Name Withheld To Protect The Guilty

 

Today's verse is Ruth 4:1

Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

   Here is something to take note of: Scripture often gives the names of those that have done wrong, as well as those that did wrong, yet here, except for the fact that this man was related to somehow to Naomi, that is all we are given. While he possibly did suffer some shame by those that he lived around, his deed is all but ignored for all that read of the romance of Boaz and Ruth. So let us also, whenever possible not look to those wrong things that have happened around us, but, rather, look to how all things worked together for good, as God has promised they would. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ruth 3:1-4:22, 1 Timothy 1:12-20, Psalm 73:11-28

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 1 Chronicles 1:1-54, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 74:1-23

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Following God's Command

 

Today's verse is I Timothy 1:1

PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

   Choosing one’s vocation is not something to be taken lightly, but many often have rebelled against following the direction that God gives them, not knowing that the path that God has chosen for you will lead you to the greatest joy and fulfilment. Paul, did not chose to be an apostle, he did not seek it, but he accepted his Lord’s command, and surrendered to the call, separating himself to the preaching of the Gospel. What is it that God is directing you to do? Be of good courage, embrace it, and put your all into it, and by doing so, you will find joy unspeakable, and fulfilment unimaginable, full of glory. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ruth 1:1-2:23, 1 Timothy 1:1-11, Psalm 73:1-10

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Ruth 3:1-4:22, 1 Timothy 1:12-20, Psalm 73:11-28

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Wondrous Things

 

Today's verse is Psalm 72:18

     Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,

      Who only doeth wondrous things.

   “. . . Who only doeth wondrous things.” Even when God is not moving openly, his hand can be seen by any who has eyes to see. That is to say, that what God does, truly cannot be explained away, though many will try, and in their own minds succeed, but only because they have lied to themselves and others. So when you have seen God work, take heart, share it with others willing to listen, but having seen God work, whether it was for another, or on your behalf, know that God knows where you are, and he has a purpose for what you are going through, and he finishes what he has started. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 20:1-21:25, Philippians 4:1-23, Psalm 72:1-20

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Ruth 1:1-2:23, 1 Timothy 1:1-11, Psalm 73:1-10

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What Is Faith?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 71:1

     In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust:

      Let me never be put to confusion.

  Since faith and trust are so closely linked, I wish to ask here the question, “What is faith?” What is it to put your trust in the Lord? As is Love, Faith is a choice! It is a choice having found a promise that God has made, such as: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” And having seen but a glimpse of the character of God, that he is one that keeps his Word, that he is truly trustworthy, to place without reservation everything you have, That he will keep that promise. As you do this, you will find even more so that God is faithful, and what you had thought you had risked was but a pittance of what you had, but you now know that you are truly able to trust him with all, so with complete abandon you turn all over to him. This is Faith. Selah [Mediate on This]. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 18:1-19:30, Philippians 4:10-20, Psalm 71:1-24

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 20:1-21:25, Philippians 4:1-23, Psalm 72:1-20

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False Confidence

 

Today's verse is Judges 17:13

Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.

   I do not know whether or not Micah, or the Levite, for that matter, had read the scriptures that were at that time available to them. If they had read them, then this statement indicates that they did not understand it. First they ought to have known the commandment, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, and while the Levite has a responsibility for ministry, even of teaching the scripture, it is the sons of Aaron that are to fill the role of Priest, so in contradiction to his claim, the Lord would not be overtly blessing Micah. For in his sincerity, every thing he was doing was wrong. That is to say, Sin. What follows bears this out. So, what should we take from this? First, and foremost, if we are to please God, we must do so by his way, not by whatsoever we might imagine, for God does not reward sincerity, but obedience. So let us be obedient to the promise of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and by that he will bring us into full obedience when he brings us home. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 15:1-17:13, Philippians 4:2-9, Psalm 69:18-70:5

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 18:1-19:30, Philippians 4:10-20, Psalm 71:1-24

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In Pursuit Of The Goal

 

Today's verse is Philippians 3:12

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

   Two dangers are mentioned here in one theme. That we (I) might have obtained perfection, or that we (I) might have already learned all that is available to learn. Sad to say, but glorious to understand, that while we live in our present tabernacle, neither of these states will ever be obtained, but we have a promise from Jesus Christ, Yea, even from the Father, that as we pursue him, what he has started the day we received him, He will finish when he calls us home. Till then, let us continue to follow after, making others aware of the Name and Work of our Lord and Savior, fulfilling the purpose he has left us here for. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 13:1-14:20, Philippians 3:12-4:1, Psalm 69:1-17

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 15:1-17:13, Philippians 4:2-9, Psalm 69:18-70:5

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Envious Of What God Does In Others?

