Jolts--Daily Affirmations from God's Word: 10/30/2005

11-05-05 2 Corinthians 11:3

2 Corinthians 11:3 (KJ21)
But I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NAS)
But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIVUS)
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NLT)
But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (Philips)
I am afraid that your minds may be seduced from a single-hearted devotion to him by the same subtle means that the serpent used towards Eve.

Although as a child of God, you always have God's grace and His power available to you, you must still respect and be alert to your enemy and his strategies. Satan, the serpent of old, is always trying to deceive and beguile you by any means. He is full of crafty cunning and wisdom. Beware of and take heed to this or he may be able to gain your attention, as he did with Eve. He is trying to cheat you out of obtaining the promises of God.

Through his deceptive ways, Satan wants to corrupt and destroy your mental perceptions and thoughts. He wants to turn you from God's ways to his own evil purposes. His goal is to separate you from God and to weaken your faith in Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. His best strategy is to make you double-minded, which keeps you in constant turmoil and lack of peace.

God's will and purpose, however, is that you maintain singleness and simplicity in your thinking. He wants you to be free from pretense or hypocrisy. You should not be self-seeking, but have a generous and open heart toward others. God wants your motives to be simple and not complex; your one goal should be to love the Lord your God with all of your strength, your mind, and your heart. As you do this, you will show that you belong to Jesus Christ, the Anointed of God and Satan will have no foothold in your life.

Are You Waiting for the Barbarians?

Today in Oklahoma some people may be celebrating Will Rogers' Birthday! In 1879 Will Rogers, the famous cowboy humorist, was born at the Dog Iron Ranch, 2 miles east of Oologah, Oklahoma. He may be most noted for his statement that he "never met a man that he didn't like." He certainly followed a philosophy here that many of us should think about adopting. Of course, we always have to be careful who we trust, but we should, at least, try to see the best in everyone we meet.

Today is also "Waiting for the Barbarians" Day! (Who comes up with these things?) I wonder if Will Rogers would have liked these Barbarians and I wonder who is waiting for them?

`Whoever wrote the Ten Commandments made 'em short. They may not always be kept but they can be understood.' --Will Rogers

11-4-05 Ecclesiastes 9:7

Ecclesiastes 9:7 (KJ21)

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NAS)

Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works.

Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NIVUS)

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.

Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NLT)

So go ahead. Eat your food and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!

Working just to make ends meet is a common scenario in today's society. Many families do not think that they can survive without two incomes; therefore, both husband and wife work. This, in turn, brings a whole new set of problems. There is little time for relaxation and enjoyment. The children can be overly involved in school and extra-curricular activities, with mom and dad acting as chauffeurs. Then in the rare hours when the family is at home, house and lawn work takes precedent. This was not God's plan.

Adonai's best for your family is that you sit down together and enjoy your meals together. He wants you to eat your food face to face with each other. It should be a time of joy, gaiety, and gladness. You can actually do battle with your enemies if you maintain this atmosphere with your family.

The Lord instituted many times of feasting and drinking for His people. These celebrations were good and pleasant times, times that were rich in memory and valuable to strengthen each heart. Happiness and prosperity were the hallmarks of these observances. And your times shared with your loved ones should be mini portraits of those nationwide feasts.

You will discover God's favor and acceptance resting on you and your family, as your manner of life reflects the joy and peace found in His kingdom. The Lord your God will bless the work of your hands. Your skill and achievements will be seen by those around you; for your life is a mirror of values and standards that are totally different from their lives. Others will see the abundance and greatness that you enjoy as you satisfy God's desires.

11-3-05 Act 2:46

Act 2:46 (KJ21)
And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Act 2:46 (NAS)
And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

Act 2:46 (NIVUS)
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Act 2:46 (NLT)
They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—

Anything in life that has great value, that is worth doing, or that needs to be accomplished takes diligence and perseverance. One of the most valuable aspects of your life is relationship with others and you have probably found that good relationships take a lot of attention and work. They are not something that you can let casually slip, but they require constant maintenance. You need patience to remain steadfast when circumstances are less than what you think they should be. However, your endurance will eventually bring great reward.

