This is the word God used to describe how David served Him as opposed to Solomon’s partial surrender to God’s ways. It showed up when God raised up enemies to buffet Israel while Solomon was king.

When a man’s ways please the Lord, even his enemies are at peace with him. [Pr. 16:7]

PRAYER: Lord, what a marvelous goal … that I would have peace on all sides because my ways please You. Grace me to walk in this completeness.

READING: 1 Kings 12,13

God made it clear to Solomon that his longevity on the throne of Israel depended upon his devotion to the Lord and His ways. Given were his abilities, heritage, and personal ambition, but the true determiner was his ongoing relationship with God.

It’s one thing to have the opportunity to serve the Lord in leadership, but retaining that opportunity relies upon the leader’s sustained devotion and obedience to the Lord.

“I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within my heart” [Ps. 40:8]

PRAYER: Lord, You have given us marvelous opportunities to minister for You. We want to accurately represent Your interests in our decisions and action.

READING: 1 Kings 9-11

In Solomon’s dedicatory prayer for the newly constructed temple, he requested that the Lord’s eyes be open to the prayers of His people both night and day.

Human needs don’t turn off at 5 p.m. We need a God, a Father “Who art IN.” The Psalmist clarifies that the Lord does not slumber nor sleep. In fact, it is probably safe to say that the most desperate prayers come to God in the night seasons.

It’s comforting to know that we ARE heard when we ask in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER: Lord, You have been our helper day and night since we accepted You as Savior and Lord. Your Words have been our songs in the night seasons.

READING: 1 Kings 8

It’s too bad they didn’t have cameras in the time of King Solomon because it would be so rewarding to see the temple in all it’s glory. The gold, silver, carvings, ornate designs … all blended to create an earthly building that would attempt to portray the beauty and splendor of a God for Whom it was constructed.

A building certainly makes a statement, but the true building God is really concerned with is the hearts of His people. In essence, church and ministry buildings are merely sheep sheds.

PRAYER: Lord, help us to keep our focus on the things of great and enduring value, the work in the heart and the evangelization of the world.

READING: 1 Kings 6,7

God gave King Solomon the necessary wisdom and discernment to rule effectively. Because of this apparent endorsement by God, they held him in awe, thereby more greatly establishing his rule and authority.

God naturally gives wisdom and discernment to leaders that He doesn’t give to followers. It’s a natural benefit of being chosen by God to lead. It’s an example of His grace … working in us both to will and do His good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13]

PRAYER: Lord, every good and perfect gift comes from You. You are the Source of wisdom for living. Apart from You, we are nothing.

READING: 1 Kings 3-5

Adonijah through his ambition appointed himself heir to the throne of David. His rule was short-lived as God had intended Solomon to assume the reign. Adonijah’s request to marry the Shunamite, the young maiden assigned to care for David in his old age, obviously crossed the line of Solomon’s patience with Adonijah. He had Benaiah execute the rival immediately. It’s possible that this was the Shunamite referred to in the love story, the Song of Solomon. No wonder Solomon wouldn’t tolerate it … he was in love with her.

God knows who He wants in charge.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, make known to all whom You have chosen for positions of critical leadership. You have equipped and destined them to rule in righteousness. Jesus, You are the Ultimate Ruler.

READING: 1 Kings 1,2

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God surrounded David with warriors who were extremely capable in battle. They protected him and were capable of giving Israel an aggressive edge against their foes. The deeds of these men were recorded. If they were walking around today, they would display many medals and honors on their uniforms for all to see.

Interestingly, God became upset with Israel at the same time the mighty men were acknowledged. Was God trying to tell them to focus on defeating their enemies rather than gloating over their accomplishments?

“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty through God to the tearing down of strongholds.” [2 Cor. 10:4]

PRAYER: God of conquest, grace us to keep a forward focus on fulfilling Your commission to carry the Gospel to our world rather than looking back at any accomplishments we might have.

READING: 2 Sam. 23,24

David, the valiant warrior of Israel, eventually became too old to engage in combat. He then composed some of the most insightful Psalms to impart the lessons he learned in the many years of his conquest. His Psalms became instructions for warfare and trust that have become the manual for spiritual warfare employed by all who read God’s Word.

Old warriors who don’t go out to battle any longer can begin recording their wisdom gained through their years of Kingdom experience.

PRAYER: Lord, You have been our refuge and strength. Anoint us to share our testimonies with others who are just beginning their spiritual journey.

READING: 2 Sam. 20-22

David’s men routed Absalom’s troops in a conflict for the rule over Israel. 20,000 men lost their lives in the struggle. Absalom himself came to a gruesome end when he was caught by his hair hanging in a tree and thrust through with Joab’s javelin.

Power struggles rooted in ambition have their cost. Promotion comes from God.

PRAYER:  Father, our lives and futures are in Your mighty hands. We trust our destiny to Your will and provision.

READING: 2 Sam. 18,19

In the same way Absalom sought to overthrow his father’s rule, this nature seeks to ambitiously gather to itself authority and leadership which God has given to another. David’s response was upright in that he declared, “Let the Lord do to me whatever seems right to Him.” He allowed God to unfold His will rather than react in his own self defense.

God gives authority to whomever He will.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, let Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to respond to each challenge as Your Holy Spirit would direct.

READING: 2 Sam. 15-17