Chapter 1
1 Kings 1 Daily DEVO Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 1 Kings 1:5 – This first chapter in our new book is a perfect example of the truth Luke 14:11 speaks of. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Adonijah found himself humbled quickly when the true king got word of what was happening. Let’s make sure we let God deal out the lifting up of ourselves when He sees fit and we use our efforts instead to lift His name higher. When we use our talents, time, and resources to lift God’s name up, you can be assured God sees that and will honor that. Trust your promotion to God. Where you need to be is where He’s taking you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1002
As the Lord has been with my Lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my Lord King David. 1 Kings 1:37 – Already in chapter one of our new book there is drama over the throne. Yet here we have a verse spoken by a close advisor of King David concerning the soon to be King Solomon. The hopes was that King Solomon would have an even greater throne and reign than that of King David. This was not to trash the reign of King David, but to speak blessing over the reign to come. Our hearts should always seek the best for those who come after us. Our desire should be that the church after us is better and healthier than it is today. Our hopes should be whoever takes our position after us finds more blessing there than we did. Our goal should be to be that those after us should have it better than we did. That they experience more of God’s blessings of peace, joy, and strength. Rather than having a heart of jealousy and pride, let those go and pray for the best of those after you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2185
Chapter 2
1 Kings 2 Daily DEVO Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 1 Kings 2:6 – This was spoken by David to the new king Solomon. What I love here is that Solomon was directed to act according to his wisdom. As we read later we see that the wisest thing he did was ask God for more wisdom. He knew what he had wasn’t enough to accomplish what God was asking of him, he needed what God could give him as well. Maybe the wisest thing you could do today is ask God for help. Realize you alone aren’t able to accomplish what God is leading you to do. He is though ready and willing to give us what we need. What then do you need from God to keep moving forward? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac- Daily DEVO 1003
He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully expected me to reign. However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother’s, for it was his from the Lord.” 1 Kings 2:15 – Adonijah, one of David’s sons and also the one who in the last chapter tried to take the kingdom away from David, now approaches new King Solomon’s mother with a request. Part of the request included this passage. Adonijah believed the kingdom was to be his. He believed all the country expected him to sit on the throne and the fact he isn’t means it was taken from him. Yet, even in his own words, he says that Solomon his brother was to be king because it was the Lord’s plan. What I would have liked to of said to him in that moment was that if it was from the Lord, the kingdom was never yours to begin with. Nothing was taken from him because he never possessed the throne. How often do we find ourselves complaining about something being taken from us when it reality it was never ours to begin with. Everything we have is God’s and He has the freedom to do with it as He pleases. He gives and takes away. Trust though that while God has this power and right, He has a purpose behind His taking and giving. Trust as well that He deeply loves you and that love will direct His actions. Yes, it may not seem always that love was directing the action when something is taken from us, but that’s where our trust in the goodness of God must come into play. God had a big plan in mind when putting Solomon on the throne; know He is working on something bigger than what you see too when He makes His moves in your life today. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2186
Chapter 3
1 Kings 3 Daily DEVO I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.1 Kings 3:13 – When our hearts are leaning into God’s path for us and we are seeking from Him His direction, God’s going to bless us. Now this promise of riches and honor was to Solomon, not us. Yet God’s promise to bless our faithfulness is clearly proclaimed throughout scripture. How that blessing comes and what it will look like is up to God. He though knows our heart and our desires, trust what He brings will be what we are looking for. So today don’t just follow God because you know it equals blessing. Know your faithfulness results in blessing, but pursue God because He is worth pursuing and obeying Him is our way today to show we are thankful. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1004
Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 1 Kings 3:3 – We learn that Solomon was a very faithful king at this time, only there was one thing that he did that wasn’t faithful: offering at the high places. Making offerings to God at these high places (like mountain tops or hilltops) were convenient places for worship, but places God directed His people to not worship at unless in unique circumstances. Solomon was faithful to the Lord, only there was this one thing. What would be your “only?” Say if someone were describing your faith life they’d say, “They are super faithful, only they….” Only they…let worry over finances dictate their level of trust in God’s provision. Only they…allow the uncomfortableness they feel keep them from sharing the Gospel. Only they…behave differently at church than other places. What would be your “only?” Today take some time to pray about this and see what things may still be keeping you from a full, faithful walk. Notice though God still blessed and used Solomon even with his “only,” but let’s seek to offer God as holy of a servant as we can in us. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2187
