Birthday Presence
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” – 1 Kings 3:5
Today, I’m 40 years old. It doesn’t seem that long ago since birthdays and Christmas were all about receiving more cool stuff. My parents and family have certainly hooked me up over the years.
When Solomon was appointed King over Israel, God came to him in a dream and offered him a blank check. He flat out told Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want.”
Since it is my birthday, I am contemplating this question. What would I ask God to give me if given the same offer?
Just 20 short years ago, I would have asked for more stuff: A mansion on one of the Cliffs golf courses, money, mad guitar skills, and only He knows what else. I actually remember being in church one day when the preacher was talking about the return of The Lord. I actually thought in my heart, “I hope He doesn’t . . . I want to live my life.”
I sure would like to have a conversation with that 20-year-old kid. He had no clue.
Here are three things that I’m asking God for on my birthday:
- To give me wisdom in leading my family. I want my kids to have hearts that want to honor God. I want to help them figure out much quicker than I did that He can be trusted and the life He gives is 10,000 times better than the best life we can conjure up on our own.
- For my marriage to continue to grow stronger and stronger. Just as my relationship with God has grown over the past 24 years, my relationship with Tonya has grown over the past 15. I thought I knew her then, but I know her so much more now. I pray that He gives us lots of years together and that every year our bond and our friendship grow stronger. I sure do love that woman!
- Lastly, I would ask to have the maximum amount of His Presence on my life. I want to have as close of a relationship as a man can possibly have with Him. I can’t believe there was a time in my life where I would have traded His Presence for His presents. I simply want Him now more than I want any material possession He could possibly give me.
What about you?
What would you ask for?
Later
Adam
Wednesday Morning Devotional 