6/30/13 Job 4:6 Your Fear of the Lord Gives You Confidence

Job 4:6 (NAS)

Is not your fear of God your confidence, And the integrity of your ways your hope?

Job 4:6 (NIVUS)

Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?

Job 4:6 (NLT)

Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn’t you believe that God will care for those who are upright?

 
 
There are many things in this world that can cause you to fear.  Recently the headlines have been filled with the death and destruction, which occurred through natural disasters.  In the not too distant past, we were all touched with the evil of terrorism.  Daily there are reports of murders, rapes, muggings, and robberies.  There are wars and rumors of war.  All of these can fill you with terror and dread.

However, there is only One that we should fear.  You know that Adonai, the Most High God, is the One who deserves your fear, reverence, and respect.  Because you already honor and revere the Lord your God, you do not need to be afraid of Him.  You know that you are safe and secure in His hands. You can confidently place your trust in Him, for He has you covered from every angle.
 
The sinner, the man who does not fear the Lord, thinks your decision is foolish and silly.  He does not realize that the Bible says it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.  He has no place to put his trust, except in himself and other men.  That, however, is a shaky prospect at best. Unlike our perfect God, man is far from being infallible.  The sinful man does not understand that if He chooses to fear God, he will not have to be afraid of natural disasters, terrorists, or war. He does not know that God could be his refuge and strength.

Unlike the sinner, you have come to understand the complete truth, found in Jesus Christ, God's Son.  Through Him, you are made innocent, perfect, and complete.  You are now upright, clean, and whole.  No longer is your life a waste, but it is prosperous and full, as you strive to walk in the integrity of God's Truth.  You allow God's word and His Spirit to guide you toward and into the Lord’s will.  You are always filled with the expectation and hope of the good things that your Father God has planned for you.  You know that things you long and believe for will come to pass because your hope and faith is in the Lord.

 

(Originally written 10/13/05)

6/30/13 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Give Thanks for Your Brothers and Sisters

  2 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJ21) 

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you for salvation, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

 

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NAS) 

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

 

  2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIVUS) 

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

  

Many times Christian believers will light-heartedly tell their brothers or sisters in the Lord that they "have to" love them.  Of course, the other believer agrees.  However, neither fully understands the meaning behind those teasing words.
 
According to Adonai, the Lord God Almighty, you are under obligation to your brothers and sisters.  In fact, the Lord sets a very high standard in how you treat fellow believers.  One thing that He stresses is that you should be grateful for and express that gratitude to your brethren.  You should always give them favor and be kind.  It is also important that you freely forgive and pardon them for any trespasses against you.  This is not merely a suggestion; the Lord emphasizes that you need to treat this as a debt that you owe.
 
Jesus, our Lord and Master, holds every believer with high regard.  In His heart, the Lord has a personal affection for you and is fond of you.  He deliberately set His will to love you, choosing to make you His friend. He is passionate about you, but also has thorough knowledge and understanding of who you are.  Although He sees your imperfections, He continues to love you with His perfect, unconditional love.
 
From the very beginning of time, Yahweh chose you, taking you for Himself.  Because He prefers to have a relationship with you, He lifted you out of the sin that engulfed you, the sin that wanted to pull you down.  He loosened the hold that evil had on you, removing you from the sin and guilt.  He rescued and delivered you, taking you to a place of safety.
 
Now He is bringing you through a process of consecration and purification.  The Lord has separated you from profane things and has cleansed and is renewing your soul.  In response, you have dedicated yourself to God. You are becoming holy, even as the Lord your God is holy.  As the Spirit of God brings you into more revelation of the word of God and convicts you of the truth it contains, you learn to listen to and comply with God's will.  Your trust and confidence increases as you obey and yield to Him.

 

 

(Originally written 10-12-200

6/30/13 1 Timothy 1:12 Does Jesus Trust You?

