Fri.’s Devo - Our Authority

Read: Lamentations 4:1-5:22; Hebrews 2:1-18; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 26:23 The prophet laments the lack of respect for their wealth. The children are their greatest wealth - he compared them to gold. They were begging in the streets with no one to feed or take care of them. Everyone was starving and had turned barbaric. Murder was rampant as some had turned to canabalism to survive. *** The people had also lost respect for their priests and leaders. They had been told their allies would come to their rescue, but no one came. They had put their hope in their king, but he didn’t come through either. Jerusalem’s punishment would one day end, and Edom’s would begin. Jerusalem would be left empty, but God would restore his people back to him. His kingdom endures forever and can not be torn down. God’s reign continues from generation to generation. *** In Hebrews, God speaks about the angels a lot. They were the ones who announced Jesus birth, and yet some of them violated God’s laws and came to earth to marry women. They were punished and are still locked up in prison. Angels are a little higher than man, but God chose man to have authority over the earth. *** Jesus came to earth to show us how a man can use his authority to bring salvation. He died to break the power of death and set us free. Now we no longer fear death. His suffering and testing was an example to help us through our suffering and tests. Lord, thank you for coming to earth to be our example of how we should live and what our authority should look like. May we step out in faith and use this authority to tear down strongholds and build up your kingdom here on earth.

Thurs.’s Devo - God’s Faithfulness -

Read: Lamentations 3:1-66; Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 26:21-22 The writer gives a gory picture of of what it is like when the blessing of God leaves a nation. The road is very crooked and bitter. *** He dares to have hope when he remembers that God is faithful and his mercies never end, but are fresh every morning. God doesn’t take pleasure in disciplining his children, but we have to wait out our time of correction and be repentant. *** They were being disciplined for having no respect of life, depriving people of their rights and twisting justice. They had no right to complain about their sentence. *** The prophet of God cries out for God to avenge him of the persecution he has faced to be faithful. *** In Hebrews, the writer explains how God spoke in the past through his prophets but now has spoken through his son, Jesus. He shines forth God’s glory and is the very character of God. Everything obeys his command. When he had done what he came to do, which was save us from sin, he sat down next to God. All the angels worship and serve him. They are sent to care for all the people who are called to salvation. *** Lord, we pray for mercy and forgiveness for our land. You have torn us down, now please build us up again to be your glory on the earth. Thank you for your faithfulness and care.

Wed.’s Devo - Lamentations

Read: Lamentations 1:1-2:22; Philemon 1:1-25; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 26:20 Most scholars believe Lamentations was written by Jeremiah. It is believed it was written during and after the time Nebuchadnezzar was besieging Jerusalem and the people in the city were starving to death. One of the themes of Jeremiah was that their situation was the result of their rebellion against God. They saw the Babylonians being the hand of God punishing them for their sins, which were many. *** The prophet mourns the fall of Jerusalem who was once a great and respected city in the nations. The people have been taken into captivity and her sins have finally caught up with her. No nation comes to her rescue. Her Temple has been desecrated and everything of worth has been carted off. The people are left with nothing and their strength is gone. Her kings and queens have been exiled to a foreign land and her law has ceased to exist. Her false prophets are now proven to be liars. But God’s prophets had warned of this moment over and over. Their sins invited this chaos. *** Paul and Timothy joined to write a letter to Philemon. They are asking Philemon to be kind to Onesimus who was Philemon’s run-away slave. He found Christ through Paul and Timothy’s ministry and has matured into a leader in the church. He reminds Philemon that Onesimus is no longer a slave to him, but a brother in Christ. *** Paul emphasizes the love he has for Onesimus and sends him back as if he is sending himself. He wants Philemon to treat him like he would treat Paul if he was coming to visit. *** This is a great picture of how we receive a person who was mean to us in the past, but is now a believer in Christ. We must see them as new creatures, not the same person. *** Lord, may we be merciful like you are merciful. May we forgive and allow people to change. Give us your eyes to see what you see.

Tue.’s Devo - Jerusalem’s End -

Read: Jeremiah 51:54-52:34; Titus 3:1-15; Psalm 100: 1-5; Proverbs 26:18-19 Jeremiah prophecied Babylon’s destruction in the forth year of Zedekiah’s reign over Jerusalem. He sent that prophecy through Seraiah, a staff officer who was taken to Babylon with King Zedekiah. Jeremiah told Seraiah to read the words he had written. Then he was to tie the scroll to a rock and throw it into the Euphrates River as a sign that like this scroll, Babylon would sink and never rise again. *** Zedekiah was the last king of Judah. He ruled 11 years and did evil in God’s eyes. He rebelled against the king of Babylon which caused them to come and besiege Jerusalem. When he famine became so great in Jerusalem, Zedekiah and his officers tried to escape by nightfall through a breach in the wall. Zedekiah was captured and abandoned by his men. Nebuchadnezzar sentenced him and made him watch as he killed his sons and officers. Then they gouged out Zedekiah’s eyes. One of his official went back to Jerusalem and burned down the Temple and the royal palace. He took the people who pledged their allegiance to Babylon with him and only left the poorest to keep the land. They eventually carried away 4,600 captives as well as anything of worth. *** When Nebuchadnezzar died, Evil-merodach ruled Babylon. He released Jehoiachin from prison and gave him a high position in his kingdom. He ate at the king’s table for the rest of his life. *** In Titus, Paul told them to submit to their government officials, but also to do what was good. We don’t submit to evil even if it is a law. He spoke of slavery to sin which is worse than physical slavery. Jesus washed us from this slavery to sin and gave is a new life. Paul warned them against quarreling about doctrine which usually led to false doctrines like gnosticism. *** Paul encouraged them to help the men he was going to send them with anything they might need. Paul was trying to teach them to think of others above themselves. *** Lord, may we give freely of our time and resources as you have so freely given to us. Thank you for setting us free to live righteously for you.

Mon.’s Devo - Babylon is Falling

Read: Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 26:17 Babylon’s destroyers were the Medes and the Persians. They came from every side and surprised them. God poured out his vengeance on Babylon for what they had done to the whole earth and especially to his people. They had desecrated the Temple of the Lord, and defrauded the earth with their worthless idols who had no power. Babylon would be destroyed and left desolate. *** Babylon’s main god was Bel which was the Aramaic name of Baal. He would be punished for all the people sacrificed to him. Jeremiah warned the people to get out of Babylon long before it was destroyed. The people of Israel were disgraced because their Temple was destroyed, but Jeremiah said that the temples of Babylon would fall also. He encouraged them to return to the Lord. *** Paul’s goal was to teach his followers how to live godly lives and in a way that would please the Lord. He gave instruction to the older men, the older women, the young men and the slaves, teaching them how to honor the Lord in their specific circumstances. Paul encouraged Titus to teach the people these things. *** Lord, as we see Babylon falling in our day, help us to have your perspective. Life up our eyes above all the rubble that we may we see your glorious plan for the future.

