Praying Without Fainting

Today's verse is Luke 18:7
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 

I met a man a couple of weeks ago, who had lost his son, and because of this claimed that God does not answer prayer. Though I understand him, and am often of his opinion, I would have to lie to agree with him. About four years ago, I started praying with a list on a daily basis, and since then I have been seeing some amazing things happening about me, which would be direct and indirect answers to these prayers. So, rather than take my word for it, take God at his Word, and try him, and keep praying, even to keeping a record of what you pray, and see for yourself if what Jesus says here is true. Selah [Stop and consider this] 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

Do Not Fear The Challange

Today's verse is Joshua 17:18
But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.

When the Lord God gives you a promise, or a task, or any combination thereof, think nothing of the obstacles that may exist, for they are there only to show you what God can do. So do not hesitate, but go about to do that which God directs, and you will find that what he had said is what was done. Even as Caleb who at the old age of Eighty, was as strong as he was at forty, and was able to request and take the area around Hebron as his inheritance. 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

The Best Way To Find God

Today's verse is Luke 16:29
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 

It is amazing the mind of man; He thinks that if he would see God do great things that he would fall down and worship and serve him. Yet it has been shown over and over again, that those that have seen some of God’s greatest works, were those that were the least to give God the honor due to him. Yet God has given us a great gift. He has given us his Word, and in it is a record of all of these works, and for those that test God according to his Word, truly find him faithful, and finding him faithful, they give him all that he is do. God is still a fearful thing to behold, but having seen him through his Word, such are then barely able to see God do the great things he is able, without stumbling, yet God holds them up. So let us treasure what God has given us in his Word, and in obeying it, obey the one who loves us, and gave himself for us, and as we grow closer to him by his Word, he will open up our eyes more and more to see him who is Holy. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joshua 9-13, Luke 16
Monday’s Reading will be: Joshua 14-17, Luke 17

God Protects Those that Are His

Today's verse is Joshua 5:1
And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

God knowing that Israel would be vulnerable, prepared their enemies so that they would not need to worry about them during that time. So as you seek to worship the Lord your God (and indeed worship, and not just serve) you may find that you need to do some things that may make you appear, or even be, weak, and without God’s protection, you would be destroyed. Fear not to do these things, or rather, do not fear those that would destroy you because of their enmity against God. For they can do nothing without God’s permission. Therefore, let us fear not them that would fight against us as we do that which would please God, even if that would put us in a place of vulnerability.  For our God is able to overcome, and will fight for us that seek to do his will. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joshua 5-8, Psalm 14, Luke 15
Tomorrow’s Reading will be: Joshua 9-13, Luke 16

When You are Overwhelmed

Today's verse is Psalm 143:5
     I remember the days of old;
      I meditate on all thy works;
      I muse on the work of thy hands.

There will be times when we shall be overwhelmed by the cares about us; by the troubles that have come our way. In such times, God, that same one that created all that is in Heaven, and in Earth, as well as Heaven and the Earth, invites us to consider all that he has already done. First as recorded in Scripture, but not only there, but if you have walked with him for any period of time, remember what he has done for you since you have known him. For as he has not failed Abraham,  nor David, nor Daniel, or what of Paul, or Peter, so also he will not fail you. But has you continue to put your trust in him, and continue to conform to his ways according to his Word, he will direct you out of your current trouble, and set your feet upon solid ground. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joshua 1-4, Psalm 143, Luke 14
Tomorrow’s Reading will be: Joshua 5-8, Psalm 14, Luke 15

The True Rock

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 32:4
     He is the Rock, his work is perfect:
      For all his ways are judgment:
      A God of truth and without iniquity,
      Just and right is he.

People say that God is Good, and so he is; such do not consider that good is also just, and requires a recompense for all that is done against him. Yet being Good, he has also provided a way for all that will trust him, though the world fall apart about them. At times as today, the world falls apart and all are affected, yet at other times, just the individual’s world falls apart, but whether it be an experience of all, or of just of one, if we decide to Trust God anyway, he shall be our Rock, a place of safety, and we shall escape according to his purpose, and for His Glory. So give him all the Honor, for he as is described, is Worthy. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 13, Luke 13
Tomorrow’s Reading will be: Joshua 1-4, Psalm 143, Luke 14

What Purpose Is Evil?

