Good Morning Monday....
Thank You Father for this NEW DAY! Today,“(we will) trust in You Father with all (our) hearts and lean not on (our) own understanding; in all (our) ways (we will) acknowledge (You), and (You) shall direct (our) paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). May we choose to follow our faith today! In Yeshua, Jesus Christ's Name. Amen! -The End Is Found In The Beginning: The Two You(s) Part 2 As we looked at the examples of Adam and Yeshua, Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Issac, and Esau and Jacob yesterday, we see a pattern emerge all pointing back to the beginning with Adam (man) and the fall of Adam (man). What was needed to redeem Adam (man) from this "fall" and Adam (man) having become a murderer? A Savior, A Redeemer, A Second Adam, Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Let's take a look at this in Scripture: “And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” I Corinthians 15:45 “The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.” I Corinthians 15:47 “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19 This clears up a lot of Paul's writings about "The One New Man," right? As believers and followers of Christ we are not to be "double-minded" or worldly. We are not to be good and evil. We are to be "single-minded" in Yeshua Our Messiah, doing good, serving, and encouraging our fellow Brothers and Sisters, not leading them into sin and murdering them. Can you see The Two You(s)? We are all "born into sin" and learn the "ways of the world," but after learning The Truth, given "ears to hear and eyes to see" we are "transformed," "born again," and we shed the "heavy yoke" of death in favor of Our Savior's "Light Yoke" of Life and Peace. This helps us to understand the "born again" passage that Nicodemus didn't understand. Yeshua even told Nicodemus, you should know this, you are a teacher of My Father's Instructions! God's Word Tells Us We Must Be Reborn. We are the first Adam when we are born into this world. We become The Second Adam when we choose The Truth, The Way, The Life, and are "reborn" into Yeshua, Jesus Christ Our Savior. If we look up "Adam" in The Scriptures, we can see the definition is also "Mankind." Reread the last paragraph with this in mind. Adam means man in Scripture, but it also means mankind. What an unbelievably wonderful message to each of us, individually (man), as well as, to us as a group, the entire world (mankind). Our Father and His Son Speaks To Each Of Us Individually And Each Of Us Personally! HalleluYah! What A Wise, Kind, Merciful, and Loving Father! He Knew We Would Need "Group Teaching" As Well As "Personal Instruction." The Coolest Thing About That? He Came Down And Did The Teaching Himself. Talk about a MIGHTY GOD And A Mighty MAN! An old Indian proverb about two wolves inside us is a "first man" kind of adam-story (man-story). Thankfully, God Our Father In Heaven, Gives Us His "Second Man" God-Story, The Word of God, Yeshua, Jesus Christ, His Proverbs, His Parables, His Foreshadowing, and Grander Explanations To Life's Mysteries. In our lives, we will all have a choice at some point to choose which of the two "You(s)" we will be. We can be a Shepherd to Our Brothers and Sisters, or a murderer. We can choose the world or The Savior. Answering the question posed in the beginning of "Part 1" about "Isn't their somewhere in the middle?"... not really. I mean, there is, but this is what Our Savior tells us will happen to those who sit on the fence: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16 That's Scary!... but True. Our God Is An All Consuming Fire... Hot. Cold is just a word to describe "absence of heat"... no fire. Will we be destined to be Hot like Our Father and be a Shepherd? Or cold like the enemy, with no fire or heat in him, dead, lifeless, destined to be a murderer, and die? The Good News, or Gospel, is that Yeshua Jesus Christ came as "The Second Man," or "Last Adam," to redeem and save us all. If we want to get "hot" we need only begin to seek God's Word, His Son Yeshua, Jesus The Christ. Once we grab ahold of the "Smoking Oven" and "Burning Torch," we can't help but to heat up! Join us tomorrow for Part 3 and the conclusion of "The Two You(s)." Love you all and God Bless! The Second Adam AKA The Smoking Oven and The Burning Torch AKA The Word of God: “And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.” Genesis 15:17
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Good Morning Sunday.......
