May 1: 1 Kings 19 – What catches your eye from this chapter? Why are you impressed by it? There are several points that get my attention in this shorter chapter. I especially am drawn to how God speaks to Elijah. “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” (verse 12 & 13) That’s when God spoke to him. Elijah knew the sound of a gentle whisper was God’s voice. This is always an important lesson for me. Am I really listening to God, or am I letting the noise and chaos of my life drown out the still small voice of the living God? When have you heard the whisper of God? If not, how has he prompted you before? Do you think there are things in your life that keep you from being sensitive to the leadings of the Lord and the whisper of the Spirit?

May 2: 1 Kings 20 – What impresses you about this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life? “Meanwhile a prophet came to Ahab king of Israel and announced, ‘This is what the LORD says: “Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know that I am the LORD.”‘” (verse 13) God defeated the Aramean army for Ahab so that Ahab might know that God alone is the Lord. Despite this great victory, Ahab continued to live without God. Evidence of God’s greatness surrounds us all, but we can choose to ignore it and be consumed with our own thoughts and desires. This is a first step to a life that is weakened by complacency. Don’t let your heart grow cold. Have an eye for what God is doing around you and what God is doing in you. What do you think God is saying to you through the victory that is presented in this chapter? How do you think God wants us to respond to his goodness?

May 3: 1 Kings 21 – What stands out to you in this chapter? “When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.” (verse 27) As you read this chapter you will think that there is nothing that would make you want to forgive Ahab. He was a wicked man and he did many evil things contrary to the Lord’s will, the least of those murdering Naboth. It is amazing that God would be so merciful to such a sinful man. What do you think of God’s mercy? How do you process justice in this case? What do you deserve and what has God given you?

As always, the reading is very interesting as we conclude 1 Kings and enter into 2 Kings. This week we will meet Elisha, who carries on the mantle of Elijah, with even a double portion. The miracles continue, the story is exciting and God is leading and guiding our man, Elisha. One of my favorite stories begins as we conclude this week. We will have to wait until next Monday, though, to get the full impact. 1 Kings will end in an appropriate way, even as the prophet prophesized against the evil king Ahab.

May 4: 1 Kings 22 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What do you learn as we end this book of 1 Kings? “In everything he walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. Jehoshaphat was also at peace with the king of Israel.” (vv. 43 & 44) Please read 2 Chronicles 19 and 20 to get the full story of Jehoshaphat. The book of 1 Kings began with a nation united under David, who was a king devoted to God, of course. It ends with a divided kingdom and the death of Ahab, the most wicked king of all. There is always hope that God will restore the people, even as we read of a godly king named Jehoshaphat. What do we learn about God’s blessings? How do you want to respond to the stories that you have been reading concerning the kings of Judah and Israel? What does that say to you?

May 5: 2 Kings 1 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “A man came to meet us,” they replied. “And he said to us, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him, “This is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending men to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!’’” (verse 6) These are the words of Elijah. He is the prophet who speaks judgment against those that would seek other gods. Ahaziah shows his blatant disrespect for God. There is judgment from God. Our God is a jealous God. Why can’t you fool God if there are other things/treasures that you care about more than God? How does the first commandment fit when it says, “Have no other gods before me.”?

May 6: 2 Kings 2 – What part of this chapter gets your attention? What do you learn from the transfer of ministry from Elijah to Elisha? “As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” (verse 11) It is always so fascinating to me that Elijah was taken to heaven without dying. The only other person that we have a clear message in the Scriptures that was brought into heaven without dying is possibly Enoch. (Genesis 5:21-24) What does this say about Elijah? Why do you think that God performed this miracle? What have you learned from Elijah these past two weeks?

May 7: 2 Kings 3 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “But Jehoshaphat asked, ‘Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD through him?’ An officer of the king of Israel answered, ‘Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.’” (verse 11) Ever since David’s day, both the high priests and the prophets gave the king advice. It was pleasing to the Lord for a king to seek God’s guidance through a prophet. Jehoshaphat shows his heart for God in this story. We have already read about Jehoshaphat and his godly characteristics. Do you have anyone that you turn to for advice? In today’s world there is a ministry called spiritual direction/spiritual directors. All of us need counsel that is godly counsel. Where do you turn for godly counsel? Why?

May 8: 2 Kings 4 – What about the story in Elijah’s life impresses you? What about it challenges you? “She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.’” (verse 7) In the stories that we read, sometimes there is a focus on God’s judgment. However, there is a tender compassion from God towards those who love and serve him. God’s provision is as large as our faith. Those that obey him will be blessed. “God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20) How does this miracle and the other miracles of the chapter encourage you? Would you say you trust God to provide for you? We live in uncertain times that may challenge you to trust God with all your heart.

