When We Grieve Elohim (GOD)

When We Grieve the Holy Spirit: Transitioning From Enemies to Friends of ELOHIM (GOD)
by py thomas
© April 25, 2014

³⁰And do not grieve the Set-apart Spirit of Elohim, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Let all bitterness, and wrath, and dis- pleasure, and uproar, and slander be put away from you, along with all evil. ³²And be kind towards one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as Elohim also forgave you in Messiah. (Ephesians 4:30-32 TSB)

When we grieve at the loss of a loved one the anguish and  pain is almost unbearable to the degree that without ELOHIM (GOD), we would have not ability to be comforted.  ELOHIM comforts us through His word and other people.

³ Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort; ⁴ who encourages us in all our trials, so that we can encourage others in whatever trials they may be undergoing with the encouragement we ourselves have received from God.

⁵ For just as the Messiah’s sufferings overflow into us, so through the Messiah our encouragement also overflows. ⁶ So if we undergo trials, it is for your encouragement and deliverance; and if we are encouraged, that should encourage you when you have to endure sufferings like those we are experiencing. ⁷ Moreover, our hope for you remains staunch, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, you will also share in the encouragement. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Likewise, when Scripture tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30) , in all honesty we do that very thing.  Just how do we grieve the Holy Spirit, which is the spirit of ELOHIM.  We see from the very beginning that ELOHIM was grieved about our rebellion towards Him – our sin.  Yet, His sorrow and grief are just as weighty  as is His love for us.    The Holy Spirit’s grief is tremendous, because it’s at the point of our rebellion of sin, that we  instantly become His enemy versus His righteousness. 

 “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” (Genesis 6:6)

But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, And He fought against them. (Isaiah 63:10)

Yet ELOHIM loves us so much, He has poured out His love towards us through His plan of redemption to restore us back to Him – no longer separated from Him – no longer being enemies, but counted as friends.  Yeshua said that those who follow Him and obey the Father, are His friends.

¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. ¹⁷ These things I command you, that you love one another. (John 15:13-17)

How grieved are you when your best friend or loved one has been consumed in tragedy to the point of death?  The consequence of sin is death; and it will consume us to the point of both physical and spiritual death as well.  Just as we are consumed with grief due to the death of a loved one, the Holy Spirit is grieved when we choose to sin instead of obeying ELOHIM’s instructions for living a holy (set-apart) life unto Him. Each time we choose to sin, we are in essence choosing evil over righteousness – death over life.  In other words, we have rejected the pure, saving, cleansing and forgiving shed blood of Yeshua which is the blood transfusion that can usher one into eternal life and reconciliation back to the Father, ELOHIM.

Being apart from ELOHIM means separated for eternal death.   Reconciled back to  ELOHIM through Yeshua the Messiah means forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  Which shall you choose – life or death?

But Elohim proves His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us. ⁹Much more then, having now been declared right by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. ¹⁰For if, being enemies, we were restored to favor with Elohim through the death of His Son, much more, having been restored to favor, we shall be saved by His life. ¹¹And not only this, but we also exult in Elohim through our Master Messiah, through whom we have now received the restoration to favor. (Romans 5:8-11TSB)

Freedom, Counting the Costs

Counting Freedom
by py thomas
April 20, 2014 ©

Today is my birthday and as a matter of personal tradition, I typically go through a very reflective time two weeks leading up to the anniversary of my birth. 

 

During this time, freedom is what ELOHIM (GOD) has put on my heart to consider and its costs.  I’ve more recently have been “re-learning” how to live this life He has given me with a level of faith to believe Him for balance and the provisions of His promises to those in covenant relationship with ELOHIM.

We are all free – born to be free.  However, wisdom has taught me that freedom without boundaries is really a trap and a set up for failure and disappointment.  Most seldom think of freedom as something that comes with limitations.  Too much of anything is not good, including freedom.

So what happens when there is excessive freedom in one’s life?  Well if we examine the life of a child that has had excessive, unrestrained freedom, what do you see?  You see a spoiled, unruly, undisciplined, disrespectful, selfish, conniving and unmanageable person.

Freedom comes with a price.  I’ve come to understand the price of freedom –  and it is boundaries.  For me the boundaries are all found in the tree of Calvary where Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) was crucified. 

