Read: Isaiah 60:1-62:5; Philippians 1:27-2:18; Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 24:11-12
Today’s reading in Isaiah is a word for us today. It says to arise and let your light shine. There is much deception and darkness on the earth but it is the time for the Church of Jesus Christ to stand up and let her light be seen. God is doing a work all over the earth and even in places like Hollywood and Washington D.C.. God promised to give the wealth of the world into the hands of his people who will be able to use it to bless the world with new inventions, creative ideas, better education, medicines that heal, the gospel that is relevant and personal, and science that reveals the glory of the Lord. We are the hope for the world and all its problems. We are not rapturing out of here any time soon. We are here to bring God’s kingdom down to earth and manifest the goodness and the kindness of God.
We have been called and anointed to preach the good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. The vengeance of the Lord is for another day.
God has promised to give us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair. The nations will see our righteousness and no longer see us as forsaken but they will honor us because we carry the favor of the Lord.
Philippians tells us how to do this. When the Church is exalted in the eyes of the world, it is important that we represent Christ in a way that is worthy of him. Jesus didn’t do anything for his own exaltation or name, but humbly laid down his life for us. We have to have the same attitude. All our gifts are to help others, not to bring us glory. Everything we do and know came from God and it was given to us to bless the nations so that He will be glorified. Our reward is waiting for us in heaven.
Lord, may the whole earth be filled with your glory and may this be displayed through your people.
Monday, September 30, 2019
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Sun.’s Devo - Living for Eternity
Read: Isaiah 57:14-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10
In Chapter 58, God tells them why they ended up where they were. They had been exiled to Egypt and Babylon because they sinned and turned away from God and his promises for them. They had ended up in the curses instead of the blessings.
Now go back to Chapter 57 and God says that it was time to build them up because he was preparing a road for them to come back to him. He told them to remove all the stumbling blocks that they had that might keep them from receiving their deliverance and healing. God told Isaiah to let his voice be like a trumpet to declare to the people their rebellion and sins. In their man-made ways of seeking the Lord, they had not found him. Fasting was a ritual they used to get God’s attention but He explained to them that this was not working because they were still not loving and taking care of one another. Love for one another shows we have a heart for God.
God said that when they started caring for one another and laying down their lives, His light would start rising in their lives. The walls of salvation would be built and the road to God would be repaired.
God was giving them years to prepare for the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus. Isaiah’s message was the same message as John’s: Repent for the kingdom of God is near.
Today we begin reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The theme of his message to them is all about joy which is such a testimony because Paul was writing to them while he was in prison in Rome. His joy came in knowing that he was right where he was suppose to be doing exactly what he was suppose to be doing.
Paul’s joy also came because of the news he heard of them. The church had started out with a few people. They had to meet outside of town by a river because they needed 10 to form a minion and get the authority to meet in town.
Paul’s dilemma was wanting to go to heaven but knowing that his work on earth would be over if he did. We are building up stories that we will be able to talk about in heaven for eternity. We are also making connections with people that what we said or did on earth made a road for them to come to heaven or at least removed some of their roadblocks.
Paul realized that everything we do on earth matters in eternity and it is the only thing that matters.
Lord, help us to live our lives today as if we are affecting someones eternity.
In Chapter 58, God tells them why they ended up where they were. They had been exiled to Egypt and Babylon because they sinned and turned away from God and his promises for them. They had ended up in the curses instead of the blessings.
Now go back to Chapter 57 and God says that it was time to build them up because he was preparing a road for them to come back to him. He told them to remove all the stumbling blocks that they had that might keep them from receiving their deliverance and healing. God told Isaiah to let his voice be like a trumpet to declare to the people their rebellion and sins. In their man-made ways of seeking the Lord, they had not found him. Fasting was a ritual they used to get God’s attention but He explained to them that this was not working because they were still not loving and taking care of one another. Love for one another shows we have a heart for God.
God said that when they started caring for one another and laying down their lives, His light would start rising in their lives. The walls of salvation would be built and the road to God would be repaired.
God was giving them years to prepare for the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus. Isaiah’s message was the same message as John’s: Repent for the kingdom of God is near.
Today we begin reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The theme of his message to them is all about joy which is such a testimony because Paul was writing to them while he was in prison in Rome. His joy came in knowing that he was right where he was suppose to be doing exactly what he was suppose to be doing.
