Read: Lamentations 4:1-5:22; Hebrews 2:1-18; Psalm 103:1-22; Provers 26:23
Jeremiah describes the condition of Jerusalem. The city is dying from starvation, the once rich are destitute and homeless, children beg for food and no one gives them any, loving mothers have cooked their own children for food. It couldn’t get any worse. No nation would come to their rescue because God was against them. Their sin and wickedness was being exposed and there was no more hiding or hoping. One day, their punishment would be over and God would be able to bless them once again.
Hebrew warns us to pay attention to what God has told us in the past because if God punished his angels, he will punish us. One third of heaven’s angels rebelled with Lucifer and fell. They were banished to earth until creation. That same punishment will be given to all who refuse to accept the great salvation God sent through his son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus, who was so much higher than the angels humbled himself to come down and become a man. God sent him to do his works on the earth and made everything subject to him. He was to experience death so he could destroy the devil who had the power of death, and deliver us who were in bondage to death. He also chose to become a human so he could experience temptation and pain so he could one day be a merciful high priest who understands the frailty of man.
Our trials are not a punishment from God but a way for us to learn our frailty and learn to have compassion on others when they go through trials. Jesus experienced all the pains of life that he might be merciful to our weaknesses. He is the perfect high priest.
Lord, help us to be compassionate towards others going through difficult times remembering our own experiences. You are the one who can comfort and help us in our struggles.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Tues.’s Devo - Jesus Our High Priest
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Monday’s Devo - Jesus, the Son of God
Read: Lamentations 2:20-3:66; Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 26:21-22
Jerusalem wails in anguish because of the siege. They are starving to the point of eating their own children. They finally realize their prophets have lied to them, except God’s prophets. Jeremiah is suffering with them but his hope is in the Lord’s love. He is living one day at a time through the power of what he knows of God’s compassion. He encourages others to examine their ways and return to the Lord. He reminds them that God’s anger will last for a while, but his compassion for ever.
Jeremiah uses his own experience as a picture of hope for the people. He retells when he was thrown into the cistern and given up for dead. But in that pit he cried out to the Lord and the Lord heard him and delivered him out of it. God will do the same for them if they would cry out to Him. And, God will do the same for us when we cry out to Him for help.
I love Hebrews! In the Old Testament, God is revealed, but he can’t stop talking about his son, Jesus; but in the New Testament, Jesus is revealed but he can’t stop talking about his Father. Hebrews comes along and melts both of them together. Jesus is the glory of God exalted as his son. No angel has ever been called this intimate name of “son”. Jesus is the exact representation of God. Hebrews explains how Jesus and God created the heavens and the earth together and one day it will be time to roll them up and create new ones.
Hebrew also says much about angels. They are to minister to the ones God has chosen to inherit salvation. That is us!
Hebrews draws scripture from all over the Bible to bring it all together. Even our Psalm today is quoted in Hebrews.
Lord, help us to be your representation on earth as Jesus was when he walked the earth.
Jerusalem wails in anguish because of the siege. They are starving to the point of eating their own children. They finally realize their prophets have lied to them, except God’s prophets. Jeremiah is suffering with them but his hope is in the Lord’s love. He is living one day at a time through the power of what he knows of God’s compassion. He encourages others to examine their ways and return to the Lord. He reminds them that God’s anger will last for a while, but his compassion for ever.
Jeremiah uses his own experience as a picture of hope for the people. He retells when he was thrown into the cistern and given up for dead. But in that pit he cried out to the Lord and the Lord heard him and delivered him out of it. God will do the same for them if they would cry out to Him. And, God will do the same for us when we cry out to Him for help.
I love Hebrews! In the Old Testament, God is revealed, but he can’t stop talking about his son, Jesus; but in the New Testament, Jesus is revealed but he can’t stop talking about his Father. Hebrews comes along and melts both of them together. Jesus is the glory of God exalted as his son. No angel has ever been called this intimate name of “son”. Jesus is the exact representation of God. Hebrews explains how Jesus and God created the heavens and the earth together and one day it will be time to roll them up and create new ones.
Hebrew also says much about angels. They are to minister to the ones God has chosen to inherit salvation. That is us!
Hebrews draws scripture from all over the Bible to bring it all together. Even our Psalm today is quoted in Hebrews.
Lord, help us to be your representation on earth as Jesus was when he walked the earth.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Sun.’s Devo - The Gospel
Read: Lamentations 1:1-2:19; Philemon 1:1-25; Psalm 101:1-8: Proverbs 26:20
Lamentations is just sad and depressing. It begins while Josiah is dying according to 2 Chronicles 35:25. Josiah was such a good king but his death was more than his own death; it signified the death of the nation. Judah went quickly downhill after that and was judged for their sins. Lamentation is an interestingly written elegy penned by Jeremiah who did many prophetic acts to give pictures of what was happening in the nation. In Lamentations there are five elegies (chapters) which are poems or songs of lament or praise for the dead. All of Lamentations are acrostic which means they are in a particular order. The first three elegies consist of three to four lines each beginning with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order. (There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet.)
According to Jameison, Faust and Brown Commentary, in three instances (La 2:16, 17; 3:46-51; 4:16, 17) two letters are transposed. In the third Elegy, each line of the three forming every stanza begins with the same letter. The stanzas in the fourth and fifth Elegies consist of two lines each. The fifth Elegy, though having twenty-two stanzas (the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet), just as the first four, yet is not alphabetical; and its lines are shorter than those of the others, which are longer than are found in other Hebrew poems, and contain twelve syllables, marked by a cæsura about the middle, dividing them into two somewhat unequal parts. The alphabetical arrangement was adopted originally to assist the memory. GROTIUS thinks the reason for the inversion of two of the Hebrew letters in La 2:16, 17; 3:46-51; 4:16, 17, is that the Chaldeans, like the Arabians, used a different order from the Hebrews; in the first Elegy, Jeremiah speaks as a Hebrew, in the following ones, as one subject to the Chaldeans.
This might seem confusing but I am in awe of the wonder of God and his wisdom and knowledge. Today’s Lamentation tells of the destruction of Babylon and Israel. Sin is being judged and there is no stopping God’s judgment; it has to be done.
Paul’s letter to Philemon is one to a true friend and fellow minister in the faith. Paul admonishes his work and faith. He sends his letter by the hand of Onesimus. Onesimus had once been Philemon’s slave but had stolen from him and fled to Rome. There he was converted to Christ through Paul’s ministry and become a spiritual son and attendant to Paul while he was in prison. Paul sends him back to Philemon and offers to pay for what Onesimus stole from him. He is not sending him back as a slave but as a dear brother. Is that not the picture of what happens when we become a Christian? We were slaves to sin and disobedient to Christ, but when we meet Christ as our savior we are restored as a member of God’s family.
Lord, thank you for salvation. You are truly a matrix of wisdom and knowledge. There is nothing too difficult for you!
Lamentations is just sad and depressing. It begins while Josiah is dying according to 2 Chronicles 35:25. Josiah was such a good king but his death was more than his own death; it signified the death of the nation. Judah went quickly downhill after that and was judged for their sins. Lamentation is an interestingly written elegy penned by Jeremiah who did many prophetic acts to give pictures of what was happening in the nation. In Lamentations there are five elegies (chapters) which are poems or songs of lament or praise for the dead. All of Lamentations are acrostic which means they are in a particular order. The first three elegies consist of three to four lines each beginning with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order. (There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet.)
According to Jameison, Faust and Brown Commentary, in three instances (La 2:16, 17; 3:46-51; 4:16, 17) two letters are transposed. In the third Elegy, each line of the three forming every stanza begins with the same letter. The stanzas in the fourth and fifth Elegies consist of two lines each. The fifth Elegy, though having twenty-two stanzas (the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet), just as the first four, yet is not alphabetical; and its lines are shorter than those of the others, which are longer than are found in other Hebrew poems, and contain twelve syllables, marked by a cæsura about the middle, dividing them into two somewhat unequal parts. The alphabetical arrangement was adopted originally to assist the memory. GROTIUS thinks the reason for the inversion of two of the Hebrew letters in La 2:16, 17; 3:46-51; 4:16, 17, is that the Chaldeans, like the Arabians, used a different order from the Hebrews; in the first Elegy, Jeremiah speaks as a Hebrew, in the following ones, as one subject to the Chaldeans.
This might seem confusing but I am in awe of the wonder of God and his wisdom and knowledge. Today’s Lamentation tells of the destruction of Babylon and Israel. Sin is being judged and there is no stopping God’s judgment; it has to be done.
Paul’s letter to Philemon is one to a true friend and fellow minister in the faith. Paul admonishes his work and faith. He sends his letter by the hand of Onesimus. Onesimus had once been Philemon’s slave but had stolen from him and fled to Rome. There he was converted to Christ through Paul’s ministry and become a spiritual son and attendant to Paul while he was in prison. Paul sends him back to Philemon and offers to pay for what Onesimus stole from him. He is not sending him back as a slave but as a dear brother. Is that not the picture of what happens when we become a Christian? We were slaves to sin and disobedient to Christ, but when we meet Christ as our savior we are restored as a member of God’s family.
Lord, thank you for salvation. You are truly a matrix of wisdom and knowledge. There is nothing too difficult for you!
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Sat.’s Devo - Babylon Has Fallen
Read: Jeremiah 51:54-52:34; Titus 3:1-15; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 26:18-19
First the natural and then the spiritual. Jeremiah ends with a prophecy about the total destruction of Babylon. That is the natural. Revelation ends with a spiritual destruction of Babylon. Babylon means “confusion” and it has to do with false prophets, false religion, lies, deception, anything that is contrary to the truth. She is the spirit that kills the prophets and that killed Jesus. She is the mother of harlots and the abominations of the earth in Revelation 17. It is rampant in the world. It is in every area of our lives but it will all come down one day and the truth will remain.
Jeremiah was to write the prophecy about Babylon’s destruction on a scroll and throw it into the Euphrates as a sign of what would happen to it. In Revelation 9:14, God told the sixth angel to loose the four angels (demons) that were bound in the great river Euphrates and they were to slay a third of the population.
In Revelation 18:21 it says that a mighty angel took up a stone and cast it into the sea, saying, this is what will be don to Babylon. It will be thrown down and be no more.
