The Source And Purpose Of Disasters

 

Today's verse is Psalm 114:7

     Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord,

      At the presence of the God of Jacob;

     The scoffer looking at natural disasters say it happened thus and so, no God was behind it, but we must stop producing, else it would get worse. Yet, the God of Heaven and Earth has promised us that if we honor him, He would bless the work of our hands. And that same God also promised that if we refuse to follow his ways, ignore his statutes, turmoil and destruction will follow all of our efforts. Look about you, which do you see? Is God’s way observed, or is it forsaken? Do we see bounty, or desolation? So tremble, at the judgment of God and repent, for if we do, the Redemption of the Lord is at Hand, for all that come to him through his Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Nehemiah 10:28-11:36, 1 John 5:17-21, Psalm 113:1-114:8

Tomorrow’s reading will be Nehemiah 12:1-13:21, 2 John 1-6, Psalm 115:1-18

The Righteous Judge

 

Today's verse is Nehemiah 9:33

Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

    Last night as I was watching the news, and there was a clip of a person out in the middle of a park with a sign saying something like: “Forgive us, O God, Save us from the Hurricane.” This is what we must recognize, that God is a God of righteous judgment, and the troubles that we see about us, are actually less then what we deserve. As I saw that sign, I thought, there is one standing in the gap, and I prayed that God would see, that God would hear, and that God would spare. Will he, I do not know, most often he does, but I know of at least two times that he refused. We know that God always has his remnant, I hope, by the blood of my Savior to be found in that number. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Nehemiah 9:1-10:27, 1 John 5:13-16, Psalm 111:1-10

Tomorrow’s reading will be Nehemiah 10:28-11:36, 1 John 5:17-21, Psalm 113:1-114:8

Time To Examine Yourself

 

Today's verse is 1 John 5:12

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

     As both John and Paul both have commanded, today is a day to examine ourselves. This verse divides all that have ever lived into two camps: Those who have accepted the gift given by Jesus Christ, and those who have not. This is the gift which he paid for when he suffered the shame of the Cross, taking upon himself every sin committed by every person that had ever been born of Adam, so this includes you. However, not all will see the Majesty of Heaven, and in this verse we see the difference. So, the question is: Which group are you in? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Nehemiah 7:66-8:18, 1 John 5:6-12, Psalm 110:1-7

Tomorrow’s reading will be Nehemiah 9:1-10:27, 1 John 5:13-16, Psalm 111:1-10

God's Work On Display

 

Today's verse is Psalm 109:26-27

     Help me, O LORD my God:

      O save me according to thy mercy:

     That they may know that this is thy hand;

      That thou, LORD, hast done it.

     Even as those that hate God attack those that seek him, some even crying out, show me your God, as they refuse to see the work God has done in those whom God has redeemed. As we that have been redeemed know, God did not redeem us because of some merit on our part, but he did it for his own Name’s sake. So when dealing with those that know not God, follow God’s counsel, give them at least one opportunity to hear, but do not cast pearls before swine. But even so, as God has brought you unto him, it is not impossible for him to do the same for them. So pray for them till God himself tells you to stop. Most of all, display the work God has done in you for all to see, not the least of which is yourself. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Nehemiah 6:1-7:65, 1 John 5:1-5, Psalm 109:16-31

Tomorrow’s reading will be Nehemiah 7:66-8:18, 1 John 5:6-12, Psalm 110:1-7

A Choice To Contemplate

 

Today's verse is Psalm 109:4

     For my love they are my adversaries:

      But I give myself unto prayer.

    Today, I read of Nehemiah, prepared to fight against enemies inside and outside the camp [can be understood as foreign and domestic.] Today, I read of so emulating the Love of God, that we can have boldness, or confidence, in the day of judgment. And now here, seeing that there will be those that hate God, hate me because I display his Love. This whole Psalm is a request of God to cut off, to utterly destroy those that stand against him. It was applied to Judas, the one that betrayed the Christ. Choose Today, of which side you are on. As for me, I would hate to find myself in opposition to God himself. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Nehemiah 4:1-5:19, 1 John 4:16-21, Psalm 109:1-15

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Nehemiah 6:1-7:65, 1 John 5:1-5, Psalm 109:16-31

Who Is Jesus?

