Tues.’s Devo - The Temple is Completed

Read: 2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11; Romans 7:1-13; Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 19:22-23

Solomon made all the vessels for the Temple according to what David had prescribed. Hiram did all the metal work and the carpentry. It was all brought into the Temple along with all the things David had given to go into the treasury. 

Solomon assembled all the elders and leaders in Israel to come to bring up the ark out of the tabernacle and into the Temple. They met during the feast of Tabernacles which celebrates that God dwells with his people. So many sheep and oxen were sacrificed that they couldn’t be counted. The ark was brought into the Most Holy Place and the cherubim covered it. Their wings spread from one end of the room to the other. This was the mercy seat where God’s presence dwelt.

Inside the ark were the two tablets that Moses had been given at Horeb. As the priests and singers and musicians came into the Temple singing that the Lord was good and his steadfast love endures forever, the house filled with a cloud of God’s presence. It was so thick the priests could’t stand to minister because God’s presence filled the Temple.

Solomon blessed the Lord aloud to the people. He explained how God chose Jerusalem to be his city and David to be their king and now has fulfilled David’s dream to build a house for the Lord where his name would be praised. 

In Romans, Paul continues explaining the difference between the law and grace. We were once bound like a marriage contract to the law, but when Christ died, who was the Word, the contract was nullified. Now, we are free to walk in grace instead. Under grace we can bear fruit for God because we are no longer slaves to sin. We can now serve the Lord in Spirit. 

The purpose of the law was to point out what sin was. The penalty for sin was death so all died under the law. But when the law died, we were set free to live. The law is not evil but good, but having to uphold it was death because no one could do it. 

Lord, thank you that we are free from the power of sin and condemnation and are free to worship you out of love for you. We choose to honor and adore you and walk with you. Thank you for your presence that lives in us. 

Mon.’s Devo - Solomon’s Request

Read: 2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17; Romans 6:1-23; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 19:20-21

Solomon became great because God was with him. He had all the leaders and commanders meet him in Gibeon to worship the Lord at the tabernacle. The bronze altar was still there even though the Ark had been brought to Jerusalem by David. 

On the bronze altar, Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord which got God’s attention. That night, the Lord came to Solomon and asked him what he wanted him to give him. Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to know how to rule all these people he had been put over. 

God was so pleased with Solomon’s answer that he told him he would give him everything he asked for and would add to it riches, possessions, and honor like no other king had been given before him.

God did bless Solomon with wisdom, understanding, riches, possessions and honor. He acquired horses and chariots from Egypt. He began the building of the Temple and his own royal palace. He used all the supplies David had stored up and the blueprints he had given him for the Temple. He sent a letter to Hiram in Tyre asking for a man who was skilled in working with metals and fabrics to come and help his workers. Hiram was pleased to send Huram-abi as their craftsman. Hiram would also send timber from Lebanon on rafts. 

Solomon assigned the aliens living in Israel to do the hard work. He began the work on the temple on Mount Moriah at the threshing floor of Ornan. The temple was built of cedar and overlaid with gold. Everything in it was to represent the garden of Eden with trees, flowers and cherubim. The pillars in front of the temple were set up one on the south called Jachin and one on the north called Jachin. Together these pillars mean “he will establish quickly with his power.”

In Romans, Paul continues his sermon on grace. He explains that grace is not a license to sin but a reason why not to sin. We died with Christ along with our sins and are raised with him to be righteous. Our old self was crucified on the cross with Jesus and now we are raised to walk as a new creature in Christ. 

It is our choice not to let sin reign in our bodies and be used as instruments of unrighteousness. We are now instruments of righteousness. Sin no longer has any power over us because we are not under the power of sin but under grace.

If we choose to sin then we become slaves to sin. We can choose to obey the Lord and be free from the power of sin and became slaves to righteousness which will lead to our sanctification. Sanctification leads us to receive the gift of eternal life. 

Lord, may we remember that we are slaves to righteousness and that sin has no power over us. May we walk in the freedom of this truth. Thank you for the gift of eternal life in Christ.

