A New Start

Today's verse is Revelation 21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.


As we celebrate the New Year coming, we have a tradition to count it as an opportunity to have a new beginning. A time to count the problems and failures as a thing of the past, and to turn over as it were, a new leaf. This is actually a looking forward to when God shall make all things new. A new Heaven, and a new Earth, in which none of troubles and trials caused by our sins shall not be a part. For our sins (if we have trusted Christ) shall be no more. Neither will those that sin be found in that place. The choice, however, is made today. In whom will you trust, yourself, or Jesus Christ. Selah [Think about that.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Zech 14, Mal 1–4, and Rev 19–22
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Gen 1–2, Ps 19, Mark 1 and Gen 3–5, Mark 2 (To keep the Monday - Friday intact)

Promise Fulfilled

Today's verse is Zechariah 9:9
   Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;
    Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:
    Behold, thy King cometh unto thee:
    He is just, and having salvation;
    Lowly, and riding upon an ass,
    And upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Promise fulfilled! We read of this when we read the beginning of Passion Week, the week which ends with God being rejected of men, and nailed to the Cross, his blood shed for the souls of men. And wonders of wonders, it is by this act, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that we as men might have life eternal through him, that died for us. Amen. Let us therefore, do as this verse commands and rejoice, for in him we have all, and will receive all of the blessing he has stored up for us, if we but rest in his Word, and seek to do his will. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Zech 9:9–13:9 and Rev 15–18
Monday's reading will be:  Zech 14, Mal 1–4, and Rev 19–22

By His Spirit

Today's verse is Zechariah 4:6
     Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying,
    Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit,
    Saith the LORD of hosts.

Has the Lord God, the Creator of all that is in Heaven, and all that is in the Earth, set before you a task? Something that he wants to do through you? We see here that when such a thing as been appointed to us, we do not need to strong arm it, nor do we need to force it, but we need to be faithful, and do those things that are set before us, and do them according to his Word. It is a common thing, and a common belief that if one is doing what needs to be done to fulfill God's will, that it is O.K. to do whatever needs to be done, for the end justifies the means. However, we see here that is not true. God will always accomplish his purpose. We just need to be faithful to do those things set before us according to his Word. And having repeated myself, I say Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Zech 3:1–9:8
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Zech 9:9–13:9 and Rev 15–18

And Again, What is Your Price

Today's verse is Zechariah 1:3
     Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts;
    Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts,
    And I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

In the verse preceding this one, we see that God is displeased, and here we see the solution. To revisit something I said earlier: In a movie the statement was made that if you find out what a man is hungry for, you find out how you can control him. Now, then consider what will happen one day. "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." Those living in that day will have to choose between eating and entering into heaven. It has been said, "Every man has his price." Now, consider the price that Jesus Christ paid when he died on the Cross for you, that your sins might be paid for in full. Can any match that, for Christ himself said "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Selah. [Think about that.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Haggai 2:10–23, Zech 1–2 and Rev 11–14
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Zech 3:1–9:8

God Restores

Today's verse is Zephaniah 3:20
     At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you:
    For I will make you a name and ja praise among all people of the earth,
    When I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

This promise is to Israel, for when the Lord will restore them to himself, and to their land, and to their full prosperity. But as God as so promised Israel, so to does he make the same promise to all that are in Christ Jesus, whether we are following him faithfully or actively  running from him, he will restore all of his children to himself, and set them up as an example of himself and his glory. Let us therefore, look to that day, if we be working contrary to him, seek for the means to turn around, but otherwise remember what he has done for us, and what we owe him for the price he paid for us. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Zeph 1–3, Haggai 1:1–2:9
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Haggai 2:10–23, Zech 1–2 and Rev 11–14

God is in Control

Today's verse is Habakkuk 3:19
     The LORD God is my strength,
    And he will make my feet like hinds’ feet,
    And he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
    To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

The prophet Habakkuk, in this book sees the sin of Israel, and he sees the coming judgment of Israel, by the hand of an even more wicked people, and wonders where is the justice in this? And here is his concluding thought. What Habakkuk learned in all of this, is that God is in control whatever may be happening, and that each thing that occurs, has a purpose in God's plan, which will lead the most that will come to him, to him, and leave all else with no excuses, but that God is God, and what he does is righteous. And those that trust in him, can say as the prophet does here, That God is his strength, and in the end we shall walk with God --the high places, or as the song says, "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."  Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Hab 1:2–3:19 and  Rev 7–10
Tomorrow's reading will be: Zeph 1–3, Haggai 1:1–2:9

The Merciful God

Today's verse is Micah 7:18
     Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity,
    And passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?
    He retaineth not his anger for ever,
    Because he delighteth in mercy.

If God is Good, why is there evil in the world? If he is good should he not have gotten rid of it already? What is God doing about all the evil in the world today? Here we see a glimpse of the answer. Before God created the world, he knew how Adam would sin, and he knew the pain and heartache that would come of it. So before he ever established the Heaven and the Earth he made a plan to redeem as many as would come to him, while also showing all that His way is best. Let us therefore, Rejoice! and be glad that he has a plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, and all that believe that he died and rose again from the dead can be, even will be rescued from the penalty of sin, and in due time even from the pain of sin. Selah [Think about that.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Micah 7:18–20, Nah 1–3, Hab 1:1 and Rev 3–6
Monday's reading will be: Hab 1:2–3:19 and  Rev 7–10

God's Utopia

Today's verse is Micah 4:4
     But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree;
    And none shall make them afraid:
    For the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.

This is what God views as Utopia, that each of us has our own place, and that each of us is able to enjoy the fruit of our own labor. However, Consider, what is being taught today, is it not more along the lines we find in Proverbs 1: "Cast in thy lot among us;/Let us all have one purse:" Or as Karl Marks said: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Let us instead obey, "My son, walk not thou in the way with them;/Refrain thy foot from their path:" and remember Ananias and Sapphira, taking note that what they gave was theirs until they gave it. They were not obligated in any way to give as they did, but by love, which is their lie, instead they gave for prestige and vain honor. Let us not be beguiled in the same way. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Micah 2:1–7:17
Tomorrow's reading will be: Micah 7:18–20, Nah 1–3, Hab 1:1 and Rev 3–6

How to Respond to Chastening

Today's verse is Jonah 2:9
     But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving;
      I will pay that that I have vowed.
      Salvation is of the LORD

Here we see a surrender of Jonah, we see later that the surrender was not complete, but it was enough, that God released Jonah from his current state. It is therefore an example of what we can do when we find ourselves in the midst of being chastened. First we thank God for  all the things he has done for us, but even more than that we thank him for who he is. Faithful and true, merciful and righteous. Even in his severity, he is compassionate. Then we consider and do all of our commitments, whether we want to or not. And finally, but not of the least, we remember that our Salvation is of the Lord. It is not of our doing, but it is totally of him. It is by him we are able to do his will, and give him honor. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jonah 1:17–4:11, Micah 1 and Jude, Rev 1–2
Tomorrow's reading will be: Micah 2:1–7:17

God's Will will be Done

Today's verse is Jonah 1:14-16
     Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee.
     So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.
     Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows.

