Sat.’s Devo - The Time of God’s Favor -

Read: Isaiah 48:12-50:11; Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 24:5-6

The Lord confirms that he loves Cyrus and through Him, Cyrus will carry out God’s purpose concerning Babylon. God will lead Cyrus and he will prosper him in what he does. 

God laments that if Israel had obeyed him and been faithful to worship only him as their Lord, they would have lived in peace and would have multiplied. They would not have been destroyed or oppressed. But they rebelled, so they ended up captives in Babylon for 70 years. But, now God is calling them out of Babylon. He is redeeming them once again. Now, there will be no peace for the wicked. God raised up Isaiah to proclaim that he is bringing Israel back home. They will be a light to the nations that God’s salvation might be spread to the ends of the earth.

Israel was once despised among the nations but in the time of God’s favor everything will be reversed. They will be brought out of prison and their oppressors will honor and serve them. God will call his children from the far corners of the earth to return to Israel and return to him. He has not forgotten them. They will come back in hoards and there will be so many that there will not be enough room for all of them. Then God will oppress those who oppressed them. 

Isaiah testifies of how the Lord has sustained him because he trusted in him. He invites others to trust in the Lord and walk in his light.

In Ephesians, Paul tells the Ephesians not to walk in the dark but also to walk in the light of all they taught them about Christ. He tells them to let the spirit of their mind be renewed as they put on Christ who was created in God’s likeness in true righteousness and holiness.

He tells them to stop lying and tell the truth. Stop getting angry and forgive. Stop letting the devil steal from them and be honest in their work. Stop talking crudely and speak grace. Be kind and forgive so they will not grieve the Holy Spirit who sealed them for the day of redemption. 

Lord, may look forward to living in the days of your favor. May you reverse the curse that has been on the world because of our rebellion. May we turn back to you and witness the reversal of evil. May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Fri.’s Devo - God’s Day

Read: Isaiah 45:11-48:11; Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalm 68:19-53; Proverbs 24:3-4

God tells us to ask what is going to happen in the future. He made the earth and put man to live on it. He raised up Cyrus as a type of Jesus. He would rebuild Jerusalem and free God’s people to return home. He will do this freely, not for a reward.

Cyrus would be given the wealth of Egypt, Cush (Ethiopia) and the Sabeans (Iran, Iraq). They will surrender to him and say that his God is the only God. The nations that worshiped false gods will be disgraced, but those who trust in the Lord will be saved.

God did not create the world to be a place of empty chaos like he found it in Genesis. He created it to be inhabited by his people. God calls the worshipers of false idols to come and present their case before him. Who was the one who told them all this would happen? It was not their idols, it was the Lord.

God calls everyone in the world to turn to him willingly, because they will all bow before him whether they want to or not. They will either do it in shame or in worship.

Cyrus brought down the worship of Baal as Chapter 46 says.  He defies the worship of idols. God is the only god who declares the end from the beginning. He tells the prophets what will happen in the far future. 

In Chapter 47, Isaiah speaks of Babylon’s fall. Their hidden sin will be exposed so all can see. God had given his people into the hands of the Babylonians because he was angry at their rebellion. They showed the Hebrews no mercy and dishonored their elderly. So, two things will come upon them suddenly in a day: the loss of their children and their spouses. They trusted in their sorceries and wickedness and thought they could charm their way out of trouble. Their incantations will be nothing to the Lord. He will burn them with his fire and they will not be able to deliver themselves from his power. 

In Chapter 48, God is speaking to his people, Jacob who were rebellious and refused to worship him as their God. They swore by his name and talked about God, but they did not know him in truth or in righteousness. He was going to do something they had never seen before so they couldn’t say that they saw that coming. God would not cut them off, but he would not share his glory with these people. 

Many prophets are talking about the “Great and Terrible Day of the Lord” that is coming. This is what we just read about. It will happen in a day. The righteous will be saved but the wicked will be dealt with by God. It will be terrible for them but great for us.

In Ephesians, Paul explains what Christ did when he left the earth. He first went down to hell and led a host of captives to heaven with him. All who were righteous because of their faith in God were raised with Christ. In Matthew, it tells us that some of these resurrected men walked the streets of Jerusalem until Christ rose. 

Jesus also distributed his gifts to his disciples on the earth. The made some of the apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some shepherds and some teachers to do the ministry of building up his body on the earth. The goal is for us to be unified in the faith and knowledge of Christ and to mature into the fullness of Christ on the earth. Then we won’t be tossed to and fro by every wave of doctrine that comes along.

Paul admonishes us to speak the truth in love so that we might grow up into him as a healthy body with him as our head. 

