Monday, June 20: 2 Kings 15:1-4, 2 Chronicles 26:1-15, 2 Kings 15:5, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 15:1-4, 2 Chronicles 26:1-15, 2 Kings 15:5, 2Chronicles 26:16-21

Scripture:  2 Chronicles verse ¹⁶ But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Observation: When we are weak, He is strong

Application: We've heard it, and likely experienced it, that it is when we are under the most trying of times that we become the most closest to and dependent on God. How many times have you been listening to someone's testimony and they recount this moment of utter despair that caused them to run towards God because they knew they had no other option. In times of trouble we can feel closest to God because we become fully and completely aware that we cannot do it on our own strength. God uses those times to draw us closer to Him and also to be an example to others to draw them close to Him too. 

On the flip side, when God chooses to bless us and give us more than we could hope for sometimes the reaction that we have is of self-centered-ness as  we begin to believe that we are the source of our own fulfillment. We begin to believe that we don't need God's help--or anyone's help--because things are going so well. This is what happened to King Uzziah. He came believe that all his power and might was of his own making and that God's rules and standards did not apply to him. Uzziah began to make his own rules and defy the commands set by God. Disobedience and disregard for those trying to help you understand and repent has disastrous consequences. They may not be as immediate as King Uzziah faced when he immediately became a leper but there are always consequences for disobedience. When Uzziah was separated from his community and lived alone the rest of his days, I'm sure he had lots of time to ponder his bad decisions which led him to that point. 

 God gives us free choice. We have the freedom and the ability to choose to make decisions that honour God and we have the ability to choose to make decisions to choose to act in a way that dishonours God. Our obedience should not depend on whether we are in a time of chaos in our lives and fully dependent on God to get us through a tough time or whether we are doing "well" on our own. The reality is that we are always dependent on God because our lives can radically change in a second just a Uzziah's did. The bible doesn't explicitly tell us whether Uzziah repented only that he was excluded from the house of the Lord. I wonder if Uzziah leaned on God to be strong when he was weak and whether the time of trials that followed after his time of earthly power caused hime to finally submit to God as he lived out his final days.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You always give us exactly what we need. May we be reminded that every gift is is from you. Gifts of prosperity and strength are from you and gifts of trials and chaos may also be a gift that causes us to lean on you fully. May we see and appreciate all your gifts and may they cause us to recognize that you are strong when we are weak and that You have our eternal future in mind when allowing things to happen according to your purpose. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

Jonah 1-4

Sunday, June 19th: 2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings 13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings 14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28 ~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28

Happy Fathers Day! Today's passages are very relevant to us as fathers / leaders of our respective families.  The current  books of the Bible we are reading through provide detailed accounts of those leaders who God appoints, they are faced with great challenges and ultimately succeed, they then turn from God, and finally God deals with them severely. It is easy for us to read through and shake our heads at how foolish these leaders seem...but how many of us are consistent in our walk with God and ultimately our leadership?

It was interesting to me the passage that described the interaction between King Jehoash and Elisha in 2 Kings 13.  17 “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.”
18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”To me, it looked like Johoash did what Elisha asked him to do...but when striking the ground he hit it a few times (3) and likely thought that was good enough.  The lesson for me here is that if God calls us to do a task or items of service  we need to approach it and go above and beyond what we consider "good enough".  God wants our full effort in whatever we do for Him. 

Another of the concepts that jumped out to me today was the portion that described Amaziah and how he assembled his army, had great success, and then returned to worship the gods of the people he just decimated. At the outset Amaziah took stock of his fighting men and then decided he better get some hired help to assist with the cause, and so hired 100,000 men from Israel. He paid for them, and then was told by the man of God that God would deliver them and they did not require the extra help.  God gave him great victory without the use of the hired help and yet when Amaziah returned home and in 

2 Chronicles 25  - 14 When Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods,bowed down to them and burned sacrifices to them. 15 The anger of the Lord burned against Amaziah, and he sent a prophet to him, who said, “Why do you consult this people’s gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?”  ; Easy for us to sit back and judge, but how many times does God grant us success or victory and we turn around only to rationalize the outcome form our own perspective...excluding God. Interesting when I read the portion that stated "..the anger of the Lord burned..." I shudder to think about God's anger towards me when we act with similar motivation.  It may not be as overt as burning sacrifices to an idol but placing our confidence and pride in our own abilities..may not be far off.   

