What Will It Take For You To Believe?

 

Today's Verse is John 20:29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

    In comparing ourselves with Thomas, this is the question we must ask, How much proof do I require to believe God? We have been told, The heavens declare the glory of God; /And the firmament sheweth his handywork. Which is understandable by all, and Paul further explains: Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [them -those that hold the truth in unrighteousness, others have translated it: suppress the truth.] So, will you, take God at his word? Or will you by sinful pride reject God and all that he has offered you? Therein is our Choice, which will you make? Amen.

To God be the glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Daniel 10-12, John 20

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezra 1-2, John 21

What Is Your Dwelling Place?

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 91:5

     Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;

      Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

    When looking at this verse, we must understand the precondition for this to be true, which is both given in the verse before, and spelled out a few verses later. The one that is not afraid of the terror by night, nor the projectiles flying by during the day, is the same one that as made God and his Truth his refuge, and in them does he dwell. These things do not affect him, because he knows who is in Control and he has surrendered to him all things, and knows that whatever may happen, God shall be Glorified, and God shall not forget him, therefore, his labour is and was, and will not be in vain. So, will you come now, and Rest under his wing, and make the most High your habitation? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Daniel 7-9, Psalm 91, John 19

Tomorrow’s reading will be Daniel 10-12, John 20

Letting God Be God In All Things

 

Today's Verse is Daniel 4:3

How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

    As I have said before, more than once, I say again, we are commanded of God to remember his works! Starting with the works he has done as recorded in his Word, and as we will do that, and live by the hope we find there, even as Nebuchadnezzar had cause to glorify God, and marvel at the signs and wonders he had seen, so does God wish to do with and for you. Have ye not heard what he said through Hanani the seer to Asa the King of Judah? For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Will you allow God to shew himself strong on your behalf, letting him have his way, according to his purpose, in your life? Selah [Consider how God worked in Nebuchadnezzar, and caused him to be humble, will it take the same with you?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Daniel 4-6, John 18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Daniel 7-9, Psalm 91, John 19

Do You Hunger For God's Word?

 

Today's verse is John 17:17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

    It cannot be stressed enough the importance of the Word of God to the believer, to those who have trusted in the Work that Jesus Christ has done for them. As we see in this verse, it is by the truth found only in the Word of God that we can be sanctified. It is also only by God’s Word we can truly learn of him, who he is, what he desires, for we find both here, and Peter confirms it, that it by Knowing the Father we have life eternal, and we know the Father, because we have met the Son. All of this, by his Word. Therefore, let us seek out and search the Scriptures, and devour them, till he comes, that we might truly Know the one True God, and his Son. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Daniel 1-3, Psalm 88, John 17

Tomorrow’s reading will be Daniel 4-6, John 18

Do You Know The Peace Of God?

 

Today's Verse is John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

    In and through Jesus Christ, we can KNOW peace whatever turmoil or tribulation we might face: whether it might be as minor as a split nail, or as major as what the Jews, God’s People, faced in Auschwitz (many without the true knowledge of God, but we know him, as well as some of them.) Therefore, as we have learned through Peter as he walked on the water, let us keep our eyes upon the Saviour, knowing that he is in Control, and he has already overcome, and so, in and by him, we also can overcome and come out Triumphant when we face him at the Bema Seat. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 46-48, John 16

Tomorrow’s reading will be Daniel 1-3, Psalm 88, John 17

Facing God's Judgment As His Child.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 135:14

     For the LORD will judge his people,

      And he will repent himself concerning his servants.

    I have said, and I do not repent, that because God will judge his people, we have cause to fear, tremble even; but, in this we have comfort, for we that have been Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, even we shall not be destroyed, for we shall not receive the things we have wrought by the flesh: All of that shall be burned up, to be remembered no more. Instead, we shall receive of the things that we have allowed the Spirit of God to do through us, that we might have something to bring to the Father, when we come before him as his children. Let us not come to him empty-handed and give him the Praise for all that he has done. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 42-45, Psalm 135, John 15

Monday’s reading will be Ezekiel 46-48, John 16

The True Invisible Friend.

