02/01/2026
Bishop Gabriel S. Lardner Sr. taught from 1 Kings 10:1–10 and showed us how one prayer can shift a whole life. He reminded us that David wanted to build God a temple, but God said no because David’s hands were stained with blood. Still, what David prepared in honor, Solomon completed in purpose. Solomon built the temple and dedicated it to the Lord, and then he prayed a prayer that God loved.
Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or the downfall of his enemies. He asked for an understanding heart to lead God’s people (1 Kings 3:9). That request pleased God, and God answered beyond what Solomon asked. Wisdom came first, and then honor, favor, and wealth followed.
That is why the Queen of Sheba was drawn to Solomon. She heard about his fame, but not just fame for show. The Bible says she heard of Solomon’s fame concerning the name of the Lord. When she arrived, she saw wisdom, order, excellence, and the glory of God in how Solomon’s house and leadership were established. She admitted that what she heard was only half. What she saw was greater.
Bishop Lardner called it more than wisdom. He called it the God factor. The God factor is what makes the difference. It announces you even when you are not present. It attracts doors, favor, increase, and honor you did not chase. It causes people to bless you because they can see God’s hand on your life.
The message was a call to seek God first, not as a religious routine, but as the foundation of every step. Education, beauty, connections, and talent can impress for a moment, but they can always be outdone. The God factor cannot be duplicated. When God is in it, your today will not be worse than your yesterday. You will move from glory to glory.
The prayer for this year is simple. Lord, let the God factor be evident in my life.