When All is Lost, Remember God's Promises

Today's verse is Psalm 56:12
     Thy vows are upon me, O God:
      I will render praises unto thee.

Consider first, how things were looking to David: He was running from Saul the king of Israel, and he was captured by the Philistines in Gath, his enemies. He had every reason to fear for his life. Yet, he remembers the promise, or promises that God has made him. What are these vows, (promises)? At this moment, I can think of one. God through Samuel, told David that he was to be the next King of Israel. Would God allow this statement to fail, at the time of this Psalm, David had no evidence that this would be fulfilled, but still he by this passage, still trusted that God would do as he has said. What has God promised you? Will you trust him to do as he said, regardless of how things currently appear? God as we know, fulfilled his promises to David, to date. (There are still elements of his promises, that we have yet to see, for their time has not yet come,) But as he has been faithful to David, you can trust him to be faithful to you. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  I Samuel 20, I Chronicles 4, Psalm 56, 57, 142, Acts 14
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 21-22, I Chronicles 5, Psalm 52, Acts 15

An Example Of Grace

Today's verse is I Chronicles 3:1-2
    Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:
    The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:

When David sinned and committed adultery with Bashshua (or as she is most known as, Bathsheba) Nathan the prophet pronounced judgment upon David, and three of these four sons of David, were affected. However, the second, Daniel, the son of Abigail, it should be noted escaped the consequences of David’s sin. There are, I believe, at least a couple of reasons for this. First, his name, Daniel: it has been said of Daniel, the Statesman Prophet, the writer of the book of Daniel, through he confesses to be a sinner, no sin in scripture is ever attributed to him, making him like Joseph a type of Christ. So for this reason this Daniel is spared. Now, Second, he is the son of Abigail, a woman of wisdom, who it would appear taught her son well. Therefore, he was not caught up in any of the machinations, of which, his brothers were guilty. Selah [think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  I Samuel 18-19, I Chronicles 3, Psalm 59, Acts 13
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 20, I Chronicles 4, Psalm 56, 57, 142, Acts 14

What Cause?

Today's verse is I Samuel 17:29
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 

“Is there not a cause?” This is a thing that is not widely understood today. The matter of giving oneself wholly over to a cause bigger than oneself, for which one is willing and able to sacrifice all, for that cause. Today, in the movies, Family is placed above any other cause, but Jesus has declared that there is a greater, for which it is best if we appear to hate our family, compared to our devotion to serving the one that made Heaven and Earth. So what is your cause, and for this cause are you willing to give it your all? Selah [think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 17, I Chronicles 2, Acts 12
Monday’s reading will be: I Samuel 18-19, I Chronicles 3, Psalm 59, Acts 13

Is God "your" God?

Today's verse is I Samuel 15:15
And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 

Take note of Saul’s confession “the Lord thy God.” There have been times past that when I was talking to others of God, that they would take offense when I recognized God as “my God,” which by the way he is, because for some reason thy seemed to understand that I was excluding them. As in God was my God and not theirs. This was not my intent, but by their own confession, still was true. So who is God to you, is he as Saul was confessing here the God of someone else, or is he “your” God. Saul apparently did not have a personal relationship with God, but he recognized that Samuel did. So to again ask the question, are you as Saul seeing God afar off, or as Samuel, knowing God personally. If you are as Saul, know that God wants you to know him as Samuel does, and is patently wait for you to come to him, which can be done through Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  I Samuel 15-16, I Chronicles 1, Psalm 39, Acts 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 17, I Chronicles 2, Acts 12

God Is Able To Reach All That Seek Him

Today's verse is Acts 10:2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

A question that is oft asked is answered here in the following account, and in the first couple chapters of Romans. That is: If redemption is only through belief in Jesus Christ and his work on the cross, what about all of those who have never heard of Jesus Christ? In this case God directs one that seeks him, to seek out and bring to him one that can tell him what he needs to do. This he does, and when he hears what he needs to know, immediately, all that hear, obviously believing (for God knows each man’s heart) each receive the promised gift of the Spirit of God. So, let us that know Jesus Christ be diligent to share with all we can the Name and Work of him that has saved us. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 14, Psalm 124, Acts 10
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 15-16, I Chronicles 1, Psalm 39, Acts 11

God Does Not Forsake His Own

Today's verse is I Samuel 12:22
For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. 

