Enduring the Cross

Today's verse is Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 


Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, told us that we need to take up our Cross daily, and follow him. No cross by definition is easy to bear and is in some form or another painful. It also may be worse than any chastening we may need to receive; however, we have here Christ’s example, for while he endured the cross, he did so looking forward to the joy of a relationship with all of us who would and will receive this precious gift of salvation from our sins. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Numbers 3-5, Hebrews 12 
Tomorrow's reading will be: Numbers 6-7, Hebrews 13

Faith

Today's verse is Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 


Such an easy definition to remember, but one sometimes very hard to live. By this definition we can expect our God to ask us to expect things that by any standard the world would not call sane. In such times we must examine such beliefs by the Word of God, verify that it is indeed God that said such a thing would be. But, once that is done, and the thing be counted of God, then we can be confident that however things appear, what God said, is what will happen. Selah [Think about that.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Numbers 1-2,Psalm 64, Hebrews 11 
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Numbers 3-5, Hebrews 12

Evil Tidings

Today's verse is Psalm 112:7
     He shall not be afraid of evil tidings:
      His heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.


This is not a promise that evil tidings will not occur, but that when they do come, however horrid they might be, we shall not need to fear them, because our trust is in God. We know that God is in charge, and that whatever the tiding might be, he has his purpose, and that this is absolutely the best way for this purpose to be fulfilled. Let us therefore, seek the face of our God, when we hear whatever ill tidings the world might have to offer, and fix our hearts upon him, knowing that he will at worst, see us triumphant through it. Amen. 

To God be the Glory 
Scott 

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Leviticus 26-27,Psalm 112, Hebrews 10 
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Numbers 1-2,Psalm 64, Hebrews 11

What God Wants To Do

Today's Verse is Psalm 81:10
     I am the LORD thy God,
      Which brought thee out of the land of Egypt:
      Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

We see here the desire of our Heavenly Father, he is not one that wishes to curse, but to bless, and we see here that what he does for or to us, is based upon how we respond to him. If we seek him, and follow him, he will bless us in ways we cannot even imagine, but if we turn our backs upon him, complain of all our hardships, and blame him for all of our troubles, he will add to them as will be our just due. So what is your choice today? Do you choose him, who is worthy, or do you try to make your own way, only to land flat on your face, without him. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lev 24–25, Ps 81, Heb 9 
Tomorrow's reading will be: Leviticus 26-27,Psalm 112, Hebrews 10

A Completed Salvation

Today's verse is Hebrews 8:11
And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 

Herein is a part of the second greatest motivation for a child of God: That we should be made perfect in Christ, sinless through the completion of his gift of salvation. There is coming a day, when all that have received that precious gift of forgiveness of sin by the Cross of Christ, that they will be changed, and made whole, no longer plagued by the sins which cause them grief. John tells us that as we look for that day we will purify ourselves, as Christ is pure, in preparation for that day. Therefore, let us rejoice, and seek that day, for in that day our Salvation as promised will be completed. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lev 21–23, Heb 8
Monday's reading will be: Lev 24–25, Ps 81, Heb 9

A New Rest

Today's verse is Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

It was asked of me, how the sabbath could have been made redundant? How it is that the Cross could make the day of rest, commanded by God in the ten commandments, obsolete?  We find the answer here, and in chapter four. We now are to trust in the one who died for us, who now makes intercession for us, and not in any of our own works. As the writer of Hebrews says: "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." So are we to cease from our own works, but rather allow God to work through us, relying on him to accomplish his will through us, to his Glory. Selah. [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lev 19–20, Heb 7
Tomorrow's reading will be: Lev 21–23, Heb 8

No Labor for God is in Vain

Today's verse is Hebrew 6:10
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

We can be confident that our God keeps account of all of our works and actions, our turmoils and tribulations, and after he has dealt with our sins, (best if it be through Jesus Christ) then he will reward us for all that we have done in his name, and for his people, and this he does not take, nor make of it lightly, but will cherish each act highly, and place upon it value according to his riches. Let us therefore, continue to labour, and whether the task is small, such as a simple greeting, or great as Christ's example of the Cross, our God will reward all done according to his grace. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lev 15–18, Ps 31, Heb 6
Tomorrow's reading will be: Lev 19–20, Heb 7

The Nature of God's Compassion

Today's verse is Psalm 111:4
     He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered:
      The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

