Who Can Prevent God?

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 14:27

     For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it?

      And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

    There were three men, who faced a king, refusing to do as the king demanded, and when the king asked, “Who can deliver you from me?” And the reply was, “Our God can, but even if He doesn’t, we will not serve your Gods, nor worship your image.” (paraphrased) But, if one angers that God that can deliver, who can deliver from him? None, no not one. This is something that can both be a great comfort, but should also bring about great fear. For what God has promised, God will fulfill. Now, God has promised Salvation to all that ask him for it, but for all that refuse, he promises Justice. However, none of us truly wants what we deserve. So today, chose wisely, for God is ready to receive you, and shelter you, and protect you from his wrath. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 14:24-16:14, Luke 6:1-49, Job 4:12-21

Monday’s reading will be Isaiah 17:1-19:25, Luke 7:1-35, Job 5:1-7

God's People Remembered

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 14:1

     For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob,

      And will yet choose Israel,

      And set them in their own land:

      And the strangers shall be joined with them,

      And they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

    I want to focus on those first two lines, for it is very important to remember, and never forget. Though today, God’s people may seem to be forgotten (speaking of Israel, but not only them, but all that have been given the faith of Abraham) of this we may be confident: God never forgets his own! Though today, it may seem as if they are left to their own devises, they are not. In fact; their time is set, when God shall lift them out of the mire, and set them upon the dry ground, in a higher place, where all that love God can share in the Blessings God gives them. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 13:1-14:23, Luke 5:1-39, Job 4:1-11

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 14:24-16:14, Luke 6:1-49, Job 4:12-21

When All Seems Hopeless

 

Today's verse is Job 3:23

     Why is light given to a man whose way is hid,

      And whom God hath hedged in?

    What a question! Job was truly in despair. In his complaint he calls light vain, and the hedge Satan complained about, that kept Job safe, a trap. So can we all, when we loose sight of God, as we focus on the events around us. It is at such times as this that we must seek the face of the God that created Heaven and Earth, and chose to Trust Him. This is the bedrock principal. Whatever happens, whatever comes, whether good, or bad, or even horrendous, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Settle yourself on this, then with longsuffering, wait on the Lord your God, and see what he will do. As recorded in God’s Word over and over again, to many others who did Trust in the Lord, God never failed a single one of them, yet destroyed all others. So be stayed upon the Lord, and he will not fail you either. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 10:20-12:6, Luke 4:1-44, Job 3:17-26

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 13:1-14:23, Luke 5:1-39, Job 4:1-11

A Time To See, And Chose

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 10:1-2

     Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees,

      And that write grievousness which they have prescribed;

     To turn aside the needy from judgment,

      And to take away the right from the poor of my people,

      That widows may be their prey,

      And that they may rob the fatherless!

    Who as I can, see who these are that are described above? I know such exists, for I have heard them testify, coming to the same conclusions that I have found. After God declares that for such Judgment will come, he again proclaims: “For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.” Who seeing what God hates will fear him, and not them? Who will choose God, seeking his forgiveness, and stand for what God says is right, whatever the cost? We stand at the brink, but if we stand against those things that God hates, perhaps he will spare, and deliver, rather then destroy. Let all that know him be counted, and may those that don’t find repentance in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 9:1-10:19, Luke 3:1-38, Job 3:1-16

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 10:20-12:6, Luke 4:1-44, Job 3:17-26

A Time To Ask Of God

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 7:11-13

     Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God;

      Ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

     But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. 

     And he said,

      Hear ye now, O house of David;

      Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

    Today, it is often counseled to not ask anything of God, but to be thankful for what he has given, or even better, to thank him for who he is! Yet, we see here, King Ahaz, refusing to ask of God, even as the Prophet, in God’s Name invites him to do so. Here, God was gracious, and chose the sign for him. Even the promise of a virgin bearing a son, a sign believed to have a double significance. One, for the day’s of Ahaz, then also the promise of the Messiah, who was to be born of a virgin, as he is the true Son of God. Who as we know today, came to die for all, that all who will, can live, forgiven of their sins, enabled to live a Holy life before the God that loves them. So in this day of trouble, fear not to come to the One that Created Heaven and Earth, to ask him to spare, and to deliver, which he will do, if we humble ourselves before him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 7:1-8:22, Luke 2:22-52, Job 2:11-13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 9:1-10:19, Luke 3:1-38, Job 3:1-16

Seeing The Character Of God

 

