Our reading schedule takes us through the heart of David’s life as a young man anointed to be king. However, there would be over ten years before it would actually happen, and during those years he was running for his life. But God’s purposes and plan are always accomplished and David would be made king over Israel by the end of this week. However, reading about David doesn’t exactly connect with Easter Week, so my suggestion to you is to also read John 18-20 for your own personal devotion and connection to the marvelous theme of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is the core of Christianity. There is a verse that David wrote that gives the hope of the resurrection: “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:9-11) My prayer is that we will celebrate the resurrection with joy and gratitude, as well as continue to share this marvelous message with the world that needs Christ

April 1: 1 Samuel 25:1-42 – “When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: ‘My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name is Fool, and folly goes with him. But as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my master sent.’” (vv. 23-25) Abigail is a marvelous woman. She honored her husband even when he was a fool. She defends him before David, and David is kept from sinning. The Lord would deal with Nabal and David would be protected from sinning against God’s Word, which says, “‘It is mine to avenge. I will repay,’ says the Lord.” What do you think of this story? What do you admire about Abigail? Why did David seem justified? Are there situations in your life where you feel justified to avenge? Why or why not?

April 2: 1 Samuel 28:1-25 – “So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. ‘Consult a spirit for me,’ he said, ‘and bring up for me the one I name.’” ( verse 8 ) This is a very fascinating story and it is hard to explain in a short commentary like this. In the Life Application Bible it says that this was an unusual circumstance where God brought Samuel back to give Saul a prediction regarding his fate. This was contrary to God’s previous direction to have nothing to do with sorcery or consulting the dead. God is against all such practices. What has happened to Saul? How far has he drifted from God? What application from your life might you make from this story?

April 3: 2 Samuel 5:1-12 – David is made king. “David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty year.” (verse 5) He is finally crowned king over Israel. God fulfills his promise to David. David was thirty years old when he became king over Judah, but it took some seven more years for his leadership to extend to all Israel. God will accomplish his purposes, but not always in our timing, as is true in this story. What does this story say to you about patiently waiting for God’s fulfillment?

April 4: 2 Samuel 9:1-13 – “‘Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’” (verse 7) David honored his promise to Jonathan. He had the heart of God and remained loyal to the covenant he had with Jonathan. Today is Easter and God remained loyal to his covenant, in which he promised forgiveness of sins and life forever. Death was defeated by Jesus and we now have victory in him. The faithfulness of God is also seen in the life of David. What do you celebrate today? How might you thank God for his faithfulness to make a way for you?

Previously we have read about the faith and pursuits of a man named David. Even when Saul wanted to take his life, he was courageous as he trusted in God. As was promised by the Prophet Samuel, David became king and would reign for forty years. During the heart of his reign, we read about some very heart wrenching aspects to David’s life. His relationship with Bathsheba and his self-deception concerning the whole event. Then there was his son, Absalom, who was a gifted young man and very handsome. We will read about his story this week. This is the underbelly of David’s life. It shows his sinful humanity. But if you want to read about his response to his sin, I would encourage you to also read Psalm 51.

April 5: 2 Samuel 11:1-27 – There is no introduction needed for this story. All I have to say is “Bathsheba.” “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her.” (vv. 2 & 3) Obviously David was filled with lust. David should have left the roof and fled the temptation. The results were devastating. It is interesting that in verse 1 it says, “at the time when kings go off to war,” but David did not go off to war. He was in a vulnerable place and he let temptation birth sin. Have you ever read James 1:13-15? Those verses are true about David. How do you respond to this story? What is surprising? What is not so surprising? How are we to flee temptation?

April 6: 2 Samuel 12:1-25 – For me this is another very familiar story. It is surprising that David was so self-deceived. Nathan had to be creative in how he helped David see his sin. “David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.’” (vv. 5 & 6) David did not even realize that the villain in Nathan’s story was himself. It was a very powerful way to communicate something to David about which he was in denial. Is there anything that you could be hiding in your life? Our previous series on spiritual growth talked about self-examination. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are to look deep within to see if we have a clear conscience. Are we stained by sin or are we living in the Spirit of forgiveness through confession and repentance. Let this story be a warning. Do you have a clear conscience? Why or why not?

