Daily Devotions on the One Year Bible by Pastor Gary Combs

“[He] makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind; he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire” (Psalm 104:3–4 ESV). Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn praising God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The psalmist paints a breathtaking picture of Gods majesty. He covers Himself

“As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:15–17 ESV). This is

“I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop” (Psalm 102:7 ESV). Psalm 102 is a moving description of sleeplessness and the sorrow of feeling isolated in suffering. Its heading identifies it as “A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD.” The psalmist

“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases” (Proverbs 26:20 ESV). Proverbs 26:20 is a vivid picture of the destructive power of gossip and the importance of refusing to fuel conflict. Just as a fire cannot continue burning without wood, quarrels often die down when gossip and

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9 ESV). Paul has just proclaimed the marvelous truth of salvation by Gods grace, not by our works, but through the regenerating and renewing work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4–7). He then urges believers to devote

“O LORD our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings (Psalm 99:8 ESV). The LORD answered those who prayed on behalf of His people. The psalmist specifically mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel (v. 6), who served as intercessors before God. When they cried out, God

“But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam, declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 49:39 ESV). Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Elam, an ancient kingdom located in what is now southwestern Iran, whose capital was Susa. The Babylonians would bring judgment upon this nation, breaking its military strength and scattering its people. Yet

“For, because you trusted in your works and your treasures, you also shall be taken. And Chemosh shall go into exile with his priests and his officials” (Jeremiah 48:7 ESV). God gave Jeremiah a word of coming judgment, not only against Judah but also against the surrounding nations of Moab, Ammon, and Edom. To Moab,

“And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go” (Jeremiah 45:5 ESV). Baruch, the son of Neriah, is an interesting figure

“At the end of ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah” (Jeremiah 42:7 ESV). After Jerusalem fell to Babylon, a small remnant of Jews remained in Judah under the governor Gedaliah. But when Gedaliah was assassinated, the survivors feared Babylonian retaliation. Led by Johanan, they considered fleeing to Egypt for safety. Before