1 Kings 2 - Key

v2

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

Here's just a simple encouragement, to remind us to show strength and maturity, in the ways that we already know we should.

1 Corinthians 13 - Key

v2

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

I love to understand mysteries and have all kinds of knowledge, but there's a certain right time and way for those things. Those things can be good gifts, but they are only a means to an end. Charity itself, is the ultimate objective of everything.

Application

I've often been distracted by reveling in intriguing knowledge, while neglecting what I am really supposed to be doing at the time. Next time I come up with ingenious ideas while I should really be working on something else, I'll just make a note and save those ideas for when it is time for them.

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1 Corinthians 13 - Outline

v1-3

charity is greater than the greatest tongues, prophesy, knowledge, and even faith

v4-7

characteristics of charity

v8-12

charity outlasts other things like prophesies, tongues, and knowledge

v13

charity is even greater than faith and hope

Matthew 25:1-13 - Outline

v1-4

the difference between the wise and the foolish: the wise prepared in advance, but the foolish did not

v5-7

the similarities between the wise and the foolish: they all slept at a certain time, they all arose at a certain time

v8-9

each person is responsible for his own manner of life

v10-13

the particular hour of the day that Christ returns, there will be the end of some great opportunity

a difference between men and beasts

Exodus 13

v15

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

I think it was interesting that when the Lord taught Israel about sacrificing the firstborn, He put a clear distinction between the animals and the people. The firstborn animals were supposed to be sacrificed to the Lord, but all of the firstborn children were supposed to be redeemed (to have a price paid so that they could be free). I think that this distinction between humans and animals indicates the sanctity of human life.

1 Kings 1 - Key

v52

And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.

Adonijah had certainly offended before, but now he was put on notice. If we sin, we need to repent; and, after we have sinned before, we really should change and show ourselves to be worthy people from now on.

2 Samuel 24 - Key

v24

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy [it] of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

We shouldn't just serve the Lord when it is easy and "costs us nothing." We should be willing to sacrifice things to the Lord that cost us something.

For example, we should change our behavior when we know the Lord wants us to, even if it is hard.