4/30/14 Psalms 5:11 Take Refuge in the Lord and Be Glad

Psalms 5:11 (NAS)

But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And mayest Thou shelter them, That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee.  Forever you will praise and exalt in the Lord Jehovah.

 

         Psalms 5:11 (NLT)

 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy.

 
You have sought refuge and you have fled to Adonai the Lord to protect you. You trust Him to take care of you and you have confidence in the Lord your God. You know that you can confide your deepest secrets to Him and they will be safe.  You need not fear that He will do you harm in anyway.  Because of this, you can rejoice and be glad continually.
 
You know that your future is secure in the Almighty; you, therefore, perpetually have a shout of joy on your lips. Songs of rejoicing come up and out of your mouth, even in times of distress and trial; for you know that the Lord always keeps you hidden and concealed.
 
Adonai has built a hedge and a fence around you.  He has shut you in and covered you with His presence.  He is the One who blocks and stops the approach of your enemies.  Even if your opponents could get close to you, they could not distinguish you from God; for the Lord has woven you together with Himself.  You are one with Him.
 
Now you love the name of the Lord, for He has extended His compassion to you, making you righteous.  He has become your friend and companion. Your life has been transformed: you are fixed, established, and planted in His Kingdom. Jehovah called out your name and invited you to be His. In this you exult and rejoice. You are overcome with the joy of being a child of the Most High God.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 11-2/07)

4/30/14 Ezekiel 36:33-36 The Lord Has Cleansed You and Rebuilt Your Ruins

Ezekiel 36:33-36 (NIVUS)

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. They will say, "This land that was laid waste has become like the Garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited." Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.

 
The Lord Jehovah has cleansed and purified you. He made an intentional decision to deliver you from all of your perversity, depravity, and iniquity. Whatever was bent, twisted, or distorted in you has been straightened by His word. He separated you from all wrong. You now have no guilt or fear of punishment at His hands.
 
Adonai the Almighty has caused you to dwell in a secure and well-guarded place. He watches over and protects you. He has rebuilt what was once waste and ruin.  You have received restoration and refreshment for the desolation and drought you have endured. You have been established and will continue strong in Him.
 
Jehovah (Jesus the Lord) has taken your devastated, ravaged and deserted land and has worked and tilled it. Many people used to be astounded and astonished at the destruction in your life, but now they see something totally different. You have become like the Garden of Eden, a place that contains pleasant, delightful and fine things. What was torn and broken down is now fortified and enclosed. What was dried up and laid waste has become a safe habitation, a place where others would like to abide.
 
You have become a mystery to those who used to despise you, for they perceive that the Lord has shown you favor. They recognize that He has rebuilt your life. He has planted good seed in you and has fixed what was broken. He declared that He would do this for you and He has kept His word. Your life is a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/22/07)

4/28/14 Psalms 109:28, 29 Your Accusers Will Be Clothed With Disgrace

Psalms 109:28, 29 (NAS)

Let them curse, but do Thou bless; When they arise, they shall be ashamed, But Thy servant shall be glad. Let my accusers be clothed with dishonor, And let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe.

 

           Psalms 109:28, 29 (NLT)

Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me! When they attack me, they will be disgraced! But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing! Make their humiliation obvious to all; clothe my accusers with disgrace.

 
Ever since the fall of man, when Adam sinned against the Lord God, men have thought that their relationship with God was of little account.  They gave the Lord slight and trifling attention. They thought He was insignificant and esteemed Him lightly.  They held Him in contempt and dishonor. If they encountered the Almighty, they turned quickly away and tried to shake off the experience.  In cursing Him, they brought curses on themselves.
 
You, however, know the Truth that God loves you and has only good in store for you.  You, therefore, kneel before Him and bless Him. Because you adore Him, you praise and salute His holy name.
 
When God's enemies stand before Him, they will reap the consequences of their choices and actions. Then they will be disappointed and ashamed. Those who have raised themselves in hostility will be disconcerted and embarrassed in His presence.
 
When you come before the Lord Almighty, you stand in humility to worship and serve.  You know that He is the Lord and you are merely His subject. This, however, does not make you sad, depressed, or discouraged.  No, in this you rejoice and are glad, for you know that this is the best decision you have ever made.
 
