Have You Been Changed?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

    One might wonder from the verse above, how one could get a word of encouragement. Again, in what I read in scripture today, has been mostly the judgment of the wicked, of those who know not God, who appears to have never even considered Repentance to the One True God and his ways. So, of whom does this verse speak? Is it not those who having heard the word, and with joy recieved it, but having no root in themselves, when trouble comes because of the way, they are offended, and thereby return to their old ways, having never been truly changed. What does John have to say of this? They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. This cannot be repeated often enough, let us so examine ourselves, we that have Trusted Jesus Christ, whether we be in the faith or no. For even as Paul has promised us: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Since you have Trusted Jesus Christ, have you been changed? Selah [Never cease to consider this!] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 50-51, 2 Peter 3

Do You Know Your Saviour?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Peter 1:2

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

    For all that name the name of Jesus Christ, let this be a time of self-examination. Since you have learned of Christ, first have you confessed him as Lord, believing in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead? Have you called upon the name of the Lord? Since that time, has the knowledge of your Saviour increased? Do you understand more of the message God has left you in his Word? If not, then Repent, and search out whether or not you have truly believed, or if you have believed, where you went astray. But if so, Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord[.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Will You Choose The Rock, Or Sand?

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 42:3

     That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do. 

    As I hope you agree, this is a good question! Yet, the problem is that it was false, and those who brought it, once God gave them an answer, they quickly disregarded the promises and warnings that God had given them through Jeremiah. So much so, that I have heard a report from one that was seeking to find fault with God, that these after they had fled, and the few that survived completely and utterly forgot their God and their history. As God had said, so it happened upon them, even as we later received warning by Christ himself of those that hear the Word, then disregard it, being as those that built their house upon sand. So, let us purpose in our hearts, to first seek out God’s Word, and then to also purpose to obey it, even as the Lord God has given all to Trust in Christ his Spirit to enable us to walk pleasing to him. (The end result being obedience to his Word.) Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Understanding And Resting In God's Mercy

 

Today's Verse is Lamentations 3:22

It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

    It is important to note the context of this verse. First it is in the midst even around the middle of the Book of Lamentations (let that sink in) as Jeremiah was morning the destruction of Judah, even Jerusalem, where much hardship and heartache for the sins of the people abounded. So, we that Know Jesus Christ, which have the confidence that we shall be found in him, let us set our hope, yea even our affection on things above, as we see things that we ought to ascribe to God’s anger, yea even Judgment, to the waywardness of the people, both those that are his (as he did with Israel) and to those that currently have refused to know him. Remembering that it was by the mercy of God, which endureth for ever, that he slew Sihon and Og, and that from this we can conclude, that it is by God’s mercy that he will judge the Earth. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

When What God Had Promised Seems Lost

 

Today's Verse is 2 Kings 24:7

And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.

    A dark day indeed, for what God had promised Abram [Abraham] and his seed through Israel, he has now given to the Gentile Nation of Babylon, even as Israel herself has never possessed all of this land at any time from when God had promised it to Abraham until even now, but Babylon had. In such times, we need to remember the promise, for we know that God who made the promise cannot lie. Therefore, even as the children of Israel can be sure that they will one day possess the Land God had promised to Abraham’s children, so can we who have trusted Jesus Christ be sure that our Salvation, and all that he has promised us, is secure in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Separating Ourselves From The World.

 

Today's Verse is 1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 

    We who have believed in Christ Jesus, confessing our sin, and accepting his gift of Salvation, which he has made available to all by his death upon the Cross, and shewing himself to be God by his Resurrection on the third day, have been made citizens of a new Country, even that heavenly kingdom, which Christ shall establish when he comes again. Therefore, let us who fear the Lord, allow him to set us apart from the world and their unbridled lusts, by which, we know that God has set about their destruction. So then, in the Fear of God, to whom we must give an answer to every word and deed done in the Flesh, let us Rest in him who dwells within us, that we lose not those rewards he has set in store for us, that he might be glorified in us, on that day that he shall receive us to himself. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

The One Clean Fear

 

