Bible Chapter: II Kings 9 & 10

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    When God tells someone that they will be judged, then it will happen.  Much earlier Elijah had prophesied that Ahab’s descendants would all be destroyed.  God judged this stubborn and rebellious family that continued to follow false gods.  Their influence corrupted the nation of Israel.  So, God’s judgement was righteous.  This warns all people that God will judge sin.  God will reward or punish every person according to what they do.
    When Ahab and Jezebel had previously deceived and stolen a field from Naboth, they influenced their children against God.  One of the consequences was when their dead son was dumped in that field.  This is a warning to parents that their actions will impact future generations.
    Jehu became the king. God used him to drive out Baal worship.  This was a good thing to do and he was obedient.  Sadly, his heart was not fully towards God and he allowed some ungodly things to remain.  The Bible says here that he was not careful to keep the law.  His zeal didn’t overcome his political reasons to allow some idol worship to continue. He hindered the spiritual reform that God was desiring.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    When God gives a responsibility, it is important to fulfill it.  Jehu did some of what God wanted, and that was good.  Unfortunately, he didn’t complete the task or have a heart to keep all of God’s law.  This was a failure.  God isn’t looking for people to play some of the game and then quit at halftime.  The Bible says that God will reward those who persevere to the end.  Stick with whatever God has given you to do.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Press on.  Keep going.  Obey God completely.  Get close to God and learn what He wants.  Then do what God wants.

Bible Chapter: II Kings 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    At the end of chapter six we see that Syria laid siege on Samaria.  This resulted in a great famine and the people were desperate.  Food was scarce and very expensive.  One day Elisha prophesied that within a day there would be lots of food available at reasonable prices.  God used four lepers in an unusual way.  He made the sound of four sick men to sound like an invading army and the army of Syria ran away.  The things Elisha said happened exactly as predicted.  There was a doubting man who said it would be impossible, even for God.  He saw it happen and was trampled to death as the people rushed out to get food and spoils from the fleeing army.
    Chapter eight includes some more sad history of God’s people as kings reigned and did evil.  They continued the journey to sinful practices as their predecessors did.  Continuing to reject God’s ways continued to bring problems.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    History is important.  These historical books show us what God wants us to know.  He wants us to know that He expects obedience.  He wants us to know that when the situation looks impossible, He has unique ways to turn it around.  He can interrupt the normal flow of situations and cause things to change in an instant.  Learn and apply.  We make it more complex than it needs to be.  Yes, there is a battle for our eternal souls.  Yes the battle is hard.  No, we will never win the battle by compromising what God commanded.  To obey is better.

3.  How can I help someone?
    We see another chapter in the life of the Shunammite woman.  God took care of her through a famine and restored her property.  While we have no guarantee that things will always work out like we would desire, we can trust God to take care of us.  Learn to rely on God.

Bible Chapter: II Kings 5 & 6

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

Who is God willing to help?  Anyone who is open to Him.  Here we find the story of Naaman.  He was a captain to the King of Syria.  Even though the Syrians were enemies of God, when he reached out to God through the prophet Elisha, God miraculously healed him of leprosy.  We learn another important lesson here, this one about lying and greed.  Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, ran after Naaman after God healed him and asked for some of the rewards he had offered Elisha.  He took them, thinking that he could hide them from God and get away with it.  I often think as I rea1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.d stories like this how blinded they were to the things of God.  After God supernaturally healed Naaman, didn’t Gehazi think God would know what he did?  Some people learn the hard way.
One of my favorite verses is 6:16.  “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (NIV)  When the enemy surrounded them, Elisha gave the assurance to his servant that God was around them protecting them.  Then the servant realized that a large number of God’s heavenly host was protecting them.  This is a powerful word of encouragement.  God’s power is greater.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God used Elisha in many amazing ways.  After protecting them from an army that had been sent to kill him, Elisha spoke through the power of the Spirit and the whole army became blind.  Then they obediently followed him to Samaria.  When the king thought God had brought his enemy there so he could kill them all, Elisha responded that he should feed them and then let them go.  God was merciful to them.  While the enemy is all around, it is not God’s desire that we only wish evil or destruction on them.  God will judge when He knows it is right.  It was God’s plan to show His power and mercy to these troops.  We need God’s direction on how to face and deal with the enemy.

3.  How can I help someone?
Learn from the sad fate of Gehazi.  He was greedy and used deception to get what he thought would make him happy.  He spent the rest of his life living the ostracized life of a leper.  If you have to lie and cheat to get stuff, it is never worth it.

