Will We Hear?

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 10:8

And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.

    Last year, I had thought that it was King Saul that had chosen for his seat, Gilgal. Yet here we find that is was not of Saul’s choice, but the example set before him by the man of God. Still, if Saul had taken the hint, that his authority came from God and His Word, he could have prospered, rather than be rejected of God for his disobedience. So, we can see that Saul built his house upon the sand. Will you do the same, or as we have been advised by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will you build your house upon the Rock, God’s Word? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 9-12

Monday’s reading will be 1 Samuel 13-14

We Cannot Use God!

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 4:11

And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

    This bears repeating, God is not our servant, but we are to be His. Even as God’s priests were making a mock of God’s Law, the people thought that bringing the Ark of the Covenant to battle would help them. But, not once did they think to inquire of God what they ought to do. So, the Ark of God was taken, and as God had said Hophni and Phinehas were slain, and when their Father heard about the ark, he died also. Therefore, let us refuse to take God for granted, and when we have a need, let us first ask of Him what we ought to do, knowing that He has already prepared for us an answer, and if not, we wait, examining ourselves, that we may confess our faults before Him, lest we have tarried too long. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 4-8

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 9-12

Being Faithful, Even When Others Are Not.

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 2:17

Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

    First, I confess, I am not innocent in this matter. Yet we see here the answer of God to those that would say, “I don’t go to church because of the hypocrites there.” But we know that the offering of the Lord was to be done in the place the Lord chose, and where God chose is where the Priests needed to be to accept and make the offerings for the people. And so, there were the “sons of be Belial” even the sons of the High Priest misrepresenting the God they were there to serve. And yet those that abstained of their observance to God, also were found guilty before God. I don’t know how you need to apply this, but consider this; the same man that failed in training his sons in the ways of the Lord, was the same man that trained Samuel, and Samuel, who grew up in the midst of all this wickedness, learned to Fear God, and was a man counted in Righteousness. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 1-3

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 4-8

When God is Remembered, Even Just A Little Bit.

 

Today's Verse is Ruth 1:16

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 

    Yesterday, we looked at the consequences of when God is forgotten, and we see signs of it here in the first chapter of Ruth. Yet, by Ruth’s testimony, we see evidence that God had not been totally forgotten. For Ruth found something in Elimelech, or in Mahlon, or in Naomi, or in all of them combined which caused her to desire the God of Israel. Therefore, what can we conclude? First, can we count ourselves as one of the Redeemed? At least someone in Elimelech’s family was. Then, are we currently in obedience to the will of our Lord? Whether we are or not, we can be confident that our God will accomplish His work in us, why should we suffer the loss of reward, because He did it through us, and we unwilling? Let us, therefore, so examine ourselves, and Repent, that we might receive the full reward our Father has prepared for us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Ruth 1-4

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 1-3

When God Is Forgotten.

 

Today's Verse is Judges 19:24

Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing. 

    When I first read this, I wondered how a man could consider giving up his daughter, or his wife (concubine) to be so abused. Yet, today, I look at the state the world is in today, and the fear one has for certain neighbours, and I see the same disjointed morality now as was then. Such is the state of those that have forgotten God to do that which (seems) good in their own eyes. What can we learn from this? First, to do right, will not be without cost. Israel lost as many as they eventually slew. Then, even more importantly, we must return to God and His Word, seek His counsel in all things till all things are restored. Remembering to continue with our Relationship with God, lest we return back to those things that are not convenient. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 19-21

Tomorrow’s reading will be Ruth 1-4

Where Really Was Samson's Strength From?

 

Today's Verse is Judges 16:7

And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. 

    Samson’s first answer to those who wished to know where his strength came from. Now pay attention, when his head was shaved Samson wist not that the Lord was departed from him. Samson’s strength was a gift of the Lord, that Samson might accomplish the purpose of the Lord. I will not pretend to know, or fully understand, why it was the shaving of his head that was the final offense, but we know that Samson disregarded many of the limitations put upon him as a Nazarite. Therefore, unlike the Philistines (who would not admit) or Samson (who should have known) let us recognize that our strength to walk with the Lord and to do His Will, comes from the Lord, that we might have the rewards He has promised us to present to Him when we are presented before the Throne. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 16-18

Monday’s reading will be Judges 19-21

Samson, A Servant Of God, Asked, And Received.

 

Today's Verse is Judges 15:18

And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? 

    I am greatly comforted by the story of Samson, because no one can argue that Samson was perfect. Yet God used him, and having been used of God, when he suffered a need, and asked God for provision, God supplied. In this case with an obvious miracle. This teaches us that when we are doing as God wants however imperfectly we can expect Him to provide for our needs (by whatever means He choses, miracle or not.) Therefore, let us be confident in our way, as we examine ourselves being sure we are walking in the direction He has directed us. Knowing that He has us in His care, and will truly provide us what is needed for our journey, just for the asking. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 13-15

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 16-18

Understanding The Different Response.