Today's Verse is 1 Peter 1:17

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 

    Today, we that seem to be affiliated with Christ have made light upon what it is to “Fear the Lord” often considering John’s condemnation of fear: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. And this is very true of any ungodly fear, as anyone suffering a phobia can attest. Yet, the fear of the Lord, even the terror of the Lord that Paul confirms as the result of considering the Judgment of the Saints is as the Psalmist describes as clean: The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: /The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Therefore, even as we find that we must give an account to God for every Word and Deed, let us even Rest in this one Clean Fear, which I have even found to be a comfort, That God might be Glorified in us, and that we might have something to give back to him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

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

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

Being Ready, And Choosing Life In The Midst Of Judgment.

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 21:8

And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death. 

    When Judgment comes, there is still a choice to be made, between life and between death, though at such times one may only escape with nought but their life, as it was to be with those Jeremiah is warning here. James paints another picture, where those he warned were content in their riches, false that they may be, of which we have been given counsel through John: buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. For in the dangers we currently see around us, let us repent, lest we all likewise perish. For we can be sure that our Lord is coming back. Let us be ever ready. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 37, 21, 34, Psalm 79, James 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 30-33, 1 Peter 1

An Example Of The Fulfilled Word Of God!

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 27:7

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him. 

.    As the Lord God had said through Jeremiah, so was it done. Nebuchadnezzar called the servant of God, we later find was humbled before God, and by his own testimony, Repented, and turned to the True and Living God! Yet, his grandson, yea, even his Son’s Son, Belshazzar, even as he shared the throne with his father, was rebuked by God, having known the events surrounding Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling experience, because he mocked God and was, therefore, overthrown that same night. Let us, therefore, take comfort, for as God’s Word was faithfully fulfilled in regard to Babylon, so will it be fulfilled in regard to Israel, and also, to the Church the Bride of Christ in the smallest detail, as we can even now see unfolding in the world around us. Will you trust the one that knows the end from the beginning? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 27, 28, 29, 24 James 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 37, 21, 34, Psalm 79, James 5

Have You Tamed Your Tongue?

 

Today's Verse is James 3:8

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 

    It does not take long to see the truth of this verse by the things we hear spoken by ourselves and those around us, many of us not knowing that for every idle word we must give an account. How many of us even remember those Idle words which we speak? But God knows as he has heard. Yet he has commanded us, If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God[.] For if we allow the Lord God speak through us, we have his promise that his Word will not return to him Void. Therefore will you join with me as I pray as David did: Let the Words of my mouth, /And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, /O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 25, 35, 36, 45, Psalm 133, James 3

Monday’s reading will be Jeremiah 27, 28, 29, 24 James 4

Do You Know Where God's Word Can Be Found?

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 23:36

And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God. 

    Do you know how to find the incorruptible seed, even the word of God by which we can be born again? Today, in my language, and I have found in others also, hundreds of different books which claim to be God’s Word because they are seeking for the very words spoken by their authors, saying that we now know things that we did not some 400 years ago, so that we are better able to determine what is the word of God. Is this what God meant when he said The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: /But the word of our God shall stand for ever[?] I, myself, hear them say, Yea, Hath God said? However, many times we have the promise of God that his Word endures forever, even as we are assured by Peter: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. Therefore, with diligence go and find this word that is not perverted, but pure and undefiled, that ye may Know what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 22, 23, 26, Psalm 77, James 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 25, 35, 36, 45, Psalm 133, James 3

Keep Sight Of God's Faithfulness.

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. 

    As we read of Jeremiah, he is beginning to face the opposition of men who oppose themselves by opposing God by seeking to fulfill their own lusts. At such times as this, we need to remember, even has Jeremiah needed to, the promises that our God had given us, specially those that do not depend upon us keeping our part of the deal, for our God does not Repent of the promises he made. For if we continue to read: Jeremiah through he suffered greatly at the hands of those that opposed God, he lived through it all and stayed in the land until after all but the remnant, even the poor of the land remained, until they for unfounded fear, escaped to Egypt taking Jeremiah with them. Therefore, let us learn from Jeremiah and remain Faithful to our God, for he will remain Faithful to his Word as we find he did for Jeremiah. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 17-20, James 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 22, 23, 26, Psalm 77, James 2

Though Weak, We Can Be Strong!

