History books such as 2 Kings paint a sad picture of the consequences of disobedience. Foolish kings who turned away from serving the Lord brought bitter suffering upon their people.

Parents in families who turn against God bring similar pain upon their children. Parents who follow God’s way through the teachings of Christ conversely merit God’s favor. It is reflected in every aspect of life …. grades, health, joy, friendships, prosperity. It’s like the contrast of dark and light.

PRAYER: Father, as we read the effects of sin in the Bible, we are motivated to seek You all the more. Give us great grace today to please You in every deed and thought.

READ: 2 Kings 14-17

Needed repairs were being made to the Temple under Joash’s reign. The Word points out that no cautious accounting method was needed regarding the funds because all involved operated in complete honesty … what a refreshing thought.

In a perfect world, this would be true. However, it seems that few have a level of honesty and integrity that would permit such financial conduct.

It’s a noble goal to conduct your business in such a manner that everyone trusts you because you operate in complete honesty. Jesus, upon meeting a man named Nathaniel, declared, “An Israelite indeed in whom is NO GUILE.”

My, what a compliment.

PRAYER: Lord, I want to conduct myself is such a way that complete trust and honesty are the standard. By Your grace, I want to display a Holy Spirit integrity to all.

READ: 2 Kings 11-13

Elisha had Jehu anointed king of Israel. He commenced to eliminate ALL the descendants of Ahab and Jezebel. He was empowered of God to do so because of the extreme wickedness they imposed upon God’s people.

God want wickedness eliminated from our lives. The writer of Romans put it this way … “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” [Rom. 8:13]

PRAYER: Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, empowering me to murder all the unpleasing elements of my earthly life. 

READ: 2 Kings 8-10

Samaria had been besieged by Ben-Hadad, king of the Arameans. The inhabitants were literally starving to death. At the point of greatest desperation, Elisha prophesied that the next day would be different … food would be available for next to nothing. In fact, God had spoofed off the Aramean army who left everything and ran. Four bold lepers discovered the spoils. Crisis averted.

Solomon declared, ” The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.: [Pr. 13:22]

David said, “Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.”  [Ps. 66:12]

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, forgive us for doubting Your hand of provision. We believe You will supply all our needs according to Your riches.

READ: 2 Kings 5-7

Elisha performed many notable miracles, one being the supply of oil for a godly widow and her sons. As instructed by the prophet, she kept pouring oil from one jar into as many as she could accumulate. No doubt, this was enough to rescue her desperate situation.

Jesus performed similar miracles when he would multiply the lunch provisions for the crowds who gathered to hear Him speak. The God Who created the universe showed His mighty power over the elements.

We never get that low … we can run to Kroger to get whatever we need. Nevertheless, God watches over us and can provide whatever we need.

PRAYER: Lord, You have the gift of life. You sustain us when we fall so far short. We put our eternal trust in Your hands. We are grateful.

READ: 2 Kings 3, 4

Accounts from 1st and 2nd Kings describe leaders requesting prophets to determine the course of their action. This pleased the Lord when they, in truth, desired His counsel. Conversely, God was displeased when they neglected to seek His will.

Today, we don’t seek out a prophet for God’s will. We read His Word, go to Him in prayer, and act upon the faith He gives.

Faith is the currency God provides to us when He desires action and obedience.

“God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have.”  [Rom. 12:6]

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grace me to use the faith You give me to be a bold witness for You. I will walk and live in the faith You give me.

READ: 1 Kings 22; 2 Kings 1,2

Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, is the consummate controller. She is the classic Biblical example of a person who tries to manipulate everything to their personal advantage. You probably know somebody like that.

Their scheme to steal Naboth’s vineyard succeeded, but it cost them their lives.

Controllers only appear to get what they want. God in heaven sees and rewards the integrity of those who trust Him for their well-being.

The MEEK shall inherit the earth. (God will hand it over to them)

PRAYER: Lord, I want to demonstrate to all Your ability to protect and preserve the well-being of those who put their entire trust in You and don’t strive in their flesh to gain.

READ: 1 Kings 20,21

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