Mon.’s Devo - The Warnings Go Out -

Read: Jeremiah 4:19-6:14; Colossians 1:21-2:7; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25

Jeremiah begins by crying out in anguish as he sees the result of the hard hearts of the people. They are wise at doing evil, but stupid in understanding the consequences of their choices. Jeremiah can see what is up ahead for them and it was total devastation. He tries to describe it to them hoping it will make them want to repent. 

The Lord confirms what Jeremiah had told them and says that the whole land would become a desolation. He has made up his mind and he will not change it. 

There is no justice in the land and no truth. No matter what the prophets warned, the people refused to repent. The leaders  took it lightly to oppress the poor. God would use the wild animals to bring retribution to these people. They would destroy their food supply, kill their animals and their children. Their cities would be destroyed through war. 

But, God will not destroy them all. He always reserves a remnant who will live through all the destruction and will be taken to a foreign land to serve them. 

This will happen because there is no fear of God in the land. The people listen to their own false prophets and refuse to hear the prophets of God. Jeremiah warns them to prepare for war even though their prophets lie to them about peace. Everything they owned will be turned over to their enemies because they refused to heed God’s warnings.

The church in Colosse was not a plant of Paul’s but probably of Epaphras who lived there. It met in the home of Philemon. Paul was in prison when Epaphras asked for his help in dealing with the false teaching that was threatening his church. The heresy was a blend of pagan-occultism, Jewish legalism and Christianity. It was an early form of Gnosticism which taught that Jesus was not fully God and fully man, but a semi-divine being that was a mediator between God and man. They believed that enlightened believers could achieve spiritual fullness through special knowledge and self-discipline.

Paul wrote his letter to expose the heresy of Gnosticism and instruct the people in the truth. He warned them not to return to paganism and inspired them to love God and one another.

One of the great mysteries of God that had been hidden for generations was the fact that God was the God of the Gentiles also and that Christ lives in every believer who has given himself to the Lord through Christ. In Christ they would find all the hidden wisdom and knowledge, not through this heresy that was floating around. 

Lord, may we be established and built up in Christ so that we might be forever wise, understanding and thankful. May we not be tossed around by heresies about the mysteries of the kingdom when they are found in your Word. May we do all we can to walk in love and fellowship with one another. 

Sun.’s Devo - A Call to Repentance -

Read: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-20; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22

Israel had out-sinned even the nations around them, teaching them their wicked ways. They oppressed the poor and innocent claiming not to sin. They went after gods of other nations and brought their vile practices back to Israel. 

Judah saw how idolatrous Israel had become and did the same thing in secret, while they claimed to follow the Lord. This was even more evil in God’s eyes. Isaiah calls them both to return to the Lord and admit their guilt and their sin and repent. 

If they did repent, God would give them shepherds like him who would give them knowledge and understanding. They would multiply and be fruitful in the land. He saw forward to a day when Israel and Judah became one nation and worked together. God said when he gave them the land of Israel, he thought they would call him their father and follow him and his ways but they left him for other lovers.

God wanted to bless them and give them his glory, but they must return to him first. He tells them to blow the trumpet and call a day to return to him or he would bring destruction from the north on them. Judgement was coming to wash their hearts clean. They will blame the Lord, but it will be their own doing that brought this disaster. 

In Paul’s letter to the church in Colossi he declares who Christ is. He is the image of God. Jesus is the firstborn of all creation and in him all things were created in heaven and on the earth. All powers and dominions, rulers and kings were created through and for him. He was before all things and holds everything together. He is the beginning of everything and the most important. God is in him and it pleased Jesus to come and live among us that through his death, he could reconcile us to God. Through his death he delivered us from the kingdom of darkness to his kingdom of light. Now we are redeemed and forgiven of all our sins.

Lord, may we be filled with the knowledge of your will with wisdom and understanding. May we be strengthened with your power to endure with patience and joy. Thank you that you have shared your inheritance with us. Thank you that you have reconciled us to you and made peace with us and heaven.

Sat.’s Devo - Jeremiah’s Calling

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20

Jeremiah was the son of a priest in Anathoth which was in Benjamin. He began prophesying in the 13th year of Josiah’s reign and prophesied until the end of the last king, Zedekiah. Josiah was the last good king who had tried to turn the nation back to God, unsuccessfully. He was followed by his sons who were not the godly leader he was.

Jeremiah was just a youth when God called him and he tried to talk God out of his calling. But, when God put his words inside Jeremiah and touched his mouth, Jeremiah was compelled to say them. He was to be a prophet for the nations - to root out and destroy some, and to build up and plant others. He was commanded not to marry or have children to illustrate his message that Judah’s judgment was imminent. and the next generation would be swept away. His closes friend was his scribe Baruch who wrote all his words down for him. 

