Spiritual Journey Through 1 Kings 12-16

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Kings 12-16 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit you now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.

After Solomon, his son Rehoboam was crowned king but as explained in 1 Kings 12:1-24, he entangled his people with the yoke of bondage instead of giving his people liberty. He lacked a basic element of good leadership which is taking advice from the right people. Knowing where to go to for advice is crucial and understanding how to treat people right is essential.

A main point brought out in 1 Kings 12:25-33 is how the nation of Israel began to decline when the leaders did not follow God’s way. The people were led astray by leaders that manipulated the people with their own selfish motives.

A lesson from 1 Kings 13 is the need to study experiences from characters of the Bible. To note the results of decisions made to help learn more about the crucial skill of decision making and give suggestions for the best plans of action.

From analysis of the life of Jeroboam in 1 Kings 14:1-20, there is a need to be faithful to God by knowing our purpose. We need to test and approve God’s will in our life. If we do not design our life plan together with God, there’s a good chance we will fall into someone else’s plan that doesn’t maximize our potential for God’s glory.

A dream of mine I started years ago is to journey through God’s word and share my thoughts. To give God my best … the best part of my day! As brought out in 1 Kings 14:21-15:8 to take in the instructions from His Word and set out to apply this Word in all I do. By seeking lessons from God’s word, I’m able to see my faults and understand that there is need for help. Jesus is that help, and the Holy Spirit gives the freedom to start new, to plan, to think. To help come up with ideas and to dream big.

We studied in 1 Kings 15:9-24 about a king that did what was right in the eyes of God. Situations can make it difficult to change everything immediately, but a person can plan, organize, give direction, and begin switching their situation to the point that positive reform can start. A nation under God and not idols will begin to see the tide change and momentum for success kick in because the nation becomes strong. Then threats from God’s enemies can be handled as attacks are thwarted.

We will go further into 1 Kings over the next few weeks. Keep up with my spiritual journey either through following this blog by clicking the follow button on the top right side of this page or by liking the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith as we step ahead along the path to victory.

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Steppingstones

In Psalm 69 David pictures himself as up to his neck in deep waters. In a state of despair where his enemies hated him for no reason. His life was in grave danger, so he prays for help.

Life can be disappointing with things that we have no control over and things in our past that put us in deep water, but God has a way to provide the help we need.

Summon the King of heaven for help to pull through and press on so the obstacles are pushed over to become steppingstones to where you want to go.

Index of devotionals

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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Poetry Friday 08-04-2023

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by “Equipped with the Light” which offered some thoughts in how to apply our faith even if faced with difficulties.

It is in dark times that light is the brightest so let us be inspired and equipped with the bright light of Christ.

We give praise with the song God of Brilliant Lights by Aaron Shust as He shines over us to cover all the earth with a bright future.

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Environment for Success

In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. – Psalms 41:12

The people of Israel went through some difficult times as brought out in “Leaders with Integrity Needed”. The common denominator of the kings of Israel during this time in history is the worship of useless idols rather than the ONE true God.

Useful lessons can be learned from history and especially from the historical record of God’s Word. Leaders of integrity, of principle, and character, that take stands on tough issues are the ones that set in place a positive environment that is beneficial to their people.

The world tells a big lie but as the song Take the Lead by Jimmy Levy points out, Jesus took the lead by putting His life on the line and showing us what is wrong and what is right. We need more leaders that follow Jesus so an environment for success is set in place.

Index of devotionals

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Leaders with Integrity Needed

This picture was taken by my daughter when she went on a school trip to Washington D.C. in 2012. Just looking at this picture brings some thoughts in mind. One thought is that many national governments around the world are in debt so leaders of a nation need to be held to account when handling the people’s money frivolously. Another thought is that a nation cannot survive under corruption.  

We can study God’s historical word and be given examples of how a nation that is not following His ways end up being destroyed. In 1 Kings 15:25 through 16:34, the common denominator of the kings of Israel during this time in history is the worship of useless idols rather than the ONE true God.

King Ahab took it even further by serving and worshiping Baal. He also made an Asherah pole and did more to arouse the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than did all the kings of Israel before him (See 16:32-33).

Useful lessons can be learned from history and especially from the historical record found in the Word of God. Leaders of integrity, of principle, and character, that take stands on tough issues are the ones that set in place a positive environment that is beneficial to their people.

This day with You Lord, we reach for Your high standards. We are thankful for the Holy Spirit, grace, and Your power to help us grow each day towards these high standards. We are thankful for the lessons learned from the historical record of Your word that teaches us that everything in life comes together when we worship You only. When everything in the world is broken, our trust in Jesus puts everything back together. For we begin today with these thoughts in mind as we pray in Jesus’ name … amen.

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