Sun.’s Devo - God Remembers his People

Read: Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 12:1-17; PSalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 30:17 Zechariah’s name means “Yahweh Remembers.” He prophesied two months after Haggai, calling the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem to repent and rebuild the Temple. The some fifty thousand exiles who had returned were the poorer of the captives and had quickly rebuilt the altar and begun construction on the Temple. They had stopped rebuilding because of the great opposition. Their neighboring Samaritans were able to get an order from the Persian government to make them stop building. They had given up building for about 12 years. Haggai and Zechariah urged the people to return to the Lord and restore the temple. Zechariah wrote more than any other prophet about the second coming of the Messiah. *** Zechariah saw three of the four horses that patrol the earth. They saw the red, brown, and white horses and their riders -the same ones we see in Revelation. They reported to the angel of the Lord that the world was at peace. When he heard this he prayed for mercy to be shown to Jerusalem who had been exiled for 70 years. He proclaimed that it was now time to judge the nations that harmed Jerusalem and show mercy toward Jerusalem. *** He proclaimed the prosperity that would soon return to Jerusalem. Zechariah was shown four blacksmiths who would now terrify Israel’s enemies and throw them down. *** In Revelation, John witnessed a woman with the sun and moon beneath her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She stood for the body of Christ. A large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his head came and with his tail, swept away one third of the stars in the sky throwing them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman waiting for her to give birth so he could devour her son. She gave birth to the one who would rule the nations with an iron rod. Her baby was snatched away from he dragon and caught up to heaven. The woman fled into the wilderness to the place God had prepared for her. She stayed there for 1,260 days. *** War broke out in heaven and Michael and his angels fought the dragon and his angels. The dragon lost and was forced out of heaven. He was thrown down to earth with his angels. Salvation was then proclaimed from heaven because the accuser of the brethren had been defeated. A warning was also given that the devil had now come to terrorize God’s people on the earth. He immediately went after the woman who stands for the Church. God protected her and swallowed his lies into the earth. War was waged between the devil and God’s children. *** Lord, thank you that nothing the devil tries will stop what you intend to do through your children on the earth. Our enemies will be destroyed by the very evil they plan for us. We give you praise and honor!

Sat.’s Devo - The Kingdoms of this Earth Will Become the Kingdoms of God

Read: Haggai 1:1-2:23; Revelation 11:1-19; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 30:15-16 If you remember the statute of Daniel 2, the head was gold which stood for Nebuchadnezzar and his breast and his arms of silver. The silver stood for the rule of the Medes and the Persians who would rule simultaneously. Cyrus was the Persian king who reigned at the same time Darius, the Mede ruled. They were cousins. *** Cyrus had let the exiles return to Jersalem to build a temple to the Lord. Cyrus sent Zerubbabel to govern Judah and Jehoadak to be the high priest. It had been two years and they had built their own houses but had not rebuilt the Temple. God sent Haggai to rebuke them and tell them that building the Temple should be their main priority. *** He explained to them that they were having a hard time making ends meet because they had not put the Lord first. *** When the people heard Haggai’s message, they became enthusiastic about building God’s temple and 23 days later began building. A month later the Lord sent Haggai to ask them if this temple looked small in comparison to the Temple they had before. He encouraged them to continue and said that in the future nations would bring treasures to this Temple and God would fill it with his glory. *** Three months from when they started building, the Lord sent another message through Haggai. They had laid the foundation and the Lord told them that now from now on he would bless everything they put their hands to. God was going to shake the kingdoms of the world and they would be destroyed. Their treasures would come to Judah. God would honor Zerubbabel because he had chosen him for this hour. *** In Revelation, John was given a measuring tape and told to measure the Temple of God and the altar and to count those worshipping there. He was not to measure the outer court because it was for the Gentiles who would trample the holy city for 42 months. God would empower two of his witnesses to stand before the Lord. These witnesses were the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand before the Lord. They would have power to shut the heavens and turn the oceans into blood and to strike the earth with plagues. These were the things that Elijah and Moses did. So they will have the spirit of these two prophets. *** When they had finished their assignment, the beast will declare war against them and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days. The wicked people will rejoice when they see this, but not be allowed to bury them. After three and a half days, the Lord will resurrect them and breath life into them. Terror will strike all who gloated over their death. Heaven will call them up and they will rise as the whole world watches. The earth will shake and split. Seven thousand will die in the earthquake and those watching will glorify the Lord. *** This was the second terror, but a third is coming. The seventh angel blew his trumpet and declared that the kingdoms of the world have now become the kingdoms of the Lord and Christ’s. This will terrify the wicked, but bring great joy to the remnant of Christ. It is the time of God’s wrath on the earth and the wicked. The heaven’s will open and the Ark of the Convent in the Temple of God in heaven will be seen. Lightning and thunder will accompany this and a terrible hailstorm. *** This will be a great time for God’s people, but a horrible time for the wicked on the earth. This is God’s glory being revealed to the earth. This is the fulfillment of Haggai’s prophecy. *** Lord, you fulfill every word that comes from your mouth. We are witnesses of your faithfulness. May we wait in expectation of your glory to be released on the earth and the time when all men will see it and bow.

