September 8th, 2008 — Devotions
September 8, 2008: (Jeremiah 42-44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13)
Old Testament Lesson: The people approached Jeremiah and asked for a word from the Lord. “Please pray to the Lord your God for us. As you know, we are only a tiny remnant compared to what we were before. Beg the Lord your God to show us what to do and where to go.” The people promised they would obey the Lord. As you read you want to say, “Praise God they finally repented.” But as we read we see their actions. “You lie the Lord our God hasn’t forbidden us to go to Egypt!” The people said they wanted a word from the Lord. What they really wanted was conformation that their actions were okay. They then turned to seek the word from the “Queen of Heaven.” From the Garden of Eden forward through time, humans have been doing exactly like the remnant of Judah. We want to be our own God. We have it figured out and all we need is conformation. If someone gives us a word that our actions are unbiblical we seek another word. Remember Abraham, God gave him a word and he followed it. Abraham is called the Father of Faith.
New Testament Lesson: The question of yesterday will continue to be a question throughout Revelation, “Are the visions in chronological order?” Once again the answer is varied. “I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns.” Some interpret this to be the Roman Empire, others the revision of the Roman Empire. The ten crowns could possible represent ten future empires. One thing is certain they are evil. Verse three has been viewed as very important in identifying the anti-Christ. “I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery-but the fatal wound was healed. All the world marveled at this miracle and followed the beast in awe.” The length of time this beast has authority is 42 months, three and ½ years. The ones who followed the beast are those whose names are not written in the Lambs Book of Life. They are marked on the forehead with a special mark-666. When this time on earth arises only those who follow this beast will be allowed to buy or sell in the market place. If any Christians are still on earth during the reign of the beast, it will require a strong faith to refuse the mark of the beast.
Prayer for Today: Lord let me be a person of faith, seeking your Word in my life. Give me the faith to obey that Word. Amen.
September 7th, 2008 — Devotions
September 7, 2008: (2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40, 41; Revelation 12)
Old Testament Lesson: The saying, “If you dance you must pay the piper,” comes to mind as I read this passage. The people of Jerusalem, along with its leaders have been disobedient far too long. The terrible fate of the king and the leaders as well as the destruction of the Temple was a tragic sight. In ancient times a city was protected by huge walls. It took two years for the famine to finally drive the people to surrender. “Then the captain of the guard supervised the entire Babylonian army as they tore down the walls of Jerusalem.” In affect once the walls were torn down, the city could never be rebuilt. It was Nebuchadnezzar’s plan that Jerusalem would never have walls for protection again. God had other plans.
New Testament Lesson: Revelation has been a much studies book. Some believe that it was written in code for the church of that day. Others believe that it is filled with predictions of the end time. One question that is often asked is the sequence of events. Are they chronological or does the book have a random view of the end time? One common view is chronological, with an exception-chapter 12. “She gave birth to a boy who was to rule all nations with an iron rod.” Chapter twelve seems to retell the story of the birth of Jesus and flight to Egypt. Satan tried to have him killed. The heavens rejoice as the Devil is cast to Earth. But a warning is given to the inhabitants of Earth, “For the Devil has come down to you in great anger, and he knows that he has little time.” Peter describes the Devil as a roaring lion, seeking whoever he can devour. One thing is certain, the Devil has a goal of turning people’s hearts from the Child who was protected.
Prayer for Today: Father thank you for sending those in ancient times to guide Mary and Joseph. Amen.
September 6th, 2008 — Devotions
September 6, 2008: (Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11)
Old Testament Lesson: Egypt is to be destroyed. What has their sins been? They are idol worshippers and have treated the Israelites with contempt. But Ezekiel writes, “Because you said, ‘The Nile River is mine; I made it.’” They are taking credit for creation. God doesn’t share his glory with anyone. One of the controversies in our modern thought is how God uses nations. Does God use nations to bring about his purpose? “Yes, I have given him the land of Egypt as a reward for his work, says the Sovereign Lord, because he was working for me when he destroyed Tyre.” When Nebuchadnezzar attacked Tyre thousands were slaughtered. God has used nations to bring about his will. God’s desire is for his creation to worship him. He destroyed the wicked once because of their disobedience, as we read Revelation we read that he will destroy the wicked again. His grace is for us today, we call him God’s Son.
