Hearing God Speak

Today's verse is Psalm 85:8
     I will hear what God the LORD will speak:
      For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints:
      But let them not turn again to folly.

In reading from John today, about the man that was born blind, this verse seemed to sum up well the point that Jesus was making. Every day we have a choice, will we hear what God has to say, and not only hear, but will we do has he had said, treating his wish as command, or will we turn again to folly. Some say, because he has not spoken to me as he did to Samuel as a young child, he has not spoken. But time and again, Jesus lifted up Moses and the prophets, the scriptures, which now include the New Testament, and we ignore them at our Peril. Today we have the entirety of God’s Word, which we can read as often as we want. We can meditate on it; we can study it, and as we understand it we can do it. In his Word, God has spoken to you, Will you hear? Will you do? Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 25-27, Psalm 85, John 9
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 28-30, John 10

Truth and Freedom

Today's verse is John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

Many that do not know God, nor wish to know God claim that we deceive ourselves, that we are afraid of the truth. Yet this verse, this promise compels us to seek out the truth where ever it might led us. We know that we have nothing to fear from the truth, for we know that the truth will led us to Jesus Christ, who is Truth. All others lie, we even lie to ourselves, nevertheless to others, but as we seek Jesus Christ he will cleanse our hearts, and enable us to know, then speak the truth to others. So do not be afraid to investigate, for as Jesus said, “the truth shall make you free.” Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 22-24, Psalm 134, John 8
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 25-27, Psalm 85, John 9

You Can Trust God!

Today's verse is Psalm 84:12
     O LORD of hosts,
      Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Herein is the core truth: That God can be trusted! Whatever it is that you may be facing, the biggest heartache, overwhelming sorrow, or abundance beyond belief, you can come to God and trust him, and he will deliver you and sustain you. He will walk with you, even carry you through your greatest troubles, and he will rejoice with you as you experience your greatest joys. He will correct you when you are wrong, and he will give you honor as you obey his Word. And if you ever have cause to doubt that God can be trusted, here is the proof, and the touch stone: Jesus Christ and the Father, Loved you so much, That when he died upon the Cross he took your place, and to prove that he could do this, He rose up from the dead, and lives forever more. Selah [Think about this.] Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 19-21, Psalm 84, John 7
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 22-24, Psalm 134, John 8

How To Eat The Bread of Life

Today's verse is John 6:51
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 

Here is a passage, and its following explanation, that is often misunderstood. The key to understanding it is from a following verse: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” From this we can understand that the passage can be understood as a metaphor. Now, we also know that Jesus Christ is literally the Word of God, so if we mix the symbology , we can understand the truth Jesus is teaching us. Consider, that Jesus testified when he was tempted, that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God; therefore, we can understand that by reading God’s written Word, we are indeed eating the flesh of Jesus Christ. But not just reading, but believing and heeding, for it is only by God’s Word that we know that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification. So Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 16-18, John 6
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 19-21, Psalm 84, John 7

All Shall Be Resurrected!

Today's verse is John 5:28-29
     Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
     And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

There are many beliefs about what happens to those that die. Some believe that when we die, we come back to bear the burden, or the blessings we have earned in this life; others claim that once we die, we cease to exist, with all sorts of theories in between. But here is the final Word, spoken by the Word himself. None that die cease to exit, but all are reserved, and all will once again rise again to face judgment for what they have done. Those that are good, (there are none good, Yet Jesus can redeem) will be raised to live with Christ forever, and those that were evil (which by God’s standard, all qualify) will be raised to suffer for all eternity. So will you try to stand by your own merits and be condemned, or will you allow another to take your place, and receive from him life eternal, and the ability to stand with him in the presence of the Holy One. Yours is the choice, but it is truly a limited time offer, so choose wisely: Today. Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 13-15, Psalm 136, John 5
Monday’s reading will be: Ezekiel 16-18, John 6