Chapter 4
1 Kings 4 Daily DEVO And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. 1 Kings 4:34 – People were in awe at what God had done in and through Solomon. People would be in awe at what God has done in you and through you as well. What’s the difference though between us and Solomon? Why aren’t people looking in awe at us now? Because Solomon had his gifts on display and was using them to complete the mission God called him to. Is that what you’re doing? Maybe the reason people aren’t in awe at your gifts is because they aren’t seeing them displayed. Today though can change that. Let what God has done in you be seen on the outside. God has forgiven your messy past, then make sure someone knows you forgive them. Or God places His joy inside of you, actually let it come out. Let people see the work God has done on the inside of you. That’s the masterpiece people will awe at. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1005
Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for one month in the year. 1 Kings 4:7 – Seems like a pretty sweet job. Your whole role is simply make sure the king is taken care of for one month out of the year. Seems easy…until you read the rest of the chapter as see the level of grandeur the king lived in. You may be showing up just for one month, but the whole rest of the year you’re preparing for that time to shine. Know this, it’s tempting to see our life as a disciple like we first did this job as an official for the king. A sweet gig where we just show up once a week and then the rest of the time we can do what we want. Yet if the official handled his role that way, he wouldn’t have been ready for the king. If we handle our role as a follower of Jesus like this, we won’t be ready for Jesus. Our life with God needs to be more than Sunday morning. Yes, be present at church, but be present throughout the week preparing yourself. Pray, read scripture, serve your community, gather with other believes, seek out opportunities to share the Gospel. Know while these officials maybe only saw one month a year of in front of the king, they carried that title as official everyday of the year living as the title the king gave them. If then you’ve accepted the salvation of Jesus, you are a follower of Jesus. Be sure to carry that title with you and live as such more than just when you’re in a pew. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2188
Chapter 5
1 Kings 5 Daily DEVO But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune. And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’ 1 Kings5:4-5 – When God gives you the peace you’ve been praying for, what will you do with it? Solomon found peace from his enemies and he chose to do what God set him aside to do by building the temple. We to should use the peace we are given to build God’s name up where we are at. If we actually find a season where we aren’t feeling tons of pushback from the enemy, run with it as hard and fast as you can to carry out the mission to let others know about Jesus. Granted, you’ll probably run into a struggle quickly that way, but it’s what we exist to do. Enjoy the peace that God gives, but use it as well. It’s crazy how far you can get when nothing is holding you back. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1006
And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty. 1 Kings 5:12 – Promise and peace. Both show up in this passage and both are essential to the work being accomplished. God kept His promise to Solomon on giving him the wisdom he asked for and there was peace between the two kings. What was then the end result of this promise and peace? The temple of the Lord being built. A place of worship to God and a place to help redirect the eyes of God’s people back to the grandeur of the Lord. Remember in our story we’ve been given promise and peace too. God has kept His word of providing a Savior and we now have peace with God. God has given us what we need to build just like in the passage, yet are we building? Building relationships to point people to Christ. Building our foundation on the scriptures so we can more properly stand. The ingredients to building our life as God calls us to are now in place because of the promise and peace of God. Let’s get building then. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2189
Chapter 6
1 Kings 6 Daily DEVO When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built. 1 Kings 6:7 – Could you imagine a construction site today being silent while they work? No sound of machines or tools. Just silence from all that. That’s what we see here when they constructed the temple. Maybe they still spoke to each other, but at least when it came to tools it was silent at the work site. Why? Out of reverence for God for starters. Also though I believe to make sure God was getting the glory, not them. How often can we let the “noise” of our service to God be loud so it can draw all the attention onto us? Literally with our service saying “look at how holy I am.” God’s not about us getting the glory, it should be all to Him. Let’s seek to imitate this way they built the temple when it comes to our service. Let’s keep the “noise” down so the eyes of those who are around look towards God rather than us. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1007
