1-13-07 Proverbs 3: 9, 10

Proverbs 3: 9, 10 (KJ21)
Honor the LORD with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs 3: 9, 10 (NAS)
Honor the LORD from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Proverbs 3: 9, 10 (NIVUS)
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Proverbs 3: 9, 10 (NLT)
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.

Have you ever been invited to a retirement party? Or perhaps someone is celebrating a major anniversary on his or her job. Friends and co-workers gather together to honor a job well done or a life well spent. It is appropriate to acknowledge these events and seasons. In your life such times are usually few and special. However, there is One who deserves your honor everyday.

Jehovah the Lord is deserving of all of your honor, for He is great and glorious. One easy and very important way to show Adonai your honor is with your wealth and riches. He is the One who gives you the physical strength and power to gain sufficient income to meet you needs. As you trust Him, you will always have more than enough. Therefore, you should take the first and best of your produce and give it back to Him.

When you choose to honor the Lord in this way, your barns and storehouses (your checking and savings accounts) will remain full with the abundance that God returns to you. You will always have plenty and continually be enriched. Whatever you put your hand to, whether a vineyard or a business deal, will prosper. You will always have new wine or new clients. No matter what employment you choose, your possessions and inheritance will break through. You will be bursting at the seams with all the blessings that the Lord your God gives you.

1-12-07 Malachi 3:16-18

Malachi 3:16-18 (KJ21)
Then those who feared the LORD spoke often one to another, and the LORD hearkened and heard it. And a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared the LORD and who thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine," saith the LORD of hosts, "in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son who serveth him. Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.

Malachi 3:16-18 (NAS)
Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. And they will be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Malachi 3:16-18 (NIVUS)
Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

Malachi 3:16-18 (NLT)
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him. They will be my people," says the LORD Almighty. "On the day when I act, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient and dutiful child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

You stand in awe of the Lord your God. You fear Him and honor Him. You respect and revere Him. You have given yourself completely to Him. When you converse with your family and your friends, Yeshua is always at the center. You declare His commands and sing of His promises. Even those who are not a part of your intimate circles hear you preach of Him and His Word. As a shepherd and teacher you lead others to the Great Shepherd; your words direct the way.

Whenever you speak of Him, the Lord Jehovah pays attention to your words. He listens with great interest. If He hears any requests, He is quick to grant them. He summons a servant, who brings His record book. He commands that your words be written down to be kept as a memorial and a reminder. The Lord God is pleased with your thoughts and words of His name and will keep them eternally.

The Lord of Hosts, the One Who wages war for you, has made you His valued and treasured possession. He has promised to show you compassion and spare you from His wrath, even as He would spare His very own Son. For you are His servant, standing as a priest before Him.

Then God will cause others to discern how favored you are. They will perceive that He does not favor the wicked, but the righteous only. They understand that God Almighty has blessed you as His special son and servant. Because you continually honor Him before others, He also honors you before them.

1-11-07 Psalms 15:1, 2

Psalms 15:1, 2 (KJ21)
(A Psalm of David)
LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart;

Psalms 15:1, 2 (NAS)
(A Psalm of David.)
O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.

Psalms 15:1, 2 (NIVUS)
(A psalm of David)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.

Psalms 15:1, 2 (NLT)
(A psalm of David)
Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

In the real estate section of your newspaper, you will most likely see houses listed as single family dwellings. People who choose to dwell together are usually close in relationship or blood ties. Those who live together without such bonds are usually unhappy with their living arrangements.

Israel's King David knew that not just anyone would be asked to abide in the Lord Jehovah's house. He, therefore, asked God who was eligible to take up residence in His tabernacle and to dwell in God's holy mountain. The answer he received was no surprise.

If you desire to settle down and remain in the temple of the Lord, then you must choose to walk according to His Word and His Law. Your path should be straight and upright. You should strive to do good, right, and pleasant things; when you pursue this course, you will discover that you will continually grow and prosper. You must practice righteousness, choosing those things that are clean, clear, and just.

Not only should your actions be right and virtuous, but your words and thoughts must also follow a similar pattern. You should only speak what is truthful and sure. People should be able to trust and rely on what you say. You should be a man or woman of your word.

Likewise, your thoughts should also be in agreement with your speech. You should not say one thing while thinking the opposite. Your whole being needs to be ruled by Adonai's Truth, His Word and His Law. If you commit to this type of lifestyle, then you will have a secure dwelling place with the Lord your God.

1-10-07 Proverbs 3: 7, 8

Proverbs 3: 7, 8 (KJ21)
Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy flesh and marrow to thy bones.

Proverbs 3: 7, 8 (NAS)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3: 7, 8 (NIVUS)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3: 7, 8 (NLT)
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.