Sun.’s Devo - The Fall of Babylon

Read: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46; Titus 1:1-16; Psalm 97:1-98:9; Proverbs 26:13-16 Today we read of prophecies to Damascus, Kedar, Elam, and Babylon. *** Damascus was the capital of Syria and was known for its orchard and gardens. It was such a beautiful place, but a place where much cruelty had been done against Israel. God was foretelling its destruction. *** The message against Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor were against the ancestors of Ishmael. They were nomads who dwelt in black-haired tents to symbolize their separation from God. Their city Hazor would be taken over by wild animals. *** Elam was known for its archers. Elam was part of Persia but situated close to Judea. The people of Elam had helped Nebuchadnezzar against Judea; hence its punishment. God promised to destroy its king and officials but set his throne there. God promised to restore the fortunes of Elam. *** God declared that Babylon would fall and her gods utterly disgraced. No one would live there again. God would lead his people home that had been taken captive in Babylone. God was raising an army in the north to capture Babylon and they who ruled the world would become the least of nations - a dry and desolate land. *** The ones attacking Babylon will do to her what she had done to others. *** Israel would return to her homeland. God would forgive her sins. God would appoint a leader who He chooses, Cyrus, and he will do what God tells him to do. Cyrus would set the people of God free. *** Today, we begin reading the letter Paul wrote to Titus. Titus was a Greek who was believed to be a convert of Paul’s ministry. Paul and Titus had gone to Crete together and decided that Titus should stay and care for the new church. Paul had not heard from him in a while and was getting restless so he wrote this letter. *** One of Titus’ jobs was to appoint worthy elders for the church. He gave a description of the qualities these men would possess. Paul warned him against the false teachers who taught you had to be circumcised to be a believer. (Titus was not.) He encouraged Titus to remain pure in his heart and not be affected by the false teachers. *** There will always be false teachers who have evil motives. We have to know what the Word says and listen to the Holy Spirit who gives us discernment. No one man has the whole truth. God has dispersed his truth to many so we won’t honor any man above God. *** Lord, may we be all the things Paul gave as qualifications of elders. Paul’s goal was to teach people how to live as God’s people. May we witness what it means to be your child.

Sat.’s Devo - The Judgments of Moab, Ammon and Edom

Read: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22; PSalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12 God gave Jeremiah a prophecy about Moab. He listed all its major cities and described their humiliation as they fell. Moab had never experienced exile in its history before, but had always lived in peace. They were about to have their lives turned upside down. They would be totally destroyed - no longer a nation. Moab had worshipped Chemosh, the fish god also known as “the destroyer.” Solomom had brought that worship to Israel. But, God promised to restore the fortunes of Moab in the days to come. *** Next, God had a message to the Ammorites. They worshipped Molech. Molech was the idol with the head of a calf. They would lay their infants in his hands over a fire and sacrifice them to Molech. Manasseh brought this worship to Israel. God would restore their fortunes one day also. The Ammonites had grabbed the land of Gad when they were taken into exile by the Babylonians. They had cheered the fall of Jerusalem. *** Both the Moabites and the Ammonites originated from Lot’s incestuous relationships with his daughters. *** Next to be judged was Edom which came from Esau who sold his birthright and was tricked out of his blessing by his brother Jacob. They had refused to let their relatives pass through their land when they were coming out of Egypt. Edom would be wiped off the map, but God promised to protect their orphans and widows. *** Edom would be destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah. God promised to take them from their land and place someone else to rule their land. *** In Timothy’s second letter from Paul, Paul urged Timothy to correct, rebuke and encourage the people with patience. The time was coming when they wouldn’t listen to sound doctrine and would look for teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. They would reject the truth and go after myths. *** Paul was nearing death and wanted Timothy to come visit him before he passed. He was alone with Luke and asked Timothy to bring Mark when he came. He also asked him to bring him his coat he left at Troas and his books and his papers he had written. Paul sent greetings to all that worked with Timothy. Paul had fought the good fight and was finishing his race. *** Lord, I pray that we will go out like Paul, confident that we have lived our lives to the best of our strength and god-given ability.

Fri.’s Devo - To the Refugees in Egypt

Read: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:6-8 Jeremiah had a word for the refuges in Egypt. He had warned them to stop worshipping the Queen of Heaven and other idols, but they refused, so he told them to keep doing it since they were so set on sinning. But, he told them to stop using God’s name to make their oaths or in prayers because God had proclaimed disaster on them. They would die by war and famine, the very thing they had come there to avoid. *** Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch had been overwhelmed to see how the people ignored God’s words, so God gave him a word of hope. He would be rewarded for his faithfulness with life. *** In the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign, Egypt was defeated by the Babylonians at Carmesh. Jeremiah saw it in the Spirit and described what happened. Egypt had boasted it would conquer the world, but that would not happen. They would be destroyed by the Babylonians. He told them to pack their bags because they were going into exile. All the gods of Egypt would be punished. *** Paul wrote to Timothy to run from things that stimulated lust and instead pursue righteous living and companionships with those with pure hearts. *** Stay away from topics of argument. By gently teaching the truth, they may come to their senses and hear what you have to say. *** In the last days, people will love their money and be boastful and proud. They will not be loving or forgiving or honor the things of God. They will hate what is good and not be loyal to others. They will be deceptive and manipulative to get what they want, not caring who they hurt in the process. *** Paul reminded Timothy of the persecution he had endured to teach the gospel and encouraged him to remain faithful to what he had been taught and what was in God’s holy scriptures. The truth would equip him to do right and keep going. *** Lord, it is the truth of your Word that keeps us going and makes us determined to serve you till the end. Thank you for your Word, your Spirit and your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the promises we have yet to see. We stand firm on your foundation of truth.

Thurs.’s Devo - God’s Word to the Remnant -

Read: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5 The military leaders who just saved the people from Ishmael came to Jeremiah and asked him to pray for guidance for them. The men promised to follow what God said to Jeremiah whether they liked it or not. *** Ten days later, God spoke to Jeremiah and told them to stay in the land of Judah and God would help them rebuild. They did not need to fear what Babylon would do to them because God is with them. God would only help them if they stayed in their land. *** If they decide to disobey the Lord and go to Egypt then the war and famine they think they are running from would follow them to Egypt and they would die in Egypt. They would never be able to return to their homeland. *** Jeremiah told them they had lied to him because they had no intention of doing what he said. They would die of war, famine and disease in Egypt because the Babylonians would bring it to them. *** The military men called Jeremiah a liar and took the people with Jeremiah to Egypt. When they came to the city of Taphanes, Jeremiah gave them another word from the Lord. God told Jeremiah to take some stones and bury them under the pavement stones of Pharoah’s palace and declare that the king of Babylon would come there and set his throne over these stones. All would either die or go into captivity. All of Egypts temples of their gods would be torn down. *** Jeremiah gave a word to all the captives of Judah who lived throughout Egypt that they had not learned their lesson. They refused to give up their idols so God destroyed Jerusalem and sent them to Egypt. Here they had worshipped Egypt’s idols so only a handful would live to return. The rest would die. They blatantly refused to listen. *** Paul admonished Timothy to be strong in the grace Christ purchased for them. He was to teach people who would faithfully pass it on to the next generation. *** Paul gave him three examples of how to endure suffering. Like a soldier we should not get tied up in the affairs of this earthly life, but put our attention on how to please God. Like an athlete we must follow God’s laws to win the prize. Like a farmer, we should enjoy the fruit of our labor. *** Always remember that Jesus rose from the dead and defeated death. We will go through the things Jesus went through. He endured hardships and death to gain kingship and eternal life. *** Everything we do should glorify God. If we are his, then we must turn from evil. Then we will be honored and exalted. *** Lord, may we pursue righteousness and peace. May our nation return to you with your laws and your ways. Anoint our leaders with wisdom to lead us back to you.

