2 Chronicles 34–36 - King Josiah led Judah to turn back to God. When he heard what the book of the law said in the scrolls that were found, he immediately responded. When God shows us a new truth in scripture, we should immediately apply it to our lives. Scripture should shape how we live; how we live should not shape how we choose to handle scripture. King Josiah died fighting a battle that wasn’t his. He didn’t seek God. Often our faith gets damaged fighting the wrong battles. Seek God before you choose a hill to die on. After Josiah, the kings were evil and the people turned away from God. As a result, they were conquered.

Psalm 150 - There is so much for which God should be praised in so many ways he can be praised.

Luke 12:49–59 - The truth of who Jesus is often causes major divisions between those who believe in those who don’t, regardless of their relationship with each other. Anytime you are pulled into a legal dispute, it is better to settle if possible rather than let your fate be determined by people who may not even know God.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-18 - We must keep our distance from those who claim to be followers but refuse to repent of sin. Love them like Christ does, but don’t allow them the opportunity to influence you or others.

2 Chronicles 30-33 - King Hezekiah was zealous for God and his ways. He led the people to hold the Passover celebration once the temple was restored. He was dedicated to keeping God’s laws and eager to lead the people back to God. God gave the people one heart to obey him. Hezekiah was successful because of God’s favor, and God responded to the humble obedience of the people. Prideful obedient says we deserve God’s favor because we have obeyed. Humble obedience says we will obey because we are totally dependent on God. Hezekiah encouraged the Levites in the skills they displayed as they served God. We need to continually encourage people to use their God-given skills to serve him. Hezekiah called for people to tithe again so those who serve God in the temple could be fully devoted to the work. When people tithed, there was plenty. The tithe is a God-given principle set up to provide for those God has called to fulfill his ministry. Hezekiah sought God wholeheartedly and God gave him success. When Hezekiah became ill, he repented of his pride and God healed him. God gave him great success. His son Manasseh was an evil king most of his life and returned to worshiping false gods. At the end of his life, he turned back to God and was forgiven. No one is beyond the reach of God‘s forgiveness.

Psalm 149 – God gives victory to the humble. Praise flows from the heart of the humble because they realize the goodness of God.

Luke 12:35–48 – We must live as if Jesus is coming back at any moment. We must take care of those that God has entrusted us with leading and prepare them for his return. We will be held accountable for how we lead.

2 Thessalonians 3:6–13 – Laziness and idle living is not an attribute of godly people. Regardless of what others do, be determined to do good.

2 Chronicles 28-29 - King Ahaz rejected God and closed the temple so people could not worship him there. He did evil and it led to distraction for Judah and himself. When Hezekiah led, he did what was pleasing to God. He had his people purify themselves and purify the temple. When we realize we haven’t been following God, we need to take time to purifier our own hearts and lives. Many times we need to remove things that don’t honor God.

Psalm 148 - All things have been created by God enforced glory. He deserves all the praise. The beauty of creation praises God and so should we.

Luke 12:22-34 - God will provide all that we need. He is more valuable than earthly wealth. Seek him above all things and trust him. The focus of your heart, your thoughts and desires, will tell you what you really treasure. God wants us to seek him with the same or more vigor that we might seek earthly treasure. Do you desire or seek God that much?

2 Thessalonians 3:1–5 - Pray that as you carry gods message, he will protect and delivery from the attacks of the enemy. Be aware of the spiritual battle and continue to move forward with the gospel in the confidence that comes from God.

2 Chronicles 25-27 - King Amaziah didn’t follow God wholeheartedly and it led to his destruction. He listened to the prophet of God about not partnering with Israel because God was not with Israel. However once he experienced success against the Edomites, he became proud and refused to listen to the man of God. Because he turned away from God, God allowed him to be killed. Uzziah did what pleased God and as long as he sought guidance from God, God helped him. He became powerful and then he too became proud which led to his distraction. King Jotham then became king and I had great success because he followed God and was careful to obey him completely.

Psalm 147 - God supports the humble and is delighted by those who fear him. He alone is worthy of praise.

