Sun.’s Devo - God Speaks

Read: Job 37:1-39:30; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 22:13 Elihu finishes his explanation of who God is and his mighty power. He invites Job to pause and consider God’s majesty. How can man speak when they fear God correctly. Elihu was the only one of the four who God didn’t rebuke in the end. He actually spoke rightly. *** When God spoke, he did from a whirlwind. God asked who questioned his wisdom. Then he asked them some questions. If they claimed to know so much, were they present when he created the world? Did they make the rules of nature? When God said, “Let there be light,” the darkness and violence had to stop. Have they seen the gates of hell where death resides? God has storehouses of snow and hail that he uses as weapons against evil. He determines when to send the rain and where. *** God alone directs the laws of the universe and it is displayed in the constellations. He rules the animals on the earth. Times and seasons for everything is in his hands. He gave each animal their nature and their purpose. They all tell us of the nature of God. *** In Corinthians, Paul continued to tell us about God as he relates to man. God raised Jesus to heaven and will also raise us up. It is God’s grace that sustains us here on the earth. We may have many troubles on the earth but they will all lead to our glory. One day, all our troubles will be gone and we will put on our eternal heavenly bodies. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that God will do this. *** Right now we live by faith, believing in everything Jesus taught us about resurrection and judgment. *** Lord, thank you for your faithfulness to us. When I consider all you have done for me and my family I am overcome with gratitude. When I see what you are doing in the world, I am convinced of your power and your love. Give us eyes to see your plan and faith to stand strong as we wait on your salvation.

Sat.’s Devo - God’s Judgement

Read: Job 34:1-36:33; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 22:10-12 Elihu is still speaking. He attacks Job for his stance that he is righteous, saying that Job hangs around wicked people which is pretty comical since he is hanging around him and his three friends. *** Elihu explains that God is just and treats the poor and rich the same. God controls who is in power and exalts the righteous and puts down the wicked. He wonders why the wicked don’t repent and get right with God so he can bless them. He claims that Job in his rebellion deserves God’s greatest judgment because of the way he has talked about God. He believes that Job’s claim to be righteous is disrespectful to God. He claims that our sins don’t hurt God, but they affect other people only. Elihu said God is not going to answer Job because of his pride. He claims that God does punish the wicked, but it might not come as soon as desired. *** Elihu says if a man repents and follows him he will be exalted and prosper. He says that God sent Job’s suffering to keep him from a life of evil. Instead of trying to tell God what he should do, Job should be singing praises of what God has already done. All nature proves God’s almighty power. *** Paul defends his righteousness, also. He has openly preached the truth of the Gospel. It is Satan that has blinded the eyes of the unbeliever so that he can’t comprehend the goodness of God. They cannot understand his message about Christ who is the exact likeness of God. *** Paul didn’t exalt himself, but Christ as Lord. Paul is just his servant. Christ’s light shines in all of our hearts. We join with Christ in his suffering on the earth, but death will be turned into life because of Christ. *** Lord, may we live for eternity in our hearts. Thank you for the power to overcome darkness, trials, disappointment and discouragement. Thank you that all things work together for the good of those who are called to your purposes.

Fri.’s Devo - Our Covenant of Life

Read: Job 31:1-33:33; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 22:8-9 Job contends that not only are his actions righteous, but the motives of his heart are also right before God. He has treated people the way he would want to be treated. He has not worshipped anything God created but he has worshipped the creator. *** Job asks God for a written accusation against him so he can see what God is so upset about. *** Finally, Job and his friends are finished with their arguments. They have not swayed from their own opinions but have not been able to convince Job to change his mind either. *** Elihu, who was much younger had been present during everyone’s speeches and when he realized they were resigned to silence, he felt compelled to speak. He had been biding his time and now he was ready to let them know his wisdom. He accuses Job’s friends of not answering Job’s arguments adequately. He believes with all his heart that he is speaking for God. He tells Job that God is bigger than any man, but he does speak to human beings. He speaks all the time and when man doesn’t comprehend what he is trying to say, he will give him a dream. In that dream he will warn him so he will not die in his sin. Elihu continues to say that God will use sickness to discipline man. He might even send an angel to intercede for the man so he will be healed. This man’s prayer is heard and answered. Then he will be able to live and enjoy his life. If Elihu is trying to encourage Job that there is a better day coming, then he seems to be lacking in grace, but he is convinced he has God’s wisdom. *** In Corinthians, Paul asks if he needs a letter of recommendation for them to believe he is worthy of teaching them. He contends that our lives are our letter of recommendation if we are living what we preach. God’s spirit in us is our witness that we are son’s of God. We are under God’s new covenant of life and the glory of God is and will be revealed through us. Moses’ law brought condemnation and death, but this new covenant we have gives us confidence to be bold because the veil has been removed and we can enter into God’s very presence where his glory is manifested on us. *** Lord, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you that we do have an advocate through Jesus and confidence through the Holy Spirit.

Thurs.’s Devo - Where Can Wisdom Be Found

Read: Job 28:1-30:31; 2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 22:7 Job gave a detailed description of man’s way of finding the secret riches in the earth, but no one knows where to find wisdom or knowledge. (They obviously didn’t have the Bible or the internet!) We have so many ways to obtain knowledge but wisdom only comes from God. *** Job explains that everything God made works thorough his wisdom. We get wisdom by fearing the Lord and forsaking evil. *** Job remembers back before his loss when God was taking care of him and God was his friend. (Little does Job know that God is still taking care of him and is still his friend.) *** Job remembers the joy of having his children around him and being esteemed as a respected leader in his community. His words of wisdom meant something and helped people. He was known for his honesty. He was compassionate to the poor and needy. *** Now he is mocked by those who society cast off as fools. He says that God has humbled him. He feels depressed and hopeless. He prays, but God appears not to hear. He feels like God has cast him off as nothing. People count him as worthless. *** Little does Job realize he has been promoted by God to be an example to heaven and earth as a man who will not abandon his honor of God. *** In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul reports about his journeys to Troas and Macedonia and the opportunity they had to share the good news. He compares sharing the gospel like spreading perfume. We are the fragrance of God to the world. To the unsaved, it smells like death, but to the ones who accept the truth, we smell like life-giving perfume. *** Paul explains the difference of a true evangelist. They don’t preach for money or self-gain but with sincerity and with God’s authority because they know that God is watching. It is all for Him. *** Lord, may our walk today spread the aroma of heaven everywhere we go. May our eyes be open to hearts of others and our purpose here on earth. It is not for us that we live, it is for You, Lord.

Wed.’s Devo - Our Stand With God

Read: Job 23:1-27:23; 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11; Psalm 41:1-13; Proverbs 22:5-6 Job’s question today is where can he find God so he can present his case. He knows if he can find his dwelling place, God would hear him and pronounce him innocent. God is the only one who knows his life. He controls his destiny. *** Job asks why God doesn’t judge the guilty and bring them to justice. He gives a detailed account of all they do wrong. The grave is full of them. *** Bildad answers that God is the one who enforces peace in heaven. How can any man be innocent before God? *** Job asks him how has he enlightened Job’s stupidity. LOL! He accuses him of offering no legitimate advice. He is certainly not speaking as God. God is control of all that is in heaven and earth because he made it all. Job extols God’s mighty power. He vows that God has done all this to him and he will die defending his integrity. He contends that though the wicked prosper on earth, they will be judged. Their wealth will be given to the righteous. *** In Corinthians, Paul claims he also has a clear conscience before God. He also has lived in integrity and righteousness. He has lived his life and taught his followers to live so that when Jesus returns he will be proud of them. *** It is God who enables us to stand in Christ and have confidence in him. We are the righteousness of Christ to the world. Religion says we can never be righteous, but God says otherwise. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. *** Lord, thank you that our confidence is in you alone. We have power when we know that You live in us and we are righteous. You are on our side to make us powerful in this world. May we take our stand for your and not bow down. May we walk in the authority you have given us.

