A Thought For The End Of The Year

 

Today's verse is Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 

    Whatever else you may learn. Whatever you may suffer. Whatever offense you may have to endure. Here is the whole of the matter, that you might keep your feet in the way of God, repenting whenever you may stumble, and keeping your eyes upon your Savior Jesus Christ, who knows you, and loves you, shortcomings and all, Yet he died for you, and is willing to empower you, to do his will, and as much as you remain faithful, he will reward you above that which you can imagine, but if you stumble, he is there to lift you up, using even your waywardness to bring himself Glory (Consider Jonah) perhaps even leaving a vein of Silver, throughout your chastening, that you be not left empty handed, when once again he lifts you up, and places you again in a firm place. Selah {Rejoice in this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Haggai 1:1-2:23, Acts 20:1-38, Job 28:1-11

Monday’s reading will be Zechariah 1:1-2:13, Acts 21:1-26, Job 28:12-28

Desire Fulfilled

 

Today's verse is Acts 19:10

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 

    If you know the life of Paul, if you have followed the book of Acts, you know that at one time Paul was forbidden to continue to minister in Asia, but rather was called to go into Macedonia. But, now Paul’s desire for Asia is being fulfilled, and his ministry in Ephesus, has reached all of Asia as described here in this verse. Understand this, if God turns you aside from fulfilling a Godly desire, fret not, for he knows when the perfect time is; therefore, follow him faithfully where he leads, and that desire he gave you will be fulfilled in due course. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Acts 19:1-41, Job 27:1-23

Tomorrow’s reading will be Haggai 1:1-2:23, Acts 20:1-38, Job 28:1-11

When Judgment Comes

 

Today's verse is Habakkuk 3:17-18

           Although the fig tree shall not blossom,

    Neither shall fruit be in the vines;

    The labour of the olive shall zzfail,

    And the fields shall yield no meat;

    The flock shall be cut off from the fold,

    And there shall be no herd in the stalls:

           Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

    I will joy in the God of my salvation.

    Consider, what should a follower of Christ do, when he sees the Judgment of God upon his Nation, upon his neighbors, even a Judgment of which he is affected by a portion? Habakkuk here even trembled at the thought he might have rest at such a time, yet he determined that he will rejoice in the Lord, even taking Joy in the God that provided him salvation. Even expressing confidence that God will again cause him to walk again with a spring in his step as he walks in the evidence of his prosperity. So today, if you know him that is Righteous, Rejoice, for he comes to Judge the people, and those that refuse him shall be destroyed, but all that repent will have a place. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Habakkuk 2:6-3:19, Acts 18:1-28, Job 26:1-14

Tomorrow’s reading will be Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Acts 19:1-41, Job 27:1-23

Finding God

 

Today's verse is Acts 17:27

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 

    There is a joke: A man, a scientist even, is said to have found God, by a long struggle of searching, and when he does, God then says to him, Great, now you hide and in a thousand years I will come find you. Such an outlook is as far from the truth as one can get. As Paul testifies here, God is not far from any of us, and is seeking to make himself known to all that will open their eyes to see. And that is the reason he cannot be found. One, we are not truly looking, Two, we are blind, hence the phrase, “might feel after him.” So, do you wish to know God? Stop, for he is right next to you, and decide now that you will Trust him, and if you do that, whatever may come, he will open your eyes, and shew himself to you, making you wonder why you had never seen him before. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Habakkuk 1:1-2:5, Acts 17:1-34, Job 25:1-6

Tomorrow’s reading will be Habakkuk 2:6-3:19, Acts 18:1-28, Job 26:1-14

How Much Does God Value You?

 

Today's verse is Acts 16:27-28

     And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 

     But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 

    Consider if you will, What God had done for this Keeper, to bring him to the place of decision. First and foremost, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the same that God has valued above all his Name, suffered all that we suffer in our frail bodies, yet without sin, then suffered for our sin, taking our place upon the Cross, then as if that was not enough (What a thought!) He sent Paul, and those with him, to Philippi, had them suffer unjustly, being beaten and thrown into prison, even convincing all the prisoners to remain, when they could have run free, all so that this man, this Keeper of the prison might receive Jesus Christ as his Savior. Now, if this is what God had done for this Warden, the value He had placed upon him; Are you aware of how much He values you? I know that I do not know. For I do not know, what others besides Jesus, had paid for my Salvation, but God does. Do you know the Worth God has placed upon you? Selah [Be amazed by this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Nahum 1:1-3:19, Acts 16:6-40, Job 24:12-25

