Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 25 & 26
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 continued his end-of-life directions. He gave more assignments for worship and leadership. Some were assigned to prophesy. This is usually understood to mean that they used their voices to give God glory as they served Him. As they sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit they would sing and play music to worship the Lord. Music was an important part of their worship.
David also organized many parts of the function of the city and nation. He made assignments for the gatekeepers. He also assigned those who would look after the treasures of God’s house. Finally, here, he gave assignments to officers and judges. As he was coming to the end of his life, King David was striving to have everything in order in the nation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I’m thinking about the assignment of those who would use their musical talent as part of the worship in the temple. Music is an amazing gift God has given to people. It is a powerful and moving force. When I think of it, God could have created the world and make all sounds similar and monotone. He could have given no voice to birds who sing and chirp and add much to life. He could have not created instruments with beautiful sounds. We could be missing the amazing combination of instruments that we hear in orchestras and bands. He could have not given people the ability to sing. But, how much would be lost without music. This is a wonderful gift from God. We are privileged to use music as a part of our worship to God. The Psalms are filled with songs of praise to God. What a great gift God has given us.
3. How can I help someone?
Seek God and find your place of service. We all don’t do the same things, but we all can do something for God. Whatever you do, do your best for God.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
As King David came to the end of his life, he appointed his son, Solomon, to be the king to succeed him. He also did something very important, he gave direction to the Levites to oversee the worship of the Lord. He established the foundation for the spiritual leadership of the nation. They were to lead the nation in worshiping God. David helped establish the organization of the priests and their responsibilities. While this may seem routine and even slightly boring to read through (I know many have had that thought) these chapters show an important foundation for the nation. As long as they really submitted and served the Lord they received God’s blessings and protection.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God has a plan for people to worship Him. The prophets pointed forward to the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled those prophecies. We have the privilege of serving and worshiping Him. God is looking for faithfulness in those who call on His name. Just as King David gave directions for leading the worship, the Bible gives us guidance for our worship today. We must all seek to follow that and live a life that is close to Jesus.
3. How can I help someone?
How close can you get to Jesus? Do your best to keep getting closer and living in obedience to Him. You will never regret it.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
When things start to go really well, be on guard. King David was having many successes as the leader of the nation. That is when the enemy came in and began a battle in his mind. Satan is the enemy and accuser and must always be rejected. David was caught up in pride at all that was done in the progress of the nation. He was caught up with how important he was as the king. David lost his focus on what was really important and on fully trusting God. He was being drawn into self-sufficiency and believing he was superior to all the rest.
When David finally realized his sin, he did repent. We see an important principle here as David refused to make a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing. Sin always extracts a cost. It is not sacrifice if it doesn’t cost something. David admitted his sin and repented.
We also see that David’s heart to build a beautiful place of worship was still strong. While God prevented him from building it, he was gathering the materials so his son, Solomon, could complete the project.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
While I must never elevate myself in my mind to a high position and be drawn to the place of pride that was David’s downfall here, I must also never go the other direction. I must not think too little of myself and believe that nothing good will happen. God took David from the back field and made him the king. David became a mighty warrior and leader. God can do anything through anyone. God has no limitations.
One passage stood out as I was reading these chapters. One translation says that David, in collecting building materials for the temple, gathered nearly 4,000 tons of gold, 40,000 tons of silver, and so much iron and bronze that it cannot be weighed. That is hard to comprehend. This says that God has no problem providing for what He has planned. I need to always fully trust God.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people keep their focus on God, on who He is, and what He will do and provide. Refuse to let pride take over. Refuse to listen to the tempter. Be fully open to all God has. Let God take you to the place where you will be successful, as God defines success.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
A battle developed that didn’t need to be. It came because there were people who didn’t think it was possible for the king of one nation to have kind feelings towards the king of another nation. They didn’t think King David of Israel could care about the death of King Nahash. When David sent messengers of condolence to Hanun, Hahash’s son, the Ammonite princes convinced Hanun to treat the representatives of Israel in a shameful way. We see the hearts of the Ammonite princes. They were filled with self and didn’t understand the love of God. They were thinking of what they would do if the roles were reversed. Their selfish hearts would not have cared about King David’s death. This set up a battle where thousands were killed. It all could have been avoided.
