April 1: Numbers 21 – What do you learn from the people complaining? What do you learn about the result of repentance? “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.’ So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.” (vv. 8 & 9) Again we have a foreshadowing of what Jesus would be for all of us who have sinned. All believers today will be saved from the sickness of sin by looking to Jesus’ death on the cross. In John 3:14 & 15 this event is quoted with these words, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” The culmination of God’s plan is found in his Son, Jesus Christ. He was sacrificed on a cross, as you know, and rose from the dead, but one day he will reign forever. How are you looking to Jesus for forgiveness? Why is it important to fix our eyes on Christ?

April 2: Psalm 22 – From the very first words of the Psalm you will recognize their use in the New Testament. What part of this Psalm refers to Jesus? What stands out to you? “Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.” (verse 16) We know that Jesus suffered this humiliating kind of death on a cross. David wrote these word 1,000 years before Jesus would come and be pierced, leading to his death on a cross. Crucifixion was unknown at that time as a form of execution. What do you think about this prophecy? How does it encourage you? What does it make you want to do?

April 3: Psalm 16 & 110 – Let’s read two short Psalms today that have references to the Holy One of the Lord. What is said about the Messiah in these two Psalms? What does that mean to you? The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” (verse 1) Did you know this is one of the most quoted Psalms in the New Testament because of its clear references to the Messiah. Jesus recited these words and applied them to himself. In Revelation 20 we have prophecies about Christ’s reign on the earth, which comes out of verse 2. What do these kind of references mean to you and your faith? How does it help you to know that Jesus is the victor and soon to be the reigning king?

April 4: Isaiah 53 – There is no other prophecy about Jesus that is stronger than this chapter. What stands out to you? What verse catches your attention? “Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.” (verse 10) This is a marvelous summary of God’s plan through his Son to be a sacrifice for your sins and mine. He was and is the sinless servants of the Lord and he is the only sacrifice that can forgive sins. John the Baptist called him “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” How do you respond to such love and sacrifice? How does it prepare you for our Easter Week? What do you want to do with God’s message in Isaiah 53?

April 5: Zechariah 14 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What does it say about what we can anticipate in the future? This chapter portrays the eventual triumph of the Messiah over all the earth and his reign over God’s people. The Lord will be King over the whole earth. On that day, there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. (v.9) We may have the opportunity to watch these events unfold in the day we live. Jesus spoke to his disciples about the End Times in Matthew 24. Jesus will return one day to reign. How do you view the future? How does this chapter help you? What do you take with you from this vision of the Lord reigning? Next week we will plow through seven chapters about the final week of Jesus.

This is the most significant week in the Christian calendar of the whole year. I want it to be special for you so I have put together readings that pertain to the final week of Jesus. I will be helped by Max Lucado’s book with the same title. Each day of this final week the Scriptures highlight the journey of Jesus and his disciples. I hope the readings for this week help you prepare for a very special Easter when the hope of Christianity is put front and center . . . He is Risen!

April 6: Matthew 21 – What stands out to you in this chapter knowing that it surrounds the first day of the week, which is a Sunday, even though we are reading this on a Monday. In verse 18 the chapter will go to the next day, which would be Monday. “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” (vv. 2 & 3) How would you like to be the owner of the donkey? The language of Jesus is the language used in ancient law that requires a citizen to render to the king any item or service that one of his followers might request. In making such a request Jesus is claiming to be king. He is speaking as one in authority. He is stating that as king he has rights to any possession of his subjects. The guy that gave Jesus the donkey is one blessed man, for he is in line with many others who gave little things to a big Savior named Jesus. What impresses you about the triumphal entry? What other parts of the story get your attention? What about Jesus turning tables in the temple? What stands out to you that you believe God wants you to apply to your life?

April 7: Matthew 22 – What part of this chapter catches your attention? Why? “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’” (verse 4) God is an “”inviting God. He invited Mary to birth his Son, the disciples to fish for men, the adulteress to start over, and Thomas to touch his wounds. God is the king who prepares the palace, sets the table and invites his subjects to come in. One of the most favorite words of Jesus is “come.” “All who are thirsty, come and drink.” “Come to me all you who are tired and have heavy loads.” “Come to the wedding feast.” How do you respond to Jesus’ invitation? What words would you use to receive this most wonderful invitation – life in heaven and forgiveness of sins now?”

