Daily Devotional

Scripture 2 Kings 15:9 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin.

Observation: All through the book of Kings we notice some kings either follow God and do good or others stray from God and do evil. You would think these kings would look back on history and figure out they need to be following God, because they need His blessings and guidance. But some people don’t want anyone over them not even God and want to do it their way. So many of them did evil in the sight of the Lord almost as if they were daring God to do something about it. God may not have struck them down right then and there, but you know where they are now and are deeply regretting their decisions.

Application: I’m not much better than some of those kings. I want to do things my way and I want to benefit from my actions. That is what is called doing evil. If I don’t put God first and do what He calls me to do that is evil. I need to seek God’s guidance in all that I do and then do it. He has given me His word and He does direct me in the path He want me to take, but it’s still a choice and I need to choose God.

Prayer: My Lord help get me beyond myself and focused on you. I’m here only as a servant and I need to be serving. Humble me before you and may I do good in your eyes. I love you may the way I live my life prove that.

Scripture 2 Kings 14:3 And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like his father David; he did everything as his father Joash had done.

Observation: We can set an example for our children and others whether good or bad. Sometimes if we are disliked by others they will do the opposite of what we do and if we are respected people want to emulate us. We need to be a positive role models for others and stay close to our Lord. It’s important not to be a hypocrite and that we do want we say we are going to do and not say one thing and do another. If we follow our God with all of our heart, mind and soul it will show and lead others to Him.

Application: I have been having a difficult time controlling my temper and keeping my mind pure. I always think of things in the most negative way and it is difficult to hide it from others. Today I made it clear that I wasn’t happy with my Sysco delivery and acted like a child in front of them and my employees. I can’t seem to go even a couple of minutes without thinking of something negative and I need to work harder in becoming the loving man God desires of me. I need to keep God closer in my heart so I don’t sin the way I have been. I need and want to be an example for others that will draw them closer to God and not further away.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me please to be a kinder person. Show me how to show your love to others by the way I treat them. May others want to follow the example I set, because it is your example of how to live this life. Give me the discipline to live a godly life in glory and honor to you.

Scripture 2 Kings 13:4 So Jehoahaz pleaded with the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

Observation: When we pray our Lord listens to us and answers our prayer. The Lord also has compassion on us as He saw the way his people suffered and delivered them out of their oppression even though He knew the people would turn from him again. God listens to us, but may not answer our prayers the way we think he should. We need to remember that no is also an answer and we need to trust in him to do what is best for us.

Application: I need to know that God hears me when I pray and I need to know that He will not answer all of my requests and He may take His time in answering. I must also know that no is an answer and to trust him with all of my heart, but never stop talking to Him. I know my Lord listens to me and that He loves me and wants the best for me. I need to know I wasn’t created for this earth, but a heavenly one and this one is getting me ready.

Prayer: My Lord thank you for always being there for me and listening to me, even when I don’t make sense. I thank you for loving me and getting me through this life and I ask that you use me in a way that will please you. Be with me tomorrow as I speak to your children about our new home and your love.

Scripture 2 Kings 12:2 Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

Observation: It’s easier to follow God with help from others. Here a more learned priest guided the king and the king obeyed his guidance. We that have walked with the Lord longer can help hold others be accountable to help keep them on the path of the Lord. We shouldn’t be stingy with the knowledge and grace God has given us we have it to reach out to others. Jesus has mentored all of us that follow Him and he has told us to go and spread the gospel and by spreading we are to teach his words.

Application: Tomorrow I’m going to be meeting with someone who is suffering from depression. This is my opportunity to mentor him in God’s word while asking God for a healing. God has put so many people in my path and I need to do more than say hi when I pass them by, I need to get involved and help.

Prayer: God give me the wisdom I’ll need to make a difference in others’ lives. I’m here as your servant show me how to assist your other servants. Give me knowledge and courage to approach others and may I not be selfish with this precious time you have given me.

Scripture 2 Kings 11:17 Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, that they should be the LORD’S people, and also between the king and the people.

Observation: Before making a covenant with the Lord you must be sure you are going to keep it. It is better not to make a promise at all than to make one and break it. The priest Jehoiada made a covenant with the Lord, king and people, a pack that they shouldn’t break or take lightly and when all parties agree and must be upheld. Here he was saying that from that time on that they will be the Lord’s people and there would not be any other God. Now it was up to the king to enforce this covenant and to make sure it didn’t get broken.

Application: I’m afraid to make a promise to God because I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep it so I don’t. Instead of making a commitment to my Lord and my God I choose to not take any chances. I need to be fully committed to do what God calls me to do I should at least make a covenant that I will follow my Lord all the days of my life. If I don’t make a promise to my Lord it would be too easy for me to not listen, but if I make a covenant with my Lord I will be more focused on keeping that promise and it will be on the front of my heart to do what is right.

Prayer: My Lord I now make a covenant with you my Lord and Master. That you and you alone will rule this life and I will have nothing ahead of you. I’m your servant help me stay close to you and never to stray this life has only one purpose and that is to serve you.

Scripture 2 Kings 10:16 Then he said, “Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD.” So they had him ride in his chariot.

Observation: Do I have zeal for the Lord and if I do is it obvious to others. I have my moments, like when I’m doing the Heaven study or doing a class on depression that my zeal for the Lord is great and I feel others can feel my zeal and excitement for my Lord. However my everyday life is not as obvious as my zeal goes to lukewarm at times and when people notice how I act at times they may not think I even know the Lord. God has done so many wonderful things in my life and when I think of them I’m full of gratitude and want to share that feeling with others. The difference is that I’m not focused on the goodness of God all the time and I should be.

Application: I need to have that zeal all of the time no matter where I am. I need to have compassion for others and love them as my Lord loves me or at least the best that I can do. I need God in my heart at all times thinking of His grace and mercy that He has shown me my whole life and to tell others about what He has done for me.

Prayer: Dear Lord I’m crazy for you, may you always be the first and last thing on my heart during each day.. Oh Holy Spirit fill me with zeal for the Lord and that I will obey every command and show you my love for you. I do love you, you know that, draw me closer to you.

Scripture 2 Kings 9:26 ‘Surely I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will repay you in this plot,’ says the LORD. Now therefore, take and throw him on the plot of ground, according to the word of the LORD.”

Observation: When the Lord says something you can bet it will come true. The Lord knows all things and when He speaks to us we need to adhere to what He says. The Bible is the word of God and He has given us instruction on what we are to be doing and we need to be doing it. In our heart we know what God desires of us even though we may make excuses why we shouldn’t be doing something. When God speaks He does it for a reason and we need to be obedient and listen.

Application: I need to be more aware of what God is saying to me and then do whatever He asks of me. I’m my Lord’s servant and a servant obeys commands and I want to be a good servant. I need to stay in prayer and in God’s word so I always know what God desires of me.

Prayer: My Lord speak to your servant and command me in what you want of me. Help me be obedient to you and that I will hear every word you say to me.