Sun.’s Devo - The Free Gift of Salvation

Read: 1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30; Romans 5:6-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 19:18-19

David assembled all the leaders of the tribes, commanders, stewards who worked for him and his seasoned warriors together. He told them that it was in his heart to build God a house of worship, but the Lord told him that since he was a man of war and had shed so much blood, he would not be the one to build it. God had chosen him to be the king and had chosen his son, Solomon to build the Temple. God promised if Solomon continues to keep God’s commandments, he will establish his kingdom forever. David admonished them to observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord so that they may possess the land and leave it as an inheritance to their children. 

*** David addressed Solomon and told him to serve the Lord with his whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. 

*** David then gave Solomon all the blueprints for everything he would need for the Temple and access to enough supplies to do everything in the plan. He told him not  to be afraid or anxious about the enormity of it but to be at peace because David had arranged people to do everything on the list. They would help him build the Temple.

*** After he had explained what it would take to build the Temple, David blessed the Lord aloud so all could hear. He praised the Lord and his name and then blessed the people. They offered sacrifices to the Lord and had a great feast. 

*** Solomon sat on the throne in Davids’ place from then on and he prospered. All of Israel pledged their allegiance to him. David had reigned over Israel 40 years - seven years were in Hebron and 33 were in Jerusalem. He died happy and prosperous, having lived a full life. 

*** In Romans, Paul was still preaching about salvation by faith. He explained the immensity of what Christ did for us. Not many people would give their lives for another person, no matter how great that person was, but Christ gave his life for sinners. He justified us by his blood and saved us from the wrath of God. He did this while we were enemies of God. He reconciled us to God by his death and we are saved by his life. What a thing to rejoice about! 

*** Sin entered the world through Adam and death came with sin. This happened before the law was given which made us accountable for our sins. All before Christ died in their sin because of what Adam did. Now all who believe will live by the free gift of grace through Jesus’ death. 

*** We are no longer condemned to death through what Adam did, but and justified and free to live, not die, through what Jesus did. 

*** Lord, thank you for the free gift of grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Sat.’s Devo - David's Kingdom

Read: 1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34; Romans 4:13-5:5; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 19:17

David’s kingdom was a picture of how the body of Christ should function. Everyone had their assignments. They served hard for a month, then had the rest of the year to spend with their own families and working their own land. It took 24,000 men working throughout the year to maintain David’s kingdom. Some were gatekeepers and ministers in the house of the Lord. Others were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord. Others acted as officers and judges and had oversight of the tribes west and east of the Jordan. 

 *** When we give God, our king, our best to maintain his kingdom - our month of service, he provides all we need for our families and our well-being. *** Every month had a different leader to command the workers of that month. Some of these were of David’s army officers. These men had to be gifted and honest men of integrity. Some kept the vineyards and the fields and were stewards of David’s property.  

*** Two men counseled David’s sons and Ahithophel was David’s counselor. Hushai was David’s friend and Joab commanded his army. 

 *** In Romans, Paul continued his sermon on faith. Abraham was promised his heir because of his righteousness. He didn’t even have the law then. Trusting in adherence to the law brings God’s wrath, but having faith brings the promise to life. 

 *** Abraham was made the father of many nations and he brought us righteousness by faith. When God told him he would make him a father of nations he never wavered in that promise. We must not waver in our faith over the promises God has given us. Abraham was our example of what faith looks like. It helps us be able to endure our sufferings and even rejoice in them knowing that our promise is on the other side. Suffering produces endurance which produces character, which givens us hope and God makes sure that our hope is not in vain. 

 *** Lord, thank you for reminding us that our faith is a process that shapes us to be able to handle the promise. May we let our waiting shape us into the vessel that can hold the promise.