Paul’s joy also came because of the news he heard of them. The church had started out with a few people. They had to meet outside of town by a river because they needed 10 to form a minion and get the authority to meet in town.
Paul’s dilemma was wanting to go to heaven but knowing that his work on earth would be over if he did. We are building up stories that we will be able to talk about in heaven for eternity. We are also making connections with people that what we said or did on earth made a road for them to come to heaven or at least removed some of their roadblocks.
Paul realized that everything we do on earth matters in eternity and it is the only thing that matters.
Lord, help us to live our lives today as if we are affecting someones eternity.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Sat.’s Devo - Restoration and Joy
Read: Isaiah 54:1-57:13; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 24:8
Todays reading reads like a cymbal being clanged, or whatever you do to cymbals. It is a loud and joyful declaration of reversals from sorrow to joy. Instead of lack, there will be abundance. Instead of fear and disgrace, there will be hope and acceptance. God’s rebuke turns to peace and comfort.
God called the weary to rest, and the poor to his table to remind them of his everlasting covenant with them. He called all the sinners and those that were hungry to turn to him and be forgiven. He reminded them that his thoughts were not their thoughts. They would have not been able to imagine how gracious God was and how he would turn everything around for them. He would always perform his Word.
When I read Chapter 28, I always get the mental picture of the cartoon version of Cinderella with all the birds making her dress and all creation making sure she was the most beautiful of all. This is my version of what is happening here. God is using all creation to bless his people. He is gathering the exiles to him and giving them a new home, a new name and a new glory.
It is also a time to punish those who were enemies of God and his people. The false gods and idols are exposed and those that worshipped them in secret are revealed. When God’s people are exalted, evil is exposed and judged.
In Ephesians God deals with our relationship with people. We love God by loving his children. We honor God by honoring the ones he has put in authority over us. We treat others the way God treats us.
He reminds us that our struggle is not with people, but the spirits that are controlling them. That is a hard one to remember at times, but it is revelation when we do. It is the only way we can love some people.
Paul commands us to put on the full armor of God so that when the day comes that we need it, we will be ready. We never know what day we are going to be attacked, so we always need to walk in the truth of the Word, have a heart of righteousness, and be ready to give our testimony of salvation. Our minds are to carry the thoughts of God, we need to know how to proclaim God’s Word against the enemy and our faith needs to be active. We cannot afford to go asleep spiritually or take the day off. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life, it just means that we take Jesus with us in everything we do.
Lord, we choose to walk in your ways, having your thoughts and enjoying your presence, today.
Todays reading reads like a cymbal being clanged, or whatever you do to cymbals. It is a loud and joyful declaration of reversals from sorrow to joy. Instead of lack, there will be abundance. Instead of fear and disgrace, there will be hope and acceptance. God’s rebuke turns to peace and comfort.
God called the weary to rest, and the poor to his table to remind them of his everlasting covenant with them. He called all the sinners and those that were hungry to turn to him and be forgiven. He reminded them that his thoughts were not their thoughts. They would have not been able to imagine how gracious God was and how he would turn everything around for them. He would always perform his Word.
When I read Chapter 28, I always get the mental picture of the cartoon version of Cinderella with all the birds making her dress and all creation making sure she was the most beautiful of all. This is my version of what is happening here. God is using all creation to bless his people. He is gathering the exiles to him and giving them a new home, a new name and a new glory.
It is also a time to punish those who were enemies of God and his people. The false gods and idols are exposed and those that worshipped them in secret are revealed. When God’s people are exalted, evil is exposed and judged.
In Ephesians God deals with our relationship with people. We love God by loving his children. We honor God by honoring the ones he has put in authority over us. We treat others the way God treats us.
He reminds us that our struggle is not with people, but the spirits that are controlling them. That is a hard one to remember at times, but it is revelation when we do. It is the only way we can love some people.
Paul commands us to put on the full armor of God so that when the day comes that we need it, we will be ready. We never know what day we are going to be attacked, so we always need to walk in the truth of the Word, have a heart of righteousness, and be ready to give our testimony of salvation. Our minds are to carry the thoughts of God, we need to know how to proclaim God’s Word against the enemy and our faith needs to be active. We cannot afford to go asleep spiritually or take the day off. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life, it just means that we take Jesus with us in everything we do.
