Unrighteous Morality

 

Today's verse is Matthew 20:15

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 

    Do you see another that has more than you? Do you devise justifications for taking that which you have not earned? Do you expect others to do with theirs, thinking yourself good, because you made them do that which you would not? What is yours, you may do as you will, but what is another’s is theirs, and it is their will not yours that will determine how it is used. This is right, and this is good. In the parable, it is considered what the laborers had earned, but what have we all earned? Are not the wages of sin: death? Did not Jesus Christ die upon the Cross, receiving from God that which we have earned? And by his rising from the dead, he offers freely to all that will, Life, and life eternal. Will you receive this gift before it is too late? Before the time of mercy is withdrawn. Selah. [Consider well, what you would do.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 14, 2 Chronicles 26-27, Psalm 61, Matthew 20

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Kings 15-16, Matthew 21

Only One Savior!

 

Today's verse is Hosea 13:4

     Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt,

      And thou shalt know no god but me:

      For there is no saviour beside me.

    Israel, the northern Kingdom, having exalted themselves, made idols of gold and silver, and worshiped such, rather than the one that brought them up out of Egypt. They had forgotten the Lord their God. What of you? Do you recognize the One that made Heaven and Earth? Or do you believe that you made yourself? Israel, he will continue to restore, no other Nation has that promise. But God is gracious, and any that repents, and turns to the One True God, verily even to the One that took your place, paid the price for your sin, even Jesus Christ, as he laid down his life upon the Cross, rising up on the third day, that all that will can come and be made righteous in him. Selah. [Think on this, and do not delay.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 11-13, Matthew 19

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Hosea 14, 2 Chronicles 26-27, Psalm 61, Matthew 20

The Greatest In Heaven

 

Today's verse is Matthew 18:1

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 

    So, are we always seeking advantage! But what did Jesus say? To become as a child. What are the relevant attributes of a child? A child is still learning. A child is still growing. An obedient child is still subject to its parents. What of you? Are you still learning, or do you know everything? Are you growing in your relationship with your God? Do you subject yourself to the counsel of God, found written in his Word? Do you subject yourself to the man called of God to shepherd his flock? But most importantly, a child is able to Trust in the Lord with all his heart, and knows not to lean upon his own understanding. Can this be said of you? Selah [Consider these things.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 7-10, Matthew 18

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Hosea 11-13, Matthew 19

Do We Not See This Today?

 

Today's verse is Hosea 4:1

     Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel:

      For the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land,

      Because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

    Is there anywhere on this Earth today where God is known? Yes, by God’s promise, he always has his remnant, but where are those that say, “Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord.” Let us know this, we may Preach, we may testify, and we may witness, but if we do so without the Spirit of Christ upon us, they will not hear! For it is the Spirit, and not us that draws men to Jesus Christ. So, let us that have believed upon Jesus Christ surrender, and not count our own lives dear, (did he not give us his?) and as we surrender to Him, and pray, he shall give us the boldness to speak, of the great things he has already done, and the terrible things he will to do those that reject him--In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:--Will you remain silent at such a time as this? Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 4-6, Psalm 58, Matthew 17

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Hosea 7-10, Matthew 18

Only God Can Save!

 

Today's verse is Hosea 1:7

But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. 

    There is now, currently a saying, that we must be our own savior, for there is none other coming. Yet, why was Cain’s sacrifice rejected? Was it not because he offered of his own labors? Of his own works? If we are to avoid the Judgment that God has promised, if we are to see the revival that will delay the Coming Day of the Lord, we must humble ourselves, confess that we are worthy of that Judgment, and first seek that Salvation that God has provided by and through Jesus Christ. Then perhaps God will have mercy upon us, and will tell us how he will deliver us. Whether by few, or by many, or even by none other than himself as he so promised to Judah here in the verse above. But, whether he saves or not, let us Trust him, for only in him can we find Life, and only in him can we be counted Righteous before the Holy Judge. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 1-3, Matthew 16

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Hosea 4-6, Psalm 58, Matthew 17

Is God's Word Hidden From You?

