hearts joys

hearts joys

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Guarding/Keeping

I am working my way through the book of Deuteronomy.  It amazes me the number of times that it is mentioned to be on guard or to guard the commands and right-rulings of Elohim.

Deu 6:1 Now theseH2063 are the commandments,H4687 the statutes,H2706 and the judgments,H4941 whichH834 the LORDH3068 your GodH430 commandedH6680 to teachH3925 you, that ye might doH6213 them in the landH776 whitherH834 H8033 yeH859 goH5674 to possessH3423 it:
Deu 6:2 ThatH4616 thou mightest fearH3372 (H853) the LORDH3068 thy God,H430 to keepH8104 (H853) allH3605 his statutesH2708 and his commandments,H4687 whichH834 IH595 commandH6680 thee, thou,H859 and thy son,H1121 and thy son'sH1121 son,H1121 allH3605 the daysH3117 of thy life;H2416 and thatH4616 thy daysH3117 may be prolonged.H748
Deu 6:3 HearH8085 therefore, O Israel,H3478 and observeH8104 to doH6213 it; thatH834 it may be wellH3190 with thee, and thatH834 ye may increaseH7235 mightily,H3966 asH834 the LORDH3068 GodH430 of thy fathersH1 hath promisedH1696 thee, in the landH776 that flowethH2100 with milkH2461 and honey.H1706
Deu 6:2 so that you fear יהוה your Elohim, to guard all His laws and His commands which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days be prolonged. Deu 6:3 "And you shall hear, O Yisra’ĕl, and shall guard to do, that it might be well with you, and that you increase greatly as יהוה Elohim of your fathers has spoken to you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.


 
שׁמר
shâmar
 
shaw-mar'
 
 
A primitive root; properly to hedge about (as with thorns), that is, guard; generally to protect, attend to, etc.: - beware, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep (-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch (-man).

If we take and look at the word pictures of the Hebrew we can find an interesting definition of this word

Sheen: means to consume
Mem:   is might
Reysh:  highest, most important

Def.:  To consume with ones might or life the words that come from the most high.  Or
To consume with ones might or life that which is most important (the commands).

Deu 4:6 "And you shall guard and do them, for this is your wisdom and your understanding before the eyes of the peoples who hear all these laws, and they shall say, ‘Only a wise and understanding people is this great nation!’

What is our wisdom and understanding?  Yahweh Elohim's commands.
We are to make these things known to our children and children's children
We are to learn and guard to do them. 
It becomes righteousness for us when we guard to do them
Deu 6:25 ‘And it is righteousness for us when we guard to do all this command before יהוה our Elohim, as He has commanded us.’
We are told it is a demonstration of our love for Yashua when we guard and do them
Joh 14:23 יהושע answered him, "If anyone loves Me, he shall guard My Word. And My Father shall love him, and We shall come to him and make Our stay with him.

Joh 14:24 "He who does not love Me does not guard My Words. And the Word which you hear is not Mine but of the Father Who sent Me.

We do not do this on our own.  Elohim guards them with us.  Now get this what happens if we fear Yahweh enough to guard His commands?
He then turns around and guards us.
Deu 7:6 "For you are a set-apart people to יהוה your Elohim. יהוה your Elohim has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a treasured possession above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
Deu 7:9 "And you shall know that יהוה your Elohim, He is Elohim, the trustworthy Ěl guarding covenant and kindness for a thousand generations with those who love Him, and those who guard His commands,
Deu 7:11 "And you shall guard the command, and the laws, and the right-rulings which I command you today, to do them.
Deu 7:12 "And it shall be, because you hear these right-rulings, and shall guard and do them, that יהוה your Elohim shall guard with you the covenant and the kindness which He swore to your fathers,
Deu 7:13 and shall love you and bless you and increase you, and shall bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flock, in the land of which He swore to your fathers to give you. Deu 7:14 "Blessed are you above all peoples – there is not going to be a barren man or a barren woman among you or among your livestock.
Wow!!  Pretty amazing.
What a wonderful Elohim we serve.
And if we are serving Him in this way and diligently teaching as we walk, our children then desire to serve Him down through the generations.  He shows Himself faithful and true to His word.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Ambassador From What Country?