Does all seem bleak, nothing seem to go right, everything turning out wrong? Yet you know that Jesus Christ died for you and you know through him you have life eternal, but you have turned from him to go your own way refusing to do as he has commanded. Yet know this, as he has promised he has not forsaken you, any more than he has forsaken his people Israel. For as he has chosen them, he has chosen you, and he is with you still, pleading with you to repent, to turn to him from your wickedness.  If you should do this, he will restore you and bring you out of the darkness into the light, and set you onto a straight path, and make all things new again, as the day you first received him as your Savior. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott.

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 14, Psalm 124, Acts 10

Where To Go When Lost

Today's verse is I Samuel 9:6
And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. 

When we are lost, and do not know the way we ought to go, Saul’s servant gives us wise counsel. Seek counsel of God, first though his Word, then by prayer, sometimes by godly men, or women.  If you seek direction from God he will provide it, so that there can be but little question as to what he wants you to do. Now, when you seek God’s direction, do not forget to be patient, and do not get ahead of God, but neither should you fall behind, (we are prone to do either) but take each step as he shows it to you. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 9-10, Acts 8
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9

How Preverse We Can Be

Today's verse is I Samuel 8:5
And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 

And such is the perverseness of men, this statement is much like the young man’s statement to his parents on why he is leaving home: “I am tired of all of your rules, so I am joining the army.”  “Right out of the frying pan, and into the fire.” This is who we are, prone to forsake God, and do that which is not convenient. But God, knows us and he did something for us, which is celebrated today, Good Friday. The redeemer took the place of the guilty, and paid in full the price the guilty owed. So on this day, rejoice and reflect upon the price Jesus paid, that we might have life, and life more abundantly. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 6-8, Acts 7
Monday’s reading will be: I Samuel 9-10, Acts 8

And again...There is an End

Today's verse is I Samuel 3:12
In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

Another truth that cannot be mentioned too often. Whether in judgment or any other work God does. What he begins. . . He finishes. He never leaves a thing undone, incomplete or unfinished. What has God started in your life? As said by Paul, “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:” So whatever you are hoping for, from God, keep watching, and stay faithful, for he will do it. Now to those that are as Eli, God has shown that he can turn a curse into a blessing, therefore repent, and turn back to God, and see what he can do for those that trust him. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 3-5, Psalm 23, Acts 6
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 6-8, Acts 7

God answers prayer

Today's verse is I Samuel 1:27
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, and all that in them is, hears all of our prayers. There may be reason he must deny them, such as when we regard iniquity  in our hearts. But when we come to him humbly, recognizing his Supremacy, even our whims would be his delight to answer. Hannah’s prayer was not a simple whim though, but a heart felt grievance which she brought to the Lord God the Master, and he heard her, and granted her her request. Is there a issue you have that you know must be resolved? Bring it before God, and as Hannah had done, put it in God’s hand, and just watch what God does with it. (Consider the Ministry of Samuel.) Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 1-2, Psalm 120, Acts 5 
Tomorrows reading will be: I Samuel 3-5, Psalm 23, Acts 6

Fret Not

Today's verse is Psalm 37:1-2
     Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
      Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
     For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
      And wither as the green herb.


To fret, or to have your mind consumed with a thing. So we are advised, even commanded not to concern ourselves with those that work evil, and revel in their iniquities. For as it says in this passage, they will come into their own, and reap as they have sown. As I consider this, it is easier said then done, for the wicked are all about us, and appear to be having their way, but God is still on his throne and has already determined their end. However, consider this, Jesus Christ died for sinners. All of them, so let’s give them over to Christ, and as we are able, tell them of what Jesus has done for them. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ruth 3-4, Psalm 37, Acts 4
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 1-2, Psalm 120, Acts 5

A Full Reward

Today's verse is Ruth 2:12
The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. 