Fri.’s Devo - The Divisions of the Priests

Read: 1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11; Romans 4:1-12; Psalm 131-6; Proverbs 19:15-16 Aaron had four sons but two of them Nadab and Abihu had died when they offered strange fire to the Lord. Neither of them had children. The two left were Eleazar and Ithamar. Zadok helped organize the priests into divisions. Eleazar had more chiefs among his sons than Ithamar so 16 of the chiefs came from the sons of Eleazar and 8 came from the sons of Ithamar. It was determined by lot which division of the 24 they would take. During their determined time they were to perform the duties of service in the house of the Lord. *** The rest of the sons of Levi served under them and their month of service was determined by lot also. David set apart some of them who prophesied with music under his direction. One of them was Asaph who wrote some of the songs we have recorded in the book of Psalms. Asaph received the first lot. There were 288 who were trained in singing to the Lord. *** The gatekeepers were also determined by lot and Obed-edom was one of them who had 8 sons who were blessed with great abilities. It was his house that the Ark had rested for three months. *** In Romans, Paul explained that Abraham was not justified before God because he did good, but because he believed in God. A man who works gets a wage because it is due him. It is not a gift. A person who tries to earn eternal life with his works will perish in his sin because no one can live a perfect life. But, the person who believes and confesses his sins and is forgiven and is given the gift of eternal life. *** Abraham’s circumcision did not make him righteous. It was given to him after he believed in God as a seal of his covenant with God. We are given the seal of the Holy Spirit after we believe. *** Lord, thank you that you make it so simple and easy to become your child. Thank you for opening our eyes to this wonderful truth of salvation. You have set us free from the bondage of sin and given us your Spirit to walk in righteousness and truth.

Thurs.’s Devo - Davids Commission to Solomon -

Read: 1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32; Romans 3:9-31; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 19:13-14 David provided everything Solomon would need to build the Temple to the Lord down to the nails. He had accumulated a supply of cedar for wood, silver, gold and everything Solomon would need to build it. David had workmen and artisans ready to do the work. *** David didn’t wait till he was dead to let Solomon reign. He equipped him and appointed him king while he was still living and let him rule. He surrounded him with godly men who would assist him in building the Temple because he understood that this would be a daunting assignment for Solomon. *** David told Solomon why he was not building the Temple himself. He had shed too much blood in war but Solomon would have peace during his term. God had told David he would have a son and his name would be Solomon and he would be given peace and prosperity as long as he followed the Lord with all his heart. He would be the one to build him a Temple. *** When David made Solomon king he also assembled all the leaders of Israel, the priests and the Levites. He had 24,000 men to work on the house of the Lord. Six thousand would be officers and judges, 4,000 would be gatekeepers, and 4,000 would be on the worship team. David organized the Levites according to their families and they would keep charge of the sanctuary and attend to the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord. *** In Romans, Paul made it clear that the Jews had no advantage over the Gentile. They were all sinners. The purpose of the law was to let us know what sin was. Now, righteousness is obtained through Christ and it is available to all. We all come to salvation the same way - through repentance and confession in Jesus. *** Lord, thank you that when you died, you had trained your disciples to do your work just like David had prepared Solomon to build his Temple. You are building your Temple in the earth through us. You have equipped us to do your work and show forth your power through our faith in you. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that leads us to do your will.

