Kindness Toward The Wicked

 

Today's verse is Titus 3:2-4

     To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 

     For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 

     But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 

    Here is an aspect of Charity, of which I need to learn. As I look about me, I see wickedness all about me, and am ready to speak evil of the leaders thereof. Yet, here, we are reminded to remember what the Lord our God has saved us from. Have we not all been as they, did not Paul in Romans describe the helplessness of all of mankind as they grope about in the blindness of their sin? So, let us remember what God has done for us, when he saved us out of such sin, even setting us up on our feet, and enabling us to walk in his ways, forgiving us when stumble. As he did for us, so also, does he desire to do for them, and has commissioned us to testify of his Wonderful Works. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 13-14, Titus 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Chronicles 15-16, 1 Kings 16, Philemon

What Does It Mean "God Is Terrible?"

 

Today's verse is Psalm 47:2

     For the LORD most high is terrible;

      He is a great King over all the earth.

    Years ago, on the show “House,” I saw House speaking to a young Christian Lady (One of his patients) and accuse her God of being terrible. Even then I knew the answer, but this stuck with me. Today, as then, we focus on the Goodness of God, but we forget that he is also Terrible, and when we encounter that Word, we often downplay it. But God is worthy of the word, so let us embrace it and fear. Does not the fear of the Lord lead both to knowledge and wisdom? I know that I found it a comfort even, when other fears beset me roundabout. So do not question the goodness of God, nor his power, but remember also that it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. If you doubt any of this, just consider the Cross, really consider it, and you will see all these things. Selah [Think carefully on these things.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 12, Psalm 4, Titus 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 13-14, Titus 3

A Reason To Sin

 

Today's verse is 1 Kings 12:27

If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 

    Who made Jeroboam King? Consider what God had promised Jeroboam: “And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.” Yet, Jeroboam did not believe God! So, he devised a way to keep that which God had given him, a way that did not include the one that made him, the One that cannot lie, and had given him a promise. What of you, have you given yourself a reason to sin, to turn against the one who died for you, Risen again that he might give you life eternal? Let us so examine ourselves, and see if we are following after the promises God has made us, according to his ways. Let us see how God will keep his promises, rather than force him to execute the conditional clause, as he did with Jeroboam when Baasha became King. Amen,

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, Titus 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 12, Psalm 4, Titus 2

The Whole Duty Of Man

 Today's verse is Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

     Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 

     For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

    I spoke yesterday to a young lady that does not think that God had ever done anything for her, therefore, she does not believe in him. (Yes, I do hope you are reading this as I invited you too.) Yet, whether one believes in God or not, whether one knows God or not, we all must face him one day, and give an answer for everything that we have said, done or thought. Is there anyone that can stand before him on that day? I thank God, that he has provided a way, and on that day, I have an advocate, that will answer for me, who will pick me up, and place me on my feet, and if necessary, hold me up, as I weep for the reward that I had lost, and rejoice for the things he created in me, that he might be Glorified in me. Just because I trusted in him. Have you hired this Advocate yet? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2 Timothy 4

Monday’s reading will be: 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, Titus 1

The Safest Place In The Storm

 

Today's verse is Psalm 46:11

     The LORD of hosts is with us;

      The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

    “The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved” Yet, the commandment God has given us is, “Be still, and know that I am God” It is not our job to judge the wicked, our job is to bear witness to the things we have seen and heard of the Great God. When Jesus came the first time, he came not as Judge, but as Savior, and thus we have our commission, to warn of the Judgment to come, and the escape our Savior has provided. The heathen ragged, what else is new? God still sees, God is still longsuffering, but God has set a time, and that time is ever closer, when God shall judge all men, so “knowing the terror of the Lord” let us “persuade men” that those that will hear, shall be turned from death to life, but those that will not, have been warned. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 7-9, Psalm 46, 2 Timothy 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2 Timothy 4

What Sacrifice Is Better Than Obedience?

