Are You Oppressed?

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 51:12-13

     I, even I, am he that comforteth you:

      Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die,

      And of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

     And forgettest the LORD thy maker,

      That hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth;

      And hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor,

      As if he were ready to destroy?

      And where is the fury of the oppressor?

    Can you believe it? A warning to those that are oppressed! And in that a warning to those that oppress! Are you oppressed? Fear God instead, for of a truth the oppressor shall be destroyed. Are you the oppressor? Repent, lest God himself destroy you for your deeds. But what of today? Those that were oppressed, are seeking to oppress those that formerly oppressed them? Shall you escape? Nay, for the Righteous Judge sees all, and he sees through your lies as you reject him, seeking to oppress those that claim his Name. Let us all, therefore, Fear the God that Judges, who will Judge with Righteousness, but will spare all those that Fear and Trust in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 49-52, Psalm 69, 1 Corinthians 14

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 53-55, Psalm 128, 1 Corinthians 15

Why No Peace?

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 48:22

There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

    Are you searching for peace, but can find none? Have you considered, have you allowed it to come to mind, that you stand against God, and by that definition, you are one of the wicked? I know, a hard thing to hear, even harder to accept. Yet, before we can receive forgiveness, we must recognize that we need to be forgiven. But lose not hope, for even that same that has declared that there is no peace for the wicked, has also said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” He offers it freely to all that will come to him in repentance, seeking the forgiveness that has been made possible by Christ’s death on the Cross, which he did for you, taking the place your sin demanded, and rose up again the third day, that all that Trust in him, may stand before his Father, Righteous and Pure. If you find this, you shall know peace. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 45-48, 1 Corinthians 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 49-52, Psalm 69, 1 Corinthians 14

Is There Any That Can Do As God?

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 41:23

     Shew the things that are to come hereafter,

      That we may know that ye are gods:

      Yea, do good, or do evil,

      That we may be dismayed, and behold it together.

    To those that trust something other than the Most High God, he issues a challenge: Can you do as he has, as he does, and as he will do? Can you faithfully without error say what will happen tomorrow or the next day, or next year, or thereafter? Can you even faithfully say what happened before? Do not many wish to change both? Can your deeds even compare to what God has done, and what he has promised to do? If you open your eyes, you can see that what God said would happen near the end is beginning, and there have been shadows of what will come. Let us therefore, forsake any other god or way, and cleave to the One that is faithful and True, and trust in that Salvation that he offers from the Judgment to come. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 41-44, 1 Corinthians 12

Monday’s reading will be: Isaiah 45-48, 1 Corinthians 13

Just A Little Of God's Understanding

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 40:28

     Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,

      That the everlasting God, the LORD,

      The Creator of the ends of the earth,

      Fainteth not, neither is weary?

      There is no searching of his understanding.

    This is a thing that for the most part has been forgotten, on purpose ignored, that we might not have to consider the implications, but the same God that has offered us Salvation, will also Judge. You may ask, why has he not already Judged? It would appear that there are two reasons for this. The first is that God is not willing that any should parish, but that all would come to repentance, so he is patient and longsuffering with us, giving us an opportunity to see his Goodness, and the danger of the abyss before us, which leads to the second reason he has delayed his Judgment. And that is so that all can know, and that there will be no question that sin, yea, rebellion against God is terrible and cannot be tolerated, even to the least degree, and that all that entertain it, even to the least degree, is worthy of the horrors God will bring upon them. Let us, therefore, fear, for with God is forgiveness, even to the Salvation of our Souls, allowing any and all to escape the destruction to come. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 20, Isaiah 38-40, Psalm 68, 1 Corinthians 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 41-44, 1 Corinthians 12

Free To Edify

 

Today's verse is 1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 

    Did I not read this a few days ago? What was written before? “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” What is different? Is it not, “I will not be brought under the power of any” and “all things edify not?” We have indeed been given liberty, and been made free when we Trusted Jesus Christ our Savior, but liberty from what? Did not Paul tell us in another place, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Which Master do you truly wish to have? Let us, therefore, use our freedom to edify not ourselves only, but our brothers and sisters in Christ, and not only them, but our neighbor as well. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 36-37, Psalm 123, 1 Corinthians 10

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Kings 20, Isaiah 38-40, Psalm 68, 1 Corinthians 11

Who Is Like God?

