What Are You Willing To Do For The Lost?

Today's verse is Romans 9:3
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 

We know by the promise Jesus has given us, that he would never leave us nor forsake us, that it is not possible for Paul to be truly accursed from Christ. Yet this is the Level of the burden that Paul had for those that where descended from Israel. That he would pay any price including an eternity in hell, if the Jews would come to Christ. This is the price that Jesus has payed for each and every one of us that lives on this world. As a follower of Jesus Christ, is there anyone, or any group of people, that you would be willing to suffer any thing God asked of you, that they might know the Love of God through Jesus Christ? Such is but our reasonable service, for the One who has given all for us. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Kings 4, Proverbs 1-2, Psalm 43, Romans 9
Monday’s reading will be: Proverbs 3-5, Romans 10

When Dark Times Come

Today's Verse is Psalm 42:6
     O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee
      From the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.


There will be, without a doubt, days which the events about us, or even the lack of expected events with cause us to despair. The best thing to do at such times is to first consider the works God has done in his Word, then add to that the work you have seen him do in yours or as you have heard testified by others. In other words as David here has declared, Remember God, who he is, and what he has done. What he cannot do (lie, brake promises;) what he can do (just about anything else) and how much he loves you. (He gave his life for you and rose again that you might have life eternal.)  Think on these things and watch as he once again delivers us out of all of our distresses. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Kings 3, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 42, Romans 8
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Kings 4, Proverbs 1-2, Psalm 43, Romans 9

Again God's Word Fulfilled

Today's verse is I Kings 2:27
So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

God is a God that cannot lie, and anything he says, whether in judgment, or in mercy, he will not relent. But look, Solomon did not cast Abiathar out of the Priesthood, because of what Eli failed to do, but for Abiathar’s own transgression. Now, as this is good reason to fear God, there is still hope. For we have recently looked at David’s transgression, and the troubles he faced because of it, but still David was able to say, truly, that God delivered him out of all of his distresses. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Kings 2, I Chronicles 29, Romans 7
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Kings 3, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 42, Romans 8

From Experinence, Hope

Today's verse is I kings 1:29
And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, 

As mentioned from Romans yesterday, so we see an example in David today. When David hears of how Adonijah, his son, is trying to usurp Solomon’s place, though this is part of the discipline from God proclaimed by this same Nathan in this account, David remembers all that God has done for him, and so from experience, David has hope (assurance) that God will prevail once again. Which, as we see from the following account, he does. So whatever you may be facing, seek out the will of the Lord God in the matter, trust in him, do has he commands, or even just suggests, and he will deliver you even from this. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Kings 1, I Chronicles 26-28, Romans 6
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Kings 2, I Chronicles 29, Romans 7

Glorying in Triblulations

Today's verse is Romans 5:3-5
     And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
     And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
     And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

As Christians, or followers of Jesus Christ, we are not to try to avoid those times which are undesirable, but to glory in them. In others words, to relish them. For by them we learn of our God, and his power, even his love for us and those around us. These tribulations are there that we might grow in the knowledge of God. Thankfully we are not to seek them out, but as they come, give God thanks and look forward to how God will open your eyes in ways you never even dreamed was possible. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Chronicles 22-25, Psalm 78, Romans 5
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Kings 1, I Chronicles 26-28, Romans 6

Is There a Cost To Serving God?

Today's verse is I Chronicles 21:24
And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.

We see here a principle which has nothing to do with Salvation. For Salvation is free, Jesus Christ paid our price of admission into Heaven. But what the principle that we see here, is that our response, our service to him, whether it be as here, as a parents disciplining hand, or to his Goodness, our Worship, our Sacrifices need to cost us something. We are not to sacrifice that which belongeth to another, but we are to give out of our own. Even or especially if we think we cannot spare what we give. This is who our God is, and this is what he is worth. So, What are you prepared to give God today? and again Selah [think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 24, I Chronicles 21, Romans 4
Monday’s reading will be: I Chronicles 22-25, Psalm 78, Romans 5

Zeal Without Knowledge

Today's verse is 2 Samuel 21:2
And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

Here we see Saul, a man that did not know God, but seeking to please God without knowledge of him and his ways, doing those things that only put him in more trouble. Here we see Saul violating an oath, thinking that by doing so he would please his people, and maybe even the God of Israel. However, instead he, as all men are prone to do, Transgressed, and brought judgment down once again upon Israel. What can we learn from this? Zeal without knowledge will lead us into sin. We must know the one that took our place on the Cross. When we do this, and seek to follow him, trusting in his Word, he will guide us in all truth, and direct our steps that we might please him. Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 21-23, Psalm 18, Romans 3
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 24, I Chronicles 21, Romans 4

