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.