Only Believe

Did you ever have something in your life that seemed too big to handle on your own? If we can overcome the temptation to be afraid, we can win any struggle that comes our way. When times are good and we are not struggling, then that can seem like a simplistic statement. But when we are in the throws of it, when it seems like this one could be “the one” that you were dreading, the one that takes you under, that is the time I refer to here. We must focus in those moments. In a moment we will discuss where we need to focus. For now, there is a scripture that supports the need to focus.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James tells us that it is in the resistance that the devil flees. We have an example from our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus) on this point.

Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Here we see that the third attempt to tempt our Messiah, trying to get Him to worship or exalt the devil, led to Him telling Satan to go. He resisted and the devil left. Devil means slanderer, and satan means accuser, one who resists, or adversary. The devil is just that – one that tells lies about people. He tells lies to the Father, and He tells lies to us. When we resist him, like Messiah did, he leaves. It is his lies that we want to address here.

Our Messiah made it clear. He was hear to bring us an abundant life. The devil, the thief and our enemy, did not.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

When we experience something in life that seems overwhelming, we need to take enough time to run it through the filter of John 10:10. And if we are just thinking about a situation, the same applies. Ask, “Does this thought bring abundant life or destruction of some kind?” It can be helpful to say this out loud. If the answer is abundant life, then praise Yahuah (Lord)! if the answer is destruction, then say out loud, “Get away satan! I do not exalt what you say over what my Father says! He is King! You are nothing to me! Go! I praise the name Yahuah (Lord)! He is my King!” Repeat it as many times as necessary. Soon, the truth of what our Father has said will be bigger in your heart than those lies!

We can take comfort in the fact that we serve a very great God!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. We praise the name Yahuah! We long for Your kingdom here on earth. For some of Your people Father, the provision need is great because they have been stolen from for so long. The daily need for today can seem overwhelming. But You can provide even that for Your people. Send that provision today. Forgive us for our sins. Heal us up from the inside. The enemy had damaged us inside for years. Rise up my King! Come with a strong hand and outstretched arm to destroy the works of the enemy that has stolen from us. Deliver Your people today, O King! Grind to powder the evil works. We ask these things in the name of Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Moving With God

We have been given a very great gift by our Messiah when He saved us. It is more than just a spiritual gift. The scriptures bear this out, in the original languages. We were given a gift of being rescued to wholeness.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Since the Messiah was Jewish, He would have had a Hebrew name. That name is Yeshuah which meand (Yahuah is salvation) in Hebrew. The word saved here is the Greek word “sozo” which means to rescue and to make whole. The word for sins here is the same word used in first John when John says that sin is transgression of the Law. Yeshuah has delivered us from our transgressions of the Law to make us whole.

Today let us keep our Sabbath with Yeshuah our Messiah.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. We ask that You bring Your kingdom. Praise the name Yahuah! Send us today Your overwhelming blessing of provision. Heal us and make us whole. Deliver us from the works of the thief and destroyer that has stolen from us. Restore one hundred fold what He has taken. Come in Your might, Father, help Your children now, today. We ask these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Resilience

Bu definition when we think of resilience we think of something that bounces back. I think of the old TV add, “takes a licking and keeps on ticking” for example. It is the ability to comeback after impact, after some negative event. Here is what that means in the faith, or at least what it means to me. No matter what, I will always turn to my Father, trustin Him to get me through somehow.

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

There are many interpretations about Job. Setting that aside, I take this statement to show his commitment to follow the Father in the face of very bad times. And how can we do this? In part at least, we have to have a correct mindset.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

We have to learn to be content, but still striving to move on. Here we see Paul was content, knowing that he could do all through the Messiah. Part of that all could be a comeback from the difficult to the less difficult. Another part of this is to have our speech line up with scripture, and not with the latest negative thing we have heard somewhere.

