June 27-July3

2 Samuel 20-24 Wise woman saves the town and the day. Not at all sure I approve of the way, but the outcome is good. David begins his song when he is delivered from his enemies, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." David does not take responsibility or the glory for what he believes is God's work. We might learn to praise God for the good that happens and not boast that we accomplished it.

David once again sins but when he realizes that what he has done is wrong, "David was stricken to the heart." David prays,"I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O LORD, I pray you, take away the guilt of your servant; for I have done very foolishly." Another lesson from David is we need to recognize our sin and repent. David was not perfect, but appears sincere in his repentance.

I Kings 1-3 David is aging. Solomon received David's blessing to become king and promises safety to his brother Adonijah who had tried to take the throne. As David prepares to die, he give Solomon orders. The first is to "be strong, be courageous, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments." The other requests are for murder and for safety of others, but God first. In this David is reminding his son that the nation and his reign are truly from God. After David's death, Solomon begins his rule by eliminating all rivals.
Then Solomon makes the first of his political marriages. Scripture struggles with Solomon's faithfulness. "Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed, and offered incense at the high places." When God appears to Solomon in a dream, God ask what should God give him. Solomon asks for wisdom "an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil;" God is pleased that Solomon requested wisdom and not long life and riches. God promises to give Solomon wisdom, riches and honor. If Solomon walks in God's ways, keeping God's statutes then God will give him long life.
May be we can learn from Solomon's prayer. Rather than asking for things to make us rich, we should ask for things that we help us do God's will and care for God's people.