Thursday, December 29, 2011

Trust

Genesis 46:3,6-7
And he said, I am G-d, the G-d of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: . . .And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him: His sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.

Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Y'hshuwah Messiah, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Trusting G-d leaves a legacy beyond our selves . . .

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Stuff

Genesis 45:20
Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.

Matthew 6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

What do you suppose G-d would like to give us, if we'd just quit trying to hang on to all of our stuff and make it fit into the life HE has planned for us?

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Circumstances Beyond Our Control

Genesis 45:8
So now it was not you that sent me hither, but G-d: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

I Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of G-d in Messiah Y'hshuwah concerning you.

When it's outside of our control, we need to remember that there is nothing outside of G-d's control.

Monday, December 26, 2011

When We Can't See the Reason

Genesis 45:5
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for G-d did send me before you to preserve life.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love G-d, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Next time we don't understand the circumstances or situation and want to blame ourselves or the devil, perhaps we should reconsider, and give G-d the glory.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Advocate

Genesis 44:18
Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.

I John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Y'hshuwah Immanuel the righteous:

G-d drew the parallel all those years apart. Y'hshuwah Immanuel is our advocate and He was born of the tribe of Judah.

Friday, December 23, 2011

For the Record

Genesis 41:40
Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

Acts 7:10
And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

G-d's hand in keeping the children of Israel alive was not forgotten through all those years, and is recorded still. G-d hasn't changed!

Established

Genesis 41:32
And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by G-d, and G-d will shortly bring it to pass.

Revelation 11:3
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

G-d consistently gives "word" of HIS decisions twice. We should take heed . . . this has been written quite awhile now.

Circumstances

Genesis 41:16
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: G-d shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Acts 7:9
And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but G-d was with him,

Sometimes we allow the circumstances to make us question the presence of G-d . . . Joseph, however; even in prison falsely accused gave G-d the glory.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Genesis 41:9
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Realizing we have failed is the beginning of a new beginning . . .

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Blessing ?

Genesis 39:5
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that YHWH blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of YHWH was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

Luke 18:29, 30
And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Often, YHWH doesn't make it clear, just what HE has in mind, but . . . if we trust HIM that our life is in HIS plan, we can know that the end results will be everlasting!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Certainly No Coincidence

Genesis 38:25, 26
When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Matthew 1:3
And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

Interestingly, this Torah reading coincides with the religious celebration of Messiah's birth. In Torah we find that tradition gave way to truth and in the account of the Gospel, we discover that although Messiah had a virgin mother, his great great great grandmas . . . were far from pure. Coincidence in the timing . . . I don't think so!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Sold out

Genesis 37:28
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Matthew 26:15
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

It's amazing what a small sum we settle for, to sell out to the enemy or sell someone else out. For 20 pieces of silver, Joseph was used to save Israel from famine. For 30 pieces of silver, Y'hshuwah paid the price of redemption for the world.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Willing to be Sent

Genesis 37:13
And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.

Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Joseph, here in this passage of the Old Testament and Y'hshuwah in the New, both were sent to be used of G-d to feed the house of Israel . . . In spite of the way they were treated, both were willing to be used.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Hatred

Genesis 37:4, 8
And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

I John 2:9
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

Jealousy and resentment are ugly, ugly emotions that foster hatred. Hatred has no part in the kingdom of heaven.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Peace and Prosperity

Genesis 36:7
For they were exceeding rich, and could not dwell together: neither was the land in which they sojourned able to bear them, for the multitude of their flocks.

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as is in you, have peace with all men.

Jacob faced his greatest fear and was met with peace, by the very man that vowed to kill him, years earlier. The brothers were reconciled, and even when their blessings of prosperity could have become an issue once again, instead, they peaceably put space between themselves. By the way, G-d's definition of prosperity throughout Scripture references flocks and herds and land, not money.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Strange gods?

Genesis 35:2
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Acts 15:20
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 29. That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Until we take a personal inventory of our life and values, we really don't know how many "idols" we cling to. Our society is particularly good at euphemisms.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Gracious Abundance

Genesis 33:11
Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because G-d hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.

Ephesians 3:20
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

When we are living in G-d's will, we will have "more than enough!"
G-d will provide long before we happen on to the need, or the need happens on to us. G-d deals graciously with His people.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Boldness is of G-d

Genesis 33:3
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Y'hshuwah.

A G-dly man faces his fear boldly and appropriately, regardless of the possibilities of the potential outcome. In the preceding verses, Jacob's encounter with G-d gave him the boldness he needed to face his biggest fear, as did their life with Messiah empower Peter and John. An unG-dly man hides behind the women, the children, the opinion, and words . . .

Monday, December 5, 2011

Settling a Matter

Genesis 32:20
And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.

Matthew 5:23, 24
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

As we enter into G-d's purpose in our life or approach HIM to offer our service and gifts, we must do all within our power to be at peace and make amends if we are at fault. We have no control over the response, but we have the responsibility to make the effort.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Realizing our Place with G-d

Genesis 32:10
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

John 1:27
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

A servant of G-d remembers who he or she is in the plan and who G-d is. As a servant of YHWH G-d, it is our blessed privilege to be used of Him. HE is not dependent upon us!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Genesis 29:25
And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; G-d is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

In our every day language I believe this is a prime example of "what goes around, comes around." Jacob found himself in the same predicament he had placed his brother in, seven years earlier. Don't think it has to be the exact same circumstances or people to experience the same "end of the stick" in our dealings. Jacob, the youngest had hidden his identity to his father for the blessing, at his mother's behest; and now his mother's brother hid his daughter's identity. We really do reap what we sow, sooner or later, one way or another. If we're astute, we hopefully won't have to learn that lesson more than once.

Monday, November 28, 2011

A Prophetic Dream. . . .

Genesis 28:12
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of G-d ascending and descending on it.

John 1:51
And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of G-d ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

When Jacob had this dream it was so intense and powerful, he actually renamed the place where he was. BethEl, which is translated House of G-d, is frequently used in Church titles, even today, but as I read John 1:51, it became very clear that Y'hshuwah was the "House of G-d" in the flesh, and of course, demonstrated and promised that His followers would be as well.

Monday, November 21, 2011

No Fear of Death

Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. When G-d's purpose in our life has been accomplished, we can face death with dignity. Dignity in death is something seriously lacking in our mainstream society. Perhaps if we truly believed the words of Paul, in that he'd rather be present with the Lord, we'd not go to excessive measures fearing death.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Giving G-d the Glory

Genesis 24:52
And it came to pass, that , when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped Adonai, bowing himself to the earth.

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in Adonai, alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

When prayers are answered, we must be as diligent with the praise and thanks as we were to ask and seek, originally.

Unselfishness

Genesis 24:12
And he said, O Adonai G-d of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day and show kindness unto my master Abraham.