Fri.’s Devo - Zephaniah

Read: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Revelation 10:1-11; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 10:11-14 Zephaniah was the last to prophecy before Judah was taken into captivity by the Assyrians. One hundred years before this prophecy, Israel had fallen to the Assyrians. Judah had stayed in tact by paying the Assyrians tribute. When Israel fell, it was replaced by foreigners. *** Judah’s alliance with Assyria affected Judah in a very negative way. Judah was infiltrated with people who practiced magical arts and astral religion which was the worship of the moon, stars, and zodiac signs from the roof of the temple. People worshiped the mother-goddess of Assyria. *** This was how it was when Josiah became king and a copy of God’s laws were found in the Temple. He instituted great spiritual reform but it didn’t reform the people’s hearts so they quickly returned to idolatry when the next king came to reign. *** Zephaniah lived through Josiah’s reform and could discern what God was doing to punish Judah for her sins. He announced their sins and begged them to repent. He told them that if they didn’t they would be wiped from the face of the earth. Jerusalem would fall and also become a wasteland for wild animals. Its people will be scattered and all their prosperity that they had enjoyed would be taken from them. In exile, God’s people will humble themselves and be purified. *** Zephaniah gives the remnant hope that God will restore their property to them once again. In the end, it will be them that will plunder their enemies and take their land. Their enemies will get what they deserve. Nineveh would become a wasteland for the wild animals. *** Zephaniah’s word to them would be to cheer up and don’t be afraid because the Lord is living among them and he is a mighty savior. He speaks of God’s delight and love and how he will calm their fears and rejoice over them with singing. God will gather all who mourn for righteous worship and He will deal with their oppressors. God will save the weak and helpless and give his glory and fame to those who had been exiled. Their shame will turn to joy as God restores their reputation among the nations. Their fortunes will be restored. We are in that process right now in America. *** In Revelation, there is no shortage of angels. John saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven who was radiating the glory of heaven. He held a small scroll that had been opened. He stood with one foot on the land and the other on the sea. He shouted to the seven thunders and they responded. *** John was about to write what they said but was stopped. The angel standing raised his right hand to heaven and swore an oath to the Lord saying that there would be no more delay. When the seventh angel blew his trumpet, God’s plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just like the prophets foretold. *** A voice from heaven told John to go and take the scroll from the angel. The angel told John to eat the scroll. It would taste sweet, but turn sour in his stomach. When this happened, John was told that he must prophesy again about the people, nations, languages and kings. Lord, help us to wait on You to act and do all the things you have promised. You alone are our salvation. Your will work out your plans for our lives because your faithful love endures forever.

