2-10-07 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.

It is true that God is love and He loves the world. However, man through his repeated actions can bring the curse of the Lord on his house. If a person openly shows that he is hostile to God, he is assumed to be a wicked criminal, but some people are hostile to God in a quieter, private manner. These are no less wicked and criminal than their more outspoken counterparts. These people continue to live in sin against God and against others. Through their attitudes and actions, these people have condemned themselves as guilty, for they are unethical and lack civility.

The story is completely different for those who choose to follow Adonai's ways. You are one of these righteous men, who has chosen to live according to what is lawful. You have been justified and vindicated by the Most High God, which is reflected in your conduct and character. Therefore, instead of cursing, you can expect the blessing of the Lord on your habitation. Wherever you dwell will be beautified and adorned with the glory of God. Your house will be a place of rest. .

2-9-07 Proverbs 3: 31, 32

Proverbs 3: 31, 32 (KJ21)
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; for the froward is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret is with the righteous.

Proverbs 3: 31, 32 (NAS)
Do not envy a man of violence, And do not choose any of his ways. For the crooked man is an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.

Proverbs 3: 31, 32 (NIVUS)
Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence

Proverbs 3: 31, 32 (NLT)
Do not envy violent people; don’t copy their ways. Such wicked people are an abomination to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly.

When you look at how some people live their lives, you might be tempted to be jealous and envious. Many people seem to gain from unethical or illegal practices. Some mere mortals seem to get ahead through violence, oppression, and injustice. These do wrong and maltreat their fellow man, seemingly without any qualms or regrets.

You, however, have been called to a higher standard and should not envy these evil-doers. In fact, Jehovah your Lord encourages you not to choose that path. You should not even try this course of life, for Almighty God looks upon these perverse men as disgusting and abhorrent. Adonai actually loathes and detests them. To Him they are abominations.

Jehovah the Lord wants to share an intimate relationship with you, for He is well-pleased with you. You are a member of His secret company and someone with whom He can deliberate. He loves to sit down together with you, so that He can counsel and instruct you. Therefore, it is important that you choose the right way and the path that leads straight to His throne. This is the most pleasant and prosperous road that you can take. On it you will be highly esteemed.

2-8-07 Proverbs 3:29, 30

Proverbs 3:29, 30 (KJ21)
Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely beside thee. Strive not with a man without cause if he has done thee no harm.

Proverbs 3:29, 30 (NAS)
Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives in security beside you. Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

Proverbs 3:29, 30 (NIVUS)
Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse a man for no reason— when he has done you no harm.

Proverbs 3:29, 30 (NLT)
Do not plot against your neighbors, for they trust you. Don’t make accusations against someone who hasn’t wronged you.

Sometimes children pretend not to hear their parents when they are being told something they do not want to hear. This characteristic is not limited to just children, however. Employees can tune out their bosses. Husbands and wives can choose to have selective hearing with their spouses. Criminals are always turning deaf ears to the laws of the land.

Many times believers will choose not to listen and obey what God is telling them. They may want to gratify their own wants and wishes instead of doing what the Lord desires. They may being to plot and plan to take vengeance against someone, when God says vengeance is His. Wanting to get back at someone, these may try to afflict and vex a neighbor, friend, family member, or spouse. This kind of behavior is not pleasing to Adonai, the Most High God.

If you want to remain in God's favor, you should not fabricate lies against another. Instead you should hold your peace, as you remain in the rest and quiet that the Lord gives you. If you choose not to take your own revenge, then you can allow the Lord to work things out. Therefore, do not ever try to hurt or cause harm to another. You do not have to defend yourself, for the Lord is your defense. You should not let yourself complain or contend with your companions.

You should, instead, help your friends to continue to dwell in safety and security. They should be able to trust and have confidence in you, knowing that you will never cause them harm. Like the Lord your God, you can be a place of refuge for others. You should maintain an innocent attitude toward you friends and neighbors and you should always try to treat others well.

2-7-07 Psalms 16:1-3

Psalms 16: 1-3 (KJ21)

(A memorial Psalm of David)

Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, "Thou art my Lord; my goodness extendeth not to Thee, but to the saints that are on the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

Psalms 16: 1-3(NAS)

(A Mikhtam of David.)

Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in Thee. I said to the LORD, "Thou art my Lord; I have no good besides Thee. As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

Psalms 16: 1-3 (NIVUS)

(A miktam of David.)

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing. As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.

Psalms 16: 1-3(NLT)

(A psalm of David.)

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Master! All the good things I have are from you. The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!

There have been many poems written to extol the greatness of Adonai, the Lord Most High. However, few surpass those written by Israel's King David, who was beloved of the God. David knew his Lord as a hedge of protection, who was always on guard. Through Him, David was preserved and saved, because he made Almighty God his refuge. David put his confidence and trust in the strong and all powerful God.

