A Week of Faith

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 3:5–13
Imagine God saying, “Ask for whatever you want.” What would you ask for?
More money? Better health? More time? Security? Peace? Success?
When Solomon was given that opportunity, the young king could have asked for almost anything. Instead, Solomon asked for wisdom—a discerning heart to know how to lead and make good decisions.
That choice begins our week’s theme: Wisdom for What We Have. Wisdom is not simply knowing more. It is knowing what matters and knowing what to do with what has already been given to us.
We may not have everything we wish we had, but each of us has been given something: time, relationships, abilities, experiences, resources, opportunities, and the chance to make a difference. The question is not simply, “What more do I need?” but, “How can I use what I already have wisely?”
Reflection Question
If God gave you wisdom today about one area of your life, what would you most want help understanding?
Practical Application
Before making one important decision today, pause and pray: “God, give me wisdom to know what matters and what to do with what I have.”
 Prayer
God, give me wisdom. Help me see what truly matters and make decisions that reflect your love. Help me use what has been entrusted to me with care, gratitude, and purpose. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:13–18
Our world has a way of teaching us what is valuable. Bigger, newer, faster, more expensive, and more impressive can easily become the things we chase.
But Proverbs offers a different perspective. Wisdom is described as being more valuable than silver, gold, or precious jewels.
That does not mean money or possessions are bad. The issue is what we believe they are for.
The Sunday Message reminds us that having resources and knowing what to do with them are two very different things. Wisdom helps us make that distinction. It helps us recognize when something is worth holding onto, when it is time to let go, and when what we have could become a blessing to someone else.
This is Wisdom for What We Have: learning to see our resources not simply by their price tag, but by their purpose.
Reflection Question
What is something in your life that has become more valuable to you because of the wisdom you have gained through experience?
Practical Application
Notice one thing you own, one relationship you have, or one opportunity before you today. Ask yourself: “How can I use this in a way that matters?”
 Prayer
God, help me recognize true value. Give me wisdom to look beyond what the world says is important and see the people, opportunities, experiences, and resources that can bring love and goodness into the world. Amen.

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:17–19
John Wesley offered three simple principles for handling money: Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.
Those words are not really about getting rich. They are about living wisely with what has been entrusted to us.
Earn what we can through honest and responsible work. Save thoughtfully rather than wasting what we have. And give generously so that our resources can become a blessing to others.
Wisdom brings balance. It reminds us that money is a tool, not the goal. Our resources can provide for our needs, help prepare for the future, and make a difference in the lives of others.
That is the heart of Wisdom for What We Have: using what we have in ways that reflect what we value.
Reflection Question
Which of Wesley’s three principles—earn, save, or give—could use the most wisdom and attention in your life right now?
Practical Application
Look at one financial or resource-related decision you are making this week. Instead of asking only, “Can I afford this?” also ask, “Is this a wise use of what I have?”
Prayer
God, give me wisdom in how I earn, save, spend, and give. Keep me from being controlled by having more. Help me use my resources responsibly and generously so they can reflect your love. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19–21
Saving can be wise. Preparing for the future can be wise. But there is a difference between preparing and simply holding on.
Sometimes we keep things because we might need them someday. Sometimes we hold onto possessions, money, plans, or even old ways of thinking long after they have served their purpose.
Wisdom helps us recognize the difference.
The Sunday Message reminds us that life experiences can teach us what really matters. Sometimes we discover that the things we once thought were important aren't nearly as important as family, relationships, meaningful experiences, or opportunities to help others.
Wisdom for What We Have sometimes means knowing when to hold on—and when it is time to let go.
Reflection Question
Is there something you are holding onto that may no longer be serving a meaningful purpose?
Practical Application
Choose one small area of your life—a drawer, closet, possession, commitment, or habit. Ask whether it still matters. If it does not, consider letting it go and making room for something more meaningful.
 Prayer
God, give me wisdom to know what to hold onto and what to release. Help me not to measure my life by what I accumulate. Teach me to make room for what matters most and to trust you with what I let go. Amen.

Scripture Reading: James 1:5
James gives us a wonderfully simple invitation: ask God for wisdom.
That may be exactly what we need as we consider our lives, our resources, and the people around us.
The deeper stewardship question is not simply, “How can I get more?” It is, “What can I do with what I already have?”
What can our time do?
What can our experiences do?
What can our abilities do?
What can our resources do?
What can our church do together?
The answer does not have to be enormous. A conversation can encourage someone. An hour can serve someone. A gift can provide help. A skill can strengthen a ministry. A shared resource can bless a community.
The generations before us used what they had to build and strengthen Lakeview’s ministries. Now those resources are in our hands. Wisdom for What We Have means asking God how we can faithfully use what has been entrusted to us so that it continues to make a difference.
Reflection Question
What is one thing you already have—time, ability, experience, relationship, or resource—that God might be inviting you to use in a meaningful way?
Practical Application
Take five quiet minutes today and ask God for wisdom about what you already have. Write down one answer that comes to mind and one step you can take this week.
Prayer
God, give me wisdom. Help me understand what matters and see the possibilities in what you have already placed in my hands. Give me a grateful and generous heart. Help me use what I have to reflect your love and make a difference in the lives of others. Amen.