Wed.’s Devo - Israel’s Battles -

Read: 1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30; Romans 2:25-3:8; Psalm 11:1-7; Proverbs 19:10-12 Nahash, king of the Ammonites died and David wanted to pay his respects to Nahash’s son Hanun. David sent ambassadors to honor him. The princes of the Ammonites told Hanun, not to trust them because they had really come to spy out their land. Hanun believed his princes and had his men shave the ambassador’s heads and cut off their garments at the hip and send them home. *** When David heard what Hanun had done to his men he had them stay in Jericho till their beards had grown back. This incident would surely end in a battle. Hanun hired men of Mesopotamia, Aram-maacah, and Zobah to fight with them against Israel. *** Joab divided his army into two divisions and defeated both the Ammonites and the Syrians. The Syrians surrendered and became subject to David. The next year, Joab led the army against the Ammonites and defeated them. *** Then they went to war against the Philistines. They had giants, but they were no match for God. *** Since David was conquering all Satan’s men on earth, Satan himself stood up to fight. He enticed David to number his people. Joab tried to talk him out of it, knowing it was wrong, but David refused to listen. He sent Joab out to number the people. *** God sent Gad the seer to rebuke David for numbering the people and he gave him his choice of punishment: 3 years of famine, 3 months of being defeated by their enemies, or 3 days of God’s sword. David chose to be disciplined by God because he was merciful. *** God sent out his death angel with a plague that killed 70,000 of his people. David saw the angel about to lift his sword against the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite on his way to Jerusalem. David plead with God to punish only his family since he was the one who sinned. *** Gad went to David and told him to offer sacrifices on the threshing floor of Ornan to atone for his sin. David bought the piece of land from Ornan and offered sacrifices to the Lord. God answered him with fire from heaven and commanded the angel to put up his sword. The plague was stopped. *** In Romans, Paul explains that circumcision was always a heart issue, not just a physical requirement. Circumcision was a symbol to show that a person had given their heart to the Lord, just like repentance was a spiritual circumcision of the heart. So, the uncircumcised were the same as the circumcised if they had cleansed their heart and given it to the Lord. *** Lord, may we have clean hands and a pure heart. May our worship be pure and undefiled. Thank you for your discipline and your mercy.

Tues.’s Devo - David’s Success -

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17; Romans 2:1-24; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 8-9 David left Ashaph and his brothers to minister before the Lord each day. He put Obed-edom and his 68 brothers and Hosah in charge of the gate to the tent. Zadok, the priest along with his brothers offered the burnt offerings in the morning and at the evening. Others were chosen to give thanks to the Lord with music and singing. *** Everyone else left to go home. David had in his heart to build a cedar house for the Lord like he had. He asked Nathan about it and Nathan gave him his blessing, but that night God spoke to Nathan. He told him to tell David that He had never dwelt in a building and had always traveled with the people in tents. He had never asked for a house to live in. Nevertheless, if will not be David who will build the house for the Lord, but his offspring will do it. *** So David set about to defeat his enemies and leave his off-spring a kingdom of peace and prosperity. He defeated the Philistines, the Moabites, Hadadezer, king of Zobah-Hamath, and the Edomites. Many nations brought him tribute and he put it aside for the Temple his son would build for the Lord. God gave David victory wherever he went. *** In Romans, Paul warned them against judging people for the same things they were doing. God is the ultimate judge who will judge all people. God’s kindness is meant to bring all to repentance. All will be judged for their works. Those who worked for the Lord will receive glory, honor, peace and eternal life, but those who lived for themselves and did evil will face the wrath and fury of God. *** Those who did not have the law will be still be judged and those who have the law will be judged by it. He explained that everyone has the law of God in their hearts and know what is right to do, so no one has an excuse not to do good. *** Paul confronted the Jews who had the law and asked them if they practiced what they preached. He reminded them that the scriptures say that the Jews caused God’s name to be blasphemed by the Gentiles. In other words, many of their works were an approach to God and had given God a bad name among the heathen. *** Lord, may our lives bring glory to your name. May we honor you in our walk and cause others to want to know you.