May 9: 2 Kings 5 – What stands out to you from the story about Naaman? Why? “But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.’” (verse 11) I am drawn to that verse because sometimes even in our day we have a formula on how God will do a miracle. We may lay on hands, or pray a specific prayer, or any number of other things that make us think that God will do a miracle or heal us. But Elisha was sensitive to the promptings of God and counseled Naaman to do what the Lord had told him. I like that story. Our God is not a formula God, but rather he leads us through his Spirit into all truth. How do you hear God? Do you know when he is guiding you? How might you deepen your relationship with him so that you might know his will better?

May 10: 2 Kings 6 – I might suggest you only read through verse 23 and save the rest of the chapter for your reading on Monday, May 11th. There is enough in this first 23 verses to receive inspiration and direction. How would you like to apply these first 23 verses to your life? “And Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (verse 17) I have preached on this verse several times. I love the message it gives about what God is doing invisible to our eyesight. We walk by faith, not by sight, as the New Testament says. When Elisha’s servant realized what was true in the spiritual realm, he was no longer afraid. When you face difficulties that seem insurmountable, remember that spiritual resources are there, even if you can’t see them. Look with your eyes of faith and let God show you his resources. How does this story encourage you? What do you know about the heavenly realm right now for you as a follower of Jesus Christ?

These chapters pertain to more of the kings that served God’s people in that day. After our first two readings we won’t read very much about Elisha. It is a dark time in the history of God’s people.

May 11: 2 Kings 6:24-7:20 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? This is one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament. This verse is one of the clearest challenges to share the good things that God gives us with others. “Then they said to each other, ‘We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.’” (verse 9) The lepers discovered the deserted camp and realized that their lives had been spared. At first they kept the good news to themselves, forgetting their fellow citizens were starving in the city. The good news about Jesus Christ is like this. There is no news that is more important. We must not forget those who are dying without Christ. Let’s not keep the good news to ourselves. How does this story apply to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What is the message of the story that seems strongest to you?

May 12: 2 Kings 8 – What gets your attention in this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life? “Elisha answered, ‘Go and say to him, “You will certainly recover’; but the LORD has revealed to me that he will in fact die.’ He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael felt ashamed. Then the man of God began to weep.” (vv 10 & 11) Elisha had the privilege of being an anointed prophet of God, but with that came the curse of knowing when bad things were going to happen. God gave him foreknowledge. As his prophet, you sense the tender heart of Elisha and his love for the people. Even though he had to speak hard words of confrontation to the Israelites, all the time he cared for them deeply. What gives you the right to share hard words of confrontation to people in your life? What must be the prerequisite? The New Testament uses these words, “Speak the truth in love.” How does that apply to words of confrontation?

May 13: 2 Kings 9 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What do you like about Jehu? What do you think his weaknesses were? “’Yesterday I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons, declares the LORD, and I will surely make you pay for it on this plot of ground, declares the LORD.’ Now then, pick him up and throw him on that plot, in accordance with the word of the LORD.” (verse 26) Naboth’s plot of land was still an issue to God. It had been taken unlawfully and there would be consequences. Joram was wicked like his father and mother, Ahab and Jezebel. They would pay the consequences of their sinful action. How do you understand justice? Is God just? Why? How does the justice of the Lord give you comfort? How does it challenge you?

May 14: 2 Kings 10 – How does this harsh chapter affect you? What do you think it says about sin? “When the letter arrived, these men took the princes and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel. When the messenger arrived, he told Jehu, ‘They have brought the heads of the princes.’ Then Jehu ordered, ‘Put them in two piles at the entrance of the city gate until morning.’” (vv. 7 & 8 ) This fulfilled Elijah’s prophecy that not one of Ahab’s male descendents would survive. (1 Kings 21:17-24) However, Jehu went far beyond the Lord’s commands with his bloodbath. Why are we prone to take things into our own hands? Why was Jehu more concerned about his own interest than being obedient to the Lord? How does that affect you and me?

May 15: 2 Kings 11 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? This story continues from chapter 9 when Ahaziah, Athaliah’s son, had been killed by Jehu. Athaliah’s attempt to kill all of Ahaziah’s sons was futile because God had promised that the Messiah would be born through David’s descendants (1 Samuel 7). Our great God orchestrates his plans according to his ways. “When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed. He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.” (vv. 1-3) When God orchestrates something according to his will, what is the result? How can this give you confidence in a scary world? When it comes to disease, difficulty or any kind of setback, what can you be assured of?

