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DAY 4: A Life Summary

Reading through the lives of Old Testament kings can be challenging. As you read through 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings, you then come to 1 & 2 Chronicles and start to wonder, Haven’t I already read through this story?

The simple answer is yes, you probably have. The longer answer is that these books were all written and compiled by different people. So the life story of king Asa is much more detailed in 2 Chronicles than it is in 1 Kings. The brief section about his life in 1 Kings is nothing more than a brief summary of his life and accomplishments.  

But here’s the thing, your life story isn’t much different. Somebody could write out your life story and provide a lot of details. These details could be passed on from your children to your grand children and continue to be passed on for dozens of generations. But somebody else may write out your life story and simply write a brief summary of who you were and your greatest accomplishments. 

As you read today, consider this: If you were to write a brief summary of your life and your greatest accomplishments, what would you write? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 KINGS 15:8-24

If you were to write a brief summary of your life and your greatest accomplishments, what would you write?

Despite some of Asa’s mistakes, he was still a great king for the people of Judah. Despite some of your mistakes, you too can live a great life. Review this week’s readings. What led Asa to be such a great king? What steps can you take to emulate him in your own life? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Exodus 4 & 5

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that it’s a big challenge for me to think about my greatest accomplishments. Nevertheless, I do have a desire to leave something meaningful behind for my children, grandchildren, or other loved ones. Continue to help me know the purpose You have for my life, and help me to live out that purpose each and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

DAY 3: Asa’s Commitment Wanes

Think about a time when you had to make a really big decision. Did you take the opportunity to get advice from others? Were you willing to ask others for help?

As king Asa ages, we see that his overall commitment to God begins to wane. He’s experiencing a national challenge, and he calls on another king to help. From an outside perspective, it would appear that the plan works and everything should be OK. But a man of God comes to tell Asa that due to his neglect in seeking God to help him, the nation would no longer be in peace, but would be forced into war. 

Proverbs 15:22 reads, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” It was good for Asa to seek the counsel of others. However, it was unwise for him to not seek out the counsel of God. 

Later in life, Asa continues this trend. As he’s struggling with a disease, he relies solely on his physicians, and does not seek the LORD’s help. 

As you read today, consider this: Why do you think Asa’s commitment to God waned?

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 CHRONICLES 16

Why do you think Asa’s commitment to God waned?   

What are some things that you do to ensure your commitment to God stays strong? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Exodus 2 & 3

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I admit that it’s hard to know for certain why king Asa’s commitment to You waned as he got older, but I recognize that as I grow older there are more and more things that can distract me from You. Help me to see the things that are causing too much of a distraction in my life. Provide me the wisdom and the courage to lessen – or completely eliminate – these distractions from my life so that I better walk in step with You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

DAY 2: A Sincere Commitment

Think about it: How many things are you truly committed to? For example, you may be committed to your marriage or children, but when it comes to most other things in life —whether it’s a home, car, gym membership, or some other commitment—there’s generally a lack of ongoing commitment. These commitments are short-term, and even then there’s almost always a way out.

But when king Asa asked the people of Judah to make a sincere commitment to God, they went all out. The Life Application Study Bible notes that their oath of allegiance was punctuated with shouts and trumpet blasts. Seemingly, the people wanted their commitment towards God to be known loud and clear, and they were giving everybody else permission to hold them accountable to following through. 

This doesn’t mean the decision was easy. Even king Asa’s grandmother had taken opportunity to worship another god. The king had the idol removed and his grandmother was deposed from her position. His commitment to God was evident to everybody. As you read today, consider this: What are some things you are truly committed to? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 CHRONICLES 15

What are some things you are truly committed to? 

Which of your commitments are life-giving for you? Which of these commitments are life-draining?  

Are there any life-draining commitments you could remove from your life and/or family calendar? 

Have you considered giving up what may be a good commitment for an even better one? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 50 & Exodus 1

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I realize today that there are some things I’m committed to that are life-giving, and others that are life-draining. Those that are life-draining are not leading me closer to you, or may not be helping me better love people well. Help me to only make commitments that help me to know and love You and others well. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

DAY 1: King Asa Brings Peace to Judah

Think about a time in which you were completely at peace. You were experiencing peace with God, peace with others, and peace within yourself. What was that experience like? What were the circumstances that led to that level of peace?

For king Asa, we learn in 2 Chronicles 14:3 that, “Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.” This led to peace for him, and for the kingdom of Judah. But what exactly did he do that was pleasing and good?

Well, he didn’t simply show up to worship services, nor did he simply focus on doing good deeds for others. Instead, he intentionally sought out to remove everything in the nation that was offensive to God. 

We may think that attending worship services or focusing on good deeds may help us to experience peace. And yes, these may be good things to do. But we, too, must be intentional when it comes to removing the things in our lives that are offensive to God. Only then will we experience true peace with God, with others, and with ourselves. 

As you read today, consider this: What is something that may be preventing you from experiencing real peace?

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 CHRONICLES 14:1-15

What is something that may be preventing you from experiencing real peace with God? With others? With yourself? 

According to 2 Chronicles 14, king Asa “removed” and “smashed” the things that were offensive to God. What steps can you take to completely smash/remove the things in your life that are offensive to God?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 48 & 49

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I am confronted with the hard truth that there are many things that are getting in the way of me experiencing peace with You, with others, and with myself. I’m also confronted with the hard truth that I’ve allowed most of these barriers to continue in my life. As this week begins, I pray for Your wisdom to help me see these barriers clearly, and begin to take the necessary steps to remove them so that I may experience true peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

DAY 5: Review

READING & JOURNALING:

What did the Scripture readings this week reveal to you about how the people of God followed and trusted Him and His Word?

