Sun.’s Devo - The Four Kingdoms of the Earth

Read: Daniel 7:1-28; 1 John 1:1-10; Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 28:23-24 Earlier in Belshazzar’s reign, Daniel saw a vision of what was going to happen in the future on the earth. In his vision, beasts came out of the sea which represented kingdoms that would rule the earth. These were the same kingdoms that Nebuchadnezzar had seen in his dream which represented metals. *** The first beast was a lion with wings like an eagle and represented Babylon. It’s wings were pulled off and it was grounded to the earth and was given a human mind. I see this as Satan thrown out of heaven to rule the earth through men. *** The next beast was like a bear. It represented Persia which was very cruel. The bear reared up on one side and had three ribs in its mouth. A voice cried to get up and devour the people. The three ribs represented Media, Lydia and Babylon. *** The third beast looked like a leopard and represented Greece. It had four wings and four heads and was given great authority. The four heads represented Cassandra who ruled Macedon and Greece, Lysemachus who ruled Thrace and Bithynia, Ptolemy who ruled Egypt, and Seleucus who ruled Syria. *** The fourth beast was terrifying with huge iron teeth who devoured and crushed its enemies under its feet. This was the Roman Empire. He had ten horns which Nebuchadnezzar saw as ten toes on his statue. The Roman Empire was divided between the Germanic and Romanic influences which did not mix just like the clay and iron didn’t mix. *** During the Roman Empire the Popery rose up who claimed to be God on the earth. *** Next, we see the judgement of God on all the kingdoms on the earth. Jesus came and brought his kingdom with would destroy all these kingdoms forever. *** When Daniel woke from his dream, he was troubled and asked the angel he saw standing beside the throne. He explained that the four kingdoms would rule until the end when the Lord would give the kingdom to God’s holy people. *** Daniel was most concerned about the last kingdom which would try to change their festivals and laws. Daniel was assured that it would be judged in the end and be given to God’s holy people. *** Do we not see that very thing in our world today? The Passover has been changed to Easter. Pentecost is forgotten. All of God’s holy days have been paganize and changed to other names. We are living in the bringing down of this last kingdom. *** First John gives us John’s eye-witness of who Jesus was and what he came to do. Jesus existed from the beginning and came to earth to reveal to us who the Father and his Son was. *** Jesus came to tell us that he is the light and there is no darkness in him. We can totally trust his holiness and goodness. We can fellowship with him only in the light where he is. We get there by confessing our sins and allowing him to cleans us from our wickedness. Then he places his word in our heart. *** Lord, thank you for your great plan for the earth and the future. May we walk in the light as you are in the light and have fellowship with you.

Sat.’s Devo - God Defeats the Lions

Read: Daniel 6:1-28; 2 Peter 3:1-18; Psalm 119:129-152; Provers 28:21-22 Darius set up his kingdom with 120 provinces and placed an official to rule each province. Then he put Daniel and two other administers over the officials. Daniel proved to be so much more efficient and capable than the other two, so Darius was planning to put Daniel over them also. *** The king’s plan was found out by the other administrators and they devised a plot to bring Daniel down. Because they could find nothing to accused him of in his work, they decided to use his religion against him. *** They went to the king and played to his pride. They made it sound like all the other administers, including Daniel, had come up with this idea. They proposed to honor the king by making a law that for the next 30 days, no one could pray to anyone but him. They had him agree to make it an official law that could not be revoked. *** As soon as it was signed, they went to Daniel’s house, knowing he prayed three times a day for wisdom. They caught him praying and brought him before the king. They reminded Darius of his law that could not be revoked. The king was distraught and waited as long as he could trying to find a loophole to free Daniel. He finally had to let them put Daniel in the lion’s den. He told Daniel that he was praying that his God was able to rescue him. *** The king fasted the whole night and early in the morning he went to the den. He called out asking Daniel if his God was able to save him. When Daniel responded that his God had shut the mouths of the lions and that he was innocent, the king had him quickly brought out. Then he had the ones who had maliciously accused Daniel, thrown into the den with their wives and children. The lions leaped up and tore them apart before they could reach the ground. *** Then the king issued a message to the people in his kingdom that they should fear the God of Daniel, who was able to rescue him from the den of lions. *** This is one more story of the way God rescues his people from the pagan system in a foreign land. We are living in a foreign land in a pagan system and yet we are not to follow laws that defy God’s laws. God will protect us when we put him above our own lives and safety. *** In the second letter of Peter he reminds them of the prophecies of the prophets and the apostles. They said that Jesus would return one day, and he will. Even when it seems like it will never happen, it will. In Noah’s day they forgot that the earth came out of the water and God used the water to consume the earth. The earth was judged then and will be judged again, but this time with fire, not water. *** When we get tired of waiting we need to remember that to the Lord, a day is like a thousand years and vice versa. The Lord is waiting for more of his chosen people to come to know him. The day will come where the whole earth will be cleansed with fire and judgment will come. *** God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth which will be filled with God’s righteousness. While we are waiting for that to happen, we need to strive to live pure and blameless lives. We will need to guard against being deceived by other interpretations of what Paul wrote and what is written in God’s Word. Instead we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. *** Lord, help us to do this very thing. May we not be swayed by the next new doctrine or the next revelation, but to weigh it by all your Scripture. Give us discernment to know what to believe and what to ignore. Thank you for your love that comforts us in the days we are living in.

Fri.’s Devo - The Writing on the Wall

Read: Daniel 5:1-31; 2 Peter 2:1-22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 28:19-20 Belshazzar, Nebuchanezzar’s successor was recorded in history as being a very cruel king. He killed a fellow hunter simply because he killed the animal before he did. In another story, he had one of his servants castrated because one of the women called him handsome. We can tell by the way Daniel spoke to him that Daniel had no respect for him. Belshazzar had a banquet for 1,000 of his nobles and was drinking from the golden cups they had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. They were praising their gods of gold and silver and bronze, etc., when a hand began writing on the wall. It wrote the words Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parson. The king was brought to his knees in fear. *** None of his magicians could interpret what the words meant. The king’s wife told him about the fame of Daniel and he was brought in. Belshazzar told Daniel all the honors and gifts that would be given him if he interpreted the words. Daniel told him he could keep his gifts or give them to someone else, but he would tell him what the words meant. *** This is what he told him. His days were numbered. God had measured his life and found it meaningless so it would end and his kingdom would be given to the Medes and the Persians. Surprisingly, the king gave Daniel all the things he had promised: promotion, royal robes and a gold chain. That very night, Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede took the kingdom. Once again we see how God controls the course of human events. He promotes who he wants and brings down who he wants. *** Peter taught that there were false prophets in the past that taught lies just as there are false teachers in their present time. They would deny Jesus as the Messiah and teach immoral, evil doctrine to con people out of their money. *** They were not to worry because God judged the angels who disobeyed him and put them in pits in hell. He judged the people of Noah’s days and destroyed them with the flood because they were so evil. But, he saved Noah and seven members of his family. God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with hail and fire because of their morality and wickedness. But, he saved Lot and his two daughters. So, God knows how to save righteous godly people out of their trials, while punishing the wicked and saving them for the judgement. *** Peter compared these wicked false teachers to those who God destroyed. They were deceptive, evil and preyed on the innocent. They loved bribes and extortion like Balaam who was offered payment to curse Israel. God stopped Balaam with his talking donkey who rebuked him. God would not allow him to curse Israel whom he had blessed. *** It would be the same for these people of Peter’s day. They would get their full reward. They were slaves to sin and corruption. *** We are also slaves to whatever controls us. So we are not to get entangled in sin and let it control us. If we do get entangled in sin after we have believed, we will be worse off than before. *** Lord, thank you that we are no longer slaves to sin. May we walk free and stay free. May we bring every evil thought captive and not entertain doubt or shame. Thank you for the blood of Jesus that has power to cleanse and keep us clean.

