Summary of 14-16: In these chapters we are introduced to mostly bad, but a couple of good kings.  A recurring line “He walked in the ways of his father. . .”  appears in many of the accounts.  It is a powerful reminder of the effects of older generations on younger generations, both for good and evil.  Out of all of this muck God raised up prophets who entered God’s presence, received His word and then passed it to the next generation.

Elijah: Was one of the greatest prophets of the OT.  He was a dedicated servant of the Lord whom God used to perform miracles, speak tough words and to help those in need.  He was one of the most powerful prophets in the Old Testament, given uinque authority and abilities by God.  In this brief introduction we see him calling himself a “servant” and him living like a servant by doing exactly what God had told him to do.

Today’s text 1 Kings 17 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings+17&version=NIV

As you read this story what stands out to you?

My thoughts:

Elijah had amazing faith.  If God told me to go to the desert and drink by a brook and trust the birds to bring me food I would probably think he meant pack a case of water and stop by KFC.  Elijah knew what it meant to live by God’s provision, often this meant sacrifice.

The river dried up and God told him the next plan.  I imagine Elijah could see less water coming out every day. He probably wondered what would come next, but still trusted God to provide. 

The widow – God has a special heart for those who cannot help themselves, namely widows and orphans. . .mmm

What an interesting story!   Elijah didn’t just kneel by the boy, but he jumped on top and tried to bring life back into Him through the power of God.  It is amazing what a life surrendered to God’s power and with His annointing can do. 

1 Kings 13 & 14 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2013:1-14:31&version=NIV

Background: Remember at this point there are two separate kingdoms of God’s people.  Judah and Israel.  The 10 tribes of Israel came to Reheboam and asked for leniency and cooperation and he refused, so they Ceceeded from them and have their own king Jereboam.  Both of these kings were awful men who did not pay attention to the word of God in writing or the prophets of God who gave them direction.

Freebie: In these stories we see men “hearing” from God.  The stories don’t tell us how they heard from God.  Often these came in dreams, but sometimes they would actually get directions from the voice of God.  Today sometimes we hear from God in impressions, movements of our conscience and sometimes in voices.  Most often though we hear from God through His word, the scriptures, they are God’s breath for us. 

What do you think of these stories?

My quick thoughts:

1) We should be people who seek to hear from God and worship Him as he desires!

2) When we hear from God and He gives us direction we should listen.  No matter how devout we are we will face temptations to sway from God’s path for us!

3) God does care about how respond to His direction and call in our lives.  He cares a lot more about the greatest commandment than we think.  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.”  I wonder if asked if most of us would say we “love God, with our lives by doing what He calls us to do with every part of our being”.

4) Worship is VERY IMPORTANT to God.  He wants us to worship Him and Him alone and the way He has directed.  Do we know that way for today and are we doing it faithfully.

What are your thoughts?

1 Kings 10:14-11:43  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2010:14-11:43&version=NIV

Background: Last time we saw Solomon become king and then ask God for wisdom. But God said he would also give Solomon riches and fame. God doesn’t seem to condemn riches, but uses them as a reward for Solomon’s heart to ask for wisdom rather than selfish gain. On the other hand, I would take a quick read of Deuteronomy 17:14-20. In this section Moses spells out regulations for the king that will be coming. He specifically tells them not to store up treasures and marry foreign wives. God wants them to trust in Him (Psalm 20:7).

What are your thoughts?

My thoughts:

• I cannot imagine having 700 wives – there is a lot to say about 700 women married to one man, but I will just say I cannot imagine how it would have worked.

• It is amazing how much we look to create things rather than the creator. Even the wisest amongst us are pulled away from the most important thing in life by the flesh.

• God is more interested in calling on his name (Psalm 20:7) than us bypassing depending on Him by our carefully developed plans.

Verses 1-24) This is the story of Solomon’s successor Reheboam. 

Background: Remember Solomon has had two VERY LARGE building projects during his reign.  He worked the people very hard and they were tired.  Reheboam inherited a mess and he was in no way trained to handle such a mess.  In this story we learn a lot about wisdom.  Solomon his father was a very wise ruler who knew who to go to for quality and well thought through at advice.  His Son Reheboam on the other hand was not such a man.  In fact, this would be the last time that the nation would be together with all twelve tribes until the EXILE! 

Leadership Freebie from Reheboam: Most of us who are young leaders could learn a lot from this passage.  Notice few VERY key things that develop in this crisis.  One, who does Reheboam go to for advice?  Two, notice the focus of the two groups advice?  Three, who does Reheboam listen to and why?  Four, what is the result?

Verses 25-33 – In the second section we have the struggle of King Jeroboam.  He is made king over the tribes who rebel against the king.  From now on this group will be referred to as Israel (for every tribe was part of this group, but Judah) and the other as simply Judah.  The line of David was preserved in Judah, but Israel was still God’s people.  As you read about Jereboam, look at his fear and his compromises. 