Our God has done many wonderful works, and is still doing them today, but none can compare to the work he has done on the Cross, showing the compassion which God has for all of us who have sinned. Whenever we are facing any difficultly, we can look to the Cross to see the love God has for us, and we can look to the Cross to determine if God will deliver us from that difficulty, or we can look to the Cross to see if God is worthy of us enduring that difficulty, as he delivers us through it. Let us therefore, refuse him not, but rather take heart, and know that we shall stand with him, when all is accomplished. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lev 12–14, Ps 111, Heb 5
Tomorrow's reading will be: Lev 15–18, Ps 31, Heb 6

God our Source in Time of Need

Today's verse is Hebrews 4:15-16
     For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
     Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

I was speaking to someone the other day that claimed that they could not pray for their own needs, for that would be selfish. (If I understood them correctly.) However, here we see that not only was that doctrine incorrect, but directly contradicts what is commanded here. For we are to boldly enter into God's presence, based not upon our own worth, but by the worth of the one who took our place, Jesus Christ. He knows us, he knows our weaknesses and our infirmities, which he overcame by his reliance upon God, his Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is also how we can overcome. And because he is without sin, we can also come boldly before him, even the throne of mercy, for in him we can find the grace to supply, whatever our need. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lev 8–11, Ps 110, Heb 4
Tomorrow's reading will be: Lev 12–14, Ps 111, Heb 5

God is Worthy of Our Confidence

Today's verse is Hebrews 3:14
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 

Consider also: "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:" and "For surely there is an end; /And thine expectation shall not be cut off." Once we have understood clearly a promise that the God of Heaven and Earth has made to us, Once God has made it obvious that he has started something: we can be sure that he will fulfill, that he will finish what he has started. If we hold to the promise, we shall reap all the blessings contained therein, but if we turn aside, God will still finish what he started, but we just might lose all that we might have gained. So let us do as this verse commands, and hold fast that promise till all that he said he would do: is done. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lev 4–7, Heb 3
Monday's reading will be: Lev 8–11, Ps 110, Heb 4

The Goodness of God

Today's verse is Psalm 27:13
     I had fainted, unless I had believed
      To see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

We see here a hope of seeing all, or even some of the good that God is, and has for us, in this life. If we look at Hebrews 11, the proclaimed hall of faith, we find many that did see this hope fulfilled, but we also see others that having received the promise, did not receive it, yet. But they were still faithful even unto death. Nevertheless, throughout scripture, every single follower of the promise has seen a least a small portion of God's goodness in this life, for some it was abundant, for others harder to find, but still they waited upon him and God's goodness sustained them. Let us therefore as commanded in the next verse, "Wait on the Lord" and in due course we shall see him glorified. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lev 1–3, Ps 27, Heb 2
Tomorrow's reading will be: Lev 4–7, Heb 3

Clear Guidance

Today's verse is Exodus 40:36-37
     And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:
     But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.

The Children of Israel had clear guidance from when they left Egypt until they arrived into the land of Canaan, of when they should travel, or when they should camp, and when traveling. of where they should go. We also have a promise of clear guidance, found in the pages of God's Word. In it we can find principles on what to wear, what to eat, who we should associate with, among with how we should escape the wages of sin, by trusting in Christ's death and resurrection. We also have promises like "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: /I will guide thee with mine eye." and "In all thy ways acknowledge him, /And he shall direct thy paths." Notice the reliance of the Word of God in these passages, but here we find a promise of guidance in things not directly covered by the Word. However, if it truly is God guiding you, as found in these passages, he will never guide you contrary to his Word. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Exod 38–40, Heb 1
Tomorrow's reading will be: Lev 1–3, Ps 27, Heb 2

Rejoice!

Today's verse is Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 

Paul does not say here, Rejoice in the Lord when all things are going well. He says Rejoice always, nor does he say this lightly, for he says this having suffered greatly for the cause of Christ. Whatever we may be experiencing, we can rejoice, for we serve a God that works all things, not just some things, but all things for good according to his purpose. Therefore, if you are his, and all things appear to be going wrong, or all things right, for that matter, know that God has not surrendered his throne, and the things that are happening are what needs to happen for the best outcome, for all involved. So therefore, Rejoice, do as God directs, and watch what he does, and be amazed at the goodness of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Exod 35–37, Ps 26, Phil 4
Tomorrow's reading will be: Exod 38–40, Heb 1

True Riches

Today's verse is Exodus 33:13
Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. 

