7/30/14 1 Thessalonians 2:13 God's Word Performs Its Work In You Who Believe

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NAS)

And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for  what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.      

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (Philips)

And so we are continually thankful to God that when you heard the Word of God from us you accepted it, not as a mere human message, but as it really is, God’s Word, a power in the lives of you who believe.

It is to your credit that you have chosen to live according to God's will. Many of your spiritual leaders give unceasing thanks for your stand, for they see that you are well off and prospering. They know that you live by the grace of God and have obtained His favor and good will.

These same men are grateful for how you took hold of what they imparted to you. It pleases them that you received and did not reject what they said.  You carefully considered and understood their words. You perceived that they were not the sayings of mere men, but you embraced them as the true word of God.

And those words, Adonai's words, are working in you, giving you power and aid whenever you need it.  Because you have put your faith and trust in the word of God, you received salvation from and through Yeshua your Messiah.  God's word has established your character, making you a faithful man.  Others rely on your fidelity and are persuaded to put their confidence in the word of God themselves.

(Originally written 8/23/07)

7/29/14 John 16:13 The Holy Spirit--The Spirit of Truth

John 16:13 (Philips)

Yet when that one I have spoken to you about comes—the Spirit of truth—he will guide you into everything that is true. For he will not be speaking of his own accord but exactly as he hears, and he will inform you about what is to come.

John 16:13 (NAS)

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

When you chose to trust Yeshua as your Lord, you were blessed with salvation from your sins. That blessing certainly would have been sufficient, but the Lord also gave you much more. He sent His very own Spirit to help you in your walk.

The Spirit of Truth is your Helper and your Guide. He is the One who leads and directs you to the Word of God. He shows you what is real and what is certain. He makes your religious and moral duties clear. He teaches you how to have personal excellence and also how to keep your mind free from pretense, falsehood, and deceit He influences what you think, feel, and decide.  He helps you order your code of conduct according to God's will.

Although He has the power to do so, the Holy Spirit does not speak of Himself. As the messenger from Adonai, He restricts His speech to what He hears the Father saying. What He has perceived and understood is what He communicates to you. He reports on what is to come. In this way, He prepares you for your future. You can be assured that what He shows you is certain; it is an established fact.

Therefore, rest and be at peace.  The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, is standing by to help you. You need not fear today or tomorrow. Put your trust in God and let Him direct your steps. He will keep you from going astray.

7/28/14 Isaiah 10:27 The Lord Removes Your Burden

Isaiah 10:27 (NAS)

So it will be in that day, that his burden will be removed from your shoulders and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be broken because of fatness.

Isaiah 10:27 (NRSV)

On that day his burden will be removed from your shoulder, and his yoke will be destroyed from your neck. He has gone up from Rimmon,

 

There was a time when you felt burdened by the load that you bore.  It took all of your strength and will to just drag yourself along. However, a day came when that burden was removed. The Lord Jesus took away the weight that you carried on your back. He delivered you from the yoke that the enemy had thrust upon your neck. Adonai saved you from the severe and ruthless abuse that you suffered.

When the Lord God destroyed that yoke, it was completely broken and ruined.  The enemy will never again be able to use it to bind and besiege you.  Now the Lord keeps you secure; He is your mighty fortress. He has anointed you, pouring His Holy Spirit upon you. Through His anointing you are continually fruitful.

(Originally written 8/21/07)

7/26/14 Isaiah 45:24, 25 Only In the Lord Are Righteousness and Strength

Isaiah 45:24, 25 (NAS)

"They will say of Me, ‘Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.’ Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him shall be put to shame. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel Will be justified, and will glory."

Isaiah 45:24, 25 (NRSV)

Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; all who were incensed against him shall come to him and be ashamed. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory.

There are men who burn in fury against the Lord. If possible, they would have their anger scorch and char the One they rail against.  However, their anger will bring them nothing but shame and disappointment.

Instead of anger, you have spoken words of praise, boasting of all that Adonai, your Creator, has done for you. Through Jesus you have righteousness, justification, and salvation. Once you served the father of lies, but now you walk in the truthfulness of God.