 

Today's verse is 2 Kings 18:33

Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 

    Who is like the God of Israel? Possibly in response to the question above God told the prophet Isaiah that God is God alone and there is no other, even that he knows not any (and we know that he knows all) Who is there that made the Heavens and all that be in them, who is there that made the Earth and all that be in it, who is there that made the seas and all that are in them? Who is it that made you? Who is it that made me? Who is it that made your neighbor? None other than that came and died upon the Cross. How can God die, you may ask. I don’t know, but he did it for you, He did it for me, For he rose up the third day that all that Trust in him may be redeemed, delivered from the power of Sin, to be made Righteous by the blood of the lamb, and to live Eternally with him. There is none like to My God, who made Heaven and Earth. Is He Yours? Selah {Be sure you have the correct answer.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, Psalm 67, 1 Corinthians 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 36-37, Psalm 123, 1 Corinthians 10

An Invite

 

Today's verse is 2 Chronicles 29:10

Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. 

    Even as it was in Judah, when King Hezekiah began to reign, that the beginning of the Judgment of God was upon the people, even so it is now, and not only in my Nation, but in nations around the world, we can see the Judgment of God as he hands us over to be destroyed by our own lusts and to do those things that are not convenient. But one man stood up, and he invited others to stand with him to seek the Lord God, and to make a covenant with him, for the possibility that God might turn aside his wrath. So, will you with me stand up, and seek the kingdom of God and his Righteousness, which he provided for us through Jesus Christ’s suffering upon the Cross, and see if God will revive us again, and make of us a holy nation, and a peculiar people, even as he has promised to do with Israel. his chosen people? Selah [Consider quickly your answer.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 29-33, 1 Corinthians 8

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, Psalm 67, 1 Corinthians 9

Responding To God's Judgment

 

Today's verse is Psalm 66:5

     Come and see the works of God:

      He is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

    Can you see? Can you see God working among the Nations, sending his judgment out upon them even as they comprehend it not! Does it grieve you as it grieves me? Yet, are we not still here, have we not heard the Good news, even the Gospel of God! Are we not still commanded to declare what we have seen and heard? Therefore, let us declare unto to those about us, and tell of his wonderful mercies and of his marvelous grace, even as we also warn of his terrible wrath, for can we not see that the time is coming when he shall pour out that wrath upon all those that refuse to trust in him? Selah [What shall be your response?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 28, 2 Kings 17, Psalm 66, 1 Corinthians 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Chronicles 29-33, 1 Corinthians 8

Is It Expedient?

 

Today's verse is 1 Corinthians is 6:12

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 

    Some would claim that because they are saved, they can do whatsoever they please, but what sayeth the verse and its context above? Does God still hate sin? Did not God deliver us from sin? By his Spirit, does he not give us power over sin? What do you allow to influence you? Is it the things of this world? Or do you allow the Spirit of God, which came to live in you when you recieved his forgiveness by the blood Jesus shed on the Cross, to guide you into all holiness? Selah [Think on these things and do.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 33-35, 1 Corinthians 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be: 2 Chronicles 28, 2 Kings 17, Psalm 66, 1 Corinthians 7

Waiting In Judgment

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 30:18

     And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you,

      And therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you:

      For the LORD is a God of judgment:

      Blessed are all they that wait for him.

    Leading up to this verse, God is dealing with those that will not seek him, that will not hear his counsel, that will not walk in his ways, and yet this verse marks a turning point, starting with the grace and mercy of God, even in the midst of judgment, we are told “Blessed are all they that wait for him.” Therefore, will you? Will you stop, and seek the counsel of the Lord who made you? Will you cease from your vain labors, and wait for the direction from the One that truly knows all? Will you put yourself in the grace and mercy of the Great God, the Savior, and see the deliverance of the Lord? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 30-32, 1 Corinthians 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 33-35, 1 Corinthians 6

Give God The Credit!

 

Today's verse is I Corinthians 4:7

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 

    Do you have skills or abilities that your neighbor does not have? Consider this does your neighbor have skills or abilities that you do not have? Rejoice therefore in God, for so has he so gifted each of us that the whole body of Christ may prosper as we support each other in the ministry of Christ. But the verse above is a warning. For elsewhere in scripture we learn that whatever we have achieved, whether is by much labor and toil, or if it be a natural talent, all of it came as a gift of God, and we need to thank him for it and use it as a faithful steward to the Glory of God, and his kingdom. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 26-29, Psalm 85, 1 Corinthians 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 30-32, 1 Corinthians 5

Checking Our Foundation

 