King David continued to have military success and superiority. Yes, we know that David had many failures. The author of this book is pointing out the good things that happened when David was living in obedience to God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When a person is living with God in their heart, when they are in submission to God’s ways, they have a heart to do kind things for others. A person may have differences with another, but they can also give help and compassion in spite of the differences. The Ammonites didn’t understand King David’s compassion. I want to be a person of compassion to others.
3. How can I help someone?
Look for the hurts of others. Understand that you can help. When you need help, receive it from those who have a genuine heart of compassion. A ministry of helps brings many people together and can set up a relationship of peace for the future.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
King David was known as a man after God’s own heart. One day he was thinking that he was living in luxury and that there was not a special place prepared for worshiping God. After talking with Nathan the prophet, David began making plans for building a house of worship. God told Nathan to tell David that he was not to do it. David’s son would build the temple at a future time. David prayed a prayer of praise and thanks to God. And, he obeyed the command to not build a house of worship.
We see here many of King David’s military conquests. He was very successful in defeating many enemies and establishing his kingship. He conquered many kings and took prisoners.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It is always best to serve and obey God. We see here that David did this. Two times in chapter 18 we see the statement “So the LORD preserved David wherever he went”. Because David was being faithful and obedient he had God’s help. The other nations saw God’s power on display. It is important to learn from illustrations such as this to be faithful and obedient to God. These stories of godliness are encouraging. We hear so many negative illustrations that I appreciate the positive.
3. How can I help someone?
Can you see what David did here? Can you see that he cared about God and wanted to do what would honor God? Can you see his obedience? Can you see his victories? Then recognize how he had them. He was obeying God. Follow this example.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
King David prepared a place in Jerusalem for the Ark of God. This ark represented the presence of God. In this ark they saw God’s power and mercy and the fact that God had provided for them. David longed for the nation to return to placing God first in their lives and for the nation to return to the relationship with God they once had. Bringing the ark to Jerusalem showed this. David was aware of the previous mistakes in transporting the ark back and so this time he made sure they did it the right way.
This returning of the ark was a major celebration of victory and giving God the worship He deserves. David told the Levites to sanctify themselves so they could bring the ark back. They needed to be sure they were separated from anything evil, from anything that offended God. God’s desire is that all believers live a life separated from active participation in sin.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Giving God the worship He deserves is very important. We see that David understood this. The act of returning the ark was not simply a time to move the ark to a new location. It was a time of worship. It was a powerful worship service as they sacrificed to the Lord. They gathered all the best musicians and used this music to honor God. It was a time of great rejoicing. They worshiped the Lord in the beauty of holiness. From their hearts that they had sanctified they worshiped the Lord.
I find the last verse of chapter 17 a powerful illustration of what happens when we really worship the Lord. David went home to bless his house. Spending time in God’s presence changes a person for the better and they have a positive impact on those around them. I wonder what would happen if everyone spent time often really giving God the worship He deserves. I wonder the changes that would result in the homes where people live. It would change the world.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people, especially those who are believers in Jesus, to see what worship is. While worship is a popular topic, I sense that many don’t really understand what it is. It is not just singing some choruses. It is focusing on God and bring all the honor and glory to Him. It is expressing God’s great worth.
1 Chronicles 16:24-25 NKJV 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 25 For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
Under King Saul’s reign, the Ark of the Covenant had basically been neglected. It represented the presence of God. Neglecting God and His presence is always a bad sign. King David consulted with his leaders and they decided to bring it back to Jerusalem. This was a time of great celebration and rejoicing. They were celebrating with all their might. It was a great worship service to honor God. For some reason they didn’t transport it the way God had instructed. They put it on a cart. When one of the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the ark and, because this was against what they were to do, God struck him dead right there. There was an extreme change in everyone there and David got angry at God. They left the Ark at the home of Obed-edom for three months.
