The Decrease Of Laban

 

Today's verse is Genesis 31:9

Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. 

    There are those that believe that in order for one to have much, he must have stolen it from others; make not that mistake here! There is no reason that in order for Jacob to have increased, that Laban must have decreased, God very well could have blessed both in abundance! And since that was not the case, it must be asked, Why? Even from the beginning, Laban did not deal honestly with Jacob, and as we see a little later, he did not even deal honestly with his daughters, either. Therefore, I believe we can conclude that God had Judged Laban and found him wanting. Now, considering Job, we know that it is not always true that when evil comes it is not always for Judgment’s sake, but when it comes, it behooves us to consider, whether or not this time it is, for if we judge ourselves, (and respond accordingly) we shall not be judged. Therefore, when such times come, let us so examine ourselves, seeking God’s face, humbling ourselves before him, trusting in him for our direction. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 31, Mark 2, Esther 7, Romans 2

Monday’s reading will be Genesis 32, Mark 3, Esther 8, Romans 3

Following Good Examples

 

Today's verse is Romans 1:1

PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 

    Let us consider, Paul has admonished us to follow him as he follows Christ; therefore, let us see these three ways Paul describes himself. First, as a servant, not just any servant, but he is humbled himself and recognized that he belongs to Jesus Christ, and it is Jesus’ whim he seeks to carry out. Next, he recognizes his calling and ministry, that he has been Sent (the meaning of apostle) and that his provision is provided for by God. And while, the office of Apostle is dedicated to only a few men, Paul has set forth that we all who are Christ’s have also been sent to do even as Paul, to declare and be obedient to the gospel of God, of which Paul has separated himself to. That is, his goal, his purpose, everything that he does, he does so that the Good News of Jesus Christ might be made known to all, that no one can say, “I did not know!” Will you humble yourself today, and treasure what Jesus treasures, even the souls of men? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 30, Mark 1, Esther 6, Romans 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 31, Mark 2, Esther 7, Romans 2

Doubt Or Believe?

 

Today's verse is Matthew 28:17

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 

    But Some doubted. How? After personally seeing Jesus Alive and Risen from the dead still they doubted. Even for this reason did Jesus speak in parables, so that those that would not, will not see, nor understand, for if they accepted the truth, the truth would make them free. And they would be free indeed. But what of you? Have you seen? Have you heard? Have you understood? Then here is the Promise of God: You will be converted; that is Changed, that you will be healed: that is your sins will be forgiven, and you will be made to stand before a Righteous and Holy God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 29, Matthew 28, Esther 5, Acts 28

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 30, Mark 1, Esther 6, Romans 1

Is There Really No Hope?

 

Today's verse is Esther 4:1

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; 

    In this verse, and a couple of verses later, when the Jews heard the news, we have the appearance of a people with no hope, all is lost, and the end is surely approaching. Yet, later when we see Mordecai making request of Esther to approach the King, in the warning he gives her, he expresses his confidence that God will, without fail, deliver his people. Today, when the world is once again turned right side up (by the reference of those that know not God) as wickedness appears to prevail upon the earth, and the fear of God appears to be in abeyance, we that fear God, can be confident that God will prevail, and God’s Word will be fulfilled. We know that God will always deliver his people, whether they be his by the Cross, or his promise to Abraham. Have we not his Word, do we not see in his Word, that such a time as this will come, and has he not given his Word what he will do? So Rejoice, for your redemption draws nigh, and fear not to proclaim the wonderful works of God, even as Esther approached the King, and Noah built his Ark, and Lot escaped Sodom, and the Children of Israel left Egypt. So, if all else “fails” Christ will catch up his own, then will return in Power to set up his Kingdom, redeeming Israel when he does. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 28, Matthew 27, Esther 4, Acts 27

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 29, Matthew 28, Esther 5, Acts 28

Is There Real Evidence Of Your Salvation?

Today's verse is Acts 26:20

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 

    Have you had an encounter with Jesus Christ? Have you professed that Jesus has risen from the dead? Yet, you say that you are saved by Grace, not by works. Therefore, there is no change, no sign of the new man, no sign of the new life created in you by Jesus Christ, who you say now dwells within you. Have you done the work of God deceitfully, as Jeremiah has prophesied? Do you not know that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new? Or have you not read, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them?” Therefore, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” For “how shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Let us therefore, not deceive ourselves into believing we are something we are not, or that we are not something that we are, but let us be confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 27, Matthew 26, Esther 3, Acts 26

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 28, Matthew 27, Esther 4, Acts 27 

Are You Sure Jesus Knows You?