The early Church was a very unified institution; they met daily with one another, establishing and building their relationships. Because they were together in one place, they began to develop one mind; they were in one accord. They were passionate for each other and often sacrificed for others. They breathed the same breath.
Not only did they worship together in the Temple, but they shared meals together. They would break spiritual bread in the sanctuary and they would break physical bread in their homes.

As a natural family spends time together, so too should the family of God enjoy each other's company, as the early Church did. You should partake of meals with your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Sometimes you should receive hospitality from them and sometimes you should be the giver. In this way, you will strengthen the bonds of your church family. As you welcome other believers into your life, you will experience more joy and gladness. With the support of your brethren, you find that your life has a smoother quality. Simple things will cause you to rejoice; for your heart's motive will be single--to love and serve the Lord your God together.

Write Your Own Epitaph Day

If you could choose what you would like on your tombstone, what would you say? Today is WRITE YOUR OWN EPITAPH DAY! The epitaph reveals a person's character or accomplishments during his or her life. How would you like to be remembered? If your life does not measure up to what you want your epitaph to say, since you are still breathing, you can start today to live your life to fulfill that epitaph.

The easiest way to change your life is to decide to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. When you make this decision, He completely changes your nature, making you and molding you into His image. If that is the way that you choose today, then simply pray and ask Him to forgive your sins and to change you. Tell Him you want to live your life for Him fr

om now on and He will meet you on your level. He will change you from the inside out and your epitaph will be one of which you can be proud.

11-02-05 Proverbs 21:3

Proverbs 21:3 (KJ21)
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3 (NAS)
To do righteousness and justice is desired by the LORD rather than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3 (NIVUS)
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3 (NLT)
The LORD is more pleased when we do what is just and right than when we give him sacrifices.

Every living thing has a unique nature that conforms to its species. Cats act like cats; dogs acts like dogs. The same is true of people. Those who have not believed in the Lord Jesus Christ act according to their unregenerate, sinful natures. Those who are God's children should begin to act out of their righteous nature, instead of their fleshly carnal side.

You have been made righteous because you have made Yeshua the Lord of your life. You have been cleansed and purified. Your inner man has been changed and you no longer cater to the sinful impulses that used to drive you. Now as your mind becomes progressively renewed to the Word of God, you begin to bear more fruits of righteousness. You exercise the righteousness that is your nature. You act like a righteous man. You follow closely after the Lord and you practice His holy ways. Those you meet observe God's characteristics and mannerisms in your life; for you treat others justly and with mercy.

Since you have chosen to follow the Lord Jehovah's ways, He has decided for you. He would rather have your obedience in all things than to sacrifice your most prized possession. When you act like Him, showing mercy and acting in kindness, He is well pleased; for that is His nature.

Take Time to Enjoy Life!

Today I was running a few minutes late and was not able to clock in at my normal time. Instead of being marked tardy, I chose to take a half hour lunch, instead of the hour that I usually have. Isn't it amazing how quickly a half hour goes? So I was running late in the morning and then at lunch, I was running again, with just enough time to eat and return. The expression "eat and run" certainly applies to a half hour lunch.

This past weekend I drove to a city five hours away from where I live to attend a retreat with some other members of my church. The drive, although a little long, was a nice escape from the routine and daily monotony. The autumn leaves were beautiful and the sun shone on us going and coming. It was a mini vacation and adventure. I have discovered that these short weekend trips help my mental and emotional health. Over the past two years I have taken a dozen or so of these weekend trips to see a friend, who sings with a Southern Gospel group. Although the driving can be physically tiring, the break has been worth the physical and the financial inconveniences (we all know how high gas prices are!).

So what am I saying? If life has gotten too hurried for you and if you find yourself running to and fro, perhaps you should allow yourself time to get away for awhile. Plan a two or three day trip and allow yourself some leisure. You may be surprised at the new lease on life you will receive. Life is far too short not

to enjoy it.

11-01-05 Psalms 119:108

Psalms 119:108 (KJ21)
Accept, I beseech Thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me Thy judgments.

