2/28/14 Proverbs 3: 31, 32 Do Not Envy a Man of Violence

Proverbs 3: 31, 32  (NAS)

Do not envy a man of violence, And do not choose any of his ways. For the crooked man is an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.

 

     Proverbs 3: 31, 32  (NIVUS)

Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence

 
When you look at how some people live their lives, you might be tempted to be jealous and envious.  Many people seem to gain from unethical or illegal practices.  Some mere mortals seem to get ahead through violence, oppression, and injustice.  These do wrong and maltreat their fellow man, seemingly without any qualms or regrets.
 
You, however, have been called to a higher standard and should not envy these evil-doers.  In fact, Jehovah your Lord encourages you not to choose that path.  You should not even try this course of life, for Almighty God looks upon these perverse men as disgusting and abhorrent.  Adonai actually loathes and detests them.  To Him they are abominations.
 
Jehovah the Lord wants to share an intimate relationship with you, for He is well-pleased with you.  You are a member of His secret company and someone with whom He can deliberate.  He loves to sit down together with you, so that He can counsel and instruct you.  Therefore, it is important that you choose the right way and the path that leads straight to His throne.  This is the most pleasant and prosperous road that you can take.  On it you will be highly esteemed.

 

 

 

(Originally written  2/9/07)

2/28/14 Isaiah 40:2 Your Warfare Has Ended

Isaiah 40:2 (NAS)

Speak kindly to Jerusalem; And call out to her, that her warfare has ended, That her iniquity has been removed, That she has received of the LORD’S hand Double for all her sins.

 

          Isaiah 40:2 (NIVUS)

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.

 
Even though you may have heard and believed contrary to this, Adonai the Most High God thinks about and looks upon you with care and kindness.  He speaks from His heart to you, so that you will gain understanding and wisdom.  He does not utter destructive words over you, but He declares promises of peace.  The Lord's desire is to keep you safe until you fulfill and complete His plan for your life.
 
When you are in the midst of any hardship and warfare, if you listen attentively, you will hear Jehovah the Lord address you by name.  If it seems that an army is massed against you, you should call out to God and He will bring that campaign to an end.  He will fence you about with His presence, for you are His consecrated child.  He will replenish what the enemy has taken from you and you shall be satisfied.
 
The Lord your God has made you whole and you are no longer caught up in perversity and mischief. You do not travel the crooked path of sin, but you are now on the straight road of righteousness.  Adonai approves of you; you are pleasing to Him.  His Son Yeshua has satisfied the debt of sin that you accrued and you have been pardoned. 
 
Now the Almighty sets His affection on you. Jehovah's hand is full and you need only accept what He is holding for you.  As you receive from His power and bounty, your dominion and strength will increase.  You will obtain double blessings in place of the penalty of sin. The Lord Jehovah will give back twice what offense has taken away from you.  Sin only brought you forfeit and lack, but the Lord your God gives to you pressed down, shaken together and running over.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/24/06)

2/27/14 Proverbs 3:29, 30 Do Not Devise Harm Against Your Neighbor

 

Proverbs 3:29, 30 (NAS)

Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives in security beside you. Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

 

        Proverbs 3:29, 30 (NIVUS)

Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse a man for no reason— when he has done you no harm.

 
Sometimes children pretend not to hear their parents when they are being told something they do not want to hear. This characteristic is not limited to just children, however.  Employees can tune out their bosses.  Husbands and wives can choose to have selective hearing with their spouses. Criminals are always turning deaf ears to the laws of the land.
 
Many times believers will choose not to listen and obey what God is telling them. They may want to gratify their own wants and wishes instead of doing what the Lord desires.  They may begin to plot and plan to take vengeance against someone, when God says vengeance is His.  Wanting to get back at someone, these may try to afflict and vex a neighbor, friend, family member, or spouse. This kind of behavior is not pleasing to Adonai, the Most High God.
 
If you want to remain in God's favor, you should not fabricate lies against another. Instead you should hold your peace, as you remain in the rest and quiet that the Lord gives you.  If you choose not to take your own revenge, then you can allow the Lord to work things out.  Therefore, do not ever try to hurt or cause harm to another.  You do not have to defend yourself, for the Lord is your defense. You should not let yourself complain or contend with your companions. 