1 Timothy 1:12 (NAS)

 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service;

1 Timothy 1:12 (Philips)

 I am deeply grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord (to whom I owe all that I have accomplished) for trusting me enough to appoint me his minister,

Almighty God has endued you with strength, making you capable and powerful. His very own excellence resides inside of you; for you are His temple. Through His favor, you have influence in many areas.

In the Lord Jesus' kingdom, you are a prince of regal power, a leader with the authority to rule.  He has found you trustworthy and faithful because you always listen and obey what He tells you.  You yield to and readily comply with His slightest wish.  Therefore, He has ordained you, placing you in His service and allowing you to proclaim and to promote His Word.

For this, you should be thankful.  He has honored and rewarded you.  You are privileged to share His trust with His little lambs.  Gratefully accept His commission

 

(Originally written 11-2-04)

6/29/13 Psalm 31:24 Let Your Heart Take Courage

 

Psalms 31:24 (NAS)

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.

 

Psalms 31:24 (NIVUS)

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

 

It is important that you be resolute in your faith, remaining faithful and steady in what you know about the Lord God and His word.  This knowledge is your security and your strength.  You must determine that you will remain firm, bold, and courageous, no matter what you face. If you have no one else to encourage you, you must encourage yourself.  In this way you will prevail against your enemies, even if your foes are your own thoughts and emotions.  Take a stand on God's word and His promises to you and they will sustain and support you.
 
As you strengthen your resolve, the Lord your God will also strengthen your heart, making you bold and courageous.  As you persist in His will, you will become more solid and alert. Your obstinacy in your belief will assure your success.  Then you will prove superior to your attackers and the Lord will confirm His purpose for your life. 
 
You know that faith is the substance of things for which you hope. As you wait patiently on the Lord Jehovah, in whom you have put your trust and your confidence, your hope and expectation, in combination with your faith, will put flesh on your dreams and desires.

 

 

(Originally written 10/6/05)

9/29/13 Psalm 71:14 Keep On Hoping

Psalms 71:14 (NAS)

But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise Thee yet more and more.

 
Psalms 71:14 (NIVUS) 

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

 

Perhaps you have been waiting for something for a long time and perhaps you want to give up. However, now is not the time to quit.  Instead choose to keep on hoping. If you keep your expectation fixed on God and His promises, you will see the result for which you have been looking. 

Even if time seems to stretch longer and longer, do not become discouraged. Stretch your faith in proportion to the stretch of time. Keep believing even into perpetuity.You will obtain the fulfillment of your desires.

During your waiting time and even when the answer comes, continue to praise, worship, and adore the Lord Most High.  When Satan attacks with his lies, increase your praises to God. Boast over and over of what He has done for you.  Allow the glory of the Lord to shine from your face. Through this you will demonstrate your faith to Adonai, your God.  Soon your hope will be turned into reality!

    

 

(Originally written 10/6/05)

 

 

6/29/13 Proverbs 23:17,18 Do Not Envy Sinners!

Proverbs 23: 17, 18 (NAS)

 

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off.

 
 
You have much to be thankful for; God has truly blessed your life. So do not let your heart -- your mind, thinking, reflection, or inclination -- be envious or jealous of the ungodly even for a second. Do not let them arouse the anger within you. They are sinful offenders and are destined for condemnation. They are guilty and unclean.
 
You, however, are pure of heart for you fear the Lord Jehovah. Every day you give Him your respect and reverence. Even though you stand in awe of Him and honor Him, you do not need to be afraid of Him. You may be astonished at His works, but you are not terrified of His presence.
 
He has given you a future and a hope. Your very existence and substance will be rewarded. As you wait on the Lord, He will not hesitate or delay. He yet has blessings for your latter days and for your posterity. So continue to look for and expect to receive what He has already planned and provided for you. Wait eagerly and your hope will not fail or be cut off prematurely.
 
He will keep His word to you!

 

                                                                        (Originally written 6/16/04)

 

6/24/14 Job 27:8 The Hope of the Godless Is Cut Off!

Job 27:8 (NAS)

For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, When God requires his life?