 

Today's verse is Matthew 25:10

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 

    One of my first impressions of the story of the ten virgins is of the fact then the five wise did not, and do not share with those that do not prepare. Are not the followers of Christ a people that share? But what is it that they are to share? Oil, and what is Oil a picture of? Is it not the Spirit of God? As I see it, this parable is showing that being prepared for the Kingdom of heaven is a personal thing, no one can prepare for you for your journey. Now in a couple of other places in scripture, we are commanded to buy with out money, and without price (That is it is freely given if asked for) the things that we need, gold, wine or milk. Therefore, are you prepared, do you have the oil you need? Is it not freely given? Have you purchased it from Jesus Christ, the groom? If you have it not, you will find just as the foolish virgins did, that he knows you not. Does Jesus know you? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 26, Matthew 25, Esther 2, Acts 25

Monday’s reading will be Genesis 27, Matthew 26, Esther 3, Acts 26

Watch!

Today's verse is Matthew 24:42

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

     There are those that say that because mankind is breathing and breeding, and living, and going about our way, that the world is coming to an end, and that we must save the planet. This is accepted, and counted the reason we are to lose all the things we enjoy to day. Yet, when the Christian, when those that follow Christ, proclaim that judgment in near, that Christ will return to bring judgment upon all the earth because Righteousness is rejected and sin abounds, such is mocked and made light of. So watch, because as sure as Christ came the first time to suffer for our sins, so will he surly come again, first to retrieve his own, then shortly thereafter to Judge the Earth in Righteousness, then to usher in his Kingdom, just as he had promised Abraham and his seed by his prophets, throughout the existence of the Nations of Israel and Judah. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 25, Matthew 24, Esther 1, Acts 24

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 26, Matthew 25, Esther 2, Acts 25

Do You See God's Hand?

 

Today's verse is Acts 23:11-12

     And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. 

     And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 

    We see that God had given Paul a promise, then the very next morning, men that think the right thing to do is kill Paul, but instead they are the very means which he begins to move Paull where he needs to be to testify to others in his name. Because of these men, who being against the true way of God, God used that others might hear, such as Felix, and Festus, and Agrippa, all the way to Rome, where he testifies not only to Caesar, but to many in Caesar’s household, as well as to Onesimus, and many others. Just as God had said. So here we have another example of how all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them that are called to his purpose. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 24, Matthew 23, Nehemiah 13, Acts 23

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 25, Matthew 24, Esther 1, Acts 24

What Is The Law?

Today's verse is Matthew 22:40

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

    To Love God, and to Love our Neighbor, we are here told is the essence of the law, and yet, the lawful use of the law is to show us that we as children of Adam are unable to keep it, that we need a Savior, that we need one to stand in the gap and advocate for us and enable us. Indeed, have we not been told that these things teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and having done that, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world? The Grace of God does indeed cover our sin, having been washed in the Blood of the Lamb, but it is also by Grace that we are to Love God and our brethren, which God had created in his image, fulfilling these two, greatest of commandments. Have you been redeemed? So let Jesus Christ be seen in you, as you let his Love be seen through you to all that are about you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 23, Matthew 22, Nehemiah 12, Acts 22

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 24, Matthew 23, Nehemiah 13, Acts 23 

God's Work Displeasing?

 Today's verse is Matthew 21:15

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 

    Here is a question: Have you seeing God work, instead of rejoicing as others did, instead found some reason to be bitter? If so, you can be sure pride will somewhere be at the heart of it. Therefore, let us humble ourselves, and seek our God, and his righteousness -- Which is found only in Jesus Christ. If we do this, we shall be able to see God working in our lives, to know the wonder of his Majesty, and the amazing Love he has for us, even as the world appears to get darker and darker, but who knows, as we see God working about us, perhaps others will see God working in us, and desiring to have what we have they will repent, and find the wonderful grace of God has we have. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 22, Matthew 21, Nehemiah 11, Acts 21

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 23, Matthew 22, Nehemiah 12, Acts 22

Keeping Ourselves Pure Of The Blood Of All Men

 

Today's verse is Acts 20:26-27

     Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 

     For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 

    Ezekiel has told us of the duties of the watchman, how that it is his duty to warn the people of the dangers to come, because of the path they have chosen to trod, and if he warns them not, their blood is upon his hand, but if he warns, then if they refuse to hear, he is guiltless. Such is what Paul is speaking about. Now, Paul is speaking to the Pastors, or Elders, of the church of Ephesus, giving them charge to feed the flock among other things, but of this charge to preach the Kingdom of God, we all share. So, by the grace of God, and by the power of the Spirit, let us also determine to be pure of the from the blood of all men, by declaring unto all the Wonderful Works of God, and seeking ourselves to know and share all of God’s counsel. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 21, Matthew 20, Nehemiah 10, Acts 20

Monday’s reading will be Genesis 22, Matthew 21, Nehemiah 11, Acts 21

The Need Of True Repentance

 

Today's verse is Nehemiah 9:2

And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. 

