Bible Chapter: Ezra 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.
The foundation of the temple had been set many years before. Finally, they got to working on it again. Zerubbabel and Jeshua got working on the construction to complete it. The whole project took twenty one years. And, of course, the detractors tried to stop them. The question that was asked was who commanded you to do this? Who gave you permission to build? They contacted the Persian king Darius. They thought this would stop the construction of the temple. But, this persecution failed. For, it was discovered that King Cyrus had commanded that the temple and wall be rebuilt. He even said he would pay for it. The construction went on and they completed the task.
The people rejoiced and worshiped the Lord when the task was completed. The persecutors didn’t succeed in stopping the work. The eye of God was on the elders of the Jews and they couldn’t be forced to stop the work.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
6:21 is an insightful verse. It has some important lessons for all believers.
“Then the children of Israel who had returned from the captivity ate together with all who had separated themselves from the filth of the nations of the land in order to seek the LORD God of Israel.”
The phrase “with all who had separated themselves from the filth of the nations of the land” really jumped out to me. Separating ourselves from those who live in and promote filth is a necessary step in growing spiritually. As I write this I have recently read an article by a Christian author who talked about several TV shows available on cable. Every one of them is pornographic with much nudity. And yet, they are not on the “premium” channels where people specifically purchase them to get such filth. They are on the basic channels that millions of people have. They are readily available. For all who call themselves followers of Jesus, they must reject such garbage. Our fleshly desires wants such stuff, but we know that it is destructive.
3. How can I help someone?
Two thoughts jump out to me here.
1. Stick with the work God has given you to do and get it completed, no matter how long it takes.
2. Run to Jesus and get far away from the filth and destruction of sin.
Bible Chapter: Ezra 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.
The first group of exiles returned to Jerusalem and got working right away on building the altar of God so they could offer burnt offerings. They started worshiping God. They also had a healthy fear of the people around them and they knew they needed God’s protection. They kept the feasts and offered sacrifices to God. They hired workers to begin building the temple. As the foundation was laid there was great rejoicing to see what was happening.
As is often the case, God’s people ran into adversaries. There were those who were trying to interfere with what was happening. They wanted to stop the work in process. The enemies acted as if they were friendly and offered to work with them. They refused, for they knew the purpose was only to cause problems. They tried to discourage the people of Judah and did all they could to frustrate the work.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Doing what God wants will bring rejoicing. It is sad that they had let things happen that brought them to the place of needing to repair the temple. If they had remained faithful, the temple would not have fallen apart. But, God helped them and the got to work on the project. They had enough sense to see that their adversaries were out to hurt them, not help them when they volunteered to work along side them. There will always be enemies out to frustrate God’s work.
Memo to self: learn to recognize those who are with you and those who pretend to be with you. There will always be some whose greatest goal is my failure.
3. How can I help someone?
There are people whose goal in life is to make you fail, to make you fall away from God. Don’t let them cause you to give up on God. God is always ready to help those who are living in obedience to Him.
Bible Chapter: Ezra 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.
God used king Cyrus of Persia to spearhead the return of the nation to Jerusalem. He proclaimed that many should return to rebuild the temple. He gave them provisions and encouraged them to return. This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that the Jews would be in captivity in Babylon for seventy years before returning to Judah. He returned articles from the house of the Lord that Nebuchadnezzar had taken and put in the temple of his gods. God was fulfilling His promises to the nation. They were taken captive because of their sin and rebellion against God., Now, He was restoring them to their homeland. The list of the people who returned is included in these chapters.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God is serious about having people serve and obey Him. We see that here. The nation was taken captive for seventy years because of their sin. The good news of this book is that we see the story of the restoration of the people to their homeland. Ezra was a godly leader who brought them back to serve the Lord and insisted that they do so. Serving God consistently, as Ezra called for, is the best way to live my life.
