May your Name be kept holy among your people and your instructions fulfilled without grumbling and whining. May your people who are called by your name cherish you, respect you, obey you and honor you with all their hearts, minds and souls. May your people be the salt and light in the earth as you have demanded; and may you be pleased with the service of your people…for YOU are holy and worthy of all praise, honor and prestige. You are love and there is no one else who touches our hearts, provides and sustains like YOU. You are the G-D of mercy – not giving us what we deserve; and the G-D of grace offering us the gift of forgiveness in Yeshua.
Today, I lift up families, friends and our nation, the USA…please according to your tender mercies…bless, protect,and squash the evil which is seeking to kill, destroy and steal our very existence! In the name of Yeshua I praise you and humbly ask.
Today is National and Global Day of Prayer, September 26, 2020.
Let us pray for our nation today and every day; repent from our wickedness as a nation and individually, which grieves the heart of our Creator, G-D, and Savior of this United States of America and this world.
Let us love one another in spite of our diverse differences!
Let us know and respond accordingly that peace will NEVER come about through violence, but only through repentance and our love first for our G-D and King and then for one another!
Let us look to ABBA (Father, G-D) for all that we need for HIS LOVE IS RUNNING AFTER US TO RETURN TO HIM.
There are many articles and blogs on the 2020 COVID 19 pandemic. This pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in folks. People have learned a lot about each other because of the stay-at-home orders; life has changed and some of us have handled the changed well and others miserably.
The world has changed drastically right before our eyes; and at times, I have felt hopelessly consumed by the negativity which blankets the news, and sometimes friends and family. Recently, some of us watched the movie, American Gospel. The documentary detailed the heretical messages being perpetuated in some of the churches in America and abroad. After watching the movie, my mind considered many points I believe pertinent to COVID 19. However, I just want to mention the main focus which is Yeshua (Jesus) – WHO is more than enough in all matters…COVID or not!
Many times, we find ourselves consumed with our own narcissistic desires and/or fears that we fail to see that Yeshua is the cornerstone not just in the Bible and the Universe, but He is or should be the cornerstone to all those who claim to believe and trust in Him. What is the meaning of “cornerstone” anyway?
A cornerstone of a building is an important part of construction as it is the first stone to be set and determines the position of all the pieces to be laid afterwards. Cornerstones have been part of building since the Great Pyramids. (Link: https://www.reference.com/world-view/cornerstone-building-9d8b9413986edfa1) Based on my research, cornerstone is an architectural term which is used twice in the Renewed Covenant of the exalted Yeshua.
Ephesians 2:20… being built on the foundation of the emissaries and prophets, Messiah Yeshua himself being the chief cornerstone…World Messianic Bible
I Peter 2:6… Because it is contained in Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen and precious…World Messianic Bible
So, to those of us who are putting our faith in Yeshua, we realize that He is the cornerstone of our community of believers, our very lives on which our hopes of salvation in this life and the life to come depend. However, to those who do not believe and deny the saving mercy of Yeshua the cornerstone…He is their stumbling block and foolishness to them.
This pandemic has taken us by surprise and has made all of us vulnerable, some of us afraid and has reminded us that life is uncertain. All we have and need is in Yeshua! There is no one greater than Him or who can help us in our times of trouble.
Therefore, my family in the Body of Yeshua, be not dismayed, discouraged, depressed or downtrodden! But rejoice in the L-RD who is sufficient and let not your heart be troubled;(John 14:1) for in this life we will have troubles. But in Yeshua we have Shalom, protection, love, mercy, grace and so much more. Share the Great News of salvation in Yeshua so that others will rejoice in Him regardless of their plight in this life.
Recently, I learned about encouraging videos on YouTube, “Lion of Judah”. I enjoy listening to the various ministers’ words of encouragement. Right now, especially during this pandemic, we need to be encouraged in the L-RD, hold on to Him, believe His Word and act accordingly!
Please listen to the following videos and be encouraged. You can find additional videos on YouTube. If you need prayer, send me an email and I will pray for you!
There has and is so much talk among religious groups about the “mark of the beast…666” that one might be completely confused as to the appearance of the anti-Messiah. If you are woke…you know the spirit of the anti-messiah is prevalent in every area of life. Look at the news, check out the behavior of your children, spouses, look at the violent graphics of some video games, human trafficking, drugs, murder, rape and complete mayhem can be found on every corner of this dwelling place, we call earth. These are extremely dark times, and if we are not careful, we can be lulled to sleep by the viciousness of this world via our apathetic attitudes. , We are called in G-D’s word to watch, be diligent, and occupy until He comes! Who comes? Yeshua the Messiah.