 

Today's verse is Ecclesiastes 5:1

Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 

    Some think that if they can get rich off of the travail of others, then give it all to God, that God would be pleased! Maybe, their god would, but not the God that made Heaven and Earth and all things that can be found therein! But, what pleases the God of Heaven? That you hear him and do the things he says. Samuel told Saul, that obedience is better than sacrifice. Besides, what do you have that God needs, nevertheless desires? Yet, Jesus Christ died, that your sin might be forgiven, and rose up from the dead, to give you life eternal. Why? That he might have the pleasure of your company forever, the only thing that would please him more, is to bring someone else with you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 4-6, Psalm 125, 2 Timothy 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ecclesiastes 7-9, Psalm 46, 2 Timothy 3

What God Has Given Us

 

Today's verse is 2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

    If you look about you, with your eyes open, as a follower of Christ, there are many reasons to fear, to cower, to hide yourself from those that hate the message we have from a Holy and Righteous God. A message that reveals their fear, that reveals their hate, and reveals the foolishness of all that they do and believe. In the end, their powerlessness to change anything about themselves. But we have Christ, and in Christ we have power, for in Christ we have Truth, and are able to face the uncertainties of life, for we know our God, and he is our firm foundation, and sure anchor in a world filled with the wicked devices of those that hate God, for they hate themselves. So, Stand, be strong, not in your own power, but in the Lord your God, and let the message of God be heard as you live and speak that which you have learned from the very Word of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 1-3, Psalm 45, 2 Timothy 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ecclesiastes 4-6, Psalm 125, 2 Timothy 2

Is There Anything Or Anyone That Can Draw You Away From God?

 

Today's verse is 1 Timothy 6:14

That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 

    There are many things that can draw one from the faith of the Lord God, all can be placed under a single banner: Covetousness, which Paul labels elsewhere as Idolatry. Do you count anything or anyone as more important, or more valuable than the Lord your God. Solomon did, for his many wives caused him to stray. Was he not the wisest man to have ever lived? We know that to Love the Lord God with all our heart, mind and soul is the greatest commandment, and if we have any hope of eternal life, it is in Jesus Christ, who died and rose from the grave. And it is by these, though him that indwells us that we can love our neighbor as ourselves. So always, and only place God in the preeminent place, allowing none other to circumvent that, for if we are to love them, they must also come to this same knowledge of God, else we both suffer the condemnation of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, 1 Timothy 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Ecclesiastes 1-3, Psalm 45, 2 Timothy 1

What Happens When God Is Forgotten

 

Today's verse is 1 Kings 9

And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.

    My primary focus for this blog is to give an encouraging word, yet I also have found that it is good to know what the boundaries are. Take the verse above, and its context, will God allow us to do as we please, following the wickedness of our own desires, without consequence? No! Absolutely Not! And if Israel, the People chosen of God, were destroyed because they failed to give God the Glory he is due, what should happen to any other Nation which once also was Identified as a people of God? And God will not bring them back, as he has Israel, for they will have served their purpose. So, let us return to the Word, the one who died for us, and repent, and once again hear and head the written Word of God, and pray and see if God will forgive our sin and heal our Land. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, 1 Timothy 5

Mondays reading will be: 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, 1 Timothy 6

Seeing The Day Of Wickedness

 

Today's verse is 1 Timothy 4:1-2

     Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;      

     Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 

     

    Did I not say that God had spoken of days such as we see before us? Should we fear such, rather should we not Fear God all the more? God, the creator of Heaven and Earth, has commanded that we should not fret over those that do evil, for God has promised that they shall be cut down like the grass. Where does our help come from? “My help cometh from the Lord,/ Which made heaven and earth.” In such a time as this, let us all the more turn back to the God who gave himself for us, that we might have a way to repent, who even now his hand is stretched out still, welcoming all who would turn back. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 5-7, Psalm 121, 1 Timothy 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, 1 Timothy 5

God forgives!

 Today's verse is Psalm 30:5

     For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life:

      Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

    In this Psalm, the Psalmist goes back and forth between being out of God’s favor and in it. In another place we are told that we can fear God, because he forgives. In other words, it matters if we repent, and turn unto God and his ways, for in him we can have life and abundance, but it we reject him, in the end there is only death and destruction. Do you like where you are now? Call upon the Lord your God, and he shall uphold you. Are you now in a dark place, and place of sorrow and misery? Call upon the Lord your God and as he has promised time and again, he will deliver you, but do so quickly, for tomorrow may be too late. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 8, Psalm 30, 1 Timothy 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Chronicles 5-7, Psalm 121, 1 Timothy 4

Have We Prayed?

