6/30/14 2 Samuel 22:20 God Brings You Forth Into a Broad Place

2 Samuel 22:20 (NAS)

 He also brought me forth into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

2 Samuel 22:20 (NRSV)

He brought me out into a broad place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

Satan tries to keep you hemmed and squeezed into a small, tight place. He often pushes you between "the rock and the hard place." He wants you to believe that there is no way out of any adverse situation.  He tries to change your thinking to his way.  He lies and tells you that there is no way God can deliver you; the enemy says that it is impossible.

You, however, know that nothing is impossible with God; the only requirement that you have is to believe it.  God desires to take you from that narrow, confined circumstance. He desires to deliver you to a broad and roomy place. He wants you to go forward.  Instead of looking at that "rock and hard place", look to the Rock and put your trust in Him. Go forward into that wide expanse that Adonai has promised you-- a place where you will be enlarged and receive abundance.

God always promises to come to your aid when you look to Him for help; for He delights and takes pleasure in you. Not only will He deliver you, but He will also equip and arm you for future confrontations. He will make you strong, bracing you up with His word and His Spirit. Instead of being defeated again and again, Adonai will allow you to plunder the enemy, carrying away all of his goods.








(Originally written 7/31/07)

6/29/14 Hebrews 7: 15-17 Jesus Christ - King and Priest

Hebrews 7: 15-17 (NAS)

And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of Him, "THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK."

Hebrews 7: 15-17 (NRSV)

It is even more obvious when another priest arises, resembling Melchizedek, one who has become a priest, not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent, but through the power of an indestructible life. For it is attested of him, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."

A priest arose who was not of the priestly tribe; He, in fact, existed before that tribe had been established. Likewise, another has arisen not of Levi, the priestly tribe. It has become abundantly clear that the former was Melchizedek and the latter is Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah. These two are of similar nature, resembling and corresponding to each other.  Jesus Christ comes from Melchizedek's order of priesthood. Like Yeshua, Melchizedek is a priest of the Most High God and also a king of righteousness.

Neither of these priests came into existence through the fleshly, carnal nature of man. No merely human charge established them in their offices. Jesus and Melchizedek received their being through the strength and power of Almighty God. Neither was subject to destruction nor overthrow, for their lives are endless and everlasting. The life they possess has such vital power that death has no hold on them.

God's word bears witness, giving testimony, to Jesus and to His everlasting priesthood. Perpetually and incessantly He will be of this order.  Adonai appointed and ordained Him for this office, from the beginning unto eternity.  Jesus Christ, like Melchizedek, is a King and a Priest.  He reigns in righteousness and ministers peace (shalom) to His followers.

(Originally written 7/30/07)

6/28/14 1 John 2:15, 16 Do Not Love the World, Nor Its Things

1 John 2:15, 16 (NAS)

Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

.

1 John 2:15, 16 (Philips)

 Never give your hearts to this world or to any of the things in it. A man cannot love the Father and love the world at the same time. For the whole world-system, based as it is on men’s desires, their greed ambitions and the glamour of all that they think splendid, is not derived from the Father at all, but from the world itself.

Since you live here on earth and were born of the dust of this earth, it is natural that you would have a certain affection for the things of this world. However, God's word exhorts you against this. You are not to be too well pleased or contented here. Anything that the world offers is hollow, frail, and fleeting. Worldly things have the power to stir your desires and to seduce you away from Adonai.  They are obstacles in your path. 

Accumulating this world's goods can give you the false sense that you can take care of and provide for yourself; you begin to believe that through your own efforts you can obtain the promised "blessing". Focusing on what you can do, your own ability, keeps you from the love of God.  The more you focus on "you" the less the love of God is in you.

You should not crave or desire those things that are forbidden. Do no lust after things to satisfy your sensuous nature. Do not cater to your earthly nature, which is prone to sin and opposed to God. Do not let your eyes dictate to your desires. Do not brag and make empty boasts about your own power and resources. By trusting in yourself, you show that you despise God's word and you violate His precepts. Such "pride" causes you to believe that you can sustain your own life, instead of trusting the Lord for your very breath.

