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