With Joy Abounding

This morning as I thought about fellowship yesterday I thought of all of the effort we put into trying to survive life. But are we really doing what needs be done? Perhaps the effort gets overwhelming when we are forgetting that God is on our side and that we are to be doing His will, not our own. It is like we get all wound up in the events of life and begin to focus on them. Our real focus should be on the things of God, on what He is doing and where He wants to take us. He wants us to be happy and at peace.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

We can have these things if we seek God and His kingdom.

Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

We are given a path of life that allows us to be happy and have joy if we will take that path.

John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Jesus said that when He returns we will ask nothing from Him. The time to ask is while we await His return. And when we ask He will give it to us that our joy may be full. That is what we should expect if we keep His commandments. I long for that joy abounding, and I will keep believing and expecting His gifts to men.

Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You the Most High. You alone are worthy to be glorified. You alone are due the admiration of all mankind. Send Your kingdom to the earth today. Give us Your abundant provision. Let it overflow to those around us in need. Forgive us our sin. Let us be a sign for good that all men might know You alone have done these things and that You alone are God. Let all men see You are our King. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Watching For The Signs

God is ever watching over His people. He loves us and wants to ensure our safety and happiness. He has always been there, and He has always given His people notice when there is something they need to know. The scriptures tell us that God lets His people know what is happening.

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

In these times, God speaks to all mankind. He has poured His Spirit out on all flesh, not just the prophets.

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

God gives us signs. We have to be watchful to see the signs He has laid out in front of us. He wants to always prepare us, and to show us His ways. If we ignore the signs, we risk harm to ourselves and others. But if we see them, He guides us.

We just have to watch to see the signs.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You as the Most High God. Your kingdom is the only kingdom we desire. Send us today Your abundant provision. Forgive us our transgressions. Help us to be better people, people after Your own heart. We love You and long to be with You. Heal us and deliver us. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

What We Speak

There are times when we all may feel that our lives are too overwhelming. In fact, there may be events or circumstances in our lives that are more challenging than we are equipped to handle. In those moments it is good for us to remember that that does not take our God by surprise. He built this place and He built us. He is well aware of what it takes for us to make it. And He is ever present to assist us to make certain that we do make it.

Psalms 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Our God does not rest from watching over us. We can go to bed, wake up, and go through our day knowing that we have God watching over us and keeping us from all evil. We are encouraged to say these things out loud that we might hear them and be comforted.

Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

In all this we can take great comfort.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are worthy of all praise and Glory. We love You and long for You to send Your kingdom to this earth. We long to do Your will. Send us today overwhelming provision. Forgive us when we err, and help us as we forgive those that have treated us badly. Help them to know You. Heal us and deliver us. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

On The Boat

Yesterday we were reading about the story of Noah. While discussing the story we discovered that Noah’s name means comfort. As I thought about the story I tried to relate to the meaning of his name and the story. I would imagine that his children, wife, and the animals took some comfort in the fact that they had a safe place to be in the rain and storm. They would have had little knowledge of all that was going on outside because it would have been so unusual to them.

Genesis 7:15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.
17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.
18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.

It was difficult for me to make the connection to his name meaning comfort and to what was happening. Then I thought about the beginning of the story. It discusses Noah’s relationship with God. It was that relationship with God that was experienced by those around him. The world was pretty messed up, so being around someone that had that kind of a relationship with the true source of peace would have been comforting for sure.

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

As believers, God wants to be with us and walk with and in us. We can have this type of relationship with God as well and we can be a comfort to those around us. Let’s be that today.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. We need Your help and Your kingdom. Send us Your abundant provision today Father. Let us be a comfort because we walk with You. Forgive us when we make mistakes. Help us to be like Jesus. Help us to understand who You are and how You are changing us to be like You. Heal us and deliver us. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

King Of Second Chances

For those of us that live in places where there are presidents and senators and so forth, it can be difficult to grasp what it means to live under the rule of a king. As believers, we do just that – we serve the One True Living God, our King. He is like all the great stories of benevolent, fair, and just kings we ever read, only far better. He not only fights for His people, He always wins when He does. Our King is undefeated. As I sit and think about God our King this morning, and think of all of His attributes, one thing stands out above the rest for me today. He never gives up on us.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

He always returns to save His people when they repent of evil. He sends wholeness, which is what salvation means, saving the whole man.

