7/31/13 Proverbs 3:33 The Homes of the Righteous Is Blessed!

Proverbs 3:33 (NAS)

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

 

Proverbs 3:33 (NIVUS)

The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

 
Although God is love and has extended His love to every man, there are certain people who will not receive that love.  In fact they act in ways that are hostile to the Lord Jehovah.  They are wicked and regularly are involved in crime.  They have pronounced themselves guilty and are already condemned.  Therefore, the curse of the Lord comes upon them.  Evil will come upon their houses; for the wages of their sinful ways is God's retribution and punishment.  Their homes will not be established, nor will they continue.
 
However, those who abide by Adonai's laws and precepts, those who are righteous and just, receive abundant blessings from the Lord.  Through their conduct and character, they reveal that they have been justified and vindicated by God.   When the blessing of the Lord comes upon the righteous, they are beautified and adorned with the glory of God.  Instead of the torment that the wicked experience, those that trust in God have rest.

(Originally written 11/13/05)

7/31/13 Ephesians 4:29 Speak Only What Is Good

Ephesians 4:29 (NAS)

 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIVUS)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 

You have been placed in a position of respect and it is important that you maintain a high standard. One of the most important areas to exhibit excellence is in your speech; for you are a spokesman for the Lord Jesus Christ. You are His ambassador and must conduct yourself as He would. What you speak can be as sharp as a sword and can deeply cut those who hear. Therefore, do not let any corrupt or worthless words leave your mouth. Words that are of poor quality or unfit for use should not even be considered. So do not let those words form in your thoughts.  

Instead declare those things that are good and pleasant in nature.  You should speak words that are excellent, honorable, and upright--words that bring joy to the hearer. It is your duty to edify and build up your brothers and sisters.  Your words should promote another's growth in Christ, helping him to become all that the Lord God created him to be.  When you freely give good and pleasant words, you extend God's grace to those who hear.  They receive His mercy and favor through those good words.  Such words strengthen and empower others, ministering to them in their times of need.  So always speak according to God's word and you will do well.

 (Originally written 11/10/04)

 

7/30/13 Psalm 45:7, 17 Celebrate God's Abundant Goodness and Perpetuate His Memory

 Psalm 45:7, 17 (NAS)

They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness, And shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness…. I will cause Thy name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the peoples will give Thee thanks forever and ever. 

Psalm 45:17 (NIVUS)

 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness…..I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

Praises gush and flow forth from both your mouth and the mouths of your brethren. You cannot stop the spring that bubbles up from inside when you remember His greatness and abundant goodness. He has shown you His favor, causing fairness, beauty, joy, and prosperity to fill your life.  You, therefore, shout for joy and sing in exaltation as you think and ponder on His justice and righteousness.

As a minister of the gospel, you have been given the opportunity and privilege to direct people to the One who is the Author and Finisher of that gospel. You have been ordained to proclaim His name and to establish His covenant.  You are a sign and a memorial that brings glory and honor to His name, causing His fame and reputation to be widely known. You remind others, whether old or young, from generation to generation that He, Emmanuel, has chosen to dwell with men

Therefore, the peoples and nations, those who formerly lived in darkness, praise Him.  They throw up their hands and lift their voices in thanksgiving to the Lord of all. They continuously confess His name and His word. Forever shall His praise be on their lips.

 

(Originally written  11/9/04)

 

7/30/13 2 Chronicles 23:19 A Gatekeeper of the House of the Lord

2 Chronicles 23:19 (NAS)

And he stationed the gatekeepers of the house of the LORD, so that no one should enter who was in any way unclean.

 

2 Chronicles 23:19 (NIVUS)

He also stationed doorkeepers at the gates of the LORD’s temple so that no one who was in any way unclean might enter.

 
God has a perfect plan for each of our lives. He has designed and created us individually with the gifts and talents to fulfill that plan.  
 
You may be one whom the Lord God has called and appointed to be a gatekeeper or porter.  He has fitted you to stand at the door; this, however, is not a position without prestige.  You have been given the authority to act on the King's behalf; by your authority, others are permitted to enter.  You are a steward over His court and a watcher in His temple.
 
