HAVE WE BECOME SO COMFORTABLE IN BABYLON THAT WE HAVE FORGOTTEN ZION? The Jewish captives composed this melancholy song while exiled in Babylon. Having lost their homes in Judah and seeing their holy city Jerusalem with its Temple destroyed, they gathered somewhere on the shores of the Euphrates, and wept. Surely they mourned as homesick… Read more »
One Year Bible Devotions
All One Year Bible devotions are based on the One Year Bible Online Reading Plan
“So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God” (1 Kings 19:8 NLT).
TWO KINDS OF SPIRITUAL MOUNTAINTOPS After God had used Elijah to win the victory over Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel, he had no doubt expected a revival to break out in Israel. Instead, he was left spiritually drained, discouraged, and afraid for his life by the renewed threats from Jezebel to kill him. He responded… Read more »
“Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel.” (1 Kings 18:46 NLT).
RUNNING LIFE’S RACE WITH GOD’S STRENGTH After using Elijah to defeat the prophets of Baal in a fire from heaven contest, and sending rain in response to the prophet’s prayer, the Lord strengthened Elijah to outrun Ahab’s chariot. Some have suggested that he ran the 16 miles from Mount Carmel to Jezreel before the king’s… Read more »
“When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself” (2 Samuel 17:23 NLT).
THE FIRST JUDAS The story of David’s betrayal by Ahithophel foreshadows that of Jesus by Judas. David wept on the Mount of Olives as he left Jerusalem, as Jesus did on the night of his betrayal. David was betrayed by a trusted advisor, who later hung himself. Jesus was betrayed by one of his own… Read more »
‘Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”’ (John 18:36 NLT).
THE KING WHOSE KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD When Pilate asked Jesus whether he was the king of the Jews, Jesus answered that his kingdom is not of this world. Jesus did not deny being a King. He used the word “my” three times saying, “My Kingdom and my followers.” So, Jesus is a… Read more »
“Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them” (John 18:4 NLT).
THE DETERMINED COURAGE OF OUR SAVIOR When the soldiers came in the cover of darkness with torches blazing and swords clanging, Jesus and his disciples might’ve easily escaped. Instead, Jesus fully realized that this was the moment for which he had come, so he stepped into the open to meet them. What determined courage! Jesus… Read more »
“But Amnon had a very crafty friend—his cousin Jonadab. He was the son of David’s brother Shimea.” (2 Samuel 13:3 NLT).
Who was Jonadab? Jonadab was the son of Jesse’s third son, David’s brother, Shimeah. He was David’s nephew and a supposed “friend” to David’s firstborn son, Amnon. Yet, on this occasion his true identity was revealed, for as the serpent in the garden of Eden was described as “crafty” (Gen. 3:1), so was he. And… Read more »
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT).
TRUE PEACE IS ONLY FOUND IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST True peace can only be found in a Person, not a place. This peace is not about the absence of trouble, but the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. For trials and sorrows are inevitable in this world, but Christ has overcome them all. So,… Read more »
“And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.” (2 Samuel 9:13 NLT).
Who is Mephibosheth? Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul. He was five years old when the news came about their deaths in battle. His nurse was fleeing with him to hide when “he fell and became disabled” (2 Sam. 4:4). Now, perhaps 16 years later, King David called for… Read more »
“Since I live, you also will live” (John 14:19 NLT).
BECAUSE HE LIVES Jesus encouraged His disciples with the promise of His resurrection life. For in His coming resurrection, He would provide for them both proof and pledge of their own resurrection and life. Because He lives we have proof that Christ is the Victor over sin, death and the grave. Since He lives,… Read more »