Thurs.'s Devo - Names

Read: 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17; Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 18:19; Proverbs 18:19 Today we read the geneology of Hezron's three sons Caleb, Ram and Jerhmeel. Caleb founded the city of Hebron in which David was born. David had six sons in Hebron where he reigned seven and a half years. His sons born there were Amnon, Daniel, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, and Ithream. Then David reigned another 33 years in Jerusalem. In Jerusalme he had four sons: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. Then he had nine other son including concubines and one daughter that was mentioned named Tamar. *** The sons of David became the kings of Israel and Judah. Josiah had four sons and all but the first born became the last kings of Judah. *** Chapter four is the sons of Judah. Judah had five sons. His descendants founded Bethlehem. *** Names are very important and have meaning. All of these names tell their story and our name tells our story. The most important name we have is Jesus who was given a name above all other names (Hebrews 1:4). *** In Acts, Paul had been taken to Caesarea for a fair trial before Felix, the gorvernor. THe high priest from Jerusalem came to present their case against Paul. He brought his lawyer, Terullus. He presented Paul as a troublemaker who stirred up riots among the Jews all over the world. He accused him of being the ringleader of the Nazarene cult who was trying to desecrate the Temple when he was arrested. *** Paul testified that they were lying. He had not caused any riot and he followed the Way which was not a cult. He believed everything in the Jewish law and what the prophets had written. He shared the same hope in God that his accusers boasted of. The only thing he said that caused a riot was that he believed in the resurrection of the dead. Felix was familiar with the Way and stopped the trial to wait until Lysias, the garrison commander arrived. He ordered Paul to be put in safe custody with freedom to visit his friends and be well taken care of. *** Felix brought his wife back to visit with Paul and hear about his views on his beliefs. They discussed righteousness, self-control and the coming day of judgment. Felix felt the fear of God but was hoping for a bribe to set him free. Paul never gave in to that. Felix did visit with Paul many times during his house arrest. Paul stayed in this way for two years until Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus. He left Paul in prison to get favor with the Jewish people. *** Lord, your plan is perfect. You care about every person you have made and write their name in your book. Thank you that our name will remain because of the blood of Jesus. May we not be afraid of opposition but stand firm as Paul did in our belief in You. Give us opportunities to speak your name today.