Because you have come to Him, He has made you strong and firm.  You prevail over those angry with the Lord. As you have come, so also have your offspring after you. They, like you, have been made righteous. Your sons have also received the power to contend against their enemies. They have learned to persist and persevere, even as you persisted and persevered in your battles. You and your family shine with the glory of God. The praise of Jesus Christ is always on your lips; for you know that He deserves your adoration.

(Originally written 8/20/07)

7/24/14 Judges 5:31 You Will Be Like the Rising of the Sun Because You Love God

Judges 5:31 (NAS)

Thus let all Thine enemies perish, O LORD; But let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might." And the land was undisturbed for forty years.

Judges 5:31 (NRSV)

So perish all your enemies, O LORD! But may your friends be like the sun as it rises in its might." And the land had rest forty years.

The Lord Jehovah is never concerned over His enemies. He knows that His foes, those that are hostile to Him, will ultimately perish. They will all come under His divine judgment. All will be exterminated and vanish from His sight.

However, those that love the Lord have a different destiny awaiting them. Jehovah's friends are like the rising of the sun.  They shine with the glory of the Lord. They go forth in strength and power. Their bravery and valor show the mighty deeds of God.

Adonai gives His loved ones peace and tranquility. They are quiet and undisturbed, since the Lord God has already vanquished their enemies. His beloved live in safety.  And you are His Beloved!

(Originally written 8/19/07)

7/23/14 Micah 5:4 Jesus Is Great to the Ends of the Earth

Micah 5:4 (NAS)

And He will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will remain, Because at that time He will be great To the ends of the earth.

Micah 5:4 (NRSV)

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth;

Adonai, who caused your Lord to rise in triumph and to stand, then stationed Jesus at His own right hand.  There He shall remain and endure forever as Lord of lords and King of kings.

Jehovah is your Shepherd, who tends to your every need and leads you to the best pasture.  You feed in peace; for in the strength and might of the Lord, He has prevailed over the enemy.  Although He is your ruler and teacher, He is also your companion and friend.

Jesus is exalted above all; His majesty and excellence has been revealed to all nations. His name, reputation, fame, and glory have been lifted up in triumph. Through His own name, reputation, fame, and glory, the Lord God Almighty has set and ordained Jesus as a sign and monument to all nations. He has made Him great and powerful. He shall be praised and magnified without ceasing to the ends of the earth.

And He has caused you to abide and remain with Him forever.

(Originally written 8/18/07)

7/21/14 Hebrews 1:3 Jesus Is the Exact Representation of God

Hebrews 1:3 (NAS)

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Hebrews 1:3 (Philips)

This Son, radiance of the glory of God, flawless expression of the nature of God, himself the upholding power of all that is, having effected in person the cleansing of men’s sin, took his seat at the right hand of the majesty on high—

Jesus Christ originated from Adonai, God Almighty. He was separated from His Father to take on human flesh. His very being was to reflect the radiance and brightness of Almighty God. The Light of God's majesty has shone forth to us through Yeshua. He has revealed the magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace of God.

In Jesus, God carved and engraved His likeness. Yeshua was stamped with the exact impression of the Lord God.  Adonai committed to writing His word in the flesh of Jesus. He is a record of what God was, is, and ever will be. He is the substance and nature of Almighty God.

Now Yeshua (Jesus) is the One who bears and upholds all things by His word.  The power and strength of His words cause everything to stand and endure. Through Him everything that exists came into being and through Him everything remains.

He was the One who purged and cleansed us from our sins. He removed every defilement and every stain that sin had made on us. He purified us and consecrated us, dedicating us to God Almighty. He freed us from every corrupt desire and everything false.  He made us blameless and innocent in the sight of God.

Then, His work being completed, He sat down at God's right hand, a place of honor and authority.  It is there, now, that He abides and has His existence, ruling and reigning in the majesty of the Almighty.

(Originally written  8/17/07)

7/20/14 Hebrews 13:6 The Lord Is Your Helper--Do Not Be Afraid

Hebrews 13:6 (NAS)

So that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT SHALL MAN DO TO ME?"

Hebrews 13:6 (Philips)

We, therefore, can confidently say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?