The Satisfaction Of Doing God's Will

Today's verse is John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

While Jesus did not come as an example, but to live Holy, and die in the place of sinners; but as he lived Holy, this still serves as an example unto us. Job had said that the Word of God was more important to him than his necessary food. Jesus follows this with doing the Will of God has a sustaining power all of its own. While I am not going to pretend that I fully understand this principle, coupled with what I read in Ezekiel today, there is an importance of not delaying once one knows what they are to do in the service of God. There is a time to wait, and there is a time to do. You wait when the path is not clear, but once the path becomes clear, you act immediately, with no hesitation. So consider the direction that God has given you, First from his Word, then from other sources, always tested by his Word, then do it without delay, then you shall find satisfaction. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 10-12, Psalm 83, John 4
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 13-15, Psalm 136, John 5

"Cimate Change" or God's Judgment

Today's verse is Ezekiel 9:9
Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not.

Today, we have those that say, “We have but ten, maybe up to twelve years before we (the human race) destroy the Earth by our mismanagement, or poor stewardship of it.” Indeed, time very well might be short, and we might be responsible, but our poor stewardship, while a factor, is the least of the reasons that God will judge the Earth and those that are in it. Notice the last couple of phrases in this verse. “The Lord hath forsaken the earth, and the Lord seeth not.” Today, the common refrain is “God is Dead” and it is for this reason that destruction will come, not for how we have managed the earth, but because we have turned our backs upon God himself, even forgotten him. But, here is the solution, repent (turn back to God) seek his forgiveness through Jesus Christ who died for us, and rose again, and by doing this you shall escape this judgment to come, either by delaying it (if enough repent) or not being here when it starts. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 7-9, John 3
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 10-12, Psalm 83, John 4

God's Remnant

Today's verse is Ezekiel 5:3
Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.

Herein, in this verse, we find a very important principle: That God will always have his remnant. No matter how dire the judgment, no matter how severe the plague, the God that created all that is will spare his chosen few to survive, that they might declare the Glory of God. This remnant will be chosen from those that have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and trust in him, that his plan is best. While it may seem to be part of the remnant is the most desirable, those that are not chosen, but still trust in God’s faithfulness, shall have their reward waiting for them as they see God face to face. So, whatever you may be facing, trust in God, and the path he has set for you, and if so be you are part of the remnant, which in the history of God’s dealing with man, all who trust in Him are: Rejoice, in his mercy, and praise the Name of the Most High. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 4-6, Psalm 82, John 2
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 7-9, John 3

How To Have The Hand of God Upon You

Today's verse is Ezekiel 1:3
The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him.

“. . . and the hand of the Lord was there upon him.” This saying in the world of men is considered a rare thing, but it is only rare, because the hearts of men are hard, and unwilling to listen and obey God’s Word. Throughout the Bible, we see men with the hand of God upon them, and this one thing they had in common. They all sought to obey the Word of God when they received it. Today, we all have access to God’s Word. It is found in the pages of the Holy Bible, and is available to all that will read what has been written with an open heart. If we should do this, God himself will give us understanding and through his Word will show us the way we ought to go, and as we set upon that path, the hand of the Lord shall be upon us. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 1-3, John 1
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 4-6, Psalm 82, John 2

Why The Day Of Judgement is Delayed

Today's verse is 2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 

From the vilest of sinners, to the most noble of men, all are set to destruction. For outside of Jesus Christ and his redemption; God sees no difference. But, yet as Jeremiah was declaring the destruction of Babylon, he acknowledged that God had wished to spare it, if only it (they) would have repented. So too, you and me, whether you accept his gift of redemption or not, Jesus Christ died in your place, that your sin is paid for, that you yourself should not see Hell, but live forever with him in splendor in Heaven. But the choice is yours, and yours alone. In my case, the choice as been made, and my redemption is secure in Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jeremiah 50-51, 2 Peter 3
Monday’s reading will be: Ezekiel 1-3, John 1

The Righteous Will be Delivered

Today's verse is 2 Peter 2:9
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 

