Facing Persecution

 

Today's verse is Galatians 5:10

I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 

    In this world, there are all kinds of beliefs (doctrines,) most of which are contrary to the sound doctrines found recorded for us in the scriptures. Now those that hold to these false doctrines, having no ability to defend them with reason, resort instead to intimidation and violence to force or otherwise influence others to turn from the truth and embrace their false ways. It is of such things that Paul speaks of here. So, knowing that we must all stand before God to give account, remain faithful to him in all things, as those that oppose you for his sake shall receive their just recompense. Is this not what Paul meant when he said, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men?” Amen

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 15:1-17:5, Galatians 5:1-6:18, Proverbs 8:1-8

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 17:6-18:12, Ephesians 1:1-23, Proverbs 8:9-18

God Heard!

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 13:4

And Jehoahaz besought the Lord, and the Lord hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

    Here is a Marvelous thing: Jehoahaz, a King of Israel, besought the Lord. And the Lord God did not just hear him, but Hearkened unto to him. That is, God answered the request that the King had made. God delivered Israel from their current enemies. How much more: if they had turned from their sin as well? Are you troubled? Do as Jehoahaz did, and turn to the Lord God, he is still seeking those that will seek him, and see what he will do. But, do not rest there, allow God to change your Heart as well, as he promised to do for all that accept that precious Gift he bought for you as he hung on the Cross for your sin. God was gracious to Jehoahaz, He wants to be gracious to you. Will you let him? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 13:1-14:29, Galatians 4:1-31, Proverbs 7:21-27

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 15:1-17:5, Galatians 5:1-6:18, Proverbs 8:1-8 

Who Is Your Foundation?

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 12:2

And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 

    Jehoash, as is implied here, respected Jehoiada the Priest, and therefore respected God, but Jehoiada failed to impart to this child a proper Fear of God. Therefore, when Jehoiada passed, so did Jehoash’s reason for serving the Lord God of Israel. What of you? Have you met God personally yourself? Or do you follow only the example of another? What if that other stumbles, or leaves? Will that be cause enough for you lose faith in the one that made you? Know this, God Loves you, and though all others may fail you, God himself never will. All of his promises to you, are always yea, and never, nay. And though if, rather, when you stumble, he will correct (which will be painful,) but he will never leave you nor forsake you, unless you were never his anyway. So, examine yourself, and know whether it is God you trust, or another. If it is in another, Repent, and turn to the Lord your God who loves you, died for you, is now Risen, and sits at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 11:1-12:21, Galatians 3:1-29, Proverbs 7:10-20

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 13:1-14:29, Galatians 4:1-31, Proverbs 7:21-27

Some Questions Do Not Deserve An Answer!

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 9:31

And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master? 

    If you look around, and open your eyes, and see the wickedness about, and how those that have been charged of God to do something about it, instead, revel themselves in it. Is it any wonder, that the Nation I live in, Yea, the World has the troubles it has now? And according to God’s Word we have seen nothing as of yet! Jezebel, that wicked woman, in seeing the Messenger of God coming to dispense Judgment asks a question to attempt to dissuade him, yet knowing who sent him, he does not give her question any consideration. As Jesus said, “Neither cast ye your pearls before swine.” There are some that do not deserve even the time of Day from you, do not give it. Yet, God is merciful, and if you obey him, even in this, he may spare, and bring even a few of such to repentance. But, let God have his way. Follow him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 9:30-10:36, Galatians 1:1-2:21, Proverbs 7:1-4

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 11:1-12:21, Galatians 3:1-29, Proverbs 7:10-20

A Conversation With The King

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 8:5

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. 

    And so, if you are not looking you will miss it! Was it just by happenstance that Gehazi, (Remember he is a leper now) is speaking to the King of Israel? And the King is asking about the works of Elisha? Or that as Gehazi is telling of Elisha rising up one that was dead, the very same should be seeking audience with the King? Are you Trusting in the Lord your God? Are you walking in the path he has directed? If so, as God prepared the King to hear this woman’s petition, so also when the time is right will he prepare the way before you. So, keep your eyes upon the Lord your God, and do as he has directed, and you will find that he will take care of any of the obstacles in your way. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 8:1-9:29, Mark 16:1-20, Proverbs 6:28-35

Monday’s reading will be 2 Kings 9:30-10:36, Galatians 1:1-2:21, Proverbs 7:1-4

Never Alone

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 6:16-17

     And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 

     And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 

    In this passage, we see a principle that we must never forget, nor make light of. That anyone that can claim to be a servant of God, Yea, any that have trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins is never alone. God is always watching out for them, even protecting them, for nothing can touch them that God does not allow. So, are you in trouble now? Seek him first. Glorify him in your trouble, and ask him what you should do about it. Consider, time and again God delivered Elisha, and those that sought or received his word, always in different ways. So once you find out what God has directed, trust him and do it, for you will be amazed at how God delivers. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 6:1-7:20, Mark 15:16-17, Proverbs 6:20-27

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 8:1-9:29, Mark 16:1-20, Proverbs 6:28-35

When God is Silent

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 4:27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. 