Thurs.’s Devo - The Tree

Read: Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Peter 1:1-21; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 28:17-18 Years later, Nebuchadnezzar had another dream and eventually Daniel, the chief of the magicians was called in to interpret it. *** In his dream he saw a very tall tree planted in the middle of the earth. It provided fruit and shade and provision for all. A messenger came from heaven and commanded that the tree be cut down and its branches lopped off. Only the stump would remain, bound by iron and bronze and surrounded by grass. It would stay there among the wild animals for seven years and have the mind of a wild animal. This would happen so that everyone would know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to whoever he chooses, even to the lowliest of people. *** Daniel had to tell Nebuchadnezzar that the dream was about him and he was the tree that would lose his mind and live among the wild animals for seven years. Then he would come to his senses and be restored to his kingdom. He would know that it is God who rules heaven and earth. *** One year from that time Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of his royal palace and made the proud confession that he had created this city by his own mighty power. It was then that a voice from heaven said he was no longer the ruler of this kingdom and the dream played out. *** When he returned from his insanity he was able to praise and honor the King of heaven whose acts are just and true. *** In Peter’s second letter he stated that God has given us everything we need to live a godly life. They are found in his promises that enable us to share in his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption that is caused by the evil desires of humanity. *** The processes that leads to a godly life are moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, and brotherly affection. The more we grow into these characteristics the more effective and productive we will be in the kingdom of God. Peter tells us how important it is to remind ourselves that these are the goals we are striving to live by. *** Peter knows that his time is short and he remembers when Jesus transfigured into his glorious body right before him. God spoke from heaven and told them that Jesus was his dearly beloved Son who brings him great joy. This gave Peter even more confidence in the prophecy of the prophets. Jesus will return in majesty and splendor just as they foretold. *** Lord, may we grow in all the attributes of your kingdom. May our lives be useful to you and what your plan is on the earth. May we participate in what you are doing and live to see your kingdom come to earth like it is in heaven.

Wed.’s Devo - The Fiery Furnace

Read: Daniel 2:24-3:30; 1 Peter 4:7-5:14; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 28:15-16 Daniel went to Arioch who was the man in charge of killing all the wise men and told him not to kill them because he could tell the king his dream and its meaning. Arioch was so relieved and took Daniel straight to the king. *** Daniel made sure that the king knew it was nothing special about him, because no man could do what the king had asked. But, there was a God in heaven who revealed his secret to Daniel because He wanted the king to know what was going to happen in the future. *** Then, Daniel told him his dream. He had seen the statue of a man whose head was gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs were bronze and its legs were iron. The feet were a combination of iron and backed clay. Then a rock, cut from a mountain struck it at its feet and the whole thing shattered into small pieces and was blown away by the wind till there was no trace of it. The rock became a great mountain that covered the whole earth. *** Then, Daniel told him what God had revealed as the interpretation. He and his kingdom was the head of gold. After him would rise another kingdom inferior to his (silver) , then another (bronze). The fourth would be strong like iron that would smash the other kingdoms. The feet and toes represented that iron kingdom and another very weak one (clay). They would try to align through marriages but it would’t hold together. *** During the reigns of those kingdoms, God would set up a kingdom that would never be destroyed or conquered. It would stand forever. It would bring down all the other kingdoms in the earth. This kingdom is the Kingdom of God and we are watching that happen in our day. He is destroying all the kingdoms of darkness, exposing their evil and wiping them out. The day is coming when there won’t be a trace of their evil left on the earth. Hallelujah! *** King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face before Daniel and worshipped him. He ordered his people to offer sacrifices and burn incense for Daniel. He praised Daniel’s God and exalted Daniel to ruler over the whole province of Babylon. Daniel asked him to appoint Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of the affairs of Babylon. Daniel served in the king’s court. *** King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue of himself and at the dedication ordered everyone to bow when they heard the music. He threatened if anyone who refused to bow, they would be thrown into the fiery furnace. It was reported to the king that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow. They were brought before the king and asked about it. They said that they would never bow before the statue. They only bowed to their God. They also said that their God was able to save them from the furnace but even if he didn’t, they would never bow to the king’s statue. *** They were ordered to be thrown into the furnace which was heated up seven times hotter than normal. The men who threw them in were burned to death, but Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego walked with Jesus totally unharmed in the fire. *** The king saw them and called them out of the fire. They walked out not even smelling like fire. The king was so in awe and proclaimed that “there is no other god who can rescue like this!” He promoted them to an even higher position than before. *** When God is ready to do something in the earth, there is no one who can stop what he is doing. We are in a time like that. No news media lie, or threat, or false flag can stop the bringing down of the kingdom of darkness. It is coming down. *** Peter proclaimed in his day that the world was soon coming to an end. He emphasized our prayer life and our love for one another. He encouraged us to use our spiritual gifts to help one another. We will face fiery trials like Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego, but Jesus is in the fire with us and will bring us out unharmed. We want to be sure the suffering we go through is because of our stand for Jesus and not because we have done something to deserve suffering. It is a privilege to share in the sufferings of Christ. *** Leaders are told to lead with example and they will be rewarded in the end. It is God who exalts us and promotes us. *** Our enemy is the devil. He is looking for someone to totally devour. We stand in faith against him and he can not hurt us. *** When our suffering is over, God will restore, support and strengthen us and put us on a firm foundation. *** Lord, thank you for the ones who have gone before us and modeled faith. Thank you that we have no need to fear what the enemy has in store for us because you are so much more powerful and it is your good plans that will stand. We put our trust in you.

Tues.’s Devo - Daniel’s Test

Read: Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:8-4:6; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 28:14 Daniel and his three friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were taken into exile to Babylon when they were teenagers. They were the royal family line or from elite families in Judah. They were taken because they were strong, healthy and good-looking. Along with other exiles, Nebuchadnezzar took sacred objects from the Temple. The year was around 605 B.C. during Jehoiakim’s third year as king of Judah. *** When Daniel arrived in Babylon he was put under the tutelage of a staff officer. He was to eat the food the king but it was not kosher according to God’s law. Daniel asked if he and his friends could only eat vegetables and water for a trial period of 10 days, then the officer could examine them against the other exiles and make his decision. At the end of the 10 days Daniel and his friends looked healthier than the others so they were allowed to continue eating their diet. *** They were trained for three years and the Lord blessed them with the ability to learn and understand every aspect of literature and wisdom. Daniel had the gift of interpreting dreams and visions. *** At the end of their training they were brought before the king and no one impressed him more than Daniel, Hanahiah, Mishael, and Azariah. *** The king had a dream that greatly disturbed him and seemed so important that he called in his top magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers. He told them to tell him what he dreamed and the meaning or they would die. They claimed no one could do that, so the king planned to kill them all. *** Daniel and his friends were not told what had happened, but when the officers came to kill them, they asked why., Daniel asked to see the king to ask for more time and was granted it. *** Daniel told his three friend to pray that God would tell them the secret of the king’s dream. That night in a dream, God gave Daniel the answer to his prayer. Daniel praised the Lord who controls the course of world events. That is a good thing for us to remember in the light of our nation. God is the one who controls our nation and he reveals deep mysteries to his people who seek him. *** Peter gives us some practical ways to act out God’s kingdom on earth. Most of it has to do with what we say. God is watching and listening and will turn his face from those who do evil. If we suffer for doing good, God will reward us. We should always have an answer for the hope that lies within us. Jesus is our hope and he suffered, died and rose to eternal life. When he died, he went to preach to spirits in prison in Sheol (the place of the dead). These were the people who died in the flood. The flood was a picture of God baptizing the earth from the evil that permeated before the flood. *** Then, Christ went to heaven and took his honorable seat next to God. *** Christ suffered on the earth, so we should not be surprised when we do also. Everyone will one day face God and give an account for the lives they lived on earth. They is why we preach the Good News, so they can repent and face God with joy and clean hearts and minds. *** Lord, thank you that you control the course of human events. We pray that our leaders would have your wisdom to choose your answers. May we learn from our mistakes and turn back to you.

Mon.’s Devo - The River of God

Read: Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; 1 Peter 2:11-37; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 28:12-13 Ezekiel was brought to the entrance of the Temple and was shown a stream flowing from under the door of the Temple. It passed on the right side of the altar through the eastern gateway. Ezekiel was taken out the northern gateway to the entrance of the eastern gate. *** The guide took Ezekiel across the stream and the water was up to his ankles. They walked 1,750 feet down the stream and he was taken across it again and this time it was up to his knees. He was taken another 1,750 feet and across the water again. This time the water was too deep to walk across and he would have to swim. The man asked Ezekiel if he had been paying attention. As Ezekiel looked he saw that trees were growing on both sides of the water. The man told him that this river flowed down to the Dead Sea and it would bring life to the Dead Sea. Fish would abound in the waters and many fishermen would fish in the Dead Sea. Various fruit trees would grow on both sides of the river and their leaves would never die but bring healing. Their fruit would be for food. This is what revival looks like. *** God said to divide the land for the tribes of Israel. They would each get a strip of land 3.33 miles wide and 8.33 miles long. The Temple would be in the middle of the city with the priests and Levite’s land to the north. Area around the Temple area would be for public use to grow food and plant gardens. The prince would own land on either side of the public land. To the south would be the strips of the land for Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. To the north would be the strips of land for Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh, Naphtali, Asher, and Dan. *** Each tribe would have its own gate named after it to exit the city. Reuben, Judah, and Levi would have gates on the north. On the east wall gates would be named for Joseph, Benjamin and Dan. To the south, the gates would be named for Simeon, Issachar and Zebulun and on the west the gates were named for Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. The name of the city would be “The Lord is There.” *** Peter warns us of worldly desires that wage a war against our souls. If we live honorably and according to God’s laws, our lives will be a witness for God when he judges the world. Our lives should cause the scoffers to stop calling Christians hypocrites. We should never use our freedom in Christ as an excuse to do evil. We should respect all people as God’s creation and have love for our brothers and sisters in the Lord. *** Believers should be the best employees, best bosses, best wives and best husbands. Our lives should model God’s kingdom. Our focus should first be to beautify our hearts and live submissive humble lives. Our homes should model the family of God and his authority. *** Lord, help us to live motivated by our renewed hearts and minds and not our worldly desires. May our lives make you proud that we are your children and may we model your kingdom.

