Fri.’s Devo - It is Finished!

Read: 2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 16:12-13 Absalom needed to do something about David and his men. He went first to Ahithophel who advised him to leave that night and chase David down and kill him. Then bring his people back to serve Absalom. Up till now, Absalom had just asked Ahithophel for advise and had followed it. But, now he wanted to know what Hushai had to say. *** Hushai knew that Ahithophel’s advise was the best, so he had to make his advise seem better. He went into a great oratory to remind Absalom of what a mighty warrior David was. He advised him to get the whole army of Israel and go into battle himself. Absalom fell for it. *** Ahithophel was so upset David hadn’t chose his advise he went home, put his affairs in order and killed himself. *** Meanwhile, Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar the priests what Ahithophel had advised and told David to flee for his life. The message reached Jonathan and Ahimaaz who gave the message to a servant girl. She was to bring the message to David. A young bot spotted Jonathan and Ahimaaz and sent news to Absalom. Absalom sent men to find them but they hid in the bottom of a well. *** David fled to Mahanaim where he was welcomed and all his men were fed. *** In John, They had taken Jesus to Gethsemene and threw dice over who would get his robe (Psalm 22:18). Jesus saw his mother and put her into the care of John. *** He said he was thirsty and they put a sponge dipped in sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his lips. When he had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” He bowed his head and gave up his spirit. *** The next day was the Sabbath so they wanted to take his body down before sundown. The soldiers came to break the bones of the ones still alive but Jesus was already dead so they didn’t break his bones (Ps. 34:20). One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear and blood and water flowed out (Zech 12:10). *** Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of ointment of myrrh and aloes and together they put it on his body and wrapped it in linen. They laid his body in a tomb (Is. 53:9). *** Everything that happened that day had been foretold in the words of the prophets. It is comforting to know that everything that is happening now in our lives has also been foretold in the prophets. There is nothing new under the sun. *** Lord, thank you for taking our sin and sorrows and become our sacrifice. Thank you for purchasing our freedom and righteousness.

Thurs.’s Devo - Man's Injustice Leads to God's Judgment

Read: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23; John 18:25-19:22; Sam 119:113-128; Proverbs 16:10-11 David and all his followers cried as they left Jerusalem. Zadok and the Levites brought the Ark and followed David until he told Zadok and Abiathar to return the Ark to the city. If it was God’s will, he would return to worship another day. He told the Levites to hide by the Jordan River and wait for reports from Zadok. They would relay them to David. *** Like Jesus on the day of his crucifixion, David walked to the Mount of Olives. He found out that his trusted adviser Ahithophel was betraying him to follow Absalom. This was the place where Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. *** Hushite the Arkite was waiting for him, dressed in mourning. David sent him back to Jerusalem to be his inside spy. He arrived just as Absalom did. *** David was met by Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth with food and wine for his men. When David asked where Mephibosheth was, Ziba said he was celebrating revenge. (We don’t know if that was true or not.) David gave all of Mephibosheth’s property to Ziba. *** When David came to Bahurim, he was met by Shimei from the clan of Saul. He came out throwing rocks and cursing David and his men. David’s men wanted to kill him, but David wouldn’t let them. *** David and his men got to the Jordan where they rested. Meanwhile, Absalom and his army arrived at Jerusalem along with Ahithophel. Hushai went straight to see David to proclaim his loyalty to Absalom. Absalom turned to Ahithophel for advise. Ahithophel told him to set up a tent so all could see, and go in and sleep with David’s concubines showing total disrespect for David. This was the fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy that what David had done with Bathsheba in secret, would be done to him in the open. *** Absalom chose to follow Ahithophel’s advise in everything. *** In John, two more times, Peter was asked if he was Jesus’ disciple and he denied it. Immediately the cock crowed. *** They took Jesus to the Romans so they could sentence him to die. When they were asked what crime he committed, they couldn’t come up with one so the Roman’s told them to judge him themselves by their own law. They didn’t want this because their law didn’t allow crucifixions. *** Pilate asked for Jesus to be brought to him and he asked him if he was the king of the Jews. Jesus asked him if he was wanting to know for himself or did someone tell Pilate about him. Pilate was angry. He told him he was not a Jew, but was trying to understand why his own people were bringing him to be judged by a Roman. *** Jesus answered that his Kingdom was not of this world. If it had of been, there would have been a fight. When Pilate asked him if he were a king, but all Jesus would talk about was truth. Pilate didn’t understand that so he went out and told the people that he couldn’t find any crime to charge Jesus for. *** Looking for a way out of this volatile situation, Pilate chose Jesus to set free. He always pardoned a prisoner at Passover. He put him up against Barabbas who everyone knew as a murderer and an insurrectionist. To his surprise, the crowd chose to crucify Jesus and set Barabbas free. *** Pilate had Jesus flogged and the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They put a purple robe on him and mocked him as the king of the Jews. 
 *** Pilate brought Jesus out to the crowd and made it clear that he found him, ‘not guilty.’ The leading priests began a chant, “Crucify him!” and the crowd followed. *** Pilate took Jesus back inside and tried to get more information out of him. When Jesus wouldn’t talk, Pilate asked him if he realized he had the power to save him or put him to death. Jesus answered and told him that he had no such power, only God had that power. Pilate tried to release him but the priests told him that if he released Jesus, he was not a friend of Caesar but a rebel against the throne. *** Pilate came out and sat on the seat of judgment and presented them with their king. The crowd yelled for his death by crucifixion. Pilate turned Jesus over to them and they took Jesus to be crucified. Two others were crucified on either side of Jesus. Pilat had a sign made which read “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It was written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek so all could read it. *** The priest asked him to change it to read, “He said, I am King of the Jews,” but Pilate refused to change it. *** Lord, may we realize that when you bring death, you always plan for resurrection.

Wed.’s Devo - The Betrayals of David and Jesus

Read: 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22; John 18:1-24; Palm 119:97-112; Proverbs 16:8-9 Joab saw how much Absalom wanted to see his father, David, so he arranged a woman to go to the king with a similar problem. Maybe he could see his error in someone else’s life. *** Sure enough, the woman plead for the life of her son who had killed her other son. People wanted to kill her only living heir. She begged David to make sure he was saved. David promised her her son would live. *** She then asked David why he hadn’t done the same for his own son, Absalom. David had refused to bring him home to his inheritance. David asked her if Joab had put her up to this and she told him ‘yes’. *** David sent for Joab and told him to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem, but not into his presence. *** Absalom was a true politician. He was handsome and personable. He had three sons and one beautiful daughter he named after his sister, Tamar. He was allowed to live in Jerusalem, but he wasn’t allowed to see the king. He sent for Joab to ask him to intercede for him to his father but Joab refused to come. Absalom had his servant set fire to Joab’s field and this got his attention. *** Absalom explained to Joab that he was being ignored. He was tired of living in Jerusalem and not seeing David. Joab got David to agreed to meet with Absalom. *** Absalom then began to act like a king. He bought a chariot and horses and went to the city gate and listened to the people’s requests and cases. He would tell them they had a strong case and it was too bad he wasn’t a judge. He would bring them justice. *** The people tried to bow to him but he would take them and hug them instead. He won the hearts of the people through false promises. *** After living for four years in Jerusalem, Absalom asked for permission to go to Hebron. He sent messages to all the tribal leaders trying to stir up a rebellion against King David. He told them that as soon as they heard the ram’s horn blow, they were to yell, “Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron.” He took 200 unsuspecting men with him from Jerusalem. *** A messenger came to David and told him what had happened and told him to flee at once or he would be killed. Absalom and his men were on their way to take the kingdom by force. *** David left his concubines to look after the palace and fled. Ittai was a leader from Gath and he insisted on going with David. *** In John, Jesus had just given the disciples his last words and prayed for them. It was time to cross the Kidron Valley and enter the Garden of Gethsemene. Judas knew Jesus went there often to pray so he met them with a contingent of Roman soldiers and the Temple guards. They had torches, lanterns and weapons. *** Jesus addressed them and asked who they were looking for. They said, “Jesus” and he answered, “I AM he.” They fell back to the ground. He told them to let his followers go. *** Simon Peter drew his sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest. Jesus told Peter to put his sword away. *** They took Jesus first to the house of Annas, the father-in-law to Caiaphas the high priest. *** Peter followed along with John. John was allowed to enter the courtyard with Jesus. Peter had to stay outside the gate. John asked the gatekeeper to let Peter in. She asked Peter if he wasn’t one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter denied it. *** Peter went over to the fire the servants had made. Inside Jesus was being interrogated. Jesus asked them why they had to arrest him in secret. They asked him about his teaching and he answered that they should ask those who came to hear him. One of the Temple guards slapped him because he had been disrespecting the high priest. *** Jesus told him to prove him wrong. *** Anna bound him and sent him to Caiaphas who was the high priest at the time. *** Jesus had nothing to fear because he had spoken truth from God. They might have thought they were in control, but Jesus knew that his Father was orchestrating the whole night. *** Lord, we can walk in that assurance that you orchestrate our lives and lead us in the way of the kingdom. When we walk in the Spirit, we need never fear the trials that come our way. They all have a purpose for the Kingdom.

