Loving Arms

As I thought this morning about how we are comforted as humans, often it includes the touch of being held by loving arms. You see it on the faces of children often when they run to a parent smiling with arms out stretched. Or a child that has stumbled and scraped a knee, crying as they are lifted to their parent’s shoulder. Someone that has had a tragedy hugging even a stranger to have a shoulder on which to cry. Or the person whose eyes light up when their better half enters the room, and they embrace. It is built into us, I suggest, by our Father. And he is always there to comfort us.

Dueteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Today is not a new beginning because it is a new year. Today is a new beginning because it is a new day with our Father who holds us in His arms and cares for us.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let us experience Your will in this earth. Send us today Your overwhelmingly abundant provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal our hearts that they be not heavy. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the more upon more besides. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

What Does It Mean?

This evening for many around the world there will be a celebration of the changing of the years. As with anything we encounter scripturally and otherwise, asking the question about meaning from the title here can reveal knowledge when answered. For me, the question becomes, what calendar? In the last few years I became aware that our Father actually has a calendar he reveals in the scriptures. This Sabbath I am considering the ramifications of the different calendars, what it means to acknowledge one over the other, and so on. Here is a snippet of scripture about the calendar of our Father.

Exodus 12:1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,
2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

The most important point today is to spend time with the Father, seeking His truth and His ways.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let us shine Your light in this earth. Send us today Your overwhelming abundant provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal us. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the more besides. Rise up, O King, and come to our aid now. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Delivering Eggs

We have the opportunity to do good from time to time. Today a friend of mine had one of those opportunities. He told me about having some extra eggs from the chickens he raises. He had been wanting to contact someone from his fellowship to see if they could use them. Then that person reached out to him to try to buy some. He had a busy day, but went out of his way to deliver for free twice as many as asked for by them. The scriptures speak to this point.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

We need to be listening to help all those we can.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King! Praise the name Yahuah! Send Your will to this earth. Give us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back from Your people in any way, and the more besides. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus).

Exhaustion And Thankfulness

For those that have competed in athletic events, this title makes perfect sense. When the event is over, and you have made it to the end, there is a definite feeling of exhaustion tied to satisfaction and a sense of just glad to have been there. This is also true of our walk. We may battle certain spiritual challenges, but we can feel that sense of satisfaction and thankfulness, just as David did.

Psalms 3:1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

Today let us be thankful, even in our exhaustion. Our Father has already made us the winner.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let us be a part of Your plan to bring Your heavenly will to the earth. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Cleanse and heal our hearts, minds, and soul. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the more besides. You are King! Rise up, O my King, and destroy the work of the evil ones. Confound their efforts to their frustration. Show in us that the impossible is possible with Yahuah (Lord) as our King! We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

It’s Not About Us

A common mistake that we as believers can make in spiritual warfare is becoming confused and thinking that our ability in spiritual warfare has something to do with us. That somehow, because we are human and prone to err, we are not worthy and therefore not capable of winning in a spiritual battle against the enemy. This thinking is wrong on so many levels. I mean, think about it. If where we are at as humans is so bad, how bad can it be to be the devil who tried to overthrow God’s kingdom by killing Him? Pretty sure that most of us are better than that! But even that comparison is wrong for this situation. It is not about us. It is about who our Father is, Creator of the Universe, and yes even the Creator of the devil and his dummies! Obviously our Father is in charge.

Psalms 47:5 God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

So, we can fight when we need to fight, without worry or fear. God will be God, and fill in where we fall short.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name Yahuah! Let Your will come to the earth. Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal our hearts and minds. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the more besides. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Scattered Stones

When we are living out our lives, trying to make a difference for ourselves and others, there can be situations we come upon that seem particularly challenging. For many, there have been (and likely will be again) scenarios where we scratch our heads and ask ourselves, “Where do we begin? As I thought about this looking out out my window into a low-light wintry morning, I imagined coming upon an open area, like a beach or a field, where there were stones of various sizes, shapes and colors scattered all around. Was something here before that fell apart? Did someone gather all of these stones for a project they abandoned? Or could this be just a rich environment for building, full of the natural resources needed? As I looked at this image, I realize I had had this vision as I awoke earlier. When I asked our Father what this was, His answer was simple. “Build something,” was the clear message Yahuah (Lord) said to me. And it is His message to us all.

1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Peter called us the living stones that are being built into the spiritual house (temple) where the Father wants to manifest His presence. Jude also encourages us to build.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Today, let us build something from the living stones.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let the light of Your commandments bring Your will to the earth, as it is in the heavens. Send us now and throughout the remainder of the day Your overwhelming abundant provision. Forgive us our transgressions of the Law (sin), and we forgive those that transgress the Law (sin) against us. We need Your cleansing and healing of our hearts and minds. We have been scattered. Gather us again, and helps us to build ourselves and one another up again. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

On The Path

Our Father has shown over time and clearly stated in the scriptures that He has a path for us to walk down.

Psalms 25:10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

And again.

Psalms 119:NUN.
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The concept appears over and over in scripture. Here is the good news for the day. Because it is a path, then when we stray from it, we can get back to it. It is clearly easy to see. Our Father recorded it in scripture.

