Category: Bible In a Year
Day 309 – Praying for the Dead
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about a lot of destruction and war. We also read about praying for the dead. After the battle, the Jews go out and bring the bodies of the dead. Judas Maccabeus takes up a collection and sends out two thousand drachmas of silver to Jerusalem as an offering for…
Day 308 – Little by Little
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about a white horseman that appears as the people of Jerusalem are preparing to fight. Though the Lord is present, the people still need to enter into battle with those who want to hurt them. This is a reminder that God is always present, even when we may not…
Day 307 – Courage in Battle
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about Judas Maccabeus coming into Jerusalem. The desolation of the Temple is one of the greater offenses to the Lord. Today we read about it’s restoration and the origin of the Feast of Hanukkah. Maccabeus’ men have faith in the Lord as they go forward to fight against Timothy.…
Day 306 – Wisdom Is Beautiful
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about the defeat of Antiochus that we first read in 1 Maccabees. In 2 Maccabees we hear who actually defeated him — the Lord. We must remember that the Lord is always involved in fighting and machinations. There is one of two perspectives we can take in our life…
Day 305 – The Defender
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about Judas Maccabeus and his brothers rising up against the Gentiles. When they go up against a much larger force, Judas Maccabeus inspires the people by reminding them of the times when the Lord’s help came to their ancestors. It can be hard to see how God is working…
Day 304 – Life Beyond Death
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about faithfulness. In Maccabees, we read about a mother and her seven sons. The mom and her sons obey the law of the Lord and are put to death. They die with confidence knowing that their death in this life is not the end. This is not our ultimate…
Day 303 – Eleazar’s Martyrdom
Thoughts and Reflection Today we are reminded that punishments are not something that should bring us down but rather we should see it as discipline by our loving father. While God waits for other nations to reach the apex of their wickedness before he destroys them, he does not do this to his people of…
Day 302 – The Pursuit of Wisdom
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about Jason’s fall from power and the pillage of the temple. The people realize what they have been going through is how the Lord is loving, teaching, and bringing them back to him. They further realize it is just but limited. We are then introduced to Judas Maccabeus. He…
Day 301 – Rising Again
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about the Greek customs that were introduced in Jerusalem by Jason. Jason was corrupt and became a high priest. He built a gymnasium and enrolled the young men of the City. This ultimately caused their infidelity to the Lord. The Greek customs and culture were being promoted by those…
Day 300 – Conversion of Heart
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read that Heliodorus is sent to collect the Temple treasury. In times of distress, people pray to the Lord and he protects the temple. He has a vision that places him in danger of death and a second vision telling him to praise the Lord and thank Onias for his…