Warm Blankets

A great white blanket has covered the ground overnight. The shades are completely drawn here in the kitchen, and the light reflecting off the snow is lighting up the entire room. The snow made me think of the warm blankets that were around me last night, and of how our God, Yahuah (lord) was watching over me while I slept. Those blankets and the watchful eye of Yahuah are truly a comfort to me. He has provided His direction to us to make our lives full, and as a comfort.

Psalms 119:49 ZAIN. 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.
51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.
53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

For me there are times when I remember these things just before going to bed. Then there are other days when I forget. It is my desire and my hope that one day I will remember in all places and at all times that Yahuah (Lord) is with me, watching over my life. If we can do this, we can be comforted in knowing that our God is watching over us and protecting us.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are worthy of all praise and honor. We love You, and we long to have You and Your kingdom here on this earth. Send us today Your overwhelming blessing of overflowing provision. Let us reach out to all in need with the love of our Messiah Yeshua because You have given us the power to get wealth. Forgive us when we sin against You and Your ways. Heal us and deliver us. Show us a sign for good. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Bracing For The Rest

Here in the Midwest today everyone is bracing for the big snow storm coming our way. Had to make sure the livestock had plenty of food and water. In thinking about the idea of hunkering down for the duration, it caused me to think about how we prepare for such things. We make sure we have the food and water ready, and the ability to keep warm. It made me think of a time in the scriptures when people took a similar stance.

Exodus 16:4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

Here we see that Yahuah (Lord) directed the children of Israel to store up for something. That something was the Sabbath. I was thinking today as we prepared for the snow storm to ride it out, should we also do something to prepare for the Sabbath? I am not speaking of cooking everything on the day before, although that might be in order. I am speaking of the spiritual preparation before the day arrives. I am not sure as I consider this if I really have always prepared myself for the Sabbath. In fact, I am sure I have not done so with intent. But I think it might be a good idea.

What do you think we should do?

Prayer
Father, we exalt You as the Most High. You alone are worthy of our praise. We long to be with You in Your kingdom, and for that kingdom to be here on the earth. We ask that You send us today Your overwhelming provision. Heal us and deliver us. Lift us up. Make us to sit with the princes. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Another New Day

This morning as I look out at the snow covered forest, I am encouraged by the plan God has for our life. Every day is a new day with God. We can move forward in confidence knowing that He cares for us and will give us yet another opportunity for a good life. He loves us and has only our good in mind.

Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

Our God, Yahuah (Lord) has a new plan for us every morning. His plan is for blessings for us, and not for curses.

Deuteronomy 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day:
28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

Every day our God resets the clock for us. He makes all things new. He separates us from our sin, and raises us up out of the dust.

Psalms 113:7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

Today, let’s rejoice in our King and praise His name, Yahuah (Lord)!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. We will serve You with all that is in us, longing for Your kingdom here on the earth. Send us Your abundant provision today, Yahuah (Lord). Forgive us our trespasses. We need You. You alone are our help. Deliver us from all evil. Heal Your people today. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

We Never Know

A friend of mine had his father pass away last night. He spoke with me about his health in the last week and he knew his father would soon be gone. Thinking about these things causes me to experience mixed emotions. On the one hand I am sad for my friend. But as I think about death, I personally long to be with God. For me at the moment, I do not fear death because I know that our God, Yahuah, is waiting there with open arms for us to come home. Paul spoke of this.

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Unlike Paul, I do not have a large number of people that I impact with great religious significance. But I know that I am a help to my family. I know that I do make a difference in their lives. All of us have a purpose here on this earth. All of us make a difference to someone. Perhaps the most important thing to remember in all of this is that every life matters because Yahuah (Lord) gave them to us. We can be thankful that He gives us life and direction in it.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our Mighty King. You alone are worthy of our praise. We lift our hands to Your name. You alone are King. We desire Your kingdom here on this earth. We implore You to send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us when we do wrong by You or others, or Your ways. Heal us from all our diseases. Deliver us from those that would harm us or take from us what You have given to us. Guide us today. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Defiant Against The Evil

It can be scary to take on evil. Scary, especially if we think it is us that can do this. I suggest we cannot. We are frail humans, and our enemy is a supernatural spirit being. However, he is mostly bravado and bluff. In the face of God, he is less than nothing. With God, we win, he loses, end of story. Next.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Our God never leaves us defenseless. Our God never lost even one battle to that chump, the devil, the sorriest of losers.

Psalms 136:1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

When it says His mercy endureth forever, it could also say His love never fails.