 

It is in His tomb that my sins were buried so I could live in freedom and not just exist in sin. 

It is the knowledge of Him and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life that I know He is indeed risen and because He lives, I too have been set free from the bondages of sin and death. 

It is in Yeshua resurrection that I’m assured of being resurrected from this life into eternal life with Him in accordance to the covenant of salvation established by the Father ELOHIM. 

Selah (meditate on these things).   Shalom (peace) in Yeshua’s name – for without Yeshua there is no peace – no peace no freedom – no freedom means no  eternal life, no eternal life leads to eternal death.  I have chosen Yeshua the Messiah, I have chosen life.

How to Destroy Fear

Destroying Fear by the act of Giving
by py thomas
© April 9, 2014

If you are looking for a way to breakdown and rid yourself of the anxiety and stress of fear, Elohim (GOD) gives us the solution for fear, anxiety and stress in His word.   

For what does it mean that “perfect love casts out fear…”  The Word of Elohim tells us that:

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)”

Why?

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

But what exactly does that mean?  a closer examination of “power, love and a sound mind” reveals to us ELOHIM’s promise to remove tormenting fear from our mind, heart, spirit and soul.   

ELOHIM gives us power - “supernatural power” infused with the might and Godly wisdom of the Holy Spirit.  We literally have access to the supernatural power of ELOHIM – and there is no one or nothing that can successfully stand and oppose ELOHIM.  Once we believe and allow this to get into our spirits, we begin to gain the victory over fear.  So who will and who should ask for Godly wisdom which He has promised to give freely to all who ask?   None other than a child of El Elyon – the Most High GOD.  For those of us who have received the covenant of salvation through Yeshua’s death and resurrection, we of all people should be the ones who recognize that ELOHIM (Creator & Judge) alone is holy and sovereign.  So why turn or go anywhere else for answers?    Truly there is nothing wiser than to be more than a conqueror over the fears and intimidations of the adversary Satan and those who serve him.

We see ELOHIM’s giving in effect again as we see the power of His unconditional love (agape) poured out on all mankind through Yeshua the Messiah who died for us.  For ELOHIM so loved us that He GaVE His most loved – His Son, Yeshua to die for us just so we could have a relationship with Him!    ELOHIM’s giving should inspire our thanksgiving.  If it doesn't that's the first sign that we are out of order and are in dire need of acknowledging our sin of selfishness (from a place of brokeness);  asking for forgiveness and godly sorrow that we might repent and turn from our wicked way. 

We need to remember to draw upon this great treasure we have in our “earthen vessels” (ourselves) given to us by ELOHIM through Yeshua.  Romans 5:1-10 confirms this truth to us:

5 Therefore, having been declared right by belief, we have peace with Elohim through our Master Messiah, ²through whom also we have access by belief into this favor in which we stand, and we exult in the expectation of the esteem of Elohim. ³And not only this, but we also exult in pressures, knowing that pressure works endurance; ⁴and endurance, approvedness; and approvedness, expectation. ⁵And expectation does not disappoint, because the love of Elohim has been poured out in our hearts by the Set-apart Spirit which was given to us. ⁶For when we were still weak, Messiah in due time died for the wicked. ⁷For one shall hardly die for a righteous one, though possibly for a good one some- one would even have the courage to die. ⁸But Elohim proves His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us. ⁹Much more then, having now been declared right by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. ¹⁰For if, being enemies, we were restored to favor with Elohim through the death of His Son, much more, having been restored to favor, we shall be saved by His life. ¹¹And not only this, but we also exult in Elohim through our Master Messiah, through whom we have now received the restoration to favor.

ELOHIM gives to us again when He gives us a “sound mind.”  When we have a sound mind we are in our right mind.   How can anyone have a sound/sane mind apart from truth?  Is there any real truth apart from the knowledge of the Creator and Righteous Judge?  YHWH’s promise to give us His perfect and perfecting Shalom (peace) to those who keep their minds "trained/disciplined" to focus on Him the problem solver, instead of the problems is an absolute truth when believed and applied. Selah.

What Does Life Got To Do With It?

Does Your Life Depend on It?
by py thomas
© March 6, 2014

The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools. (Proverbs 3:35)



There is no wisdom apart from the Word of YAH (the great I AM). What will be your legacy, glory or shame? Selah (worth your serious contemplation).

