Counting with God: Day 41 – Count it all JOY!

  

          In this season of life we are all experiencing something that uniquely draws us together.  This experience has unified us all whether black or white, rich or poor, no one is exempt from this uncertain path that we find ourselves walking.  While everyone’s experience is uniquely impacted in a different way but the feelings fear, sadness, bewilderment, and anger are emotions many of us can say we have shared.  Where the masses of the people in just about every nation under heaven have been subdued by the powers of the government and government sanctions that have bound us.  Nevertheless, we can allow this experience to bring us closer to the Most High, which is the reason why I believe YHVH has allowed it, or we can choose to turn to mankind for our salvation, which is the plan of haSatan.  Nevertheless, the book of James reminds us that we will have persecution, tribulation, trials, and temptations in this life.  In 1918 it was the Spanish flu, in 2020 it’s Corona, regardless of the name or whatever it is our faith should remain unshaken or unwaivered because we know that all things (which include this thing) work together for good for those of us who know God and are called according to His purpose.  (Rom 8:28)

            Death is a reality that the majority of us are going to experience.  Based on scripture I only read of two who have escaped it, but the reality of death should not stop us from living, in fact it should compel us to seize the moment since once its gone, its gone.  Should we expedite the process, NEVER, but we should be able to find joy in the midst of this temptation, knowing that the trying of our faith produces patience.  James doesn’t stop there but starts there as you continue to read what patience will produce in this progressive direction that moves us into a position that the Most High can use us mightily.  In this time of faith building let us let go of those things that really were minor in the whole scheme of things and hold fast to those things that build up our inner man.  Out of this experience we will love harder, as though tomorrow will not come, work harder as if what we do today can determine the quality of our tomorrow, and we will live harder, as if life was a wet rag and there is no dryer to dry it, and therefore we will wring out every ounce of life today has to bring.  Because in the end what is most important is that we used our hands to glorify the Most High, our mind we have opened up to fulfill his will, and our Soul has already been bought with the blood of Ye’shua such that we know where we will go if it all ended today. 

            We are either constantly being built into a holy habitation for our King, or we will be the other man James cautions against who is like the wind tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, double minded and unstable.  Our faith is sure, steady, and in this ever-changing world it is a rock in which we can depend on.  As we wait, let the word of God become alive in you, breathing life in you.  In our ever evolving winds of change put your hands in the unchanging hand of God, knowing that He will deliver you, in life as well as in the shadow of death. 

Counting With God Day 31

As I am now in the 31st day of the count to Pentecost, I am overwhelmed with the wisdom of the Most High. Everywhere around us we are being bombarded with our invisible enemies residue, yet the silent truth that should be shouted from the roof tops is the amount of people who have overcome this disease.  To watch the news you would think we were losing this battle, but the numbers indicate that even from the beginning we have been winning.  We are not hearing the overwhelming testimony of the majority of people who fought corona and won. In our digital age where we can track everybody’s steps we are not hearing the voice of the majority, uncovering how they crossed over and we have to ask ourselves why?  Rather than building on the wisdom from our past everyone is being told to put his or her hope on something that has been and still is experimental that is yet to come. 

The most unprecedented act that I can see is not Corona, as pandemics have occurred all the way back to biblical times.  What was supposed to be a two-week break has turned into a two-month nightmare that has led to more and more uncertainty, conjuring up more questions than answers.  In the wake of all this lapse of time yet we still have no data.  We can say worldwide 98% of those who have gotten this virus has gotten over it with mild or no symptoms but yet, not enough data.   Perhaps we are not asking the right questions, or the right people the right questions. 

President Trump rightly termed this thing “the invisible enemy” and I would like to build on that premise because here is where we are losing out on a monumental opportunity to see this thing turn around.  If we were facing a country for instance would we build our countries morale by focusing on the number of casualties?  Please don’t get me wrong, I am in no way minimizing the value of the lives of those who have died from or been impacted by this disease, but what I am saying is those of us who are still alive have to have a greater value in life itself then awaiting a vaccine that may or may not work, and furthermore won’t be available until next year, and lets be real clear, many people are uncomfortable taking.  This being the case we know that our past way of handling those who died at war was to honor them, memorialize them, but put our focus on our victories, not on our defeats. 

Being that pandemics are not new lets talk about that for a minute.  Before the world of vaccines we had pandemics and like this one they too suffered losses, but amazingly those who seemed to weather it was able to do so by changing the terrain from within their bodies until that which threatened them from without had passed on.  In the bible you had those who had leprosy, there was no man-made elixir that cured it, there were men of God who obeyed the voice of God in directing those who were sick to do simple things to be healed.  (2 Kings 5) 

We should never get away from the simplicity that is in Christ.  Diseases like Rickets it wasn’t cured by pumping toxins into the blood stream, but it was a vitamin deficiency that caused it, and thus adding what the body needed that it was lacking cured it.  What I am saying is let’s not skip over some obvious options.  Let’s love humanity enough to at least consider solutions that we know won’t hurt us, before we move towards the more drastic treatments that we can’t predict its benefits or its detriments.