Job 27:8 (NIVUS)

For what hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?

 
 
The godless, profane, and the hypocritical have no ties to Adonai, the Holy One.  They are defiled, polluted, and corrupt; they are not able to stand in the presence of the Lord.  Unlike them, you are tied to God with cords of hope and trust.  Your expected outcome will be good. The evil and wicked, however, do not have any grounds on which to hope. Even though they eagerly wait for certain events to take place, their hope is fleeting as a vapor, while your hope is everlasting.
 
The unrighteousness are covetous and greedy.  It may seem that they have great gain, but it all came wrongfully through violence.  In the end, however, they will be cut off from the wealth they created through their criminal activity.  The Lord will plunder them, taking away their spoils.  He will bring them to an end and will clear them completely away.

You, however, will continue to gain, for the Lord will continue to bless you abundantly.  Therefore, maintain your trust and hope in Him.  Unlike the wicked, your end will be better than your beginning.

 

 

(Originally written and posted 10/7/2005)

6/23/13 Job 11:18, 19 Hope Instead of Hopelessness

Job 11:18, 19 (NAS)

Then you would trust, because there is hope; and you would look around and rest securely. You would lie down and none would disturb you, and many would entreat your favor.

Job 11:18, 19 (NIVUS)

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.

 

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Hopelessness--there are few states which can be more terrifying or can drain your life away more quickly.  You, however, need not fear this. You can be bold, confident, and secure; for you have found the One who always gives hope.  As long as the Lord your God exists, you can trust that there will always be hope. You can have an expectation of good; you can eagerly wait and look for it. You know that nothing is impossible with God.  Therefore, dig in your heels and keep believing. 
 
Even when you lie down to rest, you can sleep in security and trust; Adonai, the Almighty God, is working constantly in your behalf. You need have no anxiety nor tremble with care.  Many who are weak, sick, or grieving will turn to you as they will see your secure hope.  They will recognize that you can show them the way and you will direct them to the One whom you have made the Lord of your life.  From Him, they too shall receive hope for a good future.

 

(Originally written and posted 10/4/05)

 

 

6/23/13 Proverbs 3:5, 6 Trust in the Lord

Proverbs 3:5, 6 (NAS95)

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart.

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

 

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You can have confidence in the Lord.  He makes you bold and secure. In Him you can feel safe, without any cares. Entrust your whole heart--your mind, your will, your emotions, your memories, your reflections, your determination, your conscience, your thoughts--into the strong hands of the Lord. Do not let your own understanding, discernment, or perceptions be your support. No matter what course your life takes, intentionally choose to acknowledge, recognize, and confess your need of the Lord.

 
Continually strive to learn what His will is for you in each and every circumstance and event.  When you do this, He will always, intentionally, and continually put you on the right path. You will be upright and go straight ahead with esteem and approval. You will be pleasing and agreeable in His sight!!!

(Originally written 5-4-05 and posted 9/118/05)

 

 

 

6/22/13 Proverbs 4.10, Proverbs 19:20 Hear God & Accept Discipline

Proverbs 4:10 (NAS)

 Hear, my son, and accept my sayings, And the years of your life will be many.

Proverbs 19:20 (NAS)

 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.

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As a child of God, it is important that you listen to your Father's voice. When you give Him your attention and show your interest, you will agree with His words and obey His commands. As you yield to Him, you gain perception and understanding.

Also as God’s child, the Lord Jehovah has partnered with you in building up His Kingdom. What is your part?  It is your responsibility to receive and seize upon every promise that He makes to you. When you agree with what He intends for you, you should utter the same words that He has spoken and boast of what the Lord is doing for you, giving Him the glory.

Then the Almighty will sustain your life, causing you to live prosperously and in health. He will continually revive and refresh you.  You will be like a green tree and a fresh flowing stream.  He will add many years to your life.

When you are making plans, you should look to Jehovah for advice and counsel.  Let Him instruct and teach you in what you should do and in the way that you should go. If you need correction or admonishment, receive and accept it graciously.  In this you are acting wisely and will not be deceived in your purposes.  And that wisdom will follow after you into your future and to the very end of your life.