Tues.’s Devo - God Our Deliverer

Read: Job 20:1-22:30; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 22:2-4 The friends who sat for a week and never said a word have made up for it. They have given their opinion about everything on their minds, right or wrong. Zophar feels prompted in his spirit to speak again. He explains how the ungodly only have temporary victories on earth. Their success on earth is limited to a short amount of time then their children suffer the consequences of their parent’s evil deeds. They have to pay back everything their parents acquired and they end up living in poverty. *** Job explains that this is not always true. He has seen many very rich and powerful keep their possessions and they pass down to the next generation and they enjoy the pleasures of sin also. He makes it clear that he is not judging people but his complaint is with God, himself. Why doesn’t God punish the ones who sin while they are alive instead of waiting to bring judgment down on their children. He complains that God is being unjust when he puts off judging them here on earth for their sins. Job is making the point that their arguments are not conclusive. *** Eliphaz asks if man even has a purpose when it comes to God. Is a righteous man even a help to God? Maybe God is punishing Job because he is self-righteous. But, no, he doesn’t think this because he believes Job is not righteous and is being judged because of his sins. Then he gives several scenarios that Job might have fallen into (22:6-9). He concludes that Job must return to the Lord and repent, then he will have the favor of God again. Then God will hear Job’s prayers and bless him. *** It is interesting to see that none of the four of these men contemplate Satan and his role on the earth. No one has even mentioned him. Sometimes we do the same thing. We are quick to want God to intervene in our lives when our beef is not with him but with Satan and we have been given the tools to fight him. *** Paul writes a second letter to those in Corinth. He prays for grace and peace for those who are following Christ. He praises God who is the source of all our comfort. We are to share that comfort with others. Maybe the reason Job’s friends could not comfort him was because they didn’t have the Comforter. Paul says that the more we suffer for Christ, the more comfort we will receive and the more comfort we can give others. *** Paul had definitely been through his share of trouble and near death experiences and yet God delivered him out of them all. He has much comfort to share with his brothers and sisters. Through everything we go through, we learn that God is able to rescue us from not only tangible danger but heart-ache and sorrow. *** Lord, thank you for our trials that make our hearts soft and cause us to see how great and powerful you are. You are the one who delivers us out of all our troubles and bless us with joy and comfort.

Mon.’s Devo - Job’s Miserable Comforters

Read: Job 16:1-19:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1 Job called his friend miserable comforters because they didn’t try to comfort him at all. They tried to figure out what he had done wrong to get where he was and fix him. Job explains that he would have tried to take away their grief instead of adding to it. He is attacked if he defends himself and if he is silent. *** Job maintains that God has done this to him because he hates him. This could not be further from the truth. God set him up because he loved and believed in who he was. *** Job cries out again for a mediator between him and God. God is the only one who can defend his cause because God is the only one who knows his heart. Job has lost all hope of being vindicated or restored. *** Then Bildad gave his two cents. He gives a long narrative about the wicked indicating that Job falls in that category. *** Job calls his narrative torture. He pretty much tells him to mind his own business. He contends that God is against him and he needs mercy from them, not judgement. They are the ones who should fear judgment. Job looks forward to the day he will stand before God. Then everything will be made right. In Corinthians, Paul suggests that they begin taking up a weekly donation for the church at Jerusalem. Then when he comes he won’t have to make the appeal and it will be easier on them. *** Paul plans to stay in Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost is over, then he plans to come to Corinth. He is sending Timothy to them and expects them to respect him and what he has to say. Paul honors, by name, those who have been faithful to the Lord’s work and helped him in the ministry. He gives them the commission to be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and strong and to do everything with love. *** Lord, may we follow that command today. Thank you that we have a mediator who hears our prayers and has mercy and grace on us. Give us heavenly perspective for our lives.

Sun.’s Devo - Resurrection

Read: Job 12:1-15:35; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 21:30-31 Job defends his stand. He is appealing to God’s throne and expects an answer. God is the one who is wisdom and holds the mysteries of the earth and his life. He accuses his friends of playing God and trying to judge him themselves. *** Job cries out to the Lord and asks him to examine his heart and his motives. He realizes how small and insignificant man is and how short their lives are on earth. He asks about resurrection and if they would live again. He wonders if there is a way that his sins could be covered. He is looking for hope for tomorrow instead of resolve that it is not going to get any better. He is wanting life, not death. *** Thank God, he gave us the answer for everything Job was lacking in Jesus. *** Eliphaz spoke up and he accuses Job of having no fear of God and being too familiar with God. He thinks Job has no right to ask God about things he imagines. Who is Job to question his ways. Job is a visionary who sees beyond the surface, but Eliphaz only sees facts and gains knowledge from his experiences. Job sees that God goes far beyond man’s experience. *** In Corinthians, Paul made an argument for believing in the resurrection of the dead. He pointed out that they practiced getting baptized for a dead relative, yet they claimed they didn’t believe in the resurrection. Why would they get baptized if they didn’t believe it would affect the person after they died? *** The whole premise of the gospel has to do with resurrection. It was the reason Paul lived his life on the edge of death to preach the truth about Christ. *** They wondered what a person looked like in the resurrection but Paul explained it was just like a seed. An apple seed is going to produce an apple. The same is true of us. We will look just like the seed that is placed in us. If the Word is in us and Jesus is in us, then we will look more like him and yet like us. In other words, we will look like ourselves, only glorified. They didn’t recognize Jesus when he came back to life until they heard his voice. His glorified body must have been something wonderful. It is a mystery, but when it happens it will all make sense to us. *** We will go from being a living person to a life-giving Spirit just as Jesus did. Our body will die and be turned back to dirt, but our spirit will live forever. *** Lord, thank you that we have eternity to look forward to.

Sat.’s Devo - Man’s Opinions of God

Read: Job 8:1-11:20; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; Psalm38:2-33; Proverbs 21:28-29 Bildad spoke up and called Job a “blistering wind” because he said Job accused God of being unjust. He surmised that if Job didn’t do anything to deserve this, maybe his children did. But according to him, all Job needs to do is pray and get back in God’s favor and everything will be returned to him. He thinks Job has forgotten God and needs to return to him. *** Job goes back to Eliphaz’s question of “can man ever be innocent before God.” He feels totally incompetent and unequal to stand before God and argue his case. He thinks the cards are stacked against him and becomes cynical. How can a man stand before the All Mighty, creator of everything? He wishes there was a mediator between him and God - someone not so intimidating and more on his level. *** God did answer this cry many centuries later through Jesus, our Mediator. *** Job gives God all the responsibility for his sad estate. He accuses God of being a hard judge who was waiting for him to mess up. He doesn’t see God as being a loving Father, but an angry god. *** Zophar gives his opinion. He accused Job of thinking he could talk his way out of his problems. In his opinion, Job was mocking God and he tries to explain that God is not that simple and if God was being honest, Job probably deserved more than what he got. He sees God as being unreachable and beyond human understanding. He suggests that Job needs to repent of his sins and be restored to his right mind. *** In Corinthians, Paul has his own battle with man’s wrong understanding about God’s plan. Their misunderstanding had to do with resurrection. No one had ever been raised from the dead until Christ. He was the first to receive eternal life. Paul and many others had been eye-witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus was the first fruit to rise from the dead and he did it on “First Fruits”. *** Jesus, through us, will destroy every ruler, authority, and power then he will turn the Kingdom over to God. Jesus will reign until this is done. The last enemy he will defeat will be death because everything will be put under his authority and he is life. *** Lord, we look forward to that day. May we be living in that day where death is defeated and everything is put under Christ’s feet.