Our Friend Kyle has hit it again.  He has a gift for putting the same thoughts I have into words of understanding.
Thank you Kyle.


The way you see people is the way you treat them,
and the way you treat them is what they become.
Johann von Goethe

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Kyle Humphrey
To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2013 9:39 AM
Subject: 072713's devotion

Are you going to travel to another country in the near future?  Then get to know their ways!  Enjoy and know you are loved by your brother!
 
 
 
Have you ever heard the saying: 
When in Rome, do as the Romans do?
I say, “While in Christ, do as Christ did!” (1 John 2:6)
 
07 / 28 / 13
(Comments in parentheses and emphasis are mine)
 
FIRST THOUGHTS:
 
If we were to move to another country, a country that we knew nothing about prior to our moving there, after about a year we would start to pick up some of the language and even understand their culture.  We would adopt their ways of life … because we want to be like them and not be viewed as foreigners.  We would put the effort into learning their culture and ways.  If I knew ahead of time that I was moving there, I would even take the time to study their culture and language before going! 
 
So, why do so many people who say they believe in the Son of God look and act NOTHING like the Son?  Actually, the majority literally are walking contrary to how Yeshua (Jesus) walked!  Why?
 
1)      They do not understand God’s original Laws (which are all nestled in with those sacrifices, of course), when they read about our Messiah rebuking the Jews for their “obedience”, they think it is the Laws of Moses they were being rebuked for obeying.  What He was referring to, though, were the added man-made laws! 
2)     To obey those Laws now?  In our Western society?  Well … to be honest … would really seem odd and different for most people.  Besides that, it would really cramp many lifestyles, to say the least.  So, they conclude that since God looks into our hearts and knows that we “actually do love Him”, it must be okay to continue to disobey Him (They do not realize that He DOES know the heart and what that actually means … many SAY they love Him, but HE says, “by their actions, they are denying Him” … Matthew 15:8, Mark 7:6 is speaking about those people who were saying they love Him, but they were not practicing His Laws … only the laws and traditions of men.  Plus, Paul writes in Titus 1:16 the same thing, They profess to know God, but by their deeds (actions) they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.”
 
The result of such lack of knowledge, “You worship God your way, and I will worship Him mine”.  Funny, but when in Rome, would you say that?  Would you obey only those Italian laws that you liked and refuse to adhere to their ways of life?   I don’t think so!  The fact is:  There is only one way to worship God:  His way (Not mine or yours, or even the churches that came before us).  This theme rings out everywhere about those who “did it there way” and, well, God tells us what He thinks about that:
 
These things you have done and I kept silence; You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes.”  (Psalm 50:21)  Some versions have, “Rebuke you in the end” … these people “thought” God was like them and enjoyed their acts of worship … He clearly did NOT.
 
Okay, back to the topic:  When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  Well, I am NOT of this world, but the next, the kingdom to come, and I have taken the time to look like those who will be there (the kingdom of priests … Revelation 20:6).  We are told that the Son could do NOTHING but what His Father told Him to do … “Yeshua (Jesus) gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do ONLY what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” – John 5:19 (and others).  So Yeshua was NOT rebuking the Jews for obeying His Father’s commands / Laws as given to Moses, but rebuking THEIR added laws. 
 
Below is a summary of what brought me to the place of repentance and letting go of this life (if you care – smile):
 
I was not in Rome, so I had no desire to do as the Romans did.  BUT … I was claiming to be in Christ, yet there were some things HE was doing and I was not.  So I took the time and searched His Word, and now I am now looking more each day like His Son and those who followed Him!
 
