A Thought For The End Of The Year

 

Today's verse is Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 

    Whatever else you may learn. Whatever you may suffer. Whatever offense you may have to endure. Here is the whole of the matter, that you might keep your feet in the way of God, repenting whenever you may stumble, and keeping your eyes upon your Savior Jesus Christ, who knows you, and loves you, shortcomings and all, Yet he died for you, and is willing to empower you, to do his will, and as much as you remain faithful, he will reward you above that which you can imagine, but if you stumble, he is there to lift you up, using even your waywardness to bring himself Glory (Consider Jonah) perhaps even leaving a vein of Silver, throughout your chastening, that you be not left empty handed, when once again he lifts you up, and places you again in a firm place. Selah {Rejoice in this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Haggai 1:1-2:23, Acts 20:1-38, Job 28:1-11

Monday’s reading will be Zechariah 1:1-2:13, Acts 21:1-26, Job 28:12-28

Desire Fulfilled

 

Today's verse is Acts 19:10

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 

    If you know the life of Paul, if you have followed the book of Acts, you know that at one time Paul was forbidden to continue to minister in Asia, but rather was called to go into Macedonia. But, now Paul’s desire for Asia is being fulfilled, and his ministry in Ephesus, has reached all of Asia as described here in this verse. Understand this, if God turns you aside from fulfilling a Godly desire, fret not, for he knows when the perfect time is; therefore, follow him faithfully where he leads, and that desire he gave you will be fulfilled in due course. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Acts 19:1-41, Job 27:1-23

Tomorrow’s reading will be Haggai 1:1-2:23, Acts 20:1-38, Job 28:1-11

When Judgment Comes

 

Today's verse is Habakkuk 3:17-18

           Although the fig tree shall not blossom,

    Neither shall fruit be in the vines;

    The labour of the olive shall zzfail,

    And the fields shall yield no meat;

    The flock shall be cut off from the fold,

    And there shall be no herd in the stalls:

           Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

    I will joy in the God of my salvation.

    Consider, what should a follower of Christ do, when he sees the Judgment of God upon his Nation, upon his neighbors, even a Judgment of which he is affected by a portion? Habakkuk here even trembled at the thought he might have rest at such a time, yet he determined that he will rejoice in the Lord, even taking Joy in the God that provided him salvation. Even expressing confidence that God will again cause him to walk again with a spring in his step as he walks in the evidence of his prosperity. So today, if you know him that is Righteous, Rejoice, for he comes to Judge the people, and those that refuse him shall be destroyed, but all that repent will have a place. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Habakkuk 2:6-3:19, Acts 18:1-28, Job 26:1-14

Tomorrow’s reading will be Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Acts 19:1-41, Job 27:1-23

Finding God

 

Today's verse is Acts 17:27

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 

    There is a joke: A man, a scientist even, is said to have found God, by a long struggle of searching, and when he does, God then says to him, Great, now you hide and in a thousand years I will come find you. Such an outlook is as far from the truth as one can get. As Paul testifies here, God is not far from any of us, and is seeking to make himself known to all that will open their eyes to see. And that is the reason he cannot be found. One, we are not truly looking, Two, we are blind, hence the phrase, “might feel after him.” So, do you wish to know God? Stop, for he is right next to you, and decide now that you will Trust him, and if you do that, whatever may come, he will open your eyes, and shew himself to you, making you wonder why you had never seen him before. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Habakkuk 1:1-2:5, Acts 17:1-34, Job 25:1-6

Tomorrow’s reading will be Habakkuk 2:6-3:19, Acts 18:1-28, Job 26:1-14

How Much Does God Value You?