    Most of the time, when a petitioner seeks out a Prophet in scripture, we see that God had forewarned that Prophet, yet here God did not. It is without a doubt that Elisha walked with his God, so when God is silent, it is a time to be patient, and allow the events to unfold, remembering our God has not forsaken us, but will work in and through us according to his already revealed Word. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 4:18-5:27, Mark 14:51-15:15, Proverbs 6:12-19

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 6:1-7:20, Mark 15:16-17, Proverbs 6:20-27

Scripture Must Be Fulfilled

 

Today's verse is Mark 14:49

I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. 

    The first part of verse, Truly Jesus is asking, “Why are you taking me in Secret?” Yet, in the second part all is explained. The time that the whole world, unknowingly, has been waiting for, some knew, but not all, some knew, but rejected, and it is they that form the Core, the leadership, of Mankind denying and Killing their Creator. Some say that God cannot be all Good, and at the same time all Powerful, Yet the day that is coming (from the prospective of this verse) completely proves otherwise. For God took the worst action of man, and Satan’s greatest triumph, and turned it upon its head. For, because of this day, the day God had made, and the proof that came three days later, that any willing might be forgiven of all their sin, and in due course enter into Heaven to live eternally in peace with his maker. Selah [Consider this regularly.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 3:1-4:17, Mark 14:22-50, Proverbs 6:6-11

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 4:18-5:27, Mark 14:51-15:15, Proverbs 6:12-19

A Lesson From Judas

 

Today's verse is Mark 14:18-19

     And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. 

     And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? 

    Many things have been said of this moment, most of which have validity. Yet, let us take note of this: Judas Iscariot had already determined in his Heart to betray Jesus, so he knew that he was the one that Jesus spoke of, and Jesus was giving him the first opportunity to repent, and we know that even as he did the deed, he was given a second, but after that by all appearance his repentance came too late. And it is said of him at his death, He went to his place. What should be our take away? Even at our worst, God is willing to forgive, but he will not wait forever, and there will come a day when we must give an account. On that day, will Jesus be your Advocate, or just your Judge. I know I do not wish to speak for myself on that day. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 1:1-2:25, Mark 13:24-14:21, Proverbs 6:1-5

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 3:1-4:17, Mark 14:22-50, Proverbs 6:6-11

God's Word: Infallible!

 

Today's verse is I Kings 22:28

And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

    There are some that say that the Bible was written by men: Therefore, it is not infallible! This is a half-truth, making it a whole lie. As we see Micaiah’s testimony here God’s Word does have a test, for when God speaks through a Prophet, whether spoken as it was in this passage, or written as it is with the scriptures: if what the Prophet spoke does not come to pass, then it was not God that spoke through the Prophet, but he spoke presumptuously. So let us Trust God’s Word, for it was God that moved Holy men to write, and they wrote not their words, but his, and God cannot lie. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 22:1-53, Mark 12:35-13:23, Proverbs 5:11-23

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 1:1-2:25, Mark 13:24-14:21, Proverbs 6:1-5

The Greatest Commandments

 

Today's verse is Mark 12:33

And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 

    A Man had challenged Jesus and asked what is the greatest commandment? Jesus not only gave him the greatest commandment, but also the second. Above you see the summation of the two. Please note that neither is found in the very famous ten commandments. For it is upon these two commandments that the whole of the law seeks to clarify. Note as well that when we come to God, we do not leave any part of our being behind, not our emotions, not our physical ability, not volition, and most certainly not our mind or understanding. For have we not looked, and seen that if we Trust God with all of our heart, that understanding will follow? So today, do the work of God, and believe in the One that God has sent, even Jesus Christ, and he will forgive your sin, and make you whole, and in due course, bring you home. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 20:26-21:29, Mark 12:1-34, Proverbs 5:1-10

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 22:1-53, Mark 12:35-13:23, Proverbs 5:11-23

God Always Has His Remnant

 

