One Year Bible Devotion

One Year Bible Devotion Devotions posted Monday - Friday. Please share with your friends.

12/31/2023

December 31, 2023

by Michael McDermott

NO MORE CURSE

Revelation 22:3 - "And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him."

Today's devotional in both the Old and New Testament talks about the subject of curse. In Malachi 3 God tells His people that they are under a curse (v.9) because they have not been faithful to the Lord with their tithes and offerings. In chapter 4 verse 6 God says He will strike the earth with a curse if reconciliation does not take place between fathers and children. In our text God provides leaves of the tree of life for the healing of the nations that there be no more curse. In Genesis chapter 3 the curse comes because sin enters the world. However, God has a remedy for sin. It is found in the book of Galatians: Galatians 3:13,14 - "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Notice that the reason given in Galatians for the curse to be removed is that blessing might come upon us. We cannot be blessed as long as the curse is in the way. God longs to bless us but the curse has to be removed.

As we leave this year behind let's leave something else behind: NO MORE CURSE! Let's tithe so God's blessing can be on our finances. Let's be reconciled to our children and parents so God's blessing can rest upon our families. Let's embrace the redemptive work of Christ on the cross so God's blessing can rest upon us eternally. NO MORE CURSE!!!

12/30/2023

December 30, 2023

by Michael McDermott

THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE

Malachi 2:13-16 "And this is the second thing you do: you cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and crying; so He does not regard the offering anymore,
nor receive it with goodwill from your hands. Yet you say, 'For what reason?' Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant. But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. 'Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. 'For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,” says the Lord of hosts. Therefore take heed to your spirit,
that you do not deal treacherously.”

Marriage is an institution initiated and authored by God and one that He has much to say about in scripture. In today's devotional there are some insights given that are noteworthy. Before we look at those, let me apologize to the body of Christ for the lousy example certain Christian leaders of our day have set in regards to marriage. I am not one to slam anyone else, lest I be judged. However, something needs to be said about the overall attitude toward something God regards as holy. To make excuses for a breakup of a high profile ministry couple does not make it right. We have great teachers, preachers, and healers who have wonderful giftings. But don't follow their views nor their example when it comes to the marriage covenant. God still hates divorce and let's look deeper as to why...
There are four effects of divorce that need to be looked at carefully before ending a marriage:
YOUR GIVING - God says that your offering will not be regarded. Even though you cover the altar with tears, weeping, and crying it will avail nothing.
YOUR COVENANT - Marriage is not just an arrangement, a convenience, or a way to combine two budgets, it's a covenant. This is the deepest agreement between two parties in scripture and God takes it very seriously.
YOUR CHILDREN - God prizes the ability of two godly people to produce godly offspring. The children need to be taken into consideration. God is concerned about His relationship to the children. Remember, our kids are learning about God through our example and our leadership.
YOUR SPIRIT - Twice in this passage God says, "Take heed to your spirit." Another version translates that phrase as, "Guard your spirit." Something happens to us internally when a covenant is violated. There is personal devastation and internal damage. We may not see it immediately but its effects will linger for years. I have seen it over and over again.

Let me end today's devotional with two additional comments. Thank God for mercy and forgiveness. God will forgive divorce. But that does not take anything away from the consequences that will be experienced. Secondly, it takes two. There have been some great Christian people who are casualties of a partner who does not regard the sanctity of marriage. My heart goes out to them. I have been blessed with a marriage to the most wonderful marriage partner who is a Proverbs 31 woman (read it in today's devotional), a very godly woman, and a wonderful mother and spiritual leader. She is the love of my life and she makes it so very easy to love marriage. May your covenant be blessed of the Lord and as you enter a new year may God refresh your marriage and cause it to be a reflection of heaven on earth.