In chapter 14 we see a contradiction in David’s life. On the negative side, David took several wives. This was against the commands for the kings. This eventually brought him many problems. On the positive side, when the Philistines attacked, David sought the Lord for direction what to do. God gave them victory when David obeyed.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Even when we don’t fully understand, it is important to do things God’s way. They should have transported the Ark by carrying it, not on the cart. David should have not had multiple wives, even though it was a cultural thing among the nations of the area. When David asked God’s directions regarding the Philistines, things worked out well. Ask God.
3. How can I help someone?
Keep on asking God for direction and help. Keep on trusting that God will show you His way for your decisions. Don’t assume you know what God will say.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
King David is one of history’s great figures. Yes, he had some colossal failures, but he also did many great things. All the nation of Israel was with him and they took over the area that became Jerusalem. It became known as the City of David. The Bible says that David went on to become great and the Lord was with him. This tells how he became great. With God, all things are possible. We see stories told here of their conquests. It tells us that the Lord brought great victory. These are great words of encouragement.
David was surrounded by mighty men. These were men who trusted God and went on to do great exploits. They had developed their fighting skills and were experts at using their weapons. They were physically strong and fast. They overcame powerful enemies. Again, we see God’s power helping them.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The nation of Israel was coming together under King David’s leadership. We see strong unity and joy in the nation. It was God’s timing as He was fulfilling His covenant. One quick statement talks about the children of Issachar who understood the times. They discerned what God was doing as He brought David to the position of king. David was God’s anointed one for the time.
As believers work together and seek God’s direction and timing, we will be men and women of valor and see God do many mighty works. We see that when David stayed in obedience to God he did mighty things. The young boy David took on Goliath and said he would have victory because God was with him. Doing what God wants is always the best path.
3. How can I help someone?
Don’t be discouraged. God took David from the back fields to the palace. He took a kid no one thought had any potential and made him a mighty warrior. God will do might things through those who trust and obey Him. We might not see or understand it all here, but trust God as you obey.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
Chapter nine wraps up the genealogies of the nation. It starts out with a reminder of the captivity the nation endured because of their unfaithfulness. The people were in the process of returning and re-settling the land. The first to return were some of the priests, Levites and temple servants. They began to return to their religious responsibilities.
Chapter nine ends with the genealogy of Saul. Saul was the first king of Israel. Going into chapter ten the author quickly covers the life of Saul, basically talking about his final battle with the Philistines. Saul and his sons were all killed in that battle. When he was wounded, Saul fell on his sword to prevent the Philistines from taking him captive and torturing him. A key verse to understand about Saul’s life is 10:13 that says Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. He didn’t follow the word of the Lord and even sought guidance from a medium. We won’t all be famous, but we can all be faithful to God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When a person attains to a position of leadership and influence, he/she must never forget the importance of fulfilling that place responsibly. They must never forget to serve and honor God. Whatever a person may accomplish, they must always remember that it was God who gave them the skills and abilities they have and must honor God in all they do. In reading these history books in the Bible I often wonder what could have been accomplished if the people simply would have been faithful to God. If they had obeyed Him they would have been spared so many horrible situations. Life would have been so much better. God can elevate a person. God can also take the person down.
The concept of judgement is not popular in modern culture. “Don’t judge!!” is a popular cry. Yet, we must always remember that God is the ultimate Judge and He really will judge people. The results will either be reward or punishment. Obedience is the key to the results of the judgement.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the blessings of obedience. God desires the best for people and really wants to be able to reward them for their faithfulness.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
A connection with the past. This is very important. Many today are active in searching their genealogy to find out where they came from and who their ancestors are. The Chronicles were written after the 70 year exile to help renew their hope as God’s covenant people. This helped build their foundation of trust in God and helped connect their identity with the past. The returning Jews were helped to preserve their spiritual heritage.
