Read: Lamentations 4:1-5:22; Hebrews 2:1-18; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 26:23
Today we read the fourth and fifth elegy of the overthrow of Jerusalem. It is so sad to read of the starvation of infants and children and the suffering of the people. It was a slow torture which Jeremiah said was worse than the punishment of Sodom because at least it was quick. None of them believed that an enemy would be able to penetrate the thick walls of Jerusalem and they arrogantly believed that God would protect them because they were his chosen people. But it was their fault all of this was happening - it was because of the sins of the prophets and the priests.
God promised that one day, Zion’s punishment would end and they would come out of exile, but Edom would not only be punished but their wickedness would be exposed. Edom laughed at Jerusalem’s fall, but theirs came later. They did not get the last laugh.
In Hebrews, God encourages us to stay alert and walking in what we have been taught about Him. He reminds us of what happened to the angels who rebelled and were chained under darkness awaiting their judgement (Jude 6). Man was made a little lower than angels, so we will be judged according to our works also.
Everything was put under Jesus feet on the cross. He chose to overcome through suffering as a man. Jesus became our High Priest by becoming a man and experiencing our temptations and our frailties. He suffered the same temptations that we do but he did it without succumbing to sin to show us that we could do the same thing. He is our helper to help us to overcome temptation.
Lord, thank you for the suffering you endured for our sakes. Help us to overcome all the temptations that come our way today.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Wed.’s Devo - Jesus - Our Overcoming 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.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Tues.’s Devo - Hope For a New Day
Read: Lamentations 2:20-3:66; Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 102; 1-28; Proverbs 26:21-22
Lamentations Three starts the beginning of the third elegy of Jeremiah and every third line is in alphabetical order according to the Hebrew alphabet. Jeremiah is speaking of the travail of his soul as he encounters persecution and sees the destruction of the city he loves but he is a type of Christ in his life.
It is appalling to see women eating their offspring and priests and prophets killed in the sanctuary. No one in the city could escape the devastation and horror of God’s judgment on Jerusalem. But even in the midst of such affliction, Jeremiah has hope when he remembers God’s great love and compassions that never fail. He has a hope within him that knows that one day he will see the salvation of the Lord if he patiently waits for it.
When Jeremiah was thrown into the pit and forgotten, God did not forget him and had him brought out of the pit and saved.
I have often wondered if Hebrews was the conversation that Jesus had with the two men on the road to Amaeus after his crucifixion. No one knows who wrote Hebrews but it references the Old Testament more than any other book. It does such a great job of meshing the Old with the New and explaining the significance of knowing the past. He also explains who angels are. They are winds and flames of fire sent to minister to those who will inherit salvation which is us! They welcomed Jesus when he came to earth and assured Mary and Joseph that they would help them raise Jesus and keep him safe. Hebrews tells us of Jesus’ role. He is the son of God whose throne will last for ever and ever. His rod would be one of righteousness and he would be anointed with joy. It was Jesus who laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens. One day, the master carpenter will craft a new heaven and a new earth but his joyous righteous rule will never change.
Our Psalm is written by a desperate man who understands that God will one day rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. He will answer the prayers of the righteous. He wants this promise written for the future generations so that they will learn to praise the Lord.
Lord, that is our prayer that our lives would be written epistles for a future generation to read and spiritually prosper.
Lamentations Three starts the beginning of the third elegy of Jeremiah and every third line is in alphabetical order according to the Hebrew alphabet. Jeremiah is speaking of the travail of his soul as he encounters persecution and sees the destruction of the city he loves but he is a type of Christ in his life.
It is appalling to see women eating their offspring and priests and prophets killed in the sanctuary. No one in the city could escape the devastation and horror of God’s judgment on Jerusalem. But even in the midst of such affliction, Jeremiah has hope when he remembers God’s great love and compassions that never fail. He has a hope within him that knows that one day he will see the salvation of the Lord if he patiently waits for it.
When Jeremiah was thrown into the pit and forgotten, God did not forget him and had him brought out of the pit and saved.
I have often wondered if Hebrews was the conversation that Jesus had with the two men on the road to Amaeus after his crucifixion. No one knows who wrote Hebrews but it references the Old Testament more than any other book. It does such a great job of meshing the Old with the New and explaining the significance of knowing the past. He also explains who angels are. They are winds and flames of fire sent to minister to those who will inherit salvation which is us! They welcomed Jesus when he came to earth and assured Mary and Joseph that they would help them raise Jesus and keep him safe. Hebrews tells us of Jesus’ role. He is the son of God whose throne will last for ever and ever. His rod would be one of righteousness and he would be anointed with joy. It was Jesus who laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens. One day, the master carpenter will craft a new heaven and a new earth but his joyous righteous rule will never change.
Our Psalm is written by a desperate man who understands that God will one day rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. He will answer the prayers of the righteous. He wants this promise written for the future generations so that they will learn to praise the Lord.
Lord, that is our prayer that our lives would be written epistles for a future generation to read and spiritually prosper.
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 29, 2018
Mon.’s Devo - The Restoring Heart of God
Read: Lamentations 1:1-2:19; Philemon 1:1-25; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 26:20
Lamentations is written by Jeremiah after the death of Josiah. He is lamenting his death and the death of his nation, Judah. The first two chapters are 22 stanzas long with the first word of each stanza starting with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. Verse 16 and 17 of chapter 2 are transposed but Jeremiah wrote it in order to help them memorize the verses easier.
Three lines caught my attention. The first was Lamentations 1:9 that says, “she did not consider her future”. The people lived their lives not thinking of the consequences of their actions. They thought they had gotten away with their sins this long, so maybe it didn’t matter and God was never going to do the things he said he would do.
Another line that stood out to me was Lamentations 2:2 “He has brought her kingdom and its princes down to the ground in dishonor.” They were so proud of their accomplishments and the fact that God was on their side. They never knew God as a father that loved them enough to discipline them.
The last line that I underlined was Lamentations 2:5 that says, “The Lord is like an enemy.” God was not their enemy but he had to act as one which was not fun as a father.
Jeremiah pleaded with them to cry out and pour out their hearts to the Lord for the lives of their children.
The letter by Paul to Philemon was delivered by Onesimus who had been a slave of Philemon’s who had ran away and ended up in Rome. In Rome, he had a divine encounter with Paul who led him to Christ. He repented and wanted to come back and ask Philemon forgiveness and serve him once again. Paul sent him with this letter we call the Book of Philemon. In the letter Paul commends the church for their faith in the Lord and their love of all the saints. He appealed to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus testifying of Onesimus’ change of heart. He tells Philemon how helpful he has been to Paul and of how he became like a son to Paul when he was in chains. He assures Philemon that Onesimus will now be an asset instead of a rebellious slave. He hopes that Philemon will send him back to him but it is Philemon’s decision since he is his owner. Paul offers to pay any cost Philemon owes him but Paul reminds Philemon that Philemon owes Paul his life. That adds some leverage for sure.
You can’t help but see Paul’s love for Onesimus. If Paul could get on his knees and beg for him, he would. That is the love of God for us, even when we have made huge mistakes. God doesn’t give revenge or pay back like we would. He offers forgiveness and restoration to those who are humble.
Lord, let this remind us that when you change a person, we should change our opinions of them also. We need to have the same mercy that God does because we would desire the same for ourselves.
Lamentations is written by Jeremiah after the death of Josiah. He is lamenting his death and the death of his nation, Judah. The first two chapters are 22 stanzas long with the first word of each stanza starting with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. Verse 16 and 17 of chapter 2 are transposed but Jeremiah wrote it in order to help them memorize the verses easier.
Three lines caught my attention. The first was Lamentations 1:9 that says, “she did not consider her future”. The people lived their lives not thinking of the consequences of their actions. They thought they had gotten away with their sins this long, so maybe it didn’t matter and God was never going to do the things he said he would do.
Another line that stood out to me was Lamentations 2:2 “He has brought her kingdom and its princes down to the ground in dishonor.” They were so proud of their accomplishments and the fact that God was on their side. They never knew God as a father that loved them enough to discipline them.
The last line that I underlined was Lamentations 2:5 that says, “The Lord is like an enemy.” God was not their enemy but he had to act as one which was not fun as a father.
Jeremiah pleaded with them to cry out and pour out their hearts to the Lord for the lives of their children.
The letter by Paul to Philemon was delivered by Onesimus who had been a slave of Philemon’s who had ran away and ended up in Rome. In Rome, he had a divine encounter with Paul who led him to Christ. He repented and wanted to come back and ask Philemon forgiveness and serve him once again. Paul sent him with this letter we call the Book of Philemon. In the letter Paul commends the church for their faith in the Lord and their love of all the saints. He appealed to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus testifying of Onesimus’ change of heart. He tells Philemon how helpful he has been to Paul and of how he became like a son to Paul when he was in chains. He assures Philemon that Onesimus will now be an asset instead of a rebellious slave. He hopes that Philemon will send him back to him but it is Philemon’s decision since he is his owner. Paul offers to pay any cost Philemon owes him but Paul reminds Philemon that Philemon owes Paul his life. That adds some leverage for sure.
You can’t help but see Paul’s love for Onesimus. If Paul could get on his knees and beg for him, he would. That is the love of God for us, even when we have made huge mistakes. God doesn’t give revenge or pay back like we would. He offers forgiveness and restoration to those who are humble.
Lord, let this remind us that when you change a person, we should change our opinions of them also. We need to have the same mercy that God does because we would desire the same for ourselves.
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 28, 2018
Sun.’s Devo - Honoring God
Read: Jeremiah 51:54-52:34; Titus 3:1-15; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 26:18-19
As Babylon is breathing down the necks of Jerusalem, God gives Jeremiah a prophesy to take with him to Babylon. He was to deliver it to the staff officer in Babylon. It was all about how God was going to do to Babylon what they had done to Jerusalem. Jeremiah was to read it then throw it into the Euphrates River with a rock tied to it so it would sink. It would be a picture of the sinking of Babylon.
Here is a little king history. Josiah was a good king. He had two sons, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah. Jehoiakim was Josiah’s successor but he was taken captive to Babylon and Zedekiah was made king by Nebuchadnezzar instead of Zedekiah’s son. Zedekiah tried to escape when the walls of Jerusalem came down and he was captured, his sons killed and his eyes gouged out. The people were taken to Babylon except for a small group of the poorest people. The officers and priests were taken and executed in Babylon. A total of 4,600 people were taken to Babylon.
After 37 years of exile, Jehoiakim was brought out of prison and given a seat of honor. He was fed from the king’s table for the rest of his life.
Our people in America need to heed Titus 3:1. We live in a day where there is little respect for those in office and everyone feels the need to voice their disagreements. It is doing our country no good, but a country is not judged by the people who are ignorant, it is judged by God’s people. So we as Christians need to honor who God puts in office and stand behind them because to rebel against them is to rebel against God. Period.
We just read in Jeremiah, that God told his people to serve Babylon even though it was so evil.
Paul reminded them that there was a time when they weren’t saved and were deceived and enslaved by their passions so we cannot judge another person’s life before the Lord. We were all sinners at one time.
They were told to avoid foolish controversies and arguments about the law because they were unprofitable and useless. It is useless to argue with someone who has their mind set on what they believe. It will only make you upset when you need to love them instead.
