New Hope

Today's verse is Ephesians 2:12-13
     That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
     But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

The testimony of every Christian, but especially of those which are gentile, (not born of the nation of Israel.) All of us who have trusted Jesus Christ have been delivered from hopelessness to that blessed hope, of life, and life eternal, but not only that but life more abundantly. We see today the abundant news of gloom and doom, not of the end God as declared, but of an end made up by those that deny God, that they might gain the mastery of all about them. Once the end they predicted resembled the end we find in the bible, (an end they will bring upon themselves,) but now the end they predict, God says cannot happen. For he said that he would no longer bring about a flood (global) on the earth. However, what ever judgment comes, we who have trusted Jesus Christ have hope, for we know that he will deliver us, whether through or around, we shall be with him at the end. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Exod 10–12, Eph 2
Tomorrow's reading will be: Exod 13–15, Ps 114, Eph 3

All Things Are Used Of God For HIs Glory

Today's verse is Ephesians 1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 

We see here again that all things are known of God, and whether by happenstance or not, God is not only able, but he uses to further his purpose, and those of us who accept his gift through his Son, Jesus, are able to enjoy the benefits. But if not, we are like Pharaoh, of whom God said: "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." So here we have a contrast and a choice. Allow God to work in and through us and gain an inheritance of incalculable worth, or stand in his way and be crushed. I know what my choice is, what is yours? Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Exod 7–9, Ps 105, Eph 1
Tomorrow's reading will be: Exod 10–12, Eph 2

Who Am I? (or You?)

Today's verse is Exodus 6:30
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

For those of us that are shy, and think whom am I to speak to so and so about the wonderful works of God? As it was with Moses, so it is with you and I. It is not about us, but it is about that Great God that died for us, as well as for so and so. Nor is it our job to convince, for our job is but to testify what Jesus has done for us. Before I was saved, not only did I have this self same attitude, but those around me asked me that same question of me. But once I knew Jesus Christ, and he knew me, I found out that every one was watching me, and wonder of wonders, many were encouraged by what they saw. Jesus promised all that have received him that he would give to them his Spirit, and his Spirit would give them power and boldness to testify of him. Selah. [Think about that!] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Exod 4–6, Gal 6
Tomorrow's reading will be: Exod 7–9, Ps 105, Eph 1

Walking in the Spirit

Today's verse is Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 

Today, reading in Exodus, I saw in Moses, what is spoken of here. Moses, knowing that as the son of Pharaoh’s Daughter, that he actually was one of the children of Israel. We see him taking matters into his own hands and falls flat on his face. After he runs, and after a lot of time passes, he is then invited to try it God's Way. We can learn from this. For we are here also invited to do it God's way, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God. Allowing the Spirit not only to guide us but work through us. Let us not, therefore, be as Moses, trying to make God will happen by our own strength, but, rather, allow God to be God, do as he enables, and be marveled at what God can do. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Exod 1–3, Gal 5
Tomorrow's reading will be: Exod 4–6, Gal 6

Unintended consequences

Today's verse is Genesis 50:20
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

In this world today, Evil is present, and we all contribute to it, because we all have and continue to sin. For those of us who know Jesus Christ, it is diminished as we surrender to the workings of the Holy Spirit, but till his work is complete, and the corrupt is made incorruptible, we sin, and contribute to that evil. But fret not and trust in God, for God is the God of unintended consequence. For God is able to use all things to bring about the best end, and not only able, but willing and he does not rest until his purpose is fulfilled. So seek him, confess to him your faults, do as he commands, and lay at his feet the consequence, not only of your actions, but that of your neighbors, and watch and see what he does with it. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 49–50, Gal 4
Monday's reading will be: Exod 1–3, Gal 5

Guidance and Waiting

Today's verse is Psalm 25:5
     Lead me in thy truth, and teach me:
      For thou art the God of my salvation;
      On thee do I wait all the day.