The floor of the house he overlaid with gold in the inner and outer rooms. 1 Kings 6:30 – This verse is simply a representation of the work that was being done in this chapter. Here we see the first temple of the Lord being built. Truly it’s hard for me to grasp everything happening from just a read through so I’d encourage you to look up a picture online while you’re reading to really appreciate the work done. Solomon took great care in making this temple how God wanted and something worthy of the Lord. Today, we aren’t being asked to built God a temple like this, but we are being called to live a faithful life for Him. As much care as Solomon put into this temple is what we should be putting into our pursuit of Jesus. As we read passages like this we should be in awe at the care given to the work assigned to them and it should inspire us to work hard to. Jesus tells us the harvest is plentiful, let’s do our part well. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2190
Chapter 7
1 Kings 7 Daily DEVO Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord. 1 Kings 7:51 – After reading all this, it really is amazing the detail, work, and expense that went into making the temple. It makes me examine my own offerings to God as well. Is what I’m bringing to Him my best? Can I offer better? What would that look like? Why haven’t I been giving my best? Maybe you as well need to ask these questions. Let’s make sure we are always seeking to give our absolute best to God. He gave His best for us, let’s follow His example. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1008
Hiram also made the pots, the shovels, and the basins. So Hiram finished all the work that he did for King Solomon on the house of the Lord…1 Kings 7:40 – Hiram was a hired hand of King Solomon that was an expert in working with bronze. His task was to make all the bronze pieces for the temple of the Lord which was a massive task. Yet we see here that despite the task being massive, he finished his work. God gifted Hiram, Hiram was then given a task to serve the Lord, Hiram then used his gifts to the full to accomplish what was placed in front of Him. Let’s today acknowledge we to have been gifted by God with some amazing gifts. Maybe not working in bronze, but our own unique gifting. Let’s then choose to use those gifts to the fullest for the work God is placing in front of us. What then has God blessed you with and how could you use that blessing to help others see Jesus more clearly? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2191
Chapter 8
1 Kings 8 Daily DEVO But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 1 Kings 8:27 – King Solomon understood that even the grandest of temples he could build could in no way contain God. He knew that this temple was not now a way to trap God or to control God. This was going to be their way of drawing close to God and connecting with Him. Today, God says we are His temple and Jesus is the sacrifice that brings us close to Him. When reading passages like these, remember things are different now because of Jesus. The veil is torn, you have been made a holy priest in God’s sight, and you have permission to walk confident into the presence of God. All because of Jesus and nothing you do can change that. This same God that could not be contained by the heavens is now freely available to you to come to because of Jesus. Take full advantage of this gift. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1009
The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers. 1 Kings 8:57-58 – King Solomon just finished building the first temple of the Lord and brought to it the ark of the covenant. These are some of the words he said within his prayer of dedication of the temple. What we should be reminded of with this prayer is our hopelessness without God in our story. If God is not with us we can’t even pursue Him. It’s God who opens the doors for us to lean our hearts into Him. It’s God who enables us to walk in His ways and keep His commandments. Without God we have nothing of this life we have with Him. We can’t know God, seek out God, or come close to God without God’s help. Yet, what’s so beautiful about the Christmas season is we celebrate the coming of Emmanuel…God with us. Know God is with us. He is helping us know Him. He is making it possible to seek Him out. He is walking with us to help us come close to Him. Know God is being faithful to do His part. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2192
Chapter 9
1 Kings 9 Daily DEVO And this house will become a heap of ruins. Everyone passing by it will be astonished and will hiss, and they will say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ 1 Kings 9:8 – Sometimes we can see our life like this house spoken of in this passage, a heap of ruins. Everything seems to be falling apart and nothing is working. We see in this passage that the reason the house was to fall apart was because the people took their eyes off of God. Could that be your situation as well? Sometimes the reason things aren’t working out is because we’ve decided to go our own path rather than following God’s direction. As with our passage, God will use the “ruins” to remind us His path is the one we should be on. Examine your path. Is the struggle you are facing there because the path you are on isn’t the one God wants you on? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1010