Lord, help us to be thankful and always praising You for what you are doing.
As Babylon is breathing down the necks of Jerusalem, God gives Jeremiah a prophesy to take with him to Babylon. He was to deliver it to the staff officer in Babylon. It was all about how God was going to do to Babylon what they had done to Jerusalem. Jeremiah was to read it then throw it into the Euphrates River with a rock tied to it so it would sink. It would be a picture of the sinking of Babylon.
Here is a little king history. Josiah was a good king. He had two sons, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah. Jehoiakim was Josiah’s successor but he was taken captive to Babylon and Zedekiah was made king by Nebuchadnezzar instead of Zedekiah’s son. Zedekiah tried to escape when the walls of Jerusalem came down and he was captured, his sons killed and his eyes gouged out. The people were taken to Babylon except for a small group of the poorest people. The officers and priests were taken and executed in Babylon. A total of 4,600 people were taken to Babylon.
After 37 years of exile, Jehoiakim was brought out of prison and given a seat of honor. He was fed from the king’s table for the rest of his life.
Our people in America need to heed Titus 3:1. We live in a day where there is little respect for those in office and everyone feels the need to voice their disagreements. It is doing our country no good, but a country is not judged by the people who are ignorant, it is judged by God’s people. So we as Christians need to honor who God puts in office and stand behind them because to rebel against them is to rebel against God. Period.
We just read in Jeremiah, that God told his people to serve Babylon even though it was so evil.
Paul reminded them that there was a time when they weren’t saved and were deceived and enslaved by their passions so we cannot judge another person’s life before the Lord. We were all sinners at one time.
They were told to avoid foolish controversies and arguments about the law because they were unprofitable and useless. It is useless to argue with someone who has their mind set on what they believe. It will only make you upset when you need to love them instead.
Lord, help us to be thankful and always praising You for what you are doing.
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 27, 2018
Sat.’s Devo - Be Examples of Faith
Read: Jeremiah 51:1-53: Titus 2:1-15; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 26:17
God had used Babylon as his war club and weapon to shatter nations that were ready for judgment and now it was Babylon’s time to be judged. God would use the Assyrians to do that. They would be as ruthless and unmerciful as Babylon had. This is a picture of the end days when Babylon will be destroyed in the end. All of her gods and idols will be judged and destroyed.
Paul has a word for all the leaders. Older men should be great examples of temperance, faith and love through everything they have endured. Older women should not talk about others negatively or drink much wine but train the younger women to love their husbands and children to love their homes and practice self-control. The young men should be self-controlled and teach by example what it means to be truthful and speak the truth. Those that have bosses should try to pleas their bosses by respecting them and giving them their trust and honor. Everyone should have self-control and righteousness because that is what sets us apart from the world and shows that Jesus is in us.
Lord, help us to live your grace and goodness.
God had used Babylon as his war club and weapon to shatter nations that were ready for judgment and now it was Babylon’s time to be judged. God would use the Assyrians to do that. They would be as ruthless and unmerciful as Babylon had. This is a picture of the end days when Babylon will be destroyed in the end. All of her gods and idols will be judged and destroyed.
Paul has a word for all the leaders. Older men should be great examples of temperance, faith and love through everything they have endured. Older women should not talk about others negatively or drink much wine but train the younger women to love their husbands and children to love their homes and practice self-control. The young men should be self-controlled and teach by example what it means to be truthful and speak the truth. Those that have bosses should try to pleas their bosses by respecting them and giving them their trust and honor. Everyone should have self-control and righteousness because that is what sets us apart from the world and shows that Jesus is in us.
Lord, help us to live your grace and goodness.
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 26, 2018
Fri.’s Devo - God’s Righteous Judgment
Read: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46; Titus 1:1-16; Psalm 97:1-98:9; Proverbs 26:13-16
Damascus was the capital of Syria which is the oldest of the Oriental cities. Hamath was a fortress and the capital of one of the kingdoms of Upper Syria. Arpad was a city near Hamath. Kedar and Hazor were nomadic kingdoms of the sons of Ismael who were Arabian clans run by sheiks. The Babylonians would attack all of these nations and destroy them.
After God used Babylon to destroy all these nations, Babylon itself would be captured by a northern nation and all it’s gods and idols would prove to be helpless and fake. At that time God would lead his people to flee Babylon and return to Jerusalem where they would renew their covenant with the Lord.
Israel would be completely cleansed of all her guilt and sin because God would forgive her and give her a new start. She was to attack the land of Merathaim and Pekod which means “double bitterness” and “punishment”. They were to completely destroy them. God would completely judge and destroy Babylon which means “confusion”.
After a time of discipline and trials we cannot let bitterness and the condemnation of the devil to taint our hearts. We cannot be confused by what we lost and miss the blessing that God wants to bring us through his deliverance. God is able to restore us and bring a blessing that is better than what we had before. This is what God wanted to do for Israel and it is what God wants to do for us.
In Titus, Paul tells us what a spiritual leader should look like. She or he should be blameless, not overbearing or quick-tempered, sober, self-controlled and not seeking their own gain. They must live a life of discipline and holiness. If you stay pure, you will keep your mind free of the clutter of the world.
Lord, help us to wear your robe of righteousness and be useful in your kingdom.
Damascus was the capital of Syria which is the oldest of the Oriental cities. Hamath was a fortress and the capital of one of the kingdoms of Upper Syria. Arpad was a city near Hamath. Kedar and Hazor were nomadic kingdoms of the sons of Ismael who were Arabian clans run by sheiks. The Babylonians would attack all of these nations and destroy them.
After God used Babylon to destroy all these nations, Babylon itself would be captured by a northern nation and all it’s gods and idols would prove to be helpless and fake. At that time God would lead his people to flee Babylon and return to Jerusalem where they would renew their covenant with the Lord.
Israel would be completely cleansed of all her guilt and sin because God would forgive her and give her a new start. She was to attack the land of Merathaim and Pekod which means “double bitterness” and “punishment”. They were to completely destroy them. God would completely judge and destroy Babylon which means “confusion”.
After a time of discipline and trials we cannot let bitterness and the condemnation of the devil to taint our hearts. We cannot be confused by what we lost and miss the blessing that God wants to bring us through his deliverance. God is able to restore us and bring a blessing that is better than what we had before. This is what God wanted to do for Israel and it is what God wants to do for us.
In Titus, Paul tells us what a spiritual leader should look like. She or he should be blameless, not overbearing or quick-tempered, sober, self-controlled and not seeking their own gain. They must live a life of discipline and holiness. If you stay pure, you will keep your mind free of the clutter of the world.
Lord, help us to wear your robe of righteousness and be useful in your kingdom.
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 25, 2018
Thurs.’s Devo - Faithful Till The End
Read: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22; Psalms 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12
God pronounced judgment on Moab whose god was Chemosh. Chemosh was the destroyer and subduer and was represented by a fish. Moab had had rest from her beginning so God referred to her as a bottle of wine that he never been shaken so her wine had just settled and never been stirred to change. It still tasted and smelled the same as when it was first put in its bottle.
God brings unrest and usually unwanted change in our lives to shift us from complacency to a new place. He wants to stir our wine so we can get rid of the old and replace it with the new. To put the new wine in, he has to have new wineskins, so God has to change us on the outside too. Sometimes that looks like a new job or a new place to live or a new church. Sometimes we have to live in a limbo of uncertainty for a while till the new arrives and that is the time for greater faith and patience.
God pronounced judgment on the Ammonites and their God Molech. Molech was a consuming, destoying god that purified by fire so he required the sacrificing of children in the fire. He became Chemosh to the Moabites so they worshipped the same god with different names. God directly addressed Molech and told him that he was going into exile along with his priests and officials.
Lastly, we read of God’s judgment on Edom. God had no mercy for Edom’s pride and savagery. Only the widows and orphans would get God’s compassion.
At the end, God promisesd to restore the fortunes of both the Moabites and the Ammonites, but he didn’t promise to do that for the Edomites.
Paul knew his calling and lived his life for one purpose. He was to preach the Word and always be ready to give a reason for the faith he stood for no matter how he was feeling that day. He was to encourage other Christians in their walk by correcting, rebuking and encouraging them with great patience and careful instruction. Paul did this whether he had support of other fellow workers or was being persecuted by those who didn’t embrace his teaching. Paul was faithful to his calling to the end.
Lord, may we be like Paul and persevere in our calling till you call us home.
God pronounced judgment on Moab whose god was Chemosh. Chemosh was the destroyer and subduer and was represented by a fish. Moab had had rest from her beginning so God referred to her as a bottle of wine that he never been shaken so her wine had just settled and never been stirred to change. It still tasted and smelled the same as when it was first put in its bottle.
God brings unrest and usually unwanted change in our lives to shift us from complacency to a new place. He wants to stir our wine so we can get rid of the old and replace it with the new. To put the new wine in, he has to have new wineskins, so God has to change us on the outside too. Sometimes that looks like a new job or a new place to live or a new church. Sometimes we have to live in a limbo of uncertainty for a while till the new arrives and that is the time for greater faith and patience.
God pronounced judgment on the Ammonites and their God Molech. Molech was a consuming, destoying god that purified by fire so he required the sacrificing of children in the fire. He became Chemosh to the Moabites so they worshipped the same god with different names. God directly addressed Molech and told him that he was going into exile along with his priests and officials.
Lastly, we read of God’s judgment on Edom. God had no mercy for Edom’s pride and savagery. Only the widows and orphans would get God’s compassion.
At the end, God promisesd to restore the fortunes of both the Moabites and the Ammonites, but he didn’t promise to do that for the Edomites.
Paul knew his calling and lived his life for one purpose. He was to preach the Word and always be ready to give a reason for the faith he stood for no matter how he was feeling that day. He was to encourage other Christians in their walk by correcting, rebuking and encouraging them with great patience and careful instruction. Paul did this whether he had support of other fellow workers or was being persecuted by those who didn’t embrace his teaching. Paul was faithful to his calling to the end.
Lord, may we be like Paul and persevere in our calling till you call us home.
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 24, 2018
Wed.’s Devo - Thoroughly Equipped
Read: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:6-8
Jeremiah and God had lost their patience with the people who were bent on keeping their vows to the Queen of Heaven and their other false gods. God swore to them that all who went to Egypt would regret it and very few would live to return to the land. They were warned and given ample chances to repent but refused to listen, so they would get what they deserved.
God never forgets the faithful. Baruch was Jeremiah’s scribe that had written the prophecy and taken it to Jehoiakim. Baruch had cried out in pain for the destruction that was going to come on his people so God promised that Baruch would escape and be saved. Once again, God never forsakes his faithful.
As for Egypt, she was about to be brought down. She had been proud and the great power in the earth, but Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was going to defeat her and become the next great power in the earth. Pharaoh Necho had lost his opportunity to repent. God was bringing judgement against the god’s of Egypt once again, especially Ra which was the god of Amon. It was represented with the head of a ram and the body of a man. After the time of judgment is over, Egypt would be inhabited once again and so would the land of Israel.
God also pronounced judgment against the Philistine cities of Gaza and Ashkelon and the cities on the coast for their great sins.
