8/31/14 Job 4:6 Your Fear of God Is Your Confidence

Job 4:6 (NAS)

Is not your fear of God your confidence, And the integrity of your ways your hope?

Job 4:6 (NLT)

Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn’t you believe that God will care for those who are upright?

You know that you can have confidence because you fear, honor, and revere Adonai.  Those who do not respect the Lord are given over to stupidity and folly.  However, you have been strengthened and given wisdom because of your attitude towards God.  As you trust in Jehovah, life comes forth from your loins and your flanks are strengthened to stand.

The Lord has made you upright, complete, and perfect.  Through Yahweh, the integrity of your being is sound and unimpaired. You know that He will bring every area of your life to completion. At the end of your course, you can have confidence that all concerning you will be finished and whole.  Integrity will mark the path that you take and you will lead others along the way.

Therefore, keep your expectation and hope in Jehovah, your Lord, for you know that the outcome will be good.  You have been bound to Him with the cord of His love.  Nothing can keep you from receiving what you are waiting for, as long as you eagerly look to God and linger in His presence

(Originally written 12/23/07)

8/27/14 Romans 8:24, 25 In Hope You Were Saved

Romans 8:24, 25 (NAS)

For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Romans 8:24, 25 (Philips)

We were saved by this hope, and let us remember that hope always means waiting for something that we do not yet see. For whoever hopes when he can see? But if we hope for something we cannot see, then we must settle down to wait for it in patience.

You know that you know that you are saved. Yeshua, the Messiah, has rescued you from danger and destruction. However, even though you know that you are saved, you have not seen the ultimate manifestation, but you have the hope and expectation that it is true. You are joyfully confident that your salvation will last through out eternity.

If you were already living eternally with the Lord, you would not need your hope, for you would already have discovered its truth. You would now know by experience what you have been waiting for and your hope would be reality.

As you have hope for your final salvation, you also have hope for other dreams and visions. You have put your trust in the Lord to bring them to pass and, therefore, you continue to hope and expect. With pleasure you are anticipating the fulfillment of each. Although you have not seen these things with your physical eyes, you have seen them by faith with your spiritual eyes. You have been looking for and waiting to receive all the God wants you to have. With patience you hope to take them in your hand.

So continue to hold on to your hope.  It is through faith and patience that you will receive the promises that Adonai has made to you.

(Originally written 12/22/07)

8/25/14 Matthew 18:3, 4 Become Like a Little Child

Matthew 18:3, 4 (NAS)

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"...and He said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3, 4 (NLT)

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Which of us is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"...Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Because you are made in the image of God, you have the supernatural desire to be great; it is built into you. However, often your flesh is out to gratify itself and its motivation is to be greater than, stronger than, or better than someone else. Of course, the desire to be important is also something built in to you by your Heavenly Father, but you need to receive that importance through your relationship with Him.

Jesus showed you the way to become great. He said that you must change your mind and your course of conduct, becoming as a young child. A young child is totally dependent on its father to take care of Him. You, therefore, must place yourself in a position of total dependence on Adonai.  Only in this way will you truly become great. and only in this way will you be able to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

You, therefore, should have a modest, humble, and abased opinion of yourself. You should see yourself as ranked below others, giving them honor. By doing this, you will become great, important, and highly esteemed in the Kingdom of Heaven.

(Originally written 12/21/07)

1 John 5:12 You Have the Son and Have Life

1 John 5:12 (NAS)*

     He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

You have been aware of certain abilities and gifts that you possess, since you were young.  They are a part of you, just as your arms, legs, ears, and eyes are a part of you. You cannot conceive your life without these abilities and gifts. You would be incomplete without them.

At one point you heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and you decided to respond and receive Him as your Lord and Savior.  You now have Jesus Christ.  Just as you cannot do without your gifts and abilities; so too you cannot do without the Lord.  You would be incomplete without Him. You are a descendant of Jesus Christ and part of His posterity.

The word “has” in this verse is in the present tense and like the present tense in English, it means now.  In the Greek, “has” is in the active voice and that means that you are the subject of the action because of your action in receiving Jesus the Lord. 

The life that you have is vital, vigorous, and animated.  It is real and genuine.  It is a life devoted to God and blessed. Since you have put your trust in Christ, you will live eternally with Him. Your life will last forever. It will always be fresh, strong, and efficient.  You will remain active and powerful.

However, those who do not choose Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior do not have this life.  Even though they are physically living in this world, this life is limited.  They do not have the Son and thus they do not have the life as you experience and know. Therefore, it is important that you share your life with them, so that they too may experience and know the Son of God.

(*I used only one version of the Bible, since they all say basically the same thing.  

NLR 8/24/14)

8/21/14 Daniel 2:23 The Lord Gives You Wisdom and Power

Daniel 2:23 (NAS)

To Thee, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For Thou hast given me wisdom and power; Even now Thou hast made known to me what we requested of Thee, For Thou hast made known to us the king’s matter."

