Will You Take The Hard Way?

 

Today's verse is Genesis 19:30

And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. 

    Did not the angel of the Lord tell Lot to go to the mountain in the first place? Yet Lot, as many of us do, must learn the hard way! Has God given you a direction? Do you for one reason or another think it better as Lot did to go to Zoar? Consider, Zoar, if not for Lot would also have been destroyed. Did they thank him? Did they not blame him instead? Truly, God does know the better way, so, Trust him above your own understanding, and as you acknowledge him, he will show you the better way. So, again Trust him and take it. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 19-20, Psalm 1, Mark 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Genesis 21-23, Psalm 107, Mark 8

Do You Remember?

 

Today's verse is Mark 6:52

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

    One might ask, What does the miracle of the loaves have to do with the stilling of the wind? Just yesterday (from the perspective of when the wind was calmed) Jesus from a little created a whole lot, even an abundance, why should we be amazed when he also calms the storm? Consider also he was just seen walking on water! We so easily forget what Jesus has done for us, whether it was yesterday, or years ago, whenever we face adversity today. As Jesus has said, adversity will come, but Jesus will be the same Today, as he was Yesterday, and as he is Tomorrow! Nor will he leave those that are his, nor forsake them. So remember the miracle of the loaves, for the same Jesus that did that, the same Jesus that walked on water, the same Jesus that calmed the storm, is with all those that have Trusted him, and always will be. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 16-18, Mark 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Genesis 19-20, Psalm 1, Mark 7

God's Longsuffering

 

Today's verse is Genesis 15:16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. 

    Look here and see the graciousness and mercy of God. God had taken note of the Amorites and their wickedness, yet he is giving them an opportunity to repent. They will have witnessed Abraham, seen the destruction of Sodom and the surrounding Cities. Isaac also will have lived among them, and they will have seen the testimony of Jacob and his sons, and how God has worked in their lives. However, through all this they had not repented. Is God unrighteous when he metes out Judgment, and destroys a wicked people? Know, that as God was longsuffering with the Amorites, so also is he longsuffering with you, but as the Amorites are no longer with us, so too is the day of Judgment coming. Will you Repent, finding Righteousness in Jesus Christ, or will you be found as the Amorites, Wanting? Even now, we can see the beginning of God’s Judgement, and he is seeking for those that will come to him. Do not delay. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 12-15, Psalm 148, Mark 5

Monday’s reading will be: Genesis 16-18, Mark 6

Ears To Hear?

 

Today's verse is Mark 4:23

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 

    Are you willing to hear what God has to say to you? Did not those that were left in Israel after the fall of Jerusalem, say to Jeremiah, we will hear, but afterward refused the counsel of God, which Jeremiah gave them? Do we not also learn through Jeremiah that the heart is deceitful above all, who can know it? Yet, God is gracious, and all that will, he will open their understanding if they but purpose in their hearts to Trust in the Lord with all of their heart, leaning not to their own understanding, but acknowledging him in all that they do. Has he not promised such that he will direct their paths? I will testify, even, that he will enable such to understand. Selah [Consider, Is God’s Word open to you?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 9-11, Mark 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Genesis 12-15, Psalm 148, Mark 5

God Remembered

 

Today's verse is Genesis 8:1

And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged; 

    Does not God often call upon those that trust him to wait? It is not that God had forgotten Noah, but that the right time had not yet come. The purpose of the Flood had not yet run its course. But now it is time, so God started the process of restoring the Earth that it might once again be habitable. As he had originally created it to be. (Not though removing the curse.) Has God started to work in you? Have you despaired wondering why it seems he has forgotten you? Trust him now, and know that he has not forgotten, but know that he knows all, and has already chosen the perfect time, and at that time, all that he had promised will be accomplished. So Wait, that is be patient, and in due course you will see that God has remembered you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 6-8, Psalm 104, Mark 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Genesis 9-11, Mark 4

Seek God's Way

 

Today's verse is Genesis 4:4

And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 

    When I first read of Abel’s and Cain’s offerings, I was mistaken in believing that both had just brought of the fruit of their labors. This I believed until another showed me that Abel had learned from the example that God had given his Father and Mother, Adam and Eve. So that, we can deduce that Abel learned from God through his parents what kind of offering God would be pleased to receive, and therefore he did have the accepted offering. Today, we have God’s Word recorded for us. From it, we can learn that Jesus Christ has made the sacrifice that is pleasing to God, and that it is this sacrifice, and this sacrifice alone that will allow us to enter into the presence of God. So, come to Christ, and accept the work he has already done on your behalf, and receive the forgiveness God has prepared for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 3-5, Mark 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Genesis 6-8, Psalm 104, Mark 3