Mon.’s Devo - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem

Read: 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36; Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 19:6-7 David prepared a tent in Jerusalem to put the ark. He must have researched in the law of Moses to find out how he was supposed to transport the ark because this time he didn’t put it on a cart, but on the shoulders of the Levites. David assembled all Israel to come to Jerusalem to witness and celebrated bringing up the ark to Jerusalem. *** The singers sang, the musicians played their instruments, the trumpets sounded and thousands shouted and rejoiced as they brought up the ark. David danced and celebrated. Michal, Saul’s daughter who was married to David watched from her window and despised David for making such a public spectacle of himself. *** The priests offered burnt offerings and peace offerings and David blessed the people and gave each person a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a cake of raisin. *** David appointed Asaph and his brothers to sing the song he had written to the Lord. In it they gave thanks to the Lord of all he was and all he had done for them. When they were done all the people said, “Amen!” *** In Paul’s letter to the Romans he writes about the wrath of God which will come upon all the ungodly and unrighteous who suppress the truth. They are without excuse because God has made it plain through the things he has made of his power. All creation speaks of his nature. But, they chose not to honor God or thank him so their thinking became futile and their hearts became dark. They claimed to be wise but were fools because they swapped the glory of the immortal God for images of the things he had made. *** So, God gave them over to their passions and women began to desire other women and men did shameful things with other men. They received in themselves the penalty for this sin. When they continued in their sin and didn’t repent, God gave them over to a debased mind filled with all kinds of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. They were full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They gossiped, slandered, hated God and became haughty and boastful. They invented ways to do evil and disobeyed their parents. Even though they knew that what they were doing was worthy of death, they continued to do them and approved of others who did such evil. *** Lord, thank you that you have delivered us from darkness and brought us into the light of your salvation. May we live righteously that your goodness might be known in the earth.

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.

Sun.’s Devo - The Chronicles

Read: 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17; Acts 23:11-35; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 18:14-15 The Kings had been written by the prophets who were mainly in Israel, so they highlighted the kings of Israel. The Chronicles where written about the same history but by the priests who were in Judah. So we get the same stories from different perspectives. The priests held the books about the genealogies of the people so the Chronicles open with the histories of the families from the time of Adam till their present time. Today, we read from the sons of Adam to the sons of Jacob or Israel. They also kept records of the kings who reigned in the land. *** In Acts, God visited Paul at night and told him not to be afraid that he had testified in Jerusalem and he would also testify in Rome. *** There was a conspiracy to kill Paul on the way to his trial but Paul’s nephew learned of it and came and told Paul. Paul sent him to the tribune and told them what he had overheard. They sent 200 soldiers with 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to accompany Paul to leave that night to go to the governor Felix in Caesarea. They also sent a letter telling of how Paul had been arrested by the Jews and they had conspired to kill him that next day. The tribunal had questioned Paul and found he was not guilty of death, but he had been arrested because of something to do with Jewish law. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, they brought him safely to him. *** Felix put Paul safely under guard in Herod’s praetorian. *** Lord, thank you that you are our protector and safe place. You hide us under the shadow of your wings. We praise you for all the great and mighty acts you have done in the Bible and in our lives.