 

 

(Originally written 11-5-04 & posted 9-18-05)

 

6/22/13 Psalms 26:1-3 God Vindicates You

 Psalm 26: 1-3 (NAS) (A Psalm of David.)

Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity; And I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. For Thy loving kindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Thy truth.

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The Lord your God has judged and vindicated you.  He has declared you as complete and upright.  Wherever you walk, people see your integrity.  Your manner of life is a testimony of what the Lord has done in and for you.  You have put your trust and confidence in Yeshua.  He has made you secure and keeps you from slipping.

You are so secure in your walk before the Lord that you can ask Him to try and prove your faith; for you have given Him the reins, putting Him in charge of your life. When He examines you, He continues to refine every area, skimming off the impurities until you become complete.  Even though at times you feel that the smelting heat is too much, you can trust that the Lord will not apply more than is necessary.

Adonai is good, kind and merciful. You continually see His faithfulness to you.  He never reproaches or shames you, when you walk before Him in truth.  You remain firm and faithful to the Word that He has spoken to you. When you follow His instructions, you become sure, reliable, and stable.

 (Originally written 11-7-04 and posted 9-18-05)

 

 

 

6/17/13 Romas 15:13 The God of Hope

 

Romans 15:13 (NAS)

 
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 

Romans 15:13 (NIVUS)

 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


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The One True God, who is your Father, is also the One Who gives you hope. In Him you have the expectation of good, with no expectation of evil. You are joyful and confident in your eternal salvation.
 
It is His desire to fill you up in all things. He wants you to abound in every area. He liberally supplies all that you need and makes you complete. In Him you lack nothing. He has made you perfect and you will accomplish all that is in your heart to do. You will carry it through until the end and receive its fulfillment.
 
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad now! You are well and thriving! In Him you have peace and harmony. You are safe and prosperous. You have tranquility and are assured of your salvation. In Yeshua, you have shalom -- nothing missing and nothing broken!
 
Your faith is abounding; your soul is prospering. You are confident in God's word and trust Him in and for everything. You are persuaded that what you have committed to the Lord will be held in trust by Him. He will keep you; for you have received His favor and are pleasing to Him.
 
So continue believing; your expectations for good and blessing from the Lord will exceed any measure that you may have conceived. He will always give you more than is necessary, abundance to the excess.
 
You can continue to hope and trust in Him; for He has given you His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers and strengthens you. He gives you the ability to do all that you need to do. As He breathes on your dreams and aspirations, they bloom and blossom. Your hope is secure in His hands.


(Originally posted 9/18/2005)

6/17/13 Titus 2: 1, 7 Reflect What You Say

Titus 2: 1, 7 (NAS)

But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine... in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,

 Titus 2: 1, 7 (NIVUS)

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.... In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

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When you speak, your words declare your mind and disclose your thoughts. Therefore, what you articulate should not be common or coarse. Your speech should be fitting and becoming to the position you hold; it should stand out and be conspicuous in integrity and excellence. It should be sound and free from error, not deviating from the Truth. Your teaching and instruction should reflect the Christian growth that you continually experience.
 
Whether you are aware of it or not, many people observe your conduct and character. Since you are already on exhibit, let your life be an example, one that can be imitated. You should be a pattern of all that is good, beautiful, excellent, choice, precious, commendable, and admirable. You should be free from anything corrupt; such things only bring destruction and ruin. You are a dignified, respectable, and honorable man; therefore, let your outer life reflect your inner life. Let your sound doctrine be seen in your sincerity and purity of character.

(Originally posted 9/18/2005)

 

 

Reposting old blog entries.

I am republishing or posting my devotions from a previous blog.  As I read them, myself they still minister to me and I hope they will continue to minister to you.  They are all based on God's Word and His Word is eternal; therefore, the truth contained in these bytes are eternal as well.  Let the Holy Spirit minister to you as you read.