Leadership Freebie from Jereboam: If you are a leader you will be presented with many “shortcuts”.  Ways that you could easily create loyalty and keep yourself in power.  Sometimes this will look like “playing the victim”, “gossipping” or “compromising principles” that appear to build unity.  However, over time you will discover that these short term gains are long term losses.  Following God’s principles and guidance is always the best way to lead, even if it is hard!

Matthew 14:1-12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14&version=NIV 

Luke 7:18-32 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+7&version=NIV

I just got done reading a book by Gene Edwards on the life of John the Baptist.  He has done a few other historical fiction books including “The tale of Three kings” which is the story of King David. 

As I read the book (very brief and to the point), I was struck of all the questions John the Baptist was left with before he died.  John had given up all the good things as most of us know them in life to be wholly devoted to the Lord.  Throughout his ministry he spoke the truth to those who needed to hear it.  He spoke it to religous people who had not ounce of God’s love in their hearts, he spoke it to desperate people hoping to find forgiveness and he spoke it to immoral kings who slept with people they shouldn’t.

For his last offense he was sent to prison.  While in prison it seems he put some deep contemplation into his life and choices.  He had given up everything for this person Jesus.  He had devoted his life to preparing Jesus’ way and now instead of his life having a happy ending he was sitting in a dark dingy prison cell awaiting the punishment of a somewhat crazy ruler, Herod.  Gene Edwards proposes that perhaps this is the situation that led to him questioning Jesus.  Perhaps on one of the visits his disciples made to bring him food and supplies he asked them to go to Jesus and ask a question he himself had answered his whole life.  In that cell and in that moment of suffering he had his doubts about Jesus.

Jesus then responded with a coded message that John would understand, or would he?

It stirred me to think sometimes when we are suffering, we ask the deepest and toughest questions, no matter how strong our faith might be.  And sometimes we question the things we have known to be true our whole lives.  Sometimes it seems like God doesn’t always answer the way we would like, he doesn’t always deliver the faithful from peril and he doesn’t always heal the sick. . .

1 Kings 8:22-66

A Very Brief Background on the Temple: In chapters 4-7 Solomon builds the temple and the palace.  The chapters go into detail about all the parts present in the temple.  The temple in OT times was a place that they believed God dwelt.  At the centerpiece was the Ark of the Covenant, the ark represented God’s presence and power with the people.  The nation of Israel would regularly offer sacrifices in the temple and would annually gather the entire nation together to worship there for a whole week to remember the Passover.  It was a holy place “set apart” with different layers of holiness.  The holy of holies was reserved for a high priest to enter once a year.  In there was the ark and the cherubim, these were angelic gold statues.  These were believed to be the footstool of God.  The temple represented the place where God would reign.

The Temple Today: The physical temple is no longer needed today, because Jesus was and is the living temple (John 2:21).  He was and is Emmanuel, God with us.  We are told that God lives and reins in us His people today and not in a place, so we share in being a part of God’s temple.  So our bodies have become the new temple the place where God is worshipped, remembered and honored.  (1 Corinthians 6:19)

In the passage in 1 Kings 8 we are looking at the prayer of dedication Solomon offered for the temple.  Perhaps it will speak to you as you think about your body and your life and Christ in you.  Substitute Jesus in for the temple, then do something crazy and try substituting your name in whenever the temple is mentioned.  It is a powerful reminder of the amazing blessing of being united with Christ.

Here is the link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20kings%208&version=NIV

What thoughts do you have?

My thoughts:

Wow, these verses are overwhelming when I think of myself being God’s temple.

I am humbled, it almost feels blasphemous. 

I also feel empowered

I hope my life will be the kind of beacon for hope for our world that  Solomon wanted the temple to be for the nation of Israel.

Today’s Text: 1 Kings 3

Background: Solomon, the son of Bathsheba and David has been made king over Israel.  In chapter 1 we discovered that David had not ‘raised’ or ‘mentored’ Solomon to be king.  So, Solomon has been thrust into a position of power and responsibility with little training.  The passage unfolds from there. 

Freebie: High places were places that other countries would go to worship their gods.  Throughout the book of Kings and Chronicles Israel (and Judah) are condemned for following the religious practices of the world around them rather than the ones God had set up uniquely for them.  In fact, a recurring theme of the book is that good kings come in and demolish the high places and drive people back to the Temple for worship.

Please share an thoughts you might have as you read. 

Here is a link: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=12716&uid=94018704772#/board.php?uid=94018704772 

My thoughts:

God is a God of mercy.  He could have banned David and especially Bathsheba and David’s offspring from leadership.  Instead He redeemed what was evil and turned it for good.  Same thing could be said of Solomon and his improper worship, God showed him grace and allowed him to build the temple to worship Him properly.

God speaks in dreams. Throughout the Old Testament the prophets and others (like Solomon) primarily heard from God through their dreams.  In fact, in the New Testament a sign that the kingdom has come is that the people of God will have dreams and visions.  I always pay special attention to my dreams, one never knows when God is speaking.

