4-24-08 2 Samuel 12:13,14

2 Samuel 12:13, 14 (NAS)
Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die.However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.

2 Samuel 12:13, 14 (NLT)
Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won?t die for this sin.But you have given the enemies of thegreat opportunity to despise and blaspheme him, so your child will die."
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David was God's beloved and a man after God's own heart. Yet he still committed sin. Because of the adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah, David forfeited his close, intimate relationship with Adonai for a time. During that time his spirit and soul suffered lack and he was condemned. His brought harm to others and offense to the Lord.
The Lord Jehovah loved David and wanted to reconcile their relationship. He, therefore, sent the prophet Nathan to David. Nathan actually was God's gift to David; he brought God's word to him, so that he would repent of his trespas. The Lord wanted to cleanse, purge, and purify David once again.

So it is with you. If you offend Adonai through your words, thoughts, or actions. you should admit your fault quickly so that you do not suffer further loss. If you do not confess your sin to the Lord, likeDavid, the Lord may have to send you a "Nathan" to expose your sin. Then once exposed, He will give you the opportunity to repent. When you do this, He will cover your sin; in fact, through Jesus, He will do away with it. He will provide a way of escape from the death that accompanies sin. You will not be destroyed or perish.

All of your actions, whether good or bad,reflect on the Lord God. So it is important that you refrain from habitually sinning, for you are God's spokesman. Your evil deeds are likely to bring scorn upon the Lord and the gospel. Those who hate God, those who are His enemies, may use your sins as an opportunity to blaspheme the Lord Jehovah. Instead of drawing near to God, they will flee away, for they have been provoked and despise Adonai even more. In this instance, even though your sin is forgiven, you may suffer further consequences to your action. Through their adultery, David and Bathesheba conceived a child. However, God did not allow the child to live. So too, something that you have conceived and trying to give birth to may die as a result of your sin.

Therefore, it is best for you to strive to abstain from doing anything that opposes God's will. In this way, you insure that your plans and dreams will not die; they will come to their ful growth unaffected by sin.

4-20-08 Psalm 5:8 The Lord God Leads You In The Right Path

Psalm 5:8 (NAS)
O LORD, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes; Make Thy way straight before me.


Psalm 5:8 (NLT)
Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do, and show me which way to turn.
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Adonai desires to expand your territory; His plan is always for you to experience growth. Many times He guides you into new areas, just as colonists move into a new land. There they dwell putting down new roots and establishing a new life. Here they have hope of seeing their dreams fulfilled. Likewise, when God leads you into an unexplored venture, be confident that He is transporting you into something good.

You need not fear that He will bring you into something that will be wrong for you. What He bestows on you comes from His righteous nature. Everything that the Lord Jehovah does is right and just. He has already cleansed you and has changed your sinful nature into a righteous one, for you are made in His image. Therefore, when He leads you somewhere, He is taking you to a place of more prosperity.

Your enemies are watching to see what God will do for you. Even though they may oppose Adonai's will and purpose, you can be assured that you are going in the right direction. The Lord always leads you in a straight path. He goes before your face and as you keep your eyes on Him, your journey will be prosperous and pleasant. When you choose the straight way, God's way, you will be esteemed and honored. Your course of life and mode of action will always reflect the character and nature of the God you worship and serve.