9-1-07 James 5:11

James 5:11 (NAS)
Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
James 5:11 (Philips)
Remember that it is those who have patiently endured to whom we accord the word "blessed". You have heard of Job’s patient endurance and how the Lord dealt with him in the end, and therefore you have seen that the Lord is merciful and full of understanding pity.

From experience, you know that when you endure trials and maintain your faith, then you are happy and blessed. You have discovered that the Lord God gives you more grace at those times to keep you steady, so that you will not flee before the enemy. Jesus preserves you, allowing you to bear up bravely and calmly under any ill treatment. It is the Lord's will for you to last and not perish. His desire is that in every circumstance you remain the same and not become someone different under pressure.

You have heard about Job's endurance, constancy, and steadfastness. You perceived that he did not swerve in his loyalty to his faith, but patiently persevered . He was consistent in his piety and showed great fortitude in spite of his great trials. Because of this, Jehovah showed Job, who was miserable and afflicted, great mercy and kindness. From His "bowels" of compassion, Adonai extended His help to him. The Lord caused Job's end to be more blessed than his beginning.

So too can you expect your Lord to have pity and compassion on you, as you endure tests and trials. Do not despair, for Adonai will cause all things to work together for your good. And you, like Job, can be more blessed in your latter days than in your former ones.

8-31-07 1 Peter 1:13

1 Peter 1:13 (NAS)
Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:13 (Philips)
So brace up your minds, and, as men who know what they are doing, rest the full weight of your hopes on the grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ reveals himself.

It is Satan's desire to impede every step of your Christian walk; so he afflicts your mind with thoughts contrary to God's word. His aim is to weaken your faith and to question Adonai's integrity and faithfulness.

You, therefore, should prepare for his attacks; gird up and fortify yourself in the word of the Lord. It will strengthen and reinforce your faith, for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Through it, you quench every fiery dart that the enemy throws at you.

Strive to remain calm and collected in spirit. Do not expect anything fearful or evil; instead hold on to your hope, trust, and confidence until it is perfected. Jesus' grace, favor, good will, and mercy will strengthen and bear you up until the very end. The manifested truth that the Lord discloses will help you to endure.

8-29-07 Romans 15:4

Romans 15:4 (NAS)
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 (Philips)
For all those words which were written long ago are meant to teach us today; so that we may be encouraged to endure and to go on hoping in our own time.

From the beginning of creation, Adonai chose some of His men to write down what He wanted us to remember. He recorded His vision for mankind, so that all, who can read, would be able to understand His will.

Now through this written word, you have received instruction in the doctrines of the Almighty. You have learned His precepts and have understood your duties before Him.
Through Jehovah's word, you have come to possess patience and steadfastness. It has taught you to endure. You cannot be swerved from your purpose or your faith even in the greatest trials and sufferings. You will persevere and survive anything; you will live and not perish through the power of God's word.

When you need comfort and consolation, the Holy Scriptures will provide it. Through them you receive exhortation, admonition, and encouragement. The refreshment and strength that you need can always be found in God's word. It will also give you hope, allowing you to expect good things. Through it you will maintain your joy and confidence.

8-27-07 Matthew 13:44

Matthew 13:44 (NAS)
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44 (Philips)
"Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like some treasure which has been buried in a field. A man finds it and buries it again, and goes off overjoyed to sell all his possessions to buy himself that field.

A man is wise when he discovers something of great value and does not turn away from it. You are wise for you have searched for and found something for which others long. Although it was concealed and hidden, as if it had been buried and forgotten in a field, you diligently looked until you recognized and obtained the knowledge of Adonai.

When you first glimpsed this secret, you knew you had to know and posses all of it; for just that glimpse brought you great joy. It showed you that you could thrive and be well. You, therefore, went about trying to find the way to obtain that treasure. You were willing to sell all that you had in order to buy that field in which it had been hidden. Nothing else mattered to you except that precious field and its riches.

Now you hold citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven and have submitted yourself to Jesus's royal power, dominion and rule. Because of this, you have access to all of its treasures, for there the Lord has laid up for you only good and precious things