1 Chronicles 1-2

April 30

1 Chronicles 1-2

A list of names. That is what it looks like to me, a list of names that mean little if anything to me. Sure it gives the genealogy of the people of Israel. Some of the names are familiar. Some of the names are hard to pronounce and the people did not seem to do anything significant in the history of Israel. But every name is significant to God. Every name represents a life lived. Every name represents a soul that was created by God to worship Him. Some walked in obedience, others rebelled against God, but every name is important to God.

Every face you see in a crowd, every person that lives on this earth, every one of them is important to God. God has a plan for them. God has a dream for them. God wants to do so much more than most will ever allow them to do. CS Lewis wrote in his essay The Weight of Glory; “Every human being is in the process of becoming a noble being, noble beyond imagination; or else, alas, a vile being beyond redemption...The dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet if at all only in a nightmare. There are no ordinary people.”

Every one of us has a family tree. We are all influenced by our past and we all influence the future. We may have an effect on other people and their decisions concerning Christ. We may affect whether they are eternally glorious or an eternal nightmare.  Every face in the crowd matters to God. And if every person matters to God, they should matter to us. 

2 Kings 24-25

April 29

2 Kings 24-25

God had warned, He had pleaded, He had promised, not He fulfilled what He told Judah would happen if they continued to rebel against Him. The Babylonians, one of the crudest, cruelest nations to inhabit the earth became tools of God to rid the land He had promised to Israel of their presence. The covenant God had made with His people said; “if they obeyed Him,” He would continue to bless them and keep them in the land. Israel and Judah did not obey God, they did their own thing and they faced the consequences. Only the poorest people were left in the land everyone else was removed.

God even allowed the Babylonians to destroy the temple and to remove the sacred utensils. All the splendor of the temple Solomon had built was now scrap metal. God is slow to anger, but when Israel and Judah continued to worship false gods and continued to do their own thing, ignoring the instructions of God, He finally said; “enough.”

There are things in our lives that God speaks to us about changing. There are things in our lives that get in the way of our true worship of God. There are times when we make excuses and want to do things our way, even if God wants something else for us. God may tolerate our disobedience for a season, but the time will come when God will bring consequences for our actions. Cancers begin as just a few cells and if caught early can be removed before they spread and cause greater problems. If it is not caught early, they spread and the entire body may be infected. It is the same with sin. God wants to remove it from us before is spreads and destroys us.

Is there something you know God is speaking to you about changing? If not, I encourage you to pray and ask God to reveal anything in your life that is not pleasing to Him. Then ask Him to help you remove the sin, ask Him to help you change, ask Him to continue to shape you into the image of His Son. God wants to help us live for Him, but if we refuse, we will face greater consequences. 

2 Kings 22-23

April 28

2 Kings 22-23

It seems strange that the Book of the Law, the bible of the Israelites was lost in the temple and it seems no one even noticed. When workmen began to repair the temple they found the book and it was brought to King Josiah. When the book was read to Josiah, he realized that God had given Israel specific instructions on how to live as His people and He spelled out the consequences for not following Him. Josiah realized that God was angry toward the Israelites so he humbled himself and repented of his sin and the sin of the nation. God heard Josiah and told him that Israel would suffer consequences for her sin, but He promised to wait until Josiah had died.

Josiah knew what the final results. God had made up His mind that He was going to bring disaster on His people. But Josiah continue to bring renewal to the nation. He renewed Israel’s covenant with God. He destroyed the idols and places of worship of false gods. He walked in obedience to God. "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses." (2 Kings 23:25, NIV)

Josiah could not turn God’s anger from Judah, but he influenced the nation for a time period. He called them to follow God because He was God not because of some benefit they may receive by serving Him.

Do we serve God because of Who He is or because of what we want from Him?

2 Kings 19-21

April 27

2 Kings 19-21

While Israel fell to the Assyrians, Judah turned to God. Hezekiah became king and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Hezekiah helped turn the hearts of the people of Judah back to God. He faced death, but prayed and God heard him and extended his life. The Assyrians ridiculed him for trusting God to deliver Judah when they had conquered so many other nations. Hezekiah was the right man at the right time to lead Judah.