Boaz, was not speaking to Ruth of her labours in his field (though that may be included) but of the care and compassion that she gave Naomi, her mother in law. It was also obvious that Ruth was placing her trust in the God of Israel. For all of this Boaz spoke of a truth, when we place our trust in the Most High God, he will not leave us empty, but will according to our Faith, richly bless us, according to his riches in Heaven, and on Earth. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ruth 1-2, Acts 3 
Tomorrow’s reading will be:  Ruth 3-4, Psalm 37, Acts 4

God's Foundational Promise to Mankind

Today's verse is Acts 2:39
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call

The most central of all of the promises made by God is: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” And in the verse above declares to whom it is to, which is to be interpreted as, every one that would, not only of Israel, but of the whole world. Jesus Christ came to redeem sinners by his death, proving that he can do this by raising up again from the dead. So that anyone, and everyone that believes and accepts this gift will be forgiven of all of their sins, full payment having been made by Jesus Christ. Amen. 

To God be the Glory 
Scott 

Taken from my daily reading plan: Judges 19-21, Acts 2 
Monday’s reading will be:  Ruth 1-2, Acts 3

This Too Can Be Yours!

Today's verse is Psalm 21:2
     Thou hast given him his heart’s desire,
      And hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.

This 21st psalm, based upon its content, was most likely written near the end of David life. For we know of David’s troubles and turmoils, and nearly every chapter we read of David, he is in one trouble or another, many times of his own making. Yet this is his summary of his life that God has given him his heart’s desire even those things that David has asked of God. We may think of David as something special, and so he was. But so are we who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, and if we wholly follow the Lord our God, so too can we be able to say what David said here. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Judges 17-18, Psalm 21, Acts 1 
Tomorrow’s reading will be:  Judges 19-21, Acts 2

God Finishes What He Begins

Today's verse is Judges 13:5
For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no rasor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

We see here that Samson, the strongest man to ever live, was the beginning of the end for the Philistines, and indeed he was. However, what God begins he finishes: “For surely there is an end;/ And thine expectation shall not be cut off.” So what God began with Samson, though it is not overtly stated David finished. For from Solomon on I do not remember any mention of the Philistines again. So if God has begun something with you, be sure that he will finish it at the appointed time. Therefore, let us not faint, but trust him to do what is best, and we shall see his Glory in the end. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Judges 12-16,Psalm 146, Luke 24
Tomorrow’s reading will be:  Judges 17-18, Psalm 21, Acts 1

Who is Barabbas?

Today's verse is Luke 23:18-19
     And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
     (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) 

This thought cannot be repeated too often, that Christ Jesus died in the place of sinners. For consider Barabbas, pretending to be the messiah, was a false prophet, and in his conceit committed murder, as we would consider it, one of the worst sins. Yet he was released being guilty, and the only innocent one was crucified in his place. We do not hear of Barabbas after this, the bible does not mention whether he ever completed his redemption, by receiving Christ as Savior, but as he is representing all of us who have, I think it would be a shame if he did not, but the thing is; this way he also represents all those who have not accepted this gift of Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Judges 9-11, Psalm 17, Luke 23
Tomorrow’s reading will be:   Judges 12-16, Psalm 146, Luke 24

The Danger of Success

Today's verse is Judges 8:27
And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. 