Paul warned his disciples also to flee their enemies. Their enemies weren’t the Babylonians, but they were their own evil desires. One of their temptations was to argue their faith instead of choosing love and peace. Paul described the last days where people would love themselves so much they would not be able to reason or think straight. Instead they would be irrational, proud, conceited and love pleasure more than loving God.
Paul brought them back to the basics which is faith, patience, love, and endurance. He reminded them that persecution is part of living a godly life. If we continue in the faith we will not be disappointed.
Paul added one of my favorite scriptures which is: “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.” If we continue walking out the Word, we will be able to do all God has called us to do.
Lord, may we walk thoroughly equipped for what you have for us today.
Jeremiah and God had lost their patience with the people who were bent on keeping their vows to the Queen of Heaven and their other false gods. God swore to them that all who went to Egypt would regret it and very few would live to return to the land. They were warned and given ample chances to repent but refused to listen, so they would get what they deserved.
God never forgets the faithful. Baruch was Jeremiah’s scribe that had written the prophecy and taken it to Jehoiakim. Baruch had cried out in pain for the destruction that was going to come on his people so God promised that Baruch would escape and be saved. Once again, God never forsakes his faithful.
As for Egypt, she was about to be brought down. She had been proud and the great power in the earth, but Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was going to defeat her and become the next great power in the earth. Pharaoh Necho had lost his opportunity to repent. God was bringing judgement against the god’s of Egypt once again, especially Ra which was the god of Amon. It was represented with the head of a ram and the body of a man. After the time of judgment is over, Egypt would be inhabited once again and so would the land of Israel.
God also pronounced judgment against the Philistine cities of Gaza and Ashkelon and the cities on the coast for their great sins.
Paul warned his disciples also to flee their enemies. Their enemies weren’t the Babylonians, but they were their own evil desires. One of their temptations was to argue their faith instead of choosing love and peace. Paul described the last days where people would love themselves so much they would not be able to reason or think straight. Instead they would be irrational, proud, conceited and love pleasure more than loving God.
Paul brought them back to the basics which is faith, patience, love, and endurance. He reminded them that persecution is part of living a godly life. If we continue in the faith we will not be disappointed.
Paul added one of my favorite scriptures which is: “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.” If we continue walking out the Word, we will be able to do all God has called us to do.
Lord, may we walk thoroughly equipped for what you have for us today.
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 23, 2018
Tues.’s Devo - Nobel Instruments
Read: Jeremiah 42:1-44:21; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5
The remnant that was left met together to ask Jeremiah what they should do. They promised to do whatever the Lord said to do. Jeremiah sought the Lord for them and in ten days he came back with God’s answer. God told them not to go to Egypt but to stay there and serve the Babylonians. If they went to Egypt, they would die by sword, famine and plague because the Babylonians would follow them there.
Even though they had promised to do what the Lord said, when they found out what it was, they refused to do it. They packed up and went to Egypt instead.
God sent Jeremiah a word for the people living in Lower Egypt. He reminded them of the disaster that he had brought on Jerusalem and told him that he would do the same to them because they worshipped other gods and burned incense to the Egyptian idols. He warned them to get rid of these idols and told them that the Babylonians would raid them and burn all their silly idols. The women that worshipped the sun and burned the incense refused to listen and do what God said. It is amazing to see the rebellion in the people. No wonder God was bringing so much disaster on them. It hurts to read it but I know it hurt God much more to watch it.
To sum up what Paul said here are four points he made. To live with Christ you have to die to yourself. To reign with Christ, we have to endure this life. To stay his, we have to keep him in our hearts and he will remain faithful to those who remain faithful to him. Paul also talked about all the articles in a house and how some of them are used for noble uses like lights and furniture and how some are used for ignoble uses like the commode. We can choose which we are by cleansing ourselves. It is better to be a refrigerator than a septic tank!
Lord, make us useful instruments in your house.
The remnant that was left met together to ask Jeremiah what they should do. They promised to do whatever the Lord said to do. Jeremiah sought the Lord for them and in ten days he came back with God’s answer. God told them not to go to Egypt but to stay there and serve the Babylonians. If they went to Egypt, they would die by sword, famine and plague because the Babylonians would follow them there.
Even though they had promised to do what the Lord said, when they found out what it was, they refused to do it. They packed up and went to Egypt instead.
God sent Jeremiah a word for the people living in Lower Egypt. He reminded them of the disaster that he had brought on Jerusalem and told him that he would do the same to them because they worshipped other gods and burned incense to the Egyptian idols. He warned them to get rid of these idols and told them that the Babylonians would raid them and burn all their silly idols. The women that worshipped the sun and burned the incense refused to listen and do what God said. It is amazing to see the rebellion in the people. No wonder God was bringing so much disaster on them. It hurts to read it but I know it hurt God much more to watch it.
To sum up what Paul said here are four points he made. To live with Christ you have to die to yourself. To reign with Christ, we have to endure this life. To stay his, we have to keep him in our hearts and he will remain faithful to those who remain faithful to him. Paul also talked about all the articles in a house and how some of them are used for noble uses like lights and furniture and how some are used for ignoble uses like the commode. We can choose which we are by cleansing ourselves. It is better to be a refrigerator than a septic tank!
Lord, make us useful instruments in your house.
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 22, 2018
Mon.’s Devo - God’s Protection and Love
Read: Jeremiah 39:1-41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalms 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 26:1-2
God gave Zedekiah over two years to surrender to the Babylonians as Jeremiah had told him to, and he refused. When the Babylonians broke through the wall, Zedikiah, his sons and officials tried to escape, only to be caught. Zedekiah was made to witness the murder of his sons then have his eyes gouged out before he was taken to Babylon. Jerusalem was set on fire and the people were taken captive also. Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard was left behind to rule the poor people who owned nothing. They were given the land, the vineyards and the fields.
Nebuzaradan had been given orders from Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon to look after Jeremiah and make sure no harm came to him. Jeremiah was to have anything he asked. He got to go home in Mizpeh to live with his own people. He stayed with Gedaliah who was made the governor over the land by the Babylonians. When the people that had been scattered found out that Gedaliah was the governor, they came back to live as a family. Gedaliah gave them a speech assuring them that they would be fine under Babylonian rule. Everything was fine and they brought in a great harvest.
But, there was an adversary named Ishmael, son of Nethaniah who had plans to kill Gedaliah and usurp his office. Gedaliah was warned and even offered safety, but he didn’t believe it. He should have because Ishmael came in and killed Gedaliah and his men and took over making captive of all the people in Mizpah.
Johanan heard what had happened and went to rescue the people. He caught up with Ishmael and recovered all the people.
God watched over this remnant of people blessing them and protecting them. The remnant stands for the ones who remain faithful when it is not popular or safe. God will always take care of them.
Paul was constantly encouraging Timothy not to fear. He reminded him of the gift that God had given him as a child and encouraged him to grow in it. He told him that God didn’t give him a spirit of fear and timidity, but power, love and self-discipline.
Lord, you are our refuge and our help. We run to You.
God gave Zedekiah over two years to surrender to the Babylonians as Jeremiah had told him to, and he refused. When the Babylonians broke through the wall, Zedikiah, his sons and officials tried to escape, only to be caught. Zedekiah was made to witness the murder of his sons then have his eyes gouged out before he was taken to Babylon. Jerusalem was set on fire and the people were taken captive also. Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard was left behind to rule the poor people who owned nothing. They were given the land, the vineyards and the fields.
Nebuzaradan had been given orders from Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon to look after Jeremiah and make sure no harm came to him. Jeremiah was to have anything he asked. He got to go home in Mizpeh to live with his own people. He stayed with Gedaliah who was made the governor over the land by the Babylonians. When the people that had been scattered found out that Gedaliah was the governor, they came back to live as a family. Gedaliah gave them a speech assuring them that they would be fine under Babylonian rule. Everything was fine and they brought in a great harvest.
But, there was an adversary named Ishmael, son of Nethaniah who had plans to kill Gedaliah and usurp his office. Gedaliah was warned and even offered safety, but he didn’t believe it. He should have because Ishmael came in and killed Gedaliah and his men and took over making captive of all the people in Mizpah.
Johanan heard what had happened and went to rescue the people. He caught up with Ishmael and recovered all the people.
God watched over this remnant of people blessing them and protecting them. The remnant stands for the ones who remain faithful when it is not popular or safe. God will always take care of them.
Paul was constantly encouraging Timothy not to fear. He reminded him of the gift that God had given him as a child and encouraged him to grow in it. He told him that God didn’t give him a spirit of fear and timidity, but power, love and self-discipline.
Lord, you are our refuge and our help. We run 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.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Sun.’s Devo - God’s Kingdom
Read: Jeremiah 37:1-38; 28; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; Psalm 89:38-52; Proverbs 25:28
Jeremiah is not arranged in chronological order for some reason. Yesterday, we read about Jehoiachin who was Josiah’s son. Jehoiachin was the one who cut up the scroll and put it in the fire. His successor was Zedekiah who we are reading about today. Zedekiah’s heart was not as hard as Jehoiachin’s. He actually begged Jeremiah to pray for the country and get a word from the Lord. At the time, Pharoah’s army had left Egypt to come and capture Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar’s army had surrounded Jerusalem and was besieging it until it heard about the Egyptians so it had left.
God told Jeremiah to tell the king that the Egyptians would not stay but that the Babylonians would return and finish the job. They would capture the city and burn it down. This was not what the king wanted to hear.
Jeremiah tried to leave the city to check on some property he had in the land of Benjamin but was arrested at the gate. He was falsely accused of deflecting to the Babylonian army and beaten and put in prison. He would have died there if the king hadn’t let him out to be fed and placed in the courtyard of the guard. There Jeremiah could still prophesy and warn the people to surrender to the Babylonians or they would die. Word came to the king that Jeremiah was bad for the morale of the army and the people who were still fighting to save the city. So, the king had him thrown into a cistern that had nothing but mud in it.
Ebed-Melich, and official in the royal palace beseeched the king on Jeremiah’s behalf and had him drawn out of the cistern with rags and ropes. He was allowed to stay in the courtyard again.
The king sent for Jeremiah privately to ask him what he should do. Jeremiah told him that if he would surrender to the Babylonians he would be spared and so would the city but if he didn’t surrender then he would be handed over to the Babylonians and the city would be burned.
Zedekiah made Jeremiah promise not to tell anyone of their conversation and he sent him back to the yard. Jeremiah told the people what the king had instructed him to say.
In Timothy, Paul urges the people to look higher than this earth. In the earth, riches have to do with what you have, but in the kingdom, riches are measured in what you do and how you love. To serve God with joy is the greatest prosperity you can have.
Lord, help us to seek your kingdom first.
Jeremiah is not arranged in chronological order for some reason. Yesterday, we read about Jehoiachin who was Josiah’s son. Jehoiachin was the one who cut up the scroll and put it in the fire. His successor was Zedekiah who we are reading about today. Zedekiah’s heart was not as hard as Jehoiachin’s. He actually begged Jeremiah to pray for the country and get a word from the Lord. At the time, Pharoah’s army had left Egypt to come and capture Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar’s army had surrounded Jerusalem and was besieging it until it heard about the Egyptians so it had left.
God told Jeremiah to tell the king that the Egyptians would not stay but that the Babylonians would return and finish the job. They would capture the city and burn it down. This was not what the king wanted to hear.