As fathers and spiritual leaders of our families, we need to challenge ourselves to continually be reading God's word and seeking his direction. When God grants victory or success for our nations (families) we need to thank Him, with humility communicate the source of our victory, and finally loop back to seek His guidance and direction for the next challenge.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:2 Kings 15:1-4, 2 Chronicles 26:1-15, 2 Kings 15:5, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21

Saturday, June 18th: 2 Kings 11:13-16, 2 Chronicles 23:12-15, 2 Kings 11:17-21, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21, 2 Kings 12:1-16, 2 Chronicles 24:1-22, 2 Kings 10:32-36, 2 Kings 13:1-11 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 11:13-16, 2 Chronicles 23:12-15, 2 Kings 11:17-21, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21, 2 Kings 12:1-16, 2 Chronicles 24:1-22, 2 Kings 10:32-36, 2 Kings 13:1-11

It was interesting, and sad, to note that King Joash's faith was based more on the advice given him by Jehoiada the priest, than on God.  As long as the priest was alive, Joash listened to and heeded the priest's advice, but after Jehoiada's death, not only did he listen to poor cousel and prove his faith less than genuine, he murdered the son of the very faithful priest who had guided him so wisely for all those years!

It is important for us to surround ourselves with wise and godly people, as they will influence us.  And it is wise to heed their advice.  But we must also think for ourselves, and make our faith our own, or it will fail as soon as that person is no longer around to help us.  Our faith should never be in another man or woman, but should only be in Jesus Christ.

It was also interesting to note how the priests, though not deceitful, were somewhat derelict in their duties in regards to the repair of the temple, but that the construction supervisors were so known for their honesty and integrity, that they didn't need to be held accountable to anyone.

Do we live with such honesty and integrity that people will trust us unhesitatingly?  Do we have a reputation for hard work and loyalty?  Are we trustworthy and dependable?

And, perhaps most importantly, do we try to attain those things through our own strength, or by relying on God?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings 13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings 14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28

Friday, June 17th: 2 Kings 10:1-17, 2 Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 10:18-11:3, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 2 Kings 11:4-12, 2 Chronicles 23:1-11 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Kings 10:1-17, 2 Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 10:18-11:3, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 2 Kings 11:4-12, 2 Chronicles 23:1-11

Today I'm going to concentrate on the passage from 2 Kings chapter 10.

Jehu is on a mission.  He is determined to wipe out all Baal worship throughout Israel.  To do so, he calls for an assembly in honor of Baal so that all the Baal ministers throughout the land would come and be present for this special occasion.  Jehu told the Baal ministers to look around to ensure that there would not be any servants of the Lord present.  When he is certain that only Baal worshipers are present the celebration begins.

 For the Baal worshipers this all seemed like a great idea; perhaps the feeling of something new and exciting with a new leader!  This idea that was presented and packaged up as something special, turned out to be deadly when unfolded - literally.  Jehu was deceiving to the Baal worshipers in order to execute his plan.

The same can happen to us a Christians.  Everyday we are presented with "gifts" or "celebrations" from satan, as he attempts to deceive us.  We need to be careful not to fall into his trap.

"Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you, lover her and she will watch over you." Proverbs 4:6

We need protection from satan's empty promises, and that protection comes with wisdom which comes from the Lord.  May we keep His commands wrapped around our hearts so that we can truly live.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 11:13-16, 2 Chronicles 23:12-15, 2 Kings 11:17-21, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21, 2 Kings 12:1-16, 2 Chronicles 24:1-22, 2 Kings 10:32-36, 2 Kings 13:1-11

Thursday, June 16: 2 Kings 8:1-17, 2 Chronicles 21:18-20, 2 Kings 8:25-29, 2 Chronicles 22:1-7, 2 Kings 9 ~Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 8:1-17, 2 Chronicles 21:18-20, 2 Kings 8:25-29, 2 Chronicles 22:1-7, 2 Kings 9

I want to touch on the events in 2 Kings 9, when Jehu becomes king over Israel.

Elisha has a fellow prophet anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel, then flee the scene. That is the state of Israel at this point. Prophets arrived in secret, delivered their message, and ran away. That is not what I think of when imagining God's chosen people.