Early in his reign, Hezekiah broke the bronze snake Moses had made. In Numbers 21, God sent poisonous snakes into the camp because the Israelites had rebelled against Him. People were dying from the snakebites so they asked Moses to intercede for them. God told Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole and those who looked to the snake when they were bitten would not die. The bronze snake was something good. It was made at God’s instructions, but instead of being a tool, the Israelites began to worship the bronze snake.

Hezekiah took this snake that the people had made sacred and destroyed it. It was something that began good, but became a stumbling block. People today fall into the same hazard. A song, a piece of church furniture, a style of music or worship becomes the focus of worship instead of a tool to assist in worship. Good snakes go bad when we focus on the object instead of focusing on God to whom the object points.

Periodically we need to do self examinations. We need to look at our personal lives and at our churches. We need to get rid of our idols and get back to worshiping God who created the heavens and the earth.

2 Kings 17-18

April 26

2 Kings 17-18

Israel finally received the consequences God had told them they would receive for their rebellion against Him. God had warned Israel and Judah, but they did not listen. He sent prophets to correct them, but they ignored or even killed the prophets. "They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their fathers and the warnings he had given them. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the Lord had ordered them, “Do not do as they do,” and they did the things the Lord had forbidden them to do." (2 Kings 17:15, NIV)

Though God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt, they did not really trust Him. Even when they were worshiping Him, they were also worshiping idols of the nations around them or even idols they made up for themselves. They followed worthless idols instead of following the living God and by doing so, they became worthless. God told Israel from the time of the Exodus that they were to worship Him alone, but they did not listen.

 "‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.’" (Numbers 14:18, NIV) God used the Assyrians to bring His punishment upon Israel.

Many people in our day ignore the Word of God. They ignore His warnings. They ignore His promises. People see that God has not brought great disaster upon all those who ignore Him, so they turn from Him and live for themselves instead of living for God. They create idols of movie stars and athletes, they pursue power and money. They follow the ways of the Israelites instead of the ways of God. Though they may “worship God,” they also worship the idols of the world.

God is slow to anger, but He will not leave the guilty unpunished. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, NIV) Just as the day of Israel’s destruction came, there will be a day when those who reject the Lord will face judgment for their choices.

God is a God of love. He is slow to anger and abounding in live and forgiving sin and rebellion. He does not want anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance. Are you ready for His return?

2 Kings 14-16

April 25

2 Kings 14-16

Ahaz the son of Jotham did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Ahaz broke the string of good kings in Judah. Ahaz got his eye off of God and put his trust in the power of the king of Assyria. As the armies of his enemies approached, Ahaz turned to Tiglath-Pilser instead of turning to the Lord. The Psalmist wrote; "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save." (Psalm 146:3, NIV) But that is exactly where Ahaz put his trust. Judah was supposed to be a servant and vassal of God, but Ahaz trusted man more than he trusted God.

When Ahaz went to Damascus to visit the king of Assyria, he saw and altar that impressed him. The altar designed by man impressed him more than the altar in Jerusalem designed by God. Ahaz had a replica of the altar built and made it the central place of worship in Jerusalem.

The sin of Ahaz is the sin many of us face. We trust men more than we trust God. We trust what we can see and hold instead of trusting in spiritual forces. God had delivered Israel and Judah in the past, but Ahaz only saw the present. He first focused on the power in the Assyrian army, but then he put his trust in the Assyrian worship.

God is a jealous God. We wants us to worship Him and Him alone. When we fix our eyes on Him and trust him even when the enemy is close at hand, we will see God move in amazing ways. When we panic and put our trust in men, we will eventually fall. We cannot see everything that is powerful. That is why it is called faith. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1, NIV) 

2 Kings 11-13

April 24

2 Kings 11-13

Joash’s father did evil in the eyes of the Lord. His grandmother killed the rest of his family and would have killed him, but his aunt hid him at the temple for six years while his grandmother ruled over Judah. When he was seven years old Jehoiada, the priest presented the boy as king and had  instructed the young king who was seven years old when he began to reign. Instead of following the ways of his father and grandmother, Joash was influenced by a godly man who took time to invest in his life. The bible tells us; "Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him." (2 Kings 12:2, NIV)

We are told that Joash was a good king and that he was instrumental making needed repairs to the temple. Joash could have easily followed the example of his father and grandmother, but he had a godly mentor who instructed him in the ways of the Lord. Not only was the life of Joash changed, all of Judah was changed. Joash’s son, Amaziah, grandson Azariah, and great grandson Jotham all followed the ways of his father and also did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Jehoiada influenced the world by investing in the life of a boy and young man who became king.