The part of all this that overwhelms me with the wisdom of the Most High is that the very things that I see in my world today was written in His word thousands of years ago.  He is speaking if we will not be afraid of anyone or anything but Him.  This disease has a name, and His name is above even it.  If we will take the time to count our blessings, open our eyes and our ears to His word and his voice we will see how He is carrying us through this. 

We DO NOT have to be afraid of the terror by night nor of the noisome pestilence that walketh in darkness. (Psa. 91) I realize that darkness can be intimidating, not having data, knowledge, or understanding in a situation like this is scary, but we have something much greater than data, we have the Teacher living and moving inside of us, this Teacher understands all and knows all, and if we will listen to Him he will direct us when and where to go, what, and how to do what we need to do.  In this time of counting don’t forget where your help comes from.  I can tell you I have probably made a thousand mistakes that could have made me vulnerable to this virus from the moment I knew it was in my area, but I know the ONE who keeps me, directs me, and order my steps.  If we know Him we can walk in darkness, and shine forth His light. 

Let us not stop searching for truth, nor give up on the simple wisdom of God.  Let us look at this as a time to prepare ourselves as good soldiers spirit, soul, and body for the battle ahead, because even the invisible enemy must bow to the Ever Present Most High YHVH!!   

Counting with God: Day 15 What It Is All For?

The purpose of holiness and living a life for God is so that we will one day dwell with him.  The work of Messiah was to bring us to the Father, his sinless life, his brutal crucifixion, and his gut wrenching death was essential for him to take back the keys of death and hell for us, and to ascend to the right hand of the Father to make intercession for us.  In our count we must get to a place where we are pursuing God for what we are here for, and have an even bigger desire to be forever with Him. 

            When we see the truth of what life without him looks like we should be ready to run to the one whom we can taste and see His goodness.  This is the beauty of the Messiah’s willingness to endure the cross and despise the shame knowing that he loved us so much that he would die that we might have life through him.  How many of us are willing to do that, no not for our children, but for our friends?  Without Christ we can’t see or understand a kingdom like that.  We are in our flesh tit for tat people, not turn the other cheek people.  He had to love us first because we really don’t know how to love without His example the way God loves us. 

            In the end, the goal of this life lesson of love is to one day find ourselves on that Holy Hill of God where we shall forever be with him.  As a believer all else we do in this life is preparation and determination for what our eternity will look and feel like. 

Psa 15:1  A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

Psa 15:2  He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

Psa 15:3  He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

Psa 15:4  In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

Psa 15:5  He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Counting with God: Day 12: Yah’s Perfect Government

In the wake of the exposition of so many mistakes we see governments worldwide making in regards to this pandemic, it brings me back to the wisdom of God’s word concerning government.  While everyone is doing what they think will work the reality is even with past pandemics and those who predicted something on this magnitude to repeat it is clear that no one was ready for what is unfolding before us, but God.  While for some it would be easy to try to blame President Trump for it, but we haven’t been ready long before his administration and the possibility, or should I say probability of something on this magnitude occurring was always a matter of when not if. 

The bible says that for nations that have chosen to ignore the laws of the land that there would be judgments that would allow for the land to receive its necessary rest. (Lev 25: Lev 26:34) Nevertheless, what’s most important to me in the wake of this catastrophe are the words that were used repeatedly to describe the hour we are living in and that is “Be Not Deceived”.  (2 Thess 2) So many people are glued to their preferred network putting their trust in these broadcasters and the propaganda that is being perpetrated that truth is assumed instead of being investigated.  People are allowed to shoot down an individuals character and provide absolutely no evidence of error, or we willingly will ignore sound evidence once a label of right wing, left wing, racist, sexist, or homophobic, is stamped on an individual and cut ourselves off from information that just might save our lives. 

I think of the example we have in scripture concerning Balaam who was ready to curse the children of Israel to the point where he was beating his ass. (Num. 22:21-30)  Yet scripture is clear that had he not listened to that ass he would be dead.  Today, that example is something we can learn from, turning away from the wrong ass just might cost you your life.  Let’s not abandon or ignore things that are questionable and should be addressed that are standing before us.  Let us not be so swept away in the requirements of this pandemic that we totally abandon all reason, we don’t want to be reconditioned or programmed to just embrace things being set before us as though the giver of any of it has no agenda, because in most cases they do.  Therefore as we count to Pentecost let us give account of the information we receive, let us make sure we understand what is being presented, and most importantly let us place it through the scrutiny of scripture and see where it measures with end time events.  Because it is in the light of these events that the scripture is most replete concerning, having an understanding and being not deceived. 