April 7: 2 Samuel 13:1-19 – The Bible doesn’t water down real-life stories. This is none other than rape. “Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, ‘Get up and get out!’” (verse 15) Amnon thought he was in love, but he actually was filled with lust. It is a son like father, in this case. Love does not demand its own way. He was not responding out of love, but rather out of sin. Obviously rape is strictly forbidden by God. It is a grievous sin that must be punished for justice. What do you learn from this R-rated story. How must Tamar have felt? Do you know people around you who have been wounded by the sin of this world so deeply that they would be inclined to live in isolation? How might you help them?

April 8: 2 Samuel 13:20-39 – “When King David heard all this, he was furious.” (verse 21) Obviously David was angry with his son Amnon for raping Tamar. However, David did not punish him. He actually didn’t do anything. The story could have been totally different if David would have been courageous to confront his son’s behavior. However, he had been guilty of a similar sin. Amnon was probably going to be the next in line to be king. We see another aspect of David that is discouraging. Are you prone to overlook sin? Why do we do that? From the beginning, Adam was silent when Eve was tempted, and the silence of men has been an issue that has affected God’s people throughout history. Has the devil caused you to shrink back and not be a courageous parent, spouse or coworker? Why or why not?

April 9: 2 Samuel 15:1-37 – “A messenger came and told David, ‘The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.’ Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, ‘Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword.’” (vv. 13 & 14) It seems like another situation where David backs off from being forthright and courageous. However, in this case, David is concerned for the wellbeing of others. He doesn’t want his son to be killed and a battle could easily take his son’s life. He didn’t want Jerusalem to be disrupted and possibly destroyed. He was actually showing wisdom in not fighting back. Are there situations in your life where you need to be forthright? Are there situations in your life when you need to place it in God’s hands and trust the Lord? What stands out to you from this chapter? Why?

April 10: 2 Samuel 18:1-18 – This is exactly what David did not want to happen. He would mourn over Absalom’s death for many days. “During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley as a monument to himself, for he thought, ‘I have no son to carry on the memory of my name.’ He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.” (verse 18) You see the true heart of Absalom. He was self-centered and rebellious. His end is so sad and tragic. Absalom lived a life without the depth of character. We could have predicted how his life would come to an end. What do you learn about this young man? How does he portray aspects of our society? What is the warning here?

April 11: 1 Kings 1:5-27 – “Then Nathan asked Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, ‘Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become king without our lord David’s knowing it? Now then, let me advise you how you can save your own life and the life of your son Solomon.’” (vv. 11 & 12) Nathan was courageous enough to fulfill God’s purposes. There was a conspiracy led by Adonijah, which was against God’s will. Nathan moved quickly and decisively. He knew that things could quickly unravel. Sometimes we must act bravely and quickly. With confidence that comes from God, we stand up for justice. What do we learn from Nathan? What does he display in this situation that is very important in a world that is less and less God-fearing? How do you process the fact that David had so many blind spots? How does that challenge you?

We transition from David to his son Solomon this week. Solomon was known for writing many wise proverbs. He is thought of as the wisest man to have ever lived. But his life, also, is not without flaws. He allowed his wives to affect his loyalty to God, and as his life progressed he failed to obey God. When I think of ending well, I think of this man Solomon, even with the potential of all God’s possibilities before him and the inspirational gifting of God’s wisdom, he did not end well. Little is mentioned about the last decade of Solomon’s reign, and it probably is connected to the meaninglessness of a vain pursuit the he wrote about in the book of Ecclesiastes. I hope God will teach you and me something very valuable as we read about Solomon.

April 12: 1 Kings 1:28-53 – “Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ And all the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound.” (vv. 39 & 40) This is the exact record of Solomon being anointed king. This meant that his life was to be dedicated to the purpose of God as the ruler of Israel. Saul and David were both anointed in this way. The anointing oil stood for holiness. It was used to commission God’s representative. What does this say about God’s expectation for his leaders? In what way do you believe you are anointed? What does the anointing of the Holy Spirit mean to you?

April 13: 1 Kings 3:1-15 – “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) The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom rather than riches, so the Lord granted him both. In James 1:5 it says if we lack wisdom let us ask of God and he will give it. Solomon could have asked for anything, but he asked for wisdom. What does that teach you? If you could ask for anything in the world, what would it be? Why?

April 14: 1 Kings 3:16-28 – We read an example of Solomon’s wisdom. “Then the king said, ‘Bring me a sword.’ So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: ‘Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.’” (verse 24) Solomon’s ability to discern the situation showed that God had blessed him with wisdom. Wisdom is responding to life’s situations with discernment based on the knowledge of God. It says in Proverbs, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Solomon wrote that. Solomon knew that his wisdom was from God. “He had wisdom from God to administer justice.” (verse 28) What does this story teach you about wisdom? Why is genuine wisdom from God? How do you get it?