Luke 12:13–21 – It is foolish to chase after money and not after God. Greed will keep you from a rich relationship with God.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 - It brings joy to see people receive Jesus. Once we receive Jesus, we must tell others about the grace of God that we have found.

2 Chronicles 22–24 – Ahaziah listened to bad advice and it cost him his life. It says Jehoiada gathered up his courage and did what was right. Doing what is right will often take courage. We must hold on to the truth that doing things God‘s way is best, regardless of the outcome. After Jehoiada‘s death, Joash turned from God and it led to his destruction.

Psalm 146 - Putting our hope in the one true God will lead to joy. He will help us, rescue us, deliver us, and take care of us. Praise the Lord!

Luke 12:1–12 - we should live lives of integrity so that when all we have said or done is revealed we have nothing to be ashamed of. Let only your fear of God determine the way that you live. He will take care of you.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - The one who will come to lead people astray and do evil will come when God no longer prevents it. When he does come, he will further deceive those on the path to destruction who refuse to believe the truth. Some people love their way too much and will refuse to believe in and accept the truth of God. This will lead to their destruction. 

2 Chronicles 20-21 - Jehoshaphat cried out to God when the surrounding nations had joined to go to war against him. He said – I don’t know what to do but my eyes are on you. He also declared a fast for people to seek God‘s help. As they went into battle, singers led the way praising God and when they did, God began fighting for them and gave them victory. God will fight for us if we will have the same kind of humble dependence on him that Jehoshaphat did. Our battle is a spiritual battle and God wants to give us victory if we will learn to trust him completely. Their battle strategy, which should be ours, was prayer, fasting and praise. Jehoshaphat made alliances with an evil king for business purposes, but God caused it to fail because he was not pleased with it. Jehoram became the next king, but he did evil and died from the sickness that made his bowels fall out of his body. He was not even honored at his death.

Psalm 145 – Daily make the choice to praise God’s name for the rest of your life. We have plenty to praise God for. Take time to remember his mighty deeds and tell the next generation. Thank you God that you are patient and slow to get angry. Thank you for helping me when I needed help. Thank you that you grant the desires of those who fear you.

Luke 11:37-54 - Jesus was not happy with the religious leaders because they were careful to do things that caused them to appear holy while ignoring the things that really mattered and that reflected their heart. God cares about the heart. They tithed, but ignored justice. They loved the praise of people and made extreme religious demands while rejecting Jesus and causing others to do the same. Religious behavior does not equate to righteousness.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-12 - Jesus is coming back one day for those who believe. Until then, we need God’s power to do what faith prompts us to do.

2 Chronicles 17-19 - Jehoshaphat pleased God because he was deeply committed to the ways of God. He even sent officials out into the land to teach others the ways of God. Jehoshaphat made an alliance with king Ahab, but king Ahab did not seek God and did not like learning from the Lord‘s prophet. As a result, they went into battle and Ahab attempted to escape the prophecy that he would die in battle by disguising himself. However, he was shot by what seemed to be a random arrow and died. Repentance is the only hope to avoid God‘s wrath. Jehoshaphat called out to God and God saved him. Jehoshaphat then appointed judges and gave them these instructions: 1) Think carefully before you make decisions, 2) Be fair, 3) Act with integrity. Ultimately they should judge in a way to please God not people. In all things that we do, we should live to please God not people.

Psalm 144 - It is only by God's might and favor that we have success. We shouldn’t attempt to depend on our own strength and abilities, but recognize our complete dependence on God and give him praise.

Luke 11:29–36 – Jesus predicted his own death and resurrection by referring to the sign of Jonah. Jonah went into the belly of a whale for three days. Jesus would go into the belly of the earth, and return to prove that he is the Messiah. For those who believe in him and have received spiritual life, we must be a light to the world and remove all dark corners in us. The way to remove darkness is to apply God‘s truth to our lives completely.

2 Thessalonians 1:1–7 – God will allow persecution and trials in our lives to resign our faith, but he will also give us rest one day. Be faithful and in due time, God will come through.