Most of us can look back in our lives and discover those who invested in our lives. Maybe it was our parents, but maybe it was someone in the community who cared. Jesus told his disciples and in effect told us to go and make disciples. He instructed us to mentor others and teach them to live in obedience to Jesus. When we follow those instructions, we may turn a young person’s life around, we may change a community, we may even change the world.

Pray about who God would like you to reach out to and mentor in the ways of God. 

2 Kings 9-10

April 23

2 Kings 9-10

Jezebel was a wicked woman and really the leader over Israel for many years. Her husband, Ahab, cowered to her and allowed her to bring make Baal worship, sexual promiscuity and many sinful lifestyles to prominence in Israel. People living in that time probably wondered why God would allow such actions. Why did God allow Jezebel and Ahab remain on the throne in Israel? Why, after the death of Ahab and his son Ahaziah, did God allow Joram, Ahab’s next son, to reign as king with Jezebel the queen mother?

We cannot always understand why God allows certain people to rise to leadership. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, probably during the reign of Nero, a wicked leader of the Roman Empire; "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Romans 13:1, NIV) Why would God establish leaders like Hitler, Stalin, Saddam Hussein, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and so many others?

Israel and Judah had many bad kings and relatively few good kings. We look around and wonder if God has fallen asleep while our world seems to spiral out of control. Many look at our own nation and the great divide within the country and among our government officials and wonder if God cares. But as we look back in scripture, we see that God allows evil kings to rise to power. There are killings, power struggles, and chaos within the country as kings come and go.

We have to remember that God is not contained in time. God is outside of time. What seems like a long time to us is nothing in scope of eternity. Good kings and evil kings come and go. God uses the evil kings to bring upon Israel and Judah the discipline they needed. The people often got the king they deserved.Though it seems like evil wins out during certain stages of history, God eventually makes them pay for their rebellion against Him. Just as Elijah had said, Jezebel’s body was devoured by dogs in Jezreel.

We do not need to get discouraged our wonder if God knows what is going on in our world. We need only to pray and stand up for the truth of the Gospel. We may have evil leaders and we may have good leaders, but ultimately God is in control and He will bring about the discipline that is appropriate for each of us.

2 Kings 6-8

April 22

2 Kings 6-8

Imagine the sick feeling in the pit of the stomach of the servant of Elisha. The Aramean army complete with horses and chariots had surrounded the city where they were staying. Elisha was not worried though. Elisha had eyes to see what the servant could not see. He told the servant;   “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”" (2 Kings 6:16, NIV)  Elisha prayed and his servant’s eyes were opened and then he saw reality. The hills were filled with horses and chariots of fire; the Lord’s army was protecting Elisha and his servant.

Often we become worried or afraid because we do not see a way out of trouble. Sometimes it seems we are in a battle against forces we cannot see. Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus; “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV)

We are in a battle, but it is not a battle against a foe we can see. It is a battle for our souls. It is a battle on the spiritual realm. There are times when we feel like Elisha’s servant. We feel like we are surrounded and all alone. But the Apostle John wrote in his letter; "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4, NIV)

We have no reason to fear. The battle has already been won. Jesus fought for us on the cross and won the battle. "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:56-57, NIV) He gives us the victory. When we approach life knowing we are victors in Jesus, we do not have to worry about the battle; we just continue to walk with our Lord.

Pray that God would open your eyes so you can see not only the battle, but the army He has placed around you.

2 Kings 4-5

April 21

2 Kings 4-5

The widow came to Elisha desperate. Her husband died. She thought she had nothing except a debt she could not pay. She thought she was about to lose her boys to her husband’s creditors. Her husband had revered the Lord, but now that he was dead, his family was left desolate. It did not seem fair. All she had left was a desperate plea to Elisha, the man of God. When she cried out to Elisha for help, Elisha asked her what she had in her house. Her reply was nothing. Nothing at all. Then she thought for a moment and said; “except a little oil.”

We do not have to have a lot. God just wants us to give him what we do have. When we give God what we have, He will give us what we need. Elisha said got get as many jars as you can. The lady and her boys got as many jars as they could find, they went to friends and neighbors, the scavenged until they could not find any more jars. Elisha then said, go into your home, close the door and begin the pour that little oil into the empty jars.

