10 June: Centre of Trade Agreements

In a world focused on shaping and protecting prosperity, today’s chapter reveals a solid axle at the heart of everything…

READ 1 Kings 10  Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Once I turned fifty, I felt like I was in a position to look back and reflect over my life and on what makes a good picture – what makes someone’s life “prosperous” in such a way that it’s a good story to tell. And, if the wheels have come off my notion of “blessing”, what’s the solid axle that keeps life not just turning, but moving forward in a thriving way.

King Solomon’s experience in today’s chapter, is the world’s greatest example not just of the spokes and tread on the wheels of prosperity, but the central hub as well. After 20 years in office, King Solomon’s Trade Agreements were extensive. [v14-15,22,28-29] In Solomon’s day, silver was considered of little value – as common as stones. [v21,27] The secret of his success – what was at the centre of Solomon’s Trade Agreements – was his access to supernatural wisdom. [v1]

At the hub of everything and the success of what Solomon had built up, was a certain kind of wisdom that spun on a solid axle in his relationship with the Creator God. The proof is in the fact that when the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, instead giving him “all the glory”, her praises went to Father God. [v9]

Read More? …CLICK on “10 June – Additional Notes”

But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.

Wanting to speak directly with the One who made you in His own image? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

   1.   Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”

How great You are, Sovereign Lord! There’s no one like You, and there’s no God but You, as we’ve heard with our own ears. [2 Samuel 7:22]

   2.   Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”

  • The World: Pray for the Republic of Guinea[b]
  • Your Country: International Students
  • Yourself: Health for Serving God
  • Your concerns for today
Lord, there’s no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help me, Lord my God, for I rely on You, and in Your name I stand against the greatest of problems. Lord, You are my God; don’t let mere mortals succeed against You. [2 Chronicles 14:11]

   3.   Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love. According to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. [Psalm 51:1-2]

   4.   Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”

Jesus said: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” [John 15:15]

 “For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”

When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[c] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year!  THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Using our Gifting

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” [Romans 12:6-8]

[a] Matthew 6:5-15

[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/guia/owtext.html

[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31