When I read chapters that tell me who gave birth to whom and who the next generation was, it is helpful to be reminded that there is a real purpose for the information.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Stay connected with Jesus. Stay connected with what my spiritual ancestors experienced and learn from that. Then, apply and keep on learning what God wants me to learn. I can’t imagine 70 years of exile. The overwhelming majority of the people who migrated back to Jerusalem were not born there. Yet, the history and the hope were kept alive. They left what they knew to seek what the believed would be better. Learning from history and creating more history that brings glory to God. That is exciting.
3. How can I help someone?
Never give up. Keep on trusting God.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
“It doesn’t matter what I do. It won’t affect anyone.” That is the mentality of many people. Yet, Chapter five starts out with a statement that totally refutes that thought. Because of Reuben’s sin, his rights as first-born were given away. As Jacob’s firstborn, he was destined to receive the special benefits and larger inheritance of the birthright. He was entitled to the top place of leadership, authority and honor in his clan. He lost all of this because of his inability to control his sexual passion. What he did was sin. (See Genesis 35:22.) This shows his lack of character. Moral failure will bring many consequences and much sorrow.
We see another example of spiritual failure with the tribe of Manasseh. They were unfaithful to God and prostituted themselves with the false gods of the land. It is important to grasp the truth that sin and disobedience bring God’s judgement.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
These chapters show us some of the negative consequences of sin. We also see that there were some who were faithful to God. The Temple musicians were mentioned. They were in charge of the music in God’s house. They ministered with music before the Lord. They did what was expected. That is encouraging to read in the midst of so many others who failed.
Music is one of God’s great gifts to the world. Yes, it is often controversial. Yet, it is a gift that God created for people to use. Music is a wonderful tool to use in worshiping God. It has powerful properties. Music that uplifts God also uplifts the person singing or listening to it. Let music be a beneficial part to your life.
3. How can I help someone?
When the tempter comes by showing you some wonderful fun you can have, look at the price tag. It is always higher than you are willing to pay. I have often been in a store and found something that would be fun to have. Then I look at the price and say that there is no way I will pay that much. I don’t buy it. That is what we must be thinking when we are tempted. It looks like fun for a while. But, we must look at the price tag and then reject it. Obedience to God is always better.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
Here we see the genealogies continue, and see specific attention given to King David and his line of descendants. God had promised that the Messiah would come though his line. Even though David died and his earthly kingdom collapsed, his descendants lived on. God did fulfill His promises. These details show this.
In chapter four we quickly meet a man named Jabez. He was an honorable man. He cried out to God for Him to enlarge his territory and bless him. God honored his prayer. God blesses His followers who depend on Him. God wants us to ask Him and believe He is the provider. Jabez lived a life of godliness and character.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Jabez gives a good example of trusting in and seeking God. Learn to call on God. He called on God to fill his life with God’s power and presence. He asked for God’s protection from harm and evil. That is a great place to live life.
3. How can I help someone?
Reach out to God continually. Seek HIM to surround yourself with God’s power and presence. That is an awesome place to live.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 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.
In striving to read through the Bible and write some thoughts as I go, there are some chapters that present a challenge. What do I write about the genealogies of the nation? In looking at the purpose of the whole writing we see that the Chronicler (maybe Ezra) wrote to connect the people returning from exile with their ancestors. It gave those who returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple a spiritual foundation and connection with the past. It was written to renew their faith in God’s promises to His covenant people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God knows what He is doing. When He makes a promise, He will keep it. Much of what happened in Israel’s history came as they strayed from God’s commands. Their exile, the many judgements that came, resulted from sin. But, even their sin didn’t prevent God’s ultimate plan from happening. God promised a Messiah. He came just as promised. God preserved the lines of the families and gave the gift of hope in eternal life just as promised.
3. How can I help someone?
Stick with doing what God has commanded. You will always be better off. Seek God’s plan for your life and watch God do some amazing things.