Therefore, do not give in to your earthly passions and desires.  They are only opposed to God. Instead daily place your life in your Father's hands, trusting Him to provide everything you need to maintain your life.  Live in His love and not by your lusts. In this you will do well.

(Originally written 7/29/07)

6/26/14 Jeremiah 9:23, 24 Wise Men Boast of the Lord's Wisdom

Jeremiah 9:23, 24 (NAS)

Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, "declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:23, 24 (NRSV)

Thus says the LORD: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the LORD; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the LORD.

"Wise" men of the world are shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, and subtle. They are skillful, learned, and often prudent. However, they should not boast in their wisdom, taking glory to themselves. In God's opinion, if they do this, they are acting foolishly, like mad men.

Likewise strong, mighty, and brave men think that because they are powerful, they are great. They boast in their strength and act proudly before and towards God. Worldly men who are rich and wealthy and even those who pretend to be rich often strut around flashing forth their own light. Instead of giving praise unto the Lord, they take it for themselves.

Jehovah, however, tells you that it is good if you boast in Him. You have come to understand and comprehend the Lord.  You have started to know and recognize every detail of His being. You give your attention to Him, pondering the many facets of His character. This makes you wise and prudent, prosperous and successful.

You have seen the Lord's goodness, kindness, and faithfulness. You have experienced His mercy.  You know He is a God of justice. He is the One Who passes judgment; He vindicates and punishes. He is the Lord of righteousness, justification, and salvation.

You know that God takes pleasure and delight in saving His people. Through Jesus Christ, He has bent down to man in love and mercy. He has declared that the penalty for the sin of the world has been paid in full. Therefore, let your praises rise before Him and boast of Him to everyone you meet. This is well pleasing to the Lord God.

(Originally written 7/28/07)

6/25/14 Galatians 6:14 Boast in the Cross of Jesus Christ

Galatians 6:14 (NAS)

But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Galatians 6:14 (Philips)

Yet God forbid that I should boast about anything or anybody except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, which means that the world is a dead thing to me and I am a dead man to the world.

You have discovered the more you walk with the Lord the more you cannot trust in yourself. You know that ultimately in your own ability you have no power, even though in your natural man you may be capable, strong, and powerful. You cannot boast or take any glory from anything that you accomplish in yourself, because everything that you do will eventually turn to dust and ashes.

However, if you pray to God for His help, what you then do, you do in His strength and power. It is through the cross, the crucifixion of your Lord Jesus that anything stands, becoming fixed, firm, and established.  In these things you can boast, giving glory to Jesus. It is in the cross of Christ, the Anointed of God, that the power of the flesh has been utterly destroyed.  Although at times, you still feel intense pain coming from your fleshly nature, you must know that it has been crucified--a finished and completed act.  The world and its pleasures no longer have a hold on you.  Therefore, you do not have to succumb to the spirit of the age.

You are no longer a citizen of this world.  You have been born again into the Kingdom of Heaven through the shed blood of Yeshua, the Messiah, who has saved you once and for all from your sinful, earthly nature. He is the One who will keep you intact until you see Him face to face. He delivered you and He will sustain you with His authority.  In Him you are safe, sound, unharmed, ready, and prepared for whatever comes your way.

Therefore, give the Lord your God all of the glory.  He has earned and deserves it.

(Originally written 7/27/07)

6/23/14 Romans 14:9 Jesus Is Lord Both In Life and in Death

Romans 14:9 (NAS)

For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Romans 14:9 (Philips)

Christ lived and died that he might be the Lord in both life and death.

There was only one who could bridge the gaping chasm that existed between the Holy God and sinful man.  Jesus, the Anointed of God, closed the gap.  God the Father sent Him for that very purpose, to be the Messiah, the Savior, and Lord.

Jehovah voluntarily separated Himself from His Father to come to earth to die as an eternal seed planted for mortal men. Then even in death, God preserved and protected Him.  After Yeshua laid down His life, God, through His power and might, raised Him and restored Him to life again.

Now Jesus has the rule and dominion over death.  Through His obedience He obtained power over the grave. He is now the Master and Lord both over the dead and the living. 

