More Of The New

It is easy for us as humans and believers to get caught up in our routines. This is not necessarily bad if we have good routines. Good or bad, our attitude towards our day can be one of a sense of complacency, or worse, drugery. We can find ourselves thinking and/or saying “more of the same” or some variation of that line of thinking. However, we need to soften our hearts to experience what our Father intends.

Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

It is good to remember to stop and consider all that God is doing in our lives at every moment, lest we be like the 12 and have our hearts hardened though we have witnessed many miracles.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. You alone make the miracles of our lives happen every day. We love and appreciate all You have done. We long for Your kingdom here. Send us Your overwhelming abundant provision. We need Your help. Forgive us our sins. Heal us, and deliver us from the evil that is stealing and destroying now. Raise up Your people from the ashes and place us in positions of prominence that we might speak with those in authority. We want to be a sign for good for Your kingdom. We ask all these things in the name of the Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Honoring Those Before

Setting aside yesterday’s technical difficulties that prevented me from posting, I want to acknowledge the commitment of those that perished on December 7 so many years ago at Pearl Harbor. Yet another example of how we as humans seem unable to live in the peace our Father asks us to seek, many perished while they were not yet at war. To them I dedicate this page.

Psalms 23 A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

May these men and women be at peace.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are King. We ask that you let Your kingdom reign on the earth, just as it is in heaven. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Thank you for all You have delivered us from through the shed blood of Your Son. Thank You for Your kindness and Your mercy toward us. Heal us from the inside, Father. Deliver us from the evil that is steal and destroying Your people. We as these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshauh (Jesus). Amen.

Help Comes From Above

We have so many touch points in life where our Father has provided to us the means to find the goodness in this life and escape the evil and corruption that exists here. This does not mean that every day will go as we would like it to go. It does mean that every day we have access to our Father. And every day He is there to offer us His love.

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.

We are a people that live life in the midst of everyone else. Yet we have a promise from our God. He will take care of our needs. We must seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The rest will come.

If you are like me, that can be a challenge at times. Often I feel compelled to work and to figure things out. And we should work. But my struggle is learning the balance. Knowing when to work and when to pray only, that is a challenge. Today, I will pray for those of us that struggle with this challenge.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our King. We need Your kingdom. Praise the name Yahuah! Send us Your overwhelming provision today. We ask you forgive us our sins. Heal us up from the inside, and deliver us from the evils that are stealing and destroying Your people. We ask You help us today. We ask 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.

Finishing Touches

Many of us have created something in our lifetime that was done in stages. Perhaps it was a cake that needed a name and candles for the birthday party. Perhaps is was just cleaning up the car and getting the last of the dirt from the crevices near the floor. Or it could be those few weeds in the cracks of the sidewalk that everyone will notice now that the lawn has been mowed so neatly. We all would admit most of the work was done, yet those finishing touches would make it look perfect. In many cases, however, only those of us working on it would really notice. Others who saw our handiwork would readily accept it the way it was at that moment. That is how our Father sees us. He does not see all the blemishes and mistakes. He sees us through the loving eyes of a Father that knows the work will be finished because He is finishing it.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

In this case, Samuel was to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as chosen of God. Jesse brought all of his sons that were of great stature, older, and warriors. At the end, he brought David.

1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

God sees the heart. It was many years after this that David did some pretty horrible things. Yet when he finally repented, God forgave Him. And it was this fallen and restored David that eventually gave birth to Solomon from whom the lineage of our Messiah would come.

We may see our faults. God sees past them. He calls on us to turn back to Him, and He will turn to us. Always, He sees us as a finished work, working with us and on us to get us there.

Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our King. Bless the name Yahuah, for You see not as we see. You declare and see the end from the beginning. Let Your kingdom and Your will be here as it is in heaven. Send us Your overwhelming provision today. Heal us from the inside. Deliver us from the evil that destroys Your work in our lives. Deliver us from the evil that has stolen, is stealing, and continues to steal what You have provided for us. We need You in our lives desperately. We need You to rise up and defend us. Come now my King. Destroy the enemy and restore one hundred times one hundredfold. We ask these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Thankful For Forgiveness

This morning as I was thinking about the day ahead and the day behind, I was overwhelmed at how much our God truly loves us. We can always call out to Him for the mistakes we make in life, regardless of what they are. Did we say something mean to someone? Did we say something bad about someone, or make them the point of a joke? Did we pass someone by that really needed our help? These things and many more can weigh on us. They can be evidence of a hardened heart.

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

The fallow ground of our hearts needs daily plowing. We need to soften our hearts. When we realize our sins, we can repent and cry out to the Father for forgiveness. It is in this repentance that we can soften our hearts. And when we repent, God draws close.

Zechariah 1:3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.

