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

Titus visited Paul when he was in distress.  Through his visit, God provided comfort to Paul as described in 2 Cor. 7:6.  “God comforts the downcast.”

Please consider giving a Spirit filled visit to someone who is downcast or ill.  It may be a gesture of Christian love that brings untold encouragement to them.

Jesus said, “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”  (Matt. 25:36)

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, give me a mission to visit someone in Your Kingdom who really needs my comfort.  I will go in Jesus’ name.

DAILY READING:  1 Kings 4-6;  2 Cor. 7

God told Solomon to ask whatever he wished.  When Solomon asked for a wise and discerning heart with which to rule Israel wisely, God was pleased with his attitude of humility and that he asked for the good of others rather than himself.  Because he asked wisely, God said He would also give Solomon wealth and honor, things that he didn’t ask for himself.

Mature prayer lifts up the needs of others.  Jesus said, “Hitherto have you asked nothing in My name.  Ask and you shall receive that YOUR joy may be full.”

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, in the name of Jesus we ask for Your leading and Your Spirit that we may better serve those around us.  Thank you.  Be exalted through our lives.

DAILY READING:  1 Kings 2,3;  2 Cor. 6

Whether we are in this life and body, or the hereafter, we make it our goal to please the Lord.  Why, because we shall all appear before Christ at His seat and position of judgment.  One translation says it this way … “We will appear before Christ and take what’s coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad.”  (2 Cor. 5:10)

That should motivate us to live to please the Lord, and influence all we love to do likewise.

Because we know what it is to fear the Lord, we persuade others.  (v. 11)

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, as King David made it his goal to please you in everything, we likewise endeavor to do so with the grace You empower us with.  Thank You.

DAILY READING:  1 Kings 1;  2 Cor 5

The Apostle Paul dedicated his life to the furtherance of the gospel.  As he saw God’s grace through the gospel reaching more and more people, he described his joy as a thanksgiving that overflowed to the glory of God.  (2 Cor. 4:15)

This he said in spite of the many trials and hardships of life he experienced.  He had his focus on his eternal home with the Lord.

Today, let’s allow thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God because we have an eternal hope and trust in the Lord’s exciting plans that await us in heaven.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, thank You.  We are so grateful for the abundant life You provide to us while we are yet on this earth.  Our hope is in You.

DAILY READING:  2 Sam. 23-4;  2 Cor. 3,4

“Thanks be to God Who ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.” (2 Cor. 2:14)  This is one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible.  Through Christ, victory is always available.  He said, “Be of good cheer, I have already overcome the world.”  (Jn. 16:33)

Christians always have the opportunity to speak from a position of victory if they walk in the Lord’s ways.  God is faithful.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, I thank You for providing a victorious life to me and all who trust in You.  Lead on, O King Eternal!

DAILY READING:  2 Sam. 22;  2 Cor. 1,2