12/29/2023

December 29, 2023

by Michael McDermott

THE BOOK OF LIFE

Revelation 20:12-15 "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

Most people go through the day to day without thinking much about the future, let alone an eternal future. Today's devotional informs us that at the end of time there will be an accounting given by each person for what they have done in this life. The opening statement leaves no one out: "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God..." The smallest on earth to the greatest will all stand before God, I'm sure humbled by the occasion. "And books were opened..." These books appear to contain detailed accounts of our works. The good, the bad, and the ugly all journaled in books. The Apostle Paul refers to this in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 "Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." Thus the reason for books (plural). One set of books for works. But there is one Book we want to be sure not to neglect. The Book of Life appears to contain the names of those who are saved, born again, and embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The absence of one's name is not a desirable position to be in. Verse 15 says, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." The best case scenario is to gain rewards through what is written in the books and to inherit eternal life by having your name in the Book of Life. So whatever you do, GET IN THE BOOK!

12/28/2023

December 28, 2023

by Michael McDermott

FAITHFUL AND TRUE

Revelation 19:11-14 "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses."

Today's devotional contains a marvelous description of Jesus Christ at the end of the age. Try to visualize our majestic Lord upon a white horse with his eyes like a flame of fire and many crowns on His head. And then His clothing being a robe that is red like crimson. Oh such a glorious sight! Can you see it in your mind's eye? If you can't, you will see that sight literally one day.

Let's focus for a few moments on the names ascribed to Him. As we do, let's also try to identify with them.
FAITHFUL - Throughout scripture we are told of the faithfulness of the Lord. A great hymn of the church declares it well: "Great is Thy faithfulness; O God my Father..." In the gospels Jesus Christ challenges His followers to be faithful. Let's plan on being faithful every day of our lives this coming New Year.
TRUE - When Jesus walked this earth He was the embodiment of truth. He even declared Himself the same in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." We are called to walk in His truth and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
WORD OF GOD - The Apostle John opens up the gospel that bears his name with "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) Now that the Word of God is in heaven, it is absolutely vital that we become containers of the Word of God in the earth. Get filled with it, speak it, live it, share it, read it, and love it all the time.

Thank you for reading these devotionals. It is my intent to pour the Word of God into as many people as possible and thus strengthen individuals and encourage them. It is also my desire to see as many people as possible devote themselves to the daily reading of scripture. Encourage your friends on Facebook to tap into this page. This is the week that I will purchase a new One Year Bible for the coming year. I'm excited about a new journey with the scriptures. I pick a different version to read every year. Choose a version of the Bible you like and let's walk together through the Word of God this coming year. You will be stronger by this time next year and your level of discipleship will be raised. You will also become more like Him: Faithful, True, the Word of God.

12/27/2023

December 27, 2023

by Michael McDermott

SHEPHERDS NEEDED

Zechariah 10:2 - “For the idols speak delusion; the diviners envision lies, and tell false dreams; they comfort in vain. Therefore the people wend their way like sheep; they are in trouble because there is no shepherd.”

There are two problems in today’s text. First, people are looking for comfort in all the wrong places. Sound familiar? It’s as old as humanity itself. We tend to be drawn to seeking answers in places where there are none. Empty promises, empty dreams, empty cups of deception.

Second, there are no shepherds. The verses after this one reveal that God is really angry with Judah’s leaders. Their neglect as shepherds causes the Lord to announce that He will come and take care of His people.

When a person does not have a shepherd the results are two-fold: 1) the people wander like lost sheep; 2) the people are in trouble. The New Living Translation says, “…they are attacked because they have no shepherd.

Don’t be without a shepherd. Everyone needs one. And shepherds make sure to defend and protect the flock. The wolves are loose.

12/26/2023

December 26, 2023

by Michael McDermott

THE LORD IS GOOD

Psalm 145:1 - “I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever.”

Today’s reading in the Psalms begins with David exalting and blessing the name of the Lord. What follows is a laundry list of the reasons why. If you didn’t get what you wanted yesterday for Christmas, I guarantee you there is something for you in the reading today. Enjoy! (NLT)

The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all he does (v.13). The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads (v.14).
You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing (v.16).
The Lord is righteous in everything he does (v.17).
He is filled with kindness (v.17).
The Lord is close to all who call on him (v.18).
He grants the desires of those who fear him (v.19).
He hears their cries for help and rescues them (v.19).
The Lord protects all those who love him (v.20).