 

Today's verse is I John 4:15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 

      With this verse we need to be careful of definitions. What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God? Is it as Luke says of Adam that he is the son of God? That is directly created by God. Jesus is the second Adam after all. Or what of the sons of God that married the daughters of men, partly for which God sent the flood? Or what of the sons of God that presented themselves before God in Job’s day? That is the angels, which also were directly created of God. Or is it as the Jews perceived, and understood, when Jesus that God was his Father, that he was fully God’s equal, “Making himself God” for which they desired to stone him. The final justification for putting Jesus to death by the cross, was because he did not deny who he was. But because he went to the Cross, our sins were paid in full, and because he rose from the dead, we might be seen Righteous in him. So is Jesus the Son of God? Selah [Think about this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Nehemiah 1:1-3:32, 1 John 4:13-15, Psalm 108:1-13

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Nehemiah 4:1-5:19, 1 John 4:16-21, Psalm 109:1-15

Who Trembles With Me?

 

Today's verse is Ezra 9:4

Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice. 

  Today, Many fear things like COVID, Climate Change, and being called a Racist. Maybe some fear being called a terrorist, but who with me trembles as Ezra at the possible, even probable, wrath of God that very much should be at our doorstep for the sins of our neighbors, not to mention our own? Looking at the sins that are prevalent in my Nation, or any of the others, why should an Holy God delay any longer? Why should he spare? There really is only one hope that he does. God is gracious, and God does spare if and only if those that tremble at his Wrath come together and pray for first for forgiveness of their own sins: Then for the sins of their neighbors, then and only then might we cry out as the Psalmist:

  Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,

And for his wonderful works to the children of men!

  Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people,

And praise him in the assembly of the elders.  

Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezra 9:1-10:44, 1 John 4:7-12, Psalm 107:23-43

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Nehemiah 1:1-3:32, 1 John 4:13-15, Psalm 108:1-13

Redeemed? Say so!

 

Today's verse is Psalm 107:2

     Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,

      Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

     Have you met Jesus Christ? Have you discovered that He has paid your ransom? What ransom? you might say. Why do I even need a ransom? you might wonder. By your own conscience are you innocent? or guilty? John tells us that God is greater than your conscience, and he knows all that you have ever done, and he knows how your rejection of him leads only to wickedness and evil. Do not deceive yourself, for we are all prone to reject him, and do so every time we are not focused solely upon him. Yet he loves us, and he is ever ready to receive us, as this Psalm recounts again and again. So in different way, I ask again, Have you been Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb? If so, do not hide behind it being a personal choice, for it is not private, but proclaim it for all to hear.

You may start by commenting below. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezra 7:1-8:36, 1 John 4:1-6, Psalm 107:1-22

Monday’s Reading plan is Ezra 9:1-10:44, 1 John 4:7-12, Psalm 107:23-43

Opposition Overcome

 

Today's verse is Ezra 6:12

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

     In another place, we are told that the King’s heart is in the hand of God, and he turns it as he will. From this verse we can see that Darius feared God and knew that he was King, only by God’s suffrage. If we, having sought, or otherwise recieved God’s counsel, and know what he has directed, Do it. We know not just from this place, but throughout scripture, that if God’s people are faithful to do the work God has commanded, done the way God has commanded it, no matter the obstacles placed in their path, God shall make sure it is accomplished. So do that which God has placed before you, fearing not any power but of God, and you shall see his hand accomplish that which he has set you to do. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezra 5:1-6:22, 1 John 3:19-24, Psalm 106:30-48

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Ezra 7:1-8:36, 1 John 4:1-6, Psalm 107:1-22

What Happens When We Turn From God

 

Today's verse is Psalm 106:24

     Yea, they despised the pleasant land,

      They believed not his word:

     Are we any quicker to turn to the Word of the Lord, the God that Created Heaven and Earth? Look at all the things that “they” say we face: Climate change, Systemic Racism, COVID, and here in America the so called Big Lie. Believe it or not the answer to all of these things is found written in God’s Word. Climate change is a substitute for the Judgment of God that is coming, and those that seek to avoid it, rejecting the God of Creation, will bring it upon themselves. And the Racists that blame others for what they do, even attributing their sin to the One that judges all without respect of persons, How do you think God will judge them? COVID is a warning to all that will hear, coupled with that charge of Systemic Racism, that the Judgment of God may be near, and as to the Big Lie: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” So are you troubled? Seek refuge in God’s Word, for in it you will find Redemption by the Cross of Christ, and through that redemption: Peace. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezra 3:1-4:24, 1 John 3:11-18, Psalm 106:16-29

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Ezra 5:1-6:22, 1 John 3:19-24, Psalm 106:30-48

Remembering What God Has Done

 

Today's verse is Psalm 106:8

     Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake,

      That he might make his mighty power to be known.

