Who Is Fighting Your Battles?

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 108:13

     Through God we shall do valiantly:

      For he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

    I am not going to pretend to understand this, but I have seen that while there are times when there is a battle to be fought, God does it all (Jehoshaphat against Moab and confederates). However, most of the time when there is a battle to be won, we are ourselves expected to fight (David against Goliath) but we are not to fight in our own strength, but we are allow our God to fight through us. So, then, whether we have lost before or no, let us seek God and His counsel, and learn to be Strong and of good Courage, for we have been promised that He shall strengthen our hearts, even as we wait upon Him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 108-110

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Chronicles 23-25

Looking At The Whole Picture

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 24:1

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. 

    A lot of things are coming out of this beginning. Some would complain, but we have answered that in another place. As we see later, David is ignorant of the reason God is angry against Israel, “but these sheep, what have they done?” However, take note, that from these events the place the Temple is to be built is determined. Even in Judgment, God’s mercies are evident, and His Grace is boundless. Selah [Consider these things.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalm 30

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 108-110

The Proper Reaction To The Coming Judgment Of God

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 98:4

     Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:

      Make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

    It is an interesting thing that the “Wicked” (all that know not God) complain about how God has not dwelt with all the wickedness that is currently transpiring on the earth, even as they deny that the “most wicked” things are even wicked at all. Not knowing that God is not willing that any should perish, and is therefore given them an opportunity to repent. So, we that have recieved the goodness of God through the Redemption we have found in Jesus Christ, let us Joyfully make known of God’s Goodness, and not softly but loudly Rejoicing and Giving God the Praise. For we know that He is indeed coming to Judge the earth with righteousness. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 95, 97-99

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalm 30

God's Promises Over Our Worthiness

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 23:5

     Although my house be not so with God;

      Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant,

      Ordered in all things, and sure:

      For this is all my salvation, and all my desire,

      Although he make it not to grow.

    In this verse we are seeing a contrast. The first and the last lines are, I believe, David’s own view of himself, yet in the middle is that Promise that God has given him, yea, even the promise of the Messiah though his own line, and in this he has his hope in God, but as we all do, he has his doubts. I know and I have found, that when I doubt it is time to refresh why I believe. To study both those who have had the experience of God keeping His promises (through God’s Word) then also to remember those times that despite my doubt, and waywardness, those promises that God has made me, both through His Word, and personally, He has kept, even as we have been told our Salvation is based upon a God that has promised over and above the Fact, that He cannot lie. Will you continue to Trust Him even though things do not appear currently to be as He has said? Remember, Abraham was fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform. And was Justified in that belief. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 95, 97-99

Why We Are Not Already Destroyed!

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 5:5

     The foolish shall not stand in thy sight:

      Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

    When you consider this statement, it is a wonder that God hath also said through Paul, 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. And for this cause we are told that He delays His judgment because He is not willing that any should perish, but when His Judgment comes, all shall know His Wrath and His Power, even as we shall see what are the riches of His Glory on the vessels of Mercy (those who have received forgiveness through Jesus Christ.) So then, we know that It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But there is forgiveness with thee [God,] /That thou mayest be feared. What then shall be your choice, will you suffer the wrath of God for your wicked works? Or, will you accept His Forgiveness through Jesus Christ His Son and Live. Selah [Don’t make this choice by default] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 5, 38, 41-42

Monday’s reading will be 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57

Do You Place God Above All Others?

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 19:6

In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. 

    Have you not heard what God hath said should be done to a stubborn and rebellious son? And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. Do you not know that it is the parents of such a one that is to lay the charge? But like many today, David loved his children more than the way of God, as we see in this example here. What did Jesus teach us on this matter? If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And in another place, he said it this way, He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. This is the very thing that we are taught by the example of Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son Issac, the son of promise, at God’s request. In this David failed, and in failing, he suffered even more. Yet this same man had declared this hope, Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. /Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. We have all failed to hit the mark, we have all come short of the glory of God. But God has provided redemption though Jesus Christ, even as David has been forgiven of all of his short comings. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 19-21

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 5, 38, 41-42

The Habitation Of God's House

 

Today's verse is Psalm 26:8

     LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house,

      And the place where thine honour dwelleth.

