READ 1 Kings 12
After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam splits the kingdom.

INSIGHT
Because Solomon drifts from the Lord during the latter part of his reign, he does not
leave to his successor a healthy, vibrant nation. Israel struggles for moral and political
leadership. Rehoboam inherits the throne but places foolish and inordinate financial
demands on the nation on the heels of what Solomon had demanded—to build the
temple and his palace. The people rebel and the nation divides. The northern part of the
kingdom (Israel) follows after Jeroboam while Rehoboam retains control over the
southern part (Judah); neither man leads the nation in righteousness and the
disintegration that began with Solomon continues. Sin is taking its toll. It always does.

PRAYER
Praise the Lord that when we confess our sin, He removes the eternal penalty:
Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord:
Lord God of Israel,
Enthroned between the cherubim,  
You are God — you alone —
Of all the kingdoms of the earth.
You made the heavens and the earth  
(2 Kings 19:15).

He said: Lord God of Israel,
There is no God like you
In heaven above or on earth below,  
Who keeps the gracious covenant
With your servants who walk before you
With all their heart (1 Kings 8:23).

Pause for personal praise and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger;
Do not discipline me in your wrath.  
Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am weak;  
Heal me, Lord, for my bones are shaking;  
My whole being is shaken with terror.  
And you, Lord — how long? (Psalm 6:1-3).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,  
We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  
We have also obtained access through him  
By faith into this grace in which we stand,  
And we boast in the hope of the glory of God
(Romans 5:1-2).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater faithfulness with your talents
• Your state and local leaders
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now may the God of hope
Fill you with all joy and peace
As you believe
So that you may overflow with hope
By the power of the Holy Spirit
(Romans 15:13).