Dear Father, thank You for this NEW day. Guide us as we make this day's JOURNEY. Lift us as we fall. Impart in us Your Wisdom. Reveal to is Your Mysteries. Show us Your LOVE, and HELP us to show Your Love to others. In Yeshua, Jesus Christ's Name we PRAY. Amen. - The Two You(s) Part 1 Have you ever noticed all the "sibling rivalry" and "twin action" going on in The Bible? There always seems to be a conflict , an opposing evil agenda, THE WAY With God, or the way of a person's own selfish, fallen nature. Why do you think this story and this symbolism repeats so often in God's Word? I would prepose it is a "calling of attention" to something. A highlighted theme so to speak. Let's dig in and see what we can find. Do you remember hearing an old Indian proverb about two wolves' spirits that lived inside all of us? A "good" wolf and a "bad" wolf. The proverb ends with the question. Which wolf guides you? The answer: The one you feed. Now, I remember thinking when I heard this that it was a pretty good story, but why did they have to use two wolves. And why did it have to be only good and bad? Wasn't there a place in the middle? Something was missing, but back then I just couldn't place it. Well, now I know it was taken from The Bible. Heck, those Indians may indeed have been some of The Lost Tribes of Israel, so no wonder... but I digress. Not only do I now believe this Indian proverb is a derivative of The Bible, but it is also a "watered down" version to a more complex and thorough Truth In God's Word. The Two You(s). So, let's name a some of these "sibling rivalries" and "twin" allegories in The Bible: 1.) Adam & Yeshua, Jesus Christ 2.) Cain & Able 3.) Ishmael & Issac 4.) Esau & Jacob Now that we have picked some of these examples out, let's take a closer look at each one and see if we see a pattern. 1.) 1st Adam and 2nd Adam (Adam and Christ) The first Adam brought death upon the world. Ultimately because of his decision to disobey God, he became a killer, a murderer. The second Adam, Yeshua, Jesus Christ, is The Good Shepherd. He takes care of His Flock. He Obeys Our Father In All Things, He Heals, Gives Truth, and Brings Life. 1st Adam = Murderer 2nd Adam = Shepherd 2.) Cain and Able Cain was "a tiller of the ground," worldly, jealous, and ultimately ended up killing his Brother Able. A murderer. Able was a Shepherd, he pleased God, and was murdered for his righteousness. Sound Familiar? Think about this statement: God Is Able. 🔥 Cain = Murderer Able = Shepherd 3.) Ishmael and Issac Ishmael was a hunter. Born in rebellion, disobedience to God's Promise, and out of wedlock. Not the "proper" or God-Sent Son, but instead, the son prophesied to be "against" his Brother and a murderer. Isaac was the "Promised Son" in fulfillment of Our Father's Prophetic Word. The God-Sent Son. The Obedient Son. Obedient even in the face of death. Sound familiar? 🔥 Oh, and can you guess what his occupation was? You got it. Shepherd. Ishmael = Murderer Isaac = Shepherd 4.) Esau and Jacob Esau was a hunter, killer, warrior, and worldly. A murderer. Jacob dwelled in tents. Studied God's Word. And what do ya know...he was a shepherd. Esau = Murderer Jacob = Shepherd Well, a pattern definitely emerges and we see "the first born" is always a murderer in these examples and "the second born" is always a Shepherd and The One In Whom The Inheritance Is Given. Can you see where this is going? Join us tomorrow as we dig further and continue to explore The Two You(s). God Bless Everybody and have a Great God Almighty Filled and Supernatural Day! Extra Fuel For The Soul AKA The Word Of God: “And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” I Corinthians 15:45 “Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the LORD.” Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.” Genesis 4:1-2 “So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents.” Genesis 25:27 “Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:5-6 “So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.” Genesis 16:2 “So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.” Genesis 16:15 “And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” Genesis 18:10 “And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him— Isaac.” Genesis 21:3 Good Morning Sabbath.......
