GOD'S LIVING ACTIVE WORD

MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD
Read Psalm 19

     The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple… They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey… Psalm 19:7b, 10

* * *

     David praises the Scriptures as trustworthy, right, radiant, pure and altogether righteous. Then he asks the question, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults."(19:12)

     Meditating on God’s Word gives us discernment. The voices of the world and the devil are ever with us and Satan often presents his ideas in a reasonable way. The only way to correctly sort out our own thoughts is by time spent in the Word.

     “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

* * *

     Thank You Lord when the message is sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. Thank You also, when it convicts me and motivates me to correct my sinful thoughts and misguided actions. What wisdom and riches we have in Your trustworthy Word! We need that wisdom as we seek to cultivate a love of Scripture in the hearts of our children.

* * *

     May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.   Psalm 19:14 NIV

THE PATH OF LIFE

ETERNAL PLEASURES

Read Psalm 16

     You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV

* * *

     In this Psalm David expresses joy and security in the knowledge that God has long range plans for him: The promised Messiah would come through David’s descendants, and would one day be crucified, buried and rise from the dead.

     The apostle Peter quoted from Psalm 16 on the Day of Pentecost: "David said about Him: my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy one see decay." (Acts 2:26b-27)

* * *

     Heavenly Father; I praise You for making "known to me the path of life." Because I received the message of the gospel, I can say like David, "you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance…Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.(Psalms 16:5-6, 9) Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

* * *

     I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." Psalm 16:2 NIV

LET THE CHILDREN COME

CHILDREN PRAISE HIM

Read Psalm 8:1–9

     LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise… Psalm 8:1–2a NIV

* * *

      Our majestic Lord, Creator of the heavens, has ordained the praise of infants and children – how important then, must those little ones be to Him! Whether we work outside our homes, or in our homes, there is no job more significant than teaching, training and loving our children. These are the ones who Jesus says will make up his kingdom. We must introduce them to Him at the earliest opportunity for He has said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (Mark 10:14b)

* * *

      Dear Jesus, You said that “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:5 NKJV) May our actions today be a blessing to our children and may our home be a welcoming place where they can bring their friends. I ask You for the wisdom we need to accomplish what You have ordained this day. Thank you for entrusting us with this awesome responsibility

* * *

     "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.   Mark 10:15–16 NIV

IN THE MORNING

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION

Read Psalm 5:1–12; 143:8

     In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3

* * *

     The Psalmist David found his strength each morning as he prayed and lifted up his requests to God. He believed that God heard him and he waited in expectation. On one occasion, he prayed,

     “Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You." ( Psalms 143:8)

* * *

     Each day should find us praying for the children God has given to us. Whether they are small and still at home or going off each morning to school, sports or work–they need the cover of our prayers.
     We can pray like David, “Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)

* * *

      Dear Heavenly Father, watch over our children today wherever they are. I rejoice in You this morning because I know that You hear my voice. I lift up to You my specific requests and wait in expectation for Your answer.

* * *

     How precious is Your loving kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 36:7 NKJV

A TREE PLANTED BY WATER

FRUIT IN SEASON

Read Psalm 1

      Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly… His delight is in the law of the LORD and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.  Psalm 1: 1a, 2-3 NKJV

* * *

      God's Word never goes out of vogue for Christians. It is relevant for every stage of life, and is the source of life itself. 

     Believers who ask the Lord for wisdom with their children will find it, for he has promised, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6 NKJV)

     Then when the children are grown, God's Word says that those parents will still bear fruit in old age and be fresh and flourishing. (Psalm 92:14 NKJV)

 

* * *



       Lord, I want to meditate daily on Your Word so that I can sort out the many voices of advice that the world gives. Only by knowing the truth can I recognize error, and find that narrow way that leads to life. Help me to influence our children so that they too will "delight in the law of the Lord." and avoid the "counsel of the ungodly."

