Category: 1 Kings

When Truth Becomes Inconvenient

*1 Kings 13-14

Psalm 61

1 Corinthians 13

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

These chapters are strange, tragic, and deeply sobering.

1 Kings chapter 13 introduces an unnamed “man of God” sent to confront King Jeroboam. Jeroboam had established false worship in the northern kingdom, creating golden calves and counterfeit religious practices to keep people politically loyal to him.

God sent a prophet to warn him.

And at first, the prophet stood courageously.

He delivered God’s message directly to the king. When Jeroboam stretched out his hand against him, the king’s hand shriveled instantly until the prophet prayed for his healing. It should have been a moment of repentance.

But Jeroboam’s heart remained unchanged.

Then comes one of the most heartbreaking twists in the story.

God had specifically commanded the prophet not to eat or drink in that place and not to return the same way he came. But an older prophet lied to him, claiming an angel had given new instructions. The younger prophet listened to the false message instead of obeying the clear word God had already spoken.

And it cost him his life.

It is a difficult story, but its lesson is painfully relevant.

Not every spiritual voice is trustworthy simply because it sounds religious.

People can speak confidently and still be wrong.
People can claim spiritual authority and still deceive others.
Even sincere believers can drift if they stop carefully testing what they hear against what God has already revealed.

That is why truth matters.

Not harshness.
Not arrogance.
Not winning arguments.

But truth.

The world often pressures believers to reshape God’s commands into something more convenient, popular, or culturally acceptable. Jeroboam did exactly that. He created a religion that was politically useful and easier for people to embrace.

And many people gladly followed it.

Counterfeit worship is often attractive because it asks less of us.

But convenient religion cannot save us.

Chapter 14 continues the tragedy. Jeroboam’s household faced judgment because he continually led the nation into sin. Yet even in the middle of judgment, Scripture notes something remarkable about Jeroboam’s sick child:

“In him there is found something pleasing to the LORD…”

Even in dark times, God notices sincere hearts.

That truth still matters today.

Our culture is filled with competing voices claiming to represent truth. Some are loud. Some are persuasive. Some are comforting. But faithfulness requires more than emotional reactions or popular opinion.

It requires humble obedience to God.

And ultimately, these chapters remind us why humanity desperately needs a better King than Jeroboam, Solomon, or any other flawed ruler. Human leaders repeatedly fail. Human religion repeatedly drifts.

But God’s future King will lead with perfect truth and righteousness.

One day false worship, deception, and divided hearts will finally end when God’s Kingdom fully comes and the earth is restored under His rule.

Three Things to Remember
  1. Not every spiritual voice speaks truth.

The prophet was deceived when he ignored God’s clear instruction.

  1. Convenient religion is spiritually dangerous.

Jeroboam created worship that was politically useful but spiritually corrupt.

  1. God still notices sincere hearts.

Even in a corrupt generation, God recognized what was good in Jeroboam’s child.

Faithfulness is not always easy.

Sometimes obeying God means standing against culture, pressure, convenience, or even respected voices around us.

But truth does not become false simply because it is unpopular.

And error does not become true simply because it is persuasive.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you tell if you are listening to lies or to the truth from God? How can you tell if you are speaking lies or the truth from God?
  2. When were you led astray by listening to someone who was not speaking the truth? What happened?
  3. What can you think of today that may be politically useful but spiritually corrupt?

Prayer

Dear God, You are giver of all truth. Help me to discern what is truth coming from You and what is not. Teach me what is Your voice and what is deception. May I not fall for what is convenient or popular but strive to always please You with authentic, sincere love, worship and truth. Please give me Lord, a true, undivided, faithful heart loving and serving You the only true God and Your Son Jesus, til his glorious return.

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The Slow Collapse

1 Kings 11–12

Psalm 61

1 Corinthians 12

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

It is one of the saddest turns in all of Scripture.

Solomon — the man who asked God for wisdom, built the temple, and spoke profound truth — slowly drifted away from wholehearted devotion to God.

1 Kings chapter 11 does not describe a sudden rebellion. It describes a gradual compromise.

One relationship at a time.
One excuse at a time.
One divided loyalty at a time.

Solomon married many foreign women, and eventually “his wives turned his heart after other gods.” The problem was never simply ethnicity. The issue was spiritual influence and divided devotion. The man who once dedicated the temple to the LORD eventually participated in idolatry himself.