Bible Chapter: II Kings 3 & 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Is anything too hard for God?  Is there anything that is a genuine need of a person that God’s power can’t supply?  We see God’s amazing ability here.  The army needed water.  It was no problem for God to supply it. And, in God’s creativity, He used that same water to provide victory over the enemy.
    We also see the spiritual battle that continues even to this day.  After a human sacrifice, the forces of evil were unleashed in the battle against Israel.  God’s power is always greater.  However, we can see that the forces of evil do have power.  We must always remember to put our trust in God.
    We also see here another example of how God’s power was shown through the prophet, Elisha.  There was a destitute widow and God miraculously provided as she used the one small container of oil to pour oil in to many other containers.  She sold the oil and had money to live on.  Again, we see God’s miraculous power and His creativity.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    It is very easy to let fear take over and wonder how we will make it.  There are many people who have lots of money and living a luxurious life.  They live a lifestyle that I could never afford.  Then, as I read stories like these I am reminded that God, who made everything out of nothing, can still take nothing and make it enough.  God provided for a widow, water for the thirsty, a son for a childless couple, poisonous food made safe and food for many people.  What is too hard for God?  Nothing.  This is encouraging.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Trust God.  Let Him be the source of life, hope and provision.  God is more powerful than the devourer.  God is the provider.

Bible Chapter: II Kings 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    II Kings continues tracing the decline of Judah and Israel.  We see that in chapter one as Ahaziah had fallen and injured himself. He wondered what would happen to him.  He sent messengers to consult a false god, Baal-Zebub.  God sent Elijah to stop the messengers and tell him that since he didn’t trust the true God, he would never leave his bed, but that he would die.  We see here another illustration of God’s judgement of people who refuse to obey and submit to Him.
    The time was coming for Elijah’s life and mission to come to an end.  Elisha had been chosen by God to take his place.  Elijah had an amazing ending to his life as God caught him up in a whirlwind and took him to heaven.  The Spirit of God that rested on Elijah was passed on to Elisha.  God used both of these men in powerful ways.  The Bible records many miracles.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    When there is pressure to go along with the crowd, resist it.  The history of this divided nation is a sad tale of submitting to the temptation of looking for “fun” that can also be translated “breaking God’s commands”.  Time after time we read of people who knew what God expected and yet they did what they wanted.  And time after time it only brought God’s judgement.  I can’t help but think that our modern culture is bring God’s judgement down on itself through the continual mockery of God’s ways.  God sent Elijah to Ahaziah to say: “ Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending men to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?”  My question for people today is similar.  Is it because you think God doesn’t exist that you continue to break His commands and change everything He said?  We are seeing God’s judgement.  The lesson is that we all must obey God.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Trust God and don’t try to figure things out on your own.  Live God’s ways, you will never regret this decision.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 21 & 22

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    There are two verses that are amazing.  They have to rate as some of the saddest words that can be said about anyone.  And, as some of the saddest words in the Bible.  21:25 - 26: “25 (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. 26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.)” Here we have a succinct description of two evil people who had positions of great influence and completely abused their influence.  They did all they could to pull God’s people away from serving Him.  They thought they could do anything they wanted and that nothing would happen to them.  They both ended up with an ignoble demise.  Jezebel’s name is synonymous with wickedness, treachery and spiritual seduction.  What a sad way to be remembered.  It is no complement to call someone a Jezebel.
    Ahab had gathered around him “prophets” who would tell him whatever he wanted.  There was also a true prophet of God who told Ahab the truth.  Ahab said that he hated him because he never prophesied anything good about him.  It is obvious that this wicked king was missing the point.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    All the details of this wicked royal couple reveal how wickedness can take over.  People in power can become so jaded to truth and righteousness that they think they are the ones in control.  They think that God’s standards don’t apply to them.   This can happen in political and spiritual leaders.  The deceiver convinces them they are above the rest and can do anything they want.  The long term results are disastrous.  The Bible tells us to seek God’s righteousness.  That is the only way to the best in life.  There are no exceptions.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I am observing that our culture is saturated with people who think they can declare anything as acceptable and that no one had better try to stop them.  The mentality has become that the majority rules and is always right.  That is not so.  God is right, even if everyone else disagrees with Him.  So, learn what God has revealed and apply it.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 19 & 20