3. How can I help someone?
Remember that God is a righteous Judge. He will judge sin and bless obedience. He will make people pay for their rebellion. It is always best to learn what God wants and then actually do it.
Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 35 & 36
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 Josiah guided the nation to celebrate the Passover. He put the priests in their proper places and encouraged them to do the Lord’s work. They put the Ark in the temple. The nation gathered to follow God’s commands. They slaughtered the Passover offerings and did what they were to do according to God’s Word. This was a good thing, following God’s Word.
Then Josiah, even though he was a righteous man, went against God’s plan as he fought with Necho, king of Egypt. He didn’t try to discern God’s will in the matter. He was killed in the battle. Following Josiah came a string of kings who didn’t follow the Lord. And, of course, this only brought problems.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We see here a string of kings who refused to serve God. They fell into the trap of so many down through history. They didn’t avoid the influence of ungodly people in society. So often God’s people are attracted to the sinful things around them and they imitate their sinful behavior. This defiles God’s commands and plan for the lives of His followers. This brings spiritual destruction.
I try to do lots of reading. It is sad to see over and over again people who justify questionable and sinful practices. This is sad. It is critically important to recognize God’s directives, learn what they mean, and follow them to get close to Jesus. Sin must be rejected and God must be followed.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the difference between serving God and serving self. This theme comes up often. The history of God’s people has been up and down. I want to help people see the blessings and benefits of serving God.
Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 33 & 34
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.
Manasseh, twelve years old, became the king in Jerusalem. He became the latest who turn away from God and lead the nation to reject God. Here we see another one who followed the pull of evil and walked away from God. Manasseh did many evil things and provoked the Lord to anger. God spoke to Manasseh and the people, but the refused to listen. So, God brought judgement on the nation. This judgement caused Manasseh to humble himself before the Lord. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. He turned to serving God and took away the altars and idols of foreign gods. The good news is that he learned his lesson. The sad news is that he needed to learn it in the first place.
After Manasseh, another child king took over. Josiah was only eight when he began to reign. He was godly and did what God commanded. He got rid of the remaining idols and places of heathen worship. He restored the temple. He guided the nation to obey God’s Word.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Look at 34:32. “And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.” (NKJV) Josiah was not afraid to tell the nation that they needed to follow God. Take a stand for what is right. This is so refreshing. It is also an important illustration of what needs to be done. Take a stand for God. Take a stand for righteousness. Reject the sinful ways that are so popular with “everyone”. Listen to God’s Word and obey.
3. How can I help someone?
There are millions of people who think that nothing matters except for what they want. So, they mock God’s commands and anyone who lives by them. They think nothing can touch them. That’s what Manasseh thought. Learn from people like him and follow God. God will never change.
Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 31 & 32
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 Hezekiah called for the people to serve God and not the evil deities. They responded in obedience and they broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images. Then the king appointed the priests and Levites to do their work in serving the Lord. He called for the people to bring their tithes and offerings to contribute for the support of the temple. The people responded well and brought an abundance of their firstfruits. The results where shown when Azariah, the chief priest, said they had enough because the people were faithful in bringing their tithes and offerings. This is a good illustration of God’s plan and provision for His house. This still works well today.
Sennacherib king of Assyria came to attack Jerusalem. He mocked the people saying that they were being duped by Hezekiah to think that their God would protect them. He said he had been successful in conquering other lands and that Jerusalem would fall because the God they served could not help them. Hezekiah had a great response to the people. "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." 32:7-8. Don’t be tricked, for Sennacherib only has human power, we have the Creator God with us. And, what happened? The Lord sent an angel who cut down the mighty men in the Assyrian camp. God protected them.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God honors faithfulness, obedience and generosity. The people destroyed all the idols and worshiped God. They were faithful in supporting God’s work. God honored all of that. And, when the enemy came in, mocking and saying that God’s people were vulnerable, they trusted God and saw Him intervene. Continuing to trust God is always the best way.