Today's verse is I Kings 19:18

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

    We see here an important principle: That God always has his remnant. One man, a biblical scholar even, when Jesus asks if there will be faith on the earth when he returns, supposes that there will not be any left. Yet, this doctrine answers that question. There will be, there may not be many, but there were eight that boarded the Ark to escape the flood, so will there be some that believe when Jesus returns to take his own before he sets his wrath upon the Earth to all those that have denied him and rejected his Gift of Salvation, calling all that is wicked, Good, and all that is Good, Wicked. The question is: Are you one of God’s Remnant? Selah [Consider your answer well.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 19:1-20:25, Mark 11:1-33, Proverbs 4:18-27

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 20:26-21:29, Mark 12:1-34, Proverbs 5:1-10

The Promise From Wisdom

 

Today's verse is 4:9

     She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace:

      A crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

    Ask any farmer, The day he plants, is not the day he reaps. Some think that the day they start to follow after God, is the day God will start to bless. This may not be the case. But if we are faithful, so will God also be faithful, and as we hold and abide by the Wisdom we gain by trusting in him, whatever the current appearance may be, the more we shall see the outcome promised in the verse above. It may not come in a day, but it will come, as sure as the Sun rises in the East. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 18:1-46, Mark 10:17-52, Proverbs 4:8-17

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 19:1-20:25, Mark 11:1-33, Proverbs 4:18-27

A Great Treasure

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 4:7

     Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:

      And with all thy getting get understanding.

    Last week, we looked at understanding. How we must trust God, whether we understand or not, and how by trusting him, our eyes begin to open, and we begin to understand, and develop Wisdom, and because we now understand we are able to Trust our God more, whatever the circumstance may be around us. So, let us take Solomon’s counsel here, and count the Wisdom from God our most precious possession, not allowing anything to shake it, continuing to trust in the Lord our God, whether we understand or not. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 15:25-17:24, Mark 9:38-10:16, Proverbs 4:1-7

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 18:1-46, Mark 10:17-52, Proverbs 4:8-17

From Understanding Comes Peace

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 3:23-24

     Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely,

      And thy foot shall not stumble.

     When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:

      Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

    The verses above describe the life of one that having obtained Wisdom and discretion (Wisdom being applied understanding.) When we have understood how God works, and how God is unchanging, when we see the turmoil rise about us, we can know as we trust in him, and therefore follow his ways, that because he will keep us, our soul being secure in Christ, that we can be in peace, even as the World crumbles about us. All because we know that our Trust in him is never in vain. Selah [Consider how God has worked before, for he will so work again.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 14:1-15:24, Mark 9:2-37, Proverbs 3:23-35

Monday’s reading will be 1 Kings 15:25-17:24, Mark 9:38-10:16, Proverbs 4:1-7

With Trusting Comes Understanding

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 3:13

     Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,

      And the man that getteth understanding.

    Did not we a couple of days ago read that we are not to lean unto our own understanding? And now we are told that we are Happy or blessed when we find Wisdom and Understanding? We are already aware that we do not know all, but God does, and as a result of our Trusting in him, in due course, he will give us the wisdom and the understanding of what had transpired with his interaction with us. So, continue to Trust in the Lord, and in the course of time your understanding and wisdom will grow as you keep your eyes upon him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 13:1-34, Mark 8:11-9:1, Proverbs 3:13-22

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 14:1-15:24, Mark 9:2-37, Proverbs 3:23-35

The Greatest Danger

 

Today's verse is 1 Kings 11:9

And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, 

.    The greatest danger we face, is that which the Wisest Man that ever lived, having met God, was given a boon of God, and yet he turned away and served other Gods. Adam, having walked with God in the cool of the Garden, disobeyed. The Children of Israel, having seen time and again the mighty works of God, again and again complained and murmured, and turned from the Great God who cared for all their needs. Have you met the Lord God? Have you seen his Loving care for you? Guard your heart, and determine afresh every day, even moment by moment to Fear him, to Trust him, and maintain your Hope in him. For, Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Selah. [Guard your Thoughts.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 11:9-12:33, Mark 7:14-8:10, Proverbs 3:6-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 13:1-34, Mark 8:11-9:1, Proverbs 3:13-22

The Foundation

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 3:5

     Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

      And lean not unto thine own understanding.