Daniel 2:23 (NLT)

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.

You have much for which to thank Adonai; you, therefore, laud, praise, and confess His name continually.  When you stretch forth your hands, the symbol of your strength, in adulation and adoration, you are showing God and the world that He, the Almighty God, is the source of your strength.  He is the One who soothes and stills you, giving you peace in the midst of turmoil. You have seen His majesty and splendor, for He has been the God of your father, as well.

Jehovah is the One who gives you wisdom; He teaches and instructs you in acting wisely. He makes you skillful, shrewd, and prudent. Through Him you receive strength and might; He has made you brave and full of valor. You strongly prevail because the Lord has confirmed His covenant with you.

Whenever you present your petitions to God, seeking Him for the answers, the Lord your God is faithful to communicate and inform you of what you need to know. He gives you perception and discernment so that you can distinguish His will, which He reveals to you.

Now you know the words that Adonai speaks to you. You understand the commands of the King.  You adhere to His counsel and advice

 

(Originally written 12/20/07)

5/18/14 Psalms 25:8, 9 The Lord Instructs You and Leads You in Justice

Psalms 25:8, 9 (NAS)

Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.

Psalms 25:8, 9 (NLT)

The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.  He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.

Jehovah, the Lord, is good and excellent.  He is kind and understanding.  In Him you will find all of the happiness, joy, and prosperity that you need.   He makes your life pleasant and agreeable. All that makes you well and bountiful is found in Him. You are His dearly beloved.  He esteems you and shows you His favor.

Everything that Adonai does is always correct and upright. He is just, proper, and straight-forward. He is righteous and leads you in the straight path that you should go.  He approves of and has made you right with Him.  With Him your way is smooth.

Although you used to sin and miss the right way, the Lord now teaches and instructs you.  He pours out His word upon you as He pours out the rain. He has purified you from all uncleanness and you no longer incur guilt.  Now as you tread forth on your journey, you do not wander from the road, for God Almighty shows you how to go.

You are humble and meek before Jehovah, for you know that without Him, you are weak, poor, and needy. By yourself, you are afflicted and

wretched.  However, you have discovered that the Lord guides you to make just decisions. He has given you the power to rule and govern. You are able to do this because He has taught you His ways, instructing you in what is right, proper, and fitting.

(Originally written 12/19/07)

8/16/14 Matthew 13:11, 12 You Have Been granted to Know Mysteries

Matthew 13:11, 12 (NAS)

And He answered and said to them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him shall more be given, and he shall have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.

                                                                                                

Matthew 13:11, 12 (Philips)

"Because you have been given the privilege of understanding the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven," replied Jesus, "but they have not. For when a man has something, more is given to him till he has plenty. But if he has nothing even his nothing will be taken away from him.

There are certain things that you share with only those closest to you, with those that you trust.  The same is true with the Lord.  He spoke to the multitudes in parables, using stories and illustrations, to reveal heavenly principles. Afterward when His disciples would ask the meanings, Jesus would give them knowledge and understanding.

As His disciple, you are given the knowledge and perception to understand the mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. Because you are righteous, Adonai speaks to you as to a son.  You have an intimate family relationship with the Lord your God. He reveals to you things that are hidden from the wicked and ungodly.

As a son of God, you have royal power, dominion, and rule.  You have the authority of the Lord. You are a prince, commander, and leader of God's people. You follow in the footsteps of the King.  Because of this, Jehovah entrusts you with abundance, an overflowing measure that those who are unrighteous cannot receive.  The Lord has made you pre-eminent and superior to them, with many advantages that they do not have.

As a matter of fact, although it seems that the ungodly are prospering, the Lord promises that what they think they have and possess will be taken away from them.  However, you will continue to prosper since you are closely joined to the Lord.

(Originally written 12/18/07)

8/14/14 Matthew 18:18 You Have Authority to Bind and Loose

Matthew 18:18 (NAS)

Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 18:18 (Philips)

Believe me, whatever you forbid upon earth will be what is forbidden in Heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be what is permitted in Heaven.

Matthew 18:18 (NLT)

I tell you this: Whatever you prohibit on earth is prohibited in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth is allowed in heaven.

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He transferred His authority to His disciples, those who were His close followers.  Because you are now a close follower of Yeshua, you too possess His authority.

You, therefore, can speak as Jesus spoke, for He has given you dominion and jurisdiction on earth.  You have the right to bind evil or wrong things, which means that you can forbid and prohibit their illicit activities. You have the power to fasten Satan and his minions in chains.  What you declare bound on earth will also be bound in Heaven.  Adonai will uphold your authority and your words.

