Our Defense & YHWH's Verdict

“Splain it to me, Lucy” (in Ricky Ricardo voice)
by py thomas
© April 23, 2013

 During this season of the Counting of the Omer, I have discovered a truth about me in a particular area of my life that has been a major hindrance that perhaps may be a challenge for you, or others you may know. I felt this insight would be helpful to others, so I’m blogging about it, with the hope that it helps you or others you know who struggle with this same particular situation; ultimately find some help and deliverance, as I am now doing. One of the struggles I have, common to the human condition is the need I’ve had to always explain myself to others and trying to convince YHWH about what I want for myself and others.

 If you are numbered among those with this same challenge, stay tuned and keep reading...the "stake of Calvary" is on its way...

My mother once told me that I should have been a lawyer, as my natural proclivity is to defend my beliefs and convictions. This in itself is not a bad thing, but when taken out of context, as has been my tendency, it can at times be quite disastrous. And, I don’t know about you, but to be honest, at times it can make me my own worst enemy.  Not to mention that it has provided an access way for the Adversary the Devil to bring confusion and anxiety at my expense and others. Thus, this is my declaration of independence from the “un-united state of py thomas!”

As it relates to my walk of faith, ADONAI (GOD) can defend Himself, yet we are required to be able to give an account for what we believe (see 2 Timothy 2:15). The work of Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) will do the rest. “For the word of ADONAI is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). With that level and intensity of cutting, trust me, His word will absolutely accomplish the purposes for the reason it is being spoken or sent to any of us. I am a witness to this in my own personal life, and have seen it occur in the lives of many others.

 The following is a great devotion from Pastor Jonathan Cahn from the September 2012 issue of “Sapphires” (September 6, 2012) that I believe completely and fully describes this affliction of mine (and perhaps yours)...

“Arguing at the Judge’s Bench”

“I only came to the Lord because I was nearly killed when I was 19 years old. I was hit by a locomotive train; and to add insult to injury, after being hit by the train, I was given a summons to appear in court. I came prepared. I had arguments, defenses, and photographs…I approached the bench and began the presentation. But the judge didn’t want to hear any of it. He just dismissed the charges. I was still trying to give the presentation as my father motioned, “He just dismissed the charges, leave the judge alone, and get out of the court!” It was sort of a foreshadowing of salvation. Even now as born-again Believers…so often we try to convince GOD to bless us, to love us, to provide for us, to protect and defend us. But we don’t have to. He’s the One who had to convince us to be saved! He loves us freely and gladly He has chosen to give us the kingdom. So stop trying to convince GOD what you want, and let Him convince you of the love and blessings He wants to give you…when YOU rest your case at the Judge’s Bench.”

Yeshua reminds us in Luke 12:31-32what our focus should be, and when applied, will end the behavior that has dogged me and others in trying to convince YHWH of how to bless, love, provide, protect and defend us. As I stand before the righteous Judge and Creator, ELOHIM, I must admit, guilty as charged. However, I’m thankful for Yeshua’s reminder, that if we confess our sins and problematic areas of our life in prayer, He is faithful and just to cleanse us and deliver us from all unrighteousness. So as I have tackled this problem, I am embracing the peace it is now bringing to this area of my life because I hve been reminded by our our holy and great “defense attorney, Yeshua, that the verdict now reads, “Forgiven!” Praise Adonai ELOHIM!

³¹ But seek the kingdom of GOD, and all these things shall be added to you. ³² “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:31-32)

In His service,
– being filled up with brokenness, emptying of self to be a vessel of His living water to a dry and barren people who desire to come out from among them - the desert of death; and be introduced to the LORD of eternal life…

py thomas

© April 23, 2013

 

The Account of a Squeezed Grape

The Account of a Squeezed Grape

By py thomas © April 23, 2013

 “I trusted (Adonai ELOHIM, the LORD GOD), therefore I spoke.”

