Free From Sin?

 

Today's verse is Romans 6:18

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 

    There is a doctrine that some believe, holding that even in this life, before we are changed, before the corrupt is made incorruptible, before the mortal puts on immortality, that we can be sinless and perfect before The Righteous and Holy God. And from this verse, yea even from the chapter it comes from, would seem to say it is so, and so long as we walk in the power of the Spirit of God it can be so. Yet, while the flesh is corrupt, we groan waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body, which will happen, when our Savior returns as he has promised. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 3:1-40, Romans 6:15-7:6, Proverbs 21:1-12

Monday’s reading will be Jeremiah 32:1-44, Romans 7:7-25, Proverbs 21:13-31

An Expected End

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 29:11 

      For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 

    I do not wish to do as others would today, or even did in Jeremiah’s time, lifting up this verse and ignoring the context which it is in. Jeremiah was speaking to those that had been taken (in captivity) into Babylon, commanding them to be obedient and patient, for having left the promised land, they were to escape the worst of God’s Judgment, not only of Israel, but of the surrounding nations as well. What can we take from this? Seek God’s face, be obedient to his leading, consistent with his Word, be patient as you stand for Righteousness in his name, and we (you) shall come to the expected end which he has promised you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 29:1-30:24, Romans 6:1-14, Proverbs 20:13-30

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 3:1-40, Romans 6:15-7:6, Proverbs 21:1-12

What God Did For His Enemies

 

Today's verse is Romans 5:10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 

    Consider carefully the impact this verse is saying. Before Jesus Christ, all that draw breath is counted by God as his enemy. All that do not know him, hate him. Yet, Jesus Christ submitted himself to such hatred, allowing us to prove our hatred, by allowing us to kill him. Yet, by his death, all that will, can come to him, and be reconciled to God and saved from his Righteous wrath. And being so reconciled, as he lives, so shall we. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 27:1-28:17, Romans 5;1-21, Proverbs 20:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 29:1-30:24, Romans 6:1-14, Proverbs 20:13-30

Promise Kept

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 26:24

Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

    Did not God promise Jeremiah, “Be not afraid of their faces: for ^tI am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.” Do we not see here that God did not forget his promise? In another Place we are told, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” And a little later, “being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” What of you, can you say that God has made a promise or promises to you? Know of a certainty that he will keep them, Just as he kept his promise to Jeremiah. Selah [Consider this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 25:1-26:24, Romans 4:1-24, Proverbs 19:1-29

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 27:1-28:17, Romans 5;1-21, Proverbs 20:1-12

How To Be Righteous Before A Holy God

 

Today's verse is Romans 3:22-23

     Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 

     For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

    Last week we saw that righteousness that is pleasing to God, does not come by obedience to the law (Not because such would not be pleasing to him, but because non of us could,) but God has prepared a way, for when he himself lived among us, he satisfied the law, fulfilling it. So that when he died, he died not for his own sin, but mine, and yours. Which is why when we put our trust in that, and his Resurrection, he then gives us his Righteousness, so that when we appear before the judgment of God: he sees not our sin, but the Righteousness of Jesus Christ! So, Do you Believe? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 23:1-24, Romans 3:21-31, Proverbs 18:1-24

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 25:1-26:24, Romans 4:1-24, Proverbs 19:1-29

The Purpose Of The Law

 

Today's verse is Romans 3:20

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

    In another place we are told, “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully[.]” And what is the lawful use of the law? In the verse above we have the answer. For by the law, we know that we are unable of ourselves to keep the law, to please God by our own righteousness, that of ourselves in our own eyes and in the eyes of God we are condemned! Yet, if we acknowledge this, we are not without hope, because if we confess our sins, He [Jesus Christ] is faithful, and he will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It is for this purpose Jesus suffered the death of the Cross for us, rising again the third day, that all that will, may walk in newness of life. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 21:1-22:30, Romans 3:1-20, Proverbs 17:1-28

Monday’s reading will be Jeremiah 23:1-24, Romans 3:21-31, Proverbs 18:1-24

God's Word: Burning To Come Out

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 20:9

     Then I said, I will not make mention of him,

      Nor speak any more in his name.