Thurs.’s Devo - The Prophecy of Habakkuk

Read: Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Revelation 9:1-21; Psalm 137:1-9; Proverbs 30:10 Habakkuk means “embrace”. It was a time of national crisis and they would need to embrace the Lord to endure. Habakkuk lived during Josiah’s reform and the return of a nation to the Lord to the fall of the nation in the next five evil kings. During that time the citizens were treated violently and the poor were oppressed. The legal system collapsed and justice was not to be found. Nineveh had fallen and Jerusalem would be next. *** Habakkuk begins by being overwhelmed by the circumstances of the nation. All he sees is violence and wonders if God has left them. Evil men are in control and violence prevails. There is no justice to be found. (Sound familiar?) *** Habakkuk saw that God was raising up the Babylonians to correct and punish them for their sins. They would be even more violent than the people of Judah. He asks God if they would be allowed to plunder them forever. He went up on his watchtower to hear God’s answer. God gave him a vision for the end time. He told him that in the end it will seem to go on forever but they were to wait on the Lord and trust him. He describes vividly what the enemy will do to God’s people and why. The very stones in the walls will cry out their sins. Their idols will be worthless to them. Habakkuk begs God to remember his mercy. *** God respond by filling the heavens with his glory and the earth with praise. He will come bringing chariots of salvation. He demolished their enemies. In the end, the Lord will strike their enemies. Then, Habakkuk could see beyond their lack and rejoice in the Lord who is their salvation. *** In Revelation, the fifth angel blew his trumpet and John saw a star fallen from heaven. He was given the key to hell. When he opened it, smoke poured out and turned the air dark. Locusts came from the smoke and went out on the earth with the power to sting like a scorpion. They were only to hurt those who were not sealed as God’s people. The sting will be painful but not deadly. For five months they were able to torment the ungodly. The locust’s king was called Abbadon or Apollyon, the Destroyer. *** The sixth angel blew his trumpet and four angels who were bound at the Euphrates River were released. They were allowed to kill one-third of the ungodly people on the earth. After this, there were still those who refused to repent and continued to worship demons and participate in their witchcraft and sexual immorality. *** Lord, may we respond to all you do to our enemies as you responded to yours. You prayed that God would forgive them for they know not what they do. May the blinders be taken from the eyes of the wicked so they can see how weak and empty they are, and may they repent before they are judged. May we be merciful when we need to be gracious and a warrior when we need to be vigilant.

Wed.’s Devo - Nahum

Read: Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 30:7-9 Nahum means “comforter” which describes his words only to God’s people. He is from Elkosh which might be Capernaum since in Jesus’ day Capernaum was also known as the village of Nahum. He prophesied to Judah during the reigns of Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah. His prophecies were given somewhere between the fall of the Egyptian city of Thebes (No) which was destroyed in 663 B.C. and Nineveh’s fall which happened in 612 B.C. He refers back to Thebes in 3:8-10 and tells Nineveh that she would fall just like they did. *** The Assyrians were known for their savagery, abuse and vicious torture to their victims. They had conquered Israel and were threatening to conquer Judah. God intervened on their behalf (I Kings 17-19). It was now a century later and the Assyrians were about to fall. They had repented when Jonah threatened their extinction around 780 B.C., but had gone back to their evil ways. *** Nahum begins by letting them know how angry God was at them. He may be slow to anger, but when he has had enough. He is unstoppable and no one can stand against his power. God was not tolerating their murder and paganism any longer. Nahum gives them a detailed description of what will happen to the evil Assyrians. *** But, in the midst of his tirade, he offers comfort and peace to God’s people who have been the object of Assyrian’s evil abuse. God is their stronghold and they can trust in him. God was going to destroy their enemies and bring them peace. *** In Revelation, the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll and there was complete silence in heaven, The seven angels that stood beside God’s throne were given seven trumpets. Another angel appeared with a gold incense burner. He was given much incense to mix with the prayers of God’s holy people to offer on the altar. These prayer’s ascended to heaven. Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire and threw it down to earth. When he did on earth there was thunder, lightning and a terrible earthquake. *** The angels with the trumpets prepared to blow their trumpets. The first angle blew his and hail and fire mixed with blood was thrown down on the earth. It set 1/3 of the earth on fire. One-third of the trees were burned and all the green grass was burned. *** The second angel blew and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water became blood and one-third of the fish died and one-third of the ships were destroyed. *** The third angel blew an a great star fell from the sky like a torch and fell on one third of the rivers making them bitter. Many died from drinking them. *** The fourth angel blew and one-third of the sun, moon and stars were struck. One-third of the night and day were affected. *** John heard an eagle crying of the terror which would come from the next three trumpets. *** I, personally believe that these trumpets we just read about have already happened on the earth. Many of them happened in the world wars we have had and in events like Chernobyl. (Only my opinion.) *** Lord, you are in charge of what happens with the nations. We are in charge of what happens with our soul. May we give ourselves totally to you so we are hid in the shelter of your wings. Thank you that the war we are in against evil is almost over and we are headed for great times ahead. May we remember what we have learned and never turn from your ways and your word. You are our Almighty Father.