Tue.’s Devo - Absalom’s Revenge

Read: 2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96 Proverbs 16:6-7 Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar. Her half-brother Amnon thought he was in love with her and thought he had to have her. He thought David would never give her to him, but he was love sick. *** Amnon had a crafty friend named Jonadab who gave him a wicked plan to get him alone with Tamar. Amnon pretended to be sick and asked his father, David if Tamar could come to his house and prepare a meal for him. David agreed, having no idea it was a plot. *** When Tamar had the meal ready, Amnon asked everyone to leave the room except Tamar and asked her to serve him in his bedroom. Innocently, Tamar agreed. When he had her in his room, he raped her. She begged him to stop and go to her father and ask for her hand in marriage. Amnon refused. When he had finished, he hated her as much as he had loved her before. *** David and Absolom found out what Amnon did and were very angry, but David didn’t respond. Absolom looked for the perfect time to get Amnon back. *** Absolom found his opportunity during sheep-shearing season. He always had a huge feast during this time and asked David to it, knowing David wouldn’t come. Then he asked if his Amnon could come. David questioned why he would want Amnon and would only okay it if all the sons went. Surely, they would protect Amnon. *** When everyone got to the celebration, Absolom had told his servants to wait until Amnon was drunk then kill him. They did. *** Word got back to David that Absolom had killed all his sons. David was distraught and tore his robe. Jonadab, Amnon’s crafty friend arrived and told David that it was only Amnon that had died because of what he had done to Tamar. *** All the sons arrived very shook up and mourning the death of their brother. Absalom fled to Geshur, where his mother was from. He stayed there for three years. *** David reconciled Amnon’s death and now longed to see Absalom again. *** Jesus finished his words to his disciples but he now prayed for them. He wanted them to hear how he spoke of them to his Father. Jesus had completed his assignment on earth which was to reveal the Father to the world. Now he was the way back to the Father. *** Jesus was leaving, but his request to God was that He would be with his disciples and all who believed in Him just like he had been with Jesus. He asked God to keep them safe from the evil one just as he had kept him safe from him. Jesus had given himself as a sacrifice for them so that they could be made holy by his truth. *** Jesus also prayed that they be one as he and the Father were one. He wanted us to experience perfect unity so that when the world sees our love for one another, they would know that Jesus was from God. *** Lord, may we experience perfect love for you and others. May our unity affect the world around us and make them jealous to want to know you.

Mon.’s Devo - God’s Judgments are Fair

Read: 2 Samuel 12:1-31; John 16:1-33; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 16:4-5 Nathan came to David and gave him a scenario like what he did to Uriah. He used a lamb, something David could relate to. When David heard the story he was incensed with anger and wanted the rich man killed. Nathan then told him that he was the rich man in the story and that God was very upset that he took Uriah’s wife and then had him killed. Because of this, the child would not live, all of David’s descendants would die by the sword and someone in his own household would sleep with his concubines in public view. *** David repented, but God’s judgment stood. The child he and Bathsheba had became deathly ill and died 7 days later. *** She became pregnant again and had Solomon. God loved this child and changed his name to Jedidiah, which means “loved of God.” *** Joab was fighting at Rabbasb and about to capture the city. He told David to come and lead the last charge so he would get the credit. He did and took the king’s crown. It weight 75 pounds. *** In John, Jesus was having his last conversation with his disciples. He explained how they were going to become enemies of the religious order just like he was. *** Jesus was going back to the Father, but he was sending another Advocate who will convict the world of its sin, of God’s righteousness, and tell of the final judgment. *** When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide them. He will tell them what God is saying and about the future. He will lead him like he did for Jesus. *** The disciples didn’t understand that he was only leaving them for a short time. They would see him again and then he would ascend to his place in glory. The Holy Spirit would then be their guide who would always be with them. *** They could ask God anything using Jesus’ name. He told them to have peace because He had overcome the world. *** Lord, thank you for your discipline and your love. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit and your covenant of peace. Thank you that you have overcome the world.

Sun.’s Devo - Honor and Favor for the Faithful

Read: 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27; John 15:1-27; Psalm 119:49-64: Proverrbs 16:1-3 David wanted to honor someone in Jonathan’s family because of their friendship and the pact they had made. Saul’s servant, Ziba knew about Mephibosheth who had become crippled when he was five years old. The day Saul and Jonathan had been killed, Mephibosheth’s nurse picked him up and fled. She accidentally dropped him and he had become crippled.He now lived in Lo-debar which means “nothing.” *** David had him brought to him and gave him all the land that had belonged to Saul. He also told him he would eat at his table with him all the rest of his days. David also called in Ziba and told him what he had done and told him to farm the land and keep it up for him. Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. *** Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. He ate with his father at David’s table also. *** David had been allies with King Nahab, of the Ammonites. King Nahab died, so David sent ambassadors to his son, Hanun, to express his sympathy. Hanun’s commanders convinced Hanun that these men were here to spy out their land. They took David’s men and shaved off half of their beards, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David. *** David told them to stay at Jericho till their beards grew back because it was such a shame to shave off ones beard in his culture. *** The people of Ammon realized how badly they had offended David so they hired 33,000 men from other lands to fight Israel. They attacked from two different directions. Joab divided his army and attacked. Israel won the battle but the Arameans regrouped for another attack. David found out and met them with 40,000 of his foot soldiers. The enemy surrendered to Israel. *** The next spring when kings usually went out to war, David decided to stay home. He was waling on the roof of his palace one day and noticed a woman who was unusually beautiful, taking a bath. He found out who she was and sent for her. Bathsheba was married to Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s mighty men. *** When Bathsheba came to see David, he slept with her and sent her home. She later found she was pregnant and sent word to David. *** David sent word to Joab to send Uriah to give him a report about the war. Uriah gave his report then David sent him home to relax with his wife, hoping they would have sex and Uriah could think it was his baby. Uriah refused to ho home. *** David sent a message by the hand of Uriah for Joab to station Uriah on the front lines were the battle was the worse then pull back so he would be killed. David soon got a message that Uriah had been killed. *** When Bathsheba found out her husband was killed she mourned for him. David soon had her brought to the palace and she became one of his wives. When the time came, she had a son but God was not pleased with what David had done. *** Jesus spoke to his disciples about their pruning. They were like grapes on his vine. They had been pruned and purified by his message. Now as long as they remained in him they would produce fruit for the kingdom. He was the vine that they grew on - their source. *** Jesus had showed them how to love one another because he had loved them with God’s love. The greatest love is laying down your life for another. Jesus counted them as his friends if they did what he commanded. They were not slaves, but friends. God chose them and their mission was to produce lasting fruit. Because they were his, they could ask God anything his Jesus name. *** If they felt hated by the world, they could remember that the world also hated Jesus. The world no longer loves them because they don’t belong to it. They belong to Christ. *** Jesus did many miracles to show who he was and those who rejected him are guilty because they hated him without a cause. *** Jesus was sending them the Holy Spirit who would testify about him and bring them the spirit of truth. *** Lord, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit who is our friend and teaches the truth about God and Jesus. Thank you that you chose us and opened our eyes to see who you are.

Sat.’s Devo - God's Promise to David

Read: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33 David felt guilty that he had built a mansion for himself, but the Ark of God lived in a tent. He wanted to build a Temple for God’s Presence. He shared this with Nathan and he told him to do what was in his heart. *** That night, God spoke to Nathan and reminded him that he had never asked to live in a palace. He had always traveled with the people and never wanted a permanent dwelling. *** God told Nathan to tell David how He was the one who selected David from watching sheep and put him in the position he now held. He would make his name great and provide a homeland for his people where they will be safe from all of their enemies. *** When David died, God would secure his throne forever. He would be his father and David would be his son. God would correct and discipline him as his son because of his love for him. *** Nathan went and told David all this and David humbled himself before the Lord and worshiped him as his God. He thanked God for all he had done for him and his family and for all the things he promised to do in his future. *** David defeated his enemies - the Moabites, Ammonites, Philitines, Amalekites, Edomites, and the Arameans. He killed two-thirds of the Moabites and made the other third his servants. They paid tribute to him. *** David reigned over all Israel and was just and righteous to his people. David’s sons served as priestly leaders. *** In John, Jesus said that the way to prove we love him is by obeying what he said. God would sent us another Advocate who would never leave us. He is the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. God would reveal himself to all who know Jesus. He would come and make his home with them. It is the Holy Spirit that teaches us about God and reminds us of Jesus’ words. *** Jesus left them and us with the gift of peace of mind and heart. So we need never be troubled or afraid. If we love him, we will be happy that Jesus went to the Father and reigns from heaven over earth. *** Jesus then told them that he was running out of time and must do what God required of him so that the whole world would know that he loved the Father. *** Lord, may we see that how we go through trials show the world that we love you. May we humbly rejoice that we can lay down our lives for you. Thank you that you defeat all our enemies. Thank you for the gift of peace and the Holy Spirit.

Fri.’s Devo - God Establishes David’s Kingdom

Read: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32 When Ishbosheth heard that his army commander, Abner, was killed, he lost his courage and all Israel became afraid of David. He had two other commanders that led his raiding parties and when they heard about Abner, they plotted to kill Ishbosheth. They went to his house while he was napping and slipped past his sleeping body guard. They killed Ishbosheth, cut off his head and took it to David, thinking it would bring them a reward. *** Instead, David had them put to death for killing an innocent man and buried Isbosheth’s head in Abner’s tomb in Hebron. *** All the tribes of Israel went to submit to David as their king. They anointed him king at Hebron. He was thirty years old and reigned 40 years. He had reighed over Judah for 7 years and Israel for 33. *** David led his men to fight against the Jebusites and they took their city. David called it the City of David and made it his home. David became more and more powerful because God was with him. *** King Hiram of Tyre sent David cedar to build his house. He married many concubines and had eleven more children. *** The Philistines came to attack David and met him in the valley of Rephaim (valley of the giants). The Lord told David not to attack them straight on but to circle around and attack them near the poplar trees which were behind them. *** The wind would blow through the poplar trees and make the sound of a marching army. When they heard that sound, they were to attack. It made it sound like a much larger army was attacking them. Israel struck them down all the way to Gezer. *** David took his 30,000 elite troops to Judah to bring back the Ark of God. They place the ark on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house. Two of Abinadab’s sons, Uzzah and Ahio were walked in front of the ark and David was celebrating before it with songs and musical instruments. *** When they got to the threshing floor of Nacan, the oxen stumbled and Huzzah reached out to steady the Ark. God struck him dead. David was so angry at God for killing Uzzah that he was afraid to bring the Ark any closer to the City of David. He put it at the house of Obed-edom of Gath. It remained there for three months. The Lord blessed everything at Obed-edom’s house because of the Ark. *** David came back but this time he had the priests carry the Ark on their shoulders with the poles like the law said. He offered a sacrifice every six steps. David danced before the Lord with all his might, dressed like a priest. *** As it entered into the City of David, Michal looked out of her window and saw how David danced before the Lord and was embarrassed for him. *** David had the Ark put in the place David had prepared inside the tent. David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offering to the Lord. He blessed the people and gave them all a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. *** When David returned home, Michal told him how silly he looked dancing in the street. David told her that he was dancing before the Lord who had chosen him to be the king of all Israel and he didn’t care how foolish he looked to the people. Michal remained barren her whole life. *** In John, Jesus had just sent Judas out. He told his faithful disciples that it was time for him to enter into his glory and God would be glorified through him. He gave them a new commandment to love others as he had loved them. *** He told them he was going somewhere they could not go. Peter asked him where he was going. He told them they would be able to meet him later. *** Then, Jesus told them not to worry but to trust in God and his great plan. He was going ahead of them to prepare a place for them to come. Then they could come. *** Thomas asked how they would know the way to where he was. He told them that he was the way, the truth and the life. Now one could come to God except by him. From now on, they would know God because they had seen him. (He was talking about himself.) *** They didn’t understand. Philip asked him to show them the Father and they would be at peace. Jesus answered with a question: “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am?” He told them that if they had seen him, they had seen the Father. *** Jesus said that anyone who believes in him would do the same works that he did and even greater works because he is going to his Father in heaven. We can ask for anything in his name and he will do it. *** Lord, may we do the works you did and even greater to bring glory to your kingdom.