 

Today's verse is Judges 12:1

And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire.

  Time and again, God had chosen a Man, or in a couple of cases a Woman to deliver Israel, and often that one will call upon others to participate, but they do not respond. Yet, once the deed is done, they then fain outrage that they were excluded, and not given an opportunity to participate. Truly, it was not that they were not involved that upsets them, but that the change was even brought about. If you see God working in another, be not envious of the other, but rejoice, for what God has wrought in him, God is willing to do for you as well, if you but repent, as they did. That is truly the issue in the case above, those that are angry have not yet repented, and are refusing to do so, and therefore they reap the consequences. So once again a choice is given to you. . . Rejoice in the Deliverance that God provides, or suffer for your own sins, paying the full price. I know my Choice, what is yours? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 11:1-12:15, Philippians 3:1-11, Psalm 68:15-35

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 13:1-14:20, Philippians 3:12-4:1, Psalm 69:1-17

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When God's Enemies Are In Control

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 68:1

     Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered:

      Let them also that hate him flee before him.

   When the enemies of God arise, it is because the people of God have left off seeking the will of their God, and the way to correct this is to first turn back to God, and repent first of our own wicked ways. Once this is done, the Battle belonging to God, will he direct us in our part. Through out the history of Israel, there where times when Israel had to fight those that sought to control them, at other times, all they had to do was to watch as God fought for them, but whether it was fight or watch, with variations in between, it was only by God’s direction that they won. Since God’s enemies are in control, let us examine ourselves, confess and forsake our sins and seek the face of our God, and see how he will deliver us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 9:22, 10:18, Philippians 2:19-30, Psalm 68:1-14

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 11:1-12:15, Philippians 3:1-11, Psalm 68:15-35

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Keeping Our Eyes Upon The Prize

 

Today's verse is Psalm 67:4

     O let the nations be glad and sing for joy:

      For thou shalt judge the people righteously,

      And govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

 When people know and fear God, his ways are followed, and with them they bring joy and gladness, suffering is minimized if not altogether eradicated. But when God is not even acknowledged, everything good thing will fall apart, and more so as God is forgotten. The way of God is seen as a hindrance and odious, everything not to be desired. And all see the suffering, even abhorring it, but do nothing about it as they go about compounding the misery by their own actions. So what do we do then? We that know God, continue to keep our eyes upon him, for as sure as the Sun rises in the East, our God will judge him who does not know him, and righteousness and plenty will once again be restored. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 8:1-9:21, Philippians 2:12-18, Psalm 65:1-7

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 9:22, 10:18, Philippians 2:19-30, Psalm 68:1-14

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Who Is On God's Side?

 

Today's verse is Judges 6:13

And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.  a 

    A couple of things in this verse needs to be observed: First, Gideon asked, “If the Lord be with us?” But “us” is plural, in the verse before Gideon is told, “The Lord is with thee,” and “thee” is singular. Gideon is not being told that God is with Israel, nor even with Manasseh, his immediate tribe, but that God was with Gideon, himself. Second, while it had not yet born fruit, Gideon’s Parents had been faithful to pass on to Gideon what God had done for Israel, so the seed of faith had been planted. As we are promised, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” As Israel had disobeyed God in that day, what Nation today is not doing the same? But God has his people, and as God was with Gideon, so too, is he with those that are faithful to him. Which are you? Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 6:11-7:25, Philippians 2:1-11, Psalm 66:1-20

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 8:1-9:21, Philippians 2:12-18, Psalm 65:1-7

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Which Fear To Choose

 

Today's verse is Philippians 1:28

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

   It is without a doubt that the God of all the Earth demands complete devotion and obedience. We are even warned to fear not those that can kill the body, but to fear Him that not only can kill the body, but also the soul in hell. Because of this, there will be times that we are tested, at such times, remember what he has done for you, the suffering he has suffered for the forgiveness of your sins, and he did this not by coercion but willingly. Know also that when we so suffer with Christ, our Savior, we do not do so in vain, but he will reward us a place with him when his Kingdom is established. So choose even today, whom you shall fear, Christ who died for you, or those that hate you for your Savior’s sake. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 4:1-6:10, Philippians 1:19-30, Psalm 65:1-13

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 6:11-7:25, Philippians 2:1-11, Psalm 66:1-20

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The Power Of Proclaiming Christ

 