Today's verse is Job 2:3

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

    A couple of things to note from this verse: First, all things that happen in Heaven and in Earth, happen so that the Glory of God might be revealed. Second, what God allows, whatever the agent that actually performs the deed, God counts himself the doer of it. What can we learn from this? Some would say, without understanding, that this proves God is wicked, yet it does no such thing. (Read all of the book of Job, for even he had some dross, and God restored to him double of all he had lost.) But what we can learn, if we are willing to, is the whole Character of God: The blessings he wishes to bestow upon those that are faithful to him, as well as to show his wrath upon all them that transgress his ways, and in all of this, showing us that his ways are indeed the right ways. Selah [Consider this well.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 5:1-6:13, Luke 1:67-2:21, Job 2:1-10

Monday’s reading will be Isaiah 7:1-8:22, Luke 2:22-52, Job 2:11-13

Humbling Ourselves Before A Holy God

 

Today's verse is Job 1:21

     And said,

      Naked came I out of my mother’s womb,

      And naked shall I return thither:

      The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away;

      Blessed be the name of the LORD.

    Yesterday, I spake of what to do to avoid judgment, yet today, we see a man whom God himself said was righteous. And we in this verse see his reaction, when God allowed extreme hardship enter into his life. This man, later in response to even more provocation declared: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him[.]” Would you, could you do the same? Job recognized that God truly does have all authority over all, and truly has the right to do as he pleases with what he created. Many today, instead of responding as Job did, are angry with God for allowing the dreadful things that have happened in their lives, and without a doubt, many of them are truly dreadful, even as the events leading to Job’s confession we see above. Yet, in this we can be confident: God always has a purpose for what he does, nor has he asked of us more than he was not only willing to do, but what he has done for us. Nor does he take that he does not restore, and that with interest. So Trust in the Great God, creator of Heaven and Earth, and humble yourself before him, for he alone is truly worthy of being Exalted. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 2:6-4:6, Luke 1:39-66, Job 1:13-22

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 5:1-6:13, Luke 1:67-2:21, Job 2:1-10

The End Of Judgment

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 1:26

     And I will restore thy judges as at the first,

      And thy counsellers as at the beginning:

      Afterward thou shalt be called,

      The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

    We need to understand the context of this verse. Israel at the time was giving lip service to God: They were saying, but they were not doing. They spoke proudly, and boasted about how they care, and because they care all their wicked actions were justified. They spake of liberty even as they oppressed the widow and the fatherless, bringing them under their oppressive thumb, and doing all this they thought that God would be pleased for their sacrifice. But God saw the wickedness of their hearts and punishment was promised. Now, God does all things in righteousness, and does all for a purpose, even so, or especially so when he brings Judgment, and the verse above speaks to that end. If we wish to avoid any further the Judgment of God that is come upon us, we must repent, set righteous Judges and Councilors in places of leadership, having our actions match our words, recognizing that Jesus Christ is the true God and Lord of all. If we do this, by his own sacrifice for us he will forgive us our sin, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 1:1-2:5, Luke 1:1-38, Job 1:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 2:6-4:6, Luke 1:39-66, Job 1:13-22

Stumbling and Falling: Avoiding or Recovering

 

Today's verse is Jude 24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 

    As one that has not only stumbled, but fallen, even to great hurt, O what a hope this verse gives, but consider, Peter also makes a similar clam: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” Paul also describes a way, that if we surrender to the Spirit within us, we should never again sin, but in the very next chapter decries of the struggle we all have with the flesh in which we dwell. But what of it, Let us hear Solomon and the counsel he gave: “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:/But the wicked shall fall into mischief.” So have you fallen? Look to the one that suffered for you, and cry unto him as Peter did, when he began to sink for the storm, and be stayed upon him, and He shall make you to stand faultless before his throne, even as David is counted the most faithful King of Israel. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 23:1-24:25, Jude 17-25, Psalm 148:1-150:6

Tomorrow’s reading will be Isaiah 1:1-2:5, Luke 1:1-38, Job 1:1-12

A Shield In Trouble

 

Today's verse is 2 Samuel 22:31

     As for God, his way is perfect;

      The word of the LORD is tried:

      He is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

    The scoffer and the fool, rail at the terrible things that happen about them and to them, blaming God for all the evil in the world. And God openly takes the credit for all of this. So is this verse true? Without a doubt, YES! David tried God, and found that he could trust him. David found that when he transgresses, he was chastened, but as he trusted God, depended upon solely upon him, God was dependable, and even in times of chastening, God gave grace, and blessed David far more then David could imagine. And so much more, when chastening was not as necessary. So as truly God was a shield to David, even protecting David from the worst of himself, as well as those that rose up against him. God will protect all that those that choose to trust him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 22:1-51, Jude 1-16, Psalm 147:1-20

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 23:1-24:25, Jude 17-25, Psalm 148:1-150:6

Understanding Scripture

 

