1-20-07 Zechariah 9:8

Zechariah 9:8 (KJ21)
And I will encamp about Mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth; and no oppressor shall pass through them any more, for now have I seen with Mine eyes.

Zechariah 9:8 (NAS)
But I will camp around My house because of an army, Because of him who passes by and returns; And no oppressor will pass over them anymore, For now I have seen with My eyes.

Zechariah 9:8 (NIVUS)
But I will defend my house against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.

Zechariah 9:8 (NLT)
I will guard my Temple and protect it from invading armies. I am closely watching their movements. No foreign oppressor will ever again overrun my people’s land.

People who are rich and famous often have body guards because their celebrity status makes them targets. These body guards are usually big and muscular. Their very appearance deters most people from approaching and those that do come near usually do so with trepidation. The celebrity knows that he or she is safer and more protected when the body guard is near.

Although you may not be rich and famous, you have Someone guarding and protecting you that is much more powerful than a human body guard. Adonai the Most High God has promised to encamp around about His people, His family who dwells in His house. He always inclines His head towards you, so that He can hear your smallest whisper. He bends down to extend His mercy and favor to you.

Even if an army is stationed about you, ready to attack, you do not need to fear. When they try to pass through your land, the Lord your God will guard and protect you. He will cut their advance short, sending them back the way they came. Although they came to exert pressure against you, the Lord Jehovah will stop them from oppressing you. No tyrant will rule over you, for Almighty God sees their every movement. Nothing escapes His eyes.

You are the apple of God's eye and the center of His attention. Your enemies cannot stand against His power and might. They will perish and cease to exist, while you will advance and prosper.

1-19-07 Psalms 15: 1, 3

Psalms 15: 1, 3 (KJ21)
(A Psalm of David.)
LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?...he that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor spreadeth a reproach against his neighbor.

Psalms 15: 1, 3 (NAS)
(A Psalm of David.)
O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?... He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

Psalms 15: 1, 3 (NIVUS)
(A psalm of David.)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?...and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman

Psalms 15: 1, 3 (NLT)
(A psalm of David.)
Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?...Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.

Every home and family has house rules, codes of conduct that the family members observe. Likewise in God's house, there are commandments that Adonai expects you to obey. Most of these guidelines apply to how you treat other people.

One thing that the Lord Jehovah does not allow in His house is backbiting among His children. Slander and tale-bearing should not be something in which you participate. When you do this, you become like a person with a broken foot; your walk is painful and slow. Your tongue becomes like a flaming fire, seeking someone to burn. Backbiting not only does harm to another, but it also hurts you as well. Your evil speaking and accusations put you in league with your enemy and drives wedges in your relationships.

You should never do things that cause sorrow to your friends, associates, and neighbors. Such evil and wicked actions can break another in pieces, making them feel good for nothing. Instead of reproof and reproach, you should extend kindness and mercy to those in your life. You should always treat others with the courtesy of an equal. Make it your aim to never shame another human being, for each one has been created in the image of God.

As you do all of these things, you will be abiding in the tabernacle of god, dwelling with Him on His holy hill.

1-18-07 Proverbs 3: 19, 20

Proverbs 3: 19, 20 (KJ21)
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens; by His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Proverbs 3: 19, 20 (NAS)
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, And the skies drip with dew.

Proverbs 3: 19, 20 (NIVUS)
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

Proverbs 3: 19, 20 (NLT)
By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the clouds poured down rain.

Have you ever wondered how the Lord Jehovah created the earth? The Bible says that the earth was founded and established by wisdom, with skill and wit. The foundation of the world is God's wisdom. Through reason and understanding, Adonai, the Lord Most High, caused the heavens to stand erect. His discernment and direction prepared and fixed their places. His diligence allows the sky to be firm and stable.

The Lord God knows what lies in the depths of the oceans. He observes everything there with care. He recognizes when the deep places are agitated and in an uproar, intent upon destruction. He is able to cleave and rend the ocean floors. By His power they can burst from their borders and by His strength they are kept in place. The Lord also knows how to make the clouds drip down dew as a covering for the earth's vegetation. Their vapor is strewn over the face of the land.

Therefore, when you are facing impossible situations, you should realize that the same God who holds the heavens and earth in place is the same God who holds your life in His hands. When the oceans roar against you, it is the Lord Jehovah who will silence their voice. When you need refreshment to quench your thirst, Adonai your Heavenly Father will command the clouds to drop their water so that you can freely drink. You should keep your heart fixed on His wisdom, where you will find peace and safety.

1-17-07 Proverbs 3: 17, 18

Proverbs 3:17, 18 (KJ21)
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is everyone that retaineth her.

Proverbs 3:17, 18 (NAS)
Her ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast.

Proverbs 3:17, 18 (NIVUS)
Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

Proverbs 3:17, 18 (NLT)
She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.

People seem to travel more today than ever before. If you go to one of the nation's international airports, you will see people coming and going at all hours of the day and night. Even the highways in metropolitan areas are rarely quiet.

