READ 1 Chronicles 17
God promises David that He will propagate David’s lineage forever.

INSIGHT
David is described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). It is difficult for us to accept that statement when David is guilty of lying, adultery, murder, and other indiscretions. However, to be a man after God’s own heart means that David wants the same things God wants. His noble desires and intentions are overruled several times by his passions; but when David’s senses are restored and he repents of his sin, again his heart beats after God’s desires. We may not be as bad as David in his bad moments, but are we as good as David in his good moments? Do our hearts beat after God?

PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord that He is eager to bless our righteous acts:
Ascribe to the Lord, families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
Bring an offering and come before him.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness
(1 Chronicles 16:28-29).

I will thank the Lord for his righteousness;
I will sing about the name of the Lord Most High
(Psalm 7:17).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Be gracious to me, God,
According to your faithful love;
According to your abundant compassion,
Blot out my rebellion.  
Completely wash away my guilt
And cleanse me from my sin.  
For I am conscious of my rebellion,
And my sin is always before me
(Psalm 51:1-3).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Indeed, God is my salvation;
I will trust him and not be afraid,
For the Lord, the Lord himself,
Is my strength and my song.
He has become my salvation
(Isaiah 12:2).

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

• An increased eternal perspective
• Your spiritual goals
• Your activities for the day

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
To Titus, my true son in our common faith.
Grace and peace from God the Father
And Christ Jesus our Savior (Titus 1:4).