     The Psalmist here is reflecting on God’s deliverance of the Children of Israel as they fled Egypt. He is hungering for the Salvation of God and is remembering that God saved his Fathers even as they were forgetful of what God did for them just yesterday, as each new problem presented itself. Such is the longsuffering of God. However, while God’s mercy is everlasting his patience is not, so as you experience turmoil, choose to remember what God has done for those you have read about in scripture, and as you have been patient and seen him work on your behalf, choose to remember what he has done for you, and trust him, letting him have your circumstance, and let him have the outcome, whatever it might be, and as he brought the Children of Israel out of the Wilderness, even so will he carry you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is Ezra 1:1-2:70, 1 John 3:5-10, Psalm 106:1-15

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Ezra 3:1-4:24, 1 John 3:11-18, Psalm 106:16-29

Do You Hear?

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 36:15

And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: 

   Many cry, and say that God is not present today. Yet, for those whose eyes are open, His hand, and his warnings are plain to see, and hear. What will be your response? Will you follow those that cry for justice, as they bring discord and mayhem? Or will you stand for the one that offers you life through his loving sacrifice on the Cross? The other side will not allow you to be neutral, and God despises the lukewarm. Yet, again, for all of this, our God is longsuffering, and merciful, and he will receive all that come to him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23, 1 John 2:28-3:4, Psalm 105:23-45

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is Ezra 1:1-2:70, 1 John 3:5-10, Psalm 106:1-15

Testing New Knowledge, By The Spirit And The Word

 

Today's verse is 1 John 2:26-27

     These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 

     But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 

     With this passage, it is important to compare scripture with scripture, and to consider the context. Note the first verse, and how it sets the context, how the second verse is in reference to false teachers. For often, what one needs to know, God will show another, to strengthen the foundation of that knowledge. But all who have placed their faith in the Savior, have the same access to the Spirit, which is our Comforter, and Teacher. We are not to accept the teaching of another that we do not see for ourselves in what God has given us in his Word. For as the Bereans were more honorable then those of Thessalonica, because they searched the scriptures to see whether what they where taught were so. None of us are responsible for the things we do not understand, but if we reject what we do understand, we will not be shown more (possibly, even losing the understanding of what we rejected.) However, if we having verified the truth by God’s Word, and we accepted it, and by the strength of the Spirit begin to apply it in our lives, He will further open our understanding. As the Psalmist said, “I have more understanding than all my teachers:/ For thy testimonies are my meditation.” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 33:1-34:33, 1 John 2:18-27, Psalm 105:1-22

Monday’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23, 1 John 2:28-3:4, Psalm 105:23-45

The Blessings Of God To The Faithful

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 31:10

And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store. 

  Here we see the evidence of the abundance of the Lord. Because the people of God, [Judah] sought the Lord their God with their whole heart, God blessed them, even as he had promised. And as each person was blessed, so they gave, and those that directly ministered to the things of the Lord, were therefore also blessed in abundance. So in this troublous time, if we first seek him that died for us, so will he bless us, as he blessed Israel, but if we forsake him, so shall he forsake us. I know my choice, what is yours? Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 31:1-32:33, 1 John 2:15-17, Psalm 104:16-35

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 33:1-34:33, 1 John 2:18-27, Psalm 105:1-22

God Hears Those That Repent

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 30:27

Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.

  We are told in another place that if we regard iniquity, God will not hear us. Yet, here we see that those that turned once again to the Lord God in Heaven, that their prayers where heard. What a joyous thing to consider, the the Most Holy One, who cannot abide sin, has made a way for us to return to him. This way, is none other than what Jesus Christ did for us on the Cross, when he took our sins and paid them in full, making available to us his Righteousness, when he rose up from the dead three days later. So turn again unto your God, and he will hear you when you call, even as he heard these Priests as they blessed his people. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 29:1-30:27, 1 John 2:7-14, Psalm 104:1-15

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 31:1-32:33, 1 John 2:15-17, Psalm 104:16-35

From Frying Pan, Into The Fire

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 28:23

For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. 

  Having experienced the judgment of God, King Ahaz, doubled down on his sin. Ahaz counted God as dead. In his sin, he could not find the Lord his God. Less you think, “I have been redeemed, Jesus is my Savior!” So apparently could King Ahaz say the equivalent. We all make choices every day, and every day we must purpose our hearts to seek the Lord our God, for if we do not, sin shall overtake us, and before we know it, as it was with Ahaz, God would seem as dead to us. So remember his promises starting with:

  Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

  For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.  