Lord, may we be led in love. May we be prepared for the great and terrible day that lies ahead. May we not be afraid but excited about what you are doing on the earth. We were put on earth for this time in your story. All praise and glory be to your name. 

Thurs.’s Devo - God’s Purpose on the Earth

Read: Isaiah 43:14-45:10; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2

God said he would take down the Babylonians for Israel’s sake. He reminds them of how he led them out of Egypt and led them across the Red Sea on dry ground. Then he provided water or them in the desert and led them. But, they didn’t worship him or give him anything in return. 

God forgave then their sins. He reminds them that their first ancestor Adam sinned against him, and all their leaders turned against him, so he profaned their priests and turned over Judah to be destroyed and Israel to be shamed. 

But now, he will help them and pour his Spirit upon their offspring and bless their descendants. They will call upon the name of the Lord and honor his name. 

Those who make idols and worship them will all be put to shame and humiliated. They made gods from wood and stone and actually believed them could help them. but, these idols are worthless and the ones who worship them are deceived. 

He calls them to remember that God made them and he has not forgotten them. He will once again forgive their sins and restore them. He will make fools of false prophets and those who think they are so wise. He will carry out the prophecies of his chosen prophets. The earth will respond with singing and joy. God will rebuild Jerusalem and send Cyrus to proclaim it. Cyrus will open the doors of trade to other nations who will greatly fear him. God will go before him and level the power of the ones ruling the world. He will crush their power and give Cyrus hidden treasures no one knew about. God will do this so Cyrus will know that he is the God of Israel. God will do this for the sake of his chosen people. Even though Cyrus didn’t know the Lord, he will use him, equip him and lead him to do his will. 

President Trump is a type of Cyrus and God is doing though him everything he did through Cyrus. President Trump is leveling the power of the ones who have wielded the power over the nations. He is opening trade to countries we have never traded with and they are afraid of him. God is giving him riches beyond what we have seen and we are entering into a Golden Era just like he proclaimed. It is glorious to see. God is doing all this for the sake of his chosen people.

God makes sure we know that he is the creator of light and darkness. He is the one who sends good times and bad times. The heavens will pour out righteousness so that the earth can receive it and bear righteous fruit. 

It will not go well for those who fight what God is doing. We must not argue with who God choses to use and why. Our job is to trust the Lord and his ways.

In Ephesians, Paul talks about the mystery of Christ. The mystery was that Christ was sent to the Gentiles the same as he was sent to the Jews. God’s plan was to save the world with his gospel. 

Paul was given grace to be a minister of this truth and to share the good news to the Gentiles as well as the Jew. It is God’s plan which had been hidden for ages to be revealed through the church. They would be his witnesses to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places. This was all realized in Christ Jesus our Lord. Now we have confidence through our faith in him. Paul prays that every chosen person in heaven and on earth to be strengthened with power in his Spirit so that Christ may live in their hearts. This revelation will help them to comprehend how great and expansive the love of God is and that they be filled with all the fulness of God. 

Lord, you are able to do so much more than we can even know to ask you to do. According to your power, may you work in us your glory and may it spread to all generations.  

Wed.’s Devo - God is the Only God!

Read: Isaiah 41:17-43:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 677:1-7; Proverbs 23:29-35

God said that when his people get thirsty enough for him, he will answer them. He will send rivers of refreshing and food that they did not know of. God will bring provision in places we had no idea there was any. The earth is his and he will provide. The gods of this world cannot do this. Those who choose false gods to tell them their future will be disappointed. 

In Chapter 42, God tells then that he is sending his servant who will have his Spirit. He will bring justice and truth. He will be the light for the nations to open their eyes and bring them out of bondage. He is telling them this before it happens so they will be looking for it. He is speaking of Jesus the Messiah.

This is reason to sing and praise him. When it is time for God to act, he acts. Those in power (the mountains) will be brought down. Their sources of money will be stopped. The ones who were under their spell will have their eyes opened and God will guide them into truth - the light. Those who trusted in false gods will be humiliated.

Isaiah sees the oppressed people as hopeless and plundered but God brings them hope. God had given them over to their oppressors because they had forsaken the Lord. But now, he is going to restore them. He will bring them through to their deliverance. He will bring them back to Israel and no one can stop what God is doing. Israel is his witnesses to the nations of who he is. 

What hope! This is what is happening in the earth today! We are waking up to the fact that we have been slaves to an evil one world government and we are breaking free of the mind-controlling matrix. Glory Hallelujah!