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    After an amazing victory, Elijah ran when Jezebel said she would see that he was killed.  It was overwhelming for Elijah.  He reached the point where he asked God to kill him.  He was discouraged.  After great victories, the enemy will often attack and try to get a godly person to give up.  God send an angel to feed and encourage Elijah.  Later God appeared to him and gave him directions of what to do.
    One of the things Elijah was instructed to do was to anoint Elisha as a prophet.  When he went to Elisha, he left the plowing of the field and sacrificed his oxen.  Elisha made a full commitment to serve and follow God wherever He would lead.
    In spite of King Ahab’s evil doings, God used him to bring a victory for Israel and defeat of of their enemies.  Samaria had been taken over by the Aramean army.  Following God’s directions they won the battle and delivered the people.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Serving God can include both wonderful highs and difficult lows.  Elijah went from an amazing victory over the prophets of Baal to feeling extremely discouraged because of Jezebel’s threat.  We love the victories and wish the hard times would never come.  God cared for His prophet and helped him through the valley.  I have seen people walk away from God when things got tough.  The lesson is that we must never give up.  We don’t see the whole picture.  We only see the bad news of today.  God sees eternity.  We feel weak.  God has all power.  So, we must stick with God no matter what things look like.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see God’s perspective.  God will empower.  God will enable us to do what He wants us to do.  It is always worth it to stick with God all the way.  You can’t beat God’s “retirement” plan.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 17 & 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    In the constant battle between God and the powers of evil, the enemy constantly strives to take over and show God as the failure.  King Ahab was leading Israel in evil ways.  They were worshiping false gods and doing everything God told them not to do.  Because of this God told Elijah to proclaim that there would be no rain for the next few years.  God’s word came to Elijah and told him to go to a brook where he would find water and ravens would bring him food.  Then God sent him to Zarephath where he lived and God supernaturally supplied food.  God brought His judgement to get the nation’s attention as He also provided for Elijah.
    At the end of the drought Elijah confronted King Ahab for his evil guidance of the nation.  There was a head to head battle between Elijah (representing God) and the prophets of Baal.  The god who answered with fire would be the real one.  The prophets of Baal failed.  Elijah prayed a simple prayer that the people would know who the real God is.  God sent fire that not only consumed the sacrifice, but the stones and water as well.  Then, God sent rain.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God really does know what He is doing.  He brought Elijah to the right place at the right time to bring a word of judgement to Israel and their wicked king.  He showed God’s power in holding back the rain and bringing it again.  He showed God’s power through the miraculous provision for the widow and her son.  He showed God’s power through the sending of fire to consume the sacrifice.
    God’s power and provision.  I must constantly be reminded that God has all power and that nothing is too hard for him.  I must also remember that God is also a righteous judge who brings both blessing and judgement on nations as they need it.

3.  How can I help someone?
    There is something that has been on my mind for a long time as I observe our modern culture.  This thought is the word judgement.  The Bible tells several stories of judgement when people mocked God and did whatever they wanted.  God judges sin.  God still judges sin.  I want to help people see that, while they have a free will, when they use it to sin they bring God’s judgement.  King Ahab learned the hard way that God judges sin.  Our modern world is going to learn the hard way that God judges sin.  God is calling our nation to repentance.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 15 & 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    I have to admit that the history shared in these chapters gets more and more confusing.  This is because of the continual turnover of leaders in the two nations.  I have a hard time keeping up.  And, the turnover resulted from the continual line of kings who refused to serve and obey God.  We see statements like 15:3 that says about Abijah,  “He committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God” (NIV).  Later we read about Ahab, 16:31 “He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.” (NIV)  I have a hard time comprehending the hardness of heart of someone who was supposed to know better that they considered it trivial to commit the sins he lived in.
    The history lesson we see is that time after time the people who became leaders were more concerned with their position and pleasure than being the leader God required.  Many people paid a high price because of those poor decisions.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    What is the lesson?  The lesson that is repeated over and over is that God expects obedience.  Obedience will bring God’s blessings.  Disobedience will bring God’s judgement.  Position will not permit a person to reject God’s standards.  No one is exempt from obedience.  In fact, we see in the Bible that God gives a higher standard to those in positions of authority.  God expects more from them.  Sadly, king after king failed to be what God expected of them.  Thankfully, from time to time there were Godly kings who did obey and brought the nation in a good direction.
    The application:  again we see God’s expectation of doing what He says.  Life works so much better.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the truth.  It works best when we trust God and obey His commands.  It’s really not that complex.  We make it difficult through our demands that God will allow us to do whatever we want.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 13 & 14