You should, instead, help your friends to continue to dwell in safety and security.  They should be able to trust and have confidence in you, knowing that you will never cause them harm. Like the Lord your God, you can be a place of refuge for others. You should maintain an innocent attitude toward your friends and neighbors and you should always try to treat others well.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 2/8/07)

2/27/14 Isaiah 49:9 You Shall Go Forth Free

 

Isaiah 49:9 (NAS)

Saying to those who are bound, ‘Go forth,’ To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ Along the roads they will feed, And their pasture will be on all bare heights.

 

           Isaiah 49:9 (NIVUS)

To say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ "They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.

 
When someone is in prison, he longs to hear the words, “You have been pardoned and are free to go."  He does not realize that Someone has already declared his freedom. Yeshua the Messiah, through His selfless sacrifice, provided pardon for every prisoner.
 
Once you were locked in a prison made by your sins and you had no way to be set free.  You were held fast in satanic bonds and you daily battled to loosen them, to no avail.  Then you became aware of and acquainted with the Savior.  As you believed, He simply said that you could go free and liberty became yours. Jehovah became your way of escape.
 
Darkness, misery, and death used to be your lot, for you were a companion with the wicked, but then the Light of the world shined on you.  Now you do not need to hide in the blackness of night, but can plainly reveal yourself to others.  You are no longer covered in shame, but have been robed in the righteousness that Jehovah freely gives you.
 
Along the way that you have chosen, there is more than enough land on which to graze.  You never lack for food and provision, as you travel with the Lord.  You do not wander in a wasteland, but in a green and open pasture.  The Good Shepherd has become your friend and He leads you to high places.  Even if the path appears bare, He will always provide. You will suffer no lack, but will receive all that you need. You stick out to others as a blessed man of God.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/22/06)

2/26/14 Psalms 16: 1-3 The Lord God Will Preserve You

   Psalms 16: 1-3(NAS) 

          (A Mikhtam of David.)

Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in Thee. I said to the LORD, "Thou art my Lord; I have no good besides Thee. As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

 

                         Psalms 16: 1-3 (NIVUS) 

              (A miktam of David.)

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing. As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.

                                                               *******************************

There have been many poems written to extol the greatness of Adonai, the Lord Most High.  However, few surpass those written by Israel's King David, who was beloved of the God.  David knew his Lord as a hedge of protection, who was always on guard.  Through Him, David was preserved and saved, because he made Almighty God his refuge.  David put his confidence and trust in the strong and all powerful God.
 
The Lord Jehovah was David's sovereign ruler. He knew Him as his Owner and the Master of his life. Compared to Yahweh, David's goodness was small, but he acknowledged the Lord as his benefactor, who made his life beautiful and better. He always saw God's bounty and favor, freely given to him. David understood the heart of his Father God.

David also knew that the goodness and kindness of God extended to all of His saints, those who have been made clean by the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.  Yeshua the Messiah of Israel is this same Lord and Christ who makes you holy, sanctifying and setting you apart for Himself.  Through the Lord, you have been made worthy to receive God's excellencies and glory.  He is always expanding your borders, so that others see you as great and honorable. Like David, you are gallant, noble, and powerful, for Jehovah the Lord takes pleasure and delight in you. In His eyes, you are highly valued.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 2/7/07)

2/26/14 Jeremiah 31:17 There Is Hope For Your Future

 

Jeremiah 31:17 (NAS)

And there is hope for your future," declares the LORD, "And your children shall return to their own territory.

 

             Jeremiah 31:17 (NIVUS)

So there is hope for your future," declares the LORD. "Your children will return to their own land.

  
The words "faith" and "hope", in the natural realm, seem to be ethereal concepts with no real substance. And yet Jehovah the Lord states emphatically that these abstracts do have substance and form. Faith and hope do exist and are, in fact, the currency of the Kingdom of God.
 
You may have had a bad beginning, but that does not mean you will have a bad ending. The door of your dungeon has been opened and you have been delivered from the prison of "no hope".   Now you are attached with a cord to the One who is the Source of all hope and He tells you that you can expect a good future. That for which you have longed will come to you and your reward will be an inheritance for your posterity.

Your children, the sons and daughters of your loins, will not be turned away from their inheritance.  The boundaries and borders of your territory will be honored and what you have built will be delivered to your descendants. Your diligent labor will recover your land, so that you can pass it on to your sons. Both you and your sons will be rewarded from one border to another.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/21/06)

2/25/14 Proverbs 3:27, 28 Do Not Withhold Good From Those To Whom It Is Due

 

 Proverbs 3:27, 28 (NAS) 

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.

 

            Proverbs 3:27, 28 (NIVUS) 

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you.

 
Often as punishment, parents will take away certain privileges from their children. It is usually something that the child likes and enjoys.  In this case, it is appropriate discipline, since parents are responsible for their children.  However, if a sibling tries to enforce the same sort of punishment that would be totally inappropriate, since brothers and sisters do not have that authority over each other.
 
In the body of Christ, God's family, you may see certain people who try to usurp authority that they do not have.  In fact, the word of God encourages you to go out of your way to be good and kind to your brothers and sisters in Christ.  If you are able to be good, showing grace and kindness to another, then you are not to withhold or deny these things.  In fact, showing favor with sweetness and pleasantness is what you owe them; it is their due.
 
The Lord God has given power to your hands to do good and to benefit others.  In this you are like your Heavenly Father, for He loves to bless His children.  Your hand should be an open giving one and not a closed fist. If you are able to give and bestow something on a friend, associate, or companion, you should not tell them to go away and to come back on the morrow.  Do not procrastinate in adding to another's life. When you do good to others, you will find that you will have everything that you need.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 2/6/07)

2/25/14 Isaiah 38:18 Those Who Go Down to the Pit Cannot Hope for God's Faithfulness

Isaiah 38:18 (NAS)

For Sheol cannot thank Thee, Death cannot praise Thee; Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for Thy faithfulness.

 

             Isaiah 38:18 (NIVUS)

 For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.

  
If you talk to some people about their eternal destiny, you might get the response that if they go to hell, then they will party with their friends. This is a foolish response and these people are misguided. Eternity away from God is not a big party. In fact it is a place of misery and isolation. Those who are in the grave are not able to give thanks to God.  They cannot throw up their hands in praise. Those who go to hell are not able to ask anything of the Lord.  Though they beg, their requests will not be heard. They have gone to a place of no return.  Even though these made foolish boasts in life, in death they will not boast at all. There is nothing in which to glory in the grave.
 
Those who sink down into the pit are in a dungeon, where there is no escape.  They have no hope and can expect nothing else throughout eternity. It is clear that they are waiting in vain for salvation.  The faithfulness and truth of God's word is not heard in hell. Even though Adonai remains faithful, reliable, and true forever, those in the grave have been cut off from the Lord. They can no longer receive His security or nourishment. They are not able to trust and believe in the Most High God.
 
You, however, are not in the place of the dead. You are still alive and can choose to put your trust in God.  You can still boast in and praise the Lord your God. You are free to believe. Therefore, make your requests known to the Almighty and rest in the assurance that He hears you and will answer, for you still have hope of His salvation.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/20/06)

2/24/14 Psalms 15:1, 5 Do Not Put Your Money Out at Interest

Psalms 15:1, 5 (NAS)

(A Psalm of David.)

O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?...He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

 

            Psalms 15:1, 5 (NIVUS) 

 (A psalm of David.)

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?... who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

  
You live in a time of "easy credit", when you can buy almost anything on time payments.  However, that "easy credit" gets many people in trouble.  It is easy to overextend yourself if you do not keep track of what you owe. This is a problem that the Lord addresses in His word.  He warns His people against employing such practices. 

If you have silver and gold that other people can long for and yearn after, then you are cautioned not to lend your money out at interest. If you do this, you are taking a bite out of someone else's life.  It would be better for both of you, if you have the money, to give it as a gift and not look for any return on it.  If you do this, the Lord will reward you.

 
You also should not take a bribe to do harm to another who is innocent and guiltless.  When you receive a bribe, you are already captured by the enemy and you are stealing from someone else. You should not receive a reward through another's misfortune.
 
Choosing to follow the Lord's instruction in these areas and doing what He wants will keep you from slipping and falling.  You will not easily be overthrown, for you feet will be planted on solid ground and you will not totter.  In fact, you will be welcomed into the house of God, where you will dwell safely and securely forever.

 

 

(Originally written 2/5/07)

2/24/14 Nahum 1:7 The Lord Is A Stronghold in the Day of Trouble

Nahum 1:7 (NAS)

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him.

 

           Nahum 1:7 (NIVUS)

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

 
Every year during the holiday season most people think about giving gifts to their loved ones and friends.  In spite of the rush and scurry, people try to be nicer to one another.  Goodness and kindness begin to come into play, even though during the rest of the year these traits are noticeably absent.
 
You, however, are exposed to goodness throughout the year.  Jehovah your Lord is always good and kind to you. He is rich in pleasant delights that He wants to share. You are a part of His kingdom that is always filled with joy and happiness. You can partake of all of these good things on a daily basis, for they are always appropriate and becoming. As you receive from Adonai's excellence, your life becomes prosperous and bountiful. You begin to see the benefits that you receive in serving the Lord.
 
Jehovah is a place of safety for you. He is a stronghold of refuge and protection. When you sail into His harbor, tempestuous winds and gales cannot harm you. As you face a day of trouble and distress, a day when your enemies are pressing in against you, you know that you are safe and secure in the Lord's sheltering presence.  He is strong, firm, and well able to prevail against your foes.
 
You never need fear that God will not be able to distinguish you from your adversaries. The Most High God knows those who belong to Him. He is well acquainted with you, for you always run to Him for help and protection. As you trust and put your confidence in the Almighty, He comes to your aid and fulfills all of your hopes and dreams; He is a good God

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/19/06)

2/23/14 Psalms 15: 1, 4 You May Abide in the Lord's Tent

Psalms 15: 1, 4 (NAS)

           (A Psalm of David.)

O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?...In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;

 

             Psalms 15: 1, 4 (NIVUS)

               (A psalm of David.)

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?...who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,

  

In the eyes of the world, having faith is not "cool".  In fact, often people of faith are ridiculed and criticized. Many think that faith is a crutch for the weak, for those who are considered the "losers" of the world.  However, that is the farthest thing from the truth. When Adonai, the Most High God, looks across the earth, He is searching for those who have faith.  They are the ones that He chooses to live in His house.

 
You have put your faith and trust in the Lord God and you have a reserved place in His house.  You have learned that you must agree with God's word and walk in line with His wishes. You have also learned that you need to reject and refuse these worldly ideas that despise and reject the people of faith. If these do not change their minds, they will be held in contempt.
 
Instead of despising and rejecting those who fear the Lord, you do well to hold them in high honor and respect.  Even though they may appear weak, they actually are the real "heavy weights" in the world.  They have found the path to true riches and abundance.  With your brothers and sisters in the Lord, you have been made glorious.
 
To continue to walk in that glory, you must remain a man or woman of your word.  If you swear an oath, then you must not change your mind, for then you will be displeasing to the Lord.  This is a trait of those who are wicked and do evil; they cannot keep their word. However, since you are made in the image of the Most High God, like Him, you always keep your promises.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 2/3/07)

2/23/14 Jeremiah 51:10 The Lord Vindicates You

 

Jeremiah 51:10 (NAS)

The LORD has brought about our vindication; Come and let us recount in Zion The work of the LORD our God!

 

           Jeremiah 51:10 (NIVUS)

The LORD has vindicated us; come, let us tell in Zion what the LORD our God has done.

  
Righteousness, except in the Church community, is a word that is rarely heard in today's society.  Most people would not know how to define it, if they were asked.  And yet, it is what you need the most. You need it more than the air you breathe and more than what you eat or drink. You need righteousness more than your family, your career, or anything else. It is important, therefore, that you understand what true righteousness is.
 
The Lord Jehovah has bought righteousness for you. He made you right in Almighty God's sight, when previously you were wrong. You were condemned and guilty, but Jesus the Lord provided the way for you to escape an eternal death sentence.  God's justice demanded death, but you did not have to pay the price: Yeshua suffered the punishment for you and you were cleared of all charges.  You were cleansed and made new.
 
Now you display virtue and are living prosperously, even though you were previously a debtor, living in sin.  Wherever you go, you enumerate and recount all that Adonai has done for you. Your tally of blessings from His hand is much greater than your failures and mistakes. How can you help declaring God's goodness to others?  Your words, whether spoken or written, are signposts showing others the way to righteousness. Your list of credit transactions is far greater than the debits. Jehovah your Lord is active on your behalf, for He wants you to be abundantly blessed. You are His handiwork, who brings Him glory through your words and deeds.  Adonai governs and rules your life, so that you become fruitful in every good work.

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/18/06)

2/22/14 Proverbs 3: 25, 26 Do Not Be Afraid of Sudden Fear

 

Proverbs 3: 25, 26 (NAS)

Do not be afraid of sudden fear, Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.

 

              Proverbs 3: 25, 26 (NIVUS)

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

 
The events of 911 have left an indelible mark on each one of us who lived through the circumstances that day.  As a nation, who had rarely been attacked on our own soil, it was a fearful time. Remembering that day still strikes fear in the hearts of many.
 