Thurs.’s Devo - The Clash of Commanders

Read: 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30 Today’s reading is about the conflict between Saul and David’s commanders. Saul’s commander was Abner, his cousin. Now that Saul was dead, he was Ishbosheth’s commander. David’s commander was Joab, David’s nephew. *** These two commanders met with their armies at Gibeah and Abner suggested they each pick twelve of their best warriors to face off with each other. Joab agreed. The twelve men each killed their opponent. After this massacre, a fierce battle erupted. Joab had two other brothers who fought in David’s army. The youngest was Asahel who was an extremely fast runner. He took off after Abner who was much older and more experienced in war. Abner didn’t want to have to kill him so he kept telling him to stop chasing him and fight someone else, but Asahel was relentless. Finally, Abner thrust the butt end of his spear through Asahel’s stomach and it went clear through his body and came out his back. *** When Joab and his other brother, Abishai found out what had happened to their younger brother, they set out after Abner. Abner asked for peace and stopped the war for the time. They each went back to their homes. Joab assessed his loss and only 19 of his men had died. Abner had lost 360 of his men, all from the tribe of Benjamin. *** This was only the beginning of a long war between those loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. David’s side grew stronger while Saul’s side grew weaker. *** David had seven sons in Hebron all listed in 3:1-5. *** God was at work increasing David and decreasing the dynasty of Saul. God cause dissension in Saul’s camp. Ishbosheth accused Abner of sleeping with Bizpah, Ishbosheth’s concubine. Abner was so offended, he swore to join with David and give Saul’s kingdom to David. *** He sent messengers to David offering to help turn the nation to David. David was leery but told him he would negotiate if Abner would bring his wife Michal back to him. Abner got the support of his nation for David and brought Michal with him to meet with David. *** Abner also brought 20 of his men and met David at Hebron. David entertained them with a great feast. Abner promised to get the support of the nation and then meet again to make a covenant of peace with David. David agreed. *** Joab returned from battle with much plunder and learned that Abner had met with David and David let him leave peacefully. Abner was not happy at all. He went to David and accused Abner of tricking David with his talk of peace. *** Without David’s knowledge or consent, Joab sent messengers to Abner asking him to return to meet with him. When he did, Joab took Abner aside and stabbed him in the stomach to pay him back for killing his brother, Asahel. *** When David found out, he was very upset at Joab and accused him of killing an innocent man. He cursed Joab and his family and their generations with open sores, leprosy, crippling, death by the sword, or poverty. Then David had the nation mourn the death of Abner. He fasted and wrote a song for Abner. The people saw how David mourned and knew he had nothing to do with Abner’s death. He prayed that God would take revenge against Joab and Abishai. *** In John, it is right before the Passover celebration. People had come early to cleanse themselves so they could offer their lambs with clean hands. Jesus’ way of cleansing his disciples was to wash their feet. He told Peter that if their were clean, they only needed to wash their feet. *** What I think that means is that if you are saved then you have put your sin to death on the cross, but your daily walk is the only thing that needs washing. In our daily walk we get dirty by the things of this world. Those are the things that need to be washed off daily. *** Jesus said that Judas was not clean. He had murder in his heart and was rejecting his Savior. He had eaten of Jesus’ food - heard his teaching and yet turned against him. Still, Jesus washed Judas feet which is so powerful. It was to show that he had no ill feelings in his heart. *** Jesus finally came out and told his disciples that one of them was going to betray him. They were all confused and Peter asked him who it was. Jesus showed them plainly who it was and told Judas to leave and do his deed. The eyes of the disciples were not open to understand until later. *** Lord, may we wash our feet daily and walk with clean hands and a clean heart. Thank you for saving our soul.

Wed.’s Devo - Out of Death Comes Life

Read: 2 Samuel 1:1-2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-20; Proverbs 15:27-28 After Saul died, David spent two days at home in Ziklag. On the third day, an Amalekite arrived who had fought for Saul in the battle with the Philistines. He came to David with dirt on his head to show he was in mourning and with an agenda. *** David asked him about the battle and he explained that Israel was no match for the Philistines. Saul and his two sons were killed and all Israel scattered. *** He said that he came upon Saul when he was dying. Saul begged him to finish him off because he knew he was dying and wanted to be put out of his misery. The man did, then took Saul’s crown and armband and now brought them to David, thinking he would be rewarded. *** David demanded why he thought he had the authority to kill Gods’ anointed. David saw through his manipulations. Instead he was rewarded with the loss of his life. *** Then David wrote a funeral song honoring Saul and Jonathan. David asked the Lord if he should move to Judah and the Lord told him, yes, he should move to Hebron. So he moved his family to Hebron where the people anointed him king over the people of Judah. *** David sent a message to the men of Jabesh-gilead who had buried Saul and thanked them for honoring Saul. He asked them to be a part of his kingdom but the commander of Saul’s army, Abner had already gone to Mahanaim and proclaimed Ishbosheth king over the rest of Israel. Ishbosheth ruled for two years while David ruled Judah from Hebron. David ruled from Hebron for seven years. *** In John, Jesus tried to explain to his disciples the principle of his death and why he had to die. Out of death comes life in his kingdom. They would receive honor if they served him on earth. *** Jesus said that his soul was deeply troubled because he wanted to be saved from this hour, but he knew that this was the very reason he came. *** God spoke and said, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” Many heard what God said, others only heard it as thunder. *** Jesus said that the time to judge had come and Satan would be cast out while he would be lifted up from the earth. He would draw everyone to himself. *** The people were confused, how could he be the Messiah and say he was going to die. Their understanding was that he Messiah would live forever. Jesus said that his light would shine on them just a little longer, meaning that his physical presence would only be with them a short time more. They had their chance to believe while he was standing before him. But, despite all Jesus did to prove who he was, many did not believe. It was just as Isaiah had said, “who had believed our message?” God had blinded their eyes so that they couldn’t see, and hardened their hearts so they couldn’t believe. *** There were many would did believe including some of the Jewish leaders, but they were more afraid of being expelled by the Pharisees, so they did’t speak up. *** Jesus told them, he hadn’t come to judge them but to save them. But, they would be judged one day at the end. *** Lord, may we have eyes to see and a heart to understand. May we walk in the light as you are in the light. We rejoice in what you are doing on the earth.

Tues.’s Devo - God’s Victories

Read: 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 11:55-12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26 The entire Philistine army showed up to fight Saul and Israel. King Achish came with David and they were going to bring up the rear in the battle. When the other Philistine commanders saw David and his men there they were very upset. They didn’t trust that David wouldn’t turn on them and fight for Saul. *** King Achish tried to stand up for David but to no avail. He finally told David that he would have to take his men back home and not fight in the battle. David was upset but had no other choice. It was a good thing because when they returned home they found their whole town had been attacked by the Amalekites and everyone had been taken captive and the town pillaged. *** His men were so upset, they wanted to kill David, but David encouraged himself in the Lord. God protected David and David asked the priest whether to pursue the Amelekites or not. The priest inquired through the ephod and God said to go and they would recover all. *** David had 600 men, but 200 of them were too tired to continue. They stayed with the supplies and the rest went after their families. *** On their way, they found a wounded Egyptian from the Amalekite army who had been left to die. David nursed him back to health. He was promised they would not turn him over to his owner if he led them to the Amalekites. He did and they found them eating and drinking. David and his men took them by surprise and recovered all. When they got back to the 200 who had guarded their stuff, David made a proclamation that they would get the same as the ones who went to war. That became a law. *** David also sent some of the plunder to the elders of Judah in twelve towns who were his friends. *** Meanwhile, back at the war between Saul and the Philistines, Saul, his sons and many others were killed. The Israelite army fled and the Philistines took the bodies of Saul and his sons and hung them on the wall at Beth-shean. The people of Jabesh went during the night and took their bodies down and buried them. They fasted for 7 days. *** It is amazing to see how God saved David from having to be in the battle where Saul was killed. If he had been there he would have been blamed for killing Saul and he would have not have gone home to save his own family. But God orchestrated it where Saul would die and no one would be able to blame David, and David was able to recover everything that had been stolen from him. He was able to share his wealth with leaders of Judah that would one day be loyal to him as their king. *** In John, it was almost time for the Passover celebration. People had arrived in Jerusalem early to go through the purification ceremony so they would be able to participate in the sacrifices. They thought they might see Jesus there. The priests and Pharisees were also looking for Jesus to arrest him. *** Six days before Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany to eat with Lazarus and his family. Mary then took her expensive jar of perfume and anointed Jesus feet with it. She wiped it with her hair. When Judas Iscariot saw this, all he could think of was the money they could have gotten if they had sold the perfume. Jesus told him to leave her alone because she was doing this in preparation for his burial. *** As they all left for Jerusalem, they grew a crowd. Everyone wanted to see Jesus and Lazareth. The priests decided they needed to kill Lazareth also since he had gotten so popular. *** The people coming to Jerusalem were singing the Hallel they always sang on the way to Jerusalem. When they saw Jesus they sang it to him and laid down their palm branches to let him walk on them. Jesus was riding on a donkey fulfilling the words of Zechariah, “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming riding on a donkey’s colt.” *** All the people were wanting to see Jesus who raised Lazareth from the dead. The Pharisees were didn’t know what to do now; Jesus was the talk of the celebration. *** Lord, thank you that you orchestrate our lives just like you did David. You save us from waking into traps set by the enemy and you bless us with good things.