2 Chronicles 13-16 - Israel and Judah went to war. Judah pointed out that Israel wasn’t being led by a descendant of David and were allowing anyone to become a priest, not following God’s instructions. Judah had not abandoned God. He was their leader and God gave them victory. King Asa did what was pleasing in God’s sight. He got rid of the altars to false gods and objects of idle worship and commanded the people to seek and worship God alone. When over 1 million Ethiopians came against them, they turned to God and acknowledged that he alone can help the powerless against the mighty. God once again gave them victory. King Asa led the people to earnestly seek God and God gave them rest from their enemies. At the end of King Asa’s reign, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah. This time, instead of turning to God for help, he turned to another king. Even though that king was able to help, Asa was rebuked by God through Hanani the seer. Verse nine says the eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. Is your heart fully committed to him?

Psalm 143 – When we are troubled and distressed, we can turn to God for help, not because we deserved it or earned it but because of his love and goodness to us.

Luke 11:14–28 – Jesus’s ability to cast out demons was a sign that he was the Messiah and the kingdom of God had arrived. Those who refuse to trust in and follow Jesus are acting as enemies of Jesus. Those who follow and obey are more blessed in Jesus’s mom Mary.

1 Thessalonians 5:12–28 – Paul’s final instructions were that they take care of one another demonstrating love, kindness and care. They should be joyful, prayerful and thankful and always open to what the Holy Spirit may want to say to them personally or through others. They should also stay away from every kind of evil. These are great instructions for all who follow Jesus.

2  Chronicles 10-12 - Rehoboam failed to follow the wisdom of his father’s advisors and listened to his close friends instead.  As a result, the kingdom split and the northern tribes refused to be ruled by a descendant of David. When Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he stopped following God.  Often when we experience success, we become prideful and drift from God.  As a result, God allowed the Egyptians toivade Jerusalem.  The leaders of Israel humbled themselves, so God relented a little.  Rehoboam was remembered as an evil king because he did not seek God with hiw whole heart.  Will you be remembered as a person who sought God with their whole heart?

Psalm 142 - We can turn to God when we feel overwhelmed and he will rescue us.  He is our place of Refuge.  “He is all I really want!” Is that true of you?

Luke 11:1-13 - God wants us to persistently seek him in prayer.  We should ask God to give us more of the Holy Spirit as we pray.  It is better than any gifts earthly fathers can give. 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - We need to continually live with a clear mind and focus on the eternal so that we will be ready for Christ’s return. 

2 Chronicles 8-9 - Solomon was careful to follow God‘s instructions for the temple and assigning duties to priests. God blessed his obedience. Also, true wisdom is displayed through our obedience to God. Wisdom isn't just about knowledge. It is about obedience to what God has revealed to us. It is foolish to live as if we know better than God. The queen of Sheba was impressed with Solomons wisdom and the way in which he had built and organized the kingdom. God blessed Solomon with great wisdom. 

Psalm 141 - We need God to guard our tongues and to keep us from drifting toward evil. We must realize that turning from God is often a drift, not a one time decision. We need Godly friends to help correct us when we get off track.

Luke 10:38–42 - We must not get so distracted working for God that we miss out on listening to God.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-18 - It is good to live a quiet life, not getting involved in drama, but working hard at whatever you do. We have hope when faced with death because we know the grave is not the end for those who believe.

2 Chronicles 6–7 - Solomon recognized his success in building the temple came from God. He praised God for his blessings and favor. Do you take time to recognize and praise God when he gives you success? God‘s condition for restoring his people was humility, confession or admitting their sin, and true repentance that was seen in a change of behavior.

Psalm 140 – God will not allow the wicked to succeed forever and he will take care of those who live righteously by following him.

Luke 10:25–37 - To love your neighbor, we must show God's love through having mercy on anyone in need. The Samaritan had mercy on his enemy and showed love even though he had no obligation or expectation to do so.

1 Thessalonians 4:1–10 – Our goal should be to live a life that pleases God in all areas of our lives. We should pursue purity, integrity, and harmony with other believers.

