3/31/14 Psalms 18:7, 8 Why Does the Earth Quake?

Psalms 18:7, 8 (NIVUS)

The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.

 

       Psalms 18:7, 8 (NLT)

Then the earth quaked and trembled; the foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.

  
Usually the earth is firm and stable, for Adonai the Almighty holds it up and together. However, there are times when it is troubled and agitated and will begin to move and shake.  It will tremble and undulate in fear. Sometimes the very foundations of the mountains and hills will quiver, fret, and quake. 
 
Why does the earth react so violently? Sometimes it is because the Lord God is glowing in anger over the enemy's tactics against His children.  When you call to the Lord for help, His jealousy and zeal for you is aroused, for He is displeased with the suffering you experience.  It grieves Him to see how you are being attacked and He is ready to contend with Satan on your behalf.
 
The Most High is passionate for His children and His enemies see smoke rising from His nostrils. He shows them that He is a consuming, devouring fire. He blows flames upon all of the enemy's works and they are burned up. Nothing is left but coals.  All of this He does for His children. Since you are God's child, you can expect His help to defeat your adversaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/15/07)

3/31/14 Isaiah 48:18 Pay Attention to God's Commandments and Your Well-Being Will Be Like a River

 

Isaiah 48:18 (NAS)

If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

 

             Isaiah 48:18 (NIVUS)

If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

  
In the last few years you have seen the destructive power that water can have.  When the tsunami hit Southern Asia, the waves brought much loss of life, homes, and businesses. If you have ever been through a flood, you know how devastating that rising water can be, as it trashes homes and leaves disease carrying mud behind.  However, if the power of water is harnessed, it has many good benefits, such as generating electricity or irrigating fields. 

There is a way that you can experience something as beneficial as the energy in the power of water.  Jehovah the Lord asks that you incline your ear to and attend to His commandments and code of wisdom.  As you carry out the orders and commissions that He has appointed for you, you will discover blessings that you never thought you would see. The Most High God promises that you will be sound and complete, living in welfare and peace. You will be safe and secure, healthy and prosperous. Contentment and tranquility will flow into your life like a river and stream. You will shine with the radiance of light bouncing off the surface of the water.

 
Not only will you experience a peace that surpasses your understanding, but you will also live righteously, as you listen to and obey God's commandments. In fact, righteousness and justice will flow over you like the waves of a mighty sea. The Lord's vindication and salvation will be heaped upon you.
 
Therefore, choose today to live your life according to Adonai's wishes and you will find yourself extremely blessed, peaceful, and happy.

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/24/07)

3/30/14 Proverbs 4:5, 6 Acquire Wisdom and Understanding

Proverbs 4:5, 6 (NAS)

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.

 

           Proverbs 4:5, 6 (NRSV)

Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.

 
In a capitalistic society, in which everyone is free to buy and sell goods, people can develop an attitude of trying to get everything that they desire. In fact, as this "I want" attitude grows, so does greed and the love of money, which results in all sorts of evil.
 
However, the word of God does encourage you to try to get certain things that will actually benefit your life, things to which you should erect an edifice. One of these things is wisdom, which makes you skillful and artful. It also increases your intelligence so that you can be more productive in what Adonai the Lord God has asked you to do.
 
The Lord also wants you to gain knowledge and understanding.  He has made your mind capable of separating and distinguishing good from evil.  You are able to diligently consider what is put in front of you, so that you can make the right choice. When you gain wisdom and understanding, you become more teachable, perceptive, and prudent. Then you look well to all who observe you.
 
Once you are diligent in your pursuit of wisdom and understanding, you must also remain diligent not to mislay what you have learned.  You should continue to pay attention to it and commit it to memory. You will prove yourself unwise if you forget.
 
You should never bend away from the words that come forth from the mouth of God.  If your decline to hear what He says, you will be overthrown and perverted. However, if you do not forsake Adonai's commands and promises, in which you find wisdom and understanding, you will not fail and be left destitute, but you will be protected and preserved. God will hedge you about, guarding you from the enemy's onslaughts.
 
Therefore, choose wisdom as you would a friend.  Love her and she will guard and maintain you. Wisdom will watch over you, so that you are not besieged. You will be hidden within the monument of God's word.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/14/07)

3/30/14 Isaiah 52:12 Do Not Be In Haste

 

Isaiah 52:12 (NAS)

But you will not go out in haste, Nor will you go as fugitives; For the LORD will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

 

            Isaiah 52:12 (NIVUS)

But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

 
Have you heard the expression, "Haste makes waste"? Often when you do things hastily, you are being motivated by fear. You may fear that you will miss an opportunity and then you make a hasty decision. Sometimes your motivation is selfishness. You may hurry through a task to have more time for yourself.  If you do this, your level of excellence will decrease, while your error level could possibly increase.  Perhaps you feel pushed from an outside source and, therefore, do things with haste. When this happens, that outside source is usually being motivated to control you through manipulation.
 
Jehovah the Lord, however, does not want you to hasten away from something in fear; you should not flee and retreat before your enemies.  You should never let your foes chase you into hiding, for the Lord your God has promised to walk before you into battle. He will lead you on a prosperous journey as you follow Him.
 
Adonai the Supreme God rules over your life and gives you the power to prevail. Not only does He go in front of you, but His presence also follows behind you. In doing this, He restores what the enemy has tried to take away from you.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/23/07)

3/29/14 Psalms 18:6 Call to the Lord for Help

Psalms 18:6 (NIVUS)

In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

 

    Psalms 18:6 (NLT)

But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears.

 
Have you ever had a pebble in your shoe?  That little thing probably caused you much discomfort. Your foot felt cramped and crowded.  It was like a sharp knife cutting into your flesh. You could not wait to take your shoe off and shake out that small irritant. 
 
Many times the attacks of the enemy are like the small pebble.  He sets up opportunities for many little things that build up until you are in distress and afflicted.  The Bible says it is the little foxes that destroy the vine.  Your adversary sends those little foxes to push you into narrow and tight places that take away your freedom and liberty.
 
At the first sign of trouble, when you experience anguished feelings, you should call out to the Lord Jehovah.  You have the freedom to cry aloud and shout to the Supreme God for His help. From His temple, Adonai the Almighty God will hear you.  He always pays attention to your voice, for you are His well-beloved child. As a shepherd knows and understands the distinct bleats of each individual sheep, so too does the Lord recognize your voice from the midst of a multitude.
 
The Lord is the only one who has the power and might to come to your aid.  He is able to overcome and prevail over even the smallest pebble that Satan puts in your path.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/12/07(

3/29/14 Isaiah 45: 2, 3 The Lord Goes Before You and Makes the Rough Places Smooth

Isaiah 45: 2, 3 (NAS)

I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze, and cut through their iron bars. And I will give you the treasures of darkness, And hidden wealth of secret places, In order that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.

 

                      Isaiah 45: 2, 3 (NIVUS)

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. 

 
The Lord God has promised you many things and one of those things is that He would go before you.  You need to know that wherever you go, He has already walked there. During your journey if you encounter rough places, Jehovah will smooth them out for you.  If the path seems unusually crooked, the Lord will straighten it.  He will also lead you to a level plain, which you will find to be pleasing and agreeable.
 
Sometimes you may come up against a closed door, something that blocks your way and keeps you from fulfilling what God has planned for you, what you have dreamed.  However, this is only a temporary problem; for the Lord will break down that door, even though it is made of copper or bronze, shattering it in pieces. If you seem surrounded by iron bars, Yeshua will cut those bars apart, setting you free again. 
 
The Lord has stored treasure in secret, obscure places. He has purposely saved this hidden wealth for His sons, for you.  Although it has been buried in dark places, the Lord will bring it to light and bestow it on those He loves and has called by name. Jehovah has called your name, inviting you to become His son and to partake of all the riches of His kingdom. He has given you a portion of His treasure store so that you will know and recognize that He is the Lord God of Israel, the One who blesses and raises up His sons.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/22/07)

3/27/14 Psalms 18: 4, 5 Look to the Lord When You Are Surrounded By Death and Destruction

Psalms 18: 4, 5 (NIVUS)

The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.

 

        Psalms 18: 4, 5 (NLT)

The ropes of death surrounded me; the floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death itself stared me in the face.

