8/31/13 Psalms 102:13 God Will Show You Favor

 

Psalms 102:13 (NAS)

Thou wilt arise and have compassion on Zion; For it is time to be gracious to her, For the appointed time has come.

 

Psalms 102:13 (NIVUS)

You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

  
You do not need to question if Adonai will fulfill what He has promised.  As you wait for Him, He will confirm and ratify His word, for He loves you deeply.  He wants to be merciful and compassionate to you.  He has tender affection for you.  Even though you were a parched place, you are now the dwelling place of God, a bright and excellent home.  The Lord has made you preeminent and enduring.  Through Him you are a chief, and an overseer, who is able to direct others in His way.
 
Now God is gracious to you and shows you His favor at all times.  It is His usual and perpetual practice to show you consideration. He bends down to meet with you, for He desires to betroth you to Himself. Your good fortune depends on Him. You are designated and appointed as His own. He has gathered you into His bosom so that you will always be near.  Now is the time of His favor and mercy.

 

(Originally written 1/29/06)

8/31/13 Acts 17:27 God Is Not Far From You; Therefore, Seek Him

 

Acts 17:27 (NAS)

that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;

 

Acts 17:27 (NIVUS)

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

Every man, woman, and child has a purpose and that, simply, is to seek after the Lord.  You have discovered this secret.  In your reasoning, you began to inquire into the things of God.  As your thinking and meditation revolved around Jesus, the Messiah, you found the One you had been looking for all of your life. Now you aim at what He requires and you strive after what He demands. Your cravings for the Truth have brought you into inimate relationship with your Creator and Master, Jesus Christ the Lord.
 
You have discovered that the Invisible God longs to touch you with His presence and that often He lets you feel Him. Adonai has struck a chord within you and He makes your heart vibrate like the strings of a musical instrument. Now you sing His song, praising and celebrating Him with your hymns.
 
In your search, you have found Him. Your thorough thought, examination, and scrutiny have brought you understanding and knowledge of God's character.  Through your practice and experience you now recognize the Lord, when He shows Himself.  You know that He is always ready at hand and not far off.  He is not remote nor distant. Although Adonai is great and mighty, He is near to you and wants to bless your life.

 

(Originally written 1/2/06)

8/29/13 Psalms 12:5 God Will Arise and Set You in Safety

Psalms 12:5 (NAS)

"Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, Now I will arise," says the LORD; "I will set him in the safety for which he longs."

Psalms 12:5 (NIVUS)

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them."

 
You may not be aware of it, but you have an enemy, the devil, who wants to ruin, destroy, spoil, and devastate you. His only intent is to wreak havoc and violence in your life.  He wants to keep you afflicted and wretched.  If he can keep you poor and weak, you will always be preoccupied with your troubles. You will be depressed and downcast, stooped over and bowed down. Then you will only speak of will be how lowly and poor you are.  You will not be able to see the blessings of the Lord in your life.
  
However, do not despair.  Jehovah, the Lord God, has heard your cries, groans, and lamentations.  He has seen the oppression and abuse that you have suffered.  He knows your wants and needs and He will deliver you from your troubles. He will arise from His throne and show hostility to your enemy. When Adonai, the Almighty and most powerful God, comes on the scene, He will lay waste to your old adversary and He will fix the destruction in your life. He will lay His hand on you in deliverance and salvation. He will rescue you and bring you to safety, where you will find prosperity, welfare, and victory.
 
Now you need not fear the puffings and blowings of your foe. They only have power to excite and inflame you, but when the Lord arises to help you, you will be established, fixed, and sure.  He, in turn, will puff upon the devil and blow him away!

 

(Originally written 1/28/06)

8/29/13 Isaiah 50:10 Fear the Lord and Obey the Word of His Servants

Isaiah 50:10 (NAS) 

Who is among you that fears the LORD, That obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

 

Isaiah 50:10 (NIVUS)

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

 
Although there are many people who are self-employed, the majority of us work for someone else.  As employees, we soon learn the chain of command.  We know that we must carry out the requests of our immediate supervisors, like we would if the CEO of the company made the request.
 
When it comes to the Kingdom of God, however, we sometimes forget the chain of command.  We know we need to fear Jehovah, the Lord God; we should honor and obey Him in all things.  What we may fail to acknowledge is that His servants and ministers have been endowed with Adonai's authority.  We reveal how much we revere the Most High when we hear, yield to, and obey those godly men who have authority over us.
 