Mon.’s Devo - Resurrection and Life

Read: 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 11:1-54; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23 David and his men hid in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul took 3,000 men to hunt him down. David found out where Saul and his men were camped and went with Abishai by night to spy. They found Saul and his men fast asleep. David took his spear and his water bottle then went a safe distance away and yelled to Abner, Saul’s commander. *** David woke them up and asked Abner why he didn’t protect Saul. He showed them Saul’s spear and water bottle. David asked Saul again, why he was trying to kill him. What had he done to deserve death? *** Saul confessed he had sinned and begged David to come home where he would not harm him. David didn’t fall for it. He gave Saul his spear. Saul blessed David with success then went back home. *** David knew that Saul would return, so he decided to escape to the Philistines. He took 600 of his men and went to join with Achish, the king of Gath. Achish gave him the city of Ziklag for him and his men to live in. They brought their families to live with them there. *** David and his men would spend their days raiding the Geshurites, Girzites and Amelekites. They would kill everyone in the town so there were no witnesses. When the king asked him where they went that day, he would lie and tell him they had fought the people of Judah. *** The Philistines were planing a war with Israel and King Achish told David that he and his men would be expected to fight with him. David told him he would be glad to join him. Achish told David, he would be Achish’s personal body guard. *** The Philistines set up camp against Israel at Gilboa. When Saul saw how many Philistines there were, he panicked. He asked the Lord what he should do, but God wasn’t answering. Then he decided to ask a medium. Even though he had banned all mediums from the land and didn’t allow them to bring up the dead, his men found a woman who used to be a medium. She lived in Endor. *** Saul disguised himself as a normal man and went to see her. She didn’t want to do it at first, but Saul promised her he would not turn her in. She finally agreed to do it. He told her to bring up Samuel. *** When the lady entered in to the spirit realm she knew immediately that the man was Saul. It scared her, but Saul told her to continue. The familiar spirit of Samuel came up and Saul asked him what he should do. He told him that God had become his enemy and given his kingdom to David. God would hand him over to the Philistines and he and his sons would die. The army of Israel would be defeated. Saul was distraught with fear and hunger. *** The woman got up and made a meal for him and he ate it. Then they left. *** In John, Jesus’ good friend Nazareth was very sick. He was the brother of Martha and the Mary who would later anoint Jesus feet with perfume. *** Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus telling him about Lazareth and immediately, Jesus told his disciples that his sickness would not end in death. After two days, Jesus said it was time to go and see about Lazareth. His disciples tried to get him not to go since the last time they were in Judah, they tried to stone him. *** Jesus explained that as long as you walk in the light, you are safe. Lazareth had fallen asleep but he was going to go wake him up. He was talking about death. *** When they finally got there, Lazareth had been dead for four days. Martha ran to meet Jesus and told him that if he had been there, Lazareth would not have died. He told Martha that He was the resurrection and the life and anyone who believed in him would never die. He asked Martha if she believed that. She said she did. She went and got Mary and told her that Jesus was there. *** Mary told Jesus the same thing - if he had been there, Lazareth would not have died. Jesus asked to be taken to Lazareth’s tomb. He then told them to roll the stone away. He was angry at death, and sad seeing the people mourning as if there was no hope. *** Jesus looked up to heaven and thanked the Lord for always hearing his prayers. Then he called Lazareth out of the tomb. He came out with his hands and feet bound in grave-clothes. Jesus told them to unwrap him and let him go. They unwrapped death from him. *** Many believed when they saw this, but others went and told the Pharisees and religious leaders of the Temple. They feared that if they continued to let him live, everyone would believe in him. Then the Roman army would come and destroy their Temple and their nation. *** Caiaphas, the high priest prophesied and said, “It is better for you if one man die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” That was exactly what Jesus was sent to do. *** The religious leaders continued to plot his death. *** Lord, you are the resurrection and the life. You are our hope of salvation.

Sun.’s Devo - Retribution

Read: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverb 15:20-21 Saul had gone home to fight the Philistines but he was right back looking for David. Saul needed to relieve himself and went into the very cave that David and his men were hiding in. *** David’s men tried to get David to kill him but instead, David crept close enough to cut off part of the hem of his robe. When Saul had finished and returned to his men, David went out and held up the piece of his robe. He told Saul that he was tempted to kill him but couldn’t kill God’s anointed. *** Saul thanked him for letting him live and even acknowledged that he would be the next king. He made him swear that he wouldn’t kill his family or destroy his line of descendants. David promised and they parted. *** In the meantime, Samuel died and all mourned his death. He was buried in his hometown of Ramah. *** David moved to the wilderness of Maon where a wealthy man named Nabal lived. It was sheep-sheering time where the owner of the sheep would throw a big party to celebrate the harvest. All who had any help in the process of the sheep would be invited to come and enjoy the feast. *** David’s men were very hungry and since they had protected the sheep from being raided out in the wilderness, he asked if they might come and enjoy the food. Nabal was a very foolish man who had a short temper. He insulted the men of David for asking to come and told them they were not invited. *** When David heard what he said, he gathered his men to go and kill Nabal and his men. Nabal’s servants warned Abigail, Nabal’s wife of what had happened and what was about to happen. She quickly prepared enough food to give David’s men a feast and went to meet them. *** She humbled herself before David and apologized for her husband’s temper and ungratefulness. David accepted her apology and promised not to harm them. *** Abigail returned home and waited till the next day to tell her husband what she had done. When she told him, he had a stroke and died 10 days later. *** David was told what happened and he sent to ask Abigail to marry him. She accepted and he married her as well as Ahinoam from Jezebel. Meanwhile, Saul had given David’s wife, Michal to marry Palti. *** In John, Jesus had retuned to Jerusalem to celebrate Hanukkah. While he was there people kept asking him if he was the Messiah. Jesus told them that he had already told them the answer to that. They didn’t believe because there were not his sheep. Only his sheep hear his voice and can receive eternal life from him. *** The people wanted to stone Jesus for this but he asked them which act they were stoning him for. They told him it was not for his acts, but his words. He had blasphemed claiming himself to be God. Jesus referred them to Psalm 82 where God called the judges “gods” since they judged on God’s behalf. *** His works were evidence that he was sent by God. *** Jesus escaped to the place where John the Baptist baptized. Many followed him realizing that everything John the Baptist had said about the Messiah had been manifested in the life of Jesus. *** Lord, we lift up your name for saving us and caring for us. May we bring you joy.

Sat.’s Devo - God, Our Rock of Escape

Read: 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19 David escaped to the cave of Abdullah and others joined him who were unhappy with Saul’s leadership. David’s brothers and relatives came until there were about 400 men who became a part of his movement. *** David went to Moab and asked the king if he would shelter his parents so they would be safe. The king agreed and David moved them to Mizpeh where they stayed the whole time he was running from Saul. *** The prophet, Gad told David it was time to move back to the land of Judah so David went to the forest of Hereth. When Saul heard that David was there, he was at Gibeah with his officers. He asked them if David had promised them fields and vineyards or promised to make them generals and captains in his army. He berated them for not telling them where David was and what he was doing. *** Doeg spoke up and told Saul what he saw at Nob. Ahimelech the priest prayed with David, gave him food and Goliath’s sword. *** King Saul sent for Ahimelech and interrogated him about his meeting with David. Ahimelech told Saul he thought David was totally loyal to him. He had no idea David was a fugitive. Saul, so wrapt in jealousy, ordered his men to kill the priests but no one would do it. Finally, Saul told Doeg to do it and he killed 70 of them. Then he went to Nob and killed their families and cattle. Abiathar, one of Ahimelech’s sons escaped and went to tell David what had happened. David vowed to protect Abiathar with his own life. *** David learned that the Philistines were stealing grain from the people at Keilah. David asked God if he should go and help them and the Lord told him to go. He went and slaughtered the Philistines and rescued the people. *** Saul found out where David was and knew he could trap David inside the city of Keilah since it was a walled city. Abiathar asked the Lord if the people of Keilah would hand David over to Saul and the Lord said they would. David left Keilah before Saul arrived. Saul continued to hunt David down. *** David got news that Saul was near. Jonathan found him and they had their last meeting. Jonathan assured David to stay strong in his faith in God. He told him he was going to be the king of Israel and even his father knew that . They made a pact to stay true to one another. Jonathan returned home. *** David was betrayed by the men of Zith, and went to the wilderness of Maon. Just as Saul was about to catch David, he got news that the Philistines were raiding Israel again and they had to retreat and return home. David was saved and called the place he was hiding the Rock of Escape. *** Jesus is our Rock of Escape from every enemy that is chasing us. *** In John, Jesus explained that he was the only way to salvation. He was the gate that everyone had to come through to get to eternal life. Those who recognize his voice and discern that he is the Savior will find their way into his sheepfold. But those who don’t know his voice will be deceived by false saviors who give false promises. *** Jesus’ plan for us is to give us a rich satisfying life. Satan’s goal is to steal, kill and destroy us. *** Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down his life for us. He protects us from the wolves. He knows us and loves us. *** God loves Jesus because he sacrificed his life to save us and bring us back to God. *** Jesus told the people all this and some thought he was demon-possessed but others believed because he gave sight to a blind man. Who else but God could do that? *** Lord, our hearts are full of love for you because you first loved us. We are so grateful to have such a loving God who cares, protects and wants only good things for us.