Philippians 2:3,4
Let nothing be done through strive or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Abraham obviously knew his days were coming to a close, and he didn't want his son to be alone. Abraham's servant knew of Abraham's wealth and although he wouldn't directly benefit from the riches, yet he prayed a very unselfish prayer that was answered immediately!

Not Losing Sight of Purpose

Genesis 24:6
And Abraham said unto him, Beware that thou bring not my son thither again.

Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Although Abraham finds himself, now, without his partner, he refuses to lose sight of the bigger picture. He is determined to not assimilate into the local culture and he is also determined that his son will not return to his previous culture. Even in grief Abraham keeps sight of his purpose.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

The Faith of Sarah

Genesis 23:1
And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah.

Hebrews 11:11
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

Although Abraham is called G-d's friend, Sarah didn't rely on her spouse's faith. Sarah had faith in G-d and in that faith was blessed with strength to do what was naturally impossible.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Sarah / Elizabeth

Genesis 18:13-14
And YHWH said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for YHWH? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Luke 1:36-37
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with G-d nothing shall be impossible.

Two very similar situations, two thousand years apart, more or less . . . Now two thousand years later, still nothing is impossible with G-d.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

The Same Message

Genesis 14:21-23
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto Adonai, the most high G-d, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

Luke 9:3
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

All the years between Abraham and Y'hshuwah, yet the same message is conveyed, and even up to now. The powers of the world offer riches, but the plan of G-d is to provide for HIS servants and not have them burdened by the cares and obligations of this world and it's power. Abraham spoke that he had no need for the provisions of the world. Y'hshuwah sent his disciples in the same teaching.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Communion with Our King

Genesis 14:18, 19
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high G-d. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

Matthew 26:26-29
And as they were eating, Y'hshuwah took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

The King of Salem or Peace appeared unto Abraham to share bread and wine. The reference to Melchizedek, King of Righteousness and Peace. And we see this again in the New Testament with Messiah and his disciples. Coincidence? I think not!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

When G-d says "Get Moving"

Genesis 12:1-3
Now YHWH had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Abraham didn't even question what he heard and there is no record of him debating or discussing or prolonging the decision. Scripture tells us, he simply moved upon the call of G-d. I would also like to point out the 3rd verse in Genesis with regard to America's involvement in the Middle East. The Middle Easterners are all Abraham's grandsons and according to Genesis 12:3, we really need to keep that in mind in our arbitration political posturing.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Thinking Aloud

I'm not yet established in a pattern, here, or for that matter a real plan for how to share the daily Torah readings accompanied by a New Testament correlation, but I am praying and striving.

At any rate, here it is Preparation day and I just continue to ponder the sign of the covenant G-d made with Noah. A rainbow, is like G-d's signature . . . but then the New Testament refers to "a rainbow around the throne." When we are blessed to see a rainbow, are we receiving a glimpse of the throne room?

Genesis 9:8-17
And G-d spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And G-d said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between G-d and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And G-d said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

Revelation 4:3
And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

More About Noah

Genesis 7:17-8:14 . . . Matthew 24:37-39

I'd like to make two observations today. One is, according to my figures, and the numbering of days in this passage, Noah appears to have entered the ark, at about the same time and season, the children of Israel prepared to leave Egypt, and the same season our Messiah bought our redemption.
The other point is rather contemporary. "As in the days of Noah." Odd at how our poor economy and lousy Washington mathematics has brought into common conversation, a term for owing more than something is worth: "under water"

And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.
8:1 And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and G-d made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged; The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained; And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen. And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more. And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry. And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried.

But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Monday, October 24, 2011

the days of Noah

Genesis 7:1-16
And YHWH said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. And Noah did according unto all that YHWH commanded him. And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth, There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as G-d had commanded Noah. And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth. In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as G-d had commanded him: and YHWH shut him in.

Matthew 24:37-39
But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

The one thing we seem to not learn from history is that we don't learn from history. Y'hshuwah gave warning that the society and cultures of the last days would compare to the lifestyle before the great flood. How close is our society to being like the society as "in the days of Noah?" Since Messiah has not yet returned, I'm going to guess, things are going to get worse . . .

Sunday, October 23, 2011

The gift of grace produces good works . . .

Genesis 6:9-22
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with G-d. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The earth also was corrupt before G-d, and the earth was filled with violence. And G-d looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted His way upon the earth. And G-d said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. Thus did Noah; according to all that G-d commanded him, so did he.

Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of G-d: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Messiah Y'hshuwah unto good works, which G-d hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We are saved by grace, but . . . in receiving G-d's grace, we are called to work, work for G-d, as HE has fore-ordained or as it is termed in Romans, "predestined."

Friday, October 21, 2011

Something New

I'll be posting devotions based upon the current Torah reading with New Testament examples or words. I'm working on redesigning, but for today, let me just post.

And G-d said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3

Then spake Y'hshuwah again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

We know from the account in Genesis that the sun and the moon were not created on the first day, but light was. The book of John goes into great detail repeatedly to identify Y'hshuwah as the Messiah, and Messiah himself identified himself as the light. Messiah Y'hshuwah was the first of creation.

Monday, August 1, 2011

G-d's calendar: 1st day, 5th month, year 5771

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O YHWH, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Mark 2:9
Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

The Old Testament prophets knew it, and Y'hshuwah both proclaimed it, and demonstrated it . . . Salvation and healing go hand in hand. Why doesn't it anymore? How can so many "get saved" and remain the same? How did we lose sight of this fact of Scripture?

Monday, July 25, 2011

G-d's calendar: 24th day, 4th month, year 5771

Ezekiel 18:20
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Romans 2:5,6
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of G-d; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Anyone who believes they are sick or poor because of the sin of Adam and Eve is mistaken. According to Scripture, because of Adam and Eve's choice, sin entered the world, but also according to Scripture, humanity continues to choose to sin, and the consequences for sin fall to the one that makes the choice to sin.

Monday, July 18, 2011

G-d's calendar: 17th day, 4th month, year 5771

Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Messiah.

We are clinging to a great deal of tradition in our beliefs. Not only are we clinging to age old traditions, but we are incorporating more human philosophy into spiritual beliefs and calling ti doctrine. That is wrong! We justify, we rationalize, and we are moving farther away from G-d's Word and His truth. We claim G-d uses a myriad of our human traditions . . . and don't even get me started on Christian Psychology. It is time for us all to recognize and separate G-d's truth from man's tradition.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

G-d's calendar: 11th day, 4th month, year 5771

Genesis 3:22, 23
And YHWH G-d said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore YHWH G-d sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

Revelation 21:27
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Redemption has been purchased by G-d's own Son, the perfect Lamb. G-d has provided our redemption, He is our Redeemer and those that have been redeemed, our names are recorded in the Lamb's book of life. With redemption; has come the invitation, back to the Garden.