So today, remember the Lord your God, and choose today, to Trust in Him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27, 1 John 2:1-6, Psalm 103:15-22

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 29:1-30:27, 1 John 2:7-14, Psalm 104:1-15

The God That Forgives And Heals

 

Today's verse is Psalm 103:3

     Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;

      Who healeth all thy diseases;

  Can anyone show me, from anywhere in the world, that because of Covid, a great number of people repenting and seeking out God? Instead, as King Asa, we appear to have forsaken him, and turned to the Scientists, who know not God, and seek their council, and follow their false wisdom, and instead of our fears being relieved they were reaffirmed and strengthened. So let us now repent, and turn to the Living God whom we have angered, but as Isaiah was so keen to remind us: His hand is stretched out still. Then perhaps, as we find here in the above verse, that he will not only forgives us of our sins and iniquities, but heal us of all our diseases. Amen.

To God the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28, 1 John 1:5-10, Psalm 103:1-14

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27, 1 John 2:1-6, Psalm 103:15-22

God Changes Not

 

Today's verse is Psalm 102:27

     But thou art the same,

      And thy years shall have no end.

   There are good times, and they shall pass. There are times of great wickedness, and they also shall pass. Even the stars in the heavens shall pass. We are told that even this world will pass. So too will the troublous times that we currently live in pass. But God is Eternal, and he never changes, though we may not see his hand at work about us, we have had examples of how he works behind the scenes, accomplishing his will, so we can be confident that he is at work even now accomplishing his purpose in our time. So Trust him, take refuge that he always knows what he is doing. Be of good courage, and fear not to Stand for him, and he will Stand with you, and in due course, he will reward all that are his. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21, 1 John 1:1-4, Psalm 102:1-28

Monday’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28, 1 John 1:5-10, Psalm 103:1-14

How To Respond To Fear

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 20:3

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah

   Do you have reason to fear? Then remember the one that is to be feared above all, for it is probably by his hand this fear has come upon you, whether in judgment, or as a test, or even as a testimony. First and foremost, as Jehoshaphat did here: Trust in the Lord your God. Seek his Council, and in doing this, he shall give you the direction you need to either withstand the storm, or possibly even escape it, as he did for Jehoshaphat here. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37, Titus 3:12-15, Psalm 101:1-8

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21, 1 John 1:1-4, Psalm 102:1-28

The Correct Response To God

 

Today's verse is Psalm 99:1

     The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble:

      He sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

  Why should we tremble when we hear, “The Lord reigneth?” Consider how even the best of men, when they encountered the Most High, all fell in fear, and all where as dead men, till God himself restored them. So let us Fear only him, and rejoice that we have met him, for by knowing him we shall be spared his wrath, and in knowing him, let us mold ourselves to his will, allowing him to work through us to show forth his Glory. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34, Titus 3:8-11, Psalm 99:1-100:5

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37, Titus 3:12-15, Psalm 101:1-8

An Example Of Faith

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 14:11

And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. 

  This is a good reminder, as the life of King Asa provides us both promise and warning. The warning I have dwelt with much earlier, the promise is this: God is able, and he is, with a couple of exceptions --do not be quick to think you are one of them-- willing to deliver all those that call upon him. Are you in a straight? Is there no way out? Trust in the Lord your God, Trust that he knows what is the best outcome, and rest in him, then do as he commands, and you will find that he will reward you, beyond what you can imagine, for your faithfulness. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14, Titus 3:1-7, Psalm 97:1-98:9

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34, Titus 3:8-11, Psalm 99:1-100:5

The Promise Of Righteous Judgment

 

Today's verse is Psalm 96:13

     Before the LORD: for he cometh,

      For he cometh to judge the earth:

      He shall judge the world with righteousness,

      And the people with his truth.

  Here in this verse we see Joy and Gladness for the Lord’s coming, and truly God’s people will rejoice, but what of those that know not God, who do not wish to know God, who refuse to know God? Such a day for them will not be filled with joy, and no gladness will fill their hearts. Today, we see fires, droughts, in other areas floods, not to mention a plague that many fear, unrest in the streets; is there any wonder that hearts are failing for fear? None truly considering that all of these are judgments from God? Let all forsake what they might think is their own truth, but rather turn to the Truth, even to Jesus Christ, repenting of their wicked ways, and accept the Righteousness found only in Jesus, and as God turned his full judgment from Rehoboam, perhaps, he will turn these judgments from us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s Reading is 2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22, Titus 2:9-15, Psalm 96:1-13

Tomorrow’s Reading plan is 2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14, Titus 3:1-7, Psalm 97:1-98:9