To bring an offering is a battle, because it’s the battle of obedience against our self-will and not sacrifice. When YHWH called Moshe, Moshe had to initially battle his own thoughts and ideas on how he would fulfill the call on his life by YHWH. Moshe knew he had been chosen, recognized the affliction on his people Israel at the hand of the Egyptians; he had perspective from both the Hebrews and the Egyptians because he was raised as the grandson of the Pharaoh; and he had the passion and zeal to do it. Yet, it would be 40+ years later before Moshe would begin to serve in the call he was placed. Why? Because every call of YHWH on our lives requires preparation.

Preparation to fulfill YAH’s call on our lives begins with our surrender to study YHWH’s Word. Yet, we study, but have we learned? If we have learned from our studying, have we rightly applied it in truth? Or, do we just continue studying, but never really learning anything? The proof of what we have in fact learned is witnessed and is a testimony found in our daily attitudes.

When we study without learning, we will soon find ourselves in a state of boredom, doubtful or skeptical about the content; and become easily distracted.  Why?  Because the pursuit of truth will always be shadowed with the stalking of sin that yields death.  Thus, Godly wisdom encourages us to be mindful of the seduction of sin, and that the war for man’s soul continues.

If we say we fear YAH, then do we consider His laws and commandments?  If we say we fear YAH, do we keep His Sabbath?  If we say we love YAH, have we brought the offering of obedience to His altar – laying our own lives down as a temple of obedience?  If we say we love both the Father and the Son, yet there is unforgiveness in our hearts, we have lied to ourselves and others. 

It is the love of YHWH and Yeshua that has been merciful towards us, in that we have been spared for getting what we truly deserve. So how much more should we love one another to the point that we’re willing to forgive those who have, hurt, lied, offended, deceived, and despitefully used us? Answer: Just as much as Yeshua has forgiven us for the same offenses of sin.

The reality that tomorrow is not promised to anyone is the evidence that Godly wisdom has spoke and we have heard.   From hearers to doers, we find the benefit in living like you know your eternal life depends on it. 

Can those in the covenant of salvation relationship with Yeshua, truly love the ones that have a past but want a future?  You know the ones who are in the seasons of their lives where they are reaping the recompense of sin, even yet after they have sought forgiveness?  Do you think in your minds, “That’s what they get…” without remembering, “…of such were some of you…”

What is to be done when your neatly packaged world comes face-to-face with what lies beneath the surface of those who have died to self and have become all things to all men that some might be saved?  Those are the warring prophets, evangelists, watchmen and teachers of truth that are required to be made bare before all – who seek only the approval of YHWH – are not men pleasers, nor follow the traditions of men.  These are those whose seek opportunities to exercise their ministry of reconciliation given to ALL followers of Yeshua.

¹⁸And all matters are from Elohim, who has restored us to favor with Himself through  (Yeshua) Messiah, and has given us the service of restoration to favor, ¹⁹that is, that Elohim was in Messiah restoring the world to favor unto Himself, not reckoning their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of restoration to favor.

²⁰Therefore we are envoys on behalf of Messiah, as though Elohim were pleading through us. We beg, on behalf of Messiah: Be restored to favor with Elohim. ²¹For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of Elohim. (2 Corinthians 5:18-22)

Don’t rely on your own understanding or trust in your own limited thinking and abilities, but acknowledge Him (Adonai) in all your ways and He will direct your paths; including:

·         Wrong ways – He (YAH) will make your crooked pathways straight

·         No ways – YAH is thee “Way Maker’ – He specializes in making a way out of no way – He spoke creation into being from nothing – how much more so can He speak and send His Word into our situations of life – is He not Yehovah Yireh our provider?; and

·         Any ways  - whether we are going in the right way, sideways or the wrong way, it requires a response from us – one of praise, worship and thanksgiving for the right way; or one of considering our ways before a Holy GOD when we’re sideways; or one of godly sorrow, woe and regret when we are brought to the place of confession, forgiveness, cleansing and restoration.

⁵ Trust in Adonai with all your heart;
do not rely on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him;
then he will level your paths.

⁷ Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom;
but fear Adonai, and turn from evil.
⁸ This will bring health to your body
and give strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

 

Who's on Your Dinner Guest List?