Today's verse is 1 Timothy 2:4

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

    There is much to be said from this verse, but today I focus on its context, along with reading “For our soul is bowed down to the dust:/ Our belly cleaveth unto the earth./ Arise for our help,/ And redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.” It can be said of today, that is, this point in history, that we as followers of Christ have failed to do as he has commanded, yet God is not surprised, for has he not even foretold us that such troubling times should come. Nevertheless, still, God would that all men be saved, and we find this statement after an admonition to pray for all men. Last week, the United States voted, and the result of that vote, by whatever means, showed how the lies of this world where accepted, and the truth of God was rejected. So, let us, as followers of Jesus Christ as commanded here in this context humble ourselves and pray, and see if God will through us, or some other means, see these others come to the knowledge of the truth. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1 Timothy 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 8, Psalm 30, 1 Timothy 3

Shipwrecked!

 

Today's verse is 1 Timothy 1:19-20

     Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 

     Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

    I am speaking to you who have stumbled, seeming to have lost your way. Who can say of yourself that you have been shipwrecked! And like Hymenaeus and Alexander have been delivered unto Satan. Is all lost? Remember what Paul taught the Corinthians: “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” There is a purpose, and all hope is not lost, but lift up the hands that hang down, and remember the one who died for you. Do you not still believe? If so, he has not left you, he is still with you, even as he has promised, so endure this season, seek him out, repenting of your bitterness, and in due course he shall lift you up once again. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3, 1 Timothy 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1 Timothy 2

When God's Word Has Free Course

 

Today's verse is 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

    This should be one of our greatest desires, that as we submit to God and preach his Word, the Spirit of God goes out and convinces of sin, shews the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and opens their eyes to the Judgment of the god they serve. As this happens many will repent, but some having hardened their heart will double down, and in their willful blindness they shall receive the just recompense of their reward and God will be glorified, even as he has said. For all will be done according as he has written in his Word. Let us, therefore, be bold and proclaim the goodness of God, his power, and even his terrible nature, all as seen in the Cross and the Resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 5, 2 Chronicles 2, 2 Thessalonians 3

Monday’s reading will be: 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3, 1 Timothy 1

Able To Rest

 

Today's verse is Psalm 127:2

     It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up elate,

      To eat the bread of sorrows:

      For so he giveth his beloved sleep.

    Consider Peter, He is in jail, his friend and brother in Christ has recently been killed by the same Magistrate that now has him in jail. And what is he doing, when the Angel comes to release him? He is sleeping. He is not worried by his possible fate, for as Paul later confesses, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." How can we have this same confidence? Who do you trust? How is it displayed for others to see, not by contrivance, but an honest outworking of what Jesus is doing internally? Have you given yourself over to him that created the Heavens and the Earth, and you? Have you given over to him the outcome, whatever it may be? So shall you also be able to sleep when the work for the day is done. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Song of Solomon 7-8, Psalm 127, 2 Thessalonians 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 5, 2 Chronicles 2, 2 Thessalonians 3

If The Wicked Flourish

 

Today's verse is 2 Thessalonians 1:6

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 

    The elections in America are not yet determined, yet one thing appears to be clear, God has not been accepted by the United States with a whole heart. Yet, God agreed with Abraham that he would spare Sodom and the other four cities if ten righteous could be found. Is there the equivalent of ten righteous? I do not know, but this I do know. God has a purpose, God has a plan, and America’s apparent zeal for wickedness, has set itself up for God’s judgment, for it appears that we have refused to judge ourselves. However, God does not forget his own, and for those that have been faithful, and for those that might yet repent, we can expect our God to judge those who have directly or indirectly caused us to suffer, to experience his wrath, even as he has promised above. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Song of Solomon 4-6, 2 Thessalonians 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Song of Solomon 7-8, Psalm 127, 2 Thessalonians 2

It Time To Wake Up

 

Today's verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:8

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 

    At a time when it is a thing to be “woke,” which definition would best be described by Paul in Romans as everything that is not awake: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” Though we may be grieved by the actions of those about us, let us indeed wake up, for we can see that a time of judgment is near, Let us therefore, take heart, and declare the Judgment of God, and not forget his Salvation, which he makes available to all that will Repent, and come to Jesus, by the way of the Cross, after which he Arose, that he might Justify all that are his. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Song of Solomon 1-3, Psalm 72, 1 Thessalonians 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Song of Solomon 4-6, 2 Thessalonians 1

The Ultimate Foundation

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 30:5

     Every word of God is pure:

      He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

    The Word of God: by it God gives us direction, by it we can find the safe path. Through it we can discover a safe place in the storm. By it we discover how frail we are, but God is merciful, and through it we find he has made a way, even by God’s Living Word, that we might be redeemed, and cleansed from our Sin, and made whole that we might dwell with him forevermore. Do you know it? Have you read any portion of it today? Have you meditated upon a portion of it today? Have you obeyed that which you have understood? For by it we are Judged, but by it, even by Jesus Christ we are justified! Do not allow any excuse to stand, but Read it. Seek to understand it. Obey it, and God will pour out his blessings upon you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 29-31, 1 Thessalonians 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Song of Solomon 1-3, Psalm 72, 1 Thessalonians 5

A Time To Hide Part Two

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 27:12

     A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself;

      But the simple pass on, and are punished.

    Wait, did I not write about this two days ago? When God says something once, we are to take notice and listen, not only listen, but hear, and do! Now, if he repeats himself, should we not take special care to understand? What is Jesus’ general command to those that are being persecuted? Is it not to flee? Again, there is a time to stand, and a time to hide, and a time to flee. Often to distinguish between which of these we must do, we need to be sensitive of the leading of the Spirit of God. If we must stand, know that we might suffer (even unto death.) If we are to hide, we still might be found, but then we must take our stand. If we flee, we are not to remain silent, but preach Jesus Christ to all that just might hear, (God knows, we do not.) But who is the Prudent man? Is it not he that pays attention, that knows what is happening about him, and considers the proper response? Selah [Are you paying attention?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 26-28, 1 Thessalonians 3

Monday’s reading will be: Proverbs 29-31, 1 Thessalonians 3

Reacting To The Judgment Of The Wicked

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 24:17

     Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth,

      And let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

     Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him,

      And he turn away his wrath from him.

    Last week, a man, the husband of a wicked wife, was attacked in the middle of the night by an intruder, which the policies of his wife created, and harbored. And I rejoiced. God in his law has commanded that when the wrong doer is judged and receives the reward for his sin, we that see it are neither to take pity, nor are we to rejoice. Is not that one that is punished, made in the image of God? May God forgive me! If God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, should we? Let us remember that we have all sinned, even those of us which have been redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ, and as we have been saved, even so does the Father yearn for these others to come to the knowledge of forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Is it time to be quiet? Should we not declare the judgment of God, and the way to escape it? Selah [Consider the mercies of the Lord.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 24-25, Psalm 41, 1 Thessalonians 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Proverbs 26-28, 1 Thessalonians 3

A Time To HIde [Or Flee]

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 22:3

     A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself:

      But the simple pass on, and are punished.

    There is a story, a proverb even, about a man that was told to evacuate because there was a flood coming, first by a police officer in a car, then a boat came by, inviting him to get in, and finally a helicopter, giving him his final opportunity to escape, each time he answered God will save me, then he died. When he asked God why he was not saved, God said to him, “ I sent you a car, a boat, and a helicopter, what more do you want?” I have never much liked that story, and now we can know why! He should not have needed to be told by the police to leave according to the verse above, but should have left of his own accord. There is a time to stand, and a time to flee. if God tells you to stand, be sure he will be with you through out as you suffer, but suffer you shall, till his purpose is fulfilled and he shall reward you for your faithfulness, but unless he told you to stand, only a fool will stay, for only a fool goes where angels fear to tread [outside of the will of God.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 22-23, Psalm 117, 1 Thessalonians 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Proverbs 24-25, Psalm 41, 1 Thessalonians 2

To Be Ignorant?

 

Today's verse is Proverbs 19:2

     Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good;

      And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

    It has been said, “Ignorance is bliss.” Yet here we find that ignorance [to be without knowledge] is also dangerous and acting without knowledge is a transgression against the Lord God. [sinneth] Now the first thing that must be done is to seek out Wisdom, as well as Knowledge, and the amazing thing for both of them, is that both begin with with same step: Fear God! Know without a doubt that any misstep you make, you will suffer for it, whether you knew it was wrong or not, God is watching, and he knows your motivation, did he not warn: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” So, in fearing God, know also he has provided a way of escape, and by it a way to please him, even Jesus Christ. Will you know him? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Proverbs 19-21, Psalm 40, Romans 16

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Proverbs 22-23, Psalm 117, 1 Thessalonians 1