Fri.’s Devo - Innocent Before God

Read: Job 4:1-7:21; 1 Corinthians 14:18-40; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 21:27 Job’s “friend” Eliphaz spoke and began by praising Job for his past accolades. He had been the one to encourage the weak and fearful and now that he was in the same boat, and he was not taking his own advice. But, it went deeper than that. Eliphaz explained that in his experience it was the sinner who in the end was punished. *** Eliphaz shared his vision where he saw a figure who asked him if a mortal could be innocent before God. The figure didn’t give him the answer. He was to figure it out himself. He pondered the fact that God punished his angels who sinned and the fact that we will reap what we sow. *** He advised Job to take his case to the court of heaven and ask God to judge it. He tried to prepare him for God’s discipline and correction that he felt sure would come. *** Eliphaz listed seven things that in them God would keep a man from doing evil. He gave the rewards of not doing evil which were: no loss of possessions, many children, and long life. All of these had greatly affected Job. He had lost all his possessions, the life of his children and now his health had been hit and his life span looked short. *** Job countered with having the right to complain. Even animals make noises when they can’t find food. He accused Eliphaz of having no fear of God or compassion for man. He assumed Job was wrong and had sinned, but Job stood up for himself because he claims to be innocent. He feels he has become God’s target. *** I feel like Job’s argument is the same argument we are having in the Church about sin. The sins of the believer are forgiven; our sins are nailed to the cross so we won’t be charged with them. We are now new creatures in Christ and he lives through us. I’m sure Jesus had not-so-nice thoughts about the Pharisees and priests and it came out in his words and yet, he never sinned. The scripture says to “be angry, but don’t sin.” We don’t deal with sin as much as we deal with our old sinful nature. We are constantly being washed by the Word from the world’s ways. His Word says we are the righteousness of Christ. Sin should not be a part of our lives as Christians. Third John explains this further. Becoming righteous is a process. *** In Corinthians Paul addresses the arguments about tongues. Speaking in tongues is a gift we all should want. Tongues is a sign to the unbeliever who hears it and its interpretation and sees the impossibility of it all. When he hears his secrets exposed he will marvel at the greatness of God. *** Paul also says about sin that we should be innocent when it comes to evil but mature in the things of God. *** In Corinth, there was much Greek influence. Women were very powerful and were worshiped as goddesses. This carried over to the Church and so Paul had to bring some order. But, he was writing to them in Corinth and addressing their problems. He attempted to bring order to their services by telling them to take turns using their gifts and asked for the women to remain quiet, probably to encourage the men to step up. *** Lord, may we have discernment to understand what you are saying and what season we are in.

Thurs.’s Devo - Job’s Woe

Read: Job 1:1-3:26; 1 Corinthians 14:1-17; Psalm 37:12-29; Proverbs 21:25-26 Job means “the cry of woe” which describes Job to a tee. He lived in the land of Uz which means “counsel”. He was known as a wise man who was also blessed with great riches. Job had a wife, seven sons and three daughters and many animals and servants. He also feared God religiously. *** The heavenly court met with God presiding. Satan who had been a leader in heaven but had lost his position attended the meeting. God was going over the business of heaven and asked Satan what he was doing on earth since he had been cast out of heaven to dwell on the earth and the in-between. Satan said he was patrolling his area to and fro. Then God asked him if he had noticed Job who feared God and walked in integrity. Satan accused God of protecting him and blessing him so much that of course, he would follow him. God knew that if a man trusts him when he is blessed and doesn’t need God, he would surely trust him in his need. So God told Satan he could test Job for himself, only he could’t hurt his body. *** Satan lost no time and had no mercy. He took everything Job had in one day. Job claimed that he had come into the world with nothing and he would leave with nothing, but in his loss he still praised the Lord. He didn’t blame God, though he also didn’t seem to know about his enemy, the devil. *** At the next meeting of the heavenly court, when it came Satan’s time to report, he was asked about Job. This time Satan accused God of protecting Job’s body. So God let Satan do whatever he wanted, only he couldn’t kill him. Satan lost no time. He put boils all over his body that oozed, itched and looked abhorrent. Job sat in ashes scraping his body with pieces of pottery. *** Job had three friends who heard of what had happened to Job and traveled to see him. When they saw Job’s state, all they could do was sit with him for seven days and nights in silence. *** Job finally broke the silence cursing the day he was born. He welcomed his death. He did say that what he had feared had come upon him. *** Job had no way of knowing that he was the example of all mankind of a person who lost it all and yet remained faithful. He had no idea that his testing would lead to God’s greatest promotion and blessing. God is the rewarder of those who are faithful to him. *** In Corinthians, Paul told us that our highest goal was love, but we should also desire to have the gifts of the Spirit and especially the gift of prophecy. Speaking in tongues is how we communicate with God spirit to spirit. This strengthens us personally. Prophecy is communication with man spirit to spirit. Prophecy strengthens and encourages and comforts others. Both are important, but to the Body, prophecy is more beneficial. *** Paul encourages the ones who speak in tongues to ask to interpret what they are praying so they would have understanding also. That way they can share with others what they are praying. *** Lord, may we have the heart of Paul which was to share with others the love of God in his heart through any means possible. May we learn through reading Job the importance of living our lives not only for the sake of earth, but with heaven in mind also. We are spiritual beings in this earthly world, but what we do affects both worlds. May we stand with integrity and faith.

Wed.’s Devo - God’s Justice

Read: Esther 8:1-10:3; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 21:23-24 When Esther exposed Haman’s plans, everything flipped. The king took his signet ring and the position he had given to Haman and gave it to Mordecai. He also gave Esther the property of Haman who turned it over to Mordecai to manage. Haman had proved that he only wanted to promote himself and Mordecai had proved that he would protect and defend others. *** Now, the problem was what to do about the decree that the king had signed with his ring. Esther went to the king and begged him to do something, but he told her to take his authority and decide what must be done. The only stipulation was that she couldn’t violate any law that was already set up. *** This is exactly how it works in the spiritual. God has his laws that we are to use as boundaries but God wants us to come up with solutions to problems. He will guide us to through them but there are many answers that we could choose and God wants us to make those decisions. We are not robots, but co-workers with heaven. *** It was decided that on the days the Jews were to be annihilated, they would be able to defend themselves and kill their enemies. I’m sure that when Haman’s edict went out, the enemies of the Jews were exposed and they rejoiced. Now the Jews knew who they were. *** It was all to happen on the 13th day of Adar, the 12th month. Instead of the defeat of the Jewish people, it ended up in being their victory. Five hundred enemies were killed in the city of Susa alone. Esther asked the king for an extension of the celebration to the next day in Susa and for the ten sons of Haman to be impaled on poles. The king extended the battle and they killed another 300. *** In the rest of the land 75,000 enemies of the Jews were killed. Throughout the whole thing, the Jews never took the plunder from those they killed although their enemies were after their plunder. God gave his people relief from their tormentors and the event was called Purim and was decreed that they celebrate it every year after that. *** Mordecai was known far and wide for his work for the good of his people and how he stood up for their welfare of their posterity. *** In Corinthians, we learn how to use our spiritual gifts. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. We are given a list of the parts the Church needs to have to function as God wants it to. The “way” to do this is through love. Love is patient, kind, hopeful and endures through every situation. Our gifts will one day become useless, but faith, hope and love will remain forever. *** Lord, may we use the gifts you have given us to to rightly rule our lives. Thank you for your Spirit, your wisdom, your gifts and your angels who help us. May we do all that we do through faith, hope and love.