 

Today's verse is Acts 16:27-28

     And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 

     But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 

    Consider if you will, What God had done for this Keeper, to bring him to the place of decision. First and foremost, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the same that God has valued above all his Name, suffered all that we suffer in our frail bodies, yet without sin, then suffered for our sin, taking our place upon the Cross, then as if that was not enough (What a thought!) He sent Paul, and those with him, to Philippi, had them suffer unjustly, being beaten and thrown into prison, even convincing all the prisoners to remain, when they could have run free, all so that this man, this Keeper of the prison might receive Jesus Christ as his Savior. Now, if this is what God had done for this Warden, the value He had placed upon him; Are you aware of how much He values you? I know that I do not know. For I do not know, what others besides Jesus, had paid for my Salvation, but God does. Do you know the Worth God has placed upon you? Selah [Be amazed by this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Nahum 1:1-3:19, Acts 16:6-40, Job 24:12-25

Tomorrow’s reading will be Habakkuk 1:1-2:5, Acts 17:1-34, Job 25:1-6

Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men

 

Today's verse is Micah 7:19

     He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us;

    He will subdue our iniquities;

    And thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

    When Jesus Christ was born, which we celebrate tomorrow, the angels announced, Peace on Earth and Good will toward men. Why? When I first heard this as a child, I did not understand it then. What with all the strife that was in the World even then. However, in the above verse we see Why! Because, God has sent and provided a way that any, no matter how vile, can turn from their wicked ways, and receive forgiveness and redemption, and God himself will cast all their iniquities and sin, into the deepest part of the sea. In another place, He will cast such as far from us as the East is from the West. So let us seek Jesus Christ today, and remember and meditate on what he has done for us tomorrow, considering what we are willing to do for him, because of the Gift he has given us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Micah 7:1-20, Acts 15:22-16:5, Job 24:1-11

Monday’s reading will be Nahum 1:1-3:19, Acts 16:6-40, Job 24:12-25

What God Wants Of Us

 

Today's verse is Micah 6:8

     He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;

    And what doth the LORD require of thee,

    But to do justly, and to love mercy,

    And to walk humbly with thy God?

    What does God desire from us? Even how do we find redemption in his eyes? Above all he wishes that we live lives Holy and Righteous before him, but he knows our frailty, and he has provided us a way to him, a way that we might even be able to fulfill the simplicity of this verse. God does not require from us a sacrifice, for he has already provided it by his Son, even Jesus Christ, who took our place and paid our price, rising up on the third day, providing for us a comforter, that we might then walk humbly with our God. Therefore, let us not fret, but comfort ourselves, that the price is already paid, and any suffering that we might experience is for another purpose, for which God will not forget to reimburse us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Micah 4:1-6:16, Acts 14:8-15:21, Job 23:1-17

Tomorrow’s reading will be Micah 7:1-20, Acts 15:22-16:5, Job 24:1-11

Boldly Preaching The Gospel

 

Today's verse is Acts 14:7

And there they preached the gospel.

    When strife came, because the hearers rejected the Word of Salvation that was preached unto them, Paul, and those with him did not cease to preach Jesus Christ, but rather, they left those that would not hear, but went to those that have not yet heard; exactly as Jesus had commanded the disciples when he sent them out to preach the promise of the coming Kingdom. So as Paul, and all of the other believers did in their day (as testified by scripture) bearing witness to those about them, let us so do, speaking boldly to all that will hear, only stopping to speak to those that will not hear, because we then turned to someone that has not yet heard. Then let us see what God will do! Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Micah 1:1-3:12, Acts 13:13-14:7, Job 22:14-30

Tomorrow’s reading will be Micah 4:1-6:16, Acts 14:8-15:21, Job 23:1-17

God Hears Repentance

 

Today's Verse is Jonah 2:2

     And said,

      I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me;

      Out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.

    At the time of Jonah’s prayer, consider where he is, and why he is there. He is in the belly of the whale, or as this text says a great fish. And he is there, by his own actions, his rebellion from God, brought him to this place, yet at the beginning of his prayer, he expresses confidence that the God he has transgressed against, hears him. When we recognize that the dire straits that we are in, are of our making, thus we therefore repent of them, turning to the Lord our God, He is more than willing to hear, and not just hear, but respond. And so Jonah was delivered from the belly of the Great fish, even onto the dry Land. Selah [think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jonah 1:1-4, Acts 13:1-12, Job 22:1-13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Micah 1:1-3:12, Acts 13:13-14:7, Job 22:14-30

Judged, Or Delivered?

