Confirming Direction

 

Today's verse is Acts 22:10

And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. 

    As we were taught by Solomon, if we acknowledge God in all of our ways, he will direct our paths, and so it was with Saul, otherwise known as Paul. Yet, he will not always give that direction directly, but will use others, that it may be confirmed by other witnesses, that we may be sure of the path we are to take. Whatever the means God may speak to us, we must always compare it to the whole counsel of the Word of God, but once all is confirmed, do not delay, do not hesitate, nor waver, but with a whole heart step out by faith, keeping true first to God’s Word, then to the direction he has given you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 3-5, 1 Chronicles 12, Psalm 122, Acts 22

Monday’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13, Psalm 69, Acts 23

Which God?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 06:5

     For all the gods of the nations are idols:

      But the LORD made the heavens.

    What do you trust? Do you trust the one that made the heavens? Or do you trust something that was made, or made up, by you or another? Even where Christ is named idols exist, though they may not be recognized as such, this God abhors. For we that know him, know that God cannot be contained in a image, or even in a building, but we have his Word, and we know that when we gather together in his Name, He is there. We that have received his Son, and the gift of forgiveness made possible by the Cross, know that he will never leave nor forsake us, though we often fail him, he will never fail us, for he will finish what he started in us, when he comes to catch up his own, even as he prepares the earth for his Return. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 1-2, 1 Chronicles 11, Psalm 96, 106, Acts 21

Tomorrows reading will be: 2 Samuel 3-5, 1 Chronicles 12, Psalm 122, Acts 22

Ungodliness, Instead Of Rejoicing?

 

Today's verse is I Samuel 30:22-23

     Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. 

     Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. 

    Here is a sad commentary of mankind and necessitates a self-examination of all of us. Pay attention to the source of the wicked opinion of David’s men, and the description that are given to those that hold that opinion, and consider: These are David men, trained by him, disciplined by him, counted as men of Valor, yet, some forgot charity, which David, knowing where their blessings came from remembered. Here is a hard truth, our God demands from us selflessness, which we can obtain only by leaning wholly upon him, trusting in him completely, knowing that anything we commit to him will never be in vain, any injustice will be righted, by him, not us, for we owe all to him, just because of what Christ did for us on the Cross. So, let us always examine ourselves, lest we also be as these men of David that were counted as wicked, and men of Belial. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 30-31, 1 Chronicles 10, Acts 20

Tomorrows reading will be: 2 Samuel 1-2, 1 Chronicles 11, Psalm 96, 106, Acts 21

Where Is The Power?

 

Today's verse is Acts 19:14-15

     And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 

     And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 

    These men did not know Jesus, and they found that their observing of the law, and the religious office of their father (was not he a priest of the living God?) were of no consequence, and offered no power, when it came to dealing with the fallen angels. They not knowing Jesus, had no authority by his name. Yet, did not Jesus himself, proclaim that he had all power, and because he had all power, are we not to therefore, go and teach all nations, teaching them to observe all things that he had commanded, starting with the forgiveness of sins by his sacrifice? Here is the question? Does Jesus know you? If so, you have life, and his power is available to you. If not, you will be found wanting in the time of trouble, do not delay, come to him today. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 26-27, 1 Chronicles 8, Acts 18

Tomorrows reading will be: 1 Samuel 28-29, 1 Chronicles 9, Acts 19

Did You Get Direction?

 

Today's verse is 1 Samuel 27:1

And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. 

    Up until now, every time David considered a major move, He sought the counsel of his God, but this time he did not! Now, we know that our God works all things together for good, and that is evident with even this decision of David's, for he reached Achish, the king of Gath, with the truth of who God is, yet not so much that he could speak all the truth to him. How would God have directed David? we may never know, but we have this promise, “Acknowledge him in all thy ways, and he shall direct thy paths.” Do you have a decision before you? Fail not to seek God’s direction in it, and he will not fail to show you the right way to go, if you but wait on him. Amen. (Do not forget Saul’s impatience!)

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 26-27, 1 Chronicles 8, Acts 18

Tomorrows reading will be: 1 Samuel 28-29, 1 Chronicles 9, Acts 19

Have You Truly Found God?