* * *

      Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV

A WORTHY EXAMPLE

JOB

Read Job 1–2;  Job 42

     Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." Job 1:8 NIV

* * *

     The story of Job is quite frightening to a believer’s heart. The interaction between God and Satan is something that we really cannot comprehend. But God did not expect Job, or his friends, to understand everything that transpired in Heaven. One thing we know; Job was living righteously and God was proud of him. Those of us, who want to please God, would do well to look at his example.

     Job prayed for his children even into adulthood. He raised them to love each other and enjoy one another's company, but he also maintained a discerning attitude, knowing that they could fall into sin.
     Job maintained his integrity in spite of the most adverse of circumstances, and when it was all over, he prayed for his friends who had completely misjudged him.

* * *

     Lord, I would never ask for the trials that Job and his wife endured, but I do want to be the kind of person who would make You proud. You taught us to pray, do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Luke 11:4 NKJV) I am praying this for myself and my family and friends today. Amen

* * *

     "After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before."
     "The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first."
Job 42:10, 12a NIV

FOILED CONSPIRACY

MORDECAI

Read Esther 5–10

     That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him…."What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?" the king asked. Esther 6:1, 3

* * *

     The book of Esther contains some similarities to the story of Joseph in Egypt. Esther and her guardian, Mordecai, were captives in Persia, and like Joseph, God’s providence brought them into favor with the King. Esther was crowned Queen, and Mordecai in the end, was second only to King Ahasuerus. He …was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen. (10:3b NKJV)

* * *

     Mordecai ‘just happened’ to hear about a conspiracy against King Ahasuerus in time to warn Esther, and the king ‘just happened’ to awaken in the middle of the night–calling for the record that Mordecai had saved his life–just in time to foil the conspiracy by Haman to annihilate the Jews. (Esther 6-7)

* * *

     The truth is that nothing ‘just happens’ to God's people. If we truly believe this, we will live with the confidence that God works out everything according to His good plan. Lord, remind me when I forget, that I will never be sorry for trusting in You.

* * *

     "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

ESTHER

Read Esther Chapters 1–4

 

     Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah… This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.  Esther 2:7

* * *

     Esther's story takes place when the Jews were captives in Persia. She was gathered up with many other beautiful young women into the harem of King Ahasuerus, and then chosen to be the queen.

     Esther's cousin, Mordecai had instructed her to be silent about her Jewish heritage, but then came her time of decision: Her people were in grave danger, and only she could approach the king to save them. After calling for a fast, she said, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." (4:16b)
     Esther could have never imagined, as she was being carried off into captivity that she would become Queen of Persia and the rescuer of her people. She couldn't see into the future, and neither can we. But we can trust in Jesus, the Son of Esther's God, to use us for His glory.

* * *

     Lord, just as You had a plan for Esther, I know You have a plan for me and for each member of my family. Help us to trust and obey Your leading, knowing that you are in control of the events of our lives.

* * *

     “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"   Esther 4:14 NIV

DISCOURAGEMENT

NEHEMIAH

Read Nehemiah 1–2; 4:1–15
     I answered them by saying, "The God of heaven will give us success."   Nehemiah 2:20a NIV

* * *

     Nehemiah, a cupbearer for the King of Persia, received some alarming news from Judah: "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire." (1:3)
     The king of Persia gave his permission for Nehemiah to go and help his people rebuild Jerusalem – but the enemies of the Jews were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. (2:10)

     Not only was the work overwhelming, leaving the people exhausted, but three local officials set out to discourage the people with ridicule and intimidation. When that didn’t work, they threatened to fight against them. Nehemiah encouraged the people to "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." (4:14)

* * *

     Lord, in our homes and churches, we need encouragement for some of these same issues ; maintaining motivation, overcoming fatigue and dealing with our spiritual enemy who says we cannot succeed. Help us to remember Nehemiah's words: "The joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)

* * *

     "Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families…."   Nehemiah 4:13 NIV

RESTORATION AND BLESSING

RETURN TO JERUSALEM

Read Ezra 1–6

     In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia …” Ezra 1:1a NIV

* * *

     When the prophesied seventy years of Israel’s captivity had past, God moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to send the people back to their land. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel, "They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia". (Ezra 6:14)

 

     God had caused the Medes and the Persians to take over the Babylonian kingdom just in time to fulfill His Word. He used worldly powers to bring judgment on His people, and now He used them to bring restoration and blessing.