 

This blog is about the squeezing of the grape named, “py thomas”, one of ADONAI’s (the LORD’s) maidservants.  It is my prayer and hope that those of you reading this will find a measure of encouragement; and that the scriptures contained will accomplish the LORD’s purposes for your lives.

As the trial and tests continue, like a grape, the blood of the grape is being squeezed out of me.  My reassurance and comfort is that it is the blood of Yeshua (Jesus), cleansing me daily, creating a clean heart within me, “renewing His right spirit in me” as I am continuously being challenged to die to self daily –not just as a mental exercise, but truly in every way.  Albeit painful at times, the pain comes from those moments of resistance I have of dying to self.  Yes, I too like the rest of mankind suffer from this condition. 

However, I’ve come to realize that resistance is just that, it resists, causes strain; and intensifies and heightens sensitivities until that which is resistant finally surrenders to the direction it is being pulled.  (Nothing like a grape being squeezed until its blood refreshes and renews.)  I now liken this experience to a blood transfusion for those who delight in the “fruits of the spirit” we have received from Yeshua upon our profession of faith, and entering into the covenant of salvation.

A season of trials and storms are allowed in our lives to test, refine and strip us bare before ADONAI so He can remold and pattern us after Yeshua.  These storms are sent to test what is in our hearts - the unveiling of that which is lacking, and that which needs to be removed.   Like Job of the Bible, one will find that the Adversary Satan appears to have an unlimited number of people and resources he accesses to be the accusers against us - lined up with swelling words of emptiness, to frustrate and distract us.  They stand afar off, yet closely pointing fingers…bound by what Yeshua sternly rebuked the Pharisees for being loyal to the “traditions of men;” and thereby profaning the LORD’s commandments (see Matthew 15:1-11) – they are the “human ostriches” that dwell among us.  But really, who can dictate or change what YHWH has already established? No one.
  
As we are being called up higher during the seasons of testing, we need to be mindful that the Adversary will come at us from different angles to try and hinder and distract the work of the Holy Spirit in us.  All the more reason to press in closer to ADONAI – to allow ourselves to be like squeezed grapes.

Unfortunately, when any of us are in this state, we become the ones that the Adversary uses like SCUD missiles and “fiery darts” against their own brothers and sisters in Yeshua (and yes, we’ve all been guilty of this, including yours truly).  However, I thank ADONAI for His armor, especially the “shield of faith that quenches” and extinguishes all of the fiery darts of the Enemy, and convicts me to remember to forgive and pray for them (yes, there is humbling in this for the ones enduring the attacks).  Truly, we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities in the spirit realm.  Selah.

Like Job of the Bible, I am tasked by ELOHIM to intercede for the “SCUD missile people” and “fiery dart shooters”  in the bareness and humbling of my situation.  As for all of my accusers and nay-sayers, I know that Adonai ELOHIM shall vindicate His name in my life as I stand on His promises and obey.  For while I’m being stripped bare, I’m day-by-day being clothed in Yeshua’s righteousness, which again requires  my being willing to surrender to love them beyond their faults, just as Yeshua loves me beyond mine. 

So here this grape named, “py thomas,” hangs from the vine exposed to the Lord Yeshua; and being molded to love the unlovable, those who persecute me, those who despitefully use me, and the accusers and criticizers of the sons and daughters of the Almighty GOD, ELOHIM.  Selah.

Even though backed up against every wall (except sickness…thank YHWH for His mercy); and I have resolved to yet continue to proclaim the goodness of YHWH in the land of the living.  Although, pressed down on every side, but not crushed, so I persevere in the strength of Yeshua – for truly I’m weak, but do know that in my weakness, Yeshua is my strength.  All the more reason I cry out to Him - He is my help and strength - ever present; and my peace.