 

Today's Verse is John 14:19

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 

    In the world, there are reports of those that have invisible friends, of which, I have met at least one. Now, these friends, invariably are trouble makers, always getting the one that “sees” them into trouble. Yet, we that have recieved the gift of Salvation, also have an invisible friend, one that dwells within us, but this friend, rather than getting us into trouble, is promised to shew us the true way of God, helping us to keep God’s Word, God’s way, that we might walk in the paths of Righteousness [which may bring a trouble all its own.] Have you met him? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 40-42, John 14

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 42-45, Psalm 135, John 15

Remembering The Place He Has Chosen.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 87:3

     Glorious things are spoken of thee,

      O city of God. Selah.

    Truly today as Jesus has said, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. And until the time when the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled this saying is and will be uncontested! Yet, we have the Promise of God that he will reestablish the place where he has already placed his name, even the City of Jerusalem, otherwise known as Zion. For when he comes back and establishes his Kingdom forevermore, it will be there in Jerusalem, and later in the New Jerusalem where is shall make his Seat. Therefore, even now, let us recognize this place for what it shall be, and who he shall establish there, and according to his Word, support them until he does. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 40-42, John 14

Resting In The Promises Of God!

 

Today's Verse is Ezekiel 34:15

I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. 

    Here is a precious promise that we who have been grafted in can take part in; but only if we can trust he will keep it to whom it was originally made, even his chosen People Israel. For we know that they have been blinded in part, that we who are Gentiles might also receive of the Blessed Hope. Therefore, let us that Know Jesus Christ, rest in him, being confident that the one that cannot lie, made us a promise of redemption, even as he had with Israel his People, which he will in due course restore. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 34-36, Psalm 86, John 12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13

When God Shall Show Himself Openly!

 

Today's Verse is Ezekiel 33:33

And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.

    More and more I am coming to believe that during that time of Jacob’s Trouble that the time when God hid the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven from those that had no desire to understand, will be at an end, for even as he pours out his wrath upon all of mankind living on the Earth, he will be showing himself openly to all that dwell therein. I know it is something I would like to observe, but I have no desire to participate in, for all, including those that believe, will be living in dire conditions, until the Lord come back openly to set up his Millennial Reign upon the Earth. And Yet, there will still be those that will believe the lie, and deny God and refuse his Mercy and Grace. Will you be one of those? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 31-32, John 11

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 34-36, Psalm 86, John 12

Do You Know That God Is In Control?

 

Today's Verse is Ezekiel 28:2

Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: 

    As I was reading this, I was remembered what Isaiah wrote of Babylon in his day, That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! . . . which it appears to have been the seat of Lucifer at that time, and for that reason though God would use Babylon for his purpose, at the time of Ezekiel’s writing, Nebuchadnezzar had been called a servant of God by Jeremiah, and I believe at some point Daniel recorded Nebuchadnezzar’s Salvation Testimony. So, while Babylon’s time was limited, he still used Nebuchadnezzar to begin the destruction of Tyrus, where Satan had made his current seat, not being able to keep his influence upon the current King of Babylon. Great is the Majesty of God, who sets up one, and brings down another, all the while using all to further his own end, that we all may know, that HE IS GOD. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 28-30, John 10

Monday’s reading will be Ezekiel 31-32, John 11

Understanding What It Is To Fear God.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 85:9

     Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him;

      That glory may dwell in our land.

    It appears to be a common teaching today, that to fear God is merely to be in awe of him. To this, I wish to vehemently disagree. Both Paul and Peter have expressed fear, Terror, even at the thought that the Redeemed will have to answer for every deed done in the body, and every word, whether in earnest, or idle, must be accounted for. To Fear God is to know that he hates, cannot even abide sin, whether major or minor, and all of it must be dealt with in the most harshest of retribution. However, if there was no hope of redemption, this fear would be worthless, pointless even, and the saying, “Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” would be the best course of Action. Here is where Awe comes in, because God, the most Righteous Judge of all the earth is willing to Forgive, and through his Son has made it possible for even the most vile of sinners to find Redemption by the Propitiation available only by the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, will you fear God, and come to him for forgiveness of your Sin? Selah [Let this sink in, and Fear!] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 25-27, Psalm 85, John 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 28-30, John 10

Is There Anyone To Stand In The Gap Today?

