21/03/2022 - ADVICES FROM A WISE FATHER

• 
• 
• 
• 

As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.  1 Chronicles 28:9

David continued to speak to Solomon, who was to succeed him on God’s throne over the nation of Israel. It was an advice from a wise father who loved his son, but it can also be directed to one who has been called to be holy, who will do God’s will on Earth and enter Heaven. We should have the same care and love for those whom He has given us, to nurture and strengthen in the faith.

To know the God of David was something magnificent in those days. Before, He was considered the God of Abraham, with whom He had made a covenant and always blessed him. Even where the fear of the Lord was not known or practiced, as in Egypt – the Almighty showed Himself faithful to those who trusted in Him. An example of this was when Pharaoh took Abraham’s wife to be his wife, but being rebuked by God, he gave her back (Genesis 12:14-20)!

Whoever does not follow the Lord with a perfect heart – does not truly serve Him. After all, He does not accept to share His glory with anyone, and He preserves those who are faithful and obedient. No matter how much a statement of Scripture has wounded you; because it is the Word, this will occur to prevent your suffering at the hands of evil spirits, which will happen only to those who allow themselves to be led by the lies of the kingdom of darkness.

In addition to serving with all his heart, Solomon would need to have a willing soul, open to change his plans whenever the Lord told him to. Whoever is not willing to give up sin in order to please the Most High, will not be used by Him. Successful servants of God do not get upset with requests coming from Him, but fulfill their mission with great joy. The Lord is good!

King David declared that God examines people’s hearts (Psalms 26:2). Therefore, anyone with anger, hatred or resentment will not be used to carry out His work. An imperfect heart – or one influenced by such feelings – is capable of causing harm to those who are still spiritual babies. By following Jesus’ example, we will never lose any of the people entrusted to us, and we will present them glorious and radiant on the last Day.

David said that the Omniscient One understands our intentions. This is very important, because sometimes, even in prayer, the devil reminds us of things that we reject, and in a split second, we put that down for later study. Now, this is very serious; the devil has planted his bad seed in our heart, and we accept it. Never accept sin!

God’s Word assures us that if we seek Him, He will let Himself be found by us; but if we forsake Him, He will reject us forever (2 Chronicles 15:2). Keep this Word for your good!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares