Today’s Scripture: 1 Kings 6:11-13 The Message – The word of God came to Solomon saying, “About this Temple you are building—what’s important is that you live the way I’ve set out for you and do what I tell you, following my instructions carefully and obediently. Then I’ll complete in you the promise I made to David your father. I’ll personally take up my residence among the Israelites—I won’t desert my people Israel.”
Today’s Word: Distractions
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder to carefully and obediently follow your instructions and not get distracted by my own plans or to think my way is better than yours. You are God and I am not. Amen.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Kings 2:3 The Message – When David’s time to die approached, he charged his son Solomon, saying, “I’m about to go the way of all the earth, but you—be strong; show what you’re made of! Do what God tells you. Walk in the paths he shows you: Follow the life-map absolutely, keep an eye out for the signposts, his course for life set out in the revelation to Moses; then you’ll get on well in whatever you do and wherever you go. Then God will confirm what he promised me when he said, ‘If your sons watch their step, staying true to me heart and soul you’ll always have a successor on Israel’s throne.’
Today’s Word: Advice
Today’s Prayer: Dear Father God thank you for my Bible reading this morning. David’s advice to Solomon is my prayer today. I always want to walk in the paths you show me, follow the life map you designed for me, and lookout for signposts. I also claim the promise that I’ll get on well in whatever I do and wherever I go. What an awesome God you are. Amen.

Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:21 The Message – King David heard the whole story and was enraged, but he didn’t discipline Amnon. David doted on him because he was his firstborn. Absalom quit speaking to Amnon—not a word, whether good or bad—because he hated him for violating his sister Tamar.
Today's Word: Opportunity
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for this story showing David’s missed opportunity to bring healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation to his family.  Open my eyes Lord, so I see a bigger picture than he did. Help me not miss chances to promote healing when I have the power to do it. Amen.

Today’s Scriptures: 2 Samuel 11:14; 27; 12:12 The Message – In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In the letter he wrote, “Put Uriah in the front lines where the fighting is the fiercest. Then pull back and leave him exposed so that he’s sure to be killed.” But God was not at all pleased with what David had done, because you treated God with such contempt and took Uriah the Hittite’s wife as your wife, killing and murder will continually plague your family. This is God speaking, remember! I’ll make trouble for you out of your own family. I’ll take your wives from right out in front of you. I’ll give them to some neighbor, and he’ll go to bed with them openly. You did your deed in secret; I’m doing mine with the whole country watching!”
Today’s Word: Consequences
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord God help me always remember that you know everything about me. You will forgive me for any wrong act, but forgiveness does not take the consequences away. No sin is worth offending you or paying the price it costs. Amen.

Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:21 The Message – King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed: “Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming, for you’ve also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow, my Master God! What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master God, just as I am. You’ve done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are—out of your very heart!—but you’ve let me in on it.
Today’s Word: Partner
Today’s Prayer: Dear Father God I know you have chosen me to partner with you just as you chose David. I love his words “but you let me in on it”. Thank you, God for letting me in on it too. Thank for being my partner in life and throughout eternity. Amen.

Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:22 The Message – David replied to Michal, “In God’s presence I’ll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over God’s people, over Israel. Oh yes, I’ll dance to God’s glory—more recklessly even than this. And as far as I’m concerned . . . I’ll gladly look like a fool . . . but among these maids you’re so worried about, I’ll be honored no end.”
Today’s Word: Fool
Today’s Prayer: Dear Jesus I pray that I might be willing to look the fool for your sake. Like David I want my actions to bring glory to your Name and not just draw attention to me. If I deceive myself, please interfere and stop me. Amen.

Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 2:1, 4 The Message – After all this, David prayed. He asked God, “Shall I move to one of the cities of Judah? God said “Yes, move.” “And to which city?” God answered, “To Hebron.” The citizens of Judah came to Hebron, and then and there made David king over the clans of Judah.
Today’s Word: Specific
Today’s Prayer: Dear Father God, David asked such specific questions and you gave him such specific answers. It seems like it must be very important to you that I be clear – direct and simple when I pray. Thank you, for teaching me with this lesson from David’s life and his relationship with you. Amen.

Today’s Scripture:  1 Samuel 30:6 & 8 The Message – David strengthened himself with trust in God. Then David prayed to God. Shall I go after these raiders? Can I catch them? The answer came “Go after them. Yes, you’ll catch them. Yes, you’ll make the rescue.”
Today’s Word: Prayer
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord, the scripture today proves the power of prayer. You answered David’s request but you also gave him more. You not only told him he would catch up, you promised him the victory of a rescue. How can I doubt when the Bible is full of stories that tell about your faithfulness? Thank you God for all you do for me. Amen.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 23:14, 24:12, 15 The Message – Saul was out looking for him day after day, but God never turned David over to him. God may avenge me, but it is in his hands not mine. God is our Judge. He’ll decide who is right.
Today’s Word: Avenger
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord God, you are my avenger just as you were David’s. If I am truly focused on you and trusting you for all things then you will do for me what you did for David. No matter how powerful any enemy is you are so much more powerful. I trust you! That’s the key isn’t it? Thank you, Lord, for my scripture lesson today. Amen.