Fri.’s Devo - Eyes to See

Read: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17 The last time David was with Saul, Saul had tried to nail him to the wall with his sword. David had fled to Ramah to see Samuel. Now he went to look for Jonathan to find out why Saul was so bent on killing him. *** Jonathan couldn’t believe his father would want to kill David but promised David he would do some investigating. He would get back to him in three days. It was the time of the new moon festival and Jonathan would see Saul’s reaction when David didn’t show up. *** Saul was fine the first day, but when David wasn’t in his place at the table the second day, he asked Jonathan where he was. Jonathan told him David had a family issue and went home. Saul was irate. He accused Jonathan of giving his kingdom to David. He told Jonathan to go get David so he could kill him, then he threw his sword and almost killed Jonathan. Jonathan knew he was serious. *** Jonathan met with David and told him what his father had said. They both cried and hugged one another, knowing they might not see each other again. They swore allegiance to each other and their families. *** David went to Nob to see Ahimelech the priest. He asked him for bread and weapons. He was given the old shewbread and Goliath’s sword. He told Ahimelech that he was on a secret mission for the king. *** Saul’s chief herdsman, Doeg, was there and saw David take the sword of Goliath. *** David left there and went to Gath, but the Philistine officers knew of David’s reputation in killing Philistines. David was afraid of what King Achish might do to him so he played like he was insane. King Achish had him thrown out, so David escaped. *** In John, Jesus and his disciples came upon a man who had been blind since birth. His disciples asked him if the man was blind because of his own sins or the sins of his parents. Jesus answered, neither. It was so that the power of God could be seen in him. *** Jesus spit on the ground making mud with his saliva. He then spread the mud over the blind man’d eyes. He told him to go and wash it off in the pool of Siloam. The man did and came back seeing. *** He testified to everyone what Jesus had done. *** His friends took him to the Pharisees because it had been done on the Sabbath. They argued if he could be from God. Would God work on the Sabbath? Who else could do such miracles? *** They finally asked the man who had been healed what he thought about the man who healed him. He told them the man must be a prophet. *** The skeptical Pharisees called in the man’s parents and they confirmed that he was born blind. All they knew is that he could now see. They were afraid they would be cast out of the synagogue so they told him to ask their son. *** They called the man back and questioned him more. He told them that never before had anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind. He had to be from God. The Pharisees cast him out of the synagogue. *** Jesus found him and asked if he believed in the Son of Man. The man asked who that was and Jesus said it was him. He told Jesus that he believed and he worshipped Jesus. *** Jesus said that he came to render judgment to give sight to the blind and to show those who thought they could see that they were blind. *** The Pharisees asked if he was talking about them. He told them if they were blind, they wouldn’t be guilty. But since they claimed they could see, they remained guilty. *** Lord, may we be humble and remember that we see only because God gave us eyes to see. May we always depend totally on You. Thank you for opening out eyes to see that You are the risen Christ!

Thurs.’s Devo - God Guards the Truth

Read: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Provers 15:11 David was successful in all Saul asked him to do. He had the favor of all the people. When the army of Israel returned home the women would sing, “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” *** When Saul heard the song he was very upset and was afraid of losing his kingship to David. The next day, his tormenting spirit came back and Saul was a mad man. David came to play his harp but Saul hurled his spear at him. David escaped his spear twice. *** David continued to lead his army of 1,000 men and continued to have success. Saul became more and more afraid of David. *** The day came for Saul to give his daughter to David, like he had promised, but he gave her instead to Adriel. Saul had another daughter named Michal who had fallen in love with David. Saul saw this as an opportunity to get rid of David. He had his men tell David that he could have her for 100 Philistine foreskins as his bride price. David gave him 200. Saul had no recourse but to give him Michal. When Saul how much she loved David, he was even more afraid of David. *** Saul tried to get his servants and Jonathan to assassinate David but Jonathan loved David and told David what his father was planning. Jonathan was able to talk his father out of killing David by reminding him of all the things David had done for him. Saul allowed David to come back and serve in the court like before. *** David continued to have success on the battlefield. *** One day Saul was at home and his tormenting spirit came back. David played the harp for him and he hurled his spear at David. David escaped to his house. Saul sent men to watch his house and kill David when he walked out the next morning. Michal convinced David to escape that night. She put an idol in his bed. When the men came to arrest David the next day, she told them David was in bed sick. *** Saul sent the troops back to get David and bring him to him but they found the idol instead. Michal said that David had threatened to kill her if he didn’t go along with his plan. *** David escaped and went to see Samuel in Ramah. Saul found out and sent troops to Ramah to get David but the spirit of prophecy fell upon them and they prophesied, it happened to the next group of troops, and finally to Saul also when he arrived. *** Jesus was still talking to the crowd. He told them if they remained faithful to his teaching, then they would know the truth and it would set them free. They had no idea that they were slaves. Jesus explained they were slaves to sin. Anyone who sinned was its slave. Slaves are not permanent members of the family, but the son is. And if the son sets you free, then you are totally free. *** Even though they claimed they were children of Abraham, by their actions they were proving they were children of the devil. If they were true children of Abraham, they would believe in him and not try to kill him. Instead they were illegitimate children. *** The proof was in the fact that they did evil and loved doing evil. Satan was a murderer from the beginning of the earth. He has always hated the truth. Jesus told them that anyone who believed in him, belongs to God. *** The Jews that heard this were so upset they called him a Samaritan devil and accused him of being possessed by a demon. *** He told them he didn’t have a demon but he honored his Father and though he had no wish to glorify himself, God did, and would glorify him. Anyone who believed in him would never die. *** They were now so upset with Jesus. How could he think he was greater than Abraham and the prophets, who died. Jesus said that Abraham looked forward to the day when he would come to earth, speaking of himself. The people didn’t understand how Jesus who was only in his thirties could claim to have seen Abraham. *** When Jesus said that before Abraham was born, I AM, they picked up stones to stone him but Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple. *** Lord, thank you for always speaking the truth no matter what it cost you. May we be that bold and fearless. May we be adamant about the truth and resolved in our hearts. You are the truth and the life.

Wed.’s Devo - The Lord’s Victory

Read: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 15:11 The Israelite army faced the Philistine army on opposite hills overlooking the valley of Elah. The Philistines had a champion who would come down into the valley and shout to the army of Israel challenging them to a duel. The man would be fighting for his nation and the losing nation would become the slave of the other nation. *** Their champion was a nine foot tall giant named Goliath. Goliath means “stripped, as a captive.” Day after day he walked out taunting the army of Israel. No one was brave enough to fight him. *** David’s brothers were in the army and their dad sent David to take them some food and find out how things were going on the front. David heard the taunts of Goliath and was surprised that they listened to him day after day and did nothing. He asked what reward would begin to the man who defeated Goliath and they said he would be given one of the kings’ daughters for a wife and the man’s whole family would be exempt from paying taxes. *** David asked around till his questions were reported to King Saul. He had the boy brought to him but when he saw him he was surprised that David was so young. *** David argued that God had helped him kill lions and bears with his bear hands that came to attack his sheep. This uncircumcised Philistine would be nothing for God. *** Saul had no other men volunteering and had to do something, so he tried to put his armor on David. It fell off of him. David said he would fight like he was used to fighting and gathered five smooth stones from a stream and put them in his bag. Then he took his shepherd’s staff and sling and headed out across the valley towards Goliath. *** Goliath saw him coming and was insulted that he only brought a staff to fight him. He cursed David by the names of his gods. He told him he would give his flesh to the birds and wild animals. *** David named Goliath’s weapons then he named his: the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who Goliath had defied. Then he told Goliath exactly what he was goin to do to him. He was going to conquer him and cut off his head and give his body to the birds and wild animals. Then all would know there was a God in Israel who rescues his people. *** David ran to meet Goliath and took one of the stones and hurled it with his sling. It hit Goliath in the forehead and he fell face down to the ground. David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword out and cut off his head. When the Philistines saw this they turned and ran and the men of Israel ran after them killing them. *** David took Goliath’s head to Jerusalem. Saul found out who David was and had him brought to live with him. David met Jonathan and there was an immediate bond between them. Jonathan gave him his robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt and vowed a vow of friendship with him. *** In John, Jesus continued speaking saying he was going away to a place they wouldn’t be able to come. Some speculated he was contemplating suicide since they thought there was a place designated for those who committed suicide. Jesus tried to clear it up by saying they were from below and he was from above. He didn’t belong to this world. *** Many still didn’t understand who he was and who it was that had sent him, but he added, when he was lifted up on the cross, they would understand that he was who he said he was. But, there were some who believed in him. *** Lord, thank you for giving us hearts to believe in you. Thank you for eternal life through Christ.