Tues.’s Devo - Divine Reversals

Read: Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22 The story of Esther is a book of timing and divine reversals. When Esther learned why Mordecai and all the Jews in Susa were mourning and wearing burlap, she felt powerless to do anything. Mordecai let her know that this was her purpose in being the queen - to save her people from annihilation. She had all the Jews fast and on the third day did something very brave; she appeared before the king for the life of her people. *** Jesus laid down his life for his people and on the third day rose to appear before his father. I wonder if he felt the same reverential fear that Esther felt. *** While she was fasting, God was able to give her his plan and his timing. She followed it to a tee. She invited the king and Haman to a banquet and refused to let her secret out until the next day. *** During that time, God set up the perfect sting. The king found out Mordecai had not be honored for saving his life and decided to reward him. Haman just happened to show up at the perfect time to ask to impale Mordecai on the pole his friends had told him to make. Instead, he was tricked into giving Mordecai the honor and and esteem what he wanted for himself. He would also get the punishment he planned for Mordecai. He would be impaled on the pole he had set up for Moredecai. *** Not only was Haman’s plot found out, but his heart was exposed and he was found evil. His friends turned out to be worthless and wishy-washy. God heard the cry of his people and came to their rescue. *** In Corinthians, Paul explains the Body of Christ and how it works. We saw it work perfectly in the story of Esther. Esther had to learn that she was part of the Jewish heritage even though she was not with them in body. What she did greatly affected their future and vice versa. They fasted for her life and she laid down hers for them. They all played a role. Mordecai was like the Holy Spirt who led the different players to do their part. It is God who put Esther where could do the most good but it wasn’t for her own vanity, it was for the salvation of his people. *** We each have our own gifts and personality and are put where we can be used the most. We should never feel less important just because we are not being used like we think we should. God has a treasury of people saved up for when he needs them to act. It is our responsibility to stay sharp and ready when he needs us. Paul said, that some of the parts that seem weakest are the strongest, and some that we think of less honorable are really the ones most special. We all need the gifts of others to finish the work of the Kingdom. *** Lord, may we play our part with love and humility. May we have a Kingdom mindset and lay down our lives daily for your purposes.

Mon.’s Devo - Esther

Read: Esther 1:1-3:15; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20 During the reign of the Medes and Persians, King Xerxes ruled over the land. His rule stretched to 127 provinces and he was extremely prosperous. In his third year, he threw a very opulent banquet for all his nobles and officials. The party lasted 180 days and when it was over, he threw another party for the common people for another week. *** The queen, Vashti held a party of her own at the same time for the women. On the seventh day when the men were good and drunk, Xerxes ordered his seven eunuchs to go get Vashti and bring her to let the men gaze on her beauty. She was to wear the crown, and maybe that was all. Anyway, Vashti refused to come and be gawked at. This was a great embarrassment to the king and he met with his counselors to ask them what he should do about it. His decision would greatly affect how their wives responded to them. If she was allowed to get away with it, all the other wives in the kingdom would follow. So they told him to exile her and they would find him a new wife. He agreed, only the decree that went out also added that every man would be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever pleased him. *** Now they had to find Xerxes a wife or he might start missing Vashti and get mad at them for exiling her. A beauty contest was arranged and any beautiful virgin was taken into the king’s harem to be prepped to have a night with him. He would make the decision which woman he wanted. *** Mordecai was a Jewish exile who was from the same family Saul was from. He had adopted his orphaned niece Esther and raised her as his daughter. She was so beautiful, she was chosen to be in the harem of the king. Mordecai warned her not to reveal her Jewish heritage. *** Esther received much favor and was promoted to the king’s harem very quickly. Mordecai also was promoted to become a palace officer which meant he sat at the gate. At the same time, Haman was also promoted by the king to be the most powerful officer of the king. He was evil and ordered all the king’s officials to bow when he walked by. Mordecai refused to bow because he was a Jew who only bowed to God. His fellow officers ratted on him to Haman. This made Haman so mad he decided he would not only bring Mordecai down but he would destroy all the Jews in the empire. *** In the meantime, Mordecai exposed a plot of two of the palace officials to kill the king. He told Esther to get the news to the king and the two men were killed. Mordecai’s name and the event was recorded in the king’s books. *** In the seventh month of Nisan every year, the king would determine the year’s events on their calendar by lots. Haman told the king of a people in his kingdom who didn’t follow his laws. He suggested that it was not good for the the kingdom to let them live. To sway Xerxes’ opinion he offered 10,000 sacks of silver to be given to the government. Xerxes agreed, so their annihilation was put on the calendar and the lot fell on the 13th of Adar which was five months later. On that day all the Jews in the provinces were to be killed. When the decree went out, the king and Hamen sat down to drink but the city of Susa was totally confused as to why this was ordered. *** In Corinthians, Paul explains why there must be divisions among the people. It is so that those who have the approval of God will be recognized. It was obvious in the situation Paul described who were the real disciples of Christ. Those who honored the Lord’s supper (the wine which represented his blood and the bread that honored his body) were his real disciples. The ones who were hogging the food and getting drunk on the wine were eating and drinking God’s judgment upon themselves. *** Paul encouraged them to judge themselves so that they would not be later judged by God. They were to be servants who served one another. *** Lord, deal with our selfish motives and may we honor you first and others greater than ourselves. When we are treated wrongly as the Jews were in Esther, that we know that you are our deliverer.