Sun.’s Devo - The Prince

Read: Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Peter 1:13-2:10; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 28:11 The vision that was give to Ezekiel is still a mystery today as it was physically impossible to be literal. Today we read about the tax to be given to the prince, the yearly sacrifices, how to celebrate the Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles. *** The eastern gateway was to be opened only to the prince on the Sabbath and on the new moon celebrations. He would enter from the outside and stand by the gatepost while the priests offer the burnt offering and the peace offering. He would bow in worship then leave the way he came. The people could also bow in worship before this gateway on these days. *** On the Sabbath and the new moon, the prince would present a burnt offering and a grain offering. Again, the prince would leave the way he came. But the people must come in one gate - either north or south entrance and leave in the opposite direction. The prince represents Christ and he is perfect. He doesn’t worship to change who he is. We are not perfect, so we should never leave worship the way we came in. Worship should change us and we should walk out a renewed person. Verse 10 says that the prince will leave with the people. How awesome is that! *** When the prince gives a gift of land to one of his servants, it is returned to him in the Year of Jubilee. But, if he gives a gift to one of his sons, the gift is permanent. We are his sons and daughters and the gifts the Lord give to us are eternal. *** Ezekiel was shown where the priests cook the meat for the guilt and sin offerings and the kitchens used to boil the sacrifices offered by the people. *** In Peter’s first letter he told them to prepare their minds to walk in holiness. We are his witnesses of who he is and he is holy. We are to live in reverence of God who paid the price with the blood of his son for our salvation and saved us from sin. We show our love for him by loving one another. We should crave purity. *** Christ is the cornerstone and we are stones built on him. We are the priests of his Temple who offer spiritual sacrifices that please the Lord. *** Lord, may our lives show your goodness and grace. Thank you for accepting us into your family and having mercy on us. May we be your witnesses to the world of your kindness and grace.

Sat.’s Devo - Our Inheritance -

Read: Ezekiel 44:1-45:12; 1 Peter 1:1-12; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 28:8-10 Ezekiel was taken to the eastern gateway but it was closed and he was told would not be opened ever again because the Lord had entered that gate. Ezekiel was taken through the north gateway and he saw that the glory of the Lord filled the Temple. *** They had done much to arouse God’s anger. They had brought uncircumcised foreigners who had no heart for the Lord into God’s sanctuary. They had broken his covenant and hired foreigners to take charge of the sanctuary. *** Those of the tribe of Levi who had strayed and encouraged people to worship idols years ago must bear the consequences of their unfaithfulness. If they repent, they may be Temple guards and gatekeepers and kill the animals for the sacrifices and be there to help the people, but they may not minister as priests or touch anything holy. Only the family of Zadok who remained faithful would be able to minister as priests. There are many promises for those who are faithful, (Heb. 3:14, 2 Tim. 4:7, Matt. 24:9, Rev. 2:10, and Rev. 2:26) to name a few. *** When the priests enter the gateway to the inner courtyard, they must only wear linen clothing so that they won’t perspire. (No works of the flesh will be allowed.) This clothing was only to be worn in the Temple. *** The priests are also judges to the people and their decisions must be based on God’s laws. Strict regulations were given to the priests concerning marriage, hair, wine and being in the presence of the dead. These requirements are to keep them holy and have spiritual meanings as well as practical ones. *** Everything the priests own comes from the Lord and from the gifts given to the Lord. They would live on their own priestly land which would be next to the Temple. This land would be 3.33 miles wide by 8.33 miles long. Beyond there land would be a strip where anyone could live. The prince would own a strip of land on both sides of the priest’s land on the east and west side. Beyond his land would be the tribal lands. *** There would be no more cheating the people out of their land from the princes. God also gave them a standard to measure by. No more cheating people out of their merchandise and their pay. *** Peter wrote his letters to the churches in Asia Minor who were suffering persecution and rejection for their faith in Christ. He reminded them of their great inheritance awaiting them. Joy and salvation was waiting for them and their trials made them shine like gold. This salvation had been prophesied for years by the prophets and was now being manifested in them. Even the angles are watching to see how God’s Word was unfolding. *** Lord, it is such a privilege to be a part of your great plan. May we never lose the wonder of who you are and how grateful it is to be chosen to be your children. Thank you!

Fri.’s Devo - The Altar

Read: Ezekiel 42:1-43:27; James 5:1-20; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 28:6-7 Ezekiel was take to a set of rooms on the north and the south each side of the Temple. There was a large structure that spanned the width of the inner courtyard. Half of the rooms faced toward the inner courtyard and half faced the outer courtyard with a walkway between them. The rooms had three layers where the layer above was recessed like a ziggurat. These rooms were holy and where the priests who offered sacrifices would eat the offerings. They also stored the grain, sin, and guilt offerings in these rooms. *** Ezekiel measured the perimeter of the Temple area and it was 875’ x 875’ (12 cubits by 12 cubits) Twelve is the number of government. When he came to the east gateway the glory of God appeared from that direction He could hear it coming like the roar of rushing waters. Everything shone just like what he had seen in a previous vision. God spoke and said that in this Temple he would rest his feet and live forever among the people of Israel. This Temple would not be defiled by idolatry from their kings like before. The law of this Temple would be absolute holiness. *** He described the altar as having a gutter that measured 12 cubits or 21” deep and wide round the altar. The blood would flow through this gutter to the people. Twenty-one is three seven’s or three times the perfection. The altar was 21 feet tall with ledges every 7 feet. There were horns on the corners of the altar which stood for mercy. The priest ascended this altar by steps on the east side. *** God told Ezekiel that when this altar was built the Levitical priests were to offer a perfect bull as a sin offering and smear its blood on the four horns and the upper ledge and its curb. This would cleanse the altar and make atonement. *** On the next or second day, a perfect male goat was to be sacrificed that would cleanse and make atonement again for the altar. Then, offer another perfect bull and a perfect ram that had been sprinkled with salt. *** Then, every day after that they were to offer a male goat, a young bull and a ram from the flock to sacrifice as a sin offering. This was to be done for seven days to set the altar apart for holy use. On the eight day and each day after they could offer burnt offerings and peace offerings and the Lord would accept them. *** James had a hard word for the rich who hoarded their wealth. It would speak against them on the day of judgement. They had spent their wealth on themselves at the expense of others. They had condemned and killed innocent people. *** He encouraged the righteous to hold on because the day of their reception was coming. They would reap a harvest just like Job did in the end. *** James warned them not to take oaths but let their word be enough. He gave solutions for every problem. If you are suffering, then pray. If you are happy, then sing. If you are sick, have the elders annoint you and pray over you in the name of the Lord. If you have sinned, you will be forgiven. *** He encourages us to confess our sins to one another that we may be healed, because it is the prayer of the righteous that gets results. Elijah was an example of this. He was human but God heard his prayer and answered him. *** Lord, may we be reconcilers and bring those back who have wandered away. May they receive forgiveness and life instead of condemnation and death.