Lord, we choose to walk in your ways, having your thoughts and enjoying your presence, today.
Friday, September 27, 2019
Fri.’s Devo - Putting on Strength
Read: Isaiah 51:1-53:12; Ephesians 5:1-33; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 24:7
God was offering hope for the refugees from Babylon who were coming back to Jerusalem. He told them to clothe themselves with strength as if it was something we can put on. Imagine yourself, when you are overwhelmed with life putting on the garment of strength. That is exactly what he was telling Israel to do. Then he reminded them of all he had done for them in the past. He had made a road in the middle of a sea just so that his people, his redeemed, could cross over. He made that same road for us through the cross in order for us to cross over from death into life.
Then, he reminded them of their present. He was the one who comforts them right now. He is the one who is with us right now, this very moment, in whatever we are facing.
Then, he reminded them of their future and what he was going to do. The ones they were afraid of, God had already planned their demise. They would die in their own dungeons. God was sending a redeemer who would act wisely and shut the mouths of kings. He gave us the perfect description of Jesus. Through his suffering he would heal us and deliver us and bear our sin.
This is how we “put on strength”. We remember what God has done for us in the past, practice his presence with us right now and reflect on what his promises are for our future.
In Ephesians, Paul gives us some very positive advise: imitate the life that Jesus lived, love people, be thankful, walk in the light, choose things that produce life, make the most of your time, always rejoice in the goodness of God. If we concern ourselves with the positives we won’t be tempted by the negatives. As wives, we are to respect and submit to our husbands as a picture of the churches’ submission to Jesus. Husbands are to love their wives as a picture of how Jesus loves us.
Lord, today we will rise up and clothe ourselves with your strength. We will shake off the dust and free ourselves from the chains of bondage and lies. We will walk rejoicing and giving thanks for all you have done for us and who you are to us.
God was offering hope for the refugees from Babylon who were coming back to Jerusalem. He told them to clothe themselves with strength as if it was something we can put on. Imagine yourself, when you are overwhelmed with life putting on the garment of strength. That is exactly what he was telling Israel to do. Then he reminded them of all he had done for them in the past. He had made a road in the middle of a sea just so that his people, his redeemed, could cross over. He made that same road for us through the cross in order for us to cross over from death into life.
Then, he reminded them of their present. He was the one who comforts them right now. He is the one who is with us right now, this very moment, in whatever we are facing.
Then, he reminded them of their future and what he was going to do. The ones they were afraid of, God had already planned their demise. They would die in their own dungeons. God was sending a redeemer who would act wisely and shut the mouths of kings. He gave us the perfect description of Jesus. Through his suffering he would heal us and deliver us and bear our sin.
This is how we “put on strength”. We remember what God has done for us in the past, practice his presence with us right now and reflect on what his promises are for our future.
In Ephesians, Paul gives us some very positive advise: imitate the life that Jesus lived, love people, be thankful, walk in the light, choose things that produce life, make the most of your time, always rejoice in the goodness of God. If we concern ourselves with the positives we won’t be tempted by the negatives. As wives, we are to respect and submit to our husbands as a picture of the churches’ submission to Jesus. Husbands are to love their wives as a picture of how Jesus loves us.
Lord, today we will rise up and clothe ourselves with your strength. We will shake off the dust and free ourselves from the chains of bondage and lies. We will walk rejoicing and giving thanks for all you have done for us and who you are to us.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Thurs.’s Devo - Hope for Deliverance
Read: Isaiah 48:12-50:11; Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 24:5-6
The Lord sent out a call for his people to listen to him. He is the only one who can tell them what he is about to do. Their magic and false gods cannot predict what was about to happen to Babylon. God is the one who teaches us what is best for us and directs us in the way we should go. God is the only one who has the master plan.
He told his people to leave Babylon because it was about to fall. God would be with them on their journey out just like he lead his people safely out of Egypt.
We cannot get ourselves into so much trouble that the Lord cannot deliver us out of it.
God tells them to leave joyfully with singing and comfort because God had never left them and was not going to desert them now. He has engraved us on the palm of his hand. He even promises that all our offspring will come back to us, meaning that the prodigals will come home to the Lord.
God gives us a great promise to hold on to: “those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” God also promises to contend with those who contend with us. The ones who trust in their own light will die to awake in torment.