Sat.’s Devo - The Last Kings of Judah

Happy Birthday America! May you enjoy freedom! Read: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; Acts 22:17-23:10; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 18:13 When Josiah died, his son Jehoahaz who was 23 years old began to reign over Judah. He was not good like his father Josiah. He did evil like the evil kings before him so Pharaoh Neco from Egypt came and put him in bonds and made Eliakim, Josiah’s brother the king. Neco changed his name to Jehoiakim. He was made to tax the people to give Egypt 100 talents of silver and a talent of gold every year. *** Two years later, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and made Jehoiakim serve him for three years. Jehoiakim rebelled against him so the Lord sent bands of Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites against Judah to destroy it just like God’s prophets said would happen. *** Jehoiakim was an evil king and filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which means that he sacrificed many babies to his gods. When Jehhoiakim died, his son Jeoiachin became the king. At that time, Babylon had raided Egypt and taken everything. *** Young Jehoiachin only reigned 3 months before he surrendered to the king of Babylon who came and besieged Jerusalem. The king of Babylon took the king, his officers and servants to Babylon and carried off the treasures of the house of the Lord and all the kings’ treasures. He dismantled the temple to take all its worth. He also carried away all the mighty men of valor, 10,000 captives and all the craftsmen in the land to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar made Josiah’s brother Mattaniah king and changed his name to Zedekiah. *** Zedekiah rebelled against Babylon so Nebuchadnezzar sent his army to besiege Jerusalem. In the second year of the siege, they broke through the wall and the king and his officers tried to escape at night through the wall. They were caught and brought to Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah. There he slaughtered all of Zedikiah’s sons then had Zedikah’s eyes gouged out so the last thing he saw was his sons being killed. Then Zedikiah was taken blinded and in chains to Babylon. *** Nebuchadnezzar’s captain Nebuaradan came to Jerusalem and burned down the house of the Lord, the king’s house, and all the houses in Jerusalem. They broke down the walls around Jerusalem and took the rest of the people left in the city to Babylon. They left some of the poorest of the land to keep the vineyards and the fields. *** They carried away everything from the house of the Lord that had value. They brought the priests and the important people to Riblah where Nebuchadnezzar had them also killed. *** Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah to govern the people left in Jerusalem. Gedaliah met with all the captains left in the land of Judah at Mizpah. Gedaliah told them not to be afraid of the Chaldeans because if they would just serve the king of Babylon, things would go well for them. But, Ishmael of the royal family brought 10 men with him and struck down Gedaliah and all the people fled to Egypt because they were afraid of what Nebuchadnezzar would do to them. *** When king Jehoiachin had been in prison in Babylon for 37 years, Evil-Merodach became king of Babylon. He pardoned Jehoiachin and gave him a seat in his government. He was given royal clothes, a seat at the king’s table and a salary. *** In Acts, Paul was telling the people of Jerusalem his story. He was at the point where he went back to Jerusalem and was praying in the Temple when he went into a trance. The Lord told him to get out of Jerusalem at once because they would not believe his testimony because he had persecuted so many Christians. God sent him far away to witness to the Gentiles. *** They had been listening intently until he got to the part about going to preach to the Gentiles. Then they shouted that he should die. The tribune ordered him to be put in the prison and flogged to find out the truth. But when they were preparing to flog him, he reminded them that he was a Roman citizen by birth. Then they were afraid that they had bound him and took the straps off him. *** They sat Paul down to talk and he told them he had lived his life in good conscience. The high priest struck him on the mouth and Paul called him a whitewashed wall. When they told him he was the high priest, Paul said hd didn’t know or he wouldn’t have said what he said. *** Paul realized that he was speaking in front of a council full of Sadducees and Pharisees so he used that to his advantage. He said that he was on trial because he believed in the resurrection of the dead. This threw them into a tizzy because that was the great debate between the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Pharisees proclaimed Paul innocent because they believed in the resurrection of the dead, and the Sadducees disagreed. They had to rescue Paul from them and had him put in prison. *** Paul met misunderstanding and persecution everywhere he went because he was living in the days of great transition from law to grace. We are in the same place of transition from grace to kingdom. There will be many who will be misunderstood and persecuted for preaching the kingdom age but it is coming no matter how many people push against it. *** Lord, I thank you that your will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Nothing can stop what is coming.