Bible Chapter: II Kings 25
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.
We come to the end of these two volumes that were originally one. We have been on a roller coaster ride of spiritual extremes. This book of the kings was written to give the Hebrew people in exile a prophetic rendering of their history. It told the history of the dividing of the nation. They learned why the northern kingdom of Israel was defeated. It also gave the reason why Judah and Jerusalem were defeated and the city destroyed. The writer emphasized that the calamities of the division of the nation and defeat of the divided nation were the direct results of the idolatry and unrighteousness of the kings and the citizens of the nation. Actions have consequences. These destructive results were going to happen because of the extent of the sin they committed. This volume judged each king on the basis of their obedience and faithfulness to God. Their political acts didn’t really matter.
The author of this book wanted the people to understand the importance of following God in everything. The Israelites needed to learn from history the importance of turning away from idolatry, turning to God and obeying His commands. The fact that they ended up in exile resulted from generations of evil living.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
In the process of telling the stories of these kings, there were true prophets who were warning the kings and the citizens of their actions. I’m sure that there were many people who heard the prophets and mocked. They felt they were smarter than the prophets who they considered a bunch of clueless people. We still have people like that around today. They claim greater insight to life and declare that we must interpret the Bible and life in a new way. I have seen teachings of people claiming to be Christians who take very clear Bible passages and turn them upside down. They find meanings that have never existed, but give them permission to sin. The moral and ethical laws of God were ridiculed and rejected in the times of the kings. They are being ridiculed and rejected today as well. I am continually shocked at what I see happening.
These history books continually remind me of the importance of doing things God’s way. The Bible warns against changing the message. I must live life according to what the Bible really says.
3. How can I help someone?
As the people were being taken captive, I’m sure they lamented and cried out to God. Where are you God? It was too late. My encouragement to people is to serve God while it is still day, before it is too late.
Bible Chapter: II Kings 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.
Reading these chapters gives me a feeling of whiplash. There are such extremes. Chapter 23 is exciting to read as Josiah cleaned house. He went throughout the land destroying all vestige of the evil worship the nation had been doing. He burned and destroyed the evil altars and those who promoted it. He called on the nation to serve God. He made a covenant with God that he would worship only the true Creator God. He brought the nation to a place of obedience.
Then, when Josiah died, a series of kings took over who did much evil. The Bible says of each of these, they did evil in the sight of the Lord. They brought down God’s judgement on the nation. People were taken captive. Very expensive tribute was demanded of the nation. If anything possibly could go wrong, it did. All of these horrible things were the culmination of generations of people who rejected God and did things their own way.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Josiah was a reformer. He cleaned house by burning, by destroying the evil places. He gives us a good lesson for true revival. He was repentant of the sins the nation committed. Repentance is turning from sin and not doing it any more. He exposed and destroyed the false teachers. The worldly practices were abandoned. God’s standards were followed. They changed what needed to be changed and lived according to God’s ways. Josiah’s heart was towards God. He used his position as king to call the nation to living for God.
This is the example to follow. Read the Word of God and apply it. Call people to follow HIM as well.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn from this amazing verse.
II Kings 23:25 NKJV
25 Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.
After you learn from this amazing verse, then apply it. Turn to the Lord with all your heart, soul and might.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
After Hezekiah’s death, his twelve year old son, Manasseh, took over as king. He was amazingly evil. This became the darkest era of Judah’s idolatry. His wickedness was expressed as scorn for God. He was even more evil than the nations Israel had driven out of the land previously. He brought God’s judgement on the nation.
