10/31/13 Psalms 40:3 God Puts a New Song in Your Mouth

Psalms 40:3 (NAS)

And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

 

                Psalms 40:3 (NIV)

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

 

The Lord has entrusted you with His music. You, in turn, are consecrated and dedicated to Him and His service. Therefore, He has given you a new song--a song that brings refreshing and repair.
 
With your mouth you can cleave in pieces the chains that the kingdom of darkness has placed on the lives of God's children. Your mouth is filled with praise, thanksgiving and adoration to God. You shine forth His light and your boast is in Him.
 
Many will observe, consider, and discern the truth in your words and in your songs. Then they will stand in reverence and awe of Jehovah. They will put their trust in Him and finally find the security and confidence that can only be found in Him!
 
You are His vessel to help build His Kingdom!

 

(Originally written 6/1/06)

10/31/13 2 Corinthians 7:10 Your Godly Sorrow Produces Repentance

 

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NAS)

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

             2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIVUS)

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

 
If you have a healthy conscience, you should feel remorse if you do something wrong, immoral, or unethical. It is natural for you to experience sadness, heaviness, and grief. If you are a child of God, this sorrow occurs because you know you were not acting in a godly way and not displaying His characteristics.
 
This godly sorrow accomplishes much in God's children. It causes you to want to reform and to reverse what you did.  Since you cannot change the past, you go to Adonai to repent. You then begin to think differently; you reconsider your actions, so that in the future you will not commit these ungodly deeds.  In your repentance you find rescue and safety. Once again the Lord Yeshua extends His salvation and deliverance and you are brought back into proper alignment with Him. He will not change His mind, for He does not regret His decision concerning you.
 
The people who live according to the world's system do not have this advantage. They may feel the same kind of sorrow and heaviness, but they have no place to go for relief.  Their sorrow only produces death, for they do not have access to the power of Almighty God to change them.
 
Therefore, you should thank God for the sorrow you feel, for it is always an agent to make you better.

 

 

(Originally written 3/17/06)

10/30/13 Psalms 1:6 The Lord Watches Over Your Way

Psalms 1:6 (NAS)

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.

 

              Psalms 1:6 (NIVUS)

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

 
The Sovereign Lord Jehovah, who has always existed, is the Controller and Master of the universe.  The Almighty knows and observes all things.  He instructs and advises you in the course for your life.  You have been cleansed and made right with God. He recognizes the way you should take. As you trust Him, He leads and guides you on that path. You will not go astray when you follow His directions.
 
Those who are ungodly do not have the advantages that you have, as a righteous man.  They continually violate God's laws and depart from the path of justice.  They commit wrong and make trouble for others. Therefore, their journey leads them to destruction. They wander away from the Truth and follow lies.  They lose their ways and perish in the process, for they have no escape and no way to flee from their sin.

 

(Originally written 5/31/06)

10/30/13 Isaiah 45:19 You Do Not Seek God in Vain

Isaiah 45:19 (NAS)

I have not spoken in secret, In some dark land; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a waste place’; I, the LORD, speak righteousness Declaring things that are upright.

Isaiah 45:19 (NIVUS)

I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

 
When the Lord Jehovah speaks to you, it is usually something that will build you.  He rarely says anything that is destructive. His words arrange situations and circumstances according to His commands and promises.  He does not hide His will from you, nor does He keep it secret.  It is not disguised or covert. He does not keep you ignorant or in the dark.  He does not intend His words to cause you misery or sorrow.
 
Instead He desires you to rise and abide. He wants to lift you, so that you will endure. He has established and strengthened you for success. He intends your seed to be fruitful. What you conceive will bear; what you sow will yield. You, however, must seek God in worship and prayer. Strive after His will. Ask and request what you require from Adonai. This is not a waste of your time or your words for the Lord your God will not leave you in a worthless and empty place, where there is nothing.  You will never seek the Lord in vain.
 
Adonai has appointed prosperity for you. He has spoken cleansing words over you and these have brought you righteousness. He has boldly announced straightness and evenness to your path. He has declared that your life shall be filled with everything that is right, sweet, and pleasant. His words will manifest goodness for you, for He esteems you highly.

