23 Kislev — Focusing On What We Fear
As we approach the time of Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication, let’s look at how the story took shape. In its essence, the story of Hanukkah is about how different people responded to the edicts of a tyrant, Antiochus IV, also called Epiphanies, a title that mean,...
Daily Bread — Tuesday, December 24, 2024
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people. All those who see Me ridicule Me; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!” (Psalm...
22 Kislev — Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem
It was on this day in 1949 that the Israeli Knesset (Parliament), voted to transfer Israel’s seat of government from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This was logical seeing that Jerusalem had always been the eternal capital of the Israeli people. However, there have been very...
Daily Bread — Monday, December 23, 2024
But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed. (Psalm 22:3-5) This statement -- “But You are holy” -- coming on...
21 Kislev — A Broken and Contrite Heart
There’s an old Jewish adage that says something like this: “The truly penitent come nearer unto God than even those who have never stumbled or fallen into sin.” That’s a profound statement when you consider what it's saying. And while it’s true that we don’t find this...
Daily Bread — Sunday, December 22, 2024
My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; and in the night season, and am not silent. (Psalm 22:1-2) In the previous devotion we mentioned that...
20 Kislev — Putting Away the Strange Wives
It was on this day in 456 B. C. that Ezra gathered all of the assembled inhabitants of Jerusalem and urged them to purge the community of all foreign elements, including putting away their pagan wives. It’s recorded for us in Ezra 10:9-11: “It was the ninth...
Daily Bread — Saturday, December 21, 2024
My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; and in the night season, and am not silent. (Psalm 22:1-2) In Jewish commentary, much is made over the...
19 Kislev — He Has Nothing In Me
On the eve of His crucifixion, knowing that Judas was on his way with soldiers to lead Him away to His execution, Yeshua said: “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I...
Daily Bread — Friday, December 20, 2024
Your hand will find all Your enemies; Your right hand will find those who hate You. You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; the Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their offspring You shall destroy from the...
18 Kislev — Does the Label Match the Contents?
In the advertising world, every great marketing campaign is designed to draw attention to a particular label. It is done with the intention to persuade people to buy a particular product. When you go to a store and look at a particular label, if you recognize the name...
Daily Bread — Thursday, December 19, 2024
You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head. He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—length of days forever and ever. His glory is great in Your salvation; honor and majesty You have placed upon him. For You have made...