June 16. I Kings 9:1-9.
God’s Promises and Warnings. As with all good things, God wanted to make sure Solomon understood that neglect and disdain would result in loss. As much as I might love my new car and want it to stay shiny forever, if I don’t have it regularly maintained and if I abandon it for years at a time, it will not stay shiny. Not at all. Choices have consequences.
My verse: I Kings 9:6-7a “But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel …”
My response: Oh Father! The responsibility that came with the privilege of being king! If the king turned from you, Israel would be cut off. Yikes. Thank You for the reminder that choices have consequences. How I live will, indeed, influence others. And, really, how could anyone expect to have Your favor if they rejected You? It’s when we are near You that we are sheltered by You. Oh help me to stay close to You, dear Lord, all the days of my life.
