed and watched to see what the Father would do. In a remarkable biblical twist, even as he prayed, the answer was already on its way. Before he finished his prayer, the Father responded.

Isaiah 65:24 captures this beautifully: “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers.”

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© Dr. H 2024