3. How can I help someone?
Keep your focus on God and what he has said. Trust Him. Don’t be tricked to think that He will fail you. When it looks bad, keep focusing on HIM. Let God carry you through and provide.
Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 29 & 30
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.
Hezekiah became king and did what was right in the sight of the Lord. One of the first things he did was to open the doors of the house of the Lord and repair, clean up the mess that had resulted from the years of neglect. He called for the Levites to prepare themselves to serve. The were to sanctify themselves and the house of the Lord. They were to carry out the rubbish from the holy place.
It was in Hezekiah’s heart to covenant with the Lord to turn away the wrath of God. He challenged the people to be diligent and serve God. The priests did what they were called to do. The cleansed the temple. They had a great celebration as they brought sacrifices to the Lord. They worshiped God. Then the king called throughout the land for all to come and celebrate the Passover. They had neglected to do that. There was a large response to do what they had been commanded to do.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
These chapters talk about cleaning out the temple and carrying out all the rubbish that had accumulated. This is what happens when people neglect God. His house becomes a waste land and garbage builds up. This can happen in the temple of a person who rejects God. Crud and garbage easily collect and destroy.
The lesson here is to keep God’s temple (whether it is a building or our physical bodies) clean. The way to keep clean is to refuse to drift away from God. Refuse to get involved in sinful activities that will bring in spiritual garbage.
3. How can I help someone?
Follow Hezekiah’s example. When he found garbage, he cleaned it up. He worshiped and obeyed God. He called the people to obey and worship God.
Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 27 & 28
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 new king took over in Jerusalem, Jotham. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord. This was good. Unfortunately, the people acted corruptly. The up and down spiritual battle continued. Because Jotham did what he was supposed to do before God, he prospered in his reign of sixteen years.
After Jotham, the roller coaster went down as Ahaz began to rule in Jerusalem. He followed the evil kings and made molded images for the Baals. He sacrificed children to the heathen gods. This brought God’s judgement and he was delivered into the hand of the king of Syria. Over one hundred thousand soldiers were killed in the battle because they had forsaken the Lord. Ungodly actions continued to bring problems.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
One statement in these chapters jumped out to me. It talked about encouraging moral decline and being continually unfaithful to God. Why would someone who should know better encourage moral decline? Yet, that still happens. People in church leadership support immoral choices. They justify sinful lifestyles. I read articles where church leaders justify their support of morally sinful actions.
What is the standard for morality? It is only the Bible. We must always follow that. It will never change. Those who refuse to follow God’s morality will be judged. Living according to God’s morality is the only way to live in victory.
3. How can I help someone?
Pay attention to the lessons of history, especially Bible history. What happened to the people when they obeyed God? What happened to people when they refused to obey God? Do you see the difference? Learn and apply.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
Amaziah became king of Judah at age twenty five. He is described as doing what was right in God’s sight, but not with a loyal heart. This shows the weakness that eventually brought his downfall. He was only partially committed to God. He was not determined to follow God irregardless of the cost. Believers must continue to be loyal to God, following His commands until the end. Hard things can happen, but we must stay faithful no matter what develops. It is hard to imagine, but after defeating the people of Seir, he took their gods and started worshiping them. He walked away from the true God and bowed down to some idols that had no power. This brought his downfall.
Sixteen year old Uzziah was made king in Amaziah’s place. He started out well and we are reminded that as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. He had many amazing accomplishments. But, sadly, with Uzziah as well, when he was strong his heart was lifted up and he thought he could do whatever he wanted. He went to the temple to burn incense before the Lord. Only the priests could do that. His pride and anger resulted in his becoming a leper. He ended his life in isolation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
One event from the life of Amaziah stood out as I was reading it. He had made a foolish mistake and hired the army of Israel to join him in battle. God’s prophet told him not to do that, but send the troops home. When he asked about the loss of one hundred talents of gold he had given to them, the prophet said not to worry. The Lord was able to give him much more than that. God is able to take care of anything. Material wealth is not an issue. God would provide.