Wed.’s Devo - Ishmael’s Uprising

Read: Jeremiah 39:1-41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalm 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 26:1-2 King Nebuchadnezzar did return and finish the job. His army besieged Jerusalem for two and a half years until they broke through the wall. Zedekiah and a few of his men tried to escape and were caught. They were taken to Nebuchadnezzar at Ribald and judged. Zedekiah had to watch as his sons were killed, then his eyes were gouged out. He was put in chains and taken to Babylon. *** Jerusalem was burned to the ground, but a few poor people were allowed to stay and take care of the land. Nebuchadnezzar had commanded Nebuzaradan, his army captain, to find Jeremiah and make sure he wasn’t hurt. He was to be given the choice of coming to Babylon where he would be well taken care of, or staying with his people in Judah. He opted to stay there and was given money and food. He was put in the care of Gedaliah who took Jeremiah to his home with him. Gedaliah was put in charge of the people who stayed in the land of Judah. (He was not the same Gedaliah who labeled Jeremiah a traitor.) *** The leaders of the Judean military went to meet Gadaliah at Mizpeh to listen to his plans. Several of them, lead by Ishmael planned to kill Gedaliah. Gedaliah was warned but didn’t believe it till it happened later that year. Ishmael also killed 70 of the 80 men who were coming to Jerusalem to worship the Lord. He made captives of all those left under Gedaliah’s care. *** When the other military officers led by Johanan heard about what Ishmael had done, they caught up with Ishmael and released the people and took them to the village of Geruth-kimham near Bethlehem. Ishmael and eight of his men escaped. They were all afraid of what Babylon would do to them once they found out what happened to Gedaliah. *** In Timothy’s second letter from Paul, he reminded him of the faith of Timothy’s grandmother. Paul saw that same faith in Timothy. He encouraged him to keep that faith alive and to be strong in the Lord. He must continue to teach the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. *** Paul informed him that Phygelus and Hermogenes had deserted him, but Onesiphorus had never been ashamed to visit him in prison. He prays that Christ would remember Onesiphorus’s kindness when He returns. *** Lord, you are a rewarder of those who are faithful to you and to your servants. May we remain ever faithful.

Tues.’s Devo - The Last Kings of Judah

Read: Jeremiah 37:1-38:28; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; Psalm 89:38-52; Proverbs 25:28 Just to give some reference about the last four kings of Judah: Jehoahaz only reigned 3 months, Jehoiakim ruled 11 years, Jehoiachin ruled 3 months and 10 days, and Zedekiah ruled for 11 years. All were kin to Josiah and all were evil kings. Zedekiah was appointed by the King of a Babylon to rule when he took Jehoiakim as a prisoner. *** None of the leaders listened to Jeremiah, but King Zedekiah sent two of his priests to ask Jeremiah to pray for them. Israel had hired Egypt to come help them. When the Pharaoh came to the southern border of Judah, the king of Babylon withdrew from besieging Jerusalem. *** Zedekiah asked Jeremiah what was going to happen. Jeremiah explained that the Babylonians left because of Egypt, but as soon as the Egyptians leave, the Babylonians would return. Then they would finish the siege and burn down Jerusalem. *** Since Jerusalem was experiencing a moment of peace, Jeremiah decided to go see the land he had purchased from his relative (Jer. 32:9-15). He was arrested walking out of the gate and accused of defecting to the Babylonians. Jeremiah was given no justice. He was flogged and put in prison. *** King Zedekiah secretly came to Jeremiah and asked if he had a message from the Lord. He told him, “Yes, You will be defeated by the Babylonians.” Then Jeremiah plead for his life. Zedekiah brought him out of that prison and put him in the palace prison and ordered him to be given a loaf of bread every day until the bread in Jerusalem gave out. *** Jeremiah told the people that the only way to live through this was to surrender to the Babylonians. When the officials Shephatiah, Gealiah and Pashhur heard what Jeremiah had told the people they accused Jeremiah of being a traitor and said his talk brought down the moral of their troops. Zedekiah submitted to them and they took Jeremiah and put him in a muddy cistern and left him to die. *** Ebed-melech told Zedekiah what these men had done and said Jeremiah would die if they didn’t rescue him. Zedekiah let Ebed-melech save him. He had Jeremiah wrap cloth around his arms and they lifted him out with ropes. *** Some time later, Zedekiah brought Jeremiah to the inner entrance to the Temple and asked him for advise. Jeremiah finally told him that his only hope was to surrender. Zedekiah was afraid to surrender because he was afraid of what his own people would do to him if he did. Jeremiah promised God would protect him and all would go well for him. If he had only listened, he could have saved the lives of his sons and he would have kept his sight. *** Zedekiah left talking to Jeremiah and told him not to tell the officials what they had discussed. Jeremiah kept his promise. *** Timothy talked about showing respect for those you work for, especially if they are believers. *** Paul said that his teachings of how to live a godly life should be utilized in everyone’s daily living. The world acts godly to gain wealth but Paul said that to be content with what you have is true wealth. To want what you don’t have can lead to all sorts of evil. *** As godly people we should run after righteousness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. *** Paul taught them to trust in God, not their money, but to use their money to do good and to be generous. He told Timothy to avoid having foolish discussions over doctrine. *** Lord, may we pursue your nature in all we do. Give us your perspective about our daily trials and tests. May we shine as lights in this dark world.

Mon.’s Devo - Obedience -

Read: Jeremiah 35:1-36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 25:25-27 God told Jeremiah to invite the some of the Recabites to the Temple and take them to a special secluded room. He was to set cups of wine and invite them to drink with them. The Recites refused because they had been taught by their ancestor Jehonadab, 200 years ago, that they were never drink wine and always live in tents. They had not defiled that order all these years and were not going to begin now. *** Jeremiah told the people of Judah that the Recabites were the example of a people who did not disobey their leaders orders. Yet they had disobeyed the Lord’s orders he gave through their ancestors. Because they refused to listen, God would put on them all the disasters he had threatened to do. *** In the forth year of Jehoiakim’s reign, God told Jeremiah to write down every message he had given him from the very beginning back when Josiah was king. Maybe if they heard them all again they would repent. Jeremiah told Baruch to read it to the people on the next day of fasting. It was the ninth month which was not a regular feast at the time. Later, the feast of Hannakah happened in that month. This must have been a people-led fast which the evil king did not attend. *** Baruch read the words of Jeremiah’s prophecies and when the officials heard that he was reading Jeremiah’s words to the people, they asked Baruch to read them to them also. When they heard them and they told the king. They also told Baruch to hide himself and Jeremiah. *** The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll where all this was written on and had it brought to his room and read to him. He was sitting by the fire as he heard them and after Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would take his knife and cut off that section and throw it into the fire. His official begged the king to stop, but he refused and sent his son and two others to go arrest Baruch and Jeremiah but they couldn’t find him. *** God told Jeremiah to get another scroll and write down everything the king had burned and add that he would not have an heir to sit on the throne of David and his body would not be buried but lie exposed to the elements. All the prophesies against Jerusalem would stand. *** Paul told Timothy to teach the people to treat everyone like a member of their own family. Take care of the people who have no family, especially widows. Everyone is responsible to take care of people in their families. He identified what constitutes a widow that is the responsibility of the church. *** People who worked in the church should be paid well. If someone accuses an elder, there must be two or three witnesses to verify it. He also warned Timothy against taking sides or showing favoritism. *** Lord, may we take your word and hide it in our hearts that we won’t sin against you or any of your children. May we love those who don’t know you yet and show them Jesus by our love.