Tues.’s Devo - The Promised Messiah -

Read: Micah 5:1-7:20; Revelation 7:1-17; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 30:5-6 Micah prepares them for war saying that their king (Zedekiah) will be smacked in the face with an iron rod. Then Micah goes straight into the promise of the Messiah which will come from Bethlehem. This ruler will have its origins in the distant past - from of old, everlasting. He will be God’s ambassador and son. *** God’s people will be in bondage until Mary has her baby and then they will come back from exile. Jesus will lead his flock with the name of the Lord. This is not only talking about the first coming but the second when the Lord will return and set up his earthly kingdom. He will be the source of peace. *** The Assyrians in verse 6 refers to their enemies in general. Nimrod refers to Babylon which will fall. The remnant will not be deterred but will take their rightful place over the seven mountains of society. They will stand up to their enemies and succeed. All pagan worship will end and God will pour out vengeance on those who worship Satan. *** Israel was brought to God’s court and questioned. She was asked why she grew tired of following the Lord. God reminded her of all the times he saved her, took care of her and blessed her. God showed Israel what he required which was to do what was right, love mercy, and walk humbly with him. Instead, the rich became rich by extortion and violence. All the citizens lie so God had no other choice but to bring a ruin to their sins. He will take away their wealth that they trusted in and got deceitfully. *** They kept the laws of evil Omri (who was represented in our day by Bush Sr.). And, they followed the example of wicked King Ahab (who was represented by Bill Clinton in our day). Because of this, they would be treated with contempt and mocked by all. America has definitely been laughed at by other nations because of these two presidents. *** Micah felt like the nation had been picked like a fruit tree of all the righteous people. This is the time of confusion and we are living through it. People of their own household turned on each other because of what is happening on the earth. *** Micah is our example of how to navigate this time. He looked and waited on the Lord to act. The Lord was his light and his salvation. He trusted that God would take up his case and judge fairly. *** He saw the day when Israel would be rebuilt and blessed. People from all over the world would come to worship the Lord. The world will stand in amazement of what the Lord will do for his people. Many will repent and come to the Lord. God will show us his faithfulness and unfailing love, just like he promised. *** In Revelation, John saw the four angels who watch over the north, south, east and west. They had been given power to harm the land and the sea and kept back the four winds so they wouldn’t blow on the earth. An angel came from the east carrying the seal of the Lord. He shouted to the 4 angels and told them to not strike until they had placed God’s seal on the foreheads of his saints. They sealed 144,000 - 12,000 from each tribe. Then a crowd from every nation and tribe and people stood before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. They shouted, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and front the Lamb!” All heaven bowed in worship. *** One of the 24 elders asked John who these were who were clothed in white and where they came from. When John didn’t know, he answered that these were those who had died in the great tribulation and had washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb who made them white. That was why they could stand before God and all their sorrows were over. *** Lord, we are living in these days where sin abounds but sin is also being dealt with. Thank you for godly men and women who are fighting the good fight of faith for us and for You. May your kingdom come! May we wait patiently for your to act, putting all our trust in You.