And so it was that when the Prophet disobeyed, that God's purpose and God's plan was still accomplished. For in his disobedience, those that he traveled with on the ship entered into a relationship with the one true God, such that when I enter into that holy city, I will find them there. But if Jonah, was anything such as I, as he was being cast into the sea, his inward thought was, "Now let me see you get me to Nineveh!" But with God, nothing is impossible, and to Nineveh did Jonah go, even if it was the hard way. Let us therefore, consider our way, and consider what we know God wishes for us to do. With Jonah, working against God, he did not receive reward for what happened with the Mariners, or in Nineveh, but with you if you willingly to that which God asks of you, you cannot imagine all that he has for you. Selah [Think about that!] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Obad, Jonah 1:1–16
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jonah 1:17–4:11, Micah 1 and Jude, Rev 1–2

Look to Yourselves

Today's verse is 2 John 8
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 

"Look to yourselves," or consider yourself, whether or not you are following Jesus Christ. Paul said that he does not accept another's judgment nor even does he judge himself besides, but later in that same book he tells us that if we judge not ourselves, we will be judged. So how do we reconcile these things? By determining right now whether we are currently filled of the Spirit, whether he is in control, or are we walking by our own strength. If the later, we will lose any rewards that might have been granted, but if the former, the riches will abound more and more. So then let us then "look to ourselves" and know whether we follow him by his strength, or our own. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott 

Taken from my daily reading plan: Amos 4:6–9:15 and 2 John, 3 John
Tomorrow's reading will be: Obad, Jonah 1:1–16

Perfect Love

Today's verse is I John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 

At one time, I considered that I did not need to fear God because he loved me, and his verse was my proof. However, consider, that perfect love does not sin, for as we are told elsewhere that love is the fulfillment of the law, and if we fulfill the law, what have we to fear. Also, however, fear of the Lord is not what is being spoken of here, for fear of God is pure and clean, and even gives comfort, but this fear as described here is full of pain and torment, for it is not born of love but of sin as well as often being the father of it. So let us rest in the love of God, and learn from him how to love others without fear; trusting in him for the strength to give, expecting no return. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joel 3, Amos 1:1–4:5 and 1 John 1–5
Monday's reading will be: Amos 4:6–9:15 and 2 John, 3 John

How to Escape Coming Judgment

Today's Verse is Joel 2:13
     And rend your heart, and not your garments,
      And turn unto the LORD your God:
      For he is gracious and merciful,
      Slow to anger, and of great kindness,
      And repenteth him of the evil.

Prior to the verse before this one Joel is describing a terrible coming judgment, even that same judgment that Jesus called the great tribulation. But here, we see the means to escape God's wrath. It is simple, but as much as it is simple, we have a hard time understanding it. We need just to turn to him, which will cause us to turn from our wicked ways. As it says here God is gracious and merciful, and has provided for us a way to be redeemed from our wicked ways through Jesus' death and resurrection. For by this, he, not us, has paid for our sins, and if we but accept this, all of our sins will be cast as far away from us as the east is from the west. Let us therefore, turn unto our God, Jesus Christ, and look to him for our deliverance. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joel 1:2–2:32
Tomorrow's reading will be: Joel 3, Amos 1:1–4:5 and 1 John 1–5

The Knowledge of God

Today's verse is Hosea 6:6
     For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice;
      And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Jesus in Matthew admonished the leaders of Israel to understand this verse, saying that they would, if they understood it, would not condemn the guiltless. To understand consider also its context, for Hosea starts this discourse with this statement:
Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel:
For the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land,
Because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
Notice that last "nor knowledge of God" the root of all of Israel's problems. Now look at what Peter tells us:
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.These things mentioned here are a sum of the diligent application of the word of God in our lives based upon our knowledge of whom Jesus Christ is. So to sum this all up, our God desires that we know him, and as we learn of him, we will learn to love him. And as we love him we will seek to please him, and thus be changed into an image of him, to his Honor and Glory. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Hos 4–14, Joel 1:1 and 2 Pet 1–3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Joel 1:2–2:32

The Resurrection

Today's verse is Daniel 12:2
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

We see here the promise and the threat that we all look for or fear. It is for this that we seek God's face, to do his will, and bring glory to him. For it is at these resurrections that we shall be rewarded for our deeds. To those that have received Jesus Christ, our rewards we be based upon those things done by the power of the spirit, all else will be burned up. However, to those that know not Jesus, their reward will be for all that they have done, receiving upon themselves the horrors of the second death, which will be endless suffering and no more than any of us deserve. Let us therefore, Look to him who suffered for us, and took our place that we might live.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Dan 10–12, Hos 1–3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Hos 4–14, Joel 1:1 and 2 Pet 1–3

Suffering With Christ

Today's verse is I Peter 4:12-13
     Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
     But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Today we live in a world in which sin reigns, because of this those that follow after Christ will be reviled, hated and despised, and not only that but also our own sins will make necessary the fiery furnace to burn away that sinful dross. But in all of this, our Saviour gives us opportunity to share in his sufferings, possibly even when we do not know how. And in sharing in his sufferings as Paul testified we can share also in his inheritance, being made joint heirs with him. So as we travel through the troubles and turmoils of this life, rejoice and look up to the King and remember what he as done for you and endure for one more day, and tomorrow do the same till his deliverance shall come. Amen
     
To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Dan 7-9 and I Peter 1-5
Tomorrow's reading will be: Dan 10–12, Hos 1–3

There Is an End

Today's verse is James 5:11
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. 

Not only is it that Job is to be considered, but consider also such as Nebuchadnezzar and his parting statement in scripture:
 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?  . . .  Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
So whatsoever it is that you might be facing, forget not that God is God over all the earth, turn to him, trust in him, give him all your concerns, and do as he commands, and in the end as he is glorified in you, he also will impart to you a small part of that glory, and small as it might be; it will be more than you can imagine. Selah [think about that.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott 

Taken from my daily reading plan: Dan 4:19–6:28 and James 3–5
Monday's reading will be: Dan 7-9 and I Peter 1-5

Our God is Worthy

Today's verse is Daniel 3:17-18
     If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
     But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up

 We see here the place we need to give our God. We see in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego the honor which belongs to God. In as much as they are able which such circumstances they do not deny the King his authority, but they place upon God the higher honor and refuse to worship any other but him. In this they accept the consequences of their actions, knowing that God is able to deliver, but also knowing that he might not, it is not their place to determine such a thing.
Now we know, for we know the whole story, that they were delivered, but we also know from later biblical testimony that others were not, but still they stood for their God, for our God is worthy. Let us therefore, consider him, the price he has paid for us, and serve no other.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Dan 1:8–4:18
Tomorrow's reading will be: Dan 4:19–6:28 and James 3–5

The City of God

Today's verse is Ezekiel 48:35
It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.

Today, there are those that cry out, "Where is God?" Not because they wish to find him, but because they do not want to be found by him.  However, there is coming a day when all will know how to find him, for he will dwell with his people, and his people with live with him. What a glorious day. Let us therefore, today, let others see him in us, who have been found of him and have recieved his gift, that other also may see that day with Joy.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 45:7–48:35, Dan 1:1–7 and James 1–2
Tomorrow's reading will be: Dan 1:8–4:18

A New Temple

Today's verse is Ezekiel 43:7
And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. 

We see here a new temple, and temple not yet built, and which will not be built till either just before, or just after Christ's triumphant return to Earth, in which he will reign. This temple we will not be able to corrupt by our sin, for God himself shall be there. Israel's sin is remembered in this verse, and will be an example of what not to do, but later a promise is made, that as we put away our sins, He shall dwell with us forever. We today have a similar promise, that if we place our trust in Christ, he will cleanse us of all sin, and dwell in us forever. Selah [think about that.] Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 42:1–45:6
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ezek 45:7–48:35, Dan 1:1–7 and James 1–2

Restoration

Today's verse is Ezekiel 39:25-26
     Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;
     After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.