Similarly, what did the Scripture readings reveal to you about how well you follow and trust the Word of God?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 46 & 47

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

DAY 4: Rehoboam Humbles Himself

Yesterday we saw that there’s a difference between shame and guilt. Shame is best understood as, “I am bad.” While guilt is best understood, “I did something bad.” There’s a significant difference between the two. 

Similarly, there’s a difference between accepting responsibility for wrongdoing, and simply paying the price for it. 

For example, somebody who commits a crime may be punished for their wrongdoing, and even though they fulfill a prison sentence, they may never truly accept responsibility for their actions. However, somebody else in the same scenario may, upon judgment, accept responsibility and humble themselves before the court. 

This is what happened in the life of Rehoboam and other leaders in his court. God sent an Egyptian army to plunder their riches and even to subjugate them. And Rehoboam and the leaders respond by humbling themselves, and saying, “The LORD is right in doing this to us (2 Chronicles 12:6).”  

As you read today, consider this: Think of a time when you humbled yourself (either before God or somebody else)? How difficult was it for you to do so?

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 CHRONICLES 12:1-12

Think of a time when you humbled yourself (either before God or somebody else)? How difficult was it for you to do so?

 Who is the most humble person you know? What would you say are three character traits that have helped them grow in humility? 

Over the next week, how can you be intentional in pursing a life of humility? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 44 & 45

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today, I simply pray for the sight to see the foolishness of following my own path, and the wisdom of following Your path. May You continue to lead me on this journey, one step at a time. I know humility may not come easily, but I know it begins by simply trusting You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

DAY 3: God Punishes Jeroboam

There are a number of stories throughout the Scriptures in which somebody tries to hide from God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve discovered they were naked, and to hide their shame they tried to hide from God. In 1 Kings 14, Jeroboam has his wife disguise herself in order to try to get a favorable message about his son who is sick. The simple fact that he has her disguise herself is a sign that he was desperate. He knew he hadn’t followed God in the way he was commanded to, and instead of pleading to God for help, he tries to manipulate the situation to get what he wants. 

Some may read this chapter of Scripture and think that God’s response to Jeroboam’s sins is too strong. But this passage must be understood in its appropriate context. Jeroboam had been commanded on how to live (1 Kings 11:38) and instead, led the entire nation away from God. Similarly, the people of God had received specific instructions (Deuteronomy 28:15-19, 36-38; 30:15-20) yet neglected to follow them. 

As you read today, consider this: Do you find yourself hiding from God, or openly acknowledging your sins and allowing God to refine and renew you? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 KINGS 14:1-18, DEUTERONOMY 28:15-19, 30:15-20

Do you find yourself hiding from God, or openly acknowledging your sins and allowing God to refine and renew you?

Those who hide from God experience shame. Those who confess to God experience guilt. One leads us away from God, while the other draws us closer. What is something you’ve been hiding from God? Take the opportunity today to confess it, and allow God to begin to refine you.

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 42 & 43

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Today’s prayer is to be written on your own (see above). 

DAY 2: Jeroboam Goes Easy

Imagine a young boy having to carry firewood from the front of his house to the back. His father warned him not to use the wheelbarrow, and instead gave specific instructions that the wood needed to be carried in small bundles. About half way through the project, the young boy decides to disregard his father’s advice, and starts to load the wheelbarrow with wood. To his chagrin, the wheelbarrow breaks apart as he’s hauling the wood, making his job even more difficult than before. 

It’s a simple illustration, but is similar to something Jeroboam faces in 1 Kings 12. The people of Israel had been commanded by God to worship Him in Jerusalem. Jeroboam sees this as a burden for the people, and he creates alternative worship centers to make it easier on the people. Even though this was a practical idea, it still went against God’s desire. The Life Application Study Bible notes that God desires our obedience in all things. He wants us to follow-through His way, no matter the cost, time, energy, or resources involved. 

As you read today, consider this: Think of a time you have taken the easy way to do a project instead of the right way. What did you learn from this experience? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 KINGS 12:25-13:34

Think of a time you have taken the easy way to do a project instead of the right way. What did you learn from this experience?

In this current season in your life, what are at least five ways you believe God is inviting you to be obedient to Him and His Word? (If possible, ask somebody to help keep you accountable to following through in these areas.)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 41

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know that trusting and following You is better than trusting and following the ways of the world. Today, I once again pray that Your Word would penetrate deep into my life, and that the wisdom of Your Word would continue to shape me into the person You’ve made me to be. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

DAY 1: A Nation Divided

Imagine having a successful boss at work. Even though he was a bit rough around the edges, your job was secure and the business was thriving. But then a new leader appears, and publicly declares that he can do better, and that you won’t need to work as hard in order to receive the same results. What do you do? 

The kings of Israel started with Saul, David, and Solomon. And for all three generations, the nation of Israel remained whole. Twelve tribes were united under one banner, and thanks to God, the nation as a whole prospered. But because Solomon didn’t fully follow God’s ways, the nation of Israel was about to be divided. 

Early in his rule, Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, was asked to lighten the burden of the people. He received counsel from his father’s advisors, and counsel from young, inexperienced advisors. Ultimately, he followed the advice of his friends, and the entire nation suffered for it.

As you read today, consider this: Where do you most often go for advice? Are those you go to experienced and wise, or inexperienced?

READING & JOURNALING:

     1 KINGS 12:1-24

Where do you most often go for advice? Are those you go to experienced and wise, or inexperienced?

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? What is the worst? 

What impact did these decisions have on your life? Your family? Others? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Genesis 39 & 40

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that there are a lot of places I go for advice, and that there have been times when I have sought advice from people who told me what I wanted to hear, instead of seeking advice from those who would encourage me to do what is right. Help me to follow the advice of the wise, and the wisdom of Your Word. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.