Monday, July 11, 2011

G-d's calendar: 10th day, 4th month, year 5771

Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

This reference in James paints the portion of the Psalms with a pretty broad brush. It's become quite popular in religious circles to discuss and preach about the sins of the world and just how unG-dly unbelievers are. From early in Genesis, we find that unbelievers have always been unG-dly and disobedient to HIM. What we need to do, those that call ourselves believers, is to look in the mirror and realize we aren't doing all we know to be doing and that also is sin. Just as real a sin as those committed by those who don't have G-d's Word in their heart.

Friday, July 8, 2011

G-d's calendar: 7th day, 4th month, year 5771

Leviticus 13:9
When the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought unto the priest;

James 5:14, 15
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of Y'hshuwah: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and YHWH shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Our beliefs and opinions should be based upon facts, rather than maintain the "opinion" that our beliefs define the facts. Both of these passages were written by the brothers of High Priests. Moses, the brother of Aaron, G-d's first earthly High Priest and James, brother of Y'hshuwah, our everlasting High Priest. Both passages clearly indicate illness is a matter to be taken to G-d, HE is our healer.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

G-d's calendar: 6th day, 4th month, year 5771

Psalm 90:4
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

II Peter 3:8
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with YHWH as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Now that the "scopes trial" has been resurrected from the opposite perspective, let's take a moment to consider . . . Some are introducing the theory that "Intelligent Design" may include these Scriptural references indicating a "belief" that a day in Genesis was more than 24 hours long. I would like to introduce the fact that these Scriptures indicate G-d is an eternal being that is Supreme. He created a seven day week. Perhaps if those claiming to believe HE is the Creator observed HIS seventh day for what it was created to be, the rest of the theories would simply fall away.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

G-d's calendar: 28th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Jeremiah 31:6
For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto YHWH our G-d.

II Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of YHWH.

We as believers should delight in the opportunity to be with our Lord and our G-d. Actually, all humans do strive and desire to be with whomever and whatever is important to them. Both of these Scriptures bring to mind the prophets and apostles, who when faced with even death, had come to realize, the physical was temporal, it was the spiritual that was and is of value.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

G-d's calendar: 26th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please YHWH, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Doesn't look like Paul rewrote as much of Scripture as we have been led to believe. If we are going to please G-d, Old and New Testaments tell us we will be peaceable people. Y'hshuwah demonstrated it, time and time again. We know in the Garden of Gethsemane, Messiah rebuked Peter for his violence toward the soldier that came to arrest Him. So what do we do? Whether it's Old or New Testament, as always, G-d's Word is consistent and we have not been called or instructed to be physically forceful or verbally aggressive. The Words of Y'hshuwah the Messiah are clear. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of G-d.
Matthew 5:9

Monday, June 27, 2011

G-d's calendar: 25th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Isaiah 48:17
Thus saith YHWH, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am YHWH thy G-d which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

John 14:6
Y'hshuwah saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Y'hshuwah is the Messiah and the perfect Passover sacrificial Lamb. He cam to bring us to YHWH G-d, our Redeemer. The Holy One of Israel wants us to call Him, Father, if only we will trust His Instruction for our direction.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

G-d's calendar: 22nd day, 3rd month, year 5771

Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. YHWH is my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:4
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

I wrote this devotion a few years back and as I wrote it I was looking out the window at my sheep and envisioned G-d looking at His. Our sheep had very different personalities and my desire as their shepherd is to pet each of them and give them special treats, but not all are willing to receive what I offer. Let me tell you about the old ewe first. She watches everything and disrupts everything if she's not in control. The young ewe goes "straight up" any and every time anyone gets near her.
The young ram cautiously got acquainted, began eating out of my hand, likes me to pet his head and back, but once we got all that established, he began to meet me at the gate to demand the treats! Then we have the lambs who were cautiously trusting of their shepherd. I use the term cautiously, because they watched the older sheep set bad examples. As I considered all this, I can see myself before G-d, in all of their behavior. Now, as their shepherd, I fed and sheltered them regardless of their reaction and desire to be close to me, but I called them by name, they knew my voice, and the ones that desired to be close to me, received a greater reward.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

G-d's calendar: 19th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Job 19:25,27
For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

By Y'hshuwah's death on the cross, G-d redeemed the world. And G-d raised Him up from the tomb giving him power over death. The day is coming when we shall see, on this earth, the fullness of the glory of G-d, in Messiah Y'hshuwah.

Friday, June 17, 2011

G-d's calendar: 15th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Leviticus 26:12
And I will walk among you, and will be your G-d, and ye shall be my people.

II Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of G-d.

This New Testament passage explains it perfectly. We do not earn salvation by strict observance of G-d's Law. Salvation is a gift of mercy and grace through Y'hshuwah. Obedience to G-d's Law is simply a matter of reverence and respect to Him, by His people.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

G-d's calendar: 14th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Psalm 29:3,4
The voice of YHWH is upon the waters: the G-d of glory thundereth: YHWH is upon many waters. The voice of YHWH is powerful; the voice of YHWH is full of majesty.

John 12:28-30
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Y'hshuwah answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

What a wonderful thing to know and to share with a child through the next thunderstorm. It truly alleviates fear of the unseen noises to let a child know, it is sound made by G-d. And it opens their ears and hearts to His inexplicable majesty. Rather than making up a story to explain the sound, I taught my grandchildren to say, "Yes Father, we hear you."

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

G-d's calendar: 13th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Genesis 50:20
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but G-d meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

These Scriptures come to mind when plans get "upended." I'm not going to give the enemy credit, but rather I'm going to choose to look to G-d's plan in the midst of the unforeseen. Clearly from these two Scriptures, we can see not everyone has our best interest at heart, but if we belong to G-d, HE not only brings us through, but uses us to help others. G-d used Joseph in a mighty way to save many from starvation and when Y'hshuwah offers abundance, it's an overflow we are to share.

Monday, June 13, 2011

G-d's calendar: 11th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Leviticus 26:12
And I will walk among you, and will be your G-d, and ye shall be my people.

II Corinthians 6:16-18
And what agreement hath the temple of G-d with idols? for ye are the temple of the living G-d; as G-d hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith YHWH, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith YHWH Shaddai.

The New Testament passage explains the Old Testament passage perfectly. We do not earn salvation, but strict observance of G-d's law. Salvation is a gift of mercy and grace through G-d's choice in Messiah. Obedience to G-d's Law is simply the way G-d's people show their love to Him.

Friday, June 10, 2011

G-d's calendar: 8th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Exodus 19:20
And YHWH came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and YHWH called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.