Let’s be resilient for God!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are King. We love You and Your kingdom. Praise the name Yahuah! Send us today Your overwhelming blessing. Forgive us our sins. Heal us up inside, that we might heal outside. Deliver us from those that have and are stealing from us. Rise up, and come with a strong hand and outstretched arm to destroy the work of those that are taking from your people. We ask these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Thankful For Truth

It is very good to know that among the many challenges we have to face in keeping the faith, we are not faced with having to keep up with something that is not true. Things that are not true tend to be wearying. They slow us down. They make us question ourselves and others. They are like a tremendous burden to carry. On the other side of this is the truth. It may not be pretty, but it has not the burden of doubt and unbelief with it. Recently a friend relayed to me a story from his own life. He had a friend that asked him over time for support in the form of making untrue statements. Each time my friend tried to wrestle with how to tell those untrue statements, it was like a weight for him. Each time he told his friend no, there was a challenge and an attempt to make my friend out to be the bad guy. Each of those times my friend said there was this terrible burden associated with the request as he tried to carry it. Each time they got past the request, and he stood up for the truth, a great burden was lifted. Even most recently when he drew a boundary of truth around himself and his family, clearly stating what he was willing to do and not do now and in the future to his friend. What our Messiah said is true today for us as well.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

We are freed by the truth. We are fortunate that He leads us with truth at all times.

Psalms 25:1 Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

Today, let’s be thankful that we only have to serve the truth.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. We need to have Your kingdom appear. We praise the name Yahuah! Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Father, we need strong deliverance. I am reminded of Your people in a land of bondage. We are in such a land today. The bondage is not physical for most of us, or at least not yet. But the bondage is very powerful to the point of making people willingly accept it. We need your deliverance from such bondage. Please rise up and deliver Your people Yahuah (Lord). Crush and grind to powder the works of those that would steal and have stolen from us, and that even now keep us in bondage. Anoint Your people Father. Bless the work of our hands as you have promised. Bring in an abundance to repay all debt. We ask that now, in this place, in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Close Quarters

When we are battling the enemy, it can seem like it is hand to hand combat with him close. It is true, I believe, that dark spiritual forces can be around us from time to time. We know that he is out to do us harm.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

It would make sense that to do that work he might have to get close. But there is one closer.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

So we can endure and fight the battles with our enemy because we know that there is one closer, even within us, the Holy Spirit. He will comfort us in these times. He will defeat our enemies.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

Today let us fight the good fight, knowing we have already won, and that God is on our side, and even in us.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. We love and appreciate You, and long for Your kingdom. Praise the name Yahuah! Send us today Your overwhelming provision that all our needs might be met, with none lacking. Forgive us our sins. Heal us and deliver us. The thief is upon us, and we can hear his breathing and laughter against You. Rise up O King, and destroy this evil one and grind to powder his works. Return to Your people one hundred fold what He has stolen. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Doing The Work

It seems all good things in life require effort. We look at a persons accumulated wealth, and we wonder why they were so lucky. Likely it was not luck. Likely they built themselves up to that spot. They made it possible for them to have that wealth. How did that happen? They started small, building a strong foundation. They laid a foundation of solid principles of earning and spending, paying attention to what was coming in and what was going out. This same thing can be said of our spiritual walk with God. We must watch over what comes in to our hearts and minds.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Here we see a list of things to alllow into our minds. What comes in becomes a part of us.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:…

Then we impact our ability to take what we have placed into our hearts and minds, and repeat it out loud. This provides us the ability to do the good work.

Deuteronomy 30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

We know this apples to our spiritual walk as well as keeping Yahuah’s (Lord’s) commandments. How can we know this? Paul told us it is the way to wholeness (salvation).

Romans 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Finally, we must address how we apply this law. Scripture gives us several ways. Prayer in the Spirit is one way.

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.

Another is through praise and worship and just sound speach.

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

Today, let us set about transforming ourselves and others through our thoughts and through our speech. We CAN change the world!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. We long for Your kingdom. Praise the name Yahuah! Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive our sins. Heal up our hearts and minds and help us to put in only the good. Let our speech be only those things You would say. Deliver us from the thief that is stealing and has stolen from us. We need Your help. We cry to You for our Shalom, our peace in all things. Rise up O King, and deliver Your people from the evil that steals and destroys. Grind that work to powder and bring it to nothing. Let their be a resounding in the dwellings of Your people that victory has come and they are free. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Don’t Freeze Up

Faith in our God is a very freeing experience. When we have faith in God, no matter how dark circumstances may seem, we can live in the freedom of His loving arms around us. Yes, we may lose everything around us, but we will still have Him. We will still have that freedom. God knows what is going on before we even ask.

Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Since we know this is true, we can know that we do not have to give place to fear. When we give place to fear, it causes us to freeze up. But we were not created for that fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

And we know that if we fight and don’t give in, we can go on the offense.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Today, if you find yourself freezing up because you are in fear, fight back. The worst that can happen is we lose all our stuff, or even this earthly shell. But we already know the outcome. Our Father is on our side. We win.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our King. We praise the name Yahuah! We long for Your kingdom, Father. Send us today Your abundant provision. Heal us up from the inside. Bring restoration to those parts that still need renewing and healing. Create in us clean hearts and minds. Deliver us from the destroyer that is trying to steal from and destroy Your people. Rise up, Yahuah (Lord), and come rescue us. Bring the completeness of Your Shalom (peace) in our lives. Bring the host and destroy the darkness. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Help Is Near

There are so many moving pieces in an old time piece, a person had to be a true craftsman before they dared open one up. Our Father Yahuah (Lord) is more than that even – He is the One True Original Craftsman. He not only made the watch (us), He made everything the individual pieces of the watch were made from initially. In our lives, we will find struggles and challenges from time to time. Things seem like they are malfunctioning or broken. That’s when we turn to the Great Craftsman and ask for help.

Psalms 119:49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

We can have hope today because our Creator is always near and ready to help. Praise Yahuah (Lord)!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. We need Your love in our lives, and Your kingdom. Bless the name Yahuah (Lord). Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Heal us up that we might believe. Deliver us from those that are destroying Your people, and laughing about it. They say You have no power, that there is no Yah. Rise up, O King, and strike their works and destroy them. Come with a strong hand and an outstretched arm to destroy that evil that all men might know that You alone have done this, that You alone are King. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.

Continue To Continue

Sometimes for us as believers this can be the biggest challenge. We want to travel on a certain timeline. But there are times when God’s timeline is very different from ours. But there is one part of that timeline that never changes. We have a day of rest for us every week.

Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Here we see that even God rests. He takes time to spend with His creation, specifically us. And those days remain for us.

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

The word here for rest in the Greek is sabiton, which is translated everywhere else in scripture as a certain Sabbath, which is the Saturday Sabbath.

Let us continue, and let us rest.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are King. We need Your kingdom and Your rest here. Praise the name Yahuah! Send us today Your abundant provision. Heal us and deliver us while it is called today. In Yeshuah’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Becoming Men And Women Of God

There is or can be a clash between our logical mind and our spiritual being when we think of becoming the men and women of God that He intends. Even now as I am trying to write this here, the words suffer as if we are trying to place square pegs in round holes. The struggle comes in part from the difference between the way mankind sees things and the way Yahuah (Lord) sees things. Our lives, at least based on the logical conditioning we have been subjected to in growing up, are subject to time. We measure everything based on the structured metered out approach of time. But God is not like us.

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:

We see here that God has told us He is different. He sees and declares the end from the beginning. To truly enjoy what He has provided, we must learn to do the same. The good news is, we were created to be able to do that very thing.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

We have access to being that image. We have access to emulating God. The challenges in life that we stumble through are the result of the fall of man in the Garden. However, our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus) changed that for us, if we will repent, seek forgiveness of our sins, and follow Him. Just like the old masterpieces that need restoration and preservation, our image is restored through the work of our life lived out in accordance with the scriptures.

So, from the perspective of God, He sees the people we will be, and calls us that already. From our perspective, if we can teach ourselves to view things as He does, we can be transformed daily into the image He has ale=ways meant for us to be.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our Messiah. You alone are our King. We praise and exalt Your name, Yahuah (Lord). We call to You to bring Your kingdom here. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sins. Help us to become the men and women of God You mean for us to be. Heal our hearts and minds. Deliver us today from those that want to steal from us what You alone have provided. Destroy the works of the thief. Restore one hundred fold that which has already been taken from Your people Father. Come Yahuah (Lord), rise up and deliver Your people. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.