For Life

So we as believers can ask ourselves what we believe and why in an attempt to better understand our Father. This practice of self examination and investigation of the depths of our faith is a good thing in an effort to be closer to God. Yes, I suppose one can take this too far, but the number of us that need to be concerned about this latter point is few, most likely. Here is a good thought for the day.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Today, let us seek our Father.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Send us now Your provision such that we might overflow to those around us. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Deliver us from the evil here. Wipe away all thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love for us. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all that the worm has eaten or that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the more besides. Send in quickly the $423,923,962.53 that we might use it to promote Your kingdom here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. We ask all these things of You, Father, in the name YAH Yashuah HaMashiak. Amen.

The Oz Factor

Last night I saw an old classic favorite, The Wizard of Oz. It was the first time seeing it on the large screen. I found myself tapping and swaying to the music, even attempting to sing under my breath. It was easy to see that it was made up scenery, as old as it was. But the story was so fun and captivating, it was easy to look past that and just enjoy the moment of the movie. I think that is how we are meant to enjoy our lives as well. We need to make some things happen, true enough. But we also need to make ourselves slow down a bit and enjoy what YAH has given.

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.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Therefore, let us all do what we need to do and make our way through life accordingly. Enjoy the days that Yah has given.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. Let Your will be done here as it is in heaven. Send us now Your provision that we might overflow to those around us. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Deliver us from the evil hear, even in our thoughts and memories of things done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love for us. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all that has been taken or held back in any way, and the more besides. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. We ask all these things of You Father, in the name YAH Yashuah HaMashiak. Amen.

Loving Other Humans

It is important for us as believers to learn to love other humans. Not only is it good to love them, it is even better to be thankful for them to our Father. If we can just sit back in situations and think about loving those that are more challenging to love, we might have major impact.

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
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:

By thanking God, the time involved can slow us down to actually get to loving people.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. Praise the name YAH! We love You. Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people here. Let Your will be done here. Send us Your provision. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that trespass or transgress against us. Wipe away all thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love for us. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all that has been eaten by the worm or taken or held back in any way, and the more besides. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.

Improbable Or Impossible?

Often when we think of fighting battles for God, we think of ourselves in armor, against all odds, taking on the enemy. While that is an okay image, and we can be a part of spiritual warfare like that, there is more than this “in the movies” view to consider. There is the challenge that most would not undertake, that seems overwhelming, and yet it is not completely impossible – just improbable. It seems to me we settle into a willingness to believe what others have researched, to follow predestined plans, and to be the people others want us to be. It can also be called the urge to “fit in”. There are so many promises that I know that I for one in the past have given as a response to doing the “impossible” and now, I want to use to help me do the improbable.

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

If we can commit to talking with our Father directly, we can get direct input from Him. Those things which most men will not do because they seem so unlikely, we can do and prosper, if He tells us to do them. Here is the short version…

Never quit!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. Let Your will be done here as it is in heaven. Send us now Your overwhelming provision that it might overflow to those around us. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Wipe away all thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love toward us. Move in power on the minds and emotions of the people here. Deliver us from the evil here. Restore Your people in grace and mercy. Heal the brokenhearted. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all that has eaten by the worm, taken, or held back in any way, and the more besides. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. We ask all these things in the name of YAH Yashuah HaMashiak. Amen.

Helping Others Helps

Sometimes when we need the most, in those times, we really just need to help someone else. There is something that happens when we give of ourselves, our time, our possessions. We call it healing. But maybe it is just being more like our Father. If we are more like our Father, maybe we experience Him flowing into the rest of our lives as well. Maybe life gets better because we are more connected to Him. This is just speculation. But giving is a good principle from the scriptures.

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

By helping others, we really help ourselves.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. Send us Your provision now, and let us overflow to those around us. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Deliver us from the evil here. Restore Your people. Restore Your people unto You. Restore unto Your people all that the worm has eaten. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all the good that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the more besides. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. We ask all these things in the name of YAH Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.

Change The World

We are all called to make this world a better place. At least, all believers are called to do so, in my opinion.

1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Today, I watched a video that really hit home with the ideas that could make the world a better place. Click the link to watch it for yourself.

VALIDATION

We can change the world if we will just encourage one another.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. Send us now Your overwhelming provision that not only are we filled, but that we might overflow to those around us. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Wipe away all thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love toward us. Restore us to You. Restore all that the worm has eaten. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all that has been taken or held back in any way, and the more besides. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people here. We ask all these things of You, Father, in the name YAH Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.

