10-06-07 Romans 12:10

Romans 12:10 (Philips)
Let us have real warm affection for one another as between brothers, and a willingness to let the other man have the credit.
Romans 12:10 (NLT)
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:10 (NAS)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

There are many things that God expects of you, things that He has commanded you to do. One of these is to show love and tender affection to your brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. You should cherish them, as you do your children or your spouse. Treat your brethren as friends and companions, of whom you always think well.

You must value other believers, for Jesus paid a high price for each one. Strive always to honor them, deferring to and reverencing them. All are precious in the sight of the Lord.
If you need to, go before your brethren, leading them in the way. Guide and direct your fellow believers, accompanying and encouraging them in their walk before Adonai. Always consider and think about the needs of others. Use your power and authority to help them in any way. Esteem them highly even as the Lord esteems you, and celebrate their lives.

10-4-07 1 Peter 5: 5, 6

1 Peter 5: 5, 6 (NAS)
You younger men, likewise, b e subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
1 Peter 5: 5, 6 (Philips)
You younger members must also accept the authority of the elders. Indeed all of you should defer to one another and wear the "overall" of humility in serving each other. God is always against the proud, but he is always ready to give grace to the humble. So, humble yourselves under God’s strong hand, and in his own good time he will lift you up.
1 Peter 5: 5, 6 (NLT)
You younger men, accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for "God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you.

You have learned how to subject yourself to another's authority. When you are assigned to a certain post or position, you take your responsibility seriously; you obey and submit yourself to those in leadership above you. You cooperate with them and help to carry their burdens.
You have also learned how to subordinate yourself to your brethren. You submit to the wishes of others, striving to mutually agree with them. You think little of yourself and your own opinions, but you esteem others. You have clothed yourself with humility, maintaining a lowly and modest attitude, With this attitude you reveal that you are a true servant of Jesus.

You have seen others who are not humble, who set themselves above their brothers. Since they see themselves as better than others, they are haughty and contemptuous, proud and arrogant.
Adonai, however, is not impressed with them. In fact, He is in direct opposition to them. He ranges Himself in battle array against them, resisting them at every turn. If they do not change, these proud ones will see only ruin, destruction, and death.

But you do not have to fear this fate. Instead of death and destruction, you receive grace from God. Because Jehovah directs His mercy and kindness to you, you receive strength to live your life to please Him.

Therefore, when you humble and abase yourself under Adonai's hand, keeping yourself devoid of all haughtiness, the Lord God will take notice of you. When the time is right, He will exalt and lift you up, giving you dignity and honor. Prosperity and happiness will be yours

10-3-2007 Job 5:17, 18

Job 5:17, 18 (NAS)

Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He inflicts pain, and gives relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal.
Job 5:17, 18 (NLT)
But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the chastening of the Almighty when you sin. For though he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but his hands also heal.

Even though you used to be desperately wicked and weak, you now allow Jehovah to correct and convict you of your wrong doing. You do not despise or reject His chastening. Therefore, you are happy and blessed, because you are advancing and making progress. The Lord continually sets you right so that you walk straight ahead. The most powerful and almighty God instructs and disciplines you in the way that you should go.

Sometimes His correction may bring you pain and sorrow. However, you know that if He should hurt you, He will also bind up and bandage your wounds. If you feel that He is smiting and shattering you, you also know that His hands will heal you. He will restore His favor to you.
Therefore, do not fear Adonai's chastening. It can only do you good.

9-30-07 Isaiah 33:16

Isaiah 33:16 (NAS)
He will dwell on the heights; His refuge will be the impregnable rock; His bread will be given him; His water will be sure.
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Isaiah 33:16 (NLT)
These are the ones who will dwell on high. The rocks of the mountains will be their fortress of safety. Food will be supplied to them, and they will have water in abundance.

Adonai has elevated you, setting you on high. You dwell and abide in the Lord's tabernacle. It is a place where you can lie down, rest, and relax. No longer are you rotten or wormy, but exalted and lifted up.

Jehovah has made you inaccessibly high on a rocky cliff, that is safe and secure from any of your enemies,for the Lord your God is your refuge and stronghold. He is a retreat where you can go to be renewed and strengthened.

All the provision that you need is found in Him. He is your bread, your grain, and your prosperity. When He goes to war against your enemies, He makes them your food. He also has given you water for refreshment. He is the source from which it springs.

Adonai, who supports, upholds, and nourishes you, is faithful. He is your pillar; like Him, you stand firm. He has established you, making you sure and lasting. Therefore, continue to believe the One who is reliable and trustworthy. He will keep you strong.