If you love God, it is out of the extent of THAT love that you will either fear Him or fear those around you.  When Yeshua (Jesus) walked the earth there was the SAME choice:  Continue obeying the leaders (pastors and priests of the time), or let go of all the man-made teachings that have crept in over decades and distorted the Word!  Whomever we fear (and love) the most will be the one we will conform to (this is what Paul is referring to about obeying or not obeying … we obey the source we love the most:  either righteousness that leads to life, or disobedience, that leads to death.  So, was it my friends I was listening to?  My family?  My teachers of the Word?  Or to the Messiah who clearly obeyed the Father out of love for him?  I must tell you, to change to honoring the 7th day Sabbath was VERY difficult for me and my family.  It caused division and strife within the extended family.  It meant going against those that I love … but I loved HIM more!!  It was amazing after that first step of faith (Faith is what?  Doing something JUST BECAUSE God says to do it), all else seemed to fall into place.   
 
May I dare say that those who taught me in the past put a fear within me about God’s Law?  It was out of that ignorance that I refused to obey the Law of Moses and “just love” (But, to find out, the Laws tells us HOW to love both God and our neighbor).  That ignorance is what kept me from truly imitating and looking like my Savior!  Oh, I was still obeying “a Sabbath”, but not the right one … oh, I was still celebrating holidays to Him, but not the ones HE commanded and His Son did!  The things I was doing were simply not in the Bible and nobody in the Bible did them … I just had to search His Word for myself … it just didn’t make sense!  I was confused!!  I thought and I thought …
 
1.)    What laws were nailed to the cross?  (Colossians 2:14)
2.)   What laws am I supposed to be upholding by faith?  (Romans 3:31) 
3.)   What laws did my Savior walk in, and therefore, I am to be walking in?  (1 John 2:6)
4.)   What laws did our Savior say are not done away with? (Matthew 5:17-19)
 
I was literally screaming inside, “I am SOOOO confused”.  But I desired to please God!  So I did not want to place my knowledge about God into man’s hand … but HIS.  Questions upon questions built up inside:  What laws are for the Jews? …What ones are for the Gentiles?  Are there two different laws?  Two families?  Who, then, is Israel? And this list grew until He got me to the place of a child, 
 
“HELP ME DADDY (FATHER)!!  I JUST WANT TO LOVE YOU!!  I JUST WANT TO LIVE FOR YOU, LIKE MY BROTHER (SAVIOR) DID!” 
 
Then the verses started to flow.  You see, I had to first let go of men’s way (the flesh) and actually get to the point of, “No matter what, I will serve you and do what you say to do!”  I first had to let go of the traditions of men!  It was this act of complete submission and giving up on my desires and the fear of what others thought, that seemed to allow His Spirit to work within me.  Finally, answers came … like:
 
1.)    There has always been just one Law … (Exodus 12:49 … “The SAME law applies to the native-born and to the alien living among you.”)
2.)   There has always been just one family …  Israel (made up of believing Jew and believing Gentile (John 10:16 … “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.  I must bring them also.  They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”)  … and I wanted to become part of that family.  Sooooo … I had to know what an Israelite is supposed to look like and how they are to act!  In short:  I had to look like the High Priest, Himself … Yeshua (Jesus).
3.)   How can I Show God that I loved Him?  I could finally hear His voice whisper (and, and if we would only listen, is Daddy is a talker (smile)):
-         John 14:15 … “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” “Just like your kids obey you because they want to please and love you, Kyle”  (I could literally hear His voice say it!)
-         John 14:24 … “He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.  These words you hear are NOT my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”  (You mean the teachings that my Savior taught were nothing new, but simply the same laws of His Father being corrected from man’s changes?  The words, “I do love you!  I do desire to please you out of that love!” … rang from my heart.)
-         1 John 5:3 … “This is love for God: to obey His commands.  And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”  (I finally overcame this world and its teachings!!!  It was then that I started to search, “Which commands were too difficult (that I was told, “They couldn’t do it”, yet HE said, “They are NOT too difficult”)?  Rising up for the grey-haired man?  Nope … that is easy!  How about returning a lost animal to its owner?  Nope … that is easy too!  Honoring the true Sabbath and calling it a delight?  Actually, I look forward to this day coming again, right when it is over at sundown.  All this obedience was out of my faith in God and trusting in HIM for my Salvation.) 
-         John 14:21a … “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.”   
 