2 Chronicles 3–5 - Solomon held a huge worship service when the temple was completed. He gave praise to the one who made it possible and the one that it was built for. God responded to their praise with his presence. God responds when we praise him.

Psalm 139 – God made us on purpose and for a purpose. The part that stands out to me today is that he goes before us and follows us and has placed his hand of blessing on our heads. Following Jesus leads to experiencing his peace and blessings in our lives.

Luke 10:17–24 – There is a spiritual battle all around us. We need God to give us eyes to see the real battle. Because we are his children, we have no reason to fear the fight. He has already won and we get to share in his victory.

1 Thessalonians 3:7–13 - It is encouraging to see people stand firm in their faith in the midst of struggles.

​2 Chronicles 1–2 – God established Solomon as a very powerful leader. Solomon's only request from God was wisdom to lead God's people and God gave him that and much more. I know I need that kind of wisdom to do what God has called me to do as I lead his church.

Psalm 138 – God cares for the humble, but it says he keeps his distance from the proud. Yikes! We must be humble if we are going to experience God‘s power and presence in our lives. If we humbly follow God, he will work out his plans for our lives.

Luke 10: 1–16 – God is sending people out to the field for harvest. Pray he raises up more because the harvest is plentiful. It is our job to do what God sends us to do. The results are up to him, not us. Trust him and just do your part.

1 Thessalonians 3:1–6 - Trials and troubles are part of living in a broken world. We must cling to our faith and hope in Christ when we go through tough times.

1 Chronicles 29 – David raised the money for the building of the temple and he lead the way by giving from his own treasuries. The families and leaders gave willingly because they recognized that all they had was given to them by God. Generosity flows from a proper perspective of God as our provider. They also realized their lives were short and like a shadow, so what they did for God and his kingdom was all that would last.

Psalm 137 - The consequences of sin are painful. Israel was conquered by the Babylonians because of their sin. But even though God had allowed the Babylonians to conquer Israel, the Babylonians would eventually experience the consequences of their own evil.

Luke 9:51–62 - The Samaritan rejected Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem and they hated the Jews. There should be no barriers for who we show God's love to. Jesus caused us to follow him completely even though it will mean leaving our comfort, our plans, and our desires behind at times.

1 Thessalonians 2:10–20 - Getting to see God change the lives of those we pour into brings great joy and meaning to life.

1 Chronicles 26–28 – David’s advice to his son was to learn to know God, worship and serve him wholeheartedly, and seek him. If you seek him, you will find him. To lead well, we must seek God well.

Psalm 136 – When we stop to remember all that God has done, it gives us plenty of reasons to praise God and to realize that he is faithful.

Luke 9:37–50 - The father was desperate for Jesus to help his son, so he cried out above the crowd. He was not afraid of making a scene because he believed Jesus was the only one who could help. Jesus delivered the boy and gave him back to his father. The father didn’t quit when the disciples couldn’t help. He went to Jesus. While people were in awe of the power they saw in Jesus, they still didn’t understand his plan. They wanted positional authority when Jesus took his throne. They were more concerned about self. Jesus said the greatest is the one who demonstrates love greatly.

1 Thessalonians 2:1–9 - When we preach and minister to people, it should be to please God not people.

1 Chronicles 23–25 - There were many ways people were assigned to contribute to worship in the tabernacle. All followers of Jesus have been given gifts to be used as a part of the body of Christ. We all have a part to play in carrying out the mission of God’s church.

Psalm 135 – There is no other God like our God. He has proven his power and dominion. He is the one true living God. We have reason to praise him! All praise belongs to him alone.

Luke 9:28–36 - Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus about his exodus from this world. I wonder what that conversation was like. Peter wanted to build shelters and stay there because of how incredible that experience was. When God moves in our lives, he doesn’t want us to stay in that moment forever, but for that moment to move us into his mission.

1 Thessalonians 1 - The believers were having a powerful impact on others because they received Christ, and their lives changed. They turned from their idols and served God. This brought suffering, but they continue to be faithful and follow full of hope. Because of this, others were impacted. Faithfulness to God despite our circumstances will make an impact on others.