In Ephesians, Paul talks about our spiritual break-through. We were once blind and dead in our sin. But, we heard the truth and broke out of Satan’s mind-controlling matrix of sin. We have been made alive in Christ who saved us by his grace and mercy. We are created for good works. 

Jesus came and brought the Jew and the Gentile together as one new man. He broke the hostility of the two and brings peace. We both have access to the Father and are citizens of his kingdom. Jesus is the cornerstone of this new building that God is building on the earth by his Spirit.

Lord, may we hear your voice and do your will. Thank you for salvation and forgiveness. Thank you for what you are doing in our day. It is truly a miracle of grace. May we join with what you are doing. We are your witnesses that you are the only God.

Tues.’s Devo - Good News!

Read: Isaiah 39:1-41:16; Ephesians 1:1-23; Psalm 66:1-20; Proverbs 23;25-28

The king of Babylon heard that Hezekiah had been sick and miraculously recovered so he sent envoys to congratulate him and give him gifts. Hezekiah, in his pride, showed them everything he owned. 

When they left, Isaiah came to Hezekiah and asked him who had come to visit him and what had he showed them. Hezekiah told him and Isaiah said that everything he showed them would one day be taken to Babylon along with some of his sons who would be made eunuchs. Hezekiah was just glad it wouldn’t happen in his day since he only had 15 years. I would think that he would do something to prepare for this and pray it wouldn’t happen, but we don’t know if he did this or not.

The first 39 chapters of Isaiah are like the 39 books of the Old Testament and now everything changes in the 40th chapter. Isaiah prophecies the coming of John the Baptist who would be a voice in the wilderness telling the people to prepare their hearts because the Messiah was coming. Isaiah, like John the Baptist began proclaiming good news for Jerusalem. God was coming with power and his kingdom and his government. He would be a good shepherd who would care for his children. He is the creator of the earth. He is wisdom, knowledge, understanding and power. He rules the earth from heaven and will strengthen those who wait for him. He will trample kings under his foot and destroy them with his sword. He is the first and the last. Even the creation trembles before him. 

He tells Israel that he is with them and they have no reason to fear. He will help them and rid them of their enemies. Israel will once again rejoice in the Lord and see his glory.

Ephesians was written by Paul when he was in Rome awaiting his trial. It is called the Capstone of the New Testament  as it reveals the glory and majesty of Jesus. He begins by saying we were chosen before the foundation of the world to be his holy children. We were predestined to know him and be redeemed by his blood. Our sins are forgiven and we are given his wisdom, and insight into the mystery of his will through Christ. At just the right time all things will be brought together in him in heaven and on earth. 

Our inheritance is his will and was give to us at the time of our salvation. Paul prays that we might receive God’s Spirit of wisdom and the revelation of who God is. May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened to know the hope we have been called to and the glorious inheritance that is ours. Christ has been raised to sit at God’s right hand in heaven. All rule, authority, power and dominion and everything that is made is under him. He is the head of the church.

Lord, this causes us to do what the Psalm says, “Shout for joy to You and sing of your glory!” Thank you that you hear our prayers and you are answering them. You are bringing down the kingdom of evil and establishing your kingdom of righteousness and truth in the world. We give you all the glory as we look at what you are doing. Truly you rule over the nations!

Mon.’s Devo - Answered Prayer

Read: Isaiah 37:1-38:22; Galatians 61-18; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 23:24

Hezekiah had just been told about the threats Rabshekeh made to his army. He immediately put on sack cloth and went into the house of the Lord to pray. He sent his officers to tell Isaiah what was going on to see what he had heard from the Lord.

Isaiah sent word back to Hezekiah that he should not fear what Rabshekeh was saying because God was going to make him hear a rumor and return to his own land where he will be killed.

Rabshekeh did return to Assyria to find his country fighting Libnah. He sent a letter to Hezekiah telling him not to think  his God could help him because none of the gods of other lands could help them. 

Hezekiah took his letter into the Temple and spread it out so God could read it. He prayed that God would save them. Isaiah was sent to answer his prayer. He told Hezekiah that because he prayed to God to help them and because the king of Assyria mocked him, He would put a bit in his mouth and turn him back the way he came. It was God who planned for Assyria to take down those other nations. It was God who fought with them. But, they had taken all the credit and it would not go well for them.

God told Hezekiah that they would live off the land for two years and in the third year they would sow and reap. There would be a group of survivors who would be God’s remnant and they would carry on their posterity.

Concerning the king of Assyria, he would not fire a shot against Jerusalem. He would leave the way he came. That very night the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 of the men in the Assyrian army. Sennacherib left the way he came and when he returned home, two of his own sons killed him and escaped. Another son, Esarhaddon became king in his place. 

