[Abijah] committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong. For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.

1 Kings 13-15 and 2 Chronicles 11-14:1

[Abijah] committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong. For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite. 1 Kings 15:3-5

 
Day 152 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of of the divided kingdoms of Judah (and Benjamin) under Rehoboam and his son Abijah, and of the remaining tribes of northern Israel under Jeroboam.

God demonstrates his patience, is slow to anger and abounding in love and He is faithful as he seeks to fulfill the promise made to the House of David regarding how someone from David's line will always reign. 

Although Judah largely failed to follow the Lord, Judah is spared destruction from an attack by Egypt:

Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah. 2 Chronicles 12:12

In 2 Chronicles 13, God also spares Judah by leading them to route Jeroboam in battle.

The Israelites were subdued on that occasion, and the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 2 Chronicles 13:18

I am grateful for how God demonstrates compassion and mercy for me - I must demonstrate this for others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is slow to anger and abounding in love for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such compassion and mercy.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.