Today's verse is I Corinthians 3:11

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

    This is a good time to examine ourselves. Check our footing if you will. Verify upon what we Trust, and make sure it is none other than this foundation that Paul here speaks of: Jesus Christ, The Cross upon which he suffered and died, and His Resurrection, by which we are Justified. Any other foundation will crumble and fail us, even when we least expect it. But the foundation which is Jesus Christ will be secure, and will make us safe from all troubles and trials, even as we face those that hate us because they hate God and his ways. Is this your foundation? Selah [Be very sure.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 23-25, 1 Corinthians 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 26-29, Psalm 85, 1 Corinthians 4

Looking Forward

 

Today's verse is 1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 

    Do you know the plans God has for you? Truly if you knew, whether it was for good (to them that love him) or evil (to them that hate him) we all have cause to fear, but for those that Love him, so how much the better. While we live in this earth we can expect pain and turmoil, labors and strife, (Consider the Cross) but as we Trust in the Lord our God he will give us Joy throughout even in the midst of the worst of the pain, and as we have been promised by this verse and others, none of that will compare to the Glory he shall share with us on the other side when all of his promises shall be made complete. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 20-22, 1 Corinthians 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 23-25, 1 Corinthians 3

Who Or What Are The Saints?

 

Today's verse is 1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 

    Who are the Saints? How does one become a Saint? Is it solely by living an exceeding righteous life, and performing at least three miracles? As is commonly believed. Did not Paul in Romans tell us that all that call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved? Does not Paul later in this book tell us that we are washed, even sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God? So, who are the saints? Even all those who have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, which he shed for us when he died upon the Cross, and now being risen we are set apart, that is sanctified, unto him a peculiar people redeemed from all iniquity being made zealous of good works. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 17-19, Psalm 63, 1 Corinthians 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 20-22, 1 Corinthians 2

The Manifestation Of God's Power: The Resurrection

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 28:6

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

    Come and see, all you who mock, come and see the Power of God! Satan, Lucifer, that great deceiver thought to cut off God, even the Son of God, and thought he had succeeded, but on this day, when Jesus rose from the dead, all was turned upside down, and his greatest achievement has been turned to his worse nightmare, for God turned what he meant for evil, and made it for Good, even the Salvation of all that will come and receive the forgiveness made possible by the Cross. For Jesus Christ lives, and now intercedes for all that trust him for the forgiveness of sins. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 14-16, Matthew 28

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 17-19, Psalm 63, 1 Corinthians 1 

What Can Man Do Unto Me?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 118:6

     The LORD is on my side; I will not fear:

      What can man do unto me?

    The contrast of what I read today was great. In Isaiah, I read of the Lion laying with the lamb, and the Lion ate grass as the ox, and many other things including the Judgment of God upon the wicked. In Matthew, I read of God being falsely judged by man, and surrendering to the death of the Cross. So indeed, what can man do unto me? Even as they did to the Son of God. Yet, truly by his promise, as I am on the Lord’s side, he is on mine, and as I follow him, he is with me, and all that he asks of me, will never be in vain, and with that in mind, “What can man do unto me?” Selah [Think upon this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 11-13, Psalm 118, Matthew 27

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 14-16, Matthew 28

The Destruction Of The Head, And The Tail

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 9:14-17

     Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail,

      Branch and rush, in one day.

     The ancient and honourable, he is the head;

      And the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

     For the leaders of this people cause them to err;

      And they that are led of them are destroyed.

     Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men,

      Neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows:

      For every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer,

      And every mouth speaketh folly.

      For all this his anger is not turned away,

      But his hand is stretched out still.

    As it was in the days of Isaiah, even to the days of Jeremiah, so it appears to be today. Can you see? Can you see how what Isaiah described then is also true today? Even those that proclaim the right ways found in scripture, Where is God? Where is the Savior? Where is “Thus sayeth the Lord?” Or for those of you that may be triggered by the old English, “The Lord says.” In the day of Jeremiah, God’s wrath came and Judah, like Israel before, was scattered, but as we see at the very end of this passage, “But his hand is stretched out still.” I do not know whether we be as it were in Jeremiah’s day, or Isaiah’s, but God is merciful, and God is gracious, and will accept all that will come to him, and seek refuge in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 7-19, Psalm 22, Matthew 26

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 11-13, Psalm 118, Matthew 27

Choosing To Trust God In The Dark Times

 

Today's verse is Micah 7:7

     Therefore I will look unto the LORD;

    I will wait for the God of my salvation:

    My God will hear me.