He gives real life, which is active, blessed, and endless, to those who belong to Him. His followers receive vitality, strength, and power.  He has made them spiritually alive unto God, freed from their trespasses and sins.

And you have made Him Lord of your life. He is your Savior and Deliverer. Therefore, glorify Him in all that you do.

(Originally written 7/23/07)

6/22/14 Mark 11:22-24 Have Faith In God

Mark 11:22-24 (NAS)

And Jesus *answered saying to them, "Have faith in God "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted  him. "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.

Mark 11:22-24 (Philips)

"Have faith in God," replied Jesus to them. "I tell you that if, anyone should say to this hill, ‘Get up and throw yourself into the sea’, and without any doubt in his heart believe that what he says will happen, then it will   happen!  That is why I tell you, whatever you pray about and ask for, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.

When Jesus cursed the fig tree, His disciples were amazed to see that it had withered from the root. Seeing the questions in their minds, Jesus took the opportunity to teach and instruct them.  He encouraged them to maintain their faith in God.  He knew that it was necessary for them to adhere and cling to what they believed. They needed to continue to trust in God, having their confidence in Him alone.

By His example, Jesus taught you that spoken faith-filled words can change things. He said that this was a firm, faithful, and sure statement. Therefore, if you have a mountain standing in your path, you can speak to it, telling it to move from its place and throw itself into the sea. However, you must keep your resolve and be determined in your thinking. You should not be at variance with your own heart, doubting your own opinion.

Instead you must believe what you think and say is true. You must have trust and confidence that what you say will come into existence. It will happen; you will see it to the finish. The mountain will move.

(Originally written 7/22/07)

6/21/14 Deuteronomy 28: 9, 10 You Are Established As Holy

Deuteronomy 28: 9, 10 (NAS)

The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you will keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and walk in His ways. So all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of you.

Deuteronomy 28: 9, 10 (NIVUS)

The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.  Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you.

Jehovah is your Lord and He has caused you to arise and become powerful. He has made you stand and be established.  He has proven and has fulfilled your life. He has consecrated and sanctified you for Himself. You are dedicated and set apart for Him. You are holy.

The Lord has sworn by Himself, taking an oath to keep His promises to you. You, however, must carry out the orders that He gives you, for He is your commander and chief. You are under His commission and appointment to do as He wishes. Therefore, walk in the way that He shows you. Let your manner of life reflect Him always.

Then, those people, who know and observe you, will perceive that you have been called by God. His name is now your name.  Therefore, you are on exhibit before the nations, revealing the Lord's fame, reputation, and glory. They are astonished and stand in awe of you; for you are holy as your Heavenly Father is holy.  As they fear Him, so they fear you. They know they fall short of what God expects and are afraid.

So continue to let your light shine. You will persuade others to believe.











(Originally written 7/26/07)

6/20/14 1 Timothy 6:10, 11 The Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:10, 11 (NAS)

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang. But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

1 Timothy 6:10, 11 (Philips)

For loving money leads to all kinds of evil, and some men in the struggle to be rich have lost their faith and caused themselves untold agonies of mind. But you, the man of God, keep clear of such things. Set your heart on integrity, true piety, faithfulness, love, endurance and gentleness.

Everyone needs a form of currency which allows him to buy or sell the necessities of life. However, if too much importance is put on pursuing and obtaining gold and silver, it becomes idolatry. The love of money stems from a bad root, which is wrong, wicked, and destructive. Men who develop a love of money fail to recognize the Lord God as their Provider. 

Even some believers have fallen into this snare. They see the prosperity of worldly men and begin to covet and desire their riches. They stretch themselves to grasp or to just touch a part of it, selling themselves out for it. In this they err and stray away from the truth. They deceive themselves and are easily led into sin. Thus they torture their own souls with many sorrows. They are consumed with grief and pain.