Next, we read the end of Zedekiah. Babylon besieged Jerusalem for two years. When they ran completely out of food, Zedekiah and his sons tried to escape at night. They were chased down. Zedekiah had to witness his sons being killed then his eyes were taken out and he was led to Babylon where he died. Everything in Jerusalem was taken that had any value and only a few poor people were left to tend the vineyards and the fields…just as Jeremiah and Isaiah had said would happen.
Titus reminds us to honor the men in authority over our nation. We are not to slander them but be peaceable and considerate and show true humility toward all men. That needs to be spoken from the rooftops in America. He went on to remind us where we came from and that it is only the grace of God that there is anything good in us.
We are to avoid foolish controversies and arguments and quarrels about the law because these are unprofitable and useless. Instead, we are to devote ourselves to doing good! Just think of how wonderful our nation would be if we just did that!
Lord, help us to remember these things and live them. Let your peace be in our nation. Calm the hearts of the people and give them rest.
First the natural and then the spiritual. Jeremiah ends with a prophecy about the total destruction of Babylon. That is the natural. Revelation ends with a spiritual destruction of Babylon. Babylon means “confusion” and it has to do with false prophets, false religion, lies, deception, anything that is contrary to the truth. She is the spirit that kills the prophets and that killed Jesus. She is the mother of harlots and the abominations of the earth in Revelation 17. It is rampant in the world. It is in every area of our lives but it will all come down one day and the truth will remain.
Jeremiah was to write the prophecy about Babylon’s destruction on a scroll and throw it into the Euphrates as a sign of what would happen to it. In Revelation 9:14, God told the sixth angel to loose the four angels (demons) that were bound in the great river Euphrates and they were to slay a third of the population.
In Revelation 18:21 it says that a mighty angel took up a stone and cast it into the sea, saying, this is what will be don to Babylon. It will be thrown down and be no more.
Next, we read the end of Zedekiah. Babylon besieged Jerusalem for two years. When they ran completely out of food, Zedekiah and his sons tried to escape at night. They were chased down. Zedekiah had to witness his sons being killed then his eyes were taken out and he was led to Babylon where he died. Everything in Jerusalem was taken that had any value and only a few poor people were left to tend the vineyards and the fields…just as Jeremiah and Isaiah had said would happen.
Titus reminds us to honor the men in authority over our nation. We are not to slander them but be peaceable and considerate and show true humility toward all men. That needs to be spoken from the rooftops in America. He went on to remind us where we came from and that it is only the grace of God that there is anything good in us.
We are to avoid foolish controversies and arguments and quarrels about the law because these are unprofitable and useless. Instead, we are to devote ourselves to doing good! Just think of how wonderful our nation would be if we just did that!
Lord, help us to remember these things and live them. Let your peace be in our nation. Calm the hearts of the people and give them rest.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Fri.’s Devo - God’s Grace
Read Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 26:17
Jeremiah continues his prophecy about Babylon. He explained exactly how it would happen. God would send foreigners to devastate their land. When that happens, God told his people to flee Babylon and run for their lives. God had used Babylon to be his vengeance against other nations but it was now her time to pay for her sins.
Paul gives Titus instructions for older men, older women, young men, and slaves. We don’t have slaves, but we do work under bosses that we need to respect and treat as if we are working for the Lord.
Paul goes on to explain the power of grace. God’s grace is the ability to do what we can’t do in our own humanity or flesh. It is what gives us the power to live a life of self-control, and godliness. It reminds us that our hope is not in the seen but in the promise of Jesus’ glorious appearing.
The last statement he gives is: “Don’t let any man despise you.” That word “despise” in the Greek means “depreciate”. In other words don’t let anyone think of you less than what God thinks of you. God thinks we are wonderful and capable of fulfilling our destiny on this earth and has given us the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish whatever he tells us to do.
Lord, help us to remember that we are wonderfully and fearfully made by a loving creator who has great plans for our lives.
Jeremiah continues his prophecy about Babylon. He explained exactly how it would happen. God would send foreigners to devastate their land. When that happens, God told his people to flee Babylon and run for their lives. God had used Babylon to be his vengeance against other nations but it was now her time to pay for her sins.
Paul gives Titus instructions for older men, older women, young men, and slaves. We don’t have slaves, but we do work under bosses that we need to respect and treat as if we are working for the Lord.
Paul goes on to explain the power of grace. God’s grace is the ability to do what we can’t do in our own humanity or flesh. It is what gives us the power to live a life of self-control, and godliness. It reminds us that our hope is not in the seen but in the promise of Jesus’ glorious appearing.
The last statement he gives is: “Don’t let any man despise you.” That word “despise” in the Greek means “depreciate”. In other words don’t let anyone think of you less than what God thinks of you. God thinks we are wonderful and capable of fulfilling our destiny on this earth and has given us the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish whatever he tells us to do.
Lord, help us to remember that we are wonderfully and fearfully made by a loving creator who has great plans for our lives.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Thurs.’s Devo - God’s Power Over the Earth
Read: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46; Titus 1 :1-16; Psalm 97:1-98:9; Proverbs 26:13-16
Today we read about the fate of Damascus in Syria. It had been the capital of Israel until Ben-Hadad tried to take it from King Ahab (1 Kings 20). Ahab should have killed Ben-Hadad but instead he let him go. God sent him a prophet who rebuked him for letting Ben-Hadad live and told him that it would cost him his life and the life of his people. Ahab was killed fighting the Syrians.
The next place mentioned was Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor. Kedar was the second son of Ishmael and they were know for their black-skinned tents. To live in one of those tents meant that you were cut off from worshipping God. They were known as the people of the East.
The next word came concerning Elam. Elam was the son of Shem, one of Noah’s sons. It was east of Babylon and known as “The Highlands”. Chedolaomer in Genesis 14 was one of Elam’s kings who reigned over many of the nations during the time of Abraham. It was time for Elam to be judged for her sins and her people scattered around the world.
The last word came to Babylon. She would be judged for her idolatry and abominations. When she falls, Israel will search for their God and renew their covenant. God will restore her as his own.
Paul writes Titus to let him know why he left him in Crete. He wanted him to finish the joy of appointing elders in the towns. Then he told him the qualification of elders. He warned him of the rebellious people who were teaching unsound doctrine which deceived the people and made themselves rich.
Lord, help us to see what you are doing in our lives and in our world and respond as you would have us respond.
Today we read about the fate of Damascus in Syria. It had been the capital of Israel until Ben-Hadad tried to take it from King Ahab (1 Kings 20). Ahab should have killed Ben-Hadad but instead he let him go. God sent him a prophet who rebuked him for letting Ben-Hadad live and told him that it would cost him his life and the life of his people. Ahab was killed fighting the Syrians.
The next place mentioned was Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor. Kedar was the second son of Ishmael and they were know for their black-skinned tents. To live in one of those tents meant that you were cut off from worshipping God. They were known as the people of the East.
The next word came concerning Elam. Elam was the son of Shem, one of Noah’s sons. It was east of Babylon and known as “The Highlands”. Chedolaomer in Genesis 14 was one of Elam’s kings who reigned over many of the nations during the time of Abraham. It was time for Elam to be judged for her sins and her people scattered around the world.
The last word came to Babylon. She would be judged for her idolatry and abominations. When she falls, Israel will search for their God and renew their covenant. God will restore her as his own.
Paul writes Titus to let him know why he left him in Crete. He wanted him to finish the joy of appointing elders in the towns. Then he told him the qualification of elders. He warned him of the rebellious people who were teaching unsound doctrine which deceived the people and made themselves rich.
Lord, help us to see what you are doing in our lives and in our world and respond as you would have us respond.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Wed.’s Devo - War Against Your Destiny
Read: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:11-22; Psalms 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12
Judgment always begins with God’s people then spreads to the world. Judah and Israel were taken captive and their land destroyed and now it was time for the neighboring countries and Egypt. Last will be Babylon.
The first prophecy was against Moab who had aided the Chaldeans in fighting Judah. They were taken five years after Jerusalem was defeated. Heshbon was an old enemy of Israel. Sihon, king of the Amorites came from that city. He was the king who refused to let Israel pass through their land when they were on the wilderness journey (Numbers 22:23). They ended up defeating them and killing Sihon. The Bible is full of people who get their due reward.
The next people were the Ammonites. They were giants who King Og of Bashan was one of. He was the one who fought with Sihon against Israel. (Numbers 21:33-35) It was time for judgement.
The last group was the Edomites. The father of the Edomites was Esau (Genesis 36:1). They were also guilty of not letting Israel pass through their land in Numbers 20.
So what these three nations had in common was that they tried to deter God’s people from getting their inheritance and fulfilling their destiny. That is Satan’s goal and he is our enemy. We can fight and win against his plans to stop us or make us stumble in achieving our destiny. If God is for us, who can be against us.
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he exhorted Timothy to preach the Word and be prepared to correct, rebuke and encourage others with great patience and careful instruction. Truth is always challenged but it will stand when all else falls.
Lord, remind us that we have an enemy that wants to keep us from our destiny. Thank you that you have given us the weapons we need to fight and the victory is ours.
Judgment always begins with God’s people then spreads to the world. Judah and Israel were taken captive and their land destroyed and now it was time for the neighboring countries and Egypt. Last will be Babylon.
The first prophecy was against Moab who had aided the Chaldeans in fighting Judah. They were taken five years after Jerusalem was defeated. Heshbon was an old enemy of Israel. Sihon, king of the Amorites came from that city. He was the king who refused to let Israel pass through their land when they were on the wilderness journey (Numbers 22:23). They ended up defeating them and killing Sihon. The Bible is full of people who get their due reward.
The next people were the Ammonites. They were giants who King Og of Bashan was one of. He was the one who fought with Sihon against Israel. (Numbers 21:33-35) It was time for judgement.
The last group was the Edomites. The father of the Edomites was Esau (Genesis 36:1). They were also guilty of not letting Israel pass through their land in Numbers 20.
So what these three nations had in common was that they tried to deter God’s people from getting their inheritance and fulfilling their destiny. That is Satan’s goal and he is our enemy. We can fight and win against his plans to stop us or make us stumble in achieving our destiny. If God is for us, who can be against us.