Today's Verse is 2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.  

    When Christ was crucified, he took upon himself our weakness, as it were, refusing to exercise his own strength, which would have allowed him to come down off that Cross, O Amazing Grace, that God has shown me that he did not come down! Yet now that he has Risen, he has given me, Yea all that have received new life in him, the power to walk in newness of life. Therefore, let us examine ourselves, has Christ entered into you? If so have ye yielded yourself unto him, that he might work through you that others may see him in you, the image of his Holiness and Righteousness? Selah [Let this consume you.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 14-16, Psalm 76, 2 Corinthians 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 17-20, James 1

Why Does God Allow The Wicked To Prosper?

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 12:1

Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? 

    Let us see if we can clear up this mystery. Jeremiah had just ended the last Chapter with a judgment upon some who had sought his life, but now he laments at the prosperity of the wicked. What do we know? First, we know that within Jeremiah’s lifetime that Jerusalem and Judah will fall, thus these that are now prospering will also fall. Second, it has been revealed that it is the Goodness of God that leads to repentance. So, I believe we can conclude that before God makes his wrath known, he is giving the wicked one last time to Repent. Therefore, let us not Fret of them that prospers in their way, for even as God had judged Israel and Judah for their transgressions, even so is coming to us The Day of the Lord, when all shall be set right. Let us, therefore, fail not to warn, and declare the Good News to all that will hear, for we know that God always has his Remnant. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 11-13, 2 Corinthians 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 14-16, Psalm 76, 2 Corinthians 13

The Correct Response To Tragedy.

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 9:1

     Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears,

      That I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

    Near the end of last week, a great tragedy happened, and not knowing the details I (callously, some would say) quoted Christ’s reaction to Pilate’s action against some Galilaeans, mingling their blood with their sacrifices, to which Jesus said: I tell you, Nay, but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Then he goes on; Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above them all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. At this time let us remember that even Job had to repent in the end. Herein is the chief reason for the evil in the world, herein is the chief reason we suffer: The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them? So, the sorrow we ought to feel for this event, will it be a Godly sorrow leading to Repentance, or a sorrow of the world which worketh death? Let us choose wisely. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 8-10, 2 Corinthians 11

Monday’s reading will be Jeremiah 11-13, 2 Corinthians 12

Edification Or Destruction?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Corinthians 10:8

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 

    The authority of which Paul speaks here is one of an Apostle, even one sent of our Lord to proclaim the message of the New Testament that we might begin to understand the mind of our Lord. From this we can also glean God’s purpose for his Word, that we might be edified rather than be destroyed, because we have reveled in our sin, because we have rejected the gift offered by God himself, giving us the opportunity to be reconciled unto him through the Ministry of his Son. Will you hear, will you respond, will you come to the one that Loves you? Or, after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God[?] Selah [Know ye not that the choice is yours?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 5-7, Psalm 75, 2 Corinthians 10

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 8-10, 2 Corinthians 11

God's Protection Of His Ministers.

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. 

    This is what God is saying to Jeremiah, his Prophet, his messenger. He is giving Jeremiah his promise of protection, because the Word he is to proclaim will not be a joyful one, because he is the Harbinger of the Judgment God is bringing upon the Nation Judah. And truly did Jeremiah survive the fall of Jerusalem and of Judah, though he went through many trials. We that have been redeemed by the Cross of Christ and his shed blood, having been commanded to proclaim the everlasting Gospel, while not enjoying this promise Jeremiah received, (are we greater than our Master?) Yet, we know that until our race has been run, we shall prevail, even has Jeremiah has. Let us, therefore, trusting in our God, be faithful to him, as we boldly tell our Neighbours the Good News. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 1-4, Psalm 130, 2 Corinthians 9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 5-7, Psalm 75, 2 Corinthians 10

Remembering That God Is Still God.