Jeremiah tried to leave the city to check on some property he had in the land of Benjamin but was arrested at the gate. He was falsely accused of deflecting to the Babylonian army and beaten and put in prison. He would have died there if the king hadn’t let him out to be fed and placed in the courtyard of the guard. There Jeremiah could still prophesy and warn the people to surrender to the Babylonians or they would die. Word came to the king that Jeremiah was bad for the morale of the army and the people who were still fighting to save the city. So, the king had him thrown into a cistern that had nothing but mud in it.
Ebed-Melich, and official in the royal palace beseeched the king on Jeremiah’s behalf and had him drawn out of the cistern with rags and ropes. He was allowed to stay in the courtyard again.
The king sent for Jeremiah privately to ask him what he should do. Jeremiah told him that if he would surrender to the Babylonians he would be spared and so would the city but if he didn’t surrender then he would be handed over to the Babylonians and the city would be burned.
Zedekiah made Jeremiah promise not to tell anyone of their conversation and he sent him back to the yard. Jeremiah told the people what the king had instructed him to say.
In Timothy, Paul urges the people to look higher than this earth. In the earth, riches have to do with what you have, but in the kingdom, riches are measured in what you do and how you love. To serve God with joy is the greatest prosperity you can have.
Lord, help us to seek your kingdom first.
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 20, 2018
Sat.’s Devo - Obedience to Our Father
Read: Jeremiah 35:1-36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 25:25-27
You can not read the prophets without feeling the love of God toward his people. He is patient and slow to get angry and surely slow to bring his judgment. He gave them countless times to repent. I see the picture in my mind of a mother counting to one hundred and fifty waiting for her child to do what she said. That is how I see God’s patience toward Jerusalem.
Today, God told Jeremiah to invite the Recabite family over and offer them wine to drink. They had been instructed by a relative that had lived years before that they were never to drink wine or live in houses. So for years and years they had never drank wine and had lived in tents. Jeremiah used their obedience to their ancestors as a example of what obedience to a father was suppose to look like. Israel had heard the commandments of their father but had failed to listen or follow them.
Then, God told Jeremiah to write down all the words that the prophets had said during the years against Jerusalem. Maybe this would get through to them and they would repent. Jeremiah knew that they would not let him through the gates to the court so he sent Barach, his scribe. Ironically it was the day of atonement and the people were fasting to ask God to forgive the sins of their nation. When Barach read the words to the people, Shaphan knew the king needed to hear them. (Shaphan was the scribe under Josiah that read the words of the law to Josiah and the whole nation repented.)
Sadly, when Barach read the words to the king, the king arrogantly cut them off section by section and had them thrown into the fire. God was relentless and told Jeremiah to write the same words on another scroll and even added some more words to it.
In Timothy, Paul tells the people to treat older people like their own parents and younger men and women as their own brothers and sisters. They were to recognize the needs of widows that had no family of their own. They were to take care of their own parents repaying them for what they had done for them. To neglect ones own family was to deny the faith they confessed.
Paul even gave a description of the widow that they were to help. She had to be over sixty, she had to have been a faithful wife and done good deeds for others. Paul councelled them from becoming idle gossips.
Paul also told them to honor their elders and pay them well for their service. If they were accused of anything, there must be at least two witnesses. He ended by saying that everything, good or bad would be exposed in the end.
Lord, help us to live our lives bearing good fruit that will remain.
You can not read the prophets without feeling the love of God toward his people. He is patient and slow to get angry and surely slow to bring his judgment. He gave them countless times to repent. I see the picture in my mind of a mother counting to one hundred and fifty waiting for her child to do what she said. That is how I see God’s patience toward Jerusalem.
Today, God told Jeremiah to invite the Recabite family over and offer them wine to drink. They had been instructed by a relative that had lived years before that they were never to drink wine or live in houses. So for years and years they had never drank wine and had lived in tents. Jeremiah used their obedience to their ancestors as a example of what obedience to a father was suppose to look like. Israel had heard the commandments of their father but had failed to listen or follow them.
Then, God told Jeremiah to write down all the words that the prophets had said during the years against Jerusalem. Maybe this would get through to them and they would repent. Jeremiah knew that they would not let him through the gates to the court so he sent Barach, his scribe. Ironically it was the day of atonement and the people were fasting to ask God to forgive the sins of their nation. When Barach read the words to the people, Shaphan knew the king needed to hear them. (Shaphan was the scribe under Josiah that read the words of the law to Josiah and the whole nation repented.)
Sadly, when Barach read the words to the king, the king arrogantly cut them off section by section and had them thrown into the fire. God was relentless and told Jeremiah to write the same words on another scroll and even added some more words to it.
In Timothy, Paul tells the people to treat older people like their own parents and younger men and women as their own brothers and sisters. They were to recognize the needs of widows that had no family of their own. They were to take care of their own parents repaying them for what they had done for them. To neglect ones own family was to deny the faith they confessed.
Paul even gave a description of the widow that they were to help. She had to be over sixty, she had to have been a faithful wife and done good deeds for others. Paul councelled them from becoming idle gossips.
Paul also told them to honor their elders and pay them well for their service. If they were accused of anything, there must be at least two witnesses. He ended by saying that everything, good or bad would be exposed in the end.
Lord, help us to live our lives bearing good fruit that will remain.
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 19, 2018
Fri.’s Devo - A Return To Righteousness
Read: Jeremiah 33:1-34:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 25:23-24
When I happen to look at the clock and it reads 3:33 I am reminded of Jeremiah 33:3…”Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and might things, which you don’t know.” God is always wanting to show us more about him.
God destroyed Jerusalem in his fury and anger because of its great wickedness but he immediately spoke of healing and the cure he would bring when it was over. God promised to bring them back and cleanse them from all their sin. They would have joy and gladness once again. God would have righteous priests and ministers and their seed would be multiplied to fill the earth.
Jerusalem was surrounded by the king of Babylon when Jeremiah told the king, Zedekiah that he would not die by the sword. He would die a natural death and be mourned. This seamed to soften his heart and he started planning for what Jeremiah had told him would happen. The king told all the people to let their servants go free. They obeyed at first, then after a time made them slaves again. Jeremiah reminded them of the law of Moses that said that every seventh year, all slaves were to go free. They were not honoring that commandment. Because of their injustice, God would give them into the hands of their enemies and many would be killed. King Zedekiah and his officials would be handed over to the Babylonians and taken captive.
Paul gives us a description of the mindset of many during the last days. We can see all of them alive in our day. He reminded Timothy that every thing God created is good for food if it is sanctified through the Word and prayer. Developing godliness is more profitable than developing muscles and a healthy body. He told Timothy not to let people judge him according to his age but let his lifestyle show his maturity. He reminded him to remember the words that were spoken over him in prophesy. Develope those gifts and continue in the faith.
Lord, may we do the same thing. Help us to hunger for the things that really matter.
When I happen to look at the clock and it reads 3:33 I am reminded of Jeremiah 33:3…”Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and might things, which you don’t know.” God is always wanting to show us more about him.
God destroyed Jerusalem in his fury and anger because of its great wickedness but he immediately spoke of healing and the cure he would bring when it was over. God promised to bring them back and cleanse them from all their sin. They would have joy and gladness once again. God would have righteous priests and ministers and their seed would be multiplied to fill the earth.
Jerusalem was surrounded by the king of Babylon when Jeremiah told the king, Zedekiah that he would not die by the sword. He would die a natural death and be mourned. This seamed to soften his heart and he started planning for what Jeremiah had told him would happen. The king told all the people to let their servants go free. They obeyed at first, then after a time made them slaves again. Jeremiah reminded them of the law of Moses that said that every seventh year, all slaves were to go free. They were not honoring that commandment. Because of their injustice, God would give them into the hands of their enemies and many would be killed. King Zedekiah and his officials would be handed over to the Babylonians and taken captive.
Paul gives us a description of the mindset of many during the last days. We can see all of them alive in our day. He reminded Timothy that every thing God created is good for food if it is sanctified through the Word and prayer. Developing godliness is more profitable than developing muscles and a healthy body. He told Timothy not to let people judge him according to his age but let his lifestyle show his maturity. He reminded him to remember the words that were spoken over him in prophesy. Develope those gifts and continue in the faith.
Lord, may we do the same thing. Help us to hunger for the things that really matter.
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 18, 2018
Thurs.’s Devo - Written in Our Hearts
Read: Jeremiah 31:27-32:44; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Psalm 88:1-18; Proverbs 25:20-22
Jeremiah gave the people hope for their children. They had a saying that said the fathers eat sour grapes making their children pay the price, but there would come a time when the children will no longer be punished for their parent’s sins. The slate would be erased and they will start over. Then everyone would be accountable for their own sins. This would come with the new covenant that Jesus would bring. Instead of the law of God just being words on a tablet, his word was going to be written in their hearts and their minds. Everyone would have a chance to know the Lord for themselves.
Jerusalem was being besieged by Babylon and Jeremiah had been imprisoned by Zedekiah for his prophecies. Zedekiah didn’t understand why Jeremiah would prophesy against his own city. Zedekiah didn’t understand that Jeremiah wasn’t prophesying his own words or his own desire, but he was only saying what God told him to say. It was the people who chose what they were getting.
God told Jeremiah that his cousin, Hanamel would come to him and want to sell his land and Jeremiah was to buy it. It was to be a sign to the people that one day they would come back to the land and get their inheritance.
God told Jeremiah that the Babylonians would take the city and burn it to the ground because of their sins. After a time, God would bring them back and once again their would be life and prosperity here.
In Timothy, Paul gives the requirement for overseers, deacons and their wives. They are to be examples of Jesus so much was required of them and their walk. They were to help others in their struggles to walk in holiness.
Lord, may we walk as examples for others to follow.
Jeremiah gave the people hope for their children. They had a saying that said the fathers eat sour grapes making their children pay the price, but there would come a time when the children will no longer be punished for their parent’s sins. The slate would be erased and they will start over. Then everyone would be accountable for their own sins. This would come with the new covenant that Jesus would bring. Instead of the law of God just being words on a tablet, his word was going to be written in their hearts and their minds. Everyone would have a chance to know the Lord for themselves.
Jerusalem was being besieged by Babylon and Jeremiah had been imprisoned by Zedekiah for his prophecies. Zedekiah didn’t understand why Jeremiah would prophesy against his own city. Zedekiah didn’t understand that Jeremiah wasn’t prophesying his own words or his own desire, but he was only saying what God told him to say. It was the people who chose what they were getting.
God told Jeremiah that his cousin, Hanamel would come to him and want to sell his land and Jeremiah was to buy it. It was to be a sign to the people that one day they would come back to the land and get their inheritance.
God told Jeremiah that the Babylonians would take the city and burn it to the ground because of their sins. After a time, God would bring them back and once again their would be life and prosperity here.
In Timothy, Paul gives the requirement for overseers, deacons and their wives. They are to be examples of Jesus so much was required of them and their walk. They were to help others in their struggles to walk in holiness.
Lord, may we walk as examples for others to follow.
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 17, 2018
Wed.’s Devo - Hope for the Future
Read: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 25:18-19
God told Jeremiah to write down in a book what would happen when their captivity was over. They would be in captivity 70 years which would begin as a time of fear and terror. During this time they would be disciplined for their lack of faithfulness. When the time came to deliver them out, it will also be a time of unrest. God will destroy their enemies and the ones that took them captive. They will be restored to their land and regain everything they lost. Joy and hope will be restored to the land and come home with humble hearts that have learned to trust in the Lord.
