The Simple Life

"Now I have sent a skilled man, who has understanding, Huram-abi, the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre. He is trained to work in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood, and in purple, blue, and crimson fabrics and fine linen, and to do all sorts of engraving and execute any design that may be assigned him, with your craftsmen, the craftsmen of my Lord, David your father. 2 Chronicles  2:13-14  (ESV )   God made us all different. He made us and will use us as we are if we allow Him to do so.   Miracles happen when the unincredible is in sync with the incredible--when the God of creation walks with the created. There are no superior gifts or talents; they are all superior as they are given to and reflect God.   Those who work in the field ensure those who work in the office are fed, and those who work in the office ensure the resources are available for those in the field to continue their work.   One person can ultimately accomplish no j

The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided. 2 Chronicles 2:5-7 (ESV)   "Solomon was born to do this work. There is no need for the rose to say, "Now I am going to be beautiful and fragrant." There is no need for the nightingale to say, "Now I have fully made up my mind to be musical and tuneful, and to fill the air with richest expressions and melody." The flower was born to bloom, and to throw all its fragrance away in generous donation; the nightingale was made in every bone and feather of it for the sacred sin

God answered Solomon, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you King, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like." So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel. 2 Chronicles  1:11-13  (ESV)   Wisdom asks for wisdom. Purpose trumps power. Those whose lives matter have plugged into the purposes of God for themselves and those they influence.   We live to lead, and we lead by example. Solomon understood where the real power was and desired to tap into it so that he had the chance to be a good leader.   Some things do not change. Those who wa

In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." And Solomon said to God, "You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me King in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me King over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?" 2 Chronicles 1:7-10 (ESV)   If God were to ask me today, "Ask what I shall give you," I wonder what I would ask for. Since I am sure it will not happen, I could be very noble in my request, but what if it were to happen? What would I ask for?   I know wise people seek wisdom over wealth, position, or comfort, knowing those things are just lures, enticing and eventually entrapping us. Yet, I often forget they are lures, and wonder if they are the real deal.   What I would ask for wo