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    From the beginning of the Bible we read of the battle between God and the devil.  One thing the devil is very successful in is making the things he promotes against God's way look so attractive.  The Bible, as well as other history, is filled with stories of how people rejected God's ways for the pleasures of sin.  Here we find more of the story of Jeroboam, King of Israel.  After an episode of God's judgement we read that even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways.  He continued to appoint priests for the high places.  He didn't care who they were.  If they wanted to be a priest he would appoint them.  He just didn't seem to have the ability to learn and change his behavior to obey God.
    Because of his continual sin the house of Jeroboam was cut off from the nation.  The corruption was wide-spread in his family and many were judged.  We see another story of disobedience here with the prophet who brought the message of judgement and then failed to obey God's specific instructions.  The lessons are very clear:  God expects obedience.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    These two chapters are filled with illustrations of how quickly people disobey and the extreme consequences of their actions.  Rehoboam, King of Judah, was just as evil as his northern counterpart.  The whole nation of Judah did evil in God's eyes.  They were involved in idol worship and even the detestable sexual practices of the heathen.  The enemy was very successful in drawing them to be involved in many sins.  I can see how important it is to have spiritual eyes to see the short-term fun of sin against the long-term destruction it brings.  We are always better off to obey God.  There may be some temporary issues that seem harder, but the long run will bring God's blessings and rewards.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Someone once wrote the words:  all that I want is in Jesus.  He satisfies, Joy He supplies.
    These words accurately describe what happens when a person makes the commitment to serve Jesus in opposition to what happens to the person who serve sin.  Jesus has all we can need or want.  He is the source of real satisfaction and joy.  Life finds its fullest meaning in Jesus.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 11 & 12

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    There is head knowledge and there is heart knowledge.  It appears that King Solomon allowed all the wisdom that God had given him turn into simply head knowledge.  He broke God’s commands by making alliances with other nations and marrying many foreign wives.  God had forbidden the kings to do both of these things.  As King Solomon got so powerful and wealthy, he quit depending on God and thought he could do anything he wanted.  He got used to simply giving a command and seeing people jump and giving him anything.
    As a result, God brought up adversaries who rose up against Israel.  Because of the nation’s sins, God split the nation and judged it.  The northern ten tribes became the nation of Israel.  The southern tribes became Judah.  When Solomon died, his son, Rehoboam, became king of Judah.  Jeroboam became king of Israel.  Jeroboam turned the nation of Israel against God by setting up golden calves for them to worship and creating a priesthood that was made up of unqualified people.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Reading the history of Israel in the Bible shows how quickly a person’s heart can turn against God.  They had received so many miracles and blessings in their history. God had made so many promises to them.  They knew better.  Having started out loving God, the nation, and at this point, Solomon, went down a slide of spiritual decline.  That can happen to anyone who gets their focus away from God and on to anything but God.  Pleasure, wealth and personal desires can all take a person in a dangerous direction.  How quickly we can forget.  The Bible says that King Solomon’s wives turned his heart away from God.  God, in His wisdom knew that this would be the result.  That is why He warned the kings not to do what Solomon did.  Yes, God is very wise.  He knows what He is talking about. That is why we must listen and apply what he says.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the sly deception of the evil one.  It is easy to get to a spiritual point where a person thinks they are so strong spiritually that nothing can harm them.  Let him that thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall.  Stay close to the Savior.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 9 & 10

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    A tour of King Solomon’s holdings was the original lifestyles of the rich and famous.  The homes he had, the vast amount of gold, the horses and chariots and everything else added up to so much that it was hard to fathom.  One time I visited the Palace of Versailles southwest of Paris.  We where there for hours and only saw part of it.  It was unbelievable to think that anyone could live in that kind of splendor.  King Solomon made gold so common that silver was not considered valuable.  Along with his vast wealth, Solomon amazed everyone with his wisdom.  When the Queen of Sheba visited, she was astonished that he could answer any question she posed.  All of this was very impressive.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    It would be easy to focus on the vast wealth Solomon accumulated.  People today are especially impressed by excess.  But, here in this application question I want to focus on chapter nine where God appeared to King Solomon.  God told him that if he would walk before God in integrity of heart and uprightness, then He would establish his royal throne over Israel forever.  But, if he or his sons didn’t observe God’s commandments, then it all would be taken away and people would ridicule.  All of his imposing accomplishments would fade away.  I have been in Israel and seen the ruins of some of Solomon’s buildings. And, ruins is the word for it.  They are just piles of rocks.
    The application: I am reminded of a saying I heard many times in my youth.  “Only one life will soon be passed.  Only what’s done for Christ will last.”  The only things that really last are what is done for Jesus.  It is vital to keep an eternal focus in mind while life is lived.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see with eternal eyes.  What, invest in missions when I could have a new _________________?  Why would I want to do that???  The answer is that it is an investment in eternity.  Invest in the lives of your family.  Put your effort in to people and bring them to Jesus.  That’s eternity.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    When King Solomon built something, he built it all the way.  The Temple was amazingly beautiful and furnished beyond something I can conceive.  Solomon also built a palace for himself.  Again, it was an amazing project.  Many of the furnishings in the temple were pure gold.  When they were done with the work they brought the Ark of the Covenant to the temple.  The ark was a gold-plated chest that was in the Tabernacle that Moses had constructed when Israel was in the wilderness.  It represented the presence of God.
    Solomon directed the dedication of the temple.  This included a massive amount of animals sacrificed to God.  It was one of the highlights of any events that have ever happened.  8:11 says"so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD." (NKJV)  The power and the presence of the Lord was so strong that the people were overwhelmed.  There is nothing anywhere like the power and presence of God.  When the dedication was completed, all the people went home joyful and with gladness of heart for all the good things God had done.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    It is amazing to read the details of King Solomon and the lifestyle he lived.  This goes for the beauty of the Temple and all of the furnishings.  Now, today, we have things available that King Solomon could only dream of.  The amount of material possessions and lifestyle privileges continues to grow.  With the goal of so many to accumulate more and more, and with countless people achieving those goals of accumulation, one would think that the world was in the best condition ever.  However, that is not true.  The amount of wealth people have collected is only leaving them hungering for more.
    Does this mean there is no hope for genuine fulfillment?  No!!  We see the solution in these chapters, and specifically in the verse previously mentioned.  When the power and the presence of the Lord is real and experienced, a person knows they have what they really need.  The lesson is that we need to put all our efforts in to seeking all of God that we can.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people focus on and understand the true priorities in life.  The most important goal is to know God and live in obedience to Him.  That will bring us to fulfillment. That will bring us to our eternal home with the Lord.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 5 & 6