Thurs.’s Devo - The Sanctuary

Read: Ezekiel 40:28-41:26; James 4:1-17; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 28:3-5 We are given the description and measurements of the gateway leading to the inner courtyard of the south, east and north sides. Like before, nothing is said of the west side. “East” means “beginning” and “west” means “ending” so he was not shown that far into the future. *** Each of these gateways had side rooms where the animals were sacrificed on huge tables and prepared for the offerings. Inside the inner courtyard to the side were two rooms that faced one another (facing south and facing north). The one on the north was the maintenance room for the Temple. The one toward the south was where the priests changed their clothes to minister to the Lord. The inner courtyard was 175’ x 175’. The altar stood in the courtyard in front of the Temple. *** There were 10 steps that led to the Temple with a square column on each side. Ezekiel was led into the Temple which was 70’ x35’. Beyond the sanctuary was an inner room which measured 35’ x 35’. It was the Most Holy Place. *** A row of rooms were built into the outside wall, 7’ wide each. There were three levels of these rooms with each level being wider than the one below. A stairway was in the middle of the rooms. *** The Temple was built on a terrace 10.5’ tall. This terrace was the foundation for the side rooms. A large building stood on the west facing the Temple. The measurements of it including the thickness of the walls was 175’ x 175’, just like the Temple. Ezekiel was not told what this building is used for at this time. *** He was then taken back to the sanctuary in the Temple. It is described as paneled in wood with carvings of palm trees and cherubim. One of the cherubim. Each cherubim had two faces. One was the face of a man who was looking towards the palm tree on one side. The other face was a lion looking towards the palm tree on the other side. This was depicting the Garden of Eden and their choices. *** The columns to the entrance to the sanctuary and the Most Holy Place were square and made of wood. The altar of incense was made of wood. It stood in the Most Holy Place. The doors leading to both the sanctuary and the Most Holy Place were double swinging doors. Cherubim and palm trees were carved on the doors. The roof was of wood and carvings were on the sides of the doors. Everything was to make you remember the Garden. *** In James, he nails the reason why they quarrel. It is the evil desires for pleasure that was their motive. They wanted what is not theirs and instead of asking God for it, they tried to get it from each other. James calls them adulterers because they wanted to be a friend of God and a friend of the world. *** God hates pride, so the way we get rid of pride is by being humble. The only way we can do that is by getting into the presence of the Lord and repenting and letting the Holy Spirit cleanse our hearts. *** God warns us against judging one another and criticizing one another. God is the judge and we are not. We don’t even know what tomorrow might bring - but God does. *** Lord, may we humble ourselves and remember to do the things you tell us to do. May we guard our hearts against pride and envy. May we be satisfied and thankful for what you have given us.

Wed.’s Devo - The New Temple

Read: Ezekiel 39:1-40:27; James 2:18-3:18; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 28:2 Ezekiel was told to speak a word against Gog, Meshech and Tubal which are believed to be modern day Russia, Libya and Iran. They would come against Israel, but God would turn their plans on them and defeat them. The people of Israel would pick up their wooden weapons and use them as fuel for their fires for the next seven years. *** There would be a mass graveyard for all the words of Gog in the Valley of Travelers which would now be called the Valley of Gog’s Hordes. *** Seven months later teams of men would go out looking for skeletons to bury in the Valley. *** God told Ezekiel to call the birds and wild animals to come to a great feast where they will eat the flesh of the men lying in the Valley of Gog’s Hordes. This is how they will cleanse the land. *** Then the nations will know that God sent his people into exile because of their sins, but has now come to redeem them. *** Ezekiel was in their 25th year of captivity when the Lord came and took him in the Spirit to Israel on a very high mountain. He could see a city in the south and as he got nearer he could see a man with a face that shone standing beside a gate. The man held a linen measuring cord and a measuring rod in his hand. He told Ezekiel to pay attention to everything he saw, then go back and tell the people. *** He was taken into the city through the gateway and measured everything. He climbed steps and saw where the guards would stand. He was taken into the inner part through a passageway on the east side of the building which was supported by columns. This structure faced the Temple. The entrance way was over 43 feet wide and over 87 feet long, just to give us some perspective of how massive this place was. There was a huge square courtyard which measured 175 x 175 feet with a passageway on the north side and the south side were just like the one on the east side. The gateway on the south side had seven steps leading out of it. *** In James, he explained that faith and works go together and you can’t separate them. Abraham demonstrated this principle. He had faith that God would raise Isaac from the dead so he strapped him to the altar. God counted his faith as righteousness. Rahab showed her faith by hiding the spies and showing them a way of escape. She had faith that they would keep their word and save her and her family. *** James explained why not all of us should be teachers because we teach with our mouths which are hard to tame. One wrong teaching can spread and cause a lot of dissension and problems. *** Keeping your heart pure will help control what you say with your mouth. Keeping your heart from jealousy and selfish ambition will cultivate God’s wisdom in your life. And, being a peacemaker will reap a harvest of righteousness. *** Lord, help us to desire a pure heart and to be a peacemaker. May we think before we speak and listen to your Spirit and obey.

Tues.’s Devo - Can These Bones Live?

Read: Ezekiel 37:1-38:23; James 1:19-2:17; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 28:1 God took Ezekiel in the Spirit to a valley scattered with dried bones. He asked him if the bones could become alive again and Ezekiel told God only he would know the answer to that. The Lord told Ezekiel to prophecy for those dried bones to listen to what God says about them. He said they would live again. He would cover them with muscles and skin. Then He would breath life into them. *** As Ezekiel spoke God’s words, it happened! The bones came together and reattached to their parts. Muscles and flesh covered the bones but they still had no breath. Ezekiel was told to prophesy to the winds to come and breathe into the dead bodies so that they could live again. When he did, they came to life and stood to become a great army. *** God told him that these bones represented the people of Israel. They thought all hope was gone but God said He could bring them life with his Spirit. *** What in our lives have we lost all hope in? Is it a marriage, a family issue or breach, a dying business or an illness? We are to prophecy our destiny into the situation and God’s Spirit to come and bring life. God is true and his Words are life. *** God told Ezekiel to take two pieces of wood and write on one “Judah and its tribes” and on the other hand”Ephram and the northern tribes.” He was to hold the two pieces of wood in one hand and raise it and prophecy its destiny. They would be brought back together and be one nation. They would not pollute themselves again with idols God would cleanse them and they would be his people and he their God. *** David would be their king (speaking of Jesus). He spoke this over generations to come. *** Ezekiel was told to prophecy against Gog and Magog, Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya. God would come against them as their enemy. In the far away future, they would come against Israel while they are enjoying peace after they recovered from war and returned to their land. They will think they can attack them and rob them of their silver and gold. When this happens the whole earth will quake with the presence of the Lord. The enemy will end up killing one another and God will rain down hailstones, fire, and sulfur. This will be the final battle on the earth. *** In James, we are given three commands: be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. These sound easy, until something stirs us to up, then they are not that easy. God’s words have been planted in our hearts which have the power to save our souls, so they can surely keep us from getting angry. *** Not only do we need to listen, but we need to act on God’s commands. If we do this, it will help us to control our tongue. *** James defines pure religion as caring for the orphan and the widows who are in distress and refusing to let the world corrupt us. He defines the poor as being rich in faith. We are all commanded to have mercy and compassion and show it with our works. *** Lord, may we have your heart when it comes to the poor. Help us to know how to best meet their needs. May we prophesy to the impossible things in our lives and see them live again.

Mon.’s Devo - Count it all Joy!

Read: Ezekiel 35:1-36:38; James 1:1-18; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 27:23-27 God told Ezekiel to prophecy against the people of Mt. Seir. They were the descendants of Esau who were bitter towards the descendants of Jacob. They slaughtered them when they were weak and took their land. God said he would utterly destroy them because of their ruthless hatred towards Israel. Their cities would never be rebuilt and the whole earth would rejoice, just like they rejoiced at Israel’s fall. *** God spoke to the mountains of Israel and said that they had been taken by other nations, but Ezekiel was to prophecy that they would prosper once again for the sake of Israel who would soon be coming home. The land would no longer be the reason the people die. God would not let their enemies mock them much longer. *** It was the people who polluted the land with murder and idolatry, not the other way around. Then they went to other nations and brought shame to God’s name. God was bringing them back to their own land for his name’s sake, not because they deserved it. He was doing it to preserve his reputation. *** James identifies himself as a bond slave of Christ. He writes to the believers in the twelve tribes of Israel. He encourages them in their trials speaking of trials as great opportunities for spiritual growth and drawing closer to God. God is wisdom and ready to share it with all who ask. *** He challenges us to have God’s perspective on the rich and the poor. He says it is an honor to be poor and humbling to be rich. We all eventually fade away and are no more on the earth. The way we gain rewards in this life has to do with how we face our trials. Patiently enduring our trials will produce the crown of life that God has for us. God never tempts anyone; our desires can cause us to be dragged away from God’s perfect will in our lives and lead us to sin. *** Lord, thank you that we are your prized possession. You chose to birth us on the earth and give us yourself. May we cling to your Word and live as your children who love you.