 

 

(Originally written 3/15/06)

10/29/13 Psalms 1:4, 5 The Wicked Are Like Chaff

 Psalms 1:4, 5 (NAS)

The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

 

               Psalms 1:4, 5 (NIVUS)

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous

 
The Bible compares believers to trees, but it says something totally different about unbelievers. Those who are wicked and hostile to God are compared to chaff.  Those who sin against God are of no real substance and are easily and always driven by the wind. They do nothing more than oppress and extort from others.
 
These who are guilty and condemned cannot even stand with those who have been justified. They are reckoned as offenders and condemned as sinners. They are unclean and have missed the path of right and duty. They live lives of loss and not gain.  They have no witness or testimony to give of the Lord and His goodness.  They have turned their backs to Him and are not members of His righteous congregation. Because of their repeated mistakes and rebellious act, they shall be punished.

 

 

(Originally written 5/20/06)

 

10/29/13 Daniel 9:9 When You Rebel, God Remains Compassionate and Forgiving

Daniel 9:9 (NAS)

To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him;

              Daniel 9:9 (NIVUS)

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;

 
When you were young, you probably rebelled against your parents at certain times. You wanted your own way. You thought you knew better than your elders. When you went against their wishes, you usually found yourself in trouble and needed your parents' help, love, and forgiveness.
 
You also know that you have rebelled against the Most High God. Adonai is your Lord, Master, and Owner. He is the sovereign and supreme God and you need to defer to Him in all things.
 
Although the Lord your God is strong and mighty. He is compassionate and merciful. He cherishes you with tender love. When you rebel against Him, He extends pardon and forgiveness to you. He wants to spare you from His wrath and punishment, for His love for you is great!
 
Therefore, when you find yourself in trouble with God because of your rebellion, ask Him to help you.  Like your loving parents, He will quickly come to your rescue and restore you to Himself a

 

(Originally written 3/14/06)

10/28/13 Psalms 1:3 You Are Like a Tree

 

 Psalms 1:3 (NAS)

And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

 

                  Psalms 1:3 (NIVUS)

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

 
An analogy compares two things that are different, but have similar qualities. The Bible uses many analogies to show you what God thinks of you and who you are in your walk of faith.
 
Trees, which are tall, strong, and enduring, are often used in Biblical analogies.  If you delight in the Lord your God and in His word, you are compared to a tree.  You have the strength and hardness of iron, for the Master Craftsman and Artisan has taken you in His hands.  He has engraved His love and ownership on you.
 
He has made you grow tall and strong as a cedar or oak tree. You are planted beside rivers and channels of water; you have a constant supply to quench your thirst and refresh your life.  You stand in the presence of Jehovah the Lord God and behold His face.  He is your source and from Him springs your life.
 
Now you are constantly producing fruit; your yield is great, for the Most High God has provided all that you need.  He has extended your borders and stretched out your land, so that there is more room for development. In the proper time and at the right season, your land will bring forth its fruit.
 
Like this tree, your leaves will not wither and fall.  You will not fade, sink, or drop down, for God has made you to ascend and climb. You are not foolish and to be treated with contempt. You are designed to grow, excel, and be superior to sinful men. Adonai, the Almighty God, has exalted you.
 
Now whatever you do will prosper and succeed. You have been designed to advance and make progress.  You are profitable to the Kingdom of God.  Therefore, rush to accomplish all that God tells you to do, for you will not fail.

 

 

(Originally written 5/29/06)

10/28/13 Deuteronomy 10:12 Fear the Lord, Walk in His Ways, and Love Him

Deuteronomy 10:12 (NAS)

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

                Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIVUS) 

And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

 
From the beginning of time, Jehovah the one True God has desired a strong people for Himself. He, therefore, created Israel, a prince of God and gave him the power to contend with His enemies.  God made Israel strong enough to prevail against everyone who came against him.
 
You have been adopted into His family and His nation and there are some things that He requires of you. He simply asks you to honor, revere, and respect Him, for He is an awesome God. You are astonished daily by His nature and works.  
 
Jehovah desires to direct your life and requests that you walk in His ways.  You should order your life, so that you habitually follow His word, treading the path that He has laid out for you. He will lead you throughout your life and up until the day you die.  You have nothing to fear in His guidance.
 
Now you love the Lord your God and you walk with Him as a friend. You work for Him and serve Him with your whole heart and soul. And He has refreshed and restored you to wholeness.