Although the Lord God extends an open invitation to come to Him, those who have decided to accept it must come with the proper garments, which Adonai, through His Son Yeshua, has already provided.  You have received a robe of righteousness through the blood of Jesus.  Now you can enter into and abide in the presence of God, since you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.  You are no longer defiled, polluted, or unclean.
 
Now as you stand at the gate of God's house you are alert to those who try to enter, but are still contaminated and foul.  However, instead of standing in judgment over these, you should do all that you can to help them receive a robe of righteousness as well.  You are well equipped through the grace and power of God to life up these who have fallen into sin and to help to carry them before the throne of God. 

(Originally written 11/15/05)

 

 

7/29/13 Psalm 112:6 God Shows His Power to His People

Psalm 112:6 (NAS)

He has made known to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations.

 

 Psalm 112:6 (NIVUS) 

He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.

 

As any father, your heavenly Father, desires to reveal His heart to His children.  He uses many means to declare and publish His Word. He sends His prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and apostles to make known His will and His commandments.  They are His messengers to bring information to help build up His family.
 
The Lord's creation reveals His strength and power.  What causes mere men to grow weary and weak can be accomplished easily through God's might. It is as easy for Him to produce wealth for His people, as it was for Him to create the universe.  If you look at the beauty of creation, you see how excellently the Lord God mixes colors: He skillfully weaves them together in variegated patterns.  The same is true for you life; Jehovah takes everything--good and bad--and weaves it together, making it to work together for your ultimate good.
 
It is God's best to give you a heritage.  He has an inheritance, a share, and a portion for each of His children.  He wants to raise you up and to exalt you in triumph over your enemies and over the heathen, those who do not believe in Him.  Through His power, you will be increased.


(Originally written 11/7/05)

7/29/13 Ephesians 4:1-3 Live a Life Worthy of Your Calling

Ephesians 4: 1-3(NAS)

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4: 1-3 (NIVUS)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace

You have made Yeshua your Messiah and Lord; you have given Him the power to decide the direction of your life.  You belong to Him and are under His control. He, therefore, desires that you regulate and conduct yourself in ways that please Him.  As you follow His leading, making use of the opportunities He gives you, you will make progress.

He has called and given you the authority of His Name.  Now you bear a name and a title that is recognized among men.  Since you are under orders to carry out the commands of the Lord your God, do so in a suitable and worthy manner.  Yours is a weighty responsibility, one that requires you to value those to whom you are called.  Know that your calling has merit.

Maintain a humble opinion, not thinking only of yourself. Conduct yourself with modesty.  Whatever comes your way receive it with gentleness and meekness.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, show self restraint and do not hastily retaliate a suffered wrong.  Instead act with patient endurance, allowing the Lord to vindicate you.  It is necessary and your duty to show brotherly love, affection, and good will to others.  Always bear with benevolence the faults of others.

Be earnestly diligent to always guard the unity of the faith, paying close attention to the influence of the Holy Spirit in this.  Keep with watchful care the agreement that binds you to your brethren, maintaining peace and harmony. This will promote safety and prosperity, allowing you to live in tranquility.

 

(Originally written 11/8/04)

 

7/28/13 Psalm 107:5, 6. 9 When You Hunger and Thirst, Cry Out to God

Psalm 107: 5, 6, 9 (NAS)

They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He delivered them out of their distresses...For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.

 

Psalm 107: 5, 6, 9 (NIVUS)

They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress...for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

 
You may be having a time in your life when your strength seems to be failing.  You may be hungry and thirsty and cannot see any provision. Your soul may begin to turn away from the truth that you know.  Your mind, will, and emotions may begin to envelop you with anxious thoughts and feelings. At this point you have turned aside from God and His will. You may find yourself growing more feeble and weak every day.  You have lost your true breath and refreshing that only comes from the Lord.
 
Now is a time for you to cry out of your distress for help.  Make a clamor, calling out loud to the Lord Jehovah.  The Lord can enter any place or any situation that seems to you to be too narrow or too tight for Him.  The Lord your God is well able to snatch and deliver you from these things.  He will rescue and save you from your enemies and will strip and plunder them in the process.  Those distressing straits can no longer hold you; for the Lord has saved you from your oppressors.