That is the terrifying reality of spiritual drift:

Nobody plans to ruin their walk with God.

People usually drift slowly, almost invisibly, until one day they realize they are far from where they once were.

And Solomon’s personal compromise eventually affected an entire nation.

After his death, the kingdom fractured. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, inherited incredible opportunity but lacked wisdom and humility. When the people pleaded for lighter burdens, he rejected the counsel of experienced elders and listened instead to arrogant young advisers.

His answer was harsh.
His pride was costly.

The result?
The kingdom divided.

Ten tribes rebelled and formed the northern kingdom under Jeroboam, while Judah remained under Rehoboam’s rule.

What David united, Solomon weakened, and Rehoboam shattered.

These chapters are painful reminders that leadership matters. Pride spreads. Compromise spreads. Foolishness spreads. The consequences of one generation’s decisions often impact the next generation deeply.

But there is another tragedy here.

Jeroboam immediately feared losing political control if people continued worshiping in Jerusalem. So he created counterfeit worship centers with golden calves and told the people:

“Here are your gods, Israel…”

It was a recycled sin from the wilderness days under Moses.

Human nature has not changed much.

People still prefer convenient religion over costly obedience.
We still create watered-down substitutes for true worship.
We still reshape God into something more comfortable, manageable, and politically useful.

Yet even amid judgment and division, God preserved His promises.

The kingdom split, but God’s greater plan did not collapse.

The prophets would continue speaking.
The promised Messiah would still come through David’s line.
And God’s future Kingdom would still one day reunite what human sin had shattered.

That future hope matters because every earthly kingdom eventually fractures under the weight of human failure.

But the coming Kingdom of God will not be built upon fragile human wisdom. It will be ruled by a faithful King who will never drift, never compromise, and never fail.

Three Things to Remember

  1. Spiritual collapse usually happens slowly.

Small compromises can eventually reshape the entire heart.

  1. Pride destroys unity.

Rehoboam’s arrogance divided a kingdom.

  1. God’s promises survive human failure.

Even after division and rebellion, God continued moving history toward His coming Kingdom.

Sin rarely looks dangerous in its early stages.

That is why we must guard our hearts carefully.

Because kingdoms usually do not collapse overnight.

They collapse one compromise at a time.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways have you seen “Here are your gods, (insert name of your country)…”?
  2. Give an example of when unity has been destroyed by pride.
  3. Consider a sin in your own life. What were some compromises that led to this sin? How can we guard our hearts?

Prayer

Dear Lord, I praise You. Help me learn from Your word. Thank You for Your faithfulness through all the ages and in my life. Show me what You want from me. May I humbly follow You without compromise.

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When Blessings Become Distractions

1 Kings 9–10

Psalm 60

1 Corinthians 11

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

Solomon’s kingdom had reached astonishing heights.

The temple was complete.
The palace was built.
The nation was prosperous.
The surrounding kingdoms were amazed.

1 Kings chapters 9–10 describe a period of extraordinary success. Solomon’s wisdom became internationally famous. Wealth flowed into Jerusalem. Leaders traveled great distances just to hear him speak. Even the Queen of Sheba came away overwhelmed by what she witnessed.

From the outside, it looked like the golden age of Israel.

And yet, hidden beneath all the glory is a quiet warning.

God appeared to Solomon again and reminded him of something critically important:

“If you or your descendants turn away from me… then I will cut off Israel from the land…”
— 1 Kings 9:6-7

Why would God give such a warning during the kingdom’s greatest moment of success?

Because prosperity can be spiritually dangerous.

Hardship often drives people toward God.
Success often tempts people to slowly forget Him.

When life falls apart, people pray desperately.
When life feels secure, people sometimes begin trusting the blessings more than the One who provided them.

That danger still exists today.

A good career can slowly replace dependence upon God.
A comfortable life can dull spiritual urgency.
Even ministry success can quietly become pride.

And Solomon’s story demonstrates how subtle that drift can be.

These chapters list staggering amounts of gold, military strength, trade networks, luxurious possessions, and political influence. None of those things were automatically sinful by themselves. But together they reveal a king whose attention was gradually shifting from simple devotion toward accumulation, prestige, and earthly security.

The human heart has a dangerous tendency to turn gifts into idols.

The Queen of Sheba recognized that Solomon’s wisdom came from God. Sadly, Solomon himself would eventually begin losing sight of that truth.

That makes these chapters deeply relevant for us.