Growth is normal and should also be anticipated. During the process you learn and gain knowledge of many things. As you look around, you may even grow contented with the wisdom that you have obtained by your own means. You may even become conceited with your own intelligence and skill. Instead of maintaining a humble attitude, you could easily be puffed up in pride over your cunning and subtlety.

However, Jehovah your Lord warns you to guard against this kind of thinking. Instead of thinking more highly of yourself than you should, the word of God encourages you to fear and reverence the Lord. When you do this, you will turn away from that which bad and evil. You will take no pleasure in anything that causes harm and grief. You will try never to afflict anyone with misery or sorrow.

As you fear and show respect to God, withdrawing from what hurts others, you will be blessed with health and be made whole. There will always be a cure for you when you feel faint and feeble. The center of your strength will not fail. Your bones will not become dry and brittle, but will remain moist. You will have an abundance and will never lack.

1-9-07 Proverbs 3:5, 6

Proverbs 3:5, 6 (KJ21)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 (NAS)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 (NIVUS)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 (NLT)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.

The confidence that you have in the Lord Jehovah makes you bold and secure. In Him you can feel safe, without any cares. You know that you can entrust your whole heart--your mind, your will, your emotions, your memories, your reflections, your determination, your conscience, and your thoughts--into the strong hands of the Lord.

It is important that you do not trust in or lean upon your own understanding, discernment, or perceptions as your means of support. Your perception and discernment does not compare to the wisdom and insight that comes from the Lord your God. No matter what course your life takes, you should intentionally choose to acknowledge, recognize, and confess your need of the Lord.

When you continually strive to learn what Adonai's will is for you in each and every circumstance and event, He will always intentionally, and continually put you on the right path, a path that is level and smooth. You will walk uprightly and go straight ahead with esteem and approval. You will be pleasing and agreeable in His sight.

1-8-07 Proverbs 3:3, 4

Proverbs 3:3, 4 (KJ21)
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the tablet of thine heart. So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3, 4 (NAS)
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3, 4 (NIVUS)
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3, 4 (NLT)
Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.




Goodness, kindness, and faithfulness are rare commodities in today's society. People seemed ruled by their baser, more violet emotions. In fact, looking out for and taking care of #1 is a widely accepted life choice. However, this concept is directly opposed to how the word of God tells us to live.

As a child of God, you are encouraged not to forsake, neglect and abandon the noble qualities of goodness, kindness, and faithfulness. Being kind and showing mercy to others should be your normal mode of action, but you should also be kind and merciful to yourself as well. Living in this way keeps you above reproach and shame.

You should also make the truth of Adonai's word your guide, for it is reliable and sure. The testimonies and judgments of the Lord help you to remain stable and firm. When you give God's word first place binding them around your neck, you will become more faithful and established. No one will be able to drag you off into sin. You will also be able to nurture others through the same nourishment that you receive.

When you write the principles of the law of the Lord on your heart, you will find favor and acceptance in His sight. The Lord will be gracious to you and give you mercy. Your life will be good, pleasant, and rich. You will be happy and prosperous in the excellence that your life displays.

Because of the truth of God's word that you have hidden within you, you show the prudence, insight, and understanding that only a child of God can have. When others around you are reacting in fear and anxiety, you reveal good sense and wisdom. By acting circumspectly, you prosper and are successful, when others fail. Both the Most High God and your fellow men see how His truth has blessed you.

1-7-06 Proverbs 3:1, 2

Proverbs 3:1, 2 (KJ21)
My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days and long life and peace shall they add to thee.

Proverbs 3:1, 2 (NAS)
My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life, And peace they will add to you.

Proverbs 3:1, 2 (NIVUS)
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

Proverbs 3:1, 2 (NLT)
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life.

You probably remember things that your parents repeatedly told you. Perhaps it was how to drive on winter roads. When winter hits, you hear your father's voice telling you each thing that you should do while you are driving. You have heard those words so often that it is almost impossible to forget them.

There are other more important words that you should not forget or ignore. Adonai, your Heavenly Father, has spoken many things that you should constantly bring back to mind, for they provide direction and instruction for your life. The laws of God should be lodged deeply in your heart; they should be what your mind thinks about and what guides your conscience. The commandments of the Lord will watch over and guard your heart. They will blockade the ports of your mind, so that no enemy can enter and attack your thoughts and emotions.

If you are looking to lead a long life, then you should obey the commandments of God's word. In fact the law of the Most High will prolong your life. Days, months, and years will be added to you. Not only will your years be repeated, but they will always be fresh and green. God's word will help keep you active and revived. Adonai's words will sustain you so that you can live in health and prosperity. When you allow His word to remain at the forefront of your thinking, you will be able to keep sickness, faintness, discouragement, and death at bay. You will continue to grow and be refreshed.

Not only will your life continue in length, but you will also live in peace. Completeness and soundness will mark your life, for you are in covenant with Almighty God. Since you are joined to the Lord of the Universe, you will continually see increase.