Who Are Your Dinner Guests?
by py thomas
© November 18, 2013

 

Who do we break bread with?  Just who are our dining guests?  If you’re a Follower of Yeshua (Jesus), we need to consider this – not leaning to our own understanding, but acknowledging ADONAI in ALL of our ways – including those who we eat with.

The challenge for the Beloved (those sons and daughters in the blood covenant of salvation through Yeshua (Jesus)) is our willingness to obey the commandment of YHVH that the Apostle Paul directs us to that comes from Deuteronomy 13:6(5); 17:7,12; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21, 24; 24:7.  We say the Law (Torah) no longer applies except in those instances when it’s self-serving (for example in tithes and offerings, calling our children and/or spouses to obedience, or when someone has stolen from us, etc.).  However, those who have truly studied the full counsel of YHVH’s Word, know this is not so.   (But that’s a discussion for another day).   

The purpose of this post is to draw our attention to that uncomfortable topic of sexual immorality, greedy people, thieves, people who like to get drunk, abusive people, and idol worshippers (people who worship people, carved images, money, fame, success, sports, hobbies, etc.).  Why is it so uncomfortable?  Well, it’s because so many of us (and I’m only addressing the Followers of Yeshua (Jesus)) have either been involved in sexual immorality, or we’re currently involved in some type of sexual immorality, or any of the other aforementioned sins.  Yes, sins.  (Sins  by the way is the real 4-letter word we should all take time to examine in ourselves.  Selah.)

In the Body of Messiah, we are supposed to discern right from wrong based on the sovereign authority of Adonai Elohim from His Word.  We like to quote 2 Timothy 3:16-18:

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; ¹⁷ thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-18)

Thus if t ALL scripture is given by the Spirit of ADONAI (G-D), then all means we’re on the hook for obeying ALL of it. 

Further, folks (especially the convicted and/or guilty Followers of Yeshua (Jesus)), are quick to say “you can’t judge me.”  However, clearly the Apostle Paul calls us to consider that we are indeed to discern/judge sin amongst each other within the Body of the Messiah.   

¹² For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Isn’t it those who are part of the community that you should be judging? ¹³ God will judge those who are outside. Just expel the evildoer from among yourselves.  (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

It is Adonai Elohim who will deal with those on the outside – those who have not come to faith in Yeshua and/or have rejected Yeshua.  (Remember we too were once numbered among that crowd until we heard and believed the Good News of Yeshua.).  But in our judging of the Beloved, we should be mindful that it is NOT our job to sentence and punish, but to turn them over to the Righteous Judge ELOHIM and allow Him to deal with them.   Our job is to stand apart from the sexual immoral, the thieves, the greedy, the drunks, the idol worshippers, and the abusive ones.  As a matter of fact, we’re told not to even eat with those that do these things (sackcloth & ashes – how we ALL need to repent).

⁹ In my earlier letter I wrote you not to associate with people who engage in sexual immorality. ¹⁰ I didn’t mean the sexually immoral people outside your community, or the greedy, or the thieves or the idol-worshippers — for then you would have to leave the world altogether! ¹¹ No, what I wrote you was not to associate with anyone who is supposedly a brother but who also engages in sexual immorality, is greedy, worships idols, is abusive, gets drunk or steals. With such a person you shouldn’t even eat! (1 Corinthians 5:9-11)

I recognize that obeying this will mean we suddenly find ourselves in a small group of friends and acquaintances, of those who are like-minded.  We are told however to live a consecrated life – to “come out from among them, and be separate.”  The other good news is that when we stand apart from our brothers or sisters in Yeshua bound up in sin and PRAY for them, the Holy Spirit is more than able to deal with them and restore them.  Yeshua reminds of us this truth in (John 16:5-10).  Our job is NOT TO BEAT THEM UP, but to tell them what YHVH’s Word says, and leave them in His capable hands.  Godly sorrow will yield repentance if we’re willing to step away and allow the Holy Spirit to deal with the brother or sister in error.

