Jolts--Daily Affirmations from God's Word

These Jolts are daily devotionals that show who you are in Christ, what God thinks about you, and how you can grow in the Lord and His word.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

World Kindness Day--November 13th

Kindness? What exactly does it mean to be kind? Kindness is good will and benevolence. A kind person is one who delights in making others happy. This person cheerfully gratifies wishes, supplies wants, and alleviates distresses. A kind person is warm-hearted and considerate, humane and sympathetic. A kind person is quick to forgive.

You may think that your personality is not one that would typically be considered a kind one; however, that could be a "cop-out" on your part. Breaking down the first definition of kindness-"good will', it would imply that someone can be kind and good by an act of his or her will. You can choose to be kind; you can choose to be good. Although you may not have a "warm-hearted" feeling towards someone, you can be considerate, humane, and sympathetic.

Therefore since today is World Kindness Day, start practicing being good and kind to others. If you see a need that you can help fulfill and if you have the means to do so, do not harden your heart, but choose to be kind. You will find that as you try to make others happy, you will be happier as well!

11-13-05 Proverbs 3:33

Proverbs 3:33 (KJ21)

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesseth the habitation of the just.

Proverbs 3:33 (NAS)
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

Proverbs 3:33 (NIVUS)
The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

Proverbs 3:33 (NLT)
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but his blessing is on the home of the upright.



Although God is love and has extended His love to every man, there are certain people who will not receive that love. In fact they act in ways that are hostile to the Lord Jehovah. They are wicked and regularly are involved in crime. They have pronounced themselves guilty and are already condemned. Therefore, the curse of the Lord comes upon them. Evil will come upon their houses; for the wages of their sinful ways is God's retribution and punishment. Their homes will not be established, nor will they continue.

However, those who abide by Adonai's laws and precepts, those who are righteous and just, receive abundant blessings from the Lord. Through their conduct and character, they reveal that they have been justified and vindicated by God. When the blessing of the Lord comes upon the righteous, they are beautified and adorned with the glory of God. Instead of the torment that the wicked experience, those that trust in God have rest.

Pizza With the Works--Hold the Anchovies!!



Do you love pizza? Do you order pizza at least once a week? Then today is the day for you. Today is National Pizza with the Works Without the Anchovies Day! For those of you who love anchovies, today is not your day of celebration. If you order pizza today without anchovies, then you can celebrate with the rest of us. However, if you still want your anchovies, then you will just have to wait for another day!

Zechariah 8:17 11-12-05

Zechariah 8:17 (KJ21)
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath. For all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 8:17 (NAS)
Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate, declares the LORD.

Zechariah 8:17 (NIVUS)
Do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the LORD.

Zechariah 8:17 (NLT)
Do not make evil plots to harm each other. And stop this habit of swearing to things that are false. I hate all these things, says the LORD.



Adonai, the Lord your God, has made you a great and mighty man, a champion of high degree. He has set a higher standard for your life than other men. He has also given you a very active and creative imagination; however, He does not want you to use that gift to produce bad or evil. You should not plot or contrive adversity and affliction against your associates and companions. It would be easy for you to weave and fabricate harm and mischief against your neighbor, your brother, or your spouse. If you devise and invent things to break another in pieces, thinking that he is good for nothing, then you are sporting the Lord's displeasure. Do not let any evil or wicked thoughts about another remain in your heart.

Your enemy will try to plant lies and falsehoods in your thoughts about others. These are nothing but deceitful shams meant to trick you into speaking curses against someone else. Instead of swearing an oath seven times against your neighbor, extend forgiveness to him seventy times seven, as the Lord Jesus Christ has taught you. You know that the Lord Jehovah hates when you think about and treat others in a wrong manner. These things stink in His nostrils. Those who act like this are actually foes and enemies of the Lord.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

November 11th--Veteran's Day



We all need to thank God for the men and women who have faithfully served our country in the Military Forces. Because of their commitment, we live safely and soundly. They put their lives on the line to secure our freedom.

We honor our Veteran's Today! Thank you!

11-11-05 Zechariah 8:13

Zechariah 8:13 (KJ21)
And it shall come to pass that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13 (NAS)
‘And it will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13 (NIVUS)
As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13 (NLT)
Among the nations, Judah and Israel had become symbols of what it means to be cursed. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing! So don’t be afraid or discouraged, but instead get on with rebuilding the Temple!



Perhaps you have felt that you were cursed and a villain. You saw yourself as a mere trifle and of little account. You thought you were insignificant, someone who should be lightly esteemed. You even thought that other people had the same conception of you.

