Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
James 1: 5, 6
1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Christ’s Object Lessons: Chapter 12—Asking to Give
We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you. {COL 146.4}
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, O LORD my God, I am but a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. So, all that God did for Solomon, He will do for us if we believe and ask in faith.
Our Father, God Almighty
We come to You this Blessed Sabbath Day, by faith, asking that You grant us wisdom. You have promised that this You give to all men liberally, and if we ask, it shall be given unto us. Grant us, Your servants, understanding and discernment that we may do what is right, and favorable, and well pleasing in Your sight. Let everything we say, everything we do, and everything our hands touch be for the glory of Your name. Let not our will, but let Thy will be done. Allow us to put our talents and skills into the work You have called us to do, that Your people may be blessed with great things from You. We pray that You will bless our worship today. Bless all of Your people, Your servants, Your saints. We ask for the forgiveness of our sins. We thank You for being with us, watching over us, protecting us and keeping us safe. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