Today's verse is 2 Peter 3:16

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

    What is so hard to understand about the statement, “All have sinned?” Yet I have counseled many who could not (would not?) understand it. Yet this is not the part of Paul’s writings that Peter is speaking of here. For consider, Ephesians, or Colossians , both books have parts that are very hard to understand. Know this. God’s Word is a book that can only be understood with the help of the Holy Spirit of God, and the First, but not the only, requirement to understanding is willingness to see. This is the only one you have control over however. The others are God’s purpose, and his timing. So rejoice and obey those things that you do understand, and study those things that you do not, and take care of those that say they have made the book easier to understand, for I have never be able to explain something that I do not understand myself, I doubt they can do any better. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 20:1-21:22, 2 Peter 3:14-18, Psalm 146:1-10

Monday’s reading will be 2 Samuel 22:1-51, Jude 1-16, Psalm 147:1-20

How Should We Respond To God's Judgment?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 145:20

     The LORD preserveth all them that love him:

      But all the wicked will he destroy.

    Today, we are without a doubt seeing Judgment from God upon the world of men. Is it the lead up to the accounts listed in Revelation? I do not know, but I have reason to believe, not yet. However, whether it is or not, remember the promise found above, and even in the midst of persecution God will preserve his people, both by his promise to Abraham, as well as those that came to Jesus by the faith of Abraham. We shall all see and enter into that Great City, which God has prepared for us. So as we see the destruction of all about us, let us rejoice and remember the Judge will destroy all that refuse him, and reward all that remain faithful to him. So let us consider this day the question Peter asked, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness[?]” Selah [Consider this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 19:1-43, 2 Peter 3:1-13, Psalm 145:1-21

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 20:1-21:22, 2 Peter 3:14-18, Psalm 146:1-10

How To Enter God's Fortress

 

Today's verse is Psalm 144:2

     My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer;

      My shield, and he in whom I trust;

      Who subdueth my people under me.

    Years ago, I would read such passages as this, and wonder, How is God my shield? How is God a fortress? How is God a place of safety? Then I started to take notice of verses that like what Jeremiah said: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Likewise what Solomon proclaimed, “Trust in the Lord, and lean not unto thine own understanding. . .” As I started to put these into practice, Learning that I am to trust God whatever may come, not demanding any particular outcome, but what he had promised, leaving to him the way, the means and the fruit, I indeed found that he is a refuge, a fortress, an high tower, and a shield, in other words a place of safety. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 18:1-33, 2 Peter 2:12-22, Psalm 144:1-5

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 19:1-43, 2 Peter 3:1-13, Psalm 145:1-21

Compassion Now, Judgment In Due Course

 

Today's verse is 2 Peter 2:1

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 

    The Law tells us that when the wicked receive their judgment, that we should neither rejoice over them, nor should we take pity upon them. But notice something here: Those that reject Christ for some other thing, and teach others to do the same, if they should repent, could also receive the redemption that we have gained in Jesus Christ. Jesus died for them as well. In Romans chapters 1 and 2, we see that the sinner is condemned, and deserves to be so, but in the first half of chapter 3, they (we) are hopelessly caught up in their sin with no natural desire to escape and turn to the God that loves them, but God made and provides a way. So while we are on this side of judgment, let us pray, and have compassion (pity) for those that know not the redemption that we have found in Christ, for would we not also be where they are, had he not found us? Selah [Think on this!] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 16:1-17:29, 2 Peter 2:1-11, Psalm 143:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 18:1-33, 2 Peter 2:12-22, Psalm 144:1-5

Seductive Things

 

Today's verse is Psalm 141:4

     Incline not my heart to any evil thing,

      To practise wicked works with men that work iniquity:

      And let me not eat of their dainties.

    The way of sin is deceptive as well as seductive, it promises all of the pleasant things, all the while saying that you need not worry about of the harsh things of life, giving you sweet things to enjoy, even things that you may think you cannot do without. But consider the warning of Peter, “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” Such are they that deceive you, they know our desires, and they pander to them, all to ensnare us into their pleasant seeming deception, and to partake of the judgment God has set aside for them. But here is the promise of God, their judgment will be sure, and their destruction will be swift. So let us not consent to their wicked ways, and endeavor to refuse their pleasant seaming enticements, which they will attempt to use to destroy all them that oppose them. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 14:1-15:37, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 141:1-142:7

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 16:1-17:29, 2 Peter 2:1-11, Psalm 143:1-12

The Benefit of These Things

 

