READ 2 Samuel 7
David prepares for building a temple, but God tells him that David’s son will build it.

INSIGHT
With all his heart, David wants to build the temple of God. Yet because David is a man
of war, God reserves that privilege for David’s son Solomon, whose very name means
“peace.” While David cannot actually build the temple, he does draw the plans and
begins amassing the materials. And Solomon’s job is much easier because of David’s
work. In fact, the Lord commends David’s deep desire to build the temple even though
he is not permitted to do so (see 2 Chronicles 6:8.). There may be things in your heart
that you would like to do for God that you cannot do. Even so, it is good that it is in your
heart to want to do them.

PRAYER
Praise the Lord that He rewards us because of our motives:
They sang the song
Of God’s servant Moses  
And the song of the Lamb:
Great and awe-inspiring are your works,
Lord God, the Almighty;
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations.  
Lord, who will not fear
And glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.  
All the nations will come
And worship before you  
Because your righteous acts
Have been revealed
(Revelation 15:3-4).

And one called to another:
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies;
His glory fills the whole earth
(Isaiah 6:3).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
My little children,
I am writing you these things
So that you may not sin.
But if anyone does sin,
We have an advocate with the Father —
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He himself is the atoning sacrifice  
For our sins, and not only for ours,
But also for those of the whole world
(1 John 2:1-2).

Pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus told him, I am the way,    
The truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father
Except through me (John 14:6).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Faithfulness in sharing Christ
• The Lord’s work in world affairs
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
And thanksgiving and honor
And power and strength
Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
(Revelation 7:12).