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1 Kings 15:16-22; 2 Chronicles 16:1-10; 1 Kings 16:1-34; 1 Kings 15:23-24; 2 Chronicles 16:11-17:19; 1 Kings 17:1-7<\/strong><\/span> 1 Kings 15 verse 26 stood out to me right away today: \u201cBut he did what was evil in the LORD\u2019s sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins of idolatry that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 The key word that stood out to me in this verse is \u201cexample.\u201d\u00a0 I think sometimes we can forget that every action we take is an example to others.\u00a0 We are either exampling godly behavior or ungodly behavior.\u00a0 Obviously Jeroboam exampled ungodly behavior \u2013 and unfortunately, since he was king of Israel, his bad example had far reaching effects.\u00a0 Even though you or me aren\u2019t king of any land, I do believe that the examples we set have bigger impacts than we realize.\u00a0 Our kids, our parents, our siblings, our neighbors, our co-workers, the stranger on the street, the person at the coffee shop, are all watching what we do.\u00a0 How we behave.\u00a0 Who we are.\u00a0 Our very lives are examples to so many people each and every day.\u00a0 What type of example are you setting with your life?\u00a0 Do you realize that people are literally following your example each and every day?<\/span><\/p>\n 1 Kings 16 is quite the chapter full of drama!\u00a0 It\u2019s like a soap-opera.\u00a0 As I was reading this chapter, and in particular when Zimri was plotting to kill Elah, I was reminded of Macbeth\u2019s old quote \u2013 \u201cHeavy is the head that wears the crown.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Indeed very true in this chapter!<\/span><\/p>\n Great readings in 1 Kings 17 today!\u00a0 We are introduced to the prophet Elijah!\u00a0 And what an introduction.\u00a0 I love the visual of Elijah being fed by ravens.\u00a0 Elijah was completely dependent on God for his food delivery via birds.\u00a0 This image reminds me of how dependent you and I are today on God\u2026\u00a0 (even if we do not realize how dependent we really are\u2026.)<\/span><\/p>\n Elijah was the first prophet in a long line of prophets to come over the next 300 years in Israel.\u00a0 As the kings of Israel were now all sinning and there were few Levitical priests left in Israel (most were in Judah), God brought forth the prophets to bring God\u2019s word to his people in Israel.\u00a0 More on who Elijah was is at Bible.org <\/span>at this link<\/span>.\u00a0 More on the message of Elijah is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on our 1 Kings 17 readings on Elijah today titled \u201cTestings By the Brook\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings remind me of Building 429\u2019s song \u201cWhere I Belong:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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