 

Today's verse is Amos 8:11

     Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD,

      That I will send a famine in the land,

      Not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,

      But gof hearing the words of the LORD:

    Within the last year, I met a young woman by the name of Trinity, yet, she knew nothing of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Godhead. It used to be that you could not live in America and not know anything about God, nor his Son. Is God once again bringing upon us this curse? Praise the Lord, for we can still say, “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)“ Will you seek him Today, while he may still be found? Tomorrow may be too late. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 7-9, Matthew 15

Monday’s reading will be: Hosea 1-3, Matthew 16

We Must Change

 

Today's verse is Amos 5:6

     Seek the LORD, and ye shall live;

      Lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph,

      And devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.

    This morning I have been reminded that many have been asking, “Can I change?” And what a timely question. Consider the verse above, and the warning contained therein. If you open your eyes, you can see that the Judgment of God is already upon the Earth. Already he is angry with the attitudes and actions of all that live. Even those that claim his Name, many if not most, do so falsely, forgetting or even worse, ignoring the commands and precepts of God. So, can I change? Yes, we must if we are to escape the full judgment God has already promised, for it is coming. Again, if you read the verse above, the answer is in it. Seek the Lord, find him in his Word, Find the one that died for you, and you shall live, and the promise God gave us through Paul can then be fulfilled. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Will you seek God and live? Doing so His way? Selah [Consider this quickly.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 4-6, Psalm 55, Matthew 14

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Amos 7-9, Matthew 15

Why Unbelief Hinders The Working Of God

 

Today's verse is Matthew 13:58

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

    Why did unbelief hinder the mighty works? Did not God do many mighty things as Israel wandered in the wilderness? Yet, many at that time believed not! Consider the reason given in this chapter, for why Jesus spoke in parables. Was it not so that those that where blinded might remain blind? Those that where deaf (to the things of God) that they might remain deaf? The truth is powerful, but many are willfully ignorant of it, and therefore, God has decided to leave them in their ignorance. What of you? Are you truly willing to see? Are you truly willing to hear? If you are, there is plenty of evidence to convince. As Jesus promised in another place, “Seek, and ye shall find.” Are we not told, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 1-3, Matthew 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Amos 4-6, Psalm 55, Matthew 14

The Cure For Idle Words

 

Today's verse is Matthew 12:36-37

     But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 

     For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

    Does not James later expound upon this saying: “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” Do you guard your tongue? Are you careful with your words? Better yet, do you guard your heart, do you watch and take care of the things you think upon? As Paul admonishes, do you take every thought captive before the throne of Christ? So, let it be 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.” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 25, Psalm 53, Matthew 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Amos 1-3, Matthew 13

Angry For The Wrong Reason

 

Today's verse is Jonah 4:1

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. 

    Why was Jonah so angry? Was it not that God is Good? And that he allowed that wicked city Nineveh to repent. What of you, are you willing to see the worst of the wicked people that surround you to repent and know the Salvation of God? Did not Paul tell us that we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose? So, here is an example of that. Yet, Jonah, here, appears that he has lost his reward for the work God did through him. Again, What of you? Do you wish to see God spare, or condemn? Is he not willing that all should come to repentance, and to the knowledge of the Truth. Selah [Think on these things.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jonah 1-4, Matthew 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 25, Psalm 53, Matthew 12

Whom To Fear?

 

Today's verse is Matthew 10:26

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

    Today, the sin of the wicked is hid, and often when a portion of it is made known, the response is: “What of it? It's not a thing!” Yet, God sees, and God knows, and I believe that it is from here the saying, “Truth will out” comes from. For it is here that God so promises. It is for such a time as this that Joel says, “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: /For the Lord will do great things.” Therefore, as we now have been twice, yea, even three times commanded, let us not fear them who may have the power to kill us, but fear Him, who has the power not just to kill, but cast into hell, and proclaim the good news to all, even as he had said, to shout it from the housetops, that Jesus Christ is risen, and all that will shall be redeemed. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joel 1-3, Matthew 10

Monday’s reading will be: Jonah 1-4, Matthew 11 

Unseen Grace

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 24:15

But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died. 