But when Hiram came from Tyre to see the cities that Solomon had given him, they did not please him. Therefore he said, “What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” So they are called the land of Cabul to this day. 1 Kings 9:12-13 – Why Hiram was displeased with the cities is debated, but most of the commentaries I looked up believe it either was because they were cities in locations Hiram didn’t want or because the land in the cities was rough and would need a lot of work to be ready to use. Either way we see a gift being given and an ungrateful heart in response. What response are we then giving to God to the gifts He gives? Unlike the cites given in our passage, we can have a confidence that the blessings God gives are good and meant for our good. Do we though take and forget to show our thankfulness. Do we accept the blessing, say thank you with our words, yet live a life that demonstrates a lack of gratitude? Whether is the gift of salvation or the breath in our lungs or the people in our story, let your response be one of thankfulness to Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2193
Chapter 10
1 Kings 10 Daily DEVO Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 1 Kings 10:1 – Does a passage like this make you nervous? The idea that someone would come and test you with hard questions? Know that hard questions will be directed at us as we walk the path God is leading us on. So start now getting ready for them. How? Never stop studying God’s Word. That will be your key resource to answering the hard questions. Also pour time into relationship with people further along in the faith than you. When you need help finding answers, they’ll be the ones to help you. Finally, know it’s ok to say “I don’t know” to their question. Don’t though leave it there but be willing to search, maybe even with them, for an answer. Hard questions will come, know though you have resources and a God who is with you to help. Never then let the fact that hard questions may come up be an excuse to not share God’s love with people. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1011
And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 1 Kings 10:24 – When you read this chapter it’s hard to come away from this not amazed at the life and kingdom of Solomon. Even the Queen of Sheba had her breath taken from her after experiencing his kingdom. His wisdom was like none other and his wealth was like nothing before seen. Something though to keep in mind was all this was from God. If it wasn’t for God Solomon wouldn’t have had the wisdom that was the foundation to his kingdom. So if we are amazed at Solomon, how much more amazed should we be at the God who gave Solomon what he had! How much more should God take our breath away for He is the one who gave out of His abundance so that Solomon could have what he had. When then something of this world takes your breath away remember how much greater is the One who provided the resources to make that breath-taking thing. If this world takes your breath away, how much more should the God who simply spoke and the Heavens were created should take your breath. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2194
Chapter 11
1 Kings 11 Daily DEVO Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 1 Kings 11:1-3 – Romantic relationships that God directs us away from can turn our hearts away from Him. The one we bring close as our significant other has influence over us that no one else has. That influence can be healthy or detrimental to our walk with God. This is why God gives us clear directions on who we should be with and who we shouldn’t. Like a Christian having a romantic relationship with an unbeliever. When they don’t hold to the same values we do, how can they help us pursue God better? This includes homosexual relationships and even the person that you are so drawn to but God says no to. God has seen enough times how the wrong relationship can steer someone far away from Him and He doesn’t want that with you. Let Him be the one who says if a relationship is right for you or not. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1012
Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods. 1 Kings 11:7-8 – Solomon turned his heart away from the Lord. It’s kind of hard to believe that this king who built the temple, who sacrificed like he did, who spoke like he did, and even had God appear to him twice, would turn away. Yet Solomon found love in the arms of women God said not to pursue and the end result was a turning of Solomon’s heart away from God. Be careful then to not assume we could never fall. Yes, we see Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, but that’s not how it started. It started with one choice to pursue one marriage with a lady God said no to. We too may not be at the far extreme Solomon took his turn, but we all can make thoughtless, sinful steps that lead us to where we should never go. Be in prayer today that God will keep you from harmful steps and that He’ll bring in the help you need to keep you walking well. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2195
Chapter 12
1 Kings 12 Daily DEVO If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 1 Kings 12:27-28 – Don’t ever let the fear of losing your position lead you to comprising someone else’s pursuit of God. This could look like a pastor not speaking the truth to someone about their sin because that person has power in the church. This could be a student who chooses not to stand up for their faith in school because they fear the social suicide that would follow. Jeroboam was willing to leave people, and even lead them, into sin to keep his position and power. Don’t let that be you. Trust God will take care of you with position and power as you take the risk of helping people away from thier sin. Remember in this world people pursuing Jesus is worth more than a position of power. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1013
Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one. 1 Kings 12:30 – Fearful he was going to lose the kingdom, the new king of Israel Jeroboam made two golden calves as objects for the people to worship. He placed them in separate areas of his kingdom so people could come and worship these new “gods.” This then became a sin for the people. Understand, in themselves, golden calves aren’t sinful. Literally they are a chunk of gold, nothing else special about it. Yet, when shaped with the purpose to turn people away, when accredited the victory for our salvation, and when worshipping by us, even chunks of metal can become sin to us. Be wise then in how you handle things that have the possibility of “becoming sin” for you. Money, relationships, power, things. In themselves they are not sinful, but like a golden calf, we can handle them in sinful ways if we aren’t careful. Is there then anything in your story right now that is being handled improperly and as a result become sinful for you? Lay that down at the feet of Jesus. Come to God in prayer, speak with Him about how you have handled this blessing poorly, and re-submit yourself to His lead and purpose. God is the only one in all existence worthy of our worship. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2196
Chapter 13
1 Kings 13 Daily DEVO And he said, “I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, for it was said to me by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’ And he said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” But he lied to him. 1 Kings 13:16-18 – I’ll be honest and say even I would be torn as to what to do in this situation. Do I keep on or is this a new command from God? We must be able to discern in situations like these. Know God doesn’t contradict Himself so if a command you hear from man is in opposition from the command God gave then it’s not from God. Also be willing to stop long enough in these times to ask God which way, something we didn’t see the first guy do. When it comes down to listening to what God has clearly spoken to you versus a new command that man has given you, follow what you know is true from God. If God wants to make a change in your path, He’ll make it clear. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1014
And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it was before. 1 Kings 13:6 – The king was in trouble, he pleaded for God’s help, and God’s help came. What we must understand is this sequence is something that God desires from us. God wants us coming to Him in our times of need and leaning on Him for help. What isn’t honoring to Him is only coming to Him when we think we need help. As we can see clearly from the rest of the chapter, the king doesn’t change his ways to begin a full pursuit of God after his healing. The king came for help then turned away from God when he “didn’t need” God anymore. Know today, you need God. Maybe you’re in a season of struggle and that need is obvious, or maybe your season is currently filled with joy and the need for God isn’t as clear. But today, hear this truth, you need God like never before. So lean into your life with Him. Don’t let your habit be just a turning to God when life turned out poorly. Whether you think you “need” God or not today, approach Him today and seek Him out. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2197
Chapter 14
1 Kings 14 Daily DEVO …and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, and yet you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my eyes. 1 Kings 14:8 – God gives us examples to follow on how to live well for Him. As in this passage the king had the example of David of what a king who follows God looks like. We also have the example of those in scripture to follow. We have the life of Jesus recorded for us to look at. God also blesses us with people more mature and further along in the faith to follow the example of. Use these examples then for your walk. God has asked us to obey Him and given us examples of what that looks like. Knowing this now, who is someone you can follow the example of and how could you today be more like them? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1015
In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. He took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house. He took away everything. He also took away all the shields of gold that Solomon had made, and King Rehoboam made in their place shields of bronze, and committed them to the hands of the officers of the guard, who kept the door of the king’s house. 1 Kings 14:25-27 – Bronze instead of gold. Solomon made beautiful gold shields, yet in this attack they were stripped away. Rehoboam then tried in his own power to replace what was taken, but did so with bronze. This was just an outward symbol of how sin had tarnished the kingdom. When we have sin in our story that we aren’t addressing it tarnishes our witness. What would have been shiny gold is bronze instead. God though isn’t desiring from us a bronze life. A life that is His but is still entertaining sin. If you have chosen to be a follower of Jesus, what sins currently are you not addressing? Know it’s alright to struggle with sin still as a follower of Jesus, but when we stop fighting and just let sin have the victory is when we are in the wrong. Through Jesus’ sacrifice we have victory over sin and death. Our life can be holy, golden, for God. Yet only with Jesus can we live such a holy life. Lean into Him and live holy. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2198