Adonai has given you courage and boldness. Therefore, you can be cheerful and confident. You know that it is the Lord Jesus who is your helper. You only have to raise a cry and He will quickly come to your aid. He knows your cries of joy and He knows your cries of pain. And He responds to each out of His deep love for you.

Now you declare that you will not be afraid. You will not let anything cause you terror or dread. You will not allow yourself to flee in the face of your enemies. You boldly cry, "The Lord is my helper; what can man do unto me?"  You know that any evil that man may plot against you is nothing in comparison with all of God's goodness which has been extended to you. You are safe in His care and have no need to fear.

(Originally written 8/16/07)

7/19/14 Isaiah 25:4 The Lord Is A Defense For the Helpless

Isaiah 25:4 (NAS)

For Thou hast been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain  storm against  a wall.

Isaiah 25:4 (NRSV)

For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm,

Sometimes you may feel weak and poor. You may be languishing and in distress, feeling that you have been brought low. Perhaps you have been subject to oppression or abuse and you need help and deliverance from trouble. Where should you go?  What should you do?

Turn to God, for Adonai, the Lord your God, is a place of safety and protection for you.  He is your refuge, a stronghold that cannot be breached by your enemies. He is your strength, causing you to prevail.

You may find yourself in narrow and tight straits where you are being squeezed by the enemy. You may feel bound or besieged. However, do not give in to distress. Jehovah is your shelter, where you will find hope. When you are in any storm or dangerous situation, you can trust and put your confidence in Him. No downpour or flood will be able to sweep you away.

You may be in a place of parching heat and drought. You may feel desolate and dry. All around you there may be waste and ruin and you believe you are being held by the enemies' swords. At those times, God is your shadow and shade of protection. Though your enemies may be ruthless, striking terror in your heart, they are not mightier than the Lord your God. He is your wall of safety.  Though they continuously beat against that wall, they will not break through to take you captive. You are eternally sheltered in Jehovah.

       

(Originally written 8/15/07)

7/17/07 Isaiah 38:17 The Lord Changed Your Bitter Life To One of Welfare

Isaiah 38:17 (NAS)

"Lo, for my own welfare I had great bitterness; It is Thou who hast kept my soul from the pit of nothingness, For Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.

Isaiah 38:17 (NRSV)

Surely it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but you have held back my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.

Without the Lord, your life became bitter. Circumstances were hard and harsh. You felt brutalized and afflicted. Unpleasant and offensive things, causing you great pain, seemed to dog your steps.

Then the Lord of Peace came, bringing in His hands, wholeness and completeness for you. Because He had such great love and longing for you, He breathed a refreshing and new life into your soul. He took you out of the destructive pit and delivered you from the grave. He removed everything that had you bowed down and depressed. He has taken away whatever was wearing you out and using you up. Instead He made it possible for you to fully enjoy your life.

He took your sin that made you wrong and unclean, and He cast it away from you. Even the guilt and the punishment of your sin were thrown behind His back, where He could not see it or remember it. Now, He has exalted you in triumph.  He has lifted and raised you up.

You now live in peace, the shalom of God. You are safe and secure. You are whole and sound. You are restored and rewarded. What was bitter is now sweet through the covenant that the Lord has made with you.

(Originally written 8/4/07)

7/16/14 Micah 7:18 God Pardons Your Iniquity; He Delights In Showing You Mercy

 Micah 7:18 (NAS)

Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love.

 Micah 7:18 (NRSV)

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in showing clemency. 

There is only one God who sacrificed Himself for His creations.  There is only One who gave His life to save the lives of those He loves. There is only one Almighty God who voluntarily made Himself weak and took on human flesh.  And that One God is Jesus, the Lord your God.

This God was lifted up on a cross to take away and carry off your iniquities.  He took your depravity and perverseness; He bore your guilt and punishment.  He swept away what had you bent, twisted, and distorted. Through His sacrifice you were forgiven.

You are a part of Yeshua's creation and as such, you are His possession and property.  His Father gave you to Him for His inheritance. Because of this, He has chosen to pass over your transgressions and rebellions. He has spared you from perishing and has allowed you to survive, making you alive in Him.

