Evil's Plan Overturned

 

Today's verse is Esther 7:10

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

In the space of about a day, Haman, that wicked man, went from being at the top, second only to the King, ready to have his enemy destroyed with the promise of his enemy’s people also destroyed, yet now he is hanged upon the gallows he himself built for his enemy. This is what happens to those that oppose God, and the people that God protects. They appear to have their every wish, all that they could ever want; Then as all of their hopes are about to be accomplished, they themselves are found wanting, and they are destroyed upon the very edifices they had built for their enemy. So do you believe in God? Are you one of his people? Do not fear what those that hate God might be doing, for as Haman was hanged upon his own gallows, so too will they be caught up and destroyed by their own devices. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Today’s Reading is Esther 7-10, Revelation 3
Tomorrow’s Reading will be Ezra 7-10, Psalm 97, Revelation 4

Discouraging Things

 

Today's verse is Esther 5:13

Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate. 

Without a doubt Haman was a wicked man, and did not have the hope of God guiding his steps, so as it appeared to him, that all things were going his way, this one thing, this one man, was able to ruin his day. Do you Know God? Has he shown you the path you are on? Has he given you a glimpse of what your “expected end” will be? Then be not as Haman, letting the contrary things overwhelm the positive things in your life. Haman fell headlong into the trap that he had planned for Mordecai, but Mordecai, trusting in his God, and allowing God to work, prevailed. So look for the evidence that God is doing as he had said, think not on the things that appear to contradict him, for as he has done over and over again, what he had said, is what will be done. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Esther 4-6, Revelation 2

Monday’s Reading will be Esther 7-10, Revelation 3

The All Knowing God

 

Today's verse is Psalm 139:3

     Thou compassest my path and my lying down,

      And art acquainted with all my ways.

We do not have a God that is uncaring, nor do we have a God that is lacking in knowledge of the events that surround us. Whether we know him or not, he knows each of us, yea, even better than we know ourselves. He knows all that we have done yesterday, He knows what we are doing, even now. And he knows what we will do tomorrow, because of that unexpected news that we will receive. None of it surprises him. Yet, knowing all of this, still he loves us, calls to us, inviting us to trust him, regardless of the madness and chaos that seems to prevail about us. For he is in that madness, working his will, perfecting his purpose, to expose our weakness, to display both his mercy, and his wrath. So choose now which you wish to receive, and if it is his mercy, trust him, and conform to the promises and commands of his Word, and as I have, you will see Great and Mighty things that you know not. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Esther 1-3, Psalm 139, Revelation 1

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Esther 4-6, Revelation 2

Do The Work God Set Before You

 

Today's verse is Ezra 6:22

And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Because of opposition, the returned children of Israel, had left off doing the work God had set before them. For this cause, they faced lack, there was never enough, no matter how hard they worked. But when they turned again, and despite the opposition, they did what God had commanded them to do, then God Worked in the King, and set the opposition on their head, and in due course the work was finished, and so as we see here: The people rejoiced at the completed work and were amazed at how God had worked in others for them. So, what is the task set before you by God? Think not on the opposition against it, for God is greater. Do that which God has commanded you, and He will work with you, and you will find that your work will flourish and bear much fruit for God’s Kingdom. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezra 5-6, Psalm 95, 3 John 1

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Esther 1-3, Psalm 139, Revelation 1

Delayed Judgment?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 94:3

     LORD, How long shall the wicked,

      How long shall the wicked triumph?

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that a day will come when those that hate him shall receive their reward, and God and his Righteousness will prevail. Today, we see these wicked ones, their evil works being exposed for all to see, even as they profess to do no wrong, and we wonder when or if they will receive the reward for the works they have wrought. Know this, in due time (that is, at the right time) they will, but till then God’s purpose must be played out. But remember Abraham’s plea for Sodom and Gomorrah, and perhaps, he will spare for the sake of those that still love him. But, whatever the outcome, let us that fear him, seek him still, for we know that he will prevail in the end. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Zechariah 12-14, Psalm 94, 2 John 1

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Ezra 5-6, Psalm 95, 3 John 1

Life Eternal

 

Today's verse is 1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

A simple, but full statement, and full of Hope. Life everlasting, available to all who accept the Gift given by God through his Son, Jesus Christ. Once you have accepted that you have sinned, and deserve hell, you can then see what Jesus has done for you, and if you have accepted that, he comes to dwell with you, even in you, enabling you to live for him, even as he grants you his life eternal. So, let us, be secure in him, trusting not in our own works, but allowing him to work in us, to do his will, as he himself did the will of the Father. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Zechariah 9-11, 1 John 5

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Zechariah 12-14, Psalm 94, 2 John 1

Need Direction? God's Written Word Will Provide!

 

Today's verse is Zechariah 7:7

Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?

