Prayer Followed by Action

1 Kings 6-8

Inspired thots

Solomon built his palace only after God's temple was finished. Then, he dedicated the temple with a prayer It was a heart felt prayer for the people to be 'near God night and day' and to 'know that the Lord is God and that there is no other'. Solomon also knew that their hearts must be fully committed to the Lord; to live by HIS decrees and obey His commands.

Action must follow up with prayer requests to indicate a sincere heart of commitment.

Giving the BEST to God with Highest Priority

1 Kings  5 & 6

Inspired thots

Solomon did not forget to carry out his father's instructions; to build God a temple. It was a big and magnificent temple with the BEST materials from Syria ~ cedar logs. Solomon had the work on God's temple constantly to finish it quickly but well. The HIGHEST priority was given to the building of God's temple; his own palace was set aside.

Solomon organized the building of God's temple well. He gave the best and planned it well. That was the right attitude towards God.

Proof of LOVE

1 Kings 3

Inspired thots

Solomon SHOWED his Love for God by WALKING according to God's statutes as David, his father did. Because Solomon loved God, his heart was filled with the things of God. Hence, when God visited him in a dream and granted Solomon ONE Wish; Solomon asked for A DISCERNING HEART to distinguish RIGHT from WRONG. 

God was pleased with Solomon's humble request and gave him more than he asked for. Sacrificial love is always KEY in the ways of God as evidenced by Jesus.

Established Before God in Uprightness

1 Kings 1 & 2

Inspired thots

Solomon began to reign after David established him on the throne before Adonijah managed to take it by force on his own. Self plotting for success and glory does not augur well with God. One is only established when one walks uprightly before God and Man; as recorded, the upright men were avenged by Solomon on David's behalf.

Some men like Joab may seem great and powerful as a commander but his heart is not upright with God; he acted on his own strength and wisdom instead of seeking God's.

Sacrifice that cost Nothing?

2 Samuel 24

Inspired thots

v24 "... I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

David wanted to sacrifice to God to stop the plague that was befalling on the Israelites. Araunah was willing to offer everything required for the king's offering but David knew that a SINCERE OFFERING COSTS!!
There must be a personal cost to a sacrifice; otherwise, it cannot be deemed as a personal sacrifice.
This reminds me of Jesus who sacrificed Himself for us; it costed Him His life.

Perhaps we can turn a sacrifice to be WITHOUT Cost if we have turned our hearts in Totality to God; then, it would not 'hurt' to 'sacrifice' for we would be WILLING Sacrifices even unto ourselves. That would be 'BEING LIKE JESUS'.

House in RIGHT ORDER with God

2 Samuel 23

Inspired thots

v 5 "Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will He not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?"

What a THOUGHT PROVOKING Question! But it is really more a DECLARATION than a question because David was SURE of his house's condition with God.


At the end of his life, he is able to proclaim that he has WALKED RIGHTLY with God because he knew God to be a Righteous God; taking after his God, David was righteous in all his ways.

Hence, the chapter lists his mighty men who acted righteously; they were accounted for righteousness more than valiance. Joab, David's commander who killed thousands, was not listed because he did not have a righteous heart before God. Yes, he acted 'well' but in man's sight and ways; not God's.

God IS.. as You ARE

2 Samuel 22

Inspired thots

David knew his God very well; he offered a long psalm of praise extolling the greatness of God in his life. It was a psalm of recollection and thankfulness; something which many of us do not make time for. A grateful heart comes only with recollection... counting one's blessings.

God IS to me what I AM. (v26) ~ To the faithful, God shows Himself faithful; to the blameless, God shows Himself blameless. To the pure, God shows Himself pure. To the crooked, He shows Himself shrewd.

We can experience the reality of God and WHO He is when we show WHO WE are; God always responds.

Seeking God in Times of Difficulties

2 Samuel 21

Inspired thots

David sought the Lord when things did not go well with the land; he did not take things for granted. He understood that everything that happens, happens by God. And God is faithful to reveal the root cause of trouble to those who seek Him.

When the right retribution is made, God blesses in more ways than one. We need to intercede on behalf of our land for forgiveness and blessings.

Wise Actions in Times of Trouble

2 Samuel 20

Inspired thots

Joab pursued David's enemy, Sheba of Bicri, who tried to hide in a fortified city Abel. But a wise woman rescued the city with her words of wisdom. She negotiated with Joab and advised her people to do the right thing. The city was spared from unnecessary bloodshed.

