“Cursed before the Lord is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho. At the costs of his firstborn son will he lay its foundations; of the costs of his youngest will he set up its gates.” Joshua 6:26

Heil rebuilt Jericho. He laid its foundations at the cost of his firstborn son. He set up its gates at the cost of his second son. This was in accordance with the word of the Lord spoken by Joshua, son of Nun. 1 Kings 16:34

Lord, please remove any generational curses that may hold my family in bondage.

Obedience is only possible between people who are equals in their relationship to each other. Jesus was obedient as Redeemer because He was the son, not in order to become God’s son.  – Oswald Chambers

Elah was King of Judah for two yeas. 1 Kings 16:8

Elah was getting drunk when Zimri came in, struck him down, and killed him. 1 Kings 16:10

Zimri reigned for seven days. 1 Kings 16:15

When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the royal palace and set the palace around him on fire. He died. 1 Kings 16:18

Lord, may I be drunk with your Spirit. May I be intoxicated by your love. May I live in wonder at your greatness. Strike down the sin in my life. Kill the desires that war against your Spirit. Set me on fire for you. 

We control what we are able to explain. The fact is, it is only natural to seek an explanation for everything. – Oswald Chambers

Many people begin coming to God once they stop being religious. – Oswald Chambers

The boy will die. 1 Kings 14:12

He is the only one in whom the Lord has found anything good. 1 Kings 14:13

Jeroboam has committed sins and done more evil than all who lived before. He caused Israel to commit sins. 1 Kings 14:9 & 16

There is a price to pay for sins and for leading others to commit sins. Sometimes — several times in Scripture — the offspring pay for those sins. Lord may you guard my heart. Please do not judge my boys for my sins.

At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not. He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. – Oswald Chambers

The hand of King Jeroboam shriveled up so that he could not pull it back. 1 Kings 13:4

The altar split apart and its ashes poured out. 1 Kings 13:5

The king’s hand was restored and became as it was before.  1 Kings 13:6

As he went on his way, a lion met the Man of God on the road and killed him.  1 Kings 13:24

But the lion neither ate the body nor mauled the donkey. The donkey stood beside the body.  1 Kings 13:28

Lord, if there is sin in my life, may it shrivel up and whither away. May you split apart my spirit and soul, leaving only the holiness of you. When I repent of my sin, may you restore me. Kill all within me that is not from you. Kill my rebellion and disobedience. But spare those around me. May they not be harmed due to my sins and acts of disobedience. 

My vision of God is dependent upon the condition of my character. – Oswald Chambers

If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.1 Kings 12:7

But the King did not listen to the people. The King answered the people harshly.1 Kings 12:13 & 15

Lord, may I have a servant’s heart today. May I seek to serve others. Please help me to answer in kindness, not harshly. 

Whatever we may be doing — even eating, drinking, or washing disciple’s feet — we have to take the initiative and realize and recognize Jesus in it. – Oswald Chambers

Solomon loved many foreign women, besides his wife. 1 Kings 11:1

He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. His wives led him astray. 1 Kings 11:3

Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He did not follow the Lord completely, as his father had done. 1 Kings 11:6

Lord, may you help me to love only one woman and one god, You. May my eyes not lead me to wander and lust after other women.