Elisha surely lived a remarkable life as recorded in God’s Word. The miracles performed were staggering, and yet he was so careful to maintain a humility devoid of human aggrandizement. His servant, Gehazi, inherited Naaman’s leprosy when he accepted gifts under false pretenses, in effect taking the reward for the miraculous healing.

Paul’s example of humility was also to note. He said he was only the servant of God, and not the pawn of men. He wouldn’t even take wages from his pupils. He supported himself through tent making.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, to be used by You is a great honor. We value the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. 

DAILY READING: 2 Kings 4-6

Elijah and Elisha both lived lives filled with the miraculous power of God. Seeing the Jordan river part, watching fire come down out of heaven, experiencing divine intervention in wars etc. These men seemed to be superhuman.

Yet, James reveals to us that “Elijah was just as human as we are, and for three and a half years his prayers kept the rain from falling.” [James 5:17] He had great faith and trust.

DAILY PRAYER: Heavenly Father, work through us in like power.  Our generation needs to see Your power on display.

DAILY READING: 2 Kings 1-3

The wicked king Ahab and his wife, Jezebel, schemed to steal Naboth’s vineyard from him. Their plot included a false accusation against Naboth resulting in his death. The Lord turned the tables on them, respecting the innocent blood of Naboth. Their blood was licked up by dogs, just like those that licked up Naboth’s.

Evil plots for personal gain or revenge never work. Your sin will find you out, and God reserves the right to revenge.

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I commit my days to You and trust Your Hand of guidance, provision, and protection.

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 21,22

The Syrians attacked Israel in the mountains but were defeated. Their advisors declared, “The God of Israel is a God of the mountains … that’s why they defeated you.” Hence, they attacked on the plain. God said he would give His people victory also on the plain so that they would know that He is in control.

God looks for opportunities to show us how great He is. Walk in faith. Expect miracles today.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Yours in the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, Amen.

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 19, 20

Elijah, the prophet, staged a showdown between God and Baal on Mt. Carmel in front of all Israel. Two sacrificial bulls were selected. Whichever god answered by setting fire to the altar of sacrifice would be declared the true God. Baal’s prophets, all 450 of them, began calling out to Baal. He didn’t answer. He could not hear them. God answered in emphatic fashion. He hears the cry of His servants.

In the hour of true need, rely on the True God to answer. All else will fail. Only He can hear.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, to whom can we go apart from You? You alone are our Helper in time of need.

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 16-18

Today’s reading includes examples of why it is important to give complete obedience to the Lord. An unnamed prophet delivered a very specific prophecy to King Jeroboam. He disobeyed God by having a meal with an old prophet who lied to him. He met an untimely death because he was diverted from his mission. Kings who did not follow David’s example of obedience were likewise dealt great misfortune for their ungodly ways.

Jesus is our faithful example of obedience. He demonstrated how to “Delight” to do the Father’s will. [Ps. 40:8]

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in heaven, we ask for Your grace so that we, like Jesus, can “Delight to do Thy will.”

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 13-15

Solomon’s wealth was staggering! The Bible’s description of his riches leaves the reader awed. The favor God gave him to enjoy this luxury was thrown away when his heart turned to the idols brought in by the many non-Jewish wives he married. It became his demise.

As we give God His rightful place in our hearts, we experience His favor and blessing. It doesn’t always come in riches like Solomon’s. It may come in the form of your children, your grandchildren, your peace, your joy, your fulfillment and your happiness. These are the true riches.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You have blessed us beyond measure. Use our lives to attract others to Yourself.

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 10-12

Solomon dedicated the Temple he had constructed to the Lord in a lavish sacrificial prayer ceremony before all of Israel. His prayer while both standing and kneeling before the altar with hands upheld greatly pleased the Lord. God’s presence in the temple was so strong, it was likened to a thick cloud that prevented the priests from performing their duties.

God’s ultimate desire is for each of our hearts to be consecrated in like manner to Him. His presence takes priority over all else when we give Him His rightful place.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Your presence and blessing mean more to me than all the pleasures and successes this earthly life has to offer. I pursue You.

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 7,8

The highest quality stones available were chiseled off site for Solomon’s Temple for God. They were assembled on site and fit together with precision. Then, the inside was finished with self-preserving cedar and beautiful juniper woods, and overlaid with gold, speaking of purity. It was a place for God’s presence to dwell.

Our hearts are chiseled through life’s challenges, given a lining of beauty and preserving qualities, and made pure by the blood of Christ. God is preparing His eternal dwelling place.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive me for complaining about life’s purifying challenges. You are preparing me for an eternal relationship with You.

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 4-6

Wisdom has been defined as “Insight into the true nature of things.” The Lord granted King Solomon’s request for wisdom to be able to rule Israel justly. This wisdom was apparent to all when he arbitrated between two mothers who disputed over the life of a baby. He determined which woman was its true mother. This wisdom came from God as well as riches and favor.

God gives leaders, especially parents and ministers, the wisdom necessary to perform their responsibilities effectively. God is the Source of wisdom. Jesus IS the Wisdom of God to us. [1 Cor. 1:24]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You are the source of wisdom. We receive it through Your Word and the leading of Your Spirit. Jesus, apart from You, we can do nothing.

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 2,3