Praise God. We win!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are the Most High King of the universe and beyond. We love You. We need Your kingdom. Send Your overwhelming provision now. Forgive us when we blow it. Heal and deliver us. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Build From The Beginning

I can remember a time some years ago when getting up in the morning was drudgery for me. There were times when life was a struggle that I would talk to myself when I was trying to get around and would say some very negative things to myself. In all, there were definitely some challenging days back then. These days life still has its challenges. But more times than not, the days seem better, and they really are better. But I start them differently.

Psalms 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

In the morning, troubling thoughts can still come my way. But these days I am aware that they are not my God out to get me. My God is on my side. When I first wake up, even while still in my bed, I remember His name, Yahuah (Lord) and I begin to say it and thank Him for all His work in my life. In scripture many times this name appears as what is referred to as a “compound name” when it is combined with words like Healer, Provider, Peace, etc. Yahuah (Lord) is all these and more to us. We see from the scriptures that when we seek Him and praise His name, lifting up our hands to His name, He responds in His power and glory.

We can have better days if we can remember to start them seeking Him and praising His name, Yahuah (Lord), out loud.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You as the Most High God. You alone are our King. We love You, and long for Your kingdom to be with us here on earth. Give us today Your abundant provision. Forgive us our sin and forgetting to walk in Your ways. Heal us from the inside, and deliver us from the evil in this world. Release us from debt. Show us a sign for good, that all men might know that You alone have done this, that You alone are Yahuah (Lord) our God. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Seeking Courage

When we look at the challenges to take on life at times, we can remember the challenges faced by the children of Israel as the left Egypt. They and many generations before them had been slaves. All the knew was what it meant to be treated badly. Suddenly they were free and had many possessions. But they were in a desert. They had no food and water. They struggled. We can struggle too. But we have an advantage. We know their story. We know God was always there then. We know he is always here now. And we have our Messiah that promises to care for us.

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
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.

Today, let’s learn from the past, and use that knowledge and trust in our God Yahuah (Lord) to obtain the courage to stand.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our King, and we need Your kingdom. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our mistakes, and help us to learn to not make them again. Deliver and heal us. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Caring For His People

Our God has always been about meeting the needs of His people. When the children of Israel were enslaved in Egypt, they cries out to Him. He heard their cries.

Exodus 3:7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Yahuah (Lord) told Moses that He heard the cries of the people. He saw how the taskmasters had treated them. He was now going to deliver them, which He did. Once they were in the wilderness, He did not forget them. Rather, He provided for them food to eat.

Exodus 16:4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.
6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:
7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?
8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.
9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord: for he hath heard your murmurings.
10 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
12 I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.
13 And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.

Perhaps a very interesting lesson we can learn from this is that everyone had what they needed. This sharing of the harvest will be seen again when in acts there is the outpouring of the Spirit.

Exodus 16:17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

There will again come a time when Yahuah (Lord) will move among us. There will come again a time when we will go house to house breaking bread and living in one accord. There will again come a time when we have all things in common, and it will set the world on fire for the Messiah.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are our King. We need Your kingdom here. We need Your love and compassion among us. We need Your glory to shine that all men might see. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us our sin. Help us to resist temptations, and deliver us from them. Keep us in Your will. Heal us. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

The Exodus To Rest

This morning I was thinking of the Exodus of the children of Israel and the mixed multitude from Egypt. They were in search of the promise, the land flowing with milk and honey, the place of peace and prosperity forever with their God, Yahuah (Lord). THey were looking for that place to rest with God.

Exodus 13:1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
4 This day came ye out in the month Abib.
5 And it shall be when the Lord shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord.
7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt.
10 Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.

If we will take the journey from the work week into the Sabbath with our God, Yahuah (Lord), then we too can enjoy the land flowing with milk and honey.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You as the Most High King. We love You. We want to be in Your kingdom, to have Your kingdom be on this earth. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Forgive us when we stray from Your ways. Watch over us to heal us, deliver us, and keep us safe. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Helping Those In Need

As I began to write this I thought about the word need. What is a need, really? Life is a struggle because we are human and humans are pulled in many directions. What one person sees as a need another person sees as a want or desire. One thing is clear. God does provide for our needs.

Phillipians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The word for need here implies lack or even employment. Our God is all about making sure we have what we need from day to day. If we will put Him first, we can have a joy filled life.

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.

If we can find a way to trust in God, we can make it.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. Let Your kingdom be upon the earth. Send us today Your overwhelming provision. Heal us and deliver us. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.