Israel asks a question, for which God had already given an answer, “Should we continue to fast?” Isaiah had given them the principles for why one should fast, and if they had read what he had said, their answer would have been clear. Do you seek to know God’s will? Are you doing all that you know God’s Word demands? If not, do not seek any so called fresh word from God. He will not answer, but another might, consider the stories of both Muhammad Ali, and Joseph Smith, both rejected God’s Word, and a so called angel answered them. If you have a question of God; search the scriptures, and obey what you find, only then will God give you further direction, and if it is contrary to what he said in his Word, it was not from him. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Zechariah 6-8, 1 John 4

Monday’s Reading will be Zechariah 9-11, 1 John 5

God's Simple Commands

 

Today's verse is 1 John 3:23

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Jesus Christ paid for the sins of the world, and by believing in his name, we receive this marvelous, unimaginable gift. When we receive this gift, the Spirit of Jesus resides in us, seeking to love those that we come across, and showing them the love that God has for them. This is evidence that we have received this gift, for it comes not from us, but God that now dwells within us. So, let us, as Paul commanded, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” And rest in the Salvation that God has given us through Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Zechariah 2-5, Psalm 93, 1 John 3

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Zechariah 6-8, 1 John 4

Finding Strength In God

 

Today's verse is Psalm 138:3

     In the day when I cried thou answeredst me,

      And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

The God that created the Heaven and the Earth and all that in them is, desires that speak to him, he desires that you let him know of your troubles, and he desires to help you overcome the same. Yet, what do we do? When trouble came, did we seek him that loves us? Did we not shut down the places that we normally seek him at? The good news is that we do not need to seek him at any specific place, but that we can call upon him anywhere that we are, and when we call he is listening, and ready to hear. Seek him with all that you are, and you will be surprised, by how fast he responds. He will strengthen you where you are at, and if you are patient, he will deliver you out of all of your troubles, amazing you over and over again, till you see him face to face, and find yourself in the image of his Son. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1, Psalm 138, 1 John 2

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Zechariah 2-5, Psalm 93, 1 John 3

Never Forsake Your God

 

Today's verse is Ezra 4:24

Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

God is very interested in his people following the established Authority. Yet, consider God’s response to Israel’s obedience to this command to stop working in Haggai: “. . .And he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” Israel had stopped everything, and no longer even pleaded with the king, they accepted the rule of the unrighteous, and forsook their God. This we cannot do, else we suffer not only the wrath of those about us who seek to forget our God, but we also suffer God’s displeasure as we turn our backs to him. So, let us not forget our God, as Israel did, but fight within the system as long as possible, and look to our God, for if we seek him, and stand for him, he will fight for us, and as Egypt fell before Moses, so also will those that stand not against us, but the one we serve, fall before the wrath of God upon them. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezra 3-4, Psalm 92, 1 John 1

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1, Psalm 138, 1 John 2

To Each, His Own. . .

 

Today's verse is John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

As Peter had denied his Savior three times, so Jesus three times asks him if he [Peter] loves him [Jesus,] then gives him a task to fulfill. Jesus deals with each of us individually. Treating with each of us, not according to the need of our neighbor, but according to our own needs and flaws. He knows each of us, as he wishes that we might know him. He knows our uprisings and when we stumble, and he also as the task for each of us, according to his purpose. While this task might have some similarity, with that of another, that task is uniquely ours , and he has prepared us for that task, that we can only perform if we allow him to work through us. So let us turn to him, trust him, leaning not to our own understanding, acknowledge him in all that we do, and as he promised he will make clear to us what we should do and how we should go. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezra 1-2, John 21

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Ezra 3-4, Psalm 92, 1 John 1

When We See Jesus

 

Today's verse is Daniel 10:11

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

In the Song, “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me, the singer lists many things that he might do on that day that we first see our Savior face to face. Based upon the above verse, and other recounts found in Revelation, I believe I can say that we shall do all of them in turn. For our God is truly fearsome, and though we will be in glorified bodies, as Daniel, we will not be able to help ourselves but to fall on our faces, both in fear, and in worship. But, being our Savior, he will enable us to stand, possibly as Daniel here in fear and trembling, but in a short period we shall be singing his praises, letting all know our devotion to him without shame, as we sing with them. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Daniel 10-12, John 20

Monday’s Reading will be Ezra 1-2, John 21

Our Refuge And Fortress

 

Today's verse is Psalm 91:2

     I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:

      My God; in him will I trust.