Tomorrow’s reading will be Habakkuk 1:1-2:5, Acts 17:1-34, Job 25:1-6

Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men

 

Today's verse is Micah 7:19

     He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us;

    He will subdue our iniquities;

    And thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

    When Jesus Christ was born, which we celebrate tomorrow, the angels announced, Peace on Earth and Good will toward men. Why? When I first heard this as a child, I did not understand it then. What with all the strife that was in the World even then. However, in the above verse we see Why! Because, God has sent and provided a way that any, no matter how vile, can turn from their wicked ways, and receive forgiveness and redemption, and God himself will cast all their iniquities and sin, into the deepest part of the sea. In another place, He will cast such as far from us as the East is from the West. So let us seek Jesus Christ today, and remember and meditate on what he has done for us tomorrow, considering what we are willing to do for him, because of the Gift he has given us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Micah 7:1-20, Acts 15:22-16:5, Job 24:1-11

Monday’s reading will be Nahum 1:1-3:19, Acts 16:6-40, Job 24:12-25

What God Wants Of Us

 

Today's verse is Micah 6:8

     He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;

    And what doth the LORD require of thee,

    But to do justly, and to love mercy,

    And to walk humbly with thy God?

    What does God desire from us? Even how do we find redemption in his eyes? Above all he wishes that we live lives Holy and Righteous before him, but he knows our frailty, and he has provided us a way to him, a way that we might even be able to fulfill the simplicity of this verse. God does not require from us a sacrifice, for he has already provided it by his Son, even Jesus Christ, who took our place and paid our price, rising up on the third day, providing for us a comforter, that we might then walk humbly with our God. Therefore, let us not fret, but comfort ourselves, that the price is already paid, and any suffering that we might experience is for another purpose, for which God will not forget to reimburse us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Micah 4:1-6:16, Acts 14:8-15:21, Job 23:1-17

Tomorrow’s reading will be Micah 7:1-20, Acts 15:22-16:5, Job 24:1-11

Boldly Preaching The Gospel

 

Today's verse is Acts 14:7

And there they preached the gospel.

    When strife came, because the hearers rejected the Word of Salvation that was preached unto them, Paul, and those with him did not cease to preach Jesus Christ, but rather, they left those that would not hear, but went to those that have not yet heard; exactly as Jesus had commanded the disciples when he sent them out to preach the promise of the coming Kingdom. So as Paul, and all of the other believers did in their day (as testified by scripture) bearing witness to those about them, let us so do, speaking boldly to all that will hear, only stopping to speak to those that will not hear, because we then turned to someone that has not yet heard. Then let us see what God will do! Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Micah 1:1-3:12, Acts 13:13-14:7, Job 22:14-30

Tomorrow’s reading will be Micah 4:1-6:16, Acts 14:8-15:21, Job 23:1-17

God Hears Repentance

 

Today's Verse is Jonah 2:2

     And said,

      I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me;

      Out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.

    At the time of Jonah’s prayer, consider where he is, and why he is there. He is in the belly of the whale, or as this text says a great fish. And he is there, by his own actions, his rebellion from God, brought him to this place, yet at the beginning of his prayer, he expresses confidence that the God he has transgressed against, hears him. When we recognize that the dire straits that we are in, are of our making, thus we therefore repent of them, turning to the Lord our God, He is more than willing to hear, and not just hear, but respond. And so Jonah was delivered from the belly of the Great fish, even onto the dry Land. Selah [think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jonah 1:1-4, Acts 13:1-12, Job 22:1-13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Micah 1:1-3:12, Acts 13:13-14:7, Job 22:14-30

Judged, Or Delivered?

 

Today's verse is Obadiah 17

     But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness;

      And uthe house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

    Today, as I read each Passage in the list below for today, there was a common theme. There was someone that was troubling one or more that are chosen of God, whom God called his own. Here, in Obadiah, God promised the Edomites that God would judge them and destroy them, but he would preserve his people. In Acts, God spared Peter, but Judged Herod, (possibly an Edomite, not sure.) Let us learn from this, in such a time that we are in, for we can be sure that God does not change, so as we see those things that he said would come, let us not be surprised, but seek and fear him, and by his grace do that which is pleasing to him, and perhaps, as he spared Peter, and will one day lift up the Jews once again, he will also spare and lift us up as well. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Obadiah 1-21, Acts 11:19-12:25, Job 21:17-34

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jonah 1:1-4, Acts 13:1-12, Job 22:1-13

Just Who Is Respecting Whom?