The Eternal Choice

 

Today's verse is Genesis 2:9

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 

    Here we see that right after Adam was formed of the dust of the ground, by the hand of God. God, set forth a decision for Adam. Of the many types of trees, there were two that were special. One that would grant eternal life, and the other the experiential knowledge of Good and Evil. It is of my belief, that if Adam had eaten of the tree of life first, he would have been confirmed in holiness and righteousness. But that is my opinion. What we can know is that a similar choice is set before us: Do we choose to submit to God, who created us, or do we reject him, thinking we know better? The first will led to life, the other to unneeded suffering and finally death. The choice of God’s blessing, or door number two a curse. As we know, Adam choose the curse, but because God is gracious, He did not destroy us all then, but made a way for all that will to chose a life with him through Jesus Christ. What will your choice be? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 1-2, Psalm 19, Mark 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Genesis 3-5, Mark 2

What God Did About Evil

 

Today's verse is Romans 16:25-26

     Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 

     But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 

    Know this: God is Terrible in every since of the word! But he is also loving and consider what he has done for those he hates. Jesus Christ his Son came to earth and lived among us, showing us how to live a life pleasing unto God. However, even then we could not abide and those that represent us, took upon themselves to kill him, but not to simply slay him, but to make him suffer what is said to be the worst way to die, and the Great All Powerful God did nothing to stop them, but suffered all that we did to him, and when we were finished, on the third day he rose again from the dead. So that all that will can come and freely escape the wrath that God has prepared for all that hate him, that we might stand before the thrice Holy Righteous God and not be ashamed. Selah [Consider the Cross: Consider the Love that proves.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Lamentations 4:1-5:22, Romans 16:1-27, Proverbs 31:20-31

Monday’s reading will be: To be Determined 

Reason To Hope

 

Today's verse is Lamentations 3:21

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

    Jeremiah had just listed things that one could, and most would complain about, but all of them are a result of God’s Judgment of Israel, of which Jeremiah as God’s faithful Prophet received the fallout of those that refused to repent. Yet with this verse, Jeremiah begins to recount the mercies and blessings and the Grace God has shown him throughout all that he had suffered. Can we not see God’s Judgment not only upon my Nation, America, but upon the world? Yet, can not we that trust in God say, we have hope? Jesus Christ died for our sin. His hand is still upon those that trust him. As he has promised us, he will not forsake us. As Jeremiah was never forsaken by his God, neither will he forsake you that Trust in Jesus Christ. Hope in Him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Lamentations 3:1-66, Romans 15:22-33, Proverbs 31:1-19

Tomorrow’s reading will be Lamentations 4:1-5:22, Romans 16:1-27, Proverbs 31:20-31

Able To Warn

 

Today's verse is Romans 15:14

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 

    A few days ago, I asked, Are you open to correction? On that day, I spoke to one that having heard that question, disagreed that we have any right to rebuke one another. Yet, what does the verse above us command us to seek? By being filled with the Goodness of the Spirit, by being filled with first the Knowledge of God’s Word, then also of the World he has Created, we then have the ability to warn (admonish) those of us who have wandered astray. Such is the love we ought to have one for another, that we are not hindered by our own insecurities and stumblings, but that we are able to speak up and help when our neighbor falls. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Lamentations 1:1-2:22, Romans 15:8-21, Proverbs 30:1-33

Tomorrow’s reading will be Lamentations 3:1-66, Romans 15:22-33, Proverbs 31:1-19

To Fear, Or To Trust?

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 29:25

     The fear of man bringeth a snare:

      But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

    When fear comes upon you: it is a time of testing. Will you succumb to the fear, allowing it to determine your fate? Or will you Trust in the Lord God, who created the Heaven and the Earth, who showed his love for you, when he took your place upon the Cross, then rose up the third day, giving life to all that will come to him. Indeed, he may ask us to suffer for a season, but has he not promised all that suffer with him, that they will be joint heirs with him? When cause for fear comes, keep your eyes upon the Lord your God, and though you may need to die for him, He will carry you through giving you cause to rejoice, and every pain or sorrow you may face, will be so much more be replaced with his Glory. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 52:1-34, Romans 14:13-15:7, Proverbs 29:1-27