 

     The road to restoration was not easy; the people had to work hard to rebuild the destroyed temple–and later the city walls. They would face discouragement and harassment from their neighbors; but in spite of this, the work went on and they were restored to the land.

* * *

     Thank you, Lord, that Your discipline is not forever, and its purpose is for our good–for You have said, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves,” (Hebrews 12:5–6 NIV)

* * *

     "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5 NIV

I WILL BRING THEM BACK

YOU HAVE NOT LISTENED

Read Jeremiah 25:1–11

 

     Therefore the LORD Almighty says this: "Because you have not listened to my words… This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years."   Jeremiah 25:8, 11 NIV

* * *

     Josiah was a good king, who fought against idolatry, but the people continued to run after other gods. After Josiah's death, God brought a message through the prophet Jeremiah: “the LORD Almighty says this: "Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon," (25:8-9a)
 

     God was going to allow His people to be carried off to Babylon for seventy years, and after that they would return to the land. Jeremiah had no choice but to faithfully declare God's message–even though no one wanted to hear it. When it actually happened, just as God had said, there could be no doubt that this was the Word of the Lord.

* * *

     Heavenly Father, Give us faith to trust Your Word even when we see our nation ignoring it. We need courage to share the Truth in our generation even when no one wants to hear it. Help our churches to be faithful in teaching the Bible and declaring the gospel with clarity. Raise up godly men to lead our country in truth and righteousness.

* * *

     "I will bring them (back) from the land of the north… They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble."   Jeremiah 31:8-9 NIV

NEVER TOO YOUNG

KING JOSIAH

Read 2 Chronicles 34

     Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did–with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses. 2 Kings 23:25 NIV

* * *

     Josiah was only eight years old when his wicked father, Amon was assassinated and he became king. Josiah had never seen a copy of God's Word and yet, at the age of sixteen, he began to seek the God of his ancestor David. He destroyed many of the idols his father and grandfather had set up, and when he was twenty‑six years old, he began to restore the temple.

     One of the priests found a copy of the law given to Moses. When Josiah heard it read he said, "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book." (34:21)

* * *

     Josiah's story illustrates that a young person who wants to know God will find Him, in spite of his background. Lord, make our home a place where young people will feel welcome and hear the truth of Your Word. Let it be a lighthouse in a dark world.

* * *

     "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."   1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

AND HIS MOTHER WAS....

KING HEZEKIAH

Read 2 Chronicles Chapters 29–30

     Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king… His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD… 2 Chronicles 29:1–2a NIV

* * *

     Reading through the stories of the Kings of Judah and Israel can be very discouraging as there were so many bad kings and so few good ones. But whether they were evil or good, the narrative often includes this phrase: "His mother's name was…"

     The kings of Israel were greatly influenced by the women in their lives, both wives and mothers. From wicked queen Jezebel to faithful queen Esther, we see that women played a significant role in history. Though they were not usually making the decisions, they were definitely influencing the character of those who did.

* * *

     Lord, thank you that Your Word honors godly women and their role in shaping the characters of the Bible. May I never accept the voices that would demean the importance of my job as wife and mother. Help me to teach my children and grandchildren the truths of Your Word, and faithfully discipline them to be respectful of their parents and their God.

