Read: 1 Kings 10-11
Focus Verse: “‘But I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand. I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose and who obeyed my commands and decrees.” (1 Kings 11:34).
Devotion: Solomon’s sin was letting his heart be pulled to worship other gods. David’s sin was what he did to Bathsheeba and her husband. Yet, David is still said to have always obeyed all God’s commands and decrees. What’s the difference, they both sinned, right? The distinction is even when David sinned his heart never faltered, he never turned away from God. There are lots of things we consider sin because they aren’t the ideal ways to live our lives, but none of those will cause God to revoke his love and forgiveness. What will, however, is if in our sin we turn our heart completely away from God. If we do that we can’t receive the gifts God gives us in Christ because we don’t even know the gift giver. We’ll mess up, we’ll do wrong in this life, but stand firm in loving the LORD and not turning away your heart.
Pray: LORD I pray forgive me of my sins, help me live the best life for myself, but even when I falter, allow my heart to stay with you always. Amen!
Additional Scripture: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you.” (Deut. 31:8)