Acts 2:1
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

This Sunday will mark the anniversary of the event in both of these Scriptures. A visitation of YHWH to mortal man. In Exodus, the Instructions were given to Moses atop the mountain. In Acts, power was given to those in the upper room. As believers celebrate the giving of Torah and the power of G-d to obey Torah, we will celebrate the fact, that we indeed can be witnesses unto Y'hshuwah. We can have the power to walk in the same Instructions and lifestyle that He walked in.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

G-d's calendar: 6th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Leviticus 13:9
When the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought unto the priest;

James 5:14,15
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of Y'hshuwah: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and YHWH shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Our beliefs and opinions should be based upon facts, rather than maintaining the opinion that our beliefs define the facts. Both of these passages were written by the brothers of high priests. Moses, the brother of Aaron, G-d's first earthly high priest, and James, the brother of Y'hshuwah, our everlasting High Priest. Both passages clearly indicate illness is a matter to be taken to G-d and trusted to Him!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

G-d's calendar: 5th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Zechariah 14:8
And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

John 4:10
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of G-d and of the Lamb.

This is one of G-d's promises that is yet to be seen fulfilled, but it has begun. Scripture very clearly tells us at Calvary, blood and water flowed from the side of Y'hshuwah. He had already identified himself to be the way to the source of Living Water. He is everlasting. His work was finished that day. The victory G-d brought through him was evident three day later and he gave the apostle specific instruction that the message - the Good News was to "flow" first in Jerusalem and ultimately beyond the sees that surrounded Israel. I believe the literal and complete fulfillment is soon!

Monday, June 6, 2011

G-d's calendar: 4th day, 3rd month, year 5771

Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

John 4:10
Y'hshuwah answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of G-d, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

G-d's promise spoken in Isaiah, introduced Himself here in John. Y'hshuwah is the Living Water - G-d used him to wash sins away, satisfy those that thirst for righteousness and He continues . . . He will flow into a drought stricken, hopeless heart, and refresh to overflowing and will continue to flow through that life and onto all those that life touches and through those that are open to His ways. As you can see in this illustration, Living Water is never in short supply or in need of reserving or restricting. The supply is everlasting.

Friday, June 3, 2011

G-d's calendar: 1st day, 3rd month, year 5771

Judges 7:2
And YHWH said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

II Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of G-d;

There is one example after another in Scripture in which victory or healing or deliverance came through no explicable reason except G-d. He works that way, still today. I am so grateful that He has blessed my life with example after example of His power and might. I hear so many sad, half done deals that people try to weave G-d into the results, but He doesn't work that way. When He's using people, He receives the glory and the results are glorious. He requires only faith and obedience and accepts praise and thanksgiving!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

G-d's calendar: 30th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Ezekiel 48:35
It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, YHWH is there.

Revelation 22:5
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for YHWH G-d giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

The presence of YHWH G-d! Both of these passages prophesy of the time of the new heaven and new earth and there is no barrier between heaven and Jerusalem. G-d's light, the light of the world; will illuminate all. We will eternally be in the light of the presence of G-d, but that can begin now in our individual lives.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

G-d' Calendar: 29th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Ezekiel 36:27
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Acts 8:16
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Y'hshuwah.)

This is pretty clear. To follow Messiah we need the presence of G-d's Spirit in our life. If we truly have His Spirit, we'll keep His laws and decrees. It's that simple. If a person believes salvation grants us exemption from the laws and decrees of G-d, that person has chosen to believe a lie.

Friday, May 27, 2011

G-d's calendar: 24th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Zechariah 4:6
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of YHWH unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith YHWH of hosts.

Acts 16:25,26
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto G-d: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Does G-d use man? Absolutely. Does God need man's assistance? Does G-d require help? Absolutely not! Both of these passages address a time in which G-d's servants were visited mightily by G-d in the power of His Spirit. Do you often wonder why we don't see might moves of G-d like this anymore? Because man seeks other gods; little "g". Anything or any person that we access to do what G-d has promised to do is where we have chosen to put our faith. G-d still responds mightily to faith in Him!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

G-d's calendar: 23rd day, 2nd month, year 5771

Psalm 28:9
Blessed be YHWH, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

How many times we likened to sheep. Do we realize just how accurate this analogy is? Sheep must be led and will follow even each other into safety or peril. Sheep must be led to water and shelter. They are dependent creatures. Sheep must be protected, as they are quite vulnerable to both predators and the elements. Sheep do not always recognize what is not a sheep. They will trust quietly,fluffy comfort, even to their detriment . . . And G-d's people are called His sheep. He is called our shepherd and His promise is safety and abundance, as defined in His kingdom.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

G-d's calendar: 22nd day, 2nd month, year 5771

Proverbs 20:27
The spirit of man is the candle of YHWH, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Y'hshuwah, the light of the world, the lamp of Adonai. Y'hshuwah is the salvation of G-d that man can behold. When we make Him Lord in our lives, we reflect Him. As we surrender ourselves to YHWH, He will continue to search and reveal to us, how we may more fully reflect Y'hshuwah in our life. Y'hshuwah means G-d is salvation!

Monday, May 23, 2011

G-d's calendar: 20th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Isaiah 55:8
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith YHWH.

I Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with G-d. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

We get so smug in our beliefs. We are so sure what G-d uses and who G-d uses that we run the same risk as the Pharisees. They were so confident in their own way of "living Torah" they missed the Torah in the flesh right before them. As they determined their own doctrines and rituals in applying Torah to their lives, they missed the awesome power and presence of the Word dwelling before them in truth. Don't make the same mistake, it has an eternal price tag.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

G-d's calendar: 19th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Leviticus 19:9,10
And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am YHWH your G-d.

II Thessalonians 3:11,12
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Y'hshuwah Messiah, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Here is G-d's charity plan, His sharing initiative program. G-d never intended for people to just live off of government programs or the supplied generosity of others. Have you also noticed, now that we have all of these "programs to do nothing" the people that reap the benefit of them have plenty of "time" to be in the business of others? G-d knew, people that already don't have the means or strength to tend to themselves will still manage to maintain the stamina to meddle. G-d did not ordain "too much free time!"

Friday, May 20, 2011

G-d's calendar: 17th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of YHWH is risen upon thee.

Ephesians 5:14
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Messiah shall give thee light.

As we become surrounded in the darkness of the world around us, we must keep in mind - we know the Light of the World. We have the promise that the glory of Adonai will shine on us. Our part in this? We must take our eyes off the problems. That is not say we should lack compassion, but we are not to worry about the situation. We must do as Scripture says . . . Arise, let the Light of the world shine on us, in us, and through us. We must place our complete trust in Adonai, that His glory would rise upon us.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

G-d's calendar: 16th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Genesis 26:12
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and YHWH blessed him.