While in Christ … do as Christ did!
 
Christ obeyed His Father … it cost Him His reputation and ultimately His life.  If that is what it takes … “Use me Father to do the same”.  My Master’s obedience to the real Laws went against the religious leaders and their teachings.  Just like today…we, too have years of “new laws” that have been handed down to me … A different Sabbath, a different diet, a different worship appearance and even different days to celebrate.  Just like those who lived during Yeshua’s (Jesus) walk on earth … I, too, had to literally let go of man’s teachings (doctrines and traditions) to follow His Son.  Again, over the last 2,000 years, we have changed God’s Laws. 
 
The question remains … does He care?
 
I believe He does!  He is compassionate … loving … patient … long-suffering … wanting no one to perish but all to come to a knowledge of who He is!  But His wrath is still being stored up for the day when His Son is revealed (The book of Romans was written AFTER the Son’s resurrection, so this day is coming) … “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed.”  (Romans 2:5).  Unrepentant from what?  If we continue in our sin AFTER we say we are sorry … are we repentant?  Nope!  But I thought that the Son did away with the Laws?  Nope again (smile)!  How do we know what sin is, except by the Laws (1 John 3:4 … what are you practicing?  A life with or without the Laws?)
 
While in Christ … do as Christ did!
 
We still must offer our lives to God.  As 1 Peter 2:5 says, be “Living sacrifices”!   We are to live by faith that His entire Word is truth and is in effect for us today.  We need to know our heritage so that we can look like the children that God intended us (Israel) to be.  We, like those who came before us, are to live as strangers on this planet … waiting for the true life to come (Hebrews 11:13-16).   Just like Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, we must continue to celebrate the REAL holidays, the REAL Sabbath, and eat the REAL food … and yes, love our enemies and neighbors as HE commands!  Why?  So that we do not forget what God did for us and so that our children will also know Him personally!  Our children will know that we actually serve God with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28) and that HE runs their parent’s life!  They will know that HE is Holy, as well as forgiving if we live as if God is God, and not a man.  So why would people stumble over this type of obedience?  (1 Peter 2:8-10)  I, for one, have decided NOT to trample the Spirit of grace … just because I have mercy now!
 
I am in Christ … so I do what Christ did (how about you? – smile)

Sunday, July 21, 2013

More Storage Space

Well, I guess, my lovely wife decided we don't have enough storage space in the camper yet.
So, back to more remodeling. 
 Right here in the back will be a double bunk.  Room enough for 4 on bottom and 3 on top.  Just a little room under the bottom bunk for storage.
 
Full size bed here on a stand will come out.  Storage underneath will also come out.  We will put drawers and cupboards and shelves in with possible space for another small fridge and or washer/dryer combo.
Laurie and I will sleep up front on the sofa that makes into a bed.
Now the work is on.  I will also have to put in a little more flooring.
Lots to do so little time to do it in.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Dad Never Taught That!

Well, Parents are responsible to teach their children how to live the "Christian" lifestyle, as is the church.  This post is in partial response to a question my son had.  I received some second hand information about something going on in my son's life.  It seems there are some people in India, and I might add here in the US and most likely all over the world, that  have some problems with reading the wrong kind of books.  My son took this problem to a pastor in India and then the pastor handed the work of listing or something like that things that would be appropriate to read.
As a father, who will admit first hand that he also has had similar problems, here is my advice to my son and future sons-in-laws and also anyone who may be reading this.
First:  I don't want my children to someday have to say "Dad, you never taught me this".
Second:  What is the job of the Church or assembly?
                  It is the teaching and equipping of believers.
If we go about making lists of things that are acceptable or unacceptable for believers we begin the process of becoming like the Pharisees.  We as a group begin to take the place of Ruach Haqodesh or Holy Spirit.  One of the jobs of the Spirit is the convicting believers of sin.  The assembly should be teaching and equipping believers to recognize what Scripture says concerning how believers are to be imitators of Messiah.

