Choosing The Most Important

 

Today's verse is Exodus 33:4

And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. 

Consider also, “And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.” In these two verses we see a contrast. In the first, the children of Israel had just heard, that God would give them every thing that he had promised, but they would receive all, without him, He would not go with them. The second, all the multitude wanted was whatever they get, not any kind of relationship with God. In another place, Jesus asks, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” So ask yourself, as you seek God, “What seek ye?” Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 33:1-34:35, John 6:1-14, Song of Solomon 4:9-13 

Monday’s Reading plan is Exodus 35:1-36:38, John 6:15-24, Song of Solomon 4:14-16

Standing In The Gap

 

Today's verse is Exodus 32:32

Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 

   Paul, the apostle, said that he was willing to be accursed from Christ, for his brethren according to the flesh (that is the Jews.) This is the very thing that Moses is offering to the Lord God. God does not receive it, but there is one that God did receive on our behalf, not just for the Jew. Even Jesus Christ, He offered himself up, laid down his life, even for a brief time suffering ultimately for all sins ever committed by anyone, that all might come to God by him. Have you received this gift yet? If not, what are you waiting for? we may not have tomorrow! Selah [Think on This.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 30:1-32:35, John 5:31-47, Song of Solomon 4:4-8 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 33:1-34:35, John 6:1-14, Song of Solomon 4:9-13

Our Focus

 

Today's verse is Exodus 28:21

And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

   The High Priest’s commission was to minster to the need of the children of Israel before God, bringing before God the substitute for the punishment of sins of the people. As such, he carried with him, not one, but two representations of the people he represented, all made of precious stones. Much I am sure can be made of this, but what I wish to focus on now, is that as we Focus on our God, we are not to lose focus of those he has set for us to minister to, for we are to bear them into the presence of our God, just as we are to be the vessel of God’s Love to them. Selah [Think on This.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 28:1-29:46, John 5:16-30, Song of Solomon 4:1-3 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 30:1-32:35, John 5:31-47, Song of Solomon 4:4-8

A Worst Thing?

 

Today's verse is John 5:14

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 

   Too often, we are more concerned with the outer appearance, or the physical, or even what is in it for me. But, God is more interested in the inner man, what is your motive for this or for that. Just because we have received a blessing that can be seen outwardly, does not mean that we have recieved that more important gift. Consider, and examine yourself, why do you do the things you do? Is it so others can see you? or is it for what you can get from it? The only motive that God will accept, the only motive he can accept, is that you have seen a glimpse of him, and you have seen that he alone is worthy, in and of himself. So what will ye? Will you seek your own? Or, will you seek Him? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 26:1-27:21, John 5:1-15, Song of Solomon 3:6-11  

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 28:1-29:46, John 5:16-30, Song of Solomon 4:1-3

God's Detailed Instructions

 

Today's verse is Exodus 25:40

And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

   As I was reading here in Exodus, I was noticing the detail with which God was describing how the tabernacle and its furnishings were to be constructed, or fashioned. And I thought, why does he not give us such detail for how to follow him? But as I reflect upon the last four years, he has. Step by step, as I needed it, rarely before, but never late, he has guided my path. Just as he has promised. Our God, the same that made Heaven and Earth, and every thing therein, all the stars, the moon and the sun, as taken note of me, and with loving care has guided me in the path that I should take, and who am I that he should do this? As he has done for me, for Abraham, for Isaac, for Jacob, for Joseph, for Judah, for Moses, for Samson, for Samuel, for David, and so many others, so too will he do for you, if you but follow him with your whole being, and he is worth it all. Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 24:1-25:40, John 4:43-54, Song of Solomon 3:3-5 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 26:1-27:21, John 5:1-15, Song of Solomon 3:6-11

Following The Multitude?

