Lead Like Solomon

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war.” – Ecclesiastes 9:18

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is ableto govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walkin obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.- 1 Kings 3:7-15

God blessed Solomon with tremendous wealth, honor, and long life. Here are some keys that Solomon used to get God’s attention. This is a very famous verse in which King Solomon asks for wisdom from God, and as a result, he becomes the man who is long considered the wisest man in the world. I find that we can discover some powerful truths on Godly leadership in these passages.

1. Solomon Loved the Lord and Walked in His Ways. The first way that Solomon walked with God was in Faithfulness.

A. Faithfulness: 1 Samuel 12:24: "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you."

We need to trust God in our coming and going, in the tough times and the easy, the times of sickness and in health, when we are wealthy and when we are trying to find two nickels to rub together. God wants more than lip service. He wants obedience. Don’t be swayed by winds of doctrine, but stay faithful to the service that the Lord has commanded.
B. Righteousness
Proverbs 21:21 – "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
2 Corinthians 5:21-For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

As believers, we know that we are not trying to gain righteousness but that we come from righteousness. We are made righteous in God’s eyes through Christ Jesus. Righteousness then becomes an extension, a fruit in our lives. If we are to lead like Solomon, we need to walk in righteousness.

2. Value Others in Humility

Solomon loved and valued his people. Notice his humility here describing them, and then take notice that his entire ask for wisdom was to be able to govern them rightly and to know good over evil: But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number… So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.

It was important for Solomon to be able to govern the people of Israel well. Everyone deserves to be led well. He didn’t think of himself; he took his ego out of the equation and instead asked God for a gift to be a blessing and add value to God’s people.

In conclusion, if you and I want to lead like Solomon, we need to love the Lord by walking in Faithfulness and righteousness, and to value others in humility.

A Model of Spirit-Led Boldness: Ministering Like Philip

Ministry

A Model of Spirit-Led Boldness: Ministering Like Philip:

In the book of Acts, Philip stands out as a powerful example of what it means to minister with obedience, boldness, and Spirit-led direction. When the angel of the Lord told Philip to go to the desert road, he didn’t hesitate—he went (Acts 8:26-27).

• He was Willing. His willingness to follow God’s leading positioned him to encounter the Ethiopian eunuch, a divine appointment that led to a life transformed.

• He was Prepared. Philip wasn’t just willing; he was prepared. When the eunuch was reading from Isaiah, Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” and then “beginning with that very passage of Scripture, told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:30-35). He knew the Word and could clearly explain it, guiding others to Christ.

• Philip was also bold. He ran to the chariot (Acts 8:30), initiated the conversation, and shared the gospel with confidence. His courage, paired with obedience, opened the door for the gospel to spread beyond Israel.

Let’s be like Philip—open to the Spirit’s leading (Acts 8:29), obedient without delay, bold in our witness, and grounded in the Word. God continues to direct His people to divine encounters. The question is, are we listening and ready to go?

Honoring Mothers: The Heart of the Home

Mother and Daughter

Mothers are the unsung heroes of everyday life. They are nurturing leaders who guide with love, patience, and quiet strength. From managing busy schedules to offering a comforting word at the end of a hard day, mothers provide unwavering care and support to their families. They are often the backbone of the household, balancing meals, emotions, and finances with grace.

A mother’s role goes beyond caregiving. She is a teacher, a counselor, and a leader, shaping values and instilling wisdom that lasts a lifetime. She stretches every dollar, plans every detail, and makes countless sacrifices—often unseen—just to create a place of warmth and safety.

As Proverbs 31:25-26 reminds us: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Today, we pause to recognize these extraordinary women, not just for what they do, but for who they are. Their strength, wisdom, and love leave an eternal imprint on every heart they touch. Let us honor them not only on Mother’s Day, but every day, with our gratitude and our presence.

#nurturing #care #leader #strength #wisdom

Forgiveness and Moving Forward: A Path to Healing

Lincoln advocate for forgivness

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful and challenging acts of the human spirit. It asks us to release bitterness, let go of hurt, and move forward with grace—even when justice feels unfinished. Yet, forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing the pain; it’s about freeing ourselves from the chains of anger and allowing healing to begin. Scripture calls us to this higher path. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

This verse reminds us that our ability to forgive comes from recognizing how much we have been forgiven. Forgiveness is not earned—it’s given. It’s not about who’s right but about choosing mercy over resentment. Another powerful reminder comes from Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse speaks directly to the struggle of daily life—where offenses, misunderstandings, and disappointments are unavoidable. Still, we are called to meet them with grace, knowing that forgiveness is not a single act but often a lifelong posture.

History, too, offers voices that echo this call. In his Second Inaugural Address, delivered near the end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln did not speak with triumph or vengeance, though the Union stood victorious. Instead, he called for healing: “With malice toward none; with charity for all… let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds.” Lincoln understood that for a divided country to move forward, forgiveness was essential. Not as a dismissal of wrongs, but as a deliberate choice to seek peace over retribution.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean justice is ignored. It means we choose to stop letting the past poison our future. It’s not always immediate. Sometimes, it’s a daily decision. But each time we forgive, we chip away at bitterness and make room for love to grow again.

Moving forward doesn’t erase the past—it honors it by learning from it. Whether in our relationships, communities, or our own hearts, choosing forgiveness allows new beginnings to take root. It’s not easy. But as Christ showed us, it’s the way to true freedom.

In a world often eager for revenge, may we be people of mercy. May we remember the strength it takes to forgive and the peace that follows when we do.