The Lord Jehovah was David's sovereign ruler. He knew Him as his Owner and the Master of his life. Compared to Yahweh, David's goodness was small, but he acknowledged the Lord as his benefactor, who made his life beautiful and better. He always saw God's bounty and favor, freely given to him. David understood the heart of his Father God.

David also knew that the goodness and kindness of God extended to all of His saints, those who have been made clean by the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Yeshua the Messiah of Israel is this same Lord and Christ who makes you holy, sanctifying and setting you apart for Himself. Through the Lord, you have been made worthy to receive God's excellencies and glory. He is always expanding your borders, so that others see you as great and honorable. Like David, you are gallant, noble, and powerful, for Jehovah the Lord takes pleasure and delight in you. In His eyes, you are highly valued.

2-6-07 Proverbs 3:27, 28

Proverbs 3:27, 28 (KJ21)
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, "Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give," when thou hast it with thee.

Proverbs 3:27, 28 (NAS)
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.

Proverbs 3:27, 28 (NIVUS)
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you.

Proverbs 3:27, 28 (NLT)
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you."

Often as punishment, parents will take away certain privileges from their children. It is usually something that the child likes and enjoys. In this case, it is appropriate discipline, since parents are responsible for their children. However, if a sibling tries to enforce the same sort of punishment that would be totally inappropriate, since brothers and sisters do not have that authority over each other.

In the body of Christ, God's family, you may see certain people who try to usurp authority that they do not have. In fact, the word of God encourages you to go out of your way to be good and kind to your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are able to be good, showing grace and kindness to another, then you are not to withhold or deny these things. In fact, showing favor with sweetness and pleasantness is what you owe them; it is their due.

The Lord God has given power to your hands to do good to benefit others. In this you are like your Heavenly Father, for He loves to bless His children. Your hand should be an open giving one and not a closed fist. If you are able to give and bestow something on a friend, associate, or companion, you should not tell them to go away and to come back on the morrow. Do not procrastinate in adding to another's life. When you do good to others, you will find that you will have everything that you need.

2-5-07 Psalms 15:1, 5

Psalms 15:1, 5 (KJ21)
(A Psalm of David.)
LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?...he that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh a bribe against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Psalms 15:1, 5 (NAS)
(A Psalm of David.)
O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?...He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Psalms 15:1, 5 (NIVUS)
(A psalm of David.)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?... who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Psalms 15:1, 5 (NLT)
(A psalm of David.)
Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?... Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.

You live in a time of "easy credit", when you can buy almost anything on time payments. However, that "easy credit" gets many people in trouble. It is easy to overextend yourself if you do not keep track of what you owe. This is a problem that the Lord addresses in His word. He warns His people against employing such practices.

If you have silver and gold that other people can long for and yearn after, then you are cautioned not to lend your money out at interest. If you do this, you are taking a bite out of someone else's life. It would be better for both of you, if you have the money, to give it as a gift and not look for any return on it. If you do this, the Lord will reward you.

You also should not take a bribe to do harm to another who is innocent and guiltless. When you receive a bribe, you are already captured by the enemy and you are stealing from someone else. You should not receive a reward through another's misfortune.

Choosing to follow the Lord's instruction in these areas and doing what He wants will keep you slipping and falling. You will not easily be overthrown, for you feet will be planted on solid ground and you will not totter. In fact, you will be welcomed into the house of God, where you will dwell safely and securely forever.

2-4-07 Jeremish 32:17, 18

Jeremiah 32:17, 18 (KJ21)
Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and outstretched arm; and there is nothing too hard for Thee. Thou showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them. The Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts is His name,

Jeremiah 32:17, 18 (NAS)
Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee, who showest lovingkindness to thousands, but repayest the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The LORD of hosts is His name.

Jeremiah 32:17, 18 (NIVUS)
Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers’ sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty,

Jeremiah 32:17, 18 (NLT)
O Sovereign LORD! You have made the heavens and earth by your great power. Nothing is too hard for you! You are loving and kind to thousands, though children suffer for their parents’ sins. You are the great and powerful God, the LORD Almighty.

Adonai, who is the Lord of the whole earth, is the King of kings and Master of all. The Lord Jehovah fashioned and made universe. The heavens, the sky, and the atmosphere that surround you were all created by Yahweh the Lord. He divided the heavens from the earth. Everywhere you look, you see the work of His hands. The Almighty God's strength and power is great. When He simply stretches out His arm, Hi might is displayed. Every word that He speaks is wonderful and marvelous. His promises are extraordinary and are not beyond His power to fulfill. He understands all things and nothing is too difficult for Him.

However, you do not need to fear such an awesome God, for He looks upon you with love and mercy. He appoints goodness and kindness to thousands of people and has enough for you, as well. His covenant of peace covers your iniquity and guilt. In His peace you are recompensed and rewarded. He restores what you have lost and makes you completely whole. From your father to your children, you see the blessing of the Lord poured out.

Therefore, magnify and give glory to the Great and Mighty God. Jehovah is your strength, and He leads forth His army into battle for you. Your enemies tremble at His name, for His fame is glorious and great.