Let us also pray for justice for those in the penal system, while justice must be served and those who are a menace to society restrained we also know that there are those serving time who are not necessarily guilty though they were found so.  We also know however, that they are human and deserve to be treated as such regardless of their reason for being imprisoned. We must remember our scripture reveals that Yeshua was in jail at one point, Paul, and many other disciples of Yeshua, and therefore they are examples that not all who are found guilty of an offence are.  Nevertheless, we also have those who are reformed in jail who have been guilty of a crime but who have indeed given their lives to the Lord.  In any case no one should be treated as less than human and in the wake of this virus let’s remember to lift up the captives, pray for the safety of all who are in a vulnerable state whether it be behind bars or in a womb.

Also pray for the exposure of those involved in sex trafficking, this is a horrible crime against humanity and all involved in capturing, and forcing children into this lifestyle should be exposed and justice should be served.

Psa 20:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Psa 20:2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Psa 20:3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
Psa 20:4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
Psa 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
Psa 20:6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psa 20:8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Psa 20:9 Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

Counting with God: Day Ten The Righteous Judge Reigns

     The number ten has been the catch word for how many people can assemble at once.  Before it was the number of people who could peacefully assemble in our social distancing exercise it was the number of plagues that the Almighty reigned down on Israel.  The suggested number of people who should be put over a group of people by the Father in Law of Moses.  It also represents the number of tribes that were assigned to Jeroboam when the Kingdom of Israel was ripped away from Rehoboam after taking the advice of the youth over that of the elders.  Last but certainly not least we have the Ten Words that were given to the children of Israel from the Mountain of Moses .  Why ten has become an accepted number in which we can gather I don’t know, but if we believe that our God is Sovereign and we trust Him implicitly with our lives then we know that the word of God holds the answer for what we should do in this hour and what manner of man we should be.  Whether we should be like Daniel who in submitted disobedience chose to pray when it wasn’t permissible, or boldly enter into a situation that could lead to sudden calamity for breaking the rules of protocol like Queen Esther? 

Knowing what manner of man we should be in this hour is easy if we keep our eyes on Yah and use this time to build our word arsenal so that we can fight the fiery darts of the enemy with confidence that will surely come from seeking truth. (Exo 18:21; 1 Kings 11:31; Exo 34:28)

     Tonight I want to encourage you in praying Psalm 71

Psa 71:1  In thee, O YHVH, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

Psa 71:2  Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

Psa 71:3  Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Psa 71:4  Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

Psa 71:5  For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.

Psa 71:6  By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.

Psa 71:7  I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.

Psa 71:8  Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.

Psa 71:9  Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Psa 71:10  For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,

Psa 71:11  Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.

Psa 71:12  O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

Psa 71:13  Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

Psa 71:14  But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

Psa 71:15  My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.

Psa 71:16  I will go in the strength of the Lord YHVH: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

Psa 71:17  O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Psa 71:18  Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

Psa 71:19  Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!

Psa 71:20  Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

Psa 71:21  Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

Psa 71:22  I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

Psa 71:23  My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

Psa 71:24  My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

Counting with God Day 9: Evidence of God’s Faithfulness

On other feast days the days of the week in which they fall changes. The continuity of the count from First fruits to Pentecost resides in both of these feasts which always fall on Sunday, the first day of the week, and the days of the count between them will always fall on the same days of the week without waiver. This reminds me of the consistency of Yah’s word and His promises year after year. The word “faith” means, to be steady. What can be more steady than the count to Pentecost? The question is will we faithfully number. Will we become distracted by the cares of this life or focus on the plans of the Most High? We ask him to teach us to number our days, yet we don’t stick around to get the lesson. (Psa 90:12) We are reminded in so many passages of scripture that reading is not enough, but that we are to understand.

To read without understanding is like owning a car but not being able to drive it. Each day we count there is also others counting and even before covid 19 came on the scene death was intervening in the affairs of men. People were slipping into eternity worldwide some in eternal life others in eternal damnation, yet all at some point lived during at least one of these counts. Even if they didn’t make it to count to Pentecost if they had one day on this earth they are counted. Every soul accounted for even if we choose to believe they don’t matter or they are matter it’s of no consequence. What we do with our count will determine whether we be ashamed at his coming or assurance of our reward. So let us fill our days with His presence and live our lives in obedience to the One who created us.

Counting with God- Day 8: A New Week, A New Beginning

            The Eight day which is the First day of the Second week of the count is a reminder in and of itself of the new mercies that we receive from the Almighty.  A new week represents a fresh start to continue the good work that YHVH had begun in us as His believer’s.  It’s on the eight day that those who belong to YHVH that are men are required to be circumcised. (Gen 17:12) A ritual which in addition to being a sign of the covenant we have with the Most High is a reminder that there will be a day when all flesh will be cut off and those who bare the circumcised heart will inherit an incorruptible body. 

            As we close out this day I would like us to consider and pray Psalms 90. 

Psa 90:1  A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Psa 90:2  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Psa 90:3  Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.

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

Psa 90:5  Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.

Psa 90:6  In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.

Psa 90:7  For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.

Psa 90:8  Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

Psa 90:9  For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.

Psa 90:10  The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Psa 90:11  Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

Psa 90:12  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psa 90:13  Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

Psa 90:14  O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Psa 90:15  Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.

Psa 90:16  Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.

Psa 90:17  And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.