May 16: 2 Kings 12 – What do you like about Joash? What does he teach us? “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” (verse 2) That was so interesting to read about the importance of the priest’s input in Joash’s life. We need people that help us live up to our commitments. This is called accountability. Are you accountable to anyone? How might you make yourself accountable to God and others?

May 17: 2 Kings 13 – We read about two kings that did evil in the eyes of the Lord. How are their stories similar? How are they unique? What gets your attention from this chapter? “Now Elisha was suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him. ‘My father! My father!’ he cried. ‘The chariots and horsemen of Israel!’” (verse 14) At least Jehoash cared about Elisha. Elisha was highly regarded for his role in Israel. Elisha would die but his good influence remained, even to today. Life on this earth is temporary. Elisha fulfilled his purpose. How does his life encourage you? How has God called you to live out your purpose? You may not do miracles like Elisha, but you can fulfill your purpose like he did.

These readings will be challenging to say the least. However, about midweek we will begin to read about a man named Hezekiah. Hezekiah was very concerned about obedience. Judah had become a people that lacked trust in God. Hezekiah boldly brought reform. The Temple was cleaned out and reopened; the Passover was reinstituted as a national holiday and there was a sense of revival in Judah. By Friday we will get an encouraging glance at this man who sought the heart of God.

May 18: 2 Kings 14 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What catches your eye? Why? “But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: ‘A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, “Give your daughter to my son in marriage.” Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle underfoot. You have indeed defeated Edom and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but stay at home! Why ask for trouble and cause your own downfall and that of Judah also?’” (vv. 9 & 10) King Amaziah of Judah had become proud after defeating the Edomites. He was sure that he could defeat Israel. Amaziah had overrated his strength; his ambition was greater than his ability. He was soundly defeated. In Proverbs it says pride comes before the fall. This would be true of King Amaziah. How does human confidence become pride? What do you learn about pride from Amaziah? Why does the Bible say so much about humility?

May 19: 2 Kings 15 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “He (Azariah) did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done.” (verse 3) Azariah was also known as Uzziah. You can read his story more thoroughly in 2 Chronicles 26. He reigned for 52 years, which says something in and of itself. Azariah’s devotion to God helped Judah enjoy peace and prosperity, while Israel was declining because of the ungodly kings that reigned during his kingship in Judah. How would you compare Judah and Israel during this time? Why is, “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” such a discouraging statement about anyone? Why is our love and obedience to God more important than anything else?

May 20: 2 Kings 16 – What might God be saying to you in this chapter? “He (Ahaz) walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, following the detestable ways of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.” (verse 3) Israel must have been rubbing off on Judah as Ahaz follows the ways of the kings of Israel. He was so depraved that he sacrificed his own son to pagan gods. How do you explain this kind of decline? What were some of the disobedient acts of Ahaz? Why are these stories included in the Bible?

May 21: 2 Kings 17 – What part of this chapter seems relevant to your life? What might God be saying to you through it? Hoshea will be the last king of Israel. Israel will be exiled because of her sin. What part of this discouraging story stands out to you? What might God be saying to you through it? “They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.” (vv 32 & 33) Many people claim to believe in God while refusing to give up attitudes and actions the God denounces. God cannot be added to the values we already have. He must come first and his Word must shape all our actions and attitudes. How does our world tack on God but not really change their behaviors? Why can’t believing in God be one idea among many? What is the essence of faith? Why did the actions of the people show their lack of faith?

May 22: 2 Kings 18 – What impresses you about Hezekiah? Why is this a refreshing story? “Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?” (verse 34) As the saying goes, “These words are fighting words.” Sennacherib was the king of Assyria at this time and he was suggesting that their gods were stronger than the God of Israel. Hezekiah told the people not to listen to the king and he waited for the right opportunity to oppose the Assyrians. How must we wait on the Lord for his direction? Why does God frown on retaliation? Why can we count on the fact that God is the victor, even if the circumstances seem very defeating? What New Testament promises apply to this story?

May 23: 2 Kings 19 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why does God fight on behalf of his people and Hezekiah, the king? “And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD : ‘O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God.’” (vv. 15 & 16) Before Hezekiah did anything he prayed. Hezekiah humbly approached God with dependence on God’s power to protect and provide. What was the result of Hezekiah’s prayer? How does this build your trust in God?