Today's Verse is Judges 12:2

 And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands. 

    Yesterday, we saw that Gideon Praised the Ephraimites when they complained about not being included initially, but in the end, they had helped. But now, a few generations later Ephraim is once again angry about not being included, having not responded to the call, and so they were rebuked, and punished having been not willing to hear the call and fight. So, today, we must ask, is there a cause? Is there a reason to fight? Will you cower in fear? Or will you not be ashamed of the one that died for you and Stand Up for His Cause not backing down. Will this be the hill you are ready to fight for, and if need be, die for? Else the Lord say, Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 10-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 13-15

Build Up Those That Helped In The End.

 

Today's Verse is Judges 8:1

And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.

    There will be times when following the counsel, or rather, the command of God, that when others see your success, they will not rejoice, but rise up in envy, because they were not included, even by God’s design. Let us notice how Gideon defused the tension. Did he announce how he was chosen of God? Did he describe to them how he was directed by God? Did he ask them where they were, when he sent nearly 30,000 home? Nay, none of that. Instead he built up their accomplishments once they responded to the call and joined in the victory. Perhaps, we also should consider this example in like circumstances. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 8-9

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 10-12

In Hell, You Will NOT Suffer More Than You Deserve.

 

Today's Verse is Judges 6:1

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. 

    There are those who say, God must be wicked and cruel, sending those that do not worship Him to Hell. Consider the hardships that God allowed Midian to inflict upon Israel, we have seen it today, where even the most meager of sustenance is denied to an area. But, to Glorify God as God, consider His Law. Does He not demand that the punishment is not to be greater than the crime? This being so (Glorify God as God, for He is not wicked, neither is He cruel, but He is not ashamed of being called Terrible,) how evil and wicked we must be to deserve such things as Israel here suffered, not to mention being cast into Hell. But Terrible as God is, He also Good, and has shown us His Grace. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. So, will you, Repenting of your wicked ways, Trust in God’s Goodness and Grace, turn to Him and receive the Gift He is offering through Jesus Christ, that you might be made a New Creature to His Glory? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 6-7

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 8-9

In God's Mercy, Using Our Disobedience To Shew His Might Works.

 

Today's Verse is Judges 3:4

And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

    Is God testing Israel for His sake? Or theirs? Not for His sake, but that they might know their own wicked heart. Also, I believe I see, hidden in the context, God’s purpose of shewing Himself to those who have not personally known the Mighty Works God did in removing Israel from Egypt, His Works in the wilderness, nor His works in the conquering of the Promised Land. So, by using the natural tendency we have of departing from the One True God, God took the opportunity over and over again to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. So, in spite of your wicked and deceitful heart, will you purpose in your heart to Trust him wholly, not leaning unto your imperfect understanding, but acknowledging him in all your ways, being directed by him, and so will you too see the Mighty Works of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 3-5

Monday’s reading will be Judges 6-7

Overcoming, Or Being Overcome

 

Today's Verse is Judges 2:21

I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died: 

    I believe this is also an allegory for us today. Even as the children of Israel were commanded to drive out the Canaanites from the land, so also have we been commanded: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. And as the Israelites were not to battle the Canaanites of their own strength, but were to go with God to overcome their enemies, so also are we not to overcome our sin by our own strength, but by the power of the Spirit which we have in Jesus, however, even as Israel did indeed need to fight as God helped them, so also will we possibly need to resist unto blood, striving against sin. Lest as God gave Israel over time after time to the other dwellers in the Land, so we in our disobedience may be given over unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Did not Paul later write to restore such a one to fellowship for his repentance? Therefore, let us continuously seek to overcome, refusing to be weary in well doing, that we might receive a full reward when our works are tried. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Judges 1-2

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 3-5

Being Divided For The Wrong Reason.

 

Today's Verse is Joshua 22:24

And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel? 

    The two and a half tribes that dwelled on the other side of Jordan feared division from the people of God for a superficial reason, not for the reasons which Moses had given: a departure from serving the True God according to HIs Word. Not to discount National Borders, but as followers of Jesus Christ we know that God is not a respecter of persons, but that all are invited to receive Redemption through the Blood of Jesus Christ, shed for us upon the Cross, and that as we come to unity through rightly dividing the word of truth we can truly discern the difference between us and them, and that Christ died for them too. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 22-24

Tomorrow’s reading will be Judges 1-2

God Keeping His Word Even Now.

 

Today's Verse is Joshua 21:43

And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. 