Now Adonai, the Lord, satisfies and fulfills you.   He enriches you, giving to you in excess.  He will quench your thirst.  You no longer need to rush to and fro to meet your needs and desires; that will only cause you weariness.  Run to the Lord where your soul will receive refreshing.  Your hunger will be abundantly filled with God's goodness.  Though your life was once full of distress, you will now experience the pleasant and excellent side of life.

 (Originally written 11/6/05)

 

7/28/13 Zechariah 8:17 Do Not Devise Evil in Your Heart Against Another

Zechariah 8:17 (NAS)

Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate, declares the LORD.

 

Zechariah 8:17 (NIVUS)

Do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the LORD.

 

Adonai, the Lord your God, has made you a great and mighty man, a champion of high degree.  He has set a higher standard for your life than other men.  He has also given you a very active and creative imagination; however, He does not want you to use that gift to produce bad or evil.  You should not plot or contrive adversity and affliction against your associates and companions.  It would be easy for you to weave and fabricate harm and mischief against your neighbor, your brother, or your spouse.  If you devise and invent things to break another in pieces, thinking that he is good for nothing, then you are sporting the Lord's displeasure.  Do not let any evil or wicked thoughts about another remain in your heart.
 
Your enemy will try to plant lies and falsehoods in your thoughts about others.  These are nothing but deceitful shams meant to trick you into speaking curses against someone else.  Instead of swearing an oath seven times against your neighbor, extend forgiveness to him seventy times seven, as the Lord Jesus Christ has taught you.  You know that the Lord Jehovah hates when you think about and treat others in a wrong manner.  These things stink in His nostrils.  Those who act like this are actually foes and enemies of the Lord. 

But you are not an enemy of the Lord.  You are His beloved child and you have His nature.  Therefore, choose to act like your Heavenly Father.

 (Originally written 11/12/05)

 

7/27/13 Proverbs 21:3 You Do What Is Right and Are Accepted!

Proverbs 21:3 (NAS)

To do righteousness and justice is desired by the LORD rather than sacrifice.

 Proverbs 21:3 (NIVUS) 

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Every living thing has a unique nature that conforms to its species. Cats act like cats; dogs acts like dogs. The same is true of people.  Those who have not believed in the Lord Jesus Christ act according to their unregenerate, sinful natures.  Those who are God's children should begin to act out of their righteous nature, instead of their fleshly carnal side.

You have been made righteous because you have made Jesus the Lord of your life.  You have been cleansed and purified. Your inner man has been changed and you no longer cater to the sinful impulses that used to drive you.  Now as your mind becomes progressively renewed to the Word of God, you begin to bear more fruits of righteousness.  You exercise the righteousness that is your nature. You act like a righteous man.  You follow closely after the Lord and you practice His holy ways.  Those you meet observe God's characteristics and mannerisms in your life; for you treat others justly and with mercy.

Since you have chosen to follow the Lord Jehovah's ways, He has decided for you.  He would rather have your obedience in all things than to sacrifice your most prized possession.  When you act like Him, showing mercy and acting in kindness, He is well pleased; for that is His nature.

(Originally written 11/2/05) 

 

    

 

 

7/27/13 I Timothy 4:12 Fight the Good Fight of Faith

1 Timothy 4:12 (NAS)

Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 4:12 (Philips)

Fight the worthwhile battle of the faith, keep your grip on that life eternal to which you have been called, and to which you boldly professed your loyalty before many witnesses.

Many times when you are struggling and contending with difficulties and dangers, you strive in your own strength to obtain your victory. However, this is not a successful way to do battle.

In order to win, you must use your faith to fight the enemy. When you listen and yield to what the Lord Jehovah says, obeying Him in all things, trusting Him with quiet confidence, you conquer the enemy on every front. Jesus will lead, guide, and direct you to each victory.  His word moves on the forces and influences that come against your mind, causing them to depart. You, then, will celebrate, knowing that you are a conqueror and more than a conqueror.

Keep a firm hold on the eternal life that you already possess. You have chosen to devote yourself to God; therefore, let your life be real, genuine, active and vigorous in your service to Him. You know that both in this world and in the life that is to come, you will be blessed  In Yeshua, your life is vital, fresh, strong and powerful.