Father thank You for this NEW day. We ask that you OPEN our HEARTS and MINDS to YOUR infinite GRACE, WISDOM, and PEACE, so WE may SERVE You in the manner most PLEASING to YOU. In Your Mighty Son YESHUA, JESUS CHRIST's name we pray. Amen - Everything Needed To Live A Godly Life One challenge we all face when trying to accomplish anything good is the will-power or discipline to stick with it. Whether it be, sticking to a diet, exercise, cutting bad language out of our vocabulary, quitting smoking, drugs, or alcohol, changing our habits and building better habits is difficult, but not impossible. 2 Peter 1:3,4 says: “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” II Peter 1:3-4 We can turn away from bad behaviors and live a godly life, if we so choose. When we say we "can't" do something, what we are really saying is either, we won't try, or we don't really want to. In all comes down to a decision. We-make the decision and ask God to help us follow through. I heard it said, "Our job is to do the natural, then God will do the super-natural." This is how we overcome our wrong desires, and build a better self. Dear Father God...Abba, Thank you for giving us everything we need to live the life You desire for us. Help us decide to strive for that "godly" life, and take our step forward then let You carry us further. Thank you to Brother Larry Good for today's devotion. May Our Father Bless you all and fill you with His Peace. In Yeshua, Jesus Christ Name, Amen. Good Morning Friday...
Thank You Father for loving us so much and the blessing of this NEW day. Please continue to fill our HEARTS & MINDS with Your TRUTH & LOVE so we stay focused on Your Sustaining Grace TODAY! - God's Way Is Always The Best Way. Period. When someone is discouraged it can be a very powerful emotion. Discouragement is a tool the enemy likes to use on a regular basis, because many times discouragement can fog good decision making and blind our Christ-Centered decisions. Ultimately, discouragement can lead fellow Brothers and Sisters to turn their backs on Our Father and His Son, Our Messiah. When we take a look in The Book of Job we see the enemy in full-effect trying to discourage God's Servant Job. The enemy hit Job with one catastrophe after another and left him in a position that seemed hopeless. When things seemed at their worst, that's when Job's "friends " turned on him...and tried to have him turn on Our Father. How? With discouragement. Let's take a look at Job's wife's response: “Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”” Job 2:9 Before we begin to judge Job's wife, we probably need to do an assessment of the situation. What is the most powerful tool the enemy could use to discourage us? Through the ones we love most, and those who love us the most. Sometimes the people who love us most struggle to see us go through "tough times." They don't want to witness us hurting, discouraged, or going through a "rough patch" in life, because they care for us deeply. This is where our fallen nature takes center stage. How does the enemy use our loves ones against us? By having them try and coax us into taking the easy way out... man's way out. In a world filled with "instant gratification," rarely do people "consider the cost" of their actions and decisions. The enemy knows this and uses our loved ones to try and persuade us or lead us into a quick, easy temptation and right out of the The Will of Our Father. A prime example of this, though he was dealing with The Master Who Couldn't Be Discouraged, is Peter. Our Savior had to deal with one of His servants and best friends urging Him not to speak about His Future Prophetic Fulfillment and being sacrifices on the cross. Yeshua, Jesus, Our Master, for the benefit of all our sakes, knew just how to deal with that situation... He wasn't putting up with it. Our Messiah knew the source of this dissent and "bad" thinking, He Spoke With Authority and Declared: "Get Behind Me Satan!" Let's take a look: “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:21-24 Notice, after Yeshua, Jesus says "get behind me satan," one of the very next things He says is "follow ME"... not follow man. We as Followers of Our Savior have a large responsibility to one another. When we come to a situation where we see a Brother or Sister facing a "tough" situation we must be mindful of the advice and direction we try to lead them. We must make sure we are giving God's Instructions, not our instructions. It is important for us all to fight the urge to lead our loved one dealing with the issue to the easy way out. We must make sure we are not encouraging them to give in or give up on their walk with God. We must learn to join our Brother or Sister in their struggle and encourage them to take God's Way, The Way, and follow The Commandments of God even when it seems like "the hard way." We all have heard the saying: "nothing good comes easy." While this is not always true and can be very "worldly," there is another saying or Truth that we can hold on to, and we can always share with the discouraged we love without tempting them to "cop out." God's Way Is Always The Best Way. Period. The Wisdom of Life, The Word Of God: “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 16:25 “They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down.” Joel 2:8 “Then David said to the messenger, “Thus you shall say to Joab: ‘Do not let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and overthrow it.’ So encourage him.”” II Samuel 11:25 “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” I Thessalonians 5:9-14 Good Morning Thursday...