1 Chronicles 20-22 - David sin brought punishment and pain on those he led. David realized his sin and took responsibility. When we realize our sin we must take responsibility and repent.  To carry out gods mission, we must seek the Lord with all our heart and soul.

Psalm 133–134 – Harmony among Christians brings blessing and life to people. Praise the Lord even though the darkness presses in.

Luke 9:18–27 – Jesus regularly got away alone to pray and we should do the same. Jesus' disciples recognized him as the messiah because of what they experienced and saw with her own eyes. Our experience is proof of God’s power. Forgiveness is free. Following Jesus will cost you your old life but he will give you real life in exchange.

Colossians 4:10–18 – Paul tells them to be sure to carry out the ministry God gives them. God has given us all a ministry to carry out and we need to be sure we don’t neglect that.

1 Chronicles 17-19 - David wanted to build the temple, but God said no. David responded in humility recognizing that he didn’t deserve the favor God had already given he and his family. God gave David success over his enemies. When we walk in humility with God we position ourselves to see God move mightily. When Joab and Abishai thought the Amonites, they positioned themselves to fight the battle together promising to support each other through the fight. We need others who will stand with us in the fight. This is why getting plugged into a local church is so important.

Psalm 132 – God promised to bless David and his descendants as long as they obeyed God.

Luke 9:1–17 - Jesus empowered his disciples to do the ministry. He gave them what they needed to meet the needs of people. If we will offer all that we have and all that we are to God he will multiply it and use it to meet the needs of others. He will give us the ability to do what only he can do through us, but we have to walk in faith and trust him to come through. 

Colossians 4:1–9 – As we follow Jesus we must devote ourselves to prayer because it is through prayer that we experience God‘s peace power and presence. Prayer is the starting place for following Jesus. We must be ready to tell others about Jesus. We should be careful to be wise in how we live our lives and how we talk so that others might come to know Jesus too.

1 Chronicles 15-16 - David realized that the reason they failed to move the ark the first time was because they didn’t do it God's way. We will only accomplish the things of God by following God‘s way. We must ask God how he wants us to do what he calls us to do. When we do what he calls us to do and we do it his way, we will experience joy. Not everyone will be excited when you follow God, but honoring God matters most.

Psalm 130–131 - I am counting on the Lord. My hope is in him. Only he can make our efforts successful.

Luke 8:40-56 - The woman who had suffered for 12 years was given new life through her healing because of her faith that Jesus could heal her. Jairus faith led to his daughter being given new life. Faith always leads to new life. New life should always be the byproduct of genuine faith.

Colossians 3:15-25 - In all areas of your life, let the Holy Spirit guide you, so that you will live in a way that is a testimony of the goodness of God.

1 Chronicles 12–14 - God chose David when he was a boy to be king, but it did not happen right away or in a way that could have been predicted. God will do what he says, but it will be done his way in in his timing. Don’t lose hope in what God has said he will do. Keep following in faith and he will bring you through.

Psalm 129 - We can be sure that the enemy will attack us through our thoughts and through others, but if trust in God and what he has said, he won’t let us be defeated.

Luke 8:26–39 - Even though Jesus had done the miraculous, the people asked him to leave because they did not want him interfering with their every day lives. They valued the pigs over the power of Jesus. We do the same anytime we refuse to allow Jesus to change any areas of our lives.

Colossians 3:1–14 - Our new life in Christ should be seen in how we live our lives. The way we put on our new natures by allowing God to renew us as we learn to know him and follow his ways. Our true identity is found in Christ. The more we get to know him, the more we will know who we are.  

1 Chronicles 10-11 - The Lord killed Saul because of his unfaithfulness to God. As the leader of God's people, he was expected to faithfully follow God and lead God's people to do the same. God will remove leaders who have been positioned to lead his people if they are unfaithful to him and refused to repent. David became more and more powerful, not because of his strategy or strength, but because the Lord was with him.