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 30:2-3
     And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
     That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

It is not fashionable today to say, “This is a Judgment of God!” Yet God is not ashamed to say that he is the author of all the evil that we see. For what purpose does such evil come? Simply put, It comes for one of two reasons: First, it comes as a test to those that are faithful, to prove their faithfulness, but second, and none are innocent, it comes as judgment of our sin, of our rejection of God. God gives us good in our lives that we may know that we can trust him. The evil he sends that we might learn to fear him; for he is a consuming fire. So take heed to the passage above, and allow the evil to cause you to turn to the One you can trust, and if you will do this, as he here has promised he will lift you up and put you in an secure place. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Deuteronomy 27-31, Luke 12
Tomorrow’s Reading will be: Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 13, Luke 13

Remembering God At Such A Time

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 23:13-14
     And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
     For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.

Today, for the current distress that we are in, many of our Leaders are asking us to practice “Social distancing.” as well as exercising common hygiene. All of this is scriptural for the issue before us. Yet it also has its dangers. There are places which have so forgotten God, that the problem which is warned and commanded against in the above verses are rampant, and because we are practicing what God commanded, even to not gathering ourselves together to worship God (not saying we should at this time) we are in danger of also forgetting the one that created us. So at this time, let us, remember to Give God the Glory due to his Name, as we follow the counsel of our leaders (which happen to be the same counsel God has given us) and when this time is over, and we are all clean again, let us quickly remember the One who has Saved us, and gather once again to give all of our Praise to the One that is Worthy. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Deuteronomy 23-26, Luke 11
Monday’s Reading will be: Deuteronomy 27-31, Luke 12

The Place Of Acceptance

Today's verse is Psalm 6:9
     The LORD hath heard my supplication;
      The LORD will receive my prayer.

In Deuteronomy, we are told that we are not to fear the enemy that comes before us. In Luke, we are told not to rejoice that we have power over the enemy, but that we have a place set for us in Heaven, and here in Psalms we find the link. We see David, recognizing that he had displeased his God, repenting and seeking God’s acceptance, and then finding it. In this Psalm David begs God for mercy, knowing he deserves none, but that God is merciful, and willing to redeem all that come to him, on God’s terms, not on his own. So too will the God of Heaven and Earth, the Creator of all that is, accept you and even me, if we come to him as David did. Selah [Think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Deuteronomy 19-22, Psalm 6, Luke 10
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Deuteronomy 23-26, Luke 11

The Safest Place

Today's verse is Psalm 115:11
     Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD:
      He is their help and their shield.

During this time of fear, when all about are reacting, and even over reacting there is one that truly ought to be feared. But that One is also to be trusted, especially at times like these, for he is the one that we can take refuge in. It is in him that we can truly find safety, and all that he allows in your life is not without purpose. So for his sake, obey them that he has placed in authority over you, and above that, seek the counsel of his Word, and you will find that he will be magnified in your sight as well as those that are about you.  Selah [Think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Deuteronomy 15-18, Psalm 115, Luke 9
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Deuteronomy 19-22, Psalm 6, Luke 10

Requested Guidance

Today's verse is Psalm 5:8
     Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies;
      Make thy way straight before my face.

In another place we are told that if we trust God, and acknowledge him in all of our ways, he will direct our paths, but others have attempted to change this to making our paths straight. Now, compare that passage and its promise with the one above. Note that the way that is to be made straight is God’s way not ours, it is God’s righteousness that we ought to seek, and such is the psalmist prayer. This is a prayer that God so much wants to answer for each and every one of us, if we but truly desire it, and ask for it with an unfeigned heart. So trust him with all that you are (with all your heart) and seek out his counsel in his Word, obeying all that you understand, and as the psalmist asks here and as he promised it that other place, He will make his way straight before you. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Deuteronomy 10-14, Psalm 5, Luke 8
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Deuteronomy 15-18, Psalm 115, Luke 9

Transition

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 6:23
And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 