Chapter 15
1 Kings 15 Daily DEVO And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as David his father had done. He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. And Asa cut down her image and burned it at the brook Kidron. But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the Lord all his days. 1 Kings 15:11-14 – The start of living wholly true to the Lord begins with the removal of all that isn’t. We see that in Asa’s story. Most all that the kings before him set up that wasn’t true to God he tore down and removed. What we have built up in our life that isn’t pleasing to God we too need to tear down and remove. Understand we can’t do that without God’s help, but God is offering that help. It’s not like we are waiting for Him to show up with the moving truck and that’s why we’re standing around doing nothing. He’s here, truck is ready, doors are open, we just got to get off the couch so we can move it. What then is the “couch” in your story that needs to be removed so your life can me more wholly true to the Lord? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1016
Then King Asa made a proclamation to all Judah, none was exempt, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and its timber, with which Baasha had been building, and with them King Asa built Geba of Benjamin and Mizpah. 1 Kings 15:22 – War was happening between Kings Baasha and Asa. Baasha was building up the city of Ramah with the purposes of weakening King Asa. What we see though is after King Baasha abandoned the building up of Ramah, King Asa did something smart. He ordered his people to go and collect all the building supplies the enemy king had been using to build Ramah and used them to build things of his own. He used what the enemy had meant for evil for his good. Know your enemy will seek to build up his forces against you, but victory is found through Jesus. In fact we can even be like Asa here and use what he meant for our destruction for our good. If the enemy attacks with shame, we turn that into an opportunity to deepen our habit of confession with others and community. If the enemy attacks with discouragement, we turn that into an opportunity to lean deeper into the hope of scripture. Yes the enemy is going to attack and build against us, but he has already lost. With the help of Jesus and the blessing Jesus gives us, we can turn those attacks into opportunities of growth. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2199
Chapter 16
1 Kings 16 Daily DEVO Then the people of Israel were divided into two parts. Half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king, and half followed Omri. 1 Kings 16:21 – When there isn’t a steady leadership, the people will divide. And is it any surprise when we read a chapter like this where 6 different people tried to hold the role of king in a such a short period that Israel would have some division. To top it off many it was said of them did more evil than the guy before them. How then should we apply all this to us? Make sure there is no leadership struggle in who is your true leader. Don’t allow 6 things to constantly be battling for who is the leader of your life. That’s God’s role and His alone. When He is in His proper role in your life, much of the division you’re feeling in your story can heal. Let Him lead you and you’ll find the path and healing you’ve been seeking. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1017
In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun. 1 Kings 16:34 – I didn’t understand what this verse was saying until I dug deeper into it. Look at what Joshua 6:26 says (the verse referenced in our passage). “Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, ‘Cursed before the Lord be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. “At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.’” Literally the words spoken by Joshua are coming true in our 1 Kings passage. Whether it’s with this example or any of the struggles the kings of Israel faced during their reign due to their lack of obedience to God, it’s clear in scripture God remains faithful to His word. He said if you don’t follow my ways then the kingdoms would struggle, and they did. God said any who rebuilds Jericho will find loss, and they did. Something then we should learn from these stories is God doesn’t say things just for the fun of it. There is purpose and meaning behind what He says. So when He says certain things will ruin our lives, like the love of money or improper relationships, expect your life to be ruined if you embrace them. If He says the way to peace and joy in life is only through with a life with Him, then expected a lack of peace and joy in your life if Jesus isn’t a part of your life. How then could you be banking on scripture to not follow through? Are you chasing after sin hoping scripture isn’t true on what it says about those consequences? Are you holding onto pride assuming the destruction scripture says follows won’t happen? How would our stories look different if we fully believed the Bible on what it said? I know today I’m going to begin looking at how I’ve been assuming in my own story that the Bible won’t follow through. Let’s together choose to believe the Bible will remain faithful to what it says, exactly like it always has been. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2200
Chapter 17