Somehow this wicked king had a godly son. Manasseh reigned fifty five years and then died. His eight year old son, Josiah, took over. Josiah had a tender heart for God. He was the last righteous king of Judah. He passionately pursued a genuine relationship with God and guided the nation to do so as well. He repaired the Temple. As they did that they discovered the book of The Law of Moses. This brought on real spiritual reform in the nation. As the law was being read to the king, he sought God for His directions. Because the king had a humble heart, God spared him from seeing the judgement that would come.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We have the perfect example of polar opposites here. A wicked father and a righteous son. Manasseh followed the detestable practices of the heathen nations. Josiah submitted to God’s law and promoted it. They both influenced many people and left a legacy. This causes one to think about the legacy that will be left. As I attend or officiate at funerals, I always think about the person who is gone and the impact they had. Some cause me to think that I have not done anything for eternity because they have done so much for God. The time to provide a legacy is now, while I am living. Obedience to God is always the hightest way of living.
3. How can I help someone?
We are all influenced and have influence. Who are we going to listen to? Who are we going to impact to bring them to a life worth living? We have to think about these important questions and answer them in such a way that we have no regrets. To obey God is always better than any other choice we can make. Serving God never leaves us with regrets.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
What a person does when there are problems shows the heart of the person. King Hezekiah was facing utter destruction. He faced a very powerful foe who threatened their destruction. He went to the Temple to pray. He laid it all out before God that they faced ruin. God stepped in and miraculously delivered them. The important lesson here is that the king turned to God. This is encouraging in the light of so many other kings who turned away from God. God spoke through the prophet Isaiah that the enemy would fall. God sent an angel in the night and 185,000 of the enemy died. When King Sennacherib saw all his dead soldiers, he went home.
Isaiah came to Hezekiah and told him to get things in order, for he would die. He prayed and God gave him fifteen more years of life. We see that Hezekiah made some mistakes that eventually cost him and his descendants. One thought that comes to me is that, while no one wants to die, he and the nation would have been better off if he had not prayed that prayer. That is just my opinion.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Be open and honest before God when problems come. Go to God and rely on Him. The situation that Hezekiah faced was impossible. He had no human hope. He was outnumbered by a more powerful kingdom. He was in trouble. It was no problem for God. The most powerful political kingdom wilted in the face of an angel acting on God’s orders.
3. How can I help someone?
Trust God. The enemy cannot stand before God’s almighty power. God really knows what He is doing and can intervene in any situation.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
How long can people openly go against God before He judges them for their sin? There is no simple answer to that question. But, here we see that people who know better and openly rebel against God will reach a point where His judgement comes. In these two chapters we see polar opposites. We see Hoshea, the last king of Israel (the northern kingdom) as well as Hezekiah, king of Judah (the southern kingdom). Hoshea was the last king of Israel. They had forsaken the commands of God and followed many heathen practices. God finally turned them over to the enemy and the majority were taken captive. When Hezekiah was make king of Judah he cleared out all the evil places and restored the Temple. He was very active in promoting obedience to God.
Israel accepted the lifestyles and standards of the other nations. We read of king after king who promoted that. These hundreds of years of sinning finally reached a conclusion and the northern kingdom disappeared.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
My thoughts are going towards the life many live that looks for what is popular or appears fun. That is what we see so often in these history books. God had given a covenant to Abraham. God had shown miracle after miracle to provide and protect. They had seen so many supernatural interventions that showed God’s supreme power over all the other gods the nations served. And yet, they insisted on doing what they wanted. So many of the heathen practices were repulsive, and yet they did them anyway.
What we are seeing today among many churches and people who say they are Christians is a similar pattern. They are practicing and promoting many things that are contradictory to the Bible. They are following the lifestyles and standards of the world around them. They think that they can continue to do these things and that God will never do anything about it. They have forgotten the last chapters of Old Testament history and the prophecies of end times. God will judge. This says that we must stay close to the Lord and do what HE says.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn from God’s Word. Learn from history. Learn that God is pure and holy and will not allow evil to flourish forever. In His perfect timing He will reward faithfulness and judge evil.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
Even a king will be judged by God when he disobeys. This list of kings is the list that continues to grow as I read through this book. Azariah was afflicted with leprosy because of his disobedience. I have to admit some confusion in reading about several of the kings who, it was said, did right in the sight of God, and yet they didn’t remove the places where people worshiped idols. If they were seeking to obey God, why didn’t they tear down the idol temples? These high places made it convenient for the people to make their evil sacrifices. The existence of these high places continued to be a downfall of the nation.
