Cornerstone

I Kings 18:30‑39 (39)

As wonderful as it may seem, Israel’s choice to follow God in this scriptural account was tarnished due to the fact that He was their second choice.  God had to go to great lengths to prove to them that the non-god Baal was a powerless hunk of material.  We can make a right choice and yet not experience the joy of the decision.

Luciano Pavarotti the Italian operatic tenor said, “When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of song. He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice. Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my hometown of Modena, Italy, took me as a pupil. I also enrolled in a teacher’s college. On graduating, I asked my father, ‘Shall I be a teacher or a singer?’

“‘Luciano,’ my father replied, ‘if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them. For life, you must choose one chair.’ “

Pavarotti chose what he loved most.  He loved to sing more than he loved to tell others how to sing.  When we chose to obey and follow God freely because we desire Him foremost then we can truly enjoy the joy of relationship and the joy of service.

by Dr. Gayle Woods

I Kings 3:5‑15 (11)

An online survey asked the question, “If a genie would grant you three wishes, what would you ask?”  Some of the responses were:  One respondent requested 1) Enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life 2) For me and my family to live happy, healthy long lives 3) For me to be successful in everything I try.  Another asked for 1) $10,000,000.00 2) A tenure-track job when I finish my degree. 3) A car with an automatic transmission.  Probably the most intelligent response in the survey was 1) Nothing…I don’t trust genies.

Solomon had a similar experience.  He was given a blank check by God.  If he wrote in the right amount God would sign the check.  Solomon was granted his wish because he selflessly asked for wisdom that would help him successfully accomplish the ministry God had given him.  At that time in his life, his priorities were right.  How about you?  Your choices concerning what you buy, what you do in your spare time, and your lifestyle are the priorities that are guiding God’s participation in your work of ministry.  How are you doing?

by Dr. Gayle Woods