Therefore, child of God, if you find yourself beginning to turn in this direction, flee swiftly away to the safety that you find in Jesus, where you will escape any danger. Instead of money, pursue and press after righteousness, for you have already been approved and accepted of the Lord Jehovah. Correct your thinking, feeling, and acting. Let integrity, virtue, and purity be your aim in all things. Always show respect and reverence to the Lord your God, putting Him first in everything. Maintain your faith in God's Word and let the love of God, which has been shed abroad in your heart, rule your life. Wait patiently, with gentleness and meekness, on the Lord to fulfill His promises to you. Always remember that Jehovah-Jireh is your Source and your Provider. You need never fear lack when your trust is in Him.

(Originally written 7/21/07)

6/19/14 1 John 2:28 Abide In the Lord and You Will Have Confidence

1 John 2:28 (NAS)

And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.

1 John 2:28 (Philips)

Yes, now, little children remember to live continually in him. So that if he were to reveal himself we should have confidence, and not have to shrink away from his presence in shame.

You have been adopted into the family of God. Now it is important that you abide in His presence. Choosing to remain and not to depart from Him will help you to endure and not perish. Not only will you survive, but you will also live an abundant life.

Now with the rest of your brothers and sisters, you are waiting for your Lord to appear once again on the earth. You are looking for His manifestation, when He will reveal Himself to every eye, openly and publicly. At that time you can be fearless and confident before Him. You can be bold and courageous, fully assured of your right standing with Him. You have no reason to feel ashamed. When Jesus comes, you can stand in the freedom that He bought for you. You will not be dishonored

(Originally written 7/20/07)

6/16/14 Numbers 14:9 Your Enernies Are Your Prey

Numbers 14:9 (NAS)

Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they shall be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.

Numbers 14:9 (NIVUS)

Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.

Although at one time, you revolted and rebelled against Adonai, now you have dedicated your life to Him. You do not fear or dread anyone or anything; nothing of this earth terrifies you.  There is only One whom you fear. You stand in awe and reverence of Jehovah, the Lord your God; you honor and respect Him in all things.

Do not be afraid of any nation or group of people; for they are held in the dark, whereas you are child of the light. When you engage them in battle, you will find them to be food for you. The spoils of war will be your bread and provision.

Your enemies will not even have a shade to protect them. They will find that the gods in which they trusted are mere empty images. They will turn aside and sink before your weapons.

So rejoice; the Lord your God is with you.  He goes before you into battle and you have nothing to fear.

(Originally written 7/19/07)

6/15/14 Luke 20:17, 18 Jesus Is The Chief Cornerstone

Luke 20:17, 18 (NAS)

But He looked at them and said, "What then is this that is written, ‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone‘? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust "

Luke 20:17, 18 (NIVUS)

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: "‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

When Adonai chose the scriptures to be used in His word, He committed to

writing what He did not want to be forgotten.  This record was for your information and instruction. When Jesus quotes from that written record, you should pay even closer attention to what is said.

In building with stones, only the best are chosen. These are the ones that are the strongest and the most attractive. In building the temple of God, the religious leaders looked for the same characteristics; they looked for the stones that they thought would make the best presentation. Therefore, when they looked at Jesus, they saw only a small stone, a stone that would not even be worth using in their "building". They disapproved of and rejected him.

However, they did not realize that they were rejecting the Father's Chosen One. Yeshua (Jesus) became the Head. He is the Lord and Master. He is the One who is chief, prominent and supreme. God made Him the Chief Cornerstone.

Now God makes those who prostrate and fall before the Lord into living stones, building them into His Temple.  When they first come before Him in homage and worship, they may be broken into pieces. However, Yeshua rebuilds and restores them.  He takes them from the lowest place and raises them to the highest, to be seated with Him in Heavenly places.

Those men, who refuse His Lordship, find themselves in a different position. Jesus falls on them, crushing them into pieces and grinding them into powder. Instead of being raised up, they are brought low. They are cast down from their exalted state.  They lose all of their authority and force. In the end they will perish, disappear, and cease to exist. 

Therefore, throw yourself on the Chief Cornerstone and He will build you up, making you into an edifice of His glory!

(Originally written 7/18/07)

6/14/14 Revelation 21:6 The Alpha and The Omega

Revelation 21:6 (NAS)

 And He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.