Sun.’s Devo - Dedicating the Wall

Read: Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16; Psalms 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18 Nehemiah had asked Artexerxes for 12 years to build the wall in Jerusalem and to govern it till it was operating like the city of God. In those years, the people had built the wall and it was time to dedicate it to the Lord. They did so with great celebration and song. *** The singers were divided into two groups who left at the same place on the wall and walked all the way around Jerusalem singing and praising God. They met up on the opposite side causing the whole city to be filled with “surround sound”. *** Sacrifices and gifts were given to the Lord. The sounds of praises and thanks-giving could be heard for miles. The book of Moses was read to the people. It said that no Ammonite or Moabite was allowed to enter the assembly of God, ever, because they refused to give the Israelites food or water when they came out of Egypt. *** Nehemiah then returned to serve Artexerxes in Babylon. When he came back to visit to see how things were going, he found that Tobiah, the enemy of God had been given a room in the Temple. Nehemiah threw all his things out of the room and had it purified. He also learned that the Levites and not been paid so they had had to go back to earning a living by farming. Once again the people had neglected the Temple. Nehemiah brought the priests and Levites back to the Temple and made sure the people paid their tithes to keep them fed and supplied. He appointed honest supervisors over the storerooms. *** Nehemiah noticed that everyone was working on the Sabbath so he had the gates closed the gates so they couldn’t bring merchandise in on the Sabbath. He made the Sabbath holy once again. He also noticed that the men of Judah had married foreign women. He reminded them that this very deed was the reason for Solomon’s downfall. One of the priest’s sons had married a daughter of Tobiah. Nehemiah had him banished. He made sure the altar was in working condition and every one was doing their job. *** Nehemiah reminded the Lord all he had done for his Temple. He prayed for God to have favor and compassion and on him according to His great love. *** In Corinthians, Paul set himself up as an example for the people to follow because he was following Christ’s example. He explained that men represent Christ and women represent the Body of Christ. Men should be living and loving like Jesus was and women should honor their husbands like the Church should honor Christ. They are to be an example of how the kingdom of God works. They showed this in their head coverings. Men wore nothing on their head to show that, like Christ, there was nothing between him and God. Man was made in the image of God and reflects God’s glory. Women did wear a covering on their head to show that they were under God’s authority. Woman was made for man and reflects man’s glory. *** The man needs the woman just as much as the woman needs the man. It is one big cycle of love and respect. Men are to love women as God loves Christ and women are to love their husbands as the Church loves God. *** Lord, may we learn the true meaning of marriage, love, and family. May we live our lives to reflect your glory to the world.

Sat.’s Devo - Honor God

Read: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14-33; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16 The people who lived in Jerusalem were a combination of volunteers, those chosen by lot and those who had lived there before. Their names were recorded by the priests and scribes. Everyone else lived in the land of their family inheritance. *** These records were kept for years. The people were scattered from Beersheba to the Hinnom valley. Beersheba was where Hagar, Abraham and Isaac all called out to the Lord. Isaac’s life was spared when Abraham was about to offer him on the altar to the Lord in the land of Beersheba. It would be associated with salvation. *** The Hinnom valley was just the opposite. It was believed to be the gateway to hell. It was associated with the worship of Molech until Josiah tore the altars down. Later it was used for burning corpses of criminals and animals. *** In Corinthians, Paul told the believers to flee the worship of idols. He explained that idols and false gods are really demons and we are not to participate in offering them anything. *** The big question to them was whether to eat meat offered to idols. Paul tried to make it simple. If they knew it was meat offered to idols then for the sake of other believers who this might bother, they were not to participate. It they didn’t know it was meat offered to idols, they didn’t have to worry about not eating it. If they don’t know, then it is fine to eat it. God made all things for our benefit and he is greater than any idol. The bottom line is to do everything to the glory of God and to honor his children in the process. We can’t please everyone but we are to be a witness in everything we do. *** Lord, help us to live in freedom but also be an example to the weak of your love and grace. Give us wisdom in all our decisions.

Fri.’s Devo - It is Time to Repent

Read: Nehemiah 9:22-10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13 God had promised he would give them the land of Israel and he did. They took possession of land full of good things from peoples that were more powerful than them, but because God was with them, they succeeded. They ended up with houses full of good things, cisterns already dug up and running, vineyard and olive groves in abundance. *** In spite of all God did for them, they rebelled and disobeyed his laws. In their time of need, they cried out to the Lord, and he came to their rescue over and over. Eventually, they returned to their gods and turned their backs on God. God sent his prophets to warn them to repent and they refused to listen. As a result, they found themselves slaves in the land God had given them, as they watched their masters enjoying the things they were meant to enjoy. *** They put in writing and sealed a document which declared their new government and their promise to obey God’s laws. They would not let their children marry pagans. They would honor the Sabbath and pay the Temple tax to keep the Temple running. They would bring their first fruits to the Lord and give their oldest sons and first born of their cattle to the Lord. Together they promised not to neglect the Temple of the Lord. *** We could write this about America. We are finding ourselves in the same place where we are now slaves of the land we came to, to be free. As we return to the Lord and get our houses in order, we can together say we will not neglect the temple of the Lord which is within us. *** In Corinthians, Paul explains that his life was spent doing anything he could to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Jew and the Gentile. He looked for a common ground with whoever he was with to open a door to share Christ with them. *** Paul gave examples for us who would be living at the end of the age. He told of the children of Israel who came out of Egypt with Moses and saw all the wonderful signs and wonders that God did for them and yet they died in the wilderness because they rebelled over and over. They were a warning to us not to crave evil and perversion. *** We should walk humbly and with great care, aware of the temptations in life that can be a snare to us and cause us to stumble. *** Lord, may we walk in humility with our eyes open and our hearts hungry for you. May we be quick to repent and turn back to you. You alone have the words of life. Thank you that we have the Holy Spirit that comes along side us and helps us to walk in holiness and righteousness.

Thurs.’s Devo - The Feast of Tabernacles

Read: Nehemiah 7:73b-9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12 On the first of Tishri which was Roshashana, the people met to hear the law read aloud. They met at the square and listened as Ezra read the law while the other priests help teach what it was saying so the people could understand. When they heard how they had sinned against the Lord, they wept. The Levites told them that today was to be a day of joy and rejoicing so they should be happy. They met for a week listening to the Word being read and taught. ***They met again that month to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. The people confessed their sins this time as the law was being read. They set up their shelters just like the law had commanded and lived in them for the week. The Levites prayed a long prayer remembering all God had brought them through as a nation. God had been so merciful to them even through their rebellion and sins, just like he is for us and our nation. *** In Corinthians, Paul defended his apostleship and his authority in Christ. He explained how he could expect to be supported by the Church just as well as the other apostles they supported. Paying those who minister is right and lawful. *** Lord, may we remember all you have brought us through and be thankful. It is your mercy that endures forever.

Wed.’s Devo - Finishing the Wall

Read: Nehemiah 5:14-9:73a; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10 Nehemiah was the governor of Jerusalem and during his tenure, he had never used any of the allotted allowance for food. The governor before him and taxed them greatly and Nehemiah felt the people were having a hard enough time feeding themselves. He devoted himself to getting the wall built and fed 150 people daily out of his own pocket. *** The people had built the wall and all they had left to do was to set the gates up. Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem found out and called a meeting demanding Nehemiah to attend. Nehemiah knew they were up to no good and refused to come. They sent four letters and on the fifth time, they read the letter to all the people. In it they accused Nehemiah of wanting to be their king and rebelling against the king of Babylon. Nehemiah called it “fake news” and ignored it. *** When lies and intimidation wouldn’t work, they tried to discredit him by telling Nehemiah to hide in the Temple to save his life. Nehemiah didn’t buy this either. He kept reminding the Lord all he had done and all his enemies had done. *** The wall was finished in less than two months and everyone knew it was a miracle from God. Instead of Nehemiah proclaiming himself to be king like Tobiah had accused him of planning, he gave his governorship over to his brother Hanani. He set guards at the gates and took a census of the people who had returned to Jerusalem and Judah. He found that 42,360 people had returned also with servants and singers bringing the total to almost 50,000 people. *** In Corinthians, there had been a discussion about eating food offered to idols. The market sold this meat that was left over from those who offered it to the temples to other gods and it was cheaper than other meat. This greatly bothered some of the believers and they didn’t want to eat of it while others thought it was sacred. *** Paul told them to honor each other’s convictions and do what they thought was right. The important thing was to know that there was only one God and he didn’t care what you ate as long as he was your king and you honored him as God. The other thing was to honor one another by not violating the conscience of those who were weak or new believers. It all goes back to the first and second commandments which are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. *** Lord, may the whole world fear only you and stand in awe of what you do. May we love you with all our hearts, soul and mind.

