A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 1, Day 1

As we begin our study together, let's do so with prayer ...

Our Father, who dwells in the heavens and in the hearts of Your children,

holy is Your name. Let the light of Your face and Your presence

shine on us. May Your light illuminate our lives so that

we are able to truly see - the see with Your eyes

and to understand with Your heart.

You are light ... and in You is no darkness.

May we live in the light of You.

Teach us ...

We need a little historical background to be able to better appreciate the prophets whom we will study in this semester. The focus in your reading today will be to better understand the times and the culture in which Elijah, the prophet, lived and worked. If you are not a history fan, be patient! Read ... asking God to shine light on your mind! If you ARE a history fan, enjoy!



Remember:

• God brought His people from Egyptian slavery and forged them into a nation of people.


• They were under the authority of "judges" for hundreds of years


• The people wanted a king, so God allowed them kings


• First was Saul, second David, third Solomon.


• Under these 3 the kingdom of Israel grew in strength and wealth and recognition.


• After Solomon's death, there was national division ...

This is where we take up our reading. As you read the following passages, note the names of the kings and their legacies. You might list them in your notebook to keep them in order. Consider how they came to power and how scripture characterizes them. The purpose is to get a sense of the cultural setting as best we can. History does not have to be dry and dull. As you read, look for warning signs for yourself.

1 Kings 11: 26 - 39

1 Kings 12: 26 - 32

1 Kings 14: 7 - 11

1 Kings 15: 25 - 26

1 Kings 15: 27 - 28, 33 - 34

1 Kings 16:8, 12 - 13

1 Kings 16: 9 - 10, 18 - 19

1 Kings 16: 16, 21 - 28

Exhausting, isn't it! Before you close your study time today, spend some time thinking about legacy. Talk to God about your own. How do you want to be characterized?

Several years ago we had a group of women at my church that met together once a week to write responses to scripture and to share our responses with each other. I remember well one of the pieces that was read. A young mom in our group described how she wanted her funeral to be - what she wanted to be said of her. She realized for that to be a reality, she must intentionally live today so that those things COULD be honestly said about her. I was touched by her determination to choose to live like that NOW - changing the way she approached each day.

Remember, you are writing your legacy now. So ... live today well! Talk to God about allowing His Spirit to transform your desires, your reactions, your behaviors, even your thoughts. I believe He will show you where changes need to be made. I believe He will invite you to rest "under the shadow of His wings" as He does that transformation work in each of our surrendered hearts.

What will characterize your life? May it be said of us ... "She was a woman who walked in the light of God."