 

Today's verse is Exodus 23:2

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: 

   Since last Friday, I have spoken about fear. About not having fear, when you should, and fearing not, because you are trusting the one you are following, if that one is the Most High God. And finally, knowing which is the right fear to fear. And here is the test: for many years, I have thought of this verse as what should be the favorite of parents, when their child is saying, “Every one is doing it.” But now, with the present being as it is, and the massive push to deny what is, and the threats against all who expose the truth, who should you fear? Know this: God sees all, and he knows your part, so do not take part in the evil, do not encourage it in any way, for if you be found with those that wrest judgment, you will truly reap the price as they will. And be ready to stand for the truth, whatever the cost, and he that is Just, and True, will reward you in the end. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 21:1-23:33, John 4:27-42, Song of Solomon 3:1-2   

Monday’s Reading plan is Exodus 24:1-25:40, John 4:43-54, Song of Solomon 3:3-5

The Right, And The Wrong Fears

 

Today's verse is Exodus 20:20

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Here we see a contrast, and an intensification, for when we compare any fear we may have, to the fear that we ought to have of God, that fear should seem as nothing. When we fear God, there is nothing else we need to fear. Let’s consider, I have a fear of heights, it is normally a healthy fear, it keeps me from balancing on the edge of a cliff, and in most cases works in conjunction with my fear of God and his natural laws. But many of us have other fears, fears which would keep us from possibly doing that which God would have us do. Fears such fearing to displease our neighbor, which is the basis of the power of peer pressure. Are we to allow them to keep us from pleasing our God? Whom shall we fear more? and above it all, I have found that when I fear God, that is, terrified of him, I am less inclined to sin. Selah [Think on these things.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 19:1-20:26, John 4:1-26, Song of Solomon 2:14-17  

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 21:1-23:33, John 4:27-42, Song of Solomon 3:1-2

How To Handle Difficulties

 

Today's verse is Chapter 17:2

Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? 

As the Children of Israel flee Egypt, time and again they encounter problems, and time and again, instead of remembering what God had already done on their behalf, they once and aging murmur and complain about their poor plight, and once and again, God delivers them. Are you facing a problem? Is this a problem that occurred because you are following your God? (If not, repent!) but, and if so, know now that this thing did not surprise the Lord your God; as he did before, he already knows how he will resolve it. So consider what he has already done before; do not forget the Love he has already displayed for you, and seek his face, and as he already has done time and again, you will be left in awe for what he has prepared for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 16:1-18:27, John 3:22-36, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 19:1-20:26, Song of Solomon 2:14-17

Fear Not

 

Today's verse is Exodus 14:12-13

     Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. 

     And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 

   Are you where you are because you faithfully followed the Lord your God? Then whatever the circumstance may be, no matter how frightening it may be: FEAR NOT, for your God has not forgotten you, move forward as he has directed, and see the mighty hand of God work on your behalf as he promised. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 14:1-15:27, John 3:1-21, Song of Solomon 2:4-7 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 16:1-18:27, John 3:22-36, Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Following His Direction

 

Today's verse is Exodus 13:21

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 

   As the children of Israel left Egypt, they had clear direction from the Lord their God. Now they are an example unto us, for as they had clear direction, so also has God promised us the same. For he had promised to direct our paths. When the direction is not clear, we need either to stay the course we are already on, or as Israel was often directed to do, stay still, and see what our God will do. We can be confident that he is in control, and his purpose will be fulfilled, and we can either follow him, and be rewarded, or we can stray from the path he has set for us, and suffer the consequences. So let us see that God is to be feared, and therefore seek his forgiveness, and choose to follow him, whatever the cost, because whatever the cost, it does not compare to what Jesus has done for us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 11:1-13:22, John 2:13-25, Song of Solomon 2:1-3 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 14:1-15:27, John 3:1-21, Song of Solomon 2:4-7

No Fear!

 

Today's verse is Exodus 9:20-21

     He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: 

     And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.   