You did not realize that the Lord God wanted you to be a part of His house and His family. He made you someone to be praised and someone to give Him praise. He wanted you to stretch out your hands to Him in thanksgiving. Through Him, you shall prevail. In Him, you are a powerful contender, who perseveres against your enemies. You are a prince of God.

Then the Lord saved and delivered you, making you victorious. He has made you a blessing and a gift. He adores you and wants to prosper you. Therefore, do not fear or be afraid; Adonai, your God, has changed your dishonor into honor and respect. You are no longer cursed, but a praise. The Lord has strengthened your hands. Be encouraged for Jehovah has restored your worth and dignity. You have God's support and He will continue to sustain you.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

11-10-05 Isaiah 61:9

Isaiah 61:9 (KJ21)
And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles and their offspring among the people; all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.

Isaiah 61:9 (NAS)
Then their offspring will be known among the nations, And their descendants in the midst of the peoples. All who see them will recognize them Because they are the offspring whom the LORD has blessed.

Isaiah 61:9 (NIVUS)
Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.

Isaiah 61:9 (NLT)
Their descendants will be known and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the LORD has blessed.

Adonai, the Lord God, has built into every species the means to recreate itself through its progeny. In the animal kingdom, this process is to continue the life of the species, so that extinction does not occur. God, however, has created men higher than animals and men naturally not only want to produce children, but they also want their children to prosper and to be blessed.

You desire the same for your children, the seed of your body. As you experience success and fruit in your life, you want to see your children reaping good fruit in their lives as well. It would please your heart if your son's worth is recognized and honored by others. You do not want them overshadowed, dim, and hidden. When your offspring are marked and respected, you are also fulfilled.

As people have watched and observed you, so too they gaze upon your children. They understand and acknowledge that you both have spent time with Jehovah, the Lord God. They perceive and recognize that you and your entire family belong to God and you are His children. Although this may seem strange and foreign to them, they know that His hand of blessing rests on you.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

11-09-05 Isaiah 33:13

Isaiah 33:13 (KJ21)
Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done, and ye that are near, acknowledge My might.

Isaiah 33:13 (NAS)
You who are far away, hear what I have done; And you who are near, acknowledge My might.

Isaiah 33:13 (NIVUS)
You who are far away, hear what I have done; you who are near, acknowledge my power!

Isaiah 33:13(NLT)
Listen to what I have done, you nations far away! And you that are near, acknowledge my might!



Adonai, the Lord God, has a voice and throughout eternity He speaks. It is His greatest desire that men would listen attentively and intelligently to what He says. Once men hear, then they are to obey. He calls to those who are far off, both those who live in remote areas and those who have deliberately removed themselves from His presence. He also speaks to those who have simply wandered away and have become lost. All of these are precious to Him and He wants to show them what He can do to help them.

If you give Jehovah the charge over your life, He will commit Himself to you. He will advance you and fulfill your life. All that you need will be furnished at His hand. As you journey, He will maintain your life. He will cause your hopes and dreams to come to pass and will perform miraculous acts for your benefit.

Therefore, draw near to God and ally yourself to His purpose. Offer your services to the Maker of the universe and stand ready to do His will. As you acknowledge and recognize His lordship over your life, you will see His force and might used in your behalf. He will appoint victory to come into every area of your life. He is your familiar Friend, your Champion, and your Chief. He always uses His strength to bless you.

National Aid and Abet a Punster Day!

What is a punster? It is someone who is overly fond of making puns, which can be annoying to some of the people listening. However, if you are someone who likes puns, but are not successful at making them up, perhaps you can aid and abet your favorite punster today.

As you know, a pun is a humorous play on words. Perhaps someone with a drier type sense of humor appreciates puns more than those who like slapstick comedy. Even if you are groaning over your friend's latest pun, you may also find a little smile on your face. And anything, that can bring a smile to another's face, is something worthwhile.

If this kind of humor does not come naturally to you, you do have alternatives. You can do a web search and discover many sights that major on puns. If you make these sites available to your punster, you are aiding and abetting him/her. Remember, though, that those that aid and abet are guilty of the same crime!

Monday, November 07, 2005

11-08-05 1 Chronicles 29:12

1 Chronicles 29:12 (KJ21)
Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou reignest over all. And in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

1 Chronicles 29:12 (NAS)
Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone.

1 Chronicles 29:12 (NIVUS)
Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

1 Chronicles 29:12 (NLT)
Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength.



Men have sought for wealth and honor from the beginning of time. There is only one place, however, from which true riches and honor come. Adonai, the Lord God, is the One you should seek. When you turn towards Him, coming before His face to ask His help, you will find wealth and riches. He gives you honor and dignity. The Lord will share His glory, splendor, and abundance with you. He will cause you to carry weight with those around you.