When the Lord called you by name, inviting you to partake of this divine life, you assented to His invitation. You put yourself in agreement with everything that He commanded you and freely confessed what He declared you to be. You have openly declared and have freely spoken of your faith in Him before others; they have witnessed the strength and genuineness of your faith in Jesus Christ, your Savior and Messiah. Therefore, continue in the Way that you are going; for your faith is real and your victory is sure!

 (Originally written 11-1-04)

 

7/25/13 PSALMS 119:108 The Lord Accepts Your Willing Praise!

Psalms 119:108 (NAS)

O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me Thine ordinances.

Psalms 119:108 (NIVUS)

Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.

 

There is nothing that pleases the Lord Jehovah more than when you worship Him.  When you open your mouth voluntarily and willingly in praise to Adonai, you cleave the atmosphere around you.  Your offerings of thanksgiving and praise shatter the domain of Satan, your enemy, and they completely satisfy the Almighty. And He surrounds you with His favor and approval.

The Lord your God then teaches and trains you in His ways and ordinances.   He shows you what is right and just. You exercise what is proper and fitting; you strive to make judgments and decisions according to God's plans and purposes. Because you have submitted yourself to the Lord, you are equipped to rule and govern.

 

(Originally written 11/1/05)

7/25/13 Zechariah 8:13 No Longer a Curse, But a Blessing

Zechariah 8:13 (NAS)

‘And it will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.’

 

Zechariah 8:13 (NIVUS)

As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong."

 

Perhaps you have felt that you were cursed and a villain.  You saw yourself as a mere trifle and of little account.  You thought you were insignificant, someone who should be lightly esteemed. You even thought that other people had the same conception of you.

 

You did not realize that the Lord God wanted you to be a part of His house and His family. He made you someone to be praised and someone to give Him praise. He wanted you to stretch out your hands to Him in thanksgiving. Through Him, you shall prevail.  In Him, you are a powerful contender, who perseveres against your enemies. You are a prince of God.

 

Then the Lord saved and delivered you, making you victorious. He has made you a blessing and a gift. He adores you and wants to prosper you.  Therefore, do not fear or be afraid; Adonai, your God, has changed your dishonor into honor and respect. You are no longer cursed, but a praise.  The Lord has strengthened your hands.  Be encouraged for Jehovah has restored your worth and dignity.  You have God's support and He will continue to sustain you.

 

(Originally written 11/11/05)

 

 

7/21/13 Isaiah 6:9 Your Children Will Be Blessed

Isaiah 61:9 (NAS)

Then their offspring will be known among the nations, And their descendants in the midst of the peoples. All who see them will recognize them Because they are the offspring whom the LORD has blessed.

Isaiah 61:9 (NIVUS)

Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.

Adonai, the Lord God, has built into every species the means to recreate itself through its progeny.  In the animal kingdom, this process is to continue the life of the species, so that extinction does not occur.  God, however, has created men higher than animals and men naturally not only want to produce children, but they also want their children to prosper and to be blessed. 

You desire the same for your children, the seed of your body.  As you experience success and fruit in your life, you want to see your children reaping good fruit in their lives as well.  It would please your heart if your son's worth is recognized and honored by others.  You do not want them overshadowed, dim, and hidden.  When your offspring are marked and respected, you are also fulfilled. 

As people have watched and observed you, so too they gaze upon your children.  They understand and acknowledge that you both have spent time with Jehovah, the Lord God.  They perceive and recognize that you and your entire family belong to God and you are His children.  Although this may seem strange and foreign to them, they know that His hand of blessing rests on you.

 

(Originally written 11/10/05)

 

 

7/21/13 Isaiah 33:13 Whether Far or Near Acknowledge the Almighty!

Isaiah 33:13 (NAS)

You who are far away, hear what I have done; And you who are near, acknowledge My might.

Isaiah 33:13 (NIVUS)

You who are far away, hear what I have done; you who are near, acknowledge my power!

 
Adonai, the Lord God, has a voice and throughout eternity He speaks.  It is His greatest desire that men would listen attentively and intelligently to what He says.  Once men hear, then they are to obey.  He calls to those who are far off, both those who live in remote areas and those who have deliberately removed themselves from His presence.  He also speaks to those who have simply wandered away and have become lost.  All of these are precious to Him and He wants to show them what He can do to help them.
 
