Mon.’s Devo - Arise and Shine

Read: Isaiah 60:1-62:5; Philippians 1:27-2:18; Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 24:11-12
Today’s reading in Isaiah is a word for us today. It says to arise and let your light shine. There is much deception and darkness on the earth but it is the time for the Church of Jesus Christ to stand up and let her light be seen. God is doing a work all over the earth and even in places like Hollywood and Washington D.C.. God promised to give the wealth of the world into the hands of his people who will be able to use it to bless the world with new inventions, creative ideas, better education, medicines that heal, the gospel that is relevant and personal, and science that reveals the glory of the Lord. We are the hope for the world and all its problems. We are not rapturing out of here any time soon. We are here to bring God’s kingdom down to earth and manifest the goodness and the kindness of God.
We have been called and anointed to preach the good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. The vengeance of the Lord is for another day.
God has promised to give us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair. The nations will see our righteousness and no longer see us as forsaken but they will honor us because we carry the favor of the Lord.
Philippians tells us how to do this. When the Church is exalted in the eyes of the world, it is important that we represent Christ in a way that is worthy of him. Jesus didn’t do anything for his own exaltation or name, but humbly laid down his life for us. We have to have the same attitude. All our gifts are to help others, not to bring us glory. Everything we do and know came from God and it was given to us to bless the nations so that He will be glorified. Our reward is waiting for us in heaven.
Lord, may the whole earth be filled with your glory and may this be displayed through your people.

Sun.’s Devo - Living for Eternity

Read: Isaiah 57:14-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10
In Chapter 58, God tells them why they ended up where they were. They had been exiled to Egypt and Babylon because they sinned and turned away from God and his promises for them. They had ended up in the curses instead of the blessings.
Now go back to Chapter 57 and God says that it was time to build them up because he was preparing a road for them to come back to him. He told them to remove all the stumbling blocks that they had that might keep them from receiving their deliverance and healing. God told Isaiah to let his voice be like a trumpet to declare to the people their rebellion and sins. In their man-made ways of seeking the Lord, they had not found him. Fasting was a ritual they used to get God’s attention but He explained to them that this was not working because they were still not loving and taking care of one another. Love for one another shows we have a heart for God.
God said that when they started caring for one another and laying down their lives, His light would start rising in their lives. The walls of salvation would be built and the road to God would be repaired.
God was giving them years to prepare for the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus. Isaiah’s message was the same message as John’s: Repent for the kingdom of God is near.
Today we begin reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The theme of his message to them is all about joy which is such a testimony because Paul was writing to them while he was in prison in Rome. His joy came in knowing that he was right where he was suppose to be doing exactly what he was suppose to be doing.
Paul’s joy also came because of the news he heard of them. The church had started out with a few people. They had to meet outside of town by a river because they needed 10 to form a minion and get the authority to meet in town.
Paul’s dilemma was wanting to go to heaven but knowing that his work on earth would be over if he did. We are building up stories that we will be able to talk about in heaven for eternity. We are also making connections with people that what we said or did on earth made a road for them to come to heaven or at least removed some of their roadblocks.
Paul realized that everything we do on earth matters in eternity and it is the only thing that matters.
Lord, help us to live our lives today as if we are affecting someones eternity.

Sat.’s Devo - Restoration and Joy

Read: Isaiah 54:1-57:13; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 24:8
Todays reading reads like a cymbal being clanged, or whatever you do to cymbals. It is a loud and joyful declaration of reversals from sorrow to joy. Instead of lack, there will be abundance. Instead of fear and disgrace, there will be hope and acceptance. God’s rebuke turns to peace and comfort.
God called the weary to rest, and the poor to his table to remind them of his everlasting covenant with them. He called all the sinners and those that were hungry to turn to him and be forgiven. He reminded them that his thoughts were not their thoughts. They would have not been able to imagine how gracious God was and how he would turn everything around for them. He would always perform his Word.
When I read Chapter 28, I always get the mental picture of the cartoon version of Cinderella with all the birds making her dress and all creation making sure she was the most beautiful of all. This is my version of what is happening here. God is using all creation to bless his people. He is gathering the exiles to him and giving them a new home, a new name and a new glory.
It is also a time to punish those who were enemies of God and his people. The false gods and idols are exposed and those that worshipped them in secret are revealed. When God’s people are exalted, evil is exposed and judged.
In Ephesians God deals with our relationship with people. We love God by loving his children. We honor God by honoring the ones he has put in authority over us. We treat others the way God treats us.
He reminds us that our struggle is not with people, but the spirits that are controlling them. That is a hard one to remember at times, but it is revelation when we do. It is the only way we can love some people.
Paul commands us to put on the full armor of God so that when the day comes that we need it, we will be ready. We never know what day we are going to be attacked, so we always need to walk in the truth of the Word, have a heart of righteousness, and be ready to give our testimony of salvation. Our minds are to carry the thoughts of God, we need to know how to proclaim God’s Word against the enemy and our faith needs to be active. We cannot afford to go asleep spiritually or take the day off. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life, it just means that we take Jesus with us in everything we do.
Lord, we choose to walk in your ways, having your thoughts and enjoying your presence, today.

Fri.’s Devo - Putting on Strength

Read: Isaiah 51:1-53:12; Ephesians 5:1-33; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 24:7
God was offering hope for the refugees from Babylon who were coming back to Jerusalem. He told them to clothe themselves with strength as if it was something we can put on. Imagine yourself, when you are overwhelmed with life putting on the garment of strength. That is exactly what he was telling Israel to do. Then he reminded them of all he had done for them in the past. He had made a road in the middle of a sea just so that his people, his redeemed, could cross over. He made that same road for us through the cross in order for us to cross over from death into life.
Then, he reminded them of their present. He was the one who comforts them right now. He is the one who is with us right now, this very moment, in whatever we are facing.
Then, he reminded them of their future and what he was going to do. The ones they were afraid of, God had already planned their demise. They would die in their own dungeons. God was sending a redeemer who would act wisely and shut the mouths of kings. He gave us the perfect description of Jesus. Through his suffering he would heal us and deliver us and bear our sin.
This is how we “put on strength”. We remember what God has done for us in the past, practice his presence with us right now and reflect on what his promises are for our future.
In Ephesians, Paul gives us some very positive advise: imitate the life that Jesus lived, love people, be thankful, walk in the light, choose things that produce life, make the most of your time, always rejoice in the goodness of God. If we concern ourselves with the positives we won’t be tempted by the negatives. As wives, we are to respect and submit to our husbands as a picture of the churches’ submission to Jesus. Husbands are to love their wives as a picture of how Jesus loves us.
Lord, today we will rise up and clothe ourselves with your strength. We will shake off the dust and free ourselves from the chains of bondage and lies. We will walk rejoicing and giving thanks for all you have done for us and who you are to us.

