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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise “Yours is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” I give you thanks and praise your glorious name! (1 Chr 29:11–13 NIV). Today in Your Word Today you told me about Solomon’s second crowning and the death of his father David. Solomon was young and inexperienced, and David realized the enormous task of building the temple weighed heavily on him. So David took time to encourage him and remind him that you had specifically chosen him for this job. He challenged him: “Be courageous and act” (1 Chr 28:10 NASB). This teaches me that when you give me a task, you also give me the ability and power to accomplish that task. The size of a job can cause me to freeze in fear, but your words are a remedy for this: ‘Don’t focus on how big the task is; instead, get to work!’ Getting started is often the most difficult part of any task. As I work, I can rest in the knowledge that you are with me. You will never fail me or forsake me (1 Chr 28:20). As David’s time to die drew near, he charged Solomon: “Show yourself a man” (1 Kgs 2:2). What is the essence of manliness? “Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.” Those who obey, will “prosper in all that they do” (1 Kgs 2:3). Reflection David asked you to give Solomon a heart that followed after you, but the day came when Solomon rejected you and clung instead to his wives. The prayers of godly men cannot cover the sin I foster in my heart. I must choose each day to be whole-heartedly committed to you. Request Father, give me a perfect (shalem) heart to keep your commands, requirements and decrees. May I always have the desire to give willingly to your service, and may my heart always be loyal to you (1 Chr 29:18–19). Thanksgiving Thank you for sharing with me the life of “the sweet psalmist of Israel,” King David. I have learned much from watching his triumphs and defeats. His last words underscore this great truth: the righteous will be saved, but the wicked will be completely burned with fire. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “The Last Mile of the Way” — Johnson Oatman, Jr. Meditation Verse: 1 Kings 2:7. |