 

Today's verse is Acts 10:34-35

     Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 

     But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 

    Today, we see daughters of Japheth, lifting up the children of Ham, and calling the children of Japheth all respecters of persons, even to the point of making the same claim of the Most Righteous, and Holy God, not knowing that it is the Children of Shem, more specifically the children of Jacob, that God has lifted up. Yet, God is not a respecter of persons, for he will accept all that come to him, through Jesus Christ his Son, who will deny, by the power of his Spirit, the unrestrained desires of the flesh, but will submit themselves unto God, to walk in his way according to His Word. After all, this same thing is what Dr. King wished for. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 8:1-9:15, Acts 10:34-11:18, Job 21:1-16

Monday’s reading will be Obadiah 1-21, Acts 11:19-12:25, Job 21:17-34

To Be Counted Clean Of God

 

Today's verse is Acts 10:15

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

    When God gave this vision to Peter, it was common then as it is now, between those that are of one Linage or another, to call the other unclean, or unworthy. Today, this is called racism. Yet, even as God corrected Peter, so too need we to heed the warning. Jesus Christ died for all, and any that come to him through his shed blood of the Cross is then counted cleansed of their sin. Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and made clean by God. So come to the Cross where all are equal, whether oppressed, or the oppressor, for all are in need of the Comforter, which Jesus Christ as provided for us, when he ascended up into Heaven, because we all have sinned and are in need of the Savior. Amen.

To God be the Gory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 6:1-7:17, Acts 10:1-33, Job 20:12-29

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 8:1-9:15, Acts 10:34-11:18, Job 21:1-16 

When We Correctly Respond To Judgment

 

Today's verse is Amos 5:9

     That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong,

      So that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.

    When all seems to be desolate, when nothing seems to be going right, when all about you is destruction and misery, know that God is seeking you, and is calling out to you, yet even then. Giving you one last opportunity to turn to him. And if you do, as this verse promises, you shall see Victory. God himself will strengthen the oppressed, and give them the ability to pull down the fortresses of those that have subjugated them to their will. All because we have turned our backs upon the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Let us therefore, turn again unto him, and seek his ways, and do them, and see if he will not only save us, but the country we live in as well. Selah [Consider this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 4:6-5:27, Acts 9:20-43, Job 20:1-11

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 6:1-7:17, Acts 10:1-33, Job 20:12-29

The Blessed Hope

 

Today's verse is Job 19:27

     Whom I shall see for myself,

      And mine eyes shall behold, and not another;

      Though my reins be consumed within me.

    Job, born over 2000 years before Christ came, declares that same Blessed Hope that we have which Paul Identified: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; This is our hope, this is what we are looking for, and this is what should constrain us. Jesus Christ has promised to return, and when he returns, he will not be the meek Lamb, which was slain for the sins of the World, but, rather, he will return as the Lion, to bring Judgment upon all those that have refused his gift. And what a gift, all of our guilt, all of our sins, can be washed away, forgotten by an Holy God, that we might be made Righteous in him, that died for us. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 1:1-4:5, Acts 8:26-9:19, Job 19:13-29

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 4:6-5:27, Acts 9:20-43, Job 20:1-11

When You Are Constrained

 

Today's verse is Job 19:8-9

     He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass,

      And he hath set darkness in my paths.

     He hath stripped me of my glory,

      And taken the crown from my head.

    I know this place that Job here describes, I am in it now, and I have been in it before. However, we know something here that Job does not know at this time, That Job is not in this place he described, for anything he had done, but that God might be glorified in him. Yesterday, I reflected upon what God had done in my life, and I considered a time of pain and heartache, the worst I have ever experienced. I was warned of its coming about the 26th of October, 2016, and it started 30 November 2016 and lasted until the 15th of September, 2017, with a time of grieving after that. Now Paul has declared that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Now I can testify to the truth of that, because during that very same season, my God was with me, encouraging me, using others about me to bring me Joy, and even Gladness, despite the pain. He did not mitigate the pain, except a time or two, so that, that worst of times was also the best to date. So where do you find yourself? Are you like Job constrained? Are you in a place of hardship? Know that, Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Amen