The Lord Jehovah has all rule and dominion; He reigns over all. His hand is full with abundance and He will accomplish and complete everything in His will. His hand is strong, powerful, and mighty and it is His hand that supports you. His hand is also well armed and He prevails against His enemies.

Greatness comes from the Lord. He is the One who promotes and makes powerful. Through Him you receive importance; He magnifies your works. He gives you courage and makes you secure. He restores your strength and sustains you.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

UMM!! It's National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day!


Chocolate--one of life's greatest pleasures and today we get to celebrate the bittersweet variety. Recently some studies have shown that dark chocolate has anti-oxidants that help "protect blood vessels, promote cardiac health, and prevent cancer. Chocolate also releases serotonin in the brain which produces feelings of pleasure in a similar way to sunlight. Although chemicals are released in certain areas of the brain, chocolate does not contain a significant amount of these chemicals so as to harm or affect human behavior. " (The previous quotes were taken from Wikipedia, the Free On-Line Encyclopedia.)

Dark chocolate, which happens to be my favorite kind, deserves to have a day dedicated to it in my opinion. And then if you add almonds, one of my favorite nuts, well could there be anything better? It is something for which I definitely thank God!

11-07-05 Psalm 112:6

Psalm 112:6 (KJ21)
He hath shown His people the power of His works, that He may give them the heritage of the heathen.

Psalm 112:6 (NAS)
He has made known to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations.

Psalm 112:6 (NIVUS)
He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.

Psalm 112:6 (NLT)
He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations.



As any father, Adonis, your heavenly Father, desires to reveal His heart to His children. He uses many means to declare and publish His Word. He sends His prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and apostles to make known His will and His commandments. They are His messengers to bring information to help build up His family.

The Lord's creation reveals His strength and power. What causes mere men to grow weary and weak can be accomplished easily through God's might. It is as easy for Him to produce wealth for His people, as it was for Him to create the universe. If you look at the beauty of creation, you see how excellently the Lord God mixes colors: He skillfully weaves them together in variegated patterns. The same is true for you life; Jehovah takes everything--good and bad--and weaves it together, making it to work together for your ultimate good.

It is God's best to give you a heritage. He has an inheritance, a share, and a portion for each of His children. He wants to raise you up and to exalt you in triumph over your enemies and over the heathen, those who do not believe in Him. Through His power, you will be increased.

Saxophone Day



One of the most relaxing and refreshing things to do is to listen to good music. Instrumental music can quiet your mind. Since today is Saxophone Day, it might be a good time to put a Kenny G CD in your player and let your thoughts drift away to the mountains or the beach. However, the best place to which your thoughts can go is to the Lord. HE is the only One who can give you true rest and refreshing.

However, perhaps the saxophone is not your forte. A march may be what puts a spring in your step. In that case, you might want to listen to some John Phillips Sousa; for today is his birthday. If you choose "Stars and Stripes Forever", you can celebrate our country, but also say a prayer for our troops overseas and at home.

11-06-05 Psalm 107: 5, 6, 9

Psalm 107: 5, 6, 9 (KJ21)
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses... For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalm 107: 5, 6, 9 (NAS)
They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He delivered them out of their distresses...For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.

Psalm 107: 5, 6, 9 (NIVUS)
They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress...for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 107: 5, 6, 9 (NLT)
Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. "LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress... For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.



You may be having a time in your life when your strength seems to be failing. You may be hungry and thirsty and cannot see any provision. Your soul may begin to turn away from the truth that you know. Your mind, will, and emotions may begin to envelop you with anxious thoughts and feelings. At this point you have turned aside from God and His will. You may find yourself growing more feeble and weak every day. You have lost your true breath and refreshing that only comes from the Lord.

Now is a time for you to cry out of your distress for help. Make a clamor, calling out loud to the Lord Jehovah. The Lord can enter any place or any situation that seems to you to be too narrow or too tight for Him. The Lord your God is well able to snatch and deliver you from these things. He will rescue and save you from your enemies and will strip and plunder them in the process. Those distressing straits can no longer hold you; for the Lord has saved you from your oppressors.

Now Adonai, the Lord, satisfies and fulfills you. He enriches you, giving to you in excess. He will quench your thirst. You no longer need to rush to and fro to meet yours needs and desires; that will only cause you weariness. Run to the Lord where your soul will receive refreshing. Your hunger will be abundantly filled with God's goodness. Though your life was once full of distress, you will now experience the pleasant and excellent side of life.
 
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