9/30/13 Psalms 112:4 Light Dawns for the Upright

Psalms 112:4 (NIVUS)

 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Psalms 112:4 (NAS)

Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous.

 
Do you think that you are living in obscurity and that you are hidden in darkness?  Perhaps it appears as if no one notices you and that you are unimportant. That, however, is not true. The Lord has been holding you in a secret place until the proper and fitting time. Now He will cause you to arise and will let His light shine upon you. You will be illumined like a precious treasure that has been put on display, for you are upright, pleasing, and agreeable to the Lord your God.
 
Adonai esteems and approves of you and has set you on a straight, level path, where you no longer stumble in the dark. He leads and directs you into the light of day, a day of prosperity.
 
The Lord God is gracious and shows you favor. He will always have compassion and mercy for you.  He loves you deeply and has tender affection for you, for you are His righteous child.

(Originally 4/12/06)

 

 

 

9/30/13 Job 29: 20, 21 God Wiil Keep You Fresh

Job 29: 20, 21 (NAS)

My glory is ever new with me, And my bow is renewed in my hand. To me they listened and waited, And kept silent for my counsel.

 Job 29: 20, 21 (NIVUS)

 My glory will remain fresh in me, the bow ever new in my hand. Men listened to me expectantly, waiting in silence for my counsel.

 
Are you looking for the fountain of youth? Do you think you will find it in lotions and potions? Perhaps through some natural means you will be able to stave off old age for a few more years.  However, what if you knew there was a better way to remain strong, happy, and healthy?
 
Through faith in Adonai, the Almighty God, you are in a place to be constantly renewed and refreshed.  He will repair everything that is broken in your life. You will also see more honor, glory, and abundance, for the Lord has restored your dignity and reputation.  You are no longer a light weight, but a heavy contender. When you come up against your enemies, you will see your bow change in your hand; immediately you will gain new strength, a change for the better.
 
You will find that others will begin to listen to and hear what you say.  When you make proclamations, they will give heed and pay attention to what you say, for they are interested in understanding. Instead of arguments, they will wait in silence to hear you.  They will be astonished and astounded; for they know your words are cleansing and purging words. They accept your counsel and purpose; they know that you are not speaking destruction, but are bringing them life and peace.  All of this happens because the Lord your God has strengthened and renewed you.

 

 

(Originally written 2/5/06)

9/29/13 Psalms 20:4 God Gives You the Desire of Your Heart

Psalms 20:4 (NIVUS)

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

 

Psalms 20:4 (NAS)

May He grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your counsel!

When you think of the Almighty God, you envision a great, powerful, and superior being.  In this, your thinking is correct; however, realizing and experiencing His greatness does not mean that you cannot have an intimate and meaningful relationship with the Most High. In fact, He desires you to draw near to Him.  He desires to use His power and might in your favor.
 
As you spend time with Adonai in worship and fellowship, you begin to think and act more like your Father in heaven.  Your dreams and desires become His dreams and desires. Therefore, when you ask for what you want and need from God, He is quick to grant it.  He knows what is in your heart and He ordains, establishes, and fixes your hopes and dreams.
 
Fullness and abundance are what the Lord has in mind for you.  He wants all of your plans and purposes to be accomplished.  His best hopes are for you to be satisfied and complete in every area of your life.

 

(Originally written 4/11/06)

9/29/13 Genesis 49:24 Firm Bow and Agile Arms

Genesis 49:24 (NAS)

But his bow remained firm, And his arms were agile, From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),

 

Genesis 49:24 (NIVUS)

But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,

 
There are natural things that you can do to keep your physical body strong and healthy.  You know the benefits that you receive from eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of water.  However, even in doing all of this, you do not have the ultimate control over how long you will live and remain strong.  That right is held by Adonai, the Most High God.
 
Since you have made the Most High God your God, you can expect Him to help and strengthen you. As you look to Adonai, He will give your hands and arms ever flowing and enduring strength.  You will be able to constantly sow and scatter seed, which will keep you constantly filled and satisfied.  The Lord gives you the power and might to always have abundance.
 