Adonai is strong, but He does not use His strength against you. Although He could be angry and displeased with you, He has chosen to put it aside. In fact, He is pleased and delighted with you. Instead of anger, He wants to show you His goodness and kindness.  Instead of reproach and shame, He has given you mercy.

(Originally written 8/13/07)

7/15/14 2 Thessalonians 1:3 Give Thanks to God For Your Brethren

2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NAS)

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only  fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever  greater;

2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NRSV)

We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing.

Even though many in the Body of Christ think they could do just fine without anyone else, that is just not true. Every member of the Body is dependent on every other part. The Church is to be a unified whole, functioning together to accomplish God's will. Like the human body, which is made up of many parts that carry out different functions, so too the body of Christ has many parts.  Each part is responsible to do what Adonai has ordained for it, Taken all together, when each part is functioning correctly in its place, the whole will of God will be accomplished.

Therefore, you are indebted to each and every one of your brothers and sisters. Always give thanks for them, showing God your gratitude. Endeavor always to be kind, pleasant, and agreeable to everyone. Be quick to extend forgiveness and pardon. Freely give of yourself and your possessions.  In treating others well, you will prosper.

As you display this thankful heart, you prove yourself worthy of merit. You take the lead in bringing the Church to its final destination. Your brethren benefit by observing your godly conduct. They are encouraged when they see your exceedingly growing faith and trust in the Lord. The increase of your brotherly love, good will, and affection is beneficial to everyone. Through this the whole Body grows and prospers in abundance.

(Originally written 8/12/07)

7/14/14 Romans 8:30 You Were Predestined and Called

Romans 8:30 (NAS)

And whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Romans 8:30 (Philips)

He chose them long ago; when the time came he called them, he made them righteous in his sight, and then lifted them to the splendor of life as his own sons

Even before you decided to make Jesus the Lord of your life, Adonai had already determined that you would be His. You were appointed and ordained by God, a decree He made from eternity. Although it could appear that He violated your boundaries, He gave you the freedom to choose. Since He knows the end from the beginning, He, therefore, defined the direction of your life, knowing that it would be the path that you would choose.

Then He called your name and invited you into His family. As your superior, He gave you orders, commands to be carried out to fulfill His special purpose for your life. However, before you could do as He requested, you needed to be changed. Adonai had to take away your old nature of sin and replace it with His righteousness. He needed you to be upright and virtuous so that you would observe His divine laws and keep His commands.

He, therefore, made you innocent, faultless, and guiltless. He has conformed you to His will through Yeshua. You have been approved and accepted. He has lifted your sentence of condemnation and has executed your punishment on His Son, Jesus.

Now the most glorious God has bestowed His glory on you. The One, who deserves all of the honor and praise, holds you in honor. He has made you excellent, clothing you with His splendor. He has manifested your dignity and worth to the whole world.

(Originally written 8/11/07)

7/13/14 Mark 16:20 Preach God's Word and Signs Will Follow

Mark 16:20 (NAS)

And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.

Mark 16:20 (Philips)

They went out and preached everywhere. The Lord worked with them, confirming their message by the signs that followed.

Jesus has called you, appointing you to evangelize for Him, to take the good news of His death and resurrection wherever you go. He takes you from the privacy of your home and brings you before the public to attract attention to Him. He has given you a wide audience in which to spread and proclaim His word.

You are His herald and He has given you the authority that causes others to listen to your words and to obey what you say. He has put you on public display to proclaim openly His wonderful works. You preach for Him everywhere He takes you.

Jesus Christ, your Messiah and Lord, has partnered with you in this labor. He works together with you and helps you in all that you do. So take heart; you do not have to go out in your strength alone. You know that Yeshua is the One who empowers you in all of your undertakings.

The Lord establishes all of your steps, making them firm and sure. He confirms what you speak with miracles and wonders.  In this way He authenticates and proves that you are sent from Him.  Men learn that they can trust what you say, for God's hand is on you and with you. His signs follow your preaching, marking you as His disciple.

This is a firm, true, and faithful saying. So be it!  Let it be fulfilled! Amen!