Sun.’s Devo - Watchmen

Read: Ezekiel 33:1-34:31; Hebrews 13:1-25; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 27:21-22 Watchmen were people selected to stand in the towers or on hills and watch for the enemy so they could warn the people. God told Ezekiel that this was his job as a prophet. He was to listen to the Lord and tell the people and warn them of what was coming. If he obeyed and warned the people and told them why the enemy was coming, then he would be protected. But, if he didn’t warn them, then what was coming for the people would kill him also and God would hold him responsible. *** There were several scenarios of what might happen. The people might repent and then God would not bring the destruction he had warned them of. This was the case with Nineveh when Jonah warned them. They did repent and the city was saved. But, 200 years later they turned back to their sins and God did bring the destruction that Jonah had warned them of. *** Jerusalem fell two months before Egypt fell. A survivor came to Ezekiel in Babylon and told him the news. God had shut Ezekiel’s mouth so he couldn’t speak, but God opened it so he could speak to this man. Then, God told Ezekiel to tell the people that though they felt entitled to the land of Israel because of Abraham, their sins had caused them to lose their right to ownership of the land. God had destroyed the land because of their sins. *** The people talked about Ezekiel and were entertained by his prophecies. They were only interested in getting rich. He condemned the ones who spent all their wealth on themselves and neglected the poor and needy. They were like shepherds who didn’t care for their flock. These greedy people had now become God’s enemies. *** God will find his sheep scattered all over the will and bring them back hime to their land of Israel and care for them. He will give them peace, comfort, healing and justice. God will separate the sheep from the goats and judge them according to their deeds. God will give them a shepherd like David and give them a covenant of peace. God will shower them with blessings an they will no longer be a prey to other nations. Their land will become famous for God’s abundant blessings. *** Hebrews encourages us to love everyone as if they are our brothers or our sisters. Entertain strangers. Honor our marriage and remain faithful to our spouses. Don’t love money and be happy with what you have. *** This world is not our home. Our lives are to be a continual sacrifice of praise and devotion. We are to share our blessings with others. God will equip us with what we need to carry out our purpose on the earth. *** Lord, may we have clear consciences and live honorable in everything we do. May your grace be with us all.

Sat.’s Devo- Live at Peace

Read: Ezekiel 31:1-32:32; Hebrews 12:14-29; Psalm 113:1-114:8. Proverbs 27:18-20 Eleven years into their captivity, God had a word for the Pharaoh of Egypt. It had once been a beautiful prosperous nation which God compared to a cedar in Lebanon. It was filled with people and known for its opulence and splendor. It became the envy of the world and was filled with pride. *** Because Egypt became proud and wicked God was going to turn it over to a mighty nation to destroy it. Egypt and all its inhabitants would end up in the pit. They would dwell there with all the others who had descended into the pit in the grave. *** Twelve years into Israel’s captivity Ezekiel received a word he was to give to the Pharaoh of Egypt. This word was given on the 1st of Tishri making it the Feast of Trumpets. It said that Pharaoh thought of himself as a great leader among the nations but God saw him as a sea monster. God was sending many nations to catch him in his net. He would leave him stranded on the land to die. The whole land would be darkened when God did this. (These things were done before when God sent the plagues on Egypt - one of them was darkness.) *** God would destroy Egypt with the army of Babylon. The world will look on with terror. *** Fifteen days later, on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles God gave Ezekiel another word. The evil hoard of Egypt were ordered to “tabernacle with others who had gone to the pit.” There they would be met with mighty leaders who had gone before them who had now become the shameful outcasts. Leaders of Elam, Mechech, Tubal, Edom, and Sidon are all down there lying in shame and guilt. Now Egypt would join them. *** In Hebrews, we are told to “work” at living at peace with everyone. That is not an easy task. Work at not becoming poisoned with bitterness. *** We are reminded that we now have access to God’s throne room. We don’t come with fear and trembling like they did in the Old Testament. We come to a joyful gathering of God’s firstborn children and to the king himself. Jesus as our lawyer mediated us a better covenant than they had. This covenant is about forgiveness, not revenge. We need to be careful to listen to what God is saying because this new covenant will not only shake the earth like at Sinai, but this new promise will shake the heavens also. Only what cannot be shaken and is rooted in righteousness will stand. *** Lord, may we fear you with reverence but draw near without fear of retaliation. We are so blessed to be invited into your throne room and to be called your children. May our sacrifice to you be holy and undefiled. Thank you for all you have done and still do for us. May your Kingdom come to earth as it is in heaven.

Fri.’s Devo - The Great Race

Read: Ezekiel 29:1-30:26; Hebrews 11:32-12:13; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 27:17 It had been 10 years since captives had been taken to Babylon. God gave Ezekiel a message concerning the Pharaoh of Egypt. He compared him to a monster who lived in the Nile. God was going to drag him out of the water and leave him and all his followers in the wilderness to die. They would be devoured by the wild animals because Israel had leaned on them for help and they hadn’t been there for them. *** Egypt had claimed to have made the Nile River so they would lie desolate for 40 years uninhabited. Its survivors would be scattered among the nations. After the 40 years they would return and prosper, but never be of significance in the global scene. Then, Israel would not be tempted to ask for their help. *** In the 27th year of Israel’s captivity, God spoke to Ezekiel to King Nebuchadnezzar. His army had fought so hard against Tyre with nothing to show for it, so God gave Egypt’s land and riches to them for a reward. And the day would come that Israel’s wealth would return and Ezekiel’s prophecies would come to pass and be respected by the people. *** In the same war that Egypt would be destroyed, Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, and all Arabia would also be destroyed by Babylon. They would all come to know that the Lord is God, Almighty. *** Hebrews recounts many stories of victories for the faithful, but also many other endings of those who were martyred for their faith in the Lord. Their hope was in the reward that would come after the resurrection. None of them achieved their goal on earth because they were part of the process that continues throughout time. It will continue till time is no more. We are part of that process. Everyone who has gone before us is a member of God’s crowd of witnesses that watch us and cheer us on. *** We now take the baton and run our section of the race. To keep on the track, we keep our eyes on Jesus who ran as a champion, and we try to imitate him. He has finished his race and is seated beside God in heaven. He encourages us not to give up when we need disciplining because it just proves he loves us and we are his beloved child. He disciplines us so we can share in his holiness. *** Lord, may we draw strength from the life Jesus lived on the earth and all the promises you have given us. The greatest promise is your presence and the honor of being your child.

Thurs.’s Devo - Tyre and Sidon -

Read: Ezekiel 27:1-28:26; Hebrews 11:17-31; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 27:15-16 God told Ezekiel to sing Tyre’s funeral song. Tyre was the trading center of the world. There were two parts to Tyre. There was the Tyre that was on the coast and then there was another “new Tyre” that was built out on an island rock. This was the Dubai of the world. Everyone traded through Tyre. The finest merchandise came through its borders. *** We have the list of all the things they bought and sold in Tyre and all the countries that participated. David had bought building supplies from Tyre to build his palace and the Temple. He, in return gave them food supplies. *** Jezebel was from Tyre and the daughter of the pagan high priest, Ethbaal. She was given to Ahab to form an alliance between Israel and Tyre. *** Tyre was the center of Baal worship and the island of Tyre was known as the “holy island” being sacred to Hercules. The colonies looked up to Tyre as the mother city of their religion, as well as of their political existence. In verse 3 of Chapter 28, Ezekiel ironically alludes to Ithbaal’s (Tyre’s king) exaggerated opinion of his own wisdom, as though it was superior to that of Daniel’s, whose fame was known about even in Tyre. This king thought of himself as a god, but he would be exposed as an imposter and only a man. This Ithbaal gets his own funeral song. Ithbaal was a type of Lucifer in the garden of Eden. He once had access to God’s holy mountain and the stones of fire. Then evil was found in him and he became filled with pride and his wisdom was corrupted. He became grossly deceived. Just like God was going to bring this king down, Lucifer would be exposed and brought to the ground. He would come to a terrible end and exist no more. *** Sidon was built before Tyre, founded by Canaan’s first-born (Genesis 10:15). It was famous as a fishery, its international trading, and its artistic beauty. It was also overthrown by the Chaldeans when Tyre was. It was the seat of the false gods Ashtaroth, Tammuz, or Adonis which infected Israel more than that of Tyre did (Eze 8:14; Jud 10:6; 1Ki 11:33). *** Then the Lord gives us hope for Israel. God will punish the neighbors of Israel. Then the people would return and rebuild their nation. They will know that the Lord is their God. *** Hebrews continues their list of people in their line of faith. Abraham was willing to sacrifice the promise God had give him because he trusted in God’s resurrection power. Isaac spoke the future over his two sons Jacob and Esau. Jacob did the same for his 12 sons. *** Joseph made his sons promise to bury his bones in the land of Israel when they returned as a sign that they would go back to Israel. *** Moses’ parents recognized the Spirit on Moses and disobeyed the law of the land to keep him alive. Moses grew up to be Israel’s deliverer. Moses left the pleasures of the Egyptian kingdom and power to suffer with his own people and bring them out of bondage. He did not fear the Pharaoh, but God who had all power. *** By faith, the people of Israel observed their first Passover and spread the blood of the lamb on their door, saving them from death. They walked through the Red Sea only to watch it cave in on the Egyptians. By faith, the people of Israel walked around Jericho seven times not knowing if it would fall or not. Rahab feared God and had faith that the spies could save her and her family. *** None of these people knew what their outcome would be, but believed God and trusted in him. It is easy to see looking back but not so easy to believe when you are facing the giant. *** Lord, may we be known as people who have great faith to know that You will bring us through what we are going through and give us a good testimony on the other side.