You also rejoice because you know that your adversaries and opponents will soon be clothed with disgrace and reproach.  While you are wearing your robe of righteousness, they will put on shame and confusion; they will be dishonored and insulted.  They will be covered only in the apparel of humiliation. Their unfaithfulness and treachery will be their robes and mantles.  As they chose unrighteousness in life, so too in death will they be clothed with the same. However, the mantle that you received through the grace of the Lord God will continue to cover you in righteousness!

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 2/23/08)

 

 

4/28/14 Colossians 1:21-23 You Are Reconciled to God Through Jesus Christ

Colossians 1:21-23 (NAS)

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

 
At one time you existed as a stranger and a foreigner to God and His Kingdom. As His enemy, you were separated from Him. There was no intimacy or fellowship with Him. There was only hostility. In your mind and understanding, you thought there was only hatred between you and God. Your life was comprised of great trouble, intense desire and pain. Even though you labored and toiled, you were always pressed and harassed. All you could see were annoyances and hardships.
 
Now at this present time, you are no longer separated. The Lord has reconciled you to Himself, bringing you back into harmony with Him. You now are in His favor. You have been transformed.
 
Through His death, Jesus Christ experienced the misery of the soul that sin brings.  He gave His flesh over to death in order to save and to rescue you from the destruction of sin. He became sin for you on the cross so that you can be made well, healed and restored.
 
God has now brought you near to Himself. You now have fellowship and intimacy with Him. You can stand in His presence unharmed, safe and sound. He has made you pure and clean. You are faultless and blameless. No one can find a blemish in you. You are no longer a disgrace. No one can accuse or bring a charge against you. He has made you holy. You are sacred to Him and He cherishes you with tender love. You are precious in His sight!
 
Therefore, continue to abide in His presence. Do not depart from the truth of God's word. Maintain your trust in the Lord and keep fervent in your belief in Him. Remain faithful to Him and confident in His love. Always strive to please Him. as you obey and yield to Him in everything.
 
Jesus Christ is the firm foundation that has been laid in your life. He has stabilized and established you. You are firm, immovable and steadfast. Do not let yourself be moved by any expectation of fear. Expect only a good reward.
 
You have already received God's kindness and His blessing. You heard the good news of the gospel that was preached to you and you responded. You are God's child and you belong to Him forever!

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 7/12/04)

4/27/14 Psalm 35: 26 Those Who Rejoice At Your Troubles Will Be Ashamed

Psalm 35: 26 (NAS)

Let those be ashamed and humiliated altogether who rejoice at my distress; Let those be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves over me.

 

Psalm 35: 26 (NLT)

May those who rejoice at my troubles be humiliated and disgraced. May those who triumph over me be covered with shame and dishonor.

 
Sometimes men, from the wickedness within their hearts, will speak slander and lies against you.  They may never have met you, and yet they have an opinion of you. However, if that opinion differs from the one that the Lord God has of you, then you should disregard it.
 
If you stand by and wait, you may sooner or later see them put to shame. They will be disappointed and disconcerted. They will be confounded and embarrassed.  They will not find that for which they were digging.  No matter how they search they will not be able to find anything to continue to hold against you.
 
Those who come against you will be united together in their confusion. Although now they rejoice when they see you being hurt with wickedness and evil, soon they will be clothed in shame. If they make merry when they see you injured or hurt, you should know that they soon will be disgraced and dishonored.  The insults and reproaches they heap on you will come back around to them.  They will blush in humiliation.
 
Your opponents may try to promote themselves, hoping to look important and magnificent, but rest assured that the truth will be revealed. And you will be vindicated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 2/21/08)

4/27/14 1 Corinthians 10:13 Temptation Will Not Overcome You

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NAS)

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIVUS)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

   

You are often under attack; your enemy continually tries to steal your faith. He tries to tempt you to sin, sometimes using your own desires or sometimes using outward circumstances. He wants to entice you to sin or to lose your faith and holiness. Through you, he wants to discredit the One, who made a show of him openly in triumph.
 
Even though temptation tries to lay hold of you, it cannot seize you unless you permit it. It cannot possess you if you will not receive it. And no temptation that comes against you is unique to just you. Satan has been using the same devices against mankind for centuries. If you feel yourself beginning to succumb to these enticements, do not fear or faint in your heart. Cry out to God for His help and He will be quick to come to your aid. He is faithful and you can trust Him. You know you can rely on Him. He will not permit or allow any of these trials to prevail over you. He will make you strong and powerful to stand against them or to flee from them. No matter what happens, He will provide you with an exit out of any and all temptations that come. He will help you endure them with patience. He will uphold you and keep you from falling. With His help, you can bear up under the burden and remain strong.
 
