How To Think Rightly

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 16:3

     Commit thy works unto the LORD,

      And thy thoughts shall be established.

    What are you thinking? Are they thoughts that are pleasing to the Lord God, who made heaven and earth? As David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Solomon his son gives us a [the] way to achieve this goal. What are you doing? Why are you doing it? Both of these questions must be answered correctly, for if you are doing the right thing, but for the wrong reason, it will be impossible for your thoughts to please God. Slightly better is to do the wrong thing for the right reason, sometimes God (in his mercy) will correct the outcome, but as we can see about us today, that leads to destruction. But, as we are here promised, if we are following God’s direction, seeking by our actions to Glorify God, our thoughts shall fall in line. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 16-18, Romans 15

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Proverbs 19-21, Psalm 40, Romans 16

The Cure For Bitterness

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 14:10

     The heart knoweth his own bitterness;

      And a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

    Having been bitter, I can testify to the first statement, for bitterness is hard to miss. Of the second line: here is my take: As you should be aware, there is no joy in bitterness, for it is born of unthankfulness; therefore, there is no joy for a stranger to meddle with. Thus, to be bitter is to be lonely. Are you bitter? First, Repent, and find a reason to be thankful, I know this is hard, but God Is Good, so there is always a reason to be thankful, don’t take my word on that, take his, he does not lie! Then, be kind to someone else. It is amazing how much a simple greeting can lift another’s day. And in all of this, look to God to sustain you, not in anything or anyone else. It will amaze you of what he can do through you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 14-15, Romans 14

Monday’s reading will be: Proverbs 16-18, Romans 15

Riches Or Righteousness

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 11:4

     Riches profit not in the day of wrath:

      But righteousness delivereth from death.

    There is a natural tendency to trust in the labor of one’s own hands, and the increase that might bring. But when turmoil comes, it is not any material wealth that will save. Consider Noah, true, he built a boat, but he built a boat, because in pleasing God, God told him to build that boat, and thus, obeying God, being counted righteous in God’s eyes, Noah was saved from the destruction of the entire world. So, what of you, do you trust in your wealth? What of your own rectitude? Know now, that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, for even our own righteousness is abhorrent in his eyes. But all who will trust in him, he will redeem, and give power to live soberly, righteously, and godly, even in this present ungodly time. So, in what do you trust? Selah [Consider this carefully.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 11-13, Psalm 8, Romans 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Proverbs 14-15, Romans 14

Seeking Wisdom

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 8:35-36

     For whoso findeth me findeth life,

      And shall obtain favour of the LORD.

     But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul:

      All they that hate me love death.

    “For whoso findeth me [Wisdom]. . . but he that sinneth against me [Wisdom]. . .“ Today, if we have eyes to see, and ears to hear, we can see that Wisdom is absent from those that make themselves the most noticed. But what or who is Wisdom, you may ask? Wisdom is none other than the One that is also known as The Word, the very one when the Father spake, brought all things into existence. Yea, even that same one, who loving that which he had made, suffered all, and made a way for us to find him, even as we refused to look. For if we fail to find him, we shall be fools loving even those things that will destroy us. So, Today, will you hear his voice, or will you harden your heart? Today, he has given you a choice. Seek him while he may be found. Tomorrow, he may not! Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 8-10, Psalm 144, Romans 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Proverbs 11-13, Psalm 8, Romans 13

God Does Not Forget His Promises

 

Today's verse is Romans 11:5

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 

    In this verse, Paul is speaking specifically of Israel, and How God is keeping his promise to them, as his chosen people. For even today, there are those that being of the tribe of Israel, they also are even now covered by the Blood of Christ, having accepted the atonement that can only be found in the Cross. Yet, can not we that are counted as gentiles take comfort in this? That even as God has not forgotten his promise to Israel, even so, he will not forget his promise to us that have also believed! So, whatever happens around us, let us continue to look to Jesus, surrendering ourselves to him, that his purpose in us might be fulfilled, that we might also share in his Glory. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 6-7, Psalm 7, Romans 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Proverbs 8-10, Psalm 144, Romans 12

The Blessing Of Being Chastened

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 3:11-12

     My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;

      Neither be weary of his correction:

     For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;

      Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

    How many of you, having had parents that loved you, suffered because you had done wrong? Are you now, the better for it, or worse? How much more does the Lord love those that are his! Even as the writer of Hebrews has testified, being chastened is never pleasant, yet it teaches us one of the most valuable lessons, for it teaches us to fear (not just respect, but fear) the Lord our God, and how many times, and in how many ways, does this book of Proverbs tell us of the importance of fearing the Lord? So, as soon as we are able, when we are corrected by our Heavenly Father, let us rejoice of this proof of his love for us, and grab hold of the lesson we are taught by it, and never let it go. Do we not learn in the verses after these that Wisdom and Understanding would bring us those things that most, if not all, desire? Selah [Dwell of this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 3-5, Romans 10

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Proverbs 6-7, Psalm 7, Romans 11

Is This What We See Today?

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 1:30-33

     They would none of my counsel:

      They despised all my reproof.

     Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way,

      And be filled with their own devices.

     For the turning away of the simple shall slay them,

      And the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

     But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely,

      And shall be quiet from fear of evil.

    The focus in this passage are those that have refused the counsel of God and even more, have rejected his correction. (Forgive me for restating the first verse of the passage.) If we have our eyes open, do we not see what follows today? With polices that tear down and destroy, with the false tongues, speaking lies, refusing to take responsibility for the destruction they all bring down about themselves. but take heart, for the promise at the end, for those that hear God (doing as he says,) even they shall God make to dwell safely, and shall not need to fear evil. Two groups, of which group are you? Will God judge you, giving you the fruit of your own actions? Or will God protect you, being one of his precious children? Selah [Think carefully on this.} Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 4, Proverbs 1-2, Psalm 43, Romans 9

Monday’s reading will be: Proverbs 3-5, Romans 10

Seeking For God?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 42:1

     As the hart panteth after the water brooks,

      So panteth my soul after thee, O God.

    As we read the rest of this psalm, we find that the psalmist is troubled by the things happening about him, and so, his soul panteth after God. The psalmist also speaks both of the apparent absence of God and remembers the joy and blessings he has had in the presence of God, as he worshiped in the house of God. In times of trouble, as we pray it is good, even best, to remember what God had done before. If you have not yet experienced his deliverance, then remember how he has delivered others as he has recorded in his Word. Then wait (that is be patient) on the Lord your God, and place your trust in him, for he is already working, and when he is done, none will be able to say: “Where is your God?” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 3, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 42, Romans 8

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 4, Proverbs 1-2, Psalm 43, Romans 9

Who Is The True KIng?

 

Today's verse is 1 Chronicles 29:1

Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. 

    “. . . for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God.’ Though David was speaking of the house [temple] that he purposed to build for the Lord God, He was also speaking of the one who should be the ruler over any man, group or tribe. Did not Paul tell us, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Therefore, we ought to fear the power, but not for the power’s sake, but for God’s. The same should be said for the power, for the power only has its power by the grace of God, and will be removed from power in due course if it fails to obey the one who allowed him in that room. So, let us obey the Lord our God, placing our trust and confidence in him who died for us, but not in the prince, but giving the prince the honor due unto him, because whether he knows it or not, God has put him in that place. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 2, 1 Chronicles 29, Romans 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 3, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 42, Romans 8

Do It God's Way

 

Today's verse is I Chronicles 28:19

All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. 

    David had desired to build an house for the Lord his God, even the God that made the Heaven and the Earth, yet, God rebuked him, and gave the honor to his son Solomon. However, David sought for how the Temple of God should be built, and we find here that God did not leave the pattern for his house to chance, or even to the mind of man, but at David’s request, he showed David how the house should be built. Do you have a desire to serve the Lord your God, even the one who died for you, saved you from your sin? Seek out his plan, and by his direction fulfill his purpose for you, he will not leave you wondering, but will direct you on how to please him. Start by searching his Word, and obeying his commands, and as you are faithful to this, he may as he did David, give you more specific instruction as he did David. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 1, 1 Chronicles 26-28, Romans 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 2, 1 Chronicles 29, Romans 7

Justified By What Faith?