Thurs.’s Devo - Hope for Deliverance

Read: Isaiah 48:12-50:11; Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 24:5-6
The Lord sent out a call for his people to listen to him. He is the only one who can tell them what he is about to do. Their magic and false gods cannot predict what was about to happen to Babylon. God is the one who teaches us what is best for us and directs us in the way we should go. God is the only one who has the master plan.
He told his people to leave Babylon because it was about to fall. God would be with them on their journey out just like he lead his people safely out of Egypt.
We cannot get ourselves into so much trouble that the Lord cannot deliver us out of it.
God tells them to leave joyfully with singing and comfort because God had never left them and was not going to desert them now. He has engraved us on the palm of his hand. He even promises that all our offspring will come back to us, meaning that the prodigals will come home to the Lord.
God gives us a great promise to hold on to: “those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” God also promises to contend with those who contend with us. The ones who trust in their own light will die to awake in torment.
Paul reminds the Ephesians not to live as the ungodly do. They go after the passions of their soul which leaves them empty and craving for more. We don’t live by our old sinful nature, but we have the mind of Christ. Our new man is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This new attitude makes us speak the truth, love our neighbor and not give in to anger. Our mouths are for edifying and building up one another. We are to walk in kindness, compassion and forgiveness to all just as Christ is kind, compassionate and forgiving toward us.
Lord, may we think your thoughts today and do your works.

Wed.’s Devo - The Beauty of the Body

Read: Isaiah 45:11-48:11; Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalm 68:19-35; Proverbs 24:3-4
Isaiah continues speaking for the Lord. He is proclaiming what is to come and rebukes them for questioning him about his plans. He was going to raise up Cyrus, non-Jewish king of Persia in His righteousness. He would use him to rebuild Jerusalem for no selfish gain.
The Gentile nations would come to Jerusalem and bow down before God proclaiming that there is no other God. Israel would be saved by the Lord and never be disgraced again. Babylon would be brought down and not one of their prophets could foretell this. Only God who knows the end from the beginning could predict the fall of Babylon and the rise of Israel. None of their sorcery or horoscopes or their occult worship could see this nor would it be able to save them when God sends disaster upon them. Even Israel will be surprised when they see God’s redemption for them. God declared that he will have a bride and he will have his children.
In Revelation, Babylon is the last kingdom to fall. Babylon stands for Satan’s kingdom. It is an invisible kingdom of evil that permeates our society. It is the thought behind political correctness, religion, transgender, envy, strife, abortion, you name it. One day, God will say, “Enough” and it will all come crashing down.
Paul urges us to walk in our calling and to do everything we can to walk in unity with those who are of the same Spirit.
When Jesus died he went down to Sheol and led those who lived by faith with him to heaven. He gave the Church the gift of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers so that the body could carry on his work. He was all of these in one man, but he dispersed himself so that everyone would work together knowing that they needed what each other had. These gifts keep us from being tossed about by every crazy doctrine that comes along. These gifts operating in the body keep us on track with Jesus as our head. They are what make us a complete body.
Lord, help us to be the part of the body we are made to be. Help the body grow to be strong and healthy with balance and purpose. May we always look to Christ as our head and love one another.

Tues.’s Devo - Great Promises

Read: Isaiah 43:14-45:10; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2
God was gathering his people back to Jerusalem from Babylon and wherever they had been dispersed. It was not a time to dwell on the past and all their sadness and regrets. It was a time to look forward to what God was doing then. He was doing something he had never done before and he did not want them to miss it.
Nothing they had done had pleased the Lord because their hearts had been so far from God. God dealt with his rebellious ones but saved a remnant and they were the remnant. God was going to blot out all their offenses and choose to forget all their sins. He was going to pour out his Spirit on their descendants and bless their offspring. They would grow up knowing that God was their father and they belonged to him.
Isaiah gave the example of wood to show the folly of man’s understanding apart from God. With one piece of a tree they cut for firewood and it kept them warm in the winter. With another they carved it into an image and bowed down to it as if it had power. It was utterly ridiculous and silly but that is the way of deception. Why would a person worship a piece of bark when they could worship the one who made the tree. Truly men’s eyes are blinded to the truth when the truth makes much more sense than the lie.
God called the people of Israel and gave them a title of honor though they didn’t acknowledge him. He also strengthened them to show the world that their was no other god besides the Lord.
In Ephesians Paul explains one of the mysteries of God’s grace. It was that the Gentiles were also heirs together with Israel. This mystery was not made known to other generations but now it was being revealed. Paul was privileged to be one of the ones to bring this good news to the Gentiles and invite them into the family. Through the Church, God would show his wisdom to the heavenly rulers and authorities. That is an awesome thought!
Our sufferings are all for God’s glory. God’s love for us surpasses our ability to understand. What he has planned for us goes beyond what we can even imagine.
Lord, may we join in the Psalms and sing praise to your name and be joyful in You.

Mon.’s Devo - The Promise of a Deliverer

Read: Isaiah 41:17-43:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 23:29-35
Isaiah was speaking to the exiles from Babylon. He predicted physical water that God will give them and spiritual water that God would bring them through his son. He challenged those that still worshipped idols to tell them the future events or to do some great miracle that they may fear their idols. He summed it up in saying that those idols were worthless and whoever chooses them were detestable.
Isaiah prophesied of a deliverer who would rise from the north. He would obtain absolute rule over the other nations . He would bring justice on the earth. None of the soothsayers or false prophets had seen this happening because God wasn’t letting them see it. But his true prophet had the message. This deliverer he was referring to was Cyrus who God would put upon his heart to go and rebuild Jerusalem. Cyrus was a type of Jesus, the ultimate deliverer who would rebuild spiritual Jerusalem in the hearts of all who called upon him. Jesus would conquer every ruler and become the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Cyrus would not come to power for another 150 years and Jesus would not come to earth for another 750 years but God has everything planned and lets us know ahead of time so we will prepare our hearts to receive what he is sending and so that we will recognize it when it comes and give God the glory.
It was the Lord who had turned them over to be plundered and it was the Lord that would restore them to glory and power. God would gather his people together again and make them a powerful nation as they are today.
In Ephesians we learn that we are no longer a slave to our sinful nature but we have been given the nature of God. Paul tells us not to forget what we once were - separated from Christ. But now we are not separated from Christ but we have been brought near to God. He is our peace and we have access to him as a son and daughter. God is building in us the temple of his Holy Spirit.
Lord, let us live overcoming victorious lives today through your grace.

Sun.’s Devo - Promise of Peace

Read: Isaiah 39:1-41:16; Ephesians 1:1-23; Psalm 66:1-20; Proverbs 23:25-28
Merodach-Baladan, the son of the king of Babylon had heard about Hezekiah’s near death illness and of his recovery and sent men with letters and gifts from Babylon. Merodach-Beladan means “Baal is lord” and “rebellion”. That should have been a big clue to Hezekiah, but Hezekiah had lost his way because of his pride. He showed them all his treasures in his palace. When they left, Isaiah came to see Hezekiah and asked him about his visitors. He told Isaiah where they were from and what he showed them. Isaiah proclaimed that all they saw would one day be theirs and Hezekiah’s own flesh and blood would be taken captive to Babylon and be made unuchs.
Hezekiah’s response was that it was good, meaning that it was good that all that wouldn’t happen while he was alive. This shows how far Hezekiah’s heart was from being a king who watched over the good of his family and his kingdom.
Then Isaiah sent out a message to the people that loved the Lord. He told them to have peace and comfort because God had seen all the hard things they had gone through and the time of sorrow was over. Their sins have been payed for. God was going to send his prophet, John the Baptist who would pave the way for the Messiah His message would be that all men are like grass that are here today and gone tomorrow. He would point the people to be able to see God as their shepherd who has gently led them.
The nations are like pieces in a jig saw puzzle that God puts where he wants them to be. He raises up leaders and puts them down at his will. Men make idols from wood that rots and is dead. They worship intimate objects thinking they have power to do something. They choose wood over spirit and death over life.
The great creator of the heavens and the earth gives strength to the weary and power to the weak. He also makes the powerful weak and turns mountains to dust. God chose Israel and Jacob to be his people and he will raise them back to greatness and glory for his name’s sake.
Just as God chose Israel and Jacob to be his own, he chose the Gentile Church to be adopted as his sons. He decided all this before Genesis, before he created the world. We were chosen and sealed with the Holy Spirit to be his possession to give praise to his glory.
Our prayer will be Paul’s prayer for us, that the eyes of our heart might be enlightened in order that we might know the hope he has called us to and the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Sat.’s Devo - God is Sovereign