* * *

     "The older women… can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:3a-5 NIV

INFLUENCE AND PERSONAL CHOICE

THE RESCUE OF JOASH

Read 2 Chronicles 22:1–12

      Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother's name was Athaliah… He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong. 2 Chronicles 22:2-3 NIV

* * *

      Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah was perhaps the most evil woman who ever lived, with the exception of her mother Jezebel. She murdered her own grandsons so that she herself could assume the throne. But Athaliah's sister, wife of the priest, rescued baby Joash and hid him in the temple for six years. At the age of seven, Joash was made king and he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest. (24:2)

* * *

      After Jehoiada died, the ungodly officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. “Therefore they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their trespass. (2 Chronicles 24:18 NKJV)

     King Ahaziah was influenced by his wicked mother, Athaliah, and King Joash was influenced by godly Jehoiada the priest–but in the end both of them rebelled against God.

* * *

      Lord, I pray for the personal salvation of each one of our children and grandchildren. Help us to influence them toward God, but also to teach them that ultimately, the choice must be theirs to follow Him.

* * *

       … to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 NIV

WORSHIPING THE GIFT

THE BRONZE SNAKE

Read Numbers 21:4–9; 2 Kings 18:1–8

     They spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. Numbers 21:5–6 NIV

* * *

     During the Exodus from Egypt, God sent a plague of snakes because the people grumbled against God and Moses. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us."

     So Moses prayed for the people. The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." (21:7-8)

* * *

     Hundreds of years later, the people of Judah were worshiping the bronze snake, instead of honoring God who had brought them out of Egypt. When Hezekiah became king, He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (2 Kings 18:4) 

     The bronze snake was a gift from God for healing and they focused on the gift instead of the One who gave it–making it into an idol.

* * *

     Dear Father, the bronze snake could not heal in itself, but it represented the One who could–Jesus Christ who was lifted up on the cross for our sin. Lord, keep my focus on You, the giver of every good and perfect gift.

* * *

     "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." John 3:14-15 NIV

COULD THIS BE THE CHRIST?

SAMARIA

Read 2 Kings 17; John 4:7–29

     So the people of Israel were taken from their homeland into exile in Assyria… The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites.   2 Kings 17:23b-24 NIV

 

* * *

     When Samaria was resettled by Shalmaneser, King of Assyria, he was superstitious enough to believe that the people needed to worship the "god" of that land. So he brought back one of the exiled priests to live in Bethel and “teach the people what the god of the land requires." (2 Kings 17:27)  But each national group had its own gods for which they set up shrines and idols in the mountains. They were taught about the God of Israel, so they knew about the promised Messiah. But their religion was a mixture of truth and error.
     This passage is the background for the New Testament story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. In a conversation about worship in the mountains, the woman said to Jesus, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

     Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."   (John 4:25–26)

* * *

     Dear Father, there are many people today who are accepting a mixture of Christianity and pagan religion. Help us to be ready to share our faith in Christ with kindness, clarity and simplicity even as Jesus  spoke to this woman.

* * *

     Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"    John 4:28-29 NIV

CHARIOTS OF FIRE

ELISHA

Read 2 Kings 6:8–23; Ephesians 6:10–18

     "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 2 Kings 6:16 NIV

* * *

     The king of Syria (Aram) made war against Israel, but every time he planned where he would camp, God would speak to Elisha who would warn the king of Israel. When the king of Syria found out that Elisha was the informant, he sent horses and chariots and a great army to capture him.

     Elisha’s servant arose early one morning–and there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." and the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17 NKJV)

* * *

     As we read the miraculous events in the lives of Elijah and Elisha, it is difficult to relate. But God's Word tells us that we too are surrounded by angelic protection. We are in a spiritual battle just as real as the physical one Elisha experienced. But God has promised that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

* * *

     Lord, I pray for your protection for my family and my church as we seek to glorify You and share Your precious Word in our community and throughout the world. Help us to be prepared by putting on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

* * *

     “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”Ephesians 6:14-16 NIV

I HAVE TO WHAT?

NAAMAN

Read 2 Kings 5:1–14

      “Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" 2 Kings 5:12 NIV

* * *

      Naaman was the commander of the army of Syria, (Aram) enemy of Israel. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. His wife's young Israeli servant, who had been captured in a raid, told him that there was a prophet in Israel who could heal him.