Father thank You for this NEW DAY. Please continue to break us of old self, TRANSFORM us by the renewing of OUR MINDS, and help us to be obedient THROUGH YOUR SON Yeshua so we can experience Your Loving and Perfect Will for us! In YESHUA, JESUS CHRIST's Name. Amen. - Obedience Is Faith. Obedience Is Love. When is the last time you made a conscious choice to be obedient? We may not realize it, but we make obedient decisions, or not, all day. Sleep five more minutes and hit snooze on our alarm clocks, or get up? Is it necessary to obey the speed limit or can we go a little over? Then if we have kids or participate in raising them, we have to teach them right from wrong, good from bad, and obedience, especially parents. Can you remember the first time your child, niece, younger brother or sister, or other child looked at you after they had been told not to do something, they paused, then did exactly what you told them not to do? This is a prime example of our "fallen nature." Anyone who has experienced "the terrible twos" probably has an immediate memory come to mind. Our Father was very aware that we as people were trouble from the very beginning. Just look at how many prophets he sent us over and over and like a defiant two year old we (Israel) disobeyed over and over. Jonah obeyed under protest, giving a warning to Nineveh, after spending three days in the belly of a whale. The prophet Isaiah was obedient, walking around three years naked and barefoot. And the prophet Hosea had to marry a prostitute. What do you think it was that compelled these Men of God to be obedient? I would propose it is because they truly "knew" Our Father and God. These Men of God, like us after conversion, have Knowledge of God, a Relationship with God, and Loved God with "all their heart, soul, and mind"... this is where our obedience is found. In His Love and by our Love returned. Any "good" parent is going to teach their children consequences for not obeying, as they should, and Our Father does the same. This is what helps mold us into His Image and obey what we might consider "tough" commands. Our Father through Moses told Israel very clearly the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. One doesn't have to read very far into The Torah (The first five Books of The Bible - literally translated as "The Instructions") in the Book of Exodus to find out neither being disciplined with a curse or being obedient and receiving blessings motivated our ancestors to long-term and committed obedience. This is where Our Savior and King, Yeshua, Jesus Christ Our Messiah comes in, and Thank God because we obviously have an obedience problem as fallen humans. Our Messiah has provided for us The Perfect Example, Himself. Think about it: He rose early to pray, always helped others, put Our Father First In Everything, and was constantly about His (God's) Business. And what about being crucified for our sins? He was obedient unto death for us. While I believe our Savior's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane had a much deeper meaning than just "not wanted to suffer," He still made the unbelievable selfless act of being obedient and dying for each and EVERY ONE of us. Now think about this: He Literally Thought About You That Day Before He Went To Face Death. That's Powerful! So, what made Yeshua do it? What made Our Savior face such a dejection for us? One Word, The Word, Love. After all: "God Is Love." 1 John 4:8b When we Love someone or something it gives us long term motivation to keep that person or thing around. We go to great lengths for those people and things in which we Love. Why should it be any different for God Our Father or for us being obedient to Him? It shouldn't. Yeshua explained that