In 1 Corinthians Paul declares a fear that he has: "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Thankfully, there is no record of Paul ever suffering such a fate, but that he wrote it, and it is scripture, we can be sure that there are those who qualify as castaways. It is those to whom I speak today. For today's passage directly deals with such, and give us (yes us, me included) hope. For as God did not and will not leave Israel forsaken, but will restore them in due time, so also will he restore all those that are his, though they be castaway, once again to himself. So let us not despair, but endure our chastisement, and have hope, for though we be castaway, as Israel is today, he still has not left us, nor will he forsake us, but will in due time restore his fallen to full fellowship and service. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 39:25–41:26 and Heb 12–13
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ezek 42:1–45:6

Promises Kept

Today's verse is Ezekiel 36:36
Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it. 

Do you  have a promise from God? All do, for God has promised the whole world that whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord [Jesus] shall be saved. But it goes beyond that for each of us has a purpose, and if we follow him there is a promise, or promises that he has given us for the fulfilling of that purpose. What God has said, He will do! Do not pay attention to how circumstance make all appear that it cannot happen, for he has said that faith is not based upon outward evidence, but upon his Word, and his Word is inviolate. That is to say, Can Not Be Changed, Can Not Be Broken! O, how great is our God, and Great is his faithfulness, and all that he does, he does so that all will know that He Is God. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 35:1–39:24 and Heb 10:19–11:40
Monday's reading will be:   Ezek 39:25–41:26 and Heb 12–13

A Safe Place

Today's verse is Ezekiel 34:27
And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and fthe earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.

The Lord God, also known as the Great Shepherd is speaking here of his sheep, those that he has gathered from among the nations; chiefly, those that are of the remnant of the Children of Israel, but those of us who have trusted Christ (the Great Shepherd) are also included. There is coming a time, which he will remove the wicked, and those that prey upon their neighbors, seeking whatever they can take, and cast them into hell, as seen in the previous chapters of Ezekiel.  This is what we are to look for, remembering that as Ezekiel was a watchman for Israel, so too are we watchmen to those that live around us; if we warn them, they are responsible for their actions, but if we warn them not, we will have to give an account. So let us therefore, look to that day of deliverance, inviting all that will listen to come with us. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 32–34
Tomorrow's reading will be:   Ezek 35:1–39:24 and Heb 10:19–11:40

The End of The Wicked

Today's verse is Ezekiel 28:19
All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more

And so shall be the mightiest that set their face against God.  This verse is that final statement against that wicked one known as the Devil, Satan or Lucifer. He set himself up against God, so God shall cast him down. But as with us, so with him. Our God is longsuffering with his creatures, and gives all of us opportunity to  repent, or the option to take more rope that we might hang by. The choice is fully ours, enabled though by His Spirit, so let us therefore, consider what we want, Grace or Judgment? As for me, I choose Grace. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 27–31 and Heb 8:1–10:18
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Ezek 32–34

What is God to You

Today's verse is Ezekiel 24:16
Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. 

What is God to you? In Luke, Jesus tells us: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."  We see an example of this here. Ezekiel by God's testimony loves and desires his wife. She is important to him, yet when God requires that he let her go, and not even morn her passing, he obeys. So that God can use it as an object lesson to Israel. Let us therefore, consider ourselves, are we as Ezekiel that nothing is as important to him as his relationship with God, or are we as Israel is here, that they think nothing of their relationship to God. Such is the contrast. So I ask again, "What is God to you?"

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 24:15–26:21
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ezek 27–31 and Heb 8:1–10:18

God Keeps His Promises

Today's verse is Hebrews 6:17-18
     Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
     That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Peter tells us that we have many great and precious promises from the Lord our God, Jesus Christ. The greatest is the precious promise of redemption through Jesus Christ by his death on the cross and his resurrection three days later, so that all who come to him will have their sins forgiven. But not only this, but once his he has promised never to leave nor forsake us. He has also promised to guide us and we make our way in this life, to fulfill the purpose he has given us that he might be glorified in us. Amen. Let us therefore, rejoice and set our faces toward him and do as he directs. For we will find him Faithful. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 20:1–24:14 and Heb 5:11–7:28
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ezek 24:15–26:21

Today

Today's verse is Ezekiel 12:25
For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

 Here we see an injunction to consider the expediency of what God reveals to  us. What God tells us, he tells us today, and it is today that we must respond. Whether we think what was told us was for today, or for sometime in tomorrow, we must act upon it today, and not delay, for tomorrow may very well be to late. We can know from God Word, and then from experience that what God says is what he will do. So once we have clear direction we must act, and not put off till tomorrow, what we know must be done. For while God is never early, he never delays, and what he does, he always does on time, so we must be ready for him when it is done. So, "To day if ye will hear his voice, /Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, /And as in the day of temptation in the wilderness" Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 12–19 and Heb 1:1–5:10
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ezek 20:1–24:14 and Heb 5:11–7:28

After The Fire

Today's verse is Ezekiel 11:19-20
     And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
     That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

When the Lord God judges, he is terrible and the judgments are at best harsh, but in the end when all is cleaned, there will be a remnant with which he has spared, those that have feared him still, even though all about them said that God is dead, or God does not see, or some such thing. But he does see, and he does deal, and only those that fear him shall escape his wrath. And once his wrath is over, we see in this text the result. We see a people being made whole, able by the power of God to do as he pleases, with whom God will dwell. So as we see the evil abound in our land, and in the world about us, let us remember Who God is, and that he does see, and he will react, and once he has he will restore his own. Amen.

To God be the glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezek 5–11
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ezek 12–19 and Heb 1:1–5:10

Wait On The Lord

Today's verse is Lamentations 3:25

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

In the midst of hunger, and despair, and at a time of the judgment of his nation, Jeremiah say that the Lord is good to his people that seek him. Such were hard to find in that day, but they were there, after all we have the testimony of three of them: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Whatever the conditions about us may be, if we seek the Lord God, and wait patiently for him, we will see his blessings by and by, even in this life, (according to his purpose,) but in the next everlasting Joy with no sorrow added at all. Let us therefore, seek him whatever may come our way. Rejoicing in the goodness of our God, whatever form it may take.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lam 2–5, Ezek 1–4 and Philem
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ezek 5–11

Never Forsaken

Today's verse is Jeremiah 51:5
     For Israel hath not been forsaken,
      Nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts;
      Though their land was filled with sin
      Against the Holy One of Israel.

Yesterday we looked at two things that needed to be avoided, but if we find ourselves in such a place, all hope is not lost. For we see here that through all of the judgment that Israel, and Judah has received, God still has not forsaken them. He still has his plans to restore them, and bring them home again, not just to their land, but to him. So take heart, If you know not Christ's forgiveness, take it to yourself, and make it yours by accepting what he has done for you. If you do know Jesus, trust in him to bring you home and turn back to him and in due time you shall see the full redemption of the Lord. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 51–52, Lam 1
Tomorrow's reading will be: Lam 2–5, Ezek 1–4 and Philem

The Dangers of Disobedience

Today's verse is Jeremiah 50:20
     In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD,
      The iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none;
      And the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found:
      For I will pardon them whom I reserve.