 

 

(Originally written 3/12/06)

 

10/27/13 Psalms 1:2 Delight In the Law of the Lord

Psalms 1:2 (NAS)

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

 

Psalms 1:2 (NIVUS)

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

 
Pleasure is the pursuit of many people. Whatever makes them feel good is what they seek. Often it does not matter if their pursuit hurts someone else.  If it "feels good", they "do it".
 
There is a pursuit that is honorable and good. You should seek Jehovah the Lord, His direction, and instruction.  As the laws of the land provide boundaries to keep you safe, so also the Law of the Lord gives you boundaries for every area of your life to keep you safe, happy, peaceful, and secure. So as you seek to know Him and His law, you will find pleasure and delight. God's word will become your desire and longing.
 
It is important that you meditate and muse over the word of the Almighty. Murmur and whisper His word to yourself day and night. You will receive guidance and instruction from the law of God hidden in your heart and spoken from your mouth.  By doing this, your faith will grow and you will have the power to do all that God has called you to do.  In this you will find great pleasure and delight

 

(Originally written 5/28/06)

10/27/13 Job 28:28 The Fear of the Lord Is Wisdom

Job 28:28 (NAS)

And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’

Job 28:28 (NIVUS)

And he said to man, ‘The fear of the Lord— that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’

 
Often men think that God is not interested in the affairs of mankind.  They think that He looks on from a distance, but does not interfere.  If unbelievers think of God at all, they tend to humanize Him, giving Him faults and failings.  Both of these views are wrong and distorted.
 
Adonai, Almighty God, has gone to great effort to show how interested He is in your life.  He chose some men to write down His words, so that you would know His requirements.  He also wanted you to know how much He loves you and desires your best. He speaks to you individually and He speaks to multitudes of men, but the message is the same.
 
The first thing that He tells you is to fear Him, for He is the Almighty and the Most High.  You should respect and revere Him, for He has power over your life.  Without His favor, love, and restraint, you would no longer exist.  He could easily send you back to the dust from which you came.
 
He is Jehovah the Lord and Master of the universe.  He is the One who keeps things firm and strong. He is the King of the whole earth, who should be worshiped, reverenced, and honored.  When you recognize His superiority, you are exercising wisdom, shrewdness, and prudence. In this you are not deceived and are able to teach others to fear God.
 
One of the first things that wisdom teaches you is to depart and turn aside from evil. You should avoid anything that gives pain, unhappiness, or misery. An unkind and vicious disposition is displeasing to the Lord.  Therefore, reject and remove yourself from everything that distresses or injures another.  In this you show understanding and discernment. Being considerate and attentive to the needs of others shows the character and nature of your Lord and God.

 

(Originally written 3/11/06)

10/26/13 Psalms 25:2,3 You Trust in the Lord and Will Not be Ashamed

Psalms 25:2,3 (JPS)

O my God, in Thee have I trusted, let me not be ashamed; let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, none that wait for Thee shall be ashamed;  they shall be ashamed that deal treacherously without cause

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.

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.

But you shall rejoice and be exulted!

 

(Originally written 6/22/04)

 

10/26/13 2 Corinthians 2:7 Forgive and Comfort Others Who Sin

2 Corinthians 2:7 (NAS)

so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, lest somehow such a one be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:7 (NIVUS)

Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

 
You probably have a well-defined sense of what is right and wrong.  When you see someone who does not live up to your standard, you may feel justified in condemning that one. You may not speak the judgmental words, but your thoughts are full of the punishment that should be meted out.  This attitude is contrary to God's word and His heart.
 
A better attitude is to forgive. You should extend pardon and kindness. You should graciously grant the offender your favor. This is a gift that you should bestow liberally and with pleasure. Instead of thinking ill of another's actions and behavior, you should think well of him and desire that he have a calm and happy life.
 
If you sin but are repentant, you would want others to extend comfort and consolation to you; even so you should do the same for others. You want to know that you can draw near to your fellow believers without fear; you want them to continue to be good to you.  You, therefore, should be good to others.  Otherwise these precious ones could feel like they are being swallowed by grief or sorrow; an abundance of heaviness and sadness may devour them. 

So always be quick to forgive any offense; in this way, you will promote the well-being of your brothers and sisters.

 

(Originally written 3/7/06)

10/24/13 Psalms1:1 Do Not Walk With the Wicked, Sinners, and Scoffers

Psalms1:1 (NAS)

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

 

Psalms1:1 (NIVUS)

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

 
Most people would like to better their lots in life, but sometimes they use the wrong ways and means to do so. The pursuit of happiness may be an inalienable right, but there is a correct way to pursue it.
 