obedience was the "Heavenly Spiritual Glue" that would connect His Servants The Disciples, to not only Him, but to Our Father as well. This concept is one Our Messiah explained more than once for us, and then lived it out. He made sure and explained it multiple times before He was crucified, so they would recognize All He Told Them Would Come True. Our Savior was "setting them up for success" and helping them to understand that Obedience Is Key to our relationship with Our Heavenly Father. Fortunate for them, and us, He Sent His Holy Spirit To Give Us The Extra Heavenly Help Of Being Obedient. It's a good thing too, because until they, the disciples, saw Him Risen and experienced Pentecost and Our Father's Holy Spirit, they still seemed a little unconvinced. While it is True that we are made "righteous by faith" in Our Messiah's Sacrificed Blood, we are reminded by many authors of The Bible that Obedience Is Faith. Our Savior's Brother James reminds us about Abraham and how his obedience proved that he had faith. Jonah, Isaiah, Hosea, Peter, Paul, John, and many other Servants of God proved faithful with their obedience as well, both Old and New Testament Servants of God Taught The Same Main Principle, Repent, Turn Back To God Our Father, Love Him Foremost, and Love Others. Want to know how you can sum all of that up? Obedience. Obedience is the common thru-line that runs directly through every Servant of God in The Bible. This obedience is based in a Relationship with God Almighty. We have a Loving, Perfect, and Holy God as Our Father. This makes obedience to Our Father much easier. He Has Proven Himself Over and Over, even as we have failed. We can fully trust Our Father now, because of His Faithfulness Throughout All Ages... and we get to read about it in His Word! What a gift! The most amazing thing is that we can verify His Faithfulness In The Life Of Our Savior Yeshua, Jesus Christ. He Was Faithful Then, He Will Be Faithful Now, And He Will Be Faithful To Those Who Listen To His Word And Are Obedient To Him Forever More... even when We fall short. What Love He Has For Us To Be Faithful Throughout All Time, In His Wonders, and In His Son That We Should Never Have To Doubt Him?! Doesn't this compel us to obedience? It should. May we all remember that Obedience Is Faith and Obedience Is Love. Deep Thoughts: Think about how Faithful God Has Been To You In The Past and Currently In The Present. How many blessings do you have in your life now and in the past? I bet they are uncountable. Now think about what steps of obedience Our Father is asking you to take now? Will you answer His Calling? The Word of God, The Bread Of Life: “at the same time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and remove the sackcloth from your body, and take your sandals off your feet.” And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. Then the LORD said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia, so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as prisoners and the Ethiopians as captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.” Isaiah 20:2-4 “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will. ” Mark 14:32-36 “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.” James 2:18-23 “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” I John 2:5-6 Good morning Wednesday...
Father thank You for this NEW day. As You walk with us today keep us focused on Your TRUTHS and continue to fill our HEARTS & MINDS with Your PEACE, so there's no room for fear or doubt! - Wednesday Picture Verses Good morning Brothers and Sisters. Here are 8 picture verses for your edification. Have a Great Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-Filled Day. Good Morning Tuesday...