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joel 3:1-21, Acts 7:54-8:25, Job 19:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 1:1-4:5, Acts 8:26-9:19, Job 19:13-29

Is God With You

 

Today's verse is Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 

    Consider Joseph, He had some terrible things happen to him, but God was with him. He was cast into a pit, but God was with him. He was sold into slavery, but God was with him. He was cast innocent into prison, but God was with him. He was made the right hand of Pharoah, for God was with him. Or rather, Joseph, had chosen through all of this to trust God, through all of the things that Joseph endured, there is no record that Joseph ever wavered in his faith of God, and whatsoever Joseph did, God Blessed! Do you trust in the Lord your God, no matter what comes your way? If so, there will be evidence that God is with you, it may not be in the same form that Joseph experienced, but it will be there, and as Joseph was in due time lifted up, so also will your God lift you up, if you faint not. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joel 1:1-2:32, Acts 7:1-53, Job 18:1-21

Monday’s reading will be Joel 3:1-21, Acts 7:54-8:25, Job 19:1-12

To Chose Wisdom

 

Today's verse is Hosea 14:9

     Who is wise, and he shall understand these things?

      Prudent, and he shall know them?

      For the ways of the LORD are right,

      And the just shall walk in them:

      But the transgressors shall fall therein.

    Consider the questions in this verse: One way they could be considered a lament, as to say, “There is none!” And in other places of scripture, God says that unless he draw us, none would come to him. Yet, truly, these questions are an invitation; inviting us to make a choice. To chose God, and his ways, reminding us that his ways are right, and as I often say, “God is right, by definition.” Now, there is the carrot, but we must also consider the stick, for God, the Most High cannot abide sin, and he will destroy all that persist therein. So today, what is your choice? Wisdom, and understanding (Blessing) or will you trip up and fall attempting to make your own way work? (Curse) God is gracious, but he will not abide forever, and though we can see his Judgment upon the Earth today, His hand is stretched out still. Amen

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 13:1-14:9, Acts 8:1-15, Job 17:1-16

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joel 1:1-2:32, Acts 7:1-53, Job 18:1-21

Learning From Another's Sin

 

Today's verse is Acts 5:4

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 

.    Much has been made by the phrase made earlier, “They had all things common.” What was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira? Was it they keep part of the sale of their property? No, Peter is very clear here. It is that they sought the notoriety of having given all of their land to the cause, it was their motive, as well as their lie that brought death upon themselves. Note, it was God’s immediate Judgment that brought fear, and that fear Glorified God, and while some were turned away, even more repented and found redemption. Selah [What other conclusions can you make of this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 11:1-12-14, Acts 5:1-42, Job 16:10-22

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 13:1-14:9, Acts 8:1-15, Job 17:1-16

Reacting To The Fulfilled Word

 

Today's verse is Acts 4:28-29

     For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 

     And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 

    Here is something to consider, In God’s Word, we can see he told us about some days that come, that look very similar to what we are experiencing now. If we believe him, if we hold his Word as truth, should it coming to pass give us cause to fear, or should we be even more bold to bear witness to his Message? If by his Word, we see that God is fully in control, What should we fear but him? And as Paul had said, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” Therefore, knowing that our God with with us, let us, fearing him alone, speak up and testify of his Power, and Judgment, and his willingness to Redeem all that will come to him. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 8:1-10:15, Acts 4:1-37, Job 16:1-9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 11:1-12-14, Acts 5:1-42, Job 16:10-22

Healing Through Repentance

 

Today's verse is Hosea 6:1

     Come, and let us return unto the LORD:

      For he hath torn, and he will heal us;

      He hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

.    Compare the invitation above, with this one that Peter gave, when he healed the lame Man at the Beautiful gate: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Notice the parallel promise. It is without a doubt that God is judging the Nations at this time. Yet, if any Nation should accept this invitation, as promised here, God will turn from his judgment and Heal that nation, and give his blessings upon it. However, this is a personal choice, so today, see yourself through God’s eyes, and Repent from your sins, accepting the Gift Jesus provided by his suffering on the Cross, and see what God will do. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 8:1-7:16, Acts 2:42-3:26, Job 15:21-35

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 8:1-10:15, Acts 4:1-37, Job 16:1-9

He Did It On Purpose

 

Today's verse is Acts 2:24

     Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:      

     Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 

    Read the above verses again and consider, what God has done, and what those that were acting in our stead had done. (That is to say, what we would have done if we were there. Do not be quick to say you would not have done it.) God knew what would happen, and yet Jesus, willingly, subjected himself to us, and suffered at our hands, and died upon the Cross. He did all of this for us, for those that beat him, and bruised him, and crucified him, and having so died, he did not remain in the grave, but rose up again on the third day and conquered death. If he did all of this for the benefit of us that killed him, What would he be willing to do for those that Repent, accepting this gift, to be reconciled to God? Selah [Meditate on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 3:1-5:15, Acts 2:1-41, Job 15:10-20

Monday’s reading will be Hosea 8:1-7:16, Acts 2:42-3:26, Job 15:21-35

The Purpose Of Every Christian

 

Today's verse is Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

    We that have been redeemed, Is there a reason that we are left here, in this wicked world, to suffer any longer from the curse placed upon the world because of sin? The answer to that question is found in this verse. God has a purpose for us, and he has commissioned us to bear witness to the thing that he has done for us. He does not ask that we tell others the things we do not understand. He does not tell us to expound upon the secrets that we do not know. We are just to tell others what God has done for us, what we have seen, what we have heard, and what we have experienced, once we have trusted Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Bear witness to what God has done for you. If you will do this, God himself, through his Holy Spirit which he has given you when you trusted Jesus, will work in the hearts of those that hear and see your testimony. Selah [Meditate on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 1:1-2:23, Acts 1:1-26, Job 15:1-9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 3:1-5:15, Acts 2:1-41, Job 15:10-20

The Right Fears

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 66:5

     Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word;

      Your brethren that hated you,

      That cast you out for my name’s sake, said,

      Let the LORD be glorified:

      But he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

    It is amazing how those that know not God, the Most High, in their delusions, think that they are doing God service, even as they reject his representatives. We that know God, know that he is truly to be feared, yet he invites us to come boldly to his throne to make request. But they fear not him, but make up reasons to fear, to subject others to their will, yet when God comes, and he will come, those that are true to him will rejoice, but these others will learn true fear to late to benefit from it. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 65:1-66:24, Luke 24:13-53, Job 14:11-22

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 1:1-2:23, Acts 1:1-26, Job 15:1-9

God Always Has A Way

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 63:5

     And I looked, and there was none to help;

      And I wondered that there was none to uphold:

      Therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me;

      And my fury, it upheld me.

    Ester, was one chosen of God to stand for his people, but as her Uncle said, if she refused, God would bring Salvation to his people another way. He could have this confidence because he probably knew this verse. God will deliver his people. God will always have his remnant, even if it was as in Noah’s day, when only eight were saved. So, are you looking, do you see the trouble? Look also to God, and know, even as he brings the trouble, he will provide his own Shelter, and a way of escape, but if he asks you to Stand, do not back down, for he will be with you, and your reward will be with him, when you come into his presence. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 63:1-64:12, Luke 23:26-24:12, Job 14:1-10

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 65:1-66:24, Luke 24:13-53, Job 14:11-22

The City Abraham Looked For

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 60:10

     And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls,

      And their kings shall minister unto thee:

      For in my wrath I smote thee,

      But in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

    In this verse, and its context, we see the result of the Judgement of God upon the Earth, after the terrible destruction, after all those that refuse him are dealt with, and after they have been throughly punished, we see the bounty of the Lord, we see security and safety, we see all that are left, living in peace, giving praise unto God, and blessing the people God had chosen. This is what Heaven looks like when God brings it down; when he dwells himself upon the Earth with his people. This is that Utopia that all are looking for. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 60:1-62:12, Luke 22:63-23:25, Job 13:13-28

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 63:1-64:12, Luke 23:26-24:12, Job 14:1-10

A Glimpse Into Tomorrow

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 59:21

     As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD;

      My spirit that is upon thee,

      And my words which I have put in thy mouth,

      Shall not depart out of thy mouth,

      Nor out of the mouth of thy seed,

      Nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD,

      From henceforth and for ever.