 

Today's verse is Obadiah 17

     But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness;

      And uthe house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

    Today, as I read each Passage in the list below for today, there was a common theme. There was someone that was troubling one or more that are chosen of God, whom God called his own. Here, in Obadiah, God promised the Edomites that God would judge them and destroy them, but he would preserve his people. In Acts, God spared Peter, but Judged Herod, (possibly an Edomite, not sure.) Let us learn from this, in such a time that we are in, for we can be sure that God does not change, so as we see those things that he said would come, let us not be surprised, but seek and fear him, and by his grace do that which is pleasing to him, and perhaps, as he spared Peter, and will one day lift up the Jews once again, he will also spare and lift us up as well. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Obadiah 1-21, Acts 11:19-12:25, Job 21:17-34

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jonah 1:1-4, Acts 13:1-12, Job 22:1-13

Just Who Is Respecting Whom?

 

Today's verse is Acts 10:34-35

     Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 

     But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 

    Today, we see daughters of Japheth, lifting up the children of Ham, and calling the children of Japheth all respecters of persons, even to the point of making the same claim of the Most Righteous, and Holy God, not knowing that it is the Children of Shem, more specifically the children of Jacob, that God has lifted up. Yet, God is not a respecter of persons, for he will accept all that come to him, through Jesus Christ his Son, who will deny, by the power of his Spirit, the unrestrained desires of the flesh, but will submit themselves unto God, to walk in his way according to His Word. After all, this same thing is what Dr. King wished for. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 8:1-9:15, Acts 10:34-11:18, Job 21:1-16

Monday’s reading will be Obadiah 1-21, Acts 11:19-12:25, Job 21:17-34

To Be Counted Clean Of God

 

Today's verse is Acts 10:15

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

    When God gave this vision to Peter, it was common then as it is now, between those that are of one Linage or another, to call the other unclean, or unworthy. Today, this is called racism. Yet, even as God corrected Peter, so too need we to heed the warning. Jesus Christ died for all, and any that come to him through his shed blood of the Cross is then counted cleansed of their sin. Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and made clean by God. So come to the Cross where all are equal, whether oppressed, or the oppressor, for all are in need of the Comforter, which Jesus Christ as provided for us, when he ascended up into Heaven, because we all have sinned and are in need of the Savior. Amen.

To God be the Gory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 6:1-7:17, Acts 10:1-33, Job 20:12-29

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 8:1-9:15, Acts 10:34-11:18, Job 21:1-16 

When We Correctly Respond To Judgment

 

Today's verse is Amos 5:9

     That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong,

      So that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.

    When all seems to be desolate, when nothing seems to be going right, when all about you is destruction and misery, know that God is seeking you, and is calling out to you, yet even then. Giving you one last opportunity to turn to him. And if you do, as this verse promises, you shall see Victory. God himself will strengthen the oppressed, and give them the ability to pull down the fortresses of those that have subjugated them to their will. All because we have turned our backs upon the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Let us therefore, turn again unto him, and seek his ways, and do them, and see if he will not only save us, but the country we live in as well. Selah [Consider this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 4:6-5:27, Acts 9:20-43, Job 20:1-11

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 6:1-7:17, Acts 10:1-33, Job 20:12-29

The Blessed Hope

 

Today's verse is Job 19:27

     Whom I shall see for myself,

      And mine eyes shall behold, and not another;

      Though my reins be consumed within me.