In the world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer. Jesus has overcome the world. In Him, you can too!

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 7/28/04)

4/26/14 Psalms 35:7, 8 Your Enemy Will Fall Into the Pit He Dug for You

Psalms 35:7, 8 (NAS)

For without cause they hid their net for me; Without cause they dug a pit for my soul.Let destruction come upon him unawares; And let the net which he hid catch himself; Into that very destruction let him fall.

 

Psalms 35:7,8 (NLT)

Although I did them no wrong, they laid a trap for me. Although I did them no wrong, they dug a pit for me. So let sudden ruin overtake them! Let them be caught in the snare they set for me! Let them fall to destruction in the pit they dug for me.

 
Sometimes you may feel as if you have been blind-sided and attacks are coming at you without cause and undeservedly. Since you walk in God's grace and favor, you are now a target of His greatest enemy. Although Almighty God has shown you mercy and consideration, Satan finds you loathsome. He tries his best to lay siege to you and your property.  However, do not let the care of this weigh you down.
 
Although under the cover of darkness, he lies in wait for you, do not let yourself become discouraged. He may spread a net to capture and bury you; he, however, will not succeed. He cannot take possession of the inheritance that the Lord your God has prepared for you. He cannot bring you to poverty or devour you.
 
Satan may have dug a pit for you, but you do not have to give in to the depression that he brings against your mind. You do not have to bow yourself down or sink into the despair that the enemy is showing you.  Instead you should stand tall, with your head and your hands held high to heaven.
 
As you turn your attention to the Lord, you will see the ruin and destruction that was planned for you come upon your enemy. He will not even understand or know what is happening to him. He will be caught in the net intended to capture you. The pit that he dug for your destruction will be the plot where he will be buried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 2/18/08)

4/26/14 1 Corinthians 15:10 You Are What You Are By the Grace of God

 

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NAS)

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

 
                                                                 1 Corinthians 15:10 (Philips)

But what I am now I am by the grace of God. The grace he gave me has not proved a barren gift. I have worked harder than any of the others—and yet it was not I but this same grace of God within me.

  
It was by the grace of God, His good will and favor extended to you, that you were saved. Now His grace, His mercy and kindness, strengthens and keeps you, allowing your faith in Christ Jesus to grow and prosper. Daily you increase in knowledge and affection to Yeshua, your Lord. Your life is full of joy, delight, loveliness, and bounty. God's grace causes you to thrive. Your very existence depends on Him and His continual grace given to you.
 
It was not in vain that your Heavenly Father gave you such a precious gift. His grace has made you fruitful and not barren. Your life is full and not empty because of grace.
 
You are not destitute, with no purpose. You labor and toil in His Kingdom, but your labor does not make you tired or weary. Your work does not bring you sorrow or trouble. By His grace you receive exceeding abundance from your toils. God always gives you more reward than is necessary in your well doing. Your life is excellent and remarkable. He has made you pre-eminent and superior.
 
Those who labor by the sweat of their brows, not relying on God's grace, recognize that your life is extraordinary in comparison to theirs. They think that you have had uncommon advantages and do not understand that it is the Lord who has elevated you and blessed you.
 
You, however, know that without the grace of God operating in you, your life would be common, without measurable success and with a low rank. But He has exalted you in grace. Therefore, you must always be willing to extend that grace to others, so that they can give up their struggles and enter into His rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/19/07)

4/25/14 Psalms 126:2 You Are Filled With Laughter and Joy

Psalms 126:2 (NAS)

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

 Psalms 126:2 (NLT)

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them."

 

Earlier in your life, you never thought that you could be so full and that you would have abundance in everything.  All of this is due to the Lord your God.  He has satisfied you and completed you. Now your mouth is filled with His praises. Laughter pours forth from your lips, for you have a joy rooted deep within. This same joy, that strengthens you, also arms you against your enemies and your laughter mocks them.

 
No longer do you use your tongue to slander and accuse others, but your language is filled with proclamations of joy and praise. Your enemies hear a ringing cry of rejoicing as you sing of the goodness and faithfulness of Adonai. Even your supplications and entreaties that come before the Lord become exultations and exhortations of wisdom.
 
