Understanding In Due Time

 

Today's verse is John 16:12

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 

Having trouble understanding something? Is there some passage of scripture you don’t understand? Is there something happening in your life that is a mystery to you, and you wonder how could God allow this? Or, is he asking something of you that seems contradictory, a paradox even? Here do we find one of the reasons. The first obstacle is always are you open to the truth? Search your heart, and ask God to reveal your reluctance, and then repent of what he shows you. However, some understanding requires patience and study. For the thing is closed until the time of God’s choosing according to his divine Wisdom. So if you are open to the truth, fret not if you don’t understand today, but seek out the answer, and in due course when the time is right, he will open your understanding and you will be amazed by what he shows you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 8:1-9:23, John 16:5-33, Psalm 9:8-20

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Numbers 10:1-36, John 17:1-26, Psalm 10:1-18

No Greater Love

 

Today's verse is John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

True Love: knows no limits of the sacrifice which it is willing to make to the one loved. True Love is always seeking to improve the condition of the one loved. Look at the example that Christ set before us. Sin required an atonement. Sin required a life of an innocent one. None other was available, so God himself, submitted himself to us, and even as we rejected him, and killed him, He took that act and turned it upon its head, using the ultimate evil and changing it into the ultimate good. Our rejection of him became the basis of his acceptance of us. So empty handed, for we have nothing to offer, we can come to him and he will forgive us, abide with us, live through us, forever making us into his greatest creation. Selah [Meditate on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 7:48-80, John 15:1-16:4, Psalm 9:1-7

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Numbers 8:1-9:23, John 16:5-33, Psalm 9:8-20

According To Our Service

 

Today's verse is Numbers 7:9

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders. 

   What? Kohath did not receive any, but Gershon got two, and, Why did Merari get four? Is this not how we are prone to react to the blessings of others? But notice that each received the tools they needed to perform their service. Look not to what others are receiving, look to the what you are called to do. Do you have what is required to do it? I dare say, that you do. If not, either the time is not right, or, are you seeking your will, or God’s? Another possibility, have you acted upon his call? Often he does not show you the resources until you need them. So let us not fret over what our neighbor has that we do not, we have our God’s promise that he will supply what we need if we will put him, then his kingdom (in that order, and only that order) first. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 7:1-47, John 14:1-31, Psalm 8:1-9

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Numbers 7:48-80, John 15:1-16:4, Psalm 9:1-7

The Fate Of Persecutors

 

Today's verse is 7:16

     His mischief shall return upon his own head,

      And his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

   Do you see wickedness run rampant about you? Do those that enjoy it attack you because you do not? Even, possibly, rebuke them for it? As you should. Even as in other places we are commanded not to fear them, whatever temporary power they may currently have over us, but here we can be confident that their actions, and thoughts and intents shall consume them in the end. In another place we are told that we reap what we sow. So do not fret because of evil doers, even those that have stolen power, for even they will accomplish the purpose God has set for them. Remember Pharaoh! Then as Pharaoh, or Haman, when their purpose is fulfilled, they shall be destroyed by their own plots. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 6:1-27, John 13:21-38, Psalm 7:1-17

Monday’s Reading plan is Numbers 7:1-47, John 14:1-31, Psalm 8:1-9

Of What We Can Be Certain

 

Today's verse is John 13:3

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 

  What a contrast between the assurance, or certainty that Jesus has here, and the uncertainty that is expressed by the Psalmist in Psalm 6. Now some would say, that Jesus is God, of course he was certain. But while his primary purpose was to come and take our place, he is still an example to us, and by the promises God has given us, we also can be certain of certain things. We can be certain of our Salvation, knowing that we have been forgiven of our sins, though the Blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We can be certain of what in general God wants us to do, and we even can be certain of what our very next step ought to be. Are not these things the psalmist questions? Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 5:1-31, John 13:1-20, Psalm 6:1-10

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Numbers 6:1-27, John 13:21-38, Psalm 7:1-17

Counting The Cost

 

Today's verse is John 12:25

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 

    First, let us be clear, this is not a command, nor even a suggestion, to foolishly spend or otherwise to take one’s own life. However, when it comes to making decisions on whether or not we ought to do this or that, whether or not it will cost us our lives should not even be considered. When following our Savior, our lives are his to spend as he will, we ought to be willing to die for him. Truly that means that we are willing to live for him, to do whatever he wishes for us to do, no matter the cost. The favor of others is nothing to us, for the favor of God is so much more. When we are to suffer pain, whether physical or emotional, we do not draw back, for Christ did so much more for us, and none of it will be in vain. So let us acknowledge him in all that we do, and he shall acknowledge us before the Father. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 3:40-4:49, John 12:20-50, Psalm 5:1-12