 

Today's verse is Acts 17:28

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 

    Paul, here is making the argument that God is not hard to be found. Indeed, Yesterday, I listened to a debate of three men, A psychologist, a religious scholar, and an atheist, Philosophers all, and the amazing thing is, it was the atheist that brought to the table, and came closest to defending the gospel, that is the need of mankind to receive the grace of God for the forgiveness of sin. But, this, none really believing that God speaks to men by his Word, thus all speculating on the ability of man to achieve an acceptable relationship with God. All while speaking on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died for our sin, and rose again, that we might have access to the Father through him. This they utterly missed. What of you, do you understand, have you accepted this gift of Jesus? If not, it is yet not too late. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is I Samuel 25, 1 Chronicles 7, Acts 17

Monday’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 26-27, 1 Chronicles 8, Acts 18

Getting Direction

 

Today's verse is Acts 16:9

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 

    In the Previous verses, Paul, and those with him, were being hindered, as testified, by the spirit to go where they thought best. There will be times when the things we think to do, no matter how we try, seem to keep failing, every way we try to go, we find ourselves hindered. At such a time, we need to do as David did, and seek the counsel of the Lord our God. In the verse above, it was discovered that God had a plan for Paul, and when they followed that plan, they had great success, even if they needed to suffer a bit to accomplish it. What of you? Are you on the path you have set for yourself? Or are you on the path God has directed you to? We have God’s promise that if we seek him, and acknowledge him in all our ways, he will direct our paths. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 23-24, 1 Chronicles 6, Psalm 54, Acts 16

Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 25, 1 Chronicles 7, Acts 17

Forward Looking

 

Today's verse is Psalm 52:8

     But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God:

      I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

    Consider when David wrote this: He had been running from the king, seeking alms from the Priests, and hiding wherever he could find a place, or even a hole in the ground. Yet, David also saw the blessing God was giving him. His Parents were given a place of safety. He had men come to his service, that is another story of itself. So, David, trusted the God that had anointed him King, counted himself blessed, though none of God’s promises were yet in sight. What of you, what promises has God made you? What has God called you to do? Have you accepted that greatest of promises: The forgiveness of your sin, by the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ? Selah [Consider where David is as he wrote this psalm, and whether God kept his Word, for did not David become Israel’s Greatest King, by God’s testimony?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 21-22, 1 Chronicles 5, Psalm 52, Acts 15

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 23-24, 1 Chronicles 6, Psalm 54, Acts 16

Choosing To Trust God In The Dark

 

Today's verse is Psalm 56:3

     What time I am afraid,

      I will trust in thee.

    David was running from Saul, and he is now in the presence of his enemies, and the enemies of his people, enemies, of which, he had himself killed many. All was looking bleak, and David had every reason to think that there was no reason to hope. In such a time: we see David’s testimony. He chose to Trust in the Lord his God. All was all wrong, nothing seemed to be going right, yet in all this, David chose to believe in the Lord his God. As David, let us remember the things our God, our Savior has promised us, and above all let us remember our God, our Savior is one that keeps all his Word, all his promises, and above all, does not lie. So, when nothing is going right, remember this, and look for what God is doing, and whether you see it or not, as David, chose to trust him, and as God fulfilled his promises to David, he will fulfill his promises to you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 20, 1 Chronicles 4, Psalm 56, 57, 142, Acts 14

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 21-22, 1 Chronicles 5, Psalm 52, Acts 15

An Answered Prayer

 

Today's verse is Psalm 59:11

     Slay them not, lest my people forget:

      Scatter them by thy power;

      And bring them down, O Lord our shield.

    As David prayed, so it was done! God did not slay Saul at this time, and him and his men chasing David all over Israel, may very well count, as being scattered. And finally, by the Philistines, and by David, Saul and his men were brought down, by the seventh year of David’s reign. And through all of this, David was protected of God, and preserved, and lifted up as King of Israel, just as God had said. Today, the wicked rule, and exercise power, by only by God’s suffrage, and only till his purpose is complete. Whether, it be to usher in the promised season of Judgment, or to make known the wicked, before they are purged, they will in due course be brought down, and God will preserve his remnant, as they and those that being faithful, are counted worthy of suffering for his sake. In all of this, of which camp will you be found? Selah [Which price are you willing to pay?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 18-19, 1 Chronicles 3, Acts 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 20, 1 Chronicles 4, Psalm 56, 57, 142, Acts 14

Defending The Faith

 

Today's verse is I Samuel 17:45-46

     Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 

     This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 

    First, things of note: Goliath defied Saul, and Saul’s armies, and in answer to David, gave credit to his own gods, never did he give any mention to the God of Israel. Yet, David, hearing all of this placed the direction of the insults in the proper perspective. Saul and the armies of Israel, and David himself are the people of God, that is they are God’s representatives, and thus, whether or not the enemy recognizes this, any insult to them is an insult to God! Therefore, all of us that have been redeemed by blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, are also representatives of God, and as David did here, has the duty to stand up in our God’s Name, and by the Faith we have in him, declare the Victory God will give us. Will you Stand for your Savior? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is II Samuel 17, I Chronicles 2, Acts 12

Monday’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 18-19, 1 Chronicles 3, Acts 13

Redeeming The Time

 

Today's verse is Psalm 39:4-5

     LORD, Make me to know mine end,

      And the measure of my days, what it is;

      That I may know how frail I am.

     Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth;

      And mine age is as nothing before thee:

    Here is a great contrast, with the Lord, a thousand years is as a day, and a day is as a thousand years (time has no meaning to him.) Yet with us, we must always remember that we are finite, limited in time, and none of it can be regained. Once we have lived that second, It is gone! Yet, there are times we must be patient, there are times we must wait on the Lord our God, who always work in perfect time. So, when we must wait, seek out those things that we can learn, the object lessons that our God has prepared for us that we can be ready, when he shows us our next step, seeking every day to see what his lovingkindness are, endeavoring every day to obey his Word, skimping on nothing, being ready to tell others that will hear, what our God has done for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is I Samuel 15-16, 1 Chronicles 1, Psalm 39, Acts 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 17, I Chronicles 2, Acts 12

Examine Yourself, Who's Side Are You On?

 

Today's verse is Palm 124:2

     If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,

      When men rose up against us:

    Now, If we see Joshua, when he met with the Captain, The Lord of hosts, it is not so much, “Is the Lord on our side?” but, are we on his? If we have our eyes open, and we are not asleep, we can see that all the world has risen up against God, and any that may in any way represent his way. However, do we that the world hates, also despise God? It is easy to do! So, let us examine ourselves, lest we find ourselves in the middle, condemned both by God and man. First, and foremost, where does your righteousness come from? Does it come, because you do good, like Paul before he encountered Christ? Thinking he was blameless before the Law? Or, is it by the Blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed to cover all sin, especially for those that have Trusted Him? Then, consider also, do you declare what is right, but refuse to declare the One who has the right to determine what is right and wrong? Or, do you Trust in the One that made Heaven and Earth and all that in them is, not ashamed to be called one of his own? Be sure not to be found in the middle, condemned by both God and man, but be found on the Lord's side, and he shall hold you up. Selah {Consider Daniel, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 14, Psalm 124, Acts 10

Tomorrow’s reading will be: I Samuel 15-16, 1 Chronicles 1, Psalm 39, Acts 11

The Ever-Present Choice!

 

Today's verse is I Samuel 12:14-15

     If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: 

    But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. 

.    Today, and every other day, this choice is ever before you: Whom will you server? Will you obey the Lord God of Heaven, and keep his commandments? Or will you reject him, and go the way you think is your own (truly it is not, but is of your Father the Devil.) Jesus Christ came that you might have life and forgiveness of your sin, giving also by his Spirit power to live a righteous life, by his power. Yet, if we (yea, you) reject him, you already can see what happens in a world that rejects Christ, but it can be much worse. So, “To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation,” and choose life over death, blessings of God, rather than his curse, Forgiveness instead of Judgment. But the choice is yours; no one can make it for you, and the consequence is your own. Selah [ Chose carefully.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 14, Psalm 124, Acts 10

The Wrong Things To Look For In A Leader

 

Today's verse is I Samuel 9:2

And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. 

    Israel demanded of God, a King for themselves. So, to show them the error of their ways, God gave them a man that outwardly, by first appearances, looked good. However, as we begin to see his character, we see that he is unprepared, falsely humble, prone to react, rather than acting with forethought, and often rather than standing up and acting upon the command of God, seeks to appease the wayward ways of the people he is to be overseeing. Of what qualities do you look for, when you have the choice of who is to be placed in leadership? Selah [Consider your choices with care.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is I Samuel 9-10, Acts 8

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9

*I am back home now, and to God’s Glory, and all praise to him, I was able to continue posting throughout my vacation.

Have You Rejected God?

 Today's verse is 1 Samuel 8:7

    And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 

    Who do you accept? Who do you reject? Do you accept those that call Good, Evil, and Evil, Good? By what metric to you determine what is good and what is evil? Do you use anything other than what you have been given by God's Holy Prophets, and the Apostle's which the Lord Jesus had chosen? Then do not wonder why there is so much stife about you, for when one rejects God's councel God allows the consequences of your beliefs to come upon you. So be very thankful for any of the good things that find its way to you. For it is these things that God gives you, to remind you that he is there, and that he wishes to have you reconciled to him. Will you respond today? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 6-8, Acts 7

Monday’s reading will be: I Samuel 9-10, Acts 8

Where Is The Repentance?