Thank You Father for this new day! Please continue to fill our HEARTS and MINDS with Your TRUTH & LOVE, so we may ENJOY Your blessings, and be a blessing, TODAY! - Yeshua, Jesus, The Salvation Of God The Best thing about the season we are in is all the talk about Our Messiah Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Our Father Has Never Given So Precious A Gift To Anyone But His People. He Has Redeemed The Whole World With His Salvation (Yeshua literally means Salvation!)! As many of us gather with family and friends, may we all remember those who may not have family and friends to talk about and discuss Our Savior, Our Father, and His Holy Spirit. May we all pray for those who may be waking up to cold feet, blistered faces, and hungry, grumbling bellies. These Brothers and Sisters we may not know are the true meaning of Our Messiah's Coming. Let's take a look: “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:14-21 So Our Savior, Messiah, and King was sent to "preach The Gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of Yahweh (YHWH or LORD)." This is why Our Messiah was sent and He Tells Us out of His Own Mouth. He even announced that "scripture" is fulfilled. If this is the reason Our Salvation Has Come and Yeshua, Jesus is to be our "Head" it would make sense that this is part of our job as well. May we all remember to pray for those less fortunate during this time. May we spread the Love Of God In Yeshua to those who may be "blind, brokenhearted, poor, captive, or oppressed." It only takes a small seed to make a mighty tree and it only takes a small act of kindness to lead those hurting, blind, captive, and cold Brothers and Sisters to their Salvation (Yeshua), The Son of God Almighty, The Creator of Heaven and Earth.. Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Salvation. Thank You for Your Son. Thank You for the promise of something greater than this world has to offer and Thank You For Sending Him...For Coming Yourself To Save Us. Help us to remember those who may not hear Your Message of Salvation Father and set them in our paths today so we may "proclaim Your Gospel" to them. Protect our families during travel, protect our children as they play, protect Your children who may be lost, and protect and strengthen us as we serve You Father. Words are not sufficient for The Gift You Have Given Us Father, but we give You humble praise and joyful thanks that You Have Shown Salvation (Yeshua) To Us. Bless You, Praise You, and All Glory Be To You, Your Salvation Yeshua, Jesus Christ, and Your Life-Giving Spirit Forever and Ever. We ask these things in Your Perfect, Holy, Mighty, and Powerful Son's Name, Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, Immanuel, Jesus Christ Our King. Amen. The Salvation of God, The Bread of Life, The Word of God: (As you read through The Scriptures today, remember that Yeshua literally translates as "Salvation." Try reciting Yeshua each time in Scripture when you see the world Salvation. It is a wonderful exercise and an eye-opening way to read Scripture.) “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.” Romans 5:18 “For my eyes have seen Your Salvation” Luke 2:30 “I have waited for Your Salvation, O LORD!” Genesis 49:18 “Make haste to help me, O Lord, My Salvation!” Psalms 38:22 “Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your Salvation.” Psalms 85:7 “And all flesh shall see The Salvation of God.’ ”” Luke 3:6 “Behold, God Is My Salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become My Salvation.’ ”” Isaiah 12:2 “I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My Salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.” Isaiah 46:13 ““You have also given me the shield of Your Salvation; Your gentleness has made me great.” II Samuel 22:36 ““The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation!” II Samuel 22:47 Good Morning Monday...
Thank You Father for loving us so much and the blessing of this NEW day. Please continue to fill our HEARTS & MINDS with Your TRUTH & LOVE so we stay focused on Your Guidance & Peace today! - No Matter What - Give Thanks It may seem strange to us at first when we read what Our Father had His Servant Paul write in Philippians. Paul was in prison, being threatened with death, and is commanding us to Rejoice. What?! Yep. And not only is Paul in what we would think is a "horrible" circumstance, but he tells us to rejoice along with telling us that feeling thankful is "right." This can be a tough lesson to follow. After all we have grown up in a fallen world where depression, dissension, negative thoughts, rebellion, and excuses are "normal" responses to something such as being out in prison. Can't you see getting arrested and being miserable and depressed? I can. It doesn't seem out of place to think we might have all kinds of negative feelings. Nonetheless, Paul tells us in Philippians 1:3-11 that he is thinking of the Brothers and Sisters in Philippi and instead of being wrapped up in depression, excuses, and pity, he can't stop thanking God! In fact, Paul says it is correct for him to feel this way. Let's take a look: “I thank my God whenever I remember you, always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy, for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Yeshua the Messiah. It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Messiah Yeshua. This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Messiah, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Yeshua the Messiah, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:3-11 As we read through today's Scripture, notice Our Father's Command to rejoice and be thankful. He doesn't request this. He is not asking us. Our Father gives us a command to rejoice. Why? Because He tells us it is "right." Our Father wants us to obey this because He made the rules and He knows if we but obey our lives will be filled with His Fruit and His Presence which heals our souls, gives us Peace, and helps us