2Ti 3:14 But you, stay in what you have learned and trusted, having known from whom you have learned,
2Ti 3:15 and that from a babe you have known the Set-apart Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for deliverance through belief in Messiah יהושע.
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight, for instruction in righteousness,
2Ti 3:17 that the man of Elohim might be fitted, equipped for every good work.
 If we teach and instruct then we shouldn't need a list of do's and don'ts.  The church should not need their rules, or standards.  The Scriptures should be the standard. 

So, what then is the standard that Scripture would use for book reading, movies, etc?
Let's start with Romans 12:
Rom 12:1 I call upon you, therefore, brothers, through the compassion of Elohim, to present your bodies a living offering – set-apart, well-pleasing to Elohim – your reasonable worship.
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.

The questions to ask as we look at reading something or watching something would be...
How does this edify me and make me more like Messiah?
Does this renew my mind or does it make me more world like?
Does this help me to be set-apart?

Let's take a look at another Scripture.
Php 4:8 For the rest, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is righteous, whatever is clean, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any uprightness and if there is any praise – think on these.

Php 4:9 And what you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, practice these, and the Elohim of peace shall be with you.

If what you are watching or reading or doing does not meet the guidelines found here in Scripture where is our heart taking us?  As believers we are to be set-apart.
1Pe 1:13 Therefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, set your expectation perfectly upon the favor that is to be brought to you at the revelation of יהושע Messiah,
1Pe 1:14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts in your ignorance,
1Pe 1:15 instead, as the One who called you is set-apart, so you also should become set-apart in all behavior,
1Pe 1:16 because it has been written, "Be set-apart, for I am set-apart."
1Pe 1:17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear,

1Pe 1:18 knowing that you were redeemed from your futile way of life inherited from your fathers, not with what is corruptible, silver or gold,

So what does this look like in real life?  In society today we are inundated with all kinds of sensory stimulation that could very well lead us to sin.  Jon, do you remember being in the grocery store one summer and a young gal in front of us at the check out was wearing things that were very immodest?
What did I do?  I turned, I looked away.  The same principle applies to books and movies and life, anything that would keep us from being set apart we turn away from.
If we want to build lives for the long term and not short term we must teach them how to apply Scripture to their lives and not lists of rules.


Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. (Matt. 7:24-27 NKJV)
Steve Farrar. Anchor Man: How a Father Can Anchor His Family in Christ for the Next 100 Years (Kindle Locations 717-720). Kindle Edition.

And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. (Deut 6: 6-7)
Steve Farrar. Anchor Man: How a Father Can Anchor His Family in Christ for the Next 100 Years (Kindle Locations 818-820). Kindle Edition.

"That's what I mean, Dad. You look away. And that's what you tell those guys at your conferences to do. I've heard you tell them that for years. That's why I watch you so closely. I want to see if you will do what you say a man should do." "One of the reasons I look away is that I know you are watching me. That's why the real test of a man is his character instead of his reputation." Then Josh jumped in and said, "Dad, reputation is what people think you are. But character is what you are when no one else is around. That's what you teach, Dad." "That's right, Josh. Maybe John has never seen me look, but the real test is if I look when no one else is around. You see, God is always around. And He's looking for men who will obey Him when they're all by themselves." I don't tell you that story because it makes me look good. The fact of the matter is that I have looked. But I am constantly working to discipline myself not to look.

Steve Farrar. Anchor Man: How a Father Can Anchor His Family in Christ for the Next 100 Years (Kindle Locations 889-892). Kindle Edition.

You see kids, rules and regulations can't take the place of developing a set-apart character through Messiah.  Use the Scriptures to teach about a true set apart life for Messiah.

