2 Cor. 9 is a robust lesson on giving.  So many constitutional giving principles for effective service are shared.  Such as … “Sow sparingly, reap sparingly.”

Think about it.  If your bank closely watches your funds, think of how aware God is of every penny that you handle.  Surely the God that numbers hairs can also keep accurate financial records.

We have the promise that He will be no man’s debtor.

Give giving a chance today.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, You have been so generous with us.  Teach us also to be gracious givers that Your power and provision might be apparent to all.

DAILY READING:  1 Kings 18-9;  2 Cor. 9

In the context of Paul’s appeal for an offering for the impoverished church at Jerusalem, he supported his plea by mentioning the sacrifice Christ had made for us when he said, “Though He was rich, yet for [our] sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty He could make [us] rich.”  (2 Cor. 8:9)

As leaders and parents, allow the generous grace of God to pour through your life to those around you.  It’s more blessed to give than to receive.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, we have received so much.  Give us the joy of giving that You demonstrated through Christ Jesus.

DAILY READING:  1 Kings 15-7;  2 Cor. 8

It’s inevitable … offenses come in life.  Sometimes they come from somebody you love, somebody with whom a good relationship is critical.  The flesh wants to defend itself.  This is an ideal time to die to your fleshly inclination.  “Don’t fight against your brothers.”

So were the words of the prophet to Rehoboam when he wanted to muster all of Judah and Benjamin to regain the 10 tribes who had rebelled under Jeroboam.

Who is on throne of authority in our lives?  Our self preserving nature, or the Spirit of God Who will always forgive and overlook the offense?

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, give me the grace and strength to make wise choices when my flesh is challenged.  You are King.  You are Lord.  I will obey YOU!!

DAILY READING:  1 Kings 12-4

Hatfields and McCoys.  Kennedy.  House of David.  Hilton.

Your family name says something about you.

God told Solomon that if he would obey His precepts, his family and nation would be blessed.  If not, otherwise.  Sadly, Solomon intermarried with foreign, idolatrous wives who nearly destroyed the house of Solomon by pulling him off to serve their gods.

Be faithful to Jesus and allow His Righteousness to crown your loved ones.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, let me live today in the awareness that every word and deed impacts Your Kingdom and my family name.  Forgive me for my failures.  Fill me with Your power to live for You.

DAILY READING:  1 Kings 9-11

As glorious as it was, Solomon’s temple was not actually God’s intended dwelling place here on earth.  We are!

Solomon himself actually stated it when he wrote, “This is my resting place forever, here will I dwell,” when speaking of Zion, the city of David.  (Ps. 132:13,14)  Paul adds, “Don’t you know that YOU are the temple God lives in?” (1 Cor. 3:16)  We are Zion, the city of God.

We have this treasure in these earthen vessels.  We should, therefore, treat our bodies accordingly.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, forgive us for taking Your indwelling presence for granted.  Let Your mighty power flow thru us today.

DAILY READING:  1 Kings 7,8