God Works Behind the Scenes Continued

Today's verse is Esther 5:2-4
      And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
     And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
     And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. 

And now, about five years later, we see the result of Mordecai’s action we saw yesterday. Because the King could not sleep, he listened to the reading of his history (for we all know that history puts most of us to sleep) but in hearing the history he discovered that Mordecai had saved his life, and nothing had been done to reward him for this deed. And it so happened that Haman that sought Mordecai’s life came to ask the king for it and the tables were turned. So too does God work in our lives that serve him, and the reason that we can trust him, and place all we have in his hands. He may not deliver us as he did Mordecai, or his fellow Jews, but if he does not (as he did not deliver himself from the cross) we can be sure that our suffering we not be in vain, but will bring about the desired end. Therefore, delivered or not, we shall receive the reward he has set aside for us, if we remain faithful to him. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Esther 4-6, Revelation 2
Monday's  reading will be: Esther 7-10, Revelation 3

God Works Behind the Scenes

Today's verse is Ester 2:21-22
     In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
     And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.

We see here a series of events that later will have great affect to Mordecai, but not only to Mordecai, but to all the Jews, even to all of the Kingdom of Persia. For at this time Mordecai is not honored for part in this affair. But later, even just before the day all of God’s People where to be killed, the King once again had occasion to remember this short series of events, which caused the one that had sought to destroy the Jews to be humiliated, even shamed in his own eyes, and was the turning point of the redemption of God’s People. This is all to shew us that God is always working in our lives, and that we probably will not know the whys and wherefores till much later (if at all) when we possibly see all of the pieces and how they fit together. So let us on this day of Thanksgiving, give thanks to our God that always knows, the ins and the outs, the ups from the downs, and the purpose for everything that he allows in our lives, and that we can KNOW that all things work together for Good, to them that love God, and are the called according to his purpose. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Esther 1-3, Psalm 139, Revelation 1
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Esther 4-6, Revelation 2

A God Worthy of Praise

Today's verse is Psalm 95:1-2
     O come, let us sing unto the LORD:
      Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
     Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving,
      And make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

We have a God that is worthy to receive our Praise, whether we have the ability to sing or not, for twice we are told to make a joyful noise. A sound that is filled with the joy of knowing that our God loves us, and has provided the riches of the Earth for us, even if we must now toil to receive it.
There was a time when God’s people fainted when they saw the path before them, and that they refused to believe that God was able and willing to help them along that path, and for this, the blessings of God, even the rest of God was denied them. Let us not be like them, but instead of seeing the difficulties that may lie ahead, look to our God who has not only directed us to such a path, but has promised not only to walk with us but to help (Yea, do all of the hard lifting) if we but trust in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezra 5-6, Psalm 95, 3 John
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Esther 1-3, Psalm 139, Revelation 1

Jesus Is With Us

Today's verse is 2 John 2
for the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

Today in Zechariah, coupled with Psalm 94, I read of judgment mingled with restoration, or restoration mingled with judgment, and here is the way to gain the one, and avoid the worst of the other. As we know from the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ is the truth, and we have reaffirmed here that for those that have received him, He dwells with us, and he shall never ever leave us, and in this we can have comfort. Without a doubt judgment is coming, even most of those that deny that God will judge the Earth, create some form of end day scenario, of which man will destroy the Earth. But part of that Judgment is that God will restore, and lift up those that seek him, starting with his chosen people Israel, and set up his Kingdom, here upon this Earth. So has we walk in this world today we can be confident that he is with us, and he will never leave us to our own devices, and has already set forth his plan to fully restore us in that day. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Zechariah 12-14, Psalm 94, 2 John
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Ezra 5-6, Psalm 95, 3 John

Faith That Overcomes

Today's verse is 1 John 5:4, 5
     For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
     Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 

Faith. Before I learned to trust in my Savior, I was taught, and I learned that faith is only as good as its object. Thus blind faith is worthless, for being blind it has no object. Yet true faith(yea, our faith) is not blind but is based upon the immutably of God Word, and more specifically on the Work that Jesus Christ has done for us. For if we first place our trust in him, and the work he did upon the Cross, then follow his counsel (actually commands) found in scripture, we shall not fail, but have good success in all that we do, even though at times just the opposite may seem to have the upper hand. So fear not, but trust in Jesus Christ and his Word. Do as it commands and counsels, and in due time (the right time) we shall see what he promised, and bear the fruit of our labors, fit for the Masters use. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Zechariah 9-11, 1 John 5
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Zechariah 12-14, Psalm 94, 2 John