Today, we can be thankful that even though we are not perfect, we have a means to getting back into right standing with our Father. Thank You God!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Send us Your kingdom here. Let it reign upon the earth. Give us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us for our sins that we might walk more closely with You. Heal us and deliver us. Restore to us all that has been taken from us one hundred times one hundred fold. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Never Changes

It is a part of the destiny of all mankind to face battles in life. These battles are spiritual. They can at times overflow into the physical. If we can learn to approach these challenges the right way, we can overcome them in a way that does not leave us so beat up. These same experiences are recorded in scripture. They took place long ago – they are not new and unique to us. Here is one example of how the psalmist responded.

Psalms 9:1 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
7 But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

When we sing praises, we are doing battle. We are turning back the enemy. We are lifting up God over the enemy to crush the enemy. That is a part of our mission. We will be victorious because it has already been decided.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are King. We search for the peace of Your kingdom. Bless the name Yahuah! You alone can save us. We are cast down, but we do not give up. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Hear our cries, Father. Forgive us our sins. Heal up our hearts and minds. Deliver us from the destroyer and the thief. The evil has been destroying everything that You have provided, and stealing the rest. Rise up, O Majestic King, and crush this work! Destroy this great evil! Return to us one hundred times one hundred fold what has been destroyed and stolen. Right this wrong quickly, my God and my King Yahuah (Lord). We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Today Is The Day

Although life can have a tendency to throw us a curve, we still have to learn to hit the curve ball. By that I mean we have to not let our circumstances rule our minds. We must decide and take control of our minds to believe that God is on our side. We can do this if we will continue to read scriptures, pray, and praise our Father.

Psalms 107:1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Today, let us strive to always believe, and sing songs to Yahuah (Lord).

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name Yahuah! Let Your kingdom be among us. Send us Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us for our sins. Heal us and deliver us in such a mighty way that all men might know that it is You alone Yahuah (Lord) that has done this. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

All The Same

As my wife lifted the blinds to see into the back yard this morning, I looked to see the same yard I see everyday. A little colder, perhaps, but the same yard essentially. At that moment I realized that each day when I look out that window in the morning, unless God tells me otherwise, I really do not know for a certainty what the day will hold. I was thinking how today could be a day of great deliverance for us and for many, but until the evening comes to lay our heads on the pillow, we do not know how that will play out. It is true that we can know some things, such as our God loves us and cares for us.

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.

Prior to the time of the Messiah, people called out to our God for deliverance and all the other things they needed, just as we do. Here, Yeshuah (Jesus) is stating that after His death and resurrection we will be able to ask the Father Yahuah (Lord) for things in the name of His Son Yeshuah (Jesus), and The Father will give it to us.

We do not know how our Father will deliver us, only that He will, if we ask in the name of Yeshuah (Jesus). All days look the same at the day’s beginning.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You as the One True God. Bless the name Yahuah. Let Your kingdom be here among us. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal our hearts and minds that our hearts be not hardened. Deliver us from evil that has stolen and is stealing from Your people. Rise up, my King, and come to the aid of Your people with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. We ask these things of Your, Father, in the name of Yeshauh (Jesus). Amen.

Comfort Comes

Yesterday at fellowship there were many scriptures that caught my attention. One was the scripture where Yeshuah (Jesus) walks on the water. What was interesting to me is the series of events that led up to that and then what happens at the event itself. Here is one version of the story.

Matthew 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

They had just seen Yeshuah (Jesus) feed 5,000 and then 4,000, each time with barely enough to feed Himself and the twelve disciples. He sends them on their way in the boat and He goes to pray. In the version in Mark it says He was walking and was going to pass them by, but the were afraid. In this telling we see that they were somewhat comforted by His voice, enough for Peter to say for Yeshuah (Jesus) to tell Peter to come to Him on the water. Once Yeshuah (Jesus) was in the boat, the waves calmed. The disciples were comforted by His presence. Mark says they did not understand because their heart was hardened after seeing the miracles of the fishes. As I thought about this, I wondered what it meant to harden their hearts because they were still following Him and keeping His commands.

What is a hardened heart? It is one that is not softened by the love of the Father, I think perhaps. If I think of the moments that God moved in my life, times when I became emotional, I can remember how I felt. In those moments my heart was softened for sure. One thing to consider is how we can achieve a softened heart at all times. For me, dealing in business with the world on a regular basis, it seems difficult. Here we see that the Messiah went off to pray before heading out on the water. Perhaps it is this time of prayer that helps us to keep our hearts softened.

Let’s pray today for the revelation of a softened heart.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. It is Your kingdom that we want around us. Bless the name Yahuah! Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Heal us up on the inside that our hearts can be softened. Deliver us from the evils here. Deliver us from the thief that has stolen from us, is stealing from us, and continues to steal from us. Cut off this evil work. Grind it to powder. Rise up, O King, and destroy these works that try to destroy us. Restore all that has been stolen one hundred times one hundred fold. We ask these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.