Now the unbelieving and the heathen speak of what the Lord God has done for you.  They see that God has made you powerful and has allowed you to do great things. You have magnified Jehovah in your life and He has promoted you.  All of those who watch you stand in awe and wonder, for they know that only the Most High God could make your life the celebration that it has become
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 07/2005)

4/25/14 Deuteronomy 7:9 The Lord Keeps His Covenant to a Thousand Generations

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NAS) 

Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

 

          Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIVUS)

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

 
You know many things.  From the time that you are born, you are continually learning new things.  You see and observe your surroundings and recognize many things due to the knowledge that you already have. Through your acquaintances and relationships, you learn characteristics of human nature. You see how others are different from you and you acknowledge that those differences are what bring spice to your life.
 
Being instructed in the ways of the earthly realm is important to live successfully here, but you also need to learn the characteristics of the Kingdom of God.  In fact, this knowledge is far more important.  The best way to obtain this knowledge and understanding is to spend time with the King.  The more you recognize and are aware that Jehovah the Lord, also known as Jesus Christ, is deity the better your life will become. He is the Supreme God, the Almighty, and the One who is strong and mighty.  When you strive to know Him more intimately, you will find that He is firm and faithful. As you learn to trust Him, you will see that He always builds you up and supports you.  In Him there is permanence and quiet. His steadfastness gives you assurance, for you know that He will establish you forever.
 
Your Creator has established a covenant with you.  He feeds you and makes you fat and prosperous. He has hand-selected you to be in league with Him.  Through God's mercy, you have been cleansed; you are pure and bright, for the Lord has hedged you around with His presence and His word.  Because God extends His kindness and favor to you, you are learning to love Him with a deep affection. As a friend of God, your life has become beautiful.
 
Adonai the Almighty now expects you to keep His commandments and divine law.  As you listen to His messengers and do as He charges you, you can expect Him to extend His faithfulness to a thousand generations. Through your obedience and God's mercy, your posterity will be blessed.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 5/16/07)

4/24/14 Psalm 73:28 It Is Good to Be Near to God

Psalm 73:28 (NAS)

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Thy works.

 

         Psalm 73:28 (NLT)

But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Adonai wants to make your life good and beautiful. Even if your life was good before Jesus became your Lord, He wants to make it better.  You, however, must learn to cooperate with God. It is your responsibility to draw near to God.  You should present yourself before His throne, standing ready to carry out whatever He wishes. When you do this, you will find that you have obtained the favor of God. He will give you the best and you will find a new cheer and ease in living. You will discover how pleasant and precious life really is. Sweetness, prosperity, and wealth will be yours.

 
Now you keep your hope and trust in Adonai, your sovereign Lord.  He is your master and owner; He controls your life.  In this you have taken refuge, for He is your shelter. You know you can flee to Him for protection. Because you are arrayed like your Father, having put on the robe of righteousness, you can stand in confidence.
 
The Lord has made you one of His deputies in the ministry.  You are employed as His messenger and ambassador. Gladly you recount all of His good works, for you desire others to celebrate His workmanship with you. You have kept a tally and made a record of how God has labored to bless your life.  Therefore, you boldly declare His faithfulness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 07/2005)

4/24/14 Isaiah 42:16 The Lord Leads and Guides the Blind

Isaiah 42:16 (NAS)

And I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.

 

           Isaiah 42:16 (NIVUS)

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

 
Sometimes you know that you need to make a change in your life, but the path you are supposed to take is not always clear.  In fact, you may feel blind and helpless, not knowing which way to turn. Then, you should seek the Lord to guide you on your journey; He knows the course that you should take.  He will lead you on a new pathway, which may be winding and crooked, but you need not fear that He will lead you astray.
 
You will never wander around in the dark, for Adonai transforms the darkness into the light of day.  His light will always shine on your path, so that you do not lose your way. As you continue to seek God's presence, what appears as crooked or twisted will become level and straight. Nothing perverse will hinder you, but your journey will be pleasing and agreeable.
 
You can also know that you will never walk alone, for Jehovah the Lord God has promised to always go with you.   What the Almighty has prepared for you will happen, as you work with Him.  God will not abandon or forsake you.  Once you start on your way, He will never desert you, but will always remain close.  You can count on His help.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 3/12/07)

4/22/14 Psalms 69:13 Keep On Praying Until God Answers

Psalms 69:13 (NAS)

But as for me, my prayer is to Thee, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Thy lovingkindness, Answer me with Thy saving truth.