6/16/13 Revelation 12.11 The Blood of the Lamb and The Word of Testimony

Revelation 12:11 (NAS)

 

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.

 

Revelation 12:11 (NIVUS)

 

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

 

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Yeshua, the Messiah, has made you more than a conqueror. You are victorious over sin and death. Jesus has conquered both of these through His death and resurrection. Since you are in Him, you too are victorious.
 
Therefore, when your enemy, who roams about as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, comes against you, you can stand firm against Him. To overcome him, simply remind Him of the blood of our Sinless Lamb. Even though Satan thought that he had destroyed the Lord through the violence of the cross, he soon discovered that he had actually fulfilled the plan of God. Jesus' shed blood has been sprinkled on the mercy seat and because of it, multitudes have been snatched out of the kingdom of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of Light!
 
If that does not stop him in his tracks, then use the word of God against him. Speak God's word in the face of your adverse circumstances. Continue affirming and maintaining the truth of the Word. He, who is a liar and the father of lies, cannot stand up against the Truth. As you draw near to God through His word, the enemy will flee from you. For you are a witness of Jesus' victory in your life and can freely testify to that at all times.

However, God calls some of His children to suffer death for the cause of Christ and His cross. Even though they love and enjoy the life that He has given them, they are willing to give it up instead of denying the faith which they have received. They know that if their lives on earth must be given up, they also know that their eternal life obtained through the cross of Christ can never be taken from them. They know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

You are covered with the blood of the Lamb and the Word of God, like a two edged sword, is in your mouth. So continue standing, for even if you must die, you will triumph!

Originally posted 10/03/05

 

 

6/15/13 Isaaiah 32.2 Your Refuge and Shelter

Isaiah 32:2 (NAS) And each will be like a refuge from the wind, And a shelter from the storm, Like streams of water in a dry country, Like the shade of a huge rock in a parched land.

 

Winds of sorrow and trouble come against everyone and it has been no different for you. You have been the target of angry tempers and impatient dispositions from those who are bitter and discontented.  At those times, you needed a champion--a Man who could stand up to your severest attacks.  Though He came in the form of weak, frail flesh, like your own, Jesus the Son of Man chose to be your hiding place.

 

He fervently loves and cherishes you. He is your shelter and protection.  In Him you are concealed in the secret place of the Most High God from thunderstorms and torrents of rain. However, when you are in a dry parched land, the Lord is like rivers of water.  In the desert heat, the Lord God is a shade for you.  You can shelter in His shadow; He is like a great and massive rock. He is your stronghold and your security. When you are faint, weary, and exhausted, God is your refreshing and your strength.

    

(Originally posted 10/2/05)

6/11/13 Psalms 33.18 Fear God, Not Man

Psalms 33:18 (NAS)
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness

You may have heard the phrase "Big Brother is watching you", meaning an evil dictator or evil government has developed ways to watch and control their citizens. This term could be used for our country today, as new things come to light about the government's surveillance against its own citizens. This could invoke fear in your heart. However, the Lord Jesus has told you not to fear; He has not given you a spirit of fear, but power, love, and a strong mind.


Although you are not to fear man, there is One whom you should fear, respect, and honor. Jehovah, the Lord God Almighty, is worthy of your reverence: He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. It is good when you stand in awe of Him. The Lord takes notice of your attitude towards Him.

Because you fear and revere Him, the Lord constantly has His eyes upon you. However, unlike "Big Brother", having the Lord's eye on you brings comfort and peace, instead of fear and terror. Adonai, your God, watches over you with the care of a loving Father. He desires to lead and direct you in the right way and wants to make your path smooth and straight.

Therefore, put your trust, hope, and expectation in Him. He approves of you. He finds your company agreeable and you are pleasing in His sight. As you wait for Him to fulfill your hopes and dreams, He pours out His goodness, kindness, and mercy upon you. You can be assured of His faithfulness. He will not reproach or shame you in any way. Rest in the love of your Heavenly Father and be at peace.