(Originally written 8/10/07)

7/12/14 2 Corinthians 13:4 Jesus Was Crucified In Weakness, But He Lives Now By the Power of God

Corinthians 13:4 (NAS)

For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we shall live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

2 Corinthians 13:4 (Philips)

He was "weak" enough to be crucified, yes, but he lives now by the power of God. We are weak as he was weak, but we are strong enough to deal with you for we share his life by the power of God.

As you know, when Jesus took on human flesh, He allowed Himself to become weak. Like any other man, His body was fragile. Therefore, when He submitted to the cross, He became weaker still; He was beaten and shed His blood through the feebleness of His flesh. For this very reason, mere men were able to take the life of the Son of God.

However, Adonai did not permit His Son to remain in that weakened state. He brought Jesus to life again by His own supernatural power and strength. Through God's might, Jesus was strengthened and His body was raised from death.

You have discovered that you are also weak.  Your fleshly body is fragile and feeble, as was Yeshua's.  However, you also know that His unstained human flesh became sin for you, when He was crucified. Your weakness was added to His in and through the Cross.

Then when He was raised, you were also raised from death. You were in Him at the crucifixion and you were in Him at the resurrection. By the power of Almighty God, you, too, were given new life. He has empowered and strengthened you.  He has made you fixed, firm, and established. In Him you stand, intact and safe.

Now, you stand ready and prepared for whatever you face. You have been made strong by His strength.  Likewise, you show others the strength that they also have in Him. Because you are steadfast of mind, not wavering nor hesitating, so too these other believers see that they can remain steadfast.  They, like you, know that it is in Jesus (Yeshua) that you live and move and have your being.

(Originally written 4/9/07)

7/11/14 Romans 13:14 Put On The Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 13:14 (NAS)

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

Romans 13:14 (NRSV)

Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Romans 13:14 (Philips)

Let us be Christ’s men from head to foot, and give no chances to the flesh to have its fling.

At one time you made a decision to let someone else take ownership of your life. Now He has the right to decide for you. Yeshua (Jesus Christ), your Messiah, is your Lord and Master. He is the One who has determined your destiny.

You, however, must allow this decision to control your life. Daily you should choose to live in line with what Jehovah has determined. You must decide to put on Jesus daily, clothing yourself in His nature.

You should not even give a thought to doing anything that is in opposition to Him. Do not provide a way for sin to rule your life, as it once did. Do not let any craving, desire, or longing for something forbidden lodge in your mind. You have chosen to do right and act well; let nothing turn you back from that path.

(Originally written 8/8/07)

7/9/14 Daniel 4:35 Who Can Say to God, "What Have You Done?"

Daniel 4:35 (NAS)

And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou done?’

Daniel 4:35 (NRSV)

All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does what he wills with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. There is no one who can stay his hand or say to him, "What are you doing?"

 

Adonai, the Lord God, is so far above the inhabitants of the earth that if it were not for His grace and mercy, He would only see us as heaps of dust, esteeming us as nothing. He would not consider our desires or needs. Since He is the Almighty and all powerful, He could destroy everything with His merest whisper.

God is not the One who serves man.  He has established that man should serve and worship Him.  The labor and work of our hands is to bring Him glory, for He is the Creator and we are His creations. What He desires and what gives Him pleasure is done in heaven, as well as on earth. His whole creation exists to do His will. The strength and power of the army of heaven are at His command. They wait to do as He says.

Nothing that man does can hinder God's plans and purposes.  If anyone should try to strike against the hand of God, he would find himself coming against all of the strength, might, and power of the Almighty. Man's pride may cause him to question God's will, but his unbelieving and rebellious words and thoughts have no effect on Adonai.  God will still carry out His plans and purposes, doing as He desires.

Therefore, align yourself with God's will. In this, you will do well. He has good plans for you.

(Originally written 8/7/07)

7/7/14 1 Peter 4:11 Speak the Utterances of God that He May Be Glorified

1 Peter 4:11 (NAS)

Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11 (Philips)

If any of you is a preacher then he should preach his message as from God. And in whatever way a man serves the Church he should do it recognizing the fact that God gives him his ability, so that God may be glorified in everything through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and power for ever, amen!