Fri.’s Devo - Josiah’s Reform

Read: 2 Kings 22:3-23:30; Acts 21:37-22:16; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 18:11 When Josiah had reigned for 18 years he sent his secretary Azaliah to meet with the high priest, Hilkiah to count the money to repair the house of the Lord. In the process of repairing the house of the Lord, Hilkiah found a copy of the Law and brought it to Josiah. When Josiah read it he tore his clothes because he read how the Lord felt about them worshiping any other god but him. He sent for the priest and his officers to inquire of the Lord to find out what they should do. They went to the prophetess Huldah and asked her what the Lord was saying. *** Huldah prophesied that God would bring disaster upon Judah and its people because they had forsaken him and worshiped other gods. But, because Josiah’s heart was repentant it would not happen during Josiah’s lifetime. *** Josiah called a meeting of all the people of Jerusalem, the elders, officers, and prophets. Josiah read the law to them and made a covenant before the Lord that he would keep his testimonies and follow his law with all his heart, mind and soul. All the people joined him in the covenant. *** Then they began a huge excavation of all the worship of false gods. They carried all their paraphernalia down to the Kidron brook and burned it and took the ashes and cast them on the graves of the common people. They brought the false priests out of the cities of Judah and defiled their high places. Josiah stopped the sacrificing of babies and the worship of the sun and moon. All false religions were banned. The land was cleansed of idolatry. Even the altar at Bethel where the golden calf was situated that Jeroboam had erected was taken down and burned. There, Josiah saw the tombs of the altars that were there and had the bones taken from them and burned. But he let the tomb of the prophet who had prophesied this would happen remain untouched. He sacrificed all the priests who offered profaned sacrifices to false gods on their altars and then returned to Jerusalem. *** Josiah did away with the mediums and necromancers and the household gods. No king had gone to this amount of care to remove the false worship of gods and declare the worship of the true God. But, God did not forget what Judah had done under the rule of Manasseh and promised to eventually judge them. *** Josiah was murdered by the king of Egypt at Megiddo and was brought back to Jerusalem and buried in his own tomb. His son, Jehoahaz was anointed king. *** In Acts, Paul and been arrested and was to stand before the tribunal. They thought he might be the Egyptian who had led a revolt, but Paul assured them he was a Jew from Tarsus. He asked for permission to speak to the people and was allowed to. He addressed them in Hebrew which got their attention. He told them who he was a where he was from and that he had learned the law from Gamaliel who was a well-respected Rabbi. He assured them he knew the law and followed it. He had persecuted those who were believers in Jesus and had them imprisoned and but to death. On his way to Damascus to continue ridding the land of these Christians, he was overcome by a great light and heard a voice asking him why he was persecuting him. When he asked who he was, he was told he was Jesus of Nazareth. He was told to go to Damascus where he would be told what to do. The light left him blinded so he was led to Damascus. *** There, a devout man named Ananias came and prayed that Paul would see and his eyes were opened. He told him that he would be a witness for Jesus everywhere he went. He rose and was baptized. *** Lord, give us boldness like Paul to proclaim the mighty things you have done for us. Thank you for our testimony of your goodness and faithfulness. We give you praise and honor.

Thurs.’s Devo - Hezekiah’s End

Read: 2 Kings 20:1-22:2; Acts 21:17-36; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 18:9-10 Hezekiah became deathly sick and Isaiah came and told him to put his house in order because he was going to die. Hezekiah cried out to the Lord and reminded him of how he faithfully served him. Isaiah was sent back to tell Hezekiah that the Lord was giving him 15 years more to live. He also told him how to cure his illness. *** Hezekiah asked for a sign that he would be healed and Isaiah gave him the choice of letting the sun go forward or back ten steps on the sundial. He choose for them to go back, so time went back ten steps. *** Merodach-baladan the king of Babylon sent Hezekiah gifts and letters wishing him well. When his ambassadors came to present them to Hezekiah, he showed them all the riches in his kingdom. When they had gone, Isaiah came and told Hezekiah that Babylon would one day come and take all the treasures that he had shown them away to Babylon. Some of his sons would be taken away to become eunuchs in Babylon. Hezekiah was happy that it wouldn’t happen in his life time. You would think that Hezekiah would spend his remaining years preparing his son to follow after the Lord and delay the judgment of the nation, but Hezekiah became proud during these days and produced a son who would be the most evil of all kings before him. *** Hezekiah lived his 15 years and died. His son who was only 13 became king. His name was Manasseh. He reigned 55 years. He rebuilt all the temples to the foreign gods and shed much innocent blood. He led Judah astray to do more evil than all the nations before them had done. *** God’s prophets warned the people of the disaster that was coming because they had abandoned him for idols. Jerusalem’s fall would be worse than Samaria’s. Manasseh died and his son Amon became the king. *** Amon was 21 when he became king and only reigned 2 years. He was evil like his father and worshiped idols. His servants assassinated him in his own home. The people made Manasseh’s son Josiah the king. Josiah was only 8 years old and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the ways of David. *** In Acts, Paul, Luke and others met with James and the believers there in Jerusalem. Paul told them how the Lord was welcoming Gentiles into his family and they rejoiced. They warned Paul that men had spread rumors that he taught against Moses’ law and told Jews not to be circumcised. To show that Paul followed the Law, they told him to join with 4 men who were making a Nazarite vow to the Lord. They were hoping that when they see Paul following the Law they will understand that he still honors the Law. *** Paul did do this. But, when these Jews saw Paul in the Temple they tried to seize him because they thought he had brought his Gentile friend into the Temple. They dragged Paul out of the Temple and planned to kill him but the tribunal heard about it and sent soldiers to stop the crowd from killing Paul. They arrested Paul and asked him what he had done The crowd was shouting out their accusations but it was so chaotic the solders couldn’t get to the truth. They had Paul brought to the barracks so they could find out what was going on. *** Lord, may we learn from our past and not repeat the same mistakes. May our walk be blameless and pleasing in your sight. Forgive the leaders who have gone before us and grant us righteous leaders to lead our nation back to You.

