It Is Because God Is Good, That There Is Evil

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 

    The Fool (any who would say, “There is no God”) claims that because of the evil in the world, God cannot be! Specially if he be Good. Yet, I say to you, that it is because God is Good, that evil persists. In the verse above we see that in pronouncing the coming of the Messiah, he promised the coming Wrath of God, even Judgment upon all that refuse him. If God was not good, this would have already happened, but because God is Good, and is not willing that any should perish, rather than the judgment coming upon man when Jesus came the first time, he made it so that YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE DESTROYED. As the Psalmist has said, But there is forgiveness with thee, /That thou mayest be feared. So, truly did the Judgment of God come upon all men when Jesus Christ died upon the Cross, not for his own sin, but for mine, and for yours. He gave us a way, THE WAY, the only way to escape the wrath of God when he rose up from the grave. Will you accept it? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

How Do You Respond To God's Word?

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 2:3

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

    Let us consider also: And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. From these two verses and their surrounding context, we can see two men (Kings) who had no desire to hear what God had to say, because they knew that they did not want what God wanted. As what Jehoshaphat said to this, Let not the king say so. Why? Because God is God, and he knowing all, knows what is best. Not to mention, but I will, that God is the Righteous Judge to whom we must all give an account, but as much as some would like to think so, he owes us none. Therefore, what will you do? Will you remain as these kings did, unrepentant, or will you submit yourself to the Word of God allowing it to transform you by the renewing of your mind? Selah [This is your choice, what shall it be?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Serving Willfully

 

Today's Verse is 2 Chronicles 17:16

And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour. 

    Amasiah offered himself willingly unto the Lord. In his case, he gave himself to the defense of Judah, probably one of the reasons the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah. Have you considered that we also have been called of God to give of ourselves to him? Consider Paul’s plea: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Christ gave himself for us, that we might have eternal life with him, what are you willing to give back to him? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Have You Made Your Choice?

 

Today's verse is Psalm 119:3

     Blessed are they that keep his testimonies,

      And that seek him with the whole heart.

    Let us take measure, and consider, what is it that we desire? Whether we know it our not, the choice is clear. As the Psalmist later testifies: Thy testimonies also are my delight /And my counsellers. We can either delight in the Lord God of Heaven, seeking to keep his ways, or we can fall into the trap of the mockers, as there will be in the last time--which started even as Christ ascended up into heaven--who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. Why would you chose to receive the wrath of God, when you can instead partake of the Grace of God that bringeth salvation, which is available to all shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Have You Forsaken God?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Chronicles 15:2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. 

    I can testify, it is of no light thing to feel forsaken of God. Yet, for all of that as Christ as promised even before this: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. But if we turn our backs to God, how can we see that which is behind us? Consider Saul, even as he had forsaken following God’s command, God had forsaken him and took his line from the throne of Israel and gave it to another. Yet, he did not leave him without testimony nor witness. For he sent David to him that he might train him in statecraft. However, instead of counting his blessings, he found this a stumbling stone. You that have forsaken God, will you turn around [repent] and find again the God that loves you? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Maintaining Good Works

 

Today's Verse is Titus 3:8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 

    I wish to point out here the order. First, comes belief, and then only after we have trusted in Christ Jesus as our Saviour, that he will keep us safe in him to life eternal are we to seek to maintain good works. Consider what Paul taught elsewhere on this: work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Why? Because, we are his [Christ’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Therefore, because you have believed, let others see the work God is doing in you, that they also might come to the knowledge of the Grace God as prepared for them. Amen.

To God be the glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 13-14, Titus 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Chronicles 15-16, 1 Kings 16, Philemon 1

The Price Of Transgressing God's Word.

 

Today's Verse is I Kings 13:18

He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. 

    We know from Moses that a man that speaks “Thus sayeth the Lord” presumptuously is worthy of death, but this man was speared, but the one that listened to him, having been already commanded of the Lord, disobeyed the previous commandment, and therefore, being rebuked died on his way home. There is much we can take upon this, for we see both the goodness and the severity of God. The goodness: the Old Prophet (not otherwise named) did not lose his life, nor office (he was still counted and used as a prophet,) and the severity: the Man of God (also not named) paid the price of forsaking what he knew was God’s Word for a lie. Selah [Do you understand?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 12, Psalm 47, Titus 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 13-14, Titus 3

Do You Love Or Hate Preaching Of The Word?