From this passage, and the context that it is in, there are two things everyone should hope to avoid. First, angering God, by forgetting him, by not giving him his due, by neglecting his Salvation, for because of all this, he will visit the consequence of our sins upon us. The other is being the one that God uses to, to discipline his own. For God will restore those that are his, but those that he used to teach them the error of their ways? He will utterly destroy. So whether God has given a command, or just a simple request, let us therefore, strive to do all that would please him, no matter the suffering he may ask of us, for the Joy that shall come will make the suffering seem light in comparison. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 45–50 and Titus 1–3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 51–52, Lam 1

A Reward To The Faithful

Today's verse is Jeremiah 39:17-18
     But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.
     For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.

Ededmelech, of whom this passage is speaking, aided Jeremiah when he was in the miry pit, rescuing him out of that pit, which angered many powerful people. Here we see God remembering this work of faith, and rewarding the doer of it.  And so we see here the principle that Jesus spoke of when he said that if someone just shares a glass of water to one that follows Jesus as his follower, that person will not go unrewarded. While that reward can take many forms, to receive the  best reward, we must be in the family of God, by trusting in the work Jesus Christ has done for us. So let us therefore not miss out, nor lose our reward as others have who obeyed not the Word of God, when they heard it. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 39–44 and 2 Tim 1–4
Monday's reading will be: Jer 45–50 and Titus 1–3

A Sign of The Times

Today's verse is Jeremiah 36:24
Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words. 

Here we see the hearts of those that to whom Jeremiah preached. There was no fear of God in them. They did not seek after God nor his ways. Theirs was the attitude that we see today: "God is Dead." And as then so today, judgment is near, but we as follower of Jesus Christ can take heart, for we look for our Savior to return first to claim his own before full judgment is visited. So take heart, be not afraid to stand for Jesus, for as God kept his promise to Jeremiah, so too will he keep his promise to you, to be with you alway, even unto death, and unto the end of the world, and know that whatever you may face, that Jesus Christ is worth it. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 36–38
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 39–44 and 2 Tim 1–4

Destroying the Old, To Build The New

Today's verse is Jeremiah 31:28
     And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them,
      To pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down,
      And to destroy, and to afflict;
      So will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

We have here a tried and true method which in some form we that have trusted Jesus Christ must endure. For when we come to Christ, we bring with us baggage that must be discarded and destroyed. Some of it is stripped off easily, but others must be rooted out, dug out which is a painful process, but still it must be done, but still trust in your God for he watches over you throughout all of this, lovingly measuring out what is necessary, keeping it within what you can bear. Then there shall come a day when all of the old will be torn away, and he then can start to build up and plant those thing in you which please him, and words cannot express the Joy that will follow. So then let us look up to him that loves us, who died for our sins, and know that when he comes again we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 30–35 and 1 Tim 1–6
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 36–38

Would God Call You, My Servant?

Today's verse is Jeremiah 27:6
And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

"My Servant" To be called this of God in scripture is a great honor, for such people as Moses, David, Jacob or Israel have been given this appellation. For the record, Abraham was given the title Friend of God, and as Christians we are called Friends and Brothers or Sisters of Christ. Here we see however, that Nebuchadnezzar is called of God, "My Servant." Uncircumcised, not knowing the ways of God, still he was called "my servant." We have seen however that all others that have this title are those who have a relationship with the almighty God, and so too Nebuchadnezzar, for if we read ahead in Daniel 4, we read of his conversion, by his own testimony. It was not an easy one, for our God needed to humble him, but still we shall see him in eternity with Abraham, Isaac, Israel, Moses, and David as well as all others who have believed God for his promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Where will you be found? In what are you trusting? Would God call you servant, friend or brother? If not do not delay, but trust in his promise of redemption through Jesus Christ today. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 25:15–29:32
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 30–35 and 1 Tim 1–6

Where Is God?

Today's verse is Jeremiah 23:23
Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? 

Where is God? What kind of Character does he have? Is he has asked here a God that takes an active role in his creation? Or is he a God that jump started what we call creation, and then left us to our own devices? There is a joke in which a scientist after much labor and investigation finds God, then God says, "Alright, now I will count to a million (years) and you hide."  This is not the God the bible describes!  The bible describes a God that is very much active in his creation. It describes a God that anyone who just opens their eyes to the truths about them can find. He is not hiding to any, and those that cannot find him, cannot because they do not wish to, and in due course even they will not be able to deny him any longer. Let us therefore rejoice, and consider his greatest work, when he suffer the death of the cross in our place, then rose up from the dead, that all who will, will be delivered from the curse of their sin and live forevermore with Him. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 21:1–25:14 and 2 Thess 1–3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 25:15–29:32

Our Calling

Today's verse is I Thessalonians 4:7
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

Today I read such passages as "The heart is deceitful above all things," and "know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke,"  and "behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:" and  "Then I said, I will not make mention of him, /Nor speak any more in his name." Know now that each had something very positive to say in context, and it can all be summed up by the above verse. When we accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour, we received this call to holiness, to turn from the uncleanness of sin and unrighteousness, to walk according to the power of the Holy Spirit given unto us, regardless of the troubles we might see about us that plague us often on a daily basis. Look to God, see him in his Glory, compare the heartache you have to the Cross, the death that Jesus suffered for you. I dare say that while your suffering may not be less, neither will it be greater than that what Jesus has done for you. It is said that all men have a price. No one has paid a higher price for us then Jesus Christ himself. Amen. Selah. [Think about that.]

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 15:10–20:18 and 1 Thess 1–5
Monday's reading will be: Jer 21:1–25:14 and 2 Thess 1–3

God is Still In Control

Today's verse is Jeremiah 14:9
Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. 

In this segment of scripture we see the tear down, pluck up, and destroy part of Jeremiah. Yet here we see a small ray of hope for the faithful. We see the plea, for which Jesus answers, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." So then as then, so now, when all about us we see what I can only hope is the fullness of wickedness of man (that is to say, that I hope it cannot get worse,) we that know God can trust that he is with us, and that he is in control. His will, will be done, and as promised his judgment will come upon the Earth. So look up, and know he is there watching over is own. He is not as a man astonied, and he is still able to save all that come to him through Jesus Christ.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 13:1–15:9
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 15:10–20:18 and 1 Thess 1–5

The Danger Of Our Own Way

Today's verse is Jeremiah 10:23-24
     O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself:
      It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
     O LORD, correct me, but with judgment;
      Not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

We have already seen in another place:
 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
      And lean not unto thine own understanding.
 In all thy ways acknowledge him,
      And he shall direct thy paths.
And so now we see why we are not to lean unto our own understanding. We could say that these two passages teach the same thing. We are not to trust our first impulse, on what we ought to do, but as the prophet requests here, we must ask for God's correction, for our God's direction in our lives. And if we ignore him, and he must respond in anger, what will we have left? Let us never forget who we are, and what he has done for us because of that. And for that reason alone trust in him and the direction that he has promised.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 8:4–12:17 and Col 3–4
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 13:1–15:9