 
When an animal is caught in a snare, often the more it struggles to get free, the tighter the bonds become.  Since the beginning of time, Satan, the enemy of God and the souls of men, has thrown out ropes and snares of sorrow and destruction.  Mankind has been caught.  Even though each one twists and writhes in pain, seeking freedom, he is drawing the noose tighter.  Ruin and destruction is always on the horizon.
 
Perhaps you feel that you are surrounded by death.  Worthless and ungodly men have trapped you in a narrow valley that is flooded with winter torrents. And you are afraid and terrified.  It may seem that hell and its inmates are at your very borders.  Wickedness is revolving and whirling about you, trying to trap you in its snare and to put a hook in your nose. It seems that you are being prevented from following your course and you have faced many disappointments.
 
At these times, you should look to Jehovah the Lord, who is your Shield and Buckler.  He will surround you with His favor and your enemies will not be able to break through God's defenses.  He will turn your fear into courage.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/11/07)

3/27/14 Isaiah 33:20 You Have a Peaceful AbodeThat Will Not Be Moved

 

Isaiah 33:20 (NAS)

Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts; your eyes shall see Jerusalem an undisturbed habitation, A tent which shall not be folded, Its stakes shall never be pulled up Nor any of its cords be torn apart.

    

           Isaiah 33:20 (NIVUS)

Look upon Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved; its stakes will never be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken.

   
If you live in a temperate climate, you do not know what it is like to live in a dry desert. You usually have enough water to drink and enough food to sustain you.  However, through the media, you probably have seen desert scenes. If you saw the movie, Hidalgo, you saw how grueling and dangerous that climate can be.
 
Even though you live in a temperate climate, some aspects of your life may seem like a dry desert.  Perhaps you are experiencing drought in your family, your career, your finances, or your health.  You feel parched and dying on the vine, but that is not how the Lord your God looks at you.  He sees you as a signpost and monument of His glory and grace. In His sight, you are bright, preeminent, and excellent. God intends that you be an overseer, superintendent, director, or chief.  He has appointed and fixed you in His city; you are betrothed to Him.
 
Therefore, you should change how you look at yourself and the circumstances around you.  Instead of the drought and dryness of a desert, you should see yourself as a spring of fresh flowing water, an oasis in the desert. The Lord Jehovah has made a covenant of peace with you, so that you can be complete and whole. You are in a place of safety in which you are restored and rewarded. You shall dwell in rest and be at ease.  You will be quiet and secure.
 
You will no longer wander around in the wilderness. Permanence and not transience shall be the mark of your life. No one will be able to pull up your tent stakes or pluck you up by the roots. You will not be torn away and separated from the Lord your God.  You will have everlasting strength and victory.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/21/07)

3/26/14 Psalms 18:3 Call Upon the Name of the Lord To Be Saved

Psalms 18:3 (NIVUS)

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

  

          Psalms 18:3 (NRSV)

I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies.

   
Growing up in our western society, you have probably been taught that you have to work to be rewarded in life.  Your efforts are what count. You have seen that one rarely gets anything "just because".  In the Kingdom of God, however, you often see a totally different principle at work.  You can receive the fulfillment of God's promises in your life with very little of your own effort.  You simply believe and have faith.
 
Many people think that they will gain the Lord's attention through their many sacrifices. Perhaps they work in every department in the church or they may even go so far as to flagellate their flesh to become holy.  They just know that the more they do the more the Lord Jehovah will look upon them with favor.
 
The Lord, however, has made it simple to gain His attention.  He tells you to just call out His name and address Him as Lord.  Then you should begin to boast of and praise Him.  Celebrate the goodness and favor that He has already shown you.  As you do this, the Lord your God will shine His light upon you. He will rescue and save you from your enemies.  He will defend you against those who hate you and give you victory "just because" you cried out to Him in faith and trust.  He will reward your faith.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/9/07)

3/26/14 Zechariah 9:8 The Lord Defends You Against Marauders

Zechariah 9:8 (NAS)

But I will camp around My house because of an army, Because of him who passes by and returns; And no oppressor will pass over them anymore, For now I have seen with My eyes.

 

                 Zechariah 9:8 (NIVUS)

But I will defend my house against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.

 
People who are rich and famous often have body guards because their celebrity status makes them targets. These body guards are usually big and muscular. Their very appearance deters most people from approaching and those that do come near usually do so with trepidation. The celebrity knows that he or she is safer and more protected when the body guard is near.
 