    An odd fact, yet not so odd when you consider the context. To my recall, Jehoiada the high priest had lived longer than any since before Moses. For even Moses only lived to a hundred and twenty. But consider the grace of God, for Joash the King while Jehoiada the Priest lived, served the Lord faithfully, but afterward he turned resentful, and fully rebelled against the Lord his God, even commanding the son of this man to be killed, because he rejected the rebuke that God had given Joash through him. Joash did not see the grace that God had given him, in allowing Jehoiada to live so long. Have you missed a grace God has given you? There is no sign that Joash repented, but you still have today, so come to Jesus Christ today, for his hand is stretched out still. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 24, 2 Kings 12, Psalm 50, Matthew 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Joel 1-3, Matthew 10

Lest Ye Be Judged

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 11:14

And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason. 

    It is an amazing thing to see, one that is guilty of a thing, placing their guilt upon those that are doing right. Athaliah had killed all those that she could find of David's seed so that she, a daughter of Omri, and not of the line of David could reign in David’s throne. When David’s seed was revealed, she in vain cries Treason, she who was so guilty of the same. But her cry was not heard, and true judgment was meted. What of you? Are you guilty? Have you transgressed God’s law? Did not Jesus, the Son of David, the Son of God, being innocent, take your place, even as those that represented you sought to kill him, for their hate of the God that made all? Yet, He rose up from the dead, that all that will, can come and lay their sin upon him, and he will give you his righteousness, that in the last day you too can stand righteous before a Holy and Righteous God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 22-23, 2 Kings 11, Psalm 131, Matthew 8

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Chronicles 24, 2 Kings 12, Psalm 50, Matthew 9

Understanding Judging

 

Today's verse is Matthew 7:1

Judge not, that ye be not judged. 

    An often quoted, but rarely understood verse, but this year we have looked at two contrasting passages that, I think, give a good foundation for understanding it. Consider “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” And, “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” Following the second, we are reminded that we were as they, but now we have been changed by Jesus Christ, even as Christ desires to do for them. Consider the admonition we have in these two passages. We are not to hate those that have wallowed in their sin, but knowing what Jesus has done for us, warn them of the dangers of their way, hoping that as Christ has done for us, so too will he open their eyes, that they too might repent and find life in Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 9-10, Psalm 49, Matthew 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Chronicles 22-23, 2 Kings 11, Psalm 131, Matthew 8

The Foundation Of Faith

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 7:16

And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.

    “. . . According to the word of the Lord.” Herein is what the faith of the Christian is based. Not of some unknown, but of the faithful God who never changes, who is always the same. For God had mercy upon Israel, but for the one that doubted, his mercy was withdrawn, for he believed not the Word of God. What of you? Search the scriptures! What does God demand of us? Is it not that we seek him first, and the righteousness found in Jesus Christ? Therefore, trust him, Keep his commandments, remain faithful to him, and watch as he enables you to thrive in a world that hates him, till he comes. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 7-8, 2 Chronicles 21, Matthew 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Kings 9-10, Psalm 49, Matthew 7

Being Reviled And Persecuted

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 6:31

Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.

    And so, once again, God through one of his servants is blamed for the tragedy that is upon those that oppose him. Did not Jesus say, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Is this reason to turn from the One True God? For what reason did the trouble come? Did not God allow it, or even bring it about himself, because of those that hate him? Why do thy blame God, or those that serve him? Is it not because they do not wish to look to themselves as the cause of their complaints? God delivered Elisha, for the very next day, God caused the enemy to flee, and food was had in abundance, but even if deliverance does not come, what does Jesus say should be our reaction? “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Will you trust him and do as he said? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 4-6, Matthew 5

Monday’s reading will be: 2 Kings 7-8, 2 Chronicles 21, Matthew 6

Choosing Wisely

 

Today's verse is Matthew 4:9-10

     And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 

     Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 

    There are many things out there in this world that can be tempting, and the temptations that Jesus suffered in this passage covered them all, and this last one points us to the only one we ought and should devote ourselves, the Lord God of Heaven, who created all that is in Heaven, and all that is in Earth, as well as the Heavens and the Earth, themselves. It is he that hath made us, and it is by him we have our being, and it by his whim we live and breathe. All we have, all we can possess comes from him, and therefore to him we owe all. He as made us a way that we can please him, and we reject that way at our peril, for he has cause to be angry, but at his own expense, he has through his Son, given us a way to escape his wrath and live and abide with him forever. Will you accept his gift, or be snared by the lusts of your own deceitful heart? It is your choice, choose wisely. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 2-3, Psalm 48, Matthew 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Kings 4-6, Matthew 5

Are We Fighting Without God?