Paul reminds the Ephesians not to live as the ungodly do. They go after the passions of their soul which leaves them empty and craving for more. We don’t live by our old sinful nature, but we have the mind of Christ. Our new man is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This new attitude makes us speak the truth, love our neighbor and not give in to anger. Our mouths are for edifying and building up one another. We are to walk in kindness, compassion and forgiveness to all just as Christ is kind, compassionate and forgiving toward us.
Lord, may we think your thoughts today and do your works.
The Lord sent out a call for his people to listen to him. He is the only one who can tell them what he is about to do. Their magic and false gods cannot predict what was about to happen to Babylon. God is the one who teaches us what is best for us and directs us in the way we should go. God is the only one who has the master plan.
He told his people to leave Babylon because it was about to fall. God would be with them on their journey out just like he lead his people safely out of Egypt.
We cannot get ourselves into so much trouble that the Lord cannot deliver us out of it.
God tells them to leave joyfully with singing and comfort because God had never left them and was not going to desert them now. He has engraved us on the palm of his hand. He even promises that all our offspring will come back to us, meaning that the prodigals will come home to the Lord.
God gives us a great promise to hold on to: “those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” God also promises to contend with those who contend with us. The ones who trust in their own light will die to awake in torment.
Paul reminds the Ephesians not to live as the ungodly do. They go after the passions of their soul which leaves them empty and craving for more. We don’t live by our old sinful nature, but we have the mind of Christ. Our new man is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This new attitude makes us speak the truth, love our neighbor and not give in to anger. Our mouths are for edifying and building up one another. We are to walk in kindness, compassion and forgiveness to all just as Christ is kind, compassionate and forgiving toward us.
Lord, may we think your thoughts today and do your works.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Wed.’s Devo - The Beauty of the Body
Read: Isaiah 45:11-48:11; Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalm 68:19-35; Proverbs 24:3-4
Isaiah continues speaking for the Lord. He is proclaiming what is to come and rebukes them for questioning him about his plans. He was going to raise up Cyrus, non-Jewish king of Persia in His righteousness. He would use him to rebuild Jerusalem for no selfish gain.
The Gentile nations would come to Jerusalem and bow down before God proclaiming that there is no other God. Israel would be saved by the Lord and never be disgraced again. Babylon would be brought down and not one of their prophets could foretell this. Only God who knows the end from the beginning could predict the fall of Babylon and the rise of Israel. None of their sorcery or horoscopes or their occult worship could see this nor would it be able to save them when God sends disaster upon them. Even Israel will be surprised when they see God’s redemption for them. God declared that he will have a bride and he will have his children.
In Revelation, Babylon is the last kingdom to fall. Babylon stands for Satan’s kingdom. It is an invisible kingdom of evil that permeates our society. It is the thought behind political correctness, religion, transgender, envy, strife, abortion, you name it. One day, God will say, “Enough” and it will all come crashing down.
Paul urges us to walk in our calling and to do everything we can to walk in unity with those who are of the same Spirit.
When Jesus died he went down to Sheol and led those who lived by faith with him to heaven. He gave the Church the gift of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers so that the body could carry on his work. He was all of these in one man, but he dispersed himself so that everyone would work together knowing that they needed what each other had. These gifts keep us from being tossed about by every crazy doctrine that comes along. These gifts operating in the body keep us on track with Jesus as our head. They are what make us a complete body.
Lord, help us to be the part of the body we are made to be. Help the body grow to be strong and healthy with balance and purpose. May we always look to Christ as our head and love one another.
Isaiah continues speaking for the Lord. He is proclaiming what is to come and rebukes them for questioning him about his plans. He was going to raise up Cyrus, non-Jewish king of Persia in His righteousness. He would use him to rebuild Jerusalem for no selfish gain.
The Gentile nations would come to Jerusalem and bow down before God proclaiming that there is no other God. Israel would be saved by the Lord and never be disgraced again. Babylon would be brought down and not one of their prophets could foretell this. Only God who knows the end from the beginning could predict the fall of Babylon and the rise of Israel. None of their sorcery or horoscopes or their occult worship could see this nor would it be able to save them when God sends disaster upon them. Even Israel will be surprised when they see God’s redemption for them. God declared that he will have a bride and he will have his children.