 

Today's verse is Romans 5:1

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

    “Therefore being justified by faith . . .” What is that faith by which we are justified? As a teenager, one of the most important lessons I learned, was that faith is only as good as its object, and what is the object of the faith that will justify us, giving us Peace also with God? It is none other than the promise God has made us through the work of his Son Jesus Christ, who Died in our place, for our sin, and was raised up from the dead, that we might be justified through him. It is by this faith that we are redeemed, and it is by this same faith that we are to walk. For till the day that we are changed, sin will still be present, though by the Spirit of God we are given power over it, just as by the Cross, we no longer suffer its full penalty. So Trust in the Lord your God, and work out that Salvation you have recieved through Jesus Christ until he comes for us, that we may ever more be with him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Chronicles 22-25, Psalm 78, Romans 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 1, 1 Chronicles 26-28, Romans 6

God Is In Control

 

Today's verse is I Chronicles 21:1

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. 

    In the parallel passage found in 1 Samuel, we are told that it was God that moved David to number the people, so which was it, was it God, or Satan? The answer is: Yes! God used Satan to move David to number the people so that God had a pretext to judge Israel, because they had sinned. But before you complain, Paul had already answered your objection: “For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.” Let us remember this above all, we are responsible for our own actions, for they are our actions, we freely chose to do them, even David here freely chose to number Israel, and was warned against it. But God is such that he can use any action of any agent, whether you or the prince of all the fallen angels to accomplish his Righteous and Holy ends. Israel had sinned, David had sinned, God judged David and Israel, then God showed David where to put the temple. Did not David say that the mercies of God are great? Let us therefore, Repent, for did not the God of Israel in like manner, allow his Son to die in our place, risen again that we might be justified in him. Selah [Mediate on these things.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21, Romans 4

Monday’s reading will be: 1 Chronicles 22-25, Psalm 78, Romans 5

The Vengeance Of The Righteous Judge

 

Today's verse is Romans 3:5-6

     But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 

     God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 

    So the wicked cry, “How can God be just, with all this evil happening to and around me?” Completely the wrong question, for do we not learn here. How can God be just if he does not judge the world? Yet, God is merciful, and allows refreshing rain, both upon the just and the unjust, allowing the fruit of the earth to abound throughout the realms of man. Did not Paul earlier say, “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” So do not delay, for tomorrow may be to late, Tomorrow, God may call you to account, but you have his moment, and even now God calls you unto him. Will you hear? Will you repent? Will you accept the gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ, who by our hand was killed for our sin, and was raised up, that we might stand justified by a righteous God? Selah [Consider your choice well.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 21-22, Psalm 18, Romans 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21, Romans 4

Delivered From Fear

 

Today's verse is Psalm 34:4

     I sought the LORD, and he heard me,

      And delivered me from all my fears.

    Today, there are many reasons to fear, yet we can take counsel from David. David was before the ruler of an enemy nation, and was in his power, and by David’s testimony, David sought God’s help before he acted. And having done that, God made David’s actions bear the fruit David desired as David feigned himself mad in the presence of Abimelech. Let us therefore, seek first our God whenever we are in the midst of fear, for how many times has the Lord God of Heaven promised that if any should seek him, that he would deliver them. Was not God merciful to that wicked king Ahab, because he went softly in his house. How much more, if we repent, and seek forgiveness from the Lord God of heaven through his Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 18-20, Psalm 34, Romans 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 21-22, Psalm 18, Romans 3

Seeing God's Power

 

Today's verse is Psalm 63:2

     To see thy power and thy glory,

      So as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

    Are you in trouble? Is there turmoil all about you? Hear David’s prayer! David was in a straight, even as God had promised, trouble had arisen out of David’s house, for David’s sin. Still, David trusted God, and expected to see God’s power, and to see God Glorified. And as David in this Psalm requested, so was it done, even though David failed to Praise God afterward, because as David had asked, God did, and Absolom David’s son was killed. Are you prepared, do you truly want to see the Justice of God, first, seek his mercy, and accept his grace, warn those you can, for God will be Glorified, and his Power will be known, and those that oppose him will be cast down, and God’s people will be Redeemed. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 15-17, Psalm 3, 63, Romans 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 18-20, Psalm 34, Romans 2

A False Omen

 

Today's verse is Acts 28:13

And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: 

    . . .the south wind blew. . . Last time we saw these words, Paul had warned the centurion that they should not travel at that time, yet the present conditions appeared favorable, so they sailed into trouble. Yet, here, all these words mean, is that they had smooth sailing. Do not be quick to consider that because ill came after some thing in the past, that because that same thing happened so before, that it will happen that way again. Put not your trust in this omen, or that, but trust in the Lord your God. For did he not promise to keep you, and protect you, and that anything he allows into your life, he has a purpose, and if we are faithful to him, whatever light affliction we might suffer, will not compare to the glory that will follow? Let us therefore, fear God, and not any circumstance that may come upon us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 13-14, Acts 28

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 15-17, Psalm 3, 63, Romans 1

The Solution To The Natural State Of Man

 

Today's verse is Psalm 51:5

     Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;

      And in sin did my mother conceive me.