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    King David had a desire to build a temple as a special place to worship God.  In spite of his failures, David recognized who God is and longed to honor God with a unique place for the people to worship the Creator.  He was not allowed to do this.  But, God gave him the plans and he collected many building supplies.  His son, Solomon, was the one who built it.  It was a very beautiful and ornate building.  One very interesting thing is that all the stones for the construction were made perfectly at the stone quarry so that no hammers or chisels where used as they put the stones in place.  The skills of the craftsmen were so perfect that they had to make no adjustments on the building site.  The place they built on Mount Moriah was a sacred and holy place where they would worship God.
    This temple took seven years to build.  It required thousands of workers to collect the materials and bring them to Jerusalem.  It was very ornate with much gold used.  God gave them very specific details and enabled the workers to build it with precision.  In the process of the construction Israel was again reminded of the importance of obeying God’s commands.  We see in these historical books that they consistently failed to keep God’s commandments.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God has great plans for people.  God will enable people to accomplish amazing things.  I think of the skill it took to gather all the materials and coordinate the transportation of them as well as the construction of the temple.  Thousands of people worked on this project.  The stones used were precisely cut in the quarries and put in place on the site.  The furnishings were perfectly crafted and large amounts of gold was used to cover them.  All of these details show us that God will guide and equip people to do things that will amaze.  I think of what they accomplished with what we would call low tech equipment.  I think of what people are accomplishing these days with high tech equipment.  All of it is astonishing.  It shows God’s creative power and His ability to give us what we need.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Listen to God.  Let God empower you.  Use and develop the skills and desires God gives you.  He will help you envision and then create beyond what you think you can.  Use the skills and talents God gives to bring Him glory and honor.  Worship the Lord with what you have and can do.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 3 & 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    In the world of kings and nations, it was common for a king to wish the death and destruction of other kings out of fear that they might try to conquer their kingdom.  As Solomon was beginning his reign, one night in his sleep God came in a dream.  He asked Solomon what he would like.  Solomon realized that his responsibilities as a king were far beyond anything he could do by himself.  So, he asked God for a discerning heart so he could govern the people and distinguish between right and wrong.  God’s response was that since he had asked for that and not the death of his enemies or long life and wealth, God would give him wisdom beyond anything anyone had seen.  He would also prosper him with great wealth.  Solomon ended up having countless servants and extreme wealth.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    In the process of his dream, God spoke to Solomon that he must follow God’s ways.  He told Solomon that if he would walk in God’s ways and obey His commandments, then God’s blessings would be on him.  One would think that, with all the wisdom Solomon had, this would be a foregone conclusion.  Sadly, we know that Solomon didn’t use all the wisdom that he had and made many foolish choices.
    What can I apply in life?  While I don’t know everything, or even close to everything, I do know many of the principles and truths the Bible reveals.  As God said to Solomon, “if you will walk in My ways . . .”, so these truths apply to me and each one of us today.  If we will walk in God’s ways He will be with us and we will be spared from so many of the trials and problems the come as a result of sin.