New Testament Lesson: One question which is often asked, “Can people be saved after the church is raptured?” “I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in sackcloth and will prophesy during those 1260 days.” If people can’t be saved, then what is the purpose of the two prophets? They are giving their testimony during those days. Who are these witnesses? One popular thought is Moses and Elijah. When we read what they will be doing, we see that Moses and Elijah did those things. “They have the power to shut the skies so no rains will fall…they have the power to turn rivers and oceans into blood, and to send every kind of plague upon the earth.” Throughout the Bible one of the main themes is God’s amazing grace. He holds people accountable to his Word. He brings judgment. He also forgives and restores. It would be hard to imagine God changing his will in the end.
Prayer for Today: Lord let me live for you today. Let the thought of forgetting you and following the enemy never enter my mind. Amen.
September 5th, 2008 — Devotions
September 5, 2008: (Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10)
Old Testament Lesson: “The ships of Tarshish were your ocean caravans. Your island warehouse was filled to the brim!” There are several verses that testify to the greatest of Tyre. When Tyre falls it will be noticed by the entire trading world. This will in turn point to the prophecies of Ezekiel. Why is that important? Today people want proof that the Bible is accurate, that it isn’t some big fairy tale. God in his infinite wisdom knew that generation’s later people would question his written word. The story of Tyre is well documented historically. Therefore the prophecy of Tyre is historical proof that God’s word is accurate. There are many religions in the world that don’t have any historical proof of accuracy. The Bible has been proven, and is still being proven accurate by archeology.
New Testament Lesson: John has been observing a vision in heaven. Now he is to become a prophet. Like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah and others he will be proclaiming the Word of God. “So I approached him and asked him to give me the little scroll. ‘Yes, take it and eat it,’ he said…‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.’” Once again we see how important a true prophet of God is. They are not proclaiming their interpretation of God’s Word they are proclaiming God’s Word. Therefore, they are 100% accurate. “But when the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as he announced it to his servants the prophets.” The Bible tells us that we are blessed when we study his Word. The more we know about the prophecies, the better prepared for the future we will be.
Prayer for Today: Lord let me learn your Word. Also, help me to apply it to my life. Amen.
September 4th, 2008 — Devotions
September 4, 2008: (Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9)
Old Testament Lesson: In the opening of chapter 22, God calls Jerusalem a city of murderers. “Are you ready to judge this city of murderers?” What are her crimes? There are three sins that are mentioned throughout the Bible. We find Jerusalem guilty of all three. “City of idols…orphans and widows are wronged and oppressed…men sleep with their fathers’ wives.” The three sins are idolatry, not caring for the down trodden and sexual immorality. Any nation that violates these sins sees the removal of God’s hands of protection and blessing and they are eventually destroyed. Ezekiel is given a message from the Lord that must have been hard to hear. “I am going to take away your dearest treasure. Suddenly she will die.” His actions at her death are to be subdued. God is using Ezekiel as an example of how they are to respond when the Temple is destroyed. I find this story sad on one hand but also refreshing on another. Ezekiel was a man of God but he also had a happy marriage. God refers to his wife as his dearest treasure.
New Testament Lesson: Chapter 8 ended with the warning of coming terror. With the blowing of the fifth trumpet we understand why. Locust will come forth and people will desire death. People will seek death but won’t be able to find it. Can you imagine how painful this time will be? One third of all the people on earth are killed by the three plagues. Only those who have been given the seal of God will not be hurt. Who are those sealed? They are the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel. Remember those who are true Christians have been removed. The evil is so pervasive. “But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to turn form their evil deeds.” I find this unbelievable. Is it really possible for someone to be filled with so much evil that they would never turn from their disobedience toward God, even when the truth is revealed. Will they remain in the slim of their sin? Are there really those who can mock God by their actions and words? Is it possible for someone to be so far from God that they would never repent? Unfortunately the answer is yes.
Prayer for Today: Lord let me do your will, but never at the expense of my family. Amen.