 

Today's verse is Psalm 74:16

     The day is thine, the night also is thine:

      Thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

    This Psalm ends with a Prayer to God to Forget not the voice of thine [God’s] enemies: for The tumult of those that rise up against thee [Again God] increaseth continually. Even now, can we not see the same thing? Yet, even so, let us remember the promise of this day’s verse. For whether it is day or night, God that created the Heaven and the Earth is still God of all, and he is still active in the world. So, let us not forget what he has shown us in the light, so that as we find we must walk in the dark, we can still trust in him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Zephaniah 1-3, Psalm 74, 2 Corinthians 8

Tomorrow’s reading will be Jeremiah 1-4, Psalm 130, 2 Corinthians 9

Do Not Miss God's Works Around Us.

 

Today's verse is 2 Corinthians 7:6

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 

    In what I read today, we can find many reasons to fear. Habakkuk, saw the coming Judgment of God in his time, Yet Paul saw the strife that is caused by the Preaching of the Gospel. There was a time when I would have said but our sufficiency is of God, Yet here we find that God will determine how he is sufficient, and in the case we find above, we find that God used Titus to comfort Paul in the distresses he found himself in. Let us, therefore, learn from this and as we look to our Saviour in whatever circumstance we may find ourselves, let us not forget the small, nor even the large, blessings that he has given us on our way. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Habakkuk 1-3, 2 Corinthians 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be Zephaniah 1-3, Psalm 74, 2 Corinthians 8

Giving No Offence

 

Today's Verse is 2 Corinthians 6:3

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 

    In another place we are given this plea: that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Now, also consider the humbleness of our Lord and Saviour in his own surrender unto the Father: The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth the Son likewise. In as much as we are to be conformed into the image of the Son, this is the level of surrender we are to aspire, and as we come closer to accomplishing this, we shall find ourselves obeying the injunction presented before us today. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 34-35, 2 Corinthians 6

Monday’s reading will be Habakkuk 1-3, 2 Corinthians 7

Are You A Minister Of Reconciliation?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 

    One may ask, “How do I know that I am to tell others what Jesus Christ has done for me?” The answer to that question is: Have you been reconciled to God by Jesus Christ? If so you have been given the charge by God to let your neighbour know that what God has done for you, he is both willing and able to do for them. As Christ has died for you giving you life eternal, will you, therefore, live for him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 22-23, Psalm 73, 2 Corinthians 5

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Chronicles 34-35, 2 Corinthians 6

Still Looking For The Blessed Hope!

 

Today's Verse is 2 Corinthians 4:14

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 

    There are those that by my understanding claim that the Daniel’s seventieth week, (Jacob’s Trouble, The Tribulation, the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar's Statue) have already been fulfilled by 70AD at the destruction of Jerusalem and the 2nd Temple. Yet, these things are based upon a natural, yet faulty conclusion, that God is done with Israel. To this Paul has asked and answered, I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. So, still we look for the Blessed Hope even for the return of Christ for his own. First for his bride, the Church, but later when his wrath is concluded, he will return for his People, even those that have for a time been blinded (that we Gentiles might find him) Israel, Restored by faith in Christ just as the Gentiles are redeemed through faith. And so, his Kingdom shall begin. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Nahum 1-3, Psalm 149, 2 Corinthians 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Kings 22-23, Psalm 73, 2 Corinthians 5

Understanding What Is The New Testament

 

Today's Verse is 2 Corinthians 3:6

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 

    To understand this, we must understand the purpose of the first testament, even the law given by Moses, by which we learned: There is none righteous, no not one. As we are told, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Therefore, it is by this New Testament that the blessedness David described is possible, even Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. It is to this end that Jesus Christ died and rose again from the dead, that all that come to him will have life, even eternal life, not by any deed done by them, but by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost[.] Therefore, let us labour to enter that rest, by which we have ceased our own works, allowing the Spirit to work in us, having rested in the work of Christ. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33, Psalm 72, 2 Corinthians 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be Nahum 1-3, Psalm 149, 2 Corinthians 4