He also arms you to do battle.  When you lift your bow against the enemy, you will always have the ability to release the arrows.  As you rely on God, He will pour new strength into your hands and arms to bring the battle to its victorious completion; for you will be agile, supple, and nimble. You will fly on the wings of the Lord.
 
Jehovah, the Lord, is your Shepherd.  He is your associate, companion, and special friend.  He always tends to your needs, leading you to the best pasture, where you can graze and feed in peace. 
 
He is a large Stone, your Rock, Who is firm, stable, and solid.  He is the one who builds and establishes you. He is your wall of protection.  With His strength, you will always prevail.

 

(Originally written 2/4/06)

9/28/13 Psalms 71:16 Speak of God's Mighty Deeds

Psalms 71:16 (NAS)

I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Thy righteousness, Thine alone.

Psalms 71:16 (NIVUS)

I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

 
As a leader you come and go before many people, who watch you closely. They want to know if they can attain to your standard of faith. They look to see how you will react when you come upon an enemy. Will you cower in fear or will you draw upon the strength of Adonai, the Almighty God?
 
Those who observe do not realize that you have made it a practice of looking to the Lord for help.  You, however, know that it is only His might that keeps you brave and valorous. Through the Lord your God, you become powerful enough to prevail against any foe, for you are a confirmed partner in His covenant. You know that all that Jehovah is and has belongs to you as well. He is your Lord and Master who superintends over all of your affairs.
 
You, therefore, are quick to remind others of all of the righteous acts of the Lord God. You always call to mind His justice and His truth. You record how He has saved and delivered you. Your life is a memorial of how He prospers someone who has put their trust in Him.

 

 

(Originally written 4/6/2006)

 

9/28/13 Deuteronomy 11:16 Do Not Let Your Heart Be Deceived

Deuteronomy 11:16 (NAS)

Beware, lest your hearts be deceived and you turn away and serve other gods and worship them.

Deuteronomy 11:16 (NIVUS)

Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them.

 
There are many things that compete for your time and attention.  Some are valid and noble, but some have little value and worth.  Your thoughts and feelings can be bombarded with various outside stimuli and at first glance, many can appear good; however, not everything that seems good is actually good.
 
It is important, therefore, for you to guard and protect your heart, that part where your mind, will, and emotions emanate.  Build a hedge of thorns around it; in this way, you will save and preserve yourself from harm. Take heed to what you see, hear, and think. Allowing yourself to have an empty and open mind can place you in a position to be easily deceived and deluded.  The enemy will use everything in his power to allure, entice, and flatter you, so that he can persuade you to go the wrong way

Satan's goal is to turn you away from Adonai, the one true God.  If you rebel, revolt, and withdraw from your Heavenly Father, you will find yourself on a decline that leads only to grief.  Instead of the sweetness of the Lord, you will be left with a sour taste in your mouth.  If you begin to serve other, strange gods, you will be enslaved and hindered from success. Bowing down to idols, your flesh, or the devil will only keep you in bondage.
 
Therefore, guard your heart with all diligence in doing so you will find freedom and life everlasting. . As you take time to wait and watch, the Lord will be able to speak clearly to you.

 

 

(Originally written 2/1/06)

 

9/27/13 Psalm 104:31, 32 God's Glory Will Last Forever!

Psalm 104:31, 32 (NAS)

Let the glory of the LORD endure forever; Let the LORD be glad in His works; He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke.

Psalm 104:31, 32 (NIVUS) 

 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works—he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke

 
Many people do not believe that there is a God and because of that, they live their lives to suit themselves. These beliefs, however, are wrong. There is a God and He is mighty and wonderful.  Adonai, the Most High God, is glorious with splendor.  He holds abundance and riches in His hands. His presence is weighty and He deserves honor and respect.  The glory of the Lord Jehovah shall endure forever.  There is no end to His existence.
 
The Almighty is not hard to get along with; in fact, He is easily entreated.  He looks on the things He has made and rejoices in them.  He exults in what He has fashioned. You are a product of His creation and someone who has been skillfully wrought. You make Him glad.
 
