A Glimpse Of The Nature Of The Unredeemed.

 

Today's verse is 1 Samuel 6:5

Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land. 

    We see here the natural man’s reaction to encountering God. They just wish to be left alone, unchanged, to return to their own ways, and to their own gods. The fear they had when God was in their midst, they just want to forget. This is we that have embraced the Salvation the Lord gives must pray, for once we were the same way, and even now we must guard our hearts, lest we also turn aside. So, pray, first for ourselves that he keeps us in his way as he has promised, then for them, that their hearts of stone might be made of flesh, that they too might hear and receive the good news of the Gospel, that they might also repent, and turn to the true God, even as he has drawn us to him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 6-8, Acts 7

Monday’s reading will be 1 Samuel 9-10, Acts 8

Are You Keeping The Lamp Of God Lit?

 

Today's verse is 1 Samuel 3:3

And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 

    The warning we see here is dire, the Priests were commanded to always keep the lamp of God burning, yet, Eli as High Priest, is in danger of letting it go out. But before it goes out we see God’s Grace, for God comes to Samuel, and gives him the warning to Eli. Later, as Eli was warned, so it happened. The Ark of God was lost to the Philistines, Eli and his sons died that every same day, having not repented of their sin. Will you take heed to God’s Word? Will you let the lamp of God go out in your life? Look up, and cleave to the one that died for you, and let the light he has given you by his Spirit shine forth, that all might see and give the Glory to the Most High. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 23, Acts 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 6-8, Acts 7

Responding Correctly To The Evil We See.

 

Today's verse is 1 Samuel 2:3

     Talk no more so exceeding proudly;

      Let not arrogancy come out of your mouth:

      For the LORD is a God of knowledge,

      And by him actions are weighed.

    This week, I spoke to one that was angry with God for all the evil things he saw in the world (not speaking of any personal pains, which were great) and rightly so. Yet, still, he did not glorify God as God, and feared not the God with which he will have to answer to. Do you see as this one does all the wickedness that is in the world? Do you not know, that according to God’s Word there is even worse to come? Whether you allow yourself to become angry over these thing or not, cast not that anger toward God, but rather FEAR. For God does not answer to us, but we Him. Therefore, Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, /And ye perish from the way, / When his wrath is kindled but a little. /Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 120, Acts 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 23, Acts 6

Hope In The Midst Of Rejection

 

Today's verse is Acts 4:2

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 

    As we go out telling others about the one who has saved us, we shall find many, of many different persuasions that will not accept the message we bear. Yet, as we go consider this promise: Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, /And he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: /When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. From time to time we may see this promise fulfilled in small ways, for even as we have seen, the wicked cannot thrive for long. However, we should always be looking for our Saviour’s return, for then truly shall the wicked be cut off, and though we may sleep before then, still by the Resurrection we shall all see that day when the wicked are finally and forever cut off. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ruth 3-4, Psalm 37, Acts 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 120, Acts 5

Knowing Truly Who Is Worthy, And Does The Work.

 

Today's verse is Acts 3:12

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 

    In hearing what Peter says here, we must be humbled. For as it was with him, so it is with us. We are not to walk with God in our power, by our own might. All things we do must be done by the power of the Holy Ghost which lives within us. For it is only by the Spirit of God which dwells within us that we can produce those works that can abide the fire: gold, silver, and precious stones. Any other work which we may do, however noble it may appear, can only be as wood, hay, or stubble, all which will burn when we appear before our Saviour to receive of the work we have done for him, whether good or bad. Selah [Think of how to respond and thereby rely upon Him that loved us.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ruth 1-2, Acts 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ruth 3-4, Psalm 37, Acts 4

The Bible Does Tell Us How To Interpret It.

