Shema Y'Isra'el
As faithful, Torah pursuant followers of Messiah Yeshua, we are well aware that obedience is the basic foundation in our walk with Him. It is the "watchword" of our faith. Upon the altar of the tabernacle He is building within our hearts we lay our own self-will, because of our endearing love for Messiah. Moshe writes of this obedience in a very forthright manner in the Torah.
“Hear, O Yisra’ĕl: יהוה our Elohim, יהוה is one! And you shall love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might."
Deuteronomy 6: 4-5
Deuteronomy 6: 4-5
The very affirmative concept of obedience is found in the very first word of this commandment through Moshe. He says, "Hear (Shema)!" Weakly translated in English simply as "Hear...", the Hebrew translates "Shema" as "Hear AND obey!" Understanding is NOT an option within the meaning of "obey".
The wicked and self-serving hear, disregard, or make void the commands and continue living their lives according to their own desires or traditions of men. The righteous place their self-will on His altar and follow YHVH in ALL that He says. Yeshua had this to say through John regarding obedience.
"If you love Me, you shall guard (watch closely to keep) My commands (Torah)."
John 14: 15
The Apostle further writes the following in his first epistle.John 14: 15
"By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim and guard His commands. For this is the love for Elohim, that we guard His commands, and His commands are not heavy." 1 John 5: 2-3
"And this is the love, that we walk according to His commands. This is the command, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it (Shema Yisra'el)."
2 John 1: 6
2 John 1: 6
John and ALL the apostles preached the only Bible they knew, the Torah given to Moshe by Yeshua Himself. They didn't teach anything different or start a new religion. They merely proclaimed Yeshua as the well-prophesied Messiah, and Seed of Abraham that said, "Think not that I have come to destroy the Law (Torah)..." Anyone that says differently is as John says in his first epistle.
"The one who says, 'I know Him', and does not guard His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
1 John 2: 4
1 John 2: 4
Fleeting Fancy
That obedience to Torah, as given to Moshe, is valid as a requirement for good favor (blessing) with Messiah is not in question. Scripture is replete with that concept and I will continue to unashamedly trumpet such truth. Yet, that is not the subject of this article.
The message of this article is not another written admonition to keep Torah. Rather, it is written as an encouragement for those that already keep His commandments, out of endearing love--those for whom blessings for righteousness may have become elusive, for those hated and reviled for aligning themselves with His righteous name.
Scripture is very clear concerning the "blessings" of those that follow His Torah out of love for the Law Giver, Yeshua. On the other hand, Scripture is just as replete with the "curses" that befalls those wicked souls that spurn His perfect Torah, even to those that call themselves by His name (Matthew 7: 21-23). For these two, Moshe issues this command.
"See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, when you obey the commands of יהוה your Elohim which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commands of יהוה your Elohim, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other mighty ones which you have not known."
Deuteronomy 11: 26-28
Deuteronomy 11: 26-28
For those that have chosen to "put on Messiah", as Paul exhorts, obedience is not a question. It's a given, an outpouring that flows from the very center of their being. It's almost as natural as breathing. It's an action borne of their faith that proves they are truly called by His name. Even so, we are all subject to our own human nature.
When things are going great, when one is surrounded by like-minded friends and loved ones, when there is plenty of money in the bank, it is not hard to feel happy and blessed, even to an overflowing of joy. Yet, when it's not that alright, friends desert and maybe revile, and money and things disappear, happiness tends to fly out the window, sometimes at rocket speed.
Happiness is a fleeting fancy based solely upon circumstances, a fickle friend, here today and gone tomorrow. It could be compared to a mist that dissipates into thin air with the first rays of sun light. It is merciless and tantalizing like a mirage. It can painfully disappear, at the most inopportune moment, leaving one alone to deal with the burning onslaught in their soul caused by the deserts of troubles and trials that surround us on a daily basis.
Happiness is relative to the physical or emotional things we possess, or think we would like to possess. In that, joy and happiness can be as one. If not well grounded Spiritually, both can disappear in quick order. All manner of judgments can come upon us if we don't understand the pitfalls incumbent with happiness. Otherwise, we chance becoming like the man that built his house upon shifting sand. As with his house, the winds of adversity will surely sink the ship of our soul.
All men are the same, bound to the chains of our sinful human nature. We have all sinned and come short of Father's glorious expectations. Until we are released from this sinful body of flesh through death, whether to eternal judgment or glory, we will constantly engage in "Wars of Attrition" within our inward parts.