While the children of Israel were in Egypt, truly they had little, what possessions they had, were what the Egyptians suffer them to have, coupled with forced labor and the sufferings related thereof. Yet to receive the promise that God had given them, they must leave all that they had there, and enter into a time of transition. As we all know, transitions are often unpleasant, as we leave those things that we know for something that we have little, possibly no knowledge of, but the promise which caused us to leave in the first place. Whatever the trouble you face during the transition, remember that promise, and even more importantly remember who made that promise; for the promise is as good as the one that gave it. We have a God that never fails to deliver on his promises though we think they may be delayed, and all that we may have given up for his sake, will be replaced with much better, so instead of looking at the things that we have given up, let us look forward and the consider the things that we will be gaining. Selah [think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Deuteronomy 6-9, Luke 7
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Deuteronomy 10-14, Psalm 5, Luke 8

The Best . . .

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 4:8
And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

There have been some that I have met, that faulted the Law God gave, because it was not the first. From here we see that God did not claim that it was first, but that it was better, yea even the Best. We need not fear to compare what God has given us, with that which others have received from elsewhere. The Word of God is not the only set of scriptures--that is holy writings--that have been given to man. Yet, here we are invited to compare all others with that which the Lord God has given us, and I have no doubt which will be found the best by an unbiased mind. So if you need to, search and compare, and when you do, you will find that nothing compares to the promises, or the commands, that the Lord God hath given in his Word. Selah [Think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Deuteronomy 4-5, Luke 6
Monday’s reading will be: Deuteronomy 6-9, Luke 7

What God Said, Is Counted As Done

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 2:12
The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them. 

We see here as description of what Esau had done, and then Israel likened unto them, as already having fought and winning the possession of the Land God had given them. Paul tells us of how God “calleth those things which be not as though they were.” He has not stopped doing such things. How is God directing you? Is it in accordance with his Word? If so, believe it, count it as already done. For what God has said, He will do, and all will transpire as he has said. Trust him, regardless of how things seem at present. If all things seem to be falling apart, Trust him and obey all that he has commanded, first according to his written Word, never forsaking it, then according to any other revelation he may give you, always verifying it by His Word, but again Trust him, and what he said he will do. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Deuteronomy 1-3, Psalm 36, Luke 5
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Deuteronomy 4-5, Luke 6

More Important Than Bread. . .

Today's verse is Luke 4:4
And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God

As Job had testified, more important then even eating, is the receiving of God’s Word. Yea, Peter, said that we are to count it more sure than any experience we may have. Many have attempted to interpret the scriptures by their experiences, but what we must do instead, is to interpret our experiences by the scriptures. They are our Guide, our glimpse into the mind of God. They tell us, that despite our constant failings, that he loves us, that he has made a way for us to come, even come, into his presence, and, rather than perish there, we can thrive and rejoice. This is but a part of the power of God’s Word, let us not forsake it. But, rather embrace it, and make it our true guide to all that we do. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Numbers 34-36, Luke 4
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Deuteronomy 1-3, Psalm 36, Luke 5

Settling For Less?

Today's verse is Numbers 32:4-5
     Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:
     Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan. 

By Moses’ rebuke, we can see that the motive of the Children of Ruben and Gad were not pure, They were wanting to settle for what they had now, and not face the fight to come. God had promised them the land of Canaan, and all reports of that land, both then and even now are amazing truly a land of milk and honey. Yet two and a half tribes did not want to fight for what God had promised. Yet, fight they must, but they missed out on the full promise of God. Do you have such a promise? Do you see an easier way? Do not take it, Rather, keep your eyes upon the one that promised, care not for the way ahead of you, for that belongs to God. But again keep your eyes upon him, and the one that made the promise will guide each step and enable you to do as needed to obtain that promise. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Numbers 30-33, Psalm 35, Luke 3
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 34-36, Luke 4

Peace and Good Will

Today's verse is Luke 2:14
     Glory to God in the highest,
    And on earth peace,
    Good will toward men.