    God kept His Word and gave Israel their inheritance. He also kept His Word when He judged them as they were carried to Assyria and Babylon. He kept His Word again as many Israelites (Jews) returned again to the land. And even now, He has kept His Word with the Jews returning once again to their land in preparation for the time of Jacob’s Trouble. Therefore, as He has kept His promises to Israel, so will He also keep His promises to His Bride the Church, even as we Look for that Blessed Hope, He will enable us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world being purified unto him, a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Can others see His work in you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 19-21

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 22-24

Properly Directed Ambition.

 

Today's Verse is Joshua 17:16

And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Beth-shean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel. 

    What I want to take note of here, is that ambition, in and of itself in not a sin. However, we are to take care that we covet not what belongs to another, but seek that which God has so directed you, allowing none of the real or imagined obstacles to dissuade you.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 16-18

Monday’s reading will be Joshua 19-21

Knowing When To Step Up And Claim The Promise.

 

Today's Verse is Joshua 14:9

And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. 

    Caleb, one of the twelve spies that went and explored the land of Canaan, and of the two that saw not the obstacles, but the fruit and the promise of the land which God had given to Abraham, and his children through Isaac, and then again through Jacob (Israel,) and knowing that promise, both to Israel, and to himself, he stepped up and openly claimed them before all to Joshua. Let us therefore, recognize that there will be times that we must be bold in claiming the promises God has given us, even as we remember David, who allowed God to open the door. How do we know which example to follow? Simple, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; /And lean not unto thine own understanding. /In all thy ways acknowledge him, /And he shall direct thy paths. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 12-15

Monday’s reading will be Joshua 16-18

Preparing For The Coming Judgment.

 

Today's Verse is Joshua 11:20

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses. 

    When God promised the land to Abram [now known as Abraham] did you notice that God had told him that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. Now for the Amorites the time of Judgment has come and has been fulfilled. And yet there was a remnant that was spared even the Hivites of Gibeon. However as it was then, so it is now, those who have rejected God are being hardened that when the time for Judgment has come, that as at the time of Noah, and Sodom and Gomorrah, and even here at the conquest of Canaan that God might shew his wrath, and to make his power known, but even then shall there be a remnant that cannot be numbered as He makes known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy. So, till he comes, let us not fail to announce to our neighbours the Good News of Jesus Christ as we pray that hearing they might hear, and seeing they might perceive, and in receiving the truth they might be saved. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 9-11

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 12-15

Leaning Upon One's Own Understanding

 

Today's Verse is Joshua 7:3

And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 

    Did not God tell Israel through Moses that if they obeyed him, that five would chase an hundred, and an hundred would put ten thousand to flight? But read further and you will find that for disobedience it would be their enemies causing Israel to flee. And so is the case here, first, God was not consulted about the attack upon Ai, and most of Israel did not know that one of their number had disobeyed God's command concerning Jericho and taken unto himself a spoil. And when Joshua prostrates himself before the Lord, he is rebuked for not knowing that there was sin in the camp. Therefore, let us continuously examine ourselves being ready to Confess and Repent of our sins, not suffering sin to fall upon our neighbour as well, and fear not to seek the council of our God in all of our decisions even as David did before every one of his successes. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 5-8

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 9-11

Letting Our Faith Be Seen

 

Today's Verse is Joshua 1:18

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee. 

    Several years ago, we looked at Rabab’s obedience to this command. Though she was not to speak of her business with Israel, she was to leave evidence of her faith, and her hope of redemption, that she and her family ought to be spared from the destruction to come. She was not to be ashamed of that thread in her window, for it was to be displayed for all to see. So, let us examine ourselves, and make sure that there is something for others to see, even if we remain silent (are we not now commanded to speak,) of our Faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps others will see, and seeing ask, and in asking learn of the Judgment to come, and the way to escape it. Even as Rahab hoped to do the same. Were not she and her house delivered when the wall her house was built upon fell? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Joshua 1-4

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 5-8

A Message To The World: Will You Hear?

 

Today's Verse is Deuteronomy 32:1

     Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak;

      And hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

    The song that the Lord gave Moses for the people of Israel, from the very first statement, is not for Israel alone, and it gives warning and presents to us the History of Israel in Advance (for God knows the End from the beginning) and even gives a precursor to the idea of Fracking. And oil out of the flinty rock[.] Therefore, let us not fail to follow His injunction: And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Not forgetting that the “Law” is not just the Ten Commandments and their following statutes, but the contents of the whole Pentateuch, the writing attributed to Moses. So, when we hear of Gilgamesh and the Code of Hammurabi, and even a legend of another story similar to Moses’ own, we have been invited to diligently compare them to the accounts given to us by God through Moses. And so shall we find: He is the Rock, his work is perfect: /For all his ways are judgment: /A God of truth and without iniquity, /Just and right is he. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 91

Tomorrow’s reading will be Joshua 1-4