The widow and her sons poured and poured until they ran out of jars. They did not run out of oil until they ran out of jars. God wants to fill us as He filled those jars with oil. He will fill us until everything we have, every part of our lives is filled with Him. We don’t have to have much, but if we will trust God with what we have He will multiply it and provide for our needs.

They lady was able to sell the oil and pay all her husband’s debts and live off the rest. When we allow Jesus to lead our lives, when we give him what we have, He will wipe out our debt and we can live full and fulfilled lives with Him throughout our lives here and for eternity in heaven.

2 kings 1-3

April 20

2 Kings 1-3

Elijah was a great prophet of God. He dealt with depression and at times felt like he was fighting his battle with evil all alone. God brought along Elisha. Elisha was a great help to Elijah, but Elisha was a mentor to Elijah. When it came time for Elijah to leave this earth, Elisha knew what was going to happen, but did not want to talk about losing his best friend and mentor. But he asked Elijah for one last favor. “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” (v9) This was a request Elijah could not promise. It is God’s place to give His Spirit.

Elisha did see Elijah as he was taken to heaven in a whirlwind and he picked up his cloak and received the blessings of God to continue Elijah’s ministry. The bible gives us evidence of Elisha doing twice the miracles that Elijah did, so is seems Elisha’s request was fulfilled. He received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit became available to any who would turn from their life of sin and turn toward Jesus. God wants to empower us to live lives that please Him. He wants to enable us to live lives of obedience. We live those lives when we have the same Spirit that was in Jesus.

"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness." (Romans 8:9-10, NIV)

We do not have to wait and wonder if we will receive the Holy Spirit, God wants to give us His Spirit. He wants to empower us. Jesus said in Luke 11:13; "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”"

If you want to live a life of power, all you have to is ask and God will fulfill your request. 

1 Kings 22

April 19

1 Kings 22

Jehoshaphat was a godly king, Ahab was not. Jehoshaphat remembered that the two nations, Judah and Israel, were one people delivered from Egypt by the hand of God. He sought to be an ally with Ahab. Ahab led him into war. Ahab was ready to charge in and fight the king of Aram, but Jehoshaphat wanted to check with God before going to battle. Ahab called in all the prophets who would say what he wanted to hear. Jehoshaphat did not care what these “yes men” had to say, he wanted to know what God had to say.

The writer of Proverbs wrote; "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22, NIV) Advisors help us make wise decisions only if the advisors are wise. We all need people around us to help us make good decisions. When we surround ourselves with people who will allow us to make stupid decisions, what good are they doing? If everyone just says what we want them to say, why seek their opinion? Ahab did not really want to hear what God had to say. He did not consult true prophets because they did not tell him what he wanted to hear. When Jehoshaphat insisted they inquire of the Lord, Ahab agreed to hear what Micaiah had to say. Micaiah told Ahab that if he went to war with Aram, he would die. God had put lying spirits in his prophets and they were telling him false information.

Ahab would not hear it. He went to battle anyway, but disguised himself so no one would know he was the king. A stray arrow went between his armor and killed Ahab and dogs licked up his blood just as God had told him they would.

We can always find people to tell us what we want to hear, but what we really need are people who tell us what we need to hear. God gives us His instruction in the bible, He gives us guidance through the Holy Spirit, He gives us help through our sisters and brothers in the Lord. God gives us all the tools we need to make good decisions. We just have to listen to the right counsel. 

1 Kings 20-21

April 18

1 Kings 20-21

Ahab is a bad king not matter how you look at him. He was reported as the most evil king up to his time. God did not give up on Ahab, no matter how wicked he may have been. God sent a prophet to Ahab and told him God would give him victory over the vast Aramean army so Ahab would know that God was in fact God. Ahab received the victory, but continued to disobey God.

Ahab at the encouragement of his wife, Jezebel, had a man, Naboth, wrongly charged and stoned to death so Ahab could claim the man’s vineyard for his vegetable garden. Ahab did not seem to have a shred of decency in him. After he took possession of Naboth’s vineyard, God sent Elijah with a message. Elijah brought a message of God’s intended wrath upon Ahab and his family. Ahab finally realized that he needed to take God seriously. "When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”" (1 Kings 21:27-29, NIV)

If God showed mercy to Ahab, how much more will He show us mercy if we will humble ourselves before Him? Ahab was one of Israel’s most wicked kings. He led many away from the Lord and was involved in Baal worship. He killed a man for his garden. But when he humbled himself before God, God relented from bringing disaster upon his family while he was still alive.