God told this prophesy to Jeremiah in a dream but he woke up with the feeling of peace and well being.
Paul gives us the formula for a peaceful and quiet life: pray for those in authority over us. However the head goes, so goes the rest of the world. We need to pray for our political and spiritual leaders daily. We pray to our mediator which is Jesus Christ. He hears our prayers and intercedes to the father in our behalf.
In verses 9-15, Paul addresses the women but we can substitute the “Bride” because that is the real meaning. The Bride must dress herself in good deeds and humility. She should be quite and submit to what the Holy Spirit says and obey. She will be saved and bear fruit if she has become a new creature with childlike faith. Her lifestyle should be one of faith, love, and holiness.
Lord, let us live our lives to bring you honor. Thank you that you always give us hope for the future.
God told Jeremiah to write down in a book what would happen when their captivity was over. They would be in captivity 70 years which would begin as a time of fear and terror. During this time they would be disciplined for their lack of faithfulness. When the time came to deliver them out, it will also be a time of unrest. God will destroy their enemies and the ones that took them captive. They will be restored to their land and regain everything they lost. Joy and hope will be restored to the land and come home with humble hearts that have learned to trust in the Lord.
God told this prophesy to Jeremiah in a dream but he woke up with the feeling of peace and well being.
Paul gives us the formula for a peaceful and quiet life: pray for those in authority over us. However the head goes, so goes the rest of the world. We need to pray for our political and spiritual leaders daily. We pray to our mediator which is Jesus Christ. He hears our prayers and intercedes to the father in our behalf.
In verses 9-15, Paul addresses the women but we can substitute the “Bride” because that is the real meaning. The Bride must dress herself in good deeds and humility. She should be quite and submit to what the Holy Spirit says and obey. She will be saved and bear fruit if she has become a new creature with childlike faith. Her lifestyle should be one of faith, love, and holiness.
Lord, let us live our lives to bring you honor. Thank you that you always give us hope for the future.
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 16, 2018
Tues.’s Devo - Exposing the Truth
Read: Jeremiah 28:1-29:32; 1 Timothy 1:1-20; Psalm 86:1-17; Proverbs 25:17
Yesterday, we read that Jeremiah put a yoke on his neck to be a living picture of the yoke of the king of Babylon that Jerusalem would come under. Today, the false prophet Hananiah took the yoke from his neck and broke it saying that after two years, God was going to bring all the vessels back to Jerusalem and break the yoke of Babylon off of them.
After Hananiah spoke, Jeremiah prophesied the truth. He said that it was true that God would bring the vessels back to Jerusalem, but instead of a yoke of wood, Babylon would be a yoke of iron to them. He accused Hananiah of making the people believe a lie and since he lied to the people, he would die that year. He did die that year, in the seventh month.
Then Jeremiah spoke to the ones who had been taken captive to Babylon and told them to settle down and plan to stay for a while. He told them to marry and multiply and to pray for the peace of the place they were sent to. They would be there for seventy years no matter what the other prophets told them.
After seventy years, God would visit them and let them know the wonderful plans that he had for them. They will seek him and be found of him once more and he would gather them from wherever they were sent and bring them back to Jerusalem to their own land once more.
Paul wrote his young prodigy this letter encouraging him stay true to the things that are important like faith and love. The law is good for the righteous because it keeps us safe.
Timothy had received prophesies about his life and Paul encouraged him to remember them so that when the devil came to steal them he would war against it. Paul had to commit two of his followers to Satan so that they would learn not to blaspheme. Sometimes we have to do this with people who turn so far from God. After a few years of living for the devil, they will learn that he is merciless and a mean taskmaster. Then, they will come to their senses and return to the Lord.
Lord, we do pray for truth to be heard in the ears of your people. Thank you for prophets today who prophesy the truth.
Yesterday, we read that Jeremiah put a yoke on his neck to be a living picture of the yoke of the king of Babylon that Jerusalem would come under. Today, the false prophet Hananiah took the yoke from his neck and broke it saying that after two years, God was going to bring all the vessels back to Jerusalem and break the yoke of Babylon off of them.
After Hananiah spoke, Jeremiah prophesied the truth. He said that it was true that God would bring the vessels back to Jerusalem, but instead of a yoke of wood, Babylon would be a yoke of iron to them. He accused Hananiah of making the people believe a lie and since he lied to the people, he would die that year. He did die that year, in the seventh month.
Then Jeremiah spoke to the ones who had been taken captive to Babylon and told them to settle down and plan to stay for a while. He told them to marry and multiply and to pray for the peace of the place they were sent to. They would be there for seventy years no matter what the other prophets told them.
After seventy years, God would visit them and let them know the wonderful plans that he had for them. They will seek him and be found of him once more and he would gather them from wherever they were sent and bring them back to Jerusalem to their own land once more.
Paul wrote his young prodigy this letter encouraging him stay true to the things that are important like faith and love. The law is good for the righteous because it keeps us safe.
Timothy had received prophesies about his life and Paul encouraged him to remember them so that when the devil came to steal them he would war against it. Paul had to commit two of his followers to Satan so that they would learn not to blaspheme. Sometimes we have to do this with people who turn so far from God. After a few years of living for the devil, they will learn that he is merciless and a mean taskmaster. Then, they will come to their senses and return to the Lord.
Lord, we do pray for truth to be heard in the ears of your people. Thank you for prophets today who prophesy the 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.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Mon.’s Devo - Truth in Love
Read: Jeremiah 26:1-27:22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 25:16
God sent Jeremiah to stand in the court of the king and tell them one more time to turn from their evil ways and follow him. He was giving them one last warning. It reminds me of a mother giving her toddler one last chance to choose to obey before she spanks him. You can fell the compassion and pain in God’s heart. He doesn’t want to bring destruction on them; he wants them to make the right choice.
Instead of making the right choice, the priests and prophets asked the officials and the people to sentence Jeremiah to death. Jeremiah argued that God had sent him and if they would repent maybe God would relent on his punishment but if they didn’t and killed him they would be adding innocent blood to their list of offenses. The officials and the people wanted to listen to Jeremiah and save his life. So did the elders.
Jeremiah gave his testimony and said that God had sent him to prophesy against that house and that city. He told them that if they repented, God would repent of what he was going to do. The officials didn’t think there was evidence to kill him since he was speaking for God. Some of the elders reminded the people of Micah who had prophesied the same thing years ago during Hezekiah’s reign. Hezekiah humbled himself and God didn’t bring the destruction. Uriah also prophesied against Jerusalem under Jehoiakim’s rule and when the king tried to kill Uriah, he fled to Egypt. Jehoiakim sent his men to fetch Uriah, brought him back and killed him and threw his body in in the burial place of the common people. This added to Jerusalem’s sins.
The scribe Ahikim supported Jeremiah who helped keep him from not being put to death.
God told Jeremiah to wear a yoke made from straps and crossbars and told him to put it on his neck and prophesy. They would be put under the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon for a time, then many nations and kings would conquer him.
Anyone who refused to serve Nebechadnezzar during this time of his rule would be punished with sword, famine or plague. So he warned the people not to listen to their false prophets who prophesied peace because peace would not come. All the vessels in the temple would be carried to Egypt along with the people. But, one day, God would bring them back to their land.
Paul told his followers to to stay away from believers who sinned and didn’t walk the Christian walk. They were to not to associate with him to make him feel ashamed. He was not to be regarded as an enemy but warned out of love.
It has been believed that we are not to judge, but we are to judge others actions in love. In the Bible, God was always raising up people to point out the sins of the people so that they could repent and be restored. We are to do the same with love.
Lord, help us to speak truth in love.
God sent Jeremiah to stand in the court of the king and tell them one more time to turn from their evil ways and follow him. He was giving them one last warning. It reminds me of a mother giving her toddler one last chance to choose to obey before she spanks him. You can fell the compassion and pain in God’s heart. He doesn’t want to bring destruction on them; he wants them to make the right choice.
Instead of making the right choice, the priests and prophets asked the officials and the people to sentence Jeremiah to death. Jeremiah argued that God had sent him and if they would repent maybe God would relent on his punishment but if they didn’t and killed him they would be adding innocent blood to their list of offenses. The officials and the people wanted to listen to Jeremiah and save his life. So did the elders.
Jeremiah gave his testimony and said that God had sent him to prophesy against that house and that city. He told them that if they repented, God would repent of what he was going to do. The officials didn’t think there was evidence to kill him since he was speaking for God. Some of the elders reminded the people of Micah who had prophesied the same thing years ago during Hezekiah’s reign. Hezekiah humbled himself and God didn’t bring the destruction. Uriah also prophesied against Jerusalem under Jehoiakim’s rule and when the king tried to kill Uriah, he fled to Egypt. Jehoiakim sent his men to fetch Uriah, brought him back and killed him and threw his body in in the burial place of the common people. This added to Jerusalem’s sins.
The scribe Ahikim supported Jeremiah who helped keep him from not being put to death.
God told Jeremiah to wear a yoke made from straps and crossbars and told him to put it on his neck and prophesy. They would be put under the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon for a time, then many nations and kings would conquer him.
Anyone who refused to serve Nebechadnezzar during this time of his rule would be punished with sword, famine or plague. So he warned the people not to listen to their false prophets who prophesied peace because peace would not come. All the vessels in the temple would be carried to Egypt along with the people. But, one day, God would bring them back to their land.
Paul told his followers to to stay away from believers who sinned and didn’t walk the Christian walk. They were to not to associate with him to make him feel ashamed. He was not to be regarded as an enemy but warned out of love.
It has been believed that we are not to judge, but we are to judge others actions in love. In the Bible, God was always raising up people to point out the sins of the people so that they could repent and be restored. We are to do the same with love.
Lord, help us to speak truth in love.
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 14, 2018
Sun.’s Devo - Good Figs
Read: Jeremiah 23:21-25:38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 25:15
God told the people that he had not sent their prophets or give them the words that they were saying. They were prophesying false dreams of hope that were not encouraging the people to repent. After King Jehoiachin and the officials were carried into exile to Babylon, The Lord showed Jeremiah two baskets of figs. One basket had good figs in it and the other had bad figs. God would watch over his good figs which were the people he sent into exile into Babylon. God would bring them back to the land. The bad figs would be judged according to the wickedness of their hearts. They would die by sword, famine or plague.
Jeremiah reminded them that he had warned them for 23 years of what would happen if they didn’t repent. God also sent other prophets to warn them, but they refused to listen so they would be judged for 70 years in the land of Babylon. Everyone would be judged for their sins.
In Thessalonians there had been some bad teaching that the Lord had already come back. He assured them that this had not yet happened and before it did, the antichrist would arise and oppose and exalt himself above everything of God. He will set himself in God’s temple proclaiming himself to be God. He will do counterfeit miracles and signs and wonders. People will be given a spirit of delusion so that they will believe the lie of the Antichrist. But, Paul encourages the church that they have been chosen from the beginning to be saved and have the power to believe the truth.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by this grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
God told the people that he had not sent their prophets or give them the words that they were saying. They were prophesying false dreams of hope that were not encouraging the people to repent. After King Jehoiachin and the officials were carried into exile to Babylon, The Lord showed Jeremiah two baskets of figs. One basket had good figs in it and the other had bad figs. God would watch over his good figs which were the people he sent into exile into Babylon. God would bring them back to the land. The bad figs would be judged according to the wickedness of their hearts. They would die by sword, famine or plague.