It’s more important to do what God wants. He is not limited regarding finances. God will take care of His people. No, we won’t all be wealthy, but God said He would take care.
3. How can I help someone?
As I am reading through these history books, I see over and over how the kings started out well and then failed in the end. I know I have said it before, but what is so important is the finish strong. Don’t quit. Don’t give up on doing what God says is right.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
Jehoiada the priest was used of God to point Judah to the Lord again. He organized the Levites to protect a child. Joash was seven years old and was established as the king. They drove Athaliah out of power. She was killed. Then Jehoiada made a covenant with the people that they would be God’s people. They tore down the temple of Baal and killed the heathen priest. Joash became the king and he did the things that were right in the sight of the Lord.
Jehoiada the priest was one hundred thirty years old and he died. After he was buried with honors, Joash turned from the Lord and went back to what was destroyed when he was made king. It appears that he was following the influence of the priest and didn’t have a heart to serve God. He rejected the prophet who was sent to call them back to the Lord. This brought God’s judgement against the nation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Why serve God? Why go to church or read the Bible? Is it only because someone forces the issue? Is it out of guilt? Is it for business reasons? It appears to me that while Joash started out well, he didn’t have a heart for God. He didn’t serve God with the right motivation. When the “opportunity” arose to go back to the old ways, he jumped at it. I must ask myself this critical question, why serve God? My service to Him must be because my heart is committed to Him. The Bible says salvation comes to the one who believes in their heart that Jesus is Lord.
3. How can I help someone?
I know many religious people. They feel pressure to go through the religious rituals. What do they really accomplish? They don’t know the personal relationship with Jesus. I want to help people see the difference between form and ritual and really knowing and loving Jesus.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
While he wasn’t perfect, Jehoshaphat was a good king. He passed away and his son, Jehoram, took his throne. Unfortunately, the desire to serve God didn’t move to the next generation. Jehoram was selfish and evil. He was afraid, so he had all his brothers killed. Unlike his father’s legacy, Jehoram was known for following the ways of the kings of Israel, just like Ahab. They went back to evil worship. It is amazing how many times this happened. Each time God brought some kind of judgement. Still, it seems that the kings and the citizens didn’t learn. Elijah the prophet told the king that the Lord would strike him and his people with a serious affliction. Eventually Jehoram died a very painful death. How bad was he? He died when he was forty years old and it was “to no one’s sorrow”. That is sad. He was gone and no one cared.
A sad state of affairs continued. More royal murders. More attempts to wrest control and destroy all possible challengers to the throne. It’s sad what selfishness and envy will do to people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As I remember reading these historical books, it was never God’s perfect plan to give the nation a king. They got one because the wanted to be like all the other nations. They had some excellent kings. They also had many rotten ones. If they would have gone God’s way, things would have been much better. That’s a good lesson to apply: do things God’s way. Never let your motivation to do something be because you want to be like the rest of the world.
3. How can I help someone?
If you seek position, seek it only because you know God is directing you. Don’t try to manipulate and get it in an unethical way. Don’t let jealousy drive your actions. And, once in a position, do everything in a Godly manner. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
Jehoshaphat gave instructions to the judges. They were to take heed to what they were doing, for they did not judge for man but for the LORD, who is with them in the judgment. They were to acknowledge the fear of the Lord and be righteous in their judgement. Their instructions basically said they had to recognize God and His righteousness and let that impact their decisions. What God has said was to be the influence in their decisions. I think about so many decisions we see today that totally reject God and act like the judge is the standard for the decision and not God’s eternal truths. Following God’s way is always the best.
These chapters include an exciting story that shows how God will come through in ways we can’t even imagine. The nation was encouraged to not be afraid of the multitude that was coming against them. For, the battle is the Lord’s. They didn’t have to fight the battle but watch God come through for them. Instead of sending in the soldiers, they sent in the singers who sang praises to the Lord as God delivered them.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever. That is the theme they sang back then and this theme is still true today. Praise God all the time. When I feel like it, praise God. When I don’t feel like it, praise God. This is a good thing to do.