    Let us be clear on the definition of “Thy house.” We know that the “house of God” is the place where He has chosen to place His Name. In Old Testament, it was the Tabernacle, then later after Solomon built the first Temple. It was there that the people of God were to gather and met together with the Lord. Today, we have been given the Church, not a building, for the very meaning is “Called out” with the word Assembly implied, meaning each individual is but a member of the whole for If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? So then, when we forsake the habitation of his house, we are forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, and as neither the foot nor the hand can survive without the rest of the body, neither can we, if we try and walk alone (I find it an amazing thing, that as we stray, we to do ourselves that very same thing that God considers the greatest discipline the church can administer.) I ask you, therefore, do you love the habitation of God’s House? Selah [Think on this.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 19-21

Be Wary Of Ungodly counsel!

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 16:21

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. 

    If you will remember, when David had sinned against God in the matter concerning Bathsheba that for this sin, God had said, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. So Ahithophel’s counsel would fulfill this curse. Yet, consider the cost. Do we not all know the seventh commandment Thou shalt not commit adultery. Few, if any, could fault Absalom for the reason of his discontent, yet in seeking redress, he also did not seek the Lord, and he himself brought about his own downfall by following ungodly counsel, even as he fulfilled that which was pronounced against his father, David. Therefore, if we have been wronged (and we shall be) let us seek the face of the Father, our God in Heaven, the Judge of all the earth, and let the vengeance belong to Him even as He has claimed it, but let us also remember that as Christ died for our own sin, so also did He die for theirs, and as He has forgiven us, we ought to also forgive. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 16-18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64

When You Are Troubled Call Upon God!

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 55:1

     Give ear to my prayer, O God;

      And hide not thyself from my supplication.

    The Psalms I have read today all have the common theme of one that David counted dear to him, rising against him. We have known of two, Saul, who was jealous of David, knowing he was to be king after him, and then Absalom, who was angry at the injustice done to his sister Tamar. But, whether our troubles are of our own making, or just the wickedness of others, we can like David did in all of these Psalms, call upon the God that Redeems for help in the time of trouble, and as he has promised, He will deliver us out of all our distresses. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 16-18

Wroth, but no action!

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 13:21

But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth. 

    In this, turning the other cheek was not appropriate. David has King, was responsible for all of the Justice which was to be done in Israel. Yet, for the “love” he had for his children, in his wrath, he did nothing! Even Eli, the HIgh Priest, whose sons defiled their office at least made an attempt (though in vain) to rebuke his sons, whereas we have no record David did even this. In this, David, did not follow the example of Abraham, in that he valued his children, even Amnon, over his relationship, even his responsibilities to God. He did not exercise any form of Judgment in regards to Amnon’s transgression. There were several possible sentences David could have exercised, can you figure out what they were? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 13-15

Monday’s reading will be Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55

Repent While We Can.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 32:6

     For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee †in a time when thou mayest be found:

      Surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

    Let us first understand what “this” is. “This” is that forgiveness that comes from confessing our sin before the Lord. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So, then, let us take heed, for there will come a time for those that continue to reject the Goodness of God, that he will give up on them and the time of Judgment shall come. Therefore, as David, let us also be quick to Repent when we are shown our sin, and as Noah escaped the flood, so shall we also escape the worst our sin deserves. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 13-15

Facing The Consequences

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 11:1

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 

    The context of today’s readings, is all about suffering the consequences of our own actions, with a hint on how to properly handle them. If you will recall, the children of Ammon, for fear of David’s motives of seeking their weaknesses embarrassed David though the mistreatment of his envoys, and thus David destroyed (wasted according to the Chronicles) the children of Ammon, but by the record, not utterly (for they are the children of Lot.) But we also see David committing the sin for which he is most known. But unlike the children of Ammon, when confronted with his sin, and the consequences thereof, He confesses and seeks Repentance. It is from this that I initially learned that Forgiveness must come before discipline, and therefore does not replace it. Selah [Consider how you are dealing with your own consequences.] Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122

Let Us Not Walk In The Grace Given Us In Vain

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 65:4

     Blessed is the man whom thou choosest,

      And causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts:

      We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house,

      Even of thy holy temple.