Sun.’s Devo - God is Always the God of Hope

Read: Jeremiah 33:1-34:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 25:23-24 Jeremiah was in prison for his prophesies, but God kept giving him messages. God reminded them that they had had to tear down their houses and the kings palace to strengthen the wall against Babylon’s siege ramps. But, all their efforts would be in vain. They were destined for destruction by God and they could not win against him. *** But, God always gives hope. He would bring them back and forgive their sins. Laughter and joy would fill the streets of Jerusalem once again. Sacrifices and offering would be given in this city in the future. Jerusalem would prosper and be inhabited. David would have a descendant to sit on the throne forever. God would always have priests who minister before him. *** God did sit his son on the throne to rule forever and he will always have believers as his priestly nation who love and daily give their lives as a sacrifice to him. *** The people were saying that God had abandoned them and they were not worthy to be a nation. God said he would never abandon his people. They would be restored to their land. *** When King Nebuchadnezzar returned to fight Jerusalem, Jeremiah sent a word to Zedekiah that God was going to turn the city over to the Babylonians. King Zedekiah would be taken to Babylon to face the king. He would die peacefully and be honored by his people. *** King Zedekiah had ordered all the Jewish slaves to be set free, but after a while they had been enslaved again. Jeremiah said this was against God’s will. They were never to enslave their fellow Jew. Since they had not obeyed him by setting their brothers and sisters free, he would set them free to be destroyed by war, disease and famine. *** In Timothy, Paul warned them of deceptive teachings that taught it was wrong to get married or eat certain foods. God created marriage and food and it is all good. Godliness is our goal. *** Paul encouraged Timothy that it wasn’t his age that mattered, it was the maturity he walked in that was important to God. He told him not to neglect the spiritual gift within himself but to attentively nourish it. Watch how he lived and stay true to what was right and led to life. *** Lord, may the way we live, our love, faith, and purity be what guides us and is a witnesses of who you are.

Sat.’s Devo - The Future

Read: Jeremiah 31:27-32:44; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Psalm 88:1-18; Proverbs 25:20-22 God reminds Jeremiah that he is going to repopulate not only the people but the animals also. He is also going to give them a new covenant where his laws would be in their heart and not just on a stone tablet or a scroll. They will instinctively know that they belong to the Lord. God will forgive them and they will be his people once again. Chapter 31:38-40 gives the boundaries that will be holy to him. It is all code. The Tower of Hananel means “the grace of God,” so it is telling us where his grace will extend. It extends to the Corner Gate which is the gate to the north of Jerusalem that leads to the land of Ephraim. It was also called Ephraim’s Gate. Ephram is the promise of double fruitfulness. It will extend to the place where the lepers live ( Gareb). Lepers represent all sinners who have a sin of the flesh. And, Goah which means “lowing” - think of bowing and repentence… on to the place where all sin is done away with at the Kidron Valley. It extends to Horse Gate on the east. The Horse Gate was next to the king’s palace and the gate the army would go through to go to war. It represents spiritual warfare. *** Finally, what Isaiah had prophecied came true and Jerusalem was under siege. Jeremiah was put in prison because he wouldn’t stop prophesying that the city will be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and they would all go into captivity. In prison he added to his prophesies of doom that King Zedikiah would be captured and taken to Babylon to be tried. There is no way they will win this war. *** Then, God gave Jeremiah a personal message that his cousin was going to come and ask him to buy his piece of land because he was next in line to buy it. It happened the next day. Jeremiah bought the land because he believed what God said that they would return one day and people would again own property and buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields. *** God went over why he was destroying Jerusalem. He reminded them of how they angered the Lord by turning their backs on him and refusing to turn back. The priest set up abominable idols right in the Temple. They build altars to Baal and Molech where they sacrificed their children. *** Because of all this, Jerusalem would fall to the Babylonians through war, famine and disease. But, God wanted them to know that he would bring them back and give them one heart to follow him forever. God would find joy in doing good for them. He would replant them in their land. **** In Timothy, Paul gives the description of a church leader. He must be hospitable, have a good reputation, be able to teach and must not love money. He must be gentle and manage his own family well. *** Their wives must also be well respected and not gossipers, but women of faith. *** Lord, thank you that you made your witness to the world with the witness of angels and the Spirit. Now you are seated with God in heaven and we are your witnesses.

Fri.’s Devo - Hope

Read: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 25:18-19 Today’s reading is a message of hope. God promises to restore the fortunes of Israel and Judah. It was a time of terror, but it would not always be that way. In the end, they will be saved. God will break the yoke of bondage from their necks. They will no longer serve foreigners because God would give them a king from David’s line. *** They will return to their own land and live in peace and safety. God will destroy their enemies. Israel will be punished but for her own good. Then the tables will flip and those who devoured Israel would be devoured and Israel would become the attackers. *** What God is saying to Israel, he is saying to America at this time. He will restore our fortunes and we will rebuild our cities that have been destroyed by riots, fire, floods, and poverty. We will sing songs of joy and thanksgiving. Instead of depopulating us, we will grow again. Our children will prosper and we will be established as a nation, with our own leader. He will not be a globalist with some crazy agenda where we are subjects, not independent people. *** God will take out his vengeance on our captors until all he has planned is in place. God will be the God of his people and we will be blessed and find rest. We will happily dance and sing. We will open businesses and be able to provide for our families. *** God will not forget the disabled and the pregnant women. He will give them an easy path. They will return to their home where they will grow grain, wine and olive oil. Their sorrows will be gone. All their mourning will be turned to joy! *** We have gone through a tough time in our nation where our children have come home from college with marxist ideas, children have identified as animals, men and women have taken devastating drugs and undergone horrendous operations to transgender to a different sex, but God said the children will come back to us and to Him. There will be remorse for their sins, but God will comfort them and draw them to himself. People with differences will live together in peace. *** In Timothy, Paul tells Timothy to pray for everyone. Especially for leaders to lead us into peace and righteousness. Jesus is our mediator of peace and reconciliation who came at the perfect time. *** When we worship the Lord we need to be free from anger and controversy. *** The woman represents the Bride of Christ so she should be modest and be known for the good things she does. She should be a good listener who submits to others. She was the one who was deceived who led Adam to sin. We as the Bride sinned, so Jesus had to become sin for us to save us. *** Lord, may we be quiet and listen to your heart. May we be slow to speak and slow to get upset and react. May your peace comfort our souls.