Our God is a God of Love and Wisdom, and he knows the best way for us, a way that will display his Glory, and maximize our joy and happiness. A way that begins with our redemption which has been made sure by God through Jesus Christ, allowing us an eternity with that great God. Often times, God will only show us a small part of what he desires for us, at others he will revel a major outline of what he is doing. However, in both cases we often will have to wait, patiently even, to see these things come to pass, even as everything about us contradicts what he has shown us will be. So continue to trust in him, be obedient first to his sure Word the bible, and all that he has said will come to pass. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 47–48, Ps 25, Gal 3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 49–50, Gal 4

Comfort In Grief

Today's verse is Genesis 45:27-28
     And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:
     And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.

Israel grieved for Joseph for over 22 (13+ 7 + 2) years, while Ezekiel obeyed God when he was commanded not to morn. What is the difference? Consider this, Joseph was still alive, God's purpose for him, which had been revealed to Israel has not yet been completed. With Ezekiel, God's purpose for the passing of his wife was also revealed. So whether or not Israel remembered Joseph's dreams or not they were the means by which God's grace was manifested to Israel. So, while Israel's reality did not match the truth Israel had cause to grieve. So, if you are grieving, take comfort in God's Word, remembering that there is a time to grieve, and look for the comfort that God has for you. For it is there to be found if you look. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 45–46, Ps 108, Gal 2
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 47–48, Ps 25, Gal 3

Nature of God's Word

Today's verse is Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 

Galatians, a book whose theme is living and walking by faith, by the power of the spirit, and not by presenting to God our own righteousness, by a false and empty keeping of the law.  For the longest time, in Galatians, I did not see the Gospel (the Good News) defined, but here it is, plain as day for any that know what the Good News is. Our God's Word, the Bible, is a living thing, and our ability to understand it comes solely by his Spirit that dwells within us. So do not fret if you do not see or understand a passage, but keep and pay heed to those you do understand, and those you do not keep reading and studying, for when the time is right, God will open them up to you. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 43–44, Ps 24, Gal 1
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 45–46, Ps 108, Gal 2

Individual Treatment

Today's Verse is Mark 16:7
But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

As the messenger was commanded to go tell the good news, Peter was singled out, he was not to be excluded, but he was to informed. Our God knows where we are, and he knows what he has planed for us, and he knows what we need to accomplish that plan. For reasons that should be obvious to those that know the story Peter needed to have that special attention, to know that he was still included, and not cast out, so God gave him the care he needed. So too, as God dwelt with the Disciples, soon to be called Apostles, giving to each according to his need, so that each would be able to stand and testify of Christ, he does with us, that we also can do the same. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 41–42, Mark 16
Monday's reading will be: Gen 43–44, Ps 24, Gal 1

Jesus Takes Our Place

Today's verse is Mark 15:15
And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

Barabbas, or Bar - Son, Abba - Father, or son of the Father; of which Jesus being the true Son of the Father, was sent to Pilate to be crucified. This is who we are, we deny the True one, and the truth, and we turn to those who are false, making a similar claim, and we receive them instead. Yet, Jesus Christ takes the place of the deceiver, and suffers the deceivers fate, not only for him, but also for us who rejected him. And of this I still marvel, That God makes our rejection of him the basis for His Acceptance of us. Let us, therefore, turn unto him, accept his mercy, and grace, and do as he wishes. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 38–40, Mark 15
Monday's reading will be: Gen 41–42, Mark 16

A Sure Guide

Today's verse is Psalm 12:6
     The words of the LORD are pure words:
      As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
     Thou shalt keep them, O LORD,
      Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

If you read the whole of the Psalm, you will see uncertainty and oppression, even much of what is seen about us every day. But in the midst of all that uncertainty there is God's Word. In it we can find hope in dark times. A firm place, a solid foundation in the midst of uncertainty and confusion. It is in the pages of God's Word, the bible, that we can find truth and guidance when we do not have any idea of which way to go. Let us, therefore, go to it, Read it, heed it, and do as it commands, or even suggests, as if commanded. And by doing so, we shall find that we are in a sure place, filled with peace, no matter how dark it is about us. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 35–37, Ps 12, Mark 14
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 38–40, Mark 15

A Great God

Today's verse is Psalm 145:3
     Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
      And his greatness is unsearchable.

