The Strength That Comes From Unity

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 133:1

     Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

      For brethren to dwell together in unity!

    In the past, when looking at this verse, this Psalm, we focused on how to be unified by being in the same mind of Christ. That is to all being in agreement with God’s Word. However, we also have testimony from David of being separated apart: My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; /And my kinsmen stand afar off. So then, while there may be times when we must stand alone by the convictions God has given us, (or for chastisement sake) let us seek out those that are seeking God, for there is a natural strength that comes from being with those who are with us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 133

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 106-107

God Was With David

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 5:10

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

    Have you read of when Joshua went and asked one, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? and the answer was, Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. As was then, so I believe appertained to David. It was not really so much that the Lord was with David, as David was with the Lord. David had had many trials before he became King, and had seen that God delivered him through them all, and as I know I am prone to do, and Israel did in the wilderness, He did not forget what God had done for him; therefore, he continued to place his Trust in the God that is faithful, even as we have been promised by Christ: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. And was God was with David, so also can we expect He will be with us, when we seek to walk with Him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 1 Chronicles 11-12

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 133

Seeking Quick Repentance.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 103:4

     Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;

      Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

    Yesterday, we looked at a man that would not repent, and therefore, God removed him. But for those that are like him, we have another example, for David, as prone to stumbling as he was experienced the blessings found in this verse. For he, I would say, embraced Repentance. Today, I read of one that supposedly received Christ, yet continuously felt condemned by his sin. Let such a one examine himself, for There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. While there is a condition to this, even the unrepentant Christian knows that he is no longer Condemned to Everlasting Punishment, even while he faces continuous chastisement from his loving Father. Therefore, as David let us seek to be quick to Repent, that we may truly enjoy the lovingkindness and tender mercies our God wishes to bestow upon us. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 102-104

Monday’s reading will be 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 1 Chronicles 11-12

Between A Rock And A Hard Place

 

Today's Verse is 1 Chronicles 10:14

And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

    Wait, did not Saul go to the one that had the familiar spirit, because God was not answering him? Really, that was immaterial and was also a part of the reason for his judgment. I had a Pastor who often said, “God will not lead you past your latest disobedience.” What did Saul already Know, what had God already told him? One. His family line will not hold the throne (There will be no dynasty of Saul) Two. That God had chosen another to be king. Did Saul know who that man was? We must conclude, Yes. For it was this cause he sought to kill David. The Philistines were threating, and seemed an urgent thing to deal with, so what was Saul to do? He did what most of us would do, he gave false service to God, then went and fought against the Philistines and met his end. Therefore, what ought he have done? Did he know what the will of the Lord was? He was told. He knew who God wanted to be King. Could he have abdicated, and given the Kingdom to David? I would say, difficult, but not impossible. Only God knows what would have happened if he would have obeyed the Word he had already been given. Selah [What can we learn from this?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Chronicles 7-10

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 102-104

Without God, Or With And By Him?

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 81:12

     So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust:

      And they walked in their own counsels.

    A dire warning repeated throughout scripture, and the beginning of the judgment of God: To be given over to our own heart’s desire with no restraint, to suffer whatever consequences the misuses of proper order might bring. Yet, if we submit to the One that made us and Delight in Him, He has promised to us the desires of our hearts and as we Commit our way unto Him; Trusting in Him; He shall bring it to pass. And that which would have destroyed us by misuse will instead bring about Joy and Gladness not only for ourselves but for all about us, because we did it God’s way and in His time. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 81, 88, 92-93

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Chronicles 7-10

A Glimpse Of The People In David's Day

 

Today's Verse is 1 Chronicles 6:39

And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea, 

    Allow me to introduce to you Asaph, one of the men appointed by David over the service of song in the house of the Lord. So, what we saw yesterday, was not at a low point in Israel’s history, but during the reign of David, and as it would appear of Solomon, at Israel’s height. Asaph testified of being envious at the foolish, seeing the prosperity of the wicked, even at such a time of David’s reign. Truly, God will bless a Nation whose leader(s) fear God, but the wickedness of the hearts of the people will not go unnoticed, therefore, we that have been redeemed have been given an opportunity even now to make known the mystery of the gospel. Let us not waste this time, for we know not when the time of Judgment has been set, and tomorrow may be too late, will you be found wanting when we appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, when he shall judge His servants. But Paul testified: Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. Will you purpose to be in that number? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Chronicles 6

Tomorrow's reading will be Psalm 81, 88, 92-93

When There Seems To Be No Room For Anything But Doubt.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 73:2

     But as for me, my feet were almost gone;

      My steps had well nigh slipped.

    This is not a new topic, neither is the answer fresh, Yet God’s Word is incorruptible, and His counsel is always Good. It is in times like these we must remember: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Even as we learned by what I read today, Remember the Works that God has done in times past. Remember how God pleaded with David, and even Saul. How He Guided Daniel and succoured Elisha, and not only these, but remember how God shewed himself to you and has worked in you to bring you to himself, Have you seen it? In short and to repeat Remember the Works of God, both old and new, and be strong and of good courage for God will keep His promises to you even as He kept His promise to Abraham. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 73, 77-78

Tomorrow's reading will be 1 Chronicles 6

Separating Ourselves From Those That Know Not God.