    If you have not already, read the context of this verse. It speaks of dark times when you cannot trust those that are closest to you. While some have experienced such things throughout the age, it appears that such a time is coming when there will be so safe place, and at such a time we are to look to the Lord our God, even to wait upon him, and if you read the verse after this, we can know that though we may fall, or stumble, or even be cast down by others, our God will in due time rise us back up, and we with him, shall have that last laugh. Will you decide to Trust him, who by the Cross willingly gave himself for you? Selah [Meditate upon this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Micah 5-7, Matthew 25

Monday’s reading will be: Isaiah 7-19, Psalm 22, Matthew 26

A Part Of The Blessed Hope

 

Today's verse is Micah 4:7

     And I will make her that halted a remnant,

    And her that was cast far off a strong nation:

    And the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion

    From henceforth, even for ever.

    Something for the Saint (that is those that have Trusted in Jesus Christ) to look forward to. Jesus Christ is coming, to begin his reign on Earth, and once he begins, such a kingdom will never end (though there will be a failed coup, about a thousand years later.) But for now, he is allowing the wicked to have those things they think they want. He is showing all how bad sin really is, that none can say, his judgment in not just. So today, seek not to save your life, nor the things that you count yours, but proclaim the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and call those about you to repent (some may hear) for in due time “The man of the earth may no more oppress.” Selah [What a thought at this time.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Micah 1-4, Psalm 10, Matthew 24

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Micah 5-7, Matthew 25

Having Compassion, Or Not

 Today's verse is Isaiah 6:9-10

     And he said, Go, and tell this people,

      Hear ye indeed, but understand not;

      And see ye indeed, but perceive not.

     Make the heart of this people fat,

      And make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes;

      Lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears,

      And understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

    Yesterday, I watched a panel of those that presented themselves as women (some truly were) discussing the issues of the day. When presented with the way and righteousness of God, those that followed the way of the world were perplexed, confused even. Why? We see the answer here in the passage above. True, they can see. True, they can hear, but sin has blinded them, and sin has made the right ways, Wrong. In this passage, it would appear that we are to still testify to them, that in the day they are Judged, their condemnation may be full. In other places we are told to leave them alone, lest we mire ourselves in their controversy. But, in any case we are to pray for them, for while most of them are and will be truly condemned. Some God will, to spite the others, open their eyes, and give them ears to hear, that they may indeed understand with their heart, and therefore convert and be healed (or Saved) Selah [Wonder at this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 4-6, Matthew 23

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Micah 1-4, Psalm 10, Matthew 24

Will The Work Of Your Hands Destroy Or Sustain You?

 

Today's verse is Isaiah 3:10-11

     Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him:

      For they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

     Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him:

      For the reward of his hands shall be given him.

    Even today, when the wicked are set up on high, and it seems as no man can stand against them, for it seems they control all of the agencies which would hold them to account, but God knows, and God sees, and already all that they do, brings the Judgment that God has promised unto them. But what of the righteous? God has also here made them a promise, did not David also testify, “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, / A refuge in times of trouble.” So, fear not the might of the wicked, and stay true to the God of your Salvation and continue in his ways, and he will hear, and act in the fulness of time. But for now, even the wicked’s own works set themselves up against them until the day God shall remove them. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Isaiah 1-3, Psalm 9, Matthew 22

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 4-6, Matthew 23    

Why Are Such Things Happening

 Today's verse is 2 Kings 15:37

In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah. 

    Did not Jotham do that which was right in the sight of the Lord? So then why was God sending these two against them? Let’s look at Ahaz, Jotham’s Son. He was four when his father first sat upon the throne of David, and he saw and learned from his father for the next sixteen years, but what does God say of him? “[He] did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord.” He even killed his son as a sacrifice to the false gods found in the land, when God gave the land to Israel. Where did he learn such a thing? Look around you now, do we not see such things happening today? Should we be surprised as God sends Judgment upon the nations we live in today? What is the answer? Is it not that you (and I) Repent, and cry unto the Lord Today, then testify of God and his of Righteousness and his Mercy, and his Judgment, and finally of the Grace he wishes to give unto the Nations? Perhaps he will hear, and turn the hearts of those that hear us, or perhaps as he promised Ezekiel there is coming a day when not even Noah, Job, nor Daniel could convince the wicked to repent, and he will call his own home and bring the judgment against all those that refused to trust in him. Selah [Think on these things.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 15-16, Matthew 21

Tomorrow’s reading will be: Isaiah 1-3, Psalm 9, Matthew 22