 Here is truly an amazing thing: that there were, after so many judgments of God upon Egypt, still there were those that did not fear the word of the Lord spoken by Moses. This was the seventh plague that had been proclaimed, yet there were those that did not believe, How can this be? Such is the condition of man, we are prone to turn from the Lord God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, trusting in our false gods, who have no power to save. As it was then, so it is now, the events we have seen last year bear striking resemblance to what was prophesied by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse, and what is described after is already in the making. But our God has also promised through Solomon, that if we that are Called His People, should repent, humbling ourselves, and turn to the God in Heaven, and seek his face, then he will heal our land. So let us fear God, for truly his judgment is upon us, and whether he delivers or not, he is worthy of our faithfulness to him, even unto death. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 9:1-10:29, John 2:1-12, Song of Solomon 1:15-17

Monday’s Reading plan is Exodus 11:1-13:22, John 2:13-25, Song of Solomon 2:1-3

Like Oil And Water

 

Today's verse is Exodus 8:26

And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us? 

   For those of us who fear Jesus Christ, we are not to think it strange that those things that we love, those things that we know please our God, that they are abhorrent to those that do not even know him. Egypt has long been acknowledged as a type of the world, and to the “world” the things of God, or even all that is considered “righteous” are things that they cannot stand. Their values, having rejected God, have followed their vain thoughts, even to the doing of those things that are not convenient. Yet, know this: that our God has placed us among them that we might testify to them, God’s love to them, communicating to them first of all how he has forgiven us, he will also forgive them. Leaving to God to do the convincing, after all did he not also open our own eyes. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 7:1-8:32, John 1:35-51, Song of Solomon 1:8-14 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 9:1-10:29, John 2:1-12, Song of Solomon 1:15-17

When God Does Not Help

 

Today's verse is Exodus 5:14

And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? 

   Joseph, as we all know, was blessed of God, and every thing that he did prospered, but what of this, why is God not helping the children of Israel in the making the bricks without straw? This is something we often do. We see what God is not doing, failing to see the big picture, and failing to regard what God told us what he is going to do. God told Moses, and Moses told Aaron, and Aaron told the children of Israel, that God would make Pharaoh let Israel go. What does producing bricks have to do with God’s plan? Has God given you direction? Keep your eye upon that, never failing to also keep your focus on him. And he will make the way you ought to go, and what you ought to do, clear. Fret not of the things you cannot do, for when the time is right, he will enable you to do as needs to be done. When the time is right! Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 4:1-6:30, John 1:19-34, Song of Solomon 1:5-7

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 7:1-8:32, John 1:35-51, Song of Solomon 1:8-14

God Takes Care Of His Own

 

Today's verse is Exodus 1:20, 21

     Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. 

     And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses. 

   What I wish to take note of here, is that as the midwives chose to act not according to the wishes of Man (i.e. Pharaoh,) but instead acted as God would have them do, with no outward assurance that they would escape the wrath of Pharaoh, God took note of them, and prospered them. So as God took care for the midwives, so also can you expect him to do for you. Will you get a million dollars? If his purpose allows it, Maybe. But you will get what you need, and around the time that you need it. For as Christ later promises, that if we seek him first, if we seek his righteousness first (this has several meanings) that he will take care of us, He will keep us clothed and fed. So let us also fear God above all, and seek to please him above all others. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 1:1-3:22, John 1:1-18, Song of Solomon 1:1-4

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 4:1-6:30, John 1:19-34, Song of Solomon 1:5-7

Always The Same God

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

   The God we serve, the Savior that has given his life for us, does not change. How he acted in relation to those in the Old Testament, before the law, those under the law, and us today, he seeks a relationship with each and every one that believes in him, that follows him. He grieves because of those that reject him, in whole or in part, and even in judgment his hand is extended if we should repent to lift us up out of full consequence of our sin. As he was terrible then, he is terrible today, and he was merciful then, he is merciful today, and as he was gracious then, he is gracious as well today. We need to fear him, but not in such a way as to drive us from him. Fear him so that you seek him above all. Let your fear drive you to him, and he will accept you with out delay. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Genesis 49:1-50:26, Hebrews 12:1-13:25, Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 1:1-3:22, John 1:1-18, Song of Solomon 1:1-4

Unsuspected Joy

 

Today's verse is Genesis 48:11

And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.