Sometimes the greatest spiritual threat is not suffering.
Sometimes it is success.

The Bible never teaches that money, achievement, or influence are the ultimate goal. In fact, all earthly kingdoms eventually fade. Solomon’s kingdom — despite all its glory — would soon begin unraveling.

But God’s coming Kingdom will not collapse.

Its foundation will not be gold, military power, or political influence. It will be built upon righteousness, justice, resurrection, and the rule of God’s appointed King.

That is why our hope must never rest primarily in earthly prosperity.

Because even the greatest human kingdoms eventually crack.

Three Things to Remember

  1. Prosperity can distract us from God.

Success often tests the heart more than hardship does.

  1. Blessings should point us back to the Giver.

The Queen of Sheba recognized God’s hand in Solomon’s wisdom.

  1. Earthly kingdoms never last forever.

Only God’s coming Kingdom will endure permanently.

It is easy to assume we are spiritually strong when life is going well.

But sometimes the most dangerous words a person can say are:

“I’ve got this.”

Solomon’s story reminds us that no amount of wisdom, wealth, or success can safely replace humble dependence upon God.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you seen evidence in your own life or in others that, “prosperity can be spiritually dangerous”?
  2. Focus in on your own life – what blessings have you received that have then stolen some of your time, desire and devotion away from serving God with all your heart?
  3. Do you own too much? Do you value things too much? What is your greatest treasure?
  4. Are you more humble or prideful, thankful or entitled, generous or greedy, kingdom-seeking or self-centered? Is your heart, time and finances more focused on possessions in this life or properly preparing for the one to come?

Prayer

Dear Father – I don’t want any thing that will distract me from doing what You want me to do. I want to keep growing closer and closer to You, not further away. Help me remove excess that gets in the way. Help me be thankful and generous with what You have given me and my family, always focused on You and Your coming kingdom. May my life show that You are my greatest treasure.

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When the Glory Filled the Temple

1 Kings 7-8

Psalm 60

1 Corinthians 10

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

After years of planning and construction, the temple was finally complete.

1 Kings chapters 7–8 describe the finishing details, the furnishings, and finally the moment when the ark of the covenant was brought into the temple. Then something extraordinary happened:

“The cloud filled the temple of the LORD… for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.”
— 1 Kings 8:10-11

It was a visible reminder that God was truly present among His people.

What a moment that must have been.

The musicians played.
The priests stood ministering.
The nation gathered together.
And suddenly the glory of God filled the temple so powerfully that the priests could not continue their work.

Yet Solomon understood something critically important. During his prayer of dedication, he asked:

“Will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you…”

Solomon recognized that the temple was never meant to shrink God down into a building. God is greater than any structure humanity could ever create.

That truth still matters today.

People often become attached to religious places, traditions, or outward appearances while neglecting the condition of the heart. Church buildings can be beautiful. Traditions can be meaningful. Worship gatherings can be emotional.

But none of those things automatically guarantee genuine faithfulness.

God has always desired more than outward religion.

He wants hearts that seek Him sincerely.

One of the most beautiful parts of Solomon’s prayer is how often he asks God to hear people when they repent and turn back toward Him. Solomon understood that the people would fail. He knew there would be sin, hardship, exile, drought, conflict, and brokenness.

But he also understood that God is merciful.

Again and again throughout Scripture, we see this pattern:

People drift.
God calls them back.
Mercy remains available.

That does not mean sin has no consequences. Israel would eventually experience painful judgment because of rebellion. But even judgment never completely erased God’s promises.

The temple itself pointed forward to something greater.

The prophets later described a future age where God’s presence would fully dwell with His people in peace and righteousness. The Bible’s ultimate hope is not escape from creation, but restoration of creation under God’s Kingdom.

One day the earth itself will be filled with God’s glory.

No more corruption.
No more idolatry.
No more death.

That future reality is far greater than even Solomon’s magnificent temple.

Three Things to Remember

  1. God is greater than any building.

Even Solomon knew the temple could not contain the fullness of God.

  1. God desires sincere hearts, not empty religion.

Outward worship means little without inward faithfulness.

  1. God’s ultimate plan is restoration.

The temple pointed forward to God dwelling fully with His people in His coming Kingdom.

The glory filling the temple was breathtaking.