The Message Of The Cross

Today's Verse is ! John 4
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

As I was running from what I believed to be God’s will for my live, I had often doubted that God loved me, but when I did this, I considered the Cross and what Jesus Christ did for me there, as simple as it was not, proved to me that God loves me. Also I wondered if God was truly good, and kind and gentle, for truly he is terrible, but again I considered the Cross, and again found that he was all of these things, for in order for what Jesus did on the Cross, all of these things must be true. By Jesus dying on the Cross, we have access to the one true Holy God; the penalty for our sin has been satisfied (propitiation) and we are empowered to love as he has loved us. So do you wonder and doubt of God’s character, or of his love for you, then consider the Cross and what God did for you there, and what it cost for him to do it, and all doubts will flee away as you learn the truth declared by the Cross. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Zechariah 6-8, 1 John 4
Monday's  reading will be: Zechariah 9-11, 1 John 5

The Finishing of the Work

Today's verse is Zechariah 4:9
     The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house;
    His hands shall also finish it;
    And thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

When Sampson was given his task of removing the Philistines from the Land, he was told that he would only be starting the process. It was not actually finished until Nebuchadnezzar finished it, many, many years later. However, here, we see a promise made that Zerubbabel, would be the one to finish the temple that he had started. So whether the work God has for you is to be finished by another or you, know that what God has started, He. Will. Finish! So be faithful to do that which has been set before you, forsaking not the established path, as set forth in his Word, and when your portion is finished, your reward shall be untarnished and full. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Zechariah 2-5, Psalm 93, 1 John 3
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Zechariah 6-8, 1 John 4

The Preeminence Of God's Word

Today's verse is Psalm 138:2
     I will worship toward thy holy temple,
      And praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth:
      For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Here is an (really, the) anchor, the reason we can trust God, what takes us from a blind faith to a faith with substance: God so counts his Word, so values his Word, above even his most Holy Name. What God says, he will do, what he starts he will finish, and we can test this, first by reading and verifying, what God has already done, as recorded in his Word, then, by keeping his Word, following its counsel, and its commands, and seeing how God works according to his Word. Seeing how he deals with us, and comparing it according to his Word; seeing that he has treated us as his Word said he would. Whether by blessing, or by curse. But as much as he Values his Word, so consider this, He so loved you, that he gave his Word, his Son and sacrificed him upon the Cross, that you might be able to have life through him, to dwell with him forever and ever, if you but receive this gift. Selah [think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Haggai, Zechariah 1, Psalm 138, 1 John 2
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Zechariah 2-5, Psalm 93, 1 John 3

Why Separation?

Today's verse is Ezra 4:1-3
     Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;
     Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.
     But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.

We see here a principle that is rarely observed today, when most are crying about getting along with one another, but as we see here in Ezra, those that are coming saying that they want to help, they are actually there to hinder the work God has set us to. So as we see also see today, if they cannot hinder by helping, they use every means they have to stop the work, all the while they are claiming that they just want every one to get along.  This is why, we are to be separate, and to separate ourselves from those that profess to know God, but do not. It is a fine line, for our Work is to proclaim the Work of Jesus Christ, but even Paul was troubled by the one possessed proclaiming that he and Silas were the ones with the knowledge of the way of salvation. So let us take care, and receive all those that truly come in the Name of Jesus Christ, having received his gift of Salvation through his blood, rejecting those that come falsely to deceive, that we may have the blessing of God upon us. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezra 3-4, Psalm 92, 1 John 1
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Haggai, Zechariah 1, Psalm 138, 1 John 2

Follow Your Own Path

Today's verse is John 21:21-22
     Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
     Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Peter, does what many of us do, after receiving his own challenge, he wants to compare himself with another. This we need not do, we all have our own race. We all have our own path. While it may include helping another on their way, we have only one imperative: To follow our Savior. Thus is our command, and this is what needs to consume our lives. It does not matter whether another is following the path set for them. It does not matter whether their path is easy or hard, (their path really is no easier for them then yours is to you) you just need to follow your path walking with your Savior.  Leave with him, what he wants them to do, but do your part for the Kingdom of God. If we do this, God will increase his Kingdom, and we shall receive our reward. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezra 1-2, John 21
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Ezra 3-4, Psalm 92, 1 John 1

Understanding God's Word

Today's verse is Daniel 11:10
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. 