The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) continues to teach what the “traditions of men” will never do.  I will stand on His word and nothing else.  For what can man do to me!  Truly through being bared naked to mortal’s ridicule will I most assuredly seek Adonai ELOHIM Tzvaot (the LORD of Hosts) to prepare a table before me in their presence.   He fights all of my battles; and so I will serve ELOHIM that much more.  I look forward with great expectation and hope to proclaiming the victory which He has promised me, the irrefutable testimony of His mighty power and authority over all that concerns His sons and daughters.  Above all things, I rejoice that I’ve been numbered among by the covenant of salvation through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach’s (the Messiah’s) shed blood.  A-mein!

No matter what the retaliation, YHWH is greater and His spirit that lives in me attests to this truth!

⁶ For it is the God who once said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has made His light shine in our hearts, the light of the knowledge of G-d’s glory shining in the face of the Messiah Yeshua.

⁷ But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it will be evident that such overwhelming power comes from G-d and not from us. ⁸ We have all kinds of troubles, but we are not crushed; we are perplexed, yet not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry in our bodies the dying of Yeshua, so that the life of Yeshua may be manifested in our bodies too. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for Yeshua’s sake, so that Yeshua’s life also might be manifested in our mortal bodies. ¹² Thus death is at work in us, but life in you.

¹³ The Tanakh [Old Testament] says, “I trusted, therefore I spoke.”  Since we have that same Spirit who enables us to trust, we also trust and therefore speak; ¹⁴ because we know that He who raised the Lord Yeshua will also raise us with Yeshua and bring us along with you into His presence. ¹⁵ All this is for your sakes, so that as grace flows out to more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to overflow and bring glory to GOD.  (2 Corinthians 4:6-15  CJB)

I proclaim that my head shall not hang low, but I will lift up my head because I have trusted and read His word  Psalm 116:5-11:

⁵ Adonai is merciful and righteous;
yes, our God is compassionate.
⁶ Adonai preserves the thoughtless;
when I was brought low, He saved me.
⁷ My soul, return to your rest!
For Adonai has been generous toward you.
⁸ Yes, you have rescued me from death,
my eyes from tears and my feet from falling.
⁹ I will go on walking in the presence of Adonai
in the lands of the living.
¹⁰ I will keep on trusting even when I say,
“I am utterly miserable,”
¹¹ even when, in my panic, I declare,
“Everything human is deceptive.” (Psalm 116:5-11 CJB)

Although the Adversary the Devil continues to attempt to frustrate, intimidate and silence me, like the disciples of Yeshua before me, I know I have been counted worthy to suffer for His namesake, and will not stop teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Yeshua is the Messiah!  “For just as the Messiah’s sufferings overflow into us, so through the Messiah our encouragement also overflows.” (2 Corinthians 1:5)

⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Yeshua, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Yeshua is the Messiah. (Acts 5:40-42 CJB)

When we get to the point that we finally realize it is not about us, but about Yeshua, we will take note and open our mind, body, soul and spirit to receive the revelation that the Apostle Paul shared in his letter of encouragement to Peter.  We can only rejoice in this and not be saddened or frightened when we are in a place of surrender, not bound by the “traditions of men,” loving and thinking more highly of ourselves than what is true. 

¹² Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Messiah’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. ¹⁴ If you are reproached for the name of Messiah, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

¹⁷ For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ Now

“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:12-19)


So the grape in me presses on towards the high mark of my calling, knowing that the trials and tests are preparing, strengthening and equipping me for all that is required out of my life for YHWH’s glory and namesake.   

If it had not been through this season of trials and tests, this “grape named py thomas,” I would not have written this blog.  It is because of the trials that I have drawn yet closer to ELOHIM to seek Him, His will, and His promises to His sons and daughters.  I pray that this blog which has been poured into me through the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirity) to share will strengthen and encourage you and those you might share it with.

²⁸ Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose; ²⁹ because those whom he knew in advance, he also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers; ³⁰ and those whom he thus determined in advance, he also called; and those whom he called, he also caused to be considered righteous; and those whom he caused to be considered righteous he also glorified!