In Revelation, Babylon is the last kingdom to fall. Babylon stands for Satan’s kingdom. It is an invisible kingdom of evil that permeates our society. It is the thought behind political correctness, religion, transgender, envy, strife, abortion, you name it. One day, God will say, “Enough” and it will all come crashing down.
Paul urges us to walk in our calling and to do everything we can to walk in unity with those who are of the same Spirit.
When Jesus died he went down to Sheol and led those who lived by faith with him to heaven. He gave the Church the gift of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers so that the body could carry on his work. He was all of these in one man, but he dispersed himself so that everyone would work together knowing that they needed what each other had. These gifts keep us from being tossed about by every crazy doctrine that comes along. These gifts operating in the body keep us on track with Jesus as our head. They are what make us a complete body.
Lord, help us to be the part of the body we are made to be. Help the body grow to be strong and healthy with balance and purpose. May we always look to Christ as our head and love one another.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Tues.’s Devo - Great Promises
Read: Isaiah 43:14-45:10; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2
God was gathering his people back to Jerusalem from Babylon and wherever they had been dispersed. It was not a time to dwell on the past and all their sadness and regrets. It was a time to look forward to what God was doing then. He was doing something he had never done before and he did not want them to miss it.
Nothing they had done had pleased the Lord because their hearts had been so far from God. God dealt with his rebellious ones but saved a remnant and they were the remnant. God was going to blot out all their offenses and choose to forget all their sins. He was going to pour out his Spirit on their descendants and bless their offspring. They would grow up knowing that God was their father and they belonged to him.
Isaiah gave the example of wood to show the folly of man’s understanding apart from God. With one piece of a tree they cut for firewood and it kept them warm in the winter. With another they carved it into an image and bowed down to it as if it had power. It was utterly ridiculous and silly but that is the way of deception. Why would a person worship a piece of bark when they could worship the one who made the tree. Truly men’s eyes are blinded to the truth when the truth makes much more sense than the lie.
God called the people of Israel and gave them a title of honor though they didn’t acknowledge him. He also strengthened them to show the world that their was no other god besides the Lord.
In Ephesians Paul explains one of the mysteries of God’s grace. It was that the Gentiles were also heirs together with Israel. This mystery was not made known to other generations but now it was being revealed. Paul was privileged to be one of the ones to bring this good news to the Gentiles and invite them into the family. Through the Church, God would show his wisdom to the heavenly rulers and authorities. That is an awesome thought!
Our sufferings are all for God’s glory. God’s love for us surpasses our ability to understand. What he has planned for us goes beyond what we can even imagine.
Lord, may we join in the Psalms and sing praise to your name and be joyful in You.
God was gathering his people back to Jerusalem from Babylon and wherever they had been dispersed. It was not a time to dwell on the past and all their sadness and regrets. It was a time to look forward to what God was doing then. He was doing something he had never done before and he did not want them to miss it.
Nothing they had done had pleased the Lord because their hearts had been so far from God. God dealt with his rebellious ones but saved a remnant and they were the remnant. God was going to blot out all their offenses and choose to forget all their sins. He was going to pour out his Spirit on their descendants and bless their offspring. They would grow up knowing that God was their father and they belonged to him.
Isaiah gave the example of wood to show the folly of man’s understanding apart from God. With one piece of a tree they cut for firewood and it kept them warm in the winter. With another they carved it into an image and bowed down to it as if it had power. It was utterly ridiculous and silly but that is the way of deception. Why would a person worship a piece of bark when they could worship the one who made the tree. Truly men’s eyes are blinded to the truth when the truth makes much more sense than the lie.
God called the people of Israel and gave them a title of honor though they didn’t acknowledge him. He also strengthened them to show the world that their was no other god besides the Lord.
In Ephesians Paul explains one of the mysteries of God’s grace. It was that the Gentiles were also heirs together with Israel. This mystery was not made known to other generations but now it was being revealed. Paul was privileged to be one of the ones to bring this good news to the Gentiles and invite them into the family. Through the Church, God would show his wisdom to the heavenly rulers and authorities. That is an awesome thought!
Our sufferings are all for God’s glory. God’s love for us surpasses our ability to understand. What he has planned for us goes beyond what we can even imagine.
Lord, may we join in the Psalms and sing praise to your name and be joyful in You.
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