⁵ “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ ⁶ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷ Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. ⁸ And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹ of sin, because they do not believe in Me; ¹⁰ of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; ¹¹ of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (John 16:5-10)

1 Corinthians 5:1-13:

5 It is actually being reported that there is sexual sin among you, and it is sexual sin of a kind that is condemned even by pagans — a man is living with his stepmother! ² And you stay proud? Shouldn’t you rather have felt some sadness that would have led you to remove from your company the man who has done this thing? ³ For I myself, even though I am absent physically, am with you spiritually; and I have already judged the man who has done this as if I were present. ⁴ In the name of the Lord Yeshua, when you are assembled, with me present spiritually and the power of our Lord Yeshua among us, ⁵ hand over such a person to the Adversary for his old nature to be destroyed, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord.

⁶ Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know the saying, “It takes only a little hametz (leaven )to leaven a whole batch of dough?” ⁷ Get rid of the old hametz (leaven), so that you can be a new batch of dough, because in reality you are unleavened. For our Pesach (Passover) lamb, the Messiah, has been sacrificed. ⁸ So let us celebrate the Seder (feast) not with leftover hametz (leaven), the hametz (leaven) of wickedness and evil, but with the matzah (bread) of purity and truth.

⁹ In my earlier letter I wrote you not to associate with people who engage in sexual immorality. ¹⁰ I didn’t mean the sexually immoral people outside your community, or the greedy, or the thieves or the idol-worshippers — for then you would have to leave the world altogether! ¹¹ No, what I wrote you was not to associate with anyone who is supposedly a brother but who also engages in sexual immorality, is greedy, worships idols, is abusive, gets drunk or steals. With such a person you shouldn’t even eat! ¹² For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Isn’t it those who are part of the community that you should be judging? ¹³ God will judge those who are outside. Just expel the evildoer from among yourselves.^[a]

Footnotes:

1. 1 Corinthians 5:13 Deuteronomy 13:6(5); 17:7,12; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21, 24; 24:7

The Watchers & Talkers - An Audience of Many

The Audience of Many – Not to Humiliate But to Generate What?

by py thomas
© November 14, 2013

Meditation on Psalm 40

“…my ears You have opened.” (Psalm 40:6)

PREFACE:  When the Beloved Obey & Help the Wounded Warriors.  While going through a 2-day period of testing, I was encouraged by my youngest blood sibling (and brother in Yeshua too) to tune out the noise of the Adversary the Devil; and tune-in and listen to worship music (which I did).   While doing that, another brother in Yeshua sought ADONAI on my behalf and was told to tell me to meditate on Psalms 40 (which I also did).

This is day two and the conclusion of the matter of what the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) has opened my ears to hear.  I pray that the revelation and comfort I have received will encourage and comfort you too.

I’m thankful for the Spirit of Adonai  to be mindful of me and send His instructions through my two brothers in Yeshua, who both OBEYED and told me what was needed; and even more so, I’m thankful that Adonai opened my ears so I could hear and immediately OBEY.  Truly “obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22, Acts 17:11).

The Fruit of the Spirit – Wisdom & Understanding.  This is what meditating on Psalms 40 has birthed in me…

I waited patiently for ADONAI;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
² He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
³ He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in ADONAI. (Psalm 40:1-3)

The Formation of the Witness & Witnesses of Tests & Trials.  If many will see my deliverance, it goes to reason there are many who have seen my afflictions.  Those who have seen my afflictions scratch their heads and wonder, “How could this happen?  She says she serves ADONAI, and yet she’s going through so much.” Or the accusing, critical finger pointing ones will say, “She must have some unrepented sin in her life – some secret sin she is being punished for, or she’s not really saved…I thought she was a “Christian.”   Or for those who know that I follow Yeshua (Jesus); and now keep Adonai’s Sabbath, feasts and commandments, take occasion to mock with spoken and unspoken comments, “That’s what happens to those who seek to obey His Torah (the impossible thing) and now she’s missing out on God’s grace and freedoms.”   Trust me, I’ve heard them all, just as Yeshua (Jesus), Job, Jacob, David, the prophets, apostles, disciples and for Followers of Yeshua (Jesus) overall.

So what do we say to these things?  The Scriptures answer and say,

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

Be encouraged to know that it is during the season on hoping and waiting on ADONAI, that He is assembling the audience to witness and see His miraculous and majestic works to those who have put their hope and trust in El Elyon – the Most High God. 