We truly have a great God. Today, I reread Jacob's encounter and reunion with his brother Esau. In the past, I had thought that Jacob's actions surrounding that encounter where not of faith, but now that I have had a similar experience (having full faith, in what God had told me, with no evidence of it in reality) Jacob I believe fully trusted in God, and reacted to the situation he faced based upon that trust. And God did not disappoint, nor will he disappoint when we place our trust in him. Let us therefore, as he commanded, Watch. Watch for him to fulfill all that he has said he would do. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

 
Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 32–34, Ps 145, Mark 13
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 35–37, Ps 12, Mark 14

God is Sufficient

Today's verse is Psalm 11:4
     The LORD is in his holy temple,
      The LORD’s throne is in heaven:
      His eyes behold,
      His eyelids try, the children of men.

The Psalmist here up to this verse is going back and forth, looking at God, and looking at his circumstance, and finds as we see in this verse that God is on his throne. For the past year, and more, as I looked forward, I saw no reason to hope. Today, looking forward I see only fear, but as I look behind me, of the last year, of the last two, and since I have received Jesus Christ as my Saviour, I find reason to hope, for as he had promised, he has been sufficient, and if he has been sufficient yesterday, he will be sufficient today, and he will be sufficient tomorrow. So whatever you may be facing, we can trust in God, for he tries us, that he might show himself to us, that we might learn of him. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 30–31, Ps 11, Mark 12
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 32–34, Ps 145, Mark 13

Never Forsaken

Today's verse is Genesis 28:15
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 

Here we see that God cannot be God and forsake the Jew, for he promised Jacob that he would never leave him until all that was said in the last couple of verses was accomplished. We have not yet seen the full fulfillment of all that was promised to Jacob, but we shall. Now as God promised Jacob, so too has he promised all that trust in Jesus Christ, that he would never leave us until all that he promised us has come to pass, and the core of these promises is that he would conform us into the image of his Son. Of which we can all testify has not yet been completely fulfilled. But it will be done, when Christ returns for his own. So rejoice, and that heart, and know that he is working in you to accomplish his purpose in you. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 28–29, Mark 11
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 30–31, Ps 11, Mark 12

God can Reach Anyone

Today's verse is Mark 10:27
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

When it comes to keeping of a promise, or to influence one to come to Christ, there is nothing that is beyond God's ability. For God knows the heart of every man, woman, or child, and he knows what it would take to get their attention. By other statements of scripture we can conclude that God will at least bring each person to a place where they are capable of choosing to receive that blessed gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ. So if there is someone you are burdened for, fail not to beg God on their behalf, for we know that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance, but neither will he force. So again, pray and see what God will do. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 26–27, Mark 10
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 28–29, Mark 11

A God That Hears

Today's verse is Psalm 4:1
     Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness:
      Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress;
      Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

When Rebecca wondered why she was having distress while carrying Esau and Jacob, not knowing that she was carrying twins, She sought her answer from the Lord God. When we are in distress, we have a God that we can go to for answers, and not only answers, but for a solution. Such is our God that he takes care for all that follow and serve him, even to the saving of their souls, and even more beyond--that which cannot even be imagined. Therefore, let us take our cares to him that loves us, and seek to follow his council, and so shall we be blessed. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 24–25, Ps 4, Mark 9
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 26–27, Mark 10

Promise Kept

Today's verse is Genesis 21:1
And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. 

A promise made, therefore a promise kept. God made a promise to Abraham that he would have a son, and when it was clear that Abram did not understand that it was to be Sarai that gave him the son, he became Abraham and God promised that Sarah, who was Sarai, would bare him that son. And as he has said, so it was done. Isaac is born. As God kept his promise to Abraham, and to Sarah, so too will he keep his promises to you and I. Starting with the promise of Salvation through Jesus Christ, but also all other promises made he will do. So if there is a promise yet unfilled, do not fret, nor give room for doubt, for as God has promised so will he do. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 21–23, Ps 107, Mark 8
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 24–25, Ps 4, Mark 9

God Knows His Own

Today's verse is Psalm 1:6

     For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous:
      But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

In another place it is said: "They go from strength to strength, /Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God." God takes note of those that are his, and he watches over them, taking care of them, providing for them that they might fulfill his purpose for them. He goes before them making the way that they should go, sure, even when they might stumble. Consider Abraham, after hearing that he should have a Son, he again stumbles, allowing Sarah to be taken by Abimelech, but God intervenes, and it is by Abraham, that Sarah has a son, even the one that was promised. If we be God's, purchased to him by the death of his Son, in every way of the word, he knows our way. Whether it be the way he desires for us, or the way we are prone to take, he knows it, and takes the necessary provisions to make them one and the same. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 19–20, Ps 1, Mark 7
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 21–23, Ps 107, Mark 8

Too Hard For God?