April 8: Matthew 23 – In Max Ludado’s book on the final week of Jesus he does not have any reference to Wednesday’s events. These words may have been spoken on Tuesday, but Wednesday could be possible also. These are not encouraging words because they are confronting religious leaders for their external allegiance minus an internal sincerity. They were doing their spiritual agenda to make a name for themselves. But, one of the strongest words repeated in this chapter is hypocrite. It means to “play act.” “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” (vv 25 & 26) Living our Christianity merely as a show for others is like washing a cup on the outside only. When we are clean on the inside, our cleanliness on the outside won’t be a sham. Jesus had a tender invitation, but he also had a tough rebuke. We want to be recipients of his tender invitation, but is there also a need for a tough rebuke? How is your spiritual integrity? Is there anything you need to confess to the Lord during this special week of Easter? Why not be honest with God about everything?

April 9: Matthew 26:1-35 – What stands out to you in these verses about Thursday? What is happening in the life of Jesus and his disciples? What is the biggest event of Thursday? “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (vv 28 & 29) Do you realize that Jesus is the host of the meal? He took bread, he blessed it, he broke it, he gave . . . Jesus is not the one served but the servant. Jesus is the most active one at the table. The Lord’s Supper is a gift from Jesus. Again it is a holy invitation, a sacred meal, bidding you to leave the chores of life and enter into his splendor. He meets you at the table. What does the Lord’s Table mean to you? Why do we continue to practice it? Why do we still need it?

April 10: Matthew 26:36-75 – Technically this is the day when Jesus is crucified, but we will read about that tomorrow more specifically. The highlight of these verses find Jesus in the garden and being betrayed. He is questioned by the high priest and Peter denies knowing him. Which part stands out to you? Why? “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Verse 64) Jesus looked to the future. Everything around him was dark and full of betrayal. His enemies were attacking him and his friends were abandoning him. What gave him strength was the assurance that he is going home, he would be seated with the Father, and all would have been accomplished. How does remembering heaven help you? How does it help you to think of Jesus returning again to reign? Why is this statement so unusual? Why is it so important?

April 11: Matthew 27 –What stands out to you in this chapter? What do you appreciate? What challenges you? “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (verse 46) Last night at the Good Friday service these words were highlighted in the message. There is nothing pleasing about these words. The way that Jesus announced these words would be the English word “bellow.” He was bellowing from the cross. It was a real sense of separation. He was taking on your sin and mine. This is what Jesus dreaded as he prayed to God in the garden to take the cup from him. The physical agony was horrible, but even worse was the period of spiritual separation from God. Jesus suffered this double death so that we would never have to experience eternal separation from God. What does that mean to you? Do you understand the incredible significance of what Jesus did for you and me? What does it make you want to do?

April 12: Matthew 28 – What part of this story blesses you the most? What stands out to you? “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . .” (vv 18 & 19) After what Jesus has done for you, would you respond, “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for him?” He has already told you what he wants you to do. He wants you to “go.” He wants you to represent him to others so that they might know that God loves them and that Jesus died for them. You are on a mission. What is your response to this question, “Who will go for me?”

We will continue reading about the history of Israel and the time of the kings. We will say goodbye to David and welcome Solomon. Our readings for this week will focus on the strength and intelligence of Solomon. We know Solomon to be the author of many of the Proverbs and the book of Ecclesiastes, along with the obvious book of Song of Solomon.

April 13: 1 Kings 1 – As David lay on his deathbed his son, Adonijah, crowned himself king at En Rogel outside of Jerusalem. When the news reached David he declared that Solomon was to be the next king. Solomon was anointed at Gihon. What stands out to you in this chapter? What points of application might you want to make? “Amen! May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. As the LORD was with my lord the king, so may he be with Solomon to make his throne even greater than the throne of my lord King David!” (vv. 36 & 37) God’s choice was Solomon. David affirms the will of the Lord and hands down the mantle of his leadership to his son. But as in life, not everyone agrees. Why would Adonijah continue to oppose his father’s choice of Solomon? What do you learn about Solomon from this chapter? Why do you think Solomon was God’s choice verses Adonijah? What good qualities does Solomon portray?

April 14: 1 Kings 2 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What points of application would you like to apply to your life? Obviously David’s charge to Solomon is a strategic point in the life of Solomon, but as I was reading this chapter I was drawn to verses 32 & 33, “The LORD will repay him for the blood he shed, because without the knowledge of my father David he attacked two men and killed them with the sword. Both of them—Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army—were better men and more upright than he. May the guilt of their blood rest on the head of Joab and his descendants forever. But on David and his descendants, his house and his throne, may there be the LORD’s peace forever.” These are the words of Solomon and they were publicly declaring that David was not a part ofJoab’s crimes. Joab would live with the consequence of his behaviors. The Lord promises us forgiveness, but how do our sinful choices live on? What is discouraging about that? What does God call us to do?

