Skip to main content

April 8 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 98

Today's readings center around the reign of the several of the kings of Israel and Judah.  You'll notice, for the most part, a common thread surrounding each king's activities.

Here are the kings we've met so far:

Diagram of the early Kings of the House of Israel and the House of Judah

DAILY READINGS

1 Kings 11-13 & Psalm 98

DAILY NOTES

Psalm 98
Because we know the Lord's victory, we are to sing praises to God.  God has been faithful and victorious.  Our joyful noises are celebrations of God's awesome power and judgement.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

What a way to be remembered!  If you were a king of Israel or Judah, sure some of the specific things you did would be remembered.  They're written in the Books of the Annals of somebody.  

More importantly, though, you would be remembered, first and foremost, by if you did what was evil in the sight of the Lord or what was right in the sight of the Lord.  

You and I may not reign over kingdoms, but people still know us.  If asked, what do you hope would be the first thing someone would say about you?  Would you want them to mention your charm?  Your work ethic?  Your kindness, or service?  

What if they said, first and foremost, you were someone who followed God wholeheartedly?  What a witness!

Stay blessed...john

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more

March 27 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 86 Ever notice these books don't end with happily ever afters?   Remember that we are reading an entire story of God told over many years.  The individual books help us follow that story, but we do well in remembering it's still one complete story. Today, we're finishing 1 Samuel.  As we read, we'll see how far Saul has fallen.  Ultimately, what God said would happen, happens. DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 28-31 & Psalm 86 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 28 This chapter is devoted entirely to Saul's encounter with a medium. Notice that Saul had previously expelled mediums and wizards.  This could be a sign of his former faithfulness. Saul's fear overwhelmed him.  He is up against a Philistine army he does not think he can defeat. Since Saul could not hear from God, he seeks a medium to "inquire of her."  What did he want to know (from God or the medium)?  He asks Samuel what he should do.  So, is that asking whether to...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 11 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 101 The great prophet Elijah leaves the scene (He'll appear again later.  Do you remember where?).  Elisha takes his place and immediately begins to act as prophet among the people.   DAILY READINGS 2 Kings 1-3 & Psalm 101 DAILY NOTES 2 Kings 1 King Ahaziah is injured and he wants to know if he'll live.  He seeks input from the prophets of Baal-zebub.  Elijah finds out and interrupts Ahaziah's men from going to the prophets.   Notice that Elijah, that hairy man, is divinely protected by the captain and his men.   Ahazia never hears from the prophets.  Elijah speaks directly to him to tell him that he will surely die. 2 Kings 2 Where did the idea of a whirlwind come from?  Did anyone expect that Elijah would be taken "to heaven by a whirlwind"?  Everyone seems to know that today Elijah will be gone. Elisha's command to the band of prophets seems to indicate his sense of loss but also a vigor...
Post a Comment
Read more