Jeremiah reminded them that he had warned them for 23 years of what would happen if they didn’t repent. God also sent other prophets to warn them, but they refused to listen so they would be judged for 70 years in the land of Babylon. Everyone would be judged for their sins.
In Thessalonians there had been some bad teaching that the Lord had already come back. He assured them that this had not yet happened and before it did, the antichrist would arise and oppose and exalt himself above everything of God. He will set himself in God’s temple proclaiming himself to be God. He will do counterfeit miracles and signs and wonders. People will be given a spirit of delusion so that they will believe the lie of the Antichrist. But, Paul encourages the church that they have been chosen from the beginning to be saved and have the power to believe the truth.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by this grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
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 13, 2018
Sat.’s Devo - Judgment on the Leaders
Read: Jeremiah 22:1-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14
God’s main complaint with Judah’s officials is that they didn’t judge fairly. They didn’t rescue the oppressor who had been robbed. They treated the alien, the widow and the fatherless with violence and killed innocent babies. They made all these decisions in the palace of the king.
Josiah had been a righteous king who brought about reform and peace. Josiah’s son, Shallum or renamed: Jehoiakim did just the opposite. He built a beautiful palace using slave labor and ruling without mercy or justice. He practiced all types of idolatry and sin. God called Jehoiakim a broken pot that no one wanted. God was going to cast him out of the land where he and his family would be poor and none of his children would sit on the throne.
God also judged the shepherds who were suppose to be the spiritual overseers of his people. Instead of guiding them in the truth, they had brought division and not taken care of them.
To the remnant, God was going to bring them back to their homes where they would be fruitful and increase in number. He was going to give them shepherds would would take care of them and help them grow in Him.
The prophets and the priests had mostly gone astray and were prophesying by the power of Baal. They had led the people in wickedness and idolatry. They would have to drink the bitter poisonous waters they had given out.
Jeremiah summed it up with these words, “In days to come you will understand it clearly.”
In Thessalonians, Paul also talked about judgement. He was speaking of the judgment to come. Judgment only falls on those who have rejected him and his son. But for the believer, God has promised a calling and power to fulfill every act and good purpose.
Lord, may we walk in the calling you have placed on our lives with your power and grace.
God’s main complaint with Judah’s officials is that they didn’t judge fairly. They didn’t rescue the oppressor who had been robbed. They treated the alien, the widow and the fatherless with violence and killed innocent babies. They made all these decisions in the palace of the king.
Josiah had been a righteous king who brought about reform and peace. Josiah’s son, Shallum or renamed: Jehoiakim did just the opposite. He built a beautiful palace using slave labor and ruling without mercy or justice. He practiced all types of idolatry and sin. God called Jehoiakim a broken pot that no one wanted. God was going to cast him out of the land where he and his family would be poor and none of his children would sit on the throne.
God also judged the shepherds who were suppose to be the spiritual overseers of his people. Instead of guiding them in the truth, they had brought division and not taken care of them.
To the remnant, God was going to bring them back to their homes where they would be fruitful and increase in number. He was going to give them shepherds would would take care of them and help them grow in Him.
The prophets and the priests had mostly gone astray and were prophesying by the power of Baal. They had led the people in wickedness and idolatry. They would have to drink the bitter poisonous waters they had given out.
Jeremiah summed it up with these words, “In days to come you will understand it clearly.”
In Thessalonians, Paul also talked about judgement. He was speaking of the judgment to come. Judgment only falls on those who have rejected him and his son. But for the believer, God has promised a calling and power to fulfill every act and good purpose.
Lord, may we walk in the calling you have placed on our lives with your power and grace.
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 12, 2018
Fri.’s Devo - The Clay Jar
Read: Jeremiah 19:1-21:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 25:7B-10
God told Jeremiah to buy a clay jar from the potter to represent Judah. He was to take it to the Valley of Ben Hinnon pronounce to the people and their sins then break the jar to show what God was going to do with their nation. It was going to be shattered beyond repair.
When the false priest, Pashhur heard what Jeremiah prophesied, he had him beaten and put in stocks. When he came to get him the next day, Jeremiah told him that when God brought the destruction on Jerusalem that Pashhur and his family would be taken into exile where they would die along with everyone who believed Pashhur’s false prophesies.
Jeremiah gives us an inside look into what he was feeling at the time in verses 7-18 of chapter 20. He feels the weight of his calling but God’s words were like fire shut up in our bones so they compelled him to speak.
When Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon started attacking Jerusalem, the king of Jerusalem wanted to hear what Jeremiah had to say so they sought him out. Jeremiah told them what he had told them all along. God was going to destroy Jerusalem and turn them over to the Babylonians. Whoever stayed in Jerusalem to fight it out would die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever surrendered to them would live. He admonished them to put right everything they had done wrong to one another before this happened.
Paul taught his people to walk in love and respect for one another. He warned them to honor prophecy, have discernment and avoid evil.
May you Lord, the God of peace, sanctify us and keep us blameless until you come back.
God told Jeremiah to buy a clay jar from the potter to represent Judah. He was to take it to the Valley of Ben Hinnon pronounce to the people and their sins then break the jar to show what God was going to do with their nation. It was going to be shattered beyond repair.
When the false priest, Pashhur heard what Jeremiah prophesied, he had him beaten and put in stocks. When he came to get him the next day, Jeremiah told him that when God brought the destruction on Jerusalem that Pashhur and his family would be taken into exile where they would die along with everyone who believed Pashhur’s false prophesies.
Jeremiah gives us an inside look into what he was feeling at the time in verses 7-18 of chapter 20. He feels the weight of his calling but God’s words were like fire shut up in our bones so they compelled him to speak.
When Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon started attacking Jerusalem, the king of Jerusalem wanted to hear what Jeremiah had to say so they sought him out. Jeremiah told them what he had told them all along. God was going to destroy Jerusalem and turn them over to the Babylonians. Whoever stayed in Jerusalem to fight it out would die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever surrendered to them would live. He admonished them to put right everything they had done wrong to one another before this happened.
Paul taught his people to walk in love and respect for one another. He warned them to honor prophecy, have discernment and avoid evil.
May you Lord, the God of peace, sanctify us and keep us blameless until you come back.
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 11, 2018
Thurs.’s Devo - Curses and Blessings
Read: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 25:6-7A
God gave Judah a list of their offenses over and over again. Their sin had become so deep it had engraved itself in their hearts. God cursed the person who trusted in man for his strength and turned from the Lord. He would not be capable of being blessed when prosperity came but would live in a desert place. God blessed the man who trusted in the Lord and put his confidence in Him. He would be like a tree planted by the water who had deep roots in the spirit. That man would not fear when trials came.
God rebuked them for bringing in loads of merchandise into Jerusalem during the Sabbath. God was trying to keep his picture pure. The Sabbath has to do with the day of rest or the millennium of rest. There will be no work during that day. This was to be a reminder of what was ahead and when they didn’t honor the Sabbath, God was upset not only because they messed up his picture but because their hearts were bent on doing what they wanted to do.
God sent Jeremiah down to the potter’s house to show him a picture and give him a message for Judah. As he watched the potter form the vessel on his wheel, the Lord showed him that the clay is the people and he is the potter who had wanted to make them a vessel he could use but instead, they were marred as the pot in the hands of the potter was. He would have to reshape them through adversity since they refused to be molded into God’s plan.
Paul was teaching the Thessalonians the same principle. In the New Testament being molded was called sanctification. They were to be sanctified by avoiding sexual immorality, leading a quiet life and minding their own business. By their work ethics they were to win the respect of outsiders. Paul warned them that just like in Jeremiah when the false prophets were saying peace, peace, the end would come. Only those listening to the Holy Spirit would be ready.
Lord, help us to be ready for whatever trial or test you bring us. Sanctify us with your Word.
God gave Judah a list of their offenses over and over again. Their sin had become so deep it had engraved itself in their hearts. God cursed the person who trusted in man for his strength and turned from the Lord. He would not be capable of being blessed when prosperity came but would live in a desert place. God blessed the man who trusted in the Lord and put his confidence in Him. He would be like a tree planted by the water who had deep roots in the spirit. That man would not fear when trials came.
God rebuked them for bringing in loads of merchandise into Jerusalem during the Sabbath. God was trying to keep his picture pure. The Sabbath has to do with the day of rest or the millennium of rest. There will be no work during that day. This was to be a reminder of what was ahead and when they didn’t honor the Sabbath, God was upset not only because they messed up his picture but because their hearts were bent on doing what they wanted to do.
God sent Jeremiah down to the potter’s house to show him a picture and give him a message for Judah. As he watched the potter form the vessel on his wheel, the Lord showed him that the clay is the people and he is the potter who had wanted to make them a vessel he could use but instead, they were marred as the pot in the hands of the potter was. He would have to reshape them through adversity since they refused to be molded into God’s plan.
Paul was teaching the Thessalonians the same principle. In the New Testament being molded was called sanctification. They were to be sanctified by avoiding sexual immorality, leading a quiet life and minding their own business. By their work ethics they were to win the respect of outsiders. Paul warned them that just like in Jeremiah when the false prophets were saying peace, peace, the end would come. Only those listening to the Holy Spirit would be ready.
Lord, help us to be ready for whatever trial or test you bring us. Sanctify us with your 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.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Wed.’s Devo - God’s Compassion
Read: Jeremiah 14:1-16:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:10-3:13; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 25;1-5
God told Jeremiah to tell the people that in spite of their disbelief that anything bad would happen to them, it was coming. The prophets that prophesied peace were exposed for being false. God would bring destruction and they would receive the thing they said would not happen. Even Moses and Samuel would not be able to change his mind. They would receive one of the four outcomes: death, war, starvation, or captivity. God would use four means to destroy and devour them: the sword, dogs, fowls of heaven, and the beasts of the earth.
God’s only compassion would be shown to the remnant. They would be sent to a foreign land but one day God would redeem them out of the hand of the tyrant of that land. When they went to the foreign land, they were not to marry or have children there. If they did, they would die a painful death and not be allowed to mourn or bury them. There will be no joy in that land and when people ask, why God is so hard on them they are to tell them that it was their fault. Their fathers had forsaken the Lord and they had done worse.
When the time of judgment was over, God would bring them back to Israel.
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to walk worthy of God. He lamented that he was not able to come himself, but sent Timothy to minister to them, establish them and comfort them concerning their faith.
Lord, may we be established and rooted firmly in You.
God told Jeremiah to tell the people that in spite of their disbelief that anything bad would happen to them, it was coming. The prophets that prophesied peace were exposed for being false. God would bring destruction and they would receive the thing they said would not happen. Even Moses and Samuel would not be able to change his mind. They would receive one of the four outcomes: death, war, starvation, or captivity. God would use four means to destroy and devour them: the sword, dogs, fowls of heaven, and the beasts of the earth.