3. How can I help someone?
Trust God and don’t try to figure things out yourself. The king told the judges to make decisions based on God’s way. These thoughts are really good advice.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
A couple positive and encouraging thoughts about Jehoshaphat. 17:3 says that “he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals”. In the up and down spiritual lives of the kings, it is always uplifting to see one that was living in obedience to God and influencing the people towards God. Going down to verse 6 it says that his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord. Serving God is not a chore, but it is a delight to be close to Him. It is always best to have a heart towards God. Another positive thing he did was to have the Law of the Lord taught to the people. We need God’s Word in our hearts so we can live it. As he lived and ruled serving God he became more powerful.
Going on to chapter 18 we see a new story, a new part of Jehoshaphat. He was visiting with Ahab, king of Israel. They were talking about going to war together against a common enemy. Jehoshaphat said they should seek God’s advice. We see Ahab’s attitude when he said there was a prophet they could consult, but he hated him because he never said good concerning him. The prophet was Micaiah. We learn that this prophet was accurate in speaking for the Lord, but Ahab rejected what he said.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Learning to hear from God and accepting what God says is a vital lesson for all believers. As long as Jehoshaphat sought God we see God’s hand in his life. Ahab was the other side of the spiritual equation. Ahab did whatever he wanted. He got angry at Micaiah and had him put in prison for not saying a prophecy that he liked. The application is to submit to and serve God. We can’t try to manipulate life and the circumstances we face. In the end we see that Micaiah was right and Ahab was wrong.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to trust and submit to God. The stories of the kings of the divided kingdom gives us many illustrations of the importance of obedience and submission to God.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
God made everything we see and he made people. God loves us more than we can grasp. God initiated the plan for people to come to a personal relationship with Him. God has done so many awesome things. But, there is something that people need to realize. That is the fact that we must submit to and follow God, and do things HIS way. Part of 15:2 says “If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” People can not just sit around doing anything they want and expect God to take care of them.
The constant battle we see in these historic books was the fight to keep idolatry out of the land of Israel. Asa removed many of the idols, etc from the land. But, he didn’t completely abolish every vestige of idolatry. He did many good things, but in the end he showed that he wasn’t fully trusting God. When a prophet came to Asa to challenge his lack of trust in God, Asa got angry at the messenger and put him in prison. He should have listened.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It seems that this theme is often repeated. But, I need to mention it again. It’s not just how we start out, it’s how we live in the long run and how we finish that matters. Asa had a reign of thirty five years of peace. Then the wars started. When the fighting began, Asa failed to fully rely on God. When the prophet told Asa that he had acted foolishly, he got angry.
The application for life is to continue to do what God wants us to do. Be faithful. Never compromise eternal truth. Stay close to the Lord.
3. How can I help someone?
If a photographer couldn’t get his camera to focus, he would have lousy pictures. People need to keep their focus on what God has said and live it.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
These two chapters show the contradiction of serving God and rejecting Him. We also see the sorrow and loss that results from sin. The nation that had God’s blessing and His eternal covenant had become a divided nation. They were fighting each other. One half million choice men of Israel were killed in one battle. Here they were fighting amongst themselves and there was a great slaughter. The suffering was immense.
The opposite is also seen as Asa became king in Judah after the death of Abijah. Asa did what was good in God’s eyes as he destroyed the places of worship to foreign gods. They saw God’s help and provision because of their faithfulness. They saw the benefits and blessings of obedience.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The spiritual battle is ongoing. The temptation always looks so attractive. Doing things against God appears to be the most fun. The stories in the Bible show us that God’s way is always best in the long run. While we know this truth, people still struggle. I have recently heard of some who have been strong spiritually who are simply rejecting it all and walking away. I know people who have suddenly said that up is down and black is white. They have walked away from the joy of the Lord to pursue the “pleasures of sin”. This never works. I want to continue to apply God’s way to life.