But it was only a glimpse of something even greater still to come.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think God’s plan included a tabernacle, then temple, then church? What similarities might there be between being a part of a church today and going to the temple of Solomon’s day? What is your favorite part of being a part of a church?
  2. Consider your own heart. Are you more concerned with outward appearances, traditions and religious places than with a sincere, faithful heart of love? How can you tell what the health of your heart is towards God? What can be done to create a more faithful heart?
  3. What is your experience with glimpsing the glory of God? Where? When? Do you look for it? What are you looking forward to most about when His full glory will be revealed?

Prayer

Dear God – I praise You for giving life and love. I thank You for Your mercy towards me. I thank You for Your plan of salvation and Your plan for the ages, that we can look forward to a time when we are surrounded by Your full glory on display. Until then, I pray for a heart totally devoted to You. I thank You for the church. Help us to use it to draw ourselves and others closer to You and Your Son, but never to replace You. In Your son’s name, I pray

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A House for God

1 Kings 5-6

Psalm 59

1 Corinthians 9

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

Solomon began building the temple.

For generations, Israel had worshiped in the tabernacle — a movable tent that reminded the people that God traveled with them through the wilderness. But now the kingdom was established, the enemies were subdued, and Solomon prepared to build a permanent house dedicated to the LORD.

1 Kings describes enormous effort, careful planning, costly materials, and incredible craftsmanship. Cedar from Lebanon. Gold overlays. Carved cherubim. Skilled laborers. Massive stones carefully prepared before they ever arrived at the building site.

One detail stands out powerfully:

“No hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.”
— 1 Kings 6:7

The stones were shaped beforehand.

Quietly.
Carefully.
Intentionally.

That image says something profound about how God works.

Most of God’s shaping happens long before anyone sees the finished result.

We often want instant transformation.
Immediate answers.
Quick spiritual growth.

But God usually builds people the same way the temple was built — through quiet preparation over time.

Difficult seasons shape us.
Disappointments shape us.
Waiting shapes us.
Faithfulness in ordinary moments shapes us.

And much of that shaping happens where nobody else can see it.

But there is an even bigger lesson in these chapters.

As glorious as the temple was, Solomon himself understood that no building could fully contain God. Later, he would openly admit that “the heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain” Him.

The temple was never supposed to reduce God to a location. It was meant to remind people of His presence, holiness, and covenant.

Sadly, many people still confuse religious structures with genuine faith.

A beautiful church building is not the same thing as obedience.
Religious activity is not the same thing as a transformed heart.

God has always wanted more than ceremonies.
He wants faithful people.

The temple also pointed forward to something greater.

Throughout Scripture, the ultimate hope is not merely access to a building, but restored fellowship with God Himself through His appointed King and the coming Kingdom of God.

One day, according to the prophets and the teachings of Jesus, God’s presence will fully dwell with redeemed humanity in a restored earth where death itself is defeated.

That is the destination toward which the temple pointed.

Not just architecture.
Not just ritual.
But restoration.

Three Things to Remember

  1. God often shapes us quietly.

Much of the Lord’s work happens in hidden seasons before the final result is visible.

  1. Religious structures are not enough.

God desires obedient hearts, not merely outward ceremonies.

  1. The temple pointed toward a greater future.

The Bible’s story moves toward resurrection, restoration, and God dwelling with His people forever.

Sometimes we become discouraged because we do not yet see what God is building in our lives.

But the stones of the temple probably did not understand the blueprint either.

Still, the Builder did.

And He still does.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where have you seen pieces of God’s plan for you prepared beforehand? What pieces might God be molding right now for future presentation?
  2. What sort of boxes/buildings/separate activities do people sometimes try to keep God in? Why is this not God’s desire? What does He deserve instead?
  3. Take a step back and look not at your schedule today but God’s Big Picture Plan. What are you most excited about the Coming Kingdom and pieces building up to that? What still needs to be done? How can you mold your schedule today better in anticipation of what God is planning for the future?

Prayer

Dear God – You are an awesome God with an awesome plan. Thank You for including me in Your plans. Help me build only what You want me to build with the days that You have given to me. May I see You at work and do what is pleasing to You.

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Wisdom is More than Intelligence

1 Kings 3–4

Psalm 59

1 Corinthians 8

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

When Solomon became king, God gave him an incredible opportunity.

He could ask for anything.

Power.
Riches.
Military victory.
Long life.

Instead, Solomon asked for wisdom.

That request pleased God because Solomon recognized something many people never do: leadership without wisdom is dangerous.