    Today, Sin is rampant upon the earth, my sin, your sin, the sin of our neighbor, none of us is innocent, and because of this, we reap the fruit of our sins on a regular basis: wickedness, turmoil and strife, and any other evil one may think of, but there is coming a day, when all that are in Jesus Christ will be changed, and all that refuse him will be judged, receiving the wages for their sins, then the glories of Heaven will be found on Earth and all that live in it will not depart from observing the Word of God, which he will write upon our hearts, and the righteousness of God will be seen in all that abide there. This is what we have to look forward to if we have been adopted into the Family of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 58:1-59:21, Luke 22:24-62, Job 13:1-12

Monday’s reading will be Isaiah 60:1-62:12, Luke 22:63-23:25, Job 13:13-28

A Reason To Give Thanks

 

Today's verse is Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

    Today, in the United States, we are observing Thanksgiving, a time set aside to give Thanks for all that God has done for us, or has allowed us to do for ourselves and others. At times, in our fallen natures, we have trouble recognizing the things we ought to be thankful for. At such times, we can start by recognizing the greatest thing God has ever done for us, and remember that for our sins, our iniquity, Jesus Christ suffered on the Cross that we might be forgiven, that we might escape the Wrath of God, of which the terrible things we see today, are but a small token, and should be seen as an opportunity to repent, that God’s hand might be turned aside for another day. Selah [Consider this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 55:1-57:21, Luke 21:25-22:23, Job 12:13-25

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 58:1-59:21, Luke 22:24-62, Job 13:1-12 

The Great Comforter

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 53:11

     He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:

      By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;

      For he shall bear their iniquities.

    Who has suffered great grief? Who has seen dark days, and has had cause to have lost all hope? Jesus Christ has known your pain, he has taken upon himself your suffering, but beyond that, so much more, He Has Taken Upon Himself The Penalty Of All Your Transgressions Against A Righteous And Holy God! Come to him, trust him, even in your darkness, and he shall give you light, and guide you to a much brighter place, as he lifts you up in due course to higher ground. This is what he has said, this is what he has promised. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 52:1-54:17, Luke 20:41-21:24, Job 12:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 55:1-57:21, Luke 21:25-22:23, Job 12:13-25

A Reason To Be Confident

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 50:7

     For the Lord GOD will help me;

      Therefore shall I not be confounded:

      Therefore have I set my face like a flint,

      And I know that I shall not be ashamed.

    The above verse is part of a messianic prophecy, that is it describes to us what Jesus did, even as he was being Judged to be placed upon the Cross. It is said, that Jesus came to be an example unto us, and as much as this statement misses the mark, It is true, that Jesus Christ was and is an example unto us, for as he hoped in God, even as the Father turned his back upon him for our sakes, so also can we, even in the darkest of times, and in him we will find in due course understanding and confidence, for we trusted in God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 50:1-51:23, Luke 20:1-40, Job 11:12-20

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 52:1-54:17, Luke 20:41-21:24, Job 12:1-12

The Accepted time

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 49:8

     Thus saith the LORD,

      In an acceptable time have I heard thee,

      And in a day of salvation have I helped thee:

      And I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people,

      To establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

    In the above verse, God speaks of an acceptable time, from this direct context, it speaks of the perfect time, the time that God has chosen, for Jesus Christ to come, the first time: to die upon the Cross, to atone for all the sin of all the world, and the second which we have not seen yet, to restore the world in righteousness, and punish all those that have refused his gift of Salvation. All of that will be done at the acceptable or perfect time. Yet, Paul in quoting this verse, speaks of other acceptable times. First, the acceptable time to receive this good news, to receive this Salvation, provided to us by God. Today, today is the acceptable time, do not delay, do not hesitate, but as soon as you understand what God has done for you, claim it, refuse to let another second pass by before it is yours. But, then, the final acceptable time is reserved, for those that have received, and Know what God has done. Today, is the acceptable time to tell your neighbor what God has done for them, do not delay, for who has promised them tomorrow? Such a promise does not exist! Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 48:1-49:26, Luke 19:11-48, Job 11:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 50:1-51:23, Luke 20:1-40, Job 11:12-20

Where To Look

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 45:22

     Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:

      For I am God, and there is none else.

    When you look about you and all you see is confusion and destruction, here is your answer! If you look about you and you are able to see blessing and bounty, do not forget to look here as well, for again, here is your answer! God is not hiding, but is seeking you, reaching out to you, and is ready to respond to you, but you must open your eyes, repent from your evil, and trust him above all. When you do this, He will be found. He will heal you of your sin, and he will lift you up, to stand in his presence, not as a servant, but a child of God, an heir of all he has, and possibly a Joint Heir with his Son, Jesus Christ, if you suffer with him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 45:14-47:15, Luke 18:9-19:10, Job 10:11-12

Monday’s reading will be Isaiah 48:1-49:26, Luke 19:11-48, Job 11:1-12

No Other God

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 44:6

     Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel,

      And his redeemer the LORD of hosts;

      I am the first, and I am the last;

      And beside me there is no God.