³¹ What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28-31)

Yeshua is waiting with outstretched arms for you...won't you consider Him and allow Him in your heart today.  It is eternally life changing.

In Yeshua’s name  - the name above every name,

The Squeezed Grape named, “py thomas”
(c) April 23, 2013

 

Are You Iron Sharpening Iron, Or Dull Tin?

Alone, Together & the Metal Iron
by py thomas © April 6, 2013

¹⁸ Adonai, God, said, “It isn’t good that the person should be alone. I will make for him a companion suitable for helping him.”  (Genesis 2:18)

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17)

A friend who is a recent God-send in my life helped me to see why it is not good to be alone, that we are in fact created to be with others.  That was not the intent of their visit – there were no intents – just to reconnect, but that turned out to be the much needed blessing that the LORD had in store for me.  Truly, the LORD is my Shepherd and therefore I will not have lack of anything needed.

As I reflected on their visit and things we shared, the following morning I had a revelation about Genesis 2:18, that it is in fact not a good thing for people to be alone, because being alone means I’m out of balance and that my perspective about a lot of things will be tilted and “jitterbugging” all over the place, instead of the smooth waltz I desire.  In the dynamic of interpersonal relationships and relationships between a man and a woman, we truly need each other – “iron sharpening iron,” for without that we become dull and useless. 

I don’t deny that there are seasons that we go through of being alone whether for a day or some years, but we’re not even alone then, because the LORD is with us and bringing about His purposes in us.  He has promised never to leave us, nor forget about us (see Deuteronomy 31:6).

Proverbs 27:17 is a great example of the need and the benefit of being together with someone.  As I meditated on this scripture more, I noted that it does not say that it’s “aluminum sharpening iron,” nor “copper sharpening iron,” or “wood sharpening iron; but “iron sharpening iron.”  This beautifully exemplifies the requirement of two equally yoked metals making each other the best they can be.

The key and foundation is being equally yoked – like-minded in faith (in Yeshua the Messiah), values, and the mutual willingness to agree to disagree, the understanding of the importance and application of mutual respect for each other.  These things are the catalyst which bridges the strongest type of intimacy between a man and a woman – two opposites coming together in unity – making each other better and not bitter.

If we want to learn, we must be open to learn and be willing to change.   Without wanting to change, we’ll never learn. 

The truth shall truly set us free when we're open to it and don't behave like an ostrich, burying our heads in the sand out of fear or pride.

Truth, Lies & The Do Nothing Inn

Truth, Lies & The Do Nothing Inn

This blog actually started out yesterday, April 3, 2013, while visiting with a dear friend and sister in Yeshua (Jesus).  We had planned to work but soon realized that both of us were in need of some time to relax, rest and break bread together.  I had joked with her (but meant with seriousness) that my home should be renamed the “Do Nothing Inn” because I invite people to “come INN” and “do nothing.”  I say that because I want them to feel safe, in a peaceful environment under the control of the Holy Spirit; and to be able to be on one accord in the love of Yeshua (Jesus), sharing together, praying together, and of course for me, I personally love to express my love by blessing them with a good meal. 

In the course of our conversation, I began to reflect on the condition of this sin-filled and fallen world that we are sojourning through…with the final destination being Eternity with our Savior and Redeemer, Yeshua.   In sharing about the lies and deception that permeate every square inch of this world; which has kept so many from coming to truth, one thing led to the next, and the beginnings of this blog began to manifest.  So, here it is…

The truth is the truth.  Truth does not change – it stands and it does not waiver.  However, lies always do waiver – the story always changes with a lie, the actions are uncertain with a lie – a lie is unreliable.

If you have ever dealt with an unreliable person, they are probably a person who lies a lot.  Likewise, your experience with dealing with dependable people, are probably those who do not lie as a habit, nor lifestyle.