You, however, do no need to fear such times and such attacks.  God's word encourages you not to be terrified of the sudden and surprising fear and dread that such an attack as 911 inspires. You do not need to tremble, for you are held in the hands of the Most High God. The devastation, ruin, and waste that wicked men plot are not things of which you need to be concerned. Unlike you, these are hostile to God and living according to their sinful natures.  The Lord sees them condemned as guilty.
 
Jehovah the Lord God is your hope and confidence. To believe otherwise would be stupid and foolish, for you are born of His loins. He will keep and guard you always. He watches over you to protect and save you; you are the treasure of His heart. As you trust Him, not even your foot will be taken captive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/29/07)

2/22/14 Jeremiah 50:5 You Are Joined to the Lord

 

Jeremiah 50:5 (NAS)

They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.

 

                Jeremiah 50:5 (NIVUS)

They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.

  
Most people want to believe in something bigger than themselves. Since life is transitory and fleeting, many look for permanence in a person, a place, a thing, or a cause, but there is no actual permanence and security outside of Almighty God.
 
You, however, have learned to inquire for the way to Zion, the permanent and lasting capital of the city of God, on the mountain of Jerusalem.  You seek counsel for your mode of action, as you pray during your journey.  Even if your road leads through the wilderness, your path is bright and conspicuous, for you do not trust in yourself, but in the Lord your God.  You always face toward Zion, where you find your purpose.
 
Now you are united and joined to Jehovah the Lord.  Your life is so entwined with Adonai that it is difficult to separate you from Him.  Your relationship to the Most High God mirrors the relationship of a husband who cleaves to his wife, separating himself from all others. You are His for all eternity.  The Almighty has made a compact and covenant with you and you are in league with Him.  You are His select and chosen child, who has been cleansed, polished, and made pure. Adonai will never forget you; you are a permanent part of His memory.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/07/06)

2/21/14 Proverbs 3:23, 24 You Will Walk in Your Way Securely

Proverbs 3:23, 24 (NAS)

Then you will walk in your way securely, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

 

                Proverbs 3:23, 24 (NIVUS)

Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

 
You probably have heard the expression "go the distance", which refers to someone who starts something and does not quit until it is finished. That is how Adonai the Lord God wants you to live your life.  You have decided to live your life by faith in Jesus Christ the Son of the Most High God. Now every aspect of your life reflects that decision.  You walk on your journey according to God's will and His word.  You are committed to "go the distance" with the Lord. 

Once you make this choice, it does not take long for distractions to pop up in your way.  These things try to dissuade and discourage you from continuing. Fear is always lurking. However, if you are diligent to stick to your decision, you will find that you will walk in safety and security. As you place your trust in God, you will have a confidence and boldness that others do not possess. Your feet will not stumble as you continue to explore every opportunity that Jehovah the Lord brings your way. Nothing will be able to strike and smite you down.

 
Not only will you go through your day in confidence, but you will also lie down at night in peace. You will rest and relax without fear or dread. Actually when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet and pleasant.
 
Therefore, decide today to go the distance and you will be living in the best possible manner.

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/28/07)

2/21/14 Micah 4:8 The Lord Has Made You a High Tower

 

Micah 4:8 (NAS)

And as for you, tower of the flock, Hill of the daughter of Zion, To you it will come—Even the former dominion will come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.

 

                 Micah 4:8 (NIVUS)

As for you, O watchtower of the flock, O stronghold of the Daughter of Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to the Daughter of Jerusalem.

  
Some people, so it seems, were created higher than others. They seem to always rise above those around them.  However, even though God did create everyone with different traits and characteristics, He helps anyone to rise, who trusts Him
 
As Adonai's child, you are seen as a high tower. You are a rostrum from which the Lord speaks. You are a place of honor since the Holy One dwells in you; He makes you great. Through His power, your estate is increased and magnified. Jehovah takes pride in promoting you, for you are a sheep of His flock.
 
Like your Lord, you are a fortress and stronghold that others look to for safety and security. As God lifts you up, you help to lift those you encounter.  They see you as the apple of God's eye and a branch of the Vine. You help to build His Kingdom and His family. You dwell securely in His realm and guide others there.
 
Ever since you arrived in His Kingdom, the Lord your God has placed you in the first ranks as a captain and chief. The Lord has placed you at the forefront and there your excellency shines. You were created to rule and have dominion; you have the power to reign. You are a prince of the royal line and a leader among men. You keep company with the King in His Kingdom of peace, where all are perfect and complete.