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he exhorted Timothy to preach the Word and be prepared to correct, rebuke and encourage others with great patience and careful instruction. Truth is always challenged but it will stand when all else falls.
Lord, remind us that we have an enemy that wants to keep us from our destiny. Thank you that you have given us the weapons we need to fight and the victory is ours.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Tues.’s Devo - The Last Days
Read: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:5-8
The women of Judah had sworn that they would fulfill their vows to the Queen of Heaven so Jeremiah turned them over to do what they were determined to do. Because of their obstinence, God was against them for harm and not good. To prove he was speaking the truth, God gave him a sign: Egypt’s pharaoh, Hophra would be handed over to his enemies just as Zedekiah had been turned over to the Babylonians.
God sent word to Egypt about what was about to happen to them. They were going to be defeated and taken into exile. God was punishing their god, Amon. Their pride would be brought down by the Chaldeans who would plow down their cities like trees.
Timothy gives us a list of what God’s servant must be. He must not quarrel but kind to everyone and able to teach. He also must not be resentful but be able to instruct gently so that they will come to repentance which will lead them to truth.
Paul gives us more insight into the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful and proud, abusive, disobedient to the parents, ungrateful, ungodly, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. We see that in our day and know that we are in God’s last hours but remember that a day in the Lord’s eyes is as 1,000 years in our eyes. Jesus said that they were in the last days so lets work and live like we are here for the duration of our days because we are.
One of my favorite scriptures is in very 16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Lord, may we live our lives as an offering to You.
The women of Judah had sworn that they would fulfill their vows to the Queen of Heaven so Jeremiah turned them over to do what they were determined to do. Because of their obstinence, God was against them for harm and not good. To prove he was speaking the truth, God gave him a sign: Egypt’s pharaoh, Hophra would be handed over to his enemies just as Zedekiah had been turned over to the Babylonians.
God sent word to Egypt about what was about to happen to them. They were going to be defeated and taken into exile. God was punishing their god, Amon. Their pride would be brought down by the Chaldeans who would plow down their cities like trees.
Timothy gives us a list of what God’s servant must be. He must not quarrel but kind to everyone and able to teach. He also must not be resentful but be able to instruct gently so that they will come to repentance which will lead them to truth.
Paul gives us more insight into the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful and proud, abusive, disobedient to the parents, ungrateful, ungodly, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. We see that in our day and know that we are in God’s last hours but remember that a day in the Lord’s eyes is as 1,000 years in our eyes. Jesus said that they were in the last days so lets work and live like we are here for the duration of our days because we are.
One of my favorite scriptures is in very 16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Lord, may we live our lives as an offering to You.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Mon.’s Devo - Hope
Read: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:`-21; Psalms 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5
Johanan and the people were afraid to stay in Judah because of their fear of the Babylonians. They wanted to flee to Egypt for safety but they asked Jeremiah to ask the Lord what they should do. They promised that they would do everything God said no matter what it was. They lied. God said they were to stay in Judah and God would protect them and provide for them. If they went to Egypt they would die of the very things they were running from: famine and the sword. They chose to go to Egypt.
They blamed God for the state they were in. They believed that when they offered incense to the Queen of Heaven everything went well for them. In reality it was their idolatry that caused them to be in the state they were in.
How true is this in our lives. Someone we love gets cancer and we blame God. Relationships fail and we blame God. God is never to blame. We need to search our own hearts and let God show us the source.
Paul gave Timothy some great take-away lines like 11-13: If we died with him, we will also live with him: if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us: if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” For everything we suffer or have to give up or deny ourselves, God has a reward. Nothing in our lives is lost.
Lord, help us to hold on to hope because hope does not disappoint.
Lord we trust in you because you are hope.
Johanan and the people were afraid to stay in Judah because of their fear of the Babylonians. They wanted to flee to Egypt for safety but they asked Jeremiah to ask the Lord what they should do. They promised that they would do everything God said no matter what it was. They lied. God said they were to stay in Judah and God would protect them and provide for them. If they went to Egypt they would die of the very things they were running from: famine and the sword. They chose to go to Egypt.
They blamed God for the state they were in. They believed that when they offered incense to the Queen of Heaven everything went well for them. In reality it was their idolatry that caused them to be in the state they were in.
How true is this in our lives. Someone we love gets cancer and we blame God. Relationships fail and we blame God. God is never to blame. We need to search our own hearts and let God show us the source.
Paul gave Timothy some great take-away lines like 11-13: If we died with him, we will also live with him: if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us: if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” For everything we suffer or have to give up or deny ourselves, God has a reward. Nothing in our lives is lost.
Lord, help us to hold on to hope because hope does not disappoint.
Lord we trust in you because you are hope.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Sun.’s Devo - The Prophecy Fulfilled
Read: Jeremiah 39:1-41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalms 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 26:1-2
It finally happened just as Jeremiah prophesied. Jerusalem was besieged for over a year then finally taken by the Babylonians. Jeremiah was saved and so was Ebed-Melech the one that had drawn Jeremiah from the well. King Hezekiah and his men were killed trying to escape. Most of the people were taken to Babylon but the poor and weak were left to tend the land and the vineyards. Gedaliah, a common man was selected by the king of Babylon to be their king.
All was well for a while and the people who stayed prospered. There was a man of royal birth named Ishmael who thought he should be king so he came and killed Gedaliah and took his people captive. Another man named Jonathan heard of what Ishmael did and he came and killed Ishmael and his officers and took the rest of the people with him to Egypt to save them from the wrath of the Babylonians.
Paul wrote a second letter to Timothy telling him how proud he was of him and reminiscing about his grandmother Eunice who had been such a woman of faith. He reminded Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God which was prayed over him. God does not want us to be timid but have power, love and a sound mind. Never by ashamed to testify about the Lord and what he has done. Paul reminds him that they are living for a day yet ahead and they can’t measure it by this life right now.
How true that is. The gospel is a hope grounded in faith that there is a better future prepared for us. We walk through tribulation and hard times now but it will all be worth it. It is even better when we enjoy the journey getting there.
Lord, may we fan into flame the gifts you have put in us.
It finally happened just as Jeremiah prophesied. Jerusalem was besieged for over a year then finally taken by the Babylonians. Jeremiah was saved and so was Ebed-Melech the one that had drawn Jeremiah from the well. King Hezekiah and his men were killed trying to escape. Most of the people were taken to Babylon but the poor and weak were left to tend the land and the vineyards. Gedaliah, a common man was selected by the king of Babylon to be their king.
All was well for a while and the people who stayed prospered. There was a man of royal birth named Ishmael who thought he should be king so he came and killed Gedaliah and took his people captive. Another man named Jonathan heard of what Ishmael did and he came and killed Ishmael and his officers and took the rest of the people with him to Egypt to save them from the wrath of the Babylonians.
Paul wrote a second letter to Timothy telling him how proud he was of him and reminiscing about his grandmother Eunice who had been such a woman of faith. He reminded Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God which was prayed over him. God does not want us to be timid but have power, love and a sound mind. Never by ashamed to testify about the Lord and what he has done. Paul reminds him that they are living for a day yet ahead and they can’t measure it by this life right now.
How true that is. The gospel is a hope grounded in faith that there is a better future prepared for us. We walk through tribulation and hard times now but it will all be worth it. It is even better when we enjoy the journey getting there.
Lord, may we fan into flame the gifts you have put in us.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Sat.’s Devo - Fearless Conviction
Read: Jeremiah 35:1-36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 25:25-27
Jehoiakim died and his son, Jehoachin ruled until he was replaced by Nebuchadnezzar with Zedekiah. Zedekiah didn’t repent either but he did have more respect for Jeremiah than his predecessors. He allowed Jeremiah freedom to come and go among the people. Reports that the Egyptians were coming to help them caused the Babylonians to stop besieging Jerusalem. But, Jeremiah assured them it was only false hope because they would return and burn Jerusalem to the ground.
Jeremiah tried to return to his hometown when the Babylonians left but was arrested for desertion and put in the deepest dungeon. When King Zedekiah heard about his he had him brought to the palace so he could ask him privately if there was any word from the Lord. Jeremiah told him, “yes, he would be handed over to the the Babylonians.” Then Jeremiah plead for his own cause and wanted to know why he was being treated like a criminal when he had done nothing wrong. The king let Jeremiah free and ordered him fed until they ran out of food.
Jeremiah continued warning the people that if they stayed in Jerusalem they would die but if they gave in to the Babylonians they would live. This made the officers of the army mad because it brought down the morale of the men fighting. The king allowed them to do whatever they wanted to Jeremiah so they lowered him with ropes into a well. Ebed-Melech reported to the king what they had done and was allowed to lift Jeremiah out of the well where he was set free again.
King Zedekiah sent for him and listened to what he said. He made Jeremiah promise not to tell anyone about their conversation.
Zedekiah had to be a tormented person. He sought the truth but didn’t have the guts to act on it. He had to be envious of Jeremiah’s fearless conviction.
In Timothy, there were people who were slaves and he told them to respect their masters and be an example of Christ. He warns against false prophets who don’t give sound advise and are conceited and don’t understand the ways of God. They love to argue and their words provoke envy, strife, hatred and disunity. They use their ministry to get rich. We are to be content in what we have and in following Christ. We shouldn’t expect to get paid for doing what is right. We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith love, endurance and gentleness.
Lord, help us to have the courage to act on your Word and face our fears trusting in you. May we have fearless convictions.
Jehoiakim died and his son, Jehoachin ruled until he was replaced by Nebuchadnezzar with Zedekiah. Zedekiah didn’t repent either but he did have more respect for Jeremiah than his predecessors. He allowed Jeremiah freedom to come and go among the people. Reports that the Egyptians were coming to help them caused the Babylonians to stop besieging Jerusalem. But, Jeremiah assured them it was only false hope because they would return and burn Jerusalem to the ground.
Jeremiah tried to return to his hometown when the Babylonians left but was arrested for desertion and put in the deepest dungeon. When King Zedekiah heard about his he had him brought to the palace so he could ask him privately if there was any word from the Lord. Jeremiah told him, “yes, he would be handed over to the the Babylonians.” Then Jeremiah plead for his own cause and wanted to know why he was being treated like a criminal when he had done nothing wrong. The king let Jeremiah free and ordered him fed until they ran out of food.