September 3rd, 2008 — Devotions
September 3, 2008: (Ezekiel 20, 21; Psalm 111, Revelation 
Old Testament Lesson: “Some of the leaders of Israel came to request a message from the Lord.” As a pastor, when I read this verse I wonder how Ezekiel felt? He has been prophesying and demonstrating the destruction of Jerusalem. How finally the leaders come to hear from the Lord. What did they want to hear? I imagine they wanted to hear a positive word, even a word that destruction would be postponed. For centuries when the leaders repented destruction was adverted. Yet this time the message is judgment. “Son of man, bring judgment against them and condemn them. Make them realize how loathsome the actions of their ancestors really were.” Jeremiah warned the people that they had violated the Sabbath, Ezekiel does the same. “And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I, the Lord, had set them apart to be holy, making them my special people.” Once again we see the importance of keeping the Sabbath. Here, God reminds them that the Sabbath is a sign of remembrance. The children of Israel are a chosen people. As a chosen people there are great blessings and responsibility. As a nation they were blessed with a land flowing with milk and honey. They were protected from invading armies. They were given laws to guide them. With blessings came a covenant and accountability. When the nation continually turned its back on God and broke the covenant, judgment came.
New Testament Lesson: “When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour.” This silence has been a topic of debate. What causes this silence? I believe it can be explained in the seal. The document had seven seals. When the seventh seal is broken then the rolled up document is revealed. The details that were hidden are now open. Have you ever driven by a terrible wreck? People slow down and gasp. The horror is such that you can’t speak. The scroll reveals future disasters. The angels blow their trumpets; massive destructions follow. Notice the damage; 1/3 of the trees and grass are consumed, 1/3 of the sea water becomes blood, 1/3 of the fresh water turns bitter, and with the fourth trumpet 1/3 of the stars fall. Now imagine for a moment the media trying to explain these disasters. Will there be massive repentance? Will revival break out as people fall on their knees and turn toward God? The answer we will soon read is no. The eagle cries, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”
Prayer for Today: Lord thank you that I can belong to you and not to this world. Amen.
September 2nd, 2008 — Devotions
September 2, 2008: (Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7)
Old Testament Lesson: “The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste. As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, you will not say this proverb anymore in Israel.” Ezekiel goes into great detail explaining that everyone will be accountable for their own actions. If your parents sin, their sin won’t be passed down to you. In the listing of doing good, notice some of what is listed; feeds the hungry, provides clothes for the needy, and helps the poor. As we have stated before we are held accountable for how we help those who are in need. “Do you think, asks the Sovereign Lord that I like to see wicked people die? Of course not! I only want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.” God’s desire is for everyone to be saved. In the midst of prophecy that is condemning the evil actions of a nation we find grace and mercy.
New Testament Lesson: Throughout the Bible, God always saves a remnant of his people from destruction. In the end time 144,000 Jews will be saved, 12,000 from each tribe. There is a phrase that has been used by theologians called the Rapture. This event is when God takes those who have accepted his Son as their Savior into heaven. Even though the word rapture isn’t in Revelation the event is. “I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.” When Revelation was written, around 90 A.D., the word of God hadn’t spread into the whole world. In this verse we see that it includes every nation and tribe. Many theologians believe this is the Rapture. Many mid-tribulationist believe verse 14 verifies their position, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation.” This great tribulation includes millions of people.
Prayer for Today: Lord if I am to suffer at the hands of those who hate you. Please let me keep my eyes on you. Amen.
September 1st, 2008 — Devotions
September 1, 2008: (Ezekiel 15, 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6)
Old Testament Lesson: Ezekiel’s words seem to be directed to the parents of Judah. As a parent when I read these chapters I feel a special betrayal. “But I came by and saw you there, helplessly kicking about in your own blood. As you lay there, I said, ‘Live!’” God compared Judah to a baby left to die. He takes the child in his arms and nurtures it, clothes it, and loves it. He even gives it expensive gifts. The betrayal begins, “You thought you could get along without me, so you trusted instead in your fame and beauty…You used the lovely things I gave you to make shrines for idols, where you carried out your acts of prostitution.” Imagine how your parents would have felt if you had taken their love and gifts and squandered them on vile living! As a loving parent you would do almost anything to restore your child. Seventy years of captivity will soon be the tool that God uses to restore his children.