Read: Isaiah 37:1-38:22; Galatians 6:1-18; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 23:24
When the news of what the field commander had threatened Jerusalem with reached Hezekiah, he also tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple to pray. He sent his three messengers to find Isaiah and bring him to the temple. This was the right response to fear and confusion. Seek God and find others who can hear what God has to say.
Isaiah sent word to Hezekiah not to fear because God was going to put a spirit in Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, and he would hear a report that would cause him to go home where he would be killed in his own country. It happened just as Isaiah said it would. Assyria started fighting somewhere else but before the army left Jerusalem the field commander sent word that they would return to destroy them. They were not to think that their God would be able to save them against their army because none of the other gods of the other countries could save them.
Hezekiah took this letter and spread it on the floor in the temple to pray over it. Isaiah sent word to Hezekiah that God had not been blind to all the damage the king of Assyria had done on the earth and all the blasphemy he had spoken against the Lord. But, long ago, God had planned that Sennacherib would put to shame those nations. But now it was his turn to be judged and God would drag him back to his home where he would deal with him there. As for Hezekiah and Jerusalem, God would redeem a remnant of survivors that would prosper and bear fruit. Sennacherib would not enter Jerusalem or harm it in any way. God would defend Jerusalem.
That night the angel of the Lord went out and put 185,000 Assyrians to death. Sennecherib went home and was killed by his own men and his son, Esarhaddon became king.
Hezekiah acquired a fatal boil. God sent Isaiah to Hezekiah to tell him to get his house in order because he was about to die. Hezekiah cried out to the Lord reminding him of his faithfulness to the Lord and God granted him 15 more years. He should have spent them getting his house in order. We will read the rest tomorrow.
Paul told the Galatians to gently restore those who are caught in a sin and stay humble and teachable so it won’t happen to them also. He encouraged them not to grow weary in doing the right thing even if they don’t see the rewards right away; one day they would.
Paul addressed the issue of circumcision again. The pressure to get circumcised was great. If they did, they wouldn’t be persecuted and the religious people would boast in another proselyte. It was like the mark of the beast will be one day. It makes it easier to navigate on the earthly plane but cost you everything spiritually. We face our own pressures to conform to the guidelines of religion when you can not put God in a box with borders.
Lord, help us not to be conformed to this world or the world of religion, but teach us to live in the spiritual world of your kingdom.

Fri.’s Devo - Walking in the Fruit

Read: Isaiah 33:13-36:22; Galatians 5:13-26; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 23:23
God has something to say to everyone from the nations far away to the elect false teachers in Jerusalem. The bowl of iniquity had hit the tipping point and judgement was near. The righteous ones who spoke the truth, didn’t take dishonest gain, refused to hear murderous plans and turned away from evil would be fed and taken care of. God would be their king and their judge and they would live in peace and security. They would not be sick and their sins would be forgiven.
God called the rebellious nations to gather and listen to their fate. They would be destroyed in God’s anger because they refused to listen to his prophets or repent of their sins. Their nations would become desolate and the wild animals and birds would inhabit them.
In God’s Book of Life, all the names were written of those who chose him to be their father. They would also be gathered to him and they would see the land bloom and prosper for them. God called them to be strong and not fear because they would be saved and abundantly blessed. God would make a path for them that only they will be able to walk on and it would lead to his kingdom where there will be great joy and singing.
How appropriate that Isaiah would give such words of comfort for the remnant because they would need them in what they were about to face. The king of Assyrian came through the land of Judah capturing all the cities and now they had come to Jerusalem, the capital.
The Assyrian king sent his field commander to ask Hezekiah what he based his confidence in because they had defeated all the other nations of the earth. Their gods hadn’t been able to save them so why would Hezekiah think that their god would save them. He even went so far as to say that God had sent him to destroy them. He said this loudly and in the Hebrew language so that all of Hezekiah’s men could hear it. Eliakim, Shebna and Joah tried to get him to speak in Arabic so their men would not be intimidated but the field commander refused because he wanted to intimidate Hezekiah’s men so they would lose their confidence and their strength.
This is the devil’s tactic. He uses intimidation and fear. He also boldly testifies of what he had done in the past. That is why we have to remember what God has done in the past so we will not lose our confidence and dwell on what could happen instead of what God says will happen.
Eliakim, Shebna and Joah were greatly affected by the threats of the enemy and came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn to show their distress. Hezekiah’s men didn’t answer the field commander because they had been instructed not to. That is a good thing for us to remember. You cannot negotiate with the enemy; he is not worth the breath. To ignore his threats is the greatest insult to him. It shows that we aren’t putting any weight into his words. Our peace and security comes from God and his Word.
Paul makes it clear that grace was not given so we could sin and be forgiven. It was given so through love we could conquer the sinful nature that used to be ours. We now have a new nature which is the nature of God.
Paul gives 15 acts of the sinful nature that can be swallowed up by the 9 fruit of the Spirit. If we belong to Christ, then we have crucified our sinful nature to live in God’s Spirit which manifests love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Lord, may we walk in your fruit because we bear your nature.

Thurs.’s Devo - God’s Kingdom

Read: Isaiah 30:12-33:12; Galatians 5:1-12; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 23:22
The Jewish ambassadors had gone to Egypt to see if they would help them against the threat of the Assyrians. God rebuked them for going to Egypt for help instead of asking his help.
God’s message to his people was that they would find rest and salvation in repentance. He wanted them to quiet their spirits and trust in him and he would strengthen them. They panicked instead and ran off to Egypt.
It is our nature to want to fix things and DO something when God wants us to wait for him. He is gracious and compassionate.
He was waiting for his people to cry to him for help because he had a plan to speak to them and teach them truth. When they heard it they would throw away their idols. Then God will send rain for their harvest and their land would yield fruit and they would be prosperous once more.
God would burn up the Assyrians in his wrath. The ones who went to Egypt for help would die along with the Egyptians. But, the ones who waited in Jerusalem and repented would be shielded by the Lord and protected. The Assyrians would fight a war with God’s heavenly host. They would flee in fear and terror and those left behind would be put to forced labor. Their leader would return home alone.
God spoke of the day when Jesus would reign in righteousness. I always want to put this time in the millennium but it is also now. Jesus is ruling the earth and we, his people, are a shelter for people who are afraid. We are a refuge from the storm. The Church is like streams in the desert and the shadow of the great rock, Jesus, in this thirsty land.
Our eyes have been opened that we can see the things of God and understand their meaning because we have the Holy Spirit. God is bringing his justice to the earth and we will live in peace and security. Jesus is our sure foundation for our times. The fear of the Lord is the key to living in the kingdom.
Paul makes me laugh. He is so tired of the false teachers who are telling the Christians that they need to obey the law and get circumcised. He knows that if the believers fall for this law they will have to follow others and they will end up like the Pharisees before Christ came. His death would be in vain. Paul ends up saying that he wishes the teachers of that lie would just go all the way and emasculate themselves. That is what makes me laugh!
Lord, may we walk in the fear of you and in the security of your kingship. We honor your kingdom.

