The Gospel Withheld

 Today's verse is Numbers 22:12

And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. 

    It is interesting how; having read through the scriptures you see something for the first time. Balaam, if he had been truly obedient to his God, could have saved Balak much trouble. We know from another place that God had no design against Moab, but Balak’s fear of Israel brought the wrath of God upon himself. But, Balaam from the first visit by Balak’s servants knew that God would not curse Israel, but he kept his mouth shut. He could have warned. He could have rebuked. He could have corrected. He could have instructed in Righteousness. But, instead, he shared in the wrath that God brought upon Balak and the people of Moab. What of you, who know what pleases God. Will you warn? Will you rebuke? Will you correct? Will you instruct in righteousness? Or, not having learned from Balaam, will you follow the same path of error that he did? Be of good courage, and who knows if God will spare. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Numbers 22-25, Luke 1

Monday’s reading will be: Numbers 26-29, Luke 2

Praying

 

Today's verse is Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 

.    Do you Pray? If not, Start! When you pray, remember who you are. Did not Jesus Christ, the Son of God die for you? Have you been washed in the Blood of Jesus Christ? If so, you have been adopted by the Father, and Jesus Christ, himself, calls you Brother, or Sister. It is on this basis that you are invited to come to the Father. Do you know his Will? Whether in general (all that read his Word, should have some idea) or specific? So pray, for you know what the Father wants, and watch with thankfulness knowing that what you have asked for he will in due course give. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Numbers 19-21, Colossians 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1

Learning To Forbear

 

Today's verse is Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 

    As we see all the wickedness about us, let us remember what Jesus Christ as done for us. Has he not forgiven us of all that we have done? Does he not chasten us whenever we walk astray? So too, as we walk among the brethren, or even as we walk in the world, let us remember what Christ has done for us, has forgiven us, by his own blood, let us then do for them. Let us forgive before we act or speak, that we might show forth a measure of the Love of Christ. For perhaps they may see, then hear of the Good News, and thereby receive that same forgiveness that we have in Jesus. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Numbers 15-18, Psalm 113, Colossians 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 19-21, Colossians 4

Was That God's Will, Or Yours?

 

Today's verse is Numbers 13:1-2

     And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 

     Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. 

    Sometimes when God tells us to do something, it is not because he knows it is the best path, but because he knows us, and that we must see something of him, or more likely, something about us. See what Moses tell the children of these that refused to enter in: “And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe[.]” As we can see, God allowed what the people desired, not because it was best for them, but that their unbelief can be revealed. Did you get stung by something God told you to do, (but if you are honest, it really was something you wanted, so God allowed you to have it.) Do not blame God, but, instead, learn from it, and repent, for we know that in the final analysis, God will, as he promised, work all together for good. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Numbers 12-14, Psalm 28, Colossians 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 15-18, Psalm 113, Colossians 3

Is It Time To Complain Yet?

 

Today's verse is Numbers 11:15

And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

    As I was reading the chapter which this verse comes from, I was thinking as I have before, "What if I murmured and complained as Israel did, would God see my plight and answer me, relieving me of the straight I currently am in?" Is this not the wretchedness that Moses is speaking of here? As we search the scriptures we see God’s people in travail, often wondering where God is. But we see that God is present, sometimes working behind the scenes, at others working openly, but in the end, according to God’s purpose and promises, he delivers his own out of their turmoil just as he has said. So, put your Trust in the Lord your God, and he will be faithful to his promises, and know your suffering will not be in vain. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Numbers 8-11, Colossians 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 12-14, Psalm 28, Colossians 2

Evidence Of Salvation

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 13:20-21

     Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 

     Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

    You may have heard, “[F]aith without works is dead also.” The passage above is essentially saying the same thing. Jesus, having died for all of our sins, God brought back again for our sakes, that by his blood, we might be saved from sin. Not just its penalty, but from its power, and in due course its presence. Notice in the second verse that God is working in you, that you might then be able to do those things that are pleasing to him. In another place Paul tells us to work out our Salvation. This as described above is what we are to work out. So, examine yourself, do you trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, if so, you should see the evidence of the Spirit working in you as described above. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Numbers 6-7, Hebrews 13