Now, I am not an end-time theologian by any means! And, the events which are described in the Bible and teachings from others makes me, and I am sure others afraid of the devastation which is coming upon this sinful world. However, in all that I have read and learned; I do believe that AI (artificial intelligence) is going to play a huge part in the appearance of the anti-messiah.
First of all, in order to buy and sell food, we need some sort of financial system. Right now, we can use cash, credit cards, Bitcoins, etc. However, as we move closer towards the end, a cashless society will become more prevalent. There are some societies that are already cashless. Look at India for example or Canada, United Kingdom, France with the United States not far behind.
Some would suggest that a cashless society provides
convenience, but is convenience the most important factor when it comes to
managing our finances? Consider this quote from Potential Problems
Associated With A Cashless Society according to worldatlas.com:
The move towards a cashless economy is heavily debated and controversy-prone. Several points have been raised about the negative effects of cashless transactions. In a cashless country, the complete control of transactions, individual use of money, information about public monetary assets, and interest rates are with the nation state and third-party providers. An individual’s money is under external control and is subject to external regulations and restrictions. Negative interest rates might become applicable. Also, in a cashless society, individual transactions and incomes become accessible to legitimate parties like police or tax officials, and chances of hacking also increase.
To point is clear. Yet, what about our poorer communities, who depend on cash to buy food and gas? Or those who have credit issues and cannot get a banking account and have to rely on Western Union, Money Grams, etc. In my opinion, a cashless society could lead to the appearance of the anti-messiah, because the very funds you need to survive would be controlled by an evil dictator.
What about chips and not the eating kind?
We are seeing a rise of people getting chips under their skin in order to open their cars, garage doors and more. Recently, I saw an article where people are having chip parties. Seriously? Could this lead to the “mark of the beast”? If all of one’s information is stored on those chips, some giant AI god in the sky can constantly monitor one’s behavior. They are already monitoring us. But, anyway, what about the doctor telling a patient, spouse, or parent…well if you put this chip in your loved one’s arm, not only will they be healed, but they will never get sick again or they will be super human? Do you think folks would agree to this? How about working parents inserting chips into their child, so they can be monitored as they work? Consider your cell phones, smart TVs, laptops, Alexis devices…aren’t they already constantly listening and monitoring? And, of course, we can’t forget about Facebook, Google, Twitter. Recent news articles have informed us on their snooping into our lives and violating our PRIVACY rights! We have NO privacy. But, anyway, the list could go on and on, but I think you get my point.
Finally, what about DNA altering? Could this be the “mark of the beast” in that the DNA is so altered that G-D’s original fingerprint on that individual is destroyed? What about crisper…gene editing? Read for yourself.
My point…the mark of the beast, I believe will be a willingness on the part of the recipients to receive it whether it is inserting a chip into the body, using the cashless method to pay for goods and services or altering some DNA code or all of the above. It is an act of our will to receive and do things contrary to G-D’s design for His people. Those who choose satan over the Creator-G-D, will have to choose his mark in whatever form to their demise.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, let us be not deceived… in all things ask G-D and hear His voice, least even the elect will be deceived in the end.
I am so very grateful to all those who helped me to publish this book. It was written in the hopes that people who say they love G-D, would love their spouses, and choose to stay in their relationship. My prayer…you find some word or phrase in this work of love that will bless your heart and then share that with others.
Without water we all would perish…humans, animals, plants, trees…every single organic thing, which needs water to thrive would die. Pretty basic biology and quite profoundly necessary!
G-D, the living G-D and Creator of the
universe by the way, thinks water is pretty profound and vital in both the physical
and spiritual word according to the Bible. If you look at the very first book
in the Bible, the very first chapter and the second verse…the word water
shows up. Now according to my study,
water or the reference to water is mentioned around 722 times in the Bible. Some
suggests half of that, but my point…water is mentioned many times in G-D’s
word, so thus it must be important to Him and therefore, should be important to
us.