In order to walk straight, advance and make progress, you should pay attention to what God's word tells you.  The Lord encourages you to not seek the counsel, advice, and purposes of those who are wicked and criminal. These weak, frail men are hostile to the Almighty and stand guilty before Him.  Through their actions and words they have condemned themselves and are guilty of punishment. Their paths are crooked and if you walk with them, you will never go straight.
 
You should not stand in attendance with sinners and the unclean, for you will soon stop moving forward.  Your habits will begin to reflect those with whom you are standing and your moral character will become forfeit.  You will bear loss and miss your goal.
 
Do not sit or dwell with those who are scornful and arrogant.  They boast of and have inflated ideas of themselves and mock and deride the things of God.  You will not be happy, blessed, or prosperous in the presence of these ungodly ones.

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/27/06)

 

10/24/13 1 Corinthians 14:3 Prophesy to Edify, Exhort, and Comfort

1 Corinthians 14:3 (NAS)

But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

 

                1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIVUS)

But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

 
Would you like to be a mouth piece for Adonai?  Do you want to prophesy under divine inspiration?  When the Lord gives you revelation from His Word, you should be ready and willing to declare it to others.  He has given you this revelation to teach, refute, admonish, and comfort others.
 
As a prophet of God, your motivation should be to build up and edify others.  What you say should promote Christian growth. Through your words, your brothers should receive wisdom, piety, happiness, and holiness. 

Other believers should hear the Lord God calling them near as you prophesy. What you declare should not only bring encouragement, but also comfort and refreshment.  These powerful exhortations should arouse and stimulate or calm and console. Therefore, when you prophesy, always remember the heart of the Father for His children--a heart that always wants to strengthen and bless those He loves.

 

(Originally written 3/6/06)

10/23/13 Psalms 44:3 Your Own Arm Will Not Save You

Psalms 44:3 (NAS)

For by their own sword they did not possess the land; And their own arm did not save them; But Thy right hand, and Thine arm, and the light of Thy presence, For Thou didst favor them.

 

                          Psalms 44:3 (NIVUS)

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.

 
Trying to obtain in your own strength and might anything that the Lord God promises you is a useless task. If you attack your enemies with your own sword that you wield with your own hands you may be able to seize and possess the land; however, you will perpetually be fighting to maintain your victory.  You will have no rest; for your adversaries will constantly come back to dispossess you and bring you to ruin. With the constant fighting, the strength of your arms will be dried up and you will come to poverty.  Your salvation and deliverance will be fleeting.
 
However, if you rely on Jehovah's right hand and the strength of His arm, your victory will be sure and you will not be disappointed.  He will cause you to sow seed in the land that He gives you.  And that seed will grow and produce an abundant yield.  Yeshua will turn His face towards you, letting the light of His glory rest upon you. You will enjoy His presence and He will illuminate your path. He takes great pleasure in you and surrounds you with His favor. Because He delights in and accepts you, you have continual victory

 

(Originally written 5/26/06)

10/23/13 Job 9:27 Forget Your Complaints and Smile

 

Job 9:27 (NAS)

Though I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful,’

                        Job 9:27 (NIVUS)

If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’

 
You may think that you cannot control how you feel, but that is not true.  If you are a Christian who tries to follow after the Holy Spirit, you have the fruit of the Spirit and a part of the fruit of the Spirit is self control.
 
Musing and meditating on your anxieties and troubles will only cause you to speak out your complaints.  What you ponder and study will eventually come out of your mouth, for it has gotten into your heart.  You, however, can choose not to think nor talk about what is concerning you.  You can command yourself to ignore and even forget those troubling complaints
 
When you make this choice and forsake those negative thoughts and words, you actually may soon begin to smile again.  Leaving these bad habits behind will make your life more pleasant.  Now the Lord is open to repair and restore what was concerning you.  Keeping God's words and thoughts before your face will prevent you from going in that negative direction again.

 

(Originally written 3/5/06)

10/21/13 Proverbs 24:21 Fear the Lord and the King

Proverbs 24:21 (NAS)

My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change;

                Proverbs 24:21 (NIVUS) 

Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious,

  
In order to build God's Kingdom, you must first fear and revere Jehovah the Lord.  As a son honors and respects his father, so you must honor and respect the Almighty.  When you stand in awe of Him, Adonai will establish you, so that you can continue in His will.
 
Not only does the Most High deserve your honor, so also does the king.  You should show respect to those who have ruler-ship and authority over you, for the Lord has set them up to reign.  Take heed to the counsel and advice of those who rank above you; consider all that they have to say.
 
In your walk before and with the Lord, you should not pledge yourself to weak men, who are subject to change.  These are engaged in altering God's commands to suit themselves.  If you allow yourself to become surety for these unstable men, you will find yourself on shaky ground.  Instead you should fellowship with Yahweh and His children, for with them you share in the Truth.

 

(Originally written 5/22/06)

10/21/13 Acts 9:31 Be Built Up in the Church

Acts 9:31 (NAS)

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and, going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.

Acts 9:31 (NIVUS)

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit; it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

 
Life can get stressful and you may feel like you are surrounded by anger and rage.  During these times, it is important to turn to Jesus and His Church, for the Lord has given His Church peace.  As you gather together with other believers, you will find yourself becoming tranquil. Instead of the rage and havoc of war, you will have harmony and security.  As you put your trust in the Almighty, He will fill your life with prosperity and surround you with safety. His salvation is the way that leads to peace and rest.  And through Yeshua, His Son, you possess that salvation.
 
You now know that the Lord God is your guardian and He shall be praised.  As you lift up your worship to the Most High, you are built up and edified. You are continually growing in grace and blessedness.  Wisdom, holiness, and virtue characterize your life.  You have entered into a journey and are continuing in the fear of the Lord.  You reverence the Messiah and follow closely in His footsteps.
 
The Holy Spirit of God comforts and encourages you in your walk.  He speaks words of refreshment and consolation to you. He will never stop doing this, but will multiply and increase those words. He is always calling you to come nearer to His side. In His exhortation and instruction, you receive great strength and peace.

 

(Originally written 3/3/06)

10/20/13 Psalms 6:8, 9 Those Who Do Evil Must Leave You Alone

Psalms 6:8, 9 (NAS)

Depart from me, all you who do iniquity, For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer

 

               Psalms 6:8, 9 (NIVUS)

Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

 
Many people, who face adverse circumstances, often believe that adversity is their lot in life.  They do not realize that in many instances they can take authority over these situations, especially if they are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
As a child of the Most High God, you can tell those who commit wickedness and iniquity to depart from you.  Those who afflict you and cause you sorrow must leave you alone.  You can decline the mischief that they do against you, for Jehovah the Lord has heard your weeping and has seen your tears.  He has heeded the voice of your lamentations, complaints, and wailings.
 
You have cried and entreated the Lord your God for favor and grace.  He has graciously stooped down to bestow His kindness and mercy on you.  He has granted your requests and supplications.  Jehovah has accepted your prayers and has sent you the answers, for He cares for you as His dear child.  He reserves special regard for you.

 

(Originally written 5/20/06)

10/20/13 Isaiah 54:8 God's Anger Is for a Moment; His Kindness Is Everlasting

Isaiah 54:8 (NAS)

In an outburst of anger I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you," Says the LORD your Redeemer.

 

Isaiah 54:8 (NIVUS)

In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer.

  
Have you ever met someone who does not anger easily? This person is easy going the majority of the time, but even the most easy-going person has a breaking point. When he reaches his limit, he will explode, in anger which surprises and frightens those who know him best.
 
Jehovah, the Lord God, is long suffering in this way.  However, it is possible to push Him to the limit as well. Then He will burst out in anger for a little while.  In this rush and overflow, the Lord cleanses and washes away the sin that stirred up His wrath.  It may seem that He has hidden His face, that He is absent and no longer close.  It is important to remember that His anger will only last an instant, as short as a wink of the eye.
 
Adonai, the Almighty God, is merciful.  He wants to be kind to you throughout eternity.  The beauty of God is in His kindness, mercy, and love; He always wants you to see that side of Him. He loves you and in His fondness for you, He shows His compassion. He has said that He will have mercy on you; this is a word you can trust, for the Lord is always faithful to His word.
 
To spare you from His wrath, Adonai sent His Son Yeshua to sacrifice Himself. He bore His Father's wrath, so that you could see His love and mercy. He bought you back from the kingdom of sin and darkness, paying the price of His own shed blood. He is now your Avenger, Deliverer, and Redeemer, who purchased and ransomed you. He has made you His next of kin.