How easy to avoid trouble even when it looms; follow wise advice from a godly counsel if not from God.

Personal Agendas

2 Samuel 18 & 19

Inspired thots

David mourned over Absalom while Joab rebuked him. The Israelites invited David back as king while Judah was displeased with their action. Accusations were hurled at each other. Sigh! Men have many woes because they could not live amiably with one another. There are too many personal agendas in each party.

David was grieved over his son's death; Joab was displeased with David's emotions over his son rather than his army who fought for him. The Israelties want to win back David's favor.

Betrayal upon betrayal due to personal schemes for personal gains from personal agendas.

That is the true nature of man. No wonder God wants us to be more like Him. Lets keep our focus on Him alone.

Man's Confusing Advice

2 Samuel 16 & 17

Inspired thots

It is foolishness to seek man's advice instead of God's. Different men will offer different pieces of advice which leads only to one's detriment. Man offers advice that is limited in knowledge and power; sometimes with a personal agenda.

Absalom chose to hear man's advice instead of seeking God, unlike David. Hence, he was given contradicting advice which seemed good in his limited mind but brought on unfavorable results.

Only God has the best of our interests at heart; it is best to seek only God's advice. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Taking Matters into OUR OWN HANDS

2 Samuel 14, 15

Inspired thots

Joab knew David missed his son Absalom who killed another son Amnon; hence, Joab devised a plan to have David allow Absalom come back but being righteous, David did not want to see Absalom's face until 2 years have passed. He was still mourning for Amnon.

But Absalom's treachery is soon to be revealed. He set Joab's field on fire to have his way; hence, it was to Joab's detriment to have brought Absalom back. Absalom became arrogant and devised to be king by first stealing the people's heart (15:6)

When they took matters into their own hands, they will only experience self destruction and trouble.

Such a difference compared to David who sought the Lord and put Him first in his life. Hence, the Lord was pleased with David.

Refused to Listen to SOUND Advice

2 Samuel 13

Inspired thots

Amnon, one of David's sons, REFUSED to listen to SOUND advice. He desired Tamar but resorted to trickery to get her. Although she ADVISED him wisely to seek the RIGHT Path of action, he succumbed to his  fleshly passion. Then, he hated her after defiling her. 

Although Tamar advised Amnon twice, the second time was to do right after his first wrong, Amnon still refused to listen. Hence, his destruction was imminent as Absalom avenged his sister.

Forced actions are usually destructive as they stem from fleshly desires which are displeasing to God.

SIN has its CONSEQUENCES

2 Samuel 12

Inspired thots

David could feel angry against a fictitious wrongdoer which Nathan the prophet poses but could not see his own wrong doing. How true that we cannot see the "log in our own eyes while we see the speck in others' eyes"

This is one time where God does not answer David's prayers although he fasted and wept for his sick son; he knows very well that God might be merciful and gracious to him but if not, he still worshiped God. Sin has its consequences. At least God forgave him of his sin.

We tend to forget that there are consequences to sin although there is forgiveness. Hence, it is better to restrain oneself from sinning in the first place.

Manipulations DISPLEASE God

2 Samuel 11

Inspired thots

David coveted Uriah's wife; Uriah was a dedicated and humble commander in David's army who was willing to forsake all to serve his king and country. Yet David sinned. From good intentions, he turned to bad intentions and manipulated the situation to get his own gain. So God was displeased with him. 

No one is perfect; our hearts are deceitful. But the bible already warned us that "when you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your (heart's) door; it desires to have you but you must master it." (Gen 4:7)

Have FAITH in God

2 Samuel 10

Inspired thots

Though David had GOOD Intentions, they were misconstrued as Evil; hence, his men were shamed and David's wrath was kindled. But his enemies started planning a battle in fear of David's retaliation; David's men were fewer in numbers but they had FAITH in GOD! v12 "The Lord will do what is GOOD in His sight."

It is wise to TRUST God to do what is Good and Just. He has the best plans in mind for our good. The Lord fights our battles for us. Praise His name!

Blessing the NEXT Generation

2 Samuel 9

Inspired thots

David is king and very rich. He still remembered king Saul and Jonathan. He made the effort to seek out Jonathan's next generations to  BLESS them. He did not hold king Saul's enmity over him on the next generation. He CHOSE to BLESS. He did it for the sake of his good friendship with Jonathan and his fear for God; for this action pleases God.

