12-17-05 Nahum 1:7

Nahum 1:7 (KJ21)
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7 (NAS)
The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Nahum 1:7 (NIVUS)
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

Nahum 1:7 (NLT)
The LORD is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him.

Jehovah, the Lord God, is good, pleasant, and agreeable. He is not hard to get along with, as some people think. All that He makes is excellent and valuable and His most excellent and valuable creation is the child of God, the man or woman who trusts in Adonai. The Lord is kind to His children; He does all that He can to make their lives happy and prosperous.

Your life is better and more joyful because you gave the Lord your God control. With His help, you do good and act rightly. You have discovered that El-Shaddai, the Almighty God, is a place of safety and protection--a harbor where you can let down your anchor. He is a refuge and stronghold for you.

When you are assaulted with trouble and distress, God strengthens you. Even though your enemies and adversaries press hard against you, with the Lord's help, you shall prevail. In that day of vexation and harassment, you need not fear; for you will overcome. Instead of a rock wall, you will see that your foes are merely pebbles, which can easily be kicked aside.

Adonai knows you; for you have sought His refuge and have run to Him for protection. He acknowledges and confesses you as His own. He reveals Himself to you because you have trusted and put your hope in Him. He is your confidant and friend. He will always uphold you and never let you down.

12-16-05 Psalms 83:18

Psalms 83:18 (KJ21)
that men may know that Thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth.

Psalms 83:18 (NAS)
That they may know that Thou alone, whose name is the LORD, Art the Most High over all the earth.

Psalms 83:18 (NIVUS)
Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD— that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Psalms 83:18 (NLT)
until they learn that you alone are called the LORD, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.

Some views of God are not correct. Many people do not believe that there is a God, while others believe there is a God, but He is not interested in human affairs. The Bible tells us that the fool believes in his heart that there is no God.

Jehovah is the Self-Existent One. No one or nothing created Him; for He has and always will exist. He is the Lord God, the Supreme Being. He is Deity--the One True God. He is high above men and high over the earth. He is Almighty and the Most High.

He desires men to know His name and to acknowledge His power and authority over their lives. He wants us to know His character as a loving Heavenly Father. As we trust in Him more and more, we begin to recognize His loving actions and ways towards us. We comprehend His nature and realize that He is not "just out to get us". We find that He wants to bless our lives. We discover that as we follow after Him, doing what He asks, we are happy and fulfilled. If we fail to obey, however, we realize that there will be consequences and discipline.

Therefore, to live your best life now, you should endeavor to develop a more intimate relationship with Jehovah God. Acknowledge Him, His will, and His presence in your life. Do not act like a fool who does not believe; instead believe that the Lord is God and that He will reward you as you diligently seek Him.

12-15-05 2 Kings 25:30

2 Kings 25:30 (KJ21)
and his allowance was a continual allowance given him from the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.

2 Kings 25:30 (NAS)
and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.

2 Kings 25:30 (NIVUS)
Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived.

2 Kings 25:30 (NLT)
The Babylonian king also gave him a regular allowance to cover his living expenses until the day of his death.

In the American society, there is a strong work ethic, which is proper and good. However, this sometimes hinders us from receiving gifts and blessings from the Lord.

It is God's desire to provide all that we need and often that provision does come through our careers and employment. Adonai, however, does not want us to totally rely on our jobs as our source of supply. The Lord God is our provider and our source.

God wants to provide and give to you on a continual, constant, and a regular basis. He has already prepared a daily allowance and ration for you. Even when you travel away from home, He has blessings waiting for you. You do not need to worry about your food or clothing; for the Lord has already made provision for your needs.

Adonai is your King, who reigns over your life. He is good and benevolent; He only wants to add to your life and not diminish you. He has arranged situations and circumstances to life you up. He has commanded restoration and recompense for you. He has spoken promises to you and as you trust Him, you shall see His goodness poured into your life.

12-14-05 Psalms 31:24

Psalms 31:24 (KJ21)
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalms 31:24 (NAS)
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.