As we walk with God, even as we stumble and give up on a promise he has made us, maybe not even realizing that he has even made the promise, we will find that he did not forget his promise, and having despaired, we find instead a Joy we could not imagine. Do you despair today? Seek the face of your God, even the only God, the one that made the heavens and the earth, the Most High God. You can see evidence of him in his creation, and he has communicated with us through his Word, the Bible. Find the promises he has given to all that believe he is, and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him, and as he has done for me, he will not cease to amaze you, as you walk with him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Genesis 47:1-48:22, Hebrews 11:1-40, Ecclesiastes 12:1-8  

Monday’s Reading plan is Genesis 49:1-50:26, Hebrews 12:1-13:25, Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Patience

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Patience is an act of volition. That is to say it is a choice, which may or may not need also to exercise Longsuffering. Here is my definition: Patience: The act of waiting on God to take care of the problem or situation at the proper time. We can know that what God has promised, he will perform, first by his character as found in his Word, and then (hopefully, if we have trusted him long enough) by experience, so we can find that patience is easier to exercise as we see him work. 

We know that the first step in doing the will of God is first to Trust him and his work of Salvation, then and complementary to that, is to Walk with him, and having walked with him, to find that he has accomplished his purpose in us. All of which, when accomplished, we shall see his promises to us fully fulfilled. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Genesis 45:1-46:34, Hebrews 10:1-39, Ecclesiastes 11:5-10 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Genesis 47:1-48:22, Hebrews 11:1-40, Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

Once For Sin

 
Today's verse is Hebrews 9:26

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to Earth, born of a Woman, that he might suffer for the sins of the whole world. This he did once, for he need not do it again, if fact, earlier we are told that, if he should have to repeat this sacrifice, It would be shameful. Also consider, What Christ started, He will finish, and we can add nothing to it. The only action we must take, is to accept this gift he has offered, to add anything to it, is to reject it. So, have you committed yourself to his care? What you have given to him he will keep. But, if not, what are you waiting for? You do not know what tomorrow will bring, even whether you will have tomorrow, so today accept his free offer of forgiveness, and you shall be made to stand before a Righteous God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Genesis 44:1-34, Hebrews 8:1-9:28, Ecclesiastes 11:1-4

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Genesis 45:1-46:34, Hebrews 10:1-39, Ecclesiastes 11:5-10

The God Of The Promise

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 6:15

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

When we receive a promise from God, rare is it that it is received immediately. Nor, do the circumstances around us, readily make the promise seem likely. But God’s promises are sure, and if we, as Abraham, continually seek the one who made the promise, will profit even greater from it. Our God is faithful, even when we are not, and all of his promises will be kept, even the ones that are not so pleasant, if we stray. So let us remember that his Word is inviolate, and therefore strive to remain faithful to him that had promised, and we shall see him in due time. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Genesis 42:29-43:34, Hebrews 5:11-7:28, Ecclesiastes 10:10-20

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Genesis 44:1-34, Hebrews 8:1-9:28, Ecclesiastes 11:1-4

Harden Not Your Heart

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 3:7, 8

     Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 

     Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 

Because of sin, and the sin nature found within each of us (for our Salvation is not yet complete) those of us that know God, and are known of him, each of us will face one or more times which we experience such trouble that we are severely temped to turn away from our God. During such times we know what God wants of us, but we think the obstacle is too great for us, and we forget that God has already done great things for us. So in such times, do not be hasty, but rather, take time to reflect what God has already done in your life, and if you cannot think of such things, consider the things you have heard God do in the lives of those found in scripture. In them you will find a God big enough to counter the troubles you face. So will you continue to trust him, or in fear of the wrong thing, flee? Selah [Stop to think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Genesis 41:38-42:28, Hebrews 3:1-5:10, Ecclesiastes 10:1-9

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Genesis 42:29-43:34, Hebrews 5:11-7:28, Ecclesiastes 10:10-20