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Numbers 5:1-31, John 13:1-20, Psalm 6:1-10

Peaceful Sleep

 

Today's verse is Psalm 4:8

     I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:

      For thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

   How often do we let the troubles of the day rob us of sleep? Remember Peter as he walked upon water, So long as he kept his eyes upon Jesus he was ok. But, once he looked at the wind and tempestuous sea, he sank. Whatever problems you face, Your God is bigger. Has he left you? Can he leave you? He has promised to never leave, nor to forsake you. Stop looking at whatever problem you face. Instead, seek your God, know that you are not left to your own devices, but that he knows what you face, and has already set his plan in motion that will leave you in awe of what he has done. So remember what he has already done for you, and that he is worthy of what he asks of you now, and having cast all your cares upon him, when you lay your head down to rest, sleep peacefully. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 3:1-39, John 12:1-19, Psalm 3:1-4:8

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Numbers 3:40-4:49, John 12:20-50, Psalm 5:1-12

Jesus Wept

 

Today's verse is John 11:35

Jesus wept. 

   

     Why did Jesus weep? Was it because Lazarus was dead? He knew what he was about to do! From the context, what was Jesus groaning about? Was it not the unbelief displayed by those present? Read the 2nd Psalm, see the contrast and the similarities. Those that were around Jesus, were also potentially the same he would laugh at as he has them in derision. This is why he wept. He wept because they were rejecting him, they were rejecting Hope. What of you? Does Jesus weep for you? Are you trusting him? Do you know that He has all under control? Do you expect to be amazed when his plan is Manifested? Are you prepared to do your part, whatever the cost? Consider here the cost Lazarus Paid. What of the costs paid by Mary and Martha? But then, what joy when Jesus fulfilled his plan! Amen.

To God be the glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 1:47-2:34, John 11:28-57, Psalm 2:1-12

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Numbers 3:1-39, John 12:1-19, Psalm 3:1-4:8

How Could God Let This Happen?

 

Today's verse is John 11:21

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

   True, Jesus was not physically present when Lazarus died, but Jesus is God and he has already shown us that he is everywhere present even as he dwelt on Earth in a physical body. As to the latter part of her statement, do we not all also think such things, or even, how can God allow such a thing, happen? We have already been told that Jesus delayed on purpose. . . That is God had a purpose for Lazarus dying. Is there something you think, if God be God, that such a thing could not have happened? Put such thoughts from your mind. God is God, and the thing happened, give God the Glory, and look for how God will be glorified in that event. Have we not been told, that we know all things work together for good? Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Numbers 1:1-46, John 11:1-27, Psalm 1:1-6

Monday’s Reading plan is Numbers 1:47-2:34, John 11:28-57, Psalm 2:1-12

Utterly Cast Down?

 

Today's verse is Leviticus 26:42

Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. 

   Then also consider: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” As well as: “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:/ For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Have you now, or have you ever in the past, since you have placed your trust in Jesus’ finished work on the Cross, walked contrary to his express direction? Have you found yourself wondering if you have lost that precious gift, knowing that there is nothing more you can do to obtain it now, than that you have already done in the past? Do not despair! As God will remember his covenant with Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham, restoring Israel to their full Glory in him, never fully forsaking them, so also will he not forsake you. He still has you in his hand, and will not let you go. Place your trust once again in him, even if you find repentance near impossible, seek him and he shall bring you to a place that it can happen. You have made yourself his, and he does not surrender his own. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 26:1-27:34, John 10:22-42, Song of Solomon 8:10-14

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Numbers 1:1-46, John 11:1-27, Psalm 1:1-6

Do You Know The Shepherd's Voice?

 

Today's Verse is John 10:4-5

     And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 

     And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 

  We see here, as a statement of fact, an implied promise. That those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ will know his voice. Throughout all of scripture, time and again we are given promises that the Most High God will lead us faithfully if we are willing to follow, even unto death. That is he will lead us without fail until the day we die, but also, it means we are to trust him even if it means we must die while doing so. But what of it, our Savior died for us, should we not be willing to do the same for him? But I ramble, the true point is that our Savior has promised us that we are able to discern his leadership against the lies of the deceiver. Therefore, let us trust him, and as John has also written, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” For by his Word we shall know his leading. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 23:1-25:55, John 10:1-21, Song of Solomon 8:6-9

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 26:1-27:34, John 10:22-42, Song of Solomon 8:10-14

Chosen Of God!