God’s only compassion would be shown to the remnant. They would be sent to a foreign land but one day God would redeem them out of the hand of the tyrant of that land. When they went to the foreign land, they were not to marry or have children there. If they did, they would die a painful death and not be allowed to mourn or bury them. There will be no joy in that land and when people ask, why God is so hard on them they are to tell them that it was their fault. Their fathers had forsaken the Lord and they had done worse.
When the time of judgment was over, God would bring them back to Israel.
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to walk worthy of God. He lamented that he was not able to come himself, but sent Timothy to minister to them, establish them and comfort them concerning their faith.
Lord, may we be established and rooted firmly 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.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Tues.’s Devo - The Joy of Following Christ
Read: Jeremiah 12:1-14:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-29; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 24:30-34
Jeremiah was a prophet that God had do prophetic acts to give the people living pictures of what they looked like in God’s eyes and what he was doing. Jeremiah was to get a linen belt and hide it in the rocks. When he came back days later, he dug the belt out of the rocks and it was useless. The belt represented Israel who God was saying was useless to him because they had become so filthy in sin. God was going to expose their sin and punish them for them.
Paul commends the church of the Thessalonians for their love and endurance that had been an inspiration to them and other believers. They lived in a time of great persecution and suffering for their faith. Their joy in the midst of it had become a model for the other churches. Everyone had heard of their great faith. They came from a life of idols and sin to follow Christ. Paul recounted his hardship also. When the early believers became Christians, they gave up everything to become a follower. We have it really easy today. Our persecution may be a little rejection but nothing like they faced.
Lord, help us to realize that what we have in Christ is worth dying for, even if we never have to suffer the persecution that Paul and his followers did.
Jeremiah was a prophet that God had do prophetic acts to give the people living pictures of what they looked like in God’s eyes and what he was doing. Jeremiah was to get a linen belt and hide it in the rocks. When he came back days later, he dug the belt out of the rocks and it was useless. The belt represented Israel who God was saying was useless to him because they had become so filthy in sin. God was going to expose their sin and punish them for them.
Paul commends the church of the Thessalonians for their love and endurance that had been an inspiration to them and other believers. They lived in a time of great persecution and suffering for their faith. Their joy in the midst of it had become a model for the other churches. Everyone had heard of their great faith. They came from a life of idols and sin to follow Christ. Paul recounted his hardship also. When the early believers became Christians, they gave up everything to become a follower. We have it really easy today. Our persecution may be a little rejection but nothing like they faced.
Lord, help us to realize that what we have in Christ is worth dying for, even if we never have to suffer the persecution that Paul and his followers did.
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 8, 2018
Mon.’s Devo - Being Accountable
Read: Jeremiah 10:1-11:23; Colossians 3:18-4:18; Psalm 78:56-72; Proverbs 24:28-29
Jeremiah exposed the worthlessness of their idols that they fashioned out of wood and stone and decorated, then worshipped. God is a god that wasn’t made with human hands and can actually do something and yet they chose to worship the ones they could make themselves that had no power. Sin blinds the eyes of the sinner and clouds man’s decisions.
Isaiah counseled them to pack up and leave because they would not be able to stand in the siege.
God explained over and over to them why this was happening to them. It was not because God was mean but because they had disobeyed everything he told them and had chosen other gods who were not able to save them. It was not God’s fault this was happening, but theirs. God made it crystal clear.
In Colossians, Paul gives us commands so that our lives will go well for us. Wives were to submit to their husbands, husbands were to love their wives without bitterness, children were to obey their parents in all things and fathers were not to discipline in anger. Servants were to honor their bosses and all these things were to be done as if we were doing it to the Lord. But, there is a disclaimer that is worth knowing. Verse 25 says that if someone does wrong, he will receive the wrong which he has done. So if a wife is unfaithful, someone will be unfaithful to her. If a husband is abusive, he will be abused. If a son is rebellious and disrespectful, it will be done to him. Everyone is going to be held accountable for their actions and what is sown will be reaped. I hope that that is a comfort to you if you have been on the side of being abused or disrespected. God sees everything that is going on on the earth and he may be slow in bringing retribution, but he is sure.
Lord, your heart is that all repent and receive forgiveness and mercy and that is our prayer. I pray for healing to all of our hearts that have been bruised or wounded and that God would make every crooked path straight.
Jeremiah exposed the worthlessness of their idols that they fashioned out of wood and stone and decorated, then worshipped. God is a god that wasn’t made with human hands and can actually do something and yet they chose to worship the ones they could make themselves that had no power. Sin blinds the eyes of the sinner and clouds man’s decisions.
Isaiah counseled them to pack up and leave because they would not be able to stand in the siege.
God explained over and over to them why this was happening to them. It was not because God was mean but because they had disobeyed everything he told them and had chosen other gods who were not able to save them. It was not God’s fault this was happening, but theirs. God made it crystal clear.
In Colossians, Paul gives us commands so that our lives will go well for us. Wives were to submit to their husbands, husbands were to love their wives without bitterness, children were to obey their parents in all things and fathers were not to discipline in anger. Servants were to honor their bosses and all these things were to be done as if we were doing it to the Lord. But, there is a disclaimer that is worth knowing. Verse 25 says that if someone does wrong, he will receive the wrong which he has done. So if a wife is unfaithful, someone will be unfaithful to her. If a husband is abusive, he will be abused. If a son is rebellious and disrespectful, it will be done to him. Everyone is going to be held accountable for their actions and what is sown will be reaped. I hope that that is a comfort to you if you have been on the side of being abused or disrespected. God sees everything that is going on on the earth and he may be slow in bringing retribution, but he is sure.
Lord, your heart is that all repent and receive forgiveness and mercy and that is our prayer. I pray for healing to all of our hearts that have been bruised or wounded and that God would make every crooked path straight.
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 7, 2018
Sun.’s Devo - God’s Ways
Read: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27
The people of Israel’s response to Isaiah’s rebukes were that they were wise because they had the law of God. Isaiah countered that they may have God’s laws but they had taken them and twisted them to feed their fancy. They had told the people that there would be peace in the land so God was going to give their wives to other men and the land to other people. Snakes would bite them, there would be no healing for their wounds -physical, spiritual or emotional. Their friends would deceive one another and there would be no one who was truthful. Death would come to many of them with no way of escape. God would punish everyone who was not a true follower of his law.
Paul encourages us to come up higher and see our lives from God’s perspective. Set our heart on the things he has set his heart on. We are to live compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to forgive one another and put on love which makes us one.
Psalms 78 laments over the sin of Israel. It says that the only way they would turn back is if he slew them. He only did this after time after time of forgiveness and restraint. When his bowl was full of their sin, it finally tipped and he had to bring judgment. God would rather choose mercy over judgment, but he will do whatever it takes to bring his children home - even judgment.
The people of Israel’s response to Isaiah’s rebukes were that they were wise because they had the law of God. Isaiah countered that they may have God’s laws but they had taken them and twisted them to feed their fancy. They had told the people that there would be peace in the land so God was going to give their wives to other men and the land to other people. Snakes would bite them, there would be no healing for their wounds -physical, spiritual or emotional. Their friends would deceive one another and there would be no one who was truthful. Death would come to many of them with no way of escape. God would punish everyone who was not a true follower of his law.
Paul encourages us to come up higher and see our lives from God’s perspective. Set our heart on the things he has set his heart on. We are to live compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to forgive one another and put on love which makes us one.
Psalms 78 laments over the sin of Israel. It says that the only way they would turn back is if he slew them. He only did this after time after time of forgiveness and restraint. When his bowl was full of their sin, it finally tipped and he had to bring judgment. God would rather choose mercy over judgment, but he will do whatever it takes to bring his children home - even judgment.
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 6, 2018
Sat.’s Devo. -The Temple of The Lord
Read: Jeremiah 6:15-8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 8:8-9:26
Isaiah rebuked the prophets and the priests because they were not even ashamed of their blatant sins. God told them to seek the good way - His way that is full of righteous deeds and purity of heart. Isaiah begged them to look to the future and see the army that was going to rush in and take them. He still cried out for them to repent and trust him. They believed that because they lived in the city where the temple of God was that it would save them and God wouldn’t let it be destroyed.. God was the one who was sending their enemies against him and he wasn’t concerned about the temple. The temple was never a building but a concept. The temple of the Lord was in heaven but it was going to come down to earth in the man of Jesus Christ whose blood would enable that temple to be in us.
God said that if the people would repent and start treating the widow, the orphan and the poor with compassion, he would allow them to stay in their land. He reminded them of his promises to bless them if they would have obeyed him. They had chosen to worship idols so their bones would be not even be buried and the ones in the grave would be uprooted to dry in the sun. This was a great curse because they were very concerned about where their bones were buried. Joseph made his people swear that they wouldn’t let his stay in Egypt but be carried to the promised land and buried there.
Paul warned the Colossians not to be fooled by false teachers with false doctrine but to hold fast to the truth. God had ordained many feast and moon days as a type of what was to come. They were not to be worshipped; they all pointed to Christ who was to be worshipped.
Our Psalm gives us the way to keep us trusting the Lord as a nation; parents are to teach their children about God. Then their children will teach their children and so on and so on. We are living in a time when so many of the millennials don’t see the need to go to church which is sad because no one is teaching their children about God. Thank God for grand parents. I pray that revival will come to the millennials. We need them in the Body.
Lord, help us to know the truth and may the truth set us and our nation free.
Isaiah rebuked the prophets and the priests because they were not even ashamed of their blatant sins. God told them to seek the good way - His way that is full of righteous deeds and purity of heart. Isaiah begged them to look to the future and see the army that was going to rush in and take them. He still cried out for them to repent and trust him. They believed that because they lived in the city where the temple of God was that it would save them and God wouldn’t let it be destroyed.. God was the one who was sending their enemies against him and he wasn’t concerned about the temple. The temple was never a building but a concept. The temple of the Lord was in heaven but it was going to come down to earth in the man of Jesus Christ whose blood would enable that temple to be in us.
God said that if the people would repent and start treating the widow, the orphan and the poor with compassion, he would allow them to stay in their land. He reminded them of his promises to bless them if they would have obeyed him. They had chosen to worship idols so their bones would be not even be buried and the ones in the grave would be uprooted to dry in the sun. This was a great curse because they were very concerned about where their bones were buried. Joseph made his people swear that they wouldn’t let his stay in Egypt but be carried to the promised land and buried there.
Paul warned the Colossians not to be fooled by false teachers with false doctrine but to hold fast to the truth. God had ordained many feast and moon days as a type of what was to come. They were not to be worshipped; they all pointed to Christ who was to be worshipped.
Our Psalm gives us the way to keep us trusting the Lord as a nation; parents are to teach their children about God. Then their children will teach their children and so on and so on. We are living in a time when so many of the millennials don’t see the need to go to church which is sad because no one is teaching their children about God. Thank God for grand parents. I pray that revival will come to the millennials. We need them in the Body.
Lord, help us to know the truth and may the truth set us and our nation free.
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 5, 2018
Fri.’s Devo - Right Judgements
Read: Jeremiah 4:19-6:14; Colossians 1:21-2:7 Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25
One verse gives us a clear picture of what is going on in the land. “I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.” God did everything to bless them yet they were totally unfaithful to him. They never thought God would actually call them to account for their sins but God did. God was going to bring a foreign nation against them that would not speak their language but be ruthless warriors.
