Getting What We Want
"Adonijah... put himself forward and said, 'I will be king.'" 1 Kings 1:5
Aaron Burr anxiously awaited awaited the result of the tie-breaking vote from the US House of Representatives. Deadlocked with Thomas Jefferson in the 1800 race for the presidency, Burr had reason to believe that the House would declare him the winner. However, he lost, and bitterness gnawed at his soul. Nurturing grievances against Alexander Hamilton for not supporting his candidacy, Burr killed Hamilton in a gun duel less than four years later. Outraged by the killing, his country turned its back on him, and Burr died a dour old man.
Political power plays are a tragic part of history. When King David was nearing death, his son Adonijah recruited David's commander and a leading priest to make him king (1 Kings 1:5-8). But David had chosen Solomon as king (v. 17). With the help of the prophet Nathan, the rebellion was put down (vv. 11-53). Despite his reprieve, Adonijah plotted a second time to steal the throne, and Solomon had him executed (2:13-25).
How human of us to want what's not rightfully ours! No matter how hard we pursue power, prestige, or possessions, it's never quite enough. We always want something more. How unlike Jesus, who "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross"! (Philippians 2:8).
Ironically, selfishly pursuing our own ambitions never brings us our truest, deepest longings. Leaving the outcome to God is the only path to peace and joy.
-By Tim Gustafson
What do your desires and goals tell you about your heart? What do you need to give to God today?
Dear God, please help me fill the role You've given me and not to covet more. Help me trust You in everything.
This message taken from: Our Daily Bread
Aaron Burr anxiously awaited awaited the result of the tie-breaking vote from the US House of Representatives. Deadlocked with Thomas Jefferson in the 1800 race for the presidency, Burr had reason to believe that the House would declare him the winner. However, he lost, and bitterness gnawed at his soul. Nurturing grievances against Alexander Hamilton for not supporting his candidacy, Burr killed Hamilton in a gun duel less than four years later. Outraged by the killing, his country turned its back on him, and Burr died a dour old man.
Political power plays are a tragic part of history. When King David was nearing death, his son Adonijah recruited David's commander and a leading priest to make him king (1 Kings 1:5-8). But David had chosen Solomon as king (v. 17). With the help of the prophet Nathan, the rebellion was put down (vv. 11-53). Despite his reprieve, Adonijah plotted a second time to steal the throne, and Solomon had him executed (2:13-25).
How human of us to want what's not rightfully ours! No matter how hard we pursue power, prestige, or possessions, it's never quite enough. We always want something more. How unlike Jesus, who "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross"! (Philippians 2:8).
Ironically, selfishly pursuing our own ambitions never brings us our truest, deepest longings. Leaving the outcome to God is the only path to peace and joy.
-By Tim Gustafson
What do your desires and goals tell you about your heart? What do you need to give to God today?
Dear God, please help me fill the role You've given me and not to covet more. Help me trust You in everything.
This message taken from: Our Daily Bread
Recent
Archive
2024
January
A New Year, A New StartThis Year, Do First Things FirstNever Stop Learning (1)Never Stop Learning (2)Get Out Of Debt And Stay Out Of DebtDon't Be So ControllingThe Seven-Day ChallengeParent, Keep PerseveringTurning Two Families Into OnePut Your Heart Into Your PartFour Principles For Victorious LivingTake Control Of The Small ThingsDon't Give UpLearning To Listen To God (1)Learning To Listen To God (2)Learning To Listen To God (3)Learning To Listen To God (4)Set Other Things Aside And ServeGod And WorkHow To Enrich And Strengthen Your RelationshipsProphecy FulfilledDon't Shout About ItYou're Growing In GraceWalking With GodYour Secret PlaceWork On Growing CloserAre You Worried About Retirement?Gideon's God Is Your GodTo Grow We Must Keep Asking QuestionsBe Interested In Everything God DoesTo Know God, Examine What He Has Made
February
God Will Speak to You - If You ListenDo The WordPraying Without Saying A WordShow Grace Under FireHaving Job Security (1)Having Job Security (2)Having Job Security (3)Having Job Security (4)The Holy Spirit Prays Through YouYour Personal GuideStop and Ask For DirectionsYour Harvest Is On The WayGive Your Children Convictions To Live ByYour Limted Window of OpportunityPull Down Those StrongholdsUse The Gift God Gave YouFinding Self-WorthMuzzle Your MouthChoosing a LeaderGod Knows What's Best For YouAre You Tired of Living in Defeat?Make an ImpactBe a Disciple of JesusTake Time to Wonder and WorshipLive the Living WordBe Patient, God Is At WorkTo Be Conformed Is To Be CreativeLive In The "Here and Now"You Need God's Help
March
Going Forward Or Going BackCome Out Of That CornerTell The TruthBelieve God For Greater ThingsHonor God, And He Will Honor YouMoving From Failure To Success (1)Moving From Failure To Success (2)The Right Attitude (1)The Right Attitude (2)"Strong, Firm And Steadfast"Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (1)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (2)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (3)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (4)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (5)Are You Hooked On Pornography?You Can Rise Above Worry (1)You Can Rise Above Worry (2)Your Boaz seasonStand On God's Word (1)Stand On God's Word (2)Stand On God's Word (3)Stand On God's Word (4)Stand On God's Word (5)God Will Forgive And Restore YouDon't Strike BackAre You A True Friend?The Right BalanceEvidences Of Christ's Resurrection (1)Evidences Of Christ's Resurrection (2)Evidences Of Christ's Resurrection (3)
Categories
no categories