Thurs.’s Devo - Exposing the False Prophets

Read: Jeremiah 28:1-29:32; 1 Timothy 1:1-20; Psalm 86:1-17; Proverbs 25:17 The false prophet, Hananiah, gave a message claimed it was from the Lord. He claimed that within two years, God was going to bring back all the treasures of the Temple that the king of Babylon had taken, and bring back Jehoiachin and all the captives. He gave this prophecy in front of all the priests and Jeremiah. *** Jeremiah responded and said he hoped what he said was true, but when a prophet prophecies peace, when all the prophets before him prophesied the opposite, it can only be proved to be right when it happens. *** Hananiah must have taken that as a threat because he became very animated and took the yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it in pieces to make his point. Jeremiah left. *** God gave Jeremiah a message for Hananiah. He was to tell him that the yoke he broke would be replaced with a yoke of iron, that can’t be broken. All these nations including Judah would be put under the control of Babylon. Because the people believed Hannah’s words, instead of them being released in two years, he would die at the end of that year. Two months later, he died. *** Jeremiah wrote a letter to the people who had been exiled to Babylon to tell them to build their lives there because they would be there for 70 years. They were to make the most of their circumstances by being a blessing to the places they were sent. After 70 years, the Lord would rescue them and bring them back to their own land. *** Jeremiah called out the false prophets in Babylon: Ahab and Zedekiah and said they would be killed by Nebuchadnezzar (burned alive). He also called out Shemaiah and gave him a message from God. Shemaiah had sent a letter to Zephaniah, the priest left in Jerusalem to put Jeremiah in stocks because he was a false prophet. Instead, Zephaniah let Jeremiah read the letter. Jeremiah told Zephaniah to send an open letter to all the exiles in Babylon telling them what the Lord said about Shemaiah. Since he prophesied lies and claimed he heard from the Lord, he would be punished and none of his descendants would see the good things God was going to do for his people. *** Today we begin to read the letter Paul wrote to Timothy. It is believed that Timothy’s mother was Eunice who was a Jew who became a Christian under Paul’s ministry. Timothy’s father was a Gentile. Timothy had been raised under the teachings of Torah, but his father had refused to allow him to be circumcised. They lived in Lystra where Paul had brought them the good news about Christ. Paul had become Timothy’s spiritual father and when he was ready, Paul recommended him to become a part of his ministerial leadership. Since they were going to be ministering mostly to the Jews, Paul suggested that Timothy be circumcised. *** Paul wanted Timothy to stay in Ephesus and help ground them in truth. They were good at arguing about silly things that didn’t matter or have any substance. He wanted Timothy to get them back on track. Their purpose in life is love out of a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith. *** Paul explained that the law is not for the good people who followed the Lord, but for the evil people who defiled and rebelled against the Lord. *** Paul understands the grace of God because he was a sinner who was saved and totally changed. That was why Christ came - to save sinners like him. He was an example of what Christ can do in a person who gives their life to Christ. *** Paul knew the prophesies spoken over Timothy and he encouraged him to keep his conscience clear. Some had deliberately defiled their consciences like Hymenaeus and Alexander who wrecked their own lives. Paul had turned them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God. *** Lord, may we learn from reading your Word to save ourselves from the heart ache of falling into sin. May we keep our conscience clear and walk as examples of your grace and mercy. Thank you for saving us. May we walk worthy of your calling.

Wed.’s Devo - Jeremiah’s Trial

Read: Jeremiah 26:1-27:22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 25:16 “Early in the reign of Jehoiakim” means “early” since he only ruled 3 months and 10 days. Jeremiah was told at that time to stand in front of the Temple and announce to all who had come to worship that God would destroy the Temple if they didn’t repent. *** When he finished speaking, the people, along with the prophets and priests mobbed him and wanted to kill him. The officials ran down to bring them to the court to hear their case. Jeremiah’s accusers said he was guilty of treason sine he prophesied against the city. *** Jeremiah defended himself saying everything he said was given to him by the Lord. If they stop sinning then they wouldn’t have to have the disaster he said would fall on them. But, if they kill him, they would be killing an innocent man. *** Some of the wise elders spoke up and reminded them of the prophet Micah had said the same thing during Hezekiah’s rule. They repented and the Lord didn’t bring the disaster he had prophecied. *** At the same time that Jeremiah was saying this, another prophet Uriah was also prophesying the same thing. They had wanted to kill him also but he learned of their plot and fled to Egypt. Jehoiakim had him brought back and him killed with a sword and buried in an unmarked grave. That might have been why the Lord only allowed him to rule a few months. *** Ahikam was the son of Shaphan who had been a scribe during the reign of Josiah. Shaphan had received the copy of the law they found in the Temple and gave it to the king which sparked a revival. His son, Ahikam stood up for Jeremiah and persuaded them not to let them kill Jeremiah. *** During the reign of the last king, Zedekiah, Jeremiah was told by the Lord to make a yoke and wear it around his neck. He was to send messages to the ambassadors of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon to tell their kings that God was giving their countries over to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Everything would be under him until the Lord decided it was time to conquer Babylon. Any nation that refused to obey him would be punished. *** Jeremiah also told this to his people and Zedekiah. He warned them not to listen to their false prophets who prophesied peace. It was true that all the treasures in the Temple would be carried away to Babylon and wouldn’t return until the Lord called for them. *** Paul was also praying that his message would spread to people everywhere. His message wasn’t destruction, but salvation. His enemies wanted to silence him just like Jeremiah’s wanted to silence him. *** Paul warned them to stay away from the ones who didn’t want to work and wanted the church to pay their way. He encouraged them to earn their own way and continue to always do good. *** Lord, may we make your footsteps our pathway. Lead us into truth, righteousness and your blessings.

Tues.’s Devo - God’s Promises

Read: Jeremiah 23:21-25:38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 25:15 God had a word of rebuke for the false prophets who made up their prophecies and dreams claiming they were God’s dreams and prophecies. They caused the people to sin even more instead of turning them back to the Lord. *** King Nebuchadnezzar had exiled Jehoiachin to Babylon. Jehoiachin had been placed on the throne by the king of Babylon when his father died. He only reigned 3 months and ten days. Those days were marked with evil so the king of Babylon changed his mind about him and carried him off to Babylon. Jehoiachin was only 18 years old at the time. Three months later Jerusalem fell and Jehoiachin’s uncle, Zedekiah was appointed to succeed him. *** Jehoiachin was placed in the royal prison in Babylon. At 18, Jehoiachin had five sons! When Nebuchadnezzar died and was replaced by Evil-Meridach. This new king showed special favor to Jehoiachin and had him taken from prison and moved to the royal palace. Jehoiachin’s oldest son was Shealtiel who became the father of Zerubbable. Zerubbable became one of the leaders who came back to Jerusalem and helped lay the foundation for the Temple. *** Back to our story… Once Jehoiachin left for Babylon, Jeremiah was given a vision of two baskets of figs. One basket had ripe figs and the other was filled with rotten figs. The good figs represented the people God sent to Babylon. God would watch over them and change their hearts and bring them back. The bad figs represent the ones left in Jerusalem and those sent to Egypt who would be a curse. Disaster would follow them wherever they went. *** Jeremiah began prophesying in the 13th year of Josiah’s reign and was still giving them words now, but they had not listened to them or heeded his warnings. They refused to give up their idols so their happy life would end. Their land would become a wasteland for 70 years. Then, God would punish Babylon like he punished all the other nations by them. Judgment would come to the whole earth because of God’s anger. *** In Thessalonians, Paul told them that the Lord would not return until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness was revealed. He would sit in the Temple and claim to be God. But, not to worry, the Lord Jesus will destroy him with his breath and with his coming. *** This man will have supernatural power to do signs and miracles but it will be a counterfeit of God’s miracles. He will use his power to deceive those who are destined for destruction. But, we have been destined for salvation and we will be saved. We will stand firm in our faith. *** Lord, may you comfort us and give us hope and strength in everything we do and say.

Mon.’s Devo- The Last Kings of Judah

Read: Jeremiah 22:1-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14 Josiah had been the last good king who honored the Lord. After him was his 4th son, Jehoahaz who reigned 3 months, then Josiah’s 2nd son, Jehoiakim, who reigned 11 years. Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin reigned after him for 3 months and 10 days and lastly, Josiah’s 3rd son, Zedekiah ruled. He ruled 11 years. It was Zedekiah who Jeremiah was addressing in today’s reading. He advised Zedekiah to be just to his people and to treat them kindly. If he didn’t then his palace would become a pile of rubble. *** Jeremiah saw the disaster that Jerusalem would become. God told him not to weep for Josiah or his son, Jehoahaz. Josiah was dead and Jehoahaz had been taken captive by Babylon. (In other words, God told Jeremiah to stop mourning what was and what could have been - he was to live in the present and the future.) It would not go well for Jehoiakim who built wonderful buildings with forced labor only to have them destroyed. The people would not mourn his death. God would turn his son, Jehoiachin over to the Babylonians. *** God was not happy with the shepherds of Israel who were suppose to care for their sheep, but instead deserted them and set them up for destruction. The leaders would be judged, but the people would return to their land where they would prosper and increase in number. *** Then Jeremiah addressed the false prophets who did not speak for the Lord. They spoke evil and abused their power. They were ungodly and wicked who did despicable acts in the Temple of the Lord. The Lord blamed them for the wickedness that had filled the land. They had not gotten their prophecies from the Lord. *** The Church in Thessalonians had questions about the second coming of Christ and about death. Paul tried to answer those questions in his first letter to them, then learned that some had quit working to wait for Christ’s return. He quickly wrote this second letter to straighten things out. *** Paul begins by commending them on their faith and love they maintained through their persecutions and encourages them to keep going. Jesus will return one day and judge all their enemies and all who believe in him will give him glory and praise. He prayed that God would continue to help them live their lives worthy of his calling. *** Lord, may our lives honor you. Thank you for your grace that allows us to live for you.

