1/31/14 Psalms 69:18 Let God Draw Near to You

  Psalms 69:18 (NAS)

Oh draw near to my soul and redeem it; Ransom me because of my enemies!

 

                 Psalms 69:18 (NIVUS)

Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.

  
As the TV series "Cheers" stated on a weekly basis, "Sometimes you want to go where everyone knows your name."  Everyone desires to be close to someone. The Lord God has created us to be close to each other.  This actually originates in our need to be near to God.  In closeness and intimacy with Adonai, there is emotional safety and comfort.
 
Out of your need, it is important that you invite the Lord to come near.  He desires to approach and come nigh unto you.  He wants to join His hand to yours and help you take a stand against your enemies. As He breathes His refreshing upon you, your soul will be redeemed. He is your next of kin who has bought you back from death.
 
Greed, discontent, and lust can no longer hold you; Jesus the Lord has severed their grasp.  He has released you from prison; with His own blood He has paid the ransom.  He has rescued, delivered, and preserved you from your enemies. Even though these foes hate you, you are safe and secure in the love of God.
 
Everyone may not know your name, but the God of the universe does. And He desires to show you His love and mercy.  Welcome Him into your life and you will be blessed.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/23/06)

1/31/14 Jeremiah 31:2 You Are A Survivor

 Jeremiah 31:2 (NAS)

Thus says the LORD, "The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness—Israel, when it went to find its rest."

 

              Jeremiah 31:2 (NIVUS)

 This is what the LORD says: "The people who survive the sword will find favor in the desert; I will come to give rest to Israel."

  
One of today's popular reality shows is Survivor, in which tribes of people are put through various tests and trials.  Each week someone else is eliminated from the contest, until there is only one person remaining, who is the survivor.
 
Throughout the earth there are different tribes and nations of people who associate and huddle together. They congregate as a unit, so that individuals can be hidden among the crowd.  In their collective groups, they find safety and protection from those who attack with swords and knives.  They know that if they work and war together, many of the tribal members will survive and remain, although some will be destroyed and killed
 
In the spiritual realm, the kingdom of the Lord Jehovah, there are many people who have escaped the parching drought that the enemy has brought.  You are one of these, a part of the remnant who has slipped out of the enemy's traps and has not succumbed to his destruction and desolation. He has not and will not lay waste to you and leave you in ruins.
 
You, however, have not escaped in your own strength. You actually have found favor with Adonai, who is your security.  He found you in the wilderness and gave you His grace and acceptance. Because he pitied you, He showed you mercy and consideration. As the Lord spoke His promises over you, your enemies were put to flight. You are now His possession. In Him you have all sufficiency and more than enough. God has brought you into a place of rest and repose. You are settled and quiet, with no fear of the enemy's sword.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 10/10/06)

1/30/14 Proverbs 2:21-22 The Upright Will Live in the Land

 Proverbs 2:21-22 (NAS)

For the upright will live in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the land, And the treacherous will be uprooted from it.

 

            Proverbs 2:21-22 (NIVUS)

For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

  
When you look at the circumstances in the world, you may think that the kingdom of darkness is winning, but you need to remember what the Most High God has said.  Adonai has told you that the righteous will continue and will permanently reside in the land.  No matter how hard the wicked try to get rid of those who are upright, the Lord will always have a remnant.  Not only will these abide, but they will dwell in rest.
 
You have become righteous through the blood of Yeshua and in Adonai's sight you are upright.  You are a man of integrity, complete and without blemish. As you walk in the truth, you are being made perfect and undefiled. The cleanness of your hands and your heart will preserve you. Adonai has made you to excel and to abound.  In this you can rest.
 
You can be assured that wicked, ungodly men will be cut off and cut down, for they have not cut a covenant with Almighty God.  These shall fail, be destroyed and perish. God will free the earth from their presence. Those who are deceitful and treacherous will be plucked up by the root, while your roots will grow down deeper. You will not easily be moved.  They shall be torn away and destroyed, but you shall remain and grow stronger, for you have been woven together with the Lord.

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/11/06)

1/30/14 James 1:5-8 Ask God For Wisdom

 James 1:5-8 (NAS)

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

 

                          James 1:5-8 (NIVUS)

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

  
God has provided for every need that you have and if you do not understand what you need, He has provided for that as well.  If you feel inferior and destitute in any kind of knowledge or wisdom, you should ask Him for it. And He will give, supply and furnish it in abundance. He will generously extend His open hand to you.  He will not shame you or revile you as undeserving, but freely give.
 
However, when you ask the Lord for anything, you must believe that He will hear you and answer you.  You must be convinced that He will do what He said.  Put all your trust and confidence in Him and His words.  You should not try to decide if what the Lord tells you is right or wrong; it is not your place to judge God's words.  Do not hesitate in carrying out His instructions.  If you doubt, you appear hostile to the Lord and are in opposition to Him. You are like a dashing, surging wave of the sea that is driven and violently agitated by the wind. When you waver between hope and fear, you are as destructive as those wind tossed waves.
 
If your thinking is ruled by your emotions, which are as changeable as the winds and the waves, you will never receive anything from God's hand; you will never possess any of the promises that the Lord Jehovah has spoken to you.  Your mind is divided and wavering; you are unstable and restless wherever you go and in whatever you do.  The Lord your God is not able to appoint you to administer any of His offices; for He cannot trust you to stand firm in the face of opposition.
 
Therefore strive to believe what Yeshua tells you.  You will possess the land that He has given you through His word.  You will receive His blessing in every area of your life.

 

 

 

(Originally written 10/09/06)

 

1/29/14 Proverbs 2:20 Walk in the Way of Good Men

 

Proverbs 2:20 (NAS)

So you will walk in the way of good men, And keep to the paths of the righteous.

 

               Proverbs 2:20 (NIVUS)

Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.

 
A walk, in its simplest definition, is a series of steps that take you from one destination to another. Your steps can be fast or slow. You can run, march, or gently saunter along. If you stay on your path, you will eventually get to where you need to be, no matter the speed at which you go. 

Jehovah the Lord has laid out a path for your feet in His word. He wants you to travel with good men, which is the best course that your life can follow. If you take this mode of action, your life will be bountiful, cheerful, and fine. In following God's well-trodden road, you will find favor, joy and beauty. As you extend grace and kindness to others, you will have the same returned to you. Along the way, you will receive sweet and precious things that will bring you wealth and make your life prosperous and pleasant.

 
However, the Lord your God expects you to keep to the highway of the righteous. You should be circumspect in your dealings, so that you always appear clean and pure. You must take heed to yourself to insure that you act justly, doing what is right.  In this you will have a sure salvation and the Lord will build a hedge of thorns around you. You will be safe and protected wherever you go.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/10/06)

1/29/14 Lamentations 3:58 The Lord Pleads Your Cause

 Lamentations 3:58 (NAS)

O Lord, Thou didst plead my soul’s cause; Thou hast redeemed my life.

 

                       Lamentations 3:58 (NIVUS)

O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life.

  
If you have ever been sued, you knew that you wanted to find the best lawyer that money can buy. However, if your funds were limited, so were you choice of attorneys. Often in this arena, you do get what you pay for.
 
Did you know that there is a lawyer who is absolutely free and yet He is the best that you could retain?  Adonai, the Lord, is the Master and Superintendent of all of your affairs. Yahweh, another name for Jehovah or Adonai, is King, who rules your life with benevolence. He is far superior to all other kings and you belong to Him.
 
When you find yourself in the midst of a dispute or controversy, you should ask the Lord to come to your aid. He will plead your case and bring you the perfect settlement.  When your emotions and passions are involved in quarreling and strife, you should make a decision to let your Attorney handle the situation. He will calm your soul and bring you peace.
 
Not only does Yahweh go to court for you, but He also redeems and avenges you. Your accuser will not be able to keep you in slavery or take your lands. The Lord your God will exact vengeance on him. Jehovah will restore every aspect of your life. You will be revived and renewed; your life will be fresh and flowing. You will live prosperously and in health.
 
Therefore, do not allow yourself to become discouraged, for you have an Attorney who will bring you acquittal. Instead of faintness, sickness, and death, you will be preserved and continue to grow

 

 

 

(Originally written 10/07/06)

1/28/14 Proverbs 2:16-19 Strange Women or Godly Ladies

Proverbs 2:16-19 (NAS)

To deliver you from the strange woman, From the adulteress who flatters with her words; That leaves the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God; For her house sinks down to death, And her tracks lead to the dead; None who go to her return again, Nor do they reach the paths of life.

 
                                                                  Proverbs 2:16-19  (NIVUS)

It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.

  
Women today think that they have been liberated, since they are part of the sexual revolution. In this they see themselves as free; however, this is not freedom--it is immorality. Modern day women have sold themselves short. By lowering their standards, they have lowered their value. Giving their bodies sexually to many and various partners has made these "ladies" little more than glorified prostitutes.
 
The Bible warns men to stay away from such strange and profane women. According to God's word, when women act as adulteresses, they are not acting as normal women; their behavior is considered strange and should be rejected. Their words may be smooth and flattering, but they are meant to take away something precious from another.  They have become loose and have relinquished the guidance they received as girls. Through this, they become destitute and are treated as refuse.  These women no longer pay attention to the covenant that Adonai has established.  God and His word do not interest them; in fact, they choose to forget Him.
 
A loose and strange woman has made her house a dungeon, where she imprisons any who comes her way. Her house and those who frequent it will sink towards death, where there is only pestilence and ruin. Instead of making her whole, this woman's circular path will only bring weakness and failure. Those who succumb to her power and wiles will become like someone in a trance. As they continue to follow her ways, they will fall and never be able to return to their starting place.  They have chosen a perverted lifestyle.
 
You, however, have chosen a different way. Your path leads to life and not death. Unlike the strange woman, you have not forgotten Adonai's covenant.  Through it, you are continually refreshed and made strong.  You have chosen God's promises over the body's sensual desires.  You always find nourishment and restoration in God's word.  As you live in accordance with the Almighty's will, you are truly free and whole.

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/9/06)

1/28/14 Lamentations 3: 55-57 Call to God From the Pit

Lamentations 3: 55-57 (NAS) 

I called on Thy name, O LORD, Out of the lowest pit. Thou hast heard my voice, "Do not hide Thine ear from my prayer for relief, from my cry for help." Thou didst draw near when I called on Thee; Thou didst say, "Do not fear!"

  

              Lamentations 3: 55-57 (NIVUS) 

 I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear."

 
Have you ever heard a news report in which one person was accosted by another?  The word accost shows you that the meeting was not a friendly one, but one that could have involved anger and violence. It definitely was not a casual meeting, but a forceful one. Did you know that God uses this word as a definition of calling upon Jehovah? Of course, you can do no violence to Adonai or His Kingdom, but God does not get upset when you forcefully bring your case before His throne.
 
There are, however, gentler ways to approach the Most High.  You can cry out, calling the Lord by name. When you wish to have an encounter with the Lord your God, you can simply invite Him to be your guest.  If the church as a whole needs to meet with God, then a published proclamation may the best way of bringing you together. At all times, you should honor God's authority and character; you should not come before Him with a flippant attitude, but one of respect.
 
When you are in the lowest depths, then you should cry out to the Almighty. If you believe you are on the bottom, locked in a dungeon, then lift your voice to call loudly upon the Lord. This is a good time for you to accost the throne of God, for from there your help will come. You can be sure that Adonai will hear you. You will certainly get His attention, for He knows the sound of your voice. Whether you sing, whisper, or yell, God will hear you.  He will not hide Himself from you.  He is not blind to your needs. His ear will give you audience; He can even distinguish your very breath. Therefore, do not hesitate to cry to the Lord; you have the freedom to seek His help in trouble.
 
When you call to Jehovah, He will come near. He will offer His hand to you to draw you out of the pit. He will take His stand joining Himself to you. He will make you ready to produce, no matter what circumstances you are in.  When He offers His help, be quick to take it.  Do not fear His approach, for He is your Savior and Deliverer.

 

 

 

(Originally written 10/07/06)

1/27/14 Proverbs 2:12-15 God Desires To Deliver You From the Way of Evil

 Proverbs 2:12-15 (NAS)

To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things; From those who leave the paths of uprightness, To walk in the ways of darkness; Who delight in doing evil, And rejoice in the perversity of evil; Whose paths are crooked, And who are devious in their ways;

 

            Proverbs 2:12-15 (NIVUS)

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

  
Evil and ungodliness have been on the rise in America for years.  When the Supreme Court declared that it was illegal to pray in school, crime and wickedness began to increase.  Today there is very little morality left across the land.  Selfishness and rudeness have become normal.  The lawlessness prophesied in God's Word is becoming more and more evident.
 
As a child of God, what should your response be in this evil generation? First, you should realize that Adonai holds the ultimate control and authority. The path of wicked men may seem broad. It looks as if they can walk over whoever or whatever gets in their way. However, they do not have power over Almighty God or you as His child.  In fact, God will snatch you away from them, providing you with a way of escape and rescue. He will defend and deliver you without fail.  They will not be able to continue to trouble, vex, or afflict you.
 
These evil men are only perverse frauds who have forsaken the highway of uprightness; instead of pursuing a straight and pleasant course, these have chosen a crooked way that only leads to darkness, misery, and destruction. Even though death and sorrow are at the end of their journey, these wicked ones rejoice in doing evil. They take great glee in causing calamity, distress, and grief. They spin with violent joy when they are able to pervert others. They seek to overthrow the godly, converting them to their evil ways. Their thoughts are distorted and twisted, for they begrudge the godly man the blessings that the Lord has given him. The path that they have created for themselves is an unending circle of wretchedness.
 
You, however, walk in the light of God and are on a path that leads to prosperity and peace. Although the wicked are tied in knots, the Lord Jehovah has loosed you from what has bound you. You are now free through your Savior and Lord.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/08/06)

1/27/14 Lamentations 3:33-36 God Does Not Do What He Disapproves in You

  Lamentations 3:33-36 (NAS)

For He does not afflict willingly, Or grieve the sons of men. To crush under His feet All the prisoners of the land, To deprive a man of justice In the presence of the Most High, To defraud a man in his lawsuit—Of these things the Lord does not approve.

 

                Lamentations 3:33-36 (NIVUS)

For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice— would not the Lord see such things?

  
Many people see Almighty God as hard and demanding. They think He is constantly breathing out fire and threats. However, these people do not understand the Father-heart of God.  The Almighty actually cares for you and wills the best for you.  He does not have a hard or stiff heart, but one that is kind and tender towards his children. He does not wish to browbeat or look down on you. You are not abased or afflicted in His sight. He does not want to deal harshly with you, but to show you gentleness. His will is not to bring you low; grief and sorrow should not be normal aspects of your life.
 
God will not beat and bruise you, for you are His beloved child. Even though He has the power to crush and destroy you, He will not break you in pieces. You are not under Adonai's feet, where you could be oppressed and injured. You are not a captive prisoner, bound to an oppressive tyrant's will.
 
As a valiant, strong man or woman, you have certain rights and privileges that the Lord will not set aside. He will not stretch out His hands to take them away. He will not bend you until you yield. He desires that you come willingly before His face; He wants you to freely seek Him.  As the Most High God, Adonai could force your obedience and submission, but He wants you to have the liberty to choose. He does not want to contend with you over your cause; He does not want to wrest it from your hands. Overthrow and subversion are not the Lord's style. Jehovah does not even approve of such actions.
 
God desires that you enjoy your experiences with Him, instead of striving.  Jehovah looks on you with regard and respect. You should treat Him in the same way.

 

 

 

(Originally written 10/06/06)

1/26/14 Psalms 12:7, 8 God Will Preserve You, In Spite of the Wicked

 

 Psalms 12:7, 8 (NAS)

Thou, O LORD, wilt keep them; Thou wilt preserve him from this generation forever. The wicked strut about on every side, When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

 

                Psalms 12:7, 8 (NIVUS)

O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.

 
In the United States, you have a unique opportunity that many other peoples around the world do not have.  You are able to vote those men and women into office who will govern you for the next four or six years. Your vote will either count for godly or ungodly leaders; but you should exercise your right to vote. Even when you do so, however, the wicked and criminal may still get into office.
 
Since Adam disobeyed Adonai in the Garden of Eden, there have been men who have been hostile to their Creator. It may seem that wherever you turn, there is another evil person. You are surrounded by their vileness. These like nothing better than to see you quake and tremble in their presence; their joy is to make you feel worthless and insignificant, while they exalt themselves. Instead of lifting up and magnifying the name of the Lord, these wicked men set themselves in the place of God. They live lavish lifestyles that are opposed to the Most High.
 
