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.