Paul wrote to the church in Rome; "For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all." (Romans 11:32, NIV) We all have sinned. We all deserve death. We all deserve the sentence given Ahab. But God’s desire is for us to realize that He is God and He loves us and has a plan for our lives, plans to prosper us as Jeremiah 29:11 tells us. God wants to show us mercy; He is just waiting for us to humble ourselves before Him. 

1 Kings 18-19

April 17

1 Kings 18-19

Depression, being down, or even pessimism can skew our perspective on life. No matter how good things may be, we still see the glass as half empty. Elijah came off one of the great miracles of God. He prepared an offering and asked God to bring down fire from heaven, and God did. Elijah told the people it was time to choose. It was not a time to waiver between opinions, it was time to choose. Elijah’s prayer when he called down fire from heaven was; "Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”" (1 Kings 18:37, NIV)   Elijah was calling God to act to reveal Elijah as a great prophet, but to reveal God as God. The people did turn to God.

You would think after an experience like this, Elijah would be walking on air, but instead he became afraid of Jezebel’s threats and ran for his life. He went into the desert, sat under a broom tree and prayed that God would take his life. Instead, God provided food and drink for Elijah and prepared him for a journey in which he encountered God.

When Elijah complained to God about how he was the only one who was still serving Him and Jezebel was trying to kill him also, God reminded Elijah that He had kept a remnant. God had reserved seven thousand who were still faithful. God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper and bringing a display of wind, and earthquakes, and fire. God does not always come in the obvious ways. He does not always show himself with fire from heaven, but often He speaks in a gentle whisper. We just have to listen.

Elijah was so focused on his own feelings; he was missing the great work God was doing around him. Elijah was so focused on Jezebel’s threats; he forgot that God was his protector. When we get overwhelmed with the cares of life, the obstacles, the challenges, it is easy to feel like we are all alone. It is easy to think there is no way out. We may even pray like Elijah and ask God to allow us to die. But if we will stop long enough to listen, we may very well hear God speak to us in a gentle whisper and remind us of what He has done and what He wants to do in our lives. He may even tell us of some people to bring along side of us to help us along.

1 Kings 15-17

April 16

1 Kings 15-17

The list of evil kings in Judah and Israel is long. "Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done." (1 Kings 15:11, NIV) Asa is a breath of fresh air in the midst of the evil that surrounded him. We do not know much about Asa, but we are told "Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life." (1 Kings 15:14, NIV)

A few pages later we read of a well known king of Israel. "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him." (1 Kings 16:30, NIV) God blesses those who follow Him and He curses those who rebel against Him. God blessed Asa with success. God brought disaster upon Ahab and made him pay for his evil actions.

We don’t like to think about the wrath of God. Sometimes we wonder why God doesn’t bring His wrath against those who practice evil against society. In the short run, it seems like the wicked prosper while the good face opposition. But we can be assured that God knows the score. He knows who is fully committed to Him and he knows who does evil in His eyes. We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and on that day we will each receive what is due.

Our reward is not necessarily worldly riches, but eternal wealth is much more valuable. Ahab is mentioned in portions of seven chapters of the bible, Asa got 16 verses. Asa was commended by God, Ahab was condemned.

Almost the very end of the bible tells us; "“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:12-17, NIV)

There is eternal reward for those who follow and obey the commands of Jesus. Are you thirsty?

1 Kings 12-14

April 15

1 Kings 12-14

     George Santayana wrote a quote often attributed to Winston Churchill; “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Perhaps that is the reason God told the Israelites to tell the stories to their children and to their children’s children. Jeroboam forgot to read about what happened when the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea. While Moses was on Mount Sinai with God, Aaron and the Israelites built a golden calf. We are told; "He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”" (Exodus 32:4, NIV) The writer of 1 Kings tells us; "After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”" (1 Kings 12:28, NIV)

   Three thousand people died due to Aaron’s calf. Jeroboam’s entire family died due to his calves. God told Jeroboam; “You have made for yourself other gods, idols made of metal; you have provoked me to anger and thrust me behind your back." (1 Kings 14:9b, NIV) People may not make calves of gold, but people continue to worship idols instead of worshiping God. There are the idols of money, fame, power, good looks, and the list continues. People constantly create a god in our image instead of allowing God to create us in His image.