Tues.’s Devo - A New King is Anointed

Read: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23; John 8:1-20; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 15:8-10 God told Samuel that he was ready to settle an account with the Amalekites who attacked Israel when they were coming out of Egypt. He wanted Saul to attack them and kill them all, people and animals. Samuel told Saul and he gathered 21,000 men. Saul called the Kenites out from among the Amalekites so they wouldn’t be killed along with them. Then they attacked and killed all the people except the king, Agag. They kept the best of the sheep and cattle for themselves. When Samuel rebuked Saul for letting them live, Saul blamed the people for taking the spoil so they could sacrifice them to the Lord. Samuel made it clear that God would rather have obedience than any gift they could give him. God can not be bribed. *** God also said that rebellion was the same as witchcraft and stubbornness was the same as iniquity and idolatry. Because Saul had rejected what God said, God had rejected him as being king. *** Saul repented bitterly for his sin and the fact that he feared the people more than he feared God. *** God told Saul that he was taking the kingdom from him and giving it to someone who was better than him. Ouch! *** Saul proved he was more worried about his outward appearance than his standing before God. He begged Samuel to honor him and go with him to worship the Lord so his elders would see that Samuel was still honoring him. *** Samuel went with Saul to the sacrifice, but then he had them bring out Agag and cut him into pieces. *** Samuel went back to Ramah where he mourned the rejection of Saul. God told Samuel to stop mourning for Saul and go to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse and anoint one of his sons to be God’s king. *** Samuel obeyed and Jesse brought his seven sons to Samuel, but God hadn’t chosen any of them. Samuel asked Jesse if he had any other sons and Jesse said his youngest son, David was keeping the sheep. Samuel told him to bring him and when he came, God said he was the one. Samuel took a horn of oil and poured it over his head in the midst of his brothers. *** When Saul had been anointed by Samuel, he did it in secret with a vial of oil. He anointed David with so much more and he did it in front of his brothers. *** The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day. It left Saul and God sent an evil spirit to torment him. It was so bad that his men looked for someone who could play a harp to calm him down when he got manic. They found David, who went and soothed Saul with his Spirit and his music. *** In John, Jesus was teaching in the Temple in Jerusalem. The scribes and Pharisees brought him a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. Where was the man? Then they tried to tell Jesus what the law said. They missed the part where the law says that they both are to be stoned. This proves once again that they didn’t know the law they so piously proclaimed. *** Jesus began to write with his finger on the ground. The only other time we know that the finger of God wrote something was the law. Jesus finally stood and said, that the one who was guiltless should cast the first stone. They started feeling convicted and the oldest turned to leave. They soon were all gone. Jesus asked the woman where her accusers were and she told him there were none and Jesus told her that he didn’t condemn her either but she should go and not sin again. Then Jesus said that he was the light of the world and that anyone who followed him would walk in the light of life. *** The Pharisees argued that he could not be his own testimony to truth. Jesus argued that his record was true because it was based on truth. He knew who he was and where he was going. They judged after the flesh. He didn’t judge, but if he did, his judgment would be the right one because he was judging as God. In their law they had to have two witnesses. He had two: him and his Father. *** When they asked where his Father was, Jesus told them they didn’t know his Father. If they had known him, they would know he came from him. *** Again, Jesus was speaking in the open and no one laid a hand on him because it was not his time. *** Lord, we can rest in this fact also. We do not need to fear death or tomorrow because you hold our times in your hand. When we walk with you, we are walking in the light and no darkness can come in.

Mon.’s Devo - Jesus, Our Advocate

Read: 1 Samuel 14:1-52; John 7:31-53; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7 Saul and his 600 men were camped outside of Gibeah. Jonathan took his armor bearer and went secretly to spy out the Philistine outpost. To get there Jonathan had to go between two cliffs that stood for glory (blessing) and suffering (curse). Jonathan had great faith that God was with them and would help them. *** They found the outpost and let the Philistines see them. Jonathan had told his armor bearer if the Philistines said they were coming to them to kill them, then they would know to run; but if they challenged them to come fight them, then they would know God had given them into their hands. *** The Philistines challenged them to come to them so they went to fight them. Jonathan fought those in front of him and his armor bearer fought the one behind him. They killed twenty men. This threw the whole Philistine camp into panic. Then God shook the earth with an earthquake and scared them even more. *** Back at the Israelite camp the lookouts noticed that the army of the Philistines were melting away in every direction. Saul had no idea who could have caused this. He called the roll, and Jonathan and his armor bearer were the only ones missing. *** Saul wanted to inquire of the Lord, but it happened so fast that they left to fight before they could hear from the Lord. They found the Philistines killing each other. Ones who had defected to the Philistine camp were fighting for Israel. Men who had gone home came out and fought. God saved Israel that day. *** The army of Saul was exhausted. Saul had put a curse on any one who ate anything till they had finished fighting that evening. Jonathan hadn’t heard the vow so he ate some of the honey that was abundant in the forest. One of Saul’s men saw him eating it and told of the curse. Jonathan thought it was a foolish thing Saul had vowed. *** The men were so hungry by the time the curse was lifted that they sinned and ate meat without draining the blood first. Saul rolled a stone over for them to kill their animals on and drain the blood. Then he built an altar to the Lord. He had the priest ask if they should continue fighting the Philistines the next day but God didn’t answer. Saul knew something was wrong and someone must have sinned. *** Saul had the priest draw lots between him and Jonathan, and the people to see who had sinned. The lot fell on him and Jonathan. Saul had said that whoever had sinned must die, even if it was Jonathan. The lot fell on Jonathan. Jonathan told what he had done. Saul was going to have him killed but the men stood up for him and advocated for his life. Jonathan was the reason for their great victory. He did not deserve to die. Jonathan was allowed to live. *** This is exactly what Jesus did for us. Under the law, we should die, but Jesus stood up for us and took our death for us. He advocates for us still. *** Saul had three sons and two daughters. His army officer was his cousin, Abner. *** Saul fought the Philistines all his life and drafted any able man he saw. *** In John, the people stood up for Jesus saying that Jesus was doing the miracles they would think the Messiah would do. When the Pharisees heard what the people were saying they sent the Temple guards to arrest Jesus. Jesus told them that he would only be with them a little longer because he was returning to the one who sent him. They would search for him but not be able to find them because they couldn’t go there. This confused them so much, they didn’t arrest him. *** On the last day of the festival they did a water libation where the priest would carry water from the pool of Siloam to the altar. The High Priest would then pour it at the foot of the altar. While this was going on, Jesus stood and shouted that anyone who was thirsty should come to him. All who believed and drank from his waters would have living water flowing from their hearts. This stirred up the crowd. Some believed in him and others wanted him arrested. No one laid a hand on him. *** When the temple guards returned without Jesus they explained that they had never heard anyone speak like he did. The temple leaders mocked them. When Nicodemus spoke up for Jesus, they mocked him also. *** Lord, help us to stand up against a mocking world that doesn’t believe. Help us to be light in the darkness.

Sun.’s Devo - Saul Disobeys

Read: 1 Samuel 12:1-13:23; John 7:1-30; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 15:4 Samuel addressed all the people who met at Gilgal for a solemn assembly to the Lord. He reminded them that as their judge, he had never taken a bribe or perverted justice. The people agreed. They and the Lord were his witnesses on that day. Then Samuel reminded them of all the things the Lord had done for them as a nation and how they had so quickly forgotten the Lord and turned from him to worship other idols. *** Samuel reminded them that it usually didn’t rain during this time of year, but to show them how unpleased the Lord was, God would send thunder and rain. When Samuel prayed, it thundered and rained that day. The people were terrified and realized their sin in asking for a king. *** Samuel told them though they had done wrong, they must change and do right. They must worship the Lord and not their worthless idols. *** If they feared the Lord, and faithfully served him then God would do wonderful things for them. *** Saul was 30 years old when he became king and reigned 42 years. *** Saul selected 3,000 of his best troops and gave 1,000 of them to his son, Jonathan. They went to the country of Bethel to attack the Philistines. Johathan’s group attacked first and Saul sounded the ram’s horn to rally all Israel to revolt. They won the battle. *** The Philistines retaliated with 3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers and an uncountable amount of soldiers. They camped at Micmash. The Israelites were in a tight spot and began to panic and many deserted. *** Saul stayed at Gilgal waiting for Samuel to come and present the sacrifice to the Lord. Saul was losing his army so when Samuel didn’t arrive soon enough for Saul, he presented the burnt offering himself. As soon as he had finished, Samuel walked up. *** When Samuel heard Saul’ excuse for not waiting for him he told him he was foolish. Since he hadn’t kept the command of the Lord, his kingdom, that would have lasted forever, would be taken from him and given to a man after God’s heart. *** Samuel and Saul went their own way from there and Saul only had 600 men left. He took them with him to meet the rest of his army in Geba. *** None of the Israelites had swords or spears because they were not allowed to have them under the Philistine rule. *** In John Jesus traveled around Galilee and stayed out of Judea because they were plotting his death there. *** It was nearing the Feast of Tabernacles and his disciples wanted Jesus to go to it so he could do his miracles and become famous. Jesus told them it was not the right time for him to go but they could go anytime. Jesus remained in Galilee. *** His brothers left for the festival and Jesus went secretly. The Jewish leaders were looking for him at the festival and the people were all giving their opinion about Jesus. No one had the courage to speak about him favorably in public. *** In the middle of the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. The people were amazed at his wisdom and knowledge of God and the scriptures. Jesus explained that his message was not his own but God’s message to the people. He accused them of no obeying the Law given by Moses. The crowd shouted that he had a demon. *** Jesus showed their hypocrisy. They got mad at him for healing a man on the Sabbath when they circumcised their own children on the Sabbath. What was the difference? *** The people wondered why the religious leaders weren’t arresting Jesus and thought it might be because they thought he was the Messiah. But the fact that they thought the Messiah would just appear and no one would know his origin, it made them question if Jesus was the one. *** Jesus answered their question. He told them that they did know where Jesus came from, but he wasn’t here on his own. God had sent him to them. The leaders tried to arrest him but couldn’t lay a hand on him because it was not the time. *** Lord, may we be bold like Jesus and speak without fear of consequences. Thank you for your example. Thank you that you did all that for us. Increase our faith.