Tomorrow’s reading will be Lamentations 1:1-2:22, Romans 15:8-21, Proverbs 30:1-33

Hiding Or Confessing

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 28:13

     He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:

      But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

    Does not John tell us much of the same thing? Paul tells us that when God cleanses us from all unrighteousness, he also gives, by his Spirit, the ability to forsake our sins, even as we struggle with them till our Redemption is complete. So, till Jesus comes again, any time you might stumble, remember that God, who proved his love for you when Jesus Died upon the Cross, knows all even before it has happened, so bring it all before him, and just as he washed the disciples' feet (for they were already otherwise clean) he will remove the filth of your sojourn here on Earth. Just as he had promised. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 51:1-64, Romans 13:8-14:12, Proverbs 28:1-28

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 52:1-34, Romans 14:13-15:7, Proverbs 29:1-27

Are You Open To Correction?

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 27:5

Open rebuke is better than secret love.

    Here is an uncomfortable truth, "There is none righteous, no, not one." or as said shortly later, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." How can we not interpret this as none of us that are a son of Adam, or a daughter of Eve are always right? In fact, do we not tend to lean toward the error? Yet are we not prone to accept flattery, and reject those that show us the error of our ways? Consider carefully the criticism of others and measure it according to the counsel of God’s Word, ready to repent when these two witnesses agree. Then rejoice with those that loved you enough, to show you how you were wrong. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 50:1-46, Romans 12:9-13:7, Proverbs 27:1-27

Monday’s reading will be Jeremiah 51:1-64, Romans 13:8-14:12, Proverbs 28:1-28

Knowing God's Will

 

Today's verse is Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

    Where does temptation come from? Does it not come from our desires? And where do our desires reside by in our hearts and our mind? But where does our volition reside, but in our minds? So, this is where the battlefield between sin and righteousness abides, but our roles is to choose whom to surrender to. Will we surrender to the ways of the world, allowing the whims of others to determine for us what is right or wrong? Or will we, filling our Minds with the Word of God, allow God to show us what is right, or what is wrong? If we do the latter, we can be confident of his direction, and we shall be able to know what truly His Good and Acceptable and Perfect will is. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 49:1-39, Romans 11:25-12:8, Proverbs 26:12-28

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 50:1-46, Romans 12:9-13:7, Proverbs 27:1-27

God Rewards Both The Fool, And The Transgressor

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 26:10

     The great God that formed all things

      Both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

    In a Debate with the Question: “Does God exist?” Rather than present evidence for there not being a God, the one that opposed God rather claimed that God deserved to be in hell. Yet does not David himself proclaim: “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:/If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”  So, God being in Hell will be no comfort to those that seek to escape God. Does not Paul in Romans declare that God will be Glorified in the judgment of those that reject him? What is the answer to all of this? Glorify God, take responsibility for your own actions, and seek the forgiveness that God has given in his Son, Jesus Christ. Who Died, and Rose again from the dead that all that will [read: you] may live. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 49:1-39, Romans 11:25-12:8, Proverbs 26:12-28

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 49:1-39, Romans 11:25-12:8, Proverbs 26:12-28

Even As He Corrects, God Does Not Forsake His Own

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 46:28

     Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant,

      Saith the LORD: for I am with thee;

      For I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee:

      But I will not make a full end of thee,

      But correct thee in measure;

      Yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

    During the life of Jeremiah, God is judging Israel, the children of Jacob, yet not just them, but all the nations round about them, even all the nation of the then known world. Yet, God does not forget his promises, to Abraham, to Isaac, nor to Jacob, but God will remain with them, even as he corrects them for their transgressions. Are you a child of God, made so by your Faith which you have placed in Jesus Christ and his Righteousness? Know, even though God will not leave you uncorrected, and such corrections will be painful, He will nor forsake you, just as he has promised not to forsake Jacob [The Nation Israel.] Nor will he forget those that he used to rebuke you, who did so in their unrighteousness. So repent of those things that God hates, and look up, for your redemption draweth night. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 44:1-46:28, Romans 11:1-10, Proverbs 25:1-28

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 49:1-39, Romans 11:25-12:8, Proverbs 26:12-28

How God's Word Develops Our Faith

 

