Some of the most dramatic miracles in the entire Bible occurred at the hand of Elijah, the Tishbite. Clearly a single man who seemed to only live to please the Lord, he was a thorn in the side of the wicked Ahab and his insidious wife, Jezebel.

As New Testament Christians, we are called to be salt and light. Our sinful society desperately needs the flavor we bring. So often we are timid in letting the light of God’s influence shine on the circumstances about us. Although unpopular at times, our position on issues of right and wrong are essential factors in maintaining godliness in our surroundings.

Shine, Jesus, shine.

PRAYER: Lord, let Your Spirit and Your Word within us have an impact on everyone we come in contact with. We want to be an effective witness.

READ: 1 Kings 17-19

The rewards and punishments for lifestyle choices are clearly seen in God’s dealings with the kings of Judah and Israel. Good kings who kept God’s ways were spared the devastation dealt out to the rebellious ones. Of note is the way God would transfer these consequences to a man’s descendants.

Paul recognized the godliness of Timothy’s predecessors and identified the residual blessing incurred by the young leader.

Our children are affected by our lifestyle choices.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we hereby receive the grace You dispense to us to live lives that please You. We ask Your richest blessing upon our children and grandchildren.

READ: 1 Kings 14-16

God had instructed a prophet to go and give Jeroboam a heavy message, and that he was to promptly return to Judah, stopping for no one. After being impressed with the demonstration of God’s power, an old prophet intercepted the younger man and deceived him into disobediently coming to his house. The young man should have been faithful to the initial instructions God gave him, for his disobedience cost him his life.

God wants each of us to hear directly from Him for ourselves. Living daily in His Word and prayer is the most effective way to become strong in spirit, avoiding the pitfalls of personal disobedience.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Your Word and Your voice are what we desire. Open our eyes and ears to awaken us to live holy lives before You.

READ: 1 Kings 12, 13

In spite of Solomon’s great wisdom (???), he had toooooo many wives and concubines. They convinced him to serve other gods. This infuriated the True God, and meant the downfall of Solomon’s kingdom. Adversaries rose up against Solomon, causing him grief.

A man’s cunning and abilities can amount to nothing when he refuses to follow the Lord’s ways. A simple minded man who loves God and keeps His commands can, conversely, live a fruitful and rewarding life simply because of the Lord’s blessing.

God is at work to make those who trust Him successful.

PRAYER: Lord, I give You my life. I won’t glory in anything apart from Your miraculous presence in my life and what Christ Jesus has done for me in forgiving me of all my sin. I will enjoy Your rewards FOREVER!

READ: 1 Kings 11

Whereas David, his father, was known for his skill as a warrior and as a psalmist, Solomon impressed the then-known world with his riches and wisdom. He constructed palaces and horse stables, rebuilt entire cities, and seemingly covered everything with gold. (Reminds me of Trump)

Clearly, there was a distinction of giftings in these two great leaders. The fruit of their rule was flavored by their God-given talents and abilities.

It’s the same today. It’s too easy to criticize a leader who functions differently than you do. Chill! Accept the fact that they are giving God the best they can with the abilities He has dealt out to them. Then, hopefully, they will return the favor.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, through this life journey we are on, You are teaching us to be supporters and encouragers rather than criticizers.  It’s Your Kingdom, not ours.

READ: 1 Kings 9, 10

Solomon acknowledged in his prayer of dedication that every heart that comes and worships the Lord is known by God. This unfathomable capability exceeds our understanding. Yet, we find comfort in it and begin to realize how merciful He is.

How foolish it is to think any part of our life is hidden from God. Knowing this, we are wise to posture ourselves as truth seekers, firstly in our own hearts. This openness demands a commensurate level of forgiveness. If we forgive others, we ourselves will be forgiven. [Matt. 6:15]

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Your mercy amazes us. Your love and forgiveness give us strength to continue this life. How can we but render all to You.

READ: 1 Kings 8

The description of the temple that Solomon built to worship the Lord tells us that it must have been indescribably beautiful. Great care was taken to insure that every piece and component was of the very highest quality and beauty. All materials were prepared and sized beforehand so that there was not the sound of a hammer in its assembly.

The way God prepares us and puts us together is similar. He selects and cuts and shapes and refines each one of us to fit together, for you see, WE are God’s building.

Please don’t complain or bale out when God puts you through His preparation process. He has a critical placement for you in His mind. He must make sure you will FIT.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, You are working on me to make me fit with other members of the Body of Christ. I repent of my complaining. Shape me to fulfill my place in YOUR BUILDING.

READ: 1 Kings 5-7

God offered to Solomon a long life if he would follow the godly ways of his father, David. To Solomon was given great wisdom and an ability to gain great wealth and prominence in the earth.

My Mom and Dad are 89 and 93. They aren’t that enthused about old age. Although their health is relatively good, they ALWAYS complain about being OLD. Maybe it’s not what its cracked up to be.

The promise of eternal life is the benefit we should be seeking … not just old age in this life time.

Jesus said, “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” [Jn. 11:26]

PRAYER: Father, we trust our lives to You. It’s only IN YOU that we really have life. We believe that salvation comes only through trust in Christ Jesus.

READ: 1 Kings 3,4

God had surely appointed that Solomon be king in David’s stead. However, there were either threats to his throne, or unsettled harbingers from David’s reign that fell upon Solomon to resolve. Solomon had all these loose ends eliminated … Benaiah was his hit man.

We are encouraged to do the same to the threats that exist to our walk with the Lord. The besetting sins and rivals for God’s exclusive control of our lives must be put to death.

The writer of Hebrews commands, ” Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before.” [Heb. 12:1]

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help us clearly see the sins and strongholds that keep us from Your fulness, and give us grace to reckon ourselves dead to them.

READ; 1 Kings 1,2

Haughty: blatantly and disdainfully proud : having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for people or things perceived to be inferior.

David said, “You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.” [2 Sam. 22:28]

Christ Jesus is our example of humility. David was endeared to his subjects probably because of his humility, whereas Saul and Absalom were haughty.

PRAYER: Father, we want to be humble and lowly like Christ Jesus. Forgive us for the sin of pride and arrogance.

READ: 2 Sam. 22-24