Jeremiah continued warning the people that if they stayed in Jerusalem they would die but if they gave in to the Babylonians they would live. This made the officers of the army mad because it brought down the morale of the men fighting. The king allowed them to do whatever they wanted to Jeremiah so they lowered him with ropes into a well. Ebed-Melech reported to the king what they had done and was allowed to lift Jeremiah out of the well where he was set free again.
King Zedekiah sent for him and listened to what he said. He made Jeremiah promise not to tell anyone about their conversation.
Zedekiah had to be a tormented person. He sought the truth but didn’t have the guts to act on it. He had to be envious of Jeremiah’s fearless conviction.
In Timothy, there were people who were slaves and he told them to respect their masters and be an example of Christ. He warns against false prophets who don’t give sound advise and are conceited and don’t understand the ways of God. They love to argue and their words provoke envy, strife, hatred and disunity. They use their ministry to get rich. We are to be content in what we have and in following Christ. We shouldn’t expect to get paid for doing what is right. We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith love, endurance and gentleness.
Lord, help us to have the courage to act on your Word and face our fears trusting in you. May we have fearless convictions.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Fri.’s Devo - Heed the Word of the Lord
Read: Jeremiah 35:1-36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 25:25-27
God used the Rechabite family as an example to the Israelites. The Rechabites had been taught that they were never to drink wine, build houses or sow seed or plant vineyards. They had obeyed this for generations. Jeremiah commended them for staying true to what their fathers had taught them because Judah had not done that. They had rebelled against all their father, God had taught them. They did not repent so God told Jeremiah to write all the things he had told them would happen to them if they continued in sin. He had his scribe, Baruch write them on a scroll and had the scroll taken to the people. All Jerusalem was fasting to the Lord when Baruch read the words of the scroll to them. When the officials heard the words on the scroll they were afraid and wanted to get the scroll to the king so he could do something about it.
Instead of repenting, Jehoiakim cut the scroll in pieces as it was being read and burned it in a firepot. Then he fearlessly commanded that Baruch and Jeremiah be arrested, but the Lord had hidden them.
Then God told Jeremiah to take another scroll and write the same thing on it and add that Jehoiakim would have no son to sit on the throne and his body would be thrown out to the elements and no one would bury it. His children and attendants would be punished with disaster for their wickedness.
I often wonder what would have happened if they would have repented. It would have been a totally different outcome.
Paul gives Timothy wisdom on how to deal with every age and type of person. They were to respect their elders, care for the widow who is without a family, mentor the younger men and women and rightfully pay the ones in service of the church; have no partiality or favor and stay pure of sin.
Lord, may we hear what you are saying to us and our families and be obedient to do it.
God used the Rechabite family as an example to the Israelites. The Rechabites had been taught that they were never to drink wine, build houses or sow seed or plant vineyards. They had obeyed this for generations. Jeremiah commended them for staying true to what their fathers had taught them because Judah had not done that. They had rebelled against all their father, God had taught them. They did not repent so God told Jeremiah to write all the things he had told them would happen to them if they continued in sin. He had his scribe, Baruch write them on a scroll and had the scroll taken to the people. All Jerusalem was fasting to the Lord when Baruch read the words of the scroll to them. When the officials heard the words on the scroll they were afraid and wanted to get the scroll to the king so he could do something about it.
Instead of repenting, Jehoiakim cut the scroll in pieces as it was being read and burned it in a firepot. Then he fearlessly commanded that Baruch and Jeremiah be arrested, but the Lord had hidden them.
Then God told Jeremiah to take another scroll and write the same thing on it and add that Jehoiakim would have no son to sit on the throne and his body would be thrown out to the elements and no one would bury it. His children and attendants would be punished with disaster for their wickedness.
I often wonder what would have happened if they would have repented. It would have been a totally different outcome.
Paul gives Timothy wisdom on how to deal with every age and type of person. They were to respect their elders, care for the widow who is without a family, mentor the younger men and women and rightfully pay the ones in service of the church; have no partiality or favor and stay pure of sin.
Lord, may we hear what you are saying to us and our families and be obedient to do it.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Thurs.’s Devo - Call Unto Me
Read: Jeremiah 33:1-34:22; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 25:23-24
Jeremiah 33:3 is a take everywhere scripture. It says, “Call unto me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” If you see 3:33 on the clock often or see these numbers you will know that God is trying to get to you ask him questions so he can answer them. God was telling Judah that he was about to destroy it and they needed to know why. They had brought it upon themselves so they could not blame him. Once their time of discipline was over, God would restore joy and prosperity to their land. He gave them the promise of the Messiah as a righteous Branch.
The armies of Babylon came against Jerusalem and as they were fighting them God sent word to King Zedekiah that he would not die by the sword but would die peacefully and be honored by the people.
Zedekiah had told the people to free their Hebrew slaves but as time went on they had enslaved them again. God had Jeremiah remind them of the year of Jubilee where all the slaves were to be free. They had broken this law and because they did this they would die by the sword, plague and famine. King Zedekiah would be taken to Babylon then the Babylonians would return to Jerusalem and waste it.
Paul warned them again about deceiving false teachers and doctrine. The way you stay away from being deceived it to study the truth; then the counterfeit will be obvious.
Lord, help us to sing of your great love and remember your faithfulness.
Jeremiah 33:3 is a take everywhere scripture. It says, “Call unto me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” If you see 3:33 on the clock often or see these numbers you will know that God is trying to get to you ask him questions so he can answer them. God was telling Judah that he was about to destroy it and they needed to know why. They had brought it upon themselves so they could not blame him. Once their time of discipline was over, God would restore joy and prosperity to their land. He gave them the promise of the Messiah as a righteous Branch.
The armies of Babylon came against Jerusalem and as they were fighting them God sent word to King Zedekiah that he would not die by the sword but would die peacefully and be honored by the people.
Zedekiah had told the people to free their Hebrew slaves but as time went on they had enslaved them again. God had Jeremiah remind them of the year of Jubilee where all the slaves were to be free. They had broken this law and because they did this they would die by the sword, plague and famine. King Zedekiah would be taken to Babylon then the Babylonians would return to Jerusalem and waste it.
Paul warned them again about deceiving false teachers and doctrine. The way you stay away from being deceived it to study the truth; then the counterfeit will be obvious.
Lord, help us to sing of your great love and remember your faithfulness.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Wed.’s Devo - There is Hope
Read: Jeremiah 31:27-32:44; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Psalm 88:1-18; Proverbs 25:20-22
Judgment is only for a set time then it is time for restoration. God could hardly wait to tell them about the good times ahead instead of dwelling on the time of discipline. This is the heart of God - it is always looking for the good and wanting to bless his people. Jeremiah speaks of a day when God will write his laws on their hearts and not just stone. In this day, they will all know the Lord.
Zedekiah asked Jeremiah why he prophesied that the Babylonians would come and destroy them and they would go into captivity, as if Jeremiah could say what he wanted to say. God’s response to his question was to buy a field that would be his inheritance. He was to put the deed in a bottle to be kept until they returned. So his answer was not one of doom but of hope. The Babylonians would come and destroy their land and take them captive, but a day would come when they would return because God is good and wants only what is good for his children. This was not the answer King Zedekiah wanted to hear but it was the truth. Sometimes we don’t want to hear the truth either because it is convicting and uncomfortable. But we can rest assured that God’s plan is for our good and prosperity. God always wants us to live in hope. Hope is knowing that he is love and his plans for us are always good.
Timothy gives us the requirements of a leader. With power and position there is much responsibility. We are to be accountable for our actions and an example of what is right and honorable.
Lord, help us to walk in your light and your truth.
Judgment is only for a set time then it is time for restoration. God could hardly wait to tell them about the good times ahead instead of dwelling on the time of discipline. This is the heart of God - it is always looking for the good and wanting to bless his people. Jeremiah speaks of a day when God will write his laws on their hearts and not just stone. In this day, they will all know the Lord.
Zedekiah asked Jeremiah why he prophesied that the Babylonians would come and destroy them and they would go into captivity, as if Jeremiah could say what he wanted to say. God’s response to his question was to buy a field that would be his inheritance. He was to put the deed in a bottle to be kept until they returned. So his answer was not one of doom but of hope. The Babylonians would come and destroy their land and take them captive, but a day would come when they would return because God is good and wants only what is good for his children. This was not the answer King Zedekiah wanted to hear but it was the truth. Sometimes we don’t want to hear the truth either because it is convicting and uncomfortable. But we can rest assured that God’s plan is for our good and prosperity. God always wants us to live in hope. Hope is knowing that he is love and his plans for us are always good.
Timothy gives us the requirements of a leader. With power and position there is much responsibility. We are to be accountable for our actions and an example of what is right and honorable.
Lord, help us to walk in your light and your truth.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Tues.’s Devo - Jacob’s Trouble
Read: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 25:18-19
Judah was in what they called “Jacob’s trouble”. It was the time of great persecution, bondage, oppression and fear. It was a picture of Yom Kippor, the time between when the church is raptured and Jesus comes back. In the land of captivity, God offers hope. God promised to bring an end to the nations they had been scattered to and punish them. Their pain looks incurable and their situation hopeless but God promised to one day bring them out and restore and heal them. In the end, God will punish every nation that has refused to honor him and restore his kingdom on earth, but it will be hard for those left behind.
At the same time there is great turmoil and unrest on the earth, God will save his people that turn to him. A remnant will be saved. Jacob will be redeemed and saved. There is hope for their end because God will bring them back to their land.
Jeremiah received all this in a dream.
In Timothy, we are exhorted to pray for the people God puts in authority over us so that our lives might be full of peace, godliness, and honesty. His desire is that every man be saved and come to truth so we need to pray for everyone.
Lord, truly all our fountains are in you!
Judah was in what they called “Jacob’s trouble”. It was the time of great persecution, bondage, oppression and fear. It was a picture of Yom Kippor, the time between when the church is raptured and Jesus comes back. In the land of captivity, God offers hope. God promised to bring an end to the nations they had been scattered to and punish them. Their pain looks incurable and their situation hopeless but God promised to one day bring them out and restore and heal them. In the end, God will punish every nation that has refused to honor him and restore his kingdom on earth, but it will be hard for those left behind.