You, however, should never lose sight of the Lord's might and power.  When He looks on the earth, it trembles and quakes in His sight.  If He reaches out His hand to touch the hills and mountains, they will begin to smoke.                       
 
All of El-Shaddai's creation stands in awe of Him.  He is great and greatly to be praised. Always let your voice be raised to magnify the Lord Most High!

 

(Originally written 3/26/06)

9/27/06 Exodus 3:3, 4 Do Want to See a Burning Bush?

Exodus 3:3, 4 (NAS)

So Moses said, "I must turn aside now, and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush, and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."

 

Exodus 3:3, 4 (NIVUS)

So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight— why the bush does not burn up."When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."

 
You can sometimes become preoccupied with the details of your life.  Keeping up with daily living, providing for your family, and taking care of yourself can be overwhelming.  In the going to and fro, you can lose sight of things that are truly important and worthwhile, until something catches your attention.
 
Moses, one of the patriarchs of Israel, was busy keeping his father-in-law's sheep, working to provide, as was expected. Suddenly, he saw something that no one had ever seen before and he decided to turn away from his work to investigate this great and marvelous sight.  If front of him was a thorny bush that was burning, but was not being consumed.
 
Jehovah, the Lord God, had actually set Moses up.  He knew that this awesome sight would be one that Moses could not resist.  When God saw that He had gotten Moses' attention, He called his name from the midst of the burning bush.  Adonai really wanted to meet with His servant, but Moses, like so many of us, had gotten preoccupied.  Therefore, the Lord provided an opportunity.  You can almost hear Him saying, "I made you look!'
 
Before the Lord has to get your attention with a burning bush, you should make the decision to spend time with Him and allow Him to speak with you. Although seeing a burning bush could be really cool!

 

(Originally written 1/31/06)

9/26/13 Psalms 45:7 Love Righteousness and Hate Wickedness

Psalms 45:7 (NAS)

Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Thy God, has anointed Thee With the oil of joy above Thy fellows.

 

Psalms 45:7 (NIVUS)

You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

 
The word love is a word that is used in a variety of ways and has different shades of meaning. Love also has different intensities according to its object.  You say you love people, your pets, places and things. Your love can span the emotions of hot passion to warm affection.
 
There are certain things that the word of God encourages you to love such as righteousness. You should develop a good sense of what is right and just and align your life according to these.  You conduct and character should reflect Adonai's nature and character.  He is perfectly right and perfectly just.  The Lord God has saved you from unrighteousness; He has justified and vindicated you.  Now you are righteous and should love everything that righteousness entails.
 
In contrast to this, you should hate anything wicked and evil. As the Almighty sees these as enemies, so too should you. Wicked, evil men continually commit crimes and their thoughts and actions are wrong and unethical.  They oppose the Lord at every turn.  You should not envy and long for this lifestyle, for they are guilty and condemned already.  They do not fear the Lord and have no wisdom.
 
Since you love righteousness and hate unrighteousness, Elohim, the One True God, anoints you with joy and gladness. He has smeared you with the oil of rejoicing and exultation. He also makes your life more prosperous and fruitful than the lives of other men. The wicked look on you and envy the blessings they see.

 

(Originally written 3/25/06)

9/26/13 2 Chronicles 6:41 God Is in His Resting Place So Rejoice in His Goodness

 

2 Chronicles 6:41 (NAS)

Now therefore arise, O LORD God, to Thy resting place, Thou and the ark of Thy might; let Thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let Thy godly ones rejoice in what is good.

 

2 Chronicles 6:41 (NIVUS)

Now arise, O LORD God, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, may your saints rejoice in your goodness.

 
Jehovah, the Lord God, is the most powerful Being, who can go anywhere and do anything He wishes.  This is true and yet, at times, He waits for you invite Him on the scene. Then He imposes His strong presence before your face.  He stations Himself there to be everything you need Him to be.
 
Even though He has bound His strength and might to you, He wants to settle down and rest with you.  He will remain with you; He will never leave nor abandon you.  Knowing that He will not depart permits you to enter into His quietness and peace.  His resting place is also your resting place.  Through His covenant, He gathers you to Himself and there you will remain forever; for His strength makes you firm and you prevail.
 
You are a priest, chief, and ruler for Jehovah. and you are dressed in His salvation and deliverance, for you cried out to God for help.  When He heard your shout, He gave you victory and freedom. Now you are His faithful and holy saint. With His help, you are good, kind, and godly. You will never be put to shame nor reproached.  Therefore, rejoice and be glad in His goodness; you have found Adonai's favor.

 

 

(Originally written 1/27/06)

9/24/13 Psalms 105:43 God Brought Forth His People With Joy

Psalms 105:43 (NAS)

And He brought forth His people with joy, His chosen ones with a joyful shout.

 

Psalms 105:43 (NIVUS)

He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy;

 
Most normal men and women want to establish homes and families.   They want to build a permanent house where they and their children can grow in peace and happiness.  Even if a couple should happen to divorce, statistics show that one or both soon remarry, so that they once more can reestablish a family unit. Where does this strong desire originate?
 
Adonai, the Almighty God, from the beginning of creation has desired a people that He could call His own.  He wanted to establish a family in His own house. However, when Adam, the first man, sinned against the Lord, he brought great darkness upon the human race. The glory of God began to dim in the eyes of every man.
 
This was not acceptable to Jehovah, the Most High God, for He wanted sons and daughters of His own. He wanted to pour out His lavish love upon mankind. He, therefore, formed a plan to deliver them from the great darkness that held them in bondage.  He sent His Son to lead them out of this prison.  This brought Adonai great joy, gladness, and exultation.  Both He and His people rejoice in this.
 
Now you are a chosen child of Almighty God.  Boldly, with a ringing cry, He selected you.  He proclaims to the whole world that you are His. God overcame your enemies and you now are overcome with joyful praise for your Savior and Redeemer!

 

(Originally written 3/24/06)

9/24/13 Genesis 13:17 Arise and Walk About the Land

 

Genesis 13:17 (NAS)

Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.

 

Genesis 13:17 (NIVUS)

Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.

 
Adonai always wants to do things for you. He wants to bless you more than you want to be blessed.  He, however, expects you to take action, as well.  The first thing expected may be for you to rise up from where have settled.  Then you should take a step in the direction you are being led.  As you begin to walk, your way will be confirmed and you will see your path more clearly. God may be leading you into a new land, a new country, or a new venture.  In following after God's will, you will see his blessings begin to flow and you will prosper.
 
As you get up and go, the Lord God will make your way good.  He will give you the help you need as you walk the length and breadth of your new land, a land that is broad and open. Adonai desires to enlarge your prospects and He bestows on you and into your keeping everything you need to accomplish this.  He will avenge you from your enemies and bring you healing.
 
Therefore, rouse yourself to continue in God's plan and you will be established, strengthened, and sure. When you do what you can, God will do what He can. Then you will stand and abide forever

 

(Originally written 1/26/06)

9/23/13 Proverbs 23:18 You Have Hope for a Bright Future

 

Proverbs 23:18 (NAS)

Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off.

 

 Proverbs 23:18 (NIVUS)

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. 

 
Are you looking forward to something?  Is there something for which you are dreaming and planning?  Maybe it seems as if it is delaying and tarrying in coming.  However, you should continue to wait, for you do have a bright future. Your faith will put substance to your dreams and God will bring them into existence.
 
Therefore, continue to eagerly look for what you desire. You can expect a good outcome, for it has been bound to you through cords of hope.  It will not be cut off or eliminated. You vision and dream will not be destroyed; it will not perish. The Lord your God has made a covenant of blessing with you; He is already gathering and collecting everything you need to bring about its fulfillment.

 

(Originally written 2/23/06)

9/23/13 Genesis 31:13 Altars and Vows

Genesis 31:13 (NAS)

I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.

 

Genesis 31:13 (NIVUS)

I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.