In order of desirability: The blessings of God, the trials of the righteous for the Kingdom of God’s sake, the discipline of the child of God, and the judgment of the sinner; none of them can be compared to any of the others, for as harsh as the second might be to the first, and in some ways seem even worse than the third (only if the manifestation of God’s grace is not considered) nothing comes even near what the unbridled wrath that God will pour upon those that reject him. It is for the sake of the righteous, and to spare as many as possible, that God has set aside a time for that wrath, for when that wrath comes, as we see in Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, all are affected by God’s wrath. But even so, He is able to separate the righteous from the ungodly, and as promised here, will deliver the righteous out of the judgment. So if you are facing a troublesome time, turn to the one that loves you, trust the one that died for you, for as surely as he has risen from the dead, He will deliver you from this as well. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jeremiah 47,48, 49, Psalm 80, 2 Peter 2
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Jeremiah 50-51, 2 Peter 3

The Most Secure Foundation

Today's verse is 2 Peter 1:19
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 

Today, men place great faith in the scientific method, and the processes that can be repeated, and observed, and verified. They trust in the things they can see and hear: in the things that they can experience. Yet there is something that is more sure than all of these things, more sure than any experience, which can shed light upon any lie, and make available the truth to any that are willing to listen. What is this thing you may ask? It is none other then the written Word of God, known as the Holy Bible. What we have written in its pages tells the story of how God has reached out to the sons and daughter of Adam, who continuously seek to avoid the God of Heaven and Earth, but God still reaches out and provides them, us, a way to return to him, and receive from him riches beyond imagination, if we but seek him. This is what is available to all that will open it pages, and seek to understand it message, and obey its promises. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jeremiah 43, 44, 46, 2 Peter 1
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Jeremiah 47,48, 49, Psalm 80, 2 Peter 2

Running From Your Fear

Today's verse is Jeremiah 42:19-20
     The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have admonished you this day.
     For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.

Here is a picture of the human condition, we dissemble, we lie even to ourselves, and we fain an interest in doing that which God wants us to do. So we ask, and we seek, and because God is gracious he tells us what he wants us to do. Just as he did here for those that were left after the final sacking of Jerusalem. So they asked Jeremiah what they ought to do, and even after Jeremiah warned them, told them the why of what they were about to do, because they did not fear God above all, and because they did not trust God, they chose to run from their fear, and instead of the blessing God promised them, that which they feared came upon them. So we also have the same choice: Fear God, and trust him, possibly, even probably endure some hardship, but in the end receive a great blessing, or turn your back upon him, run from your fear, only for it to catch you and destroy you. What will you choose? As for me, by God’s grace, I will chose God and the blessing. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Obadiah, Jeremiah 40-42, Psalm 147, 1 Peter 5
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Jeremiah 43, 44, 46, 2 Peter 1

The Suffering of the Godly

Today's verse is 1 Peter 4:19
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

We. Do. Not. Like. To. Suffer! Yet because of sin, and the curse because of sin, suffering in this world abides. Consider Jesus Christ, the only man to live a perfect, sinless life. Yet he suffered. He did it for you and me, who have transgressed, and not only transgressed but turned against him, rejected him even, and inflicted upon him all the grief and pain that we ourselves wish to escape. We who have turned from our wicked ways, and seen what he has done for us, and accepted that most wonderful of gifts, have also been given an opportunity to share in the suffering that he has endured, that others might also learn of him. So, if you have been given this blessing (for a blessing it is,)  remember Jesus Christ and what he has done for you. Rebel not in it, but seek his face, and know he has you, and he will carry you through, and continue to live for him, and allow him to work his work through you, keeping your eye upon the joy to follow. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Lamentations, Psalm 137, 1 Peter 4
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Obadiah, Jeremiah 40-42, Psalm 147, 1 Peter 5

The Sowing of Tears

Today's verse is Psalm 126:5-6
     They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
     He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
      Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

