MANNA IN THE MORNING

Reading about Solomon and the Queen of Sheba made me stop and think about what success really costs. Solomon had everything — wisdom, wealth, admiration — yet somewhere along the way, what started as a gift became a trap. It made me look at my own life and ask: have I ever let my strengths blind me to surrender? What a reminder of the power of taking an inventory, not with regret, but with a desire to live differently TODAY — to build a life that takes God’s breath away, not

I can turn Bible reading into a research project. My brain loves patterns, timelines, and meanings, but sometimes that keeps my heart at a distance. So lately I’ve been practicing something different — praying before I open the Word and asking, “Holy Spirit, what do You want to show me today?” It’s changing the way I read.

The Holy Spirit started connecting dots for me. Rehoboam didn’t fall because he turned from God; he fell because he never prepared his heart to follow Him. It’s the same principle we live out in tithing. We give first, not last. We decide ahead of time. Obedience begins the same way—with preparation.

Today we see the Israelites surrounded — front and back — and their first instinct is to cry out to the Lord. Inspiring right! That should always be my first instinct no matter what! I feel inspired!

I’m learning the highest place in the Lords kingdom is often the most surrendered one, AKA, a very humble one.

God isn’t against counting or organizing; He’s against trusting the numbers more than Him. (Think of how in Exodus, He even commanded a census at times—but with a ransom payment to remind Israel that every life belonged to Him.) Today's census was not about control—it’s stewardship. Solomon is stepping into his God-given assignment to build the temple, and good stewardship requires structure, vision, and leadership.

I’m realizing more and more that being in any role of influence—whether as a parent, mentor, coach, or friend—isn’t about getting it all right. It’s about humility. It’s about owning it when I get it wrong and interceding for the ones who may feel the effects of my choices.

After the tragic failure of the first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem (when Uzzah died for touching it), it’s shocking—to see David try again. This time, he does it God’s way. He consults the Law, appoints the Levites to carry the Ark properly, and organizes a full procession with singers, musicians, and worship leaders. David dances with all his might before the Lord, undignified but fully surrendered. May I be undignified for the Lord always.