At the same time there is great turmoil and unrest on the earth, God will save his people that turn to him. A remnant will be saved. Jacob will be redeemed and saved. There is hope for their end because God will bring them back to their land.
Jeremiah received all this in a dream.
In Timothy, we are exhorted to pray for the people God puts in authority over us so that our lives might be full of peace, godliness, and honesty. His desire is that every man be saved and come to truth so we need to pray for everyone.
Lord, truly all our fountains are in you!
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Mon.’s Devo - The Kingdom is Advancing
Read: Jeremiah 28:1-29:32; 1 Timothy 1:1-20; Psalm 86:1-17; Proverbs 25:17
Hananiah, the prophet, prophesies that they will only be in Babylon two years then they will return to Jerusalem with all the articles that were taken from the temple and Jehoiakim will return with the exiles. This is the opposite of what Jeremiah had prophesied. When Hananiah and Jeremiah met, Jeremiah had a wooden yoke on his neck to show the people that they would be under the yoke of the Babylonians 70 years. Hananiah took this yoke and broke it to prove his point of their breaking their yoke of slavery in two years. Jeremiah returned with a yoke of iron to prove his side. He also told Hananiah that since he prophesied lies that he would die within the year. He died in the seventh month, which was two months later. The seventh month is always a feast month of deliverance. They were delivered from the lies of the enemy.
Jeremiah sent a letter to those in exile encouraging them to settle down in Babylon because they would be there for a while. He also told them to beware the false prophets and to not listen to their words. After 70 years, God would bring hope and bring them back from captivity. He had wonderful plans for their future but now they must endure the hardship they brought upon themselves.
To the people who didn’t go into exile,and the king of Judah, God was going to send sword, famine and plague against them and they would be severly punished for not listening to what the Lord told them to do. Then Jeremiah called out the false prophets: Ahab and Zedikiah, and Jeremiah of Anathoth, and Shemaiah. They would receive their just reward.
We will always have false prophets. Paul also had to fight the lies of these men. In his day the false prophets taught the people about myths and genealogies. They promoted controversy instead of unity and love. There is so much out on the internet about what was going to happen in September and it is now October and none of it happened in the natural. It is not the time of destruction but of building for our churches, our nation and our Lord. We are advancing the kingdom on the earth so let’s not get distracted by wanting to beam out of here. We have a work to do and the fields are ripe unto harvest!
Lord, help us to see the kingdom and walk in it.
Hananiah, the prophet, prophesies that they will only be in Babylon two years then they will return to Jerusalem with all the articles that were taken from the temple and Jehoiakim will return with the exiles. This is the opposite of what Jeremiah had prophesied. When Hananiah and Jeremiah met, Jeremiah had a wooden yoke on his neck to show the people that they would be under the yoke of the Babylonians 70 years. Hananiah took this yoke and broke it to prove his point of their breaking their yoke of slavery in two years. Jeremiah returned with a yoke of iron to prove his side. He also told Hananiah that since he prophesied lies that he would die within the year. He died in the seventh month, which was two months later. The seventh month is always a feast month of deliverance. They were delivered from the lies of the enemy.
Jeremiah sent a letter to those in exile encouraging them to settle down in Babylon because they would be there for a while. He also told them to beware the false prophets and to not listen to their words. After 70 years, God would bring hope and bring them back from captivity. He had wonderful plans for their future but now they must endure the hardship they brought upon themselves.
To the people who didn’t go into exile,and the king of Judah, God was going to send sword, famine and plague against them and they would be severly punished for not listening to what the Lord told them to do. Then Jeremiah called out the false prophets: Ahab and Zedikiah, and Jeremiah of Anathoth, and Shemaiah. They would receive their just reward.
We will always have false prophets. Paul also had to fight the lies of these men. In his day the false prophets taught the people about myths and genealogies. They promoted controversy instead of unity and love. There is so much out on the internet about what was going to happen in September and it is now October and none of it happened in the natural. It is not the time of destruction but of building for our churches, our nation and our Lord. We are advancing the kingdom on the earth so let’s not get distracted by wanting to beam out of here. We have a work to do and the fields are ripe unto harvest!
Lord, help us to see the kingdom and walk in it.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Sun.’s Devo - Recompense
Read: Jeremiah 26:1-27;22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 25:16
God sent Jeremiah to the courtyard of the temple to tell them one more time to repent or destruction is coming on their land. The priests and the prophets seized Jeremiah and would have killed him had not the elders spoken up for him. The elders reminded them of other prophets who had said the same thing and of the kings that heard their words. Hezekiah had repented and God saved them. Jehoiakim killed the prophet Uriah. Now they had a choice and they chose to let Jeremiah live.
God then told Jeremiah to make a wooden yoke and wear it on his neck. He was to send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon. God was king of the earth and he was going to hand them over to Babylon to serve Nebuchadnezzar also. Any nation that did not bow its knee to Nebuchadnezzar, he would bring sword, famine and plague to destroy it. He warned them not to listen to their prophets and mediums when they told them that they would not serve Babylon because they would not be speaking the truth.
To his own people he said the same thing and added that the articles of the temple would not return now. Even the articles that have not been taken to Babylon would be taken and they would not return until God came for them.
Jeremiah and Paul were both trying to make the people responsible for their own actions. Paul told the people not to associate with people who refused to walk in truth and pulled their own weight. He told them to warn them like a brother but not to associate with them.
Lord, prepare us to walk in blessings and prosperity and may we always live with the kingdom in mind.
God sent Jeremiah to the courtyard of the temple to tell them one more time to repent or destruction is coming on their land. The priests and the prophets seized Jeremiah and would have killed him had not the elders spoken up for him. The elders reminded them of other prophets who had said the same thing and of the kings that heard their words. Hezekiah had repented and God saved them. Jehoiakim killed the prophet Uriah. Now they had a choice and they chose to let Jeremiah live.
God then told Jeremiah to make a wooden yoke and wear it on his neck. He was to send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon. God was king of the earth and he was going to hand them over to Babylon to serve Nebuchadnezzar also. Any nation that did not bow its knee to Nebuchadnezzar, he would bring sword, famine and plague to destroy it. He warned them not to listen to their prophets and mediums when they told them that they would not serve Babylon because they would not be speaking the truth.
To his own people he said the same thing and added that the articles of the temple would not return now. Even the articles that have not been taken to Babylon would be taken and they would not return until God came for them.
Jeremiah and Paul were both trying to make the people responsible for their own actions. Paul told the people not to associate with people who refused to walk in truth and pulled their own weight. He told them to warn them like a brother but not to associate with them.
Lord, prepare us to walk in blessings and prosperity and may we always live with the kingdom in mind.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Sat.’s Devo - The End.
Read: Jeremiah 23:21-25:38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-1; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 25:15
Jeremiah mourned for the prophets and the priests who were both corrupt and evil. They caused Israel to sin, so they would be held responsible. They lied to the people and told them that their words and dreams were from the Lord when they were false and did them harm and not good. They should have warned them to turn from their sins but the leaders were doing worse sins than the people.
They didn’t believe that God could see them in their secret places doing hideous sins. This shows us that they didn’t understand God at all. They didn’t know him as the Omni-present God.
They didn’t believe the prophets God sent them like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Hosea just to name a few. God had given them plenty of chances to repent and they refused them. So God would send Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon to come against them and destroy their land, take their joy and hold them captive for 70 years. After that 70 years, God would punish Babylon and repay them for their evil.
Paul ends his teaching on the end of time. Since before the world was created there has been an Anti-Christ and his name is Satan. He has put his spirit in man and in every generation he rises up all over the world. After the church has been taken, he will appear on earth embodied in the last Anti-Christ and he will hate God and deceive man. We are called out of darkness to share in Christ’s glory so we have nothing to be afraid of.
Lord, encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good deed and word.
Jeremiah mourned for the prophets and the priests who were both corrupt and evil. They caused Israel to sin, so they would be held responsible. They lied to the people and told them that their words and dreams were from the Lord when they were false and did them harm and not good. They should have warned them to turn from their sins but the leaders were doing worse sins than the people.
They didn’t believe that God could see them in their secret places doing hideous sins. This shows us that they didn’t understand God at all. They didn’t know him as the Omni-present God.
They didn’t believe the prophets God sent them like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Hosea just to name a few. God had given them plenty of chances to repent and they refused them. So God would send Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon to come against them and destroy their land, take their joy and hold them captive for 70 years. After that 70 years, God would punish Babylon and repay them for their evil.
Paul ends his teaching on the end of time. Since before the world was created there has been an Anti-Christ and his name is Satan. He has put his spirit in man and in every generation he rises up all over the world. After the church has been taken, he will appear on earth embodied in the last Anti-Christ and he will hate God and deceive man. We are called out of darkness to share in Christ’s glory so we have nothing to be afraid of.
Lord, encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good deed and word.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Fri.’s Devo - Retribution
Read: Jeremiah 22:1-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14
After prophesying to the priests, Jeremiah went to the king’s house and prophesied to the king. He told him to start giving out righteous judgment and to stop sinning and oppressing the innocent. God was going to make this wonderful city a wilderness which would be barren and lifeless because they had forsaken the covenant of the their God.
In verse 10, Jeremiah told them to weep, not for the righteous King Josiah who died and would never see the evil to come, but to weep for the living like Shallum and Jehoahaz, Josiah’s sons who were evil and had been carried away by Pharoah-necho into Egypt. They would never see their native land again. God’s people who die are to be envied, but living sinners are to be pitied. Shallum means “retribution”and Jeremiah is applying it to Joshiah’s fourth son. His first son, Jehoahaz had only reigned three months before he was taken to Egypt and the people put in his fourth son to rule. Pharoah-necho replaced him with Jehoiakim, the second son. Sadly, none of them lived like their father who did judge the poor and the needy with righteousness.
Jeremiah mourns the hypocrisy of the prophets who were to be a beacon of truth and righteousness but instead were the worse of sinners.