Tues.’s Devo - Building the Wall of Faith

Read: Nehemiah 3:15-5:13; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 21:5-7 As families built the wall where they were, the enemies of God were not happy. Sanballat which means “hatred in secret” was not very secret about his hatred of God’s people and what they were doing. He mocked them and tried intimidation to discourage them. When that didn’t work he resorted to trying to confuse their efforts. Finally he brought physical threats. The ones building the wall had to work with a weapon in one hand and a shovel in the other. They posted guards to keep the workers safe. *** Then they faced eternal problems. The people with large families were having trouble feeding them. Others were morgaged to death because of the famine. And others complained about the steep taxes. To make things worse, Nehemiah found out that the Jews were charging interest on their own people and causing them to sell their children as slaves to them to pay their debt. *** Nehemiah called a meeting to address all of these problems. He rebuked them for charging interest on their own people and demanded they give the interest back to the people. The priests and the people agreed they would do it. *** Proverbs 25:28 says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Since we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, we need walls around our lives also. These walls are our self-control. They keep the enemy from stealing from us. We build these walls with our faith in Christ by loving God, reading his Word, obeying him and keeping sin far from us. *** In Corinthians, the sexual problem had become so great that Paul suggested the young women not marry until they had fixed the problem. *** Paul tried to get them to look beyond their lives and see the bigger picture. He saw their obsession on getting married as a hindrance in their walk with Christ. Paul was trying to get them to build their wall of faith before they filled their house with things that would distract them from being fortified and mature. *** Lord, thank you that you are working all things for our good and maturity. May we guard our soul and fortify our self against the attacks of the enemy.

Mon.’s Devo - The Call to Build

Read: Nehemiah 1:1-3:14; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 21:4 Nehemiah means “the comfort of Jehovah”. Nehemiah was a Jewish refugee who served as the cup-bearer to king Artaxerxes in Babylon. Nehemiah was visited by his brother and friends who had just arrived from visiting in Judah. He learned that it was not going well in Judah. The wall of Jerusalem had been torn down and its gates burned. He cried out to the Lord repenting for his sins and the sins of his ancestors. He reminded God of his promise that if they returned to Him, He would bring them back to Jerusalem and be with them. He asked that God would give him favor with the king and let him have his request. *** When he served the king his wine, the king noticed that he was not his happy self and asked what was nothing him. Nehemiah told him of the report he had heard about his hometown. The king wanted to know how he could help so Nehemiah asked if he could have a long vacation and go help rebuild the wall. The king gave him his request and letters that would allow him to pass safely through the land. God had heard and answered Nehemiah’s prayer. *** Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and went out secretly to assess the damage of the city during the night. Once he had inspected the walls and gates he had a meeting with the Jewish leaders and priests. He told him of the favor he had been given from the king and his plans to rebuild the walls. They were very glad to help, but they had opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem who scoffed at them and accused them of rebelling against the king. *** Despite the opposition they began rebuilding the wall, with everyone taking a section of the wall to be responsible for. *** In Corinthians, Paul addressed the sexual immorality in the church. He told the husbands to be faithful to their wives and vice versa. In the heathen worship all around them, sex was a part of their worship which was perverted and had no boundaries. The new believers had to relearn the sanctity of marriage and virtue. He advised them not to run and get a divorce but to reconcile with each other. If one was a believer and the spouse was not, then they should stay together if at all possible. The believer brings holiness into the family and causes the children to be holy. Paul reminded them that God wanted them to live in peace. His hope and prayer was that the unbelieving spouse would be saved, eventually. *** God called all of us out of darkness and wherever we are when we came to him, we should remain there to be his witness until he calls us to a new place. It is all part of God’s plan. *** Lord, thank you for all the places you put us. May we shine as holy lights bringing hope and salvation to those who are lost. Life is not heaven, but one opportunity after another to bring heaven into our part of earth. Thank you that Holy Spirit helps us to do that. Our Psalm explains it so well. May the world see your love lavished on us and want what we have.

Sun.’s Devo - The Power of Repentance and Salvation

Read: Ezra 10:1-44; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 21:3 Ezra interceded for the sins of the people lying face down on the ground, weeping. Shecaniah told him that though they had sinned by marrying pagan wives, there was still hope for Israel. He asked Ezra to get up and tell them what they needed to do to make it right with God. *** Ezra had the people swear by an oath that the leaders of the priests and Levites would do what Shecaniah said and they all swore they would. A proclamation was made for everyone to come to Jerusalem. If they didn’t come they would forfeit their property and be expelled from their assembly. *** They came in three days and met on the first day of the 10th month. It was cold and raining as they sat in the square before the Temple. Ezra stood and told them their great sin of marrying pagan women and having children by them. He told them to confess their sin and repent. They were to separate themselves from their pagan wives and they would schedule their divorce. It took three months to go through the process for all of them since 112 of them had married pagan wives and some had children. *** In Corinth, Paul rebuked the people because they were not letting the church deal with legal matters but were going to worldly lawyers to settle their disputes. He explained to them that they had it backwards. One day the Church would judge the world and angels. This was a terrible example to the world to see. They should have people in the church wise enough to settle their disputes. *** They used the excuse that they had free will to sin and eat whatever they wanted, but Paul told them they must not become a slave to sin since Jesus died to set them free from sin. Grace is not a license to sin, it is the power not to sin. When they became Christians, their bodies were given to God and Christ now lives through their bodies. Christ would never sin, so we don’t need to either. Our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. We no longer own them but they are God’s. *** Lord, may we honor you with our bodies. May Christ be glorified through our lives.

Sat.’s Devo - Righteous Judgement

Read: Ezra 8:21-9:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 21:1-2 The Ahava Canal was a junction in the road in Babylon. That was where Ezra and the exiles returning to Jerusalem met. Ezra and his group prayed and fasted asking God to prosper their trip and keep them safe. They offered burnt offerings and sacrifices. They carried a decree from the king asking for support from the neighboring towns. *** Ezra was told that many of the people traveling with him had worshipped the idols of Babylon and even married Babylonian women. When Ezra heard this, he was appalled and mourned. He prayed that God would forgive them for their great sins. *** In Corinthians, Paul was facing the same thing in the Church. He was hearing of sexual sins going on in the Church. One man, in particular, was sleeping with his step-mother. Instead of feeling remorse and shame, the Church was proud - probably of accepting him. Paul said they should remove him from their fellowship until he repented. We are not to judge the world because they don’t know the truth and are not part of God’s kingdom, but we should judge those who are in God’s kingdom and a part of our fellowship. *** Letting sin in and not dealing with it would end up spreading throughout the church. Paul told them not to break bread with the outright sinners in the Church who had no desire to repent. *** Lord, may we have the boldness to stand up for the righteousness Christ died to give us. Give us discernment to judge rightly and live in sincerity and truth.