 
El Shaddai, the God who is more than enough, is the Almighty God.  He is strong and powerful; He is your chief and you dwell in His house.  You have been built into His family.  You are consecrated to His service and at times you set up memorials to remind you what the Lord has done for you.  In these places your faith is more established and you become more settled.  Adonai makes you stand upright.  You know this is the best possible state for your life.
 
In your love for God, you make vows to Him. You promise to do or give whatever He asks.  Because your faith is stable and sure, you know you will fulfill what you promised, for you rely on God to give you the strength and fortitude to keep your vows.
 
Sometimes the Lord may ask you to move from one place to another, He will tell you to get up from where you have been abiding and to depart to another land or country.  As you rouse yourself to go, God will make your way clearer.  When you proceed in obedience, following the Lord's direction, you will succeed. 
 
Perhaps you are away from your home and family. It could be that He will instruct you to return.  He may even take you back to your starting point and birth place.  If He asks this of you, you should be assured that there is deliverance, recovery, and refreshment in that place for you.  He will restore what was lost and reverse curses.  It is a place where you will feed and rejoice.

 

(Originally written 1/25/06)

9/22/13 Proverbs 22:4 There Is a Reward in Fearing the Lord

 Proverbs 22:4 (NAS)

The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life.

 

Proverbs 22:4 (NIVUS) 

 Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

 
Whether you like it or not, there are always consequences to your actions.  Some are good and some are bad. You, therefore, should make right choices to receive good consequences. Maintaining godly attitudes will bring you reward and gain.
 
Humility and meekness are good attitudes to cultivate. You should realize that you are weak and that Adonai, the Lord God, is the strong and mighty One.  Without the Lord's help, you are lowly, needy, and wretched. Therefore, do not lift yourself up in pride, overreaching your true position, but bow yourself before Almighty God. Set aside your own will and always be ready to respond to His desires.
 
Assume an attitude of reverence, fear, and respect towards Jehovah, the Lord.  You should stand in awe of Him and give Him honor, for He is great and greatly to be praised. There is no one more important or more powerful than El-Shaddai, your magnificent God.

When you humble yourself before Jehovah in fear and respect, you will find wealth and riches. You will be honored with abundance and dignity.  You will be a "heavy-weight" in the Kingdom of God. You will be blessed with a long life that flows with freshness of springtime.

 

 

(Originally written 3/22/06)

 

9/22/13 Philippians 1:10 Discerning What Is Best

 

(NAS)

so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;

 

Philippians 1:10 (NIVUS)

so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,

 
From the time you are born until the time that you die, you are given opportunities to choose the right way or the wrong one.  You have tests and examinations that prove and try you. Through these you begin to learn and discern what is acceptable and approved in God's sight.  In these trials you are shown the more excellent and valuable way for you to go. You discern what will bear fruit in your life and what will not. You find the road that will carry you to a better place, a place that will surpass all of your expectations.
 
As you encounter these testing times, you will begin to grow, even as a flower that is touched by sunlight grows.  You will begin to stand and soon, as the flower, you will come into your full bloom.  These tests will show that you are genuine, pure, and sincere.  They can also prove if you should be condemned and punished or esteemed and ordained.  Therefore, always strive to do as Adonai wants.
 
In this striving, do not let yourself be offensive, for offense will lead you into sin.  Instead be inoffensive and faultless.  You should not strike out at others, nor should you cause them to stub their toes or trip up.  You should endeavor to sit at the feet of Jesus Christ, God's Anointed One. There His gentleness will permeate you, so that you will not give offense. Yeshua, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, your Lord, furnishes you with all that you need to shine His light in the world.

 

(Originally written 1/24/06)

 

9/21/13 Psalms 39:2 Do Not Be Silent, But Speak Good

Psalms 39:2 (NAS)

I was dumb and silent, I refrained even from good; And my sorrow grew worse.

 

Psalms 39:2 (NIVUS)

But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.