    Job, born over 2000 years before Christ came, declares that same Blessed Hope that we have which Paul Identified: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; This is our hope, this is what we are looking for, and this is what should constrain us. Jesus Christ has promised to return, and when he returns, he will not be the meek Lamb, which was slain for the sins of the World, but, rather, he will return as the Lion, to bring Judgment upon all those that have refused his gift. And what a gift, all of our guilt, all of our sins, can be washed away, forgotten by an Holy God, that we might be made Righteous in him, that died for us. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 1:1-4:5, Acts 8:26-9:19, Job 19:13-29

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 4:6-5:27, Acts 9:20-43, Job 20:1-11

When You Are Constrained

 

Today's verse is Job 19:8-9

     He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass,

      And he hath set darkness in my paths.

     He hath stripped me of my glory,

      And taken the crown from my head.

    I know this place that Job here describes, I am in it now, and I have been in it before. However, we know something here that Job does not know at this time, That Job is not in this place he described, for anything he had done, but that God might be glorified in him. Yesterday, I reflected upon what God had done in my life, and I considered a time of pain and heartache, the worst I have ever experienced. I was warned of its coming about the 26th of October, 2016, and it started 30 November 2016 and lasted until the 15th of September, 2017, with a time of grieving after that. Now Paul has declared that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Now I can testify to the truth of that, because during that very same season, my God was with me, encouraging me, using others about me to bring me Joy, and even Gladness, despite the pain. He did not mitigate the pain, except a time or two, so that, that worst of times was also the best to date. So where do you find yourself? Are you like Job constrained? Are you in a place of hardship? Know that, Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Amen

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joel 3:1-21, Acts 7:54-8:25, Job 19:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 1:1-4:5, Acts 8:26-9:19, Job 19:13-29

Is God With You

 

Today's verse is Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 

    Consider Joseph, He had some terrible things happen to him, but God was with him. He was cast into a pit, but God was with him. He was sold into slavery, but God was with him. He was cast innocent into prison, but God was with him. He was made the right hand of Pharoah, for God was with him. Or rather, Joseph, had chosen through all of this to trust God, through all of the things that Joseph endured, there is no record that Joseph ever wavered in his faith of God, and whatsoever Joseph did, God Blessed! Do you trust in the Lord your God, no matter what comes your way? If so, there will be evidence that God is with you, it may not be in the same form that Joseph experienced, but it will be there, and as Joseph was in due time lifted up, so also will your God lift you up, if you faint not. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joel 1:1-2:32, Acts 7:1-53, Job 18:1-21

Monday’s reading will be Joel 3:1-21, Acts 7:54-8:25, Job 19:1-12

To Chose Wisdom

 

Today's verse is Hosea 14:9

     Who is wise, and he shall understand these things?

      Prudent, and he shall know them?

      For the ways of the LORD are right,

      And the just shall walk in them:

      But the transgressors shall fall therein.

    Consider the questions in this verse: One way they could be considered a lament, as to say, “There is none!” And in other places of scripture, God says that unless he draw us, none would come to him. Yet, truly, these questions are an invitation; inviting us to make a choice. To chose God, and his ways, reminding us that his ways are right, and as I often say, “God is right, by definition.” Now, there is the carrot, but we must also consider the stick, for God, the Most High cannot abide sin, and he will destroy all that persist therein. So today, what is your choice? Wisdom, and understanding (Blessing) or will you trip up and fall attempting to make your own way work? (Curse) God is gracious, but he will not abide forever, and though we can see his Judgment upon the Earth today, His hand is stretched out still. Amen

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 13:1-14:9, Acts 8:1-15, Job 17:1-16

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joel 1:1-2:32, Acts 7:1-53, Job 18:1-21

Learning From Another's Sin

 

Today's verse is Acts 5:4

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 

.    Much has been made by the phrase made earlier, “They had all things common.” What was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira? Was it they keep part of the sale of their property? No, Peter is very clear here. It is that they sought the notoriety of having given all of their land to the cause, it was their motive, as well as their lie that brought death upon themselves. Note, it was God’s immediate Judgment that brought fear, and that fear Glorified God, and while some were turned away, even more repented and found redemption. Selah [What other conclusions can you make of this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 11:1-12-14, Acts 5:1-42, Job 16:10-22