Mephibosheth responded (v8): "What is your servant the you should notice a dead dog like me?"
How humble he was, knowing his own condition ~ physically and materially. He has lost everything and expected Nothing but David gave him more than he would need. 

It is good to bless others in need, especially the NEXT generation to encourage them in the Lord.

Dedicating Earthly Belongings

2 Samuel 8

Inspired thots

David enjoyed victory upon victory in battles as the Lord blessed him. Yet, with all his plunder, David CHOSE to dedicate all his EARTHLY POSSESSIONS to God (v11). All the silver, gold and bronze, he dedicated to God. He gave God the best of the spoils. This showed David's deep love for God that he was not concern about earthly riches. He knows God will bless him well.

How different from us who value earthly possessions more than God. The more we hoard earthly goods, the more we lack; no wonder God loves the cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7,8)

A Selfless God

2 Samuel 7

Inspired thots

v19 "...is this YOUR USUAL way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord?"

David REALLY UNDERSTOOD God. As David expressed his desire to build a house for God, God reveals Himself. He does not care about where HE dwells on earth; He CARES ABOUT THE PEOPLE HE LOVES! 

All that He does is for those He loves; He dwelt with the Israelites as they were in the wilderness. He did not demand a fine palace then (v7)
He helped cut off their enemies; provided a land of milk and honey with safety; appointed leaders and gave them rest. He established David's house and his kingdom forever and promises to be a Father to David's descendants.

This is our God - the Servant King; like Father like Son is Jesus our Lord! Hallelujah! So much to learn from the Trinity.

Undignified AND Humiliated in ONE's OWN EYES

2 Samuel 6

Inspired thots

David poured himself fully into God; he rejoiced in the Lord as his soul and spirit guided him when he brought the ark of God back to his home. Michal, his wife, was not pleased to see how David celebrated before the Lord, thinking more of what MEN MAY THINK of his public display that is not seemingly befitting of a king.

Truly, David CHOSE to be undignified and humiliated in the eyes of man rather than be restricted to celebrate in God's presence. He chose wisely and acted from a pure and loving heart to God. He was blessed. Michal remained barren.

Isaiah 55:8,9 

The LORD in EVERYTHING

2 Samuel 5

Inspired thots

How important to know that it is GOD who is OVER ALL! He blesses; He avenges; there is none like Him. It is wise to walk rightly before Him.

David realized his blessings were because the Lord God Almighty was with him; (v10) David was exalted for the SAKE of the people (v12). Blessings are not for ourselves alone. They are to be shared with others.

NEVER Do Evil to Seek Man's Favor

2 Samuel 4

Inspired thots

Two guys thought they were doing David a big favor and would get big rewards when they murdered Jonathan's son, Ish-bosheth; how WRONG they were! David was righteous in all his ways; he avenged Ish-bosheth as he was innocently killed.

David did not rush into being king over Israel. He waited for God's RIGHT TIMING; he did not seek man's favor but God's favor in everything.

Walking Righteously in ALL Ways

2 Samuel 2 & 3

Inspired thots

David went about his life righteously all the time with reverence for God in his heart leading him. Hence, he did not sin against God and yet, found favor with men. He treated his enemy, Abner, well but Abner was killed by Joab who avenged his brother's death.

Civil war can bring a lot of destruction; hurt and revenge are some of its bad overflows. We must avoid confronting one another and live righteously before our God; let Him avenge us for any wrong done upon us. He knows best!

Your Own Mouth Testify Against You

2 Samuel 1

Inspired thots

The news of the deaths of king Saul and his sons were brought to David by an Amalekite. It was recorded in at the end of 1 Samuel that Saul killed himself to avoid capture; and his sword bearer did likewise. But now, an Amalekite came to David trying to get the credit by bringing him the sad news. Perhaps the Amalekite thought he was 'doing David a favor' by telling him how he slain David's enemy for him. How wrong he was!

A LIE became his DEATH sentence;

David had great respect for God's things; he would not touch God's anointed and sin against God. It shows David's reverence for the Lord. We tend to bring on our own destruction when we take matters into our own hands; thinking that we are 'clever' in our ways and scheming.

We exaggerate and lie which festers to become gangrene and destruction for ourselves.

A SAD Ending

1 Samuel 31

Inspired thots

King Saul and his sons died in battle; it was a sad ending to one who started well with God.

No wonder the NT keeps reminding us to continue our faith journey to the end and proclaim like Paul ~ "I have fought the good fight. I have run the race." (2 Tim. 4:7)