 

Today's Verse is 1 Chronicles 5:25

And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. 

    Let this be a warning to us who profess Jesus Christ and dwell in the midst of the idea of Multiculturalism for such an Idea is anathema to a Holy and Righteous God who calls His People to Holiness. Even as Paul admonishes us: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate. Also do we not know from God’s Word, that they having rejected God, have also rejected His ways that they might follow after their own lusts, which God has let them do? Therefore, let us not be conformed to this world: but transformed by the renewing of our minds since we have been born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is I Chronicles 3-5

Monday's reading will be Psalm 73, 77-78

Knowing Whom To Trust.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 44:6

     For I will not trust in my bow,

      Neither shall my sword save me.

    It is without a doubt that we were created to work, did not God tell us before He made Adam, There was not a man to till the ground? Yet, as Jesus Christ has shewn us, we are to do nothing without the Lord working through us, so that when we do a thing (anything) it is not us doing it, but Him. Therefore, as Solomon has directed us, let us, Trust in the Lord with all our hearts, leaning not on our own understanding, for when we acknowledge him in all we do he shall direct our paths (way) that the Lord our Rightiousness may work His Righteousness in us to His Glory. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

Tomorrow’s reading will be I Chronicles 3-5

Are You Seeking The Rest Which Comes From The Promise

 

Today's Verse is 1 Chronicles 1:28

The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.

    Here we have Isaac and Ishmael, not in the order of birth, but, and I hate to say, in the order of preference. For Isaac was the child of Promise, and Ishmael, was Abraham’s, with Sarah, attempt to fulfill that promise, and with this, I think I am beginning to understand the teaching Paul gave, and how it fits into the allegory he drew from these two boys. Therefore, as Sarah had said to Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. So, even we ought to seek the Rest of the Promise and not our own works under the Law. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Selah [Do you know, and will you seek after the Promise?] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Chronicles 1-2

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

Those That Seek God Opposed To Those Who Have Rejected Him.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 21:13

     Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength:

      So will we sing and praise thy power.

    In today’s readings we have seen a contrast, between the Power of God, those that follow and worship Him, and those that have rejected Him. Those who have placed their trust in Him, find refuge in the day of trouble, strength in the time of need, and when all is said and done they find they have been Blessed beyond measure. Those who have rejected Him not so, for while they may appear to be strong for a time, all things as they desire, in due course all that they have built will crumble and find themselves destitute when they find they also have to face the Holy and Righteous Judge, the God that created them. And thus, shall God make His power known. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 6,8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Chronicles 1-2

Learning To Follow David's Example.

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 1:17

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: 

    As we read further, we can see that David never held ill will to Saul, though he prayed for deliverance from him, and Jonathan was his friend, but even more so David cared for his nation Israel, and the loss that Isreal suffered this day. Therefore, as David has modeled for us the precepts Jesus clarified when He commanded us to Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Even so, let us follow after, remembering that today we are here, that others might receive that same Grace that we have, that they too might escape the Wrath of God which is to come upon all that that have rejected the Goodness of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 1-4

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 6,8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21

Keeping Our Eyes On Our Helper.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 123:1

     Unto thee lift I up mine eyes,

      O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

    Immediately, as I read the passages from today, I saw the theme from the first verse: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, /From whence cometh my help. From the hill tops straight to the heavens we find where our hope lies. Even to the one who Created the Heaven and the Earth, though it seems that He tarries, He does not, for He already knows the perfect time. Therefore, will you Trust Him, even as we are reminded again and again in these Psalms I have read today. Selah [Consider and Know the Faithfulness of God.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 121, 123-125, 128-130

Monday’s reading will be 2 Samuel 1-4

Will You Also Need To Be Rescued?

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 28:1

And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men. 

    David had successfully kept his actions from the ears of Achish, and when David tried to subtly warn him of what he might do, his deception was complete, even to the point that Achish was willing to appoint David as his own bodyguard. Even as we have looked at this before, for God rescued David from his own actions, for not all believed he had “changed.” Now, David ended up in this place because he had not trusted the Lord, nor sought His counsel after the last time he had confronted Saul. So, we can be comforted by David’s rescue, being excused from the battle against Israel. However, a better lesson would be having not entered into this strange relationship by having consulted and sought God’s Will instead, and while David may not have been aware of this Direct Promise, it is still a truth his life displayed: 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. Will you learn the hard way as David did, or will you take the counsel of Solomon his son? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 121, 123-125, 128-130

Seeking Satisfaction With God.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 63:3

     Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,

      My lips shall praise thee.