Today, let us walk in that path, and if we have strayed from it, open a Bible and find our way home. A good place to start is Psalms 119.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King! Praise the name Yahuah! Shine Your light through us that Your will be in this earth as it is in the heavens. Send us today Your overwhelmingly abundant provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal our hearts and minds. Restore unto Your people on Your path one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back from Your people in any way, and the more besides. Show Yourself strong, my King. Show Yourself strong. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Happy Birthday, Jesus

Today, for many believers around the world is a day of celebration for the birthday of the Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Oddly, most would admit it is highly unlikely that He was born in winter, and some would say definitely not December 25th. But traditions are strong for most people. When I was researching this phenomenon many years ago, the best answer I could get as a believer trying to sort this all out was that it really doesn’t matter, and that the scriptures do not really say when He was born. Hmmm. Okay, let’s take a look. We do know that originally at least as far back as the Exodus (and there is some evidence of it being even earlier) that there were moedim, or “appointed times”, that were established by the Father. So, who could have changed them? The scriptures do tell us this answer.

Daniel 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Most would say that the beast at the end of time is the anti-Christ, or the anti-Christ spirit. I agree. It says he changes times (moedim) and laws. It looks like Daniel prophesied that the anti-Christ would change the holy days, or as we would say, the holidays, and wear out the saints. So we have part of the answer. The anti-Christ, and not God, would have changed the celebration of the Messiah’s birth, if indeed it did change.

Does the bible say when the Messiah was born? To answer this, I first suggest that the scriptures are not written by accident, and that God often leaves clues for us to follow in plain sight. If you agree, read on. If we track the story of His birth, we find clues. John the Baptist’s father served in the temple.

Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
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,

The short version here is this. Zacharias was serving in the temple at a certain time of year, according to the order of Abijah his father (they had a calendar given by God, not ours, but roughly June). The priests were assigned certain times originally to serve in the temple to assure service at all times. He is told he will have a child and will not speak until he does. He comes out of the temple and cannot speak. Now he knows it is real. Once his service is complete he goes home to see his wife, and the next verse says she conceives. Clue one is we know that John was conceived in the June – July time frame. But what about Mary?

Luke 1:36 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.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
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:

The same angel that told Mary that the Holy Spirit had just conceived the Messiah in her womb told her Elizabeth her cousin, wife of Zacharias and mother of John, was six months pregnant. When Mary immediately went to see Elizabeth, John jumped in Elizabeth’s womb. This would have to be the December – January time frame, six months later, when Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit. Nine months later she would give birth to our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus), roughly September – October (NOT December 25th). Why might this be important?

There is a moedim that takes place in the September – October time frame, called the Feast of Tabernacles. It begins on Tishri 15 (the Father’s calendar). Could this be the birth date of the Messiah? Let’s see if there are more hints.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Here we have a record of the Messiah becoming flesh. It says he “dwelt” among us. The word here in the Greek is actually “tabernacled” among us. Sounds like that could be the Feast of Tabernacles. This would explain why Joseph and a pregnant wife were trying so badly late in her pregnancy to get to Jerusalem as all males had to be there. But let there be two witnesses at least (there are more, but this is getting long).

Zechariah 14:16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

So one day, all will keep the Feast of Tabernacles, and originally all kept the Feast of Tabernacles. So why not now? Daniel 7 has the answer, I suggest. Is Yeshuah (Jesus) the same yesterday, today, and forever? O just yesterday and forever, and not today?

One last thing. What did our very Messiah Yeshuah say about traditions versus what the Father has said?

Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

So, I suggest we pray and seek our Father, Yahuah (Lord), through the Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus) that we all may know truth, today and always.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King! Praise the name Yahuah (Lord)! Let us shine Your light here today and everyday to bring Your will to earth as it is in the heavens. Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal our hearts and minds. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the much more besides. Rise up today, my King! Rise up and defend Your words and Your people today, that all men might know that You alone, Yahuah, are our Elohim. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus).

Revival On The Sabbath

Today as I was reading scriptures, I ran across something I had not understood before. There is a way to not only live a prosperous life, but to get back on track with the Father. Because we are human, we will stumble and fall from time to time and transgress the commandments of our Father. John has a word for this.

1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Our salvation and wholeness comes to us from the shed blood of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). At the same time, we are told that there is a walk we must walk.

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

The question becomes, once we are saved by grace, what is it we are to do, and how are we to do it?

Matthew 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

We see that the “what” is to first love God, and then our neighbor as ourselves. So the walking out we heard about, we need to understand better, to get the “how” answer. Notice that the Messiah says that ALL the Law and the prohets are contained in the first two commandments. We need a few more specifics from time to time. We find directions about that in Leviticus.

Leviticus 18:4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God.
5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord.

We see in the fourth verse that details of how we are to walk are contained in the judgments and ordinances. In the fifth verse, “he shall live in them” refers to being revived, made healthy and prosperous (wealthy, etc.).

On this Sabbath, let us contemplate how we might best serve our Father. He has given us rest and it is so good to rest in Him.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Let us shine the light You have given that it may be on earth as it is in heaven. Send us today Your overwhelmingly abundant provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal our hearts and minds. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the more besides, O my King. We need Your mercy and grace, and Your deliverance from a perverse generation. Restore our health and prosperity. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Realization Comes

When we seek the Father with our whole heart, He will reveal Himself to us. Often we go about life not thinking of the impact we have on others. But the truth is, we do have impact. Of course, we want to have impact in a positive way, and we can do that by following His commandments. When we do not follow the commandments, when we sin, we also have impact but in a negative way. That is what our Messiah meant when He told us to be light to the world.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

The scribes and the Pharisees righteousness was not the Law, but their traditions. Our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus) regularly spoke out against their traditions, saying they kept people from the truth of the good news of God, which was God is on our side.

Today, let us consider how we might be light.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Praise the name Yahuah! Help us learn to be Your lights here in this earth, keeping Your commandments. Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal our hearts and minds in Your mercy. Restore unto Your people one hundred times one hundred times one hundred times one hundredfold all that has been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and the more besides. We need You now, O King! We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.