Therefore, when you hear the voice of your pastor, an evangelist, a teacher, an apostle, or a prophet of God, and if you know what they say is in line with God's word, consent to and agree with what they say.  The Lord has set these in your life to bring overflow and advancement to you.  You will no longer walk in darkness and what was once obscure and confusing will become light.  Your path will shine with the brightness of God's splendor.
 
Make a choice today to put your trust and confidence in the name of Jesus, the Son of the One True God. You will always be safe and secure, as you are enclosed and hidden in His glory.  Lean on Him and He will always support you.

 

(Originally written 12-31-05)

8/28/13 Psalms 17:15 Behold His Face

Psalms 17:15 (NAS)

As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake.

 

Psalms 17:15 (NIVUS)

And I— in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

 
There is nothing like seeing the face of someone you love, especially if you have been away from that person for a time. When you truly love another, you can think of nothing that will give you more joy than spending time with your loved one. Therefore, if you truly love the Lord God, then you should look forward to the times that you will get to spend with Him.   When you behold His face, being in His presence, sometimes you may even feel ecstasy; for you know that He has made your life right again.  You have received His justice, deliverance, and victory.
 
When you awake from sleep, the first thing you desire is to be with Him again.  In His presence you find satisfaction and fulfillment.  The One who redeemed you has enriched and prospered you.  He has provided for you, so that you have excess. Through His covenant you have received complete salvation and that makes you love Him more.

 

(Originally written 1/23/06)

 

 

8/28/13 2 Chronicles 32:8 Trust in the Arm of the Lord, and Not the Arm of Flesh

2 Chronicles 32:8 (NAS)

With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

 

2 Chronicles 32:8 (NIVUS)

With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

 
You have probably known or at least heard of people who bully their ways into getting what they want.  They trust in their own hands and arms; they use mere brute strength, intimidation, and threats to cowl those, whom they see as insignificant and weak.  Your enemy, Satan, uses these same techniques against you.
 
You, however, have discovered that when the enemy taunts you, only Jehovah the Lord God can give you the help, succor, and support that you need.  He will go to war and engage in battle in your behalf.  He is your great Champion, who is able to stand against any "bully" in your life.
 
You, therefore, can rest in the Everlasting Arms and not rely on the arm of the flesh.  You should lean upon the One who supports and upholds you. He will sustain and brace you in everything.  You will always experience revival and refreshment, as you trust in the word of the Lord that comes to you through His ministers.  He has made promises to you that He will keep; you can trust and put your confidence in them.
 
You will never be dispossessed, but like Hezekiah, you will find that Jehovah has made you strong.  In the Lord God's kingdom, you are a king and the praises of the Most High are continually in your mouth.

 

(Originally written 12/30/05)

8/26/13 Psalms 65:4 You Are Blessed Because God Has Chosen You

 

Psalms 65:4 (NAS)

How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple. 

Psalms 65:4 (NIVUS)

Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. 

 
Perhaps when you were young, you were someone who was always picked last to be on a team. Maybe you were never chosen to do anything "important". Those of the popular crowd usually ignored you or if they did give you any attention, it was to make fun of or laugh at you. Often you did not feel happy.
 
Now, none of that matters, for you have been chosen by the most important being of the universe. Adonai, the Most High God, personally selected you as His choice son or daughter.  You are acceptable to Him, for He sees the excellence that He put inside of you.  In this you know you are happy and blessed.  In this state you prosper and go forward.
 
You now have the freedom to approach the Lord God even as you would approach your earthly parents. You can go before Him with purpose and as you draw near to Him, He will make you ready for whatever you may encounter.  In fact, you can choose to permanently reside in God's presence.  When you arise in the morning until you go to your rest at night, you can abide with your Heavenly Father, in His court and separated from the world.

In God's court, you will find satisfaction and have more than enough. You will be filled with plenty of good things and will be surrounded with beauty. In the Lord's house, it will go well with you and you will be filled with joy and gladness. You have access to God's temple and His holiness.  His might and strength will help you to endure and to prevail.  His power makes you able

 

(Originally written 1/20/06)

8/26/13 Isaiah 26:4 The Lord God is Your Everlasting Rock

 

Isaiah 26:4 (NAS)

Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

 

Isaiah 26:4 (NIVUS)

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

 

Finding security in this world can sometimes be a difficult thing.  Some people's security is in stocks and bonds; some look for it in their friends and family. Others feel secure in their workout programs. And some try to find it in their careers or occupations.  Although all of these can cause a person to be secure for a short time, none of these will last forever.