 

(Originally written 3/1/06)

10/19/13 Psalms 89:19 God speaks to You in Many Ways

Psalms 89:19 (NAS)

Once Thou didst speak in vision to Thy godly ones, And didst say, "I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.

 

             Psalms 89:19 (NIVUS) 

Once you spoke in a vision, to your faithful people you said: "I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have exalted a young man from among the people.

  
Yahweh speaks in many ways.  He declares, converses, commands, promises, warns, threatens, or sings. He prophesies and gives you new vision.  Through these means, you receive perception and provision, for you are the Lord's faithful and godly saint, one who is kind and good.
 
The Almighty has revealed to you that He sent One to help, support, and succor you.  This One is strong, mighty, and brave, who helps you to prevail and be strong.  Daily you become more like Him, as He levels your life and smoothes your way.
 
The Most High God has lifted and exalted Him. He raised Him up out of what was rotten and wormy. Now He is seated on high with the Almighty. He is God's chosen and elect Son, who has raised and uplifted you.  He has caused you to grow. He has abolished all that has held you down and you stand tall and erect. He always contributes to your well-being, for you are of His people and nation

 (Originally written 5/18/06)

10/19/13 2 Samuel 9:7 Do You Want to Sit at the King's Table?

 (NAS)

And David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly."

2 Samuel 9:7 (NIVUS)

"Don’t be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."

 
In the American society, people have little concept of what the word covenant means.  Some ancient societies and even some from today were and are built on covenants. When two people, two tribes, or two nations enter into a covenant, they are making a contract with each other, in which they vow to always take care of their covenant partners. Through the shedding of blood--either their own or the sacrifice of an animal--these partners commit everything they have to each other and to their future generations. In essence, each contracting party says "What is mine is yours."

In ancient Israel, King David made a covenant with Jonathan, King Saul's son. Even though Saul and David were bitter enemies, David loved Jonathan like a brother, a blood brother.  David and Jonathan were in covenant together. After Jonathan and Saul were killed in battle and after David became king, David remembered his covenant with Jonathan.  He wanted to bless Jonathan's descendants, so he searched and found one son who was still alive. David, therefore, brought the young man into his home and his family to live as his son.

 
Jesus, the King of kings, has ratified a covenant with His own blood, a covenant in which He longs for you to participate.  He desires to bring you into His house, so that He can take care of you. He does not want you to be afraid to be with Him. He wants to pour out His kindness, favor, and mercy on you. He never wants to reproach nor put you to shame.  Even though you are inferior to Almighty God, He wants to bend down to be gracious to you,
 
Perhaps you have desired a fresh start.  Through the shed blood of Yeshua, the Messiah, you can have a new beginning.  The Lord God will build you up again; He will feed you abundantly and make you rejoice. He will relieve you of the pressure of sin; you will be refreshed and restored. And God will reward you with a land of your own.

You need never fear going hungry, for the Lord your God will provide enough for you to freely eat. However, He wants you to dine on your bread and meat at His table, which is spread with plenty. You will have a constant and regular supply.  All that you need to do is to agree to the covenant that Adonai has already established through His Son.  When you do this, you will be continually blessed.

 

 

(Originally written 2/28/06)

10/17/13 Psalms 59:16 Sing Praises to God Who is Your Stronghold and Refuge

Psalms 59:16 (NAS)

But as for me, I shall sing of Thy strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning, For Thou hast been my stronghold, And a refuge in the day of my distress.

 

                  Psalms 59:16 (NIVUS)

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

 

Adonai, the Lord God, is strong and powerful. He is a God of majesty, force, and might, and yet He is full of mercy, goodness, and kindness. He shows you His beauty and favor.  He loves you and does not shame nor reproach you.

 
When you think of the character of God, you are filled with joy.  In your rejoicing before the Lord, you cry out with loud shouts of triumph. As you go about in your travels, you sing with joy, for Almighty God loves and cares for you.  His praises are on your lips at the break of day.
 
In His love and mercy, Yahweh the Lord has made Himself a high fort and refuge for you. He makes you inaccessible to your enemies, for you are sheltered behind His strong, powerful walls.  In Him you are safe and exalted.  When you need to escape, flee to the Most High. When your foes are hot on your heels and you are surrounded with troubles, retreat to the Lord your God; He is your strong tower.

 

 

(Originally written 5/10/06)