1 Kings 9:4-5, "...if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 5 Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel forever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel."

Understanding the heart and mind of God is important to every believer.  If you want God's blessing upon your life, then you need to understand what God blesses and what He curses.  In today's verses, we see God's blessing upon integrity and uprightness.  These two character traits are closely akin one to the other and are used to emphasize what God expects from those who know Him. The word "integrity" is found sixteen times in the Bible and only in the Old Testament.  It speaks of one of undivided moral character, it is complete throughout the persons being, and nothing can cause him to waiver from it (see Job 2:3).  The word "upright" or "uprightness" is found eighty-four times in the Bible, and all but one are in the Old Testament.  Uprightness speaks of that which stands straight, not leaning or deviating.   

Are you standing straight today, living a life that is completely whole in moral character?  So many people are divided and leaning.  God blesses a person who is wholly committed to Him and His ways.  If there is anything in your life today that is displeasing to the Lord, let me encourage you to confess and forsake it.  Let's be people of integrity and uprightness.  It beats the alternative of being crooked and perverse, and it also pleases the LORD.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1.  As you examine your life today, are you upright in character?  What lead you to your conclusion?

2.  List several things that you believe God blesses.

3.  List several things that you believe God judges.

4.  How can you encourage others to walk in moral purity?