On the other hand, if you see someone that Satan has bound in his chains, you have the authority to loose that person from those bonds and to set him free. Through the word of God, you can annul anything unholy that was spoken against him. With your authority, you can deprive Satan of his power.  You have the right to overthrow, demolish, and destroy his kingdom. Your Heavenly Father will back up your decisions, based on the authority that He has given you

(Originally written 12/17/07)

8/12/14 Matthew 18: 19, 20 Be In Agreement With Your Brothers and Sisters

Matthew 18: 19, 20 (NAS)

Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst

Matthew 18: 19, 20 (Philips)

And I tell you once more that if two of you on earth agree in asking for anything it will be granted to you by my Heavenly Father. For wherever two or three people have come together in my name, I am there, right among them!

Matthew 18: 19, 20 (NLT)

I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them.

As you know, Jesus taught and exhorted His disciples on many things.  Each of these was important, for each was the spoken word of God, coming forth from the very Word of God. Many of Jesus' words were direct commands and others were to advise you in your walk.

One key principle, that the Lord wants you to know, is the power of agreement.  It is important for you to live harmoniously and in accord with your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Then through your unity, you can agree together with another believer for anything and, as you agree, that thing will be brought forth into the light.

First you should come into agreement, making a compact with them.  Then you should ask for what you require and desire of Adonai, your Heavenly Father.  When He sees and hears your agreement over that certain thing, He will bring it into existence.  He will make what needs to made. He will perform any miracles that need to be wrought.  And He will finish all that needs to be completed.  He will give substance to your faith.

For you know that if two or three of you are joined together and are one, then you will be brought to your destination.  You will be guided and directed to your end result.  However, you must assemble in the name of Jesus and then He will come and join Himself to you, as well.  He will be present with you and will give you all that you need.

8/10/14 1 Kings 8: 44, 45 The Lord Will Maintain Your Cause

1 Kings 8: 44, 45 (NAS)

When Thy people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way Thou shalt send them, and they pray to the LORD toward the city which Thou hast chosen and the house which I have built for Thy name, then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

1 Kings 8: 44, 45 (NLT)

If your people go out at your command to fight their enemies, and if they pray to the LORD toward this city that you have chosen and toward this Temple that I have built for your name, then hear their prayers from heaven and uphold their cause.

There are certain times when you must gather together with your brethren to come against the enemy. Unless you are diligent to do this, you will not go forward or make any progress.  In fact, many times the enemy will push you backwards and you will lose the ground that you have already gained.

Therefore, you must purpose to go forth into battle.  You must move against your enemies, even taking the war into hostile territory.  You should march forth by whatever road, way, or direction that the Lord your God shall send you.

However, if you find yourself in the heat of the battle with no way to turn, you must pray and intercede to Jehovah, the Lord. Look toward His city and His dwelling place, where the Light abides.  It is there that He has established His name.

When you pray, Adonai will hear you and give attention to your supplication.  Therefore, seek His gracious intervention on your behalf.  Ask for His mercy and pray that He will direct His favor towards you. As He bends down to you, you know that He will act in justice.  He will decide for your cause and execute judgment in your behalf.  You will be vindicated and your enemies will be punished.

(Originally written 12/15/07)

8/8/14 Psalms 34:15, 17 The Eyes and Ears Are Open to You

Psalms 34:15, 17 (NAS)

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry...The righteous cry and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.

Psalms 34:15, 17 (NLT)

The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help...The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.

Jehovah, the Lord, always has you in His sight.  You are before His eyes and He has complete knowledge of your life. What He sees in you brings Him pleasure.  If you look to Him, you will likely see a favorable and approving countenance. A fountain of joy and gladness flows from His presence to fill your life. You are His righteous son and Adonai, your Father, is always listening for your prayers. When you cry for His help, He is quick to attend to you; His ears are open to you.

When you cry out from distress or need, you are summoning the Lord to your aid. He understands what you need and desires to grant your requests. God will snatch you away from your enemies and deliver you from all your troubles. You can be confident that He will rescue and save you from any distress or oppression. Sin, guilt, and death can no longer hold you in their grasp, for Jesus Christ is your salvation and deliverance.

(Originally written 12/14/07)

8/6/14 Matthew 6:6 When You Pray, Go Into Your Inner Room

Matthew 6:6 (NAS)

But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Matthew 6:6 (Philips)

But when you pray, go into your own room, shut your door and pray to your Father privately. Your Father who sees all private things will reward you.

Matthew 6:6 (NLT)

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.

As a child of God, it is important that you pray with supplication and worship Adonai on a regular basis. You should bring all of your wishes and desires to Him, so that He has the opportunity to grant your requests.

However, when you pray, you must be sure that you are not doing so to impress others. Jesus instructs you to go into a secret room where you can meet with Him alone.  It could be a closet, a storage chamber, or the inner chamber of your heart.  It is important that you shut the door to keep any distractions away.  In your secret place, you should pray to your Heavenly Father, who is your Creator and Ruler. He is your guardian and protector. He is the One who has all that you need.