If you give Jesus the charge over your life, He will commit Himself to you.  He will advance you and fulfill your life.  All that you need will be furnished at His hand.  As you journey, He will maintain your life.  He will cause your hopes and dreams to come to pass and will perform miraculous acts on your benefit.
 
Therefore, draw near to God and ally yourself to His purpose.  Offer your services to the Maker of the universe and stand ready to do His will.  As you acknowledge and recognize His lordship over your life, you will see His force and might used in your behalf.  He will appoint victory to come into every area of your life.  He is your familiar Friend, your Champion, and your Chief.  He always uses His strength to bless you.

 (Originally 11-09-05)

 

7/20/13 Psalms 66:18-20 Do Not Give Your Attention to Wickedness, But to the Lord

Psalms 66:18-20 (NAS)

If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear; But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His lovingkindness from me.

Psalms 66:18-20 (NIVUS)

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

 
As a child of God, it is important what you look at and hear on a continual basis; for the Lord God has created you to have faith.  Faith gives substance to those things that you imagine and envision.

If you constantly regard and give your attention to wickedness, trouble, and sorrow, then your actions will start lining up with your thoughts and imaginations. You will be focused on negative, evil things. Your heart, though once centered on Adonai, will soon be enveloped in sin. If that should happen, your Lord and Master will no longer listen to you; for He will not be able to grant your distorted requests.

However, in fact, you know that God does listen to and pay attention to you; for you are His child, created in His image.  Like a nursing mother, Adonai inclines His ear to the slightest sound of your cry.  He does not pass over your prayers; they are never light or frivolous to Him.

It is the Lord Jehovah's desire to bless you and those blessings usually come in response and answer to your prayers.  Whenever you pray and intercede, God is quick to intervene on your behalf. He wants you to be a recipient of His goodness, kindness, and faithfulness.  Instead of reproach and shame, the Lord your God gives you abundant mercy.

 

 

(originally written 10/30/05)

7/20/13 Proverbs 15:8 God Is Pleased With Your Prayers

Proverbs 15:8 (NAS)

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Proverbs 15:8 (NIVUS)

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

Often a wicked criminal, who knows that he is guilty of sin, is a "religious" man.  He does all of the "right things", according to his religion.  He gives offerings of money and he attends "worship' services".  He thinks he is ok, because he is sacrificing his time and his money for God, at least one day a week for an hour.  However, during the rest of the time, he lives to please himself and his lifestyle actually shows that he is hostile to the Lord.

The Lord Jehovah is not appeased when someone tries to buy His favor and salvation.  In fact, God is disgusted by such actions. To Him, a man who sacrifices to assuage his conscience is actually a detestable abomination. This man is still unclean in the sight of God.

You, however, have given the Lord control of your life and Adonai has made you upright and righteous.  With His help, your life and actions are being progressively corrected. Unlike the wicked man, you are pleasing and agreeable to the Lord. He has made your path straight and smooth.  The Lord your God esteems and approves of you.  Your prayers are God's pleasure and delight; for He knows that you are interceding for others. You walk in His favor and you know that He finds you acceptable. He is satisfied with you.

 (Originally written 10/28/05)

 

 

 

7/17/13 Psalm 19:14 Let Your Words Be Acceptable to God

Psalm 19:14 (NAS)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

 Psalm 19:14 (NIVUS)

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Words are containers of power.  Adonai created the universe through the words that He spoke. Since you were created in the image of God, your words also are powerful. Through your words, you can cause terrible harm or you can create a peaceful and life-affirming atmosphere.  You can use your mouth to just puff and blow, exalting yourself over others.  What you say can blast holes into another's self-image.  Heated, angry words cause those around you to scatter.  Your speech can be challenging and demanding or considerate and full of promise.  God's word is symbolized as a two-edged sword and when you utter what He has said, you are using sound speech.

Your words usually are formed from the thoughts on which you have been pondering and meditating.  When you are murmuring and complaining in the center of your being, then your speech will be full of murmuring and complaining.  However, if your heart is full of joy and praise to God, then those joyful praises will find their way out of your mouth.  It is important that you muse on those things that are acceptable and favorable to the Lord Jehovah.  His countenance will show His delight in you, when you concentrate on the things that the Lord desires.  When you enter into God's presence, you will sense His pleasure as you keep your heart and words in line with His Word.