When I had first heard this, when I was but a child, my thought was, “What peace? What good will?” and “Why?” Now I understand, Jesus came because there is a great gulf fixed between God and Man, and the wrath of God abides upon all men. Yet God loves each and every one of us and did not wish for this gulf to remain unresolved. Mankind did not have any ability, nor even a desire to do anything about this divide, but God could, and through Jesus Christ, God did. This is the peace, and this is the good will spoken of here, and God by Jesus Christ paid a great price and terrible for this peace. So let us give thanks and rejoice and fail not to accept this great gift. Selah [Think on This.] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Numbers 26-29, Luke 2
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 30-33, Psalm 35, Luke 3

The Wrong Fear

Today's Verse is Numbers 22:3
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

Balak, and those that he lead, was afraid for nought, but because of their fear, they brought it upon themselves. In Deuteronomy, we find that God had said, “And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.” However, in this passage in Numbers there is no mention of this injunction. Did Moab not know they had no reason to fear? Did God at sometime tell them that he had given Ar to them? I fully believe based upon the character of God that he at some time had told them, but they had forgotten his promise to them, so in being afraid of the wrong thing, they brought their fear upon themselves. We truly can trust God, but how can we believe that which we do not know, and how can we know, if we have our finger, as it were, in our ears? Therefore, we must at least read God’s Word, that we might know what he has given us, and in reading we might be enlightened. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1
Monday’s reading will be: Numbers 26-29, Luke 2

After The Miracle

Today's verse is Numbers 21:3-4
     And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.
     And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 

Herein is a danger that we all as children of Adam must face: Have you had a great spiritual victory? Be wary, for as had happened to many, yea, even the most spiritual giants we know such as Elijah, and Peter, after witnessing, or testifying of the great Majesty of God, have entered in to a valley, stumbling on the very thing that ought to have encouraged them. Such is our nature, and so too did the Children of Israel here. Have you seen a great thing of God, take extra care that the troubles that come after do not cause you to despair, for God has not forsaken you, forget not what he has done, but allow it to strengthen and encourage you in the valley you find yourself after, and if you do this, you will find that God will carry you through even that as well. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Numbers 19-21, Colossians 4
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1

The Right Focus

Today's verse is Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

A simple command, yet one of the hardest to obey, yet it could also be the easiest. All things whether they be good for us or bad, all things desirable, or undesirable come from God. We are not to focus on any of these things without recognizing that it is a gift that God has given to us, and it is to God that we give the honor and praise for the thing. The danger is that we become not consumed with God but solely consumed of the thing. There are things that we must be consumed with, yet if we forget God, because of the thing, we have sinned, and it has become a snare unto us. So, if ye are consumed with anything, be ye also consumed with God because of the thing, but if ye cannot do this, discard the thing and be consumed with God, for truly he is worthy of all that we are. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Numbers 15-18, Psalm 113, Colossians 3
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 19-21, Colossians 4

A Dangerous Place To Be

Today's verse is Numbers 14:22
Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Here is a dire warning to be heeded, we have here a people who having seen the great works of God, and have seen some marvelous things, even impossible things, yet also seeing the great blessing God has for them, pay more attention to the obstacle in their path then the God who is making the promise. When we follow God, we shall see him work, and as we see him work, and according to the degree of those marvels we see, we are responsible for how we react. The flesh sees these things and we want to run from such a HOLY God, but if we run we be in danger of worse retribution than what we were afraid of in the first place. So, let us not waver, nor doubt the Word of the Lord our God. See what he has already done, not only by the testimony of the scriptures, but also in our own lives, and if He was able to do those things, is he not also able to do what he has promised? Selah. [Think about this] Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Numbers 12-14, Psalm 28, Colossians 2
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 15-18, Psalm 113, Colossians 3

Following God's Leading

Today's verse is Numbers 9:23
At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Through out the books of Exodus and Numbers we see the Children of Israel striving with the Lord, always murmuring and complaining, yet here we are told as to when it was time to move, or time to stay, it was always by the command of the Lord. Upon reading some of the events, such as Miriam's time outside of the camp, the Lord considered the circumstances, so that they only moved at apparently convenient times. We can take all of this as both an example and a comfort. For we find that we truly can trust our God to do that which is good for us, and his demands are always reasonable, whatever they may appear. Therefore, let us trust him, and seek his guidance in every decision, and in doing this we shall be enriched according to his grace. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan:  Numbers 8-11, Colossians 1
Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 12-14, Psalm 28, Colossians 2