Revelation 21:6 (NIVUS)

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Adonai, the Lord God, has always existed; in fact, He refers to Himself as "I Am"; He could have simply said "I exist". Yeshua, His Son, Who eternally existed as the Word, became flesh. He became Emmanuel or "God with Us".  Through Him, you were introduced to the manifest presence of God.

After He completed His work on earth, He revealed another name to the Apostle John. The Lord said He is the Alpha or the Beginning. Nothing could start without His intervention. The world would not exist if He had not originated it. Everything began with His word, including your life.

He also said He is the Omega or the end. Everything that Jehovah starts, He finishes. He does not quit in the middle, declaring it to be just too hard. What He has begun in your life, He will bring to completion. He fulfills each and every purpose that He has for you.

Not only will He complete your life, but on the way to the end, He will also provide all that you need. He promises to quench your thirst. He knows that your soul wants and eagerly longs to be refreshed, supported, and strengthened. And instead of just one drink, He will supply a fountain of water or a well that is fed by a spring. In Him you have a constant supply. This water has the very vitality of God in it and will continually refresh and strengthen your soul.

Therefore, keep your trust in the Alpha and Omega.  He will finish the good work He has started in you.

(Originally written 7/17/07)

6/13/14 Deuteronomy 32:4 The Lord Is the Rock

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NAS)

The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIVUS)

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NRSV)

The Rock, his work is perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God, without deceit, just and upright is he;

The Lord your God is called many things. Some of these are derivatives of His name and some describe His nature and character. All give you insight into the One who is your Creator. This knowledge increases your faith and trust in Him.

One of these descriptive terms is the Rock, given because He is solid, firm, and strong. He is an impenetrable wall that protects you from all onslaughts. When He lifts you with His hands, He is a cliff that no foe can scale or climb.

Everything that the Lord makes is perfect and complete. His works are wholesome and sound. Everything He does is in accord with His Truth. He always deals with integrity, acting from His uprightness.

Adonai is always just in His ways. He rectifies all wrongs, correcting and restoring what the evil one has tried to destroy. His is the seat of judgment and He always makes the final decision. He is the one who hands down the sentence and metes out punishment to those who oppose Him. He vindicates the innocent and pure.

Jehovah is a God, who is faithful and steadfast. He supports you as pillars support doors. He nourishes and cares for you like a nurse cares for her patients. Since you are made in His image and believe in His name, you are made firm, sure, and lasting, even as He is firm, sure, and lasting. He upholds you through His strength and power.

In Yahweh, there is no injustice or unrighteousness. He does nothing wrong. He never deviates from the Truth, for He is the Truth.  All of His ways are pleasing and agreeable. He makes your path straight, smooth, and level. He leads you into what is proper and fitting.

He is Jehovah, the Rock of your salvation!  All praise is due Him!

6/12/14 Exodus 19:4 Like the Children of Israel, the Lord Will Bring You to Himself on Eagles' Wings

Exodus 19:4 (NAS)

‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.

Exodus 19:4 (NIVUS)

‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.


For many generations the children of Israel were enslaved in Egypt. They were confined and shut up in that land; they were not free to leave. They were shown hostility and treated as foes. They needed a mighty deliverer, who was stronger than their enemies and could liberate them completely.

Then Adonai, the Lord God, acted. Through His servant Moses, He dealt with the Egyptians, using their own gods to defeat them. Yahweh pressed and squeezed the life from His enemies, even as they had pressed and squeezed the Israelites.

The Lord God then lifted up His children and bore them away from their captors. As an eagle carries her young on its wings, God swiftly took them from the land of Egypt, delivering them to safety and security. He brought them once again to their land of promise and established them there forever.

So if you feel enslaved, being held by captors who are stronger than you, you need not fear nor be dismayed. Even as the Lord quickly brought salvation to Israel, so He will do for you. Therefore, climb onto His wings and let Him bring you into His presence, where you will be sustained and supported.

(Originally written 7/15/07)

6/10/14 Ruth 2:12 The Lord Rewards Your Work

Ruth 2:12 (NAS)

May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.

Ruth 2:12 (NIVUS)

May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.

Through His new covenant, the Lord God has brought you into peace with Himself, making you complete and sound. He has restored you and you are safe in His hands. He has rewarded your faith, giving you recompense for all that the enemy has taken from you.