3. How can I help someone?
What works? In every career or job there are things that work and things that don’t work. There are cheap and defective products that work for a while and then break. I have discovered that it doesn’t pay to buy cheap tools. I have some tools I bought over forty years ago that still work well because I bought good tools. This principle applies to life. Obedience to God is buying good tools that will stand the test of time. Live life God’s way.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
Can you say roller coaster? That is an unfortunate and yet true description of Rehoboam. He became the king of Judah and started out well. He assembled 180,000 warriors to fight against the northern kingdom. God’s word came to him to not fight against their brothers. So, he obeyed God’s command and they didn’t attack Israel. Rehoboam fortified many cities and made the nation secure as they walked in the ways of the Lord.
Then this king began to take eighteen wives and sixty concubines and had eighty eight children. Even though the kings thought they could and should take multiple wives, it was never God’s plan for them to do this. This decision always brought problems. The common result is shown in the beginning of chapter 12, “he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel along with him.” Here is that spiritual roller coaster. After establishing the kingdom based on God’s way, he turned to sinful practices and pulled the nation down with him. The nation came under the domination of Egypt and Egypt took much of the vast wealth that had been accumulated. Shishak, King of Egypt, took the gold shields Solomon had made. Rehoboam had bronze shields made to replace them. That is such an accurate description of what happens when people walk away from God. They always get something of much less value, when they think life will be better in the ways of sin.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
A thought that has been in my mind much lately is the importance of finishing strong. It is easy to start out strong. When a person is young there is an abundance of energy and a desire to do well. Submitting to and serving God looks exciting. Then, the tempter shows up and begins to give all sorts of options that look so amazing. Sin looks attractive. And, the person who started out so strong falls flat on their face and becomes another statistic of those who failed. Finish strong. Stick with the commitment to the Lord. It’s important to not only know about this truth, but apply it. Finish strong.
3. How can I help someone?
See the lives that people have lived. Learn from both those who were successful to the end and those who stumbled along the way. What made a person spiritually successful? What made a person fall from God? Learn from their lives and apply what works and avoid what destroys.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
We see again the lavish life Solomon lived. The Queen of Sheba came for a visit. She was shown everything and Solomon answered all her questions. She was overwhelmed by the vastness of the wealth and said she hadn’t been told of even half of the greatness. Solomon had gold drinking vessels, for silver would have been considered low class. And, his wealth just continued to grow and grow as more precious resources were brought to him. Many kings came to hear the wisdom that Solomon had.
The writer of this book ended his telling of Solomon’s life. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place. This is a major transition in the nation’s history. While the nation was in prosperity under Solomon, it was also hard on the people. They had to work hard. When Rehoboam took over the people pleaded with him to make things easier on them and they would support him. He refused to listen to them but listened to his young friends who said he should be even harder on the people than Solomon. When the people heard this, there was a rebellion. This brought the splitting of the nation. The northern kingdom was called Israel and the southern kingdom was called Judah.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Solomon was wealthy and wise. People from all over came to hear what he had to say. While it is not covered in this book, history records the sad events in Solomon’s life as he was drawn to many heathen practices. He did not end well. And, his wisdom didn’t seem to work down to his son, Rehoboam. Instead of listening to wise counsel, Rehoboam became a harsh dictator. Life under him was not good.
The purpose of studying history is to learn from it. I want to apply the lessons of the heart. Solomon had all the outward signs, but he didn’t live the life he should. Rehoboam didn’t learn how to be a good leader, he became proud and overbearing.
3. How can I help someone?
What were the long term effects of Solomon’s life and reign? What did Rehoboam accomplish? I want to help people see the impact of their choices and work to have a positive eternal impact.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
At the conclusion of King Solomon’s prayer during the dedication of the Temple, God showed His power and presence as fire from heaven consumed the burnt offerings and sacrifices. The glory of God filled the place. They had an amazing experience of God’ presence and glory. They made many sacrifices and the people worshiped God.