    When David prayed this, he was not speaking of any sin of his mother’s, for he was the eighth child of his father. No, David was speaking of his own sinful nature, a nature that we all have, the very same nature that leads us without fail, away from the God that loves us. But God has devised a way that all we that have gone astray (do not fool yourself, you are of that number) may be given entrance into his presence, clothed in the righteousness of his Son, to be accepted into his Kingdom. Even as Jesus Christ took our place on the Cross, he makes it possible for us to stand in his, in the presence of the Father. Have you received this Gift? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalm 51, 32, Acts 27

Monday’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 13-14, Acts 28

God Knows Our Limits

 

Today's verse is Psalm 89:47

     Remember how short my time is:

      Wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?

    So cries the man who seeing the turmoil that comes with judgment from God, even when that judgment is upon another. As we search the scriptures, we see that God is not affected by time, but we his creatures, at this present time are, even as more than one of the psalmists testify of. Take comfort in this, even while God is outside of time, he also knows how short our time is, for it is he that set the bounds, but he also knows when the perfect time for any certain action will be that it might have the greatest effect. So, be patient, that is, wait on God to act at the appropriate time, even as you look to that time that he will fulfill his promises to you, as well as all others who have trusted in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 9-10, 1 Chronicles 18-19, Psalm 89, Acts 26

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalm 51, 32, Acts 27

In Due Course

 

Today's verse is Acts 25:14-15

     And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: 

     

    Consider the people of God, and how God at the appropriate time had them brought to mind to the right person and the right time. Joseph was remembered by the butler, when Pharaoh needed his dream interpreted. Mordecai was brought to the king's attention, just before Hamon came to ask for his execution, instead, Hamon had to give him Honor, even the Honor he himself desired. God had promised Paul that he would testify before kings, and here we have the preparation, Fetus remembered Paul, and sought the counsel of King Agrippa, for Paul’s sake, but not only Paul’s, but Agrippa’s as well. Was he not, "Almost persuaded?" What has God promised you? What is God’s purpose for you? He has not forgotten, nor has he changed his mind, but will at the appropriate time, God will bring you forth into the mind of a key individual, and he will accomplish what he had purposed in you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 7-8, 1 Chronicles 17, Psalm 132, Acts 25

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 9-10, 1 Chronicles 18-19, Psalm 89, Acts 26

Testify Of God!

 

Today's verse is I Chronicles 16:9

     Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him,

      Talk ye of all his wondrous works.

    If you ever wonder what God would have you do, here is where you need to start. First, that song he has given you to sing, sing. Those things you have seen him do whether it was for you or around you, tell others. Do not be shy, but with boldness make known the things God has done, even as David does in this Psalm, as he recounts how God called Abraham, and gave him his promises, and how those promises had been kept, even unto the day of David. Consider this, and accept his invitation, to see whether he would do the same for you. See how God is faithful, true and just. See how he helped and even disciplined David, according to how David walked with him, but was patient with him when he stumbled, even as he corrected David’s ways. He is willing to do the same for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Chronicles 14-16, Acts 24

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Samuel 7-8, 1 Chronicles 17, Psalm 132, Acts 25

Our Way? Or God's?

 

Today's verse is I Chronicles 13:12

And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? 

    David was considered by God even, a man after God’s heart, yet even David when he tried to do something for God his way, and not God’s found himself distressed, learning that God is to be Feared. Yet we see that David’s desire for the presence of God in his life is not abated. How shall we abide with God? Can we sinful as we are, ever abide with God? Do as David should have done first, and search the scriptures, for in them we find that God himself has provided a way, did he not Give the world his Son, his only begotten Son Jesus, who allowed himself to be placed upon the Cross, taking our place before a Holy God to be judged in our place, that we might be found righteous in him, before that same Holy God when he Judges the whole earth. Let us not made the same error David did here, but come to God on his terms, not ours. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13, Psalm 69, Acts 23

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Chronicles 14-16, Acts 24