Mark 10:29,30
And Y'hshuwah answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

YHWH gives the manifold blessing. Neither of these Scriptures indicate, not even remotely imply that the "hundred fold" had to be asked for, nor did they have to beg of their fellow man, or bargain with G-d about it. These Scriptures simply say that a relationship with G-d involves us being responsible and diligent servants and He gives the increase and bounty. This applies to everyone from new believers to seasoned ministers. The increase happens by the hand of G-d to the faithful.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

G-d's calendar: 15th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Isaiah 50:7
For Adonai YHWH will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of G-d, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

I must say, these Scriptures, this concept really hits home for me. Even though these devotions were penned several years ago, the uncertainty of this world remains as constant as the certainty that G-d is in control!
I have found myself terribly unsure of my next goal, and absolutely unsure of what may come at me next. But I am confident, without a doubt, Who brought me here and Who is keeping me. There are situations in which all of grit our teeth and endure. I can't say that sometimes that isn't the way it is, even walking with G-d, but I have found a real calm in knowing that if I have placed my trust in G-d and stand, one of three things will happen. He will move me, move the problem, or bring victory in the midst of the problem! He will avail and does prevail.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

G-d's calendar: 14th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Psalm 118:26,27
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of YHWH: we have blessed you out of the house of YHWH. G-d is YHWH, which hath showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

Luke 19:36-38
And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise G-d with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of YHWH: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Luke 13:35
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of YHWH.

Prophecy, prophecy fulfilled, prophecy of warning and of promise. Y'hshuwah - G-d is salvation, was promised, came, and is coming again.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

G-d's calendar: 12th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy G-d reigneth!

Romans 10:15
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

In these last days we were warned repeatedly of coming deception. G-d's Word tells us that there would be many that speak what "itching ears' want to hear and yet that isn't the good news. I don't think too many of us consider that hearing what we want is not necessarily good news. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the literal interpretation of this verse were the criteria for recognizing true ministers from wolves in sheep's clothing? If the difference between false prophets and servants of G-d was a matter of "beautiful feet?" Maybe it is time for a little Biblical foot washing . . .

Friday, May 13, 2011

G-d's calendar: 10th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Hebrews 10:37
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

G-d gives His people promises and He always keeps His promise. The problem? We don't always understand the time factor. Frequently, we not only misunderstand, we get presumptuous. I remember finding this verse in Habakkuk written down on my desk a number of years ago. I was so sure that was G-d's promise in writing . . . and it was. But rather than being a guarantee of meeting my timing and expectation, it was a directive to stay faithful through what would appear to be a delay, but was truly right on time in G-d's plan. Actually, had I not been blinded by my presumption, I could have seen those years ago I was awaiting part of a plan which was much bigger than I was aware. Y'hshuwah is coming back and the end time events are unfolding.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

G-d's calendar: 8th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Luke 1:76
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

Although these particular verses were spoken regarding specific individuals, there were three factors I would like to mention. Although one passage is Old Testament and one is New, both men were born and called to specific ministries, yet both of these specific ministries are literally still to be repeated. Jeremiah, the prophet was calling a nation to repentance. John the Baptist, spoke of repentance and heralded the arrival of Messiah. There is certainly still a need fr a call to repentance and the absolute certainty of Messiah's return should be on the lips of G-d's servants today.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

G-d's calendar: 7th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith YHWH: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

I Peter 3:15
But sanctify YHWH G-d in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Reason . . . faith without reason can be easily unfounded fanaticism. Personal interpretation and ethereal reasoning is usually the opposite end of the continuum resulting in vague spirituality and mysticism. G-d's truth is clear. Faith in Him has reason. Faith in Him s to have reason. Faith in Him gives reason. Faith in Him results in reason.

Monday, May 9, 2011

G-d's calendar: 6th day, 2nd month, year 5771

Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Galatians 3:11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of G-d, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

If we get too focused on "us" and how pleased G-d should be with "us," we will find ourselves on very dangerous ground. We've all heard someone that just has to tell us how many versions of the bible they have or how many hours of religious television they watch. When we feel G-d should count our self-righteousness acceptable, when we make our pious observations as morality monitors, we have determined our own definition of justification. G-d's Word is clear in definition, in expectation, in Truth. The righteous are not the ones that establish the rules or set the standard. The righteous are those that believe the Word is still the Word of the Living G-d, that saves, heals, and delivers. It is those that live by faith that G-d defines as "the righteous."

Friday, May 6, 2011

G-d's calendar: 3rd day, 2nd month, year 5771

Exodus 33:19
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of YHWH before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of G-d leadeth thee to repentance?

Is there someone in your life that you know needs a relationship with G-d? Do you try to get the conversation steered toward the things of G-d? Have you ever heard someone just spout Scripture at a person, rather than sit down and share the Word? To truly represent g-d, we must share in love. For someone to realize they need to repent, they don't need our judgment or lectures, they must see the darkness of their sin in the light of His goodness, Y'hshuwah.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

G-d's calendar: 1st day, 2nd month, year 5771

Psalm 4:2
You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love delusions, and seek after false gods? Selah.

II Thessalonians 2:9-11
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause G-d shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

I'm always saddened when I hear of some "man-made" solutions referred to as a miracle. The list of human accomplishments is getting pretty lengthy, and the ones that we like; we offer our stamp of approval by somehow "weaving G-d into the scenario." G-d's power is still as awesome as it was at the Red Sea and at the tomb outside Jerusalem, 3 days after Calvary. Have we come to the point in time and history that G-d Himself has unleashed the delusions we humans love so much? And have we made the delusions our false gods?

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

G-d's calendar: 30th day, 1st month, year 5771

Deuteronomy 8:6
Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of YHWH thy G-d, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

These devotions always contain two passages of Scripture. One from the Hebrew Scriptures [Old Testament] and a correlating portion from the New Testament.
These two are so clearly connected that little expounding is needed. G-d told His people in Deuteronomy what was expected and the Y'hshuwah showed how it was done. Living by G-d's commandments is what it is to follow Y'hshuwah and if we are following Y'hshuwah, we will be living by the commandments of G-d.

Monday, May 2, 2011

G-d' Calendar: 29th day, 1st month, year 5771

Micah 5:2
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Matthew 2:1,2
Now when Y'hshuwah was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Two significant signs of recognition of Messiah, both for the religious and the secular of that day. G-d told His people in His Word through His prophet. He also revealed through the methods of pagans, although varied, He gave significant revelation that revered men of their time and belief abandoned their own status and traveled a great distance to see the King, G-d had sent.

Friday, April 29, 2011

G-d's calendar: 26th day, 1st month, year 5771

Genesis 6:6-8
And it repented YHWH that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And YHWH said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of YHWH.

Matthew 24:36-37
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

We have no idea, not fully, how wicket the earth had become in just ten generations of humans. I can't imagine it being more wicked then, than now. G-d mad ea promise, a covenant, that there would never be a world wide flood again. Y'hshuwah said when it got that bad, He's coming back and that promise will also be kept!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

G-d's calendar: 25th day, 1st month, year 5771

Daniel 12:7
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

Revelation 12:14
And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Both of these Scriptures refer to happenings of the end times. You know, G-d is specific in most of the Scriptures regarding time, except Y'hshuwah's return. The days of creation, dates throughout the flood, the captivity of Israel in Babylon, Esther in Persia, Y'hshuwah on Sabbath in the various Feast times. The book of Acts is full of specific references regarding dates and time yet these two passages are specifically vague. Most teachings say these references are referring to years. We were warned of deception the last days and I believe to accept presumption as fact is foundational in deception.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

G-d's calendar: 24th day, 1st month, year 5771

Psalm 27:4
One thing have I desired of YHWH, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of YHWH all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of YHWH, and to inquire in his temple.

I Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of G-d, and ye are not your own?

This time of year we have a tendency to want to get our "house in order." Be it spring cleaning, getting more active, losing some weight, but starting some new habits for the new season. These Scriptures together give us a clear idea of just where we should start in our inventory. Since our bodies are His temple, and we are just the custodians, we need to make sure we are offering a suitable abode and keeping the proper atmosphere for our Creator to abide. What needs to change, what needs to continue? As custodians of the temple, we must inquire as to His plan and will for our days, if we want to see His beauty and for His beauty to be seen in us.

Monday, April 25, 2011

G-d's calendar: 22nd day, 1st month, year 5771

Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. YHWH is my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:14,15
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

There are many verses in the Scriptures in which, we people, are called sheep. Stop and think for a moment of the characteristics and attributes of sheep. They start out very playful and innocent and even at maturity have a very real dependence. Sheep are not self-sufficient creatures, at all. There is always a vulnerability about them. G-d knows us, we need to be led. since humans are born followers, we will follow someone or something, so it is imperative that we seek and know to follow the Good Shepherd.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

G-d's calendar: 11th day, 1st month, year 5771

Isaiah 53:4
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of G-d, and afflicted.

Matthew 8:16,17
When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Y'hshuwah Messiah came and walked in the very special gift and power of the Holy Spirit. When it was prophesied that He would take our infirmities, it was misunderstood and unfortunately the misunderstanding became the standard teaching. As we can see in Matthew, He did take many infirmities, yet when He went to Calvary to pay the final price, His true identity was and continues to be debated and denied to this day.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

G-d's calendar: 9th day, 1st month, year 5771

Jeremiah 31:33
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith YHWH, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their G-d, and they shall be my people.

Hebrews 10:16
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith YHWH, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Jeremiah is speaking prophetically. The writer of Hebrews refers to the past tense of Y'hshuwah's death. And yet; G-d's laws are sill in effect and effective for living in this world. The law doesn't bring forgiveness, but it still defines sin and Instructs in holiness.

Monday, April 11, 2011

G-d's calendar: 8th day, 1st month, year 5771

Job 42:1,6,12
Then Job answered YHWH, and said . . .Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes . . . So YHWH blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

I Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of G-d, that he may exalt you in due time:

We often emphasize the "trials" and burdens of living a life set apart to G-d. And I am certainly not advocating a "feel good" prosperity gospel that denies personal sacrifice. There s so much being taught and accepted these days, that polarizes. We have those that think prosperity is a sign of G-d's blessing and it certainly can be. We have those that feel simplicity and denial of luxury is dedicated to G-d, and it can be, as well; but . . . bot can also happen by man's own doing. If we are walking a life pleasing to G-d, He will tend to our supply and position in life.

Friday, April 8, 2011

G-d's calendar: 5th day, 1st month, year 5771

Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy descendants may live:

Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.

So often we view the Hebrew Scriptures [Old Testament] as a journal of the mandates handed down from G-d. But we see here, that He gave His people an option even after He'd taken care of them in the wilderness, promised to defeat their enemies in the Promised Land, and had given all the Instructions for a successful, prosperous life that will work for any people that make the same choice Joshua did. Y'hshuwah clarified it further in this simple statement. The offer is extended to many, but still few make the choice.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

G-d's calendar: 3rd day, 1st month, year 5771

I apologize for the missed posts this week.

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve YHWH, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve YHWH.

John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

G-d only established one nation on earth and gave that nation laws to live by. G-d established only one way to a relationship with Him and that is through Y'hshuwah Messiah. There is no nation under heaven that is presently living by G-d's standard, therefore; we are faced with the same choice Joshua presented to the children of Israel and offered the same opportunity that Y'hshuwah presented to His first disciples.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

G-d' Calendar: 29th day, 12th month, year 5771

Genesis 35:10
And G-d said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and He called his name Israel.

II Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Messiah, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

These Scriptures tell us clearly the difference between our attempts at a new beginning, a new lease on life, turning over a new leaf, and G-d changing a life. When G-d changes a life, He doesn't just make an adjustment here and there or amend a situation or two. Life isn't like picking out a suit or dress and treating G-d like a tailor to make alterations. When we come to G-d, He changes us. In Messiah, all our sin is erased and G-d fills in the freshly erased blank with His presence and purpose.

Friday, April 1, 2011

G-d's calendar: 27th day, 12th month, year 5771

Ecclesiastes 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear G-d, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

I don't know the exact number of times G-d has instructed His people to just do as they were told. Doesn't everything work better when we follow the instructions? He even sent The Illustration, His Son the Messiah, before dying for our redemption; to demonstrate perfectly what it is to live in righteous obedience to the commandments. You know, G-d still has the same definition for sin as always: disobedience to His Commandments.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

G-d's calendar: 26th day, 12th month, year 5771

Genesis 45:7,8
And G-d sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but G-d: and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love G-d, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Are you in a situation, a predicament? Trust it to G-d. Now you may not have been as innocent as Joseph in the development of the circumstances, and in rereading Genesis, Joseph clearly knew how to provoke his brothers; but innocence or no, you can sill confess, repent, and trust. One note of advisement: G-d will more than likely not need your input, advice, or opinion in the way He chooses to bring the situation around to good, but if we are willing He will bring us to His purpose.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

G-d's calendar: 25th day, 12th month, year 5771

Psalm 41:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: YHWH will deliver him in time of trouble.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

It seems very difficult to show mercy in this world these days. There is a warning attached to every outreach. For every offering of celebration, there is someone offended. For every action there is an almost equal and opposite reaction. G-d wrote the book on how things go and how things will be. He says vengeance is His! But to those that regard the weak, He is deliverance. And mercy will return to those that give it.

Monday, March 28, 2011

G-d's calendar: 23rd day, 12th month, year 5771

Isaiah 40:1-3
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your G-d. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of YHWH's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of YHWH, make straight in the desert a highway for our G-d.

John 1:23
He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of YHWH, as said the prophet Isaiah.

In our call to serve YHWH or in Y'hshuwah's invitation to follow Him, we often appear vague in our direction. I personally know what G-d has called me to do; and every time I allow myself to be distracted or become discouraged or doubt, I sin. In doubting, I am letting my own understanding supersede G-d's plan and purpose. Now, most of us will probably not quote a passage from Hebrew Scriptures and say: "That's me," as John did, but we should have lives that bear witness to the Word.