God appeared to Solomon at night and gave him some critical advice. 7:14 is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. God said that when His people turn away they will receive punishment. But, if they would admit their sin and turn from their wicked ways, God would forgive their sins and heal their land.
Solomon was amazing successful in many ways. One way he was a failure was in his personal life. He took the daughter of Pharaoh as a wife. He opened up part of his life to temptation and the evil one had a foothold. Solomon must have known that God was not pleased, for he said that he would not have her living in Jerusalem because of the holy places there. I have to ask this question: “If she wasn’t holy enough to live in Jerusalem, why did you marry her?”.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The presence of God is the best. Solomon had a large variety of experiences in life. They included being the richest person alive. Yet, nothing compared to the dedication of the Temple and the powerful presence of God. Solomon had major extremes in his life. He went from full submission and obedience to God to filling his homes with heathen women who pulled his heart away from God. The extreme of going towards God is the pattern to follow.
3. How can I help someone?
Don’t get sidetracked. Keep your focus on God, on who He is. Don’t let the temporary pleasures trap you in sin. God is eternal. Sinful pleasures are temporary that lead to eternal punishment.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
The work was finally completed on the Temple. It was time to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the Temple, along with all the silver and gold and all the furnishings that David had dedicated. King Solomon gathered all the leaders of Israel as they dedicated the Temple. The priests make more sacrifices than they could count. There was an orchestra and choir of priests all together making a glorious sound of worship and praise to God. They proclaimed that God is good and His mercy endures forever. The place was filled with a cloud of the presence of God. The power and presence of God was so thick that they could not continue ministering to the Lord.
Solomon prayed a powerful prayer of dedication. This was the culmination of decades of planning and work. The Temple was a special place where they would worship God and be reminded of God’s righteousness and their need of repentance. God would receive glory as they honored Him.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God has a plan for life. King David had his own plan that went contrary to God’s plan for his life. David was submissive to God in this that he did not build the Temple. Solomon followed through with the instructions and had the Temple built. They recognized that this whole plan came from God. The worshiped, they honored God as they dedicated this special place and God filled the place with His presence and glory. Doing what God requires and being blessed to be in His presence is very important. Life provided many exciting events. There is nothing that comes close to being in God’s presence and sensing His power. The end of chapter five says that the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud and the priests could not minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house. That strong sense of the presence of God is something to long for, it is the best.
3. How can I help someone?
People seek fun and fulfillment in many ways. Some use various chemicals and substances never intended to be put in a human body to seek a good experience. Some seek illicit relationships to fill a void in life. People try all kinds of things. People need to know that God is the One who brings the greatest and only real fulfillment in life. Nothing beats being in His presence.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
In one of the previous chapters it was describing the collection of building materials for the Temple. It talked about vast amounts of gold. As I read these chapters I was amazed at all the parts that were covered with gold or made of gold. This building prepared as a place for worship and sacrifice to God was extremely beautiful and ornate. It was made for God. He was worth whatever it took to accomplish this task.
The design was quite amazing. The furnishings were just as detailed as the building. One of the objects created was a huge bronze basis called the Sea. It was 15 feet across from rim to rim, 71/2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference and held about 16,500 gallons of water. The walls of the Sea were about three inches thick, and its rim flared out like a cup and the priests washed themselves in the Sea. One thing that is interesting to me is that all that water had to be carried there from a water source. There was no such thing as running water.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God cares about the details of life. God enabled the craftsmen to have the skill to make this beautiful building. He provided for all the materials. He helped them envision it and then build it. God helps people take on major tasks and then helps them through it all when it is in His plan. There is nothing too hard for any of us to do when we are doing what God wants. Yes, there are many hard things, but God makes it possible.