     God wants to bless us, but He will not bless us if we continue to run after idols and continue to disobey Him. It is good for us to examine our lives periodically and to ask ourselves how we spend our time, our money, and our talents. That will give you a pretty good idea of what or who  you worship. 

1 Kings 9-11

April 14

1 Kings 9-11

If is a big little word in the English language and it is key to many of God’s promises. God told Solomon; "if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.” (1 Kings 9:4-5a, NIV)  But God also warned Solomon; “But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples." (1 Kings 9:6-7, NIV)

Solomon and his sons have a choice to make. They can follow God or they can follow false gods. They can receive blessings and maintain the throne of Israel or they can be cut off from the land God gave them a choice, just as He gives every person a choice. God gives us freewill because unless we can choose we cannot really love. Just as Solomon had to choose, we each have to choose; will we follow God or will we follow the false gods of our culture.

This is not a onetime choice, it is a daily decision. We choose to follow God and we continue to make that choice as we live in this world. Paul writing to the Colossians said;  "But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. " (Colossians 1:22-23a, NIV)

What side of the “if” are you on?

1 Kings 8

April 13

1 Kings 8

Solomon built a temple for God. Before this time, the ark, which represented the presence of God in the camp of the Israelites, was situated in a tent, behind the curtain that separated it from the people. David wanted to build the temple for God, but God told him that he was not the one to build the temple, his son who followed him on the throne would build it. After David died Solomon got to work on building the temple. God showed He was pleased when the temple was dedicated and the cloud, which had led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, filled the temple so the priests could not do their work because the glory of the Lord filled the temple.

When Solomon prayed, he prayed ”but will God really dwell on earth?” Solomon prayed that when Israel failed and turned away from God and God brought punishment on them, He would hear from heaven when they prayed toward the temple. God did dwell on earth. Jesus said; “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”" (John 2:19, NIV) John tells us Jesus was talking about his body when he said destroy this temple. He was filled with the presence of God. We pray to Him when we fail, when we turn from God when He brings punishment upon us for our sin.

Though the temple was torn down, Jesus, the new temple, continues to live. The writer of Hebrews wrote; "but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:24-25, NIV) The temple Solomon built was an impressive structure, but it pointed beyond itself to Jesus. God dwelt among humanity and when we pray to him he will save us completely.

 

 

 

1 Kings 6-7

April 12

1 Kings 6-7

With the establishment of Solomon’s kingdom came the establishment of a permanent temple in which to worship God. The building of the temple marked the end of the exodus and the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel the land in which they were settled. The Israelites were no longer nomadic, wandering until they received their blessing from God. God had cleared out the occupiers of the land and established the line of David as king over Israel.

Solomon spared nothing on the building of the temple. Only the best in craftsmanship and materials went into building the centralized place of worship for the God of Israel. This temple was different than the temples other nations had built to their gods. Israel’s God was different than other gods. The magnitude of the temple project reminded the people of God’s power and goodness to Israel.

How do we reveal God’s greatness to our world? What do we do to reveal our dedication to God? How are God’s promises revealed in our lives? Paul said; "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV)

 

1 Kings 3-5

April 11

1 Kings 3-5

"At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”" (1 Kings 3:5, NIV) Can you imagine God showing up asking you what you want Him to give you? Where would you start? God, creator of all the earth asking you what you want. The sky is the limit. Solomon did not ask for power, or riches, or any material gift. Solomon asked for wisdom in leading the people of Israel.

 

God was pleased with Solomon’s response and gave him not only wisdom but also power and riches beyond measurement. "Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”" (1 Kings 3:13-14, NIV)

When we come to God humbly and seeking His direction in our lives, when we seek godly wisdom over worldly riches, God provides. He may also bless us with worldly riches, but He may provide us with the blessings of heaven, which are worth much more in an eternal economy. God wants us to want to know Him and serve Him above all else. James tells us; "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5, NIV)

Seek God’s wisdom, it is worth more than all the world has to offer.

 

 

 

1 Kings 1-2

April 10

1 Kings 1-2

David and Solomon are remembered as good kings for Israel. The beginning of 1 Kings reveals that Solomon was involved in the conniving of his mother in order to make sure he became king. We see David as vengeful a he instructs Solomon to wipe out his enemies so they will not interfere with the transition of power. We do not see God involved in these actions, though His name is used. We are reminded that humanity is fallen. Sin still spreads through the land and even affects the lives of the kings placed in office by God.