 

Today's Verse is Ezekiel 22:30

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. 

    Moses stood in the Gap, Gideon stood in the Gap, even Jephthah stood in the Gap, but neither Jeremiah, Ezekiel, nor even Daniel, named as a righteous man along with Noah and Job, did God see as a man that in their day could stand in the Gap against the Judgments that he would send against the Nation of Israel, his chosen people. I do not know of Jeremiah nor Ezekiel, but I believe I can say it of Daniel, that he was willing, but the people would not hear, and in not hearing how could they repent? Is today like unto that day? I do not know, but more and more it appears to be so. So, what do we do? We seek to remain faithful to God’s Word, faithful to walk in in ways, and faithful to speak his Word, especially the Good News of the Gospel, that all around us may Know that there is a God that loves them, and is prepared to accept them if they come to him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 22-24, Psalm 134, John 8

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 25-27, Psalm 85, John 6

Do You Really Want To Know What God Has To Say?

 

Today's Verse is Ezekiel 20:3

Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. 

    Do you really want to know what God would have you do? Or are you just seeking is counsel for the sake of being seen to do it? Do we not know of the King Saul, not repentant of his disobediences, he sought counsel from God, but could not find it, tell he sought it against the written counsel, and sought one that had a familiar spirit, and he received the Pronouncement of Judgment. And what of Israel, when they recieved word of the bounty of the promised land, but for the difficulties ahead, the did not believe, nor trust that God would do as he had said. When they sought to repent, judgment had already been set, and not even Moses was able to enter into God’s Rest. So, if you wish to seek out God and inquire of him, come to him humbly, Glorifying God as God, seeking to repent of those things you have disobeyed, and if Repentance is not now available: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. From what I have seen, and Read in God’s Word, the only reason God refuses you, is because you have refused him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 19-21, Psalm 84, John 7

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 22-24, Psalm 134, John 8

An Unbreakable Promise

 

Today's Verse is John 6:37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 

    . . .And I will raise him up at the last day. There is much in this verse and the context which it is found in. We have already looked at the deadness of those that know not God, and what God has done to counteract that; therefore, let us look at the security found within these words. There are some who think that once we have placed our trust in Jesus Christ, that we could just as easily depart from that bond. Yet, we know that this is no easy thing, for God went to great lengths that we who have believed might do so, even to the estrangement of his Son (which is even harder than his death) even that we might have eternal life in him. So, when we make that commitment to him, he also makes a commitment to us, greater than any commitment we are capable of, and therefore, he will in no wise cast [us] out. Will you come to him Today? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 16-18, John 6

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 19-21, Psalm 84, John 7

Finding And Abiding In God's Word

 

Today's verse is John 5:38

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 

    Today we have a contrast, of those that claim to be speaking for God, but are not, even as Ezekiel warned from God: Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord[.] And at this time, we must remember the curse Jeremiah pronounced unto Moab: Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, which will become evident shortly. Christ has at another time promised us: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me[.] So, knowing that there are those that speak falsely, saying that they speak for God but only speak from themselves, let us be diligent to seek out the Word God has given us and made available to us that we may do the work of God, even as Jesus has told us: This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. God has sent to us his Word, and has allowed to prove you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul those that speak falsely in his name or another’s. For by God’s Word, we shall know that he is God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 13-15, Psalm 136, John 5

Monday’s reading will be Ezekiel 16-18, John 6

God Will Not Remain Silent

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 83:1

     Keep not thou silence, O God:

      Hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

    As you now may think that God is currently silent, for many appear to believe that God does not see, and God does not care what transpires here on Earth. But, if you know how to look, and are willing to see, what he is currently doing is plain to see. Yet, there is coming a time, which may be soon, and is certainly somewhat imminent when God will begin to judge the whole earth, and what he does, no one will be able to deny, though many will try. Therefore, do not delay, and Repent now, for if you see these things that are to come, it may be too late. But God is willing to hear now, (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Will you come to him now, and walk with him till your work is done? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 10-12, Psalm 83, John 4

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 13-15, Psalm 136, John 5

You Have A Choice!