Wed.’s Devo - The Better Covenant

Read: Isaiah 28:14-30:11; Galatians 3:23-4:31; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 23:19-21
Hezekiah had made a covenant with the Assyrians and paid them tribute for peace. The people put their trust in this covenant. But, Hezekiah broke that covenant and stopped paying Assyria which caused them to attack and Israel’s security was gone.
God made it clear that their security is found in him alone and he was going to send a cornerstone (Jesus). No army on earth or in the heavenlies would be able to stand against him. The people would be able to put their trust in Him and not be afraid.
God compared his discipline and judgement on his people to a farmer who has to break up the hard land to plant the seed. Every different kind of plant needs a different kind of instrument used on it to bear the fruit of its seed. So it is with his people. God has to use different ways to cause them to produce the fruit of salvation. It is all for our good.
Ariel in Chapter 29 refers to Jerusalem. God rebuked Jerusalem for being insincere in their worship and feasts, for their evil deeds, for their rebellion, for trusting in people who were not their own, for rejecting God’s true prophets, and for refusing to repent. God used Assyria to bring them back to him then turned and judged Assyria.
God would seal his truth for a time from his people. Even if they wanted to understand, they wouldn’t be able to receive it in their spirits. But the day will come when God will once again open the eyes of the Jews and they will come to see that Jesus is the Messiah that they have waited for. Then, they will be able to understand the prophecies and their meanings.
Chapter 30 is a rebuke to the kings that opposed God. He calls them rebellious children. They did everything on their own and it would all come back on them in a bad way.
The animals of the Negev are the beasts of burden that would carry gifts to Egypt to buy their favor and help. They would cross a desert full of wild animals carrying what they hoped would buy them help from Egypt, but instead it would prove to be a great disappointment to them.
In Galatians, Paul teaches that the law kept us in a prison of sin because our own righteousness could not set us free. The purpose of the law was to bring us to Christ. Our faith in Jesus has freed us to be a son of God. It doesn’t matter our background, or economic status or our sex, we are all the same in Jesus. If we are a Christian we are a seed of Abraham and an heir to the promise he was given.
Paul explained the two covenants that were given by the example of Abraham’s two sons. Ishmael was born by the slave woman, Hagar, but Isaac was born of Sarah, the free wife. Ishmael stands for the law who had to be pushed out of the house so that the son of promise might reign. This son was Isaac who was a type of Jesus, the child of promise. Grace was the second covenant and it is better than the law.
Lord, help us to live in the grace that you sent Jesus to the cross to purchase for our salvation. Thank you for the price you paid. May we honor your death with our lives.

Tues.’s Devo - Salvation through Faith

Read: Isaiah 25:1-28:13; Galatians 3:10-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 23:17-18
Isaiah praised the Lord because he had seen God bring down the proud nations to ruins and protect the poor and needy. This is a picture of the end when the kingdom of Satan will be brought down and his people watching will be silenced. God will prepare a banquet for his overcoming bride on the mountain of his kingdom in Jerusalem. Death will be swallowed up forever and God will wipe every tear from our eyes and remove the shame of our sins and the disgrace of the world. It will make the suffering and trouble of walking in a hostile world all worthwhile.
We will see the world’s kingdoms come down as God’s hand brings judgment to his enemies and salvation to his followers. Those that have died in the Lord will receive their bodies resurrected from the grave.
Satan will be punished. We will see the fruitfulness of a sinless land. All the idols will be devastated in the last battle. God will blow the trumpet and gather all his people to worship him on his holy mountain in Jerusalem. God will reign with perfect justice.
The self-righteous people who heard Isaiah’s prophecies accused him of talking like a child with nursery rhymes because they could not understand spiritual things. The truth of the gospel has always been foolishness to the world but wisdom to the children of God.
In Galatians, we learn that the promise of grace through faith was given 430 years before the law. It was given to Abraham that through his seed, they could inherit the promise. The law was given by God through a mediator . If you observed all of it you were justified, but if your didn’t you were cursed. The seed God spoke about to Abraham was manifested many years later in Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise. We have been redeemed from the curse of the law through Jesus. Tomorrow we will complete this thought.
Lord, thank you that we live in the promise and not the law. Thank you for sending your seed that we might be born again into your family of grace and love.

Mon.’s Devo - The Free Gift

Read: Isaiah 22:1-24:23; Galatians 2:17-3:9; Psalm 60; 1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16
The “Valley of Visions” is Jerusalem, the place of divine revelation. This prophecy was either for the time when Babylon or the Assyrians took Jerusalem. Either way, it was a siege and hunger killed the people more than the sword.
Isaiah called out Shebna by name who was the scribe and in charge of the palace. He was building a grand sepulcher for himself and his family. Isaiah asked him why he was spending so much time building a tomb for his family when it was for naught. He was planning to betray Israel to save himself but the ball that he rolled would roll back on him.
God would give his office to Eliakim who would be given the keys to the city to open its door or shut them. He would be a type of Jesus in this manner. He would be a father, a counselor and a friend just like Jesus.
They carried their keys on their shoulders just as Jesus would carry our sins and our sicknesses on his shoulders. Just like Eliakim, Jesus would be nailed with a peg in a firm place, (the cross) and be given the seat of honor in the house of his father in heaven.
Tyre was the seaport that held the wealth of all the nations in its treasury houses. It was a very wealthy idolatrous city and stands for Satan’s headquarters on the earth. It was about to fall for 70 years and when it resurfaced, it would be for the purpose of making profits to be set apart for the Lord and they would go to those who lived before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes. This is a picture of the wealth of the wicked going to the righteous. We are seeing that happen in our day.
Chapter 24 is a picture of the Great Tribulation. There will be no escape for those who have rejected salvation. God will punish the spiritual powers and the unrighteous people. They will be locked up awaiting judgement while God reigns in Jerusalem in his glory.
Paul’s words to the Galatians make it obvious that it is hard for man to accept the fact that we can do nothing to be righteous. It comes by faith and by believing Jesus was the son, died for our sins and is risen from the dead. He did all the work so we could freely receive righteousness. When Jesus died, we died. When he rose, we rose. He is seated with God in the heavens and so are we.
Lord, help us to get this truth that Paul taught into our spirits so we can live an abundant life with you.