There are two directions we can go with these passages. First we are reminded that God used David and Solomon in spite of their sinfulness. They did some really bad things, but God continued to work in the land of Israel. Matthew shared the genealogy of Jesus which reads; "Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa," (Matthew 1:5-7, NIV)

The heroes of the bible are not really heroes, they are men and women used by God. Some He used in spite of what they tried to do, others were willing servants who God used in ways they had not imagined. God can use us no matter where we have been and what we have done. If we will allow Him to shape us, He will shape the world using us.

The other direction we can go with these passages is that when a new king comes to reign, the old administration must be removed. When Jesus comes to reign in our lives, the old ways must be purged. Much as Solomon removed those who had stirred trouble for David, we must leave our life of sin, get rid of old habits and hang-ups when Jesus comes to reign. God will do the cleaning if we will give the sin over to Him.

 

 

 

2 Samuel 23-34

April 9

2 Samuel 23-24

We have seen David as a mighty warrior, a great king, a man who loves God, but also a man who makes some bad choices. David is obviously human. He makes mistakes, he sins greatly, he faces consequences for his sin, but he is also concerned for the welfare of his people. God does not permanently remove his favor from David as He did Saul and his household, because David is a man who willingly repents and turns back to God with a broken heart when he is confronted with his sin.

The bible does not make clear why the census David took was wrong. A common thought is David was relying on the power of his army instead of on the power of God. David and his men had overcome incredible odds through the early years as David fled Saul’s wrath and the early years of his reign. God provided them victory when they were outnumbered and out manned. Now, near the end of his ministry, David counts his men, he wants to know how many men he has available for battle. It does not matter if God is with them. Perhaps he wanted to know so he could make an account for his life. Once again it does not matter as long as he walked in obedience with God.

God gave David a choice in punishments. David does not make his choice clear other than to fall into the hands of God because God is merciful. The plague comes, thousands die, but God is merciful and stops the plague. David buys a plot of land and makes a sacrifice. If we sin, we can do as David did. We can turn to God, seek his mercy, repent of our sin, and surrender ourselves to God. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

We are reminded that there is opportunity for deliverance no matter what we may face. God is merciful and He wants to bless us. Denying our sin only makes things worse. David was called a man after God’s own heart, not because he was perfect, but because he continued to turn back to God and seek forgiveness with a sincere and broken heart. God is still in the restoration business.

 

2 Samuel 21-22

April 8

2 Samuel 21-22

David was probably the greatest song writer of his day. He wrote many of the Psalms or they were written in his honor. 2 Samuel 22 reads like one of the Psalms. David gives great descriptors of God in this passage. God is a rock, a fortress, a deliverer, a shield, the horn of salvation, stronghold, refuge, and savior are a few of the words David uses.

Through war, Saul’s attempt to kill David, a match with Goliath, rebellion from within the nation, his moral fall with Bathsheba, and numerous other events in his life, David can look back as he ages and see God’s protective presence around him.

David wrote; "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." (2 Samuel 22:33, NIV) David is not saying he is perfect, but God makes his way perfect. He is not saying he is righteous on his own, but God makes him righteous. We are not perfect, but God wants to make us righteous. He wants to make our way perfect. He wants us to follow Him. He is all the things David described Him as and more. He is still our protector and deliverer. He arms us with strength to persevere in the face of adversity.

"“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!" (2 Samuel 22:47, NIV)

 

2 Samuel 19-20

April 7

2 Samuel 19-20

 What do we do when we feel like everyone has deserted us? Loneliness leaves an empty feeling deep in your gut. Many people follow the crowd just to keep from being left alone. David had been the hero and the most popular man in Israel, but he had also faced the dread of being left alone when the tides turned toward Absalom. After Absalom’s death, David came back to Jerusalem and many of those who had deserted David came back to him apologizing for leaving him. David forgave them and welcomed them back into his graces.  

Probably the most lonely moment in the history of humanity was the moment Jesus cried out from the cross;  "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”" (Matthew 27:46, NIV) The crowds had flocked to Him on Sunday. Thursday night into Friday morning, He was arrested, tried, whipped, spit on and nailed to a cross. Then at around three in the afternoon, with the sin of the world on his shoulders, He was separated from the presence of His Father. Completely alone.