Wed.’s Devo - By Faith -

Read: Ezekiel 24:1-26:21; Hebrews 11:1-16; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 27:14 Ezekiel was 300 miles away from Jerusalem and predicted the very day the Babylonians would reach Jerusalem and start their siege. *** Ezekiel was told to put a pot on the fire and fill it with choice pieces of meat. He had already prophesied that the city was like an iron pot and the people were the meat (Ezekiel 11:3). Now he was illustrating it. He took out pieces randomly to show that they will all be treated the same. Their blood will be splashed on the rocks. When the pot was empty he was to let it continue to burn over the fire to burn out all the impurities. This was to show the severity and longevity of their judgment. *** Then the Lord said that he would take away Ezekiel’s dearest treasure and he was not to show any sorrow on the outside. He must hold it in. He told the people that morning, and that night his wife died. He could not even accept any food brought by friends. When the people asked what all this meant he told them that God would defile their Temple, their source of pride and safety and love. Their children left in Judah would all be killed by the sword. They will not be able to mourn or weep but will realize it was their sins that caused this. *** God gave Ezekiel words for Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre. Because Ammon and Moab rejoiced when they saw Jerusalem fall, the same thing will happen to them. Because Edom and Philistia hated Israel, they would be wiped out. Tyre also rejoiced at Judah’s downfall. They had been the trade route to the rest of the world. Many nations would come and destroy them. Nebuchadnezzar would destroy them till nothing was left but the rock they built on. They would never rebuild. All of these nations would come to know that God is the Lord. *** Hebrews Eleven is the “Hall of Faith.” First we are given a definition of faith which is the reality of what we hope for. It is evidence of what has not yet manifested. Faith is what people were measured by in the Old Testament and is still our measurement. We believe everything by faith. By faith we believe that God created the earth by his word. By faith Abel offered the perfect sacrifice as a type of Christ. By faith, Enoch by-passed death to go to heaven. He was a picture of Christ defeating death. By faith, Noah built his ark to save them from death, because he believed what God told him. Noah was a type of Christ who is the Ark that saves us from death. He brings “rest” in the midst of the storms of our lives. *** Abraham left his home to seek an inheritance give to him by God. He lived by faith showing us how we live on earth, seeking the kingdom of God. Sarah, by faith brought forth the nations of God. She is a picture of the Church who is birthing God’s people and his kingdom on earth. All of these people did not see the manifestation of what they believed in their lifetime. But, they kept going towards the goal, knowing it was attainable one day. *** Lord, may our faith lead us down the road you have ordained for us to walk. May we forge the way for others to walk by faith.

Tues.’s Devo - Patient Endurance

Read: Ezekiel 23:1-49; Hebrews 10:18-39; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 27:13 God gave Ezekiel a parable about two promiscuous sisters, Oholah and Oholibah. Oholah stood for Samaria and Oholibah stood for Jerusalem. God married them, but they both lusted after the officers of Assyria. When they left Egypt with Moses, the people did not leave their spirit of prostitution. They brought their idols with them. *** Jehoiakim had solicited the Assyrians to ally with them against Egypt, paying them tribute every year. Then, Jehoiakim decided to stop paying the Assyrians, so the Assyrians send an army to attack Jerusalem. When Jehoiakim found out they were on their way, he tried to pay Egypt to help them. Egypt took the money but never showed up to help them. *** Righteous people would judge their sins. God listed their sins of adultery and murder as they worshipped their idols and sacrificed their children to their gods. Then, on the same day that they sacrificed their children to their gods, they dared to come to the Temple to worship Him. *** Their enemies would ravage them in war and butcher their children and burn their homes. God would put the end of their lewdness and idolatry and they would know that He is the Lord. *** Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are forgiven of our sins and can boldly enter into Heaven’s Most Holy Place. The veil was torn on the cross and we now have access to God’s presence. *** We are to motivate one another to good works and acts of love. If a person deliberately continues to sin after Jesus has forgiven him, then Jesus cannot die again and this person is without hope of being cleansed. Take note that this person is deliberately choosing to defile God and what he did for him. God compares this activity as trampling on the Son of God and treating his blood sacrifice as not holy. *** Suffering for Christ out of the right heart brings joy because of the promise awaiting us. Suffering produces patient endurance and requires great faith in the One who brings his reward with him. I love the last line, “But we are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.” *** Lord, may we have faithful and patiently wait on your timing. Thank you that you have already rescued us from sin. May we be faithful till the end.

Mon.’s Devo - Judgment for Jerusalem

Read: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31; Hebrews 10:1-17; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 27:12 God gave Ezekiel the message that he was about to destroy the people of Judah - the righteous and the wicked. He was sharpening his sword to bring this slaughter. He told Ezekiel to act this out with a sword and to brandish it three times, then slash to the left and the right to show what was about to happen. *** Next, God told Ezekiel to take a map and trace two routes from Babylon. He was to put a signpost where the road forked. One way was to Rabbah, the capital of Ammon and the other was to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. When the king of Babylon gets to this fork he will do his rituals to decide which way to go first. His omens will tell him to go to Jerusalem. *** God tells the wicked prince ruling Jerusalem to take off his crown because the new order has arrived. The kingdom of Jerusalem would not be restored until the Messiah comes who has the right to judge it. *** The people would be destroyed. God gave Ezekiel a message warning them of the coming judgment. All their leaders were guilty of murder. They oppressed the people, despised the holy things of God, violated his Sabbath’s, judged unfairly and their list goes on and on. They would be killed and some scattered among the nations till they learned that the Lord is the only God. *** God exposed the princes, leaders, priests and false prophets who did everything for dishonest gain. They didn’t care who they had to kill to get what they wanted. *** God had looked for someone who would protect the people with righteousness so he wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but couldn’t find one. So they will receive the full weight of the penalty of their sins. *** Hebrews tells us that the old system under Moses was a dim preview of the new covenant. The rituals they went through year after year reminded them of their sins, but was impossible to cleanse them of them. So, Christ came and offered his own body for us, once and for all. He now sits at God’s right hand until his enemies are put under his feet. Under the new covenant the laws of God are written in our hearts and in our minds. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten. *** Lord, may we read the covenant in our hearts and walk by it. Thank you for making your presence available to us always. May we seek your presence above anything else.

Sun.’s Devo - Forgiveness of Sins

Read: Ezekiel 20:1-49; Hebrews 9:11-28; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 27:11 In the seventh year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, the leaders of Jerusalem came to Ezekiel to ask them what the Lord was saying. Ezekiel was enraged that they would ask since they had not listened to anything he had said in the past, and had persecuted him for the things he said. *** But, the Lord did have something to say to them. He told Ezekiel to bring charges against them and pronounce them condemned for the sins of their ancestors. He reminded them of the covenant God had given them when he took them out of Egypt. He said he wanted to give them the land of Israel, but they must get rid of all their Egyptian idols. When they refused, he threatened to pour out his fury on them. For the sake of his reputation, he didn’t destroy them. He didn’t want the nations who were watching to think that their God brought them out to destroy them. *** Israel continued to disobey the Lord. They violated his Sabbaths, rejected his laws and refused to follow his decrees. God warned their children not to follow in their parent’s footsteps, but they did. God wanted to give them life and prosperity, but instead they chose death. God then promised to scatter them among the nations because they refused to obey him. *** God had a question for these leaders who had come to Ezekiel for a word. He asked them if they intended to keep worshiping their idols and offering their first born as sacrifices? They had said that they wanted to be like the other nations and serve idols made of stone and wood. But they would not be able to do that because God would rule over them with an iron fist. He would bring them back to their land and they would stand before him in judgment. He will hold them to the covenant they made with him in the wilderness. He would purge them of those who rebelled against him and they would not be allowed to return to their land. Those who repented would return and be a pleasing sacrifice to him. *** Ezekiel was told to turn toward Jerusalem and prophesy against it. God would destroy it with fire. *** Hebrews tells us that when Christ died, he took his own blood up to heaven and offered it up on the altar in heaven. If the blood of animals could cleanse people’s bodies from sins, how much more can the blood of Christ cleanse our consciences from our sins. Not only does it do that but it sets us free from the penalty of our sins. *** The covenant God gave through Moses was their inheritance which was put into effect through the death of animals. Our new covenant was put into effect by the death of Christ. Moses taught us that blood purifies and without shedding blood, there is no forgiveness which is why the priest sprinkled everything with blood. The Tabernacle on earth was a copy of the one in heaven so it had to be purified also. Christ did it once and for all when he died. He carried his own blood to heaven and poured it on the altar in heaven, sanctifying the altar and removing our sins. Jesus will come again offering salvation to all who are waiting for him. *** Lord, thank you for your marvelous plan to save us. May we speak out and share your great love and plan of redemption for all who want it.