I started thinking about this because last
week’s parashah reading is based on the flood that destroyed the earth
during Noach, Noah’s times. (Genesis 6:9ff). The flood of G-D destroyed
the known world at that time, but also delivered 8 people, as well as pairs of
all the living creatures. This suggests
that G-D’s destruction can also be seen not only as His righteous judgment, but
also as His cleansing and deliverance of His people. In other words, the waters
of the flood are a prefigure of the baptism we need in order to be cleansed of
our sins and vile ways. (2 Peter 3:18-22)
Let’s consider some of the ways in which
water is used in the Word.
Water
speaks of life, the giving of life, physical life: Genesis 1:20
Water
speaks to us of the Word of G-D: Ephesians 5:26, Ps. 119:9
Water
is referenced as a form of purification: Ez. 36:25
Water
refers to spiritual renewal, cleansing, refreshing: Jer. 2:13, Jn 4:14
There are so many more examples in Scripture, but hopefully you get the point of the profundity of water in the word, and its importance to the Father from Genesis to Revelation.
Water’s pervasiveness is seen in humans. The average amount of water in a human being is between 50% to 75% depending on gender and age with babies having the most water at around 75% and greater. The earth is covered by approximately 72-75% of which approximately 97% of that water is oceanic. What about animals, say dogs? A female dog is made up of approximately 55% water, and it varies for other non-human animals. Plants have a large composition of water and can have up to 95%.
Water is the major composition of the human body, feeds the
body physically, sustains animals and plant life, is used for cleaning,
cooking, swimming and many other things. Without water, life would not exist. How
long can a person survive without water? It varies, but somewhere between 2 -7
days. Again, water not only nourishes the body, but it cleanses the body of
toxins. Babies in the womb are housed in water. According to Genesis, we are
housed between water. Water, water and more water.
So, what is my point? Water in and of itself is pure…what’s in the water… defiles it! When G-D originally created man, He intended for man to remain pure. But as we know the story, man was defiled and thus death became a reality, and our need for a Redeemer.
The flood of Noah’s day was a result of G-D’s displeasure with man. Yet, G-D provided a way of escape for the righteous Noah and his family. What made Noah righteous, not perfect, was his trust in G-D. The same principle is applicable for us today. We are righteous, not perfect through Yeshua, if we believe and trust in Him. Therefore, let us be encouraged to live as pure as possible unto the L-RD!
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers
also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess
him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise
of men more than the praise of G-D.John
12:42
We are exactly the same as the leaders of Yeshua’s day. We may call it “PC” (politically correct) or some other nefarious term, but really, we are afraid to speak the truth when it is contrary to the popular belief of others. We, and I meanwe, are afraid of ridicule, persecution, rejection not to mention physical harm or even death! Many times, we are afraid to speak up concerning our beliefs in G-D, because we imagine the worst of what man can do to us, rather than trust what G-D will do for us and through us!
Yet, our actions based in fear are the results of our preconceived notions of how the end will materialize. However, we can’t know the “end” until the “end” comes…which may turn out in a way which was beyond our comprehension, good, and yes, possibly bad. Therefore, we must trust in G-D’s best for us and have faith in Him regardless of the outcome.
Fear, unhealthy fear is a debilitating force, which retards our growth and impedes our obedience to G-D’s teachings. The leaders in the above passage were afraid of being ostracized from the synagogue; and, like many of us, we are afraid of being ostracized at work, in our churches/synagogues, among our friends, family, social media, etc. Contrarily interesting, many of us are also afraid of success in our personal and professional relationships even in our marriages. We are frightened of the “good” or “great” that could be within our reach; therefore, we erroneously judge “our today” by “our yesterdays”. We predetermine our outcome by speaking negativity, and thrive in self-fulfilled prophecy and arrogance when things turn out just like “we knew they would”.
Yet, I believe in the Scripture, which suggests that all things work for our good (Romans 8:28) when we love the L-RD. His forgiveness, grace and mercy allow us chances to experience newness as we grow in Him. A common saying, but apropos; each morning is a new opportunity. What are the new opportunities? A plethora of experiences both great, good and not so good, which bring us closer to the Father, forgetting and forgiving our past and pressing forward in Him. Consider these two Scriptures which align with this truth:
Brethren, I count not myself yet to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before… Phil. 3:13
Then Yeshua (Jesus)
declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit
for the kingdom of G-D.” Luke 9:62
Consequently, we cannot walk in newness, if we are hanging onto the horrors of yesteryear and/or the “good ole days”. We must realize that the awful things which happened to us do not determine our final destination in Yeshua. We must choose to forgive ourselves and those who betrayed our trust, so we can freely walk in the newness of being in Messiah. Regardless, of the atrocities, losses, etc., like Yeshua, we must choose to forgive in order to realize true freedom.