As you know travel today has become much more complicated than formerly. Complying with the new laws and regulations against terrorism is often not a pleasant experience. Just getting your luggage packed so that it is not over weight can be a struggle in itself. Then getting all of your bags to the proper check point is another challenge. You may find yourself becoming stressed and anxious.

There is a way, however, that is not stressful. If your journey is guided by wisdom, it will be delightful and pleasant. Wisdom will lead you with grace and there will be beauty and splendor along the way. The path of wisdom is a safe and peaceful one. As you walk this path, your health and prosperity will increase. Restoration and reward will be yours as well.

If you seize upon and cleave to wisdom, you will be happy and blessed. However, you must closely follow God's word, for it will sustain and hold you up. Your path will be straight and level. You will always experience freshness and revival, as you partake of the tree of wisdom.

1-16-07 Proverbs 3: 15, 16

Proverbs 3: 15, 16 (KJ21)
She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor.

Proverbs 3: 15, 16 (NAS)
She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.

Proverbs 3: 15, 16 (NIVUS)
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

Proverbs 3: 15, 16 (NLT)
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.

Youth is worshiped in our society. Everyone seems to want to look younger, firmer, and more fit. Botox and liposuction, as well as face lifts and tummy tucks, are the measures that some people take to preserve that youthful appearance. Many deceive themselves into believing that if they look younger, they can turn back the hands of time and live longer. However, Adonai the Lord God Almighty, who has control over life and death, does not look on the outer appearance, but He looks at what is in someone's heart.

One of the most effective ways to extend your life is to strive and seek after the wisdom of God. Wisdom is a precious and valuable commodity. You should try to obtain as much of this rare and highly prized resource that you can. It is more costly than pearls and rubies. You may desire pleasant and delightful things, but their profit does not compare or equal that which can be attained through wisdom.

Wisdom holds long life in her right hand and she will lengthen your life as you seek her. In fact, if you choose to live according to the wisdom of Almighty God you will live forever. Not only will you have everlasting life, but you will also find that she has wealth and riches, as well as glory and honor, in her left hand. As you clothe yourself in wisdom's raiment, you will begin to resemble her. You will begin to accumulate and hold all that she has in her hands. You will grow rich and abound in honor. Others will see a great and noble man when then look upon you.

1-15-07 Proverbs 3:13, 14

Proverbs 3: 13, 14 (KJ21)
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding; for the merchandising of it is better than the merchandising of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

Proverbs 3: 13, 14 (NAS)
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver, And its gain than fine gold.

Proverbs 3: 13, 14 (NIVUS)
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

Proverbs 3: 13, 14 (NLT)
Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

According to the Constitution, United States' citizens have the right to pursue happiness. Living the American Dream is one way that some people develop this pursuit. Others choose immoral or illegal ways to make them happy. However, these methods often are less than satisfying and those who use them are left wanting more and more to fill this need.

You have found the true way to happiness. You have been blessed in acquiring and securing wisdom, which gives you skill and shrewdness to live prudently. As you administer your life ethically, you will advance and make progress. You will always walk a straight path. With the wisdom that you obtain, you also develop understanding, making you more perceptive and discerning. This causes your pursuit of happiness to succeed.

Wisdom and understanding will bring you gain and profit, for you will know how to trade and to merchandise your business in the best ways. Having all of the silver and gold that you need will not guarantee your success, but using wisdom and understanding is better and more valuable in attaining the prosperity and welfare that you seek. You will find that the income and revenue that you long for will be yours, since you diligently make sharp decisions.

1-14-07 Proverbs 3: 11, 12

Proverbs 3:11, 12 (KJ21)
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither be weary of His correction; for whom the LORD loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 3:11, 12 (NAS)
My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, Or loathe His reproof, For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father, the son in whom he delights.

Proverbs 3:11, 12 (NIVUS)
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Proverbs 3:11, 12 (NLT)
My child, don’t ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

You probably have been in some public place, such as a grocery store, and have seen children who seem to be out of control. Many times when this happens, the child's parent seems oblivious to what is going on or is simply choosing to ignore the child's behavior. You may even have thought that you wished they would do something with that kid. It seems as if that parent does not understand the word discipline and if the parent does not understand it, how can the child?

If you are a good parent, you know that it is essential to discipline and train your children to be well-mannered and obedient. How do you know this is the correct course of action? You have a perfect example in Jehovah the Lord God. Your Heavenly Father disciplines, chastens and corrects His children. It is important that you not despise nor reject His instruction and admonishment, for He is teaching you to be a better person. You should not begin to loathe nor dread God's reproof and rebuke. If you despise and detest the Lord's decisions and judgments, you could become like one of those out of control children.

Adonai loves you and His love motivates Him to discipline you. You need to be convinced that God's correction is intended to bring you to your best, what God has already appointed for you. As a good Father, the Lord's reproof is always reasonable and never abusive. You can trust His chastening and instruction, for He is pleased with you. You have His favor and are acceptable to Him.