Being Made Clean

 

Today's verse is John 15:3

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 

    We must take note here, that while it is imperative that we come to God by the way of the Cross, by which act of Christ Jesus we are redeemed by his precious blood, but take note of how Peter tells us of how God purifies us, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” If we are to have any hope of walking a sober, righteous and godly life in this present world, we must heed what Jesus has told us here, that we are made clean by his Word, therefore; we must not only read it faithfully, but seek diligently to understand what he tells us in it, All of it, not in part, here and there, but the whole, and as we understand, begin to obey, and as we are faithful in this we will find more and more that as he is Holy, we will be holy, and as he is Perfect, we will be perfect. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 42-45, Psalm 135, John 15

Monday’s reading will be Ezekiel 46-48, John 16

Knowing Where And How

 

Today's verse is John 14:4

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

    Where is Jesus now? Have we not been told that he is now seated at the right hand of the Father? Have we not also been told that while he is there, he is making intercession for us? Now what is that way? Throughout his ministry he had always made reference as to what his purpose on Earth was, even to how he would suffer for our sins. Did he not say that if we destroyed the temple (his body) he would raise it up in three days. Even So, as Jesus prepared the way for us, by going to the Father through the Cross, so should we look to that Cross, trusting in that finished work, that when he calls us, we might follow after, evermore to dwell wherever he is. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 40-42, John 14

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 42-45, Psalm 135, John 15

Receiving Christ's Messenger

 

Today's verse is John 13:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

    Now, I believe that Jesus is speaking primarily of the Comforter here, who he has sent to us after he had Ascended to the Father. Yet, the language also allows for another interpretation. For Jesus also calls men to be shepherds of his flock (Pastors) whom he has called out of us, his flock, to feed his sheep, to help bring us to that same mind that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are to receive them even as we receive our Lord Jesus, not blindly, but testing their teachings by his Word, and as we find them faithful, we are to receive them even as we would receive Jesus Christ in our midst. Let us, therefore, obey these that have been given the oversight (Bishop) of us, even as we would obey our Savior. Do they not have to give an account to him that is faithful, for what they teach. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 40-42, John 14

Being Holy

 

Today's verse is Psalm 86:2

     Preserve my soul; for I am holy:

      O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

    How is it that David says he is holy? Is it something David had done? NO! If you read the context, David confesses he needs forgiveness, just as the rest of us do. But he is holy because God has made him holy. Just as he has done for all that has trusted in his Son, Jesus Christ. He has set us apart, unto himself, for his Name’s sake, and for His Glory. Let us, therefore, separate ourselves, and be Holy as he is Holy, as he has made us holy, that when the time comes we might be found in him, Trusting in him, and walking in his way as he has set forth in his Word. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 34-36, Psalm 86, John 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13

Rock? Or Sand?

 

Today's verse is Ezekiel 33:32

And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. 

    Consider what Jeremiah proclaimed, “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully.” Then also consider how Jesus defined the “Work of God,” “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” How does one do such a thing deceitfully? The verse above reminds me of the Parable of the Sower, and the seed that fell upon the stony ground. Such appeared to receive the Word, but they had no root in them. Have you purposed in your heart that God’s Word is true, or have you comforted yourself that you will never understand it? Is this what Paul testified of when he said, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Let us so examine ourselves, and see whether we have set our foundation upon that Rock that will never be moved, or upon sand that will be quickly washed away. Selah [Consider these things with care.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 31-32, John 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 34-36, Psalm 86, John 12

Did Jesus Claim To Be God?

 

Today's verse is John 10:33

The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 

    It has been said, that Jesus never claimed to be God! Yet, here, in my Bible, the Jews that opposed him clearly understood that he had. So let it be settled, that Jesus Christ, The Messiah, the only begotten of the Father, the Word of God, is indeed God, just as the Father is God, just as the Holy Spirit (or Ghost) is God. But yet, being distinct these three are One. The Father, the source, by whom all things are, Speaks, And the Father being the Father is Such that all that he says has a life of its own. This is the Son, the living Word of God, by whom God is manifest, or visible, to the world. And they being as they are, are so Powerful, that their Power (a poor word to use for such. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, Saith the Lord of hosts.) has life of its own. It is by him that we are able to experience God. So let it never be said that Jesus never claimed to be God. And if you never realize anything else God has done for you, know that he submitted to the Cross, that he might take the penalty of your sin upon himself, that you with him, might dwell with the Father forevermore. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 28-30, John 10

Monday’s reading will be Ezekiel 31-32, John 11

Do You See?

 

Today's verse is John 9:39

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. 