How refreshing to read 2 Thessalonians! Paul is so grateful to the church for their growth in the Lord and their love for each other. They were commended for how they endured the trials of life and the persecution they were faced with. All their trials would be worth it in the end. There will be a righteous judgment on the earth!
Lord, thank you for reminding us that we don’t endure trials for nothing, but a reward is awaiting us and it will be worth it all!God’s retribution is holy and righteous.
After prophesying to the priests, Jeremiah went to the king’s house and prophesied to the king. He told him to start giving out righteous judgment and to stop sinning and oppressing the innocent. God was going to make this wonderful city a wilderness which would be barren and lifeless because they had forsaken the covenant of the their God.
In verse 10, Jeremiah told them to weep, not for the righteous King Josiah who died and would never see the evil to come, but to weep for the living like Shallum and Jehoahaz, Josiah’s sons who were evil and had been carried away by Pharoah-necho into Egypt. They would never see their native land again. God’s people who die are to be envied, but living sinners are to be pitied. Shallum means “retribution”and Jeremiah is applying it to Joshiah’s fourth son. His first son, Jehoahaz had only reigned three months before he was taken to Egypt and the people put in his fourth son to rule. Pharoah-necho replaced him with Jehoiakim, the second son. Sadly, none of them lived like their father who did judge the poor and the needy with righteousness.
Jeremiah mourns the hypocrisy of the prophets who were to be a beacon of truth and righteousness but instead were the worse of sinners.
How refreshing to read 2 Thessalonians! Paul is so grateful to the church for their growth in the Lord and their love for each other. They were commended for how they endured the trials of life and the persecution they were faced with. All their trials would be worth it in the end. There will be a righteous judgment on the earth!
Lord, thank you for reminding us that we don’t endure trials for nothing, but a reward is awaiting us and it will be worth it all!God’s retribution is holy and righteous.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Thurs’s Devo - Walk in the Light
Read: Jeremiah 19:1-21:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28; Psalm 82:1-8;
It is easy to read Jeremiah and think “how many times is God going to warn them?” But that is the Lord’s long-suffering and love. He desires that all be saved and he never does anything that he doesn’t first tell his prophets. Their job is to tell the people. Jeremiah was giving a very unpopular word when all the other prophets were saying the opposite. He said that Tophet and Hinnom would be called a place of slaughter. Tophet means “a spitting as an object of contempt” and Hinnom meant “to make oneself drowsy”. God was taking it one step further. The place of contempt and self-denial was going to be completely destroyed.
King Zedekiah sent the priests Pashur and Zephaniah to hear what he was saying. Their names mean “liberation” and “treasured”. No wonder they couldn’t hear that their freedom was ending and their treasure would be taken by their enemy. In Thessalonians, Paul continues talking about the end of time. He tells them that though he is coming as a thief to the world, he is not coming as a thief to them because they didn’t live in darkness but the light. They would be able to see that he was coming. If we live in the light we will not suffer the rewards of those who walk in darkness. God will save us from the wrath to come. He gives us a list to always do: be joyful, pray, be thankful, hold on to what is good walk in peace. Then he gives us a list not to do: don’t put out the fire of the Holy Spirit, don’t hate prophecy don’t believe everything you hear, avoid evil.
Lord, help us to continue to walk in the light of your presence.
It is easy to read Jeremiah and think “how many times is God going to warn them?” But that is the Lord’s long-suffering and love. He desires that all be saved and he never does anything that he doesn’t first tell his prophets. Their job is to tell the people. Jeremiah was giving a very unpopular word when all the other prophets were saying the opposite. He said that Tophet and Hinnom would be called a place of slaughter. Tophet means “a spitting as an object of contempt” and Hinnom meant “to make oneself drowsy”. God was taking it one step further. The place of contempt and self-denial was going to be completely destroyed.
King Zedekiah sent the priests Pashur and Zephaniah to hear what he was saying. Their names mean “liberation” and “treasured”. No wonder they couldn’t hear that their freedom was ending and their treasure would be taken by their enemy. In Thessalonians, Paul continues talking about the end of time. He tells them that though he is coming as a thief to the world, he is not coming as a thief to them because they didn’t live in darkness but the light. They would be able to see that he was coming. If we live in the light we will not suffer the rewards of those who walk in darkness. God will save us from the wrath to come. He gives us a list to always do: be joyful, pray, be thankful, hold on to what is good walk in peace. Then he gives us a list not to do: don’t put out the fire of the Holy Spirit, don’t hate prophecy don’t believe everything you hear, avoid evil.
Lord, help us to continue to walk in the light of your presence.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Wed.’s Devo - This is Our Time!
Read: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 25:6-7a
The Lord searches the heart and examines the thought of people and they are rewarded accordingly. Judah had been examined and found guilty. They had become rich deceitfully and forsaken the Lord and his commandments. For all this they were being judged. God’s people were like pots that God could make or destroy according to their sins. Jeremiah had warned them but they refused to listen.
Paul had instructed the followers of Christ how to live a life that would please the Lord. It is God’s will that we be sanctified in our hearts. When that happens we won’t want to be sexually immoral or dishonor God by a lack of self-control. We will also love our neighbors, live a quiet life minding our own business and staying busy with what is ours to do.
Paul ends with telling them not to worry about times and dates when Jesus will return because he is coming as a thief in the night and the world will understand God’s timing. One thing we need to know is that we will not be here then. The rapture will occur first and the Word says that God never does anything that he doesn’t first tell his prophets. The second coming will be later and we will come back with Jesus. The people on the earth will not know when that will be. But…we are in the kingdom age where we are going to see revival on a proportion we have never seen before. The harvest has to be brought in before the rapture. We are to bring heaven down to earth first so we need to be busy about our Father’s business which is doing the things that Jesus did. We are living in the most exciting days of the church yet!
Lord, give us boldness and power to step out and do what Jesus did - heal the sick, deliver the oppressed and break every yoke.
The Lord searches the heart and examines the thought of people and they are rewarded accordingly. Judah had been examined and found guilty. They had become rich deceitfully and forsaken the Lord and his commandments. For all this they were being judged. God’s people were like pots that God could make or destroy according to their sins. Jeremiah had warned them but they refused to listen.
Paul had instructed the followers of Christ how to live a life that would please the Lord. It is God’s will that we be sanctified in our hearts. When that happens we won’t want to be sexually immoral or dishonor God by a lack of self-control. We will also love our neighbors, live a quiet life minding our own business and staying busy with what is ours to do.
Paul ends with telling them not to worry about times and dates when Jesus will return because he is coming as a thief in the night and the world will understand God’s timing. One thing we need to know is that we will not be here then. The rapture will occur first and the Word says that God never does anything that he doesn’t first tell his prophets. The second coming will be later and we will come back with Jesus. The people on the earth will not know when that will be. But…we are in the kingdom age where we are going to see revival on a proportion we have never seen before. The harvest has to be brought in before the rapture. We are to bring heaven down to earth first so we need to be busy about our Father’s business which is doing the things that Jesus did. We are living in the most exciting days of the church yet!
Lord, give us boldness and power to step out and do what Jesus did - heal the sick, deliver the oppressed and break every yoke.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Tues.’s Devo - Judgement on Judah
Read: Jeremiah 14:11-16-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:10-3:13; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 25:1-5
God told Jeremiah not to pray for blessings for Judah because He was not blessing them. He told Jeremiah to tell the people that God was bringing destruction on them through the sword, famine and plague. Their prophets were prophesying the opposite which made Jeremiah a very unpopular prophet. God told him not to worry because He would protect him. He also told him not to marry any woman living in Judah because she would be killed.
They were being held responsible for their parents sins and the fact that instead of repenting for their father’s sins, they joined in their sins. They had more gods than cities. But, if they would repent he would restore them. One day, the ones who turned to him would be restored and return to their land.
Paul commended the people of Thessalonia for trusting that God spoke through them. They had suffered by the hands of their own people like Paul had suffered by the hands of the Jews. Paul explained how hard he had tried to come to see and encourage them but Satan had stalled his visits. So now he was sending Timothy to them to be Paul’s spokesman. He reminded them that the trials that they were both experiencing had been prophesied over them so they shouldn’t be surprised. But trials come to make us strong so stand against the enemy and be firm.
We can join in Paul’s prayer for the people of Thessalonia: “may the Lord make our love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.”
God told Jeremiah not to pray for blessings for Judah because He was not blessing them. He told Jeremiah to tell the people that God was bringing destruction on them through the sword, famine and plague. Their prophets were prophesying the opposite which made Jeremiah a very unpopular prophet. God told him not to worry because He would protect him. He also told him not to marry any woman living in Judah because she would be killed.
They were being held responsible for their parents sins and the fact that instead of repenting for their father’s sins, they joined in their sins. They had more gods than cities. But, if they would repent he would restore them. One day, the ones who turned to him would be restored and return to their land.
Paul commended the people of Thessalonia for trusting that God spoke through them. They had suffered by the hands of their own people like Paul had suffered by the hands of the Jews. Paul explained how hard he had tried to come to see and encourage them but Satan had stalled his visits. So now he was sending Timothy to them to be Paul’s spokesman. He reminded them that the trials that they were both experiencing had been prophesied over them so they shouldn’t be surprised. But trials come to make us strong so stand against the enemy and be firm.
We can join in Paul’s prayer for the people of Thessalonia: “may the Lord make our love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.”
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Mon.’s Devo - God’s Justice
Read: Jeremiah 12:1-14:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:9; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 24:30-34
God brought a case against Judah which had to do with justice. The rich got richer at the expense of the poor and innocent but God was going to change that. God’s people were going to be put in the hands of their enemies and experience the punishment of God. All of their land would be trampled and devastated by their enemies because of their sin and rebellion. But, woe to the ones God used to bring judgment on his people. They would be punished also. When the time of punishment was over, God would look on compassion on his people and bring them back to their land. Our Psalm today, described the devastation that Jerusalem went through and the feelings of the people as they prayed for God’s deliverance.