 

        Psalms 69:13 (NLT)

But I keep right on praying to you, LORD, hoping this is the time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation.

 
There are times that you need someone to intervene on your behalf.  You need a mediator who will judge your case righteously.  You, therefore, turn to the only One that you know can help. You lift your voice in prayer to the Lord your God, for you want Him to intercede and grant you favor. You seek His pleasure and good will in your behalf.
 
You already know that you are acceptable to Jehovah and through the blood of the Son of God, His requirements have been satisfied. Because of this, you know that He will hear you and He will grant your requests.  However, you are also learning that you sometimes have to wait for His acceptable time to receive your answers. 
 
You know within Adonai there is an abundance of goodness, kindness, and faithfulness and you also know that He will respond and answer according to His nature. The Lord has already proved His faithfulness to you when He delivered and saved you. He spoke His truth to you and it made you stable and firm. As you relied on His Truth then, now you know that what He said will support and uphold you. You can trust in your God to give you the right and best things for your life.  Even if you must wait, you can wait in peace

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 07/2005)

4/22/14 Exodus 15: 13, 17 The Lord Will Plant You On His Mountain

Exodus 15: 13, 17(BBE)

In your mercy you went before the people whom you have made yours; guiding them in your strength to your holy place...You will take them in, planting them in the mountain of your heritage, the place, O Lord, where you have made your house, the holy place, O Lord, the building of your hands.

 

            Exodus 15: 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 your reproach and shame.  He leads and guides His own chosen people out of dark places into His light.  Jehovah has redeemed and ransomed you.  He has made you His kin, adopting you into His family.
 
He leads you to a place of rest, where there is plenty of water to refresh you.  He brings you to the goal that He has already planned for you, but He takes you there in stages, so that you are not overwhelmed. His strength helps you to prevail and He makes you stand firm and strong in Him. 
 
He brings you into His holy place, a place that is set apart and separate from anything in the world.  He has consecrated and sanctified you for Himself.  He is devoted to you and dedicated to your salvation.  He has brought you into His beautiful home where you will dwell in rest with Him forever.
 
He has brought you near, carrying you into His holy mountain. There He has planted and established you. You belong to Him and are part of His inheritance, which is valuable and precious to Him.  He has put you in a place that has a firm foundation.  You are secure and well provisioned.
 
You abide in the Lord Jehovah's sanctuary, in His temple.  There you endure and remain stable, for He has restored you.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 8/4/04)

4/21/14 Psalm 32: 1, 2 How Blessed Is He Whose Transgression Is Forgiven

Psalm 32: 1, 2 (NAS)

 (A Psalm of David. A Maskil.)

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

Psalm 32: 1, 2 (NLT)

<<A psalm of David.>>

Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!  Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

 

From the time of Adam, men have broken away from the just authority that was over them.  Their sin and transgressions kept them in constant rebellion and revolt against Adonai. If He would tell them to go one way, these sinners would turn and quickly go in the opposite direction.

 
You, however, have discovered how happy and how blessed a man can be, for the Lord has lifted your transgressions from you. He has placed you on the straight and level path. He is leading and guiding you forward into a place of prosperity.  You now know the relief that comes when your sins are forgiven, carried away, and burned up. You have been pardoned for you yielded to the will of the Almighty. Your crimes and offenses have been covered and hidden. 

Jehovah calls you blessed and pronounces that you are happy.  Why is that?  The Lord has judged that you are no longer bent and twisted. When He looks at you now, He no longer sees any perversity, depravity, iniquity, or guilt. You are not charged with any wrong. You know that God esteems and values you.  He has put His Spirit within you because you are no longer filled with treachery and deceit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 07/2005)

4/21/14 Job 42: 16, 17 Like Job, You Can Live a Long, Blessed Life

 

Job 42: 16, 17 (NAS)

And after this Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his grandsons, four generations.  And Job died an old man and full of days.

 

Job 42: 16, 17 (NIVUS)

After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so he died, old and full of years.

 
You may believe that your life has been harder than anyone else.  Perhaps you have suffered much loss and you keep asking yourself, “Why me?”  You do not see how anything can get better.  In fact, you may see yourself sinking lower and lower. However, if you are thinking this way, you are not factoring in what Adonai the Lord God can do for you.  He can and will change even the worst situations and will cause everything to work together for your good.
 