May 24: 2 Kings 20 – What stands out to you? Why? “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD.’” (verse 5) Over a hundred year period of Judah’s history, Hezekiah was the only faithful king. Because of Hezekiah’s faith and prayer, God healed him and saved the city from the Assyrians. Faith and prayer, if they are sincere and directed towards the one true God, can change any situation. Do you believe that? Do you approach God in prayer expectantly? Do you know that God is stirring up in our church a heart for God that responds to him in prayer? In God’s timing and in God’s way we will become a church of prayer.

We’ll finish the book of 2 Kings, which expresses the consequences of disobedience and ignoring God. The kings of both Israel and Judah ignored the principles of God. They didn’t follow his commands; they made alliances with other countries; they worshiped idols. There is a book in the New Testament that challenges our behaviors. One of the main verses says that faith without works is dead. We will study James at the close of this week and the beginning of next week. James is five short chapters, but it will challenge us in our “follow-through” to our faith; in other words, walk the talk.

May 25: 2 Kings 21 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? We closed the story of Hezekiah yesterday and pick up the story with his son Manasseh. Manasseh was born after Hezekiah was healed by God. It is a marvelous thing that God worked a miracle in Hezekiah’s life, but it is devastating to read about Manasseh’s life. This son who became king did not follow the ways and principles of his father. He lived for himself and he sinned in many ways. “Moreover, Manasseh also shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end – besides the sin . . .” (verse 16) What kind of epitaph is that? Why would it have better if Manasseh hadn’t been born? What was Manasseh’s greatest sin? Why?

May 26: 2 Kings 22 – What do you like about Josiah? Why have so many parents named their sons Josiah? “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” (verse 11) The people had not been following the ways of God. Josiah read it firsthand. What did he do with the direction of God as found in the Book of the Law? What does that teach you? What is the results of a person who ignores the principles of God that are presented in his Word?

May 27: 2 Kings 23 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What impresses you about Josiah? “The king gave this order to all the people: ‘Celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.’” (verse 21) When Josiah rediscovered the Passover in the Book of the Covenant he ordered everyone to observe the ceremonies exactly as prescribed. Josiah is remembered as Judah’s most obedient king. He not only recognized sin, but he removed the practices that caused the sin. Why must we flee sin when we recognize it? Why is confession of sin not enough when it comes to true repentance? How is God urging you to run from sin?

May 28: 2 Kings 24 – What is the message of this chapter? What might God be saying to you through it? “During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he changed his mind and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar.” (verse 1) There was so much hope with Josiah as king of Judah, however it says that Jehoiakim did evil in God’s sight. The patience of the Lord may have been running thin. In verse 2 it says “The LORD sent Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him (Jehoiakim).” It was time for God’s discipline over his people. They had so many chances with the hopeful reforms that came from a godly king, but they reverted back so quickly to the ways of selfishness and sin. What would keep you on a pathway of honoring God? What might the devil use to get you off track? Why is obedience important?

May 29: 2 Kings 25 – What stands out to you in this last chapter of the Book of 2 Kings? “There at Riblah, in the land of Hamath, the king had them executed. So Judah went into captivity, away from her land.” (verse 21) Like Israel, Judah was unfaithful to her God, which led to the devastating reality of being exiles in a foreign land under the foreign policies that existed in that land. The Book of Lamentations records the Prophet Jeremiah’s sorrow at seeing Jerusalem destroyed. The Bible teaches us that God will discipline those he loves. This seems like very harsh discipline, but we can only imagine how far Judah had fallen from the Lord. What does this sobering story say to you? How is your faith being tested these days? How will you stay strong?

May 30: James 1 – What stands out to you from this marvelously practical chapter? Which lesson is the one for you? I could mention ten principles worth living by in this chapter. However, the one that stands out to me is in verses 2 & 3: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” It stands out to me because I believe that the people of God in the day of the kings were being tested by God, but they failed the test. If they would have stayed strong in their faith they would have persevered through the challenges of enemy countries and the difficult circumstances they faced. However, they were defeated. Why can trials be something good? What are hardships meant to do? What does perseverance look like? How does this apply to your life?

May 31: James 2 – What stands out to you in this challenging chapter? Why do faith and works go together? “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (verse 18) The evidence of faith is seen by what we do. People will look at you and me, and assess whether we really have faith in Jesus Christ. They will make that kind of judgment in reference to what we do. How connected is your faith to your actions? Why is faith without actions, at best, confusing? The Bible uses the word “hypocrite” to refer to someone playacting their faith. How does that challenge you?