 

Today's verse is Acts 2:31

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 

    Recently, I have been told, that the Bible does not tell us how to interpret it, yet we see here the interpretation of the passage from Psalms: For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; /Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. So, I will allow you to tell me, how was this fulfilled, Literately, figuratively, or as an Allegory? As we read our Bibles, we must read it naturally, for indeed we find that all of these methods are used. And in some cases (maybe more then we figure) more than one for a single reading. That is, as with Abraham’s story with Hagar, it truly happened, but as we have been told by Paul, it also has an allegorical meaning. Therefore, let us read our Bibles, and allow the Spirit of God shew us how to understand it. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 19-21, Acts 2

Monday’s reading will be Judges 19-21, Acts 2

Are You Still Watching For Christ's Return?

 

Today's verse is Acts 1:11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 

    Even from the moment that Jesus left, have we been reminded to watch for his return, even his Second Coming, when he shall set up his own Kingdom upon the earth. And further, we have been given this hope: Watch therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. For as he has shown us, he shall send his wrath before him in judgment to all that dwell upon the earth, when he shall make his power known to all that continue to deny him. So, even in this day of promise and hope of righteousness in this present day, are you watching for that Blessed Day when Our Saviour shall come again? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 12-16, Psalm 146, Luke 24

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 19-21, Acts 2

Do You Know That Christ Is Risen?

 

Today's verse is Luke 24:3

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 

    This is the beginning of our Hope. Not only was the body no longer in the tomb, but that same day Jesus appeared to several, and last of all, in the evening to his Disciples. As Luke later testifies, Christ had given them many infallible proofs of his resurrection. Will you, or have you already, known the blessing of those that have not seen, but have believed and Confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord, knowing that God has raised him from the dead. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 9-11, Psalm 17, Luke 23

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 12-16, Psalm 146, Luke 24

In Humility, Or Pride?

 

Today's verse is Luke 23:8

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 

    Herod was a man of considerable power, and he could have gone to see Jesus at any time. Once, he did attempt to summon the Son of God to him, but was rebuked by the same. And now, when it is time for Jesus to fulfill his purpose, the reason He clothed himself in flesh, even in the likeness of men, Herod’s desire was brought to naught. When we come to Jesus, or if we be so blessed, he comes to us, we must accept him on his terms (He is God after all.) Then when we do, miracles or no, we cannot imagine what he has prepared for us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 9-11, Psalm 17, Luke 23

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 12-16, Psalm 146, Luke 24

Though We May Stumble And Fall, We Still Have Hope.

 

Today's verse is Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 

    Peter, have been forwarded of what many may consider Peter’s greatest heartbreaking moment, here receives a word of encouragement from our Lord himself. That even before Peter stumbles and even has a terrible fall, His God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ, tells him that he has plans for him, and that in his fall, he shall not be utterly cast down. So, as we stumble and fall, let us remember a few things. First, let us Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; /And lean not unto thine own understanding. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Then, let us remember this same Peter gives us this hope: For if these things (faith, virtue, knowledge . . .) be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall[.] Therefore as we walk with our Lord in this present life, remember these promises, endeavoring to never trip nor fall as we rely upon him, but if we do, we can be confident that he still shall lift us up, even as he brought Peter back to the ship. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 7-8, Luke 22

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 9-11, Psalm 17, Luke 23

Being Ready To Hear: Have Not I Sent Thee.

 

Today's verse is Judges 6:14

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 

    Let us pay attention to these words: have not I sent thee? My first question is this, Have you received the gift of redemption through Jesus Christ? By this, we all that have received him, have been made ambassadors for Christ, to represent our Saviour to our neighbors that they too may learn of the same gift God has for them. However, for each of us, our God has a set purpose for us, which as we are faithful, he will reveal unto us in due course (if we are not faithful, we shall still fulfill that purpose, but without warning) Therefore, continue to learn of him, that you may be strong and of good courage, when you hear: have not I sent thee? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 4-6, Luke 21

Monday’s reading will be Judges 7-8, Luke 22

True Christians Do Not Die

 

Today's verse is Luke 20:38

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

    Let it settle in your mind, that this is the Hope that we have in Jesus Christ, that though we may die, that is fall asleep in this present world, we that have received Jesus Christ, shall never die, for in Jesus Christ we have already received life eternal, and we have that same hope that Job spake of: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, /Yet in my flesh shall I see God[.] So will we, [I] see our [my] God, for we [I] will be raised up, and changed, when Christ comes for his own [me]. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 1-3, Psalm 16, Luke 20

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 4-6, Luke 21

A Prayer Answered!