6/10/13 Psalm 27.14 Be strong and take heart

Psalms 27:14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.


Living life daily can take a toll on you. You have ebbs and tides; you are up and you are down. You want to believe God, but circumstances fight you along the way. Sometimes you want to give up and sometimes you think there is no way you can be defeated. Through all of these times, there is only one thing that is necessary--to wait on the Lord!

Why should you wait, tarry, expect, and look eagerly for the Lord? You have been bound to Him and you can make no moves or decisions without Him. Jehovah wants you to become like Him, who has existed throughout eternity. The Lord wants to give you the desire of your heart, but often you have to wait to see those desires accomplished.

Even though your spirit is alive unto God, you live in a fleshly body, which is limited and living by faith sometimes takes effort. Whether you are at high tide or low, the Lord wants you to grow stronger, become more firm and resolute. However, you cannot do this on your own. You need to wait on the Lord to sustain you and make you secure. As you look to Him, He will restore and repair what is broken, so that you can prevail in the good times and the bad.

The Lord strengthens your heart, your mind, your will, and your emotions. Your inclination, resolution, and determination are made stronger, as you spend time in the presence of the Lord, waiting for and expecting Him to help you. You become courageous, bold, stout, and brave.

6/9/13 Esther 8.16 Light, Gladness, Joy and Honor!

Esther 8:16 For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor.
You may feel like you are continuously under attack. You go through one battle victorously and soon you are facing the enemy again. God's people have fought battles since the beginning of the human race. The Jews in Esther's time were facing one of their most hateful enemies in Haman. Without the Lord's and the king's intervention, he would have succeeded. However, he ended up on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai. Adonai, who is love, is also a just God and as you remain in faith, He will bring justice to you, as well.

In looking up the word Jew, you will find "mankind" as a definition. The Jews were God's chosen people; you might even surmise that Adam was a Jew, according to this definition. The Lord intended them to be great champions, but one cannot become a champion unless he faces and defeats others. For this reason, the Jews and you, as well, face enemies. The Lord wants you to discover the champion that He has created you to be.

What can you expect after the battle? The first thing you will see is light and everything will brighten up, for the darkness has been overcome. You will shine and become bright like the light of day. The sun, moon, and stars will not be able outshine you.

The next thing that you will experience after the battle is mirth. gladness and joy. You will have pleasure to replace your sufferring. You will not be able to contain your exultation and will freely rejoice.

Thirdly, you will know your value and preciousness to the Lord, who always causes you to triumph. He honors and esteems you, whether in the battle or in the victory. He paid a great price for you and will not allow the enemy to destroy you.

　

　

6/8/13 Job 20.5 The Triumph of the Wicked is Short

Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless momentary?

If you are familiar with the Bible, you know that Job went through many, many trials. He lost his cattle and his wealth through an attack of Satan. Then all of his children died in a storm, probably a tornado. His wife and friends turned against him and he even felt abandoned by his God. Even though all of these trials were awful and tremendous, in the end Job ended up with twice as much as he had before. Why was that? God only allowed Satan to go so far to test Job's faith. Losing everything seems as if God let Satan go too far in our human imperfect thinking and understanding, but Job did triumph in the end.

You may be going through trials right now and hopefully, they are not as severe as Job's. Whether these trials are like Job's or not, you may feel that they are. However, there is at least one thing that Job learned that you should consciously try to remember: your enemy does not have unlimited power and God is still bigger.

It may seem that those who act wickedly and the criminal are triumphing. These men and women are hostile toward God and men. They are guilty and condemned already, even though they are shouting and crying loudly about their seeming victory. However, their time of judgment is drawing near. The arrogant rejoicing of the godless and profane will pass and be removed. Your joy, however, which is based in your faith in God, will continue forever. Therefore, remember that the Lord always causes His children to triumph and in the end you will see total and complete victory.

6/5/13 Job 8.19 Behold the Joy of the Lord!