Here we see a distinction: those that have been redeemed, and those that have refused redemption.  We are also told that understanding of God’s Word is hid to those that remain in their sin, but for those that have received wisdom through redemption by Jesus Christ will have understanding of the scriptures. In the verse before, we are also told that of some scriptures, will not be fully understood, till the time of their fulfillment is near. Yet, some think that the Bible should be easily understood, and they produce something that they say is the Word of God made easier to understand, but I ask you, Can you explain to another that which you, yourself, do not understand? Neither can they. So obey that which you understand, and study those things that you do not, but do not fret about them, for when the time is right, God’s spirit will reveal them to those that seek him. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Daniel 10-12, John 20
Monday's  reading will be: Ezra 1-2, John 21

The Hedge About Us

Today's verse is Psalm 91:9-10
     Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,
      Even the most High, thy habitation;
     There shall no evil befall thee,
      Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

In this world of hardship and heartache, where troubles abound, and trying times are plentiful, this is a truth we can easily overlook. That if we place our trust in God, even to the point that we dwell with him, and he is our constant companion, there is nothing that can happen to us, without his express permission. He will guard us against all evil, and only unless it has an express purpose will it touch us. Even the trouble we invite in, will be mitigated by his love, though his chastening hand may seem heavy, he is quick to forgive and restore us to his Grace.  So let us not fear to walk with him, whatever the path he might led us, for we can be sure, that that path will be the safest and most prosperous path we can take. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Daniel 7-9, Psalm 91, John 19
Tomorrow's  reading will be: Daniel 10-12, John 20

The Nature of the Cross

Today's verse is John 18:11
 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

While I believe there are a few things we could draw from this verse, I want to focus on just this one: While Jesus was fully aware of the turmoil he was about to enter, and was fully able to refuse it, He. Did. Not. Such is the nature of the Cross, and such would also be the nature of the cross we should have opportunity to bare. As Jesus volunteered to bare his Cross for us, so also must the cross we are to bare, must have some element of choice built into it. We can as Jesus did, take it up willingly, or we can refuse it (which will have its own consequences,) But if we take it, if we willingly accept it, we shall also, as Jesus knew why the Cross was necessary, know for what purpose our cross shall be. So what do you chose? To accept the cross before you, and suffer with Jesus, and to be counted as an Joint Heir, or will you refuse that pain, and turn your back upon your Savior, who did this for you? Selah [think on this] (but not too long.)  Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Daniel 4-6, John 18
Tomorrow's reading will be: Daniel 7-9, Psalm 91, John 19

It is God that Promotes

Today's verse is Daniel 1:19-20
       And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. 

Of note here, is four men have been made exceptional above all others, much like Joseph  was as he served in Egypt. This may not be the norm for those that follow after the one true God, for He did not help the Children of Israel as the Pharaoh denied them straw. However, as we see in God's Word, we are not to make excuses for why we have done poorly, but we are to put all that we have into that which God has directed us to do, and then trust him for the results, as he results belong to him. Whatever the circumstances we may find ourselves in, it is to God that we accoutable to, and it is God that will hold us accoutable. It is to his purpose that we serve, and it is his purpose that will be accomplished. So whatever you put your hand to, do with all of your might, and God, who sees and knows all will work in you to do his work, according to his pleasure. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Daniel 1-3, Psalm 88, John 17
Tomorrw's  reading will be: Daniel 4-6, John 18

The Greatest Sin

Today's verse is John 16:9
Of sin, because they believe not on me; 

Here is a simple truth: though all men are sinners, no one will enter into hell, really, for any reason other than this, that they have rejected the gift given to them by God, through Jesus Christ. It is only by this whatever else they may have done that will doom them. Because when Jesus died upon the cross, he died for all sin, not just small ones, not just big ones, for all sin in God's eye is great, and all sin seperates us from him. But through Jesus Christ, we gain access, and our sin by him is covered in his blood, till it is eradicated out of our lives by the work of his Spirt, on that day he comes for his own. So what  do you chose? Jesus Christ who loves you, or your sin that will destroy you? Chose wisely! Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 46-48, John 16
Tomorrw's  reading will be: Daniel 1-3, Psalm 88, John 17

The Purpose and Power of Prayer

Today's verse is John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 

This is the second time Jesus tells us in this chapter, that we can ask what we will of the Father, but not without condition. The conditions are that we are abiding in him, and doing that which he has ordained of us. He has set forth for each of us a task that we are to accomplish, a task that without him we could to nothing. A task that is more than we can handle alone. But, he has not left us empty handed, but has given us his own strength, as we abide in him (allowing him to work through us) and he has given us the resources at the Fathers disposal. That is to say, all we need and more. We have but to ask for whatever we need to do the job set before us, and what we need shall be given to us. So let us not consider the task at hand, but rest in the strength of our Savior, and focus on Him as we do the work of the kingdom, and boldly ask for what we need to accomplish the mission before us. Amen