Therefore, having been declared right by belief, we have peace with Elohim through our Master Yeshua the Messiah, ²through whom also we have access by belief into this favour in which we stand, and we exult in the expectation of the esteem of Elohim. ³And not only this, but we also exult in pressures, knowing that pressure works endurance; ⁴and endurance, approvedness; and approvedness, expectation. ⁵And expectation does not disappoint, because the love of Elohim has been poured out in our hearts by the Set-apart Spirit which was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5 – The Scriptures Bible)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5 - NKJV)

So, since we have come to be considered righteous by God because of our trust, let us continue to have shalom with God through our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah. ² Also through him and on the ground of our trust, we have gained access to this grace in which we stand; so let us boast about the hope of experiencing God’s glory. ³ But not only that, let us also boast in our troubles; because we know that trouble produces endurance, ⁴ endurance produces character, and character produces hope; ⁵ and this hope does not let us down, because God’s love for us has already been poured out in our hearts through the Ruach HaKodesh who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5 - CJB)

Now that the audience  of many has been assembled by ADONAI, just what will these witnesses see when YHVH fully establishes my steps? 

1. They will see that truly it IS a GOOD THING to wait patiently on ADONAI

2. They will see that hope in YHVH does not disappoint

3.  They will see that there is no situation so horrendous that He is not able to deliver, rescue and restore – even from the lowest points of our lives – utter destitution

4.  They will see and hear great rejoicing and praises of thanksgiving being given to ADONAI

5.  Many will take note, and consider their wicked ways and rethink their walk before YHVH – they will have cause to repent.

The Transfer of Hope to Us.  Psalm 40:7-8.  What will be written of us in Elohim’s books?  As for me, I have chosen to delight in doing YHVH’s will, and now with the understanding that the audience of many is for His testimony and glory, and not my humiliation.   It is the fully surrendered and obedient life that I find  delight.  Why?  Because ADONAI has opened my ears  and has written His Torah (Law – i.e. instructions for Godly living) written on my heart to the point that I live it out loud.  Even in those times when I stumble and fall short, like David, Adonai gives me the strength to get back up and press forward the prize – that I will trust Adonai as David’s witness has encouraged me to; and that my witness will birth other witnesses to the testimonies of ELOHIM for His namesake.

CONCLUSION OF THE  MATTER
The Earnest Expectations for Obeying YHVH’s Requirements – Psalm 40:9-10 – My Prayer:   

El Elyon, Master and Creator of the Universe, it is because of Yeshua’s death and resurrection on our behalf that I can enter Your presence, and with great thanksgiving, I now have the power over sin so I can obey Your requirements.  You are the Holy one of Isra’el, and I have been grafted in to the Olive Branch because of Your long-suffering mercies you bestow upon mankind.  I praise You most of all because my name is in written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.   As I have been forgiven, I forgive those who have trespassed and sinned against me.  You are my provider of all that concerns me, and therefore I thank You!

 I rejoice because I can enter Your presence and petition Your mercies, loving kindness.  I agree and profess from my heart and with my lips that it is a fact that Your Word is truth (and truth is Your Word).  I thank You because written in Your Word, is that Your truth  has and will always will preserve and save me no matter what is going on – even when I have sinned and fallen short…Your promise of being in covenant with me because of Yeshua, stands steadfast and unmovable.

I don’t have to be concerned about those who plot to hinder and destroy my life, for You El Elyon are my deliverer and fight my battles.  So I have now purposed to take my breath and energy to turn towards You and worship You.  My mind, body, soul and spirit belong in Your presence continually, just as You continually are my salvation, my peace, my comforter, my healer, my provider, my alpha and omega.

Instead of my complaint or worries, I instead have chosen to worship You and to thank You for the audience of many whose hearts will be turned to trust in You.  I’m humbled that You Adonai Tzevaot (Lord of Hosts); would consider me to not only be counted worthy to suffer so that I might bear and share the testimonies of You, so the audience of many will trust in You for their lives and all that concerns them. 

It’s truly well with my soul to have an audience of many who will become witnesses and bearers of Your testimonies.

¹⁶ Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let such as love Your salvation say continually,
“HaShem (The Lord) be magnified!”
¹⁷ But I am poor and needy;
Yet ADONAI (the Lord) thinks upon me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O Elohim.  (Psalm 40:16-17)

For there is no other name under the heavens given to men than the name of Yeshua – the name that causes demons to tremble,  and has set me free from the bondage of sin and death.  It is in His strong and powerful name I thank You and I have petitioned You El Elyon.
Amen, A-men and Amein!