Because their hearts were not right towards God, many of the kings participated in barbarous atrocities, such as ripping babies out of the wombs of pregnant women. Ahaz reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years and even sacrificed his son in the fire. The Bible is clear that those in positions of leadership are held to a higher accountability and are expected to set a good example. Many of the kings completely failed in this regard.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
These chapters tell of dark times of spiritual chaos that reigned. These times of apostasy are very sad. It seems that the kings were following the trends that were popular at the time instead of setting the proper pace for the nation. That speaks to our current world. What is needed is people to set the pace of righteousness. Spiritual leaders must stand up and not be afraid to declare what God has said. The Bible is still the standard for life. The moral truths do not change. I must apply that in my life and the things I proclaim.
3. How can I help someone?
When I was in drivers’ ed we were told this. “You can break man’s laws. You cannot break nature’s laws.” It means that you can speed and get away with it (sometimes). You can’t go too fast around a corner or try to stop too quickly. You will pay the consequences. The application here is that those who try to break God’s laws will pay the price. They may think it doesn’t matter and that they can do anything they want. That simply is not so. Some day judgement will come.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
I have heard a variety of people who think that God is mean and delights in punishing people. They think God likes to see people suffer. That’s not true. We read here that the Lord listened to Jehoahaz as he sought God’s favor because of how much the people were under oppression. God provided a deliverer for Israel. I find it interesting that God did that for them, even though He knew they would return to their own homes and not turn away from the sins they had committed. God gives us the opportunities needed to repent and serve Him. The fact that so many did not follow God shows the battle and the fact that many we read about didn’t commit to fully serving the Lord.
We see here the death of Elisha. He was one of the great prophets of God who impacted the nations and was not afraid to “tell it like it is”. The power of God was on his life. And, even in his death God provided a miracle as a dead man was brought back to life when his dead body hit the bones of Elisha.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
A firm resolve to serve God -- that is so needed. It appears that this firm resolve was missing in so many of the kings we read about in these history books. We read about Amaziah who started out right in doing the things God desired. But, he didn’t remove the high places where idol worship took place. He later fell into idolatry because he wasn’t wholeheartedly committed to the things of God. That firm and full commitment to God is so necessary. That is what must be continually applied in our lives.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people really see what is going on. The deceiver tricks people and they don’t see the impact and consequences of their actions. People need to see that God expects a full commitment to Him and the we continually live the life of serving God. God expects that we make Him our Lord. Lordship means control, we must give Him control of everything.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
In the spiritual battle, there are always attempts to thwart God’s plans and prove that God is either a liar or too weak to follow through with what He promises. Here there was an attempt to prevent the line of King David to continue. The life of Joash was spared and he eventually became the king. God used a high priest, Jehoiada, to see that Joash was put on the throne and helped him in his devotion to the Lord. Joash was a good king and served God. Unfortunately, when Jehoiada died, Joash turned away from God. This eventually brought his death.
Joash did oversee the repairs of the Temple. They collected much money and hired people to repair what has been allowed to fall apart. He did accomplish many good things.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What I see in the life of Joash is that he was willing to be influenced for good. But, he was also influenced for evil. It appears that he never really committed to God in his heart. He never removed the high places of idol worship. And when the high priest died, he quit doing what pleased God and began serving idols. The application for life is that each person must make their own personal commitment to Jesus and serve Him from their heart. If it is only going through the motions or trying to please some person, when the going gets tough the so-called commitment to Jesus will disappear.
3. How can I help someone?
Get serious about really serving God. Recognize the importance of the real relationship God wants to have with each individual person. Serve and obey God because He is worthy. Then, when the challenges of life come, you will have something solid for your foundation.