Jehovah sees all the works that you do for His kingdom and He compensates you for every deed. You know that His wages are good and that you will be blessed abundantly. He is bringing you into a state of perfection and fullness. He will keep you safe and unharmed until your race is finished.

Let the shalom (peace) of the Lord God of Israel sustain you. Your God is mighty, strong, and powerful. He prevails over all that contend with Him. Under His wings, you are secure, for He has extended His borders over you. He has thrust you into a corner of His home, keeping you hidden from view. 

Therefore, flee to Him for refuge and protection. Draw near to the One in whom you trust and confide. He is your hope.

(Originally written 7/14/07)

6/9/14 Galatians 4:19 Till Christ Is Formed in You

Galatians 4:19 (NAS)

My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you—

Galatians 4:19 (NIVUS)

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

Galatians 4:19 (Philips) 

Oh, my dear children, I feel the pangs of childbirth all over again till Christ be formed within you,

Over the years you have grown in your relationship and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are more like Him today than when you first met Him. You are being conformed to His image and transformed into His likeness.

However, there was a time that you thought you would never change. You could see very little growth; the weaknesses of your flesh were very evident.  At times you were not even sure that you were truly born again. You continually asked for prayer from your leaders and mentors. They encouraged you and you continued to press in and press on until you finally saw fruit start to develop in your life.

You are so grateful for these that believed in you. Now you find yourself in a position to help younger believer and you have spiritual children, your disciples, whom you are teaching. You are nourishing their minds and helping mold their characters through the wisdom you have gained in your walk.

Like Paul, you travail in prayer for these "little ones". You feel pain, sorrow, and grief for them, when they fail. You wrestle with the powers of evil on their behalf.  Again and again you lift them to the throne of God; for you desire to see them formed and molded to look like Yeshua. You know that the "spiritual" genes, the very essence of Jesus Christ, the Anointed of God, resides in them. You know that soon you will see the image of God's Son shining through them, even as it now shines through you.

(Originally written 7/3/07)

6/8/14 Numbers 23:19 God Is Not a Man--He Does Not Lie

                                                           Numbers 23:19 (NAS)

God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man,that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

       

          Numbers 23:19 (NIVUS)

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

 
                                                                  Numbers 23:19 (NRSV)

God is not a human being, that he should lie, or a mortal, that he should change his mind. Has he promised, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

 
You have faced broken promises or betrayal from others. Sometimes this makes trusting difficult; however, as time goes by, you do learn to trust again. If you have been hurt numerous times, your trust may be fragile, but you need to place your trust in others.  You know that is the way to maintain a healthy mental and emotional state.
 
Often you relate to God as you do to the people in your life. If you have been damaged in your relationships, you may bring that into your relationship with the Lord God. You need to remember that Adonai is your Creator and that you are made in His image. He is mighty, strong, and holding all power; whereas mankind is weak and frail.
 
In order to help you understand and trust Him more, Adonai tells you His own attributes through His word. He lets you know that His word is true and that you can believe it. One thing that He is careful to share is that He does not lie. He is the Truth and will never be proven to be lying. He will not disappoint nor fail you.
 
You also know that Jehovah does not change; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not regret any of His promises; He does not repent of what He has said.  You, therefore, should be comforted and consoled, for you know that He will have compassion on you, coming to your aid when you need it.
 
God will always do what He has said. What He intends and commands will come to pass. He will never break His promises to you; you will see their fulfillment. Not only are His words true for you, but they are also true for your enemies. God's words threaten them, putting them to flight.
 
Therefore, arise and stand upright. Fix and establish yourself on God's word; for it will be proven valid in your life.  Adonai's word is binding and it will make you powerful and secure. It will raise you up, building you into a strong temple for the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 7/12/07)

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/7/14 Isaiah 51:7, 8 God's Law Is in Your Heart, So Do Not Fear the Reproach of Man

Isaiah 51:7, 8 (NAS)

Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, A people in whose heart is My law; Do not fear the reproach of man, Neither be dismayed at their revilings. For the moth will eat them like a garment, And the grub will eat them like wool. But My righteousness shall be forever, And My salvation to all generations.