The Traits of a True Child of God

Today's verse is Romans 2:29
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Whether a man is called a Jew, or as God’s people are currently called a Christian, it is not the outward trappings that make him so. For many claim to be of God, presenting an outward appearance conformable to what they think God expects, not knowing God at all. But to be a true child of God, one must first know God, and seek to please him above all others, and this as we are told elsewhere cannot be done with out faith. That is to believe God, and take him at his Word, knowing not just the letter, but understanding what he meant, as well. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 18-20, Psalm 34, Romans 2
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 21-23, Psalm 18, Romans 3

Being Delievered Through Disipline

Today's verse is Psalm 3:8
     Salvation belongeth unto the LORD:
      Thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

In this Psalm we see that David, having had a life of following after God, of knowing his mercy, and his grace, even knowing that what is happening to him now, is out of judgment for what he has done; still trusts to come out triumphant, in the name of his God. And truly, such is our God, to all those that trust in him. In another place, we are told that God will not utterly cast down “the good man.”   Otherwise known as someone who wholly follows his God. So, if you are currently suffering hardship, whether as Job (not deserving) or as David (being disciplined,)  trust in God, and put your life in his hand, and he will deliver you through, and you shall see God’s Glory. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 15-17, Psalm 3, 63, Romans 1
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 18-20, Psalm 34, Romans 2

A Way For The Banished, To Be Restored

Today's verse is 2 Samuel 14:14
For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. 

Herein is an apt description of mankind: we live, we die. And the God of Heaven sees all of this, and he is a fair judge over both great and small. But here is the real thing, there is none that deserve his mercy, yet he has devised a way for those that are his, to be able to enjoy his presence. For except it be for what his Son, Jesus Christ, had done when he died upon the cross, raising up again of the third day, we all should have died, forever separated from the God of Heaven. But because of what Jesus has done, all who wish to, can come to God through him, never to be cast from his presence. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  2 Samuel 13-14, Acts 28
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 15-17, Psalm 3, 63, Romans 1

God's Anger, and God's Grace

Today's verse is 2 Samuel 12:24
And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. 

This story as shared earlier, has a central role, for Bath-sheba born David two other sons not mentioned here, and from other records Solomon appears to be  the youngest son of Bath-sheba. However, one of the other sons was named Nathan (who do you suppose he was named after.) Now Solomon was the Great Father of Joseph,  but it was through Nathan that Mary was born. This story tells both of how God hates sin, namely adultery and murder, but it also shows the amazing grace God gives to those that love him. So have you sinned, Repent, and turn back to God. There may be dire consequences, as it was with David, but even as God did here, He will make all work together for good. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  2 Samuel 11-12, I Chronicles 20, Psalm 51, 32, Acts 27
Monday’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 13-14, Acts 28

The Philistines Subdued

Today's verse is I Chronicles 18:1
Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines. 

As I mentioned yesterday, there was two things I wanted to bring forth for consideration, here is the other one. I believe that earlier I shared how Samson was to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. Now, God being true to his Word, fulfills that promise. For here David finishes what Samson started.  But because David did not utterly destroy them, they continue to be a thorn is Israel's, and later Judah’s side. But as we know today, the Philistines are no more. What we can take from this, is that when we have an opportunity to repent, we should repent fully, for what we leave in, will still cause us problems until it is dealt with, and out of our lives.  Selah. [Think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 9-10, I Chronicles 18-19, Psalm 89, Acts 26
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 11-12, I Chronicles 20, Psalm 51, 32, Acts 27

God Has a Plan For You

Today's verse is Psalm 132:11
     The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David;
      He will not turn from it;

God is truly Good. From today’s reading in 2 Samuel, there are two things that I wanted to comment on and He has made a way for one of them today, and the other tomorrow. As special as David is, as I read his account, I believe God has made him (for us) as an example of all of his followers. For David had his highs, and he had his lows, of which we can all relate. This verse is the linchpin of what I believe to be his greatest high, when God told him of his plans for him and his seed. I know, I (who am not anyone special) has had a similar experience, when I received a glimpse of  what my God has for me. Does God do this for all, I do not know, but what I do know, is that he has a plan for all, and the plan he has for you if you are his servant, as God’s plan for David and his seed, blew David away, if you were to know just a little of it, would do the same for you. Selah. [Think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 7-8,I Chronicles 17, Psalm 132, Acts 25
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 9-10, I Chronicles 18-19, Psalm 89, Acts 26

Dealing with Personal Sin

Today's verse is Acts 24:21
Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Paul recognizes here that his attempt to divide and cause a ruckus, was not for the best, and confesses his error before the Judge. As we can see Paul was not perfect, yet he is considered by many to be the greatest Christian to have ever lived. Yet he, himself, described himself as the chiefest of sinners. Such is as we are that follow Christ, for our salvation is not yet complete, and until that day of completion we have a Savior who still loves us and is ready to cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess it. Private sins, privately, and as Paul did here public sins publicly. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Chronicles 14-16, Acts 24
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 7-8,I Chronicles 17, Psalm 132, Acts 25

Clear Direction

Today's verse is Acts 23:11
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

Paul was to enter into a troubling time. As he was heading to this day, he received warning, and now as the day has come, he again receives God’s clear direction on what God intends to do. We may not have the Savior come to us to tell as what he intends, but we may be sure that one way or another, he will let us know what he is doing. Most of the time it will be through his Word, for by his Word he has already promised that he will be with us, and that our labor will not be in vain. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 6, I Chronicles 13, Psalm 69, Acts 23
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Chronicles 14-16, Acts 24

The House of God

Today's verse is Psalm 122:1
     I was glad when they said unto me,
      Let us go into the house of the LORD.