We all are guilty of being in a place of deception, especially when we’re unwilling to face and acknowledge certain realities.    

Unfortunately, we are masters at going in the way of lying, especially as it relates to ourselves.  You know how the old adage goes, it’s hard to find anything wrong with ourselves when we compare ourselves to ourselves; and others.  But when we compare and examine our lives before a Holy GOD, before His word, we will soon find we’re not all that we had deceived ourselves into thinking what we were.  As of matter of fact, when done in sincerity, it is quite the humbling and breaking experience as recorded in the prayer petitioned to GOD in Psalms 119:28-30:

²⁸ My soul melts from heaviness;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
²⁹ Remove from me the way of lying,
And grant me Your law graciously.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth;
Your judgments I have laid before me.

The next day during the afternoon, I was compelled to pray, as a spirit of heaviness was coming over me (again); as I’m in a season of some serious trials and testings…which is teaching me an even greater level of obedience and surrender (thank GOD).  I know in the LORD’s time, this season will ease, and I will be refreshed and restored.    And, had it not been for this season, this revelation would have not come to me, nor would I have been prompted to share it with you.  So I  hope more than anything that it ministers to your spirit as much as it has mine.

As I was before the true and living and only AWESOME God, ELOHIM, pouring out my heart to Him about the concerns of my heart, asking Him to renew His right spirit in me, He began to  bring to my  mind, would I lament and cry out for the troubles of the Body of Messiah with the same passion and concern as I do for my woes?  This was a big Selah/Ah-Haa!  moment for me; and my tears immediately stopped flowing for my situation and shifted to the Body of Messiah.  For if one of us is out of order, it affects the entire Body.  Yeshua is our great burden bearer, but we must lament and intercede before the LORD for our brothers and sisters in Yeshua.  There is so much wickedness and corruption in the Body, that it’s no small wonder that the Holy Spirit is grieved with us.

¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Messiah (Christ), ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Messiah; ¹⁴ that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Messiah— ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.  (Ephesians 4:11-18)

²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. ²⁶ “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ²⁷ nor give place to the devil. ²⁸ Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. ²⁹ Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in the Messiah (Christ) forgave you.  (Ephesians 4:25-32)

We should deal with our junk, mess and anger before we sleep – deal with it from a place of truth.  If we need to apologize, then do so.  If we need to forgive, then do so.  If we need to give something that we have withheld from those who were in need, then give.   Just as we are grieved by our own personal situations, let us be EVEN MORE SO GRIEVED, when WE cause grief to the Holy Spirit, as noted in Ephesians 4:30-32 noted above.

In His name (Yeshua), may you be blessed to come to full truth in all of your ways – forsaking the counting on your own understandings, and having a renewed mind and spirit, to rely and apply His word to your life daily.

Much love to all who are like-minded in faith; and those on the outside too.

py thomas © April 4, 2013

Update on My Book Writing Endeavor – April 2, 2013

Update on My Book Writing Endeavor – April 2, 2013
by py thomas

As promised, here's the first installment of my book writing project...

I started out writing this book to gain some control (at least mentally and emotionally) over a situation that was beyond my control…and, I knew if I wasn’t careful, this situation would have easily overtaken me.

Being one who loves to pen their thoughts on paper, I thought this would be an excellent mechanism to write my own beginning, middle and end.  Well, the truth of the matter is that what started out as a way for me not to go too deep inside of my head by trying to escape into fiction, brought me smack dab in front of a mirror facing myself – reality… (Isn’t life funny like that…).  

Well this time instead of picking up a brick and smashing that darn mirror, I opted to embrace and see where it leads.  As a matter of fact, I decided on a complete makeover because what I saw was that crazy evil twin I’ve been trying to escape for most of my life; and I had just enough of “Felicia” she had to go!

I gotta’ tell you, in all honesty, I’m truly enjoying the story myself.  It has the edge I like in life (not too, too much); and it has a little of the old fashion romance component for those hopeless romantics out there that suffer from the same affliction that I do; and some real suspense; and a surprise ending.  I had the ending in my head before I began the story…I’m just building backwards from there.