 

Today's Verse is John 3:14

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 

    There is a question, that I want to take this opportunity to answer: Are there those that God has “chosen” to damnation, that is to destruction? Even as we have been told: What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction[.] Have these been chosen from the beginning of the World, with no ability to have ever changed their fate? We know, for we have been told that God is not willing that any should perish, and we also know for we have been told No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him[,] and also And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins[.] Now if those that are not saved are dead, how then are they able to choose, that is believe in this one that was lifted up? Now here is the thing, even as we have been informed of our natural state, and God’s desire to redeem us, we have this promise: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. So, if no man can come to Redemption unless the Father draw him, we know that the Son does nothing without the Father, so, then since Jesus Christ was lifted up, even as we have this assurance that He is drawing all men unto him, so too does the Father, and his Spirit, but he will not force, and therefore you have a choice which can be freely made. Will you make the right choice? If you do, your Redemption will be secure in Christ Jesus. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 7-9, John 3

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 10-12, Psalm 83, John 4

Keeping The Judgment Of God In The Forefront Of Our Thoughts

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 82:1

     God standeth in the congregation of the mighty;

      He judgeth among the gods.

    This here is the thing that we are most likely to do all that we can to ignore. That we may go about our way, doing that which we wish, hoping to have no Fear of giving an account of those things that we both do and say, even to every Idle Word. Yet, have we not been told: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment[.] Now, I have seen, that both Peter and Paul have expressed fear, yea, even Terror at the thought that we as the Redeemed will have what we have done in this life tested, even so as by fire. If this be the fate of the Righteous, what shall be the end of them be that know not the Goodness of the Saviour? Therefore, by the Spirit that dwells within us, let us be Bold, and fear not to tell our Neighbour of the wonderful works of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 4-6, Psalm 82, John 2

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 7-9, John 3

Will You Hear The Word Of God?

 

Today's Verse is Ezekiel 2:5

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. 

    Both of what I read in Ezekiel and John today has this theme: That God is most interested in leaving a witness to the world of Men, whether we will Hear or Forbear. Just as Christ had testified of those who will not hear, They have Moses and the Prophets, if they will not hear them, they will not believe though one rise from the dead, so too will those of today not believe unless they will accept as from God his Word. So, will you hear, will to seek out the Word of God and purpose in your heart that you will agree with it, and do it? And so, this is the test of God’s Word: Is it faithful? Has what it has said, come to pass, and what it has said, does it point you to the One True God? Even as God had sent his Prophets (messengers) in the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel and Daniel, so also do we have his Word with us today, will you not only hear it, but Proclaim it as well? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ezekiel 1-3, John 1

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ezekiel 4-6, Psalm 82, John 2

Why Wait?

 

Today's Verse is Jeremiah 51:10

     The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness:

      Come, and let us declare in Zion

      The work of the LORD our God.

    While we have been told, the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance, however, as we see in the verse above, that even in the midst of Judgment, God always has a remnant! At this point, this verse appears to me to stand at a junction between the final destruction of Babylon and the soon coming (already happened by our time) fall of Babylon by the Medes. However, the point of this verse is that there will be those that for their experience will have been brought to the understanding of God’s mercy and grace, thereby receiving the Righteousness of God, which was wrought in them by his work and not their own. But why wait, for many who will see God’s judgment, for them it will be too late, for do you not know that now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation[?] So, while that time of his judgment appears to be near, let us turn to the one that is Good while he may be found, and work out that work that he has done in us, that other may also see, and hopefully also repent. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Jeremiah 50-51, 2 Peter 3

Monday’s reading will be Ezekiel 1-3, John 1