Jehu hears that both both kings, Joram of Israel and Ahaziah of Judah, are in the city of Jezreel and goes to take the throne. They meet on a field previously owned by Naboth and Jehu slays Joram as the king tries to flee. This field was taken by Ahab after his wife Jezebel has Naboth killed for refusing to sell the land. Elijah prophesied that this field would be where Ahab would meet his demise, and his family would be wiped out. See 1 Kings 21:17-29

At hearing this, Ahab repented and the Lord showed him Mercy. On Ahab! This was a king who, in that very passage, has this to say about him:
"There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord." - 1 Kings 21:25

God showed mercy to Ahab and fulfilled the prophesy with his son, Joram. Grace is not without consequences. Joram died on the field his father acquired by murdering the owner.

I often pause at these passages and reflect on my own life. I'm not putting up Asherah poles or setting up temples to Baal, but am I subtlely accumulating consequences for which my children will pay the price?  I probably have already on some levels, but it motivates me to focus on doing what is right every day.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 10:1-17, 2 Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 10:18-11:3, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 2 Kings 11:4-12, 2 Chronicles 23:1-11

Wednesday, June 15th: 2 Kings 4-7 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 4-7

Two points have really been standing out to me while reading about Elisha: Strong faith in God, and the power of prayer (which I find are connected most times).

For example, chapter 4:32-34 says:
When Elisha arrived, the child was indeed dead, lying there on the prophet's bed. He went in alone and shut the door behind him and prayed to the LORD. Then he lay down on the child's body, placing his mouth on the child's mouth, his eyes on the child's eyes, and his hands on the child's hands. And as he stretched out on him, the child's body began to grow warm again!

Both points are clearly represented here. Elisha showed great faith in God by believing that He could raise this child from the dead through prayer.

In verses 42-44 we are reminded that God keeps His promises:
One day a man from Baal-shalishah brought the man of God a sack of fresh grain and twenty loaves of barley bread made from the first grain of his harvest. Elisha said, "Give it to the people so they can eat."
"What?" his servant exclaimed. "Feed a hundred people with only this?"
But Elisha repeated, "Give it to the people so they can eat, for this is what the LORD says: Everyone will eat, and there will even be some left over!" And when they gave it to the people, there was plenty for all and some left over, just as the LORD had promised.

Also (in chapter 5 verses 2-3), a reminder that no matter how important or unimportant we are, we are all still a part of God's plan:
At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Isreal, and amoung their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman's wife as a maid. One day the girl said to her mistress, "I wish my master would go see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy."

And lastly, in chapter 6 verses 16-17, we are reminded that we never have to be afraid because God is always with us:
"Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" Then Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!" The LORD opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

That last verse connects to Romans 8:31, which reads:
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 8:1-17, 2 Chronicles 21:18-20, 2 Kings 8:25-29, 2 Chronicles 22:1-7, 2 Kings 9

Tuesday, June 14th: 1 Kings 22:50, 2 Chronicles 21:1-4, 2 Kings 8:16-22, 2 Chronicles 21:5-7, 2 Kings 2 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 22:50, 2 Chronicles 21:1-4, 2 Kings 8:16-22, 2 Chronicles 21:5-7, 2 Kings 2

It's so refreshing, in the midst of so many kings who “did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” to read about those so faithful.

Elisha was completely submitted to God & his role as a prophet.  In 2 Kings 2:1-6, Elijah’s on his final “tour” to meet with the schools of prophets (seemingly knowing that his end was near).  Elijah repeatedly tells Elisha that he should stay back, but Elisha is unwilling.  Elisha wanted to learn as much as he could while Elijah was still around.

Some commentaries even suggest that Elijah offering Elisha to stay back was somewhat a test to Elisha's commitment & Elisha's determination to stay with Elijah was the indication of his heart.

Elisha was repeatedly told that the Lord was going to take Elijah from him & Elisha’s response was “Yes, I know, but do not speak of this.”  To me, he was saying “I'm not going to think of that right now.  He is still here & I need to learn what I can while there's still time.”

Elijah then asks if he can do anything for Elisha before he is taken.  Elisha's response in not for money or recognition or even respect from the other prophets.  He asks for a double portion of his spirit.

Elisha didn't want to be more powerful than Elijah, rather, he wanted to accomplish more for God.