Even though these evil men seem to be in control of this generation, you do not need to fear them. Jehovah the Lord is still mightier and stronger than they are. He keeps, guards, and watches over you, for you are His treasure. You have given Him charge over your life and He protects and saves you. He keeps the wicked within boundaries. He has set up a blockade against them, so that they are restrained.  Since you are close to the Lord and have received His favor, He preserves you in and from danger.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/05/06)

1/26/14 Lamentations 3: 31, 32 The Lord Is Not Rejecting You

 

 Lamentations 3: 31, 32 (NAS)

For the Lord will not reject forever, For if He causes grief, Then He will have compassion According to His abundant lovingkindness.

 

               Lamentations 3: 31, 32 (NIVUS)

For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.

 
You know that Adonai is Sovereign, with ultimate and complete control in the universe. He is your owner, Lord, and Master. You believe that He can change anything in your life, but sometimes it seems that He has removed Himself far away form you. You feel rejected and forsaken; you think the Lord has cast you off. At those times, you must put your faith in His word; He promised to never leave you or forsake you. Even though you cannot see evidence that God is working on your situation, you must continue to trust, for He will save and gather you to Himself.  He will not always conceal Himself from you. You will reach your goal in strength and victory.
 
If you are grieving and sorrowful now, your God will show you His love, mercy, and compassion. You may have suffered loss, but Jehovah the Lord still wants to increase and multiply you. His plan for you is always abundance. He desires to rain myriads of blessings on you, out of His kindness and goodness.  He will bestow His mercy and favor on you.  He will deal with you in courteous grace.  Therefore, continue to put confidence in the Almighty, for He encamps around you and dwells with you.

.

 

 

 

(Originally written 10/05/06)

1/25/14 Psalms 12:6 The Lord's Words Are Pure Words

Psalms 12:6 (NAS)

The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.

 

               Psalms 12:6  (NIVUS)

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.

 
When you think of a commandment, do you imagine that it is something difficult and hard to carry out? Do you see Adonai's commands as a list of do's and don’ts that He makes to curtail your freedom? If this is how you think, then you should revamp those thought patterns.
 
The words of Jehovah the Lord are the most important words that you will ever hear. Even though what Adonai says may challenge you, there is nothing wrong or evil in His words; they are only pure, clean, and fair. His sounds are bright and uncontaminated and will cause you no harm.  The Lord your God is holy and His speech is meant solely to purge and purify you. From His desire to commune with you, God sends you His word and gives you precious promises.
 
Adonai's pure words come with the purpose to refine you like silver. God sees you as valuable and precious and He desires that you become the best that you can be. He is your founder and has cast you in a certain mold. Because He wants to complete and perfect you in every way, He works with you, like a metal smith casts and tries gold and silver. Looking for your purity, He will often seemingly put you in the furnace to burn away any impurities. He is not abusing you, but bringing about a wonderful work in your life.  His goal is that you become more like Him in every way. He, therefore, clarifies, strains, and extracts all that is not of His nature.  Even if He has to repeat this process seven times, Adonai will continue working with you until you are full and complete. You will then come forth as fine grade gold or silver.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/04/06)

01/25/14 Lamentations 3: 37, 38 The Lord Commands and It Comes to Pass

  Lamentations 3: 37, 38 (NAS)

Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That both good and ill go forth?

 
                                                              Lamentations 3: 37, 38 (NIVUS)

Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

  
Words are so important. With words you ask and answer questions. Through words you are appointed to a position of which you can boast. Words certify, challenge, and command.  Words can also tear down and hurt.
 
Whenever you speak, you should try to build up yourself and others. Use your words to commune with Adonai and to declare His promises. Publish and report everything good that God has done and is doing in your life.
 
You should know the power of your speech.  You can make demands of the Most High, speaking out your desires. Your words are able to determine the course of your life; you, therefore, should plainly name what you want and require of Almighty God.  However, not everything that you or someone else speaks over your life will come to pass. Adonai is your sovereign Lord and Master; He is the One who rules and controls you. Only what He commands and appoints for you will come and what He forbids will be forbidden.
 
God is supreme and is elevated above all else. The words that go out of His mouth are not bad and evil.  He does not speak adversity, affliction, or calamity over you.  Instead the Lord your God always commands good for you.  He sends things for your well-being and to make you better.  He wants your life to be filled with His joy, grace, kindness and love. He is always ready to bless and favor you.
 
Therefore, let the good words that come out Adonai's mouth fill your mind and your mouth. When you agree with what He says, you will see God's best come to pass in your life.

 

 

 

(Originally written 10/04/06)

1/24/14 Psalms 12:5 The Lord Hears Your Growns and Sends Protection

  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.

 
Often if a person has been browbeaten and looked down upon, he or she will be depressed in mind, which leads to depressed circumstances. Perhaps you are one whose self image has become abased and defiled. Through the oppression and violent ravages that you have received, you find yourself in a weakened and wasting state. Your oppressors have robbed you and you are devastated. Now you see yourself as a poor and needy beggar.  In your want, you groan, sigh, and cry.
 
The Lord Jehovah does not turn a deaf ear to your shrieks and groans. In fact, He gets up from His throne to come to your aid. He rises up to lift you out of your pit of despair and to set you high above your enemies.  Even though your oppressors puff and blow, they can no longer keep you from the salvation and deliverance that Adonai has provided.  Through Him, you are safe and secure; prosperity and victory are now yours.  No longer are you oppressed and depressed; your enemies' flames and snares have lost their effectiveness, for Jehovah the Lord has become your champion

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/03/06)

1/24/14 Lamentations 3:24-26 The Lord Is Your Portion

 Lamentations 3:24-26 (NAS)

The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him. The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the LORD.

 

                         Lamentations 3:24-26 (NIVUS)

 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

  
If you have ever been on a diet, you know that the portion size of your food plays a big role in whether or not you will lose the weight that you need to lose.  But what exactly is a portion? It is a part of a whole. Therefore, when you eat a portion, you are only eating a part and not the whole thing.
 
The Bible tells you that the Lord Jehovah is your portion.  Is this portion the same as a portion of food? The Lord Jehovah should be much more than a small portion of food in your life. However, if you look at the portion as the amount that will keep you alive and healthy, then you can make this comparison. If Adonai is your portion, then He is everything that He gives to you and everything that you receive from Him. When you choose the Lord God as your portion, you will find that your way is now smoother than it was. God separates you from mankind as a whole and deals and distributes blessings to you that others cannot or will not receive.
 
You, therefore, should speak to your soul--your mind, your will, and your emotions--to remember that the Most High God is your portion. Tell yourself to continue to hope, trust, and wait on God for all that you need.  As you patiently wait, you will see the goodness of the Lord.  He has beautiful and bountiful things in store for you. You have His favor, for you are precious and valuable to Him. Jehovah the Lord wants to make you glad and prosperous. Pleasant sweetness is your portion from His hand. 

You, however, should look expectantly and eagerly to the Lord for all that you need and all that you desire. As you linger over precious memories and words from your loved one, so you should linger over the Word of the Lord and remember all that He has done for you. Seek His face frequently and always consult Him in your decisions. Daily worship and pray to the Most High God.  Study His ways and practice what He says. Follow closely on His heels, so that you will always know the next step to take.

 
As you wait in silence and stillness before Almighty God, you will see His goodness, kindness, and mercy.  As you tarry in His presence, you will be cleansed and washed.  Then you will see His salvation and deliverance. Victory will be yours.

 (Originally written 10/03/06)

 

 

1/23/14 Psalms 12: 3, 4 The Lord Will Cut Off Flattering Lips

 

  Psalms 12: 3, 4 (NAS)

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, The tongue that speaks great things; Who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?"

 

               Psalms 12: 3, 4  (NIVUS)

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, "We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips—who is our master?"

 
If you have been on a slippery surface, such as an icy sidewalk, you know how treacherous walking can be. If you begin to slip, you can do very little to prevent yourself from falling.  There is also a good possibility that you could hurt yourself from such a fall.  Some people's words are similar to that icy sidewalk.  Even though they sound smooth and flattering, they will only lead you to a slippery place, where you could be separated from your inheritance and portion.  They want to take away what you have been promised or have already received.
 