Today' verse is Philippians 1:18

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

   Today, in my reading I saw a contrast, How as seen above, if Jesus Christ and his work is declared, or proclaimed, or just mentioned to some one, it has power, and it will accomplish what God intends for it to accomplish, but those that lie and hide themselves from truth, attempting to lift themselves up, God himself shall reveal himself to them and destroy them in a way that none can question, but know that God had done it. So which do you choose? The lie and death, or the truth of Jesus Christ and life everlasting? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 2:11-3:31, Philippians 1:12-18, Psalm 63:1-64:10

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 4:1-6:10, Philippians 1:19-30, Psalm 65:1-13

Seeing The Work Of God

 

Today's verse is Judges 2:10

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

   Did they not know the works of the Lord, because God had stopped working on behalf of Israel? Or is it because the Parents did not teach the children to see God working in their lives? As we see in Ruth, or Ester, that God most often works in the background, moving things in ways that can be easily missed if one does not care to see. Baasha, made himself King of Israel, so he thought, but as God had lifted him up, so did God bring him down. Again, today we live with a generation that does not know the Lord God of Heaven, but he is there, and if you open your eyes, you can see him working to bring about his will, and shew forth his righteousness to all that are willing to see. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Judges 1:1-2:10, Philippians 1:1-11, Psalm 61:1-62:12

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Judges 2:11-3:31, Philippians 1:12-18, Psalm 63:1-64:10

Delaying Climate Change

 

Today's verse is Joshua 24:14-15

     Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 

     And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

   President Biden, and those that agree with him have warned, “Our greatest treat is Climate Change!” I will agree, for if we follow them in their worship of Mother Earth, God himself will bring about many of those things they predict, such as the destruction of trees, and the death of all that live in the seas and rivers, as well as all of the other plagues found in the book of Revelation. Truly the climate has been changing since the Great Flood of Noah, brought about by that same Flood, which God sent because Man refused him. So as Joshua challenged Israel, I challenge you, Whom will you serve? The Earth, which if you do, God will destroy, or will you serve the Most High God, who as Jesus Christ died in your place, redeeming all that come to him. As for me, I am with Joshua, I will serve the Lord. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 22:10-24:33, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, Psalm 60:1-12

Monday’s Reading plan is Judges 1:1-2:10, Philippians 1:1-11, Psalm 61:1-62:12

Judgment Of The Wicked

 

Today's verse is Psalm 59:12

     For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips

      Let them even be taken in their pride:

      And for cursing and lying which they speak.

   It is evident that those that know not God have power today (though some of them say they do) and in their power they think that none can touch them. Yet consider this: When the serpent bit the heal of the promised seed of Adam, he thought he had defeated God himself, yet in that very act, that very same promised seed, crushed the serpent’s head, and now we have a way to be forgiven of all our sin, and if we take that way, that wicked one has no power over us. In the same way our God shall overcome all that oppose him, turning their best efforts upon their head, destroying them. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 21:1-22:9, 2 Corinthians 13:1-10, Psalm 59:1-17

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Joshua 22:10-24:33, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, Psalm 60:1-12

In Times Of Trouble

 

Today's verse is Psalm 57:1

     Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me:

      For my soul trusteth in thee:

      Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge,

      Until these calamities be overpast.

  Until Christ’s return unrepentant sinners prevail, and their sin rules the earth, not to mention the effect of the sin of those that are repentant. And because sin is in the earth, calamities must come; Yet we that are redeemed have a place of refuge, even an hiding place that we can enter till the trouble is past. As all that is torn apart about you, Do you trust God? As loved ones perish, Do you trust God? As your very life withers away, Do you trust God? How do we trust God while such things happen? Consider what Jesus Christ has done for you, Is he asking you more than he has given you? Then look for the Grace he is currently providing, it may be hard to find, it may be super obvious, but either way if will be sufficient. Hold on to it, and know that you are firmly in God’s Hand, and he will not let you Go. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 19:10-20:9, 2 Corinthians 12:11-21, Psalm 57:1-58:11

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Joshua 21:1-22:9, 2 Corinthians 13:1-10, Psalm 59:1-17

Is It Still Time To Wait?

 

Today's verse is Joshua 18:3

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?

