I Kings 8:61 - “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.”

Solomon and the people were dedicating the just-constructed temple in Jerusalem. Solomon had prayed that God would always bless the people who respected the temple and its purpose (22-53), and had preached a reminder of the blessings which God had lavished upon the nation until that time (12-21; 54-60). This conclusion of his sermon reminds even us today that God’s spiritual blessings of forgiveness, peace, hope and salvation are wholly dependent upon our keeping His word in sincerity of heart. Having started right on this day didn’t save Israel in later years when they departed from the word and from worship in the temple. Know the Bible, and make it your guide to every word and deed.