Much of our life is directed by the low standards of this world rather than God’s higher standard. Success is defined by lofty incomes, nice cars, or an expensive house instead of vast spiritual assets like faith, hope, and love!

As we read 1 Kings 11:1-8 today, we will take in the lesson learned and pray. We will not be just going through the motions, giving lip service, or simply looking good on the outside but we will seek ways to internalize our faith, so it becomes a part of our character.

The main lesson today is Solomon’s spiritual decline. The major cause of his spiritual decline was his loss of focus. He was not devoted totally to the ONE true God because his wives turned his heart to their gods (v. 2). His kingdom was filled with disorder and future generations would see the kingdom be torn apart.

Solomon had strengths of wisdom and wealth during the first part of his reign but his major weakness was the alliances he made with nations that served idols. These bad habits caused him to lose focus. By paying attention to the world, disorder expands to fill the void of human failure. By paying attention to God, order fills the void with greatness.

So a daily time with God reading His word, prayer, and praise keeps us focused on what truly matters. By worshiping the ONE true God and thinking of ways to be a blessing to others, a good routine is developed. The activity is repeated over and over to become second nature and a part of who you are.

Think about your tendencies, weaknesses, or wrongdoings that need to be brought to God as you pray today. Do not limit what is possible. Ask for your deepest need praying for peace, for hope, and for healing. For revival, salvation, and victory knowing God is able to provide.

This Day, we put our attention on You Lord because You are the Way, the Truth, and the Light. With Your awesome wonder, we can prevail because You are bigger than all things that want to hold us back from a brighter future. With You are true blessings because You make the impossible possible through Your plan that brings peace and eternal bliss. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Photo – After college, I traveled for three weeks in Europe with a high school buddy and took this photo of the Swiss Alps.