Sun.’s Devo - Hope in the Midst of Despair

Read: Jeremiah 19:1-21:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 25:9-10 Jeremiah was told by God to buy a clay jar and take it and some of the leaders of Jerusalem to the garbage dump in the valley of Ben-Hinnom which means “drugged.” This was where they sacrificed their children to Baal and worshipped all kinds of false gods. He was to tell them that because they had worshipped other gods here, he would slaughter them here. It would become a monument to their stupidity. *** Jeremiah was then to smash the pot he had brought as a picture of how they would be shattered with no hope of being put back together. He said that bodies would be buried in this valley until their was no more room for them. He compared the whole city to this place because they worshipped other gods in their own houses. *** When Jeremiah finished there, he took his message and gave it in front of the Temple to the people there. *** The priest in charge of the Temple was Pashhur. When he heard what Jeremiah had said, he arrested him, had him whipped and put in stocks at the Benjamin Gate of the Temple. He released him the next day and Jeremiah told him that God was changing his name to “The Man Who Lives in Terror” because God was going to make him and his friends to terrified when they witnessed all the slaughter the enemy was bringing. All of Jerusalem’s treasures would be taken away to Babylon along with him and the people. Pashhur and his friends would all die in Babylon because they prophesied peace when God was saying war. *** Jeremiah poured out his complaint to the Lord. He told him how they tried to shut him up but then God’s words would burn inside him till he spoke them. They even called him “The Man Who Lives in Terror.” They kept waiting for Jeremiah to make a mistake so they could trap him. But God was his defender who kept him safe even though his life was full of trouble, sorrow and shame. *** King Zedekiah sent Pashhur to Jeremiah to beg Jeremiah to pray for them for help. King Nebuchadnezzar had begun to attack Judah and they were beginning to get antsy. Jeremiah told them to tell King Zedekiah that not only would God not help them, but he would fight against them. They could forget waiting for a miracle from God. They had had plenty of warning and could have avoided this if they had repented. He told them to only way to save their lives was to surrender to the Babylonians. If they stayed in Jerusalem they would be consumed by war, famine or disease. *** He told Zedekiah and his family to give justice to the people and help those who had been robbed. If they didn’t, they would not be saved. God would fight against them and burn up everything around them. *** In Thessalonians, Paul had just told them that Jesus would come like a thief in the night to the wicked, but the ones who knew the Lord, they would not be surprised. Believers don’t walk around in the dark but walk in the light so they see what is coming. *** Paul told us to honor our leaders and live at peace with one another. Always have hope and live in the state of thanksgiving. He warns us not to scoff at prophecy but to test everything. The God of peace will make us holy in our spirit, soul and body. *** Lords may we hold on to what is good and have great discernment. We look forward to the great things that you have promised.

Sat.’s Devo - Heed the Warning

Read: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 25:6-8 God was sending the fishermen and the hunters to catch his people who refused to stop worshiping idols. They trusted in idols instead of the only real God. Now, He would show them who he is. He would send their enemies to plunder them and those left would be taken captive to a foreign land. *** But, he blesses those who trust in him through all this. They will have food in famine and water in drought. They will always be fruitful. God searches the hearts of people and rewards them accordingly. *** God sent Jeremiah to the gate where the king used first and then to the other gates. He was to warn them to stop opening the gates on the Sabbath for trade. If they would stop and keep the Sabbath holy, then kings and their officials would always ride in and out of the gates. People would come there to worship the Lord from all over Israel. But, if they didn’t heed the warning and continued to do business on the Sabbath, then God would set their gates on fire. *** God sent Jeremiah to the potter’s house and found him throwing pottery on a wheel. When the bowl didn’t turn out right, he just crumpled the clay and began again. That is the same thing God can do with nations. He would destroy Israel and start again. They will be trampled and scattered and the Lord will look the other way because he had warned them over and over and they refused to listen. *** The people wanted to stop Jeremiah from prophecying, so they decided to spread lies about him so people wouldn’t listen to him. Jeremiah called out to the Lord for vengeance. *** In Thessalonians, Paul is saying the same thing to the Church. Live your lives as holy ambassadors of Christ. Love one another and mind your own business. Live respectable lives that honor God. *** Those who die in Christ, live with him and will return with him. When Christ returns, they will reunite with their bodies and we will all rise to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will live with him forever. It will come as a surprise to the evil people and there will be no escaping for them. *** Lord, may we live ready for your coming. May we be doing your will when you return.

Fri.’s Devo- The Coming Judgment

Read: Jeremiah 14:11-16:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 25:1-5 God told Jeremiah to give up on the people and stop praying for them. God had determined to bring war, famine and disease on them. Jeremiah reported to God that their prophets were telling them the opposite. God said he didn’t send them or tell them that news and what they were saying was foolish lies. They would die by the war, famine and disease. Their own wickedness would be poured out on them. *** God told Jeremiah to tell them what he sees: bodies in the field killed in war, and bodies in the streets who died of starvation. God was the only one who could help them, but he was not responding. *** God said even Moses or Samuel would not be able to pray them out of the trouble they were in. God had destined some to death, some to war, some to famine and some to captivity. They were reaping the sins of Manasseh who led the nation into the worship of horrible idols. Israel would become a terror to all the kingdoms of the earth. *** God was weary of giving them more chances and them not taking them. He would take away the children first, then the men and lastly the mothers. But, God promised to take care of Jeremiah. His enemies would end up asking him to pray for them when they were in distress. *** Jeremiah pleaded for his own life reminding God of his faithfulness. God promised him that if he continued to serve him and speak his words to the people, he would not be conquered, but God would protect and rescue him from the cruel hands of wicked men. God also told him not to get married or have children in Jerusalem. When people started dying he was not to go to their funerals or show sadness. He was not to go to their parties or have meals with them. This was not a time of joy, but a time to mourn their sins. *** When the people ask why all these terrible things have happened to them, he was to tell them they had abandoned the Lord even greater than their ancestors did. They are being thrown out of the land God gave them and sent to foreign land where they can worship their gods all they want to. But, a time will come when God will bring them back to their land. *** In Thessalonians, Paul tells how he toiled to earn a living so he wouldn’t have to ask them for financial support. He loved and treated them as a father would love his own family. He taught them how to live their lives worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice. *** Paul knows that they were suffering at the hands of their own people. These were the same people who crucified Christ. When Paul heard of their persecutions he sent Timothy to find out how they were doing. He reported back to Paul that their love and faith was strong. This made Paul so happy and relieved. It brought him new strength to learn how they were growing and thriving in the midst of hard times. *** Lord may our love for you and others overflow that others might come to your salvation. May we be an example of how to trust God in the midst of our trials and tribulations. Thank you for strength and power to endure.