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 13:1-14:9, Acts 8:1-15, Job 17:1-16

Reacting To The Fulfilled Word

 

Today's verse is Acts 4:28-29

     For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 

     And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 

    Here is something to consider, In God’s Word, we can see he told us about some days that come, that look very similar to what we are experiencing now. If we believe him, if we hold his Word as truth, should it coming to pass give us cause to fear, or should we be even more bold to bear witness to his Message? If by his Word, we see that God is fully in control, What should we fear but him? And as Paul had said, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” Therefore, knowing that our God with with us, let us, fearing him alone, speak up and testify of his Power, and Judgment, and his willingness to Redeem all that will come to him. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 8:1-10:15, Acts 4:1-37, Job 16:1-9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 11:1-12-14, Acts 5:1-42, Job 16:10-22

Healing Through Repentance

 

Today's verse is Hosea 6:1

     Come, and let us return unto the LORD:

      For he hath torn, and he will heal us;

      He hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

.    Compare the invitation above, with this one that Peter gave, when he healed the lame Man at the Beautiful gate: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Notice the parallel promise. It is without a doubt that God is judging the Nations at this time. Yet, if any Nation should accept this invitation, as promised here, God will turn from his judgment and Heal that nation, and give his blessings upon it. However, this is a personal choice, so today, see yourself through God’s eyes, and Repent from your sins, accepting the Gift Jesus provided by his suffering on the Cross, and see what God will do. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 8:1-7:16, Acts 2:42-3:26, Job 15:21-35

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 8:1-10:15, Acts 4:1-37, Job 16:1-9

He Did It On Purpose

 

Today's verse is Acts 2:24

     Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:      

     Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 

    Read the above verses again and consider, what God has done, and what those that were acting in our stead had done. (That is to say, what we would have done if we were there. Do not be quick to say you would not have done it.) God knew what would happen, and yet Jesus, willingly, subjected himself to us, and suffered at our hands, and died upon the Cross. He did all of this for us, for those that beat him, and bruised him, and crucified him, and having so died, he did not remain in the grave, but rose up again on the third day and conquered death. If he did all of this for the benefit of us that killed him, What would he be willing to do for those that Repent, accepting this gift, to be reconciled to God? Selah [Meditate on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 3:1-5:15, Acts 2:1-41, Job 15:10-20

Monday’s reading will be Hosea 8:1-7:16, Acts 2:42-3:26, Job 15:21-35

The Purpose Of Every Christian

 

Today's verse is Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

    We that have been redeemed, Is there a reason that we are left here, in this wicked world, to suffer any longer from the curse placed upon the world because of sin? The answer to that question is found in this verse. God has a purpose for us, and he has commissioned us to bear witness to the thing that he has done for us. He does not ask that we tell others the things we do not understand. He does not tell us to expound upon the secrets that we do not know. We are just to tell others what God has done for us, what we have seen, what we have heard, and what we have experienced, once we have trusted Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Bear witness to what God has done for you. If you will do this, God himself, through his Holy Spirit which he has given you when you trusted Jesus, will work in the hearts of those that hear and see your testimony. Selah [Meditate on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 1:1-2:23, Acts 1:1-26, Job 15:1-9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 3:1-5:15, Acts 2:1-41, Job 15:10-20

The Right Fears

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 66:5

     Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word;

      Your brethren that hated you,

      That cast you out for my name’s sake, said,

      Let the LORD be glorified:

      But he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

    It is amazing how those that know not God, the Most High, in their delusions, think that they are doing God service, even as they reject his representatives. We that know God, know that he is truly to be feared, yet he invites us to come boldly to his throne to make request. But they fear not him, but make up reasons to fear, to subject others to their will, yet when God comes, and he will come, those that are true to him will rejoice, but these others will learn true fear to late to benefit from it. Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 65:1-66:24, Luke 24:13-53, Job 14:11-22

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 1:1-2:23, Acts 1:1-26, Job 15:1-9