      But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones,

      And I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

    In the passage which this verse is found, Jeremiah is lamenting his current lot in life, and the cause of it. He is remembering the promises God had made him. Even promises of protection, but Jeremiah is not seeing them. He is even calling God a liar. Yet, from our perspective, do we not know that Jeremiah outlives all of his detractors? However, in this verse, even though Jeremiah does not wish to speak, he finds that he just cannot hold it in: He must testify to what God has told him, despite the consequence. So, let us learn from the whole story of Jeremiah, and not hold our tongue, but speak that which is right, that which is pleasing to God, whatever the consequence might be, for the same God that was with Jeremiah is with us, and as Daniel’s friends were not careful when answering Nebuchadnezzar, so, too should we not care as we proclaim the Gospel. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 18:1-20:18, Romans 2:12-29, Proverbs 16:12-33

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 21:1-22:30, Romans 3:1-20, Proverbs 17:1-28

Did God Really Make The Wicked?

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 16:4

     The LORD hath made all things for himself:

      Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

    I have heard it said, “God cannot be all Good” or “God cannot be All Knowing, and all powerful at the same time.” Yet, we have this verse above which they would say proves their point. However, I will Trust in the Lord my God. He says that he will be Glorified in his Judgment of the wicked, and he says he created this World knowing, even planning to counter our wicked devices. Let us not take this verse and try to use it to justify our Hate of all things that are of God, but rather knowing that “there is no respect of persons with God” let us therefore Fear and turn from our wicked and evil ways, for has not God made us a way in and through Jesus Christ? Selah [Think Carefully on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 16:1-17:27, Romans 1:18-2:11, Proverbs 16:1-11

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 18:1-20:18, Romans 2:12-29, Proverbs 16:12-33

Called Of Jesus Christ

 

Today's verse is Romans 1:6

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 

    Have you heard that Jesus Christ not only died upon the Cross, but is even now risen from the dead? Have you accepted that he has done this for your sake? Do you now know, having Jesus Christ abiding with you that your sins have been forgiven, and instead of death, you now have life eternal with him? Then you, yea, even you have been called of Jesus Christ! He knew you even from the foundation of the world, and what he has started in you: He Will Finish! So fear not to share with others what Jesus Christ has done for you, that they also might hear, that they also might receive, that they also might know, the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ, that they also might be the Called of Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 14:1-15:21, Romans 1:1-17, Proverbs 15:1-33

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 16:1-17:27, Romans 1:18-2:11, Proverbs 16:1-11

Even Now God Is Ready To Forgive

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 12:16-17

     And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people. 

     But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.

    As I began to read in Jeremiah today, Jeremiah was asking where was God’s judgment, even as he was the prophet which was warning of God’s imminent anger. Consider the following, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” Have we not seen racial strife? Have we not feared COVID? Are we not facing the possibility of famine? That is three out of the four, the Volcano’s which we have seen last year, can we count the Fourth? Jesus said, such are the beginning of sorrows. Yet, did not spare Nineveh when they repented? Did not God push back the judgment of Judah because of Josiah’s leadership? Is not that the carrot and the stick we find in the above verses. God calls us to testify of him, let us see if others will respond and receive forgiveness, or condemn themselves as they refuse to hear. But whatever their response, let us not be found guilty because we did not speak. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 12:1-13:27, Philemon 8-25, Proverbs 14:15-35

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 14:1-15:21, Romans 1:1-17, Proverbs 15:1-33

Considering God's Creation

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 10:12

     He hath made the earth by his power,

      He hath established the world by his wisdom,

      And hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

    A lot could be said on the basis of this verse, and in many ways, I could not do it justice. But consider, in God’s Wisdom, God knew, did not guess, but knew that Adam would sin. He knew the wickedness that abounded in the days of Noah. He knew the wickedness that is abounding today. Yet, before he formed the Earth, before he made the Heavens, He made a plan to redeem all those that would repent, even making it possible for us to repent. All the while also displaying how terrible he can be to those that reject him. So, consider all of Creation, and know God Did That, and how marvelous is all his work, and with all that, he counts his greatest achievement, as those that will be found with him in Eternity. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 10:1-11:33, Philemon 1-7, Proverbs 14:1-14

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 12:1-13:27, Philemon 8-25, Proverbs 14:15-35

Which Reward?

