No Peace For The Wicked
Tuesday, July 1
1 Kings 10:14-18 (NIV)
“The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents, not including the revenues from merchants and traders and from all the Arabian kings and the governors of the territories. King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three minas of gold in each shield. The king put them in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. Then the king made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with fine gold.”
Devotion
There is no quantity of gold, mighty warriors, or beautiful women that can bring peace for the wicked. Solomon became wicked when he disobeyed the Lord and married foreign women. These foreign women, in turn, turned Solomon's heart to the worship of other gods. Thus, being wicked, neither his great wealth, powerful protection detail, or beautiful wives could bring Solomon peace.
Do you ever think “... if only I had ... I would be happy and have peace”? If anything other than Jesus is what you are seeking, you will be disappointed. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Ask God to show you how your boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places. Resolve to be open handed with your material blessings. The streets of heaven are paved with gold. This is more gold than even Solomon had. Let us store up treasures there, lest rust and moth destroy, lest thieves break in and steal. If our heart and our treasures are in heaven, we will have peace as we seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You that we need not desire gold or thrones. Help us to overcome, so that we may sit down with You on Your throne in heaven at the right time. For my time on earth, keep falsehood and lies far from me. Give me our daily bread and, as prudent and wise, enough bread to share in Your name. Help me not to have too much so that I disown You and say, “Who needs God?” Help me not to become poor so that I need to beg or steal, but help me to work hard with my hands so that I have enough to share with people in need. Be quick to discipline me and turn my heart back to You if anything ever becomes an idol for me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Even if you think, “But I could do so much for the Kingdom of God if I were rich,” remember that God is far richer than any person. Did you notice in the devotional above, in heaven, gold is pavement? The treasure that you can offer God is your whole heart. Then ask Him to show you the path to service that He has prepared for you.
Resources:
- Watch this message, “Personal Holiness”, and prioritize living a holy life in honor of God.
- Forward Conference was incredible! Thank you for your prayers and support. For info about Forward 2026, visit - Forward 2026