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 20:12

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 

    Let us learn from this. Jehoshaphat remembered the works and promises of God to Israel. He even remembered that God would not allow Israel to go against those that are even now at the doorstep. Today, when the wicked reign, do we remember any of the promises of God? Do we remember any of the works of God? Do we forget God as we seek to fight them? God told Jehoshaphat and the nation of Israel that the fight does not belong to them. Have we sought God’s counsel to see if the same applies to us? Mayhap, as we see the signs of the times, he is coming soon, but possibly, he will allow a revival, and remove those that stand against us, even as he did for Jehoshaphat and Judah. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 19-20, 2 Kings 1, Psalm 20, Matthew 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Kings 2-3, Psalm 48, Matthew 4

Day Of Judgment Has Come

 

Today's verse is 1 Kings 22:1

And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. 

    It has now been three years since God gave Ahab mercy because he humbled himself before him, but now, as we see in the following, that judgment day as come. And there is no sign that Ahab was ready. He still did not care for the Word from God’s prophet, and all he did to avoid God’s Word from being fulfilled came to naught. As God had said, both by Elijah, and Micaiah, so it was done. So, even in this word of judgment, let us take heart. For in it we see that God does not lie, and his promises are always fulfilled. Do we not have the greatest promise found in this famous verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Will you avail yourself of that promise today, if you have not already done so? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18, Matthew 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Chronicles 19-20, 2 Kings 1, Psalm 20, Matthew 3

Hope In Turmoil

 

Today's verse is Psalm 129:2

     Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth:

      Yet they have not prevailed against me.

    This Psalm appears to be speaking of the plight of a righteous man when the wicked have power. It speaks of hardship, but it looks forward to the hope of God’s victory, as the psalmist testifies of God’s sustaining power. Even as it speaks of the lack of faith in the God of Israel, it still leaves Hope, for its last words are: “We bless you in the name of the Lord.” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 19-21, 2 Chronicles 17, Psalm 129, Matthew 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18, Matthew 2

Remember What God Had Said.

Today' verse is Psalm 119:153

      Consider mine affliction, and deliver me:

      For I do not forget thy law.

    As a child of God, do you know affliction? As God’s Word is true, having truly trusted in his Son for Salvation, I dare say you do! Can you say with this Psalmist that you do not forget God’s law, or are you as the Children of Israel as they fled Egypt, murmuring and complaining at each offence? The God that cannot lie delivered them from each and every trouble that came upon them. So also, will he do for us. Therefore, let us go to him with our troubles, and seek in him the solution, waiting on him for the answer, and the direction we ought to take. Did he not promise that he would be with us, never leaving us, nor forsaking his own? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 17-18, Psalm 119, Jude

Monday’s reading will be: 1 Kings 19-21, 2 Chronicles 17, Psalm 129, Matthew 1

Sinful Purposes Thwarted

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 15:9

And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. 

    Why did Jeroboam setup the Idols in Bethel and Dan? Was it not to keep Israel from returning to Judah? Yet here we see many in Israel fleeing back to Judah, that they might serve the Lord there. Later we see Baasha attempt to still the flow of people out of the land, not by correcting the problem, but by force, and failing. Do we not see similar things now? A few weeks ago, I read that Paul commanded Timothy to instruct those that oppose themselves in meekness (that is humbly from a secure position, or position of strength,) and again yesterday, not speaking evil of those that commit evil, because before we were changed by Jesus Christ, we were even as they. So, let us not be ashamed to walk with our God according to his ways, and speak boldly to those that cross our path, for who can say who will hear, and who will forebear, but God will be Glorified in all. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 15-16, 1 Kings 16, Philemon

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 1 Kings 17-18, Psalm 119, Jude