Sat.’s Devo - Israel’s First King -

Read: 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15; John 6:43-71; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 15:1-3 Samuel anointed Saul with a flask of olive oil and told him God had appointed him to be the ruler over Israel. Then he gave him a list of things that would happen on his way home to prove that what he was saying was true. All of them happened just as Samuel said they would. *** When Saul arrived at home, his uncle asked him where he had been. Saul told him they had inquired of Samuel where the donkeys were and he told them they had been found so they came home. He didn’t tell his uncle what Samuel had said about him and the kingdom. *** Samuel called all the people of Israel to meet at Mizpah before the Lord. Samuel told them that because they had rejected the Lord, he had given them a king. Then he chose lots of all the tribes and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Then the family of the Matrites were chosen and finally, Saul was chosen. When they went to find Saul, he was hiding. They brought him out and shouted, “Long live the king.” *** Samuel read him all the rights and duties of the king and wrote them in a scroll. He then sent the people home. *** A group of men followed Saul, but others rejected him. *** About a month later, the Ammonites came to Jabesh-gilead and told the citizens there that they would make a treaty of peace and the terms would be that they would let them gouge out their right eye as a disgrace to all Israel. *** The men of Jabesh-gilead asked for 7 days to see if Israel would come to their rescue. When Saul found out about it he took two oxen and cut them into pieces and sent them with messengers to say that this would happen to the oxen of these who don’t come to fight. Three hundred thousand came from Israel and 30,000 from Judah to fight the Ammonites. Saul sent a message to Jabesh-gilead that they were coming to their rescue. *** The men of Jabesh-gilead told the Ammonites that they would surrender to them the next day, but instead, Israel launched a surprise attack against the Ammonites and Israel got a great victory. *** The people wanted to kill the people who had opposed Saul becoming king but Saul wouldn’t let that happen. He proclaimed it a day to celebrate instead. They all went to Gilgal to worship the Lord and thank him. *** In John, Jesus told them to stop complaining that he had said he was the bread of life. No one can come to him unless the Father draws them to him and He will raise them up in the last day. They are the ones who will be taught by God, although he was the only one who had ever seen the Father. Anyone who believes in him has eternal life. *** Jesus continued saying God gave them manna in the wilderness and they all died, but anyone who eats this bread, speaking of his flesh, will never die. *** The people had a hard time with this concept. *** Jesus went further and told them that not only did they need to eat his flesh, but drink his blood to have eternal life. Even the disciples had a hard time understanding what he meant. *** Jesus told his disciples that if they had a hard time with this then they would really have a hard time when they saw the Son of Man ascend to heaven. Only the Sprit can give eternal life. Only the ones who believed in Spirit could come to the Lord. Many turned away from him at that time. *** Jesus asked his twelve if they would desert him also but Peter answered that there was no where else to go to receive eternal life. Peter said that they believed he was the Holy One of God. Jesus answered that one of them didn’t believe because he was a devil, speaking of Judas Iscariot. *** Lord, may we understand spiritually who you are and how your kingdom works.

Fri.’s Devo - Only Believe

Read: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27; John 6:22-42; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 14:34-35 Samuel appointed his sons to help him judge the people but they were dishonest and took bribes. They loved money more than justice. *** The elders of Israel met with Samuel and told him his sons were not like him and he was old and would soon be gone. They wanted him to give them a king to rule over them. *** Samuel was displeased with their request but the Lord told him they were not rejecting him but God. He was to give them their king but first warn them of what this king would do. He would initiate a draft and draft their best men into his army. Some would become generals and captains while others would work his fields, make his weapons and chariots. The king would take their daughters to work for him and take the best land for himself. He would take a tenth of their income for himself and to run his organization. The day would come when they would regret asking for a king. *** The people refused to hear this and still wanted a king, so God told Samuel to give them what they wanted. *** Meanwhile there was a man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He lost some of his donkeys and sent his son, Saul to find them. After three days, Saul and his men had not found the donkeys and were out of food. They planned to return home when one of them suggested they ask the prophet, Samuel. *** Samuel had just arrived to bless the sacrifice for the nation. God told him he was sending him the man who was to be the king. When he met Saul, he invited him to eat with him. He told Saul that he and his family were the focus of all Israel’s hopes. He honored him above everyone there and gave him the best meat. Then he had Saul stay with him that night. When he went to bid him good-bye he asked to speak privately to him and give him a word from God. *** In John, the people remembered seeing Jesus send his disciples across the lake, but couldn’t find him anywhere. They followed the disciples and found him on the other side. When they asked Jesus how he got there, he told them that they came to him because he fed them. They hadn’t understood the meaning behind his miracle. He told them not to be so concerned about the things that are earthly like food, but to spend their energy seeking the eternal life that only Jesus could give them. *** The people said they wanted to work miracles too. Jesus told them what they needed to do was to believe he was sent by God. They asked for a sign to prove this. They said that Moses had given them bread from heaven. Jesus corrected them. God gave them bread from heaven, not Moses. God’s true bread was the bread that comes down from heaven and give life to the world. He was that bread. Anyone who came to him would receive eternal life. The people had a hard time with this. *** Lord, may we not stumble over what we can not understand and be like children and believe you with childlike faith.

Thurs.’s Devo - God is Greater

Read: 1 Samuel 5:1-7:17; John 6:1-21; Psalm 106:13-31; Proverbs 14:32-33 The Philistines took the Ark of God to the town of Ashdod and placed it beside their idol, Dagon. The next morning, they went to see the Ark and Dagon had fallen on his face in front of the Ark of the Lord. They set Dagon back up but the next morning they found him face down in front of the Ark with its hands and head cut off. (I would have loved to see the battle that had taken place that night.) Only Dagon’s trunk was intact. *** The people of Ashdod and their surrounding villages were struck with a plague of tumors and they linked it back to the Ark. The rulers decided to move the Ark to Gath. The same thing happened to the people there, so they moved the Ark to Akron. The people of Akron cried out when they saw it coming and begged for it not to come to their city. They were plagued with tumors also. *** It took the Philistines 7 months to decide to take the Ark back to the Israelites. The five rulers of the Philistines all got together and asked their priests and diviners what they should do to get rid of the Ark. The priests told them they had to give it back to Israel and atone to their God. They were to build a new cart and hitch cows that had just given birth to lead it. They were to also put 5 golden rats and 5 golden tumors on the cart. The rats had brought their tumors. If the cows went straight to Israel, they would know that God had caused all this. *** God watched over his honor and the cows went straight to the field of Joshua and stopped beside a large rock. Joshua means “God is salvation”, and the rock stood for Jesus. *** The Levites took the wood from the cart and broke it up for firewood. They sacrificed the two cows and the gold on the rock while the 5 Philistine leaders watched. *** God killed 70 men of Beth-shemesh because they looked into the Ark. The Ark stayed at the home of Eleazar for 20 years. *** Israel mourned because it looked like God had abandoned them. Samuel explained that it was they who had abandoned God. If they wanted to return to the Lord they had to get rid of all their foreign gods and images of Ashtoreh and turn their hearts to the Lord and obey only him. Then he would rescue them from the Philistines. *** Samuel called a meeting at Mizpah where they confessed their sins and had a feast together. When the Philistines heard that they had all gathered at Mizpah, they planned to attack them. The Philistines arrived just as Samuel was sacrificing a burnt offering to the Lord. God spoke so loudly with thunder from heaven that the Philistine were thrown into confusion and the Israelites defeated them. *** Samuel rolled a large stone between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah and named it Ebenezer which means “the stone of help.” This marked the beginning of God helping them. *** The Philistines stopped fighting with them for a while. The Israelites captured the towns of Gath and Akron and restored them to Israel. *** Samuel led as Israel’s judge for the rest of his life and set up court in Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah to hear their cases. He built an altar to the Lord at Ramah. *** In John, it was almost time for the Passover. Jesus climbed a hill and sat with his disciples. He soon drew a great crowd who came to listen to his teaching. Jesus asked his disciples where they could buy bread to feed all of them. He was testing them. *** Phillip said that even if they worked for months they wouldn’t be able to afford to feed them. Andrew stepped forward and said there was a young boy with five barley loaves and two fish but what was that to this large crowd. *** That was all Jesus needed. He told the people to sit down, Jesus took the loaves and thanked God then began breading the loaves and giving them to the disciples. The bread and fish multiplied in his hands and fed the 5,000 men plus their families. That evening Jesus took his disciples to the shore and told them to sail across to the other side. As they did a storm rose up. They saw Jesus walking on the water and called out to him. Jesus told them not to be afraid and as soon as he entered their boat, they were at the other side. *** Lord, we invite you into our boat. You are our peace and our only way to the other side. You are greater than any god man can manufacture.

Wed.’s Devo - God’s Word is True

Read: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22; John 5:24-47; Psalm 106:1-12; Proverbs 14:30-31 Eli was very aware that his sons were doing wicked things. They were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle. Eli confronted his sons but didn’t take them from their duty or discipline them, so God planned to put them to death. *** God sent Eli a prophet who told him the time would come when his family would no longer be priests. All the members of his family would die premature deaths. The few that would remain priests would end up blind, with heart conditions or die a violent death. To prove that his words were true, Hophni and Phinehas would both die on the same day. *** God would raise up a faithful priest to serve and do his will. Meanwhile, Samuel grew to have the favor of God and the people. *** One night Samuel was awakened in the middle of the night hearing his name called. He ran to Eli to see what he wanted. Eli was almost blind by now and they slept in the Tabernacle. Samuel slept near the Ark of the Lord. Eli told him he hadn’t called him. When it happened again, Eli perceived that it was the Lord speaking to Samuel. He told Samuel the next time he heard his name called to ask him to speak. *** Samuel did and God told him that he was about to do something shocking in Israel. All the warnings of judgment were about to come true. Since Eli hasn’t disciplined his sons, God had ordered their judgement. They would never be forgiven. *** The next morning, Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what God had said, but Eli urged him. When he did, there was nothing Eli had no defense. *** At that time, there was war between Israel and the Philistines. Four thousand Israelites were killed in the first attack. The captains of Israel’s army wondered why God was not helping them so they decided to go get the Ark and bring it with them into battle. When the Ark arrived the whole came yelled so loudly that the earth shook and the Philistines could hear it from where they were. They were so afraid of Israel’s God, they told their men to fight extra hard because they were going up against Israel’s strong God who had defeated Egypt. They didn’t know that God was no longer with Israel. *** Hophni and Phinehas went with the Ark into war the next day. The Philistines defeated Israel again and killed 30,000 of them. The Ark was captured and Hophni and Phinehas were both killed. *** When the bad news was told to Eli, he fell backward from his seat and broke his neck and died. He had judged Israel for 40 years. *** Phinehas’ wife was pregnant and went into labor when she heard the news. She began dying in childbirth but named her child Ichabod before she died. Ichabod means “Woe, where has the glory gone.” *** In John, Jesus said that those who believe in him will never be condemned for their sins but have already passed from death into life. One day, the dead will hear his voice and those who listen will live. They will rise out of their graves and those who have done good will experience eternal life and those who did evil will rise to be judged for their sins. Jesus will judge them as God instructs him at that time. *** John was the one who testified about Jesus, and his teachings and miracles also testify as to who he is. God testified about him through the Scriptures. Man’s approval means nothing if it doesn’t agree with God’s Scriptures. *** Most of the religious leaders of Jesus day couldn’t believe Jesus because they honored one another more than God. Moses, himself would stand in judgment against them because Moses testified of Jesus. They proved that they didn’t believe Moses because Moses told about Jesus and they didn’t believe him. *** Lord, we believe your testimony. Help us be an example of you to the world and our families.