Before You Were Born, God Chose You

Today's verse is Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 

While it is true, that there is a small number of which God has said this about: Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samson, Jeremiah, Cyrus, John the Baptist, Jesus, and Paul. (In order of appearance in scripture.) Samuel also may be included. It is true of all that will or have come to Jesus for salvation. Our God knows us, even before we are, and has already chosen for us a purpose. For he knows all that we will desire and what we will do, ever before we were. He has set forth for us, the way we should go, and has already considered the reward he has for us, when it is accomplished. If we like Jonah choose to rebel against his plan, It will still be accomplished, and maybe even greater, but what reward will we see? It is not Fate, nor is it Destiny, but it is God's purpose for you, and he has chosen wisely and has prepared you for it. As he has promised Jeremiah, so too will he be with you as you accomplish his will. Selah. [Think about this]

To God Be The Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jer 1:4–8:3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 8:4–12:17 and Col 3–4

The Treasure God Has Prepared For Us

Today's verse is Isaiah 64:4
     For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear,
      Neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee,
      What he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him

While this verse is primarily speaking of what God has prepared in heaven for those that have trusted in him, there is to some extent what will be seen even here is this life. Consider Job, who for his trial received double of what he had lost. And Solomon, who for his desire for wisdom that he may rule Israel well, was declared by scripture to be the richest King that ever lived. Silver and Gold being found in such abundance that they were as common as stones. Joseph as well was made to be ruler of all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. This may not always be the case, and if not then it will be seen more in abundance when we find ourselves ushered into his presence which by itself is the greatest treasure to be found anywhere. The key to all of this is not to be looking for the lesser treasures, but to expect that greater treasure and look for it in him and his redemption found in Jesus Christ our Lord.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 63:7–66:24, Jer 1:1–3 and Col 1–2
Tomorrow's reading will be: Jer 1:4–8:3

God Always Finishes HIs Work

Today's verse is Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 

Here is a glorious biblical principle: What God starts he finishes. This starts with our salvation, that once we have received Christ Jesus through belief in his payment of our sin by his death on the cross, and being confident of this by his resurrection, we shall see him in glory nothing failing. Likewise, if there is anything that he has started, any work he has had you begin, he will see it to completion, possibly even if you give it up. So don't! Look always to him, walk according to his guidance and what he has said, he will do. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 58:1–63:6 and Phil 1–4
Monday's reading will be: Isa 63:7–66:24, Jer 1:1–3 and Col 1–2

How To Not Need To Make Haste

Today's verse is Isaiah 52:12
     For ye shall not go out with haste,
      Nor go by flight:
      For the LORD will go before you;
      And the God of Israel will be your rereward.

While there is a time for many that do the will of God to make haste, and we have seen God's children flee (for sometimes God needs to set a fire under us, to get us to move,) if we are doing what our Savior wants of us, we will be where we need to be, when we need to be there. He will show us what our next step needs to be, and he will guard us from unneeded surprises. He will go before us to prepare the way, and he will go behind us to keep the enemy form sneaking up to surprise us. And he will be there to pick us up when we stumble. Let us therefore, resolve to follow him, and do what we know we must do today, and leave tomorrow to him. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 51–57
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 58:1–63:6 and Phil 1–4

Our Incomparable God

Today's verse is Isaiah 46:5
     To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal,
      And compare me, that we may be like?

How to convey the truth found here. God challenges us to find any (one or thing) that can compare to him, even to describing those who make idol to worship them, shewing for all to see the emptiness of such actions. There is none like to God! Nothing can match him. There is no comparison that can be made to his love, his compassion, his wrath and vengeful-ness, and none with the right or ability to do either without him. He is worthy to follow, and if we do not we are worthy of his wrath, as much as we try to deny it. So follow him, learn of his love, his compassion, and his mercy receiving the reward he has prepared for you, and avoid experiencing the full extent of all that we deserve through his wrath. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 46–50 and Eph 5–6
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 51–57

God Has Made You For A Purpose

Today's verse is Isaiah 44:2
     Thus saith the LORD that made thee,
      And formed thee from the womb, which will help thee;
      Fear not, O Jacob, my servant;
      And thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

We see here God speaking of when he chose Jacob; it was when God made him, and as God made Jacob, so too did he make you, and chose you for the purpose he has for you. The God of Heaven and Earth and all that therein is has specifically made you for the role he has set forth in you. The question is, will you be as Pharaoh receiving God's judgment as he delivers God's people from you? Or will you be as Cyrus; being the means by which God restores his people to the their land? The choice is fully yours; both men fulfilled their God given purpose, and both have received the reward for their choices: one to damnation, and the other to Glory. Which path do you choose?

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 44–45
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 46–50 and Eph 5–6

The Unsearchable God

Today's verse is Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

In the passages that I have read today, we find concepts that require thought and mediation to understand them. Consider such phrases as "the unsearchable riches of Christ" and "the manifold wisdom of God." In these phrases we are introduced to things that by searching them out in the scriptures, we could spend hours, days, months, yea, even years fully understanding each of them. It is all wonder, and marvel, but no surprise that we are told in Isaiah:

    But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings as eagles;
      They shall run, and not be weary;
      And they shall walk, and not faint.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 39–43 and Eph 3–4
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 44–45

Joy And Gladness

Today's verse is Isaiah 35:10
     And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
      And come to Zion with songs
      And everlasting joy upon their heads:
      They shall obtain joy and gladness,
      And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

 A glimpse of eternity with God, the curse that has plagued us is gone, and all that is good reigns through the Most High God, the creator of Heaven and Earth. Today, the curse placed upon Adam is so prevalent that this present world cannot function without it. The second law of thermodynamics, which I believe is the heart of the curse, if it where to be just done away with, nothing would work. God in his Wisdom has included the struggle that is the curse into the fabric of Creation, so that without it we fall down. Look at the butterfly, if it does not struggle as it comes out of its cocoon, it will not have the strength to fly. But not so in Eternity, all that causes us to sorrow, all that causes us pain, will be gone, done away with, replaced by God, so that all still works, and joy and gladness shall overflow the Earth. Talk about pie in the sky. So as you struggle today, Look to God, and know that he has something greater in mind for you that are ransomed in Christ Jesus. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 34–38 and Eph 1–2
Monday's reading will be: Isa 39–43 and Eph 3–4

Sure Guidance

Today's verse is Isaiah 30:21
     And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,
      This is the way, walk ye in it,
      When ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

We have heard of Fate, and of Destiny, but these things are as nothing to God's purpose for you, and he is interested in telling you what that purpose is, that you may choose to willingly fulfill it. We see here a promise to guide all of us in the way that is most pleasing to him that made us, that we might receive the reward that he has prepared for us, when his purpose is fulfilled in us. Our choice is not whether his purpose will be fulfilled, but whether we can receive the Joy he has prepared for us when it is. Let us therefore, as we learned yesterday have our mind stayed upon him, and surrender ourselves to the plan he has for us and walk in it, to his honor and glory, and if so, find that reward beyond our imaging.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 30:8–33:24
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 34–38 and Eph 1–2

Peace In The Midst Of Trouble

Today's verse is Isaiah 26:3-4
     Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
      Whose mind is stayed on thee:
      Because he trusteth in thee.
     Trust ye in the LORD for ever:
      For in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

If you read the surrounding text, even today's passages of Isaiah, such words of hope as quoted above are surrounded by despair and woe and heartache for those that do not know the Most High God. As we live our lives today we are faced with similar circumstances: troubles on every side often affecting us as well that we say we have not peace, so we say where is this promise, why do we not experience this perfect peace?  Look at Peter, and learn from his example. When he stepped out of the boat and his eyes were on Jesus, he walked on the water. He was at peace. However, when he saw the storm his mind was no longer stayed on Christ, but the storm, and thus peace was no longer his. Our God is the master of the storm, and therefore when the storm is raging pay it no heed, but look to him that controls the storm, seek his will, and he will bring you through it, according to his purpose. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 23:1–30:7 and Gal 4–6
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 30:8–33:24