We engage in these wars between our inner man and fleshly human nature. It's a constant battle that bids to wear down or weaken the resistance of our spirit. When feeling completely surrounded by our enemies, we tend to do that which we should not and neglect that which we should do. It's as a never ending circle that bids to destroy us to the very core of our being. Paul asks the following question and concludes with a glorious answer.
The battles we face can and oft-times are vicious. Even though many battles will be lost, these wars of attrition can be won. It is up to us to faithfully run the race of our lives, with our eyes focused fully upon the prize of our high calling. In the end, our reward of life will not be according to anything we have done of ourselves. It will be according to Paul's teachings.
When things are going great, when one is surrounded by like-minded friends and loved ones, when there is plenty of money in the bank, it is not hard to feel happy and blessed, even to an overflowing of joy. Yet, when it's not that alright, friends desert and maybe revile, and money and things disappear, happiness tends to fly out the window, sometimes at rocket speed.
Happiness is a fleeting fancy based solely upon circumstances, a fickle friend, here today and gone tomorrow. It could be compared to a mist that dissipates into thin air with the first rays of sun light. It is merciless and tantalizing like a mirage. It can painfully disappear, at the most inopportune moment, leaving one alone to deal with the burning onslaught in their soul caused by the deserts of troubles and trials that surround us on a daily basis.
Happiness is relative to the physical or emotional things we possess, or think we would like to possess. In that, joy and happiness can be as one. If not well grounded Spiritually, both can disappear in quick order. All manner of judgments can come upon us if we don't understand the pitfalls incumbent with happiness. Otherwise, we chance becoming like the man that built his house upon shifting sand. As with his house, the winds of adversity will surely sink the ship of our soul.
Wars of Attrition
All men are the same, bound to the chains of our sinful human nature. We have all sinned and come short of Father's glorious expectations. Until we are released from this sinful body of flesh through death, whether to eternal judgment or glory, we will constantly engage in "Wars of Attrition" within our inward parts.
We engage in these wars between our inner man and fleshly human nature. It's a constant battle that bids to wear down or weaken the resistance of our spirit. When feeling completely surrounded by our enemies, we tend to do that which we should not and neglect that which we should do. It's as a never ending circle that bids to destroy us to the very core of our being. Paul asks the following question and concludes with a glorious answer.
"Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death? Thanks to Elohim, through יהושע Messiah our Master! So then, with the mind I myself truly serve the Torah of Elohim, but with the flesh the law of sin."
Romans 7: 24-25
Romans 7: 24-25
The battles we face can and oft-times are vicious. Even though many battles will be lost, these wars of attrition can be won. It is up to us to faithfully run the race of our lives, with our eyes focused fully upon the prize of our high calling. In the end, our reward of life will not be according to anything we have done of ourselves. It will be according to Paul's teachings.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the favourable gift of Elohim is everlasting life in Messiah יהושע our Master."
Romans 6: 23
"For by favor you have been saved, through belief, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of Elohim, it is not by works, so that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah יהושע unto good works, which Elohim prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2: 8-10
The Joy Of The Lord
It is a given that happiness and joy are intertwined in meaning, the only difference being the level of elation. When the extreme elation of joy disappears, one can still be somewhat happy. In that, one accepts or becomes content with their conditions (a state within which Paul learned to reside). However, if ill conditions persist or become worse, then happiness tends to flee and morph into bitterness.
Bitterness comes as a result of improper focus and is inherent to our very human nature. It is a thief that will readily steal joy from a person, thoroughly dessimating any possibility of a productive human life. If allowed to remain long enough, it can destroy even the human soul and spirit for eternity, even affecting those that have the misfortune to be around these bitter persons.
Real and lasting joy is a matter of focus. When we focus upon that which we see before our physical eyes, we fall prey to deception. If our circumstances cause our personal joy to rise within us, we may be truly blessed of Father, Yet, on the other hand, it could be no more than an elusive mirage. If our eyes see misfortune, we fall into Paul's dilemna. Hear what the prophet Habakkuk has to say.
Bitterness comes as a result of improper focus and is inherent to our very human nature. It is a thief that will readily steal joy from a person, thoroughly dessimating any possibility of a productive human life. If allowed to remain long enough, it can destroy even the human soul and spirit for eternity, even affecting those that have the misfortune to be around these bitter persons.
Real and lasting joy is a matter of focus. When we focus upon that which we see before our physical eyes, we fall prey to deception. If our circumstances cause our personal joy to rise within us, we may be truly blessed of Father, Yet, on the other hand, it could be no more than an elusive mirage. If our eyes see misfortune, we fall into Paul's dilemna. Hear what the prophet Habakkuk has to say.