Why Some Keep Choosing the Wrong People to be Involved With

Special Delivery - Love Letters to the Beloved
by py thomas
© November 12, 2013

 

The evidence of when single men and women make their interpersonal relationships (boyfriends and girlfriends) their God, is when they put the true and living GOD Elohim on hold, to answer the call of "flesh n' blood."  It's during those times that we choose what is most important to us.  Even though ELOHIM puts a premium importance on our relationship with Him, most seldom reciprocate.   Time that should be spent with ELOHIM, is given to these relationships and/or the pursuit of those relationships.  Once those relationships evaporate and subsequently leave behind collateral damage in our hearts, minds and emotions that have been pierced full of shrapnel, we wonder over and over what went wrong. 

Could it possibly be that "we" went wrong when we went after something in the wrong time, or even the wrong person?   Could there be any legitimacy to the Scripture that speaks to us about unequal yoking? 

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? What communion has light with darkness: And what accord has Messiah with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the Temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’ Therefore, ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says Yehovah. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’” (1Corinthians 6:14‑17)

Are we to compromise?  For single unmarried men and women who are the Beloved of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ),  are we willing to be honest to the point that we look back over our lives and see the many times we put a relationship ahead of our relationship with the true and living GOD, ADONAI? 

I’ll be candidly honest; there were those times in my life that I too was quite reluctant to face the overwhelming evidence of truth that I have been guilty of making relationships my gods, my idols.  Of course, I never viewed as that while I was doing it, because in my mind, I had always thought of idols and gods as these little statutes of wood, clay and metal that one burns incense to, prays to, or brings them food to eat, knowing that they are objects – lifeless, without breath, a soul, mind, body or spirit.  But nonetheless, the sobering reality is that they were idols – they consumed my time, thoughts and resources – that which is supposed to be set aside for ELOHIM. 



This was a gut-wrenching and sorrowful acknowledgement, especially for one who claimed to be a Follower of Yeshua (Jesus).  Guess I was following with lip service only, and not a circumcised and renewed heart.

We’re the Beloved, and we have idols?  Really? 

Time for truth or consequences?  So how do we avoid the counterfeits and the bondage of sin that so easily ensnares us? It takes truth to free us from this seemingly unending cycle of chasing and being chased by the wrong people.   But what exact truth do we need to consider?  Could it be the truth that would call us to a place to face the truth about ourselves and situations? Or another “strange seducing” truth that offers us excuses, faulty rationalizations, and requires no accountability on our part – and, is that really truth at all, or even perhaps a lie?

Truly, the “real” truth shall set those free who desire to be free.  But the freedom is not for the indulgence of carnality, but the freedom to pursue holiness – the obedience to the righteous instructions for living in the presence of the omnipotent and sovereign El Elyon (the Most High GOD). 

Just before Yeshua’s arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed for us, the predestined, the chosen.  He knew our frame and our weaknesses, yet covered us in prayer to Abba our Father in Heaven.  He prayed for us,  the Beloved  - the ones who would enter into His covenant of salvation:

 

¹⁷“Set them apart (sanctify) in Your truth – Your Word is truth.  ¹⁸“As You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world. ¹⁹“And for them I set Myself apart, so that they too might be set apart in truth. ²⁰“And I do not pray for these alone, but also for those believing in Me through their word, ²¹so that they all might be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, so that they too might be one in Us, so that the world might believe that You have sent Me. ²²“And the esteem which You gave Me I have given them, so that they might be one as We are one, ²³“I in them, and You in Me, so that they might be perfected into one, so that the world knows that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:17-23)

So what should one do about this?  Well, I’m not going to say anything because I know Yeshua’s sheep hear His voice and answer Him.  I have …will you?

YAH will forgive for the sake of Yeshua (in Yeshua’s name) and make all things new when we surrender the old selfish person who insists on their own way – trade the old person in for the new model, which can be perfected through the example Yeshua provided us with by His life. 

There’s a special unlimited and with a full warranty offer from Heaven for an “oil change,” on your mobile vehicle called your temple (your body)…it is the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit to dismantle that which has enslaved us – freeing us from all bitterness, unforgiveness and striving after the wind.  Time for a Holy Spirit-fueled tune-up.  Selah.