Psalms 31:24 (NIVUS)
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalms 31:24 (NLT)
So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the LORD!

You may be experiencing something now that is trying to rob you of your strength and security. However, now you must draw upon your knowledge of the Lord your God; you must remember what He has done for you in the past. You must strengthen yourself and harden your resolve. Find ways to encourage your mind and use God's word to repair your thoughts and feelings.

As you do all that you can, Adonai will strengthen you. Your heart will become firm again and you will start feeling secure once more. The Lord will give you the boldness and the courage that you need to face anything. Your faith will not be weak and flimsy, but hard and solid.

Therefore, continue to wait on and hope in Jehovah, your Lord. Expect Him to come through for you and you will not be disappointed.

12-13-05 Deuteronomy 6:24

Deuteronomy 6:24 (KJ21)
And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

Deuteronomy 6:24 (NAS)
So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today.

Deuteronomy 6:24 (NIVUS)
The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.

Deuteronomy 6:24 (NLT)
And the LORD our God commanded us to obey all these laws and to fear him for our own prosperity and well-being, as is now the case.

Many people have been deceived about the character of God. They see Him as someone who just has rules and regulations that must be obeyed or else. Or else He will snap His mighty fingers and they will no longer exist? That is not God's heart or His character; He is the best parent that has ever existed and only wants the best for His children.

Jehovah, the Lord your God, does give you commandments and charges that He wants you to keep and fulfill. And like any loving and obedient child, you desire to carry out His orders. You are fashioned after His nature and you are capable of acting according to His will.

Therefore, offer Him your will and submit to His statutes and ordinances. You know that the limits and boundaries that God sets for you are in your best interests. And the best thing that you can do for yourself is to choose to fear and reverence the Lord God. You should always stand in awe of Him and His works should cause you astonishment.

As you honor Adonai, He will make your life good and pleasant. He places high value on you and wants your life to be excellent and rich. Thus, Almighty God sets boundaries around you to preserve you alive; He surrounds you with His favor which influences you to do well and to act rightly. In this way, you receive all of God's benefits and blessings in your life.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

Last night my church hosted one of the most exciting and fun groups that I have had the privilege to see. Denver and the Mile High Orchestra were our guests for our annual "Night of Joy", our yearly Christmas presentation.

As a member of the choir of South County Christian Center, I had the added experience to sing backup for this 13 member group of zany guys. Their music is a modern version of the 40's big band style. Denver, the leader, sings and plays trumpet. There are 2 saxophones, a trombone. 3 more trumpets, a lead guitar, a base guitar, a keyboard, and drums. Using clips from such Christmas classics as White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, Rudolph, Frosty, Elf, and the Grinch, DMHO led us all into a happy Christmas scenario. Traditional carols and holiday songs, interspersed with great instrumental presentations, added to the joy.

Two words to describe my evening--energy and fun! You will love these guys if you ever have the opportunity to see them. Check out their website-- www.denvermho.com -- to see if they could inspire and bless your church family.

12-2-05 Deuteronomy 4:4

Deuteronomy 4:4 (KJ21)
But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.

Deuteronomy 4:4 (NAS)
But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive today, every one of you.

Deuteronomy 4:4 (NIVUS)
but all of you who held fast to the LORD your God are still alive today.

Deuteronomy 4:4 (NLT)
But all of you who were faithful to the LORD your God are still alive today.

People are always looking for the fountain of youth because they want to remain young. They think if they remain young they will remain alive. Most people fear death; for they know they are not ready to meet Adonai, the One True God.

You, however, do not need to fear; for you have joined yourself to Jehovah, the Lord. You pursue and follow Him closely. You adhere to and cling to Him and His blessings continually overtake you.

You have attached yourself to the One who is the source of all life. It is in Him that you live and move and have your being. He keeps you green and fresh. The Lord God sustains and maintains your life. He restores your health; He revives and preserves you. With each passing day you grow more alive.