My Hope In Christ!

 

Today's Verse is Micah 7:8

     Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy:

    When I fall, I shall arise;

    When I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

    O Let me Rejoice, I counted good by the propitiation offered by and through Jesus Christ shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth me by his hand. And not only so, but having been purchased by his Blood have been made a servant of Jesus Christ (not only a servant but a friend and brother) will be made to stand before the Father, because he will never leave me nor forsake me. Selah [Can you also claim these promises?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

Monday’s reading will be Isaiah 7-10, Psalm 22, Matthew 26

God Sees!

 

Today's Verse is Micah 1:2

     Hear, all ye people;

    Hearken, O earth, and all that therein is:

    And let the Lord GOD be witness against you,

    The Lord from his holy temple.

    When reading this verse, think of the admonishment we have from John:   Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  Now, what John is speaking of, is clearly the change of all that has been redeemed from the corruptible to the incorruptible in the twinkling of an eye. Yet this day shall mark the beginning of the final Judgment of God for this age. Therefore, knowing the terror of the Lord, let us purify ourselves, even as he is pure, that when we speak, we just might be able to persuade our neighbor not of God’s wrath (hiding it not,) but of his Love for them, that they too might escape, as we have. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Do You Know Good From Evil?

 

Today's Verse is Isaiah 5:20

     Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;

      That put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

      That put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

    Truly in this day, do you know what is good, what is of the light, and what is sweet? Have you bought the lie, refusing to find out what is true? Have you heard the warning of Paul: For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. Truly, if the day is not here already, If Noah, Job or Daniel were here, they would only be able to save themselves, for none would hear them; then that day would soon be here. Yet, in the coming trouble of Jacob, from a count of zero (for God will call all of his own home) there shall still be an innumerable host that shall have been redeemed during that time. Do you have ears to hear? Do you have eyes to see, that ye might understand with your heart, that you might be converted, and healed [or saved?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

What Reaction Do You Have, When You See God?

 

Today's Verse is Isaiah 1:2

     Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth:

      For the LORD hath spoken,

      I have nourished and brought up children,

      And they have rebelled against me.

    Truly the Lord, maker of heaven and earth desires to be found. Yet as he shows himself, we turn and run in fear. Not that fear that is clean, enduring forever, but that fear that is full of torment and anguish. For truly to his enemies, the Lord is Terrible, yet when we were enemies, he sent his Son to us, that through him, and by him, we should be reconciled to him. Therefore, let us stop, be still for a moment and consider and see whom God is, and the love he has shown his creation, even all of Mankind. For he has declared that all that will seek him, shall be found of him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Do You Have The Right Premise?

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 21:27

And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. 

    Why did Jesus answer a question with a question? It is because, those asking are working with a false premise, which must be exposed. And because they refused to even examine that premise, no answer is given to them. What of you? do you allow the mirror of God’s Word show you what you are, and in seeing yourself in it, do you allow what you see to change you, or are you as James described: a hearer of the word, and not a doer, even as Jesus described the man that built his house upon the sand. But if we should recognize that Jesus’ Authority is from God, and not only hearing his Word, but doing it by the strength of his Spirit even so shall we be blessed in our deeds. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

God Will Protect His Own!

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 61:3

     For thou hast been a shelter for me,

      And a strong tower from the enemy.

    Sometimes, we do not notice the shelter from the hard times or tribulations that the Lord has provided until after we have left them and looking back, we can see only then how the troubles could have been so much worse. At other times, in his mercy and grace he lets us see the succor we so much needed. Therefore, let us continuously seek the Lord our God, lest he say of us as he said of Jerusalem: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! For truly he will be with us, unless we utterly reject him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 14, 2 Chronicles 26-27, Psalm 61, Matthew 20