12/24/2023

December 24, 2023

by Michael McDermott

CAREFUL OBEDIENCE

Zechariah 6:15 – “Even those from afar shall come and build the temple of the Lord. Then you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. And this shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.”

God had given the people a promise concerning the building of the temple. The last sentence of this verse needs to be carefully noted. What God had promised would not come to pass if the people did not hold up their end of the bargain. The promise was contingent upon careful obedience: “And this shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.” No obedience, no fulfilled promise.

I begin to ask myself the question, “How many promises of God have I missed because I didn’t do what I was supposed to? How many times have I blamed God for something that was really my fault?”

What is God saying that the people need to pay close attention to? I believe we can find the answer in today’s reading in Zechariah 7:8-10 “Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, 9 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.’’” The bottom line of these verses is God wants us to treat other people the right way, especially those who might be easily vulnerable in our society. Take up for those who don’t have a voice and who are taken advantage of.

This is a great passage of scripture this time of year and it embodies the spirit of Christmas. May you and yours be blessed this season and may that blessing be extended from you to others who need the Savior.

12/23/2023

December 23, 2023

by Michael McDermott

BY MY SPIRIT

Zechariah 4:6 – “So he answered and said to me: ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.’”

Zerubbabel is the secular head of Israel’s repatriated community and in this chapter is prophesied over to finish the rebuilding of the temple. His task will not be completed by human instrumentation but rather “by My Spirit.” It is this divine involvement that we must remember when we are attempting to do a work for God.

When we have been given a task to do by God there are several obstacles to overcome. One will be the intimidation of the sheer magnitude of the responsibility. When God does something He really knows how to do it and He normally calls people to do things beyond their ability. A second obstacle will be the humble beginnings and origins of the project. Looking at where we begin to where God wants it to go can be daunting. The two don’t resemble each other and there are a lot of steps between A and B. But there are two verses in today’s reading (besides our text) that are encouraging.

Verse 7 – “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!” God is able to remove any obstacle that stands in the way of His plans and level it to the ground. We do not need to be disturbed by difficulties. This is all part of the work of God. Remember, it’s not by might nor by power…we will be victorious!

Verse 10 – “For who has despised the day of small things?” Where you started will seem insignificant after God is finished. However, don’t despise the day of small things. That’s where you are tested and approved for bigger things. That’s the place where you exercised your faith and found God to be faithful. That’s the place you learned to trust Him. And that’s the place that much of who you are and what you believe was formed.

Whatever you’re attempting to do for God release it into the realm of “by My Spirit.” If you’re in charge it will go as far as you can take it. But when He’s in control, look out and get ready for big things. Things will move and will happen when God takes the lead!

12/22/2023

December 22, 2023

by Michael McDermott

I SHOULDN’T HAVE SAID THAT

Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

WORDS…man, they can get you into trouble! But there is help for those of us who have had this recurring thought, “I shouldn’t have said that.”

Loose Lips Sink Ships. That phrase was coined in the American Culture during World War II. The US Office of War Information used it. It was part of an overall campaign titled Careless Talk Costs Lives. It was used to prevent people from giving enemy spies information that could jeopardize American lives.

Loose Lips have taken on a different look in our tech-heavy world. Over the years there have been reports of leaks from various departments of the government. We live in a day of whistleblowers and information dumps that can have an impact on families, careers and livelihoods.

The prayer in today’s devotional is one that I have prayed many, many times. There are times when my thought traveled all too quickly to my lips and it was about to exit when I felt a restraint, the door of my lips, close. Some things are just better not said. And I thanked God for hearing my prayer. Why say something you will regret later? Why say something that will require humility and an apology down the road? It’s better if it is never heard. This prayer will keep you out of trouble. This prayer will prevent damage from being done. This prayer will keep relationships in tact, it will keep a divorce out of the courts, and it will keep you from eating humble pie in the future. It is tough some times but is certainly vital for all who name the name of Christ. May we pray this prayer continually and may God use our lips to bring healing instead of hurt to a very needy world.