Monday’s reading will be: Numbers 8-11, Colossians 1

Contrasting God The Judge And The Grace Of God

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

    In this verse and those surrounding it, we see a contrast: between those that seek to keep the law; the terrible things that happen to those that break it; the terrible God that will judge those that failed to keep it, and the grace of the Cross, and the One who died upon it, making just all that come to him for forgiveness; the majestic sight of Heaven and all those that dwell therein, and above all the God who Judges having found us innocent by the Blood of his Son, who makes intersession for us all who have recieved him. Selah [This is what we have to look forward to. Which group are you in?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Numbers 3-5, Hebrews 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 6-7, Hebrews 13 

Should We Fear The Insurrection?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 64:1-2

     Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer:

      Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

     Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked;

      From the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

    If we are observant, we can see that there is an enemy, and his followers seem to have the power, thus this prayer of David. In my Nation, these that are given over to the evil one cry loud and often of an insurrection, an insurrection that from what I have seen they themselves caused and orchestrated with a successful outcome. Should we that fear God fear this? God says, “Nay!” For if we have our eyes open, we can see even now that God is at work. The strife, the pestilences and the famines, which Jesus foretold may very well be upon us, the time of his coming and his kingdom, may very well be at hand. Yet, if not, if God spares us for those that still follow him, even as Abraham pleaded with God for Sodom and its surrounding cities, the unrighteous and those that deny God cannot stand. For while God is longsuffering, as we see at the end of this Psalm, “The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him;/ And all the upright in heart shall glory.” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 3-5, Hebrews 12

The Desire Of The Wicked Will Not Succeed!

 

Today's verse is Psalm 112:10

     The wicked shall see it, and be grieved;

      He shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away:

      The desire zof the wicked shall perish.

    What shall the wicked see? That will put them in distress? Is it not those that Trust in the Lord their God, fearing none else but God, and therefore delight in God’s commandments? If you delight in God’s commands, are you not also doing them? We know by God’s Word that the wicked in the final days will be given power, even over the Saints [Those that fear God, and have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb,] but we also know that their time will be short, and the Lord himself will come and destroy them that refuse his gift. So, fear not, stand firm, obey God’s Word, and in due time, God even as he has promised here will put to naught the plans of the wicked. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 26-27, Psalm 112, Hebrews 10

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 11

What Purpose The Blood?

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 9:22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 

    “. . . and without shedding of blood is no remission.” While this statement has been misused and abused, the first thing that must be drawn from this . . . is the High Cost to sin. Yet those who know not God, nor have any desire to know God, are by God given over unto their own lusts. But, one must ask, Has their price been paid? Will the shedding of their blood, allow them to enter into Heaven? Know that while there may be times when after due process, the life of the guilty must be taken, taking the life of an innocent will only add to our Guilt. Yet, there had been one innocent, whose blood for us the guilty has been shed, that all that would, can and should look to him, and by him be forgiven. Have you been so forgiven? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 24-25, Psalm 81, Hebrews 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Leviticus 26-27, Psalm 112, Hebrews 10

A Better Covenant

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 8:6

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

    Before the Cross, the previous Covenant was based upon the Law, the keeping of ordinances, and the killing of Sacrifices, all of which we now know was designed not to redeem those that transgressed, but to show that all have transgressed, that all were or are guilty. But, in the midst of it all were the shadow of the better Covenant, of the better promises. For even under the old Covenant the everlasting Gospel had its recipients, for example: David, Elijah, Elisha, and all the others which believed God, and, therefore, Righteousness was imputed unto them. Such is the nature of the better Covenant, for Jesus Christ paid the price for all who have transgressed, so that all that will, may trust in His Work upon the Cross which was Finished by his Resurrection, which is then secured in those that believe by the indwelling of His Spirit, who works in us to do his good Will, pleasing unto a Righteous and Holy God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 21-23, Hebrews 8

Monday’s reading will be: Leviticus 24-25, Psalm 81, Hebrews 9

Which Definition: Hate

 