These evil speakers are insolent and proud.  They see themselves as great and noble men: they are "high and mighty".  These boast exceedingly about themselves, but use their tongues to accuse and slander you. Everything that comes out of their mouths is just twisted babble.  They want to accumulate and increase in power and things, but they desire your ruin and destruction. With their flaming words, they think that they will prevail. They trust in their own strength and power; they will not submit to another's rule or control. No one, except themselves, is their lord and master, for they believe they are sovereign.
 
Adonai, the true sovereign Lord, has heard their vain boastings.  The Lord Jehovah will cut these proud ones down to size. The ones, who seek to ruin and destroy you, will be chewed up and consumed. Their words will fail and they will perish. You, however, will increase more and more, for Jehovah will prosper you and the words of your mouth.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/02/06)

1/23/14 Exodus15:13, 17 In His Unfailing Love, God Leads His People

 

Exodus15:13, 17 (NAS)

In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed; In Thy strength Thou hast guided them  to Thy holy habitation...Thou wilt bring them and plant them in the mountain of Thine inheritance, The place, O LORD, which Thou hast made for Thy dwelling, The sanctuary, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.
 

 Exodus15:13, 17 (NIVUS)

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling...You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance— the place, O LORD, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established.

 

The Lord God Almighty, who is kind, merciful, good and faithful, is the One who has taken away our reproach and shame.  He leads and guides His own chosen people out of dark places into His light.  Jehovah has redeemed and ransomed us.  He has made us His kin, adopting us into His family.

 

He leads us to a place of rest, where there is plenty of water to refresh us.  He brings us to the goal that He has already planned for us, but He takes us to that place in stages, so that we are not overwhelmed.

 

His strength helps us to prevail and He makes us stand firm and strong in Him.  He brings us into His holy place, a place that is set apart and separate from anything in the world.  He has consecrated and sanctified us for Himself.  He is devoted to us and dedicated to our salvation.  He has brought us into His beautiful home and we will dwell in rest with Him forever.

 

He has brought us near, carrying us into His holy mountain. There He has planted and established us. We belong to Him and are part of His inheritance, which is valuable and precious to Him.  He has put us in a place that has a firm foundation.  We are secure and well provisioned.

 

We abide in the Lord Jehovah's sanctuary, in His temple.  There we endure and remain stable; for He has restored us.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 10/02/06)

1/22/14 Psalms 12:1, 2 Does It Seem As If the Godly Men Have Disappeared?

Psalms 12:1, 2  (NAS) 

 (For the choir director; upon an eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm of David.)

Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases to be, For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak falsehood to one another; With flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.

 

            Psalms 12:1, 2  (NIVUS) 

(For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.)

 Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception

  
Often it seems as if there is nothing to celebrate; you do not want to praise, sing songs, or make music. You may think that you are continually being trimmed like a vine. You do not want to stand erect or shine with the glory of God. Things seem gross and you feel like shaggy wool. At these times, like David, you need to remember that you are beloved of the Lord Jehovah. Also like David, you should begin to sing psalms unto God, whether you feel like it or not.
 
As you sing and praise the Lord, you will be free to call upon Him to help and defend you.  He will avenge and rescue you. He is your life preserver who brings you salvation and victory. He desires to take you into wide open spaces. By God's grace and mercy, you have become kind, good, and godly. You can now bow in courtesy to others, for you see them as your equals. As you have received the favor of God, you are well able to bestow favor on others.
 
When you look around you, you may not see much goodness and kindness being displayed. In fact, it looks as if these virtues have ceased and come to an end. No one supports or builds up another. Faithfulness and trust seem to have disappeared, for no one lives according to the truth. The children of men act as if they no longer believe in the One True God; they have turned away from Him. They speak destructive, evil, and useless words to their associates, friends, and family members. Devastation and waste follow the words they speak. Even if they sound smooth and flattering, there is actually deceit and division in their tongues. They are double-hearted and faint. These are unaware of the wisdom of God and their words reflect their foolish thinking.
 
You, however, are not in this category. You live in the goodness, mercy and wisdom of the Most High. Therefore, it should be easy for you to sing psalms and celebrate, for you know that your help comes from Adonai, the Almighty God.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/01/06)