Devotion
The Bible’s history lessons
David Jacobs
In what year was 2 Chronicles written? Who wrote it? Was it all recorded at the same time? There are so many questions that Biblical scholars have asked trying to understand perhaps better the most important book in history. Many Christians, myself included, often fail to ask some of these critical questions. The verses above may seem unimportant, but there is a lot to learn in these verses that are rarely considered by readers.
The Bible up to this point has been a celebration of the kingdom of Israel. This is not to say that there have not been dark times, but the Babylonian empire is about to conquer Israel, looting, pillaging, and destroying everything on the way. The Babylonian captivity lasts for around 70 years, with the Jewish people being exiled from their homeland. Finally, Cyrus, the great takes power and allows the Jews to return to their home. The final verse of 2 Chronicles is a proclamation of Cyrus, although its' authenticity is questioned, commanding the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem.
Prayer
The Bible is so much more than just a religious text: it is a living part of history that has altered the world and continued to change the way people think, believe, and act. Passages like this may seem insignificant, but there is much to be learned if you dig deeper. Read the Bible carefully and ask questions. The more questions you ask, the more answers you will receive.
Morning Prayer
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Inspiration
Here, Peter and John talk about their almost inability to stay silent about God's grace and divine doings. So too, should we share our message with others, our hearts like cups overflowing with love. In the face of skeptics no harm, no words and no threats may close our mouths for good! For He is there to give us strength, and the truth in the end, is always revealed.
Prayer
Lord my Heavenly Father, please provide for the strength to carry forward your word unto all those who need it the most. Let me share my joy and praise, my love and devotion with all those who doubt. May my heart be as open as my mouth Lord, sharing your message or singing a psalm. Amen.
Night Prayer
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Inspiration
Looking back on life, we observe countless moments when God has intervened in our lives or the lives of others. His bestows upon us numerous blessings and miracles beyond our understanding. We each have a story to tell and a witness to share. We will shout praises to God from the mountaintops and continue to look for opportunities to tell all we meet about the mighty works of the Lord.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we all have a story to tell about Your goodness and mercy. Help us see opportunities to share Your precious gift of salvation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Woe to Evildoers
Frances Taylor
Micah is a prophet at around the same time as Isaiah and has come to prophesy punishment to those who are behaving in an unjust manner. Just because a person has the power or authority to act unjustly, doesn't mean that he should. One might think that harassment or schemes to defraud people of their property or their inheritance, are something new, but Micah lets us know that these things have been going on since antiquity. God isn't any happier today about these practices than he was then. Micah made known God's displeasure to the kings and leaders of the day. He warns that their unjust practices need to stop and that the people need to repent or else they are leaving themselves open to attack by armies greater than theirs.
As we know, Assyria and Babylon both decimated Judah and Israel. Think about the Roman Empire, they too had fallen into such a moral decay that they were open to being overcome by Constantine. What about today? We have become ...