I believe, if we view our past as lessons, we would not embrace our negative personal histories and allow them to massage our souls. Yeshua is our story when we trust in Him. He is our Creator, Narrator, Guide, Model and so much more! If we believe His assessment of us as His Beloved, then our lives will always be pressing forward, instead of stuck in the murky or gloomy past of our experiences. Will life always be easy in Messiah? The answer is obvious! Yet, it is better to walk and trust in Him; than wallow in damaging and debilitating past experiences.
I know how difficult it is to let go of hurts, injustices, abuse and terror. But to live festering in all the bad things that others have done or the grievous things we have done to others and/or ourselves… is slavery at its best. Yeshua came to proclaim the Good News of the Coming Kingdom of G-D and to destroy our bondage to the tyranny of sin. (Romans 6:18) Yeshua did His part and continues to do His part. It is up to us to believe in His work on the torture stake, and the work He continues to do in our hearts when we trust in Him. It is our responsibility as His Bride to walk out the faith we claim in Him.
Will you believe in Him today and His ability to help you press forward in His newness? Will you ask Him to help you practically live out your faith? It is a daily-process, but worth the effort when we love the L-RD!
Note: I was looking at some of my old posts and felt this one was worth posting again with some new additions. If you find this post worthy of sharing, please share.
Recently, I found a 2009 journal of mine as I was watching my grandson. As I began reading “my-history”, I was amazed at how far G-D has brought me! Those of you, who know me very well, have some sense of the horrific pain, I endured because of a martial separation and eventual divorce, which began to unfold from many years prior, with the official separation on July 25, 2009.
However, this blog is not to bring up the past in any negative way! The purpose of this writing is to praise G-D for how far He has brought me, and to thank Him for His healing love! As I read my thoughts from the past, truly emotional vomit, I am astonished at how depressed and miserable I was at that time in my life. Some of my entries seemed as though I was reading about a strange woman I had never met. Some of the entries of events were of things I do not even remember! Imagine that! When G-d does a trans-formative work in our hearts, we truly will forget some of the horrific things we may have endured.
My heart was so very broken during that period in my life, I could not see the new beginning and the new life G-D had waiting for me! All I saw was misery, pain, sadness, gloom and doom! When I became single again, I was so scared, and worried about everything that my head, heart and body ached what seemed like all of the time. Yet, few knew of the great agony oozing in my soul for so many months, because I hid behind my smiles, laughs, my false exterior. There was no need to carry my hurt for the world to see….because the world could not help me nor did the world care. Nor did I want to be the topic of gossip, so I appeared okay as my heart bled living my shattered world again.
Then, as time progressed, I sensed G-d telling me to get it together, lose weight, prepare for the husband He was sending and prepare for ministry. So slowing, I began to date, work on my weight, and spend time in prayer and writing in my journal. Now, I feel great, still working on my weight, and I am ready for G-D’s choice (husband) to step into my life. I am also ready for ministry, as G-D has concretely demonstrated to me that He has made me that Proverbs 31 woman by His Spirit in spite of my many sins and errors! Am I perfect, far from it…but I am ready to be what He has destined for me to be.
In closing, I read a quote from David Bryant’s book, Messengers of Hope…. to hope in G-D is not to escape from reality; rather it is to have the courage to look reality straight in the eyes. The MOMENT we hold is not our final in Mashiach (Messiah)! This quote is so profound, because no hurt or situation is greater than the healing, restorative and redemptive work of our Almighty… There is healing, newness and wholeness in our Savior, if we hold onto Him during our times of difficulty, and remember Him when as we are holding unto His promises for those who trust in Him.
Please know and believe that G-D will be with you as you go through whatever it is that may be weighting heavy on your heart as you read this blog. He will see you through. He does hear our prayers. I am so happy that I serve the Living G-D whose arms are not too short to save His people or His ear deaf to our cries!
Be encouraged today and know that this moment is not your final destination in Messiah, nor are you defined by your circumstances. This truly will pass. However, you decide if you will BETTER or BITTER on the other side of your drama. Did you notice one “letter” determines your heart-condition!