 

Today's verse is Colossians 3:23-25

     And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 

     Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 

     But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

    What we do, does not God see? What we fail to do, does not God know? When we submit to serve others, is it them we serve? Or God? And if we serve God, we can be assured that it is never in vain! Yet if we reject him, and attempt to choose our own path, have we not been told: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, /But the end thereof are the ways of death.” So consider wisely, and if God be God, Serve him. If not, know now that he does not respect persons as we tend to do, and ye will receive your just reward. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 7:30-9:26, Colossians 3:18-4:18, Proverbs 13:1-25

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 10:1-11:33, Philemon 1-7, Proverbs 14:1-14

Mortify Those Things That Displease Christ

 

Today's verse is Colossians 3:4-5

     When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

     Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 

    There are those today that Identify themselves by their sin, and they try to convince themselves and others that this is pleasing to God. But here, because we know that Christ is coming again, we are commanded to Mortify these things, even to put them to death, and put them off, for as we can see elsewhere, we are to put off the old man, and put on the new man, for as Christ is risen from the dead, so can we also have victory over sin. So let us not glory in those things for which God will judge the world, but rather Glory in Christ, who has freed us from the penalty and power of sin, and when he comes will deliver us as well from its presence. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 6:1-7:29, Colossians 3:1-17, Proverbs 12:1-28

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 7:30-9:26, Colossians 3:18-4:18, Proverbs 13:1-25

When God's Goodness Is Rejected

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 5:24

Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. 

    In another place the Apostle Paul asks, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” And at the beginning of this chapter we are told: “Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.” But if none are found, and the goodness of God is rejected, What is left but his Wrath? Yet, if you are reading this, is there not hope? Are you seeking the truth, and what of Judgment? Do you execute it in Righteousness? And forget not that when two of Christ’s followers are gathered together in his name, then he is in the midst. And when they make a request in agreement, he Hears and acts. Selah [Consider this in prayer.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 4:19-5:31, Colossians 2:6-23, Proverbs 11:13-31

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 6:1-7:29, Colossians 3:1-17, Proverbs 12:1-28

Delivered By Knowledge

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 11:9

     An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour:

      But through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

    A Hypocrite is one that knows the words to say, often given great flowery speeches, which be hard to disagree with, but they have no substance. Their actions do not match their words, which often blame others for the very things that they do. Thus, by knowing and paying attention to those things that are true, one can discover where the blame is truly to be placed. So let us take heed, and fear, for God does not only see all, but he knows our hearts as well. Yet, he has paid the price, and if we come to him, he will not only deliver us from our own sins, but in the end also the machinations of others. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 3:1-4:11, Colossians 1:15-2:5, Proverbs 11:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 4:19-5:31, Colossians 2:6-23, Proverbs 11:13-31

Where Is God's Judgment?

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 2:19

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. 

    The Scoffer says, “Where is the judgment of God?” and even concludes, “God cannot be all good and all powerful!” But where is that judgment? It is the very Evil that the scoffer cries against. As we learn from this verse, that the Judgment, yea, rather the correction of God, is the very evil we produce as we forget him, as we fail to fear him! But you ask, “Where is the goodness of God then?” First, he has provided a way of repentance, even though his Son, Jesus Christ, whom we killed in our hatred of God, But God rose him up the Third day, and made him the hope of all that will turn to him for Salvation. And secondly? Even that we are not yet already in hell, or worse the lake of fire, for God is long-suffering, and is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. Are you of such? Would you be one of those that escape? Turn to Jesus Christ, Trust in his finished work, and see what God will do in you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 1:1-2:37, Colossians 1:1-14, Proverbs 10:1-32

