Sun.’s Devo - David Establishes his Kingdom

Read: 1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17; Romans 1:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 19:4-5 When David was running from Saul, he deserted to the Philistines and helped them fight in their battles. When they were going to fight Saul and Israel, the Philistines wouldn’t let David and his men fight in case David deserted to his master and fought against the Philistines. *** Many of the warriors from Manasseh had come to help David fight against Saul at that time. When they weren’t allowed to fight with the Philistines, they stayed with David and David’s army became like an army of God. *** When Saul died and all Israel met at Hebron to make David their king. The warriors from Judah, Simeon, Levi, Benjamin, Ephraim, Manasseh, Zebulun, Naphtali, Dan, Asher, Reuben and Gad came to join in the celebration. They brought food and celebrated with joy that David was now their king. *** David consulted with his commanders to bring the ark of the Lord out since it had been neglected in Saul’s days. They all agreed to bring the ark from Kieriath-jearim into the city of David which was Jerusalem. *** They carried the ark on a cart with much praise and music. When the oxen carrying the ark stumbled, Uzzah put his hand on the ark to steady it so it wouldn’t fall off the cart. When he did this, the Lord struck him and he died right there. David was so angry and afraid of the Lord, he stopped the ceremony and the ark was taken to the closest house, which was the home of Obed-edom. It stayed there for three months and while it was there, the Lord blessed Obed-deom in everything he did. *** Hiram the king of Tyre sent cedar trees and masons and carpenters to David so he could build his house. David saw that his kingdom was established and fathered more sons and daughters in Jerusalem. *** The Philistines heard that David had become king and went to raid Israel in the Valley of Rephaim. David asked the Lord if he should go against them and was told that God would give them into his hand. He was successful and named the place Baal-perazim. The Philistines had brought their gods with them so David burned them. *** The Philistines came again to raid them in the same valley and the Lord told David to do an ambush from the other side. He obeyed and struck down the army of the Philistines. David became famous and all the nations were afraid of him. *** Today we begin the book of Romans. Paul begins his letter to the church in Rome by explaining his mission for God. He stated what Jesus’ mission was and how he accomplished it through his death which was predicted by the prophets. *** Paul commends them for their reputation of being faithful and longs to meet with them. He wants to impart to them a spiritual gift that he promises will strengthen them. Paul has a burden to share the gospel of Christ with the Gentiles which he knows is salvation for everyone who believes. Those that are righteous will live by faith. *** Lord, may we be known as people who live by our faith in you. May we encourage others who are walking along side us to keep believing in your goodness and truth.

Sat.’s Devo - Paul Arrives in Rome -

Read: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18; Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3 When Saul died, all Israel recognized David as their king. It had been him who had led Israel and defeated their enemies. They made a covenant with David in Hebron and anointed him their king, just like Samuel had prophesied. *** David went to Jerusalem and took it from the Jebusites. He promised that whoever led the charge would become his chief and commander of his army. Joab led and became his chief. David made Jerusalem his home and called it the city of David. David became stronger and stronger because the Lord was with him. *** David had three mighty men named Eleazar, Jashhobean and Joab and their deeds were recorded. Abishai, Joab’s brother was leader of the thirty mighty men who were also listed. Then there were the men who had been with David in his time of running from Saul. They were Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen but they fought for David. They were expert bowmen that were so adept they could use both hands equally as well. Their names were also listed. *** Some of the mighty warriors of Gad also joined David. They were experienced warriors who excelled in fights with their spear and shield. They were especially trained to fight in the mountains. They became officers in David’s army along with some of the men from Benjamin and Judah. *** In Acts, they learned that the island they ship-wrecked on was Malta. The people were very kind and built a fire to welcome them because it was cold and rainy. Paul helped them gather sticks for the fire and was bit by a viper that fastened itself to Paul’s hand. He shook it off into the fire. When nothing happened to his hand, the native people thought he must be a god. *** The chief of the island was Publius who entertained them for three days. His father was very sick with a high fever. Paul prayed for him and the Lord healed him. Then all the people who were sick came to Paul and were healed. *** They stayed there for three months and when they left, the people gave them whatever they needed. They made several stops on their way to Rome. When they arrived in Rome, brothers came to meet them. Paul thanked the Lord and was encouraged when he saw them. Paul was allowed to stay by himself with a guard. *** There days later he was called by the local leaders of the Jews to a meeting. Paul explained his plight and why he had to appeal to Caesar. His own people wanted him killed for no reason. The Jews had heard nothing about this but only a little about his views and wanted to hear more. They made a date where he would share his views with them. *** On that day, many came to where Paul was staying to hear what he had to say. He testified all day about what God was doing and about Jesus. Some believed while others didn’t. Paul quoted what Isaiah had said about his people. With the truth right in front of them, they would not be able to see it. But, Paul told them that though they didn’t see it, the Gentiles would. *** Paul lived in Rome for two years proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus freely. *** Lord, may we be as at peace with our circumstances as Paul was with his. He prospered and continued his mandate to preach the gospel no matter his circumstances were. May he inspire us to do the same.