Homecoming

Back in the day, in high school, homecoming was such a big deal. Still is, I believe, for many people, especially those in high school or those associated with the schools. And there were some of my classmates that did not care much because they felt a bit left out. As I think about it, I have to wonder what was the attraction for us to be involved in homecoming, and why was it such a big deal? Maybe the whole group celebration thing is built into us as we look for a way to get home to our heavenly Father. Scriptures would support the idea that it is built into who we are.

Psalms 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Today we can be comforted in knowing that we all have a homecoming, and that it is with our Father.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. Let Your will be done here perfectly as it is in Heaven. Send us now Your provision that we might be filled, and that we might overflow to those around us. Deliver us from the evil here. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Wipe away all of the thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love for us. Restore us, Father, unto You as You had meant it to be in the garden. Help us to find peace here, with joy in You. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all the good that the worm has eaten, or that has been taken or held back in any way. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people here. We ask all these things of You, Father, in the name YAH Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.

Searching For Peace

There are days that are meant for us to have moments of peace. Such a day is the Sabbath, today. We also choose to celebrate other times and seasons, and even events. Those may not be as peaceful, although likely we want them to be. The most impoortant thing, it would seem, is to do good whenever we can.

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

So we see here that love is the important thing. In fact, the description of that phrase and how to do it is shown in this same passage.

Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

If we can honor one another, it goes a long way toward loving one another. Society certainly teaches us that to treat others badly or to speak evil of someone is the way to be, or even humorous. Scriptures tell us otherwise. Whom shall we believe? Our words and our actions will shout from the rooftops what we really believe.

Today, let’s try to be at peace. Let us love one another as the scriptures say.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. Let Your will be done here perfectly as it is in Heaven. Send us now Your provision that we might be filled, and that we might overflow to those around us. Deliver us from the evil here. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Wipe away all of the thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love for us. Restore us, Father, unto You as You had meant it to be in the garden. Help us to find peace here, with joy in You. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all the good that the worm has eaten, or that has been taken or held back in any way. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people here. We ask all these things of You, Father, in the name YAH Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.

Bread Crumbs…

So often we can read scripture and miss the point, or at least some of the hidden points. If we are willing to wonder why certain items are present, or just ask questions, or maybe just pause and think about the questions, then we might see more. One of my favorite on of these “bread crumbs” is in the story of Mary.

Luke 1:23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

So, what were his days of ministration? Why do we hear about the five months hidden> And then in the sixth month of Elisabeth’s pregnancy, we hear about Mary? If we believe this is inspired (God breathed), then why would God mention these details? To fill a book, or to reveal something to those willing to dig to find it?

Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

It seems the wisdom and understanding of the scriptures particularly are to be sought after. So again, what is with the six months?

Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Even the angel points out it is Elisabeth’s sixth month. Wow! That is like, hit me with a 2×4! But that is not the end of it.

Luke 1:39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
57 Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

So it is well established when Mary became pregnant. And the story goes back to John’s father Zacharias, who was mute from the time he stepped out of the temple till he went home to be with his wife, through nine months of pregnancy, and until the time he confirmed what the angel said, that the child would be named John. With all those details in plain sight, does it not seem like it is important to our Father, God, when Mary was pregnant? And was God just filling up pages, or is it important to Him when Mary’s child was born, our Messiah? I get it that this is a tough question in the face of tradition, but should we not ask the tough questions? And if we are to do that, would it not make sense that the answer matters?

Just sayin. Bread crumbs…

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. Let Your will be done here perfectly as it is in Heaven. Send us now Your provision that we might be filled, and that we might overflow to those around us. Deliver us from the evil here. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Wipe away all of the thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love for us. Restore us, Father, unto You as You had meant it to be in the garden. Help us to find peace here, with joy in You. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all the good that the worm has eaten, or that has been taken or held back in any way. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people here. We ask all these things of You, Father, in the name YAH Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.

Freedom To Believe

It is good to be a believer because each of us is free to do what we believe. When we act on our beliefs, we declare them. In fact, the way we act is indicator of what we actually do believe.

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Our actions are in fact a declaration of what we truly believe. This is because we speak and do what is in our heart. We know that as believers we have the Law in our hearts and minds, as that is the new covenant.

Hebrews 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

The writer of Hebrews was quoting Jeremiah here. It comes down to the heart. YAH wants us to have a heart turned toward and given unto Him. He put the knowing of the Law in our hearts.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Today, let’s be thankful that we can call unto our Father and He hears us.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people. Let Your will be done here perfectly as it is in Heaven. Send us now Your provision that we might be filled, and that we might overflow to those around us. Deliver us from the evil here. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Wipe away all of the thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love for us. Restore us, Father, unto You as You had meant it to be in the garden. Help us to find peace here, with joy in You. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all the good that the worm has eaten, or that has been taken or held back in any way. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people here. We ask all these things of You, Father, in the name YAH Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.