 

There is only one source of peace and security that is everlasting.  It is important to put your trust and confidence in Jehovah the Lord.  He will always continue and remain. You can always feel safe with Him and He can make you bold, even when you feel fearful.  He can make you appear careless, even though you have many cares.
 
You have been told not to covet or to be greedy, but you can be both of these in spending time with the Lord.  You should desire and long for Him.  Crave Him as your daily food and drink.
 
Jehovah is the Lord Eternal. As you keep your eyes on and follow Him, you will advance. In Him, you have a future. He conceals and hides you, so that you are perpetually safe and secure.  He is like a rocky cliff and a stone boulder for you.

 

(Originally written 12/29/05)

Any Comments

If you are reading these bytes and something speaks to you, I would love to hear what God is doing in your life.  Leave me a comment, if you can.  Thanks, Nancy

8/25/13 Psalm 42:2 Do You Thirst For God?

Psalm 42:2 (NAS)

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?

 

 Psalm 42:2 (NIVUS)

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Every living thing has a vital need for water.  Often the thirst for this life sustaining fluid drives creatures to extreme measures to obtain it. There is something more vital to every human being than water.  Many people do not realize that an ever growing relationship with Adonai, the Almighty God, is the most vital need of all.
 
With every breath that you take, you should thirst for the presence of the One True God.  In Him you find the power, might, and strength that you need.  He is the only One who keeps you alive.  He revives, refreshes, and restores you continually.  He nourishes and preserves you.
 
The Lord your God has already prepared the way for you to come before Him.  The way of salvation in Jesus Christ allows you entrance to the King's throne.  Adonai desires to see your face and you long to behold Him.  You know that this experience will bring you great joy.  As you spend time coming before the Lord, your view will change and you receive new vision.  You will see the dawning of God's favor in your life, as you abide with Him.

(Originally written 1/17/16)

8/25/13 2 Kings 25:30 God Gives You An Allowance

2 Kings 25:30 (NAS)

and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.

 

2 Kings 25:30 (NIVUS)

Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived.

 
In the American society, there is a strong work ethic, which is proper and good.  However, this sometimes hinders us from receiving gifts and blessings from the Lord.
 
It is God's desire to provide all that we need and often that provision does come through our careers and employment.  Adonai, however, does not want us to totally rely on our jobs as our source of supply.  The Lord God is our provider and our source.
 
God wants to provide and give to you on a continual, constant, and a regular basis. He has already prepared a daily allowance and ration for you. Even when you travel away from home, He has blessings waiting for you.  You do not need to worry about your food or clothing; for the Lord has already made provision for your needs.
 
Adonai is your King, who reigns over your life.  He is good and benevolent; He only wants to add to your life and not diminish you.  He has arranged situations and circumstances to lift you up.  He has commanded restoration and recompense for you. He has spoken promises to you and as you trust Him, you shall see His goodness poured into your life.

 

(Originally written 12/15/05)

8/24/13 Psalms 16:3 You Are a Majestic One in Whom the Lord Delights

Psalms 16:3 (NAS)

As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

 

Psalms 16:3 (NIVUS)

As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.

 

The Lord God has set you apart and you are separated from the others of the world.  He has honored you with His favor and acceptance.  You are no longer merely a common man, but you are now sacred and holy.  In the land of the living, you have been marked as someone special, someone who is dedicated and consecrated to Adonai.
 
Among the nations and kings of the world, you are great and majestic.  You are a noble and chieftain.  The Lord has made you glorious.  You are His pleasure and His delight.  You please Him so much that He is continually bending down to bless you again and again.

 

(Originally 1/16/06)

8/24/13 Deuteronomy 6:24 Fear the Lord For Your Own Good

Deuteronomy 6:24 (NAS)

So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today.

 

Deuteronomy 6:24 (NIVUS)

The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.

 

Many people have been deceived about the character of God.  They see Him as someone who just has rules and regulations that must be obeyed or else.  Or else He will snap His mighty fingers and they will no longer exist.  That is not God's heart or His character; He is the best parent that has ever existed and only wants the best for His children.
 