Wed.’s Devo - God’s Great Deliverance

Read: 2 Kings 18:13-19:37; Acts 21:1-16; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 18:8 In Hezekiah’s 14th year of reigning over Judah, Sennacherib of Assyria came to take the fortified cities of Judah. Hezekiah repented that he had stopped paying them tribute and asked what it would take to make them leave them in peace. Hezekiah gave Senacherib all the silver and gold he could find in his kingdom and took the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord and gave it to him. Sennacherib still sent his powerful army led by Rabshakeh against Jerusalem. *** Hezekiah sent his officers to speak to Rabshekeh. Rabshekeh rebuffed Hezekiah for thinking he could buy his way out of this, or hire Egypt to help him, or think the Lord would help them. He boasted that the Lord was the one who sent him to destroy them. *** Hezekiah’s officers asked him to speak to them in Aramaic so their soldiers couldn’t understand. He refused and addressed them instead. He told them that if they listened to Hezekiah they would be doomed to eat their own dung and drink their own urine, but if they surrendered to him, they would be taken to his land where they would have their own land and eat bread and drink wine. He told them not to listen to Hezekiah because the gods of other nations had not been able to save them. What makes them think that the Lord will not be able to deliver them out of their hands. *** Judah’s men remained quiet because they had been instructed not to answer. When Hezekiah heard what Rabshekeh said, he tore his clothes and wore sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord to pray. He sent his men to ask Isaiah what they should do. Isaiah told them not to be afraid of the words of Rabshekeh because he reviled the Lord with his words. God would put a spirit in him so he would hear a rumor and return to his ow land. He would die of the sword in his own land. *** Rabshekeh sent another letter to Hezekiah threatening him again and reminding him of all the nations he had defeated. Hezekiah took the letter and spread it out in the temple of the Lord. He prayed that God would save them so that all the kingdoms of the earth would know that he is the only God. *** Isaiah sent word to Hezekiah saying that the Lord heard his prayer and repeated a prophesy about Sennacherib. It was true that he would turn fortified cities into heaps of ruins and destroy nations, but he had defied the Holy One of Israel, and God would retaliate. God would put a hook in his nose and a bit in his mouth and he would return the way he came. *** For Judah, Isaiah prophesied, she would eat from what grows this year and the next year. In the third year, they will sow and reap and plant vineyards and eat from their fruit. A remnant would survive. *** God also said the king of Assyria would not return to harm the city because the Lord would defend it for his name sake and for the sake of David. *** That night the angel of death went and killed 185,000 Assyrians in their camp. Senecherib went back home to Nineveh and was assassinated by his own son in the temple of his god. Esarhaddon, another son ruled in his place. *** In Acts, Paul and Luke and their friends left Ephesus and traveled to Jerusalem. All the way people were prophesying over Paul and warning him not to go to Jerusalem because he would be persecuted and end up in prison. Paul had to trust the spirit of God inside him and kept going toward Jerusalem. He was not afraid of chains or imprisonment; he was more afraid of missing God’s plan for his life. *** When they finally arrived in Jerusalem, they stayed with Mnason who had been an early disciple of theirs. *** Lord, may we be like Paul who was not afraid of death or persecution. May we fear you above our comfort.