 

Today's verse is Psalm 116:8

     For thou hast delivered my soul from death,

      Mine eyes from tears,

      And my feet from falling.

.    After David had been captured by the Philistines, and taken before Achish the king of Gath, he thanked God for delivering him, and as a part of that he gave this testimony and prayer: For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, /That I may walk before God in the light of the living? And now, David or another having read David’s prayer testifies, that God had answered this prayer in his life, and so much more. Will you also come, and Taste and see the Lord is Good, /Blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 22-24, Psalm 116, Luke 19

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 1-3, Psalm 16, Luke 20

When Jesus Comes, Will He Find Faith?

 

Today's verse is Luke 18:8

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? 

    Here is a Paradox, as we understand scripture, we will find that as that day approaches (For he will come to Judge the Earth) more and more men will forget him, and go their own way. It is the Fact that mankind has forgotten God, that will usher in his Wrath. So, we that are faithful to him are to labour to forestall his appearing, even as we diligently seek and Hope for his return. Therefore, as we have been commanded by him in the previous context, pray continually for his coming, till that day, when he shall avenge himself against those that have refused him, and taken out their frustrations upon us who are faithful to him, because they cannot reach him. Remembering also, that he delays, that they may have one more chance to Repent. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 18-21, Psalm 15, Luke 18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 22-24, Psalm 116, Luke 19

Will You Wholly Follow God Alone?

 

Today's verse is Joshua 14:8

Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 

    Truly, Caleb and Joshua, had the support one of another. Yet, by this testimony, Caleb considered not that Joshua stood with him, for he followed not Joshua, nor Moses, but God. When the time comes, and all else turn to follow after the multitude unto an ungodly way, will you go with them, or will you with Caleb wholly follow the Lord your God? Selah [Did not Caleb receive a reward?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 14-17, Luke 17

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 18-21, Psalm 15, Luke 18

To Come To God, Ye Must Do So By His Word!

 

Today's verse is Luke 16:31

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. 

    We have confirmed in God’s Word, that God has shown himself in the creation, and this testimony is available to all that have eyes to see, that is, they willingness to acknowledge that there is a God, a Creator. However, to Know God, we must learn of him through his Word, and how shall we know his Word, you may ask. Even as he told us through Moses, First His Word will always bring us to Him and His Son, and further, He knows the end from the beginning, so that we can try His Word, and see that at this time, much that he has said as already come to pass, exactly as he has said. Will you trust and fear, that what has been left unfilled at this time will also come to fruition, and repent, and accept his gift of Salvation provided by His Son? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 9-13, Luke 16

Monday’s reading will be Joshua 14-17, Luke 17

How Important To You, Is God's Word?

 

Today's verse is Joshua 8:35

There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. 

    We have been told that Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. So said Jesus to the tempter when he was tempted. Further, we find that the most sure of this Word is as Peter testifies: We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts[.] Any thing we hear, any thing that we see, any thing that we experience, needs to brought to and understood by the book which we have received of God, and preserved by him. Will you submit today to God and His Word? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 5-8, Psalm 14, Luke 15

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 9-13, Luke 16

Will You Be With Christ, As He Is With You?

