He was the son of Zeruiah, David's half-sister, and brother of Joab. He served David many years as one of his mighty men." />

Meaning of Abishai

"source of wealth" or "father of the gift."

He was the son of Zeruiah, David's half-sister, and brother of Joab. He served David many years as one of his mighty men.

"source of wealth" or "father of the gift."

He was the son of Zeruiah, David's half-sister, and brother of Joab. He served David many years as one of his mighty men.

He went with David to Saul's camp while Saul slept (1 Sam. 25:6-9), and expressed the intention to kill him, which David objected to (1 Sam. 26:5-9).

Together with Joab, he treacherously took revenge on Abner for the death of his brother Asahel, which he had taken (2 Sam. 2:18-24; 3:30).

He remained faithful to David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam. 18:2).

Father, as we honor the birth of your Son, let us think on mercy, healing, and reconciliation. Amen.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Healing Time

J. Stephen Lang

1868: On this date a political leader who grew up poor, had no formal education and was illiterate until his wife taught him to read and write, issued Proclamation 179 “granting full pardon and amnesty for the offense of treason against the United States during the late Civil War.”

Christmas means you have an eternal home waiting for you. That should make more than the angels sing!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Personal Promise

Charles Stanley

Jesus came to earth with the view of offering you salvation. He wanted you to have a restored relationship with the Father, a relationship that was so close, so intimate, that you would have your special place in the Father’s house (John 14:1–4).

The only people in Israel who did recognize Christ at His birth were humble, unremarkable people.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Unexpected Savior

John MacArthur

Scripture records that when John the Baptist began his ministry, “The people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not” (Luke 3:15).

In the incarnation, God spanned the vast chasm of fear that had distanced him from his human creation

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Reflections on the Incarnation and Freedom of God

Philip Yancey

Think of the condescension involved: the incarnation, which sliced history into two parts had more animal than human witnesses. Think, too, of the risk. In the incarnation, God spanned the vast chasm of fear that had distanced him from his human creation.

Remember that His presence can be experienced. His promise is as true as ever.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Blessing of the Presence of Jesus

Charles Spurgeon

He is as certainly with us now as He was with the disciples at the lake when they saw coals of fire, fish on the coals, and bread (John 21:9). Not physically, but still in real truth, Jesus is with us!