Fri.’s Devo - Paul’s Deliverance -

Read: 1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14; Acts 27:21-44; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 18:23-24 The nation of Israel kept records of their genealogy from the beginning of their nation. Everyone was registered by name, tribe and family. These records were kept by the kings of Israel and Judah. They were even kept during their captivity in Babylon and are considered the highest authority for truth. In verse 2 it refers to the first exiles who returned. Most of their names are repeated in Nehemiah 11:1-36, although there are some differences which are explained there. The people were divided into four classes of people: the priests, Levites, Israelites, and the Nethinims who were captives who served Israel. A great number returned successively under Ezra, Nehemiah, and at a later period. *** Verse 18 refers to the king’s gate. The king had a gate from his palace into the temple (2Ki 16:18), which was kept constantly closed except for the king's use. Although there was no king in Israel on the return from the captivity, the old ceremonial was kept up, probably in the hope that the scepter would be restored to the house of David. But, since there was no king then in Israel, this gate would be always shut. *** Chapter 10 has no relation to what we just read in Chapter 9. It seems like this piece of history was inserted here to show David’s rise to the throne. We are retold the fatal battle between Israel and the Philistines in which Saul is wounded then kills himself to be kept from being taken prisoner and tortured by the Philistines. Saul’s other two sons Ish-bosheth and Miphibosheth were kept in Gibeah because they were too young to go to war. *** Saul and his other three sons, including Jonathan were killed. Saul’s armor was put in the Philistine temple of their gods and his head was fastened in the temple of Dagon. When the men of Jabesh-gildad heard what the Philistines did to Saul’s body, they went and took his body and the bodies of his sons and brought them and buried them in Jabesh and fasted for 7 days. *** Saul died because he spared the king of Amelek and took the flocks from the people as spoils (1 Samuel 15:9). Saul also was judged for not asking the Lord’s advice but went to the witch at Endor to get her to conjure up Samuel’s spirit. So, God turned the kingdom of Israel over to David. *** In Acts, Paul told the crew on the ship that they should have listened to him and not set sail from Crete. Then he encouraged them and told them that an angel of God had visited him and told him to tell the men to put their faith in Him. They would all live but they must run aground on some island. Fourteen days into the storm and they found they were nearing shore. Some of the sailors were planing to save themselves in life boats but Paul told them unless they stayed in the ship, they would not be saved. So they cut the lifeboats and stayed aboard. *** When the morning was dawning, Paul told the sailors to eat some food so they would have strength for what was next. Paul broke bread and gave thanks to the Lord. He passed it out to the sailors. There were 276 people on the ship. Then they threw out the wheat. *** When it became day, they noted land. The ship became stuck and they would have to swim to shore. The soldiers planned to kill all the prisoners, but the centurion wanted to keep Paul alive so he kept them from doing that. They all jumped overboard and swam to land using planks of the ship to keep them afloat. *** Lord, help us not to grow weary in well doing. Help us to endure till the end and fulfill our destiny.