Job 8:19 Behold, this is the joy of His way; And out of the dust others will spring.

There are wilderness times in all of our lives. Even Jesus had a time in the wilderness. The wilderness is a dry place, a place where it is hard to find the things that one needs. It could be a time of attack or it could be a time of extreme lonliness. Job went through such a time of his life. Satan attacked his family and his possessions. Job suffered many things, but he also learned many things. One of those things was how the joy of the Lord can sustain.

The first word of this verse is "behold", which commonly could mean look or see. The tense of this word is a command. Sometimes, when you are in the wilderness, you have to make a concerted effort to look and see the blessings of the Lord. They are still there, but God tells you in a commanding voice to "Look and See".

What does He want you to see? He wants you first of all to see His joy. He wants you to exult and rejoice. He wants you to display joy, even in the most trying circumstances. However, you may have to make a conscious decision to look for and show others that joy. In this you will reveal the way of life for those who do not know it. They will see that even if your journey is hard and difficult, there is something different about your life.

Those who are following after you and observing your lfie are living their lives in dust and powder. In the wilderness you may feel that your life is also dust and powder, but remember you have the joy of the Lord that these others do not have. Their lives are filled with rubbish, debris, and ashes. As you show the joy of the Lord, they will sprout and spring up as a new plant. They will grow abundantly and thickly and they too will learn to know the Lord and His joy. Therefore, continue to "Behold" the joy of the Lord; for it is your strength and the strength of those who follow you.   

6/2/13 Psalms 16.11 You Will Know the Path for Your Life

Psalms 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Graduation time is upon us again and those graduating seniors are trying to decide what their futures will hold. Should they go to college or just get out in the workforce? College graduates may be trying to determine whether they should pursue employment in their areas of study or should they continue their education to receive a Master's degree or even a doctorate. Young girls may be thinking of marriage instead of more schooling. Whatever they decide, it will affect the path that the rest of their lives take.

You may be one of these graduates or you may be older, but you still are not sure if you are making or have made the correct decisions. You do not know if you are going the right way. What should you do? You must go to Jehovah, the One who knows your future. He has always existed and knows the end from the beginning. He will help you to know, perceive, and distinguish the path and the way. You will not just wander about, but will journey through you life in company with your Creator and Lord. As you do, He will sustain your life and you will live prosperously.

However, it is important to spend time in God's presence daily, not just during worship services. You must turn towards His face; for there you will find abundance and fullness of joy and gladness. In God's presence, you will have your desires fulfilled and you will be satisfied.

In the Almighty's right hand, you find everything that is pleasant, delightful, sweet, lovely and agreeable. Everything in the throne room of God is beautiful and as you spend time there, you too will become more and more beautiful. You will be better equipped to choose the right path or the right thing. You will not be impeded, bound, nor shut up. You will have nothing to fear nor dread; for the Lord your God is guiding you perpetually and continuously. You will have enduring victory and you will excell.

6-01-13 Psalms 5.11 Take Refuge in the Lord

Psalms 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.

As you listen to the news and weather reports, you may realize that there have been some violent weather episodes in the last few years. You wonder what you would do in a similar situation. Perhaps you have had friends who did suffer through these storms. What do you tell them? How do you comfort them?

The word of God tells you to put your trust in the Lord. You must seek refuge and flee for protection to your Creator. The Lord is able to conceal and hide you from even the strongest and most violent storms. You can put your confidence and hope in Him. When you do, you will rejoice and be glad. Also this joy and gladness is not just momentary. God's joy and gladness, that He freely gives you as you seek Him, is everlasting and continuous.

Knowing you are protected and knowing your Protector may cause you to be overcome. You may want to cry out and shout for joy. Give a ringing cry of joy, exaltation, and praise and sing unto the Almighty, for He is your hedge, He will fence and shut you in. You will be screened, over-shadowed, and covered in His presence. He is able to stop the approach of any storm for those who love His name and cry to Him for help. Therefore, rejoice and exult in the One who always causes you to triumph.