Although you may not be rich and famous, you have Someone guarding and protecting you that is much more powerful than a human body guard.  Adonai the Most High God has promised to encamp around about His people, His family who dwells in His house.  He always inclines His head towards you, so that He can hear your smallest whisper. He bends down to extend His mercy and favor to you.
 
Even if an army is stationed about you, ready to attack, you do not need to fear.  When they try to pass through your land, the Lord your God will guard and protect you.  He will cut their advance short, sending them back the way they came. Although they came to exert pressure against you, the Lord Jehovah will stop them from oppressing you. No tyrant will rule over you, for Almighty God sees their every movement.  Nothing escapes His eyes. 

You are the apple of God's eye and the center of His attention. Your enemies cannot stand against His power and might.  They will perish and cease to exist, while you will advance and prosper.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/20/07)

3/25/14 Psalms 18:2 The Lord Is Your Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer

Psalms 18:2 (NIVUS)

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

 

    Psalms 18:2 (NLT)

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.

  
In today's precarious world, where terrorism seems to reign, sometimes you may feel that there is no safe place.  If that is the case for you, perhaps you need to change where you are focused.  Looking to the government or any other institution of this world's system can bring down your whole countenance and attitude, but if you will look up, you will find hope.
 
Jehovah the Lord is your stronghold and security.  You are held fast on this Rock, where you have every provision that you need. He is your escape from all of your enemies and allows you to simply slip away from their grasp. Jesus the Lord is your Savior and Deliverer and the God who gives you strength and power. He shields you like a mighty tree or a rocky wall.  Nothing can penetrate this defense.  As you put your confidence and trust in the Most High God, you know that you can always flee to Him for protection and refuge. He covers you as a shield and buckler. He will ward off any blows that are aimed at you.
 
The Lord your God causes you to shine, for He has anointed you with the oil of His salvation. He always has your welfare, prosperity, and victory in mind. He, therefore, sets you high above your foes, so that you are inaccessible to them. In Adonai your God, you are always safe and secure.

 

 

 

(Originally written 4/28/07)

3/25/14 Malachi 3:16-18 God's Book of Remembrance

Malachi 3:16-18 (NAS)

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. And they will be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

 

                      Malachi 3:16-18 (NIVUS)

Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

  

You stand in awe of the Lord your God.  You fear Him and honor Him.   You respect and revere Him. You have given yourself completely to Him. When you converse with your family and your friends, Jesus is always at the center.  You declare His commands and sing of His promises.  Even those who are not a part of your intimate circles hear you preach of Him and His Word.  As a shepherd and teacher, you lead others to the Great Shepherd; your words direct the way. 
 
Whenever you speak of Him, the Lord Jehovah pays attention to your words.  e listens with great interest.  If He hears any requests, He is quick to grant them.  He summons a servant, who brings His record book.  He commands that your words be written down to be kept as a memorial and a reminder. The Lord God is pleased with your thoughts and words of His name and will keep them eternally.
 
The Lord of Hosts, the One Who wages war for you, has made you His valued and treasured possession.  He has promised to show you compassion and spare you from His wrath, even as He would spare His very own Son. You are His servant, standing as a priest before Him.
 
Then God will cause others to discern how favored you are. They will perceive that He does not favor the wicked, but the righteous only. They understand that God Almighty has blessed you as His special son and servant.  Because you continually honor Him before others, He also honors you before them.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/12/07)

3/24/14 Psalms 18:1 Love the Lord, Your Strength

Psalms 18:1 (NIVUS)

(For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.)

He said: I love you, O LORD, my strength.

 

   Psalms 18:1(NLT)

(For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the LORD. He sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul.)

I love you, LORD; you are my strength.

 
David, Israel' second king, was beloved of the Lord God; he, however, referred to himself as Jehovah's servant.  He saw himself as working and laboring for God, but he was also a worshiper of the Most High.  Through his psalms, poems that he set to music, David declared the words of the Lord.  Since he was in communion with his God, he was able to speak Adonai's commandments and promises with authority, for he knew the heart of God.
 