    What are the purposes of the Judgments of God? Whether it be the chastening of his children, or the display of his wrath upon the wicked, it is first and foremost, to reveal sin as sin, and to make known the dangers thereof. It also is to separate the wheat from the chaff, or to remove the dross from the silver, in other words, to purify, to cleanse away that which is undesirable, and to leave that which is pure and holy, and pleasing to the Righteous and Holy God, who made Heaven and Earth and all that in them is. So if you see God’s hand of Judgment, Repent, then Rejoice, and look for the end result, where all that have trusted in him will be made like him for they will have seen him as he is, and made even to Stand in his presence. But the chaff and the dross shall be done away with, only remembered as an example of the dangers and terribleness of sin. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 25-27, Psalm 85, John 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 28-30, John 11

Putting First Things First

 

Today's verse is John 8:43

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

    As I was reading today, I had thought to use this, “Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord,” as the verse for today, and Magnify God, and remind us of the dangers of making God less than he is, but as I read the verse above and was reminded of “For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Paul tells us that it is only by God’s Spirit that we can understand his Word, and Peter testifies that the prophets gave diligence to understand the things God had told them of Jesus Christ and his sufferings and the glory that should follow, so let us not fail to glorify God as God and forget not to be thankful, and as God does, Magnify God’s Word above all, and as he has promised, let us seek to hear (read) all of his Word, comparing Scripture with Scripture, that we might also be given understanding. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 22-24, Psalm 134, John 8

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 25-27, Psalm 85, John 9 

Is Your Altar Empty?

Today's verse is Psalm 84:3

     Yea, the sparrow hath found an house,

      And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,

      Even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

    There are a couple of way this verse can be viewed. The straightforward one as from the direct context, is that the altars of the Lord are a safe place, a place of rest and peace. But how is it, that the sparrow has found an empty altar? Where are the sacrifices unto a Righteous and Holy God who is worthy? Did not Jesus give himself as the ultimate sacrifice? Has he not asked of us to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, this being our Reasonable service? Some sacrifice unto vanity, a false God if you will, to gain things that will not profit them. Others sacrifice unto the Lord God of a false heart which will profit them nothing. Yet others, say that no sacrifice is worth the effort, and only live for the moment. Let us so examine ourselves and see of what sort our sacrifices are. Then, “by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Is he not Worthy? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 19-21, Psalm 84, John 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 22-24, Psalm 134, John 8 

"Eating" The Flesh Of Christ

 

Today's verse is John 6:51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 

    I have before dealt with this passage, and I focused on Jesus being the Word of God, and that we “eat” his flesh by reading (and obeying) his word the Bible. But, today, I saw something else, Jesus also gave us his flesh, and shed his blood, when he died for us, as he suffered upon the Cross, and no man, nor woman, nor child shall see God, nor his Heaven less he come to him through the Work Jesus did upon the Cross. Do you know that it is your sin that has been placed upon Jesus as he died upon that tree? Has his Blood washed you clean, that God will no longer see your sin? That your account might be declared “It is finished!” That is paid in full. Are you now walking in the power of his Resurrection, by his Spirit that dwells in you? So have you “eaten” of the flesh of Christ? Have you “drunk” his blood? If so, you have that same life eternal that he has promised. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 16-18, John 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 19-21, Psalm 84, John 7

Will God Show Mercy To All?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 136:19-20

     Sihon king of the Amorites:

      For his mercy endureth for ever:

     And Og the king of Bashan:

      For his mercy endureth for ever:

    Sihon and Og, Kings over wicked people, who when Moses asked to cross their land, not only refused, but attacked the children of Israel, God’s People, that they might destroy them as God had commanded. Then God gave to Israel their lands. Where is God’s mercy? It was upon Israel, who had agreed to abide by God’s commandments! It is for mercy’s sake that God will judge the wicked, not to the wicked, but to those that God has made righteous, that the evil the wicked do, will not harm anymore those that are under God’s care. So what of you? Will you receive the mercy of God? Are will you be condemned by it? Selah [This is your choice, choose wisely.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 13-15, Psalm 136, John 5

Monday’s reading will be Ezekiel 16-18, John 6

Who Will God Show Mercy

 

Today's verse is Ezekiel 11:13

And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel? 

