1 Kings 21 Integrity

We read of the contrasts of integrity and godly character in this chapter. Naboth owned property that he had inherited from his father, which happened to be next to the palace and Ahab who desired Naboth’s land for a “vegetable garden”. For Ahab to even suggest purchasing the property from Naboth illustrates his disregard for…

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1 Kings 20 The Unlimited God

Things can turn quickly when God is involved in the affairs of men, as we see in this chapter. The Syrian king, Ben-Hadad made haughty declarations against Israel and the God of Israel. Ben-Hadad laid claim to everything that he desired or his men desired. When a second declaration was made the phrase “whatever is…

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1 Kings 19 Unrealistic Expectations

This chapter presents one of the challenges those in ministry face; depression especially those who have a prophetic call on their lives. As with Elijah, it seems to surface AFTER a significant spiritual encounter with the works of darkness. Ahab returned and shared with his diabolical wife, Jezebel, “all that Elijah had done”; including executing…

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1 Kings 19 Don’t Be Intimidated

We know by reading the Gospel of Luke and the book of James that this time frame was 3 1/2 years in length (an interesting parallel with Revelation’s time frame), that the famine took place. A number of scholars concur that Elijah spent six months by the brook Cherith and three years with the widow…

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1 Kings 15 First Response, Not Our Last Resort

Abijam’s reign as was short lived due to his NOT following in the ways of David. He lived in the ways of his father Rehoboam and only took the culture of Judah to increased levels of evil; such as, walking in the sins of Rehoboam, no loyalty toward the Lord and an unfaithful heart. Based…

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1 Kings 14 There Are No Substitutes for Truth

We begin reading a parallel historical account of Judah, which remained in Jerusalem based on the covenant with David; and Israel, those that broke away because of Rehoboam’s coarse response to lighten the work load and tax load. Abijah, became ill; so Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise to make inquiry as to destiny of…

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1 Kings 13 Listen to the Ancient Foundations

When Jeroboam heard of Solomon’s death he joined with Israel to make a request to override the edicts by his father of slavery and heavy taxation. Solomon essentially had returned to the status they had while in Egypt; being in bondage. The elders totally comprehended what ought to take place of; being a servant vs.…

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1 Kings 11 He Keeps Covenant

Reading this chapter, a number of emotions surface that range from anger to deep sorrow; as the account of Solomon’s rapid decline unfolds before us. Having a thousand wives, which were political in motivation and nature, along with the three hundred concubines. There are some who say that the “wisest man” couldn’t have been physically…

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