Friday, March 11, 2011

G-d's calendar: 6th day, 12th month, year 5771

Psalm 102:27
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

Hebrews 13:8
Y'hshuwah Messiah the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

G-d is timeless and without change. As the world continues to deteriorate and man's ways continue to decline; G-d's Word stands forever. What He has said still is. What He promises in love will continue toward His people What He has declared in judgment will come to pass. All the Words of G-d are truth and are lasting and Y'hshuwah is G-d's Word in the flesh. That's why His words carry the same weight, endurance, and power, forever.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

G-d's calendar: 5th day, 12th month, year 5771

Job 2:10
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of G-d, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

II Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

The lives of Job and Paul. You know, Job was a righteous man that was tested to the limits of human endurance. And he was tested to that length because G-d knew him and knew that he was a righteous man. Job knew and loved G-d, not for the blessings and prosperity and that was proven. Job continued to acknowledge the Sovereignty of G-d after the loss of it all and yet we read he was restored. Paul was the opposite. He was a religious monster full of self-righteousness. With that in his culture, came prosperity and prestige that he gave up for the righteousness of G-d, who is Y'hshuwah. Paul knew, in all likelihood, he would see physical death because of his relationship with G-d, without material gain or prosperity restoration.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

G-d's calendar: 4th day, 12th month, year 5771

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

I Peter 3:10
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

I do a great deal of writing. Some of it is just between G-d and myself and some of it is displayed world wide on the web. But I have noticed something. I long to take the same care with the worlds that come out of my mouth, as the ones that go on paper. I've begun to get a real vision of what it takes to control the tongue and I have found the best way to control the tongue is keep my mouth shut. We all say things that G-d forgives and erases when we ask, but frequently those words are not forgotten or forgiven by humanity. I've asked G-d to help me with my spoken words, the way He directs my written words.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

G-d's calendar: 3rd day, 12th month, year 5771

Haggai 1:5-7
Now therefore thus saith YHWH of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith YHWH of hosts; Consider your ways.

Luke 12:29,30
And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

These Scriptures certainly explain finance, economy, and supply well, don't they. It boils down to two variables. 1. Thought to our ways, our priorities, our lifestyle, and our place of standing. Is our lifestyle one of acquire and amass or G-d's abundance? For most Americans acquire and amass is either the plan or the dream, or the lack of it, but is the major concern, which leas to the second point. STUFF is not supposed to be our major concern. STUFF is not G-d's abundance. G-d has already promised to provide what e need. Acquiring without Him, will not satisfy or ever be enough. It will even become a burden. All we need to do is be where He tells us to be and doing what He has called us to do, and He'll provide all we need.

Monday, March 7, 2011

G-d's calendar: 2nd day, 12th month, year 5771

Psalm 95:1
O come, let us sing unto YHWH: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Matthew 7:24, 25
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Our Rock - The Rock of our salvation. What do you picture when you hear the word "rock?" Strength, solid, immovable, stable? All of these words are description of what we have with G-d in Y'hshuwah. Y'hshuwah spoke in the parable of the man who built his house on a rock. We have spiritual stability when we place our faith in Y'hshuwah; G-d is salvation.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

G-d's calendar: 1st day, 12th month, year 5771

Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

John 21:25
And there are also many other things which Y'hshuwah did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

These Scriptures let us know there is even more to G-d than we've read about. So, why do we settle for so much less than Scripture tells? I can't answer that for everyone, but I can tell you from personal experience - G-d does operate in the life of His people, in their faith and praise. Wouldn't it be wonderful to know all of what G-d wants to reveal to each of us personally? Jeremiah and John both tell us clearly; there's more to hear, more to know, more to see, more than we could ever tell; if we would just give Him more, seek Him more, praise Him more and truly trust Him more!

*this year is a leap year, so there are two ADARs.

Friday, March 4, 2011

G-d's calendar: 29th day, 12th month, year 5771

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith YHWH, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of G-d, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

G-d has a plan for each of His people. Our part is not to make plans or even seek His plan. Our part is much simpler than that. Our part is to trust the plan to Him, and simply seek Him!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

G-d's calendar: 27th day, 12th month, year 5771

II Chronicles 15:2
And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; YHWH is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

John 6:66
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

G-d told us and Y'hshuwah showed us that even after we've become aware of G-d, read HIS Word, and met Messiah, we still have a choice to make, and sadly many choose to go back to their old way of life. We can seek Him, hear Him, even follow Him for a time, and still turn back to our old ways of doing things. We must take care and make certain that we are truly trusting G-d, seeking Him, seeking His Word and following Y'hshuwah, not just believing our own interpretation and walking our comfortable humanly designed religious spirituality.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

G-d's calendar: 26th day, 12th month, year 5771

Joel 2:28-32
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of YHWH come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of YHWH shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as YHWH hath said, and in the remnant whom YHWH shall call.

Acts 2:17-21
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith G-d, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of YHWH come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of YHWH shall be saved.

This was spoken in Joel before Messiah came and was quoted by Peter, after Messiah's ascension. Please note the last sentence. "Everyone who calls on the Name of YHWH . . ." It doesn't say everyone who did call . . . This is referring to those that have an ongoing relationship of trust an communion with Him. It is also clearly pointing out the fact that those who have an ongoing relationship with Him, will actually know and call upon His Name. YHWH is the Eternal G-d and our relationship of trust is to be total, ongoing; and everlasting!

Monday, February 28, 2011

G-d's calendar: 25th day, 12th month, year 5771

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning G-d created the heaven and the earth.

John 1:1,2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with G-d, and the Word was G-d.
The same was in the beginning with G-d.

Understanding an eternal G-d is not an easy concept for the finite human mind. Understanding or explaining Y'hshuwah, His everlasting Son, or even Servant without end, is also difficult, especially with His earthly birth record. To know and to explain the mind of G-d is beyond me, but to know He placed the light He created on the first day, into human form, and sent Him to earth doesn't require my understanding, only my acceptance.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

G-d's calendar: 24th day, 12th month, year 5771

Psalm 19:7,8
The law of YHWH is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of YHWH is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of YHWH are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of YHWH is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Matthew 6:22
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

If only people could see the light. G-d's Word can be trusted. If we can believe John 3:16 for spiritual eternal life, then we can be obedient to Deuteronomy for a victorious earthly life. I pray we get our ideas and interpretations off of our own focus and actually humble ourselves before G-d that we might see His light.