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 3:1-4:11, Colossians 1:15-2:5, Proverbs 11:1-12

Boldness To Speak

 

Today's verse is Ephesians 6:19-20

     And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

     For which I am an ambassador xin bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

    Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel, and as is true of most men, it would appear that he felt the pressure to remain quiet. Yet, he knew what was needed, and asked for the saints to pray for him to have the boldness he needed to speak up. Now, in another place, Paul, himself, teaches us that we that have recieved the gift of Salvation through this very same gospel, are also ambassadors, and in the time we now live, the most important thing we can do, is speak up boldly, and declare the mystery of the Gospel, even as we have recorded that Paul did. Did not Paul quote the Psalmist, when he said, “I believed, therefore have I spoken?” Do you believe? Will you not also speak? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 23:28-25:30, Ephesians 6:1-24, Proverbs 9:13-18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 1:1-2:37, Colossians 1:1-14, Proverbs 10:1-32

Acceptable Unto The Lord?

 

Today's verse is Ephesians 5:10

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

    As said last week in Facing Persecution, There are many beliefs in the world, but we are not to be taken by any of them that are contrary to God’s Word. Any claim that is made, must be tried by the Word of God; whether it has any merit. If it does not so agree with scripture, all that is contrary must be rejected. Take “Climate Change” for example, How does it compare to that time of Judgment God has promised, are there any similarities? What are the differences? Do those promoting it Fear God, or Reject God? How, therefore, should we respond to those that make these claims? Selah [Consider these things carefully.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 22:1-23:27, Ephesians 5:1-33, Proverbs 9:1-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 23:28-25:30, Ephesians 6:1-24, Proverbs 9:13-18

Renewing Our Minds

 

Today's verse is Ephesians 4:21-23

     If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 

     That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 

     And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 

    For every Saint, (Those that have been redeemed by the blood of Christ) that struggles against sin, do not lie to yourself ye know that ye do, we wonder how we should overcome. We see here in this passage the first step. We through the Spirit, and the Truth of God’s Word, we recognize the things of the old man, and put them off, allowing the Holy Spirit, by God’s Word to renew our mind, that is, our very thinking. In a couple of other places, we are told that if we meditate upon God’s Word, taking delight in them, we shall have good success, being fruitful, even as a tree planted by water. So, let us fill our minds with the Word of God, and see what work his Spirit will do in us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 20:1-21:26, Ephesians 4:1-32, Proverbs 8:27-36

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 22:1-23:27, Ephesians 5:1-33, Proverbs 9:1-12

We Are His Workmanship

 

Today's verse is Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    When we receive the Gift of Life, which God prepared for all by His sacrifice of the Cross, when His Son, Jesus Christ, paid for all our sins, God, himself, by his Spirit, takes up residence in us, and begins to work in us His Righteousness, which then we are to show forth that all might see. Have you Trusted in Jesus Christ? Have you just stumbled? Fret not, but continue to Trust in him, for what he started, he will finish, just as he has promised. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 18:13-19:37, Ephesians 2:1-3:21, Proverbs 8:19-26

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 20:1-21:26, Ephesians 4:1-32, Proverbs 8:27-36

Sealed With An Earnest

 

Today's verse is Ephesians 1:13-14

     In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 

     Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

    For those of us who have heard of Jesus’ work on the Cross and have believed in his finished work for our sake, God has gone beyond even a promise, but has given us a token of what is to come. Even his Spirit, which provides us two incredible things: First he seals us, that is secures us into his Family, but not only that, but he has placed himself as our hostage [earnest] as security to our finished Salvation which he will complete on that day of Jesus Christ, when he returns for his bride the church, which we have been made a part, when we have received the message of the Gospel. Selah [Rest in this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 17:6-18:12, Ephesians 1:1-23, Proverbs 8:9-18

Monday’s reading will be 2 Kings 18:13-19:37, Ephesians 2:1-3:21, Proverbs 8:19-26