Fri.’s Devo - God’s Favor

Read: Ezra 7:1-8:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 20:28-30 Years later, a man named Ezra came on the scene. He was the 17th in the line of Aaron and he lived in Babylon. He was a scribe who knew the law of Moses well. King Artaxerxes gave him much favor and financed his trip to Jerusalem as well as anyone who wanted to go with him. He gave him permission to take all the gold and silver he had and that the people gave him. He donated all types of animals and offerings to be offered in the Temple. He also gave the cups they had taken from Jerusalem years ago to be restored to the Temple. He donated silver, wheat, wine, oil and salt. He ordered that they have free passage throughout the land. *** King Artaxerxes gave Ezra permission to appoint magistrates and judges who knew God’s laws so they could govern the people. Those who didn’t obey the law would face death, banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment. *** Ezra blessed the king for his generosity and honor of God and for blessing them in their endeavors. *** Those who volunteered to go with him were 1,544, though none of them were Levites. Ezra called a meeting of all the leaders and especially the leader of the Levites too ask them to send those who could minister in the Temple. They sent Sherebiah and 18 of his relatives and a descendant of Merari and 20 of his relatives as well as 220 Temple servants who had served the first Temple. *** In Corinthians, Paul wrote that he and Apollos were servants of God who were given the ministry of explaining the mysteries of God. Their master was God and he was the one who would judge them, not man. He warned them of judging anyone here on earth. God will be the judge everyone’s hearts when we all get to heaven and will reward the faithful. *** Paul and the apostles were the groundbreakers who plowed the ground for the others. They were the ones who faced the angry opposition and ridicule while those who went behind them enjoyed all the benefits. Paul urged them to use him as their example to imitate and not the ones who only taught things that were safe and politically polite. *** Apparently there were teachers who talked a big talk but had no power to back it up. Paul promised to come and see for himself who was actually living what they preached. *** Lord, may what we say be what we live and may we see your power manifested in our lives.

Thurs.’s Devo - Divine Reversals

Read: Ezra 4:24-6:22; 1 Corinthians 3:5-23: Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 20:26-27 Construction on the Temple had stopped during Artaxerxes’s reign. When Darius came to power, the prophets of Judah began prophesying to the people to start building again because God would be with them. Zerubbabel and Jeshua responded and began building the Temple. *** The governor of the province, Tattenai showed up with his entourage and wanted to know who had approved their building project. He wanted the names of everyone working on it. He sent a letter to Darius explaining what was going on and what their reasoning was. The Jews claimed that Cyrus had decreed the Temple be built when he ruled and had promise to finance it from his treasury. *** Darius had the archives searched for the decree and sure enough, they were right. He ordered Tattenai to pay all the costs of the construction out of the taxes he collected and to support them with all their needs. He was to give them animals and supplies they would need for their offerings and sacrifices. What a divine turn of events. What the enemy meant for harm turned into the biggest blessing of all. That is what God does for us when we obey and do what he calls us to do, no matter the opposition. *** The people were able to complete the Temple with much joy. They celebrated the Passover that year and the people returned to worship the Lord. *** Paul explains that we are also building the Temple of the Lord, but now it is in our hearts. The emphasis should not be on the person who lead us to the Lord and taught us, but Jesus who is the reason we are the Temple. We are all just laborers for the Lord - his servants. We should not get the glory because the glory belongs to the Lord. *** Lord, thank you for the divine reversals you have done in our lives. Thank you for Holy Spirit who leads, guides, teaches and comforts us. May we be diligent about building and maintaining our temples. May they shine for your glory.

Wed.’s Devo - Tabernacles

Read: Ezra 3:1-4:23; 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 20:24-25 In the seventh month which is Tishri, they rebuilt the altar where it had stood in Solomon’s time. They began on Roshashana which was the first day of Tishri. Fifteen days later they celebrated the whole week for the Feast of Tabernacles offering offerings on the altar every day. *** Then they followed David’s example and hired masons and carpenters who brought cedar logs from Tyre and Sidon to begin construction of the Temple. They completed the foundation of the Temple. The priests put on their robes, blew their trumpets and sang, “He is good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!” The people shouted for joy. Many who saw the foundation were joyful, but those who had lived during the time of the first Temple cried because it was so much smaller. Their mixed reaction could be hear from afar. *** The enemies of Judah and Benjamin were not happy about their success. They tried to infiltrate with lies about wanting to help, but were refused. Then they resorted to fear and discouragement. They even bribed the hired ones to work against them and slow down their progress. This continued throughout the reign of three Persian kings. When Artaxerxes came to power, the enemies of Judah sent a letter to the king making the Jews sound like a group of insurrectionists who were building a city so they could rebel against him and cause him much woe. The letter informed the king that they had laid the foundation and were building the walls and if they completed all their plans, he would have no more power over them. *** Their plan succeeded and work on the city and the Temple was stopped. *** In Corinthians, Paul explains that God’s wisdom is nothing like the world’s wisdom. God’s wisdom is full of mystery. God’s greatest mystery was Jesus Christ. Man in his wisdom crucified Jesus, thinking he could get rid of him once and for all but in God’s wisdom, that was all part of the plan to give us eternal life. *** God reveals to us his secrets through his Spirit. People who do not have his Spirit cannot understand his mysteries which sound foolish to them. *** Paul laments that the people are still immature, controlled by their own sinful nature. They were jealous of one another and lived like the world. They argued about who they followed in the body of Christ. Sounds like today’s church. *** Lord, may we not get impressed by others gifts and blessings but be impressed by you, who is the author of the gifts. Thank you that you still work with us to reveal your glory on the earth. May we arise and shine.

Tues.’s Devo - God’s Proclamation

Read: Ezra 1:1-2:70; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 20:22-23 Jeremiah had prophesied that Israel would be put of their land for 70 years, then return. It had been 70 years and Cyrus sent out a written proclamation that God had appointed him to build a Temple to the God of Israel in Jerusalem. He invited any of God’s people to go home and build it. He encouraged his people to give toward it. He gave all the vessels that he had in his treasury that his army had taken from Jerusalem when they destroyed it. *** The people of Judah responded and over 39,000 volunteered to return to Judah. They left with gifts from Cyrus and with gifts from their neighbors. When they arrived they gave offerings toward the rebuilding of the Temple. The priests and Levites stayed in Jerusalem and the rest of the people went back to their hometowns which were scattered throughout Israel. *** In Corinthians, we learn that what we know through the Holy Spirit about Jesus and salvation, but it sounds silly to the unbelievers. In Isaiah 29:14 God promised to destroy the wisdom of the wise and throw away the intelligence of the intelligent. He did it through the simplicity of the Gospel. The Jews looked for signs and the Greeks for human understanding, but none of those things can save a person. Instead, God chose the things that the world looks at as foolish to shame the wise, and the weak to shame the powerful. He chose the things the world thought were useless to be important. So, none of us have any room to boast in our selves, but every reason to boast about the Lord. Through Jesus we are made right with God and we have been united with Christ who is wisdom, itself. We cannot rely on our human resources but in the power of God. *** Lord, we do put all our trust and faith in you. Through your wisdom and strength we will defeat all your enemies. Thank you that you are faithful to your promises.