David marked special events with psalms.  In this one, he is expressing his gratitude and praise to Jehovah for His delivering power in stripping away David's enemies.  The Lord set David free and set him in a wide open place, where he was safe.  God's hand shielded him from those who wanted to smite him with deadly intent.  When King Saul rose up in power against David, Jehovah the Lord was faithful to rescue and protect him.  Even when Saul laid false charges and demands on him, David could rely on God's word.  Therefore, David loved the Lord God with great affection and friendship. David clung to and delighted in Adonai.  His desire was set on the Almighty, for he knew that his strength and power only came from God.  In Him, David was established and fortified, so that he could prevail.
 
Therefore, when you are being pursued by enemies who appear more powerful than you, you should choose to love God.  Like David, you should not hold back your affection for the Lord.  As you cling to and delight in Adonai, you too will be rescued and delivered.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 4/26/07)

3/24/14 Jeremiah 15:16 Eat God's Word

Jeremiah 15:16 (NAS)

Thy words were found and I ate them, And Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

 

Jeremiah 15:16 (NIVUS)

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.

 
According to the Bible, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.  You demonstrate your hunger and thirst for righteousness when you study and consume God's words.  When you do this, you will find that Adonai’s words bring joy, exultation, rejoicing and gladness. His words encourage your heart.
 
Not only do you have access to the words of God, but you are also called by His name, which carries all of His reputation, fame, and glory. That name is Jehovah, the Lord God of Hosts.  Jehovah the Lord is the One who wages war against your enemies and He is always victorious. He makes a show of them openly, triumphing over them in all things.
 
With the Almighty’s words in your heart and His name on your lips, you can do no less than triumph, even as He has triumphed before you.

 

 

(Originally written 1/6/07)

 

 

3/23/14 Psalms 17:15 You Behold God's Face in Righteousness

Psalms 17:15 (NAS)

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

  

           Psalms 17:15 (NLT)

But because I have done what is right, I will see you. When I awake, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face.

 
 
When a young couple first falls in love, they get great joy from just gazing into each other’s eyes.  However, as time goes by and they become more familiar with each other, often such a simple action loses its joy. They are no longer content and satisfied just spending time with each other.  Simply looking at each other is no longer a pleasant past time, as each seeks the other to meet their needs.
 
When you first were born again, you probably could think of no greater joy than spending time in the presence of the Lord.  You would gaze at Him and contemplate the great and merciful things that He had done for you. You took great pleasure in every provision He made for you.
 
As you continue to receive more revelation of the righteousness that Jesus the Lord gave you through His shed blood, your joy and pleasure in being in God's presence, standing before His face, will continue to grow.  You see your sin clearer, but you also see how the Son of God's sacrifice satisfied God's justice.  How can you help but live in thanksgiving and gratitude?
 
Adonai, your Lord and God, will always satisfy and fill you, as you seek Him and His will. Day by day, as you awake, you will discover that little by little you are being fashioned into the likeness of God.  And then you will see your harvest come.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 4/12/07)

3/23/14 Zechariah 10:11 God Passes Through the Sea of Distress With You

 

 Zechariah 10:11(NAS)

And He will pass through the sea of distress, And strike the waves in the sea, So that all the depths of the Nile will dry up; And the pride of Assyria will be brought down, And the scepter of Egypt will depart.

 

                           Zechariah 10:11(NIVUS)

They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria’s pride will be brought down and Egypt’s scepter will pass away.

  
We all go through transition times.  Some of them are good and some are not so good. Usually during these times change occurs.  Adjusting to change is often difficult, but adaptation is necessary for survival.  Perhaps you are experiencing transition now.
 
The enemies of Israel faced transition when Adonai the Lord stepped into the situation to bring positive change for His people. However, that change was usually not beneficial to those who were opposed to God and His ways. In His anger, the Lord God would provoke and alienate those who did the same to His people.
 
When the Lord God passed through the seas, Israel's foes knew that soon they would see trouble and adversity.  Affliction, anguish, and distress would be their lot, for the Lord would squeeze them into a narrow tight place.  If the Almighty's wrath was stirred, he could strike the rivers and seas of their lands, so that all of the waves and springs, no matter how deep they were, would dry up and wither.
 