After the resurrection, the disciples came back to him. They realized their errors and turned back to him. Like David, Jesus accepted those who had abandoned him back into the fold. We have all been there. We have all abandoned Jesus. We have all turned out backs on Him. We have all done our own thing. But time after time, Jesus invites us back into a relationship with Him. This is good news. Jesus wants a relationship with us and is willing to forgive us if we will turn from our sin our rebellion and turn to him.

But Jesus also tells us that we are to imitate Him;  "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:15, NIV) Go out and live lives as those who have been forgiven much, and forgive those who have sinned against you.

2 Samuel 17-18

April 6

2 Samuel 17-18

Everyone is quick to give advice, but not all advice is good. Absalom was given advice from Ahithophel  and from Hushai. They gave different approaches to conquering David and his men and giving Absalom control over Israel. Absalom did not realize that Hushai was still loyal to David. He sent messengers to warn David of Absalom’s plans. The bible tells us that the Lord frustrated the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster upon Absalom.

These stories from the Old Testament can bring confusion to the modern reader. God is working against Absalom while also disciplining David. Absalom ended up getting his head caught in a tree and was killed by David’s men. When the report came to David, he mourned at the death of his son instead of celebrating the demise of his enemy.

Sometimes God works in ways that we cannot see. He works behind the scenes. He brings dissenting views. Notice David sought God’s advice over the advice of men. Absalom did not seek God’s advice, he sought the advice of men. James tells us; "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5, NIV) When we have decisions to make, it is alright to seek wise counsel, but the best counsel comes from God. If we seek His direction, He will show us His way instead of the way of men. 

2 Samuel 14-16

April 5

2 Samuel 14-16

David messed up. His son Absalom conspired against him. He made some bad choices and before he knew it Absalom built up a following and claimed to be king. David decided not to fight, but to leave Jerusalem. The Levites carried the ark and began to follow David out of the city. David realized that he was suffering the consequences of his own sin and instructed the Levites to take the ark back to the city. Even in the face of his discipline by God, David turned back to God and put his trust in Him.  “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.”" (2 Samuel 15:25-26, NIV)

As David traveled down the road a man named Shimei came out cursing David and throwing rocks at him. One of David’s men wanted to go and kill the man for cursing David, but David responded that maybe God had instructed the man to curse him.

It is easy to bless God and to trust Him when things are going well. It is another story when we are going through hard times. Sometimes we suffer because of the choices of others, but sometimes our suffering is a result of our bad choices. We can learn from David. When we suffer, it is not a time to blame God, but a time to humble ourselves before Him and trust Him with the end results.

 

2 Samuel 11-13

April 4

2 Samuel 11-13

Up to this point, we see David as this great king and man of God. David’s problem was the problem many people face. David became complacent. David sent Joab out with the king’s men at the time when kings go off to war. David stayed home instead of tending to the duties God had given him as king over Israel. This opened the door for David to look out over his kingdom and see Bathsheba bathing. Then he asked about her. He was told she was the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah. That information did not put a check on David. He sent for her, brought her to himself, and slept with her. He abused his power over her. David did not think he would get caught. He saw a beautiful woman he was king he could do as he pleased. But his sin found him out. Bathsheba became pregnant.

As king, David thought he could cover over his sin. He sent for Bathsheba’s husband and brought him from the battle. Uriah refused to sleep with his wife while the rest of the men were on the battle front. David conspired and had Uriah killed in battle. One sin led to another which led to another. This man who was so devoted to God and following His direction, fell off a cliff.

The devil continues to try to trip us up. God will empower us to walk in obedience to Him if we will keep our yes on Him and will listen to Him. But God does not take away our free will. Staying home from battle may not have seemed like a big deal to David. Looking out over the kingdom may not have been a bad thing. Seeing Bathsheba bathing could have been an accident, but focusing on her, asking about her, sending for her, all led down a slippery slope that led to adultery and murder.

James the brother of Jesus wrote; "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, NIV) Paul wrote to young Timothy; "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22, NIV)

Do not let your guard down. Continue to listen as God speaks to you. If you begin to slip, repent and turn back to God before the sin snowballs. God forgave David his sin, but the consequences took the life of his son conceived in the adulterous affair and led to the dysfunction of David’s family. Sin is costly. Our sin cost Jesus His life.