Monday’s reading will be 2 Kings 15-16, Matthew 21

Gaining Eternal Life

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 19:17

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 

    The question was, “what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Pay attention to the answer, for it is subtle. First, Does the Master deny being good? Nay, rather, there is a subtle claim of his divine nature here. Next, he makes an appeal for obeying the Law, which if we were able, we could be called good. But there is none good but God! However, pay attention to the commandments he leaves out; those that are focused upon God, all that fall under the greatest command: To Love God with all thy might etc. and he leaves out covetousness as well, which we later learn is likened to Idolatry. Paul has also claimed to be able to keep these things, but covetousness destroyed him even as it did this young rich man. So, who or what is Lord over your life? Have you confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord, or do you reserve space for another? Do you believe in your heart that God hath raised Christ from the dead that you might walk in newness of life? These are the lessons our Saviour has challenged this young man to learn. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 11-13, Matthew 19

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 14, 2 Chronicles 26-27, Psalm 61, Matthew 20

Producing Something That Lasts

 

Today's Verse is Hosea 8:6

     For from Israel was it also:

      The workman made it; therefore it is not God:

      But the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

    All about us, we see and hear of those that say, “See what I have done!” or “See what I have made!” Yet, whether great or small, (most are small, but some seem to be great) they are all nought, that is vain, for they are but the work of men, as marvelous as they may be. For in the eyes of God, they are but wood, hay, or stubble, and they that make them are like unto them, and in the end they shall all perish. Yet, God calls and invites us to rely upon him, and allow him to work through us by his Spirit those things that will shine forth as gold, silver and precious stones, things that will shine forth unto the Glory of God, yet even then: they are not God, but a reflection of who he is. Therefore, let us turn to him, and Marvel at his Grace to us, that he might be Magnified in us, and we in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 7-10, Matthew 18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 11-13, Matthew 19

Seeing The Coming Judgment

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 58:10

     The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance:

      He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

    Make no mistake, this verse does in no way gives anyone thinking they are doing God a service to bloody their own hands with vengeance. For as Paul quoted Moses, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. In Judgment God does not need our help. In fact, it is possible for God to turn his wrath from the wicked to us if we put our hand to it. Did not Solomon warn us: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, /And let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: / Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, /And he turn away his wrath from him. Yet, when the Lord shall bring his wrath upon the godless world, it will be a time of rejoicing for the righteous in Heaven as we watch God bring his vengeance upon the ungodly who have refused that most wonderful gift, which Christ made available to all, when he took upon himself the full wrath of God against sinners for our sake. Do not delay, if you have not already received that gift, do so now, that you also will be raised up in Christ to walk in newness of life. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 4-6, Psalm 58, Matthew 17

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 7-10, Matthew 18

A Double Promise

 

Today's Verse is Hosea 1:10

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. 

    Here we have an amazing promise, for even as God is rejecting the Northern Kingdom Israel, because they have rejected him, he gives them a promise, for there is coming a day when Israel, even all the children of Jacob, shall once again return to their God, but not only them, but we Gentiles which afore knew not God, now also can take part of this promise, for as Israel has been named the Wife of the Father, even so the Church, the body of Christ, is betrothed unto the Son, and we that have come to him through his death and Resurrection are looking unto that day when he shall come for his bride. Will you be ready? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Hosea 1-3, Matthew 16

Tomorrow’s reading will be Hosea 4-6, Psalm 58, Matthew 17

What Does Your Speech Say Of Your Heart?

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 15:18

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 

    When you speak, are you showing others the depravity of your heart? Truly we know that the heart is desperately wicked above all, yet by this heart we are to Trust in the Lord. So when you speak, do others see your Trust in God, or do they see the sin that is hidden in all of us, ready to come forth to the destruction of ourselves and all that are about us? Therefore, Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 7-9, Matthew 15

Monday’s reading will be Hosea 1-3, Matthew 16

Vain Worship

 

Today's Verse is Amos 4:4

     Come to Beth-el, and transgress;

      At Gilgal multiply transgression;

      And bring your sacrifices every morning,

      And your tithes after three years:

    Beth-el, the House of God, but no longer. Gilgal, the place where the Law was presented but not heard. What good are sacrifices when you reject the one you are sacrificing to? What good are your tithes, if they be misappropriated? We have learned that Obedience is better than sacrifice, but because we have nothing to give, even more, we have learned that mercy is better that sacrifice. Later in this passage that he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, And declareth unto man what is his thought. . .Truly in this world where down is called up, and up is called down, Good is counted as evil and evil good, God is angry! Will you therefore, seek him out, find out what he has said, and do it? Yea, Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, /And ye perish from the way. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 4-6, Psalm 55, Matthew 14

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 7-9, Matthew 15

Do You Have Eyes To See, And Ears To Hear?