3.  How can I help someone?
    While Solomon’s wisdom was a specific gift from God and he was recognized as being wiser than any other man, each one of us can gain wisdom that will guide us in life.  Then we need to use the wisdom we gain.  It is also great wisdom to listen to people who really do know what they are talking about and apply what they say in our lives.  Seek and follow Godly wisdom.

Bible Chapter: I Kings 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    King David was a strong military leader.  But, he was a weak leader in his home.  He didn’t train his sons, he didn’t discipline them and guide them to become the kind of men they should be.  He didn’t seem to make the effort it took to bring them up in the way they should.  As a result they committed many selfish and sinful acts and many sad things happened.  As David got old and close to death, his son, Adonijah declared himself as David’s successor.  David had previously said Solomon would be the next king.  David had to restate that command and make Solomon the king.
    David learned a hard lesson through the failures of his sons.  He gave counsel to Solomon to teach his children to follow God.  He said that if his descendants watched how they lived they would bring on God’s blessings.  It was a painful lesson to learn that God’s blessings depend on living in God’s ways.  Sadly, Solomon’s sons did not heed David’s advice.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    With all the good things that God’s people did that are recorded in these historical books, we also see that they commonly broke the commandments.  The results were many deaths and much sorrow.  Then they would seek some kind of deliverance.  Often, it didn’t come.  The application for life is to do what God commanded in the first place.  Yes, His forgiveness and grace are available.  But, in the mean time there are many sorrows that come and, in the long run, there are many regrets.  Again, I think that if they had only been obedient they would have prevented a multitude of problems.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The old song comes to my mind here.  Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.  That is awesome advice.  And, it really works.

Bible Chapter: II Samuel 23 & 24

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    King David was a mighty warrior and a powerful leader.  He also had many mighty men who supported him.  These were men who gave their all for their king and country.  They didn’t let fear keep them from doing mighty deeds.  People have always been hero worshipers and there are several heros listed here.  We must remember that heroic deeds require sacrifices.  David’s people paid large sacrifices to accomplish their victories.  That is why we are reading about them thousands of years later.  They were willing to pay the price.
    This book ends with another of David’s poor choices.  He decided to take a census of the nation and number their fighting men.  He knew this was against God’s plan for them at the time, but he did it anyway.  God wanted them to trust Him and not feel that victory could be obtained by their own numbers and strength.  God judged David and the nation for this action.  The nation as a whole had done things that brought God’s punishment.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    A real sacrifice has a cost to it.  We see that important principle at the end of these chapters.  David knew he had to make a sacrifice to the Lord in repentance for his sin.  Araunah offered to give David all he needed for the sacrifice.  David refused and insisted on paying for it.  He said he would not make a sacrifice that cost him nothing.  He understood that the only real sacrifice has a cost.  A commitment that costs nothing is worth nothing.
    Jesus gave everything, He gave His life.  Those who follow Him must also be willing to and then actually give of their lives and resources to serve Him.  Giving of our surplus is not giving much.  Time, talents and resources are provided by God to all of us so that we can use them for eternal purposes.  Selfishness prevents eternal things from happening.

3.  How can I help someone?
    We all can’t be mighty warriors like we see recorded here, but we can all do what God has enabled us to do.  Biblical principles tell us that God is pleased with equal effort and faithfulness.  Use all that God has given to you for His honor and purposes.  He can do much with what you have.

Bible Chapter: II Samuel 21 & 22

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    At the end of this historical writing we find a few stories about David.  These are like an appendix to the rest of the story.  There is the story of a famine that came because of King Saul’s failure to fulfill a treaty with the Gibeonites.  Promises made are important and God showed that to Israel.
    We also see a recollection of some of the wars with the Philistines.  It seems to me that they were always fighting the Philistines.  God gave Israel many victories.
    These chapters also include a Psalm written by David.  This probably was written early in his journey and before his involvement with Bathsheba.  We see the importance of obedience.  We see that God is faithful.  David said that God rewarded him for his faithfulness.  If only David had remembered that when he was tempted.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    King David had a life filled with adventures.  He lived some exciting stories.  I must remember that many of them were very difficult to live through.  The pain and temptations were real.  It is easy to look at stories such as his clash with Goliath and think they were simply an easy experience.  Yes, he expressed great faith in God.  But he also had to go out in battle against someone who, by all human understanding, could easily kill him.  David expressed his faith in God many times.
    The lesson for today is to learn from David’s faith and failures.  Be encouraged and inspired by his faith.  Be challenged by his failures and learn from them.  Learn to worship God as David did.