 
Most people do not realize that they can control their circumstances to a certain extent through the words of their mouths. If they happen to be experiencing something negative and begin to speak negative words, they actually can prolong their grief.  However, if they begin to speak about good things, they actually can make things better, for they will lift their own spirits.
 
You have learned that you cannot remain dumb when evil, negative things assail you.  You cannot just turn a blind eye to them, hoping they will go away.  If you do this, you will keep yourself bound in trouble.  Keeping silent may actually cause you eventually destroy you and you will perish.  If you remain quiet and inactive, waiting for something to change, you could be undone and cut off from the land of the living.
 
When the evil one attacks, you must not keep quiet.  Instead you should come against him using every weapon at your disposal.  Speaking according to God's word is one very effective weapon.  Adonai's word is good, pleasant, and agreeable.   It is excellent, valuable, and always appropriate.  The word of the Lord brings happiness and prosperity.  It is full of kindness and looks for the welfare of others. It brings joy and delight to those who hear it.
 
Therefore, when you are facing trouble, speak good and favorable things.  Your faith will increase, as you hear God's word coming out of your own mouth.

 

(Originally written 3/20/06)

9/21/13 2 Chronicles 33:12 Humble Yourself Before God and Entreat Him

2 Chronicles 33:12 (NAS)

And when he was in distress, he entreated the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.

 

2 Chronicles 33:12 (NIVUS)

In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.

 
Have you ever been in a situation in which you did not know what to do or which direction to turn?  Maybe you feel distressed and tied up in knots. The weight of the world seems to be pressing hard on you.  Others may be hostile towards you; they harass and vex you at every turn.
 
Now is the time for you to admit that you are weak and pray and entreat Jehovah, the Lord God, to come to your help.  You are tired, wounded, sick, and sore and you know you can do nothing to help yourself.  Therefore, humble yourself and bow low before the one True God.  When you put yourself in subjection to Him. your enemies will not subdue you.  Like your fathers before you, you will discover that the greater your fear and humility before Adonai, the Most High God, the greater will be the abundance, power, and might that He will give you.

 

(Originally written 1/22/06)

9/20/13 Psalms 118:18 When the Lord Chastens You. You Will Not Die

Psalms 118:18 (NAS)

The LORD has disciplined me severely, But He has not given me over to death.

 

Psalms 118:18 (NIVUS)

The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

 
As a parent, you know that there are times in which you have to correct and discipline your children. Although you never want to hurt them, you also know that sometimes it may be necessary to hurt their feelings or to disappoint them. Sometimes the only way we can learn is through such reproof.
 
Jehovah, the Most Holy God, is no different. He loves you so much that He cannot allow certain behaviors and attitudes to continue. He, therefore, often chastises and instructs you through His word.  He wants to bind you to His will. Through His teaching and chastening, He disciplines you, so that you will be formed into His image.
 
You, however, do not need to dread Adonai's chastening.  His discipline is to lift you up and restore you. He desires you to turn back to Him willingly, even if it is with tears and weeping. He does not want you to withdraw from Him, but to yield to His desires. When the Almighty reproves you, it is not to ruin you. His chastisement will not cause your death, but will bring you healing.

 

(Originally written 3/16/06)

9/20/13 Luke 11:21 God Makes You a Strong Person

 

 Luke 11:21 (NAS)

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own homestead, his possessions are undisturbed;

 

 Luke 11:21 (NIVUS)

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.

Even though you are God's child and have given Him charge and control over your life, you still have the responsibility to cooperate with Him.  You may have been weak, but the Lord will make you strong and valiant; you will have a power and force that you never had before.  If you lack ability in a certain area, Adonai will fully equip you, making you able to do what you need to do.
 
When you encounter intense opposition, you can be assured that you have been armed with God's armor. With this equipment you are well able to guard and preserve everything that God has given you.  As you obey the Lord, you will also find that you avoid many obstacles; as you observe His commands, He will save you from loss and injury.
 
In following after God and His word, you are beginning to profit and prosper. You have received goods and possessions that you did not have before. You, however, do not need to fear losing what the Lord has provided for you.  You can rest and be quiet, for you are fixed in His will.

