Jun 17 – 1 Kings 2:13-46, 1 Kings 3:1-15 Acts 11:19-30, Acts 12:1-19 Proverbs 15:1-10

1 Kings 3:9

Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,

It’s not often you’d hear God saying “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” so specifically like this.

Solomon could have asked for anything… but what he essentially asks for is the ability to do the job well. He wants the wisdom to be able to govern well.

What a great response. He doesn’t ask for blessing, but that he can be a blessing.

Acts 12:13-15

And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.

Recognising Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.

They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!”

This is so great. Peter is arrested and the church come together to pray. First of all, this should always be our first response when a brother or a sister is in need. 

But if you are going to pray for a breakthrough, then believe that a breakthrough is going to happen. These guys  are praying, but then Peter shows up and they don’t believe it’s him! Poor Rhoda is so excited Peter is outside she forgets to actually open the door and people think she’s lost her mind. 

So what did they think was going to be the result of their prayer? Prayer isn’t just a formality, or a gesture. Prayer changes situations!

Prov 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

It’s not just what you say, but how you say it that effects people. Politeness is not weakness. Politeness is not compromise. Politeness is treating other people like they matter. 

When we are harsh with people we hurt them, even if what we are saying is truth. 

There is a place for speaking soft whilst speaking a challenge. 

Don’t let people get offended at your delivery and them miss your message.