 

Today's Verse is Titus 1:3

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 

    When I first read this verse, I also think of what Paul said to the Corinthians: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. By which I fully believe that those of us who know Jesus Christ will have a hunger for hearing the Word of God Preached--especially the Gospel. However, I believe Paul is speaking of how we recieved the New Testament, for we know that it was by Paul we have recieved most of the books of the New Covenant. But now that we have God’s Word, I believe that preaching is way God has made its reception the most effective. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, Titus 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 12, Psalm 47, Titus 2

Our Knowledge Is Still Limited

 

Today's Verse is Ecclesiastes 11:5

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 

    While today, we may be able to claim that we know much of the development of a child in the womb, still we have little understanding of the spirit of man, nor his soul, and for these things those that would not know God, would claim that we have no need to understand God. But God would have us know him, and everything we learn gives us more understanding of who God is, and what he wants from us. So, let us take everything that we learn, and measure it according to the Word of God, that by it we might come to a fuller understanding of what pleases Him who loves us that we might be found in the fulness of his Glory. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2 Timothy 4

Monday’s reading will be 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, Titus 1

Knowing Our Time Is Limited.

 

Today's Verse is Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

    This book, the book of Ecclesiastes is written from the perspective of this world, with no to little thought of that which follows. So, since our time is limited, make the most of it, is the Preacher’s counsel. Yet, we that know God through his Word, know that now is the time of testing, now is when God tries our hearts that we might know them, who we are, and if we be willing, to discover who God is and what he has for us. So, will you be as one ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Or that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Selah [These are our choices, and once we die, the die as been set.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 7-9, Psalm 46, 2 Timothy 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2 Timothy 4

The Answer To "What About The Evil In The World?"

 

Today's Verse is Ecclesiastes 5:8

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

    I ask before I comment, do you see the hope contained in this verse? It is without doubt that evil appears to reign in this present world, and those that would deny God use it as their premise to reject him. But what is the answer of God presented here by the Preacher? Marvel not at the matter. Why? Because God sees, and while he currently bides his time (His longsuffering at work) we can be confident that all must give an account before him. Will you be ready? Consider therefore, the testimony of Paul: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Wherefore, speak up, and proclaim the wonderful news that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 4-6, Psalm 125, 2 Timothy 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ecclesiastes 7-9, Psalm 46, 2 Timothy 3

A Reason That God Allows . . .

 

Today's Verse is Ecclesiastes 3:18

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 

    It is often asked, Why did God allow that? Or, Why did God let this happen? One of the reasons, perhaps not the greatest reason, but still one of the reasons, is so as we see here, that without him, we are nothing, even as the beasts which perish and are no more. One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. It is for the pleasure of God that we have been created, and it is for his Purpose we have been raised up. And even as backward as it may seem to us, He takes pleasure in the death of his Saints [who shall be evermore in his presence,] yet the wicked, who hate him, he hates their death [For then they shall evermore be separated from him.] So, will you today embrace the fullness that can only be found in God (as scary as that is) that you might be found in peace with him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 1-3, Psalm 45, 2 Timothy 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ecclesiastes 4-6, Psalm 125, 2 Timothy 2

The Dangerous Heart

 

Today's Verse is 1 Kings 11:3

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 

    Truly, Solomon did not finish as he had started, for David his father had found: Delight thyself also in the Lord; /And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. And so, Solomon truly at first delighted in the Lord, but the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Therefore, guard your heart, and obey it not, for even as Solomon left his first delight, the wisest man to have ever lived, who had seen God, what makes you think you will fare better? In this follow after Abraham, who withheld not his son from the Lord, even the son by which God had promised, whom God himself testified that he Loved. Selah [Whose example will you follow?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, 1 Timothy 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ecclesiastes 1-3, Psalm 45, 2 Timothy 1

Showing Double Honour.

 

Today's Verse is 1 Timothy 5:17

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

    When Paul first wrote to the Corinthians he admonished them with this thought: If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Therefore, consider those whom you count as your Pastors and teachers in the things pertaining to the Lord and his Word, and give to them, even as they have blessed you by their instruction of the Word of God. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And the labourer is worthy of his reward. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, 1 Timothy 5

Monday’s reading will be 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, 1 Timothy 6

As We Wait . . .

 

Today's Verse is 1 Timothy 4:13

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 

    We now know that Paul will not be returning until he returns with Jesus Christ, and we that still live, will meet him in the air, even as we are caught up to meet Christ in the air. Until then, we have the same exhortation that he had given to Timothy. We are to read. Now, while reading other works may, and probably are included, our main focus ought to be upon the Word of God, by which we will by the Spirit of God learn what is sound Doctrine, and having sound Doctrine, we can then exhort not only ourselves, but also all of our brothers and sisters in Christ, even as we Testify before those who have yet to believe. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 5-7, Psalm 121, 1 Timothy 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, 1 Timothy 5

Are You Seeking First, God's Help?

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 30:10

     Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me:

      LORD, be thou my helper.