3.  How can I help someone?
    God is worthy of all our worship.  Worship God and give Him all the glory and honor.  God is worthy of our obedience.  Learn what God taught and then apply it.

Bible Chapter: II Samuel 19 & 20

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The trials that faced David continued.  Yes, he had a military victory and he should have been rejoicing.  And yet, he was distraught at the death of Absalom.  His lament over the death of his son caused the soldiers who gave David a victory feel ashamed of what they had done.  Joab went to King David and said the people feel that you would have been happier if Absalom had lived and they had died.  David went to apologize and bring the people back to his camp.
    These two chapters have a amazing back and forth narrative.  It can be confusing and challenging to read.  Who was supporting the king?  Who was against him?  Did they stay supporting or opposing the king?  I had to read it a few times to try to follow what was going on.  My thoughts again go to the confusion that reigned because of David’s failure to follow God’s path.  He slid down to a low application of God’s moral laws.  I am seeing that happen in churches today.  People are accepting sin as acceptable.  How sad that is.  I wonder if people realize the impact they will have and the consequences they will face because of the moral choices they make.  The way to avoid many problems is to do things God’s way.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    People must go beyond having a knowledge of what God wants them to do.  Information is good.  Application is even better.  I think of the old story that says: five frogs were sitting on a log floating in a lake. Four of them decided to jump off.  How many were left on the log?  The answer is five.  This is because deciding to do something is different than actually doing it.  I’m sure that the principles in this story never intended to do really bad things.  But, deciding to do what is right does not mean that they actually did what was right.  What can I apply?  Take the knowledge I have and do what is right.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Life is filled with so many attractive activities.  They look like so much fun.  I want to help people look beyond the first few inches of their decisions to see the long-term implications of their choices.  Probably most things start out fun.  They don’t all end up that way.  We must see what God says and how events we are tempted to participate in line up with God’s ways.  This helps to prevent problems and enable the blessings of God.

Bible Chapter: II Samuel 17 & 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    There is a major difference between when people follow God and when they let their own desires take over.  It seems that human desires so often go against God’s plan and righteousness and lead to sinful actions.  God gave David the place of leadership for the nation.  Eventually David drifted away from fully seeking and obeying God.  The moral and ethical rules didn’t mean as much any more.  By his drifting away, the results were negatively felt by the next generation.  We see here how Absalom allowed pride and hunger for position to cause him to go against his own father.  Thousands of people died as a result of the battle.  Then, David’s heart was broken when Absalom died.  The biblical truth that says we must be sure our sins will find us out will always eventually become true in each life.
    I have a hard time grasping the concept of a son, Absalom, conspiring with the military to attack his father.  His advisors were talking about the plan to kill King David so that all the people would follow Absalom.  This can only be someone who is spoiled, who is self-centered and only cares about their own comfort and pride.  Sin brings a multitude of consequences that grow far beyond anything anyone would ever expect.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    David had his position because God elevated him.  Absalom sought position and manipulated people to try to attain it.  He had to tamper with God’s plan.  He had to scheme to kill his father so he could satisfy his desire for acclaim.  While it is fine to have aspirations and dreams, it is also very important to let God do the placing of a person in a position.  Plotting to control will only bring sad results.  Also, it is important to remember that with position comes responsibility and work.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Seek God to find His direction and dreams for your life.  Do what God councils and let Him open the doors for service.  Don’t try to control or manipulate people to bring advancement.

Bible Chapter: II Samuel 15 & 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    As I read this, I was reminded of many of our modern politicians.  Absalom’s conspiracy played to the pride of the people and sounds like our modern political campaigns.  He promised them many personal benefits if they would support him to become the king.  He stole the hearts of the people by making promises.  He was a manipulator.
    David had to flee from Jerusalem because of Absalom’s political coup.  We also see the extreme immorality that had saturated the culture, starting from the top.  We see that Absalom set up a tent on the roof of the palace where the whole nation could see that he was sleeping with his father’s concubines.  This was done to make a direct slap in David’s face.  As the story unfolds it becomes sadder and more sordid.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    What does God want for our lives?  We know that His plan had nothing to do with what David did and became.  While we like to think that God’s plan is for everything to go well and for us to have a life of ease and comfort (which is not necessarily so), God has our best at heart.  And, God’s best for us might include things we don’t like.  God’s best will be seen in the light of eternity and we will rejoice in it.
    We can and must learn from the mistakes of others.  David harvested a large amount of destruction and negative results because of his sin.  We must learn from people like this and not make the same bad choices.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see what really happens when people obey, and when they disobey.  Each person is responsible for their lives and actions.  God is not out to condemn, but to save us from the consequences of sin.  It is up to us to obey and submit to His Lordship.