April 15: 1 Kings 3 – What part of this chapter gets our attention? What might the Lord be saying to you through this story? “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (verse 9) When God gave Solomon an opportunity to ask for anything in the world, Solomon asked for wisdom. This is a key point in Solomon’s life. He would be thought of as the wisest man in the world. God also blessed him with riches and a long life. James 1:5 says if we lack wisdom let us ask of God and he will give us what we ask for as we ask in faith. Why is wisdom so important? If God were to ask you what you would want, and anything was possible, what would you ask for? Why?

April 16: 1 Kings 4 – What seems important to you from this chapter? Why? “During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree.” (verse 25) The fruits of Solomon’s wisdom were peace, security and prosperity for the nation. Solomon’s era is often looked upon as the ideal of what any nation can become when united in trust and obedience to God. Read Psalm 127, which is a Psalm of wisdom from Solomon. What does that Psalm teach you most of all? How did that benefit Solomon and Israel? How might you apply that to your life?

April 17: 1 Kings 5 – What stands out to you in this shorter chapter about Solomon’s preparations to build the temple? “The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.” (verse 12) Solomon proved to be a negotiator and an effective administrator. Why was Solomon a great choice for building the Temple? Why would God want a peacemaker verses a warrior to build his house? Why did Solomon enlist so many workers?

April 18: 1 Kings 6 – What about this chapter gets your attention? Why? “As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, carry out my regulations and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.” (vv. 12 & 13) The temple was a symbol of God’s presence. As a dwelling place for God it was fitting for it to be ornate and beautiful. What do you learn about God from the building of this temple? What do you learn about Solomon as he orchestrates the construction of God’s house?

April 19: 1 Kings 7 – What gets your attention in this chapter? What is the difference between Solomon’s palace and the Lord’s Temple? “It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace.” (verse 1) Solomon took longer to build his palace than to build God’s Temple, but that is not a comment on his priorities. His palace actually included a huge civic building project that included barracks and housing for many of those in Solomon’s service, including his harem. The detail of the Temple shows the immensity of God’s character. God is so full and has many facets to his character that the Temple would be a human attempt to reflect that. Again, what do you learn about God from the Temple furnishings? Why such great detail and ornate furnishings? How might this affect your response in worship to God?

The reading for this week remind us of the futility of success and riches. Solomon was a wise man, but he lacked wisdom in certain areas of life that led to a poor finish. You have heard the statement before, “I want to finish well.” The last chapter of a person’s life can be a positive ending to a great life, or a weak ending to something that started out so great. I think you know enough about Solomon to realize how his life closed. This would lead to a divided kingdom and the stability of David’s descendants would begin to unravel. Thank God that he keeps his promises even when the circumstances are so dismal.

April 20: 1 Kings 8 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What impresses you the most? Why? “The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.” (vv. 12 & 13) For 490 years the Israelites worshiped God in a tabernacle. This was a movable meeting area which would be a place to honor God. God is everywhere, but he would be honored in a special way through the temple the people had built. The temple was a permanent place to worship God after the Israelites were at peace in their land. What do you read about in this chapter concerning the temple that helps you in worshiping God? What about Solomon’s prayer seems especially important? What kind of prayer would you pray in dedicating your church, your house, your possessions, your life to the Lord?

April 21: 1 Kings 9 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What impresses you about what God said to Solomon? “Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire. He killed its Canaanite inhabitants and then gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter, Solomon’s wife.” (verse 16) One short line is worth noting. Pharaoh’s daughter was Solomon’s wife. Inter-marriage among royal families was common, but it was not endorsed by God. (Deuteronomy 17:17) Later we will read more about Solomon’s wives in Chapter 11. But what would be the problem with Solomon’s relationships with women? Do you think that could be a problem in your life? How do relationships with the opposite gender help or hinder your walk with God and/or your commitment in marriage?

April 22: 1 Kings 10 – What impresses you from this chapter? What has happened in Solomon’s life? Do you want a life like that? Why? “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.” (verse 23) How was that a blessing from God? How might that be a curse? Do you think Solomon would still pray for wisdom over riches at this point in his life? Why would this weaken Solomon rather than strengthen him? Why do riches and possessions often have a negative effect in our spiritual life with God?