What an example set before us; to follow faithfully, committed to God fully & to be focused on him.  Elijah didn't get to the point where he said he knew what he needed to know & could take it from here, rather he learnt as much as he could for as long as he could.

We will never completely “arrive” in our Christian walk.  Let's keep seeking.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Kings 4-7

Monday, June 13th: 2 Chronicles 20, 2 Kings 1:1-18, 2 Kings 3:1-27, 1 Kings 22:41-49, 2 Chronicles 20:31-37 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 20, 2 Kings 1:1-18, 2 Kings 3:1-27, 1  Kings 22:41-49, 2 Chronicles 20:31-37

From my Life Application Bible.....
Notice how the third captain went to Elijah.  Although the first two captains called Elijah "man of God," they were not being genuine - God was not in their hearts. The third captain also called him "man of God," but he humbly begged for mercy. His attitude showed respect for God, and God spared the lives of his men. Effective living begins with a right attitude toward God. Before religious words come out of your mouth, make sure they are from your heart. Let respect, humility, and servanthood characterize your attitude toward God and others.

Often, it's obvious from our words and deeds what's within our hearts.  But sometimes it's not as clearly visible.  Sometimes people can say all the right things, but not believe them.  God, however, can see past our actions, past our words, and straight through to our motives and our hearts.  We can't fool Him.

It's also a good reminder that, though we can and should judge people's actions according to the Word, we cannot judge their motives or hearts - that's something that only God can do.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Kings 22:50, 2 Chronicles 21:1-4, 2 Kings 8:16-22, 2 Chronicles 21:5-17, 2 Kings 2

Sunday, June 12th - 1 Kings 22:29-40, 2 Chronicles 18:28-34, 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Chronicles 19 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 22:29-40, 2 Chronicles 18:28-34, 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Chronicles 19

These passages shown how important it is to have godly advisers and how a good leader is one who is faithful to God and help grow others with God's values.

It is interesting to read about the different kings and their leadership styles.  It is important that when we seek advice we must carefully weigh the advice we receive.  King Ahab chose to have advisers that would only tell him what he wanted to hear.  By not following God, King Ahab perished in battle just as he was told.

In 2 Chronicles 19, when King Jehoshaphat appointed judges he reminded them that they were accountable to God for the standards to use to judge others.  In my Life Application Bible it said that "Jehoshaphat's advice is helpful for all leaders (1) realize you are judging for God (2) be impartial and honest (3) be faithful (4) act only out of fear of God not men, God holds us accountable for the authority we exercise.

He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. 7 Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

8 In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. 9 He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. 10 In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or regulations—you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.

I think the advice in these verses can be applied to anyone in a leadership role and it definitely made me think how we are accountable to God in everything we do.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Chronicles 20, 2 Kings 1:1-18, 2 Kings 3:1-27, 1  Kings 22:41-49, 2 Chronicles 20:31-37

Saturday, June 11th: 1 Kings 20:1-22:9, 2 Chronicles 18:1-8, 1 Kings 22:10-28, 2 Chorincles 18:9-27 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 20:1-22:9, 2 Chronicles 18:1-8, 1 Kings 22:10-28, 2 Chronicles 18:9-27

It's amazing to me how often God shows himself to people, even those who are evil and set against Him.  Despite Ahab's wicked ways, God defeated the Aramean army for Ahab so that he would know that He alone is God.  Despite Ahab seeing miracle after miracle, despite God's direct and obvious help in battle, Ahab continued to live as he pleased, without God.

We have that same choice.  God shows Himself to us over and over again.  We can choose to be like Ahab, ignore God, and go our own way.  But if we do, eventually disaster will strike- if not in this life, then for eternity.  Or we can choose to follow Him.  Things may not all go our way in this life, but we will live in victory with Him forever.

In this passage we see the beginnings of a mistake that Jehoshaphat made.  He aligned himself with Ahab through the marriage of his son to King Ahab's daughter, and then made a military alliance with him. This ended absolutely disastrously.

As my Life Application Bible says....
When believers in leadership positions become allied with unbelievers, values can be compromised and spiritual awareness dulled. The Bible often warns against teaming up with unbelievers.

Who do we surround ourselves with?  Obviously, we are to love unbelievers, but they are not to become our closest advisers, or we, too, risk being steered off course.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 22:29-40, 2 Chronicles 18:28-34, 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Chronicles 19