    In King Josiah’s day, when they had found the book of the law in the temple, there had been consternation, and an observance of what they found written therein, but did they ever confess their sin as the people did here? We have now, even as they did then a promise that whoso confesseth and forsaketh them [sin] shall have mercy. And again, John tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” But God told Jeremiah, “Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly.” So, let us so examine ourselves, and confess our sins to that same God that loved us so, that he gave his own Son in our place, and Repent from that same wickedness, which God hates, that we might be cleansed by him and made whole. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 20, Matthew 19, Nehemiah 9, Acts 19

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 21, Matthew 20, Nehemiah 10, Acts 20

Contending With The Lost

 

Today's verse is Genesis 19:3

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. 

    “And he pressed upon them greatly;” in the past, even recently, I have thought and counseled that it is the Lord that does the work of conversion. Did not Paul say, “that God giveth the increase?” Yet, in doing our part, we are not to let the matter go lightly. Lot, knowing the danger of residing in the streets of Sodom, did not rest till these two men were safely lodged within his house. Do we not know the danger of what lies outside of the shelter of God’s Love? Did not Paul proclaim, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men?” Therefore, so long as one is the lest bit willing to hear, let us not set them aside prematurely, but proclaim unto them, and contend with them until they either hear, and repent, or reject, and push us away. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 19, Matthew 18, Nehemiah 8, Acts 18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 20, Matthew 19, Nehemiah 9, Acts 19

Can Judgment Be Delayed?

 

Today's verse is Genesis 18:25

That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 

    Those that say that there is no God, argue that God cannot be all Good, and All powerful, with what appears to be the thought that if God was good, and God was all powerful, he would immediately remove the wicked off the face of this earth. Yet, what is the request of Abraham? Is it not to spare the wicked, for the sake of the righteous? Did not Jesus claim that his followers are to be as salt? Is not salt a preservative? And what if, as with Lot, that salt loses its power to preserve? Lot was removed, and destruction rained down. What should we take from this? Ye, that name the name of Christ, fear not to walk as Christ walked, to speak as Christ spoke, to do as Christ did, for as we walk in the ways of Christ, not only will God see it, but those about us will too, and will either, for fear, Repent, or again for fear, Lash out. But God says, "Who art thou, that should fear a man that shall die?" So, will you O Saint, help preserve this world, or shall God remove us, that he may then Judge the World, as he has said? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 18, Matthew 17, Nehemiah 7, Acts 17

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 19, Matthew 18, Nehemiah 8, Acts 18

A New Look Forward

 

Today's verse is Genesis 17:1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 

    “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” A reintroduction, an invitation, and a rebuke, for Abram had recently (13 years ago) tried to help God fulfill his promise, yet God does not need our help with such things, so God himself came and reaffirmed his promise to Abram, even changing Abram’s name to Abraham, expanding his promise to include the results of Abram’s help. The Almighty God is indeed gracious, but he demands not maturity, but perfection, for he is perfect. Just as he also demands holiness, because he is Holy. Therefore, as we have his promise that he will bring this about in us, we are ever to strive, pressing toward this mark, that we might be pleasing in his sight, as we walk before him, or even with him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 17, Matthew 16, Nehemiah 6, Acts 15

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 18, Matthew 17, Nehemiah 7, Acts 17

Know Who Does The Work

 

Today's verse is Matthew 15:12-14

     Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 

     But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 

     Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. 

    Here is something that we must all understand, those of us that know Jesus Christ, it is not upon us to convince others of the Majesty of God. It is our job simply to testify of the things that we have seen, and the things we have heard, even of the things we have experienced of Jesus Christ and his love for us. So, as we so preach and testify, we come across those that do not understand, or even those who are offended by the truths we proclaim, we allow them to go their way. We may pray for them; we are not to revile them (have not many of us been even as they) but we are to leave them in the hands of the judge. For one might plant, and another may water, but God gives the increase. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 16, Matthew 15, Nehemiah 5, Acts 15

Monday’s reading will be Genesis 17, Matthew 16, Nehemiah 6, Acts 15

Seeing, But Not Hearing

 

Today's verse is Acts 14:11

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 

    It is amazing how we can see a thing, and see that it is the work of God, yet we fail to hear the Word God had given when that thing was done, and still seek to find God after our own way, according to our own desire. These people had heard Paul preach of the wonderful works of God. How Jesus, God in the flesh, had come according to his promise given at the beginning of the World, and had made a way for us to come to him forgiven of our wicked ways, but when these had seen a Marvelous work of God, instead of hearing the message, they cling to their own understanding and miss the gift the merciful God is offering them and unrepentant, they are left in their sins. What of you? Have you seen God work? Have you seen the Love God has for you? But in seeing this, have you missed the message, have you rejected God’s Word, and still gone your own way? Do not miss out, Repent today, and hold fast to God’s message of Love found in his Word, for God will not strive with man forever, but the day is coming when He, by Jesus Christ, will judge the secrets of Men, and we will all have to give an account. Will you be found wanting, or Redeemed? Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 15, Matthew 14, Nehemiah 4, Acts 14

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 16, Matthew 15, Nehemiah 5, Acts 15

Do You Understand?