* * *

      Naaman expected some sort of dramatic production by Elisha the prophet, but instead he was told to humble himself and wash seven times in the Jordan River–the territory of his enemy. At first he reacted in rage saying, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:11)

* * *

      Like many people today, Naaman balked at the simplicity and humility required for his healing. Some find it hard to admit that they are sinners in need of Jesus who said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Through him we have forgiveness and eternal life.

* * *

      Lord, thank You for giving Your Son on the cross so that I could be cleansed of my sin. Give me the opportunity to share my faith, just as Naaman's servant girl shared hers, even in enemy territory.

* * *

      So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. 2 Kings 5:14 NIV

FACING THE IMPOSSIBLE

EMPTY JARS AND DITCHES

Read 2 Kings 3:1–4:7

     "Make this valley full of ditches. For this is what the LORD says: 'You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink.' " 2 Kings 3:16-17 NIV

* * *

      In these stories, Elisha performs two miracles: One for the armies of Judah and Israel, asking God to deliver them from the Moabites–and the other for a widow and her sons who could not pay her creditors.

     In each case, Elisha asked them to do something that demonstrated their faith: The armies were to dig ditches–in anticipation that God will fill them with water. The widow and her sons were to gather empty jars–believing that God would fill them with oil.

      Both the armies and the widow were faced with a situation they couldn’t handle alone. They had to acknowledge that God was able to meet their needs, by obeying the Word of the Lord spoken through Elisha. The jars were filled with oil and the ditches with water–which miraculously appeared to be blood–causing the Moabites to be defeated.

* * *

      We too can be victorious when our hearts are filled with the water of God’s Word and faith in the shed blood of Jesus for our sins. Like the widow’s jars, we will be filled with the oil of God’s Holy Spirit.

      Lord, I bring my empty jar to You. Fill me with a double portion of Your Holy Spirit as I walk out into this day, and may the oil and water continue to flow out to others through me.

* * *

      "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37b-38 NIV

CHARIOT OF FIRE

ELIJAH AND ELISHA

Read 1 Kings 19:19–21; 2 Kings 2:1–14

     As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:11-12 NIV

* * *

      There is no doubt that Elijah stood tall among the prophets of all time. He entered Heaven with as much drama as he lived. Only one other man entered Heaven without dying, and that was Enoch, who simply "walked with God." right into Heaven. (Genesis 5:24) 
     Elijah's great power came from God's Spirit resting on him. The younger Elisha–who watched as Elijah was taken to Heaven–requested and received a double portion of God's Spirit and continued the ministry. (2 Kings 2:9)

* * *

      The time will come for all believers to experience a day when the “Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”  (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

* * *

     Dear Jesus, I am looking forward to that day when both those who have died in the Lord and those who remain–will be caught up to be with You forever. May my life reflect that hope and may I always walk with You

* * *

     "According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep."    1 Thessalonians 4:15 NIV

TIMES OF DEPRESSION

ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL

Read 1 Kings Chapters 18–19

     Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried,"The LORD–he is God! The LORD–he is God!" 1 Kings 18:38-39 NIV

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     Elijah's eight recorded miracles are among the most spectacular in the Bible–Elijah prayed, and God answered–but not long after his courageous contest with the prophets of Baal, a threat by Jezebel sent him into deep depression. In his despondency, Elijah believed that he was all alone in his faith. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life–” (1 Kings 19:4)

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     Eventually after forty days of running, and several miraculous signs, God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice saying; “I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (19:18)

     It is human nature to be depressed when we are exhausted–or have had a major victory–followed by down time. Like Elijah, we often need to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit assuring our hearts.

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     Lord, help me to turn to You when I feel like I am standing alone in a worldly culture. I want to be true to You, no matter how tired or discouraged I am. Help me to trust You for the strength I need to be faithful.

