Although incense was prescribed for temple worship, it was also an element in idol worship. God had indicated the types of incense that were acceptable, but backslidden Israel adopted types used for idols … unacceptable to God.

The Psalmist said, “Let my prayer be set before Thee as incense.” It is also the aroma of our life, continually wafting up to God. Prayers, worship, holy living … these are examples of incense that please God. He is always smelling.

PRAYER: Lord, our desire is to let the incense and aroma of our lives be pleasing to You. Live in our praise. Hear our prayer of faith. We commit our days to offer a pleasing sacrifice.

READING: 2 Kings 16, 17

When hearing the history of the kings of Judah and Israel, it’s obvious that there were many transitions of power. Distinct were the kings who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. They seemed to have a strong Godly influence by someone close to them … a mother or priest.

The influence a mother has on her children is profound. Each mother should raise her children as if they will someday be royalty … royalty that loves God and always wants to please Him. This is a noble accomplishment.

PRAYER: Father, give us wisdom to raise Godly children who will thereby live lives of faith and service to You. 

READING: 2 Kings 13-15

God had used Jehu to wipe out the influence of Ahab. Meanwhile, God had been preserving young Joash, hiding him from Athaliah, the ungodly queen.  He was to rule Israel as king in a way that pleased the Lord. He had been protected by Jehoida, the priest, and others who served the Lord.

The lives of rulers are on open display and need the protection of God to keep from harm.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, we ask You to preserve the lives of those You have put in office. Keep them safe and grace them to lead the people to serve You.

READING: 2 Kings 10-12

Whatever Elisha spoke came to pass. As God set up kings and also removed them, His prophets were His mouthpiece who revealed His will in determining leadership. These were examples of how God intervened in the affairs of men.

It’s possible that our nation is experiencing some of that. Multiple reports of prophecies concerning the recent election are surfacing indicating God has His hands in the direction of our nation.

We take hope in the fact that He knows the end from the beginning, and we are safe when we trust Him, regardless of who wins elections.

PRAYER: Lord, we pray for the peace and direction of our nation. Blessed in the people whose God is the LORD.

READING: 2 Kings 7-9

God’s miraculous power seemed to always be on display through the life of Elisha. After healing Naaman of leprosy, Elisha refused to take the man’s generous gift of gratitude. Elisha’s servant, however, had eyes for the gift that he might profit. After deceitfully taking the gift in secret, he was called out by the prophet and punitively afflicted with leprosy.

The moral … maintain a focus and appetite for God’s power to be of benefit to all rather than looking out for self by seeking personal gain. Elisha’s ministry continued to prosper. The servant’s effectiveness ceased.

PRAYER: Lord, we want You, Your power, Your provision. We trust You to provide for our needs as we move on in obedience to Your will.

READING: 2 Kings 4-6

The prophet Elisha understood the benefit of having a minstrel play to cultivate an atmosphere in which he could prophesy. He promptly foretold the victory God’s people would have in battle that day.

Many churches cultivate an atmosphere for the Lord’s Spirit with musical instruments. Although not currently popular, I remember the piano and organ playing before a service would begin to prepare an atmosphere of worship for church attenders. God loves to hear music directed to Him.

PRAYER: Father, we will sing play instruments unto You because You have been so good to us.

READING: 2 Kings 1,3

Ahab used his influence and favor as king to rob and take advantage of Naboth when stealing his vineyard. King David no doubt used his clout when he stole Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba.

Leaders are not above the law and should not use authority as a license to steal or profit unjustly. There will be a price to pay. God is the Judge of all.

PRAYER: Father, may we conduct ourselves in exemplary fashion so as not to bring reproach upon Your Name because of our self-serving devices.

READING: 1 Kings 21,22

Elijah was running for his life. Jezebel had threatened to kill him the next day. He ran to Mt. Horeb, God’s mountain, and was hiding there.

There in the hour of his greatest fear and directly associated with the trial he was facing, God revealed Himself to the prophet in a supernatural way. Elijah heard God’s Voice.

What is the occasion for your greatest fear. Listen for God’s Voice THERE.

PRAYER: Lord, in the hour of our greatest fear and greatest trial, reveal Yourself to us as Delilver and Victory. We accept nothing less.

READING: 1 Kings 19,20

God is a provider. That’s what Jehovah-Jireh means … God is our provider.

He is not limited to natural methods of provision ie. the rain to grow crops to produce food. He can also supernaturally provide food such as the time when Elijah prayed and the widow at Zarephath saw her oil and meal supply miraculously be sustained by the Lord’s sovereign power.

Rain was the natural provision; a bottomless grain sack and oil jar were supernatural, spiritual provisions. They all come as free gifts from the God Who promises to provide.

PRAYER: Lord, You have always been our helper and provider. We are grateful. We are dependent. You supply ALL our needs according to Your riches in glory.

READING: 1 Kings 17,18

Many different men were offered the chance to rule either Israel or Judah. Often the “swamp was drained” resulting in the elimination of any future competition. God watched very closely these leadership campaigns and rewarded them according to his righteous benchmark, David.  Asa was one of the the best… Ahab the worst.

When leaders choose to follow the Lord’s ways, they are making a very wise decision that will help seal a positive legacy for their name.

PRAYER: Father, by Your grace, empower leaders to put You first … we especially pray that our nation would follow You and thereby reap rewards of blessing and fruitfulness in the coming days.

READING: 1 Kings 14-16