Isaiah 51:7, 8 (NIVUS)

Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations

You should listen to every word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord; however, when He specifically tells you to hear, then you need to pay special attention to what He is saying.  Once you understand, you need to agree with Him and obey His every wish.

The advantage is yours, oh man of God. Unlike the merely natural man, you have come to know and perceive the righteousness of God. You have recognized and confessed the righteousness and justice of your covenant keeping Lord in His act of redemption. Because of this, Adonai has put His instruction and law in your heart. With His very own lips, He teaches you His will. You, therefore, are in right standing with Him, making you closer to His presence and able to hear easier than the unregenerate man.

One thing that Jehovah frequently tells His people is to fear not. He does not want you to be afraid of or dread anything or anyone; for He is the Almighty and Most Powerful One. You should not fear any man's reproach or scorn. Do not let their taunts shame or disgrace you. Do not let their words shatter and break you. Although they are trying to scare and terrify you, they are weak, frail, and desperate. Their revilings, which blaspheme God, cannot harm you.

Like a moth that seeks to devour your best garments, the Lord will lay waste to these men. They shall be destroyed and thrown away, like moth eaten clothing is put into the waste basket. The Lord will slay them swiftly and they will be swallowed up in death. But you, Righteous One, are hidden and concealed in the salvation and deliverance of God. Your victory shall continue from now and throughout future generations. In fact, your very own future generations will all partake of this same salvation; for it is everlasting.

(Originally written 7/11/07)

 

 

 

 

 

6/5/14 Romans 2: 9, 10 Glory, Honor, and Peace to Every One who Does Good

Romans 2: 9, 10 (NAS)

There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 2: 9, 10 (NIVUS)

There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

You know that God is love and He extends grace to anyone who is willing to receive it. However, there are many people who are not willing to submit themselves to Adonai in any way. They choose their own ways in opposition to Him. Because they side with the works of evil, they will ultimately find themselves in a place of pressure and oppression. They will experience tribulations, afflictions, and distress; the Lord will press them like grapes, until they are crushed to a mere pulp. It does not matter if they were born as Jews or Gentiles; if they display base and wicked natures, they will suffer dire calamity.

However, if anyone commits to doing good and acting with excellence, his future is much different than those who do evil.  If he is upright and honorable, he will receive praise, honor, and glory. This man has received the grace of God and retains his dignity. Because he has put his faith in Yeshua, His Savior, he enters a blessed and exalted state with His Lord.

Adonai places special value on this person and honors him; for Yeshua has already paid his penalty and suffered his punishment. Now this man experiences the supernatural peace that only God can give. His life is one of harmony and accord.  He is secure, safe, and prosperous. He has no fear in the Lord's presence and is content with his life. This lot is the same for anyone, whether or not he is of Jewish origin, who has faith in the One True God.

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 7/10/07)

6/4/14 Acts 10:42, 43 Preach the Gospel

Acts 10:42, 43 (NAS)

 And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.

Acts 10:42, 43 (NIVUS)

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

Adonai the Lord God has made you His messenger of the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ. You have been given the privilege to declare and announce God’s commands and charges to His people. This is a fixed and abiding obligation. When you speak the word of the Lord with authority, others listen and obey. The Lord charges you to testify and bear witness of what you have seen, heard, and experienced of His goodness. Through your testimony you cause others to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

You reveal the boundaries which God has established.  You define what the Lord has ordained and appointed through Jesus, His representative, who took the judgment that God had already passed on mankind.  He placed Himself as an arbiter to bring about justice for the living, who believe, and the dead, who do not believe.

Like the prophets of old, you speak and testify about the Kingdom of God. You show others the way to enter into His Kingdom, explaining that salvation that can only come through belief and trust in the name of Yeshua, the Messiah.  Through Him, men receive release from bondage and imprisonment. Only in Him is there forgiveness and pardon for sin.  Therefore, you gladly announce that the Lord looks upon them as if they have never committed any sins. They are upright in God's sight, just as you are. What joy you have in serving the One who set you free!

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Originally written 7/9/07