Isaiah listed some of their offenses. They forgot that God had created them and the earth and was over all. They were unfair in their courts of law and didn’t defend the fatherless or the poor. The prophets were false ones and prophesied lies. The priests didn’t rule according to God’s laws but according to their own. God gave a warning for his covenant people to flee for safety even though he knew no one would listen. As for Jerusalem, she had to be punished.
In Colossians, Paul tells them of two mysteries. The first is that Christ is in us and this is the hope of glory. The other is the mystery of God which is Christ himself. Christ was God on earth and in him was hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
God is very serious about right and fair judgments. Even our Proverbs talks about the importance of judging impartially and it even says that it will go well with you if you convict the guilty.
One verse gives us a clear picture of what is going on in the land. “I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.” God did everything to bless them yet they were totally unfaithful to him. They never thought God would actually call them to account for their sins but God did. God was going to bring a foreign nation against them that would not speak their language but be ruthless warriors.
Isaiah listed some of their offenses. They forgot that God had created them and the earth and was over all. They were unfair in their courts of law and didn’t defend the fatherless or the poor. The prophets were false ones and prophesied lies. The priests didn’t rule according to God’s laws but according to their own. God gave a warning for his covenant people to flee for safety even though he knew no one would listen. As for Jerusalem, she had to be punished.
In Colossians, Paul tells them of two mysteries. The first is that Christ is in us and this is the hope of glory. The other is the mystery of God which is Christ himself. Christ was God on earth and in him was hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
God is very serious about right and fair judgments. Even our Proverbs talks about the importance of judging impartially and it even says that it will go well with you if you convict the guilty.
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 4, 2018
Thurs.’s Devo - God is Faithful
Read: Jeremiah 3:1-4:31; Colossians 1:1-20; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22
God relates Israel and Judah to unfaithful wives who he divorced and sent away. In God’s great mercy, he called them back to him and told him that he would not be angry forever. He wanted to heal their backsliding if they would let him. God was giving them plenty of warning because if they didn’t return to him, he was going to bring great destruction. A destroyer would come and cleanse the land of the people who refused to repent. It would be so bad that the heart of the king would faint from fear and even the priests and the prophets would be shocked and amazed. The whole land would become desolate but God would not totally destroy it.
The letter to the church at Colossi is so different from the other church letters. Paul addressed them as the faithful brethren and gave them no rebuke, only encouragement in how to keep walking in maturity and love. Paul told them of the mystery of the gospel which is the fact that Christ is in us which makes us the visible manifestation of the glory of God on the earth.
Lord, help us to be faithful to you.
God relates Israel and Judah to unfaithful wives who he divorced and sent away. In God’s great mercy, he called them back to him and told him that he would not be angry forever. He wanted to heal their backsliding if they would let him. God was giving them plenty of warning because if they didn’t return to him, he was going to bring great destruction. A destroyer would come and cleanse the land of the people who refused to repent. It would be so bad that the heart of the king would faint from fear and even the priests and the prophets would be shocked and amazed. The whole land would become desolate but God would not totally destroy it.
The letter to the church at Colossi is so different from the other church letters. Paul addressed them as the faithful brethren and gave them no rebuke, only encouragement in how to keep walking in maturity and love. Paul told them of the mystery of the gospel which is the fact that Christ is in us which makes us the visible manifestation of the glory of God on the earth.
Lord, help us to be faithful 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.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Wed.’s Devo - Turn Back
Read: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20
God spoke against the rebellious people of Judah. They had complained about Israel’s idolatry and now they had invited idolatry into their land. They went after evil and chose it blatantly. They had repented with their mouths during the reign of Josiah but now God was calling them to make an account of their actions.
God sent Isaiah to Israel to tell them to repent and turn back to him because he wanted to heal them. God had given Israel a certificate of divorcement but he was calling them back to be married to him. All he wanted Israel to do is to acknowledge their guilt and repent.
God dreamed of having sons and daughters that would love him. He had so much in store for them: a desirable land and the most beautiful inheritance of any nation. He thought they would call him “Father”, but instead they were unfaithful. Still, God called out to them to come home.
Because they refused to listen, disaster and judgement was coming. It was going to hurt God more than them.
In Colossi, Paul writes a letter of grace and peace. He is so proud of them and their love for one another and because of their faith in Jesus. Paul’s prayer for them is that they be filled with revelation of what God has in store for them and that they may bear fruit in all their works. He prays that they would grow in their knowledge of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Then Paul gets caught up in worship of God from verse 15-20. It is a great prayer or praise to our Father who through Jesus has made a way that we may have peace with God.
Lord, your judgements are right and holy. May we repent as your people and as your nation and turn to you with our whole heart.
God spoke against the rebellious people of Judah. They had complained about Israel’s idolatry and now they had invited idolatry into their land. They went after evil and chose it blatantly. They had repented with their mouths during the reign of Josiah but now God was calling them to make an account of their actions.
God sent Isaiah to Israel to tell them to repent and turn back to him because he wanted to heal them. God had given Israel a certificate of divorcement but he was calling them back to be married to him. All he wanted Israel to do is to acknowledge their guilt and repent.
God dreamed of having sons and daughters that would love him. He had so much in store for them: a desirable land and the most beautiful inheritance of any nation. He thought they would call him “Father”, but instead they were unfaithful. Still, God called out to them to come home.
Because they refused to listen, disaster and judgement was coming. It was going to hurt God more than them.
In Colossi, Paul writes a letter of grace and peace. He is so proud of them and their love for one another and because of their faith in Jesus. Paul’s prayer for them is that they be filled with revelation of what God has in store for them and that they may bear fruit in all their works. He prays that they would grow in their knowledge of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Then Paul gets caught up in worship of God from verse 15-20. It is a great prayer or praise to our Father who through Jesus has made a way that we may have peace with God.
Lord, your judgements are right and holy. May we repent as your people and as your nation and turn to you with our whole heart.
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 2, 2018
Tues.’s Devo - The New Heaven and the New Earth
Read: Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:4B-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16
This is the last chapter of Isaiah which means that it relates to the end of Revelation in the New Testament. God gives his measurement by which he will judge the earth. He will esteem the ones who are humble (depressed, in mind or circumstances, afflicted, lowly, needy, poor) and contrite (maimed or dejected) in spirit and those who fearfully reverence his Word.
But the proud and all their sacrifices will be counted as abominations against them. Since they refused to answer God when he called and wouldn’t listen when he spoke, the thing that they fear the most will happen to them. All the people who hated God’s people will be put to shame and get what they deserve.
Zion, the redeemed of the Lord, will witness the birth of a new nation and all of the promises God has ever given about Israel and God’s chosen people will happen over night. God will gather the people of the nations together to Jerusalem and all will see the glory of the Lord. God will bring his new heavens and new earth. It will be everlasting life to some and death to others.
Paul, in Philippians gives us his pedigree of fleshly honors and then says that they are nothing in comparison to knowing Christ. He reminds us of the end of the ungodly and earthly, but our citizenship is in heaven.
Lord, help us to live today remembering that our citizenship is in heaven and not on this earth.
This is the last chapter of Isaiah which means that it relates to the end of Revelation in the New Testament. God gives his measurement by which he will judge the earth. He will esteem the ones who are humble (depressed, in mind or circumstances, afflicted, lowly, needy, poor) and contrite (maimed or dejected) in spirit and those who fearfully reverence his Word.
But the proud and all their sacrifices will be counted as abominations against them. Since they refused to answer God when he called and wouldn’t listen when he spoke, the thing that they fear the most will happen to them. All the people who hated God’s people will be put to shame and get what they deserve.
Zion, the redeemed of the Lord, will witness the birth of a new nation and all of the promises God has ever given about Israel and God’s chosen people will happen over night. God will gather the people of the nations together to Jerusalem and all will see the glory of the Lord. God will bring his new heavens and new earth. It will be everlasting life to some and death to others.
Paul, in Philippians gives us his pedigree of fleshly honors and then says that they are nothing in comparison to knowing Christ. He reminds us of the end of the ungodly and earthly, but our citizenship is in heaven.
Lord, help us to live today remembering that our citizenship is in heaven and not on this 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.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Mon.’s Devo - A Righteous Generation
Read: Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:4A; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14
The “watchmen upon the walls” were symbolic of prophets. God was saying that he was not going to let them stop prophesying until everything God wanted to do, got done. Prophets speak into what God wants manifested on the earth. They give the destiny of God’s plan.
God said that he was not going to bless the enemies of God’s people anymore. God was going to lift up his standard in the earth and judge the wicked. What God was going to do then is what He is doing now because he has decided that it is time. It is not our righteousness that is causing this to happen but his timing and determination to bring a change to the earth.
In Isaiah, God was coming to judge the earth and tread the winepress. There was no righteous remnant so God had to do it himself. God had chosen Abraham because he saw a righteous seed, but the seed had become so corrupt he was now going to judge it. Isaiah begged the Lord to come down and render a verdict on the earth. He stood up for the remnant and prayed repentance and mercy. He saw the state of Jerusalem and lamented at its condition. The state of Israel was a picture of Israel’s heart.
In Isaiah 65:1 God spoke of the Gentile nation that would seek him when Israel rejected him. God suffered long for Israel only to have them turn to other gods. He rejected that generation but promised to preserve a small seed that would one day return to him and he would be able to bless and see his promises fulfilled through.
In Philippians, Paul said that he never tires of helping them grow in their faith, even if he had to tell them the same thing over and over. He summed up all he had said in the past in a few statements: rejoice in the Lord (praise is always a good thing to do), beware of the devil and the people he used to bring division and be humble.
It is God who does anything worthwhile in our lives. We owe him all the glory and honor.
Lord, help us to be a righteous generation that would please you and bring you joy.
The “watchmen upon the walls” were symbolic of prophets. God was saying that he was not going to let them stop prophesying until everything God wanted to do, got done. Prophets speak into what God wants manifested on the earth. They give the destiny of God’s plan.
God said that he was not going to bless the enemies of God’s people anymore. God was going to lift up his standard in the earth and judge the wicked. What God was going to do then is what He is doing now because he has decided that it is time. It is not our righteousness that is causing this to happen but his timing and determination to bring a change to the earth.
In Isaiah, God was coming to judge the earth and tread the winepress. There was no righteous remnant so God had to do it himself. God had chosen Abraham because he saw a righteous seed, but the seed had become so corrupt he was now going to judge it. Isaiah begged the Lord to come down and render a verdict on the earth. He stood up for the remnant and prayed repentance and mercy. He saw the state of Jerusalem and lamented at its condition. The state of Israel was a picture of Israel’s heart.
In Isaiah 65:1 God spoke of the Gentile nation that would seek him when Israel rejected him. God suffered long for Israel only to have them turn to other gods. He rejected that generation but promised to preserve a small seed that would one day return to him and he would be able to bless and see his promises fulfilled through.
In Philippians, Paul said that he never tires of helping them grow in their faith, even if he had to tell them the same thing over and over. He summed up all he had said in the past in a few statements: rejoice in the Lord (praise is always a good thing to do), beware of the devil and the people he used to bring division and be humble.
It is God who does anything worthwhile in our lives. We owe him all the glory and honor.
Lord, help us to be a righteous generation that would please you and bring you joy.
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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