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The Upper Room International Editions: Changing Hearts and Lives
Not long after the first issue of The Upper Room daily devotional rolled off the press Read More
Brenna Lakeson | Read 1 Kings 2:10-12 , Read 1 Kings 3:3-14
One of Solomon’s first actions on the throne is to travel to Gibeon to make sacrifices and burnt offerings to God. This is one of the most sacred acts of faithfulness, laid out by the early law codes of the Israelites. The concept of the early Israelite temple is built...
Victory-bringer, you are the covenant-keeper of Joshua. You are the protector of Gibeon. You are the giver to Solomon. Lead us through conflict. Repair our disagreement. Soothe our apprehension so that we may be faithful in dispelling violence, fear, and pain in the world. Amen.
If you could ask God for one thing, what would it be? God offered this chance to Solomon, and the king asked for wisdom to rule God’s people well. God honored this request by giving Solomon many other gifts too, as long as the king followed God’s ways. (Later on, unfortunately, Solomon lost his way.) The psalmist tells us that wisdom begins with understanding who we are and who God is. Ephesians addresses practical implications of wise living: follow the will of the Lord, be filled with the Spirit, encourage one another, and be grateful to God. The Gospel passage continues Jesus’ metaphorical description of himself as the Bread of Heaven. Here Jesus anticipates the sacrament of Communion, in which we partake of his body and blood by faith.
Read 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14. Do you hesitate to ask God to show you your call? Why?
Read Psalm 111. Where have you seen God’s faithful and just actions in your life? In the world?
Read Ephesians 5:15-20. How do you live wisely and make the most of the time?
Read John 6:51-58. What is the significance of Holy Communion in your life of faith? How has your understanding of this sacrament changed over time?
Respond by posting a prayer.