The chosen people of God has rebelled, and God has declared his judgment, to send Israel into the land without him. This Moses and the people would none of, for if God was not with them, what good would the apparent blessings really be? So too should we also count the presence of God in our lives, and counting that as success, rather than so called riches of the world. For if we have God, we may be able to truly enjoy any of the riches he may give us, but if he is absent, truly what good are any of the vain riches we may acquire? One does not have to look hard to see that even those that seem to be rich by earthly standards are still lacking something important. So let us seek out God, who provides for all of his richly according to his purpose. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Exod 32–34, Phil 3
Tomorrow's reading will be: Exod 35–37, Ps 26, Phil 4

Our Talents

Today's verse is Exodus 28:3
And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. 

Here God is speaking of tailors and seamstresses, those that would be able to make the Priests garments. Later he makes a similar call to those that are smiths, and carpenters, some of them by name. We see here that God takes credit for the knowledge that they have in their professions and requests (even commands) that they use their talents for the work of God, to God's Glory. We all have some such talent, something that we are good at doing, even something that we have laboured in learning, all of this was given to us by God, whether we admit it our not, and we need to find some way to place it in God's service, for he is worthy. If we do this, he will not leave us unrewarded, for in due time we shall reap of all our labours. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott 

Taken from my daily reading plan: Exod 28–31, Phil 2
Monday's reading will be: Exod 32–34, Phil 3

The Value of the Gospel

Today's verse is Philippians 1:12
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

The things that have happened to Paul, whipped and imprisoned, not to mention all that he lists elsewhere, all were done that the gospel of Jesus Christ might be so much more broadcasted though out the known world. Such is the value and importance of the message we have, that Paul thought it of no consequence the perils and troubles and turmoil that he faced, if but one more should hear of that Great News, that Jesus Christ died for sinners, of which I, like Paul am among the chief. Let us therefore consider Paul's example and seek to emulate it, and hold the cross of Christ and its message of more value than anything we might suffer for it. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott 

Taken from my daily reading plan: Exod 25–27, Ps 90, Phil 1
Tomorrow's reading will be: Exod 28–31, Phil 2

Stand

Today's verse is Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

There will come upon us times that we must stand for the righteousness described in the pages of the Word of God, possibly even to stand alone. The evil can come in many guises, most often claiming the moral high ground, but denying the Most High God. So discover the armour God has provided for you in the following verses, and stand for what God says is right, and God will defend you, and will be glorified in you, and in the end, though it may not seem so today, God and all that stand with him shall be victorious. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Exod 22–24, Ps 109, Eph 6
Tomorrow's reading will be:  Exod 25–27, Ps 90, Phil 1

Folllowing Christ's Example

Today's verse is Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

As Christians we have two things that motivate us. The First is that Jesus Christ died upon the cross for us. And as he so loved us, so also should we love those that we interact with. Whether it be a one time encounter, or a life long relationship. Every one we met should have experienced at least a small taste of the love that Jesus Christ has for them. This will not be easy, nor is it meant to be easy, for as sons and daughters of Adam we fail to live up to the image of God. But as adopted Children of God, we are able to allow God to love them through us, relying upon him and his strength to do through us what we are not ourselves able. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Exod 19–21, Ps 33, Eph 5
Tomorrow's reading will be: Exod 22–24, Ps 109, Eph 6

Sealed

Today's verse is Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 

When we accept the gift of God, which he has provided through Jesus Christ his Son, he gives to us his Spirit to dwell with us and in us, and by this Spirit we are sealed into the family of God just as Noah was closed up into the ark. This seal is permanent, and not even God will, nor can, break it. This seal also has a date in which it can be opened, and a most glorious day that we be, for on that day we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is, and our redemption, started when Christ died on the cross, made sure when we accepted this gift, will be completed. Therefore, as we are admonished in this self-same verse, let us not grieve the Spirit of God, but rather obey his promptings, which will led us to a full and rich, and satisfying life. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott 

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Exod 16–18, Eph 4
Monday's reading will be:   Exod 19–21, Ps 33, Eph 5

Abundantly More. . .

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, 

Today in Exodus, I read of God fighting for the children of Israel, removing Pharaoh and his army because Israel did not know how to fight. Later these same people fought and won great battles, God fighting through them, teaching them that they must rely upon him. Much later still, with Jehoshaphat (twice, once with Ahab) and again in Elishah day, and again with Hezekiah, All of these knowing how to fight, reminding them and us, that it is he that we must rely on to fight our battles, whether we are to take part or not. And still I have not even begun to do justice with this verse. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Exod 13–15, Ps 114, Eph 3 
Monday's reading will be:  Exod 16–18, Eph 4