1 Kings 17 Daily DEVO After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” 1 Kings17:17-18 – Most likely in this moment the jars were filled with flour and oil. Why does that matter at the time of her son’s death? Those jars were reminders that God can provide in ways we could never imagine. Never let the presence of a new struggle blind you from the presence of the blessings you already have in God. We too will find ourselves in difficult seasons like this widow, but we must remember in those seasons that in God we have life, grace, and the provision of Heaven with us. Keep your eyes open to what you have in God, especially when the enemy tries to close your eyes to all that. You have all you need for anything you will go through in this life in God. Keep focused on that truth and even the darkest of nights won’t seem so bleak. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1018
And the word of the Lord came to him: “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan.” 1 Kings 17:2-5 – Sometimes the directions God gives sound odd, but will we remain faithful still? Here God said ravens were going to bring him food to eat. Later that he was to live with a widow and she was to provide him food. Despite the oddness of the commands, Elijah obeyed. Do you know what happened when he followed the commands that didn’t make much sense? Elijah was taken care of exactly how God said he would be. In our story God is going to call us to do things or say things that just doesn’t make much sense. Like forgiving the person that hurt us or even packing things up to be a missionary somewhere. Commands that in the moment don’t fully make sense but when followed will result in us being exactly where God wants us. Be available then for odd commands. God has a purpose behind what He does and what He calls us to. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2201
Chapter 18
1 Kings 18 Daily DEVO And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water. 1 Kings18:35 – In order for God’s power and love to be known by others, we may have to give up what’s most precious to us. For this story that was water. Remember they were in a long drought and water had become one of the most precious commodities. Now they are dumping jars of it on an altar to the point it’s overflowing into the ground. The end result of all this though was people having their eyes opened to the fact that God really was God. What then might be something precious to you that you’re holding onto and as a result people aren’t hearing about God’s love like they could be? Your time? Your reputation? Your grudge? Pour it out on the altar and let the result be people hearing about Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1019
And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly, and when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.) 1 Kings 18:3-4 – God is always working, even when you don’t see it. Here we have Obadiah, a close servant of the king remaining faithful to the Lord despite the sinfulness in the kingdom. So God was still establishing His people in key leadership roles. Then we we see a hundred faithful prophets being kept safe in the midst of a treacherous time for followers of God. It would have appeared from the outside that God was defeated and gone, yet He remained and was continuing to carry out His plans. He was present and still in charge, and best yet, He was still working. Don’t allow the circumstances of the season or struggle you are in cause you to believe God isn’t working anymore. His moves might not be clearly seen at the moment, but His work is not done. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2202
Chapter 19
1 Kings 19 Daily DEVO And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 – God isn’t always where we expect Him to be. For Elijah God wasn’t in the wind, earthquake, or the fire. God though was close enough to whisper to Elijah. We might expect God to be in places that He’s not as well. Like in a place of anger-filled judgement over us or very distant from us. Neither of which are places God is in. In your story then, is there places like this that you think God is at that He isn’t? Allow scripture to shape your understanding of God’s presence. Maybe God isn’t so far away as you’ve believed for so long, maybe He’s close enough to you that even a low whisper from Him can be heard by you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1020
Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him. 1 Kings 19:18 – God is always working beyond what our hands are doing. Here we have the Lord speaking to Elijah telling him what steps to take. Yet in the message the Lord closes with this encouragement for Elijah, that there were 7000 still in Israel who followed God. Elijah was under the impression he was the only one left and all his efforts in ministry had not gotten anywhere with turning people from their sinful ways. God revealed that He had been at work all this time turning hearts to Him and making His glory known. Maybe through some of the works of Elijah or maybe through the efforts of nameless, yet faithful followers spreading the glory of the Lord. God is always at work establishing His name. Take heart then knowing that you are not alone in following Jesus and God is using your faithfulness. Maybe like Elijah you don’t see the 100 prophets hidden in a cave, or the 7000 faithful followers, or the Elisha who is willing to leave wealth behind to follow God, but they are there. God has been at work this whole time, let’s remain faithfully given God everything we can. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2203
Chapter 20