Jesus, the Lord your God, is a rock and a refuge for you.  To your enemies, He is a precipitous cliff, with a sharp edge and when they come against you, they shall fall over that edge and be broken on the Rock.  The Lord God Almighty is your strength and fortress.

Jehovah is also your next of kin and He has redeemed you.  He bought back all of the property that you have lost and He has married you to Himself.  He is your Avenger and Deliver; with His very own blood He ransomed you. Therefore, you should honor Him with the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart.  For this is well-pleasing to Adonai, the Most High God.

 (Originally written 10/27/05)

 

 

7/17/13 1 Chronicles 28:9 Seek God and You Will Find Him

1 Chronicles 28:9 (NAS)

As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIVUS)

And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

 

Adonai, your God, has made a covenant ratified with the blood of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus.  Through this covenant your sin was atoned and remitted. You were made complete and whole; peace became the cornerstone of your life.  You have acknowledged and confessed that God is your Father and you belong to His family. Like any other relationship, your experiences with God have allowed you to understand His will; you have gone from being mere acquaintances to more intimate friends. Through the instruction of His word, the Lord has revealed more of Himself.

Through your own choice you have subjected yourself to Jesus Christ, as your Lord, King, and owner. You desire to please Him, working for and serving Him, as He wishes.  You know that as you place yourself under His ruler-ship, you have nothing to fear; for He will keep you safe and sound.  He has filled and completed your life. In Him you have been made perfect and good; for He has restored and rewarded you.

Therefore, keep your heart and your mind fixed on the Lord your God.  Let Him fill your understanding, thinking, reflection, and memory.  Bend your mind and your will to His, so that you give Him pleasure in all that you do.  Let His will be your delight.  In doing this, you will always find refreshing.

You know that the Lord searches every heart and has total understanding of what is going on within you. He marks those who seek Him daily in prayer and worship. Therefore, study God's word and practice what He says. Adapt yourself to His purpose for your life; for He has formed and framed you as something special.  His pre-ordained plan for you is the best course that you could follow.

As you seek and follow after the Lord, He will allow Himself to be found. However, if you leave and forsake the Lord, He will reject and cast you off.  He will allow you to make your own way. Your future, at best, will be insecure, if you take charge of your own life. Therefore, determine to never desert Almighty God, so that you will always have rest and refreshing in His presence.

(Originally written 10/25/05) 

 

 

7/15/13 Isaiah 2:3 Let Us Go to the Mountain of the Lord

                Isaiah 2:3 (NAS)

And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways, And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:3 (NIVUS)

Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

 
Some people need to be encouraged to approach the Lord God. They are afraid because they know that their sins and wrong doings separate them from God.  However, you have experienced His love and mercy, which makes you an excellent leader and guide for these fearful ones.

As you share your good and positive experience with the Lord, you will find others more receptive to your words.  When you invite them to come with you, they will be more likely to go. You will be able to lead them into God's house, where they will be taught and instructed. God's word, like arrows, will pierce their hearts and will give them understanding of His ways.  Then, they, like you, will start their journey, walking with the Lord.

No longer are you a dried, parched place; for the Lord Jehovah has brought you into a place of peace and safety.  He set you up as a monument of His grace and mercy.  From your mouth, God's word shall go forth and you will show others how the law of God works in a person's life to make it better.

 

(Originally written 10/23/05)

 

7/14/13 Isaiah 2:3 Go to the House of the Lord and Learn His Ways

 

Isaiah 2:3 (NAS)

And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways, And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:3 (NIVUS)

Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

 

Some people need to be encouraged to approach God, for they are afraid.  They know that their sins and wrong doings separate them from Him.  However, you have experienced His love and mercy, which makes you an excellent leader and guide for these fearful ones.

As you share your good and positive experience with the Lord, you will find others more receptive to your words.  When you invite them to come with you, they will be more likely to go. You will be able to lead them into God's house, where they will be taught and instructed. God's word, like arrows, will pierce their hearts and will give them understanding of His ways. Then, they, like you, will start their journey, walking with the Lord.

No longer are you a dried, parched place; for the Lord Jehovah has brought you into a place of peace and safety.  He set you up as a monument of His grace and mercy.  From your mouth, God's word shall go forth and you will show others how the law of God works in a person's life to make it better.

 

(Originally written 10/24/05)