Sun.’s Devo - God’s Purposes

Read: Isaiah 15:1-21:17; Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 23:13-14
God told Isiah to speak what was going to happen in Egypt. He needed it spoken into the atmosphere so it would manifest on earth. That is what prayer is all about. It is creating God’s purposes here on earth. God was coming to judge Egypt and all the spirits that dwelt there knew it and were afraid. They were so scared they gave confusing and stupid advise to the leaders of Egypt. The king became cruel and tyrannical because fear causes a person to become controlling and mean. The waters of the Nile dried up and the land stunk. The people despaired and lost hope. God had sent them a spirit of dizziness that made Egypt stagger like a drunk man.
Years later, five cities in Egypt would speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the Lord and one of them would be the one called the City of Destruction. This means that five major cities of Egypt would have the revelation of God Almighty and return to him. The City of Destruction was probably Heliopolis which was known as the city of the sun. It is where they worshipped the sun but ,would worship the Father. One day, they will worship the true Son.
Believers would be in Egypt, Assyria and Israel and they would come to a common faith in God. This happened during Alexander the Great’s rule. Later, Sargon ruled Assyria and he invaded both Israel and Egypt. God told Isaiah to walk stripped of his sackcloth and barefooted for three years to foretell how the people would be led by the Assyrians from Egypt and Cush. Isaiah tried to warn his people to get ready for battle because the Assyrians were coming.
Isaiah stood watch waiting for reports of what was happening in the world. He got news that Babylon had fallen to the Assyrians and that Kedar was next. God does nothing that he doesn’t first warn through his prophets.
It had been 14 years since Paul’s conversion and the counsel of the apostles had agreed that you didn’t have to be circumcised to be a Christian, yet some ministers had come through Galatia preaching that circumcision was a way to “higher revelation” and Peter and Barnabas had bought into it. Paul made it clear that salvation was by faith in Jesus, period.
Lord, thank you that you deliver us from our enemies and we do not have to fear what is happening on the earth because we know that our Redeemer lives! Thank you for your plans and purposes that will always win.

Sat.’s Devo - The Free Gift

Read: Isaiah 15:1-18:7; Galatians 1:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 23:12
Isaiah saw the fate of Moab. The Moabites were the result of Lot’s daughters getting him drunk to carry on his line through them. One of his daughters had Moab and the other Amon. The Moabites had a long history of not being friendly toward the Israelites. But it was in the land of Moab that Moses climbed the mountain of Nebo to see the promised land before he died on that same mountain. It was the land of Moab that gave us Ruth in whose line came the Messiah. It was Balak, the king of Moab that hired Balaam to curse the Israelites when they passed by their land. God was bringing the curse they had wanted to put on the Israelites back on them. It would come by the hands of the Assyrians. Moabites would attempt to find refuge in the land of Judah but there would be no rescue for them until Messiah came. He would come to rescue the world. This prophecy concerning their destruction would come in exactly three years.
Then Isaiah prophesied about Damascus, the capital of Aram or Syria. Damascus and the land of Ephraim were destined to fall. In desperation, Judah would turn back to the Lord for help. All of their idols and shrines will be torn down and they would find no comfort from their false gods. The people would flee panic-stricken to other nations and many would make boats to go to Ethiopia, Cush, and lower Egypt for refuge. In all this destruction and chaos, God would be wooing his people back to him.
At the church in Galatia the people had been led astray by people who came in after Paul left and taught them that it took more than faith to be saved. You had to be circumcised also. Paul called this teaching “another gospel” because it made salvation a work of the flesh. It is by faith that we are saved and was nothing to do with ourselves.
Paul reminded them of his own testimony and how great he was in the eyes of man but he gave it all up to learn and teach the truth. Salvation was never meant to be earned but is the free gift of God.
Lord, help us to remember the simplicity of faith yet its power to save. Thank you that your Word never fails or disappoints.

Fri.’s Devo - A Promise to the Remnant

Read: Isaiah 12:1-14:32; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 23:9-11
Today we have a message to the remnant, Babylon, Jacob, the king of Babylon (which was Satan in type), and lastly to the Philistines. To the remnant, God tells them that they will turn to him and pray to him. They will praise him and trust in him as their strength and salvation. Singing and joy will spring forth from their hearts.
Babylon was warned that their day of judgment was coming. God was mustering an army from the ends of heaven to fight against them. They manifested on earth as the Medes and the Persians but the battle was fought in the heavenlies against the powers of darkness.
The king of Babylon at that time was Belshazzar, who the night of his fall saw the handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5). This occurred right after he had praised every god except God Almighty. He had been so lifted up in pride that he thought he was greater than God. Isaiah explained his homecoming in hell. All the evil kings who had died before him met him and wondered at his great fall. He who was the greatest on the land was now trampled underfoot like a rejected branch.
God promised to rise up against all of Belshazzar’s sons so that none of his offspring would rule and Babylon would be uninhabited. This is also a future prophecy of the end of time when the devil will be destroyed and all his offspring.
God promised to have compassion on Jacob. He said that aliens would join him and unite with Jacob. He was referring to the Gentile nation that would choose to love Jesus and Israel. When that happened, God’s people would expose the devil and put him in his place. This is where we are now.
The Philistines had broken the yoke of King Uzziah under the rule of Ahaz, but God warned them not to rejoice yet because King Hezekiah would come like a cloud of smoke and destroy them. God will establish the people of Zion as a testimony to the world of God’s power.
In Corinthians, Paul was coming to visit them a third time to prove to them that Christ was speaking through him. Apparently, the false teachers had deceived some of them to think differently. Paul reminded them that if they are in Christ and Christ is in them. He gave them three challenges: aim for perfection, be of one mind, and live in peace. If they did these things, the love and peace of God would be with them.
Lord help us to do those three things: aim for perfection, be single minded, and live in peace with others. Thank you that you never leave or forsake us.

Thurs.’s Devo - Freely Give

Read: Isaiah 10:1-11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 23:6-8
God rebuked Judah for imposing laws that oppressed the poor, the widows and the orphans. What they did to the ones who could not stand up for themselves was about to happen to them. Their day of reckoning was on its way. God would use the Assyrian army to be his rod of correction. The Assyrians thought they were acting of their own accord; they didn’t know that they were being used by God. They would not be able to do anything God didn’t allow them to do.
When God finished with his wrath on Judah, he would turn and punish the Assyrians. God asks several questions to let them know that he is sovereign over the affairs of men. The first one was: “Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it?” He was referring to the Assyrians as the ax and he was the one swinging it. Judah would be the recipients of the ax. After God used the Assyrians, he would send a wasting disease upon the soldiers in the Assyrian army and kill them.
After that God would raise up the remnant of Israel, the ones who survived the Assyrian attack and they would no longer fear the Assyrians. They would return to the Lord and God would raise up a righteous branch…Jesus! The seven spirits of God would rest on him: the spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom, of understanding, of counsel, of power, of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He would not judge according to man’s words or by what he sees, but he would judge the heart and his judgment would be right. His banner would be lifted up and gather his people together and make a highway where there was no way.
Isaiah prophesied about a future place where the wolf would live with the lamb which is both now and in the future. Prophesy is like a circle. It cycles over and over until the totality of it is finished. This prophesy has happened, is happening and will happen.
In Corinthians, Paul gives us the signs that would mark an apostle. He would move in signs, wonders, and miracles. They had had some “super apostles” that had come and deceived them into giving them money for their services and exalted themselves. It reminds me of people who preach and ask you to give into what they are preaching in order to get what they want. It’s like buying favor from God. Is the money going to God or to their ministry??? That is why we have to have discernment. It is our responsibility to fund the kingdom as God directs us to, but to be manipulated into giving is wrong.
Paul made it clear to the Corinthians that he had never asked them for money yet gave them freely everything he had. Their motive was to strengthen them, not pilfer their pockets.
Lord, thank you for giving to us freely this life and our eternity. Help us to give to others as freely as you have given to us.