Thurs.’s Devo - Storms

Read: 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40; Acts 27:1-20; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 18:22 Today we read the genealogy of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Asher,. Issachar and Benjamin were noted as being mighty warriors. *** The sons of Naphtali only had four descendants recorded. *** Joshua who led after Moses was from the tribe of Manasseh. *** Asher was noted as having mighty warriors. *** Benjamin had mighty warriors who were also bowmen. Saul, Israel’s first king came from its tribe. *** In Acts, Julius was the centurion put in charge of getting Paul safely to Rome. He treated Paul kindly and let him stay with his friends before they left. They had to go by sea and the trip was slow and difficult. On their last leg of the journey, they took a ship out of Fair Havens. Paul warned them that the Lord had showed him that if they left at this time they would face injury and loss of the cargo and their lives. The centurion chose to listen to the owner of the ship instead of Paul and they set out to sea. *** When they came to Crete, they were met by a storm and feared the ship would be destroyed. They managed to make it to shore on the island of Cauda. They set out the next day but the storm was so great, they had to throw the cargo overboard. They sailed for several days of no sunlight and feared for their lives. They lost all hope of making it safely to shore. This was just like Paul had warned them. *** I wonder if Paul quoted today’s Psalm as his prayer. *** Lord, I thank you that when we face the storms in our lives, we can turn to you for help and deliverance. You are the righteous judge and our gracious father. May we put all our trust in your unfailing love.

Wed.’s Devo - Paul’s Trial Before Festus

Read: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81; Acts 26:1-32; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 18:20-21 The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh were separated from the other tribes by the Jordan River. They were the first line of defense against Israel’s enemies from the east, so they were valiant warriors who knew how to fight. They started out conquering the enemies of their land because they cried our to the Lord and trusted in him. Then they became fascinated with the gods of the land and abandoned the Lord to commit idolatry with them. So, they were defeated by the Assyrians and taken into exile. *** The Levites were divided into three clans: the Gersonites, Kohathites and Merarites. The priests came from the sons of Aaron which were Kohathites. Moses and Aaron were from that clan. The Levites were in charge of the worship and administration of the Temple. They were not given a lot in the promised land but were scattered throughout the tribes to minister to the people. They were always given pasturelands with their cities to keep animals for sacrifice. *** In Acts, it was Paul’s turn to make his defense against all the false accusations the Jews from Jerusalem were making about him. He began his opening statements telling his history as a Pharisee and his hope in the Lord of their forefathers. He asked them, ‘What is so incredible about the fact that God raises the dead?’ *** Paul explained that he opposed the name of Jesus of Nazareth at first and persecuted and arrested those who believed in him. Then he gave his story of meeting the Lord on the road to Damascus and his commission to spread the good news to the Jews and the Gentiles. That was what he had been doing since then and that was the reason he was arrested by the Jews and brought to trial. *** When Festus heard his story of the light that spoke to him, Festus told Paul he was out of his mind. Paul told Festus he was speaking the truth. He asked Festus if he believed the prophets? Festus was asked Paul if he thought he could convince him in such a short time to become a Christian. Paul told him he would love to do just that. *** Festus and the governor and Bernice his wife all stood and left. They reasoned among themselves that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment but since he appealed to Caesar, he would be sent to Caesar. *** Appealing to Caesar saved Paul’s life. He was put in protective service and sent far away from the Jews who wanted to kill him. It also got him to Rome where he could spread the Gospel there also. *** Lord, may we not be afraid of change if you are in it. May we use every opportunity to share our faith in you to others.