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     "The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. "  Psalm 28:7

ELIJAH AND THE WIDOW

God Cares About Out Needs

Read: 1 Kings 16:29–17:24

      So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:15–16 NIV

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      God judged an evil king by bringing famine on the land, just as He had prophesied through Elijah. But in the midst of the famine, God provided for a destitute widow and her son. First, the woman had to be willing to use her last bit of flour and oil to feed the prophet. Then by a miracle of supply, her oil and flour never ran out until the rains came.

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      Sometimes the difficulties we face may be caused by the sin or wrong choices of other people. God may allow a situation that has nothing to do with us personally, except for providing an opportunity to trust Him. But just as He cared for this widow and her son, God sees and cares about our needs.

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      Lord, I don't always have to know why something is happening–I just need to trust you as the one who supplies our needs–both physical and emotional. Whenever I am worried, help me to remember this:
      “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV)

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       "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."    Philippians 4:19 NIV

SOLOMON'S DOWNFALL

UNGODLY INFLUENCES

 

Read 1 Kings 10:1–11:13

      King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.   1 Kings 10:23–24 NIV

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      When Solomon started out as king, he was humble and had a desire to please the Lord. God blessed him with more wisdom than any other world leader – but Solomon still had to choose between what he knew was right and wrong. The test was obedience, and Solomon failed. He made treaties with wicked kings and married their daughters as part of the arrangement. We are told that He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. (11:5) Solomon’s downfall came because his wives led him astray. (11:3b)

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      Lord, help us to be careful about the influences on our children. Help us to speak often about the importance of choosing good friends and a godly husband or wife. Give us discernment to notice rebellious attitudes, and deal with them wisely. Speak to their hearts through Your Holy Spirit so that our words will be well received.

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      “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13 NIV

BACK TO SOLOMON

For the past two months I have been taking a break from posting on THE GOD WHO SEES ME devotional blog. During that time I have been concentrating on my New Testament blog, LIVING THE WORD, where the progression through the New Testament turned out to be perfect timing for the resurrection story preceding and following Easter.

Those of you who receive my posts by e-mail have been receiving the link to LIVING THE WORD during that time. Now my e-mail posts will return to THE GOD WHO SEES ME where we left off in February with the building of Solomon’s temple.

 It is my desire that you will be blessed by these Old Testament stories as I have been. God’s truth never changes, but the application will be very personal as we allow Him to speak to our hearts through the reading of His Word.

 

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“For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

SOLOMON'S TEMPLE

SPENDING TIME AT THE QUARRY

Read 1 Kings 6

      In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built. 1 Kings 6:7 NIV

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      Solomon was given the task of building the temple according to God’s exact specifications. Among those details were instructions to dress the stones at the quarry–not at the temple site. The temple itself could not be desecrated by the harsh pounding of hammer or chisel. Someone walking past the site would see only the quiet actions of master builders–gifted by God–setting the stones in place.

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      We are told that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Each day should find us at the “quarry” of Jesus our Rock, being molded into shape by His Word. Only then will those walking by the temple site of our lives see calm, peaceful activity as we use our talents for Him.

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      Lord, as I sit before you just now, mold me into your desired shape and use. May I exhibit the evidence of Your Holy Spirit in my life today to my family and everyone who walks by.

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      "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19‑20 NIV

A WISE HEART

BELIEVE AND NOT DOUBT

Read 1 Kings 2:1–4; 3:4–15

      "I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart...” 1 Kings 3:12 NIV

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      When David’s son Solomon first became king, Solomon realized that he was young and inexperienced. When God appeared to him in a dream he said, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties… So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong." (1 Kings 3:7b,9a) God gave him even more than he asked--he also gave him wealth and honor, commending him for his righteous and humble request.

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      God is pleased when we ask Him for wisdom, believing that we will receive it. He promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him–-but when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6)

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      Lord, Your insistence that we "believe and not doubt" gives me confidence to ask for guidance in every decision. It also gives me hope that our words and actions will be effective in the lives of our children and grandchildren, as we trust You to bring about godly character in them.

