READ 1 Kings 2
David charges Solomon with the urgency of living for the Lord.

INSIGHT
Parts of the Old Testament tax our understanding and our acceptance. There is much
we do not understand about Old Testament culture and customs. We know that many of
the events are violations of God’s desires—though that is not always explained to us.
While not all things are easily explained, in chapter 2, Solomon takes vengeance only
upon all those people who had already committed acts that were punishable by death.
This doesn’t answer every problem we might have with this difficult chapter, but it is a
Beginning.

PRAYER
The Lord will guard and care for those who want to follow Him with their whole heart:
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.  
I will boast in the Lord;  
The humble will hear and be glad.  
Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me;  
Let us exalt his name together.  
I sought the Lord, and he answered me
And rescued me from all my fears
(Psalm 34:1-4).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord answered Job:
Will the one who contends
With the Almighty correct him?
Let him who argues with God
Give an answer.
Then Job answered the Lord:
I am so insignificant.
How can I answer you?  
I place my hand over my mouth
(Job 40:1-4).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Don’t work for the food that perishes    
But for the food that lasts for eternal life,    
Which the Son of Man will give you,
Because God the Father
Has set his seal of approval on him
(John 6:27).

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

• A friend to believe in Christ
• Greater understanding and love for God’s Word
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty,
Who is and who was,  
Because you have taken your great power
And have begun to reign
(Revelation 11:17).