Solomon wants to be a good leader.  When given the chance to ask God for anything, Solomon chooses wisdom.  He feels overwhelmed by his responsibilities and asks God to give Him wisdom.  In the book of James we are challenged to do the same.  If any of you lacks wisdom He should ask God. . . read the rest if you want to know what happens when we ask for wisdom. (James 1:3-8)  Today we have many opportunities to find wisdom through books, websites and others.  But, these things in and of themselves are good but not everything,  they may have held us back from asking God for wisdom (see James 3:13-18).  Wisdom is something we all should crave. 

I am planning to start a virtual Bible Study soon.  I was thinking we could chew on a few different passages a week to help us learn and grow together.  I was thinking of randomly starting with the two books of 1 & 2  Kings.  It is the story of the leaders of Israel.  It was written after the nation of Israel (and Judah) had been exiled from the promised land.  The book retraces the steps that led to Israel’s exile.  It also reminds the people of God’s mercy and that though the nation deserved exile, restoration was possible through full repentance. 

I thought we would start with chapter 1.  Here is a link to the NIV text http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%201&version=NIV . 

Some quick background:  At this point David (Israel’s great uniting king) is older and he has not taken care of plans for succession.  Though he is not able to do his duties as he once could, he is still “in charge”.  The people absolutely loved David, but at the same time they need a leader that is active and capable. 

Read it and share a few thoughts.

Here are a few thoughts that stirred in me:

When there is a lack of leadership, natural leaders will naturally step up and often step in.

One must think about succession, if a legacy and continued success is going to happen.

It is unusual to read about such respect being given to leadership.  This is no longer a central part of our culture.

Sometimes a wise decision requires planning and cunning. 

People who care and are courageous enough to stop something that isn’t right are important in life.

This will be last blog on the parable of the Sower. (Luke 8:4-15)  There are many different angles to take on this passage, I have tried to explore those a little bit in the last two days.

For today I would like to share something that has meant a lot to me as a person who tries to faithfully spread and share God’s word with others.  As a follower of Jesus I feel a call to share His word with the world.  Not just because I am a pastor, but because part of discipleship is sharing His word with the world.  I cannot tell you how frustrated I have been at times that some folks just cannot hear what I am saying.  Sometimes I will be honest, it is because I am saying it in such a way that it overwhelms people or pushes them away.  I try to keep growing in becoming more loving, humble and creative in my sharing.  But, a lot of the time I feel like I am saying it in a good and loving way, but it just isn’t heard. 

This passage has meant so much to me as I try to remain faithful.  Though in the passage it is obviously God who is spreading His word, one must remember that the way God’s spreads His word is through His people.  One of the things I have had to let go of is controlling the response.  I cannot control how people respond to God’s call in their lives.  I cannot control if they rise up against the enemy, if they come through the trials of life still faithful to Christ and I cannot control whether they get sucked away by worry, money and pleasures.  All I can do is my best to share the word and provide places for people to grow to maturity and bear fruit through God’s Spirit, presence and power.

As a faithful disciple I will not have to stand before God on anyone’s responses to my life and God’s word revealed through it.  All I will have to stand before God on is my willingness and obedience in loving others and faithfully sharing His word with them.   It is up to a mysterious symbiosis of God’s Spirit and each person’s will individually to persevere and be good soil and bear fruit. 

Additionally, I have learned that I cannot change the soil.  I can pray for people and share with people, but their hearts belong to them and God.  A few years ago I decided I would devote my life and ministry as best I could to the good soil.  If people received the word I would do my best to cultivate, exhort and encourage them and provide an environment where they could grow.  My early ministry I would spend the majority of my time gardening in the rocky path or amidst the weeds.    Though there is a place for this, at the end of my time there was very little fruit.  Today I would much rather find where God is working and join him there, trusting that the good soil bears much fruit.  This seemed to be Jesus’ approach as well. 

What do you think?

In the parable of the sower Jesus says that the ones who are the good soil are those who survive the challenges of life and bear fruit.  He says that many never make it through the attacks of the evil one, trials, or the temptations of the world (worry, money and pleasure). 

Theologians debate about who in this parable is actually saved.  The term saved is one used by Paul and Jesus to refer to being delivered from Sin and Darkness into life and light.  This term is usually referred to in the future sense of heaven, but is also very applicable to the now of daily life on earth.  Some think that only the good soil people are saved and rightfully are full citizens in the kingdom of God, some think this isn’t a parable about salvation at all, but an encouragement by Christ to persevere amidst all the challenges of life and show yourself a true disciple. 

The context is Jesus has a large crowd that are following him.  He uses the parable to adress the crowds that are starting to follow Him.  With the parable He reminds His disciples that everyone who begins the journey of discipleship doesn’t become a disicple.

My thoughts in a nutshell:  If you are saved you should be maturing and bearing fruit.  God’s Spirit is in you and daily making you your more like Christ.  In your life your goal should be to persevere and overcome (with God’s help) the challenges that are pulling you back from God.  But, you shouldn’t be surprised when you go through seasons of doubt and struggle either, for God isn’t done with us or the world yet.  If your life hasn’t changed a bit toward the good soil you should really wonder if you are saved.

Can you lose your salvation – I think the answer to this is no.  But, I also think not everyone who thinks they are saved is saved.  All who are saved will be preserved by God’s grace and persevere until the end and bear fruit.