    There are those that mock, saying, “Who Created God?” Yet here we see God bearing witness of himself, for there is no other, that no other can compare to him! There is nothing before him, for he alone is eternal, having no beginning and no end. Yet here we see the Father, and we see the Son, and already the Son has be declared as our Redeemer. Already, has God planned out his redemptive act. Already, does God see his Son on the cross, which he purposed as we are told elsewhere, that he was crucified from the foundation of the world, before Adam ever was created, he sought the means of our redemption. Who for his own reasons, knew we would be wayward, yet in his wisdom, considered suffering in our place worth it, to bring us back to him. Selah [Ponder this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 44:1-45:13, Luke 17:11-18:8, Job 10:1-10

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 45:14-47:15, Luke 18:9-19:10, Job 10:11-12

Why There Is Wickedness In The Earth

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 42:24

  Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers?

        Did not the Lord, he against whom we have sinned?

        For they would not walk in his ways,

        Neither were they obedient unto his law.  

    Israel is the people God has chosen to bear, and as they were disobedient he gave them over to the profane, to those that would take what is not theirs, because they refused to follow the way of God. What then would he do to us, and we reject his every kindness? Over and over again those that reject God look upon the wickedness in the world and wonder where is God? Not understanding that God as given them over unto that wickedness, for the darkness of their own hearts. That this is the most common form of Judgment God uses to those that reject him. Are you tired of such wickedness? Repent, turn to the God that made Heaven and Earth, who took upon himself the sins of the whole world, including yours, then tell your neighbor what you have found, then as we repent, God will repent, and turn away those that refuse to everlasting destruction. Selah [Think carefully on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 42:10-43:28, Luke 16:1-17:10, Job 9:25-35

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 44:1-45:13, Luke 17:11-18:8, Job 10:1-10

The Fate Of Those That Oppose God And His People

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 41:10-11

   Fear thou not; for I am with thee:

        Be not dismayed; for I am thy God:

        I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;

       Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

    Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded:

        They shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.  

    We see here a promise to a faithful Israel, the desire of God’s heart, but as he promised Israel, so too by what God said through Paul, all promises to us-ward, is yea, yea. We as followers of Christ, while not taking the place of Israel, can alongside them, partake of the promises that God gives to his faithful followers. That is what this promise is! So in this day that men do not seem to even care that God is watching them, let us read this passage, and take heart, and put the fear of all else but God behind us, seek to do his will, and follow his ways, and as he has promised, he will remove all that oppose him in due course. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 41:1-42, Luke 15:1-32, Job 9:20-24

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 42:10-43:28, Luke 16:1-17:10, Job 9:25-35

Who Is Like God?

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 40:25

To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

    In our ever vain search to deny that we are wrong, we vainly attempt to make the terribleness of God, disappear by making him more like us, to fit into the image we make of him. But we can never be successful, for the Great God, that made Heaven and Earth, has no equal, there is nothing that can compare. Just consider how what he did for all, when he died upon the Cross, and how that displays his Character. I doubt I can do it Justice. He took upon himself the penalty of all sin, suffering for all, so that any that would, can come to him and be made whole. How terrible is he to do such a thing? How good is he to do such a thing? What should happen to those that refuse to accept such a gift? Again there is none such as God. Selah [Consider this well.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 39:1-40:31, Luke 14:1-35, Job 9:12-19

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 41:1-42, Luke 15:1-32, Job 9:20-24

Pray

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 37:15

And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying, 

    Hezekiah, having received the demand from those that would destroy, who said God told them to come, yet blasphemed, saying, Who is your God to save? So what does He do? He humbles himself, and he prays. He recognizes the claims of those that stand against not only Israel, but God himself, then He acknowledges who God is, and without any deal making, asks for deliverance. Today. Is there an enemy that claims to be of God, yet denies him every other way, That is set to destroy? Come to the Most Holy God, who created Heaven and Earth, and make your request known, and just perhaps, and that same God that heard Hezekiah, he will hear you, and remove such from their place. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 37:14-38:22, Luke 13:1-35, Job 9:1-11

Monday’s reading will be Isaiah 39:1-40:31, Luke 14:1-35, Job 9:12-19

What Is Left To Fear

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 35:4

     Say to them that are of a fearful heart,

      Be strong, fear not:

      Behold, your God will come with vengeance,

      Even God with a recompence;

      He will come and save you.

