Daily Devotional

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 16  David is a God-centered man, reduced to living in caves. David spends more than a decade of his life fleeing the assassination attempts of King Saul. Many of those days and weeks are spent hiding in caves. That must have been excruciating for this former shepherd boy, used to the open sky! How did he make that transition so joyfully? Psalm 57:1 offers a clue, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For m... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 15  David's quiet, private life as a shepherd changes forever when the prophet Samuel shows up at his house and anoints him future king of Israel. More than a decade will pass before David actually takes the throne of Judah. David spends the gap between the anointing and the inauguration running for his life. Like looking through a keyhole to see what's in a room, Psalm 34 and other psalms reveal the inner life o... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 14   God develops His leaders in obscurity. They rarely look like much to those around them. While among the sheep and under God's watchful eye, David hones his sling shot skills to pinpoint accuracy. He kills a lion and a bear to protect his father's sheep (1 Sam. 17:34-36). He develops his musical skills as he lies beneath the twinkle of God's stars while meditating on and worshiping His greatness. David ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013) April 13  A mentoring relationship would have done wonders for Saul as he began his leadership role as king over Israel. Samuel was accessible to Saul, but Saul decided to "wing it," to his own detriment and the detriment of his people. 1 Samuel 15 details the foolish steps that led to Saul's rejection by God. Saul ignores Bible literacy and his spiritual formation. Back in Deuteronomy 17, the LORD had warned I... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 12 The proverbs describing a child's likeness to his parents, "An apple doesn"t fall far from the tree," and, "Like father, like son," could not be further from the truth in Saul and Jonathan's relationship. Jonathan interprets his and Israel's circumstances through a high view of God. Therefore he and his armor bearer take on an enemy outpost by themselves. God honors his faith in Him by... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 11  Tall stature and good looks don't make for a good leader. Little men often reside in handsome and large bodies. Such is Israel's first king. Samuel anoints Saul as Israel's first king and warns him and the people of Israel about Bible literacy and obedience, "If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the king who re... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 10  During the transition between the Judges Era and the Kingdom Era, the ark of the covenant loses its original meaning and purpose. It no longer symbolizes the sacred meeting place between Holy God and sinners, but has become a lucky charm. Though Israel and her priesthood live sinfully before the Lord, they think that to have the ark of the covenant in their midst is to have God's blessing of protection. Much like... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 9   As go the leaders, so often go the sons. Eli's sons are no different from the Israelites around them; they too do what is right in their own eyes: His sons are unregenerate. They are "corrupt; they did not know the LORD" (1 Sam. 2:12). His sons use the ministry for personal gain. They scorn the LORD's sacrifice and offering by making "yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Isr... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 8 Several events occur that transition Israel from the Judges Era to the Kingdom Era. These events reveal the providential working of God as His linear purposes unfold: The birth of Ruth and Boaz's son, Obed, introduces the lineage of David, Israel's second king (though they are unaware of the importance of Obed's birth in the overarching story). Often the events of our lives resemble puzzle pieces where only t... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 7  Naomi spends a large portion of her adult life in the dark. In Moab. She, her husband, and their two boys flee Israel during a time of oppression due to Israel's disobedience. Moses had warned Israel to obey the LORD and promised God's blessing upon them, "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl" (Deut. 28:5). Sadly, Israel disobeyed the LORD and experienced His curse instead, "Curs... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 6  The Levites never imagined the evil that lurked within the city walls of Gibeah, which was nestled among towns inhabited not just by Levites, but by Aaron's sons, who were responsible for teaching the people God's ways.  Although the city of Jebus, belonging to the Canaanites, is a closer trip than Gibeah, the Levite does not feel safe staying there, so he travels later in the evening to Gibeah of the tri... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 5  The writer of Judges grants a peek into the private life of an Ephraimite family in Israel during the Judges Era when everyone did as he saw fit. It isn't pretty. Chapter 17 introduces Micah (whose name means "Who is like Yahweh?"), an Ephraimite, whose mother consecrates a portion of her recovered silver to the LORD for her son to make for her "a carved image and a molded image" (17... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 4   Reality TV gives people a sneak peek (sometimes too long of a peek) into the otherwise private lives of others. The writer of Judges offers a glimpse into the development of a judge that God raises up to deliver Israel from the Philistines. It isn't pretty. Manoah and his wife struggle with infertility. One day the Angel of the LORD appears to Manoah's wife and foretells that she will have a son. This prophe... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 3  Man is created in the image of God. Since the Fall, however, His image in man is marred by sin. Sin in the heart directs man to resist God's merciful overtures. Sin reigns in culture as sinful people collectively resist God's grace and do what is right in their own eyes. The grace of God gives man time to repent and the goodness of God allows oppression to occur to get man's attention. The Judges Era demonstrates both ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 2  A stubborn people, two leaders, and two different outcomes--a recipe for disaster. Israel begins asking for a king like the peoples around them--just like Moses told them would happen in Deuteronomy 17. They ask Gideon, "Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian" (Judges 8:22). Gideon proves himself the smartest politician of all time and ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 1 Israel has a rich history with God. God had promised Abraham and his barren wife a son, a nation, and a land. He kept that promise. He had promised Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a foreign land for 400 years, but that He would return them to the land He had promised to Abraham. With an outstretched arm He parted the Red Sea, and they crossed over on dry land from the land of oppression. After Israel wand... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 31  Before his death Joshua warns Israel that they are one generation away from degeneracy. And that day is not far off. After Joshua's death another generation arises, "who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10). Israel begins the slippery slope of sin by enslaving the Canaanites instead of driving them out of the land, by intermarrying with the Canaanites, and by wo... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 30  Joshua had a tri-cultural experience. He spent his childhood in Egypt, lived in the wilderness where he moved forty or more times, and entered Canaan, where he camped in a number of places before he and his family finally moved into their tribal territory. Joshua was hungry for God and lived in Moses' shadow throughout the wilderness travels. The leadership baton could not have been passed to a better man. ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 29  The heads of the Levite families approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the Israelite tribes. At Shiloh in the land of Canaan, they told them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities to live in, with their pasturelands for our livestock" (Josh. 21:1-2). Cities and pasture lands throughout Israel's twelve territories were set aside for the Le... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 28 "Now the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of meeting there" (Josh. 18:1). Tent dwellers are typically nomadic people. God had promised to dwell in Israel's midst-"My Presence will go with you" (Ex. 33:14); therefore He commanded Moses to construct a Tent of Meeting for His Presence. This portable tent has traveled with Israel throu... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 27   The people of the tribe of Joseph (representing both of Joseph's sons) whine about their allocation of land, "Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the LORD has blessed us now?" (Josh. 17:14). Joshua responds to their complaint by urging them to appropriate the forested areas of their territory. The people of Joseph ratchet up their compl... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 26   Before his death Joshua distributes the land of Canaan among the nine and a half tribes west of the Jordan and the two and half tribes east of the Jordan. Each territory contains enemies, challenges, and benefits. No one tribe is disadvantaged by the division of land--each receives grace gifts based on the promise of God to Abraham. Each tribe is blessed beyond measure with land freely given by God. All the people ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 25    Five kings of the Amorites join together to fight against the people of Gibeon because they have made peace with Israel. The Gibeonites cry out to Israel for help. Sounds like terrible odds--5 to 1--until God is factored into the equation--"And the LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand;  not a man of them shall stand before you'" (Josh. 10:8). ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 24  Joshua and the people of Israel no sooner recover from Achan's deception than they fall for another deception. The Gibeonites hear about the defeat of the people of Jericho and Ai and devise a plan to save themselves from the same destruction by deceiving Israel into making a treaty with them. This story alerts the reader to seven conditions that make a person vulnerable to deception: Exhaustion--Israel has... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 23  When God opens up a new phase of your life, how should you begin? Joshua had warned the people, "You have not passed this way before" (Josh. 3:4). They are about to enter a new phase of life. What will God require of Israel as they camp at Gilgal and prepare to enter Canaan? Chapters four and five reveal five clear truths for making the transition to a new phase of life. A new phase of life requi... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 22  As Israel prepares to leave the wilderness behind and enter the land of Canaan, God grants Moses three forward-looking glimpses into the Conquest Era before he dies: the Levites made responsible for Bible literacy, a panoramic view of Canaan, and the transfer of leadership to Joshua. The Law Moses pronounces a blessing on each of Israel's tribes before he dies. He appoints the Levites as responsible for Bible l... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 21  "I am one hundred and twenty years old today. I can no longer go out and come in. Also the LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross over this Jordan'" (Deuteronomy 31:2). Moses lived 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd, and 40 years in the wilderness leading people. Prior to his death, he assessed life, "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of stre... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 20 As in Deuteronomy 28's blessings and cursings, Moses urges those whose parents died in the wilderness to choose life as they enter Canaan: See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the lan... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 19 The Blessings and Cursings of Deuteronomy reveal both God's good intent toward His people and their evil response toward His goodness. "Life is good" for those who love and obey Him. "Life is bad, very bad indeed" for those who disobey Him. "Life is good" - God's heart to do good to and for His people is revealed through the blessing statements, "And all these blessings shall com... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 18  Living in close proximity to other people reveals the sin and selfishness that reside in the hearts of individuals--that which destroys community.  As Israel prepares to enter the land of Canaan, Moses elaborates on a few areas of social engagement (Deut. 21-23): Cold cases - 21:1-9 When a body is found dead and the cause of death remains unknown, the tribe closest to where the body is found is responsible to ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 17   Moses speaks of a day in Israel's future when they will cry out to God for a king like the peoples around them (17:14). He gives them five guidelines for when that time arrives: The king must not be a foreigner (15). The king must not trust in warhorses obtained from the Egyptians, but he must rely upon the LORD to protect him (16). The king must not multiply wives for himself (17). The king must not use h... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 16  Not a day goes by that forgiveness isn't required. By me. By others. You owe me money. You owe me honor and affirmation. You owe me an apology. You owe me forgiveness. You owe me a pay increase or a promotion. You owe me gratitude. You owe me quality time. You owe me my inheritance. You owe me for broken promises or broken items. You owe me exoneration from false accusations. The list is as long as you... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 15  God longs to be among His people. He tells Moses of a day when He will choose a place among all the tribes of Israel to place His Name. He also warns Israel against redefining who He is and worshiping Him the way others worship their gods: "Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How did t... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 14  Moses issues a number of warnings to Israel as they prepare to move into houses that they did not build and harvest vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant (Deuteronomy 6:10-11): Do not forget God. While slavery to the Egyptians had caused Israel to cry out to God, prosperity in the land of Canaan may cause Israel to forget God. Bible literacy will keep gratitude alive as Israel remembers her former years... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 13  Worldly men govern people by their own wisdom rather than by depending on the manifest wisdom of God. Oppression soon rules the day, and depression and despair characterize the people. Not so with God's people. God distinguishes Israel from all the peoples around them by making a covenant with them and by giving them regulations to guide their behavior, Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as t... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 12  Israel's forty years in the wilderness finally come to a conclusion. Moses gives Israel a final "pep" talk (Deut. 1-8). First, he reviews how Israel has responded to God's leadership in the past: Instead of going up against the Amorites, the Israelites request that a spy delegation be sent to determine which route to take and to report back. After assessing the goodness of the land, ten of the ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 11  The Levites as a tribe were not assigned a territory like their brethren. They were, however, allotted towns within each tribe's territory. Forty-eight towns in twelve territories were given to them, along with limited pasture land surrounding the town. Since their primary role was to serve in the Tent of Meeting why does the Lord spread them throughout the land? The duties of the Levitical priesthood include: ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 10 Israel moves 40 times in 40 years (Numbers 33). God utilizes each of these moves as learning experiences for Israel in the wilderness as well as for future generations. Truths Israel learns about God while moving about in the wilderness: God is not like the gods of Egypt. He is personal, holy, and takes exception to complaining, sin, and unbelief. God is holy and will be treated as such by His people. His manifest pre... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 9  Moses delivers to Israel the annual calendar of celebrations that they are to follow when they enter Canaan. These celebrations require the sacrifice of hundreds of animals who have no defects. Where will these wilderness wanderers obtain such a vast number? Finally, the Lord gives Moses one final instruction, "Take vengeance on the Midianites for the children of Israel. Afterward you shall be gathered to your p... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 8 Moses prepares the "new" generation to enter the land of promise and gives them an annual calendar containing specific dates and sacrificial requirements for those dates: "And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation" (Num. 29:1): Daily: two lambs without defect, a grain offering, a drink offering Weekly (on the Sabbath): two lambs a year old without defect... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 7  Zimri, a leader among the Simeonites, brazenly takes a Midianite cult prostitute into his tent-in broad daylight-in front of Moses. (Num. 25:14) Sexual sin normally begins "under the radar," but Zimri's boldness is an act of public defiance. In essence, he is saying, "I will do what I want to do, when I want to do it, where I want to do it, and with whom I want to do it. And no one is going... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 6  Indigenous people groups have their own gods. Balak, the king of the Moabites, terrified of the Israelites, bands together with Midianites and calls for a famous diviner, Balaam, to come and curse the Israelites. He knows that he and the god of his people are not up to the challenge. Balaam understands "that a people's own god had the greatest power over them for bad or good, Balaam attempted to establish contact with ... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 5  Whine. Whine. Whine. That's all that Israel has done for 40 years! Israel is at Kadesh, where they've camped a number of times over the past 40 years. This formerly well-watered oasis is waterless. Israel cannot see the water hidden within the rock waiting to become a river. Instead of asking the Lord to manifest His provision, the people blame Moses for their lack and demand that he do something: If only we... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 4  Selfish ambition reveals its presence in the heart of man when a man craves what God has given to another. Unchecked, selfish ambition percolates into envious thoughts and  envious thoughts mature into destructive actions. Korah, a distant cousin to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, envies Moses" leadership position in Israel. He resents the elevation of his cousins over him, the Levites, and the entire congregati... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 3 The heart soon follows what the eye sees. The children of Israel learn through the fiasco of the spies that it takes very little to stimulate the sin that resides in their hearts. The LORD commands Israel to incorporate a visible reminder of HIs commands and the dangers lurking in their hearts. Speak to the children of Israel: "Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, a... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 2   Twelve spies report back to Israel regarding their 40 day excursion into Canaan. All twelve spies see the same thing: The land flows with milk and honey. The people who live there are powerful. The cities are fortified and very large. After the spies conclude their report, Caleb declares in a burst of faith, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30).... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale 2013), March 1 The Lord commands Moses to communicate a threefold blessing to His people: The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). The blessing is directed to the entire congregation, rather than to any individual. It consists of three parts. The first phrase of each blessing announces God's good... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 28  Feminists often accuse God of being a male chauvinist. They are misinformed. The LORD reveals His care for women who are falsely accused of adultery by ungrounded suspicions of jealous husbands: "If the spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he becomes jealous of his wife, who has defiled herself; or if the spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he becomes jealous of his wife, though she has not defiled hersel... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 27  "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 'Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them to Aaron the priest, that they may serve him"" (Num. 3:5-6). No one likes to move. Moving involves packing, sorting, discarding, and serious planning. Imagine the planning and work it would take to move the Israelites in the wilderness. In the midst of all the moving, Israel had also the task of moving the Ten... Read More

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 26  God is the great Organizer. Creation reveals His organizational skills as He forms the heavens and the earth and then fills them with life. Throughout the process He creates systems (solar system, ecological system, reproductive systems, biological systems) which He has sustained for thousands of years. The Lord gave Israel a number of systems during their first year while they camped at Mount Sinai: the sacrific... Read More