1 Kings chapter 3 shows a young king who understood his own limitations. Solomon did not pretend to know everything. He admitted that he needed God’s help to govern rightly.

And that humility mattered.

One of the most famous moments in Solomon’s life came shortly afterward when two women came before him, both claiming the same baby as their own. Solomon’s shocking proposal revealed the true mother because real love was willing to sacrifice personal rights to preserve life.

True wisdom does more than impress people.
It reveals the heart.

That is still true today.

Our world often confuses wisdom with education, confidence, or internet knowledge. But biblical wisdom is deeper than information. Wisdom is the ability to see situations through God’s perspective and respond in ways that reflect His character.

A person can be highly educated and still make foolish decisions.
A person can speak confidently and still be spiritually blind.

Wisdom begins with recognizing our dependence upon God.

But there is also a warning quietly woven into these chapters.

Even while Solomon loved God, cracks were already forming beneath the surface. The text mentions that he married Pharaoh’s daughter and that the people were still sacrificing at the high places.

At first glance, those details may seem minor. But small compromises often become major disasters later.

Very few people wake up one morning and decide to destroy their lives. Usually, hearts drift slowly.

One tolerated compromise at a time.
One rationalization at a time.
One neglected prayer at a time.

That is why wisdom is not merely knowing what is right. Wisdom is continually choosing what is right.

Solomon’s kingdom experienced peace, prosperity, and influence unlike almost anything Israel had ever seen. Yet even the greatest earthly kingdom could not fully satisfy the human heart or permanently solve the problem of sin and death.

Like David before him, Solomon’s story ultimately points beyond himself.

The Bible’s hope is not merely that humanity would someday produce a wise king. The hope is that God would provide the perfect King — one greater than Solomon — who would rule with complete righteousness forever.

And that future kingdom still lies ahead.

Three Things to Remember

  1. Wisdom begins with humility.

Solomon became wise when he admitted he needed God’s help.

  1. Small compromises matter.

The seeds of future failure are often planted long before anyone notices them.

  1. Earthly success is never the final answer.

Even Solomon’s glorious kingdom could not replace humanity’s need for resurrection, restoration, and God’s coming Kingdom.

We live in a world overflowing with information but starving for wisdom.

So before asking God for more influence, more money, or more success, perhaps we should begin where Solomon did:

“Lord, give me wisdom.”

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you humble enough to seek and ask for wisdom?
  2. Consider this definition – “Wisdom is the ability to see situations through God’s perspective and respond in ways that reflect His character.” Choose a situation you have been in recently. What might wisdom see? How might wisdom respond?
  3. How can we learn more about God’s perspective and His character so we can more often follow in God’s wise way rather than our own often foolish way?
  4. What should we do, where should we be, who should we be with, while asking God for wisdom?
  5. What do you think is a wise judgment/decision/action you made? What is a foolish one ? What made it foolish? Were there any small compromises that led up to this foolishness?

Prayer

Dear God – I pray for wisdom. You are the wise and all-knowing, always righteous God and I need You. Help me see Your perspective and reflect Your character in both big and small decisions, judgments and actions in my life. Show me what is right and what is wrong and give me perseverance to do, think, say, choose what is right. Show me where small compromises are leading me astray.

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Finishing Well Matters

1 Kings 1-2

Psalm 58

1 Corinthians 7

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

David was old. Weak. Near death. And yet the future of the kingdom still depended on what happened in those final moments.

1 Kings opens with confusion, ambition, and uncertainty. Adonijah tried to take the throne for himself while David was still alive. He gathered supporters, hosted public celebrations, and acted like the kingdom already belonged to him. But God had already chosen Solomon.

There is an important lesson here: Not everyone who promotes themselves has been appointed by God.

Adonijah looked impressive. He sounded royal. He had influential friends. But appearances are not the same as obedience.

Meanwhile, David gave Solomon final instructions before his death. He did not simply tell his son how to rule politically. He told him how to live spiritually:

“Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands…” — 1 Kings 2:3

David understood something many people never learn: success is not measured merely by how long we live, how much we accumulate, or how powerful we become. A life is measured by faithfulness to God.

Even David himself was a reminder of that truth. His life had victories and failures, courage and sin, repentance and heartbreak. Yet through it all, David still trusted the promises of God. He died looking ahead to a kingdom he would not fully see in his lifetime.

That hope matters.