to accept our circumstances with Joy. Now let's take a look at 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Messiah Yeshua toward you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Notice how Our Father Sums Up His Will For Our Lives? "Thankfulness." We all may struggle at times wondering: What is God's Will for our lives? Fortunately we have a Father who doesn't hide things from us, He Tells Us What He Wants. Our Father's Will Is For Us To Be Thankful. Our Father has never promised us money, cars, plush jobs, marriage, kids, an assembly, a house, or anything in life to be exactly as we want. But God Does Promise Us That If We But Stay Thankful In Whatever Situation We Find Ourselves In, He Will Be With Us. This command helps us much more than we may see in the beginning. This command keeps us "with eyes to see" that Yeshua, Jesus Christ Our Savior Is Who We Must Be Focused On. When we pause in this life and truly think about God Our Father, His Son, His Breath Of Life (Holy Spirit) and All That He Is... there really is no other correct response than to Be Thankful. The Most Loving, Merciful, Kind, and Powerful Being That Will Ever Exist Gives Us The Opportunity To Have Him Right Beside Us, No Matter What We Go Through, Fighting Our Battles, Comforting Our Pain, Giving Us Peace, and Sustaining Us Through Whatever This World Has To Throw At Us. Isn't that enough reason to be Thankful for a lifetime? Paul understood this through and through and was able to rejoice in persecution. Don't we all want Peace like that? Well, we can... and it all starts with being Thankful. Extra Fuel For The Soul, The Bread of Life, The Word of God: “Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Messiah Yeshua. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things. The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:1-9 “Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.” Psalms 106:1 God Bless Everyone and Have A Great God-Filled Week. Good Morning Sunday....... Father thank You for this NEW DAY. We THANK YOU for continuing YOUR GOOD WORKS yesterday, today, and forevermore. May we continually thank You for Your Salvation YESHUA, JESUS and being OUR GOD!!! - Fire. Steele. Hammer Time. Let's take a look at Jeremiah 5:14: “Therefore thus says the LORD God of hosts: “Because you speak this word, Behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire, And this people wood, And it shall devour them.” Jeremiah 5:14 Here Our Father let's us know His Word Is FIRE. It is a concept that God's Word Is Hot. It's active, purifying, and will consume that which is in its way. It has the ability to burn away the bad and make us more like Our Messiah Yeshua, Jesus Christ. So, God's Word Is Fire, does that mean God Is Fire? Let's go to The Word: “For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29 “For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” Deuteronomy 4:24 Our Father, His Son, and His Life-Giving Breath are FIRE. Have you ever had "bad" thoughts you just couldn't shake on your own? Gotten stuck in certain thoughts you don't want? God's Word, if you turn to Him, will burn those thoughts away. His Word Will Vaporize All Those Unfulfilling Thoughts And Put Them Back Where They Need To Be... On Him. There is just one of the many examples of God's Word Being Fire. Now, let's take a look at Hebrews: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 Here we see God's Word is also a Sword. God's Word Has The Ability To Cut Through The Nonsense And Get Right To The "Heart" Of Things. We may lose our tempers, grumble when we talk to friends, or "go-off" on certain subjects, but if someone brings up The Word of God, quickly we can get right to the problem... and the answer to that problem. What a wonderful gift Our Father has given us to always "cut through the nonsense" and get right to the problem. It is then we can let God show us how to fix that problem... with His Word guiding us. Finally, let's look at The Book of Jeremiah: “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29 Here again we see Our Father's Word is like FIRE, but He also tells us His Word Is A HAMMER. When our hearts become hard and stoney from dealing with this world, that's when we experience this part of God's Word. God's Word Is A Hammer That Will Break The Stone On Our Hearts Into Pieces. Do you have bad thoughts that need to be burned out? Are you having a problem that you need to cut to the heart of? Have you acquired some stoney hardness on your heart because of this cruel and unforgiving world? May we all let God Our Father Do His Work in us through His Word. Whether we need bad thoughts burned up, we need to cut to the heart of a subject bothering us, or we need to smash the hardness of our heart to pieces... God Almighty's Word Is There. Let's end with God's Word Telling Us Himself That He Will Always Be There and a prayer. “teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:20 He Is With Us Always Brothers and Sisters. How amazing is it that we have God's Salvation, Yeshua, Jesus Christ, God's Word with us always? Are you ready to let God's Word Do His Work In Your Life? Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving us the tools in Your Word to help us exit this world in right standing with You. Please help us to understand the True Power of Your Word. Make a hunger and a thirst inside us for You and Your Word so that we may eat and drink mightily from Your Word everyday. Finally Father, help us to burn away the bad, to cut to the heart of matters, and break away the hard pieces in our lives. We know that Your Results Are Good. Bless You Father. We Praise Your Name Forever. And in Your Word and Our King's Mighty Name, Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, Jesus Christ's Name We Pray. Amen! God Bless Every One and have a Great Fire, Sword, and Hammer-Filled Week! Baruch Ha'Shem (Bless The Name)! Looking for more FIRE? Check out the video below 😎🙌🔥 Good Morning Sabbath...