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/16/06)

2/20/14 Proverbs 3: 21, 22 Keep Sound Wisdom and Discretion

 

Proverbs 3: 21, 22 (NAS)

My son, let them not depart from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion, So they will be life to your soul, And adornment to your neck.

 

             Proverbs 3: 21, 22 (NIVUS)

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

 
You always have the choice to live righteously or to go wrong. Adonai, your Heavenly Father, always encourages you not to take the wrong and crooked path.  That path may look exciting, but its appearance is deceptive.  It is really a devious and perverse way to go.  If you follow that road, you will be lost.
 
Instead of looking at the ways of the world, you should look to God's word, for it will guard and watch over you.  You will be kept and preserved from any dangers that you may encounter. As you pay attention to what the Lord God says, the perverse thoughts that Satan throws your way will be blockaded.  The wisdom and sound knowledge that you gain will give you abiding success.  You will live your life with purpose and your plans will be established.
 
God's word always brings life. It brings you the freshness and revival of springtime. If you live according to the Lord's will, you will soon be living prosperously.  Your health will be sustained, as sickness and death are kept far from you.  If you feel discouraged and faint, you should turn to the law of the Lord for strength and courage. It will restore you, so that you experience new growth. God’s favor and grace will adorn your neck.  You will always live in His mercy and acceptance.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/27/07)

2/20/14 Zechariah 9:16, 17 You Are the Flock of the Lord's People

 

 Zechariah 9:16, 17 (NAS)

And the LORD their God will save them in that day As the flock of His people; For they are as the stones of a crown, Sparkling in His land. For what comeliness and beauty will be theirs! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.

 

                Zechariah 9:16, 17 (NIVUS)

The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women.

 
Sometimes when you are confronted with trouble, you know the heat is on and it seems to last and last.  You long for the evening when the heat will break and you will have a cool refreshing breeze. You need a new season in your life, but you do not have the power to make the seasons change.  You need a Savior.
 
Fortunately for you, the Lord Jehovah, who is the Supreme God, has chosen that role for Himself.  He has the strength and the might to cause the weather to break and to change the seasons. He has the power to deliver you and to set you in a wide, open space, where you will be safe. As a sheep in His flock, you will find green pastures, as you migrate under His watchful eye.
 
Adonai has set you apart for Himself and you are dedicated to Him. Because He finds no impurity in you, the Lord has set you as a precious and beautiful stone in His crown. He lifts you up as an ensign and a flag fluttering in the wind, so that you are conspicuous to others as a signal beacon.  When others look at you, they see how much the Lord has blessed you, as you live on His land. 
 
The Lord your God is good and has only your welfare in mind. He wants to cheer you up, so that you have constant gladness. He desires that your life be fair, bright and beautiful. In receiving what Jehovah has done, you will see an increase in all of your grain; your corn and wheat will grow and flourish. Your grapes will produce fresh and sweet wine. You shall bring forth much fruit from every seed that you plant. Joy will be yours in abundance.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11/15/06)

2/19/14 Psalms 15: 1, 3 Do Not Slander Nor Do Evil to Your Neighbor

 

Psalms 15: 1, 3 (NAS) 

 (A Psalm of David.)

O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?...He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

 

              Psalms 15: 1, 3 (NIVUS) 

(A psalm of David.)

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?....and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman

  
Every home and family has house rules, codes of conduct that the family members observe.  Likewise in God's house, there are commandments that Adonai expects you to obey.  Most of these guidelines apply to how you treat other people.
 
One thing that the Lord Jehovah does not allow in His house is backbiting among His children. Slander and tale-bearing should not be something in which you participate.  When you do this, you become like a person with a broken foot; your walk is painful and slow. Your tongue becomes like a flaming fire, seeking someone to burn. Backbiting not only does harm to another, but it also hurts you as well.  Your evil speaking and accusations put you in league with your enemy and drives wedges in your relationships.
 
You should never do things that cause sorrow to your friends, associates, and neighbors.  Such evil and wicked actions can break another in pieces, making them feel good for nothing.  Instead of reproof and reproach, you should extend kindness and mercy to those in your life.  You should always treat others with the courtesy of an equal.  Make it your aim to never shame another human being, for each one has been created in the image of God.
 
As you do all of these things, you will be abiding in the tabernacle of God, dwelling with Him on His holy hill.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/19/07)