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 13:16

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 

    We find here that understanding the things of God is a choice, actually made from the heart (even that same wicked heart that is deceitful above all) to seek the Great God, even the I Am, who has made all things in heaven and in earth, in the seas, and even that which is under the earth. All of this was done for his pleasure, for his Glory. There is one that has said, “One convinced against is will, is of the same mind still.” Let us not be as such, choosing to be wilfully ignorant of the things that build. Such will be found condemned. But God still is not willing that any should perish; therefore, let us choose to seek out Him that loves us, and made us a way to be forgiven, to stand Righteous before him through his Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Amos 1-3, Matthew 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 4-6, Psalm 55, Matthew 14

Do You Have Knowledge; Have You Called Upon God?

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 53:4

     Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge?

      Who eat up my people as they eat bread:

      They have not called upon God.

    In another place we are told of those that refuse God, Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. As we look today, we see those that have fully rejected the God that made them, and as the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge they thinking they know are blinded by their lack ready to stumble into the ditch, waiting to be utterly destroyed. Then there are those, recognizing that there is something greater than them, seek after it imperfectly missing the mark, hoping that they themselves can of their own strength to be pleasing to the Great I Am, whom they still do not know, also set to be destroyed. Then there are those that to one degree or another, have entered in through the strait gate and to one degree or another follow the one that died for them, giving them Life through or by his Resurrection, but how many of us will receive a full reward, because we have wholly followed after with a perfect Heart? Yet we have this promise: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: /And he delighteth in his way. /Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: /For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. And again, the Apostle Paul assures us: God is able to make [us] stand. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 25, Psalm 53, Matthew 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Amos 1-3, Matthew 13

More Tolerable?

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 11:24

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

    We have been told; therefore, we know that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. How then should we understand the context of the above passage. Remember, Glorify God as God. Why did God not show Tyre and Sidon and Sodom the works he had done in Chorazin and Bethsaida, and Capernaum? In a few chapters over, we find that Christ spoke in parables to hide the truth from those that would not hear. And in another place, we are taught, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Yet, there is coming a time, when the truth will be revealed to all, and still many, even most, will not repent. So, then, why? I believe for two reasons.    

    1. Just as God is not willing that any should perish, neither is he willing to force those that would not otherwise receive his gift.

    2. I have found in mine own life, and believe this passage supports that God mitigates the extent of sin, that the harsher sentences can be avoided where possible.    

    Therefore, by the mercies of God, Diligently seek him, starting with his Word, if you must compare other “scriptures” which you will find are not, and as you seek, he shall reveal himself to you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jonah 1-4, Matthew 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 25, Psalm 53, Matthew 12

When Destruction Comes, Will You Have Hope?

Today's Verse is Joel 3:16

     The LORD also shall roar out of Zion,

      And utter his voice from Jerusalem;

      And the heavens and the earth shall shake:

      But the LORD will be the hope of his people,

      And the strength of the children of Israel.

    When I first glanced at this verse today, I saw the Judgment of God bringing destruction with the word of hope of redemption for those that trust in him with a focus of his People Israel, who will return unto him that very day. As I reread it in its context, I saw Christ returning to establish his Kingdom on Earth. I was going to say when you begin to see the destruction that will come in those days, even then turn to the Lord God, but many, even most in that day, who have not already repented will not, but rather, in vain they shall shake their fist at the God that made them, blaming him, and not themselves for all their troubles. So, do not delay, for now is the accepted time, now he can be found of you if you will seek him, now you can be redeemed from your wicked way by the Holy One that died for you, and is now Risen and Seated at the right hand of the Father. Will you come today while he can be found? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joel 1-3, Matthew 10

Monday’s reading will be Jonah 1-4, Matthew 11

Have You Heard God's Call?

