Hope In The Lord

Hope is an interesting word in the scriptures. In our modern language when we say, “I hope so”, often we are saying we wish it were true. We may even be thinking it is impossible, that we doubt it could happen. This is different from scriptures.

Psalms 130:4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.#I say…: or, which watch unto
7 Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Here the word hope means waiting with expectation, and in this case it is for forgiveness. David would wait with expectation based upon what he heard from God. This same idea is put forth in the letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

In this scripture we see that faith is what makes us expect and wait for our Father to bring something to pass. Further on in this same passage we see faith defined.

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.

Faith is both believing that God exists and that He is on our side so much that He rewards us. If we struggle to believe that He is on our side, we can change what we believe with our speaking. We can say out loud that He rewards us, and like our Father our words will have impact if they agree with His words.

Today, let the words of our mouth say we hope in Yahuah (Lord).

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let Your will be done here, just as it is in the heavens. Give us today Your abundant provision, so great that it overflows to those around us. Forgive us all our transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have transgressed against us. Let there be peace in relationships between us. Cleanse our hearts, and cleanse our minds. Heal us on the inside. Renew our spirit within us, and seal us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us to serve you, and let us serve You well, advancing Your kingdom. Only You, O King, can do these things. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Rise up, my King, rise up and deliver Your people today, in Your kindness and compassion. Amen.

A Time Of Prayer

We are human. Obvious, right? Yet I believe it is important to realize two parts to this. On the one hand, we are fragile and need our Father’s help always.

Psalms 39:4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

And at the same time, we are also like our Father. This has been true from before the manifestation in the flesh of our Messiah.

Psalms 82:3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

We are meant to do what Jesus did, and more.

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

So let us believe that Yeshuah is in Yahuah (Jesus in the Father) and that Yahuah is in Yeshuah (the Father in Jesus), and ask what we will. If we will do this, He will be faithful to do it. We do not have to get all of the details perfectly right. It is unlikely that we will. But our Father will respond to the broken and contrite heart. We are meant to do His work. Let’s humble ourselves and do that work today.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Bless the name Yahuah! Let Your will be done here among us. Send us today Your provision such that we have no lack. Forgive us our trespasses, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed against us. Help us to reach the bond of unity. Restore unto Your people today all that has been taken or held back in any way, and the more besides. Rise up, my King! Come in power and might and deliver Your people now. We ask these things in the name of Jesus (Yeshuah). Amen.

Building From The Ground Up

There are many different beliefs among believers. While we have the common ground of the Messiah, there are many areas where the ground is not so common. Sometimes the disagreements result in conflict. This should not be. Scriptures plainly say we should be united.

Psalms 133
A Song of degrees of David.
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!together…: Heb. even together
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.

The challenge is in getting past our differences. But if we adhere to the basics that our Father has given us, we start from love and from forgiveness.

Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

And as to forgiveness…

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Today, let us build upon the greatest commands, and forgive one another, that our Father will forgive us, hear our cries, and come to our rescue.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Bless the name Yahuah! Let Your kingdom come and will be done on this earth among us. Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have transgressed against us. Cleanse our hearts and minds. Help us to be in unity. Deliver us from the evil here. Restore unto Your people all good that has been taken or held back in any way, and the more besides. Help us Father, for we are but human. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus).

Helpful Tools

Last night as I studied scriptures before I went to bed, I read a scripture from James that hit home with me.

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

Often I have heard it taught that James said we cannot control the tongue. While I do not agree that is what this scripture teaches, let us set that argument aside for a moment. Here is something that tends to be true. It is difficult for the mind to both think words in a “running stream” and talk at the same time. When we are not talking, that stream is running and our mind gets the thoughts into the heart. There is another scripture that also discusses what we say.

Luke 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Here it says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak. So if we are struggling with our thoughts, we can begin to speak out loud the correct thoughts and actions. This will end up in our heart, both by speaking and by hearing it. If we just speak what is in the “running stream” in our heads, then the evil can be reinforced. The goal is to remember in those moments to begin to say out loud the correct thoughts and behavior, thereby taking control of our hearts and minds. Praise God! We have a tool to help us win!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Bless the name Yahuah! Father, let Your will be among us in this earth. Send today Your overwhelming provision such that it overflows to those around us. Forgive us our transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have transgressed against us. Cleanse our hearts and minds, and heal up the wounds there. Restore and build up the right relationships among us. Restore unto Your people all the prosperity of lands, goods, and treasures that have been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and that one hundredfold. Rise up, O Mighty King, and strike at the evil. Grind it to powder, and carry it away in the whirlwind. Show us a sign for good, that all men might know that You alone have done this thing. We ask all these things in theh name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Living In Preparation

We can live in a state of mind that allows us to be at peace with God and man. That state of mind requires only that we turn to our Father Yahuah (Lord) and surrender everything to Him. It really is simple, and yet at least for me I have made this very difficult at times. Our heart will be with and grow where our treasure is.

Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

If we can build ourselves up in our Father and His will by seeking Him first, He will give us the Kingdom, with blessings. He wants to give us the kingdom. And we get to that place by turning our hearts toward Him. We need to meditate on Him and His ways and what He offers.

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,
30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Each day we need to seek that day to see what our Father is doing, and to do His will.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Bless the name Yahuah! Let Your will be reflected in this earth as it is in the Heavens now. Send us today Your overwhelming provision such that it overflows to those around us. Forgive us our transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have transgressed against us. Heal and cleanse our hearts and minds. Restore right relationships between us. According to Your everlasting mercy, pour out Your blessing today that we might be a sign to those around us. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Now Is The Time To Build

We can build when we can build. This may seem like circular logic, but it is actually quite profound. The point is, while we are able to build – the environment, the resources, our own strength, and anything else needed – we should use all that God has provided to build. This is evident in many places in scripture.

Proverbs 24:27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

There is an order to things, a sequence in which they are to be done. While it is possible to do them, we need to do them. Our part is to pray and seek God’s direction, then step out in faith and do what we believe that He has shown us to do.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let Your will be among us. Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our trespasses, and help us all to forgive one another for the times we have been trespassed against. Heal our hearts and minds. Be with us Father. We need You. We need Your help and deliverance. Restore unto Your people one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people that which is good. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Psalms 113

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.Praise ye…: Heb. Hallelujah
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.
4 The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high,dwelleth…: Heb. exalteth himself to dwell
6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our King! Bless the name Yahuah! Let Your will be in this earth. Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our trespasses and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed against us. Heal our hearts and minds. Restore unto Your people relationships that have been worn thin or destroyed. Help us Father. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

When We Sing

We are meant to be believers and followers of our Father the King. It is not uncommon for there to be “much to-do” when the King is present, travels, or even enters a space. Often, there is music, and singing. This is true for us in our Father’s kingdom as well. We find this throughout the scriptures. However, there can be many purposes to this singing, more than just the exaltation of the royalty.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

We build ourselves and each other up when we sing songs to our Father. Today, Let’s sing to Him, and be built up.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let Your will be in this earth. Send now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have transgressed against us. We need Your healing touch in our lives. Restore us. Restore unto Your people all that is good that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people. Help them to be at a place where they are better than they ever were. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Mercy And Compassion

There is an underlying message throughout the scriptures of our Father’s mercy.

Daniel 9:9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

Not only is He merciful, meaning compassionate here, He is willing to respond when we call out to Him because of His compassion (mercy) and not our righteousness.

Daniel 9:18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.which…: Heb. whereupon thy name is calledpresent: Heb. cause to fall
19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.
20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.swiftly: Heb. with weariness, or, flight
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.to…: Heb. to make thee skilful of

We are a people most blessed. We need to show this same mercy to those around us.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let Your will be done here in this earth today. Send us Your overwhelming provision today, that it might overflow to those around us. Forgive us our transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have transgressed against us. Restore Your people Father. Heal and cleanse our hearts and minds. Restore unto Your people better relationships with each other. Restore unto Your people one hundredfold all the substance that has been taken or held back in any way, and the more besides. Deliver Your people from indebtedness. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus).

Mirrored Builders

Last night I had a dream about someone. The person I dreamt about is someone that in the past had caused me harm by gossiping and speaking ill of me. In the dream, I we were close friends. We shared conversation. God showed me we were sharing the same sin. For me it is true that the problems I see in others are only seen by me because they are in me. When we judge others, it is better if we don’t, but rather look at ourselves to see what we can improve.

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Jesus (Yeshuah) goes on to say that we can go about this process of improving ourselves by seeking, asking, and knocking. When we judge others, we cast what belongs to our Father into fire. Or the pearls that He has given us in the form of the lives of others, before swine we cast them. This ought not to be. If we are to be holy unto Yahuah (Lord), then we have to work on ourselves, and not the other guy. When two people are having an issue, it is not one person’s fault or problem. Each person contributes to that problem, and the only way the problem is truly eliminated is if BOTH people work on their part of the problem, their own flaws. Only then can they work together on their joint problems. Many of us were taught we had to be right, and that only one person was right in a dispute. As we see here, that is NOT what our Messiah taught. No man is righteous. No man is without sin. We all need improvement. We all need mercy and forgiveness. And all this working together also takes forgiveness, no matter what has happened, in order for our Father to hear and forgive us.

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Today, let us apply mercy to those that have “wronged” us. Let’s give our prayers strength, always striving to be more like Yeshuah (Jesus).

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let Your will be with us here. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our trespasses and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed against us. Heal our hearts and minds. Restore Your people Father. Restore our relationships, our possessions, our very lives, better than they ever were. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.