In this world, there are many evils in the night, but also easily found in the day, yet if we but trust in the Lord God, none of it can touch us that he has not allowed. We do not need to fear the riot nor do we need fear the pestilence, for even if they come upon us, we know to whom we go. Look at Jeremiah, God promised that the weapons cast against him would not harm him, and they did not, though he was cast into prison, but even there, in the pit, God watched over him, and he survived when his enemies did not. So in this day of confusion, know that God is still in control, and the outcome that comes he has planned. The one I desire, will speak of mercy and delayed judgment still deserved. The other, that which we deserve, and many have even asked for unknowing of the destruction that will result, having forgotten the God that made them. But we that trust in God, will God protect, even as we are railed against by those that hate God and those that serve him. So to close, Trust in God, and we shall stand with him in the End when he reigns over the whole Earth. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Daniel 7-9, Psalm 91, John 19

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Daniel 10-12, John 20

Tell Others What God Has Done For You

 

Today's verse is Daniel 4:2

I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

Has the God of Heaven and Earth ever intervened in your life? If not, are you sure? Of this I can say, he surly has: for God himself came to the habitation of men, and as a man innocent of all sin, suffered the penalty for all sin ever committed, taking your place in the eyes of God that you might be forgiven, receiving in God’s eyes the righteousness of his Son. Now, whether you have received this, I dare say, that if you should just open your eyes, you will see other works that he may have done for your sake, or the sake of another, on your behalf. If you have noticed these things, do not be ashamed to tell others, for in telling others, you may just influence them to also give Glory To God. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Daniel 4-6, John 18

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Daniel 7-9, Psalm 91, John 19

Favored, Or Unfavored

 

Today's verse is Daniel 1:9

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Here we see that Daniel and his friends had found favor with the one that had charge over him, and rightly God is credited with this happy estate. Yet, today, I also read of one who claims that God has set him apart, and that he is in derision among those that know him. Both men trust God, both men are counted righteous by the reason of the Salvation that God provides. We can see that Daniel was given this favor that he might have the freedom to live and express his faith by his actions causing others to take note not only of Daniel and his friends, but of the God he serves. This other we are not given the reason, but this we know, that God is not capricious, and that he has a purpose for all that he does. I know that when I found myself in such a state, that my own sin had put me there, and that I learned not only to fear God, but to be terrified of him, which I count to be my most valuable lesson I have ever learned. Is this the purpose of this Psalmist lament. I do not know, we are not given the reason in its context, but we know he was heard of God, and we know that he did not suffer in vain, but God’s purpose was fulfilled. So, whether we are lifted up and given favor among men, or cast down, and set apart, hated and despised, by those about us, let us faithfully place our trust in the God who loves us, and know that we shall see him one day face to face. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Daniel 1-3, Psalm 88, John 17

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Daniel 4-6, John 18

The Ministry Of God's Spirit

 

Today's verse is John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

In this verse, among at least a couple of others, we learn that the chief ministry of the Holy Spirit, the comforter, is to reveal to us Jesus Christ, and through him the Father, that is God himself. God’s spirit is not here to hide things from us, but to reveal them to us. He is here, not to hide, or to obscure the truth, but to make the things of God plain to our sight. He is here to open our understanding. If things are hidden from us, the first question we must ask is, “Are we fully yielded, or surrendered to God’s spirit?” If we are not, then we are not open to his teaching either. But, and if we are, then he will show us what we need to know, as Isaiah showed us. “Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little” according to our need, and his purpose, we shall understand as he opens our eyes to his Truth. So let us fully yield ourselves to God, Study his Word, and when the time is right we will understand all that he has for us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezekiel 46-48, John 16

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Daniel 1-3, Psalm 88, John 17

God Works As He Will

 

Today's verse is Psalm 135:6

     Whatsoever the LORD pleased,

      That did he in heaven, and in earth,

      In the seas, and all deep places

Do you face uncertainty? Are things going the way you think they should not? Know now, that whatever may be happening, God is still in control. God still has his plan. What is happening is according to his design. Think of the darkest day ever in history. Mankind, as a whole rejected and killed God himself, when they placed Jesus Christ on the cross. This God did, so that all who would, might have the opportunity to have their sins forgiven, and not only that, but that they might be placed into the family of God, and sons and daughters. As God did then, so too is he working now, though we do not know how he may do it. Be assured, however, that he is in control, and that he will be Glorified in the end. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezekiel 42-45, Psalm 135, John 15

Monday’s Reading will be Ezekiel 46-48, John 16

A Place Prepared For Us

 

Today's verse is John 14:2

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

We that placed our trust in Jesus Christ, have a place in the Father’s House, that is we have a place where God is. This place, is more than we can imagine, but more importantly, is where it is. It is in the Father’s house, we shall have true access to the Father, we will have Access to his Son, Jesus Christ. We will be where he is, and we will enjoy fellowship with him forever. Whatever we may have to endure here on Earth, this is our future. When times are hard, even seem impossible, take assurance that this is the place that we are going, and if we are in Jesus Christ, nothing will keep us reaching it. Our God without fail will bring us home. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezekiel 40-42, John 14

Tomorrow’s Reading will be Ezekiel 42-45, Psalm 135, John 15