I love you with all my heart and my deepest wish for all of you reading this is that you will desire to serve Yahweh Elohim with your whole hearts and you can't do that by following a list of do's and don'ts.
Let me leave you with this thought

Joh 15:8 "In this My Father is esteemed, that you bear much fruit, and you shall be My taught ones.
Joh 15:9 "As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Stay in My love.
Joh 15:10 "If you guard My commands, you shall stay in My love,1 even as I have guarded My Father’s commands and stay in His love. Footnote: 1See 14:15.
Joh 15:11 "These words I have spoken to you, so that My joy might be in you, and that your joy might be complete.

Joh 15:12 "This is My command, that you love one another, as I have loved you

Deu 6:1 "And this is the command, the laws and right-rulings which יהוה your Elohim has commanded, to teach you to do in the land which you are passing over to possess,
Deu 6:2 so that you fear יהוה your Elohim, to guard all His laws and His commands which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days be prolonged.
Deu 6:3 "And you shall hear, O Yisra’ĕl, and shall guard to do, that it might be well with you, and that you increase greatly as יהוה Elohim of your fathers has spoken to you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
Deu 6:4 "Hear, O Yisra’ĕl: יהוה our Elohim, יהוה is one!
Deu 6:5 "And you shall love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might.
Deu 6:6 "And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be in your heart,

Deu 6:7 and you shall impress them upon your children, and shall speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Walking in a Life of Faith


I think this lady nails the life of faith on the head.  Here is a link to what she has to say.

http://www.jenniferalambert.com/2013/06/be-different/


What keeps us from a life of faith?  You know one like George Mueller, who prayed and asked for Elohim's supply for His orphans. 
What keeps us from stepping out of Egypt for the promised land?  Of making that first step through the Red Sea or into the Jordan River raging at flood stage?  Or what keeps us in the boat while Peter is out walking on water with Messiah?
How should a life of faith even look?
We get so caught up in living our lives the way the world around us does.  I guess we just don't really want to be "different" than any one else.  There's safety in numbers. 
 “If you always do things
the way you’ve always done them,
 you’ll always be
where you are now.”
 
Johnson, Bill (2010-12-01). Center of the Universe: A Look at Life From the Lighter Side (p. 10). Destiny Image. Kindle Edition.
 
1.  Science would have us listen to the voice of reason.  Never mind that Scripture tells us this world's wisdom is foolishness to Elohim.
2.  Society would have us live life by climbing the proverbial ladder of success.  Any type of living by faith is looked upon with scorn and ridicule.  You need to have money, cars, a house and two and a half kids to look successful.  Never mind that Scripture tells us to take up our cross and follow Messiah.  The obtaining of "stuff" and building bigger barns just doesn't work in the life of faith.  A life of faith tells us we don't need to purchase the lastest model horse and chariot. 
To be envied with desire is the man who does not go after the plans or counsels of the wicked nor remains in attendance with those who sin habitually, nor remains assembled with those who mock Elohim. But he takes joy in the Torah of Yahweh and nourishes his mind upon it day and night Ps. 1:1,2. M Race translation
Psa 127:1 If יהוה does not build the house, Its builders have laboured in vain.


 Psa 127:3 Look, children are an inheritance from יהוה, The fruit of the womb is the reward.
Psa 127:4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of one’s youth.
Psa 127:5 Blessed is the man Who has filled his quiver with them. They are not ashamed, When they speak with their enemies in the gate. 3.  Even in the churches today there is the move to freeze out the life of faith, only a select few can preach, teach, or even go.  And you had better be sure to be following the churches rules and dogmas or you are out.  Never mind that you are to follow Messiah.  Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.
So how about that life of faith?
Moses?  mile after mile, year after year.  Was he a success?  He missed out on the promised land.
Noah?  Build me an ark!  It's going to rain and flood the earth
     Abba El?  What's Rain?
Abram?  Leave your family and this city and go where I will show you!
     Abba El?  Can you give me a map with directions?
Sarah?  You are going to have a son!
     Abba El?  Don't you realize how old I am and beyond those years?