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 50:1

     The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth

      From the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

    Let this be known, and let none deny it, though many will, that until the Lord comes again to set up his kingdom he calls to all that will hear, that they might come to him in Repentance to receive without cost Redemption through his Son Jesus Christ. So today, reflect and know what things God has done to get your attention, and thereby Rejoice and give Thanks and Worship the God that has shown his love for you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 24, 2 Kings 12, Psalm 59, Matthew 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joel 1-3, Matthew 10

Who Do You Receive Counsel From?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Chronicles 22:4

Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellers after the death of his father to his destruction. 

    Are you aware that we have been commanded: If thy brother, . . . or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, . . . Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: [that which is missing of this text emphasizes the severity, and only left out for space] So, while Where no counsel is, the people fall: /But in the multitude of counsellers there is safety, this must be tempered by the first commandment. Do you know who your counsellers are? Do they counsel you in deference to the Word of God, or against it? It has been testified, and we can know: There is no wisdom nor understanding /Nor counsel against the Lord. And as we have seen with Ahaziah, that by the counsel of the house of Ahab, he was destroyed. Which counsel will you follow? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 22-23, 2 Kings 11, Psalm 131, Matthew 8

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Chronicles 24, 2 Kings 12, Psalm 59, Matthew 9

In Whole, Or In Part?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Kings 10:31

But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.

    Jehu, who was appointed of God to be King over the northern tribes of Israel, who destroyed the false god of Baal out of the land, did nothing to return Israel to follow after the law, the testimony, the statutes, the commandments, nor the Fear of the Lord, either for the sake of tradition or possibly worse: in fear of losing the people back to the southern kingdom, because they returned to the place appointed of God through Solomon for worship. In seeing Jehu, let us also examine ourselves, to see if there be anything that hinders us from wholly following the Lord our God. Did not Jesus Christ die on the Cross, then rising up from the grave prove that our sins can be forgiven? Therefore, he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Will you as Caleb wholly follow the Lord? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 9-10, Psalm 49, Matthew 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Chronicles 22-23, 2 Kings 11, Psalm 131, Matthew 8

The Proper Attitude Of Prayer

Today's Verse is Matthew 6:8

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 

    Just before this we are warned of praying vain [empty] repetitions, yet in another place we are enjoined to always to pray and not to faint, even unto importunity unto the Father, for he desires to give you the good things (his definition, not ours.) Therefore, let us pray with boldness, giving deference unto the Master, knowing that all things we ask him whether need or desire, if we ask him according to his will, which his Spirit dwelling within us knows, we shall receive at the most appropriate time that God will be Glorified in all. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 7-8, 2 Chronicles 21, Matthew 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 9-10, Psalm 49, Matthew 7 

More Righteous Than The Pharisees?

 

Today's Verse is Matthew 5:20

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

    In the light of this verse, allow us to examine ourselves, considering also that it has been testified by holy men of God that there is none righteous, no, not one, and further, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. So, then, how can one be counted righteous? Have you heard the proclamation of David: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin? So, How can we be counted more righteous than the Pharisees? Jeremiah gives us the clue: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. This same came the first time that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. So, I ask you, whose righteousness are you counting upon, that you too can stand before the King? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 4-6, Matthew 5

Monday’s reading will be 2 Kings 7-8, 2 Chronicles 21, Matthew 6

Great Is The Lord!

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 48:1

     Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised

      In the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

    Let this be clear, and let there be no doubt: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. After yesterday’s post many will only see the great hardship of the evil about us, but a few will see what Jesus Christ had done for them, the great turmoil and heartache that he bore, that we, even as we were his enemies in all ways, might be found redeemed. I, having experienced but a small part of that heartache, know that I would not have done that thing. Yet, Christ took it all upon himself so that we can escape his wrath. And even in that, God is Great, and greatly to be praised. Will you surrender today, and make him known among all nations? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 2-3, Psalm 48, Matthew 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 4-6, Matthew 5