   While there are times that we are to leave all in the Hand of God (I confess I am prone too often to take this stance,) we see here that once we have recieved our God’s promise and direction, we must take the initiative and act upon what he has told us. So the question is: what has God promised you? Are you sure you are to continue to wait, or is the time to act now upon you? As we study Israel and these seven tribes that have yet to take their inheritance, it is hard to understand why they have yet to claim their portion. The Land is open before them, most of the fighting has been finished. They have the example of others picking and choosing lands they desire, and yet there they sit, abiding in their tents in which they have lived for the last forty plus years, What is keeping them there? Let us not do the same thing, but be aware of when the time for waiting is over and claim what God himself has promised us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 18:1-19:9, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalm 56:1-13

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Joshua 19:10-20:9, 2 Corinthians 12:11-21, Psalm 57:1-58:11

Suffering Trouble?

 

Today's verse is 2 Corinthians 11:26

In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 

  There are those that say that if we faithfully follow Christ that we shall never suffer mishap. In the above verse we see that that is not true. It is true that as children of God we are under his protection as even Satan testified of Job, so anything that does happen to us, we know that our God who loves us has personally allowed it. But as Jesus came to suffer the Cross, so also are we called to suffer that others might see and consider our Savior. So when the perils come, do not fear, but be of good courage, for your Father in Heaven knows of your trouble, He has not forsaken you, but will at the very least, carry you trough it, and you can be confident that his purpose for such trouble will be fulfilled. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 16:1-17:18, 2 Corinthians 11:24-33, Psalm 55:1-23

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Joshua 18:1-19:9, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalm 56:1-13

Will Truth Destroy Or Save You?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 54:5

     He shall reward evil unto mine enemies:

      Cut them off in thy truth.

  This is an interesting thing: Those that oppose them that follow Jesus Christ are those that oppose truth! Now here we see the phrase “thy truth,” Many, in order to reject something they do not like will separate themselves from it by saying that is not my truth, or that may be your truth but it is not mine. Make no mistake, Truth is Truth. If something is true for one, it is true for all. Now things that are true of God: He is Righteous, Loving, Holy, Just, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient, just to name a few, and none other can claim all of these things, thus “thy truth.” And so, those that oppose God, will find that when the truth is revealed, will find that they are destroyed. So do not delay, forsake your lies, and embrace the truth, and becoming free, though broken, you shall also escape the coming destruction. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 14:1-15:63, 2 Corinthians 11:16-23, Psalm 54:1-7

Monday’s Reading plan is Joshua 16:1-17:18, 2 Corinthians 11:24-33, Psalm 55:1-23

False Ministers

 

Today's verse is 2 Corinthians 11:15

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

  There are those that speak of lofty things, making themselves appear to be of high moral character, all the while accusing those that are of the debauchery they themselves are guilty. All they do only causes destruction and misery in their wake, which they decry but do nothing about, except to blame others for their misdeeds. Yet God is gracious, giving them opportunity to repent, even till the moment he calls to give them their due. So as we are often reminded in God’s Word; do not fret yourselves as such as these appear have their season, for in due course God will give his inheritance to the meek. Amen

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 12:1-13:32, 2 Corinthians 11:7-15, Psalm 52:1-53:6

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Joshua 14:1-15:63, 2 Corinthians 11:16-23, Psalm 54:1-7

Missing That Joy Of Salvation?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 51:12

     Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

      And uphold me with thy free spirit.

   Because the old man still exists, there may be times when we stray, or even run from our Lord God, our Savior. At such times, we may feel as if we have lost our Salvation, but Jesus has promised us that once we have come to him, He shall never leave nor forsake us. But, as hinted here, we have lost that joy that accompanies salvation. Are you in such a place? Are you not able at this time to repent? Start here: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.” Doing this, you can trust that he will once again bring you back to that place where you once again know that Joy of being Saved, Even as you did when you first met your Savior. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 10:16-11:23, 2 Corinthians 11:1-6, Psalm 51:1-19

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Joshua 12:1-13:32, 2 Corinthians 11:7-15, Psalm 52:1-53:6 

Judging Ourselves By The Right Standard

 

Today's verse is 2 Corinthians 10:12

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

   Why should we not compare ourselves with our neighbor? Simple, because no matter how contemptible we might actually be, we can always find in our neighbor something worse, no matter how “good” we might otherwise judge them. Doing such a thing is to use false measures, which thing God hates, but we must use a true standard, which be none other than God’s Word: Jesus Christ. It is by his example that we shall be compared to, and found wanting, but it is also in him that we have redemption. For if we seek him, he will trade us our sin for his Righteousness, that if we be found in him and he in us, it is his Righteousness that God will see when we are before him. Give him something which is less than nothing, and receive everything in its place: What trade can be better than that? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Joshua 9:1-10:15, 2 Corinthians 10:9-18, Psalm 50:1-23

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Joshua 10:16-11:23, 2 Corinthians 11:1-6, Psalm 51:1-19