Jehovah, the Lord your God, does give you commandments and charges that He wants you to keep and fulfill.  lLike any loving and obedient child, you desire to carry out His orders. You are fashioned after His nature and you are capable of acting according to His will. 
 
Therefore, offer Him your will and submit to His statutes and ordinances.  You know that the limits and boundaries that God sets for you are in your best interests. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to choose to fear and reverence the Lord God.  You should always stand in awe of Him and His works should cause you astonishment. 
 
As you honor Adonai, He will make your life good and pleasant.  He places high value on you and wants your life to be excellent and rich.  Thus, Almighty God sets boundaries around you to preserve you alive; He surrounds you with His favor which influences you to do well and to act rightly.  In this way, you receive all of God's benefits and blessings in your life.

 

(Originally written 12/13/05)

8/22/13 Psalm 101:6 God's Eyes Are on You Because You are Faithful

Psalm 101:6 (NAS)

My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.

Psalm 101:6 (NIVUS)

My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

You always have a choice to build up and support another or to tear that one down.  You can choose to hurt someone or to extend healing.  When you make these choices, you should know that there is One who is always watching you.
 
If you want Adonai, the Almighty God, to think the best of you, you should strive to become a faithful person.  You should put your trust and belief in God.  This will make you firm and steadfast.  Instead of stress and frenzy, you will find that you are quiet and at rest.  Then you will be able to render the support and fostering that others need.
 
When you become faithful, you will be able to sit down with the Lord and be at ease.  You can settle in His dwelling place and abide in His presence.  In strong and enduring marriages, there are often quiet times, when the couple just enjoys being with each other; they have no need to speak, but simply be together. This can also happen in your relationship with Adonai.  The more you know His ways, the more comfortable you become with Him.
 
As you minister to, worship, and serve the Lord God, you will find yourself walking in integrity and truth.  You will become complete and perfect.  No blemish will be found in you, for you are upright.  You will accomplish all that God wants and nothing in your life will be wasted.

 

 

(Originally written 1-14-06)

8/22/13 Deuteronomy 4:4 You Are Alive Today Because You Held Fast to God

Deuteronomy 4:4 (NAS)

But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive today, every one of you.

Deuteronomy 4:4 (NIVUS)

but all of you who held fast to the LORD your God are still alive today.

 
People are always looking for the fountain of youth because they want to remain young.  They think if they remain young they will remain alive.  Most people fear death; for they know they are not ready to meet Adonai, the One True God.
 
You, however, do not need to fear; for you have joined yourself to Jehovah, the Lord.  You pursue and follow Him closely.  You adhere to and cling to Him and His blessings continually overtake you.
 
You have attached yourself to the One who is the source of all life.  It is in Him that you live and move and have your being. He keeps you green and fresh. The Lord God sustains and maintains your life. He restores your health; He revives and preserves you. With each passing day you grow more alive.

 

(Originally written 12/12/05)

8/21/13 Psalms 22:5 When You Cry to the Lord, You Will Be Delivered

Psalms 22:5 (NAS)

To Thee they cried out, and were delivered; In Thee they trusted, and were not disappointed.

 

Psalms 22:5 (NIVUS)

They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

 
Good parents usually respond quickly when they hear the cries of their children.  Adonai, our Heavenly Father, is also a good parent and He is attentive to your cries for help.  When you call to Him, He will provide a way of escape and you shall be delivered.  He enables you to slip out of the clutches of your enemies.
 
Therefore, you should be quick to put your trust in your Father.  He has proved time and again that you can put your confidence in Him.  Because you are safe and secure in His hands, you can be bold and careless.  You know you will not be put to shame, nor disappointed. The Lord will never embarrass you.  He will save you from any confusion and you will not lose your composure. Jehovah, the Lord, always builds you up and affirms you; for you are His well- beloved child, joined to Him through the blood of Jesus Christ.

 

(Originally written 1/9/06)

8/21/13 Joel 2:1 The Day of the Lord Is Coming!

Joel 2:1 (NAS) 

Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the LORD is coming; Surely it is near,

Joel 2:1 (NIVUS)

Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand—

 
You have probably heard many times that the end of the world is coming and that is true.  In His scriptures, Almighty God gives you many warnings concerning that time.  He especially wants His chosen people to be ready, so He continually asks His ministers to proclaim His will.  He instructs them to blow a trumpet, clang an instrument, and to sound an alarm.
 