Bible Chapter: II Samuel 13 & 14

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The Bible says we are not to be deceived, that we will reap what we plant.  King David’s life in leadership of Israel started out with many victories because he sought God’s direction and advice.  Sadly, he drifted away from a man after God’s own heart and started responding to the temptations of the flesh.  After his debacle with Bathsheba and Uriah, the judgement and consequences started unfolding in his own household.  We see here a son raping a sister.  We see another son plotting the murder of his brother.  We see the sorrow at the death and the separation of father and son because of the murder.
    David lost moral and ethical authority in his family.  Because of his adultery and plotting, he lost the power to spiritually and ethically mold his children.  Parents need moral influence in the lives of their children.  This is gained and maintained through setting and living a godly example.  David threw all of that away.  The results were a lifetime of problems and sorrow.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Everyone faces temptation.  We live in a world where people are experts at making excuses for temptation.  “That’s the way I was born.”  “It’s not that bad.  There are many people who are worse than I am.”  There are a whole host of excuses.  None of them will stand before the judgement seat.  What each person must do is honestly call yielding to temptation what it is, it is sin.  We all must look to Jesus as our Savior and Lord and live in the strength God gives to believers.  In the long run, it is never worth it to give in to the tempter.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the truth about life and temptation and eternity.  Many have become experts at rationalization.  It gives permission to do anything they want.  People must see the big picture and the destructive impact of sin.  Get as far from sin as you can.

Bible Chapter: II Samuel 11 & 12

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The Bible tells us the whole story.  Sadly, King David didn’t continue along his path of seeking
God and following after God’s heart.  All of David’s success brought him wealth, position and the life of luxury.  This brought him to a place where he didn’t lead the army and the nation in the same way.  He should have been out with the soldiers, but instead he stayed home and enjoyed the sumptuousness of the palace.
    We see David’s weakness regarding beautiful women and his abuse of power.  When he saw Bathsheba he used his position and authority to demand she come to be with him.  When his sin was about to be exposed he used his power again to try to manipulate and cover things up.  When that didn’t succeed he plotted a murder.  These events brought judgement and negatively impacted the rest of his life.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    It is easy to think that no one will ever know what I do.  That is a lie of the enemy.  It is easy to use position or experience to think that these rules don’t apply to me.  That happens often in every generation.  God’s rules are the best rules to follow.  They keep a person out of trouble.  David learned the hard way that being the king didn’t exempt him from accountability to a higher authority, God.
    The good news is that God offers forgiveness to those who repent.  David received that.  The sad news is that the consequences of sin will remain.  Today there are many people who are believers in Jesus who have sinned and then received God’s mercy and grace to forgive.  Yet, they still live with the effects of their sins that impact not only themselves but their family and friends as well.  We must never listen to the enemy who tried to deceive us to play around with sin.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Understanding the issue of temptation and the consequences of sin is foundational to a growing and maturing life.  Get close to Jesus and stay away from the place where it will be easy to yield to sin.  These simple steps will take a person a long ways towards victory in life.

Bible Chapter: II Samuel 9 & 10

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    King David showed that he meant it when he promised his great friend, Jonathan, that he would always be kind to him and his descendants.  Human thinking says to destroy anyone who is connected with your enemies.  David never looked at Saul as his enemy.  He knew that he was the king because God had placed him in that position.  David asked if there were any left from the house of Saul so he could show kindness to them.  He had Mephibosheth brought to him and restored all the wealth he would have had if Saul had not lost his throne.  David provided for him in a royal way.
    We see David’s concern to honor people in the next chapter when the king of the Ammonites died.  He send his condolences to the king’s son.  Unfortunately he had some bad advice and David’s emissaries were treated poorly.  This brought on a war and thousands were killed.  If the Ammonites would have believed that King David really was sending his expression of sorrow they would have prevented many problems.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    In these chapters we see David’s heart.  He did have a heart after God’s heart.  It showed compassion and an understanding that God was the One who was directing the affairs of Israel.  David was able to show kindness and compassion.  Mephibosheth was afraid at first, fearing that his life was in danger.  The Ammonites brought problems on themselves because they didn’t believe King David would be kind to them.  The thought that comes to me is the importance of being kind.  Sadly, human thinking doesn’t expect kindness and will often react negatively, as did the Ammonites.  Show kindness.  It will pay off.

3.  How can I help someone?
    One of the important goals of living for Jesus is to grow more and more like Him.  We must learn what He is like and take on His attributes.  I want to help people become more like Jesus.  They will then apply these truths in their lives and they will make their own life, as well as the lives of those around them, much better.