Father thank you for this new day. Your Day. We ask for Your Peaceful Rest. May we abide in You and refill our lamps with oil. As we look at The Words of Your Son, please give us wisdom. We ask this so we may show Your Glory. In Yeshua, Jesus Christ's Name. Amen. Jeremiah 31:7-9 (7) For thus says the LORD: “ Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘ O LORD, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!’ (8) Behold, I will bring them from the north country, And gather them from the ends of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child And the one who labors with child, together; A great throng shall return there. (9) They shall come with weeping, And with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, In a straight way in which they shall not stumble; For I am a Father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn. This is one place among several where God calls Israel His son. This is an unfulfilled prophecy of the "second exodus," when God re-gathers the nations of Israel and Judah. Notice that God will bring back a remnant—all that remains of decimated Israel. They return with weeping and supplication to God. These are the ones who have survived the sword (verse 2). They have been humbled and returned to God, who returns them to His land. Why will God humble His son in such a way? The answer is in Proverbs 3:12 (NET): "For the Lord disciplines [corrects, chastens, punishes, scourges] those He loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights." God confirms this in Jeremiah 46:28 (NET): "Though I completely destroy all the nations where I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will indeed discipline you, but only in due measure. I will not allow you to go entirely unpunished." In Jeremiah's day (and before), God loved the Judeans so much that He would not allow them to continue on their path of self-destruction. They resisted Him strongly, but He loved them far too much to allow them to continue without a course correction that they could not ignore. It was painful and bloody. Yet, it resulted in their being humbled enough that the survivors were at least somewhat more inclined to listen to God. The same thing is playing out in the nations of Israel and Judah today. God loves His people, and He plans a bright future for them. But He does not love their disregard of Him. He loves them too much to allow them to self-destruct fully. He will allow them to make terrible decisions and reap the wretched consequences. He will also intervene to get their attention with pain that will only get worse when they try to ignore it. Either way, conditions will continue to deteriorate as we approach Christ's return because they must. If God allowed the nations of Israel to turn away from Him without consequence, their hearts would be fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11). Rather than allow that to happen, God will cause many to die, knowing they can be resurrected and given a new heart. He loves them too much to allow them to become incorrigible. We have tremendous hope, but our hope is not in the brotherhood of man becoming less dysfunctional on its own. Our hope is in the Creator God who is making man in His image (Genesis 1:26), despite that effort involving pain, death, resurrection, and thousands of years in between. Our hope is in the One who will cut short the days ahead, for the sake of—for the love of—the elect. He loves His creation more than we can comprehend, but that love is sometimes demonstrated in ways that we also do not comprehend. A Big Thank You to Brother David C. Grabbe and berean.org for today's devotion. God Bless my Brothers and Sisters and have a Blessed Day. |
SERVANT OF YESHUA 7
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