 

Today's verse is Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

    It is decision time for Joshua and the Children of Israel: Will they follow after God, and fear him, or will they melt at the first sign of trouble? Even as God had promised Joshua, and the Children of Israel, we have this promise also confirmed for us: Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Pay attention to the difference of the command.) Therefore, as Joshua and the Children of Israel was to make a decision, so are we. And this is the decision we have been called upon to make: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. So, having counted the cost, and the troubles before you. will you choose now to follow him that died for you, whether you be as Joshua, or Jeremiah? If you chose Christ: Be strong and of a good courage for all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 1-4, Psalm 143, Luke 14

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 5-8, Psalm 14, Luke 15

Understanding The Sin Unto Death.

 

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 32:51

Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel. 

    In John’s first letter, as part of his farewell he warns: If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. I have been taught that as John was speaking to the redeemed, that this danger [committing a sin unto death] is one we must consider as followers of Jesus Christ. Some, believing that it is possible to lose that which Jesus Christ, and his Father keeps, postulate that this leads to the loss of our Hope provided by Christ. However, we have in Moses an example of this sin unto death. For Moses, because of his transgression in striking the Rock instead of just speaking to it, was forbidden for himself to enter into the Promise Land. Yet, Moses did not lose his Office, nor can we say that he has lost his place in the First Resurrection. There is much we can learn from Moses, King Saul, and even David on this matter, but for now let us remember the Words of David, But I have trusted in thy mercy; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 13, Luke 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 1-4, Psalm 143, Luke 14

What Do You Allow To Control You?

 

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 29:6

Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God. 

    While fasting is mentioned here, I will not seek to comment upon it. However, I wish to comment on the need of soberness, that we might know the Lord our God. There are many “faiths” which require one to take various substances that they might experience the things of the world of the spirits. As we find here, this is a deception, and not of the Most High God. Have we not been told by Paul: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; . . . From this I understand that we are not to submit to anything to control us other than the Spirit of God (in soberness,) who shall make it possible for us to Obey the Word of God, which he has given us that we might know Him that loves us, and learn his ways that we might walk in them to please him, that Died for us, and Rose up again, that we also might walk in newness of life. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Deuteronomy 27-31, Luke 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 13, Luke 13

Let Us So Pray. . .

 

Today's verse is Luke 11:9

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

    I confess, I have never really liked the doctrine of importunity: that is when we think we really need (or just want) something, we like a child desiring something continually pesters his parent for it until he receives it. And so, is the context of the above passage. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Deuteronomy 23-26, Luke 11

Monday’s reading will be Deuteronomy 27-31, Luke 12

Fear The Day God Reveals Himself

 

Today's verse is Luke 10:14

But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 

    Today, as Jesus explained why he spoke in parables; (Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.) Many things of God are hidden, of which I have found are for two reasons. First, so that no one is compelled, as it were, against their will to be saved, and the Second, To mitigate the extent of the transgression, as hinted in today’s verse. But there is coming a time, when God is willing to shew his Wrath, that he will make it very clear who he is, and what it is to continue to resist him. For many, that day will be too late, for they would have already made their choice, and they will buy into the lie, allowing themselves to be deceived. Therefore, do not delay, and diligently seek out the God that proved his Love for you, through Jesus Christ’s death upon the Cross, which he did for you, that your sin might be forgiven, even as He Rose up on the third Day, that we that have received him, can walk in newness of Life. Will you Rest in Him Today? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Deuteronomy 19-22, Psalm 6, Luke 10

Tomorrow’s reading will be Deuteronomy 23-26, Luke 11

Giving The Glory To Whom It Is Due!

 

Today's verse is Psalm 115:1

     Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But unto thy name give glory, For thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake. 

    Last year, as I read the book of Numbers the first time, I saw that Israel had dug a well at the Lord’s direction, and all the people rejoiced, rather then they had in the past: murmured and complained. In this I saw that one of the gifts the Lord our God gives us is the sense of accomplishment of a job well done. But when such things happen let us also remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Therefore as we face this year before us, let us also remember the Lord our God, and give Him the Glory as he helps us to walk according to his ways. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Deuteronomy 15-18, Psalm 115, Luke 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Deuteronomy 19-22, Psalm 6, Luke 10