    Now, It must be pointed out that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah was identified as one of the chief rulers, and of one of two men that had led Israel into sin. Yet, at his death, Ezekiel wondered if God would spare Israel. But, what was the answer of God to Ezekiel? Was it not as we see now? That God would scatter Israel among the nations as he has done, then in due time bring them back into the promised land, as he is now doing! But those “whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.” So, let us also fear, and examine ourselves, are we as they that walk after the detestable things, for many do today, saying those things are good, or are we seeking the Most High God, who created Heaven and Earth, and seeking his ways. Then let us speak up, and warn and see who will Repent, and who will not, that we might be innocent of their blood, when God finishes his Judgment. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 10-12, Psalm 83, John 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 13-15, Psalm 136, John 5

Are You In The Right Group?

 

Today's verse is John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

    Let us examine ourselves, First, do you know who the Son is? Can you Identify him by Name, the Only begotten of the Father? If so, have you believed him, have you also trusted him, have you placed all your hope on him? Can others see that you have? Does his work in you Shine forth? Can you say without doubting that you have life eternal? Then rejoice! But all others should Fear, for if God was angry two, to three hundred years ago, what must his wrath be like now, when men do not even pretend to obey him? But it is not yet too late, God will still hear those that Repent and come to him with a true heart, to seek his forgiveness through his only begotten Son, who died that you might live in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 7-9, John 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 10-12, Psalm 83, John 4

What Do You Value?

 

Today's verse is John 2;22

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. 

    Some value Silver and Gold, and Precious stones, some value the praise of men, and others value whatsoever pleasures they may experience, but the verse above contains the most valuable things a man can obtain. Even at the beginning of his Ministry, Jesus Christ knew what he had come for; to die in the place of sinful man, to take upon himself the sins of all that had, or ever will, live. And having died for them, he rose again the third day by the power of his Spirit, that all that come to him, might live in him. And having purposed this from the foundation of the World, before Adam even knew of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, he gave unto us his Word, even the scriptures that we might know what pleases him, and what angers him, and what his way is, that we through him might choose life over death. Selah [Do you know your choice?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 4-6, Psalm 82, John 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 7-9, John 3

Who Is The Watchman?

 

Today's verse is Ezekiel 3:20-21

     Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 

     Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

    Again, that is not quite the same as likewise, but all the same, what came before is important. However, what we are seeing here is the duty and the responsibility of the Watchman, one that God has set to warn of the dangers to come, and the way to escape. Paul has described another office for our time, that of Ambassador, which is given to all that are reconciled by Jesus Christ, which has the same duty, and the same responsibility. So, as the Spirit gives you boldness, be Bold, that the Wicked may be Warned, and that the Righteous may Repent, lest when you meet the Judge you will be found wanting, with nothing to give to the One that died for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 1-3, John 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 4-6, Psalm 82, John 2

Our Redemption Draws Nigh

 

Today's verse is 2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

    The time that is coming, that even now may be soon upon us, is not just a time of judgment, but a time of redemption, for when he is done, all that still dwell upon the Earth will know the Lord God, and his Son Jesus Christ, and Israel, that is the Jew, will be lifted up, and as a Nation they will repent when they see their king, and their King, will be the King of Kings, that is the King of the World, even Jesus Christ, but even so, the hearts of men will seek another way, and when the time is right, this will be revealed, and in a moment all that raised up against the God of Heaven, will be destroyed, then all will find themselves at his Throne to answer for their works, but those that are found in the Lambs book of life will be spared, then shall we see that New Heaven, and that New Earth, so “be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 50-52, 2 Peter 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 1-3, John 1

Seek God With A Pure Heart

 

Today's verse is Psalm 80:7

     Turn us again, O God of hosts,

      And cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

    Throughout all that I read today, I saw the judgment of God against sinful people, even against those that with a deceitful heart turn to the one God has sent [Jesus Christ] but they forsake true judgment, and forsaking justice, they condemn the innocent while releasing the guilty. But even during Noah’s day, and Jeremiah’s day, and even when God shall pour out his Wrath upon those that refuse him, he always provides a way for his own to please him, so seek out God’s true Word, that same that he promised not a jot or title shall pass away till all be fulfilled, that is settled forever in Heaven, and turn with a pure heart to the one that died for you, and rose again, that all that are his shall live with him, and at all times pray with the Psalmist, “Turn us again, O God of hosts, And cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 47, 48, 49, Psalm 80, 2 Peter 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 50-52, 2 Peter 3

Looking For The Kingdom

 