 

Today's verse is Leviticus 20:26

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

  

   The Chosen, or the Elect. The children of Israel as a nation are God’s chosen people; however, All that have come to Jesus Christ, having accepted his gift of Salvation have also been chosen of God. How does one know he is chosen? Simple, He has believed on the name of the Son of God. How does one know that he has not been chosen? Also simple, he has died in his sin, and is either awaiting judgment, or has already been judged. So if you have not yet accepted his free gift freely, do so now, for then you will find that God has also chosen you before he even first laid the foundation of the world. Selah [Think on that.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 20:1-22:33, John 9:35-41, Song of Solomon 8:1-5

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 23:1-25:55, John 10:1-21, Song of Solomon 8:6-9

No Remission Without Blood

 

Today's Verse is Leviticus 17:11

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. 

   In this verse, we see an eternal principle, that without blood, we cannot be forgiven. Yet, now, we cannot forget that God himself has provided himself a lamb, who has shed his blood for us. For example, in the movie “Mist,” the worst monster of all was the religious woman that demanded that without blood there is no restitution. While true, Today, this blood is supplied by none other than Jesus Christ, who died for all, that all that will can come to him freely, to not only be forgiven of all, but cleansed, made whole, able to stand before a Righteous and Holy God. Such is our Savior, and such should we glory in. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 17:1-19:37, John 9:13-34, Song of Solomon 7:10-13

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 20:1-22:33, John 9:35-41, Song of Solomon 8:1-5

The Better Sacrifice

 

Today's verse is Leviticus 16:34

And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

  

  But now we see Jesus, made a priest after the order of Melchisedec, by oath of the Father, who has once for all, and once for all time, by the nature of his own Death on the Cross, having made the sacrifice for us all, not only entered in to the Holy place, but now is seated at the right hand of God, making intercession for us who have trusted him for salvation that we are never left without an Advocate, even as we oft fail him. He will never fail us. So whatever you may face today, whether it be all sunshine and roses (the thorns have all been removed,) or, today is the worst day you have ever had. . . Rejoice, if you have trusted Christ, for your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life, and all else shall pass, till you see him face to face, your sins having been washed away, and you have recieved from him your spotless garments always to dwell with him forever. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 15:1-16:34, John 9:1-12, Song of Solomon 7:5-9

Monday’s Reading plan is Leviticus 17:1-19:37, John 9:13-34, Song of Solomon 7:10-13

When Evil Occurs

 

Today's verse is Leviticus 14:34

When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession; 

  Has some evil thing come upon you? Know now that God takes the credit, or if you will the blame! But take care, for God is God, not you, and God is to be Glorified, and not cursed, for God is God! Know this also now, God, the one that loves you (yes he does, He died for your sin, and lives today to make intercession for you) does nothing without purpose and plan, and all that happens good or bad will work together for good, according to his purpose, so as God through Paul has commanded us, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” So seek your God, ready to repent, and as you give thanks, prepare to be amazed by what God does for, in and around you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 14:1-57, John 8:31-59, Song of Solomon 7:1-4

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 15:1-16:34, John 9:1-12, Song of Solomon 7:5-9

Remaining In The Light

 

Today's verse is John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

  Consider also: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” and, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.” With these we can have a barometer to gauge the fellowship we have with our Savior, if we find ourselves adrift, with absolutely no idea of what our God wants of us, or what we ought to do, with no assurance that we are where he placed us, even if we do not understand the reason for it, then we need to take a moment to find where our Savior is, and set our sight upon him. However, if we have but the slightest glimer at our feet, we can be at rest, and continue to place our trust in him, for he has promised that he will never leave, nor forsake us. Therefore, let us be always ready to repent, but otherwise remain stedfast upon the path he has set for us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 12:1-13:59, John 8:12-30, Song of Solomon 6:11-13

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 14:1:57, John 8:31-59, Song of Solomon 7:1-4

Consider Your Offering

 

Today's verses are Leviticus 10:1-2

     And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. 

     And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. 

Just before this God provided the fire to burn the sacrifice which was upon the altar, the altar which they were not to let the fire go out. Here is the lesson we should take from this episode: When we bring ought to the Lord our God, we must bring that which he provided for us as well. Whatever we have, however great we might think of our accomplishments in obtaining it. it is not good enough. What is good enough, is what God himself did for us, when he took our place on the Cross, taking our sins upon himself, that we might, if we accept, take his righteousness upon us. Whatever else we take before God, must first of all be born of this sacrifice, for all else is not only worthless before God, but is counted to him as an abomination. Selah [think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 9:1-11:47, John 7:53-8:11, Song of Solomon 6:6-10

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 12:1-13:59, John 8:12-30, Song of Solomon 6:11-13

Blind Obedience?

 

Today's verses is John 7:46-49

     The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 

     Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 

     Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 

     But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. 