Thurs.’s Devo - Return and Repent

Read: Jeremiah 12:1-14:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 24:30-34 Jeremiah reminds God of his justice then asks why he has allowed the evil people to prosper so. Even nature has been affected by the sin in the land. *** God responded that even those in Jeremiah’s family had turned against him. He tells Jeremiah not to trust them, no matter what they say. This is how the Lord feels about his children. He has abandoned them to their enemies because they have become enemies to him. *** God promised to uproot them from their land, but he would not give it to others because he will one day bring them back to their land. *** God instructed Jeremiah to buy a linen cloth and wear it for a time, then bury it in a hole by the Euphrates. After a while, God told him to go dig it up. It was rotted and ruined. This was what God had done. He had planted his people by the Euphrates to prosper and be a witness to the world that He was the only God. Instead, they had become idolators and had gone after all the worthless gods of the land and forsaken the only true God. They were now worthless. God will make them drunk and confused. They will turn on one another and have no unity to stand. *** They will be taken into exile, then they will cry out to the Lord. But, it will be too late. They loved to wander from God so he would no longer accept them as his people. *** Paul had a dream (Acts 16:9-12) where a man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing on the shore pleading with them to come to Macedonia and help them. He was the angel over Macedonia. Paul responded by going there and preaching, bringing them the Good News. He met Lydia who was saved when she heard the gospel and her whole household came to the Lord. Then they cast out the spirit of divination out of a young girl which upset her masters so much that they beat Paul and Silas and had them arrested. When the authorities learned that they were Roman citizens, they apologized and begged them to leave their city. *** Paul and Silas went 90 miles down the road to Thessalonica where they established the second major church in Europe. Many Greeks came to the Lord and came to this church. Believers suffered persecution for their faith which made them stronger and caused their testimony to spread far and wide. *** Lord, may all the trials in our lives make us more determined to follow you closely. Thank you for always being with us and being our advocate. Thank you for the hope we see in new converts and their hunger for truth. May we lead many others to you.

Wed.’s Devo - Idols Verses God

Read: Jeremiah 10:1-11:23; Colossians 3:18-4:18; Psalm 78:56-72; Proverbs 24:28-29 Jeremiah compares their idols made of wood by human hands who can’t walk by themselves or have any power, to the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. There is no comparison. They tried to beautify their wooden idols with overlays of silver, decorated them with all precious gems and dressed them in purple robes as if that would make them more effective. Jeremiah said their craftsmen would be disgraced as frauds. *** Jeremiah told the people of Israel to pack their bags because they were about to be thrown out of their land. Their children would be taken from them and they would never see them again. He cried out for God to avenge them and pour out his wrath on their enemies. *** God responded by telling Jeremiah to remind the people of Judah of the terms of their covenant. He had promised them when he brought them out of Egypt that if they did not obey and listene to him, then they would reap the curses. If they obeyed, then the blessings would fall on them. They turned to idols instead and had more gods than they had towns. They turned to Baal and not God who could help them. *** God warned Jeremiah that there was a group of men from Anathoth who wanted him dead so he couldn’t prophecy against them anymore. He was not to worry because God would kill them all and none of their off-spring would survive. *** Paul reminds us in Colossians to love our spouses, obey and honor our parents, and work as we are working for the Lord. If we are put over people then we should be fair and kind to those who work for us. *** We should live in prayer and always be thankful. We should make the most of every opportunity we have to be a witness for Christ. Many of Paul’s followers sent their greeting to the church in Colossi. *** Lord, may we live in obedience to you and your laws. May your blessings be upon your people. May we walk in your ways, being a pleasing sacrifice to you.

Tues.’s Devo - Learn God’s Ways

Read: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27 The teachers of Judah had twisted God’s words with lies to manipulate the people to get their wives and steal their property, but it would backfire on them. God would give their wives and their land to foreigners. The priests and prophets are all frauds and lied about what was coming. They prophesied peace when judgement was near. They were not repentant or ashamed of their actions or their lies. *** Jeremiah saw the future and the evil ones were all consumed along with their fields. He saw that the people would leave Jerusalem and flee to the fortified towns. Jeremiah could hear the weeping of the people as they lamented their fate. The Lord explained that he did it because his people had abandoned him for false gods. Jeremiah wept for them because their punishment was great. He told the people that they should lament for their sins and teach their children to repent. *** All of their riches and wisdom and power would be stripped from them. The only boast they should have is that they know the Lord. *** Paul tells us to set our sights on heaven where Christ is seated at God’s right hand. In Christ is where our lives are hidden. When he is revealed to the world we will share in his glory. *** Why would we want what the world wants? Our character now can be the same character that Christ had when he waled the earth. He was full of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. When we live like he did, we will have peace. *** Lord, may we have your heart and learn your ways and choose to walk in them.

Mon.’s Devo - We are Free

Read: Jeremiah 6:16-8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26 Jeremiah warned the people of coming disaster yet they refused to listen. They kept giving to the Lord what they wanted to give him, but it was not what he wanted. Their outward sacrifices couldn’t atone for their hard hearts. The enemy was coming to destroy and the only thing that could save them was a change of heart. *** God told Jeremiah he would be a metal tester. He would test Judah’s heart and find it was like rejected silver. Nothing about them was pure and holy. *** God sent Jeremiah to the entrance of the Temple to warn the people to repent of their evil ways. They distorted justice, oppressed the widow and the orphan and murdered. On top of that, they worshipped idols. They burned incense to Baal and gave their sons and daughters to Molech to be burned at the shrines at Topheth. Their bodies would become food for the vultures and wild animals. They refused to be taught God’s laws and his ways. *** Because they refused to obey the words of the Lord through Jeremiah and the other prophets, their land would become desolate and their bones would be defiled. They were on the road to self-destruction and no one was turning around. *** In Colossians, Paul gives a description of the sanctification process. It is a cutting away of our sinful nature. We were buried with Christ and raised to new life in Christ. He disarmed the spiritual leaders by canceling the charges they held against us. He won the victory over them on the cross. *** So, he told the believers not to let the religious leaders hold their pious rules over their heads. They are now free from religious expectations that require strong devotion, self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. These practices can not help us conquer our sinful desires. *** Lord, thank you that the power of the Holy Spirit is what can help us overcome our weaknesses. Thank you that we are free from the penalty of sin.

Sun.’s Devo - Warning! Warning! Warning!

Read: Jeremiah 4:19-6:15; Colossians 1:18-2:7; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25 Jeremiah describes the people as clever at sin but having no idea how to do right. They were dishonest and though the Lord rebuked and punished them for it, they continued to be deceptive. They worshipped gods who were not gods and committed adultery in their brothels, even lusting after their neighbor’s wife. They had no respect for or fear of God. They refused to give justice to the people they oppressed. They were wicked and did not desire to repent. They were stubborn and rebellious and it had kept them from God’s blessings. *** Because of their many sins, God would bring destruction to their towns and cities. They would be plundered and those who survived would be taken to foreign lands. God warned them to get out of Jerusalem and flee to the hills and caves, but they didn’t heed the warnings. God gave them extended time and plenty of warnings from many different prophets, but they listened to their own priests and prophets who were all frauds. They prophesied peace when God was saying the opposite from his prophets. *** In Colossians, Paul wrote that Jesus was the first fruit to rise from the dead and head over all who rise after him. He is the head of the Church and we are the body. Because of his death, we who believe in him are blameless before him. Christ now dwells in us! We are now his mouthpiece to tell others about him. His power now works through us. *** Lord, may our roots grow deep in You and may our lives be built on the foundation of Christ. We are so thankful for your love and salvation.