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

One Small Step...

  Yesterday I took a small step of faith.  I told my boss at work that my last day would be Friday the 26th.  I have always told myself that I am not the provider for this family by Yahweh is.  So as we take this journey of faith one step at a time it becomes more scary.  I am needing something as confirmation we are on the right path.  Last night as I was heading for bed I was talking to Abba El and letting Him know I wanted some confirmation.  I was thinking that a monetary gift would be nice but any type of confirmation would be appreciated.  As I crawled into bed, Laurie, who had been reading a book, looks up at me and asks if she can read me something.  Sure, go ahead dear.. and this is what she read.

 “If you always do things
the way you’ve always done them,
 you’ll always be
where you are now.”
And so, change is often in order. Israel would have never considered going to a promised land if they weren’t first dissatisfied with their immediate surroundings and circumstances. God prepared them for change by increasing pressure in their slavery. He also brought in the positive aspect of change by promising them a new land. He gave them hope. Either pressure or hope can work to ready us for change. Pressure and hope together work almost to guarantee our agreement with God on the issue.
 
 
Johnson, Bill (2010-12-01). Center of the Universe: A Look at Life From the Lighter Side (p. 10). Destiny Image. Kindle Edition.

 
So, what a quick answer to a needy prayer.  This was confirmation to me that we are heading in the right direction.

That was last night.  Now this evening as I shared with a couple of the kids I was informed that a few years ago as Joanna was reading about the life of George Mueller she began to think it would be neat to live that way too.  So do a couple of the other girls.  Now they tell me they have been praying that Abba El would give us the opportunity to live our lives by faith in Him.  My son Jonathan, is in India and doing just that very thing.
Just allow me to leave you all with this thought for the night
Psa 37:23 The steps of a man are ordered by יהוה, And He delights in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he falls, he is not cast down, For יהוה is supporting his hand
Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Or his seed begging bread.

http://www.jenniferalambert.com/2013/06/be-different/

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Front Porch Science

I guess life science doesn't get much more real than this.  We have life science going on right above our front porch.  Back while we were getting ready for Sarah's wedding the plant pots hanging above our porch didn't get much water, there was just too much going on to remember to do that.  So, one of the flower pot's flowers died.  I bought another one to replace it knowing the wedding was coming up.  When I took the dead plant down I found a nest with four little eggs, three in the nest and 1 out side of it.  Not wanting to disturb any birds around I just hung the pot back up.  I can just picture the neighbors wondering why we are keeping a dead plant hanging from our porch, while the live one sits on the side. 


So, as a few days passed and we didn't see any sign of the eggs being taken care of we thought perhaps mama and papa moved on, not liking the front door being opened so much.   I was beginning to think I would be able to hang the live plant after all.  Well, I found out pretty fast that I was wrong.  There was one evening when Sarah was over for a dress fitting, Sarah and mom had gone into our bedroom for a mom to daughter chat.  I was chased out of the computer chair by one of the girls wanting to use the computer, so I then headed for our bedroom to relax and read on the bed.  Nope, not there either, someone was having a heart to heart chat and no men were allowed.  So, I took mr. cup and coffee to the front porch to relax.



 As I was sitting on the wide rail near the door I kept hearing this "cheep, cheep, cheep"  coming from Mrs. House Finch in the pine tree nearby.  I think I was again being chased off as she apparently wanted to take care of her eggs and didn't want me nearby.  Getting tired of the constant chatter coming from the pine tree, I headed back inside, lost, not knowing where I should head for next.  No place to just stop and sit quietly and relax.

We waited for the eggs to hatch and now we are hearing little peeps whenever Mr and Mrs Finch are feeding them.  As you look at the pictures you can see little yellow beeks and the red in the pictures are the male house finch.  Hope you enjoy these as much as we are