Sat.’s Devo - The Funeral Song of Judah

Read: Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; Hebrews 9:1-10; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 27:10 The people believed that the children had to pay for the parent’s sins and vice versa but God wanted to set things straight. He told them that the individual was responsible for their own sins and they chose how their life ended. If it ended in sin then they received death. If it ended in righteousness then they received life. *** God gave them a funeral song for the princes of Israel. He described Judah as a lioness who raised Jehoakim as his young lion. He taught him how to cheat and murder his prey. Jehoiakim was led in hooks to Babylon. *** Then Jehoiachin was put in his place and did the same thing. He was attacked by Chaldea, Syrian, Moab and Ammon from every direction. He was also taken to Babylon never to return. Next, Zedekiah was put as their leader and he was taken to Babylon also, “the vine transplanted to the wilderness”. God pronounced this as a funeral song that would one day be sung. *** In Hebrews, the holy place of worship was described. There was the Holy Place inside the inner tent which housed the lamp stand, and the table with the shew bread. This room was separated from the next with a curtain. Behind the curtain was known as the Most Holy Place. In it was the gold incense altar and the Ark of the Covenant. Above the Ark were the cherubim whose wings covered the Ark. Inside the Ark was the jar of manna and the stone tablets of the covenant. *** The priest carried out their duties in the first room but only the high priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year with blood which he offered for his own sins and the sins of the people. *** This system of worship was in effect till a better one could come. This system could not cleanse the consciences of the people. *** Thank you, Lord, that we live under a better covenant than the old one. Thank you that we have access to your throne all the time. May we come boldly to your throne of grace and receive mercy and help whenever we need it.

Fri.’s Devo - The New Covenant

Read: Ezekiel 16:42-17:24; Hebrews 8:1-13; Psalm 106:13-31; Proverbs 27:7-9 God has to repay Jerusalem for her sins. Samaria was bad enough, filling her land with idols; she was compared to Sodom. Her sins were pride, gluttony and laziness and that she did nothing to help the poor with were right outside her door. But, one day her fortunes would be restored. *** Judah and Jerusalem did even worse than Samaria. She added lewdness to her sins. She broke her covenant with God, but one day God would reaffirm his covenant with her and cover her shame and forgive her. *** God gave Ezekiel a riddle about an eagle who came and lopped off the top of a cedar tree and carried it away and placed it beside a river, there the vine grew and prospered. Then another great eagle came and the vine sent its roots to get water from him. The Lord asked if its roots would prosper. The answer was “No.” It would be easily pulled up and transplanted. Then the Lord explained what the riddle meant. *** The first eagle was Babylon who came and took Jehoiachin to Babylon. The next great eagle was Egypt. Zedekiah went to Egypt to pay for their protection against the Babylonians. Zedekiah had also made a treaty with Babylon, but broke it when he thought he had Egypt’s backing. The Babylonians came and easily plucked them out of Jerusalem and Egypt didn’t come to their rescue. *** The greatest covenant Zedekiah broke was the one with the Lord. He would be taken and tried for treason in Babylon. *** God had a great plan for his people. He would send the Messiah to be the branch that would give shelter to all the trees. He would bring a new covenant better than the old one. *** Hebrews talks about this very covenant. The system of worship here on earth is only a copy of what is going on in heaven. That is the real altar. When Jesus died, he mediated a new and better covenant with God for us. In this new covenant God writes his laws on our hearts and minds. We instinctively know that we belong to God. He forgives our sins. The old covenant is out-dated and will soon disappear. *** Lord, thank you for securing us a better covenant. Thank your for writing your laws on our hearts that we might not sin against you.

Thurs.’s Devo - God’s Amazing Grace

Read: Ezekiel 14:12-16:41; Hebrews 7:18-28; Psalm 106:1-12; Proverbs 27:4-6 God gave Ezekiel several scenarios of decisions he would do to punish a nation because of their sin. He would cut off their food supply, send wild animals to devour them, send enemy armies against them, or send an epidemic into their land. Even the most righteous men like Noah, Daniel and Job could not stop his hand. They might be saved, but they would not be able to save anyone else. *** Then God compared the wood of a grapevine to the wood of a tree. Grapevines are useless for anything but burning very quickly. Wood from trees can be made into furniture, houses, etc., and burns slowly. He compared Judah to grapevines - useless for anything but the fire. *** Then God told the story of how he found them as a baby and nourished them into mature adults. God blessed them and they became rich and powerful, only to throw it away on prostitution and wickedness. Their “friends” from Egypt, Assyria and Philistia would destroy them and rob them of their treasures. They will destroy all their idols and leave them naked. Thus, God will stop their prostitution. *** Hebrews tells us again that the law never made anyone perfect. He calls it weak and useless. We now have a better covenant and a new system. Jesus is the one who guarantees this new covenant. Jesus is not like the priests of the old covenant who died - Jesus lives forever. And, he lives to intercede for us! He is holy and blameless. He does not need to make atonement for himself and the people everyday like they did under the old system. He is the perfect High Priest forever. *** Lord, thank you for being our faithful and perfect High Priest, Thank you for your many prayers for us. Thank you that you pour out your grace on us and equip us to do your work. May your name be magnified in the earth, today.

Wed.’s Devo - God’s Word is Eternal

Read: Ezekiel 12:1-14:11; Hebrews 7:1-17; Psalm 105:37-45; Proverbs 27:3 God reassured Ezekiel that he knew what he was up against. The people refused to hear truth, but he was still sent to tell them so they would not be able to say that no one had warned them. *** God told Ezekiel to pack, in broad daylight as if he was going into exile. Then, he was to leave that night, dig a hole through the wall, climb through it, and walk away with his pack on his back. He was given a word to King Zedekiah that this would soon happen to them. Zedekiah will be taken to Babylon though he will never see it. (His eyes were gouged out before he got there.) Most of the people would die, but a remnant would survive so they could confess their sin to their captors. Then they would know that the Lord is God. *** The people didn’t believe the prophesies because they never saw them manifested, but God was going to change that. It was time for all those prophecies to be fulfilled. God would not delay any longer. *** Ezekiel was to prophesy against the false prophets who made up their words. They would be banished from the community and their names blotted out of the records. They would not return to the land. They prophesied ‘peace’ when God was saying ‘destruction.’ *** God told Ezekiel to prophecy against the women who spread the use of amulets and magic. Their lies caused people to die who should have lived and promised life to those who should die. God would rescue their victims. *** God exposed those who set up idols in their hearts but then went to the prophet of God and asked for a message. God would give them the message they deserve. *** Hebrews tells us about Melchizedek, God’s High Priest. Genesis 14 gives us the account of a war between 9 kings of the earth. Lot lived in Sodom which was involved in the war and he was carried off. Abram took his men and went and rescued Lot along with the people of Sodom. God gave Abram the victory and he carried away much treasure. Melchizedek met Abram on his way home and brought him some bread and wine and blessed Abram. Abram, in return gave him a tenth of all the spoils of war he had gotten. *** Melchizedek is not like human priest who die, but he is eternal. Every priest who lived after Abram was blessed by what he did because they were his seed. What we do affects our seed to come. We can pass down blessings or curses - it is our decision. *** The priesthood of Levi could not attain perfection, so God needed to change it. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah and Jesus was like Melchizedek - eternal. This was to show us that it is not the physical that is required but the spiritual. We are all priests if we are changed spiritually. Because of Christ, we are all priests from the order of Melchizedek. *** Lord, may we act, pray and live like your priests. May we hear your voice today and respond