Psalms 119:108 (NAS)
O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me Thine ordinances.

Psalms 119:108 (NIVUS)
Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.

Psalms 119:108 (NLT)
LORD, accept my grateful thanks and teach me your laws.

There is nothing that pleases the Lord Jehovah more than when you worship Him. When you open your mouth voluntarily and willingly in praise to Adonai, you cleave the atmosphere around you. Your offerings of thanksgiving and praise shatter the domain of Satan, your enemy, and they completely satisfy the Almighty. And He surrounds you with His favor and approval.

The Lord your God then teaches and trains you in His ways and ordinances. He shows you what is right and just. You exercise what is proper and fitting; you strive to make judgments and decisions according to God's plans and purposes. Because you have submitted yourself to the Lord, you are equipped to rule and govern.

10-31-05 Isaiah 44:6

Isaiah 44:6 (KJ21)
Thus saith the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the First, and I am the Last, and besides Me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:6 (NAS)
Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me.

Isaiah 44:6 (NIVUS)
This is what the LORD says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:6 (NLT)
This is what the LORD, Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty, says: I am the First and the Last; there is no other God.

Jehovah the Lord has always existed. He has the power and authority to command because He is the King and Ruler of all. He is the One True God. He spoke and the universe was established. Therefore, you can trust all of His promises; for they shall surely come to pass.

God's chosen people, the children of Israel, discovered that He was their firm and strong Rock. He caused them to prevail over their enemies. He does the same for you. He is the Mighty One with power and strength superior to any other; and He is your protector and defender. As your Leader and Chief, He takes you into battle and you emerge in victory; for He is the Lord of Hosts, with vast armies under His command.

The Lord your God is your Redeemer, who has ransomed you from slavery and death. He wreaks vengeance on the one who has held you captive. Now you are no longer in bondage, but you are free to serve and worship Him. Sin had driven you into exile, but the Lord your God bought you and restored you to Himself.

Jehovah is the First and Pre-eminent One. Before time existed, He was. From the beginning, He was the head and sum of all things. Not only is He the Beginning, but He is also the End of all things. He, however, will never wear out or become old; for He is the fullness of all there is. Forever and ever He is God and forever and ever, He is your God.

All Hallow's Eve

October 31st is traditionally known in the United States as Halloween. Children and adults dress up like scary or not so scary characters and rove from house to house asking for candy and treats. Halloween was formerly known as "All Hallow's Eve" or "Holy Evening", when Christian believers gathered together to remember the souls of those damned to hell for their sin and unbelief. It was not a celebration of the dead, but a somber and sober time--a time to express sorrow for those who did not put their faith and t

rust in the Lord Jesus Christ and the finished work of the Cross. It was also a time to renew the Church's commitment to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so that others could be saved from the damnation of hell.

10-30-05 Psalms 66:18-20

Psalms 66:18-20 (KJ21)
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But verily God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me!

Psalms 66:18-20 (NAS)
If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear; But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His lovingkindness from me.

Psalms 66:18-20 (NIVUS)
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Psalms 66:18-20 (NLT)
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer and did not withdraw his unfailing love from me.

As a child of God, it is important what you look at and hear on a continual basis; for the Lord God has created you to have faith. Faith gives substance to those things that you imagine and envision.

If you constantly regard and give your attention to wickedness, trouble, and sorrow, then your actions will start lining up with your thoughts and imaginations. Your faith will be developed, but it will be focused on negative, evil things. Your heart, though once centered on Adonai, will soon be enveloped in sin. If that should happen, your Lord and Master will no longer listen to you; for He will not be able to grant your distorted requests.

However, in fact, you know that God does listen to and pay attention to you; for you are His child, created in His image. Like a nursing mother, Adonai inclines His ear to the slightest sound of your cry. He does not pass over your prayers; they are never light or frivolous to Him.

It is the Lord Jehovah's desire to bless you and those blessings usually come in response and answer to your prayers. Whenever you pray and intercede, God is quick to intervene on your behalf. He wants you to be a recipient of His goodness, kindness, and faithfulness. Instead of reproach and shame, the Lord your God gives you abundant mercy.