 

Today's verse is Matthew 13:13

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 

    Consider the passage and the context it was taken from, and ask yourself, What is required in order to understand the Word God has given us? The first and foremost as I understand what I read here is a willing heart (that same heart the is deceitful above all and desperately wicked, yet that same heart that we are to trust God with fully.) As you understand what God has said, and accept it, and keep it dear to you and do it, the Spirit which God gave you will open your eyes that you might understand even more. However, if you reject that which God has made clear to you, as he has promised, you will lose even that, and in your blindness you will find yourself condemned by that which you have rejected, and those things that others would say, “How could someone do such a thing?” You would just think it a matter of course, acceptable and good. So, determine even now, that you will hold that which you understand of God’s Word as your most precious of treasures, that you may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 14, Matthew 13, Nehemiah 3, Acts 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 15, Matthew 14, Nehemiah 4, Acts 14

Pray

 

Today's verse is Acts 12:5

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 

    In this verse, and the account following we have a lesson. We see that the church prayed, about and for Peter. Yet, when God answered their prayer, not a one apparently believed that God would answer. Peter, as he was being released thought he was “dreaming” (having a vision.) When Rhoda answered the door, those that were praying, even at that moment, did not believe her. Yet, God still had answered their prayers. What should we learn from this? Pray! Ask for those things that you believe to be according to God’s will. Even ask for those things your heart desires, but Pray. For faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, and again, tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience; and experience, hope. So, pray, knowing that God will hear you, and when he hears, he will answer, so keep praying till you see and understand that answer. Then rejoice at the grace God has shown you, and continue to Pray. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 13, Matthew 12, Nehemiah 2, Acts 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 14, Matthew 13, Nehemiah 3, Acts 13

Abraham's First Experience Of God's Faithfulness

 

Today's verse is Genesis 12:17

And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife. 

    When God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, Why did Abraham believe that God would rise up Isaac from the grave? With the promises God had given Abram before this moment, and the actions Abram took which put God’s promise in question, that without God’s intervention his promise would be voided. Therefore, we see God act. And in God’s actions he rebukes all involved, and his hand could be seen and understood by all. And Abram began to see that God keeps his promises. But now we have God’s Word, and as God was merciful to Abram (and even Pharaoh) in these circumstances for their ignorance. we do not have that same excuse. And as we have access to more of the Character of God: To who much is given, much is expected. So as Abraham had learned that God keeps his promises, let us learn what those promises (that God had given us) are, and live accordingly. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 12, Matthew 11, Nehemiah 1, Acts 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 13, Matthew 12, Nehemiah 2, Acts 12

Do You Tremble?

 

Today's verse is Ezra 10:3

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. 

    “. . . and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God[.]” Today, where is the Fear of the Lord? Where are those that tremble because they know that they are not perfect as God is perfect? Paul has said, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” And what is it that we hope for, but to be found perfect before a Righteous and Holy God. But let us not let that hope cause us to become complacent of the sin in our lives. For John wrote, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” Why? Because to transgress should cause us to fear, not just fear, but to tremble before that same Righteous, and Holy, and Perfect God. So, Repent, Now, and submit not to the flesh, but to the Spirit that dwells within you (if so be that you have recieved Jesus Christ’s gift of Salvation, provided for you by his Death and Resurrection) that ye may indeed “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world[.]” Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 11, Matthew 10, Ezra 10, Acts 10

Monday’s reading will be Genesis 12, Matthew 11, Nehemiah 1, Acts 11

Do You Remember This?

 

Today's verse is Genesis 9:6

Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. 

    Today, by the wisdom of the world, it is thought that by education we might be taught to do right, to be moral, to be civilized. Yet, such, not only have forgotten the truth above, but have rejected that we have been made in the image of God, and thus, they have no true concept of what is moral, what is just, or what is equitable. For as Paul has said, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient[.]” Therefore, let us remember, and let us consider, and seek out the Most Holy, Most High, and seek out his counsel, his ways, according to his Word, and by the strength he has offered by his Spirit, through his Son, to keep his commandments, that the world might see, and might hear of the Love God has for them, before his Judgment consumes them in his Wrath. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 9 - 10, Matthew 9, Ezra 9, Acts 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 11, Matthew 10, Ezra 10, Acts 10