What is so special of going to the house of the Lord, is not God everywhere? And at the time of David, there was not yet a temple, but the tabernacle, and today, there is the church. In Exodus there is a promise that would apply to all in this which is: “This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.” Here is the promise that makes going to the house of the Lord such a pleasure. Notice a few things here, first is the word “congregation” which is the people of God. Then the next is the phrase: “where I will meet you.”  When God’s people meet together, God here has made a promise to meet with them, but not only this for the last is the phrase: “to speak there unto thee.” And here it get personal, for that word “thee” is singular, which means that God is speaking to an individual, a particular person. Which in this case is every one that is present in the “congregation.” Selah. [Think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 3-5, I Chronicles 12, Psalm 122, Acts 22
Monday’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 6, I Chronicles 13, Psalm 69, Acts 23

A Common Stubbling Stone

Today's Verse is Psalm 106,12-13
     Then believed they his words;
      They sang his praise.
     They soon forgat his works;
      They waited not for his counsel:

Here is a thing that as children of Adam we are all prone to do. We that have committed ourselves to follow God, the Creator, and his Redeemer, after accepting God’s Word, and receiving his promise, very shortly after seeing him work, we inconveniently forget what he has done, (or even because of the great thing he has done) turn from him do to our own thing. I know I have done this thing, Abraham can be seen to do so as well. Israel regularly did the same as they wandered in the wilderness. So guard against it, but when you stubble, (which we all do) quickly repent and seek his face, for he is gracious, and seek his direction and do as he has counseled. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Samuel 1-2, I Chronicles 11, Psalm 96,106, Acts 21
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 3-5, I Chronicles 12, Psalm 122, Acts 22

To Blame, Or to Seek Help

Today's verse is I Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 

Terrible news has come, and David’s men blamed David, because they needed someone to blame. But David remembered who was in charge, and who has everything in his hand, and who he could go to for help. Some like David’s men would blame whoever they could, including God, but David shows us the example we should follow. Instead of looking for someone to blame, David seeks God’s face, and asks God’s counsel, and in doing so, he not only recovers what was lost, but gains so much more. We can learn from this. If we in the face of sudden loss, should instead of finding someone to blame, look to the one who can help, we will discover that as we turn to the maker of the Heavens and the Earth that he will restore and make us whole. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 30-31, I Chronicles 10, Acts 20
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 1-2, I Chronicles 11, Psalm 96,106, Acts 21

God Will Protect His Purpose

Today's verse is I Samuel 29:6
Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not. 

We see here God protecting one of his own. David was where he should not be, and trapped into possibly doing what he should not do, going to war with the Philistines against Israel and Saul. So God moved the Lords of the Philistines to counsel and demand that David be not included in the battle, and they prevailed. So that David and his men were sent home. So as God protected David that day, so too he can and will protect us, moving the events around us to keep us from some greater transgression, but if we at all can, we should endeavor to avoid such times by keeping close to the one who has saved us. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 28-29, I Chronicles 9, Acts 19
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 30-31, I Chronicles 10, Acts 20

Winning Over, By Leting Go

Today's verse is Acts 18:8
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. 

After Paul gives up on the Jews, his brethren, He moves in with a man whose house is connected physically to the synagogue. So as God would have it, he still as contact with some of those that initially refused his message, then before we know it, Crispus, the chief ruler repents, and starts his journey with Christ. So even if you must leave off warning others of judgment to come, and the way of escape, do not give up hope for such to see the light. For as we see here, God has a way to reach even the hardest of hearts and lead them to repentance. So keep praying for them and follow God’s lead, and watch as he works to bring the light of the Gospel to all that will hear. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 26-27, I Chronicles 8, Acts 18
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 28-29, I Chronicles 9, Acts 19

The Assurance of the Resurrection

Today's verse is Acts 17:30-31
     And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
     Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

We see here, that God gives proof, that he will one day judge all the world, in that Christ was raised up from the dead. For if God was not to judge the world, what need would Jesus to have died, for he died that we all might escape the terrible consequence of that judgment. But if we repent, and turn to the one that died for us, we have assurance that when we are judged, it will not be our own work that God sees (for that would condemn us) but he will see the work of His Son through us, and in us, who have trusted in Jesus. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: I Samuel 25, I Chronicles 7, Acts 17
Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 26-27, I Chronicles 8, Acts 19