Category: Bible In a Year
Day 289 – Wise Influences
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about the achievements of the Romans. Empires come and go and now the Greeks will be replaced by the Romans as the ruler of the land. Judas Maccabeus and his brothers have established themselves against the Greeks, they now seek to have an alliance with Rome. Daily Readings 1…
Day 288 – Battling Against Gossip
Today we see that the people continue to fight. We see the rise of Demetrious, the son of Seleucus, who wages war against the Israelites. Judas Maccabeus and the men of Israel continue to pray to the Lord before they go into battle. We should always call upon the Lord when we encounter struggles or…
Day 287 – Eleazar’s Sacrifice
Thoughts and Reflections Today we read about the continuation of the battle of the Maccabees. When the Greeks enter Jerusalem and see the strength of Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, they tear down the wall and quickly depart. There will be more battles with the Greeks, but Israel is starting to think about making an…
Day 286 – The Battle to Choose God
Thoughts and Reflection Judas Maccabeus continues to free Israel in a battle. Antiochus was out to destroy the Jewish culture and religion. This battle was a defensive war, seeking freedom and independence for Israel. Daily Readings 1 Maccabees 5 1 When the surrounding nations heard that the altar had been rebuilt and the sanctuary restored to what it…
Day 285 – Story of Hanukkah
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about God coming to the aid of Judas Maccabeus. The Lord continues to fight on their behalf. The people desire to worship the Lord and they go into Jerusalem to grieve over the Temple’s destruction and set about restoring it. Daily Readings 1 Maccabees 4 1 Gorgias took with him…
Day 284 – Near Occasion of Sin
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read Judas Maccabees is fighting well for Israel. Antiochus sends thousands of troops to battle Judas Maccabees and his small force of fighters. The people of Israel have been victorious when they have fasted, pray and lean on the Lord rather than their own strength. Daily Readings 1 Maccabees 3…
Day 283 – Mattathias Attacks
Thoughts and Reflections Today we read that Mattathias is told by the Greeks to offer sacrifice to lead others in this practice. He is promised that they will be friends of the king and that his sons will be honored with gifts. Mattathias refuses to do so. When a fellow Jew comes forward to offer…
Return Recap
In this period of return, Judah is given a chance to live as the chosen people of God. During their time in Babylon (seventy years) the people of Israel were without the sacrificial system of the temple. Kosher laws of the family took on more importance of faith. The return from captivity is a common…
Day 282 – Antiochus Desecrates the Temple
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about how Alexander the Great divided his kingdom among his generals. One of those dependents is Antiochus Epiphanes, who persecutes the Jews. Under Alexander the Great there was religious tolerance but that ends. The people are told to go along with everyone else. This is the same as when…
Day 281 – Good and Evil
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read Nehemiah returns to spend time with King Artaxerxes. The people are unfaithful to the Lord, and Nehemiah takes charge. He ensures that intermarriage and the corruption of the Temple worship will cease. He unifies people in faith. Later in Malachi, God declares his hated for divorce and that one-flesh…