His first vision was of the branch of an almond tree. It was to illustrate that God was ready to perform his word. The next thing he saw was a boiling pot. It was to show that the nation to the north was coming to destroy all the cities of Judah for their wickedness and their idolatry. 

God told Jeremiah to prepare to meet the opposition of the kings, princes, priests and the people. He was not to be afraid, because God would protect him and they would not be able to destroy him.

Jeremiah was to remind the people of how they began their journey with the Lord. They had been a holy nation and his first fruit, but they had become defiled and now disaster would come upon them. 

God asked them how had he been unjust to them. They had left him and followed after idols and gods from Egypt. He had brought them into a wonderful land full of blessings and fruitfulness, yet they had defiled it with their abominations and their worship of Baal. God asked them if they had ever seen other nations change who they worshiped. But, Israel had done that. They had exchanged him for the gods of the nations around them. All it got them was destruction, lack and emptiness. When they cry out for the Lord to save them he is going to ask why their gods they chose could’t save them. 

Paul tells the people in Phillipi to rejoice in the Lord and not anxious about anything. God is with them and all they have to do is pray and ask him to supply what they need. He will give them peace that will be a guard about their minds and their hearts.

Paul told them to think on the good things and not the bad. Put into practice the things he had taught them and they will experience God’s peace. Paul had learned that God will strengthen you and give you his peace through all his trials he went through. He learned that God will supply every need we have according to his riches in heaven. You can’t ask for more than that!

Lord, thank you for your strength and joy you give us in the midst of our trials. Thank you that you never leave us or forsake us but fill us with your words everyday. 

Fri.’s Devo - Those Who Tremble At his Word

Read: Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:4b-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16

The Lord is looking for those who are humble and contrite and tremble at the words of his prophets. He is tired of the sacrifices they are bringing to him that are not from a heart that honestly worships him. They have chosen to go their own way and not his. They persecute those who are worshiping God with their whole heart. They will be destroyed on the day he chooses to come to recompense his enemies. 

God describes the people like a woman in labor who will bring forth her baby in a day because he will act in a day. In a day, there will be total destruction for the wicked, but then God’s peace and glory will fall on his chosen that are left. They will rise up and flourish. God will make the heavens and the earth new and his chosen people will remain on the earth and worship him in spirit and in truth. 

They will see all the dead bodies of those who rebelled against him. “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But only with your eyes will you see the reward of the wicked.” Psalm 91:8

Paul gives us a perfect picture of what God is looking for. Paul was born into the right family, went to the right schools and had risen to have a name in the religious circles. But, he found that all that was worthless. He gave it all up to be a follower of Christ and to share in his sufferings and humility. He made it his goal to know the power of Christ who was resurrected to life, even if it cost him his life.

He understood that he was a citizen of heaven more than he was a citizen of this world and Christ would one day transform his body to be glorious like Christ.

Lord, we look forward to the day that you will destroy our enemies and fill the earth with your glory. May we be those who tremble at your word and remain to rebuild the earth in righteousness and salvation.

Thurs.’s Devo - The Day of Vengeance and the Year of Redemption

Read: Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:4a Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14

God set watchmen on the wall which are the prophets that would tell them when the enemy was coming. They would remind them of what God had done in the past and what he was doing in the future. 

Isaiah was one of these prophets. He said they would no longer work for their enemies and not receive the fruit of their labors. God told Isaiah to make a way for the people to return to him. He was to get their hearts ready to receive him. Those how heard the call and responded would be known as “The Redeemed of the Lord.” They would be called “The Holy People.” They will be sought out and no longer forsaken of the Lord. 

He gives us a picture of God coming with garments splattered in blood because he has warred against our enemies and won. It has been the day of vengeance and now it will be the year of redemption and rebuilding. God had done this before, when he brought them out of Egypt, but they hardened their hearts against the Lord and he had to turn them over to their enemies. 

Isaiah cries out to the Lord for the people and begs for mercy and forgiveness. God responds in Chapter 65. He reminds them that he had come to them and gave them many chances to repent but they chose to worship their detestable idols and false gods that can’t help them one bit. But, God promised not to destroy them all. He will bring forth a remnant from Jacob’s offspring and they will serve him. 

Isaiah gives two scenarios. One is the proud one who refused to hear the Lord and the other is the one who chose to serve God. The one who serves the Lord will eat, while the rebellious one starves. He will rejoice, while the rebellious is mourning. The righteous will rule while the sinner becomes the destitute. It will be such a turn around. It will be a new earth with a new heaven. We will not even remember all the suffering of the old way. People will be glad once again and there will be no young deaths or a person who does not live out all his days. We will enjoy the fruits of our labor and not lose our houses because we can’t afford them. Our children will be a delight all their days. There will be no more wars or fear of harm. 