Friday, February 25, 2011

G-d's calendar: 22nd day, 12th month, year 5771

Isaiah 53:8
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

John 1:29,30
The next day John seeth Y'hshuwah coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of G-d, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Isaiah and John the Baptist are both speaking of the Messiah. One, of course, prophesied of Him and His purpose, that He would be recognized upon His arrival At His arrival, John, both announced His identity and confirmed the prophecy spoken several centuries earlier.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

G-d's calendar: 21st day, 12th month, year 5771

Psalm 37:25
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

I Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living G-d, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

We have witnessed a strange dichotomy take place in our nation's churches the last 20 years that completely defy these passages in G-d's Word. These Scriptures address the extremes that have become prevalent in our society - prosperity and poverty. Keep in mind, this devotion was written about 10 years before the Great Repression of 2007. These verses tell us we needn't worry about "stuff." We don't need to focus on acquiring, and now our economy indicates we shouldn't have focused on acquiring, nor should we ever find ourselves begging. We have a very interesting thing happening now. We have the wealthy begging from the poor and middle class and it's called "asking for donations" and it was working well, be it large government charities or mega churches.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

G-d's calendar: 20th day, 12th month, year 5771

Proverbs 2:6
For YHWH giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

I Corinthians 12:8
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

I wonder if, when we settled for what used to be called "common sense" was when many people quit seeking the wisdom of G-d. Unfortunately now, we don't even see much common sense. That has been replaced with therapy and twelve step programs. Those two "would be solutions" have led to what? We now have a society that focuses on problems, not solutions and certainly not responsibility to the G-d of the Bible. He doesn't fit into the requirements of humanistic spiritualism, either. YHWH is not a god of our understanding - He is the Master and Creator of life.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

G-d's calendar: 19th day, 12th month, year 5771

Psalms 25:10
All the paths of YHWH are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Revelation 14:12
Here is the steadfast endurance of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of G-d, and the faith of Y'hshuwah.

So many of those calling themselves G-d's people claim to believe or be unaware that G-d's people are still to be obedient to His Word. Revelation clearly tells us the evidence of a saint's faith in Y'hshuwah is demonstrated though obedience to G-d's Commandments. Grace changed 248 statutes of 613. Those were the commandments of sacrifice, that were fully accomplished and finalized at Calvary. The other 365 are to be kept if we are to be found to be "steadfast enduring saints" keeping the faith of Y'hshuwah.

Monday, February 21, 2011

G-d's calendar: 18th day, 12th month, year 5771

Isaiah 8:10
Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for G-d is with us.

Acts 5:38, 39
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of G-d, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against G-d.

This is simple. If the focus or direction is of G-d and His people are walking in obedience, it cannot be stopped. But if it is not of G-d, it will soon end or change direction. Look around and ask G-d. He has stated over and over in His Word, that the battle is not ours. We are called to stand and speak G-d's truth. Falsehoods and evil will do one of three things. It will fall away, end, or entertain itself and those with self-serving itching ears. We must hear G-d for His plan and be ready to walk in His direction.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

G-d's calendar: 17th day, 12th month, year 5771

Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

II Corinthians 5:21
For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of G-d in him.

This is Y'hshuwah. He is our Messiah. He did all of this that we might have forgiveness and life. Adonai G-d loved us so much, He made this plan. G-d Himself sent the price of redemption, the Name Y'hshuwah means G-d is salvation. If we fully place our trust in YHWH, seek YHWH, live in Covenant with YHWH, we have the promise written in Isaiah by the sacrifice of Y'hshuwah.

Friday, February 18, 2011

G-d's calendar: 15th day, 12th month, year 5771

Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of G-d;

Have you sinned? According to G-d's Word, by definition the answer should be, "yes." Have you ever tried to clear up the sin yourself? Have you chosen the course of action to be taken regarding the remedy for sin? Or have you simply rationalized it and justified it, rather than attempt to make amends? G-d's Word also call that sin. G-d is gloriously perfect, anything less than perfection is unacceptable. And HE sees our acts of self righteousness in the same way you might look at the "oil rags" in the garage. They aren't even fit to be washed with anything of value. Most of us don't even want them in the washing machine . . .

Thursday, February 17, 2011

G-d's calendar: 14th day, 12th month, year 5771

Genesis 18:14
Is any thing too hard YHWH? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Luke 1:36,37
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with G-d nothing shall be impossible.

These two births are, of course, well known to even casual Bible readers. One Scripture announces the birth of Isaac and the other, John the Baptist. I find something interesting. Isaac was born about 2,000 years after creation and John the Baptist arrived about 2,000 years later, just months before the Messiah. I know, G-d still works the same way, even now 2,000 years later, again. Even now, nothing is too hard for YHWH.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

G-d's calendar: 13th day, 12th month, year 5771

Proverbs 25:4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

I Peter 1:7
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Y'hshuwah Messiah:

G-d's Word uses the analogy of precious metals in reference to HIS people. Right now, we can see a marked increase on earth of the value of precious metals, monetarily. But, precious metals must be purified before they are fit for the plan of the silversmith or jeweler. Before gold or silver can be a work of beauty, the artisan must heat it so the dross or impurities come to the surface of the liquid metal, for removal. Have you ever noticed, the reflection that can be seen in pure, highly polished silver or gold? Just as in our lives, G-d often has to "turn the heat up" for us to give up the things in our life that would keep us from what He has planned. As "the heat is on" we are being refined. Remember, G-d is bringing out everything that would impede our reflection of Him.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

G-d's calendar: 12th day, 12th month, year 5771

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Matthew 12:20
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Here is one of the many examples that the New Testament confirms the Old Testament. It does not replace it, correct it, eliminate it, nor render it obsolete. Much of what we read in the New Testament is about the earthly life of Y'hshuwah that literally and perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament. Truth be known, both Testaments focus of G-d's plan of redemption and revelation of what HE expects from HIS people, as well as the Instructions to accomplish obedience.

Monday, February 14, 2011

G-d's calendar: 11th day, 12th month, year 5771

Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Ephesians 5:31
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Nobody is to get between a married couple. Of course, if G-d didn't join them, or if they get out of G-d's will, it seems they allow everything to get between them. Once again, we see where G-d confirmed HIS Word: Old and New Testaments. Do not be deceived. A decision between two people or even a license from the state does not mean that G-d has caused a man and woman to be one flesh, but a marriage is not to be tampered with. Sadly, our society has literally mocked what G-d has ordained. We all recognize "the other woman" or single co-workers that gossip and stir trouble, but G-d's Word gives very clear warning that often it is family that comes between a couple.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

G-d's calendar: 10th day, 12th month, year 5771

I Samuel 1:17
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the G-d of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of HIM.

Luke 7:6,7
Then Y'hshuwah went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

All it takes for whatever the problem, whatever the request, whatever the need;
G-d's answer is always the answer.
G-d's answer is alway in direct correlation between HIS Will and the faith and humility of the request.

Friday, February 11, 2011

G-d's calendar: 8th day, 12th month, year 5771

Jeremiah 3:19
But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My Father; and shalt not turn away from me.

John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of G-d, even to them that believe on His name:

We must take care always that we keep our focus on G-d, not HIS gifts. The bottom line of humanity is thus: when life is good we shift our focus to the "goodies" rather than maintaining our eyes on the One that is goodness. G-d provides abundantly, but . . . He is to be our focus. I watched our grandson years ago at his birthday party right before writing this devotion. His eyes lit up with the gifts and he said, "Thank you," but he was totally immersed in the gifts. They had his complete focus. Now, he was only 3 at the time. So many of G-d's people live as though is it their 3rd birthday.