12/21/2023

December 21, 2023

by Michael McDermott

OVERCOMERS

Revelation 12:9-11 “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

Part of God’s plan in the future is not only the redemption of the heavens and the earth and the installment of Christ’s kingdom on earth, it also includes the judgment of Satan and the vengeance of God’s people upon him for their martyrdom. In this passage, which is a partial judgment against our enemy, the devil is cast out of heaven along with the rebellious angels. He is called many things in today’s reading: dragon, serpent of old, Devil, and Satan. The title that describes him in a different but most fitting way is “accuser of our brethren.” We are told that he accuses God’s people day and night. We are also told how we can overcome him. There are three keys to that victory:
1. The Blood of The Lamb. There is nothing for us to do here. This is a divine work by the Son of God. The blood of Jesus secures access for us into the presence of God. The blood of Jesus washes away our accusations and our sins. We are forgiven and recipients of eternal life. The devil cannot do anything about that either. It is a work forever settled in heaven.
2. The Word of Our Testimony. What say ye? Our testimony plays a critical role in our victory. We must speak the word of the Lord out of our mouths and tell of the great things God has done.
3. They Did Not Love Their Lives To The Death. This part of the verse is literal in the book of Revelation. People gave their lives for the cause of the kingdom. However, Jesus told us in the gospels that if we wanted to save our lives we needed to lose them. Kingdom living is selfless living. It is putting first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). It’s dying out to our own desires and fulfilling the will of God in our lives.

We are called to live victoriously. You have “overcomer” written all over you and your future. Live like one, talk like one, and experience the power of God that can help you conquer the enemy.

12/20/2023

December 20, 2023

by Michael McDermott

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

Psalm 139:13-16 “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

What a great passage of scripture concerning our existence and how we came into being. This passage, of course, strengthens the cultural argument dealing with sanctity of life. Christians in general believe that life begins at conception, and that stance is further confirmed in this passage. Yet, I do not put forth this passage to settle a modern day dispute. I want you to meditate on its implications for you and your family. You and those in your family are a result of divine handiwork. Let’s take a deeper look into the wording in this passage.

Verse 13 tells us that God created the inside of us. He “covered” us, He entwined us and protected us, in our mother’s womb. We were “skillfully wrought” (verse 15) meaning that we were carefully embroidered and fabricated. God saw us when we were unformed, literally an embryo. And before we were ever born God had a plan pre-written for us. This is why Jesus told us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

What should our response be to all of this? Verse 14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” We should praise Him. Creation is a marvelous work of God. Let your children know they are marvelous; let them know they are fearfully and wonderfully made. And in case no one ever told you, receive this word today. You are a marvel of God’s creation and it started before you were ever born. He has a plan for you. Pray that you might fulfill what was written long ago. And if you have gotten off track, make the determination that this coming year will be a year to get back to God’s original intent for your life. You are too precious for anything else.

12/19/2023

December 19, 2023

by Michael McDermott

UNDER CONTROL

Psalm 138:3,7,8 – “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul... 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands.”

Today’s Psalm is full of promises. I would like to highlight several of them.
“You answered me…” Enough said. God WILL answer you when you cry out to Him.
“(You) made me bold with strength in my soul…” Boldness is a necessary virtue to possess in the day we are living in. There is a component of strength to boldness that is refreshing and rejuvenating. May God give you a huge dose of boldness!
“You will revive me…” I am fully convinced that God’s church needs revival! The psalmist is assured of reviving “in the midst of trouble.” The word “trouble” in Hebrew means “tightness.” Have you ever been in a tight place? This is usually brought on by stress. May God revive you today!
“You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies…” Notice please that God’s hand will be stretched out and not yours!
“Your right hand will save me…” God promises victory to us. He will save us.
“(You) will perfect that which concerns me…” I love this one. God promises to perfect or complete everything that concerns us. No need to worry. God’s got it under control.

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