When the Lord God was looking over His creation and all the men He had created, His eyes rested on you.  He pondered you and then made His decision.  "This one," He said, "shall speak for me. I will give Him a voice like my voice and others will listen to him."

He has given you a tongue that is articulate and a mouth that is able to declare the mind and thoughts of Adonai. Whether through your words or through your songs, you are skilled and eloquent. The Lord trusts you because you are rational and wise. You are able to teach, exhort, advise, direct, and command, for you speak with the authority of God.

As Adonai's servant, you are a minister who executes the Lord's commands. You have voluntarily given your life to God to use as He will.  Your love and devotion for Him makes you quick to answer His call. You are His servant-son, who waits upon Him to carry out His desires. He has given you the ability, force, strength, and might to do all that He says. You possess all that you need to comply with God's requirements.

Now your life is one that celebrates Almighty God. You extol and praise Him continually. You always honor Him forl His glory, excellence, and splendor. You manifest and acknowledge the dignity and worth of Yeshua, your Messiah and Lord. Jesus is your Savior and Redeemer, who deserves all of the praise, honor, and glory. He is magnificent and preeminent in all things. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, who has all power, might, and dominion.  He will reign forever and ever.

(Originally written 8/6/07)

7/6/14 Zephaniah 3:15-17 The Lord Has Taken the Judgments Against You

Zephaniah 3:15-17 (NAS)

The LORD has taken away His judgments against you, He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You will fear disaster no more. In that day it will be said to Jerusalem: "Do not be afraid, O Zion; Do not let your hands fall limp. The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.

Zephaniah 3:15-17 (NRSV)

The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Jehovah the Lord has completely abolished the judgment that you were under.  He has removed it, causing it to come to an end. Your punishment has been made null and void. You are under no condemnation.

The Lord your God has cleared away your enemies and those who are hostile to you. Your King has drawn you near to Himself.  When you are gathered with your family and friends, He is there in your midst. You know you are safe in His presence, for no evil can remain where He is. Nothing can injure or harm you when you remain close to Him.

Now you have no reason to fear or dread. You do not need to be disheartened or let your hands hang down in dejection. You are not alone; nor are you forsaken. Instead you are full and satisfied. Jesus has brought you abundance and you are complete.

The Lord your God is strong and mighty.  He prevails over all of your enemies. He saves you and delivers you.  He has liberated you in every area, making you victorious. You bring Him joy and He exults over you. He will not keep silent about His love for you. In fact, He is overcome with that love, shouting it out with a ringing, joyful cry. He proclaims for all to hear that you are His child and He takes great pleasure in you.

(Originally written 8/5/07)

7/4/14 Malachi 3:3 The Lord Purifies You As Silver and Refines You As Gold

Malachi 3:3 (NAS)

And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.

Malachi 3:3 (NRSV)

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

The Lord God has made His abode with you.  He lives and dwells in you because He has chosen you for His very own. However, before He can come to stay and remain with you, He has had to change you. He makes you worthy to receive His presence.

He, therefore, tests and purifies you.  Like a smelter and goldsmith, Adonai works with you to make you clean and pure. He has longed for you from the very foundation of the world; you are as precious to Him as silver. He has brought you into His family, adopting you as a son. He has made you into a great champion.

He has called you to serve Him, as the Levites served Him in the tabernacle.  Like those priests, you are privileged to stand in His presence and to offer your sacrifices unto Him. He has joined you to Himself, bestowing on you His brilliance and His splendor. You shine like the purest gold and silver, for He has purged you, straining out every impurity.

So now you can draw near to Him in confidence. You have an intimate relationship with Jehovah, just like a Father and son. You, therefore, from your heart of love and gratitude, bring the Lord gifts and offerings. The tribute you give Him stems from your new righteous nature--the nature that you received from Him through His grace and mercy. You are blessed as His son; you are doubly blessed to be His minister. Rejoice that He has chosen you, trusting you with both positions!

(Originally written 8/4/07)

7/3/14 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-4 Others Give Thanks For You, Mentioning You in Their Prayers

1 Thessalonians 1: 2-4 (NAS)

We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you  in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,  knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you;

1 Thessalonians 1: 2-4 (Philips)

We are always thankful to God as we pray for you all, for we never forget that your faith has meant solid achievement, your love has meant hard work, and the hope that you have in our Lord Jesus Christ means sheer dogged endurance in the life that you live before God, the Father of us all. We know, brothers, that God not only loves you but has selected you for a special purpose.