Here we see a conversation between those that were to append Jesus and the Pharisees: in it we see an implication, and a subtle acknowledgement, which cannot both be true. The implication is that you must trust and obey those that appear to know more than you do. The acknowledgement is that each is responsible for their own beliefs, and must give an account to God for such. In the context, we know that those that think they know, are truly in error, proclaiming themselves to be wise, have become fools. In another place we are told that a certain town was more honorable than another, because they searched the scriptures themselves to find the truth, and are we not promised that if we seek, we shall find? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 7:1-8:36, John 7:45-52, Song of Solomon 6:1-5

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 9:1-11:47, John 7:53-8:11, Song of Solomon 6:6-10

The Source Of Sound Doctrine

 

Today's verse is John 7:16

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me

  Paul had admonished both Timothy and Titus to hold to sound doctrine. This is that which Jesus is speaking of here. Our Savior confessed that his opinion was as nothing, and if so of him, what of us? But, it is that which the Father has given, even what he has given through his Son, his Word. So as we speak to others, we are not to give them what we think, but what does God say, for that is what is truly important, and it is only by God’s Word that the righteous should be persuaded to follow Christ, or the wicked convinced of their sin. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 4:1-6:30, John 7:14-44, Song of Solomon 5:13-16

Monday’s Reading plan is Leviticus 7:1-8:36, John 7:45-52, Song of Solomon 6:1-5

An Expected Result Of Walking With Christ

 

Today's verse is John 7:7

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. 

In order to walk with our Savior, Jesus Christ, just as we had when we first came to him, we must humble ourselves, ever ready to admit, and repent of the things that we are wrong. I am not speaking of simple mistakes, but sins for which Jesus died. We all know how hard it is to do this, for we all have that root of pride which brought down Lucifer. So as we walk with Christ our Savior, let us not be surprised of the reaction that others have of us as they see him in us, causing them to see their own faults laid bare in their own eyes. So let us have compassion on them, even as Jesus had compassion on us as we rejected him because we would not admit our own sins. And as we laid our guilt upon him, he received it, We, by his grace, can emulate him as they accuse us for their own faults. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Leviticus 1:1-3:17, John 7:1-13, Song of Solomon 5:10-12

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 4:1-6:30, John 7:14-44, Song of Solomon 5:13-16

When We Don't Understand

 

Today's Verse is John 6:68

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 

   As we follow Jesus Christ, we will be faced with many things that we do not understand, some of them we may never understand, even as we seek to do so as we are commanded. Yet, this is not to deter us, as it does so many, for it is only by Jesus Christ that life, and life eternal, even abundant life can be found. Always as you walk with your Saviour must you Trust in him, leaning not to your own understanding, for we are finite, but he is infinite, and as we see the events unfold before us, as we are patient, we shall see the purpose, and therefore gain understanding, and see that he indeed is Glorious, and his way his perfect. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 39:1-40:38, John 6:52-71, Song of Solomon 5:5-9   

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Leviticus 1:1-3:17, John 7:1-13, Song of Solomon 5:10-12

Why Do You Seek Christ?

 

Today's verse is John 6:26

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 

   Why do you seek Christ? (if you do at all?) Such is our human nature, that even seeking the Most High God, can and most often is, done for the wrong reason, or reasons. Consider what James tells us: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” This is the same motive of those that sought Christ here. Why should we seek Jesus? The one and only reason is because he is Worthy, because he is the righteous one, and in him, and by him we can be made complete. All other reasons will cause us to miss him, and will leave us unfulfilled. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Exodus 37:1-38:31, John 6:25-51, Song of Solomon 5:1-4 

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 39:1-40:38, John 6:52-71, Song of Solomon 5:5-9

Knowing Your Vocation

 

Today's verse is Exodus 36:2

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

   We see two things in this verse. One, that God had put the knowledge and wisdom of how to do the things that needed to be done into two men, but not them only but unto others. Now, some may think this knowledge came suddenly, that is to say, miraculously. But we know from other scriptures, that whatever we have, by whatever means that we have obtained it, we have it by the Lord’s hand, whether it have been miraculous new knowledge, or by painstaking trail and error, it is all obtained by the grace of God.

   Second, that God called all of them, and gave all of them a willing heart to do the work, motivating each of them to do what he (God) desired of them to do. Is there something you are passionate about? Is it honorable? Will it bring Glory to God? Do you know how to do it? Or better yet, have a semblance of an Idea of how to accomplish it? Then follow this desire with all the passion God has given you. For as we see here, this is one of the ways God calls you to the vocation he has for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Exodus 37:1-38:31, John 6:25-51, Song of Solomon 5:1-4