Wed.’s Devo - The Time Had Come

Read: Isaiah 8:1-9:21; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 23:4-5
The Lord told Isaiah to write the word Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz on a scroll in the presence of the priest and another prophet. That word means “quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil” which meant that what he had prophesied years ago about Assyria coming and taking their land was about to happen. To fulfill the other part of the prophecy, the prophetess had her son and they named him that long name. By the time he would say his first word, Damascus and Samaria would be plundered by the Assyrians. Like a flood overflowing the banks of a river, their raiding party would flow into Judah.
He told them to prepare to fight but be ready to lose. No matter what their strategy was, it would not be enough to stand against what God had ordered. But to Isaiah, God said he was not to fear what the people feared or call it a conspiracy because that was not what was happening. They had brought this upon themselves and they needed to own it.
He told Isaiah to bind up the Word in the hearts of those who were the remnant and still trusted in the Lord. Those who trusted in their mediums and spiritists would lose their faith. But, in the very land of Naphtali and Zebulun that were facing such dark times, God would come and visit them in the future. Their land would be the land that Jesus would one day walk and minister light and life to. When God tears anything down, it is his purpose to rebuild something better. God was looking ahead to the day he would send his son with God’s government on his shoulders. He would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government would be just and righteous and everlasting.
In Corinthians, Paul told about a man, speaking of himself, who was taken up to heaven. He heard things that he is unable to express or tell and received great revelations. To keep him humble, God appointed a messenger of Satan who became his “thorn in the flesh”. I have heard many ideas about what this might be but I wonder if it isn’t a person who irritates him. We all have someone from time to time who would fit this description. Whatever it was, Paul learned that God’s grace was powerful enough to help him in every situation.
Lord, help us to overcome our weaknesses with your grace and strength.

Tues.’s Devo - The Right Choice

Read: Isaiah 6:1-7:25; 2 Corinthians 11:16:33; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 23:1-3
Chapter 6 begins with King Uzziah’s death and Isaiah’s vision of the Lord on his throne in the temple. Uzziah had been a good king who followed the Lord and during his reign Judah prospered almost as much as during Solomon’s. However, in his later years, Uzziah became proud and decided he was important enough to offer incense on the altar of the Lord. When he entered into the holy place with incense the priests tried to stop him but he wouldn’t listen. God stopped him with leprosy which eventually killed him. When he died, God showed Isaiah what Uzziah was wanting to see - his presence. Instead of feeling entitled like Uzziah, Isaiah felt humbled and sinful. An angel cleansed him of his sins with a coal from the altar. He overheard God talking to his angels about sending a message to Judah and needing a messenger. Isaiah volunteered for the job.
He was to tell Judah that God was going to keep them from understanding what God was doing and how to find him. They would not be healed until God had completely ruined their land. (I’m sure that was not a very popular message.)
During Uzziah’s grandson’s reign, Ahaz, the Syrians, with the armies of Ephraim came down to fight against Jerusalem but they could not win. God told Isaiah and his son, Shear-Jashub to go and meet king Ahaz on his way to stop up the water system. Shear-Jashub means “a remnant will return”. Isaiah’s word to Ahaz was not to fear the threats of Syria and Ephraim but to trust in the Lord. Ahaz was not sure and asked for a sign. Isaiah said that the only sign he would see is that the virgin would have a child. Isaiah was referring to a virgin who was soon to become Isaiah’s second wife. This was a dual prophecy that would be repeated when Mary, the virgin would have Jesus who is Immanuel. This child would still be very young when Judah would be delivered from his two enemies.
This deliverance would be temporary because after that the Assyrians would fight Egypt, and Judah would be the battlefield. Judah would be devastated and the land left to thorns and bramble.
In Corinthians, Paul is defending his testimony of suffering over the boasts of the false apostles and prophets that had beguiled the Corinthians. The false teachers might boast in their great prosperity, but Paul boasts in his great persecutions. Wealth and prosperity is not always a sign of God’s favor. This world’s measuring stick is not what we use as our gauge. People can be tremendously wealthy and be a great blessing to the Lord and the church, or their riches can turn them away from the Lord. Whether we are rich or poor in this life is not the point, the point is what we are doing with what God has given us and where our heart is. Both Isaiah and Paul chose the Lord over popularity and ease.
Lord, help us to live up to our full potential whatever our circumstances. May our hearts be after you.

Mon.’s Devo - Our Mission

Read: Isaiah 3:1-5:30; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 22:28-29
Since Judah refused to repent, God was going to strip them of their best men, their supplies, and everything they needed and trusted in. He would put children to rule them who would despise their elders. Foolishness and inexperience would govern because the elders had fallen into such a state of rebellion. People would grasp for answers and help, and find none.
God would bring Judah to court and proclaim their sins against them. They oppressed the poor, rejected him as their God and became haughty and proud in their own eyes. All the wealth of their nation would be taken from them so they would have nothing to have pride in because they had turned from God.
When God rebukes his children, he always encourages them of a promise of redemption. God only tears down what men have already destroyed by their own hands to build with His hands what no man can destroy. One day, God would wash their sins away and become their canopy of healing and safety once again.
God sees his nation as a vineyard that he had to prune from time to time to get the bad vines out so that the good vines will be free to prosper. He does this in our lives continually.
God told them that they went into captivity because of lack of knowledge. Paul came to that same conclusion in Corinth. These “super apostles” that charged great amounts of money had come through deceiving them with their teachings that were contrary to the Word of God. The people had fallen for their lies and now Paul, who came for free, had to clean up all their damage. Satan looks like an angel of light so he looks very convincing and true. True Christianity comes through humility and servanthood and it stays true to the Word of God.
Lord, help us to not be snared by the riches of this earthly kingdom, but open our eyes to the kingdom that we belong to. Our reward waits for us in heaven. We have a mission and a purpose while here on earth. Let us not be side-tracked.