Hezekiah later became deathly ill and Isaiah came to tell him he would die so he needed to put his house in order. Hezekiah cried out to the Lord and reminded him of his faithfulness to him. God sent Isaiah back to tell Hezekiah he would extend his life another 15 years because he sought the Lord. As a sign he would do this he caused the shadow on the sun dial to go back ten steps. 

Isaiah showed Hezekiah how to apply a cake of fig to his boil and he recovered.

In Galatians, Paul taught them to restore believers who fell into sin and repented. They were to do it gently with compassion. They were to humbly bear one another’s burdens because no one is above trials and temptations. They would all need each other sooner or later. They were to bless their teachers and provide for them. They were not to ever stop doing good or being generous because everyone reaps what they sow. 

The only thing we have to boast in is that we are saved by the blood of Christ. Period.

Lord, may we boast in you and not in anything of ourselves. Thank you for your grace. May we trust only in you like Hezekiah did. Thank you that you hear our prayers and you answer them according to your grace and mercy.

Sun.’s Devo - The Day of the Lord

Read: Isaiah 33:13-36:22; Galatians 5:13-26; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 23:23

This was the last prophecy about Sennacherib’s overthrow. The ones who were afraid were the sinners. But the righteous and those who speak what is right despise what the oppressors do. They refuse to take a bribe and do not delight in seeing evil. They will rise to the top and be blessed with all they need. They will see the Lord, but the evil people they will not see again. The foreigners who came into their borders will be gone. Jerusalem will stand immovable and protected. God will be their place of refuge and beauty. The Lord will be their judge, lawgiver and king. He will save them. God’s people will divide the spoil and even the lame will get their part. No one will be sick and they will all be forgiven their iniquities. 

God is filled with anger and wrath at the evil nations and their gods. He has devoted them to destruction and their blood will fill the earth. Their sin reached heaven and it is now time to punish the wicked. This is the day of God’s vengeance when he judges the world in a day but recompenses the righteous for a year. It is the terrible day of the Lord. Many prophets are saying we are coming to that day very soon when in a day, the evil people will be gone. 

The wild animals will possess the lands of the enemies of God. Kingdoms will be gone and only thorns will be left in their place. Then the land will rejoice because she can enjoy her rest. The desert will bloom like a rose and there will be joy and singing. The world will see the glory of the Lord. Those who didn’t have eyes to see the truth will be able to see and those who didn’t have ears to hear will be able to hear the truth. Those who could not sing because of fear will be able to sing. 

The way of righteousness will be holiness. We will not have to worry about the devil devouring us. We will walk as the redeemed and return with singing and joy. 

Chapter 36 tells us how all this worked out for them in Isaiah’s day. Sennacherib took the fortified cities of Judah and sent his officer, Rabshekeh to Jerusalem to give them the king’s message. He shouted to the men on the wall his message to King Hezekiah. He boasted of all they had conquered. He told them that they should not tell him that they were trusting in the Lord because Hezekiah had had them remove all their places of worship and only lets them worship at the altar in Jerusalem. Even if Assyria was to give them horses to ride, they would be no match for his army. They trusted Egypt to help them, but that didn’t work either. He even boasted that the Lord had told them to take Jerusalem and destroy it. 

The officers of Jerusalem asked Rabshekeh to please speak in Aramaic and not Hebrew so the men on the wall couldn’t hear their boasts but they said they wanted them to hear what they had to say since it affected them. They offered the men on the wall land and vineyards and their own cistern if they would surrender to them. They were offering Socialism to them. They reminded the men on the wall that the other nation’s gods couldn’t help them so why would they think their god was any stronger. 

The men on the wall didn’t respond because they had been ordered not to engage in words with them. 

This story is such a great one for us to read today. Our enemy is loud and obnoxious and a liar. He wants to intimidate and wear us down. He offers us provision as a bribe but it is only a trap to control us more. Satan and his follwers have no power, but we have it all because we have the Lord on our side. We have nothing to fear. 

In Galatians, Paul talks about our greatest weapon which is love. We don’t war as our enemy does with hatred and carnal weapons. Our weapons are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. If we keep love in our hearts, we will win. 

Paul gives a list of all the works of the flesh which are evident in our world. The fruit of our lives is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. No law can fight these spiritual fruits. 

Lord, may we live in the fruit of your Spirit manifesting your fruit. May we be humble and not provoke one another or envy what another has. May we be content in your will for our lives. Prepare us for the days ahead. We trust in you as the commander of the Lord’s army.