Today's verse is 2 Peter 1:11

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

    In the verse above we have defined for us the core of our Hope, that we might find not the third woe found in Jesus Christ setting up his kingdom, but the blessing he has intended that event to be. But how shall we enter? If we read what came before, Peter places an emphasis on eight things: Faith, our foundation; that is to Trust in the Lord our God, and in knowing God, we add those things that he counts as Virtues; such as truth or honesty, purity, humbleness, gentleness, meekness and such like, then adding not ignorance, but Knowledge, first of him and his ways, even perhaps finding out the hows and whys of what he has done. Then adding Temperance; often defined as self-control, then adding Patience; looking to God for the proper time and place, then Godliness; having our focus and purpose centered on Jesus Christ, and from that we add Brotherly Kindness; that is allowing our relationship with our Savior influence our relationships with others, then finally and above all Charity, or Love, that same love that Jesus Christ showed us, when he took our place upon the Cross, giving his life for ours, that we might live in him, even as he rose again from the grave. Selah [Let these things always be in remembrance.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 43, 44, 46, 2 Peter 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 47, 48, 49, Psalm 80, 2 Peter 2

Do You Know The Great God?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 147:5-7

     Great is our Lord, and of great power:

      His understanding is infinite.

     The LORD lifteth up the meek:

      He casteth the wicked down to the ground.

     Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving;

      Sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

    Do you know the Lord God? Do you know the Most High God, who created the Heavens, and the Earth, and the seas, and all that in them are? Now is the time to give him the Glory, and to sing praises and be thankful for the things he has given. To be identified as one of the meek (that is knowing where your strength is, but being humble and gentle before a Holy God) rather than one that God identifies as wicked, for surely the time is short, has he not already begun to judge. But, “The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, In those that hope in his mercy.” Are you one of them? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Obadiah 1, Jeremiah 40-42, Psalm 147, 1 Peter 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 43, 44, 46, 2 Peter 1

Enduring To The End

 

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

     Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 

     That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 

    Peter here admonishes us to remember the Cross, and the sufferings that our Savior Jesus Christ endured on our behalf and to be prepared to do the same. For even as the whole creation groans with us, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (Those that have recieved the Spirit of God,) but until then, sin does dwell in the flesh, and the above passage warns us of the lengths we need to be willing endure, as we strive against sin. Yet, we are not to do this solely on our own. For when we received Jesus Christ as our Savior, we recieved his Spirit which comforts us, and enables us, and gives us power over the flesh of the old man. As Paul has told us: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Lamentations 1-5, Psalm 137, 1 Peter 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be Obadiah 1, Jeremiah 40-42, Psalm 147, 1 Peter 5

Jesus Is Still On The Throne

 

Today's verse is 1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

    In such a time as this, some may ask, “Where is God? why does he not do something?” But we that know God’s Word as truth, know where God is: He is still on his Throne, Jesus Christ with him, and he is directing events as he will, that before he come, the wickedness of sin might be revealed, that when he comes, no man may say, “Why are your judgments so harsh?” So, whether we know Christ Jesus the Lord, or are strangers to him, let us repent, accept his gift of redemption, which he made possible when he shed his blood upon the Cross, rising again the third day, that all that will, will be saved from the wrath to come. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 24-25, 2 Chronicles 36, Psalm 126, 1 Peter 3

Monday’s reading will be Lamentations 1-5, Psalm 137, 1 Peter 4

The Price Of Peer Pressure

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 38:21-22

     But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me: 

     And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah’s house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, and those women shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back. 

    What would the people say? This is the reason that Zedekiah the king told Jeremiah is the reason he would not obey God, and save Jerusalem from utter destruction. So God promised Zedekiah what he feared for his disobedience. Zedekiah valued the opinion of others more than his own eternal destination. What of you? What would you exchange your soul for? Wealth? Fame? A Good time? But what did Jesus say? “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” So, will you Fear God, or the opinions of your friends, or even your enemies? Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 38, 39, 52, 1 Peter 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 24-25, 2 Chronicles 36, Psalm 126, 1 Peter 3

Your Reward Is Coming!

 

Today's verse is Jeremiah 31:16

     Thus saith the LORD;

      Refrain thy voice from weeping,

      And thine eyes from tears:

      For thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD;

      And they shall come again from the land of the enemy.

    When Herod had heard that Jesus had been born, he wanted no challengers to his throne, so he had his men go and kill all the children two years and younger where Jesus had been. And the verse above this one was fulfilled. To that we have this promise of God to those mothers, their sacrifice was not in vain. And now Israel is once again in their land, Just as God had said. What can we as followers of Jesus Christ take from this? God knows the things he has asked of us, yea at times even demanded, but what God takes away that his purpose might be fulfilled, he restores two-fold, just ask Job, and Jesus said possibly even an hundred-fold. So let us dry our tears, and look to the one that is coming again, our reward with him, and be faithful till he comes. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 30-33, 1 Peter 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 38, 39, 52, 1 Peter 2