Sun.’s Devo - Isaiah

Read: Isaiah 1:1-2:22; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Psalm 52:1-9; Proverbs 22:26-27
Isaiah is one of the most prophetic book in that its layout is prophetic as well as its content. In the first 39 chapters, the theme is judgement which correlates with the 39 books of the Old Testament. The last 26 chapters have the theme of comfort which correlate to the 26 books of the New Testament.
Isaiah prophesied to Judah when both Israel and Judah had fallen into idolatry and sin. Israel, the northern kingdom was much worse than Judah. God used the Assyrians from the north to discipline them. Judah was south of Israel but Jerusalem was in the northern part of Judah. Judah was being threatened with invasion of the Assyrians also. It was a bleak time for both nations.
Isaiah begins with a vision he saw concerning Judah. This vision encompassed the time of the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. In his vision God is speaking to heaven and earth. He presents his case against Judah. He raised them up as his children but they don’t know their father - they have turned their back on him. As a nation, they are so defeated and devastated that God wonders how long it will take them to wake up and come back to him. Yet the people continued in their practiced religious rites to God while their lifestyles were ones of oppression and evil. They were like people who go to church on Sunday’s only to look good and help their image but never listen to the sermon or engage their hearts to repent.
This city would become weaker and weaker but one day after they had been cleansed of their sin, God would restore their nation and build up a city that would be righteous and holy. In the last days God would establish his temple above all others and many would come and worship him. Their weapons of war will become instruments of harvest. The pride of man would be brought down and God would be exalted in that day.
Paul reminds the people of Corinth that they are not to live by the standards of the world because we are citizens of two kingdoms and our first duty is to follow the laws of God’s kingdom. His weapons are not the weapons of the world. We don’t fight mere men, but principalities that rule men. We demolish strongholds that set themselves up agains the knowledge of God. We can take every thought that we have that is not in obedience to Christ and refuse to let it rule us. Then we will be ready to punish acts of obedience. We can not judge others by our own standards because we are not the standard. Christ is the standard. Everything is measured by him.
Lord, help us to keep you as our standard and not look to man to satisfy our needs or fight our battles for us. You are our only hope.

Sat.’s Devo - God’s Garden

Read: Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 22:24-25
Jesus gives us the benefits of dwelling in his garden. There is myrrh, spices, honey, wine and milk. He offers this to everyone. The beloved, us, get distracted and leave the garden only to awaken and know we will do anything to get back. That is where we find our lady today. She is in transition: still reeling from the last time she made herself vulnerable and got hurt. She has gotten all cleaned up and now her lover is asking her to come back out in the fray. When she realizes she does want to join him, it seems he has gone without her. She has to go in pursute his presence again.
Sure enough, she gets beat up again by the church or relatives or the world and goes to her friends for help. They don’t understand why she would go to this much agony over pursuing her lover, Jesus. She tries to put into words what Jesus is like. They decide they will look for him also and when they ask her where they can find him she says he is in his garden.
This praise she gave of him brought her into his presence and she sees how much he loves her. She is changed as she sees herself through his eyes. She is so changed that now her friends want to look at her in wonder. Jesus steps in and tells them that they are beautiful too.
The Shunamite agrees with Jesus and says, all the praises go to Jesus, not her. She is no longer ashamed to be seen in public with him. She wants to take him everywhere and proclaim her love for him to all. She wants to remain in his presence. Now her friends associate with her.
The friends want to bring their young sister to experience what the Shunamite and they have experienced. They want to know what will happen if she rejects Jesus (is a wall). The answer is that they will tell her truth. But, if she is a door (open to the gospel), the Holy Spirit will indwell her. The Shunnamite explains that she was stubborn yet she received Jesus so there is always hope.
She compares the world’s system to God’s. Solomon’s garden is all for his gain, where the garden of the kingdom of God is free with nothing held back.
Jesus tells those who are in his garden to speak up and he takes those who want his presence up to the mountain tops.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he preps them for Titus visit. He had bragged about how generous and giving they were and now hoped that they would live up to his expectation. The truth is that it takes money to do ministry and it is a group effort that God will bless. It is an investment into the kingdom and it pays great dividends.
Lord, help us to grow in our pursuit of your presence and may we dwell with you in your garden.

Fri.’s Devo - Song of Solomon

Read: Song of Songs 1:1-4:16; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 22:22-23
Song of Solomon”s author is usually given to Solomon but it could have been the Shulamite who wrote it to Solomon since she is the speaker. The book can be read and taught at so many levels. At one level, it is the love between a woman and a man and their intimate relationship in the confines of Biblical marriage. Another level is that it is a picture of the love God has for his bride the Jews and at another level it is the picture of Jesus’ love for his bride. They are all right. Scripture is a “line upon a line and a precept upon a precept” (Isaiah 28:13). Every story has multiple interpretations because God’s Word is layered with teaching.
I want to look at Song of Solomon as an allegory to Israel and the church. Priests call Song of Solomon the Holy of Holies and we are going to look at how Jesus, the shepherd tries to woo Israel, of whom we are, back to him. The Shulamite represents Israel or us. The king represents the worldly system. The king is not the shepherd. It is the king who has her captive but the shepherd that she is longing for.
She compares herself as tan like the tents of Kedar. The Kurds lived in the tents of Kedar and they worshipped the sun. She is saying that she has worshipped all the wrong things and is reaping the result of walking in the world. She has followed the crowd but realizes that her own soul has been neglected by her.
In 1:9-11, the shepherd describes her as decked with ornaments with chains of gold about her neck. In Ezekiel 16, God describes how he found Israel dying in her own blood and picked her up, washed her then blessed her with all the ornaments and put the chain on her neck. He abundantly blessed her and prospered her into a kingdom but she became proud and used all her God-given wealth to worship foreign gods and commit idolatry.
You can see the desire the woman has to turn and go after the shepherd, but she is very fickle. One moment she is wanting to run away with him and the next she is hiding and he can’t see her face. Such a picture of Israel and us! She wants him to catch the foxes that are keeping her from blooming when that is her responsibility.
In Chapter 3, she is looking for him again and finds him. As soon as she returns, Solomon in all his glory walks past with all his pomp. This is so typical of what happens when we have a great breakthrough. Satan comes and displays his wares to woo us back to him.
The Shepherd tries to reign her heart back in by proclaiming to her how he sees her. This opens her heart to want to let him into her heart and her soul.
In Corinthians, Paul is sending Titus and another one of his workers which is believed to be Luke. They are coming of their own accord with the offerings of the people who sent them. Paul is confident that they will honor the way they spend it and not be criticized by the Corinthians. He asks them to receive them with love and treat them in a way that will make the other churches proud.
Lord, may we not be fickle lovers who are quickly drawn away from intimacy with you. May we sit at your feet and enjoy your presence.

Thurs.’s Devo - Live With Eternity in Mind

Read: Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 22:20-21
It is believed that Solomon came back to the Lord in the end and today we see him come full circle back to what he taught in Proverbs which was to fear God and obey his commandments. He reminded everyone that in the end you will be judged and rewarded, so live your life with that in mind.
He begins by saying that a small error of judgment can undo a lot of good decisions. If someone in authority over you loses his temper at you, it would be better if you remained quiet. This will help him calm down quicker.
Solomon observed that the best people for the job don’t always get it. In this world, it is not always the qualified that prosper. But the person who plans evil for someone else will usually have it come back on him.
Solomon advises us not to invest all our money or time in one place but have many places where we serve and plant. It’s the same as saying, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” You never know which venture will prosper and which one will fail. That way you won’t lose it all. That is the same with ministry. We minister in many ways to many people. It is not up to us to change a heart or bring salvation to a soul. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. Our job is to scatter seed.
To the youth, Solomon advises to be productive and use their time wisely. Don’t be angry and don’t do things that harm your body. Remember God and the fact that one day you will be old and not be able to do the things you once did. Our bodies will one day go back to dust, but our spirit will go straight to God.
Paul bragged on the Macedonian churches for their great generosity of giving in the midst of their extreme poverty. He complimented the Corinthian church for excelling in their faith, their speech, their knowledge and their love, but he wanted to encourage them in their giving also. He reminded them of the wealth Jesus had in heaven before he came to earth to be poor. He did this so we could be rich through his poverty. Likewise, we need to give out of our want to supply what is needed and it will be returned to us in due season. Giving is suppose to be a cycle that flows in and out. God can’t fill us if we aren’t empty.
Lord, help us to freely give without fear of lack. Thank you that you were our example of laying your life down for the eternal prize awaiting us.