Sat.’s Devo - The Truth of the Gospel

Read: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-17; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22 Judah forgot the Lord. When they needed help, they reached out to Egypt and they took their money but didn’t help them when they needed them. Why didn’t they call out to the Lord? Judah had prostituted herself with all kinds of foreign gods and forgot her God. Throughout the reign of Josiah who commanded all the pagan places of worship be torn down. They had watched as Israel was punished for turning away from God. Now Judah is even more responsible for her sins because she refused to be reformed. All she needed to do was to confess her sins and repent and God would take her back. *** The day was coming when they would return to the Lord and to Jerusalem. They wouldn’t need the Ark of the Covenant to worship God with. The whole city would be a place of worship. *** Jeremiah tried to get them to see that if they threw away their worthless idols, they could save themselves from the punishment that was coming. They could be a part of his remnant that he saves and protects from the storm that was coming. *** The church in Colosse was believed to have been founded by Epahras and met in Philemon’s house. Paul had actually never visited the church but wrote this letter while he was in prison. Epaphras asked for Paul’s advise because there was so much false teaching in Colosse. The teaching blended pagan-occultism, Jewish legalism and Christianity which was called Gnosticism. They taught that Jesus was not fully God and fully man but a semi divine being sent from God to unite man with God. They taught that Jesus didn’t have the authority or ability to meet their needs. They believed they could be enlightened and achieve spiritual fullness by obtaining special knowledge and through rigorous self-discipline. *** Paul wrote the letter to expose the heresy of Gnosticism and warn them of its dangers and lead them back to the truth of Christ’s love. *** In this first Chapter Paul reminded them of the simple truth of the gospel that is going out all over the world and changing lives. He reminded them of their conversion and how it had touched them and gave them love for one another. He encourages them to walk in that love. *** Paul proclaims who Jesus is. He is the visible image of God. He existed before the earth and was the one everything was created through. He made the thrones and kingdoms and set up the authorities in the unseen world. He existed before it all. *** Lord, may we not get confused over all the false teachings on the earth. May we understand the simplicity of your salvation and the awesomeness of who you are.

Fri.’s Devo - Jeremiah’s Call -

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20 Jeremiah came on the scene around 65 years after Isaiah died. He was born in a priestly town and was commanded not to marry or have children to show that the next generation would be swept away. He prophesied during the reign of Josiah who brought spiritual reform after the evil reign of Manasseh. Josiah’s godly reign temporarily delayed God’s judgment. He rid the nation of idols and destroyed the pagan high places in Judah and Samaria. His three sons and a grandson followed him on the throne. They were not like Josiah and refused to heed the warnings Jeremiah gave them. *** Jeremiah began with the account of when God called him before he was formed in his mother’s womb. He was young when he was told him he would go where God sent him and he was not to fear the people he would be speaking to because God would protect him. God even told Jeremiah if he did fear them, God would make him look like a fool to them. God promised to strengthen Jeremiah so he could stand up to the whole land and all the leaders. They would oppose him, but God would take care of him. *** Jeremiah reminded the people of how they loved and trusted God in the beginning. God asked the people why they had abandoned the Lord to worship idols instead of asking for His help. The priests and the prophets, along with the people turned to Baal and wasted their time and effort asking dead idols for help. They would be tried at God’s judgment seat for their actions. *** God told them to look at other nations. They didn’t trade their gods for the gods of other nations so why had Israel? They had the only real God but traded him for worthless idols. The heavens were shocked at this. *** Egypt had taken Israel’s glory and power. Israel and Judah had made covenants with Egypt and Assyria instead of asking the Lord to deliver them. It will back-fire on them. *** No argument against God’s rebuke would stand. God accused them of being like thieves who only felt bad when they were caught. They would have to see if these gods they love can save them. God had warned them with his prophets but they killed them to shut them up. *** In Philippians, you can feel the love Paul has for the people there. He pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to settle their differences. These two women were deaconesses who disagreed about something in the church. *** Paul encouraged all the people not to worry about anything but to fill their thoughts with good things and anything worthy of praise. That is how they can live in peace. Paul had learned how to be content no matter his circumstances and they could too. *** Paul thanked them again for their financial gifts to him. He blessed them with the promise that God would supply all their needs according to his riches in heaven. *** Lord, thank you for your promises. You are our provision and our peace. We worship you.

Thurs.’s Devo - What Impresses God?

Read: Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:5-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16 God explains that man can never please him with their temples and sacrifices. He made everything, so how can we impress him? He tells us. He is impressed with a humble and contrite heart. Contrite means that you are sorry and repentant of your sins. He is also impressed by those who tremble at his word and obey it. *** Then, Isaiah tells us what will happen to those who tremble at his words. They will be hated for being loyal to God, but God will take vengeance against their enemies. In a moment, God can come to our rescue and turn everything around. God did that for Jerusalem once and will do it again. Jerusalem is a metaphor for God’s Church universal. She will become a river of peace and prosperity. She will grow and flourish and be comforted. But, God will punish the earth with the fire of his judgment and many will die. Those who worshipped other gods will die a terrible death. The Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth and all will hear the good news of Christ. *** The heavens and earth will be renewed. The dead bodies of the wicked will be a reminder to all of what God did to bring us a new earth full of righteousness and peace. We are watching this unfolding. *** In Philippians, Paul had just stated that we can put no confidence in our own human effort. Then he gives us his impressive pedigree making the point that though he was given every opportunity and was great in the world’s eyes, all that was worthless. The only thing he has to boast in is finding Christ and becoming one with him. He continues to press on to know him greater and reach the end of his race to receive his heavenly prize. *** Paul lived his life so he could tell his followers to pattern their lives after him. Can we say that to those who follow us? I hope so. *** Lord, thank you that we are now citizens of heaven though we dwell on the earth. May your light shine through us so that others might know and see that light and come to know you. You are the prize at the end of our race.

Wed.’s Devo - Keep Praying

Read: Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:4; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14 God gives the intercessors the job to pray until Jerusalem is the pride of the whole earth. We are to pray until we see Jesus as the pride of the whole earth. God has plans for us as his people. We are to be preparing the way for the Lord to return to the hearts of the people. *** God, alone took down his enemies and avenged his people. He was sad that no one stepped up to help the oppressed, so he had to do it. He thought his people would be thankful he saved them and never forsake him again. But, they did rebel against him. So, the Lord fought against them. Then they cried out to the one who saved them in the days of Moses. Then they wanted the Lord to be with them like he was with Moses. They asked for God’s mercy and help once again. *** They questioned why God would desert them and if he would come now and save them. They acknowledged their sin as they see Jerusalem torn down and destroyed. They asked God for a response and Isaiah gives them one. God says he wanted to respond to them and help them but no one was asking him to help. Instead, they went to their idols for help and profaned his laws and blasphemed his name with their actions. God promised to destroy those who hated him and save the ones who were faithful. The faithful will possess the land. Everything will flip and the faithful will be the ones who are blessed. Jerusalem will be a place of happiness and delight. Life-spans will expand and they will live to see their children blessed. There will be peace among nations where there was never peace. *** Paul was planning to send Timothy to Philippi so he could bring back the good news about their church. Paul had such love and respect for Timothy and the faith of the believers in Philippi. Paul longed to see them again and promised to send Epaphroditus back to them also. God had healed him of a fatal illness while he was faithfully serving Paul. *** Paul reminds us once again that salvation is by faith and not works. *** Lord, may we stand in your truth and witness your salvation of our families, our land and the world.