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      The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him… “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart… Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for–both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 1 Kings 3:10–13 NIV

DAVID AND SOLOMON

DEVOTE YOUR HEART

Read 1 Chronicles 22

     "Now, my son, the LORD be with you… build the house of the LORD your God, as He said you would. Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God." 1 Chronicles 22:11,19a NIV

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     One of the greatest desires of David's heart was to build a house of worship for God. But he was not permitted to build the temple, because he had been a man of war. Instead, Solomon would be the one to build it, according to God's specific instructions, in a time of peace. So David went about assembling materials and planning the work his son would do.

     When he was very old, and ready to hand the kingdom over to Solomon, David charged his son with the admonition to devote his heart and soul to the Lord, saying,

      “May the LORD give you discretion and understanding… you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (1 Chronicles 22:12-13)

     Solomon's success as a king would be dependant on his relationship with God.

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     This is the same message all Christian parents should give to their sons and daughters: First and foremost, "love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)     

     Lord, help us to communicate Your love to our children so that they will want to follow You.

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     "Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success" 1 Chronicles 22:11a NIV

DAVID'S SONG

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING

Read 2 Samuel 22:1–34

      As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 2 Samuel 22:31 NIV

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      Before David saw God’s promise of kingship fulfilled, he fought many battles and lived through very difficult times. When God finally delivered him from his enemies and the hand of Saul, David sang God’s praises:
      “He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me… but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (vv. 18-20)

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      God’s way and God’s timing were perfect. Not only that, but in His appointed time – God would bring forth His only begotten Son through the house of David. The promised Messiah would give His life to pay for David’s sins and for the sins of all who would believe in Him. God’s ways are not our ways. He knows the whole picture from beginning to end.

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        Lord, I know your timing is perfect and you have a plan for my life and for each of my loved ones, just as you did for David. Help me Lord, to keep that eternal perspective, knowing that You have all things under control.

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      The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. . . The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David . . . and his kingdom will never end."    Luke 1:30-33 NIV

DAVID'S HOUSE

 

GOD'S GREATER PLAN

Read 1 Chronicles 17

      "Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in.… I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you."
1 Chronicles 17:4,10b NIV

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      David wanted to build a temple for the Lord God. He told Nathan the prophet, "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent." (17:1) But David's desire was not to be fulfilled in his lifetime. His son Solomon would build the temple.
      God had an even greater plan for David than this: He said to Nathan, “Tell my servant David …When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom… I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever."(17:11, 14)

      Jesus Christ will one day sit on the throne of David, and His kingdom will be forever. But today, God’s house is the temple where His Holy Spirit dwells–in the hearts and lives of believers.

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      Thank you Lord, that because of Your eternal plan, I have been included in the promises given to David. Your kingdom will be forever, and all who receive you will have everlasting life. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

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      ". . .do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."   1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

DAVID AND BATHSHEBA

Read 2 Samuel 11:1–12:25

 

. . . then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." 2 Samuel 12:13 NIV

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      David, though a man after God’s own heart, was far from perfect. He was involved in an adulterous affair with Bathsheba and sent her husband into the heat of battle to cover his sin. But God does not allow sin to be hidden forever. He sent the prophet Nathan to confront David saying, “Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes?” (12:9a)

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      There would be serious consequences for David’s sin. His own son Absalom would turn against him and be killed in battle as a result. The child born to Bathsheba would also die. But even as these consequences played out, we see that God did not give up on David. David’s faith brought him back to fellowship with the Lord, and God’s plan moved forward. David and Bathsheba had another son, Solomon, who is an ancestor of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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      Lord, thank You that Your faithfulness does not depend on our perfection. I will never be the perfect wife or mother or friend. But when I fail, I know that I can come to you for forgiveness and restoration.

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      "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." Psalm 40:2‑3 NIV