Wed.’s Devo - Living a Life that Matters

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18; 2 Corinthians 7:8-16; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 22:17-19
Solomon begins by saying that a good reputation is a valued achievement. He honors the day we die over the day we are born because our life is celebrated in death. Death always causes us to examine our future and the lives we are living which is very healthy.
He warns us not to feed our anger. When we are going through a trial we don’t understand, we need to remember that God brings both trials and blessings and they are both to teach us. Experience gives us wisdom and wisdom helps us be well-rounded.
Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, yet he says that he has not found a single woman who was upright! He only found one man who was upright. I wonder if he was referring to himself!
He concludes that man has no control over life. God blesses the upright and the wicked and what happens to either are in his hands. Solomon loses some of his cynical spirit when he tells us to enjoy life, fear God and do what we are doing with all our heart.
Paul remembers his first letter of rebuke and how hard it was for him to write it, but how glad he is that he did it because they heeded what he wrote and repented. He commends them for this and the way they received Titus and loved him.
Lord, may we seek after wisdom even if we know it comes through experiencing trials. It is all for your glory.

Tues.’s Devo - Life is Good!

Read: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14:7:7; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 22:16
Today, Solomon sees all the wrong of the world and concludes that we will be happier dead than alive and it would be even better if we had not been born. (He sounds like he has been reading Job!) This is a stark contrast to his words earlier in his life that say, “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, and one who gains understanding…she will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.” (Proverbs 3:13,17)
Solomon’s next great discovery was that man’s efforts and achievements stemmed from his envy of others. So, work is pointless. In Proverbs, Solomon said that “Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last.” (Proverbs 11:18.) In Ecclesiastes, Solomon has become very cynical and lost his way. He doesn’t distinguish between the righteous and the wicked like he does in Proverbs but throws everyone into the same lot. He has lost his hope.
He does make some wise conclusions that it is not good to walk alone but to have a friend and a three-strand cord is better than one. We use this concept in our government today and have three branches of government.
He has learned the importance of the words we speak and the vows we make and warns us not to make them with out considering the weight of their consequences. He has also found that the country is blessed when the king makes himself a servant to the land. Amen!
Solomon warns against making our whole life about money because if we lose it, then what is the point of our life?
Paul makes a great distinction between the righteous in Christ and the ones of the world. He tells the Church not to yoke themselves in a team with unbelievers. In our world that would be to say that we should not enter into a contract with an unbeliever like a business venture, or a marriage. If we find ourselves in that situation, we need to ask God what to do because God’s ways and timing are not ours and his purposes go beyond our comprehension. But, we are citizens of another world and our government is from God which looks opposite to the world’s. There is no fellowship with darkness and light. Paul was strengthened knowing that the believers loved him; he got none of that from the world who harassed him at every turn.
Lord, thank you for the Body of Christ that loves us and surrounds us with strength and comfort. Thank you for giving us our life on this earth. May we make a difference in someones’ life today.

Mon.’s Devo - It is Not Meaningless

Read: Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 22:15
Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon during the time he fell away from the Lord through the marriages of his pagan wives and worshipped idols (Kings 11:1-10). It is put in the Bible to show man’s philosophy from the wisest man on earth. It is a stark contrast to Proverbs written by Solomon during his days he followed God.
There are many hidden nuggets of truth in Ecclesiastes but the attitude of the book is that life is meaningless. If life was meaningless then why would God create it, then send his son to die for it. Proverbs starts out by stating the purpose of that book was to give the reader wisdom and discipline to live a successful life. Ecclesiastes starts out with “Pointless!, Pointless!” Solomon says nothing matters and there is no reward for what we do. That goes against everything God has taught since the beginning of the earth.
Ecclesiastes gives us an inside look at a person’s mindset who has everything the world has to offer, but without God he is totally unfulfilled and empty. He has no hope in the Lord.
In Solomon’s search for meaning he found that it was more useful to be wise than foolish even though, he concluded that the same fate awaits them both. (This was before Christ, so there was no knowledge of salvation.) Solomon realized that he would one day die and everything he had worked so hard for would go to someone who did nothing to deserve it. Solomon had no concept of preparing a way for the next generation.
In Solomon’s thoughts about time he rightly concluded that everything and all seasons are in the Lord’s hand. One day, God will judge every intention and action of man. Solomon concluded that man and animal were the same and who knows what happens to them when they die so they might as well live it up on earth because this might be as good as it gets.
Through Solomon’s eyes we can understand the hopelessness of a person who has no faith in the resurrection and power of the gospel. No wonder so many people take their own lives or turn to some substance to dull their senses.
Paul got on to the Corinthians for brining their fellow believing brothers to court for an ungodly judge to decide their case. First of all, since they are their own brothers, they should just walk away and let the injustice stand. God will judge in the end and take care of all the injustice done to us. And secondly, they should realize how this looks to unbelievers when they see that Christians can’t get along. The world will come to Jesus when they see the church being one and loving one another.
The people were using the excuse that they could do anything they wanted to do because they were under grace but Paul told them that even though they had a free will, they were not to become a slave to anything, especially sin. God made us to be holy and righteous and anything else will only hurt us.
Lord, thank you for hope that does not disappoint. Help us to walk in the righteousness of Christ that is in us.

Sun.’s Devo - Reconciliation

Read: Job 40:1-42:17; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21; Psalm 45:1-17; Proverbs 22:14
Yesterday, God talked much about the lighting and the thunder and the seas. By his words, it happened and a hurricane formed. Today, God spoke out of that tempest he had stirred up. God asked Job if he still wanted to correct him.
Job said he was too ashamed to speak.
God continued to ask Job questions. He asked him if he was through blaming God to prove himself right. He challenged Job to change his appearance into a glorified being. Was he powerful enough to rule the earth and bring justice to everyone? God described the hippopotamus and the dragon and asked Job if he had more power than them.
Job, humbled to his core, admitted that he had spoken without understanding of things way beyond his comprehension. He repented because he had spoken of things he had only heard about God, but now he had experienced God.
Then, God spoke to the oldest of his friends and rebuked him and his friends for speaking wrong about him. He told them to take seven bulls and rams to Job and sacrifice them as an offering and have Job pray for God to forgive them. They obeyed and when Job prayed for them, God restored all of Job’s fortune back to him double. He restored his health, his friends and relatives and blessed him with a whole new family of seven sons and three beautiful daughters. Job lived another 140 years of peace and happiness.
In Corinthians, Paul explained that since God, through the cross reconciled us back to him. So, we too have that ministry of reconciling the world back to him.
Lord, we can see in the life of Job, your desire to reconcile your children back to you. You do care about everything we go through and have a plan to bless us if we continue to trust you.