2-3-07 Psalms 15:1, 4

Psalms 15: 1, 4 (KJ21)
(A Psalm of David.)
LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?...in whose eyes a vile person is contemned, but he honoreth them that fear the LORD; he that taketh an oath to his own hurt, and changeth not;

Psalms 15: 1, 4 (NAS)
(A Psalm of David.)
O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?...In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;

Psalms 15: 1, 4 (NIVUS)
(A psalm of David.)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?...who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,

Psalms 15: 1, 4 (NLT)
(A psalm of David)
Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?...Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD and keep their promises even when it hurts.

In the eyes of the world, having faith is not "cool". In fact, often people of faith are ridiculed and criticized. Many think that faith is a crutch for the weak, for those who are considered the "losers" of the world. However, that is the farthest thing from the truth. When Adonai, the Most High God, looks across the earth, He is searching for those who have faith. They are the ones that He chooses to live in His house.

You have put your faith and trust in the Lord God and you have a reserved place in His house. You have learned that you must agree with God's word and walk in line with His wishes. You have also learned that you need to reject and refuse these worldly ideas that despise and reject the people of faith. If these do not change their minds, they will be held in contempt.

Instead of despising and rejecting those who fear the Lord, you do well to hold them in high honor and respect. Even though they may appear weak, they actually are the real "heavy weights" in the world. They have found the path to true riches and abundance. With your brothers and sisters in the Lord, you have been made glorious.

To continue to walk in that glory, you must remain a man or woman of your word. If you swear an oath, then you must not change your mind, for then you will be displeasing to the Lord. This is a trait of those who are wicked and do evil; they cannot keep their word. However, since you are made in the image of the Most High God, like Him, you always keep your promises.

2-2-07 1 Peter 1:19

1 Peter 1:19 (KJ21)
We have also a more sure word of prophecy, unto which ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts,

1 Peter 1:19 (NAS)
And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

1 Peter 1:19 (NIVUS)
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

1 Peter 1:19 (NLT)
Because of that, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place—until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts.

You have chosen to hold onto God's word; you adhere and cling to it.It is a treasured possession that is stable, firm, sure and trustworthy.Through it, you learn God's thoughts. It sheds light and gives youthe power to understand moral and spiritual truth. You do well to keep it near to your heart; let your mind always be atttentive to it, for this is a beautiful, honorable and excellent thing!

As a lamp, it guides your steps, making them clear. It manifests God's will for your life. It keeps you from dark, dirty, and squalid places.As you embrace it, the darkness does not overcome youand you continually live in its Light.

Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh, is the Daystar of you life! He is the Light of the world and He is the Word of God who lights your path.

2-1-07 Zechariah 7:9, 10

Zechariah 7: 9, 10 (KJ21)
Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, ‘Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother. And oppress not the widow nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.

Zechariah 7: 9, 10 (NAS)
Thus has the LORD of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice, and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another

Zechariah 7: 9, 10 (NIVUS)
This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.

Zechariah 7: 9, 10 (NLT)
This is what the LORD Almighty says: Judge fairly and honestly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and poor people. And do not make evil plans to harm each other.

When the Lord Jehovah speaks, it is a good thing to listen to what He has to say. As Lord Sabaoth, He commands the hosts of the armies of heaven and as the Commander, His orders are obeyed. Although we are members of His family, He also expects us to obey His commands.

If you are put into a position to judge a situation deciding the outcome of a controversy, the Lord asks you to execute that judgment according to His truth. Your decision should be proper and fitting, in accordance with God's justice and righteousness.

In your dealings with every man, Yeshua requires you to act with goodness and kindness, showing mercy and not shaming or causing reproach. You should let the love and compassion that God has placed inside of you flow out to every one you meet. You should treat each one like a brother who was born from the same womb.

Adonai, the Most High God, also requires that you take care of widows, orphans, strangers in your country and the poor. You should not oppress, violate, or do wrong to them. They should not be exploited, defrauded, or crushed in any way. Even contending and quarreling with these precious ones goes against God's will.
You should not think or plan any evil against your brothers. Do not even imagine anything that would cause others pain. Instead esteem and value every person. You should never try to break or shatter anyone, but bring them to a place of restoration and renewal; just as the Lord has brought you into that place of wholeness and restoration.

1-31-07 Job 5: 21, 22, 24

Job 5:21, 22, 24 (KJ21)
Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue, neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh; neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth...And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.

Job 5:21, 22, 24 (NAS)
You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, Neither will you be afraid of violence when it comes. You will laugh at violence and famine, Neither will you be afraid of wild beasts...And you will know that your tent is secure, For you will visit your abode and fear no loss.

Job 5:21, 22, 24 (NIVUS)
You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes. You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the beasts of the earth...You will know that your tent is secure; you will take stock of your property and find nothing missing.

Job 5:21, 22, 24 (NLT)
You will be safe from slander and will have no fear of destruction when it comes. You will laugh at destruction and famine; wild animals will not terrify you... You will know that your home is kept safe. When you visit your pastures, nothing will be missing.