April 15: 1 Kings 6:1-38 – David was not allowed to build the temple, yet God said he would use David’s son to do so. This chapter is about Solomon fulfilling that purpose. “‘And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.’ So Solomon built the temple and completed it.” (vv. 13 & 14) The temple reminds us of God’s presence. In that way the church can be a reminder that God wants to live among his people. We are the temple of God in that the Holy Spirit lives in us and among us. We are not limited to a building, as was depicted in the Old Testament. Why is gathering at church for worship important? Why is that not the limitation of God’s presence? How important is God’s presence in your life? How does the promise that he will always be with you bless you?

April 16: 1 Kings 10:1-13 – “When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions.” (verse 1) This is the summary of these verses as the queen of Sheba comes to see Solomon. She was curious about his incredible wisdom and amazing success. As long as Solomon was honoring God with his successes, the Lord could use it in a way to show himself to others. She said in verse 9, “Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel.” How might God want to use the blessings in your life to show his goodness? Why is it important to see your good fortune as from the hand of God?

April 17: 1 Kings 12:1-24 – This transition will begin a series of sad and confusing choices by the leaders of Israel. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was made king. “But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.” ( verse 8 ) This was Rehoboam’s first mistake among many. The elders were wiser than his peers. They had lived more of life and had been in service with Rehoboam’s father, Solomon. It is wiser to seek the counsel of those who have more experience and greater knowledge. Who do you look to for counsel? Why is it important to receive counsel? Solomon mentioned in Proverbs, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) Why is that true? How do you apply that wisdom to your life?

April 18: 1 Kings 17:1-24 – It is time to meet one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament, whose name is Elijah. “Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.’” (verse 1) This reference is mentioned in the New Testament in James 5:17. Elijah was a man of faith. We will read about his faith in the chapters ahead. Why was Elijah one of the most significant prophets in Israel’s history? Why would God be pleased with him? What do you learn in this chapter that you want to apply to your life?

I remember when I first read about Elijah, and then there was another prophet named Elisha. That was confusing to me when I was first learning about these Old Testament prophets. Simply put, Elisha is the successor of Elijah. In fact, in the Bible is portrays him as receiving a double portion in 2 Kings 2:9. Elisha seemed to have even greater strength than Elijah. Elijah was prone to discouragement and focusing on the glass half empty, to put it in terms we understand today. I know you will enjoy the inspiration of these two prophets as we read more about Elijah and are introduced to Elisha.

April 19: 1 Kings 18:16-46 – This is the key story in Elijah’s life. “Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!’” (vv. 38 & 39) Elijah had an incredible faith. He envisioned God doing something miraculous and God did just what Elijah had believed him to do. Like Elijah, we can have faith that whatever God commands us to do, he will provide what we need to carry it through. How does Elijah’s faith inspire you? What do you learn from this story? How might God want to use you? What faith and courage do you need right now?

April 20: 1 Kings 19:1-21 – This story is one of my favorites. I often think about the gentle whisper of the Lord. “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. Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” (vv. 12 & 13) Elijah knew that the sound of a gentle whisper was God’s voice. He learned that God doesn’t just reveal himself through powerful and miraculous things. In fact, the still small voice of God is the one that can stir up my heart more than anything else. What does this teach you about how God speaks to us? Are you listening for God’s voice? How about stepping from the noise and activity of your busy life and settling your heart so that God might whisper to you or prompt you by the nudge of His Spirit? What do you think about this idea?

April 21: 1 Kings 21:1-29 – “‘Say to him, “This is what the LORD says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?” Then say to him, “This is what the LORD says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!”’” (verse 19) It won’t be long before the fulfillment of this promise takes place. God’s judgment is predicted and these verses are fulfilled in 1 Kings 22:38 and the remaining prediction is seen in 2 Kings 9 & 10, when Jezebel and the rest of Ahab’s family are destroyed. Ahab was a wicked king and God would punish and judge both him and his wife. However, you will notice that God withholds his judgment for a time because Ahab appeared to be humble before the Lord. What do you learn from this story? We know that God is loving, but he is also just. What do you learn about God’s justice in this chapter?