 

Today's verse is I Samuel 3:18

    And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.

    Here is a problem we have. When we accept the judgment of God, which we should, why do we not also REPENT? Because Jesus Christ came and took our place on the Cross, if we turn to him, He will give us power also to change our ways. And if we change our ways by the power of the Holy Spirit,which we recieve when we accept the forgiveness Jesus gives, then the full judgment  which was pronounced may be mitagated, or failing that, turned, and made into a blessing. Consider David and Basheba, and Ninevah in Jonah's day. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott 

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 23, Acts 6.

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 6-8, Acts 7.

Honored Or Not

 Today's verse  is I Samuel 3:30

    Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 

In the passages that I read today, there was a theme: God honoring those that honor him, and God bringing Judgment upon those that either brought harm to the peoplle of God, or dwelt decietfuly in the house of God Therefore, let us fear, and take counsel of these things, for what God did then, we can be sure that he will do even now, whether in the background or where everybody can see, and all will know that he is Glorified by all that he does. Selah [Consider these things]. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 1-2:36, Psalm 120, Acts 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 23, Acts 6

In The Dark Times, Remember His Promises

 

Today's verse is Psalm 37:39-40

    But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord:

He is their strength in the time of trouble.

    And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them:

He shall deliver them from the wicked,

And save them, because they trust in him.

    "And save them because they trust in him." At the begining of this Psalm, we are commanded not to fret ourselves over evil doers, because after all God is everpresent, he knows their ways, and he knows the plans he has for them. After all Has he not told us what he will do? Has he not described times such as these? And as we learn more of the God that loves us, Died for us, Risen again on the Third day, we see more and more that what he has said, is what will be done. So in the dark days before us, let us ever remember all the promises found in this Psalm, given to all that will Trust in the Lord our God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ruth 3-4:22, Psalm 37, Acts 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 samuel 1-2:36, Psalm 120, Acts 5

Looking For Restoration

 

Today's verse is Acts 3:20

   And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

   Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 

    Here we are looking at the beginning of the second recorded sermon, and already Peter is preaching that Jesus Christ will return. We also see that when Jesus returns, that he will restore all things. Later we learn that he will do this in stages. First, when he sets up his kingdom, after the time of great tribualtion, in which, he gives those that hate him the consequences of thier full desire, while at the same time clearly showing all who the true God is, at the end of which will be the second great purge, which God will destroy all that refuse to Trust him, having shown all the full extent of thier wickedness. Therefore, let us fail not to warn, and declare to all of the Amazing Love God has displayed to all through what Jesus Christ has done for all that have sinned. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott.

Today’s reading is Ruth 1-2, Acts 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ruth 3-4, Psalm 37, Acts 4

    

A Blind Faith?

 

Today's verse is Acts 2:32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 

    There are many which believe that as Christians we exercise a blind faith, that is a faith without evidence. Yet, Peter presents evidence, by the testimony of those that had initially gathered together, waiting for the promised power of God. For Peter, and those that were with him had seen Jesus Christ after he had died upon the Cross, and they had seen many infallible proofs that he was truly risen from the grave. Today, we have recorded for us God’s Word, of which we can test, and it has been tested. All that we can test, has been proven faithful, so that those things that we cannot test we can trust, for the one that has given it to us is faithful and true. He has shown that he keeps his promises, and that he cannot lie. Will you place your trust in him, even today? Amen.

To God be Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 19-21, Acts 2

Monday’s* reading will be: Ruth 1-2, Acts 3

*Leaving today on vacation and will be away from my computer. As possible, I will be continuing by tablet, but if not will continue when I get back, sometime after the 12th. 

The Vanity Of Opposing God

 

Today's verse is Psalm 21:11

     For they intended evil against thee:

      They imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.

    Look at those that rail against HATE, what, or more accurately who is it that they are railing against? Is it not God, the one that made them for his pleasure? Why do they rail? Is it not because their own conscience speaks against them, so they shout the louder to drown it out? Consider the testimony of David in the verse above, of what he has observed: the desire of the unrighteous, and their impotence to carry it out. No wonder they are so angry. Yet, the Gospel is still available, and it still has power to save. We just might be surprised by who will hear. But know this, God will be Glorified by those that hear not, as those that hear. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 17-18, Psalm 21, Acts 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Judges 19-21, Acts 2