1 Kings 20 Daily DEVO And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 1 Kings 20:28 – Our God is the God over the valleys. He’s also the God over the oceans, mountains, sky, forests, animal kind, and mankind. He is God over all. He has power over all. All things are held together by Him and He has authority over all things. As we move through life and step into new seasons, realize that as much as God was in control and over your previous season so will He be over the next. There is no area of life God is not Lord over. You will never walk a step in a place that God isn’t God of. Allow then this truth to help when the anxieties of moving into a new season are coming against you. With God as your Lord, you’ll never find yourself in a place He isn’t and that He isn’t Lord over. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1021
And the servants of the king of Syria said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills, and so they were stronger than we. But let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. 1 Kings 20:23 – The king of Syria fought two battles against the King of Israel, whom God was fighting for. The first battle ended in loss for Syria, but the reason for the loss was as we see in the passage. The Syrians believed it was simply because Israel’s gods were gods of the hills and had the advantage in the first battle. Battle two though would be on the plains and Israel’s gods couldn’t win there. How sad to think your god was limited to victory because of simple things like battle on hills or plains. Thank you Jesus that in Him we have a God that can will on the hills, plains, valleys, seas, sky, and sands. Nothing creates a disadvantage for our God, He always finds victory where He sets out to find victory. Today you may find yourself in a battle on unfamiliar ground, just know Jesus is comfortable defending you and fighting for you on this ground. You are always on winning ground standing with Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2204
Chapter 21
1 Kings 21 Daily DEVO (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.” 1 Kings 21:25-29 – God is not, and was never, a God that waited for a moment to destroy us. Clearly that truth is portrayed within this passage. Ahab, who scripture said sold himself to do what was evil like none other, repented and God immediately turned away from the destruction. God’s not waiting to punish, He’s waiting for us to repent so He can turn and give life! This is the God of the New, and as this passage shows, the Old Testament as well. So know for you or someone you care about God is just waiting for the moment of humbling and repentance. He desires to give love and life to you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1022
Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord.” 1 Kings 21:20 – In this chapter you see how immature and poor of king Ahab was. Ahab requested someone to sell them their vineyard so he could have a vegetable garden. The vineyard owner refuses the offer and the king goes into a spiral of depression. When the queen sees this she reminds him that he is king, and on his behalf, has the vineyard owner killed. Each of these stories are showing how far Israel and King Ahab had gotten from a pursuit of God. In verse 25 we see scripture say no one sold themselves to evil like Abab had. Be wise then the steps you take and the people you bring into your story. We see the kingdom spiral down and people’s lives being destroyed because of the influence of the queen on the king. Is there then anyone in your story today in a seat of influence that is directing you away from Jesus? Is there voices speaking things Jesus wouldn’t say and their actions leading you to things Jesus wouldn’t have you do? See the example of Ahab and Jezebel his queen and how far her influence led him away from the Lord. Be willing to remove bad influences in your story so you can remain faithful to Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2205
Chapter 22
1 Kings 22 Daily DEVO And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” 1 Kings22:13-14 – Let God be the one who directs you on what to say, especially if you’re speaking on behalf of Him. Yes, that means for those who are called to preach and teach the Word like pastors, but God directs every believer to share the truth of His Word with others. That being the case, don’t let the influence of the world tailor what you say about God’s truth. Speak it with respect and gentleness, but speak the whole truth. Some messages that need to be shared with those close to you won’t be easy to say and the temptation to hold back the truth will be there. God though it’s directing you to share the whole truth with them, even the parts that you know they won’t want to hear. Just remember that while the truth may sound sharp to those in sin, it’s the truth that will set them free. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1023
And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.” 1 Kings 22:5 – Find yourself a Jehoshaphat. Here the King of Israel (Ahab) and the king of Judah (Jehoshaphat) are contemplating going to war together against an enemy. Ahab is ready to press forward with the plan, but Jeho pauses and says the words of our verse. Jeho directs Ahab to first check with God to see if these plans are good and holy. Do you have someone like this in your story. Someone who will remind you to pause and inquire of the Lord with your plans. It’s easy to get excited about plans and easy to take steps without ever pausing to see if these plans are what God wants. Have people that will remind you to pause. Be the type of person that causes others to pause and seek God’s will. Before you take a step, make sure that step is one God wants you to take. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2206
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