"Though the fig tree does not blossom, and there is no fruit on the vine, the yield of the olive has failed, and the fields brought forth no food, the flock has been cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I exult in יהוה, I rejoice in the Elohim of my deliverance. יהוה the Master is my strength. And He makes my feet like those of deer, and makes me walk on my high places."
Habakkuk 3: 17-19
Habakkuk 3: 17-19
We find ourselves today in times where our senses of security are rapidly disappearing. For those that still have a means to create an income for their families, it is becoming harder and harder to scratch out that living. Many are not so fortunate and have already succumbed to the ranks of the unemployed, with many being further demeaned with their inclusion on government doles.
If there seems to be no fruit forthcoming from our efforts, if things are not as desired, even to our world crumbling in around us as the prophet suggests, then a simple redirection of focus would be a wise consideration, especially in these dark days just before the return of our Messiah.
When troubles surround me, it is Father's strength upon which I rely. Have I mastered the challenges of which I write and offer as encouragement to my readers? I would say, absolutely not! In my war of attrition, I feel alone, much like Elijah after Carm'el. Even so, I look to Fathers encouraging words to him, "I have reserved 7000 men to Me that have not bowed their knee to Ba'al".
Therefore, as David would charge, so I charge my readers. Intently cast your focus upon YHVH and His Son, Messiah Yeshua. He promised never to leave you alone, but "be with you, even until the end".
If there seems to be no fruit forthcoming from our efforts, if things are not as desired, even to our world crumbling in around us as the prophet suggests, then a simple redirection of focus would be a wise consideration, especially in these dark days just before the return of our Messiah.
When troubles surround me, it is Father's strength upon which I rely. Have I mastered the challenges of which I write and offer as encouragement to my readers? I would say, absolutely not! In my war of attrition, I feel alone, much like Elijah after Carm'el. Even so, I look to Fathers encouraging words to him, "I have reserved 7000 men to Me that have not bowed their knee to Ba'al".
Therefore, as David would charge, so I charge my readers. Intently cast your focus upon YHVH and His Son, Messiah Yeshua. He promised never to leave you alone, but "be with you, even until the end".
"To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in Thy strength, O LORD; and in Thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!"
Psalms 21: 1
Psalms 21: 1
"And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD." Psalms 27: 6
"Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."
Psalms 35: 27
Count Your Blessings
When everything around us seems to be falling apart or closing in upon us, it's not an easy task to ignore or turn our focus away. These negative circumstances are not a mirage. They are very real, with accompanying pain just as real, even to being deadly. It would be rather presumptuous of me to suggest otherwise.
Yet, there is great wisdom in turning our focus from these ill things over which we have little or no control. Father has said He will not see the righteous begging for bread. He has promised to be our Strength, Shield, and Fortress. Wisdom dictates we not openly challenge these things that beset us within our own strength. Rather, heed the admonition of Peter.
"See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in all circumstances give thanks, for this is the desire of Elohim in Messiah יהושע for you."
Yet, there is great wisdom in turning our focus from these ill things over which we have little or no control. Father has said He will not see the righteous begging for bread. He has promised to be our Strength, Shield, and Fortress. Wisdom dictates we not openly challenge these things that beset us within our own strength. Rather, heed the admonition of Peter.
"If anyone speaks, let it be as the Words of Elohim. If anyone serves, let it be as with the strength which Elohim provides, so that Elohim might be praised in it all through יהושע Messiah, to Whom belong the esteem and the rule forever and ever. Amĕn.
Beloved ones, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that is coming upon you, to try you, as though some unusual matter has befallen you, but as you share Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice, in order that you might rejoice exultingly at the revelation of His esteem."
1 Peter 4: 11-13
Our personal efforts in the face of adversity yields little or no effect. Only our trust in the Almight One of Y'Isra'el will ease our pain and shield us from the onslaught of the enemy. It is through our praise of Him that we recognize His blessings that continually flow upon and through us.
Whether one sits down and physically writes out a list of blessings upon their life or details them in their mind, it is great wisdom to focus on that list of Divine blessings bestowed. Maybe a good wife and children are on that list. You may not be eating filet mingon, but you're not hungry. Maybe it's just that Father has saved you alive. Follow the charge of Paul and "Count your many blessings".
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
I can think of no better way to close this article than to tender the lyrics of an old hymn of the faith. Written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897, this song stands until this day as a monument of wisdom and beacon of light for us in these dark times just before the return of Messiah. I pray the peace of Messiah be for you and yours.
Count Your Many Blessings
Johnson Oatman Jr. 1897
Public Domain
*Alternate Text
When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hat done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings money cannot buy,
[*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Johnson Oatman Jr. 1897
Public Domain
*Alternate Text
When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hat done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings money cannot buy,
[*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
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