Tues.’s Devo - Hannah’s Story

Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21; John 5:1-23; Psalm 105:37-45; Proverbs 14:28-29 Elkanah was a man who lived in Ramah. He had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Penninah had children but Hannah was barren. *** Elkanah would travel to Shiloh annually to sacrifice at the Tabernacle there. The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas presided there as priest. Elkanah would give meat for his wives to give as a sacrifice. He gave Peninnah a larger piece because she had to feed all her children from it. She would make fun of Hannah’s small piece of meat. Her harassment caused Hannah to cry. *** This year, Elkanah saw her crying and asked her why she was crying, was he not better than many children? He didn’t understand. *** Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli saw her crying bitterly before the Lord and thought she was drunk. He rebuked her, but she told him she was not drunk but fervently praying. He blessed her with peace and the answer to her prayer. *** Hannah was then filled with hope and began to eat again. She got the answer to her prayer and became pregnant. She had a son and named him Samuel. When he was weaned she took him to Eli and left him to be trained to be a priest. She gave her first fruit to the Lord. *** Then Hannah prayed the most powerful prayer for herself and for Israel. It was about reversals for those who hope in the Lord. *** Eli’s sons disrespected God and their duties as priests. They disrespected everyone’s gifts to the Lord and took them for themselves, treating the Lord’s offerings with contempt. *** Meanwhile, Samuel grew to serve the Lord. He dressed like a little priest as a child because Hannah brought him a coat every year. Eli blessed Hannah to have more children and she had three sons and two daughters. Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord. *** In John, Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the feast and went near the Sheep Gate by the pool of Bethesda. Many very sick people lay on the porches waiting for the stirring of the water to be healed. One man had been there for 38 years. He was paralyzed. *** Jesus saw him and told him to stand up, pick up his mat and walk. The man instantly did. Jesus healed him on the Sabbath so, of course the the Jewish leaders objected when they saw him carrying his mat. Jesus had disappeared into the crowd, but found the man later and told him to stop sinning or something worse would happen to him. *** When the religious leaders criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, Jesus told them that his Father always was working. All the religious leaders were working on was a way to kill Jesus. *** Jesus really ticked them off when he called God his Father and told him he was doing what God was doing. He claimed that God would show him how to do even greater things than healing this man. God would give him power to raise the dead. He was also given the power to judge anyone who was not honoring the Father who sent him. *** All glory and honor to Jesus Christ! Thank you, Jesus that you choose to give us this same authority. Show us how to use this authority to proclaim your glory on the earth.

Mon.’s Devo. - Our Kinsman Redeemer

Read: Ruth 2:1-4:22; John 4:43-54; Psalm 105:16-36; Proverbs 114:26-27 Boaz was a wealthy man who had been a relative of Ruth’s deceased husband, Elimelech. It was the wheat harvest and Ruth wanted to work in the fields. It was a law that the poor could walk behind the reapers and pick up whatever they missed. Naomi agreed to let Ruth go glean. *** Ruth just happened to end up in Boaz’s field. He knew who she was and had heard her story of losing her husband, then following Ruth back to live among Israelites. When he saw her gleaning in his field he introduced himself to her and told her to stay in his fields and he would make sure she was safe. *** Boaz then went to his workers and told them to drop extra sheaves for her to pick up and not to harass her in any way. Boaz also invited her to eat the food he had prepared for his workers. She stayed there all day and went home with enough sheaves to make a whole bowl of grain. *** Ruth was amazed at the amount of grain Ruth had gathered and asked her whose field she had gathered in. When she learned it was Boaz’s, she told Ruth that he was a kinsman redeemer for their family. ***At the end of the barley harvest, Boaz would be staying at the threshing floor over night. Naomi told Ruth to get cleaned up and put on her prettiest dress. She was stay in the background until Boaz had eaten and was full of wine. Once he had laid down, she was to uncover his feet and lay there. Boaz would instruct her from there. *** Boaz had already searched to find there was a relative who was ahead of him in redeeming her. He told Ruth to go home and he would talk to the other relative and see if he would redeem her. If he did, there was nothing Boaz could do, but if he didn’t, Boaz would marry Ruth. *** When Boaz went to the gates of the city, he met the relative. He didn’t want to redeem Ruth, so Boaz became her redeemer. Witnesses of the transaction blessed Boaz and he took Ruth as his wife. She became pregnant and the child became Naomi’s birthright. They named the son Obed which means “serving”. *** In the genealogy in Matthew we learn that Boaz’s mother was Rahab, who was a Canaanite woman who chose, like Ruth, to become an Israelite. That was why Boaz had so much compassion on Ruth, a foreigner like his mother. *** In John, Jesus went back to Judea where he had been kicked out before. This time so many of them had been touched by the miracles he had done at Passover, they welcomed him. He came to the city of Cana where he had turned the water to wine and met a government official whose son was about to die. He begged Jesus to heal his son. *** Jesus told the man to go back home, his son would live. The man believed him and went home. On his way, some of his servants met him with the good news that his son was well. It had happened the very moment Jesus spoke his healing. He and his entire household became believers in Christ. *** Lord, thank you for being our Kinsman Redeemer. Thank you for saving the whole world that we might become children of God. May we be the light of the world for you.

Sun.’s Devo - Finding a Bride

Read: Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22; John 4:4-42; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 14:25 The Israelites had vowed not to give their daughters in marriage to any man of the tribe of Benjamin so the tribe was going to die out. The leaders of the tribes got together and found it devastating to lose a tribe, but they had made a vow. Now they had to find a way around it. *** They still had the 600-plus men that had hidden in Rimmon. They needed to find wives for them to preserve the tribe of Benjamin. They inquired around to find that no one from the town of Jabesh-gilead had showed up to fight so they hadn’t made the vow. They went to the town and killed everyone in the town except the virgins. They found wives for 400 of them. They still needed about 200 women. *** Every year they had a festival at Shiloh where the virgins would do a dance. They told the men who needed wives to watch from vineyards and pick out a wife then rush out and grab her. Since their parents didn’t legally give their daughters to them, they would not be breaking their vow. They did this and the rest of the men in Benjamin had wives. *** In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. *** Ruth. Israel experienced a great famine. There was a man and his wife: Elimelech and Naomi, who had two sons named Mahlon and Kilion. they were from the tribe of Ephraim who lived in Bethlehem. The famine became so severe, they moved to the land of Moab. Mahlon and Kilion married wives there: Ruth and Orpah. Elimelech and his two sons died leaving no children. *** Naomi heard there was bread in Judah and decided to return home. She tried to convince her two daughter-in-laws to stay and remarry their people, but Ruth refused to leave Naomi. *** They traveled to Bethlehem and got there just at the time of Pentecost when the farmers were harvesting the barley. The whole town was happy to have Naomi back. *** In John, Jesus traveled through Samaria and came to the village of Sychar. This was near the land Jacob had given to Joseph. Jacob’s well was there and Jesus sat beside the well while his disciples went to find food. One of the women from Samaria came to draw water around noon and Jesus asked her to draw him some water. *** The woman was surprised he had talked to her since she was a much-hated Samaritan. She asked him about that and Jesus began to tell her about the living water he could offer her. The water he was offering her was water that would forever quench her thirst. It was fresh and bubbling and would give them eternal life. Then she wanted his water. He told her to go get her husband. *** She replied that she didn’t have a husband. He already knew that. He told her that she had had seven and the one she was with now wouldn’t marry her. *** She was amazed that he knew her and all she had been through. She perceived him to be a prophet and begin asking him religious questions about where it was the right place to worship God. *** Jesus told her of a time that was coming where it didn’t matter where you worshipped the Lord but how you worshipped him. God was Spirit so he must be worshipped by someone’s spirit who truly loved him. *** Then the women mentioned the Messiah that was coming who is called Christ and when he came he would explain all this to them. *** Jesus told her he was the Messiah. At this time, the disciples returned and she ran to the village to tell everyone about the man who knew everything about her. Could this man be the Messiah? *** The disciples urged Jesus to eat but he couldn’t. He told them that his nourishment came from doing the will of God. He had planted in his vineyard and now he was experiencing the harvest and it was nourishing him. Many of the people from her Samaritan town came to hear and believe in Jesus. They begged him to stay longer and he did for two days. *** Just like the men of Benjamin, Jesus was looking for a bride. His is still looking for those who will be his bride. *** Lord, we say “Yes!” We want to be your bride. May we be nourished by working in your vineyard and seeing the harvest come in.