Healing Through Wounding

Today's verse is Isaiah 19:22
     And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it:
      And they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

Healing, one would not normally think that by being struck, healing would take place. But what we are talking about is correction, and correction is often painful, especially when we do not wish to receive it. However, when we do receive it, pay heed to it and change our ways because of it, healing does take place.  We humans, are often a stubborn lot, and we make it so that in order to get our attention something drastic must be done, so comes the strike, and we are smitten, then once God has our attention we have the opportunity to respond. If we respond by fighting back, we shall be destroyed, but if we open our eyes and see the danger we were running in to, we can then be healed, for we are no longer heading for the pit that was ahead of us. So what is it then, is God trying to get your attention, if so turn to him, pay heed to his instruction, and He will deliver you out of your troubles. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 18–22
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 23:1–30:7 and Gal 4–6

Vain Labor

Today's verse is Isaiah 17:10-11
     Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation,
      And hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength,
      Therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants,
      And shalt set it with strange slips:
     In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow,
      And in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish:
      But the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.

In Haggai, he tells us of Israel, that because they did not do as God wished in building the temple, that their labor was in vain, earning wages to put them in a bag full of holes, thus losing them. Here we see the same principle, that because we have put God in last place, (something that is easy for us to do, sometimes not even realizing it) all that we do, brings no fruit.  The answer to this is to daily take stock, or inventory, placing him that loves us at the pentacle of our lives. Or as my Pastor taught yesterday morning, "Be consumed with God." For he is our salvation, and he is the source of our strength, and all that we do by his Spirit will never be in vain, but will always bear fruit to our account. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Isa 14–17 and  Gal 1–3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 18–22

Examine Yourselves

Today's verse is II Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?


For many reasons from scripture, I believe that once one has received that blessed gift of salvation, that it is impossible to lose it. However, we have here an important command: that we should examine the basis for why we are confident of our salvation, for it is easy to think oneself saved for the wrong reasons. I for one, before I received Christ trusted in that I was baptized, and did practice a wonder such I was one that said, "Have not I done such and such in your Name?" and he said, "I never knew you." So on that day in march of '86 I trusted in Jesus' Death for payment of my sin, and believed in my heart that now he is not dead, but has risen, and by this I know that shall live with him forevermore. Ever since, any time I deem myself worthy of hell, I know that I am, but Jesus paid my debt, and there is nothing else I can do outside of what Jesus has done for me to enter into Heaven. Selah [Think about that.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Isa 7:10–13:22 and 2 Cor 11–13
Monday's reading will be: Isa 14–17 and  Gal 1–3

Even In Judgment, Redemption Can Be Found

Today's verse is Isaiah 5:25
     Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people,
      And he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them:
      And the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets.
      For all this his anger is not turned away,
      But his hand is stretched out still.

We see here judgment. Judgment because Israel did not put God first, and not only that but sought out other Gods and served them, and honored them. If we examine ourselves as a nation, are we not doing the same thing. What is it that we lift up? What is it that we hold dear? And while some judgment has come, we have not seen it as judgment from on high; we can expect more. But notice that last line, the last refrain: "his hand is stretched out still." He, the God of Heaven and Earth, and all that in them is, still has his hand out, hoping that we will take it and be redeemed from our evil doings. Let us therefore, stand up, grab that hand, and declare his righteousness found by receiving that precious gift through Jesus Christ. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Isa 2:6–7:9
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 7:10–13:22 and 2 Cor 11–13

God's Veiw of Religion

Today's verse is Isaiah 1:13
     Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me;
      The new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with;
      It is iniquity, even the solemn meeting

We see here Religion: the attempt of man to appease God, by his own merits; this in our sinful state is impossible. For all of these things are as wickedness in the eyes of God. So then, how can a man be right with God, a question I believe Job asked, and also answered, but we will stay with Isaiah. Consider this: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:/ Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; /Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Our God, the God of Heaven and Earth, the Creator of all that is desires a relationship with us, and since we are unable to please him, he has made a way for us to come to him through Jesus Christ the Lord. It is by Jesus' death on the cross that cleanses us from sin, and it is by his resurrection that it is removed from us "as far as the east is from the west."  When we come to God by this whatever we do can then please him. Amen
     
To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Song 6:2–8:14, Isa 1:1–2:5 and 2 Cor 8–10
Tomorrow's reading will be: Isa 2:6–7:9

A Valuable Savior

Today's verse is Song of Solomon 3:4
     It was but a little that I passed from them,
      But I found him whom my soul loveth:
      I held him, and would not let him go,
      Until I had brought him into my mother’s house,
      And into the chamber of her that conceived me.

We have here a dual meaning, of the first, I have no knowledge so I shall not speak, but of the second: We have a Savior, who because of our ungodliness and unrighteousness can be hard to find, not because He does not present himself, but because we do not wish to see him. But once we find him we need to do as is described here and hold onto him never letting him go; presenting him to all that we hold dear, that they might know him as well.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Song 3:1–6:1
Tomorrow's reading will be: Song 6:2–8:14, Isa 1:1–2:5 and 2 Cor 8–10

He Leads Where He Asks Us To Follow

Today's verse is II Corinthians 5:15
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

It has been said that for a leader to be effective, that he must be willing to do as he commands of others. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has not only been willing, but has already done those things that he asks of us to do. He does not ask us to follow where he has not already been, but to follow where he has been, and even paved the way. With the difficulties we might see, though the way seems hard, he has already done it, he knows the pain he asks of us, and he always has a purpose for it. So not if, but when he asks, consider what he has already done for you, and keep your eyes upon his cross, endure the pain, and when his purpose is accomplished we shall be rewarded according to his Glory, and see great and mighty things that we know not of. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Eccles 9–12, Song 1–2 and 2 Cor 4–7
Tomorrow's reading will be: Song 3:1–6:1

Our Comfortor

Today's verse is II Corinthians 1:4
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

It is no question, but that we should see difficult times, yea even tribulation from time to time, but in such times we can be confident that our God is there. He is with us, carrying us, comforting us. One of the reasons we face these troubles is so that we will have the ability to share the comfort that we have received in these times with others as they also face their own difficulties. So take heart, and look for opportunities to share with others that same comfort you have been given. For we have a Great God and Loving, who will never leave nor forsake us. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Eccles 4–8 and 2 Cor 1–3
Monday's reading will be: Eccles 9–12, Song 1–2 and 2 Cor 4–7

God's Work

Today's verse is Ecclesiastes 3:14
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him

There is not a one of us born to this Earth, that God does not love, but he will not force that love upon us, to this end he invites us to come to him. So then, what is it that he is doing in your life, for we can be confident that he works for  all that are his. Many times he asks of us to do some small thing (even if it appears to be a great thing) to show our faith in what he said he would do. Rarer, but still possible is that we are to wait and watch, but regardless what our role is, it is God that is doing it. Consider the Children of Israel as they were to cross the river Jordan. The Priests had to dip their toes into the river before it would part. But Abraham was not to do any thing special, but to wait and look to God for the birth of his son Isaac. So what is God doing in your life, and what is the role he wants you to play, once you know, do it without delay, and God which loves you will reward you even more than you can imagine.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Eccles 2–3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Eccles 4–8 and 2 Cor 1–3