April 23: 1 Kings 11 – This is our last chapter on Solomon. What stands out to you in this chapter? How does Solomon end with his last chapter on earth? “The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.” (verse 9) This is a hard chapter to read because we see Solomon’s spiritual life declining. His relationship with is son, Jeroboam, also deteriorates. Why does the story about Solomon end so abruptly? Do you think God took Solomon home prematurely? Why do you think there are fewer things written about Solomon’s later life than some of his great accomplishments earlier?

April 24: 1 Kings 12 – What stands out to you in this chapter? After Solomon’s death the northern tribes revolt, forming two separate nation. Each nation experiences disastrous consequences from having evil kings. Elijah would appear on the scene as God’s prophet. First let’s look at how Israel becomes a kingdom divided. “When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mustered the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—a hundred and eighty thousand fighting men—to make war against the house of Israel and to regain the kingdom for Rehoboam son of Solomon.” (verse 21) This is the beginning of the division that would last for centuries. Ten of Israel’s twelve tribes followed Jeroboam, and the two other tribes remained loyal to Rehoboam. However, the kingdom did not split overnight. It was already divided as early as the days of Judges because of the tribal jealousies. When division is present in one’s heart, it will eventually expose itself. Is your conscience clear with everyone in your life? Are you living at peace with all those that you know, as far as it depends upon you?

April 25: 1 Kings 13 – What stands out to you in this chapter? How might you apply it to your life? “The old prophet answered, ‘I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: “Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.”‘ (But he was lying to him.) So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.” (vv. 18 & 19) The man of God was deceived. He proves to be a genuine prophet, but he listens to hearsay instead of God’s overriding direction, which he already knew. We live in a world of deception. We must have a discerning spirit. Why is discernment so important? How do you discern what is true and what is false? How does that apply to your life right now?

April 26: 1 Kings 14 – What verse or truth stands out to you in this chapter? “In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. He carried off the treasures of the temple of the LORD and the treasures of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made.” (vv. 25 & 26) Just five years after Solomon died the temple and palace were ransacked by foreign invaders. How quickly the glory, power and money disappeared. When people became spiritually corrupt and immoral, it was just a short time until they lost everything. When God is gone from our lives, everything else becomes useless no matter how valuable it seems. What lesson does that teach you? How do you apply that to your life?

You can look forward to reading about one of the most famous prophets who ever lived. I believe there is more said about this particular prophet in the New Testament than any other prophet. In one short week we will meet Elijah, the man with a single-minded commitment to God. We are amazed by the miracles God did through this man and we should be equally amazed by the depth of relationship he shared with the Lord. Elijah was human as well, and he struggled greatly, as you will read. I hope Elijah’s story inspires you.

April 27: 1 Kings 15 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Which king do you want to be like? Why? “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done.” (verse 11) You would think you would read that kind of statement in most of kings that would oversee God’s people. However, that’s not the case. Most of the time it says the kings did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Why is Asa commended in this chapter? Please read 2 Chronicles 14-16 for a complete record of Asa’s life. It will help you to answer the question about Asa and what God would teach you through his life. Summarize the positive character traits of Asa. Which ones to you need?

April 28: 1 Kings 16 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him.” (verse 30) As you read this chapter, you will notice that selfishness and sin become stronger and more predominant. The Lord was grieved by the actions of Baasha, the first king you read of over Israel. But it only gets worse. Sin is like that. James 1:13-15 tells us about how sin can escalate where it become full-grown. How was Ahab’s sin full-grown? Why is it important that you confront and confess the sin that affects your life? What does this chapter make you want to do?

April 29: 1 Kings 17 – We have been waiting for the arrival of Elijah. This is the beginning of the record of his life. “So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” (vv. 5 & 6) You can sense the special plans God has for Elijah as he takes care of him with ravens and meets his need through the widow of Zarephath. It reminds me of 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all you cares upon him for he cares for you.” Our God is a faithful provider and he would begin Elijah’s ministry by showing that he was faithful. How was God faithful to Elijah? How has he been faithful to you?

April 30: 1 Kings 18 – This is the longest chapter on Elijah’s life. It includes the special story of Elijah facing the prophets of Baal. What impresses you most about this chapter? “At noon Elijah began to taunt them. ‘Shout louder!’ he said. ‘Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.’” (verse 27) It takes a lot of courage to say that in the face of opposition. Elijah had so much faith in God that he trusted him even when 450 prophets were against him. Elijah knew that their gods were not real. How does Elijah’s faith inspire you? What about this story seems important to apply to your life?