New Testament Lesson: The four horses have been called “the four horses of the Apocalypse.” There are many different opinions about the meaning of the horses. Some are simple; war, pestilence, famine, and death. Others are complicated where they take into account modern history and add weapons of mass destruction. One thing is certain; the whole world will know that God is at work. The fifth seal is the seal of the martyrs. “And when the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I say under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their witness.” There has been many a Christian, throughout the ages, who has chosen death over denial. There will be more. “And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters-their fellow servants of Jesus-had been martyred.” In our cozy lifestyles we don’t face choices of denial or death. Our denial takes the form of choices. We deny our Lord when we don’t invite someone to church. We deny our Lord when we choose sin. The scripture shows us that there will come a time when our faith will be tested. To stand for Christ will place you under the altar in heaven.
Prayer for Today: Lord, thank you for letting me live in this great country where my worship of you doesn’t result in death. Amen.
August 31st, 2008 — Devotions
August 31, 2008: (Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5)
Old Testament Lesson: For Ezekiel, the prophecies that he has been given must have been hard to pass on. He is living in exile while the city of Jerusalem hasn’t fallen. “Yet there will be survivors, and they will come here to join you as exiles in Babylon.” It’s like telling someone who is living in sin that eventually their sin will destroy them, especially if they are prosperous. “Time passes, making a liar of every prophet.” I’m sure there are those who believe that God will still intervene, and save Jerusalem. God’s timing is his timing. There will come a day when all the prophecies of the Bible will take place. The ultimate prophecy that shows the end is near must have been, “Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Why is idolatry so bad? Why does God insist that it must be removed? The answer is that it leads people into sin, and sin turns your heart away from God. “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They…lead them into sin.”
New Testament Lesson: To understand the prophecies of Revelation one must remember how a scroll is read. “There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals.” A scroll was a piece of paper, usually made of papyrus. It was rolled up and wax was poured on the scroll. Then the author of the manuscript would take their ring and make a mark on the wax. If there were more than one seal, often a string would be placed under the wax to enable the seals to be broken easier. Picture the rolled up paper with seven seals. Each seal must be broken, in order, and then you could open the paper and read the inside. Some teach that the plagues mentioned in Revelation won’t happen in the order listed. If you think of the sealed scroll, you see that they must happen in succession. John cries because no one can be found who can open the scroll. All of heaven rejoices when it is revealed that the one who was slain, then conquered death can open the seals.
Prayer for Today: Lord let me have no idols in my life. Let me learn to live sin free. Amen.
August 30th, 2008 — Devotions
August 30, 2008: (Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4)
Old Testament Lesson: “Then on September 17, during the sixth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity…the Spirit lifted me up into the sky and transported me in a vision of God to Jerusalem. Ezekiel, who is with the captives in Babylon, has a vision of his homeland. He sees the detestable practices taking place in Jerusalem. However, not everyone is worshiping idols. “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all those who weep and sign because of the sins they see around them.” One would think that everyone left in Jerusalem, those who had seen the cities destruction, would now be worshiping the true God. This isn’t the case. God sends his angels to destroy those who are still worshiping idols. The city is once again filled with corpses. As we have seen in the past and will see throughout scripture God is a God of mercy. “I, the Sovereign Lord, will gather you back from the nations where you are scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel once again.” Ezekiel hides nothing from those in captivity. “Afterward the Spirit of God carried me back again to Babylonia, to the Judeans in exile there…I told the exiles everything the Lord had shown me.”
New Testament Lesson: John witnesses pure worship taking place in Heaven. “Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty-the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Let us imagine for a moment that you come to church without any distractions. No concerns looming in the back of your mind, no thought of tomorrow’s workday, only one focus; worshiping Jesus. You lift your hands and lift your voice in pure adoration. What would you sing, or think? Maybe you would simply sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” Pure worship will take place in heaven because all of our burdens will be removed. The more we lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus in this life, the purer our worship will become.
Prayer for Today: Let me lay my burdens down at your feet, my Savior, my King, my Lord. Amen.