Tues.’s Devo - The Glory Leaves the Temple

Read: Ezekiel 10:1-11:25; Hebrews 6:1-20; Psalm 105:16-36; Proverbs 27:1-2 We read yesterday where the Lord came down and showed Ezekiel all the evil spiritual adultery that was going on in the Temple. Now, God was sending his four living creatures to cleanse the Temple before he took his Spirit from it. It was just like Jesus did when he walked the earth. He cleansed the Temple of the sellers on Passover. When they asked him what kind of sign were they showing him by doing this and Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” In the same way, the cherubim took coals from the living creatures and scattered them around the city then they took the glory from the Temple because they were going to destroy it. *** God took Ezekiel in the Spirit to where the 24 elders were meeting and planning to tell the people that the city was like an iron pot and they were safe inside the city. They should plan to build houses because all would be well with them. God said that the people were like pieces of meat in their pot. They were victims of their evil schemes but God would soon drive these false teachers out of Jerusalem and judge them. *** While Ezekiel was telling them this, one of the evil ones fell dead. Ezekiel fell on his face asking if God was going to kill them all. *** God revealed to Ezekiel that there was an evil plan to take all the land of those carried off into exile since they weren’t there to claim it. God said he would bring them back to claim their land and they would have a heart to know and worship him. But those who long for their idols would be punished severely. Then the glory of the Lord left the city and stopped above the mountain to the east. The Spirit carried Ezekiel back to Babylon where he know lived. *** In Hebrews, the writer is wanting them to grow beyond salvation and the basic truths of the Word and be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. He encouraged them to keep loving others and not to become spiritually dull or indifferent, but to endure in their faith. *** There is no other name as powerful as the name of God. He used his own name to promise Abraham his inheritance. Because we know God cannot lie, everything he promised to Abraham is now ours as children of God. Everything he said will be done. *** Jesus is now our High Priest and he has gone through the curtain to God’s Holy of Holies and he leads us there with him. *** Lord, may we move on to maturity and be your hands and feet in the earth. May your Spirit and glory rest on your people.

Mon.’s Devo - The Vision

Read: Ezekiel 7:1-9:11; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 26:28 Ezekiel was shown it was over for them. Their sins had brought them to the point of no return. God was turning his face from them and would punish then for their sins. Their wickedness and pride had come to fullness and none of them would survive. No one twisted by sin would recover their losses. They will not be able to buy themselves out of this. War was coming outside the walls and famine and disease within. *** During the sixth year of Jehoiachin’s captivity while Zedekiah was king, the leaders of Judah had come to Ezekiel’s home. God took Ezekiel into a trance. A man from God took him by the hair and transported him to Jerusalem. He was taken to the north gate of the inner courtyard off the Temple where there was a large idol standing near the altar of God. Ezekiel had seen this same idol in the valley. God said this made him very jealous. *** Next, God showed him a secret doorway through the wall. All along the walls were engravings of detestable creatures and idols that the people of Israel worshipped. Seventy priest with incense burners stood with Jaazaniah in the center. They thought the Lord couldn’t see them down there. *** Ezekiel was then taken to the north side of the altar and there were women weeping for Tammuz. From there, he was taken to the inner court between the entry room and the bronze altar where about 25 men were bowing to the east to worship the sun. *** All of these things were why God was responding in fury. Even if they cried for mercy, God will not hear. *** God called the men that would come and destroy the nation. Six men appeared carrying deadly weapons. With them came a man dressed in linen who carried a writer’s case. They all went and stood beside the altar. The man with the writer’s case case was sent to walk through the city of Jerusalem and mark the foreheads of the ones who weeped for the sins of the city. The six men were then sent to kill all who were not marked. They began with the 70 leaders. When Ezekiel saw this he fell on his face crying out for the people. God told him that the whole land was full of murder and injustice. He would have no pity. *** In Hebrews, the writer explains that the high priest is chosen to represent the people because, being human himself, he understands their weaknesses. He is called by God to this position just like Aaron and Jesus was. *** Jesus prayed and interceded for us when he walked the earth and God heard his prayers for us. Jesus learned to obey just like we do - through sufferings. Jesus was the perfect high priest and became our salvation. God appointed him to be the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, God’s High Priest in heaven. *** God wanted to tell them so much more but they were not able to understand since they hadn’t matured to eat the solid meat of God’s Word. *** Lord, may we mature to eat the solid meat of your Word. May we weep for what makes you weep and rejoice for what makes you rejoice. May we bring salvation to those we meet today.

Sun.’s Devo - The Siege

Read: Ezekiel 3:16-6:14; Hebrews 4:1-16; Psalm 104:24-35; Proverbs 26:27 Ezekiel had sat silent for seven days because the vision the Lord gave him was so disturbing and holy. At the end of the seven days, the Lord spoke and told him that he was a watchman for Israel and if he didn’t warn the people of their sin and what was coming, then God would hold him personally responsible for their deaths. He was not responsible for whether they listened or heeded his advise, only for telling them the truth. *** Ezekiel was tied with ropes where he couldn’t leave his house and made where he could only say what God said to say. He was then told to set up a replica of the city of Jerusalem and the siege. He was to act out the siege, then lie on his left side looking at the siege for 390 days which stood of each year Israel sinned and then on his right side for 40 days to represent the years Judah sinned. *** He was to ration out his food and cook it over dung to show that there was no wood to make a fire. His water was also rationed by the drop. *** Next, he was to shave his head and divide the hair into three parts. He was to place a third of the hair in the middle of his map of Jerusalem where he would burn it. Then he was to scatter a third across the map and chop it with his sword to represent the ones who would be killed in the war. The last third he was to scatter to the wind, keeping a small bit of the hair and tying it in his robe. He was to take some of the small bit and throw it to the fire. All of Israel would be destroyed through this fire. *** God said he had placed Israel as the center of the nations and he had rebelled and become more wicked that the nations around her. God was now her enemy. He gave an explanation to what he had Ezekiel do. A third if the people would die in the city from famine and disease, a third would be killed outside the walls, and a third would be scattered throughout the earth. They would be a warning to other nations of how the Lord punishes a nation when he is angry with it. It would be destroyed with famine, wild animals, disease and war. Only a small remnant would survive and in their exile, they would remember the Lord and repent of their sins, They would be sorry for their sins and know that there is only one God - the Lord. *** In Hebrews, God is offering his people his place of rest. It takes faith to enter into it. How do we enter this rest? We hear his voice and obey. We hold firmly to Jesus who calms the storm with his voice and is the Word that became flesh and blood. The Word in us is just as alive as it was in Jesus when he walked the world so we can walk in his example, doing what He did. Jesus is now our high priest who we can go to and receive grace to help us when we need it. *** Lord, we see it, but help our unbelief. Help us to enter into the rest you have prepared for us. We give you all our weaknesses, fears and doubts. May we walk in your Spirit with boldness and power.

Sat.’s Devo - Ezekiel

Read: Ezekiel 1:1-3:15; Hebrews 3:1-19; Psalm 104:1-23; Proverbs 26:24-26 Ezekiel was 30 when he was taken into exile with the king, Jehoiakim. Ezekiel is believed to be a priest from the tribe of Levi. He began prophesying during the fifth year of Jehoiachin’s reign. He was a very charismatic prophet. He prophesied to a demoralized remnant of God’s people pointing out their personal responsibility. But, with it he brought the hope of a new nation built on grace. *** He opens his book with a vision he saw of a great storm coming from the north. Four living beings came out of a cloud that appeared human, but they had four faces and four wings. Their legs had feet that looked like calves hooves. They had hands under their wings. Their four faces were of a man, a lion on the right side, an ox on the left and an eagle in the back. Their out-stretched wings touched one another and another pair of wings covered their body. They moved according to the spirit, darting around like flashes of lightning. When they landed on the ground, wheels came down like a plane and the wheels had other wheels perpendicular to them that allowed the creatures to go in any direction. The wheels were covered in eyes. The spirit of the creatures was in the wheels. There was a crystal surface above them which spoke. Above this surface was a blue throne with a man seated on the throne. He was glowing in glory with all the colors. He told Ezekiel to stand because he wanted to speak to him. *** God told Ezekiel he was sending him to speak to the rebellious nation of Israel. They would not receive his message but he must still speak it. He was given a scroll with funeral songs and words of sorrow and doom written on it. Ezekiel was told to eat the scroll, let it become a part of him, then regurgitate it to the people. God had made Ezekiel as hard as the people so he could endure their rejection. *** When the vision left, Ezekiel was overwhelmed and couldn’t speak for seven days. *** In Hebrew’s, God told the writer to meditate on the life of Jesus. He was faithful like Moses, but was worthy of more praise than him. Moses was compared to the building where Jesus was compared to the builder. Jesus was God’s builder. What Moses did was to illustrate what God would reveal later. We are the house that they were building. It is our job to stay humble and faithful till the end. We are not to be like the children of Israel who were rebellious and refused to obey the Lord. We have a chance to get it right and enter into his rest. *** Lord, may we remain faithful to you and your plan on the earth. May we enter into your rest as temples of your glory. May your kingdom come to earth like it did in Ezekiel’s vision.