Today's verse is Genesis 18:14
Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. 

Something that we need on a daily basis to remember and to consider, "Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" When God first told Abram, now Abraham that he was to have a son, Sarai, now Sarah, knowing that she was barren, worked to make sure that what God had said was done. Sometimes that is what we need to do, and we can know these times by how God tells us what we ought to do, but in the case here, we see that it is not what Abraham was to do, nor Sarah, (outside of their marriage duty,) but it was what God was going to do. In such times we are not to pay attention to the circumstance about us, but what God has said he will do, and look for this thing, believing that the God that created Heaven and Earth will do as he said, and if a time frame has been given, when he said. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 16–18, Mark 6
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 19–20, Ps 1, Mark 7

The Way of Righteousness

Today's verse is Genesis 15:6
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Here we have the means by which a sinful man might be considered righteous in the eyes of a Holy God. That we take God at his Word and we believe his promises, starting with the promise of redemption through the Cross of Jesus Christ. When we do this, it is by this simple act that God removes and covers our sin, and starts his work in us to make us into an image of his Son. So if you have not yet done this, do not delay, but do so now. And if ye have, rest in him, and work out the new man his is creating in you. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 12–15, Ps 148, Mark 5
Monday's reading will be: Gen 16–18, Mark 6

Gaining Understanding

Today's verse is Mark 4:24-25
     And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.    
     For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Here is a secret to understanding the Bible: When you hear a passage with understanding, heed it. (Work it into your life.) The Bible is a book with which understanding can only be had if God himself opens our eyes, and minds to its meaning. Without remembering my own experiences, I once thought that certain passages anyone could understand, but even such open and clear verses can be obscured, by our unwillingness to know what God wants of us. So as you read the bible as I believe Spurgeon said, "It is not what I do not understand of the Bible that concerns me, but its what I do understand," or something like that, let us so do. Pay heed to those things that you do understand, and as you do this and study those things you do not, God will open your eyes and understanding more and more. However, if you refuse what you already have, ye may lose even that.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 9–11, Mark 4
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 12–15, Ps 148, Mark 5

The Shut Door

Today's verse is Genesis 7:16
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

Today, we are looking at how the Lord shut Noah and his family, and all those that he brought in to the Ark in. Once God shut him in no one in the Ark could leave, they were all secure in the Ark, safe from the direct result of God Wraith upon the wickedness of mankind. Sure, they experienced some turbulence, but the Ark was secure, as was all of their Salvation from the flood, so too are we, who have trusted in Christ Jesus, we are secure in him, for he is the Door, and once in him, we can not leave, but unlike Noah, who could not invite others in after the door was shut, we still can. So let us therefore, both trust in the one who has saved us, and tell those about us the Good News, about how in Jesus Christ there is Life. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Gen 6–8, Ps 104, Mark 3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Gen 9–11, Mark 4

Pleasing Thoughts

Today's verse is Psalm 19:14
     Let the words of my mouth,
      And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,
      O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Here is the thing, our words and our thoughts matter. They are the core of make us who we are, and from them our actions are determined. Therefore, we need to allow this prayer to be a regular one in our lives, and we need to allow our God to fulfill it. Notice whom the psalmist relies on. It is not himself, but rather on the Lord, by whom not only the psalmist but we ourselves also may have the strength to do as God himself wishes, and it is by the Lord God that we have redemption. So let us guard our thoughts and conform them to what would be pleasing to God, and from them allow our words and actions proceed. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Gen 1–2, Ps 19, Mark 1 and Gen 3–5, Mark 2
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Gen 6–8, Ps 104, Mark 3