Today's verse is Leviticus 19:17

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him

    In this verse we have a contrast, and if you can see it, a definition for Hate. Consider carefully, what is the purpose of rebuke? Is it not so that the offender may change his ways? If we see our neighbor sin, or perceive our neighbor is about to sin, it is a hateful thing to allow them to continue upon their destructive path. That is what God says. But today, we are told that we hate our neighbor if we do not condone what they are doing. Even worse tell them they are wrong! So, who do you Fear? Do you fear God? Or do you fear what man might do to you? Do you agree to God’s definition (who by definition is alway right,) or do you surrender to peer pressure, and suffer with them God’s wrath? Selah [Choose wisely.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 19-20, Hebrews 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Leviticus 21-23, Hebrews 8

Seeking God's Protection And Direction

 

Today's verse is Psalm 31:3

     For thou art my rock and my fortress;

      Therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

    If you look at this entire Psalm, you see that David had to deal with much of the same sort of Political backbiting that we see today. We also see that David had his own sin to contend with. Yet, through all of this David continued to Trust in His God! What of you? Do you like David continue to seek God’s direction? Have you opened his book today? In Hebrews, we can see that as God starts us on a path, we might expect that he will hold our hand, but we can also see that there will be a time, knowing God’s will, he expects us to choose to follow the path he has set for us. Yet, we know that on his path will be opposition, Will we allow God to be our Strength, our Foundation, and our Defense? Will you Trust him as he has said, “I will never leave, nor forsake thee?” Selah [Choose wisely.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 15-18, Psalm 31, Hebrews 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Leviticus 19-20, Hebrews 7

Where Can Wisdom Be Found?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 111:10

     The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:

      A good understanding have all they that do his commandments:

      His praise endureth for ever.

    Can we see Wisdom in the world today? What do we see? We see many who claim to be wise, but they do so boasting themselves against the living God, forsaking those things that God has said is right, being proud even of the wicked things which they do! Wherefore God says to those that will hear, Come, Come unto me, Come out from among them, and I will give you rest! Where can this Rest be found? In none other than Jesus Christ, who died for those same sins the World currently boast in. So you that hear, come quickly with fear, for God will not always forbear. For this Same Jesus is coming again, but this time he will come to judge those that have rejected him, and will not spare the guilty. So even in this will God be praised. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 12-14, Psalm 111, Hebrews 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Leviticus 15-18, Psalm 31, Hebrews 6

Unholy Influence

 

Today's verse is Leviticus 10:9-10

     Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: 

     And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; 

    In these verses we see a principle: That we are to keep a clear mind. In another place God through Paul commands, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit[.]” So, what are the things that you allow to influence you? In the passages above we are given an example of a chemical influence, with the principle that we are to keep our minds unclouded, and free of any chemical altered state. What of ungodly counsel, in any form? Should we allow any to control us, other than the Spirit of God, by the counsel of God’s Word? So, let us Walk in the counsel of the God’s Word. Standing firm by the Righteousness of Jesus Christ. Resting in the Truth of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 8-11, Psalm 110, Hebrews 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Leviticus 12-14, Psalm 111, Hebrews 5

Who Did That?

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 3:4

For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 

.    Today I want to look at: Who gets the credit? We can know of a certainty that all that we do whether good or bad, is placed to our account. Yet, we can also know for certain that all that is done God has done it. When we consider this, we must also remember that for those that Love God, and that are the called according to his purpose, all things work together for good, whether that thing is good or not. Remember Joseph, but consider also Jonah. So, give God the Glory for all that you have accomplished, and when you sin, allow God to put that under the Blood of Jesus Christ, who will then cleanse you from all unrighteousness. All in all, a most profitable exchange for those that put their Trust in God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 4-7, Hebrews 3

Monday’s reading will be: Leviticus 8-11, Psalm 110, Hebrews 4

The Nature Of Sacrifice

 

Today's verse is Leviticus 1:3

If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. 