Assyria, one of Israel's enemies, had become exalted in pride, for they had always proved successful in advancing against and conquering other nations.  However, the Most High promised to bring them down. Egypt ruled over Israel, besieging them and holding them captive, but the Lord God removed the scepter from that land.  The Lord brought all of Israel's enemies to an end.  Their strength was broken and they were defeated. 
 
Therefore, if you are going through transition, you should know that the Lord will bring you through in strength. Those who are coming against you will be defeated just like Assyria and Egypt.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/5/07)

 

 

3/22/14 Psalms 17:14 God Stills Your Hunger

Psalms 17:14 (NAS)

From men with Thy hand, O LORD, From men of the world, whose portion is in this life; And whose belly Thou dost fill with Thy treasure; They are satisfied with children, And leave their abundance to their babes.

 

 Psalms 17:14 (NIVUS)

O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

  

The hand of Jehovah is open to you more often than not.  Through it you receive provision and direction.  God's hand is a symbol of His power and bounty. Even unbelievers receive of the Lord's goodness through His open hand. The power and strength of the Almighty's hand also protects and preserves you from men who do evil to you. Their lives are transient and fleeting; they glide swiftly by you, while you will endure throughout eternity. Their portion is only for this life.

 

Adonai is merciful and kind, even to those who do not believe.  He is the One who fills their bellies.  He furnishes each living thing with what it needs to remain strong. Every spring God brings freshness and newness. He preserves and quickens, repairs and restores. He has put hidden treasures within each individual; these gifts and talents are meant to fill, to satisfy and to help build their families.

 

What God has deposited in your life was put there so that you will have what you need.  You will not only survive, but will also have an abundance to leave an inheritance to your offspring.  Your success is uppermost in your Heavenly Father's mind and heart.  Through your dependence on Him, you will always exceed and excel.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 4/10/07)

 

3/22/14 Ecclesiastes 2:26 The Sinner Works to Bless God's Child

 

Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NAS)

For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God’s sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind.

 

            Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NIVUS)

To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

 
When the Lord God looks at you, He is pleased, for you are His child.  Because you believe in and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, God sees you as good and righteous. You are someone who does well and are agreeable to the Lord.  Therefore, His favor rests upon you. 
 
As a result, He bestows wisdom and knowledge on you. You have good understanding, discernment and perception; you are shrewd in all of your dealings. Your fear of God and obedience to Him are evidence that wisdom reigns in your life. That wisdom gives you a deeply rooted joy and gladness.
 
The sinful man, however, is not so blessed.  He is constantly occupied and busy, gathering and collecting all that he can.  He trusts in himself and, therefore, has to provide for himself. He is bowed down, afflicted and depressed from his never ending toil and labor.  He does not realize that soon he will perish and what he has stored up will be given to others. What he has produced is designated for the one on whom God has granted His favor.
 

And you are that one, favored of the Lord and blessed!

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/7/07)

3/21/14 Psalms 17:13 God Will Arise and Confront Your Enemies

Psalms 17:13 (NAS)

Arise, O LORD, confront him, bring him low; Deliver my soul from the wicked with Thy sword,

 

             Psalms 17:13 (NIVUS)

Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

 
Some people are known as rising stars.  They are bright and talented and their gifts and talents have lifted them out of the crowd.  They are on their way to becoming a household name and are seen as someone who stands above their peers.
 
You may not see yourself in the star category, but in a lowly position. However, that is not how Adonai the Lord God sees you.  You are made in His image and He is always exalted and raised up.  In Christ, you are seated with Him in the heavenly places, far above the meager and mediocre things of the world.
 
Because of your relationship with the Most High, you can always ask for His help when your enemies are attacking.  When God hears your voice, He will get up and rouse Himself on your behalf. The enemy will be prevented from carrying out his destructive plans, for the Lord has already anticipated his moves. The enemy will be disappointed and cast down.  He will be like a sheep that is cast down on its back and unable to get back up without the shepherd's help.  In this position, the sheep will die if no one comes to its aid.  Likewise the plans and schemes of your foes will die, when the Lord your God raises Himself against them.
 
You will slip out of your adversaries’ grasp, for the Lord God has delivered you and provided a way of escape.  He will then carry you to safety, away from those who are wicked and ungodly. The Almighty has raised His sword against those who wish to violate and disturb you, allowing you to go free.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 4/3/07)