Yeshua loves and cherishes you fervently and wants to protect you in everything. Therefore, when others speak slanderously against you, using their tongues to scourge and whip you, He will hide you under the shadow of His wings. Even if they eagerly rove about speaking falsehoods about you to others, He will draw and hide you close to Himself, You need not dread or fear their words, no matter how destructive they seem. They will not ruin or destroy you.

Because you belong to Adonai, you are able to laugh at famine, devastation, and ruin. You mock at all destruction and hunger that tries to attack you, for no violence or pain shall come near you. So do not be afraid of any living being. Not even the fiercest beast should terrify you. The Lord your God sustains and preserves your life.

You have learned and come to know that God will make your dwelling a place of shalom, peace. Your home shines with the presence of the Lord, the shekinah glory of God. Where He is there is completeness, soundness, and safety. He has restored your life and made you tranquil and content. When you observe your life, you see that there is nothing missing or broken, for the Lord has perfected all that concerns you. He has adorned and beautified everything in your life and you can no longer see even the faintest mark of sin's devastation. He has made you new.

1-30-07 James 1:2-4

James 1:2-4 (KJ21)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this: that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-4 (NAS)
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 (NIVUS)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

Your brothers and sisters, as well those who are not of the household of faith, watch you, as a leader in the Body of Christ, to see how you will react in various situations. Therefore, when you encounter different kinds of trials, it is important that you maintain a godly attitude; for these trials come your way to prove your quality, testing your thoughts, behavior, and character. During those times when you are tempted to lapse from faith and holiness, you must make a deliberate decision to do what the Lord would require of you. You must decide to maintain your joy and your peace, putting your trust completely in Him.

You have come to know and understand that these trials ultimately are for your benefit. They prove that your belief in the Almighty God and Jesus, His Son, has not been in vain. Your trust and confidence in the Lord are demonstrated in your obedience and yieldedness to His will, no matter what comes against you. The trying of your faith produces a steadfastness and endurance that can be gained no other way. This patient waiting helps you not succumb to the greatest of sufferings; for you know that your God will not leave you nor forsake you.

As you hold on to your faith, through this patient perseverance, you will see each and every trial come to an end. Your calm and brave endurance will bring you to a state of completeness and perfection; you will display the consummate of human integrity and virtue. Every area of your life will be whole and you will lack nothing nor be destitute. Yours will be a life defined by the shalom, the peace, that God bestows on you.

1-29-07 Proverbs 3: 25, 26

Proverbs 3: 25, 26 (KJ21)
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh; for the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being snared.

Proverbs 3: 25, 26 (NAS)
Do not be afraid of sudden fear, Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.

Proverbs 3: 25, 26 (NIVUS)
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

Proverbs 3: 25, 26 (NLT)
You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

The events of 911 have left an indelible mark on each one of us who lived through the circumstances that day. As a nation, who had rarely been attacked on our own soil, it was a fearful time. Remembering that day still strikes fear in the hearts of many.

You, however, do no need to fear such times and such attacks. God's word encourages you not to be terrified of the sudden and surprising fear and dread that such an attack as 911 inspires. You do not need to tremble, for you are held in the hands of the Most high God. The devastation, ruin, and waste that wicked men plot are not things of which you need to be concerned. Unlike you, these are hostile to God and living according to their sinful natures. The Lord sees them condemned as guilty.

Jehovah the Lord God is your hope and confidence. To believe otherwise would be stupid and foolish, for you are born of His loins. He will keep and guard you always. He watches over you to protect and save you, for you are the treasure of His heart. As you trust Him, not even your foot will be taken captive.

1-28-07 Proverbs 3:23, 24

Proverbs 3:23, 24 (KJ21)
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble; when thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Proverbs 3:23, 24 (NAS)
Then you will walk in your way securely, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:23, 24 (NIVUS)
Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:23, 24(NLT)
They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams.

You probably have heard the expression "go the distance", which refers to someone who starts something and does not quit until it is finished. That is how Adonai the Lord God wants you to live your life. You have decided to live your life by faith in Jesus Christ the Son of the Most High God. Now every aspect of your life reflects that decision. You walk on your journey according to God's will and His word. You are committed to "go the distance" with the Lord.

Once you make this choice, it does not take long for distractions to pop up in your way. These things try to dissuade and discourage you from continuing. Fear is always lurking. However, if you are diligent to stick to your decision, you will find that you will walk in safety and security. As you place your trust in God, you will have a confidence and boldness that others do not possess. Your feet will not stumble as you continue to explore every opportunity that Jehovah the Lord brings your way. Nothing will be able to strike and smite you down.

Not only will you go through your day in confidence, but you will also lie down at night in peace. You will rest and relax without fear or dread. Actually when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet and pleasant.

Therefore, decide today to go the distance and you will be living in the best possible manner.