The Scriptures repeatedly point beyond temporary kingdoms toward the coming Kingdom of God — a kingdom ruled by the promised Son of David. David himself knew he would one day rest in the grave awaiting resurrection and restoration under God’s final King.

That is our hope too.

Not escape from earth. Not floating away forever somewhere distant. But resurrection, restoration, and life in God’s coming kingdom.

The beginning of Solomon’s reign reminds us that every generation must choose whether it will submit to God’s wisdom or chase its own ambitions.

And the ending of David’s life reminds us of another truth: Starting well is good. Finishing well is better.

Three Things to Remember

1. Self-promotion is not the same as God’s calling.

Adonijah exalted himself, but God had already chosen someone else.

2. The condition of the heart matters more than outward success.

David’s final concern was Solomon’s obedience to God.

3. Our ultimate hope is still future.

Like David, we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises and the resurrection of the dead. The world teaches us to chase comfort, status, and recognition now. But Scripture constantly points us forward.

Toward a better King. A better kingdom. And a better future than this world can offer.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you tend to measure success in your own life or in the lives of others?
  2. “A life is measured by faithfulness to God.” How is your life measuring up?
  3. What have you started well that still needs to be finished well? What steps can you take toward that purpose?
  4. Who has shared spiritual wisdom with you? What spiritual wisdom have you gained thus far that you can pass along?
  5. What evidence can you find regarding David’s view of death? How is it like or unlike yours?

Prayer

Dear God – I thank You for the wisdom found in Your book and in Your people. Help me grow in wisdom, seeing what is most important, and faithfully living in obedience to You. Thank You for the promises You give, including the coming resurrection and kingdom with the Son of David (who is Your Son, too). In his name I pray.

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Hearing What We Don’t Want to Hear

1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18

In First Kings 22 and in Second Chronicles 18 we find the same account of evil King Ahab considering going to war against Ramoth Gilead.  He asked about 400 prophets what he should do and they all said to go victoriously to war.  When encouraged by King Jehoshaphat of Judah to ask a prophet closer to the matter about this, King Ahab’s response is found in First Kings 22:8.  He says, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad.  He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”  Now remember, it is said of evil King Ahab from First Kings 21:25-26, “There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife.  He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.”  It is no wonder the true prophet of God never had anything good to prophesy, but always bad!

It is noteworthy that King Ahab avoided the truth because he deemed it as bad.  Instead, he listened to the 400 voices that told him what he wanted to hear.  King Rehoboam did the same thing in First Kings chapter 12.  Instead of listening to the advice of the elders, who gave advice he did not want to hear, he followed the advice of his peers.  He followed what he wanted rather than what was best for him.

It would be easy to look at these kings and heap ridicule upon them in judgment.  However, it might be beneficial to consider our own ways.  How often do we gravitate toward people who affirm our immorality, rather than seeking the truth of God?  How often do we lean into confirmation bias, rather than seeking godly ways of thinking about a matter?  The book of Proverbs consistently supports the idea of seeking wise counsel.  Consider Proverbs 1:5, “let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance”.  Also, Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.”  Clearly, God desires that we would listen to the voices that speak His wisdom into our lives, even if we don’t want to hear it.

One more thing to consider today.  Sometimes we are the ones who need to hear something from God, even when we don’t want to hear it.  However, sometimes we are the Micaiah’s who have something to say that someone else may not want to hear.  Progress in these situations slowly, discerning God’s wisdom to speak in love.  Ephesians 4:15 says, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”  The words we speak must be spoken in love.  Our goal of speaking should be for us to grow into Christ together.  

Listen to God’s Word, especially if you don’t want to hear it.  Speak to others in love, especially when they might not want to hear God’s Word.

-Michael Cisler

Reflection Questions

How can you actively seek godly voices in your life?

What does it mean to speak the truth in love?  What does each element (truth and love) entail?

When is the right time to speak and when is the right time to be quiet?

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Dealing with Disappointment

1 Kings 20-21

In First Kings 21 we find the account of King Ahab in his attempt to gain ownership of a vineyard owned by a man named Naboth.  After the king makes his appeal to Naboth, Naboth declines his offer.  King Ahab’s response is recorded in First Kings 21:4 where it says, “So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, ‘I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.’  He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.” 

What a response to the disappointment of not getting what he wanted!  He’s acting like a spoiled toddler.  He doesn’t get his way so he sulks, gets angry, lays on his bed, and refuses to eat.  It’s easy to see why King Ahab is known as one of the evil kings of Israel.  However, might there be something in this account that hits a bit close to home for us as well?