There are those who know you are grateful for your life and your walk with God. They see His grace resting on you, for you display His joy and peace. When the Lord brings you to their remembrance, they lift you up in prayer, giving thanks for you always.

Your work in God's Kingdom is something of which many take note.  Your faith is evident in what you do and what you say. You have a strong conviction of the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, who has obtained your eternal salvation. You labor in God's Kingdom even when confronted with trouble and toil. You maintain your faith even when you are wearied and fatigued.

You love God dearly, holding Him in your heart with deep affection. Your faith is steadfast and enduring. You are patient and constant even under the severest trials and sufferings. Nothing can swerve you from your God given purpose. You maintain your hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, expecting Him to deliver you. You know He only desires your good.

Adonai Himself has picked you out, choosing you for His own special purposes. He decided to bless you because of Jesus.  You are always under His gracious oversight. He has chosen you to stand before Him and to speak and affirm His will.  In this you do well, always bringing glory to the One who is your salvation

(Originally written 7/3/14)

7/2/14 Leviticus 9:23 Through You the Glory of the Lord Appears to Others

Leviticus 9:23 (NAS)

And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting. When they came out and blessed the people, the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people.

Leviticus 9:23 (NRSV)

Moses and Aaron entered the tent of meeting, and then came out and blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people

 

Like Moses and Aaron, you are a leader of the people of God. Adonai drew Moses to Himself and He has drawn you as well. God ordained Moses to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage and He has ordained you to set His people free from the bondage of sin.

After their deliverance, the children of Israel needed someone to guide and direct them to seek the Lord their God. Adonai chose Aaron for that special purpose.  Aaron became the Lord's first high priest.  He was the one who brought light to tribes of Israel.  Like Aaron, God has chosen you to bring light to His people.  He has shone His light in your heart through His word and you let that light shine.

Moses and Aaron spent time in the tabernacle of God. They entered His habitation, His dwelling place, and there they received clarity to perform what the Lord required of them. You, also, have learned to spend time in His presence where you are filled and illuminated anew.

You then can go out in strength to stand with purpose before the congregation of the righteous. There you will bless them, introducing them to the One whom you adore.  And He will reward you with the glory of His presence.

Through you, they will see the honor, the dignity, the abundance and riches that He has poured into your life.  You will lead them into the deliverance and freedom for which they long and you will stand with them against the enemy. Jehovah has set you as His priest and light-giver, one whom He trusts to minister and serve His beloved.

(Originally written 8/2/07)

7/1/14 Exodus 18:21 & 2 Samuel 23:2 God Has Selected You to Lead and to Speak for Him

Exodus 18:21 (NAS)

Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.

2 Samuel 23:2 (NAS)

The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.

Exodus 18:21 (NRSV) 

You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set such men over them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

2 Samuel 23:2 (NRSV)

The spirit of the LORD speaks through me; his word is upon my tongue.

The Lord has chosen you to lead His people; He knows that you are strong and mighty. He knows your abilities and how efficiently you carry out His commands. You are a prime example of someone who fears and stands in awe of Jehovah. You always honor and respect Him and His wishes.

You have proven yourself to be faithful and reliable. You abide by God's truth, speaking and living it daily. It has established and made you firm and sure. You hate unjust gain or any profit acquired by violence. You do not succumb to covetousness and greed.

Because of your character, God has appointed and ordained you to rule His people and to extend His compassion to them. You are able to teach them His precepts. He has given you the power to govern as His representative.

He has breathed His Spirit on you. Through Him you have courage, vigor, and patience. He gives you warlike energy and administrative power. He is the fragrance of your life.

Now Jehovah uses your tongue to speak His commands and His promises. Through your words and your songs you declare His precepts. Your speech puts the enemy to flight, not only in your life, but also in the lives of others. You are able to persuade men and bring them back to the One who can restore their lives. What an awesome responsibility and a joyful privilege!

(Originally written 8/1/07)