Rest When You Can

As believers we are called to another rest. We can rest, if we will allow ourselves to rest. It can be difficult, because we want to DO something. But sometimes, what we are called to do is rest.

Hebrews 4:8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Let us rest then, today, on the Sabbath.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. Hail to our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal us and deliver us that we might serve You and promote Your kingdom. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Healing Power

On this Sabbath I have spent time thinking on the things of life. Our Father wants us to have life abundantly. Sometimes what we experience seem contrary to what we would expect from an “abundant life” because we are just human. But our Father knows where we are, and how to move us to the next point in our lives. He can get us there. If we can remember that in the difficult times, no matter how hard it is to remember, we can make it. We need to find joy in the journey. It is that joy that is the point, perhaps, as I ponder it now. On this Sabbath, let us try to remember the joy we had at the beginning, and forget the difficulties along the way. There is no other choice that makes sense really.

John 16:23 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.

Today, let’s ask our Father in the name of our Messiah to grant to us a life abundant, with family, with our needs met, and with time to be in fellowship with Him, that our joy may be full.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. We need You in our lives more than we can even know. It is lonely in life without knowing that You hear us. Today we ask several things of You. Please heal the little ones, and all that have infirmity. Please send us today overwhelming provision, that there is no lack. Please heal up our broken hearts. Forgive us our sins. Deliver us from the evil that steals so readily and seemingly at will. Rise up, my King! Come to the aid of Your people. These things we ask as a part of the anything that You grant, in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Longing For The Rest

There are times in our walks that we are faced with the challenge of no rest. Perhaps our employer requires us to work seven days a week. It could be that we are in the armed services at war, and we are being shot at. Or we could be on the brink of losing everything, and have to stay in the battle until we have our deliverance. This latter condition is just the spiritual side of the case of being at physical war. My writing today is dedicated to all those that find themselves in this situation. Never give up, never give in! One day soon, Yahuah (Lord) will give us the opportunity to gain rest as well.

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

We long for the rest. The rest here refers to the weekly Sabbath, in Greek. Our Father will get us out of the battle and in to the DMZ for a time of rest. But until that time, we must fight every moment like we did in the first few moments of battle.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our King. Let Your kingdom be with us. Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal our hearts, for we are a broken people. Deliver us from the evil that has stolen and is stealing from us. Restore today one hundred times one hundred fold, and hundreds of hundreds. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Teaching And Learning

We are in life often the student. We are also often the teacher. In both cases, however, there is one true Master Instructor – that is our Father. He is always there, ready to instruct and help us on our way. This Sabbath, let us learn from Him.

Proverbs 4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. We bless the name Yahuah! Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal us up from the inside. eliver us from the thief that has stolen and is stealing from us what You have provided. We love you. We ask these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen

When The Father Speaks

Last night I wen to a local church for an evening service. That in itself is not so unique, but there were several additional circumstances that made it very different. During the day I had some time on the road. While driving I had a vision of being at the church service and going forward near the altar to pray for an extended period of time. On the way home I had another vision of speaking to and in front of the assembly. That may not seem all that exceptional, until you understand that the church in question is a Hispanic church where everything is in Spanish, a language that I do not speak. As the day progressed I pondered these ideas. Although it did seem to me to be God showing me these things, I wanted to be certain. As the time approached, my wife and I decided that she should stay home with our daughter who had not been feeling well much of the week, missing school. Then as the time drew even closer, I began to not feel well. I considered staying home, but the visions made me think that I should go. I went.

During the service I struggled somewhat, trying to stay alert. Although I had a short nap before arriving, I was feeling the lethargy of the sickness that was trying to come on me. As the service progressed, there seemed to be a moment where people were encouraged to come forward to pray. I knew I should go forward as well, so I did. We prayed for some time. Near the end of the praying time, the pastor came over to me and laid hands on me and prayed. It was Spanish so I only caught a few words. But the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit was overwhelming, and I sensed something imparted to me. as it ended I stood up, and several people reached out to hold me. I later learned it was because they saw something. I am uncertain what that was. I turned to go back to my seat, and the pastor caught me by my shoulder. I turned to speak to see what he wanted to say, and the young man that I had become friends with that was bilingual was there. The pastor spoke to him. He said to me that the pastor said that while he was praying for me that God had said some thing to him for me, and that he wanted to tell me what they were and that the young man would translate for me. Through the translator he began to tell me that God had seen me and heard my specific requests. He said that in 2016 God would respond and grant what I had asked, and more. He spoke to things I had specifically requested. He said there were certain things to get in order, and that I knew what they were, but that God was going to manifest these things in my life in 2016. This was in accord with what my Father had shown me on New Year’s Eve. I told him these were things I had been praying about that very day. As I turned to go to my seat, he again stopped me. Through the interpreter he said he was going to give me the microphone and have me give my testimony to the people. I told him this also was a vision I had that day. I shared with the people an God blessed the words.