    Many make much of the election of God but let us not make this mistake that one could find fault with God if they had not been chosen. For we know that God is not willing that any should perish, and in submitting to the death of the Cross, Christ drew all men unto himself, so if you have not diligently sought God, you are without excuse. But we that have been redeemed can rejoice in this: that God has chosen us, and we can boldly come into throne of grace to obtain mercy and help in our abundant times of need, so then, even we have no excuse on the day we will have our works tried to see what sort they are if we also have not sought to diligently seek His Ways that we might walk in them. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 65-67, 69-70\

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20

Knowing That The Servants of God Shall Stand.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 20:8

     They are brought down and fallen:

      But we are risen, and stand upright.

    Today, we also read of the Children of Ammon, fearing a false motive of David, ended up losing to David (Joab in David’s and specially the Lord’s Name) and so, David, that is Israel was lifted up, and they fell, even as they sought to avoid the very thing that befell them. Now, what can we say of men like Stephen and those that having rejected his message killed him? Do they not bear their shame, and was not Stephen honored of God as he died? So in the midst of adversity, let us place ourselves in the Hands of the Living God and stand for Him, knowing that when we do so, whatever the outcome, God will Rise us Up, and those that are against Him shall fall. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 65-67, 69-70

Where The Ungodly And Sinners Appear.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 50:6

     And the heavens shall declare his righteousness:

      For God is judge himself. Selah.

    So much can be said starting from this verse. Lately, I have been thinking of what both Paul and Peter have said. Paul having reminded us that our works will be tried, and though our works may be burned up, our foundation is secure, still Paul says, Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men[.] Which brings us to Peter who observed, And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? So, then, if we who have received pardon through Jesus Christ have cause to fear, Yea, to be terrified, should we be surprised when those that know not His forgiveness seek to deny that they even have a reason to be afraid? Let us not, therefore, be ashamed of the one that saved us, but to be bold in proclaiming to all, that forgiveness is available to all that will Repent and Turn to Jesus Christ, and receive Justification by Him, who paid our sin debt to the Father. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 50, 53, 60, 75

Monday’s reading will be 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20

Seeing The Fulfillment Of God's Word.

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 8:14

And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

    To my knowledge this is the first time since God told Rebecca that the elder shall serve the younger, that Edom, the elder, served Israel, the younger. So, around a thousand years have passed, but at the appointed time; Edom served his brother Israel, but as Issac promised Esau (as God’s representative) he later regained his independence, only to betray his brother when Babylon came. Then later, Herald of Idumea (reported as a line from Edom) ruled over Israel as Christ walked the Earth. But Edom is no more, but Israel has been reestablished. So as Paul has testified of Abraham and his Faith in the one that calleth those things which be not as though they were, we can be sure of God’s Word. Therefore, it is even as Paul also testified, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 50, 53, 60, 75

God Delivers Those That Look To Him

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 25:15

     Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;

      For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

    If we read the account of David’s life, we can see that he speaks from experience. How many times have we seen David by his own actions land himself into a snare? Yet every time we also see him seeking the Lord, and as he found Him, the Lord delivered him, and set him once again upon firm ground. Therefore, as God had delivered David time and again, so also will He deliver us whenever we seek Him. Yet, better is it that we keep our eyes upon Him, that we avoid the snare altogether. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: /And he delighteth in his way. /Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: /For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. But as stated berore, better is: How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 25, 29, 33, 36, 39

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18

Looking Forward To See God Keep All Of His Promises.