God had Jeremiah give them a physical sign to show what he was going to do to them. Jeremiah was instructed to get a linen belt and wear it around his waist. It was not to touch water. Later, God told him to take the belt and go to the Euphrates River and dig a hole and hide it in the hole. It was now dirty and not useful. God said, that this is how he saw his people - unprofitable. The belt is truth (Eph. 6:14) and they had hidden the truth in their filth of idolatry making everything they did unprofitable. God also said he would make them drunk with the wine of judgment because of their pride. Instead of ruling themselves, they would be taken into exile. Instead of a nation, they would be scattered throughout the earth. Because they had forgotten their God who loved them, their sin would be exposed for all to see. Instead of water, they would live in drought.
Paul made sure that the church in Thessalonia understood that he wasn’t a false teacher coming in to deceive through extortion. He came with truth and proved it with acts of God’s power.
Just as God judged Israel because of her unjust judges, God is judging our judicial system. God will be replacing five of our Supreme Court judges and reversing Roe vs. Wade.
Lord, may we walk in truth and the power of your Holy Spirit.
God brought a case against Judah which had to do with justice. The rich got richer at the expense of the poor and innocent but God was going to change that. God’s people were going to be put in the hands of their enemies and experience the punishment of God. All of their land would be trampled and devastated by their enemies because of their sin and rebellion. But, woe to the ones God used to bring judgment on his people. They would be punished also. When the time of punishment was over, God would look on compassion on his people and bring them back to their land. Our Psalm today, described the devastation that Jerusalem went through and the feelings of the people as they prayed for God’s deliverance.
God had Jeremiah give them a physical sign to show what he was going to do to them. Jeremiah was instructed to get a linen belt and wear it around his waist. It was not to touch water. Later, God told him to take the belt and go to the Euphrates River and dig a hole and hide it in the hole. It was now dirty and not useful. God said, that this is how he saw his people - unprofitable. The belt is truth (Eph. 6:14) and they had hidden the truth in their filth of idolatry making everything they did unprofitable. God also said he would make them drunk with the wine of judgment because of their pride. Instead of ruling themselves, they would be taken into exile. Instead of a nation, they would be scattered throughout the earth. Because they had forgotten their God who loved them, their sin would be exposed for all to see. Instead of water, they would live in drought.
Paul made sure that the church in Thessalonia understood that he wasn’t a false teacher coming in to deceive through extortion. He came with truth and proved it with acts of God’s power.
Just as God judged Israel because of her unjust judges, God is judging our judicial system. God will be replacing five of our Supreme Court judges and reversing Roe vs. Wade.
Lord, may we walk in truth and the power of your Holy Spirit.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Sun.’s Devo - Walk in Worship
Read: Jeremiah 10:1-11:23; Colossians 3:18-4:18; Psalm 78:56-72; Proverbs 24:28-29
Israel had followed the traditions of the nations around them and adopted their dead idols as their god. Because of this, God told them to leave their land before God hurled them out. Those that stayed would be captured. The ones living in Jerusalem who didn’t follow his commandments would be cursed. They had been warned over and over to turn back to the Lord and had refused to listen or turn so the time had come for God to act in judgement.
In the book of Colossians, God gives instructions of how to treat different people. Wives are to submit to their husbands, husbands are to love their wives, children are to obey their parents, father are to encourage their kids, slaves are to obey their masters out of a sincere heart and reverence to the Lord. In everything we do we are to do it as if we are doing it to and for the Lord. The way we work, relate to others, do our day to day is all a reflection of how we honor God. Our daily walk is worship to the Lord.
Lord, may our walk today be worship to you.
Israel had followed the traditions of the nations around them and adopted their dead idols as their god. Because of this, God told them to leave their land before God hurled them out. Those that stayed would be captured. The ones living in Jerusalem who didn’t follow his commandments would be cursed. They had been warned over and over to turn back to the Lord and had refused to listen or turn so the time had come for God to act in judgement.
In the book of Colossians, God gives instructions of how to treat different people. Wives are to submit to their husbands, husbands are to love their wives, children are to obey their parents, father are to encourage their kids, slaves are to obey their masters out of a sincere heart and reverence to the Lord. In everything we do we are to do it as if we are doing it to and for the Lord. The way we work, relate to others, do our day to day is all a reflection of how we honor God. Our daily walk is worship to the Lord.
Lord, may our walk today be worship to you.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Sat.’s Devo - Turn!
Read: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27
Jeremiah rebuked the people for believing they had the truth when their teachers didn’t teach the truth about God’s Word. They didn’t desire to know truth because it would mean they would have to change and they didn’t want to. Because of their greed their wives would be given to other men and their fields to other owners. What God had blessed them with would be taken from them.
Our Psalm gives the same story - different time. It was about their walk through the wilderness but it still applied to where they were in Jeremiah. It is amazing how history repeats itself if we don’t do the necessary change. We can change our history; it only takes an inner change of our hearts. Our curses can be turned to blessing.
You feel the Lord’s pain as He watches the judgment fall on his people for what they have done. God has no other recourse but to refine his people through the fire. He wanted them to remove the deceit from their speech and the stubbornness from their hearts but they refused.
Paul warns us and the church of Colossi of the judgment to come. He says to put to death our earthly nature that includes sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed. He explains that greed is idolatry. He also tells us to get rid of anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. As God’s people we are to wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We are to walk in forgiveness and gratefulness to the Lord.
Lord, may we heed the warnings of your Word and walk in righteousness and truth. May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Jeremiah rebuked the people for believing they had the truth when their teachers didn’t teach the truth about God’s Word. They didn’t desire to know truth because it would mean they would have to change and they didn’t want to. Because of their greed their wives would be given to other men and their fields to other owners. What God had blessed them with would be taken from them.
Our Psalm gives the same story - different time. It was about their walk through the wilderness but it still applied to where they were in Jeremiah. It is amazing how history repeats itself if we don’t do the necessary change. We can change our history; it only takes an inner change of our hearts. Our curses can be turned to blessing.
You feel the Lord’s pain as He watches the judgment fall on his people for what they have done. God has no other recourse but to refine his people through the fire. He wanted them to remove the deceit from their speech and the stubbornness from their hearts but they refused.
Paul warns us and the church of Colossi of the judgment to come. He says to put to death our earthly nature that includes sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed. He explains that greed is idolatry. He also tells us to get rid of anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. As God’s people we are to wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We are to walk in forgiveness and gratefulness to the Lord.
Lord, may we heed the warnings of your Word and walk in righteousness and truth. May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Fri.’s Devo - Discernment
Read: Jeremiah 6:15-8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26
God held the prophets responsible for leading the people even further astray. They told them lies and things that they made up in their minds to sound right and holy. God was bringing judgment and they didn’t even warn the people because they didn’t know the timing of their days. Jeremiah gave them one more chance to repent and change God’s sentence on them. He pointed out all their sin, how they have been deceived, and what their end will be. If only they had listened and repented.
Paul warned the church in Colossi about the same deceitfulness that was trying to come into the church. People were teaching philosophy which depended on tradition and principles in the world. They were teaching formulas and works as opposed to walking in the spirit and walking in grace. Paul reminded them that there has never been any power greater than Jesus who had the Father and the Holy Spirit in him.
Some men had had experiences with angels who told them things contrary to the Spirit and the people were being deceived by them. The supernatural is very exciting but we have to test the spirits to make sure we are experiencing God’s supernatural and not Satan’s. Satan mimics everything God does so we have to have discernment. Every bright light is not God. Satan can appear as an angel of light.
Our Psalm reminds us of all God did for his children. I can’t help but pray that we not be like the tribe of Ephraim that even though they had bows, they turned back in the day of battle. We have been given the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Let us not lose the battle because of fear. Let us be people that live by the Word.
If there was ever a day we needed discernment it is now. Lord, open our spiritual eyes to see and discernment to know what we are seeing and whether it is from You or not.
God held the prophets responsible for leading the people even further astray. They told them lies and things that they made up in their minds to sound right and holy. God was bringing judgment and they didn’t even warn the people because they didn’t know the timing of their days. Jeremiah gave them one more chance to repent and change God’s sentence on them. He pointed out all their sin, how they have been deceived, and what their end will be. If only they had listened and repented.
Paul warned the church in Colossi about the same deceitfulness that was trying to come into the church. People were teaching philosophy which depended on tradition and principles in the world. They were teaching formulas and works as opposed to walking in the spirit and walking in grace. Paul reminded them that there has never been any power greater than Jesus who had the Father and the Holy Spirit in him.
Some men had had experiences with angels who told them things contrary to the Spirit and the people were being deceived by them. The supernatural is very exciting but we have to test the spirits to make sure we are experiencing God’s supernatural and not Satan’s. Satan mimics everything God does so we have to have discernment. Every bright light is not God. Satan can appear as an angel of light.
Our Psalm reminds us of all God did for his children. I can’t help but pray that we not be like the tribe of Ephraim that even though they had bows, they turned back in the day of battle. We have been given the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Let us not lose the battle because of fear. Let us be people that live by the Word.
If there was ever a day we needed discernment it is now. Lord, open our spiritual eyes to see and discernment to know what we are seeing and whether it is from You or not.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Thurs.’s Devo - Freedom from the Law
Read: Jeremiah 4:19-6:14; Colossians 1:21-2:7; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25
Jeremiah saw the heart of God for Israel and he was broken-hearted. Jeremiah was shown the future for Israel if they continued as they were living. It was in ruins. God could not find one person who dealt honestly or sought the truth so he could forgive the city. The prophets had prophesied that God would not bring destruction but he they were lying. They had been utterly unfaithful to the Lord, but God promised to leave a remnant to be able to testify as to why God did this. It was not God who destroyed them but their sins.
Colossians describes being deceived by false teaching as being taken captive. All of God and the Holy Spirit could be found in the Christ Jesus. He set us free from having to follow formulas and acts of piety. He sets us free to be sinless and enjoy life. The rules of the law lead to death if you follow them to get right with God. It is by faith that we are saved. We are now free to eat, drink and follow Christ.
Lord, help us to live and walk in freedom yet not use it as an excuse to sin.
Jeremiah saw the heart of God for Israel and he was broken-hearted. Jeremiah was shown the future for Israel if they continued as they were living. It was in ruins. God could not find one person who dealt honestly or sought the truth so he could forgive the city. The prophets had prophesied that God would not bring destruction but he they were lying. They had been utterly unfaithful to the Lord, but God promised to leave a remnant to be able to testify as to why God did this. It was not God who destroyed them but their sins.