Has there ever been anything in your life that you really wanted and did not get?  How did you respond?  Have you ever played or watched a sport in which you really wanted your team to win but they didn’t?  How did you respond?  Have you ever worked hard and wanted to earn a promotion or a good grade but did not receive what you thought you deserved?  How did you respond?  In any of these situations, or others when you did not get what you wanted, did you sulk or become angry or refuse to eat?

We could certainly look to Jesus and see how he handled disappointments in life.  He weeps over Jerusalem in Matthew 23 but resolutely follows God’s leading to Jerusalem.  He prays God will allow a different path in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26 but resolutely follows God’s leading to the cross.  These are two of many examples in which Jesus affirms that he will follow God, no matter the disappointments he faces.

Another biblical example of appropriate responses to things not going their way is the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3.  When threatened with the punishment of being thrown into a fiery furnace if they do not abandon God, they respond by saying that God would rescue them, “But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  These three were also resolute that even if they did not get their way, they would follow God’s leading.

As we face times of disappointment in our lives, let’s commit to resolutely following God, no matter what.  The encouragement Paul gave in First Thessalonians 5:16-18 would be good encouragement for us in these times as well.  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Even when we do not get our way we can choose to be joyful, to pray, and to give thanks.

-Michael Cisler

Reflection Questions

  1. Has there ever been anything in your life that you really wanted and did not get?  How did you respond?  What is your typical response to any sort of disappointment? Why do you think you respond this way?
  2. What could be some underlying thought processes of someone who regularly becomes angry or sullen when faced with disappointment (not getting what they want)?
  3. How can a better response to disappointment be a witness to your faith in God?
  4. What would you like to do next time you meet up with a disappointment?
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It’s Personal

1 Kings 17-19

I have appreciated the opportunity to read and share my thoughts with you across these seven days. We’ve traced the unfolding drama of the divided kings and kingdoms of Israel. We’ve watched the culture shift, the crowd move to and fro, and the pressure rise and fall, but through their stories, one truth rings clear: the faithful know that wisdom comes from God alone.

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21)

Looking momentarily at my own nation, America is a nation with deep Judeo-Christian roots, as many of our founding documents demonstrate a commitment to God as the architect of the law that governs us. Our motto makes mention of our trust in God, we proclaim His work in our patriotic songs, open government functions with prayer, and swear in our presidents with their hand on His Word. I am one of many who believe the blessings we enjoy as a nation—even in today’s troubling times—can be attributed to the enduring declaration that the God of Israel and the Father of Jesus Christ reigns here.  Sadly, more and more are living on borrowed blessings as the altars of moral revision, self-importance, and political convenience are being fashioned and raised.

Today, we look to the prophet Elijah, who lived as a lone voice for the Lord in a nation God had once richly blessed. Elijah wasn’t trendy or tribal. His conversations with God were authentic and intimate, and he took action as one who was swiftly obedient. His faith was so personal that he was often fully dependent on the Lord even for his next meal—fed by ravens and sustained by a jar of oil and flour that never ran dry. How ready would we be to fight off the enemies of God, to recite and rely on His promises, and even to expect miracles in His name, if we lived with this kind of faithfulness?

Each of us is called to that kind of personal, committed, lived-out faith. It may seem like faith is inherited—passed down through our nation’s heritage or through family and friends—but true faith is never proximal. Hanging with a spiritual crowd, attending high-energy worship services, or serving on a ministry team are not guarantors of a relationship with the Lord.  Personal faith is born in the discomfort of repentance, in the surrendering of fear, and in the offering up of our possessions. These are the intimate things God desires from us. In the abandonment of self, we begin to hear God’s call clearly—and are emboldened because we know our Creator personally.

“At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: ‘Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” – 1 Kings 18:36–37

In this week’s reading, we’ve seen that change in a nation is inevitable. I pray that “In God We Trust” will continue to stand as a reminder of our nation’s steadfastness for the Lord. But however long it endures, let it always point us to something greater—our personal relationship with God, built through surrender, obedience, and faith. If the Lord is God, stand for Him—even if you stand alone. Because at the end of the day, it’s personal.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What character traits do you find in Elijah? Is there one you would like to have more of in your life? How would you go about adding more?
  2. What choices are before you today?
  3. Which one will you choose? Why?
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