3. How can I help someone?
Trust God in every aspect of life. Develop the skills God has given and watch what He can do in and through you.
Bible Chapter: II 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.
King Solomon was establishing himself as the king of Israel. He made a large sacrifice to the Lord. That night God appeared to him and asked him what he wanted to receive from God. Solomon’s response was to receive wisdom and knowledge so he could lead the nation. God not only gave him that, but also gave him wealth never seen before or since. The text says that gold and silver became as common as stones in Jerusalem. I’ve been in Israel, and the best crop they raise is stones.
Solomon began the process of building the temple. He had an amazing work crew that included seventy thousand men to bear burdens and eighty thousand men to quarry stone in the mountains. I am amazed at the logistics that it took to complete this task. Solomon also contracted with King Hiram of Tyre for cedars to build the Temple, along with his best craftsman to oversee the fine details of the work. The goal of both David and Solomon was to build a magnificent place where the people could come and sacrifice to God. They accomplished that goal.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I think of an old song that says, in part, “Give of your best to the Master”. This is what we see here. David and Solomon gave and created the best as a place to honor God.
I also see Solomon’s response to God’s question of what he wanted. Solomon started out well, knowing that he needed God’s help to be the king. Having God’s help is one of the most important things we will do in life. Solomon’s request showed that he was not being selfish, but thinking of how he could best do the job God had given him.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see what is best, not what seems most advantageous to their own situation. Solomon asked God for the tools to best do the job. He didn’t ask for personal comfort and ease.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 29
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 story of the life of King David was coming to a close. He had a strong desire to provide for the building of the Temple. So, he collected a massive amount of building materials. He gave very generously to this important project. Many others also gave very generously. There was delight in giving. This generous attitude brought great delight as they gave freely and wholeheartedly. There was no need for begging or special appeals. They understood the blessings of giving.
A verse that jumps out to me is David’s prayer for Solomon. He asked God to give Solomon a wholehearted devotion to keep God’s commands and decrees. Throughout his life, David learned the importance of obeying God. So, he prayed that his son who would succeed him on the throne would live that life. We know that Solomon became extremely wealthy, but David didn’t pray that God would make him rich.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We see here the blessings of generosity. The people were giving with a generous heart and it brought great joy. The natural self-centered heart focuses on getting and controlling it can. A heart that is pleasing to God doesn’t work hard to just keep things but knows the blessings of helping others. It’s best to have a generous heart.
I also see here the awesome time they had worshiping the Lord together. They had great joy in the presence of the Lord. To worship God with all your heart brings you to God’s presence. That is the best place to be.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the great benefits of both generosity and true worship of God. Both of these will bring joy and encouragement to a person’s heart.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 27 & 28
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 see here the continuation of the organization of the nation and those who would serve and what their responsibilities would be. It was very well organized.
Probably some of the most important verses in the Bible are found in chapter 28. They are extremely critical and beneficial to every person. As King David was giving instructions to his son, Solomon, who would succeed him as king, he very specifically instructed him to keep God’s commandments and seek to know God. 28:8-9 give us these very important commands. Be careful to follow all of God’s commands. Serve God with all your heart. Get to know God. These commands will make any person’s life better. Obedience and faithfulness to God will make the difference. Knowing God, knowing about Him and living in close fellowship with Him will give a reason to get up in the morning. To desire God puts a person on the right road for life and eternity. These verses are a challenge for us all to walk in obedience and righteousness.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We learn from history that when Solomon became king he followed these commands. Unfortunately, he didn’t follow them closely for his whole life. He got caught up with the power and wealth of the kingship and drifted far from God. The application is not that we start strong, but that we finish strong. The testimonies of people who have finished strong show us the reality of Who God is and what a blessing it is to serve God till the end.
3. How can I help someone?
When a person is going through a challenge in life, it is easy to get sidetracked from the goal and get on the wrong road. I want to help people keep their focus and keep walking towards the Lord.