    Yesterday, I spoke of, and compared the Fear of the Lord, with other fears, that may cause one to change his behavior. But if you Fear God, what is left to fear? For what is stronger than God? Is there truly any other like him? So in this time of chaos, know that God is already here, he is already working, he is already moving, to bring an end to those that oppose him. We have seen how he shelters those that are his, even as he brings destruction upon all others. So Fear Not, Trust in him, and in due course, he will make you whole. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 35:1-37:13, Luke 12:22-59, Job 8:11-22

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 37:14-38:22, Luke 13:1-35, Job 9:1-11

The Treasure That Is The Fear Of The Lord

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 33:6

    And wisdom and knowledge shall be

  The stability of thy times, and strength of salvation:

  The fear of the Lord is his treasure.  

    Some would minimize the fear we ought to have of God, to something simple as Awe, or Reverence, even as great as they might be. But the Fear of the Lord is so much more than that. Consider what Jesus said in Luke: “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Jesus gives us the proper comparison. For if you have ever faced the fear of peer pressure, that is nothing to what the Fear of God should be. But what of the fear of your lively hood being taken away? i.e. Not being able to work, therefore not being able to feed your family. Your Fear of God needs to be greater. What of directly what Jesus first says in Luke, fearing those that have threatened to kill you? Your Fear of God needs to be Greater. We are speaking here of abject Terror. But, consider the reward of such fear. Therein is found Wisdom. Therein is found Knowledge. Therein is found Stability. Most of all, Therein is found the Salvation that God gives to all that come to him through Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 33:1-34:17, Luke 11:37-12:21, Job 8:1-10

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 35:1-37:13, Luke 12:22-59, Job 8:11-22

Where Do You Find Security

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 31:1

     Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help;

      And stay on horses,

      And trust in chariots, because they are many;

      And in horsemen, because they are very strong;

      But they look not unto the Holy One of Israel,

      Neither seek the LORD!

    Here is a very important question! From where do you find your security? When you are in trouble, from where do you seek help? Do you seek it from earthly things? Your security system? The Police? What of the weapons you own? Are you confident of your own strength to keep yourself safe? The trouble is, none of these things are secure, though they may be seen, the security they offer is truly empty! The only security is the one that cannot be seen by the eye, but still can be seen if one is willing to even look. God, creator of Heaven and Earth, is just waiting for any and all that will Trust in him, whatever the trouble, whatever might cause you a fright, turn to him, First; and he will be your refuge in the storm. Give to him the outcome (that is let him determine what is the right outcome) and you will find that he will bless you beyond your wildest imagination. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 30:18-32:20, Luke 11:1-36, Job 7:11-21

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 33:1-34:17, Luke 11:37-12:21, Job 8:1-10

Redeeming Even The Hardest Of Hearts

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 29:16

     Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay:

      For shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not?

      Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

    It is in such a time as described above that we can look for the redeemer to work, and for those that refuse to acknowledge him that created all to receive of the harm that they did to others. Yet if you read the following verses, those that are deaf, hear God’s Word, and those that are blind see the Glory of God, that is to say, that even some of those that would not, do. Such is the Grace of God, that even as he meets out his wrath, he brings some to redemption, even as he desires to do for you. So when his destruction comes, and it will, of which side will you be on? Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 29:1-30:17, Luke 10:1-42, Job 7:1-10

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 30:18-32:20, Luke 11:1-36, Job 7:11-21

Who Is Right?

 

Today's verse is Luke 9:35

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. 

    Tired of the fight, a man heard both sides cry in despair about how the other side is coming to get them, and the man prayed, and asked, Why can we not all get along? Who is right? Who is wrong? To this question, we see the answer above. That we all might escape the terrible wrath of God, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, that if we hear him, turn to him, he shall spare all that come to him. All others in due course he will destroy. So to answer the question, God is always right, and we are wrong, but in Jesus Christ we can find safety, if we repent and trust in him, and by his power walk in his way. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 27:1-28:29, Luke 9:28-62, Job 6:14-30

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 29:1-30:17, Luke 10:1-42, Job 7:1-10