Job probably had suffered the most loss that anyone could suffer in one day.  He lost all of his flocks, his herds, his health and even all of his children.  His life certainly looked hopeless and he thought there was not much more that he could do, except die.  But his life was not over, in spite of the tremendous loss.  As he kept his faith in the Lord God, his life miraculously turned around.  The Lord Jehovah restored double to him and even gave him seven more children.
 
After all of this, Job continued to live a good, long life.  He prospered again and was revived and refreshed.  The health of his body was restored and he was preserved.  The Lord turned his cry of woe to one of praise and rejoicing, as he lived 140 more years. He not only saw his second set of children grow up, but he continued to enjoy his family for four more generations. When Job finally died at a good old age, he was satisfied and fulfilled, for his life had been abundantly enriched with his family and goods.
 
You may not see all that Job did in his life, but as you trust in God, you will see blessing and abundance.  He will restore everything that the enemy has stolen from you and will sustain and preserve your life. You will find that you will be satisfied and fulfilled as you grow older, for the Lord will give you the desires of your heart.

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 3/7/07)

4/20/14 Psalms 105: 43-45 With Joy the Lord Gives To His People

Psalms 105: 43-45 (NAS)

And He brought forth His people with joy, His chosen ones with a joyful shout. He gave them also the lands of the nations, That they might take possession of the fruit of the peoples’ labor, So that they might keep His statutes, And observe His laws, Praise the LORD!

Psalms 105: 43-45 (NLT)

So he brought his people out of Egypt with joy, his chosen ones with rejoicing. He gave his people the lands of pagan nations, and they harvested crops that others had planted. All this happened so they would follow his principles and obey his laws. Praise the LORD!

 
It has always been Adonai's desire to lead His people into good places. He, therefore, has brought you into a place of joy and exultation. He has called you His elect, His chosen one, because He has selected you, deciding to place you in His family.
 
When you agreed with His plan, if you had listened closely, you would have heard a ringing cry of joy coming from His throne. Sometimes He was so overcome that He would sing over you.
 
Now the Lord Jehovah has given you land and your own territory. He has bestowed on you that which belonged to other nations, placing their wealth and substance into your hands. What they had labored and toiled for has now become your inheritance and possession. He brought your enemies to poverty and ruin to bless you abundantly.
 
Almighty God has brought you here, a place where you can give heed to and observe His statutes and ordinances. You have learned to keep His laws, following His instructions and directions. It has become your custom and manner to watch over and guard all of those teachings that He has cast before you. You have learned to wait for the fulfillment of every decree that the Lord God has engraved on your heart. And you have taken care to protect your heart and every word that Adonai has spoken to you.
 
Now Yahweh, the One True God, is your praise and your boast. He makes you shine with the light of His glory. You are a fool for Christ and you future is secure in Him

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 1/25/08)

4/20/14 Job 42:9, 10 Job Prayed for His Friends and Was Restored

Job 42:9, 10 (NAS)

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job. And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold.

 

             Job 42:9, 10 (NIVUS)

So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer. After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.

 
Have your ever had friends who were well-meaning, but actually said things to you that were no comfort or help at all?  Perhaps you have been this kind of friend to someone else. Whether a giver or a receiver of such ill-advised 'comfort', you should know that the Lord your God will bring the appropriate chastisement at the proper time, as He did with Job and his friends,
 
Eliphaz the Temanite, who came from the royal line of Esau, had a strong faith in God, looking upon Him as fine gold.  However, like all of us, he needed refinement in some areas.  Bildad the Shuhite, although he had a wealth of love for Job, was confused in how to express that love. Zophar the Naamathite, of Job's three friends, was the most non-descript.  He came from a place of pleasantness and beauty, but he was like a sparrow that flits from one place to another.  However, these three men were not too proud to receive correction from Jehovah the Lord.  When He showed them that they needed to repent, they did what God told them to do, bringing their sacrifice for Job to oversee.
 
Then, in forgiveness, Job lifted their names before God's face. He offered them his support and aid, instead of treating them as his enemies.  When Job showed God's love, the Lord restored and repaired everything that Satan had stolen from him. Job was no longer held in captivity, as he prayed for his friends.  He interceded for his companions and Adonai added to and increased Job's life. The Lord gave him back double what he had before.
 
Therefore, if you feel that you have been afflicted like Job and that you have friends that seem less than what friends should be, remember how Job treated his friends.  As you pray for these who do not always treat you as they should, you may see more blessings than you have ever imagined.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 3/6/07)