Isaih 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Today let’s remember what a great King we serve. He is the King of Second Chances, and never gives up on us. If you are facing something, some challenge, and you believe God will not help you with it, give Him a chance today. Let Him be King over that thing in Your life today. Ask Him for His help as your King, and watch as He transforms the very thing you are troubled by in front of Your very eyes! Hallelu Yah! We serve the undefeated King!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You today. You alone are our King. We need Your kingdom in this earth today Father. Send us Your overwhelming provision blessing today. Forgive us when we do what we should not do and think what we should not think. Help us to be better people today Father. Help us to do Your will in this earth. Heal and deliver Your people. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Lest We Forget

We are told in scripture of the story of the children of Israel in the wilderness. The wilderness they were in was a barren desert. God led them in the desert forty years because they had not believed Him and wanted to return to Egypt.

Numbers 32:7 And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord hath given them?
8 Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh–barnea to see the land.
9 For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the Lord had given them.
10 And the Lord’s anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,
11 Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:
12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord.
13 And the Lord’s anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed.

God had delivered them many times yet they denied Him and His deliverance by wanting to return to Egypt. We serve this very same God. He wants to prosper us and give us all of His promises. We have a God that saved the Israel from the plagues in Egypt. He set them free and made them wealthy with silver, gold, and livestock in one day. He parted the sea that they could cross on dry land. He had the sea close over the Egyptians that pursued them and killed their pursuers. He provided bread from heaven. He provided meat to eat. He provided water from a rock, and all three of these in a barren desert. If we understand that this is our God, we can know that He will provide as promised when we ask.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. We so much need You in our lives. Let Your kingdom come to this earth Lord. Today send us Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our iniquities, for we are a frail people. Strengthen us by the might of Your right arm. Give us the courage to believe. We want to trust in You. You are the One that heals and delivers. Come quickly. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Fasting And Prayer

For those that believe in keeping the feasts of the Lord, this is either the day after or the day of Yom Kippur. It is during this time that those that keep this feast are to fast and reflect on the need for repentance. It is a time of affliction, a time of repentance, a time for change.

Leviticus 23:26 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.
28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God.
29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

This year in particular more than ever, it is a time for prayer for all believers. There is much evil in the world, as if the world had gone mad. Pray for peace in Jerusalem, and in our homes as well.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. On this solemn day, we need Your kingdom. Give us today Your abundant provision. Forgive us when we fall short. Please take away the evil and craziness in the world today Father. Protect us, heal us, and deliver us. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

We Are With Him

We welcome our God into our lives when we have troubled times in our wake. We also welcome Him when we first turn to Him. Perhaps we could have more full lives if in the good times we also welcome Him. Perhaps the way this is best done is by taking some set time every day to be with God and just thank and praise Him. The psalmists spoke of this often.

Psalms 75:1 Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.
2 When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.
3 The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.
4 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.
6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
9 But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Our Father is ever with us. He is ever protecting us, and keeping us safe.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are worthy of all praise. Let Your kingdom fall upon the earth today. Send us overwhelming provision today. Forgive our lack our purity, and help us to be whole in You. Give us Your healing and Your deliverance. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Making A Good Life

When we try to spend time with our family, we are walking down the path that God has for us. God is very much about family. We are a part of God’s family. It is very good for us to be close to other believers. God speaks of this frequently.

Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Today, when we have opportunity, let’s enjoy the company of our fellow believers.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are worthy to be praised. You alone have the kingdom that we long to live in forever. Send Your kingdom to earth. Give us abundant provision. Help us to get back on track when we get off track. Send Your healing and deliverance. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Faith Travels With Humility

When we think of our faith, there are many scriptures that come to mind. It is interesting that the one most noted for faith was Abraham. He truly believed in God and believed that God was on his side.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Abraham uprooted his entire family and traveled to a far land because he trusted in God. Paul speaks of the need for faith also in his letter to the Galatians.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Many have thought that this passage was speaking of the doing away of the law. Here Paul is quoting the prophet Habakkuk, with the point being that it takes humility to have faith.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

The law never saved anyone. In fact, those that truly sought God knew this and often cried out. They knew that if they did not keep the law they were condemned. They cried out to seek God, not His rules, because they believed God wanted only good for them. On the other hand those that were proud and haughty thought they could just keep the law. They even added more to it so that their traditions were more strict than God’s law. In this way they thought they would keep the letter of the law, but they could not. Their pride got in the way of a humble relationship with our Father God.

We are frail beings. We are weak on our own. With God on our side, we can overcome anything and be blessed. This is the message God has for us. This is why He sent the Messiah to die for us that we might be reunited with God forever.

Today if you have a struggle, humble yourself, trust in our God and cry out to Him, and He will lift You up.

Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You. You alone can lift us up into Your kingdom when we are weary. Give us Your overwhelming abundant provision today Lord. Let Your reign come in our lives. Forgive us when we give in to thoughts of doubt and unbelief. Move us onto Your paths and into Your ways. Send us your healing and deliverance. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.