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.