Vengeance Does Not Belong to Us

Today's verse is Proverbs 20:22
     Say not thou, I will recompense evil;
      But wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

 Of many things that we are prone to do, Vengeance is one of the strongest. But here we are commanded to abstain from it, Aye, even to refuse to do it. Why? Because we have a God that is able, and we have a God that has declared that all Vengeance belongs to him. Not to mention that if we steal from him, we must pay at least double. Now we have here a promise, that if we leave vengeance to him, he will deliver us from the trouble, he will save. If we wait on him, be patient with all longsuffering as we learn from Job, our God will not only save us from our troubles, but will richly rewards us for our troubles. Let us therefore, Look to him, do as he has commanded in his Word, leave our enemies to him, and see what he has prepared for us that trust in him. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Prov 9:13–31:31, Eccles 1 and 1 Cor 15–16
Tomorrow's reading will be: Eccles 2–3

God Watches

Today's verse is Proverbs 5:21
     For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
      And he pondereth all his goings.

The God that made all of the Heavens, and the Earth, and all that is in them, watches you and he watches me, taking an interest in what we are doing, and considers the way that we go. This thought is interjected as a stop gap, mentioned while considering why we would exercise ourselves in depravity. And while it could mean that he is out to 'get us,' I do not believe that is the reason it is here. Yes, it is part warning, but it is also declaring that even in our sin, That Great God cares for us, and considers our state. We even find out elsewhere that He has taken measures that we might have a way to come to him. So as you go about your way today, stop, and consider that God is lovingly watching you as a Father that loves even his wayward children, just waiting until that child will come back to his open arms. Selah. [Think about that] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Prov 4:1–9:12
Tomorrow's reading will be: Prov 9:13–31:31, Eccles 1 and 1 Cor 15–16

Our God Guides

Today's verse is Proverbs 3:5-6
     Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
      And lean not unto thine own understanding.
     In all thy ways acknowledge him,
      And he shall direct thy paths

If we understand nothing else outside of God's promise of salvation, we must understand this: That it is God we must trust, whether we understand or not, and it is him we must consider with all that we do, for if we do not acknowledge him is all of our ways, we will find ourselves upon the path described in Romans: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;" So that we have a choice: Trust in God, and in everything we do acknowledge what he would have us do, seek for what he would have us do, and if so he will guide us in all that we do. But if not then we be left to follow after our own lusts, to do those things that are so inconvenient, that others looking on cannot understand why we do such things (even though they do the same things.) Which path do you what?

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 150, Prov 1–3 and 1 Cor 13–14
Tomorrow's reading will be: Prov 4:1–9:12

Deliverance

Today's verse is Psalm 141:8
     But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord:
      In thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute

We see Lazarus who begged at the gate of the rich man, He was only comforted after death in the bosom of Abraham, but he was comforted. We see Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were willing to enter the furnace, whether they were to be delivered or not, and we see Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his Son. Each of these had their eyes upon God. Each of these trusted in the Lord. Each of these we can be sure cried unto God not to be left destitute. All of them had their request answered in the affirmative. As with Lazarus, not in the way he possibly had hoped, but all were lifted out of their trail, and God was Glorified. So what ever you may be facing, as the Psalmist proclaims so do. Look to God, place your trust in him, and he will not leave your soul destitute, according to his declared purpose. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 141–149 and 1 Cor 11:2–12:31  
Monday's reading will be: Ps 150, Prov 1–3 and 1 Cor 13–14

God Finishes His Work

Today's verse is Psalm 138:8
     The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me:
      Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever:
      Forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Earlier is the same Psalm we read these words: "For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." In the next Psalm we see that the God of Heaven and Earth, the God Most High, knows every detail about us, from the smallest to the greatest, from our greatest desires to our worst fears, from our greatest achievement to our worst, most horrible sin. For all of this, this God has made many precious promises, many are conditional, some are not, solely based upon God. The first condition for any is that we accept his free gift found in his Son. But if God has made you a promise, whether it is found in the pages of his Word, or given other wise it is sure, and it will be done, for our God always finishes what he starts, without fail. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 134–140
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 141–149 and 1 Cor 11:2–12:31

Willingly, or unwillingly

Today's verse is I Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

What is the purpose the Most High God, that knows all, knows what is best, even knows what would be good for you, has designed for you? We can see here that as Paul, so also can we expect, that God's purpose will be fulfilled in us. If we should do so willing, we cannot even image the scope of the reward, but if unwillingly, we have but to look at Jonah. Throughout his whole book, all that he did, even when he did that which God had asked of him, he did so unwillingly, and suffered for it, but throughout his actions God purpose was fulfilled and even greater. Wherever Jonah went, revival followed in those about him, but Jonah's cup was empty. So we have a choice, to do has God has asked, and receive the reward, or do as God has decreed and suffer the consequences.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 128–133 and 1 Cor 9:1–11:1
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 134–140

God Delievers According to His Word

Today's verse is Psalm 119:170
     Let my supplication come before thee:
      Deliver me according to thy word

All we that have trusted in Jesus Christ have the ability to discern what the will of our God is for us. Sometimes what he tells us seems so hard we deny it to ourselves, but once we surrender to it, we must admit to ourselves that we have always known what that will was. So whether we surrender early or late, we find that what God desires for us is beyond our ability; we must depend upon him for its fulfillment. Sometimes we must act, at others we must wait and watch him act, but in either case he will be the one that determines the outcome. So we must ask him to do as he has said that he would do. When we do, always at the right time he will deliver us that all might see his Work. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 119:161–127:5
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 128–133 and 1 Cor 9:1–11:1

God's Word is Sure

Today's Verse is Psalm 119:152
     Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old
      That thou hast founded them for ever

God's Word, a sure foundation upon which we can trust. It is more reliable than that which we can see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. Any of our experiences can deceive us, but God's Word will always give us perspective; a firm place to start a journey into the unknown. It will guide us in how to live, and not only that, but it will guide us into how to die, and what is worthy to die for. Some will say that there is nothing worth dying for, but they have no value on the life they are not willing to lose. But in God's Word we can see the value of the life God has given us, as well as the value of those around us, and as great as that value is, we find in God's Word we find something of even greater value: a fellowship, a relationship with the Creator, the most High God who loves us and valued us so much that died in our place, that we might live forever with him. Selah. [Think about that] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 119:97–160 and 1 Cor 6–8
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 119:161–127:5

Delights and Foundations

Today's verse is Psalm 119:92
     Unless thy law had been my delights,
      I should then have perished in mine affliction.