April 22: 1 Kings 22:29-40 – In our reading through the Bible, sometimes the reading schedule skips stories that are especially meaningful to me. For example, there is a man mentioned in these verses named Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat displayed great trust in God and his main story is found in 2 Chronicles 20. You might enjoy reading about his heart for God and his surrender to the Lord. It says in verse 43 & 44, “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.” Ahab is killed as predicted and Jehoshaphat becomes an example of someone who would be blessed by God because he trusted the Lord. I wanted you to notice the difference between Ahab and Jehoshaphat. What is the difference? What is Ahab’s greatest downfall? Why?

April 23: 2 Kings 2:1-12 – “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) Elijah was taken up to heaven without dying. He is the second person mentioned in the Scripture to have this honor. Enoch was the first in Genesis 5:21-24. We don’t know why God took Elijah directly to heaven, but we do know that he lived in obedience to God. He had his weaknesses, but he also honored the living God by putting his faith in him. What do you take away from Elijah’s life that can help you? How might you want to be more like Elijah?

April 24: 2 Kings 2:13-25 – There are three stories that testify to the fact that Elisha was now the prophet of God for that time. “He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.” (verse 13) Which of these three stories impresses you? How do you know that Elisha was now to be God’s prophet? What do you think is the key to this powerful succession of leadership? Do you have any situations in your life where someone younger needs to be affirmed so they can step up in leadership and maturity? Who? How?

April 25 2 Kings 5:1-27 – “The prophet answered, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.’ And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.” (verse 16) You get a strong glimpse of Elisha’s integrity. He served God for the pleasure of serving God, not about what he might gain. Elisha refused Naaman’s money to show that God’s favor cannot be purchased. He understood the use of money. He obviously did not love money nor what money could buy. How does that challenge us in our world? How prevalent is the love of money verses the use of money? Everyone needs money to purchase the things necessary for life. When does money become sinful? Are you in danger of having the wrong focus about money? (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

It would be much more of a task to read through the whole Bible in one year if we read every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. You have obviously noticed that we have not been approaching our reading through the Bible in that manner. However, I trust the process of the Life Application Bible in highlighting the key principles of God’s Word from cover to cover. I think you will notice some of them in our readings this week. I might suggest that you read more of Nehemiah than is a part of this reading schedule for your understanding of the amazing experience of building the Jerusalem wall in such a miraculous way.

April 26: 2 Kings 11:1-21 – “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. 2 & 3) Joash would be one of the key links in the lineage to Jesus as king of Judah. The purpose that we are to read this is to show how God would take care of His promise that the Messiah would be born through David’s descendants. (2 Samuel 7) If you read chapter 12 you will see what kind of man Joash turned out to be. He might not have been the greatest king of Judah, but he did do many good and right things to honor God. Why is this chapter included in the reading selection? What stands out to you that you might apply to your life?

April 27: 2 Kings 22:1-23:3 – “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” (verse 11) I have to admit that I thought Joash was Josiah. I know Josiah was also made king of Judah at a young age. I got the two names confused. Josiah made marvelous reforms that were consistent with God’s Word. With just one reading of God’s law he changed the course of the nation. When the Book of God was found, the first response of a godly king was to challenge everybody to follow God’s ways. We have the Word of God and it is God’s revelation to us. How important is God’s Word to you? How are you doing in obeying God’s direction through his Word?

April 28: Ezra 3:7-13 – “With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD : ‘He is good; his love to Israel endures forever.’ And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.” (verse 11) Everyone praised God for what had been done. All good gifts come from God, whether it be talents, ability, strength or leadership. We can always know that God is behind all good things. They are gifts from him and he should be praised for them. This is exactly what God’s people did in the day of Ezra. Why is this story included in our reading? What application might you make?

April 29: Nehemiah 2:1-20 – I would suggest that you read chapter 1 also for today’s reading. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.’ I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.” (vv. 17 & 18) Nehemiah had a vision and he shared it with enthusiasm with all the other leaders. Great things can happen in a group of people when God speaks through an inspired leader. Nehemiah was just the person. What qualities does Nehemiah display as a leader? What stands out to you in these first two chapters of the book? Would you follow Nehemiah? Why?

April 30: Nehemiah 5:1-19 – “When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, ‘You are exacting usury from your own countrymen!’ So I called together a large meeting to deal with them and said: ‘As far as possible, we have bought back our Jewish brothers who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your brothers, only for them to be sold back to us!’ They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say.” (vv. 6-8) Nehemiah was angry with the Jews who were taking advantage of their own people in order to enrich themselves. We see justice in this man as a true spiritual leader. He not only helps get a project completed, but he also cares about the needs of the people. Why is this an important quality of leadership? What part of this chapter gets your attention? Why?