Mon.’s Devo - Micah -

Read: Micah 1:1-4:13; Revelation 6:1-17; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 30:1-4 Micah prophecied during the Judah’s kings: Jotham (good), Ahaz (bad), and Hezekiah (good). He spoke to both Israel and Judah and to the world. *** First he addressed the whole world. He called them to listen because God was bringing accusations against them. The Lord was coming to trample down those who were mighty on the earth. This was happening because of the sins of Israel. He blamed its capital, Samaria for taking the whole nation into sin. God was going to bring Samaria to ruins. God was going to expose all her hidden sins. Her idols would be destroyed. She would no longer become rich on idolatry. He blamed the people of Lachish for being the first city in Judah to follow Israel in her rebellion against God. Lachish was a royal Canaanitish city in the plain of Palestine, mentioned in Josh 10:3 5, and Josh 10:3. It was taken and destroyed by the Israelites. Micah prophesied the leaders of Israel would go to Adullam. This was the place David defeated and killed Goliath. It is a place of caves. *** Next, Micah addressed Judah. He told them to mourn in sorrow for their sins. Their children would be taken from them and exiled to a foreign land. He admonished them for stealing one another’s land by fraud and violence. The same thing will happen to them. Their land will be taken by their enemies who will taunt them. *** The people begged Micah to stop prophesying these things. Micah told them instead, they should be repenting and doing good, then maybe God would forgive them and give them another chance. He told them they would be happy if a prophet taught them the joys of sin instead of the consequences of their sin. *** He did give them some hope. One day, God would gather their remnant and bring them back home. *** Micah rebuked the leaders of Israel who were supposed to know right from wrong. But instead, they were the very ones leading the people into sin. They murdered their people and then when they were in trouble, they would cry out to the Lord to save them. That is not how God works. *** Micah had a word for the false prophets who were leading the people astray. They promised peace if they were given food, but war to those who wouldn’t give them food. They would be put to shame. The rulers took bribes. The priest required money to teach the people. The prophets only prophesied for money. Yet all of them claimed to depend on the Lord. Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed. *** In the end, the mountain of the Lord will be the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship the Lord. The Lord himself will teach us his ways and his children will walk in his paths. The Lord will be our judge and weapons of war will become instruments of harvest. People will enjoy the fruit of their labors and not fear it being taken from them. God’s people will follow the Lord. The remnant will become strong and Jesus will be their king forever and will rule from Jerusalem. Jerusalem will become a strong city again. They will trample many nations and give their plunder to the Lord. *** In Revelation, John saw the lamb break the first seal on the scroll. A white horse was called forth. Its rider carried a bow and a crown. He rode out to win many battles. He stands for the Anti-christ spirit. With the second seal, came a red horse. Its rider was given a sword and authority to take peace from the earth. War and slaughter was everywhere. We saw this in WW1, WW2 and so many wars since then. *** The breaking of the third seal brought forth a black horse whose rider was holding a pair of scales. This represents famine and lack. The fourth seal was broken to reveal a pale green horse. Its rider was called Death and his companion was the Grave, They were to kill with sword, famine and disease and wild nominals. *** The fifth seal broke and John saw under the altar the should of all who had been martyred for being faithful to Jesus and God. A white robe was given each of them and they were told to rest a little while longer. More martyrs would join them. *** The sixth seal brought a great earthquake and the sun became dark and the moon turned red. The mountains and the islands were moved from their places. Everyone great and small hid in caves and among the rocks. They wanted to die. The day of wrath had come. *** This all happened in 70 A.D.with the fall of Jerusalem. It will happen again with the fall of Babylon. *** Lord, thank you that we are living to see this transfer of wealth and power from the ungodly to the godly. Thank you that we are seeing the fall of Babylon. Open our eyes to see the wonderful things You are doing.