Well sports fans, stay tuned…more updates to follow.

Some Study Tools & Resources for Studying the WORD

Study Tools
by py thomas © April 2, 2013

The most important study tool I’ve utilized to date has been prayer.  Starting with prayer and inviting the Holy Spirit to teach me during my time of study and to open my understanding; and then closing in prayer by thanking Him for helping me and solidifying the prayer by asking Him to ensure that the Word of ELOHIM falls on good soil, and yields the fruit of the Spirit in me – that I’ll be more and more willing to surrender to His will for my life for His glory and namesake. 

A reference tool that I also use is the Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, which was the version of English used in the King James transliteration of the Bible.  As I understand it, it is the closest English translation from the original biblical Hebrew into English.  There are of course some inaccuracies in the translations, as the ancient biblical Hebrew language conveyed thoughts, concepts and numerical values that many other languages( including English, Greek and Latin) that do not have an adequate translation of the thoughts and culture transliterated from biblical Hebrew into other languages.  However, as mentioned, the Kings James Version of the Bible, with the help of the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary are a great tool for helping with the study of the New Testament.  For the Old Testament, the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance for the Bible provides the original Hebrew word and its meanings to help with your study.    There are other resources available, but these are two very basic ones that I’ve found to be very helpful.

More than anything, I encourage all who desire to understand the Word of GOD, which is spirit, to first enter into covenant with Him through His Son, so that they will have the Holy Spirit to help bring the needed revelation; and receive the conviction to not only have the head knowledge, but to allow the Word of GOD to transform and conform their lives into the image of Yeshua. 

In His name, py thomas

What Words Mean Something?

Words Do Mean Something – GOD’s Word Even More So
by py thomas © April 2, 2013

 A wise person values the importance of words – the power behind them, the context in how they should be used; and will avail themselves to diligently search out the meaning of words so that they are used in their proper context to achieve the desired results when communicated.   You will see my appreciation of language and desire to understand the Word given in scripture from its original context and language; including the proper transliteration.  But even with this knowledge, one can only truly discern remembrance all things that I said to you.”    ELOHIM’s (Creator & Judge) word is spirit and can only be the Bible,  by revelation through the Holy Spirit, as Yeshua (Jesus) said in John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your understood through the power of the Holy Spirit.   You will note that when I’m sharing insights that I will typically interject word studies in the lessons and observations to not only help my own understanding, but so that you hopefully, can also better understand the full context of what is being conveyed.

Why do I share?  Because it’s what I’ve been called to be and do.  I love ELOHIM and Yeshua; and value and treasure the Holy Spirit as He indeed teaches me all things, and leads me along the paths of righteousness for His (ELOHIM’s) namesake and glory!  I am one of ADONAI’s (the Lord’s) maidservants; humbled and thankful for His tremendous mercy and grace He has shown me through His long-suffering patience and forgiveness of my sins.

Truly, GOD loved what He originally created in the beginning before the sin of rebellion and deception entered in through Adam and Eve from Satan.  I rejoice along with many others that ELOHIM made provision through Yeshua‘s innocent, pure blood to be shed as the penalty for OUR sins, that we might receive forgiveness and have an opportunity to be conformed into His image; no longer separated from GOD;  to be numbered in the corporate Body of Yeshua the Messiah – the Bride, which He is coming back for “…without spot, wrinkle or blemish…” (Ephesians 5:27).   What a glorious promise that we can actually choose to spend eternity with the LORD; and not face eternal death for all that has been corrupted by sin,.  For who can come into the presence of a Holy God, contaminated with the stains of sin?  No one, not one.  Because of Yeshua,  we are afforded an opportunity to be made holy (obedient) and have power to say “no” to sin and choose His righteousness…this to me is the beauty of “His mercies being new every morning…” another opportunity to push toward the goal of our high calling in Him.