 

(Originally written 1/21/06)

9/19/13 Psalms 68:20 God is Our God of Deliverance

 

Psalms 68:20 (NAS)

God is to us a God of deliverances; And to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.

 

Psalms 68:20 (NIVUS)

Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

 
El-Shaddai is a God of strength and power. He is Jehovah, the Almighty, who has power over life and death. He is a pillar and holds you up like the post of a door.  He is the King of kings and High Priest for His Father..  He is Immanuel, the God who is with us.
 
He willingly became a sacrificial ram, the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. He shed His own red blood to buy your salvation and deliverance. He went into the dim, dark realm where death resided and became its Lord and Master. He overcame the powers of darkness and sin and returned to life in victory.
 
Now He has set borders that death cannot cross.  He is your source of life and has provided you an escape from death. When He came out of the darkness, He brought you with Him. And you enjoy the victory that He won!

 

 

(Originally written 3/13/06)

9/29/13 Deuteronomy 20: 2, 3 Do Not Be Fainthearted in Battle

Deuteronomy 20:2, 3 (NAS)

Now it shall come about that when you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them,

 

Deuteronomy 20:2, 3 (NIVUS)

 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them

Life has good times and bad times. Sometimes you have peace and rest on every side and in those times you should rejoice.  There are other times when you are facing a battle.  When you see the warfare and fight approaching, you should seek out a priest, someone who ministers before Almighty God, for the Lord has given him wisdom and insight.

God's servant will prepare you to attack; he will speak words that will help you subdue and destroy your enemies.  He will challenge you and charge you with God's commands and promises.  Therefore, pay attention to his words and determine that you will obey all that the Lord tells you. What this minister tells you is not mere noise, but it is the sure word of God for you situation.
 
You need to decide that you will not grow soft-hearted and faint before you engage your enemies.  Do not let fear and dread take hold of you.  Do not tremble and suddenly hasten away from the battle.  The enemy wants to terrify you so that you will break and run.  However, the Lord your God has already equipped you to prevail. Instead of turning away, you should boldly face your foes, even though they look at you impudently and with anger.  Adonai has already made you to rule, for He has given you the power of a prince.  God, in all of His strength and might, is on your side.

 

(Originally written 1/19/06)

9/18/13 Proverbs 9:10, 11 The Fear of the Lord Is Just the Beginning

 

Proverbs 9: 10, 11(NAS)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

 

 Proverbs 9: 10, 11 (NIVUS)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

 
Many people are afraid of the Most High God. They see Him as harsh and cruel, for they attribute to Him all of the evil and sorrow that is in the world. These people really do not know God as the loving, caring Heavenly Father that He really is.  They were taught in ignorance and remain in ignorance, for they do not seek out the truth for themselves.
 
There is a difference in being afraid of God and having the fear of the Lord. Of course, He is the ultimate and final authority in judgment. If you do not live life in obedience and worship to the One True God, then there is reason for you to be afraid and terrified of your future. However, if you revere and honor Jehovah the Lord, then you can expect a good and happy ending. The fear of the Lord is the starting place or beginning of your abundant life and it is the principal thing that you need to develop. This is what gives you wisdom, which increases your intelligence and skill.
 
After you receive wisdom, you must also gain knowledge of the Holy One. You need to make yourself familiar with His character and His nature. Observe what He does and follow His instructions. Discover the smallest facets of His being. When you spend time gaining knowledge of who your God is, then you will have understanding about the things He does. You will be able to distinguish His hand in your circumstances. With this perception and discernment, you will become prudent in your choices. The more you know the Almighty the more your life will line up with His will.
 
With each act of obedience, that becomes a lifestyle, you can expect the Lord to bring you increase and abundance. He will enlarge your borders continually. You will be nourished with plenty and your days will be multiplied. The blessings of God will overtake you by the thousands. Even as you cannot count the raindrops in a shower, so you will not be able to number all that the Lord gives you. The strength of your hands will increase and God will add to and augment the years of your life. He will always exceed all of your expectations.

 

(Originally written 3/10/96)