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 42-45, Psalm 135, John 15
Monday’s reading will be: Ezekiel 46-48, John 16

The Blessed Hope

Today's verse is John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 

There are two great motivations for any that name the name of Jesus Christ. The first is that Jesus took our place upon the cross, redeeming us from our sin. The second is that he is coming back for us, whether we are still alive, or if we sleep, He is coming again to gather his own unto himself, and all that he gathers will be changed. and on that day, the work that he has begun in us will be completed, our salvation will be complete. We will no longer have the presence of sin in our lives. We will be righteous as he is righteous. We will be holy as he is holy. We will serve him in righteousness for all of eternity. He shall be our God, and we shall be his people. This is what we look for, and this is what we live for. Selah [Think about this.]  Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 40-42. John 14
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 42-45, Psalm 135, John 15

Jesus Knows Us, Yet He Loves Us

Today's verse is John 13:37-38
     Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
     Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

As Jesus knew and knows Peter, so also does he know us. Peter, by the earlier testimony of Jesus himself, is even here one of Jesus’ sheep. That is to say, that Peter has been redeemed, he has placed his trust in Jesus Christ, and his place in heaven is secure. Yet, he still had some things to learn of himself, just as we need to learn about ourselves. Though we might fail God, not might, but will, our God will not fail us. As he promises elsewhere, “All things work together for good.” Not that all things are good, but that they all will work together for good. This is to say, not that we should sin, but that if we do sin, we can still repent, and whether we repent or not, (being his by our acceptance of Jesus Christ) He shall work in us to magnify and further his kingdom in us. If we do repent, however, he has a reward for us that we cannot even imagine. Selah [Think about that.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 40-42. John 14

The Beginning the Fulfillment Of God's Promise

Today's verse is John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Today, I read in Ezekiel, that God himself will seek out his lost sheep, and bring them home again. I read that he will provide for them a good shepherd, and that he will remove from them, those that care only for themselves, having no care for others. I read in Psalms that God is my comfort, and that he will deliver me. But here in John, I see the beginning of the fulfillment of all of these things. Jesus here announces that he will die upon the cross. It is for this purpose he has come, and because of this, all will somehow see what he has done for them, and will be brought to a place of decision. Will you accept the gift he has offered you? For he did this for you. Will you follow his way, that others might also live by his sacrifice? The choice is yours, but a choice you must make, so what is yours? Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 34-36, Psalm 86, John 12
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13

Why The Delay

Today's verse is John 11:6
When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 

Jesus Delayed. One of his own, was sick, was hurting, and Jesus Delayed. Even if he had left right away, he still would have been two days late, but he waited another two days. How can God, knowing that we are in trouble wait? Why does he not deliver us now? The answer, though we are not willing to hear it is simple; the fulness of time is not yet ripe. If he acts now, there are lessons we will fail to learn. There are people that will not see the full power of God. Others, refusing to know the truth, would have an excuse, instead of having the hardness of their hearts revealed. This is why God waits, and this is the reason we must wait, have patience, for when the set time arrives, all mouths will be stopped, and all will know that God, is God: many will be converted, but some refusing the truth, will show their true nature, and have no excuse. So let us be patient and wait, knowing that our God loves us, and knows when it would be best to show his hand. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 31-33, John 11
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ezekiel 34-36, Psalm 86, John 12

God Known in Judgment, and Restoration

Today's verse is Ezekiel 28:26
And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.

While our God is Longsuffering, he will not delay judgment forever. A chief reason one might deny the existence of God, is that such a one does not wish to consider that he must face God one day in judgment. But judgment will come, and we shall all know whom God is by his actions against the ungodly. Then shall come the restoration, when God’s chosen people, Israel, and all those redeemed from the nations shall live in peace, and in safety, in the presence of the Most High, and we shall learn even more of the Goodness of God and his grace. So let us, therefore, repent today, for once God has started in judgment, those trying to repent then just may be too late, for it is God’s goodness that leads to repentance, whereas his judgment leads to damnation, and chastisement is something wholly different.  Selah [think about this.] Amen.
To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Ezekiel 28-30, John 10
Monday’s reading will be: Ezekiel 31-33, John 11