    In this verse we find a very important principle, Sacrifices are to be made as a free will gift. The exception are sin and trespass, those being an answer for wrongs which we have done to ,in part, atone and make right for those things (and are now covered by the cross of Christ.) But, in general, sacrifices are not to be compelled by another, else it would not be a sacrifice. Just as an act of love, if forced is not love. So, for now, make whatever sacrifices you will, but do not ever demand in return others to sacrifice for you. For God is your sufficiency in all things, as demonstrated by his Son who freely gave his life for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Leviticus 1-3, Psalm 27, Hebrews 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Leviticus 4-7, Hebrews 3

The End Is Coming! Why?

 

Today's verse is Hebrews 1:10-11

     And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 

     They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 

    Today, I want to consider a common Political heresy: That the world is going to end, and mankind is going to be the cause of it. Do the verses above say the world will come to an end? Yea, without a doubt. Where in the Bible are we commanded to fear this event? Are we not rather commanded to look forward to it? Are the Children of Adam responsible for the stewardship of the planet? Did not God in the beginning give Dominion of the world to Adam? What is the very first, unspoken even, principle of stewardship? Is it not recognizing to whom the steward is responsible? For what purpose does Scripture say God will destroy the World? Is it not because we refused to recognize who the Master is? Does this doctrine of Climate Change encourage us to seek the Maker of all that is? Does it not rather demand that we forsake his principles? What do you suppose the rightful heir of all that is will do to those who have given his inheritance to another? Does not the book of The Revelation (of Jesus Christ) tell us? Selah [Know and consider the answers to these questions.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Exodus 38-40, Hebrews 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Leviticus 1-3, Psalm 27, Hebrews 2

Remembering God's Lovingkindness

 

Today's verse is Psalm 26:3

     For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes:

      And I have walked in thy truth.

    In the verse above we see both a statement of purpose, and a statement of observation. David in this psalm, recognizes what happens when we fail to see God’s lovingkindnesses, of the wickedness which lieth at the door. But if we set our eyes upon the Lord our God and keep in remembrance of the Good things he has done for us, whether it was five minutes ago, or years beyond recall. For have we not seen God work openly and covertly in scripture? Do we not see in Joseph or Esther, how God is working his will in the background? Do we not see the Children of Israel as they leave Egypt, forget time and again what God did yesterday? Forgetting that God foretold them what to expect? Even as it happened just as he said! So, as the world crumbles about us, we can be sure that God is in Control, and what he said, he will do, but we need to remember his lovingkindness to us, and to keep his truth [Yea, even The Truth] before our eyes. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Exodus 35-37. Psalm 26, Philippians 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Exodus 38-40, Hebrews 1

The Mystery Of Faith

 

Today's verse is Philippians 3:9

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 

    Here is a great mystery, and one missed by most, but available to all. When Cain offered the fruits of the field, he offered of his own labor. What was the basis of Abel’s Sacrifice? If you can understand this, then you can understand the verse above. For there are none that are innocent, there are none that have not transgressed. The best we have to offer God is but vanity and vapor before a Righteous and Holy God; therefore, God who is Good and merciful provided us a way, where truly there was no way, and made himself sin for us, that the Righteousness of God might be found in us Through Him. The law, which is good, shews us we are guilty, but Jesus Christ fulfilled that Law, that all that look to him, taking him at his Word, shall be found before God cleansed of all unrighteousness. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Exodus 32-34, Philippians 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Exodus 35-37. Psalm 26, Philippians 4

Shining In A Dark Place

 

Today's verse is Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 

    Notice the backdrop, “in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.” Do you belong to Jesus Christ? Has he given to you his Spirit? Do you not have access to his Word? So do not murmur, nor dispute as did Israel when they left Egypt, for as God did then, so now he also knows what you have need of, and he has a plan and a purpose for you. Therefore, submit to him, working out that seed of righteousness he has placed in you by the Blood of his Son, that you might shine as a testimony to those about you, that they might see the Glory of God in you, as you present to them those same Words by which you have received Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Exodus 28-31, Philippians 2

Monday’s reading will be: Exodus 32-34, Philippians 3