Today's verse is 2 Peter 1:9

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 

    First and foremost, this verse is not speaking of one that does not know Christ, for this verse is speaking of one whose sins have been purged, actually one whose sins are purged, but such a one has forgotten this fact. Why? Because their life does not reflect, nor in any way show the activity of the Spirit that now lives in them. So what are these things Peter is speaking of? The foundation is Faith, that same faith which saves all that gains it, The faith, or Trust in God, that he has provided the way, even the gift of Righteousness through Jesus Christ. On top of that faith, we are to add Virtue, that is to display that righteousness that we have received by Christ, then we are to continue to add Knowledge, which we can receive through study of his Word, and the understanding we receive through the trials we face. To this we add Temperance, that is self control, or discipline, doing all things with forethought and not by emotion. Then we have Patience: the knowledge that God is in Control, and has all things in hand. Then we add Godliness, which, I believe speaks to our motives, The Why we do what we do. Acknowledging God in all we do. Then we add Brotherly Kindness, being thoughtful of those about us. Then, finally on top of it all we add Charity, otherwise known as Love. That same Love that Jesus exercised, when he died upon the Cross for us. Selah [Think on these things, and do them.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 13:1-39, 2 Peter 1:9-15, Psalm 140:1-13

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 14:1-15:37, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 141:1-142:7

Exceeding Great And Precious Promises

 

Today's verse is 2 Peter 1:4

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

    Let us consider but one of those promises: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; (That same heart that is deceitful above all and desperately wicked so. . . ) And lean not unto thine own understanding. (Not only is our own understanding limited, but is often flawed as well, remember that deceitful and wicked heart?) In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. As we acknowledge our God, shaping our ways to match his ways as described in His Word, we will find that he also has other means to direct us in the paths that we ought to take, whether to marry or not, whom to marry if we do, where we ought to live, what vocation we should take up. . . All of these things he will guide us in, if we but Trust in him with all of our Heart. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott   

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 11:1-12:31, 2 Peter 1:1-8, Psalm 139:1-24

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 13:1-39, 2 Peter 1:9-15, Psalm 140:1-13

A Definition Of Being Humble

 

Today's verse is 1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 

    Let us consider a contrasting verse: “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Whatever circumstance we may find ourselves in, we know that God is righteous, and we can be confident that he has not surrendered control, nor is he ignorant of our plight. Whatever we face, he has allowed, but remember, to those that are his, to those that love him, He will work even this to the good, according to his purpose. So be thankful, and give him the Glory he is due, and faint not, and as promised in the above verse, in due time he will exalt you as well. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 9:1-10:19, 1 Peter 5:1-14, Psalm 138:1-8

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 11:1-12:31, 2 Peter 1:1-8, Psalm 139:1-24

Reviled For Christ

 

Today's verse is 1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 

    We have an example where Peter and another Apostle were put in prison for preaching the Cross of Christ. When they were released, they counted it joy that they were worthy to suffer for their Savior’s sake. This is what Peter is speaking of here. Many, in the name of Religion think that what ever they do in their God’s name is justified, but in the context of this verse we know that is not so. We are to respect life, we are to respect property, we are even to respect the secrets of others, for if we do not, God himself will chasten us, most likely by the hand of those that we wish to influence for the kingdom of God. So let us fear, and allow God to be glorified in us, even as we, though innocent are reviled. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, 1 Peter 4:12-19, Psalm 137:1-9

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 9:1-10:19, 1 Peter 5:1-14, Psalm 138:1-8

God's Word Recognized

 

Today's verse is 2 Samuel 5:2

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. 

    We see here a Great Day! Israel woke up and recognized the Word of the Lord that was spoken by Samuel unto David. They did not come to it immediately, but they finally obeyed it. Even to making it there motivation for bringing David to them and making him their King. A Great day indeed. Yet, here is the warning, whether you recognize God’s Word or not, God will bring it to pass. If you obey it, you will be blessed. The Word of God is full of those that were blessed just because they recieved but a part of God’s Word. But, if you reject, or even worse ignore the Word of the Lord, none of its blessing will you find, but rather all of the curses. Yet, As God had said, so it will be done. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 5:1-6:23, 1 Peter 4:1-11, Psalm 136:1-26

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, 1 Peter 4:12-19, Psalm 137:1-9

Facing Accusations

 

Today's verse is 1 Peter 3:16

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

    We that are Christ’s know that we have been forgiven of all of our sins, and having been forgiven, we then begin to walk with our Savior, doing those things that please him. But because we please him, the world about us envies us, accusing us of evildoing to assuage their own guilt, unwilling to repent and receive the same forgiveness we have obtained through our Savior. Did Christ not have compassion on us, when we did the same to him? Therefore, be patient, for as Christ has brought us to himself, he very well may do the same to them, but if not, as we continue to allow him to display his righteousness through us, their own actions and accusations will condemn them when they face the judge. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 3:1-4:12, 1 Peter 3:8-22, Psalm 135:1-21

Mondays reading will be 2 Samuel 5:1-6:23, 1 Peter 4:1-11, Psalm 136:1-26