Today's verse is Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

    In the Psalms we are admonished to remember the Works which God did of old. We are to remember how God delivered Noah from the Flood. We are to remember how God kept his promise to Abraham. We are to remember how God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt. We are to remember how God used with Samson. We are to remember how God dealt with Sual, and then David. We are to remember the mercies that he had shown the wicked King Ahab. We are to remember Ester, and how through her God delivered his people from the plans of Haman. It is by remembering and considering these things as well as the others that we see God’s character, that we see his faithfulness, and his Love for the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, and that he is worthy of our Trust. Just as he said. Will you place your Faith in him today? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 42:1-43:13, Romans 9:30-10:21, Proverbs 24:23-34

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 44:1-46:28, Romans 11:1-10, Proverbs 25:1-28 

Feigned Ignorance

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 24:12

     If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not;

      Doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it?

      And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it?

      And shall not he render to every man according to his works?

    Paul in the book of Romans makes it clear that when we are judged by God, we will be judged by what we know of right and wrong. Yet, here and by Peter we are told that there are some that try to feign ignorance, which we here learn will not save them. Throughout Proverbs we are counseled to seek Knowledge and to gain understanding, but to Trust God above all. If we do this, we shall not be found wanting in the day of Judgment, for Jesus, himself, shall speak on our behalf, and we shall escape the Judgment of those hoping their own works will justify them. Which path are you on now? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 39:1-41:18, Romans 9:13-29, Proverbs 24:1-22

Monday’s reading will be Jeremiah 42:1-43:13, Romans 9:30-10:21, Proverbs 24:23-34

Which Fear?

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 38:19

And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me. 

    Did not Jesus Christ later warn: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Now that which Zedekiah feared we have no record of it happening, yet, those things that God had promised if he disobeyed, do we not have record of most of it? Have we not seen time and again that God keeps his Word? What do you fear? Why do you not fear God more than that? If you have accepted His Gift through Jesus Christ, Has he not promised that he will never leave, nor forsake thee? So, will you surrender to your fear? Or, will you Trust in him who died for you, and Rose again on the third day? Selah [Consider carefully your response.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 37:1-38:28, Romans 9:1-12, Proverbs 23:19-35

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 39:1-41:18, Romans 9:13-29, Proverbs 24:1-22

God Works All Things Together For His Purpose

 

Today's verse is Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

    By this verse, are all things Good? Do I really have to say, Nay? But our God is such, that all things that are done, whether good or evil, God will work it into his purpose, and he shall without fail be Glorified in it. So, the real question is, Will you Trust him? Whatsoever you face, whatever calamity you may encounter, Will you Trust the God that made all that is in Heaven, and Earth, and Sea? If you do not understand, Will you Trust? Not blindly, but based upon how God dealt with David, or Jeremiah, or Solomon, or Gideon? What of you, have you seen God’s Work in your own life? On that basis, Will you Trust him? Selah [Remember what he has already done.] Amen

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 35:1-36:32, Romans 8:18-39, Proverbs 22:17-23:18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 37:1-38:28, Romans 9:1-12, Proverbs 23:19-35

It Is Not Too Late

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 33:2-3

     Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; cthe LORD is his name; 

     Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

    Here is some very good news. Consider the context of this verse. Consider that God has said that there will come a time when it will be too late to call upon him, for he will refuse to hear. Yet, we see here an invitation, even as the destroyer is at the gate, ready to destroy, and the call to Repentance is made. I can testify that God is able, even willing to do great and mighty things that we are not even able to comprehend, but he will not, unless we seek his face, looking for that redemption that is in Jesus Christ, and by his Spirit, seeking and doing his will. What is your Choice? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 33:1-34:22, Romans 8:1-17, Proverbs 22:1-16

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 35:1-36:32, Romans 8:18-39, Proverbs 22:17-23:18 

Do You Have Reason To Hope?

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: 

    In the midst of darkness, turmoil and strife, even as God was judging not only Israel, but all of the surrounding nations, God gave Jeremiah a ray of light, a reason to hope: The knowledge that God would once again restore Israel to the Land. Do you know Jesus Christ? Are you seeking his face? If so, can you Identify that ray of Light he has given you? If not, and you are truly seeking his face, his Righteousness, you can borrow this one from Jeremiah. Know that God will restore all that belongs to himself, to himself, and that all that are found in Jesus Christ, will be found standing before him clothed in Righteousness, to rejoice forevermore in eternity. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 32:1-44, Romans 7:7-25, Proverbs 21:13-31

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 33:1-34:22, Romans 8:1-17, Proverbs 22:1-16