Mon.’s Devo - God is Faithful to His Promises

Read: 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1-17; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 20:20-21 When Josiah had cleansed the land of idolatry, he set out to have all Judah celebrate the Passover. He did everything according to the law of Moses that he had found in the Temple. They offered over 46,000 animals on the altars that day. There had not been a celebration like that since the days of Samuel. *** Once Josiah restored the Temple he heard that King Necco of Egypt had come up to fight at Carmesh and went out to meet him. Necco told him he was not there to fight him, but was on his way to fight someone else. He said he was on God’s mission. He was speaking the truth, but Josiah didn’t stop to ask the Lord and went disguised into battle. He was wounded and was brought back to Jerusalem where he died. *** In the next twenty-two and a half years, Judah went through four kings: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. The people of Judah installed Jehoahaz as king. the king of Egypt installed Jehoiakim as king and took Jehoahaz to Egypt. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took Jehoiakim to Babylon and Jehoiachin became the king. Then Nebuchadnezzar took him to Babylon and installed Zedekiah as king of Judah. *** Instead of turning to the Lord, the people refused to hear the warnings of the prophets and became more and more idolatrous. God brought the army of Babylon against them who plundered, murdered and took the rest captive. They left Jerusalem, its Temple, and the walls in ruins and left the poorest of the poor to care for the land. *** For 70 years the land enjoyed its Sabbath and at the end of the time God had set, the king of Persia who was now in power issued a decree that all the people could return to Jerusalem and build a Temple at Jerusalem to the Lord. He added, “And may the Lord be with you!” Just like God had promised. *** Paul wrote a letter to the believers in Corinth reminding them that God is faithful to what he promises. He encouraged the to live in harmony and love and be single -minded in their mission to love Jesus and spread his gospel. Paul had heard they had gotten hung up over which leader they followed. He told them that Jesus was not divided into factions and they didn’t need to be either. *** We see that in today’s church. If we just remember that Christ is the head, it keeps everything in perspective. No man has it all right, so we should use God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to be our guide and have grace and mercy for leaders who are trying to know the truth. *** Lord, may our goal be to see you high and lifted up and not a man. Thank you that you are always faithful to your promises.

Sun.’s Devo - New Beginnings

Read: 2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33; Romans 16:10-27; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 20:19 Manasseh was a new man and fortified his city and the other cities giving them protection and peace. He removed all the false gods and the one he put in the Temple. The people still used the pagan shrines but only to worship the Lord. *** When Manasseh died, his son Amon reined for only two years. He was evil and reinstitute idolatry. Some of his own officials had him killed. His assassins were killed by the people and Amon’s son, Josiah became king. *** Josiah was only eight when he became king and he honored the Lord. Eight years later, he began purifying the land of idolatry. He was the one the prophet called by name when Jeroboam was king of Israel (1 Kings 13:1-3). He had prophecied that he would burn the bones of the false prophets on their altars and Josiah did this very thing. *** Eight years after that, Josiah gave money to the high priest to repair the Temple. The money was the money they had collected at the gate every Sabbath. They say about repairing the Temple they found the book of the law…probably Deuteronomy. They read about the blessings and the curses. When Josiah read it he was devastated. He sent the priests to pray for the nation. They sought the prophetess, Huldah and she told them that all they read would come true, but because Josiah repented it would not happen in his life time. *** Josiah had the law read to all the elders in Jerusalem and Judah. Josiah renewed their covenant with the Lord to serve him only. He required everyone in Judah and Benjamin to make that same commitment. Josiah remained faithful to the Lord all his life. *** I found it interesting that Josiah came to power at the age of eight and every eight years he did some major reform. The number eight means “new beginnings.” *** In Romans, Paul honors his faithful believers and followers as his family. He wanted them of people who would cause division and teach things different than what Paul had. He encouraged them to obey the Lord because God would soon crush Satan underneath their feet. *** All glory to God, the only wise God who is able to make us strong through Jesus Christ, forever.

Sat.’s Devo - God is Great

Read: 2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13; Romans 15:23-16:9; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 20:16-18 Hezekiah carried out a spiritual reform bringing the nation back to the Lord and the devil was not happy. He sent the army of Assyria, the most powerful nation on the earth at that time, against Judah. They laid siege to Jerusalem will and tried to break down its walls. *** Hezekiah had the weak sections of the wall repaired. He reinforced his terraces and manufactured weapons and shields. He appointed army officers and met with them. He encouraged them that the God they served was much more powerful than the army of mere men outside their gates. *** King Sennacherib of Assyria tried to intimidate the soldiers and officers reminding them of all the powerful nations they had brought down and how none of their gods had been able to save them. He and his men mocked Hezekiah and their god. They talked like they were dealing with idols made from human hands instead of the God whose hands made them. *** Hezekiah called on Isaiah and together, they prayed. God sent his angel who killed 185,000 Assyrians in one night (2 Kings 19). Sennacherib left in disgrace. He was later killed in the temple of his god by his own sons. *** From that time, Hezekiah experienced peace, prosperity, and respect from the other nations. He became fatally sick and prayed to the Lord reminding him of his faithfulness. God healed him and gave him 15 more years to live. Instead of being grateful and humble, he became proud. God promised to bring judgement on him and the nation. Hezekiah repented, so God held off his judgment until after he died. *** Hezekiah’s son Manasseh became king and reigned 55 years. He worshipped idols and encouraged the nation to join him. He filled the land with idolatry. He even put an idol in the Temple of the Lord. *** Manasseh ignored all the warnings of the prophets and was eventually taken captive by Assyria who led him by a ring in his nose, in chains to Babylon. He repented to the Lord and God brought him back to Jerusalem to run his kingdom. Now, Manasseh knew that God was the only God. *** In Romans, Paul was ending his letter. He was on his way to visit them in Rome but was going to Jerusalem first. The different churches had donated gifts to give to the poor believers in Jerusalem. They had suffered the most for their faith in Jesus and since the other believers saw them as their spiritual fathers, they gave generously. ***Paul mentions many heroes in the ministry by name, thanking them for their service and faithfulness to the Gospel. *** Lord, help us to join in your ministry on the earth. May we use our gifts to honor you and help others.

Fri.’s Devo - Spiritual Reform

Read: 2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22: Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 25:1-15 Hezekiah sent out invitations to all 12 tribes in Israel to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and return to the Lord. They couldn’t be ready on the fifteenth of Nissan so they planned it for the same time the next month. *** When the people heard the proclamation, many laughed and scoffed, but people from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came. The people of Judah also had a heart to return to the Lord. The people’s response shamed the priests and Levites so they purified themselves and offered the Passover Lamb. Many of the people outside of Judah had not purified themselves so the Levites had to offer their lambs for them. Hezekiah prayed for them and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal with them. *** The celebration lasted seven days and the people sang and gave thanks to the Lord and enjoyed fellowship. They enjoyed it so much that they extended the celebration another week. They had not celebrated this joyfully and grand since the days of Solomon. When it was time to go home, the priests blessed the people and they returned to their home towns. They got rid of their idolatrous images and altars. *** Hezekiah established the priesthood to continue throughout the year. He required the people to bring to the Temple the requirements to keep the sacrifices going. He contributed great amounts of animals to the Temple from his personal supply. The people responded so heartily that they had to build storehouses to hold it all. They had enough to generously provide for the priests and Levites and their families. *** In Romans, Paul tells the mature believers to be sensitive to others convictions like Jesus was. Jesus took the insults of his friends on himself as well as all our sins. *** Paul wanted to remind them that God was the source of all hope. He can fill us with joy and peace when we trust in Him. Lord, may we get our strength and joy from you. You are the one we put our hope in.