The pains and struggles we as Christians face are never in vain, and whether we know it or not, all of them are used by our God to testify of him to those that are around us, whether they be Saved or Lost, whether we speak or remain silent. The Holy Spirit of God, working in them through us, that the God of Heaven and Earth might be glorified by us. Because of this, we shall reap a harvest of Joy that we cannot even imagine, all to the Praise and Honor to our God. Let us, therefore, fear not to weep, not necessarily for our own cares, but for those that are affected by our testimony, that we hope to see redeemed as a result of the sacrifices we have been asked to make for their sake, as our Savior has willingly sacrificed himself for us. Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: 2 Kings 24-25, 2 Chronicles 36, Psalm 126, 1 Peter 3
Monday’s reading will be: Lamentations, Psalm 137, 1 Peter 4

The Precious Milk of the Word

Today's verse is 1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 

Milk, designed by God to be the perfect nourishment for the new-born. However, today, when these babies are often given substitutes, many grow to have allergies, and are unable to drink or eat such things that are supposed to be blessings of God.    Let us therefore take heed, and forsake not to take in that precious Word of God that he has provided, that we might grow in Christ, and as we grow in him, we will be able to handle and understand so much more of his Word. Be careful of substitutes that say they are easier to understand, for just as substitute milk may cause the child to develop allergies, so substitute word, can stunt the growth of the believer. Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jeremiah 38, 39, 52, 1 Peter 2
Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Kings 24-25, 2 Chronicles 36, Psalm 126, 1 Peter 3

Being Remade

Today's verse is Jeremiah 32:27
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? 

If you compare 1 Peter 1, with today’s reading  in Jeremiah you will find several parallels, between Israel, and the new testament believer. Though one must remember that the Church is not Israel, and Israel is not the Church. Yet we must all be remade into the image of the Son. Even the most vile of sinners, such as the world says there can be no hope for them, even they, if they turn to Jesus Christ can be remade and made whole. This process, though we hate to admit it is not always a pleasant one (God giveth his grace) but a difficult one. Yet the end is so much different from the beginning that we must be reminded that “Nothing is too hard for God.” And again, What God starts, He finishes. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jeremiah 30-33, 1 Peter 1
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Jeremiah 38, 39, 52, 1 Peter 2

The Result of Righteous Prayer

Today's verse is James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

How is a man made righteous in the eyes of an Holy God? at the beginning of this verse we see that it is assumed (correctly) that we all have faults, imperfections, even things that would make us abhorrent to a Righteous God. But God sent us his Son, that by him we should have life in him, and by him we are able to come before God, the Father, and make our petitions known to him, and if we know not what we should be praying for, his Spirit will pray for us, in our stead. So pray, knowing that the will of God will be worked in you, thorough you and around you, that God, himself, will be magnified to you and those around you. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jeremiah 37, 21, 34, Psalm 79, James 5
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Jeremiah 30-31, 1 Peter 1

The God That Wishes To Be Close To You

Today's verse is James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

Whenever you cannot find God, it is never because he does not wish to be found; it is because you really, really to not wish him around. Yet he is there, seeking you out, often minimizing the bad (in this world of the curse by sin, the bad will be there) and giving the good, that you might have cause to give him thanks. And if you do indeed turn to him, and seek him out, He will be found of you, and as you draw closer to him, he will enfold you into his arms, and work in you to bring you even closer to him. Such is our God, and such is his desire for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jeremiah 27, 28, 29, 24, James 4
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Jeremiah 37, 21, 34, Psalm 79, James 5

The Correct Reponse to Sorrow

Today's verse is Jeremiah 45:5
And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.

Baruch, was living in the time of judgment, when all of the then known world was being swept up into the kingdom of Babylon, and Baruch sought to escape from all of it. But this is not the way. We do have an example of someone in that day achieving greatness, Daniel. Yet he also paid a great price for it, and he did not escape, but was one of the first captives taken to Babylon. He did not achieve greatness by seeking it out for its own sake, but he sought the Lord his God, and he surrendered all to him; therefore, God honored him in all that he did. So when God gives you reason to sorrow, which example will you follow, Baruch, whose sole response was “Woe is me!” or, Daniel, who purposed himself to follow after God? Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Jeremiah 25, 35, 36, 45, Psalm 133, James 3
Monday’s reading will be: Jeremiah 27, 28, 29, 24, James 4