Tues.’s Devo - Judah, Simeon and Reuben

Read: 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17; Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 18:19 We continue reading the genealogy of Judah and stop to eulogize Jabez for his sincere worship of God. It is recorded in Jewish writings that his reputation as a doctor of the law drew many scribes around him in the town that was named for him (1 Ch. 2:55). His name means “grief” which was experienced by his mother in his birth. His prayer that is recorded is more like a vow that he gave before he went on a critical mission, probably in fighting the Canaanites and possessing his land. He prayed that God would bless him, protect him, and help him take his territory. God answered his prayer and Jabez prospered. *** Next, we have the descendants of Simeon which it says they didn’t have many children so their clan didn’t multiply like Judah’s. When God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, that is still our command. Simeon’s clan didn’t do this for some reason. They were still conquering their land when Hezekiah became king. *** The sons of Reuben were recorded next. Reuben lost his status as the first born when he slept with his father’s concubine. His birthright was given to Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Their chief was taken to Assyria by Tiglathpileser. They had opted to live east of the Jordan instead of in the land of Israel. In the days of Saul they defeated the Hagrites and lived in their tents in Gilead. *** The tribe of Gad settled next to the tribe of Reuben in the land of Bashan. They had gotten their land from King Og when Israel was journeying with Moses to the promised land. *** In Acts, it was time for Festus to hear the case the Jews were bringing against Paul. They asked to have the trial moved to Jerusalem with plans to kill Paul on the way. Festus said the trial would be in Caesarea and they had to go there to bring their charge. *** In Caesarea, Paul was ordered to come before Festus and hear the charges brought against him. The Jews brought their false charges against Paul and Festus asked Paul if he would like to go to Jerusalem to be tried. Paul told him that he had not committed any crime against the Jewish law, against the Temple or against Caesar. So since he had done no crime he appealed to Caesar. Festus granted his request and told him he would send him to Caesar. *** Festus had to send a letter telling Caesar what Paul was being charged for and had no idea what to write. Agrippa and his wife were coming to the city so he asked them to meet with Paul and help him write the letter. *** With much pomp and ceremony, Agrippa and Bernice entered the hall of the tribunal and Paul was brought in. Tomorrow we will read about what happened. *** Lord, help us to realize the importance of family and heritage. Help us to understand what really matters in life and keep the main thing the main thing. You are the main thing.

Mon.’s Devo - Paul’s Trial

Read: 1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4; Acts 24:1-27; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 18:16-18 Today we read the lineage of Hezron from the tribe of Judah. The kings came from that line. David, Solomon and almost all of the kings of Israel were from the tribe of Judah. *** In Acts, Paul was brought to his trial. The high priest Ananias and some of the elders including Tertullus came down with their case against him. Ananias accused Paul of being a plague that stirs up riots everywhere he goes. They claimed Paul was a Nazarene who was trying to profane the temple before they stopped him. The Jews with him confirmed what he said. *** When it was Paul’s turn to testify to their accusations he testified that he had been going up to Jerusalem to worship for 12 days and never stirred up a riot in the temple or in the city. He believes everything in the law that the Jews hold as true and his hope is in the same God they claim to worship. He believes like them that there will one day be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. *** Paul had worshiped peacefully in the temple until some Jews from Asia who, he added ought to be here at the trial, brought accusations against him. The only disturbance he made was when he cried out that: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’ *** Felix knew something about “Christians” and told them that when Lysias the tribune comes down, he would decide his case. Until then, Paul would be kept in custody with visiting rights. *** Felix’s wife was Jewish and she came with Felix to hear what Paul had to say about his faith in Christ. He reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment which convicted and scared Felix. He sent Paul back to his cell hoping he would bribe him. Paul didn’t and stayed in prison for 2 years. Felix was succeeded by Porcias Festus. As a favor to the Jews, he kept Paul in prison. Little did he know that Paul wrote many letters to the churches which we now read in our Bibles. *** Lord, I thank you that you work everything for the good of the gospel and for our own good. Thank you that you use our trials to mold and shape us into your image. May we give ourselves to your plan and find our joy in you.