Colossians describes being deceived by false teaching as being taken captive. All of God and the Holy Spirit could be found in the Christ Jesus. He set us free from having to follow formulas and acts of piety. He sets us free to be sinless and enjoy life. The rules of the law lead to death if you follow them to get right with God. It is by faith that we are saved. We are now free to eat, drink and follow Christ.
Lord, help us to live and walk in freedom yet not use it as an excuse to sin.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Wed.’s Devo - Return to the Lord
Read: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-20; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22
God condemns his people because they are not repentant. They believed they were sinless while wearing the blood of innocent people on their clothes. They looked to Egypt to be their hope and yet God said they would leave there as slaves. They took the gods of all their captors and rejected the God who made them a people and saved them from the very ones they now held in high esteem. God cried out to them to return to him and let him restore them and take them back. God was their husband and he still loved them. God’s lovingkindness and grace knows no bounds.
Today Paul writes to the church in Colossi and encourages them with his prayer he has prayed for them. It is such a good prayer I want to personalize it for us.
“I pray that God will fill us with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. That we might live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that we might have great endurance and patience and joyfully give thanks to God who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”
God condemns his people because they are not repentant. They believed they were sinless while wearing the blood of innocent people on their clothes. They looked to Egypt to be their hope and yet God said they would leave there as slaves. They took the gods of all their captors and rejected the God who made them a people and saved them from the very ones they now held in high esteem. God cried out to them to return to him and let him restore them and take them back. God was their husband and he still loved them. God’s lovingkindness and grace knows no bounds.
Today Paul writes to the church in Colossi and encourages them with his prayer he has prayed for them. It is such a good prayer I want to personalize it for us.
“I pray that God will fill us with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. That we might live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that we might have great endurance and patience and joyfully give thanks to God who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Tues.’s Devo - Jeremiah’s Calling
Read: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20
Jeremiah prophesied from the end of Josiah’s reign through his next two sons until Judah went into exile. Josiah was a good king who brought spiritual reform but sadly his sons were not.
God told Jeremiah he had chosen him from the womb and he would put his words in Jeremiah’s mouth. Jeremiah’s father was the high priest at the time. God showed him natural things like branches from the almond tree and boiling pots to show spiritual implications. God gave Jeremiah tremendous fortitude and courage to stand before Judah and point out their sins and call them to repentance. He pointed out how they had changed gods as a nation. No other nation had done that but they had forsake the true God for a bunch of stone dead gods who had no power. It made no sense but showed how spiritually dead they were. They had no discernment and could not see how far they had fallen. Jeremiah was God’s wake up call.
In Philippians, Paul encouraged them to rejoice always but he knew that they had to have a renewed mindset to be able to do this. He told them what to think about: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Paul could tell a church’s spiritual state by how they responded to him. He could tell if they were mature or not. How we treat others is a reflection of how we love the Lord. That is convicting!
Lord, help us to have love, real love for one another that reflects our devotion to You. Help us to all realize our calling to speak your words.
Jeremiah prophesied from the end of Josiah’s reign through his next two sons until Judah went into exile. Josiah was a good king who brought spiritual reform but sadly his sons were not.
God told Jeremiah he had chosen him from the womb and he would put his words in Jeremiah’s mouth. Jeremiah’s father was the high priest at the time. God showed him natural things like branches from the almond tree and boiling pots to show spiritual implications. God gave Jeremiah tremendous fortitude and courage to stand before Judah and point out their sins and call them to repentance. He pointed out how they had changed gods as a nation. No other nation had done that but they had forsake the true God for a bunch of stone dead gods who had no power. It made no sense but showed how spiritually dead they were. They had no discernment and could not see how far they had fallen. Jeremiah was God’s wake up call.
In Philippians, Paul encouraged them to rejoice always but he knew that they had to have a renewed mindset to be able to do this. He told them what to think about: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Paul could tell a church’s spiritual state by how they responded to him. He could tell if they were mature or not. How we treat others is a reflection of how we love the Lord. That is convicting!
Lord, help us to have love, real love for one another that reflects our devotion to You. Help us to all realize our calling to speak your words.
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Mon.’s Devo - God is Above All
Read: Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:4b-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16
God told Israel who He is. He is the God of all. Heaven is his throne and earth is his footstool. Everything that is made was made by him. He was looking for people who were sensitive to Him and had a humble heart - the person who was so touched to kill his ox that it was as if he was killing a person. He looked but he couldn’t find this. Instead he found people that did their own thing and only looked after themselves. They had no care for others or their plight but were selfish and greedy.
He was going to bring the very thing that they feared the most upon them.
God spoke to the remnant that were oppressed and yet they feared the name of the Lord. They would see their enemy go down in shame. In a day, God was going to deliver Jerusalem and his people. God is speaking of the end of days but also speaking to his remnant throughout history. God delivers his people. We are in the midst of seeing this very thing happen in Israel and in the America. We are going to see the wealth of the oil of the Arab nations return to Israel and the United States, the Gentiles. God is turning our shame to glory!
In Philippians, Paul gives us his reasons why he could be proud in his flesh, but chooses to count all his pedigree and achievements as rubbish compared to knowing Jesus. He had lost everything for that name and has no regrets. He knows that eternity is his prize and goal and encourages us to feel the same.
Lord, help us to look forward with great joy and expectancy because you control the whole cosmos!
God told Israel who He is. He is the God of all. Heaven is his throne and earth is his footstool. Everything that is made was made by him. He was looking for people who were sensitive to Him and had a humble heart - the person who was so touched to kill his ox that it was as if he was killing a person. He looked but he couldn’t find this. Instead he found people that did their own thing and only looked after themselves. They had no care for others or their plight but were selfish and greedy.
He was going to bring the very thing that they feared the most upon them.
God spoke to the remnant that were oppressed and yet they feared the name of the Lord. They would see their enemy go down in shame. In a day, God was going to deliver Jerusalem and his people. God is speaking of the end of days but also speaking to his remnant throughout history. God delivers his people. We are in the midst of seeing this very thing happen in Israel and in the America. We are going to see the wealth of the oil of the Arab nations return to Israel and the United States, the Gentiles. God is turning our shame to glory!
In Philippians, Paul gives us his reasons why he could be proud in his flesh, but chooses to count all his pedigree and achievements as rubbish compared to knowing Jesus. He had lost everything for that name and has no regrets. He knows that eternity is his prize and goal and encourages us to feel the same.
Lord, help us to look forward with great joy and expectancy because you control the whole cosmos!
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Sun.’s Devo - God’s Promises of Blessing
Read: Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:4a; Psam 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14
God told Isaiah that he had posted watchmen on Israel’s walls. These watchmen were from his heavenly host of his army but also natural prophets. The prophets are the watchmen who watch in the spirit to see what is coming and warn the people what God is about to do and what Satan’s plans are. If you think we have no prophets today all you have to do is go to Elijahlist.com and join for free. You will get prophecies daily that come from prophets all over the world. They will tell you the same thing Isaiah was saying to his people. We have gone through the wine press of God and everything that could be shaken has been shaken so that what remains will be what God can work with. God does reward those who wait for them and obey his commands. We will soon forget our past trials and troubles. God will bring in the new and it will so out-shadow the old that we will not remember the old. Jerusalem will be a delight and its people will be a joy. It will teem with life and God’s people will reap the rewards of what they sow. None of our work will be in vain. Our children will prosper and we will be a blessed people. This is a picture of the millennium but also a picture of what we can have right now by faith.
In Philippians, Paul praises Timothy for being a man who is like no other disciple he has ever seen because Timothy took a genuine interest in the welfare of the people. He worked under Paul as a son would with his father. Then he praises Ephaphroditus for his service to the Lord. He almost died in his work for Christ but is being sent back to them. Paul wants them to receive him with great joy and celebration.
He ends in warning them again of the false prophets who he refers to as dogs. Our Psalm explains what Paul was talking about. Sometimes it is easy to get discouraged when you look around and see the evil blessed and you are suffering. The Psalmist realizes that though they might have it good for a while on earth, their end is destruction and their good life is very temporal. What we have is eternal so what is a little suffering in the face of eternity? Our small suffering works for our eternal reward. God is our refuge when we get overwhelmed. He will never let us down.
Lord, help us to taste and see that you are so good!
God told Isaiah that he had posted watchmen on Israel’s walls. These watchmen were from his heavenly host of his army but also natural prophets. The prophets are the watchmen who watch in the spirit to see what is coming and warn the people what God is about to do and what Satan’s plans are. If you think we have no prophets today all you have to do is go to Elijahlist.com and join for free. You will get prophecies daily that come from prophets all over the world. They will tell you the same thing Isaiah was saying to his people. We have gone through the wine press of God and everything that could be shaken has been shaken so that what remains will be what God can work with. God does reward those who wait for them and obey his commands. We will soon forget our past trials and troubles. God will bring in the new and it will so out-shadow the old that we will not remember the old. Jerusalem will be a delight and its people will be a joy. It will teem with life and God’s people will reap the rewards of what they sow. None of our work will be in vain. Our children will prosper and we will be a blessed people. This is a picture of the millennium but also a picture of what we can have right now by faith.
In Philippians, Paul praises Timothy for being a man who is like no other disciple he has ever seen because Timothy took a genuine interest in the welfare of the people. He worked under Paul as a son would with his father. Then he praises Ephaphroditus for his service to the Lord. He almost died in his work for Christ but is being sent back to them. Paul wants them to receive him with great joy and celebration.
He ends in warning them again of the false prophets who he refers to as dogs. Our Psalm explains what Paul was talking about. Sometimes it is easy to get discouraged when you look around and see the evil blessed and you are suffering. The Psalmist realizes that though they might have it good for a while on earth, their end is destruction and their good life is very temporal. What we have is eternal so what is a little suffering in the face of eternity? Our small suffering works for our eternal reward. God is our refuge when we get overwhelmed. He will never let us down.
Lord, help us to taste and see that you are so good!
I have always loved to study the Bible and look for hidden meanings to know God better. I think God hides things and shares them with those who will spend the time seeking them out. He loves to reveal his mysteries with us. I pray that I will rightly divide the truth so that others might love his word like I do. I pray that God will be magnified in your life as you read my blog.
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