However, for you, since you belong to Adonai, this should not be distressing, but joyful news.  He has promoted you and lifted you up to His holy mountain.  You dwell in His sanctuary, where you are safe and protected; for He has pronounced you clean and holy, as well.
 
Those who have not yet bowed their knee to El-Shaddai, the One True God, should tremble with fear; for the Lord sits in judgment over them.  They may think that they will continue to live and dwell at ease, marrying and settling in homes, but a day is coming that will cause them to be afraid.  It is the day of the Lord God and it will certainly come.  Then the inhabitants of the land, those who do not belong to God, will see trouble and the wrath of God poured out on sinful flesh.
 
As the day of the Lord draws ever nearer, keep yourself in the love of God and maintain your faith in Him.  Unlike your self-absorbed neighbors, you will have nothing to fear on that day.

 

(Originally written 12/9/05)

8/20/13 Psalms 25:2 God Will Not Let Your Enemies Triumph Over You

Psalms 25:2 (NIVUS)

in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

Psalms 25:2 (NAS)

O my God, in Thee I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of those who wait for Thee will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

 
The Lord God, Jehovah, is your God. He is your creator and your savior. You have confidence and trust in Him. He makes you safe and secure. In Him you are bold.
 
He will never disappoint you or allow you to be ashamed. He will not delay in fulfilling your desires. He will not allow your enemies, those who are hostile to you, to rejoice in triumph over you, nor will they be exulted over you.
 
Wait expectantly for Him. Look for His answer hopefully. Linger in His presence, for He shall surely deal faithfully with you. And those who deal treacherously, faithlessly, and deceitfully with you shall be ashamed. All of their threats are empty and vain. They are void and without effect. The Lord shall pour their words down the drain, for they are idle and worthless.
 
And you shall rejoice and be exulted!

 

 

(Originally written 1/8/06)

8/20/13 2 Chronicles 13:12 Do Not Fight Against the Lord; for You Will Not Succeed

2 Chronicles 13:12 (NAS)

Now behold, God is with us at our head and His priests with the signal trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.

2 Chronicles 13:12 (NIVUS)

God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.

 

Adonai is the captain and chief over His people.  He is your beginning and He is your end.  He rules over all the universe and with the mere shake of His head, kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall.  He sets men as priests to rule as princes and officers over His nation and His church; these mediate and minister in His behalf. They have the responsibility and authority to help guide you in the right direction.

 

However if you, even though you are God's child, try to fight and do battle against the Most High, the Lord's ministers will raise an alarm against you.  They will shout so loud that the noise could split your ears.  You will hear God's battle cry and His trumpets will blow.  You cannot prevail over the God of your fathers and you yourself shall be overcome.  You will not prosper when you fight against the One who gives you breath and life.  In fact, Adonai's power and might will be used against you.

 

Therefore, be quick to change your attitude and to repent.  Listen to the ministers of the Lord and do what they say.  When you do this, you will find that the Lord your God will be good to you.  He will make the work of your hands profitable and your will prosper. He will push you forward and you will be breaking out at the seams with all of the abundance that He gives you.

 

(Originally written 12/8/05)

8/19/13 Psalns 119:49,50 God's Word Comforts You in Affliction and Revives You

Psalms 119:49, 50 (NAS)

Remember the word to Thy servant, in which Thou hast made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Thy word has revived me.

Psalms 119:49, 50 (NIVUS)

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

 
Almighty God has formed a perfect plan for your life; from the very foundation of the world He has established it. And you have embraced His will, letting His desires become yours.
 
Now you are doing everything that you know to do to carry out His purposes. However, sometimes you become discouraged as time passes and you are waiting for the fulfillment of Adonai's word to you.  When these doubts come against you, call upon the Lord your God, asking Him to remember you.  He will cause you to hope once more in His word, giving you the strength and patience to wait with renewed trust.
 
If you feel afflicted and oppressed, weakened and humiliated by the enemy's taunts, turn again to Jehovah.  He will comfort you, pouring out His compassion on you. Listen again for His promises and commands; for He intends good things for you.  His word will give you life, reviving and sustaining you.  It will preserve you from discouragement, faintness and death. By it, your dreams will be restored and you will see new growth.  Then you will breathe easier, knowing that your faith is not in vain.