Success! A thing that we all seek, but something we must also be wary of. For when we obtain it, as fallen men we are want to give credit where it is not due. Here Gideon makes an ephod of the gold captured from Midian, and this ephod was idolized by the people of Israel as a relic. Our God does not honor relics, for they divert our attention from him who is worthy to something else. Our focus must be on God, and on him alone. So has God done something in your life. Great give God the Glory, remember his work, but do not get hung up on it, for God is God, not something that he has made. Worship the Creator, not the created. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Judges 7-8, Luke 22 
Tomorrow’s reading will be:  Judges 9-11, Psalm 17, Luke 23

And Agian, Watch

Today's verse is Luke 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

It is with out a doubt, that today we live in wicked times, where those that hate God and those that follow him, flourish. In such times what is it we must do? Herein do we find our answer: Watch and pray! For God will deliver, and the wicked will be brought down. Will we be found with them? Not if we hold fast to his Word, and do not compromise with their wicked ways. So be patient (that is to wait on him to act at the proper time,) keep doing good as found in his Word whatever the consequence, and he will deliver all that are his as he brings his judgment upon the evildoers in due course. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Judges 4-6, Luke 21 
Monday’s reading will be:  Judges 7-8, Luke 22

Following the Wrong Path

Today's verse is Judges 2:2-3
     And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
     Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. 

A word of warning, and a sad truth, that we often bring our troubles upon ourselves. Israel failed to obey God in driving out the inhabitants of the land of Canaanites, but instead set them to tribute, thereby making a league with them; a thing God commanded them not to do. In the punishment we also see how Israel was subjected to what is today known as peer pressure; the desire we have to fit in, to not make waves, and to be accepted of those we live and work with, drawing us away from doing that which is right to follow after false gods. Let us therefore, beware of following down that same path, but seek to be accepted of God, rather than accepted by men, for anytime we wish to be accepted of any other than God, we will be snared by their fallen mores. For even the best of us, “come short of the glory of God.”

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Judges 1-3, Psalm 16, Luke 20 
Tomorrow’s reading will be:  Judges 4-6, Luke 21

The Death of the Righteous

Today's verse is Psalm 116:15
     Precious in the sight of the LORD
      Is the death of his saints.

Herein lies a mystery, the passing of a righteous man, (or woman) is a pleasing thing to the Most Holy God. Yet, also we find in Ezekiel, that he hates the death of the wicked. How is this? To understand this we must consider it with an eternal perspective. For when a righteous man dies, what happens to him? The same question of the wicked? A man considered righteous by God (only thorough the blood of the lamb) will enter into Glory to forever live in the presence of God, but, contrary-wise the wicked never having truly known God, will end up in the lake of fire, forgotten by God, suffering eternally as they relish in their sins. This is how God sees it, so this is why God takes pleasure when one of his comes home to him. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joshua 22-24, Psalm 116, Luke 19 
Tomorrow’s reading will be:  Judges 1-3, Psalm 16, Luke 20

The Reward For Following Jesus

Today's verse is Luke 18:29-30
     And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,
     Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

What has following Jesus Christ cost you, anything, nothing? If nothing, one can be sure that he is not following Christ. However, if there is something you have had to forsake, you can be sure that it is nothing compared to the riches you will receive, possibly even in this life, but if not, what can compare to the life everlasting, that is gained through Jesus Christ, and the relationship that is gained with him. Personally, the greatest reward I have found, is that relationship that I have with my Savior, and my God. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joshua 18-21, Psalm 15, Luke 18 
Tomorrow’s reading will be:  Joshua 22-24, Psalm 116, Luke 19

How to Have Great Faith

Today's verse is Luke 17:5-6
     And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
     And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 

This bears repeating, the size of one’s faith does not matter, but what is the object of your faith. For faith is only as good as its object. However, if you read the following four verses, you will discover the attitude one should have when asking something of God. For he is not our servant, that he should do our every bidding, but we are his, and when we pray, we need to pray in accordance to his will, and as we do that, Oh! The great things we shall see done, to his Honor and Glory. And the more amazing thing is, is that he will not forget us, but will reward us as we do his will. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joshua 14-17, Luke 17
Tomorrow’s reading will be:  Joshua 18-21, Psalm 15, Luke 18