    A few years ago, I discovered that until I had lived the truth of certain verses or passages of the Bible, I could not understand them. And I don’t know if I can do Justice with this verse, so consider these ideas from scripture: As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: /I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. And again: O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee: /My soul thirsteth for thee, /My flesh longeth for thee /In a dry and thirty land, where no water is[.] And again, As the hart panteth after the water brooks, /So panteth my soul after thee, O God. And finally, Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 17, 35, 54, 63

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18

Revisiting A Turning Point In David's Life.

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 25:37

But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 

    Peter had said, Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth. While I am not directly focusing on the things Peter was ( A good idea to look into them,) the topic I am speaking of today I have shared before. In David, we have an example of a man that appears to have regularly “turned the other cheek” having learned through this event that God is able, and often will, deal with our enemies when we are walking according to His direction, all in accordance with His purpose. So, as we have seen how David learned to trust in the Lord his God, even though he stumbled time and again. Have we not seen in him how God did not utterly cast him down, but was upheld by His hand? Will you learn from David, and place your trust in the God that through His Son, took your place, suffering for your sin, that you may walk victoriously through, and in, Him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 25-27

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 17, 35, 54, 63

Prayer, A Vain Thing?

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 141:2

     Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense;

      And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

    David was in trouble, turmoil even, and so he cries unto God. Some would say (I have been among them) because God knows everything, “Why should we have to pray?” Or, “What use is prayer?” But God is not an impersonal force that is unable to make choices, and He has chosen to allow us to plead with Him. Consider Christ’s admonishment to alway to pray and not to faint, telling us of the widow who wearied an unjust judge. Closing with this: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? And as James has told us, we receive not because we ask not. Therefore, having been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 56, 120, 140-142

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 25-27

Seeking To Find Ourselves In The House Of God.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 27:4

     One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;

      That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

      To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

    I have long loved this verse and have made it a prayer of hope of seeing it fulfilled in my own life. But for it to be fulfilled, we must understand the nature of God’s house. For what is God’s house but the place where is name is. From the time of Moses till Solomon, God’s house has been wherever the tabernacle is. Of it God told Moses This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, [plural] to speak there unto thee. [singular] From this I wish to highlight the phrase “of the congregation” and take from it that God’s house is where God’s people meet. Therefore, now when we are to worship God in spirit and truth, the same principle applies, for now, we are to meet as the called-out assembly of the Saints, which has been translated to the word “Church.” Therefore, let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together that we also may behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire therein. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 7, 27,31,34,52

Monday’s reading will be Psalm 56, 120, 140-142

Learning To Not Let Fear Drive You.

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 21:12

And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 

    David, in fear of one King went to find refuge in another, but instead only found further reason to fear. However, in all of this, God spared David, and David found that in God he can find true refuge finding that God truly can and will deliver according to His purpose. Had not God already announced His plans for David. And what God has promised, what God has purposed, He will do. Will you trust him in it, even as David shortly after this declared: What time I am afraid, /I will trust in thee. /In God I will praise his word, /In God I have put by trust, I will not fear /what flesh can do unto me. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 21-24

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 7, 27,31,34,52

An Example Of Choosing Rightly

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 18:1

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 

    Here we see a contrast between Jonathan the son of Saul (who had expected to be King after Saul, till Samuel told Saul that his dynasty would not persist) and Saul, also knowing what the will of the Lord now is, and their reaction to it. Saul as we know continuously sought to circumvent God’s expressed Will, but Jonathan, having seen God’s hand upon David, embraced it, even showing to David his acceptance of it, give David all things that shewed his station. Therefore, which example will you follow? Will you submit to the Lord in all things, being willing to accept a lesser role if need be? Or will you like Saul, seek only your own way, ever Rebellious denying the Lord that bought you? God has given us the ability to choose and is continuously calling upon us to make our choice. Will you make the right one today? Selah [choose wisely] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is I Samuel 18-20, Psalm 11, 59

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 21-24

A Second Chance?

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 15:1

Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. 

    Saul, having already lost perpetual Dynasty for his family by disobeying a statute of the law, it appears that God is giving him an opportunity to repent, and to obey a direct command. Yet, Saul, once again is disobedient (even while claiming obedience, both to himself and others.) We have seen before how God can take a curse and turn it into a blessing (the Levites.) Therefore, have you found yourself disobedient to God’s Word? Look not so much on the past but accept God’s willingness to allow you to Repent. Has He not already taken your place? And return to Him in obedience to His command, His Word, and find out how He will turn the consequences of your disobedience around, that not only you but those around you might have cause to Rejoice in the Lord. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 15-17

Tomorrow’s reading will be I Samuel 18-20, Psalm 11, 59

A Time To Return.

 

Today's Verse is 1 Samuel 14:21

Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. 

    People do many things out of fear, and I am sure such were these. But when God through Jonathan made clear that He would deliver them, they Repented, and came back, then joined in the battle. What is it that you fear? Have you joined those that oppose God? Or, are you hiding in fear of the same? What will it take for you to Repent. Even as Jesus had told Thomas blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. Will you take God at His Word, trusting in the One that Died in your place, showing your love for Him as you obey His Commandments. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 13-14

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 15-17