Because He loves you and has an intimate relationship with you, your Father always sees what you do in your secret place.  Nothing is hidden and concealed from His sight. Nothing escapes His notice.

Since you have taken the time to separate yourself from the world and to separate yourself unto Him, the Lord your God is quick to deliver and restore you. He wants to supply and furnish all that you need and want.   The reward He gives you will be plainly recognized by all who see you. Adonai will manifest His goodness and blessing in your life openly and without reserve

(Originally written 12/13/07)

8/5/14 Job 11:6 God Will Show You the Secrets of Wisdom

Job 11:6 (NAS)

And show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Know then that God forgets a part of your iniquity.

Job 11:6 (NLT)

If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom is not a simple matter. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!

From the garden of Eden man has wanted to know everything that God knows. That is why Adam succumbed to the temptation to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Men today desire that God would  make known His secrets. They want Him to bring out into the open those things that He has kept hidden. They do not realize that God's wisdom is so extensive that it doubles over on itself and keeps repeating.  The Lord has folded it together and keeps it for His very own use.

You, however, are able to ask Jesus for the wisdom and understanding that you need, for you belong to Him and are of His family. He will give you wisdom and sound understanding to make you efficient and to give you abiding success.

You know that the Lord your God could demand that you pay for your iniquity, perversity, and depravity. You also know that you are guilty and deserving of punishment. However, God in His wisdom and mercy has decided to deal bountifully with you.  He has recompensed and rewarded you, instead of punishing you.  Though you used to be bent and twisted with your sin, the Lord has straightened you through the sacrifice of His very own Son.You, therefore, are now free to seek God and His wisdom.  You know that He will give it to you freely and generously

 

(Originally written 12/11/07)

8/4/14 Deuteronomy 29:29 Secret Things Belong to the Lord; But He Reveals Many to You

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NAS)

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NLT)

There are secret things that belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law.

No matter how close you feel to Adonai and how intimate your relationship is, there will always be things that He keeps hidden and concealed. He has secrets that no man could ever understand.

However, there are many things that Jehovah uncovers for you. It is His delight to reveal His will both to you and your descendants.  What you have discovered, through His word, now belongs to you and it will be yours forever. So observe and celebrate all that is disclosed to you. As you attend to what He says, you will receive more direction.

(Originally written 12/10/07)

8/3/14 Job 28:20, 28 Where Do You Find Wisdom?

Job 28:20, 28 (NAS)

Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding?...And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding

Job 28:20, 28 (NLT)

But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?... And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.

You have heard men speak of having and using wisdom.  However, the concept of wisdom often seems elusive and intangible.  Where does it come from and how do you get it?

As a natural man, you can develop skill and life's experiences can make you shrewd and prudent.  But is this the wisdom that you are seeking? You may have gained understanding and perception in this world's realm. You may be intelligent and have discernment and insight; however, when you die, can you pass this on?

You, however, have discovered the true source of wisdom, for Adonai, the Lord your God, has revealed it to you.  You know that when you fear, revere, and respect the Lord, you find that for which you have been searching. Yahweh, Himself, is the wisdom that you seek.

He also instructs you in understanding; He teaches you to discern between what is good and what is evil. When you give heed to what He says, you will turn aside and depart from anything that is bad or wicked, for you know that such things cause pain, unhappiness, and misery.  These things are totally opposed to God. Instead turn towards those good and blessed things that come only from the hand of God and you will discover that you will have all the wisdom and understanding that you could ever need.

(Originally written 12/09/07)

8/1/14 1 Peter 1:22 Fervently Love One Another From the Heart

1 Peter 1:22 (NAS)

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,

1 Peter 1:22 (NRSV)

Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart.

.1 Peter 1:22 (Philips)

Now that you have, by obeying the truth, made your souls clean enough for a genuine love of your fellows, see that you do love each other, fervently and from the heart.

You have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb--Yeshua, your Messiah. He has made your soul pure and free from all impurities of the flesh. Now you are a most holy thing, a saint.

You have become obedient to Adonai, submitting yourself to His truth. You observe the requirements that He sets forth in His word. You listen and hearken to His voice, giving ear to His teaching and instruction.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit and in accord with God's word, you have developed a sincere love for your brothers and sisters in Christ. This love is not something that you pretend to have, but it is genuine. You have learned to esteem and prefer your brethren, as the Lord would have you do.

Now you must nurture that deep love, maintaining its purity and keeping it free from corrupt desires.  In this way, you will remain blameless, innocent and unstained with the guilt of anything. However, even so, your love should be earnest, fervent and intense. Always be willing to stretch out your hands to others and to minister to them from your heart.

(Originally written 8/24/07)