    One of the first things that we must acknowledge: is that we do not know everything! Our Knowledge, our understanding, our Wisdom is finite, and if do not take care, it is possible to lose even that we do have. In the midst of the world we live in today, though we do not understand what is happening all about us, here is a solid bedrock we can be secure in, and in this we can Trust: God does know everything, God does understand all, and He is unchanging. We can know through his Word that he is Loving, Merciful, and Kind to all that seek him. However, for those that reject him, though he is Longsuffering, giving all an opportunity to repent, His Wrath is terrible, and inescapable, except by the redemption found in his Son. If you place your Trust in him Today, you will find understanding tomorrow (that is, in due course) and even more reason to continue to Trust him. Selah [Continually, Meditate on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 10:1-11:8, Mark 6:45-7:13, Proverbs 3:1-5

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 11:9-12:33, Mark 7:14-8:10, Proverbs 3:6-12

The Ultimate Answer To Any Problem

 

Today's verse is 1 Kings 8:61

Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

    Always, and forever, this one choice will be the most important choice one can make; it is a choice that even needs to be made before any other choices, even such as what shall I wear, or what shall I eat. This choice is none other than, who is my God, and whom should I serve! If we and our Neighbor, both choose to serve the Lord God, then there can be peace, but if either or both reject God, then as we see now, all over the world, there can only be strife. turmoil and death. So as Solomon pleaded with Israel, so let us also consider, will we seek to have a perfect heart with the Lord our God, to walk accord to His ways, found in the pages of His Book. This is ever the choice before us, what is your choice today? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 8:54-9:28, Mark 6:7-44, Proverbs 2:16-22

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 10:1-11:8, Mark 6:45-7:13, Proverbs 3:1-5

How To Approach God

 

Today's verse is 1 Kings 8:23

     And he said,

LORD God of Israel, There is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: 

    What is the nature of the relationship that God has with his Creation, Man? Is it one that many suppose that God is a talisman, that any of their whim might command to do their very wish? Nay, God is Holy, Righteous, Terrible even, but he is also a God of Mercy, and he has sent up his Covenant, even his promise that anyone who humbles himself (or herself, if you be so triggered) to follow after his way. Although, at times the Particulars of this Covenant have changed, the nature of it have not. Today, if we accept that imperfect and sinful as we are, that we have a propitiation in Jesus Christ, by his substitution of him for us on the Cross, he will enter in, and change us by His Spirit making us acceptable unto him, that we might ask him what we need to accomplish his purpose, and he will hear us, providing not only what we need, but also as his purpose allows, our desires, beyond even that we can imagine. Will you surrender to him Today? Selah [Think on these things.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 8:1-53, Mark 5:21-6:6, Proverbs 2:1-15

Monday’s reading will be 1 Kings 8:54-9:28, Mark 6:7-44, Proverbs 2:16-22

What Do I Say?

 

Today's verse is Mark 5:19

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. 

    A common excuse one might give for remaining silent is: “I don’t know what to say!” But the Psalmist has said, “I believe, therefore, have I spoken.” What has Jesus Christ done for you, from what has he redeemed you, What work has he done in you?” If you cannot answer these questions, first examine yourself, and determine if you have indeed entered into that most blessed of relationships, and have been covered by his blood, shed as he died for you on the Cross. For as he has risen from the dead, so has he also raised you up from your trespasses and sins and enabled you to live a righteous and holy life, by his Spirit. This is the core of your message, for this is what Jesus has done for you, and what he has done for you, He is willing to do for others. So, Speak up. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 7:1-51, Mark 4:26-5:20, Proverbs 1:28-33

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 8:1-53, Mark 5:21-6:6, Proverbs 2:1-15

What Is Your Response?

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 1:23

     Turn you at my reproof:

      Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you,

      I will make known my words unto you.

    In all the turmoil that we see today, will we see it for what it is? A rebuke from God, evidence that we must repent? If so, God is ready to receive us, to empower us with his Spirit, and guide us by his Word, which he has already given to us. The choice is yours, the stakes are high, but his reward is better than anything you might lose, even if it be your life. Jesus Christ gave his for your sake. Selah [Think Carefully on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 5:1-6:38, Mark 4:1-25, Proverbs 1:20-27

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 7:1-51, Mark 4:26-5:20, Proverbs 1:28-33

The Way Of The Wicked

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 1:19

     So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain;

      Which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

    In another place, Jesus said through Paul, “[T]he love of money is the root of all evil.” Is not this evident in the world about us, some even accusing other of this greed, that they might steal their wealth for themselves? If we look at the verses preceding this one, we find that such of their own greed will destroy themselves even as they destroy others. But God has a better way and is willing to allow us to provide for ourselves and others, if we but seek him first and his righteousness. So let us first admit our need, and accept his gift, which he gave freely on the Cross, and determine to follow him and his ways, even unto death, and has he has promised, we shall be heirs with him in the Kingdom of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 3:1-4:34, Mark 3:1-35, Proverbs 1:13-19

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 5:1-6:38, Mark 4:1-25, Proverbs 1:20-27