We are walking into this time Isaiah was talking about. Jesus is not coming back for a while. He will be ruling us through his righteous rulers. He will be judging us through righteous judges and there will be peace on earth until the devil is released for a season. Then he will return, just like he said he would.

Lord, prepare us for the day of your vengeance and hide us in the shadow of your hand. May we only look at the reward of the wicked and not be moved. We trust in your Word and your power to perform it. Then, use us to rebuild and restore this world to honor you. 

Wed.’s Devo - The Really Good News!

Read: Isaiah 60:1-62:5; Philippians 1:27-2:18; Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 24:11-12

Today’s reading has to be some of the most encouraging scriptures for us to read. It is describing a time of great darkness in the world but in the midst of it, the people of God arise to shine with the glory of God. This is a description of what is about to happen on the earth. 

First, God’s glory will come to the earth in a tangible form. The prodigal will return home. The wealth of the unrighteousness will be put into the hands of the righteous. Those that oppressed will serve their oppressors. Any nation that does not serve God’s people will be destroyed. Godly nations will be rebuilt. All the destruction that has been done in our cities will be rebuilt and restored greater than before. 

It will be an honor to be a Christian and people will flock to learn from believers. God will lead us with his light and the path will be plain and easy to follow. 

The poor will hear the good news of Christ and the hearts of the broken will be healed. Those bound in addictions will be set free. This is the year of God’s favor, but the day of his vengeance. We will no longer mourn and be afraid, but will rejoice with great joy. We will rebuild the devastation of many generations. 

God’s people will be his priests to minister to the people. They will have no lack or need. We will be recompensed for our slavery. The nations will rejoice instead of fighting and being in poverty. 

It says of Jerusalem that she will get a new name. I don’t know if that is literal, but we will see.  God will call her “My Delight.” She will no longer be forsaken, buy God will rejoice over Jerusalem.

Philippians was a church Paul founded in his second missionary journey. Paul was very close to these people and they supported him consistently throughout his life.

Paul probably wrote this while in prison to thank them for their contribution. He commended Epaphroditus who was bringing this letter to them and prayed that they be united and steadfast in their walk with the Lord. He told them not to fear their opponents because they would be destroyed one day.  He reminded them that their salvation was eternal.
Paul encourage them to stand in humility and truth and to have the mind of Christ. Jesus was God, yet he humbled himself to come to earth and be like them. Now, God has exalted him and given him the name above very name. 

It is God who is at work in us all to do his will and his pleasure. 

Lord, may we serve you without grumbling and may we be blameless when we stand before you knowing that we did not labor in vain but stood righteous in an unrighteous generation. May our lives be an offering to you. 

Tues.’s Devo - All For Jesus!

Read: Isaiah 57:14-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10

Israel had fallen into such pagan idolatry which brought the discipline of the Lord’s hand upon them. But, God wanted them to know that he would not always be disciplining them. God promised to heal his people of their backsliding and sin.

Chapter 58 outlines the fast of the hypocrite who fasted to look good. Then he explains what an acceptable fast is in his eyes. They were going through all the outward motions of looking humble, but God was looking for someone who would put actions to a contrite heart. Someone who would fight for the oppressed and help them break out of their yoke and if they saw someone hungry - to feed them and clothe them.

Then the Lord would answer them when they cried out to him. He will guide them and show them the way of righteousness and light. They will be spiritually refreshed and be a refuge for others. If they would honor the Sabbath and make it a holy day and take delight in the Lord, he would take delight in them. 

God wanted to bring justice but the people didn’t want it. They deceived one another and only looked out for themselves. They became like animals who devoured one another and had no truth. This displeased the Lord greatly and he realized there was no man able to save them. So, he did it himself. He put on righteousness and salvation and brought vengeance upon them. He determined to make them fear him. He made a covenant with them and promised that the words and the Spirit that was upon Isaiah would be put in mouth of his children and their offspring. 

When God orders judgement, he always brings with it hope and a good plan for the future. 

In Philippians, Paul offers the same hope for his converts. He is sure that God who began a good work in them would complete his plan in them. He prays that their love would abound more and more and that they be filled with the fruit of righteousness that only comes from Jesus. 

Paul was able to look at his life and see that all the suffering he endured was worth it; God used it all to further the kingdom. Paul got to meet many people in and out of prison that he would have never met if he hadn’t gone there. He sees that now. 

Paul’s ultimate prayer was that his life would honor Christ because Christ was living through him. 

Lord, may we grasp the fact that it is you who live through us. May we allow your Spirit to lead and direct our steps today. May our lives bring honor and glory to your name.