I pray that the studies observations that I post on this Blog will bless you and cause you, like myself, to daily consider our ways before our Creator and daily consider the covenant we entered into with Him.   This precious covenant of forgiveness that leads to eternal life – the gift of salvation carried a hefty price tag - it cost Yeshua His life; and the cost for us will require our dying to our old sinful nature daily, while renewing our minds and spirit so that they will be shaped, trained and disciplined into Yeshua’s image. 

Why WISDOM by WORD…

The greater our submission to His truths and not leaning to our own understandings, the greater our ability to make room in our spirits to receive life-changing revelation of His word – this is what gives ELOHIM (Creator & Judge) glory, this is the example Yeshua (Jesus) lived out – one of obedience, one that was full of the revelation and testified about who ELOHIM, the Heavenly Father “was and is; and who is to come “– Alpha and Omega – “the Holy one of Israel.”   

So if you find yourself lacking in revelation and want to do something about it, but are not quite sure where to start, I would point you in the direction of getting on your knees - that is in prayer.  You can't fill a vessel that is already full of junk...there's no room to add anything to it.  I found myself in this place at one point in my life, and was frustrated and wanted to truly get to know the God of the Bible.  I had to face the fact that my junk was the sin in my life that I had not dealt with, nor confessed.  In crying out to the LORD about the emptiness and unfulfillment in my life,  I was led to obey what 1 John 1:9 says,

⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Likewise we are being taught as well that those of us that are willing to learn from their trials, tests and sufferings, are participating in the sufferings of Yeshua, which will ultimately conform us into His image. This is what will teach us “…to be holy, as He (GOD) is holy.” 

“⁸ though He (Yeshua) was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. ⁹ And having been perfected, He (Yeshua) became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,…”(Hebrews 5:8-9)

Contrary to popular belief, it is not a horrible thing for those in covenant relationship with Yeshua to go through trials and tests.    If we are willing, it will revolutionize and reshape our lives into His image – preparing us to taken into eternity with Him, without  “spot, wrinkle or blemish.”

In closing, my final thought for all of our consideration is this, if you’ve ever been accused of being narrow minded because of your willingness to not go with the “traditions of men,” and the “status quo,” be encouraged for the Yeshua (Jesus) Himself tells us in Matthew 7:13-14,

“¹³ “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ¹⁴ Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

More to come...It's really not about us at all, but ELOHIM, Creator & Judge over all.  Selah.

In His name,
    one of many who must decrease in self,
     so HE (Yeshua) can increase all the more in me,
        His maidservant,

py thomas © April 2, 2013

Love & Crickets

This is my first blog, and I wanted to start small.  I have a gazillion thoughts that cross the network called my brain during my waking moments, as well as when I'm asleep.  Some of those thoughts, I felt are worth sharing, others would most likely make the reader go insane (smile).  It's a dangerous thing at times to visit the inside of my mind...or at least that's what I've been told.

I've just begun writing a book that I hope to have my readers on the edge of their seats and taking them on an excursion of excitement, tension, love, action and the makings of a good story.  I will post periodically the status of my progress, with the hopes that those who follow me, will encourage me to press pass those moments of writer's block and all the frailties associated with the human condition. 

One of my other writing projects is entitled, "Spiritual Breadcrumbs," which I hope to publish one great day, deals with those spiritual nuggets we should keep in our pockets, just as in the children's fairytale about Hansel and Gretel, where the breadcrumbs in their pockets proved to be a path back home; and we likewise can find our way back to a path of peace during those times when we have strayed from the "straight and narrow."

For those romantics out there, here is one of my spiritual breadcrumbs for you.  I hope you enjoy and stash in your pocket.

You can’t chase love.  Love comes to you.  Chasing love is just as foolish as chasing crickets…as soon as you get close, it hops away. - by py thomas (c) April 1, 2013