 

(Originally written 1/5/06)

8/19/13 Numbers 10:9 When You Go to War, Expect God to Remember You and Save You

Numbers 10:9 (NAS)

And when you go to war in your land against the adversary who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the LORD your God, and be saved from your enemies.

Numbers 10:9 (NIVUS)

When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies.

The Lord your God has given you your very own land to tend.  You have the responsibility to care for and cultivate it.  Adonai requires that you make the best of what He has given you.
 
Sometimes maintaining the best for your property is to defend it against your enemies.  You, however, should not just assume a defensive position, but you should also go on the offensive. You should not cower in fear, waiting for your foes to come against you.  Instead you should choose the time and the place to wage war; for the best generals are those who choose the site of the battle.
 
Do not continue to allow yourself to be squeezed into a tight and narrow place.  Instead press hard against your adversaries; trouble and vex them for a change.  Besiege and oppress those who have besieged and oppressed you for so long.
 
If you need help, do not hesitate to sound an alarm.  Shout and make a joyful noise unto the Lord your God.  Blow a trumpet; when God hears, He will remember you.  When you beseech Adonai to come, He will come quickly to your aid.  He will surround you with His favor; He will save and defend you. What used to be cramped and narrow will become open and wide.  No longer will you be bound and shut away, but you will be free and victorious; for Jehovah your Lord has rescued you and brought you to safety.

 

(Originally written 12/7/05)

8/18/13 Psalms 119:160 God's Word is Truth and Will Last Forever

Psalms 119:160 (NAS)

The sum of Thy word is truth, And every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting.

 

Psalms 119:160 (NIVUS)

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

 
Beginnings are always important and momentous.  Birthdays mark the beginning of a person's life.  Anniversaries mark the beginning, as well as, the ongoing success of a relationship, a business, or a date of employment.  You celebrate the beginning of a new year.  Remembering each beginning gives you hope for the future, for you see where you started and what you have achieved.
 
The best beginnings are those which start with the Word of God.  In the beginning Adonai, Almighty God, created the heavens and the earth with His Word: the Word was in the beginning with God and the Word was God.  He spoke and all things came into being. In the beginning, the Lord uttered and proclaimed His promises and commands to mankind. and throughout time, men have come to see the Truth and faithfulness of these sayings.

You have come to know how sure and reliable God's word is. When you consent to and agree with it, you remain stable and firm, as you continue your journey.  It supports, upholds, and nourishes you daily. You are established, for God's word in your life has proved to be sure and lasting.  So as you continue to trust and believe, you will certainly stand firm.
 
You know that Adonai's righteous judgments will stand forever.  They are what give you an eternal and everlasting future.  God's word will last and endure; therefore, you will last and endure, because you have trusted in Jehovah.  In the beginning, the Lord set up His covenant of peace with man and you are a partaker of the blessings of that covenant. Remember the beginning of your faith on God's word and it will carry you through until the end.

 

 

(Originally written 1/1/06)

8/18/13 Deuteronomy 33:29 The God Who Saved You Is Your Shield of Help

Deuteronomy 33:29 (NAS)

Blessed are you, O Israel; Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, Who is the shield of your help, And the sword of your majesty! So your enemies shall cringe before you, And you shall tread upon their high places.

Deuteronomy 33:29 (NIVUS)

Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.

 
At one time you were on a crooked and uneven way, but then you changed your course.  You gave the control of your life into the hands of Adonai, the Lord God.  He set you right and put you on a straight path, which made it easier for you to advance and progress.  Many now pronounce you happy and blessed.

With the blood of His very own Son, the Lord has saved and delivered you.  Jehovah has liberated you and made you victorious, a champion who prevails over your enemies; for He is your shield that covers and surrounds you.  He is always ready to defend you; for you are one of His chosen people. Look to God Almighty for His help and support.

Your majestic God wields His sword against your enemies.  He lays them waste and they remain desolate and in ruins.  He smites them down, but He raises you up.  He makes you triumph over them those who tried to deceive you will themselves be deceived.  They will be disappointed and fail in their schemes.  All that they do will be insufficient. You will tread upon their high places and march triumphantly over their battlefields.

 

 

(Originally written 12/03/05)