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 7:10

Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 

    There are those that say that the Church has replaced Israel. But let us compare the Promise God has made Israel here, with that which we (the Church) has been promised. In my Father’s house are many mansions: [which can be interpreted: rooms] If it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, an receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. If you will take note, the promise of God to Israel has an earthly tone to it, a place here on Earth in which to dwell, which He will do, when He returns as the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. But our promise is not of this earth, but of Heaven, to be where Christ is (whether in Heaven or on Earth.) Therefore, let us that be in Christ look forward to when both of these promises shall be fulfilled for our God is a God that cannot lie, and keeps His promises. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 25, 29, 33, 36, 39

Keeping Our Eyes Upon The One That Is True.

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 89:1

     I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever:

      With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

    It is not the first time I have mentioned this principle, neither shall it be the Last. This Psalm begins on a high note, but ends in despair, but if we consider it, we know the end of the story. To understand it we must consider when it was written. Before I knew who its author was, I figured it was written in the days of Jeremiah recording the fall of Judea, but no, Ethan the Ezrahite was known in Solomon’s day as a wise man, I guess one could say, second only to Solomon himself. Therefore, consider, when could it have been said that David’s crown was cast to the ground? The only time I know of is when his son Absolom rose up against him, which was but a part of God’s chastisement of David for his actions against Uriah the Hittite, but we know the end of the Story. David was restored to the throne, and the usurper was cast down and destroyed (also to David’s despair, for he was his son.) So then, when our days are dark, and we despair of seeing the promises of the Lord, let us remember that we also have not seen the end of the Story, and that God cannot lie; what He has promised, He will do. Even though He might appear to tarry, He does not. For all will be accomplished at the Due Time. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, 132

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17

As Christ Died For Our Sin; We Can Be Sure He Will Return As King!

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 22:28

     For the kingdom is the LORD’s:

      And he is the governor among the nations.

    In the very Psalm where we have the prerecord of God for our sin having been imputed to His Son; Forsook Him! we have also the promise of His Return when He shall set up His Kingdom on Earth. So, we can be sure that as Christ came to redeem sinners, of whom I am one, so also will He return in Power, at the time appointed, and all the Kingdoms of the earth will be returned to Him, and placed under His Rule. Just as He has Promised. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68

Monday’s reading will be Psalm 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, 132

Afraid, Yet Still Seeking The Lord

 

Today's Verse is 2 Samuel 6:9

And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me? 

    When we find that we have transgressed the Lord’s ways, His commandments, His statutes, His precepts, and or His laws and therefore suffer consequence (even if we did so in ignorance) causing us to Fear, what is our reaction? Often, we will react even as David did initially for, we are told he was displeased, and from his perspective God was to blame. Yet even before he knew why he was the one in error and not the Lord, being rightly afraid of the Lord, his first questions was, How shall the ark of the Lord come to me? He still desired the presence of the Lord in his life, and it is evident that he sought out what was done wrong, and returned the second time to do it right, adding to it his pleasure of having the symbol of God’s presence returning to its rightful place. Will you do the same? Will you come to God according to the means He has provided, even by His Son Jesus Christ, who took your place when He suffered the death you [we] deserve that you [we] might live ever after with Him. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16

Tomorrow’s reading will be Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68

How Will You Respond To The Mercy God Offers?

 

Today's Verse is Psalm 106:1

     Praise ye the LORD.

      O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:

      For his mercy endureth for ever.

    Thus is the thesis for this Psalm. The people God had chosen (Why? to be an example to all the World, that we might learn of God and His Goodness and Mercy) continuously stray, and He with Lovingkindness with Chastisement wooing them back to Him, that those that will can receive Him, being forgiven of their trespasses delivering them from the worst of the consequences of their actions to enjoy a Relationship with Him. Therefore, we have been given a choice: first, reject God, and like most that do seek to accuse God of not being righteous that they might escape His Judgment (This did not work with Job, it will not work for them [us] either) Or, we can accept the Forgiveness offered to us through Jesus Christ and as it testifies in the next Psalm: Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, /And he delivered them out of their distresses. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Psalm 106-107

Tomorrow’s reading will be 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16