This is something that I can testify to: that when I delighted in God' Word, God direction, and the path he has set before me, the afflictions that beset be are as nothing, but when I turn aside from these things they overwhelm and become unbearable. Paul says "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." It is in this foundation that we must rest. He then says: "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;" So then we that have trusted Jesus Christ have a choice in what we use to build upon the foundation that God has provided for us; do we do it according to our own strength, by our own devises? If we do this, we will have nothing but the foundation, which is secure. But if we rest in our God, allow him to be our strength and allow his Spirit to work through us, all that is done will last, and we shall receive an eternal reward to present to our Lord. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 119:41–96 and 1 Cor 3–5
Monday's reading will be: Ps 119:97–160 and 1 Cor 6–8

Empty Idols

Today's verse is Psalm 115:8
     They that make them are like unto them;
      So is every one that trusteth in them

In our Culture, our idols are not often recognized as such, but if one pays attention they can be identified. Idols are empty, but those that worship them expect every thing from them, they place all of their hopes and dreams upon them. For some, they place all of their hopes upon an idea. An idea that at first glance might seem virtuous, but when examined closely is full of dead men's bones, empty and lifeless. Because of this, any that can bring a reason they attack and destroy with out mercy, so that they do not have to open their eyes and see their empty ways. Others, follow after some famous figure, taking note of all that they do, and emulating them in every way, never considering that those that they follow are just as much in need of comforting as they are. Idols come in all shapes and sizes, and all of them are empty and vain, with none of them leading one to find the one who loves them, died for them, and rose again from the dead that they might all have life eternal, if they but open their eyes and see.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 115:1–119:40
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 119:41–96 and 1 Cor 3–5

Of the Same Mind

Today's Verse is I Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Of the same mind, and of the same judgment, how is this to be achieved?  Are you to agree with me? Am I to drop all my opinions and agree with you? NO! Neither you nor I am the meter stick by which to judge what is right. We are not to measure ourselves by each other but by God's Word. We are to gauge what we do by comparing ourselves by Jesus Christ. If we do this then when we are both in agreement with Christ, we also will be of the same mind, and be able to come to the same conclusions (same judgment.) Let us therefore, study God Word, and do it. Challenge each other with what we find, and as we do that, we all will grow into the image of the Son. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 108–114 and  1 Cor 1–2
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 115:1–119:40

God is All Powerful, and He is Good

Today's verse is Psalm 103:8
     The LORD is merciful and gracious,
      Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

 It has been said, "That if God is all powerful, he cannot be good, and if he is good, he cannot be all powerful." This verse speaks to why that saying is wrong. Those that say such a thing forget to consider what good is, and part of God's definition of good is longsuffering, bearing the undesirable, that something greater might be obtained. As to all powerful, he is able to take his enemies best day and turn it on it head. The day that we rejected God, and killed him, when we put Jesus Christ on the cross, Satan rejoiced, but three days later, when Jesus rose again from the dead, he took that rejection, our rejection of him, and made it the basis for which he will receive us, if we will accept that as our payment for our sins, he will mark us paid in full. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 102–107
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 108–114 and  1 Cor 1–2

God hears, and Answers

Today's verse is Psalm 99:6
     Moses and Aaron among his priests,
      And Samuel among them that call upon his name;
      They called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

Is it that Moses, Aaron and Samuel are special, that God answered them? We do see that Moses and Samuel were set apart at birth. But James tells of Elijah, that he was a man of like passions that we have. The thing is, is that the only reason these men are special is that they trusted in the Lord God. When they heard God's Word, they responded with belief, and they acted upon it. We can see that each of them have stumbled, but even so they trusted in the Lord their God, and so God answered them. Let us therefore, take them as our example, for as God has done for them, so too is he willing to do for us. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 92–101 and Rom 14–16
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 102–107

Lost Sheep

Today's verse is Romans 11:12
Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 



 Here is a great mystery. As we see in the story of the 99 sheep left, for the one that was lost, so also we see a glimpse of God doing the same here. That he would seemly forsake that which he already has, that he might have the chance to gain back those that have left him. We see this with his Son, whom he forsook on the cross, that he might gain all that would come to him. We see as is described here, that he has allowed his people Israel to fall, that the gentiles, of which I am one, might find life eternal. And I have heard stories, of how his own has come upon great difficulties, that one person might be reached for the gospel.  If we should find ourselves, as one of the forsaken (seemly, for he has promised to never leave nor forsake us,) count it all joy and rejoice for he has not forgotten you, but we as we see a hint of here: "how much more their fulness?"  When we examine the scriptures we see great things God has for the future of the Jew. So too does he have for all of us who have been given the privilege of so suffering for our God. Something about "Joint heirs with Christ." Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Ps 85–91 and Rom 11–13
Monday's reading will be: Ps 92–101 and Rom 14–16

A Place of Refreshment

Today's Verse is Psalm 84:5-6
     Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee;
      In whose heart are the ways of them.
     Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well;
      The rain also filleth the pools

Until today, I always thought that Baca was a dry place or a desert. But today I learn (looked it up in a dictionary) that it means a place of tears. I have seen, I have experienced this joy. We have a God that watches over every one of our steps with loving care, and if we but look to him when we stumble, he is there to pick us up again, to place our feet in a firm place, and give us refreshing water, even if it comes from our own tears. Rest in him, rely not upon your own strength, which is as warm wax, but seek him out, for he has a plan that will make both him and even us shine if we but trust in him. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Ps 79–84
Tomorrow's reading will be: Ps 85–91 and Rom 11–13

God Will Deliver

Today's verse is Psalm 71:20
     Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles,
      Shalt quicken me again,
      And shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

 Whensoever we are in trouble, if trouble is overwhelming us, here is our hope. Our God promises to deliver all of his children from their troubles. As we see in Hebrews 11, some are delivered out of the trouble to shine forth as a testament of the power of God, others are delivered through the trouble, even by death, to be found in the presence of God. In each we can trust that he will direct us, to give some hint to what we should expect. Remember  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego when they gave answer to the King, whether God delivered them or no, they where willing to face the fire, for they feared God, more than the King. God delivered them, but others he did not. We find in Hebrews that the greater was not those that where delivered here, but those that endured even unto death. Our God will deliver us, he will raise us up again, always according to his purpose. Let us therefore, trust in the direction he has given us, do as he has commanded, rest in his redemption, and bring Glory to his name. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 70–78 and Rom 9–10
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Ps 79–84

God is Terrible!

Today's verse is Psalm 66:3
     Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works!
      Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

The carrot and the stick: This website is devoted to presenting the carrot, how God helps his own, strengthens them in the mist of trouble, and delivers them again and again out of the troubles that come their way, (often even of their own making), but today a glimpse of the stick. Our God, The God that made all that is, is not one to be crossed. What could have been a blessing he can make a curse, or turn it back around again. There is nothing that he cannot turn against you. Likewise, there is nothing he can't work together for good, to them that love him. Let us therefore, fear, for God is a God to be feared and he is out to get us, if we do not repent! (Back to the carrot.) He himself has provided the way to himself, by taking our place on the Cross. All of our sins are paid for in full, if we but receive him. If so he will lift us out of the pit we made for ourselves and place us on a firm foundation. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 64–69
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Ps 70–78 and Rom 9–10

What is the Source of Your Expectation

Today's verse is Psalm 62:5
     My soul, wait thou only upon God;
      For my expectation is from him.

We know that David a a youth was anointed to be King of Israel. However, David did not do anything for the sole purpose of obtaining this position. He did not try to overthrow the present King. We can even see that it was not by his design to gain an position in the court of the present King, nor was it by his design to gain a small army of followers. But these things happened. David kept his God, our God as the source of his expectations. He did not create his own. He did not look to others to fill the expectation that God as given him. While there are times we need to strive to make or do God's will for us, there a few that we are to let God do for us, and God alone, ourselves taking an almost spectator position. Paul puts it this way, "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." So what has God promised you? Do you have a role to accomplish it? If so do it, but if not (and even if so, still ) look to him for its fulfilment. Do not try to make it happen on your own.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ps 58–63 and Rom 7–8
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Ps 64–69