Psalm 128 – Joy comes from following Jesus completely. He will give you joy, make your labor fruitful, and make you prosperous. Follow him completely and let him do what he says he will do. You will find joy in trusting him.

Luke 8:16–25 – Jesus tells us to be careful how we listen. Do we listen with an open heart and a desire to understand? Those who fail to listen will lose the understanding they once had. Learning to listen will keep us from falling for deception. Faith is seen in the midst of storms. Will you trust God even in the midst of uncertainty?

Colossians 2:16–23 – Religious rules don’t lead to righteousness. The Holy Spirit leads us to live righteously. Keeping pious requirements aren’t beneficial, only following Jesus is. All we have to do is seek him, listen to him, and do what he says.

1 Chronicles 7–9 - These genealogy‘s help show that God kept the tribes intact despite their disobedience. They had been exiled due to many people worshiping idols. We must realize that our actions and decisions to obey or disobey God in our personal lives often have consequences that impact others. The Levites diligent care for the temple and preparation for worship should challenge us to make sure we are giving our best to God because he is worthy of excellence.

Psalm 127 – It is futile for us to labore to build our lives without God. If we will trust in him, following his lead, he will build it. We can trust him. When we build his way, he will give us rest.

Luke 8:1–15 – It’s important that we know the women in this passage were part of those who followed Jesus closely. This would not have happened with any other rabbis in their culture. Jesus elevated women in a culture where they were considered property. The story of the seed reminds us that we must let God work the soil of our hearts so that he can produce fruit in our lives. The mark of good soil is fruit, so is there fruit, or evidence in your life. Good soil will patiently produce a harvest. We must be faithful and patient because he will produce the harvest in time.

Colossians 2:8–15 - Just as you accepted Christ, you should continue to follow him. You accepted him through Faith and in faith is how you follow Jesus. The only way to do this is to daily seek him and spend time with him through prayer and scripture, getting to know him. As you do this, you will grow deep spiritual roots and it will do two things in your life: 1 - change how you live as you discover your new life in Christ; 2 - keep you from falling for bad theology that might lead you astray.

1 Chronicles 5–6 – The leaders of the half tribe of Manasseh had a great reputation as warriors, but they were unfaithful to God. We can be successful in the world‘s eyes, yet fail in the most important way. The tribe of Levi carried out all the duties associated with the most high place and did all that Moses had commanded. A person who is called to ministry must be diligent to follow God‘s instructions.

Psalm 126 – If we sow tears of repentance, we will one day reap a harvest of joyful restoration. God response to repentance.

Luke 7:36–50 – The woman’s faith was demonstrated by her love for Jesus. Her faith saved her, not her demonstration of love, however her love was displayed in her actions. The actions of our lives should display a love for Jesus in response to who he is and what he has done.

Colossians 2:1–7 – True wisdom is found in Jesus. When we aren’t fully seeking and following him, we could easily be deceived by well-crafted arguments.

1 Chronicles 3–4 - Jabez was remembered because he was honorable and because of his bold prayer.

Psalm 125 – As we tune our hearts to God, he changes our desires and he makes us godly. Have nothing to do with evil people and don’t put them in positions of leadership if possible.

Luke 7:18–35 – Jesus explained how John was the fulfillment of prophecy even though many didn’t believe which also was a fulfillment of prophecy. Wisdom is proven in the lives of those who apply it and live it out. To be wise is not to simply know something you should do but to apply it to your life.

Colossians 1:15–29 – Because of who Jesus is it changes everything about who we are. Who he is drives us to carry a message of the gospel to others.

1 Chronicles 1-2 - All the people listed in this section are part of the story of God that he has written throughout history. Our decisions will determine if we will be part of the story of God. 

Psalm 123–124 – Our eyes should be on the Lord eagerly waiting for his instructions so that we can obey immediately. God is our help when the enemy closes in. He will not fail.

Luke 7:11–17 – Jesus empathizes with our pain and is moved with compassion for people in their grief.

Colossian 1:1–14 – The Holy Spirit gives us love for others. The gospel leads to life change for those who believe. We enter into the kingdom of light when we believe.