    Are you at the end of your own devices, not knowing where to turn, or have you learned to come first to the Lord when any decision has come upon you? Let it be known, and know for yourself that the Most High God is there to guide you into the way you ought to go. At times he requires one to shew a sign of good faith: David picking up the five stones and going forth to face the Giant, and at other times he demands that we Stand aside and allow him to work: Abraham and Sarah, waiting for the promised son, Issac. Knowing that there are many examples of both, we must always know that the Battle is the Lords, and in him we can trust. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 8, Psalm 30, 1 Timothy 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Chronicles 5-7, Psalm 121, 1 Timothy 4

Remembering Again The Works Of God.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 44:1

     We have heard with our ears, O God,

      Our fathers have told us,

      What work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

    I have said before, and I will say it again, and with Peter, I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (Do you know the things Peter is speaking of?) Yet, even so, we are to always reflect upon the works that our God has done for others, especially those recorded in His Word. For even as the Most High God dwelt with Abraham, Moses, Samson, and Samuel; Even as he had disciplined Saul, David, and Manasseh, so will the Holy One of Israel, and his Redeemer work in our lives until we are conformed into the image of His Son, who died that we might live in him, and Rose up from the grave, that we also might walk in newness of life. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1 Timothy 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 8, Psalm 30, 1 Timothy 3

God Is Faithful To His Covenants

 

Today's Verse is 1 Kings 6:13

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.

    If we read the verse before this one, we find that the above promise is conditional. Yet, as we read the scriptures, which we now know as the Bible, we find that some parts of it are not. For we have seen that the Most High God has been faithful with the descendants of Israel, even as he has suffered Long with them, keeping their Identity intact, even as they have forgotten and/or misunderstood him. And as he has promised, they will have a Glorious and Majestic End, which will cause the rest of us to Fear for the goodness God will give unto them. And in like manner, we that that have received Jesus Christ have a similar promise, both conditional and not, that he will never leave nor forsake us. Selah [Consider: Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3, 1 Timothy 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1 Timothy 2

Shewing The Love Of God

 

Today's Verse is 2 Thessalonians 3:5

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

    If you were to read on to the next verse, you would find an aspect of Love that most today would not consider. Today, we are admonished by the world that to love is to tolerate, that is to condone, those that are different from us, including those that in their disregard for God, trapped in their own lusts, follow their own hearts unto their own destruction. Yet, what does the next verse say? Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. Note here, that we are speaking of those that confess that they Know the Lord Jesus, but are caught up in their transgressions, It are those that we are to withdrawal ourselves, that he may be ashamed. Others who know not Christ, we may associate so long as we do not condone their forward ways. Therefore, let us all so shew forth the Love of God to all about us, that we all might be found in him, acceptable in his Sight. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Kings 5, 2 Chronicles 2, 2 Thessalonians 3

Monday’s reading will be 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3, 1 Timothy 1

Do You Know What Hinders That Wicked One?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Thessalonians 2:6

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 

    In this verse, we are told plainly that we know what it is that is withholding the revealing of the son of perdition, the man of sin. And until he who now letteth [hinders,] will let, until he be taken out of the way that one cannot act. Did not Jesus tell us that we are the salt of the earth? Now, we know that salt enhances flavour, even as it preserves, but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of men. Now we know that salt that has lost its savour is not salt, but impurities contained with the salt, so when the church [lit. called out assembly] has been weakened by the impurities of false confessors, God as he has promised will remove those that have been indwelt by his Spirit, that the one that has been hindered will be hindered no more. Therefore, Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Selah [Fail not to consider this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Song of Solomon 7-8, Psalm 127, 2 Thessalonians 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 5, 2 Chronicles 2, 2 Thessalonians 3

Are You Ready For Christ's Return?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Thessalonians 1:9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 

    That you may know, the “who’ in this verse are those that have refused to know God, and in refusing to know God rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ, whether they have heard of it or not. Let not yourself be deceived, for even as God had told Nebuchadnezzar in his dream there will be a day when Christ will return to set up his Kingdom. It is on this day, that the verse above will have its fulfillment. Will you be ready? If not, there will be no excuse, for God will have shown himself to you, even if you have refused to see. But today, while it is still called today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Song of Solomon 4-6, 2 Thessalonians 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be Song of Solomon 7-8, Psalm 127, 2 Thessalonians 2

Have You Chosen Darkness Or Light?

 

Today's Verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:4

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 

    Some might ask, “How do we that Know Jesus Christ are not in darkness?” This answer is very simple, we are not in darkness because we have the Light of the World, even the Word of God, which he has given to us, wherein we find the end from the beginning, and that God does not do anything unless he has told his prophets, which has again, recorded it all for us in the Written Word of God. Therefore, know that we have been commanded to watch for the Blessed Hope, even the return of Jesus Christ for his Saints (The Redeemed.) We have not been commanded to watch for the Son of Perdition, that wicked one, the Beast, even though we have been given his first Identifier--Confirming the Covenant with many for one week (seven years.) Therefore, as we see the evidence of the nearness of the second, be looking for the Blessed Hope: Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Song of Solomon 1-3, Psalm 72, 1 Thessalonians 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be Song of Solomon 4-6, 2 Thessalonians 1