These things I have shared here because so many times I have found myself holding back. I think my words are not right. I think there is a need for greater preparation. I think someone more qualified should speak. But our Father has a plan much better than ours. This is but one example. He loves us and cares for us. Language is not the point. The point is, He alone is God.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

Let us worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. We long for Your presence and Your kingdom. Praise the name Yahuah! Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal us from within. Deliver us from the thief. Raise us up and set us in the gates with princes. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Desert Crops Will Come

When I think of the wilderness in scriptures, I have to remind myself from time to time that it really means the desert. Their desert was their wilderness. It is not like all the forests we have here that we might consider the wilderness. The desert can also be a metaphor for the way we find the spiritual condition of life for ourselves or for the world around us. Last night I had a dream from God about the desert.

In my dream I was driving in a jeep with the top down in the desert. The wind was blowing in my hair and I was driving with a purpose. There were several different views with the sun in different positions. I was always driving with a purpose, sometimes even standing to peer forward over the windshield. The interesting part was what was happening in the desert as I drove through it. On the right and left of me and behind me, suddenly loaves of bread sprung up, completely covering the ground. These loaves stood up vertically and looked like perfectly formed, very smooth, slender loaves with a French bread like appearance. When they sprung up they came up to full height in seconds, waves and waves of bread. I could see them as I drove, but it was if I was driving to make them come up, like it was part of the intent. I had to drive through as much desert as I possibly could. Then I woke up.

This morning I remain in prayer about the meaning of this dream. I believe in part I am to help as many find sustenance, both physically and spiritually. I was in a place that was dry and dusty, parched by the lack of physical and spiritual water. But our Father Yahuah (Lord) blessed by mission, for I believe He has given it to me. Please pray that He will continue to reveal His will and bless the manifestation of this vision, to His glory.

Exodus 16:4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

John 6:25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. We need Your kingdom on this earth. This is a dry and thirsty land. You are our only hope. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal up our hearts and minds. Deliver us from the evil that steals and destroys. Restore unto us one hundred times one hundred fold, and hundreds of hundreds. In Yeshuah’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Sabbath Psalm

Today, we had a psalm to read that was a real blessing. For this Sabbath, I thought I would merely post it.

Psalms 11:1 In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are King. We long for Your kingdom. We want to be with You and serve You. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. We want to have Your provision in such quantity that it overflows to those around us, that we might promote Your kingdom. Forgive us our sins. We ask for Your healing and deliverance. We ask that You smite the evil that has stolen and is stealing from us what You have provided. We need You to move quickly. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Knowing The Way

We can know the way to go, and sometimes still not go that way. Frequently, this is because of fear. When we fear something enough, it can modify how we behave. And that fear does not always have to be a great fear. Even small fears can hold us back. Why is this. Because we tie into them emotionally. Emotions move people, and they prevent people from moving.

Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Our hearts need to be softened to hear what our Messiah is saying to us. When people are moved by their emotions and what they see, they can scoff at what He tells us. In the case here, Messiah took few into the room. Even He prayed in the Spirit (spoke in tongues) to make it so only what the Father wanted would be said, and only their spirits hear it until it was translated.

We can know the way. Today on the Sabbath let’s pray for the courage to go that way.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. We love You. We need Your kingdom here. Praise the name Yahauh! Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us for our sins. Heal our hearts, for they are heavy. Deliver us from the evil that has and is stealing from and destroying Your people. We love You. We ask these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Listening Or Hearing

In reading in the book of Matthew today I saw things I never saw before. The word that is sewn is the word of the kingdom.

Matthew 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

This is the parable of the sower that addresses the word of the kingdom being sewn on the hearts of man. Perhaps for the first time I understand this message. The gospel is not just about the Messiah. The gospel of the kingdom is what was preached by Yeshuah (Jesus). What is that? It is that God is the Creator. Our Father, Yahuah, is the Master of everything. He has laid out a way and a path to follow. If we call out to Him, He will reveal that path to us. Yes, the way has already been written. But our Father wants us to seek Him, not just the writings. He wants us to be His children.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are the only True King. We need Your kingdom here. Praise and bless the name Yahuah. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal up the broken and dark places of our hearts. Deliver us from the evil that has and is stealing from us. We need You Dad. Please come help us. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Creating A Future

Overnight we started to get the first snow of the season. Tiny white flakes fall from the blue-gray skies, with larger clumps accumulating and falling from the white outlined barren trees in the forest. Like tiny messages from the heavens, these reminders tell us that seasons change, and the the future continues to be created one day at a time, one moment at a time. And the pattern was set from the beginning.

Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

And so we have longer, warmer summer days, and colder, shorter winter ones. We have the dance of life when the trees and plants put forth their buds in the spring time, the glorious blooms and green grasses of summer, the artists’ pallette of colors in the fall, and the purity and stillness of the winter snowfall. We are blessed to know that no matter what happens, the future comes.

Psalms 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
36 His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.
37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

So this morning was different for me. For the first time in my recent adult years, I was blessed to see the winter snow. It is given as a sign that God is still in charge, He has set in motion that which cannot be stopped, He has said He will give us life, and that more abundantly. He has set the day of rest for us to find our way into Yahuah’s (Lord’s) presence.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are worthy of our praise. We long for Your kingdom. Praise the name Yahuah! Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal us up that we might serve You. Deliver us from the enemy that steals and destroys. Our enemy has stolen from us so many things till we cannot get away from the burden left behind. Deliver us from this burden. Come with a strong hand and outstretched arm to destroy the works that enslave Your people. Come quickly. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.