Then We Will Know

Corinthians 13:12 says, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

The Apostle Paul was describing how difficult it is right now to fully see or understand who Yahshua is as Messiah.  It is like looking through dark glass.  The features may be there but the clear perception of Christ is not yet in focus.

However Paul speaks of the time when we will see and know him face to face.  Yahshua already knows us!  We are precious to him because he declared:

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--" John 10:14 

He is well acquainted with those of us who will stray, end up in trouble and need rescuing.  All the same he was willing to lay down his life for the sheep which is the most selfless act the world has ever known. So as much as we would like to say that we know Jesus, truth is, he knows us even better.  We will have to be patient until the day he returns for his bride.  We will be caught up to meet him in the air along with all of the other faithful saints being resurrected from times past.

"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first," 1 Thessalonians 4:16  

Make no mistake.  Then we shall see and know him as he truly is.  What a joyful day!  

Like a Tree

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:3

Now that spring is coming around, I see the trees starting to bud and the earth coming back to life.  It makes me think of my Christian walk in that I can be encouraged by this short Psalm.  It mentions yielding it's fruit in season.  Well, the Bible says that we need to be ready in season and OUT of season to preach the Word of God.

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 2:4

Doing God's will might be likened to bearing fruit.  Now that can look like a lot of different things according to each person's ability but it always includes preaching the same Gospel that Yahshua taught.  If we do otherwise or preach another gospel or even another Christ, then that is like preaching no Gospel at all!

"another Jesus whom we have not preached… or a different gospel" (2 Corinthians 11:1–4).

So the Psalm mentions producing fruit in season but the leaves do not wither.  That makes me think of the life water within us, that would be likened to Yah's set apart spirit.  He gave this same spirit without measure to Yahshua who began pouring it out on fellow believers at Pentecost, (read the book of Acts).  This is what keeps us alive spiritually and empowered to continue doing what our Heavenly Father desires.  He wants no one to be lost so our bearing fruit and having leaves that do not wither means being very active in preaching the Gospel to all who will hear.

Blessing God for His Help

Psalms 28:7 in the NKJV says, "The LORD Yahweh is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him."

This verse of David speaks so much! First David rightfully recognizes the Almighty as his strength and his shield. This gives us the idea of Yah's power to both intervene and shield us from evil. Secondly King David confirms his heartfelt trust by saying "I am helped". Spoken in the past tense, he is confirming that as far as he is concerned, it has already been done for him. Do we have faith like that? Do we trust that our Heavenly Father will always help us when we call out to Him? David did!

Notice what David says next. He is glad in his heart and rejoices by magnifying God with a song of praise. How often do we do that? I mean we pray and pray for something and then when God does it for us, do we remember to thank Him with our whole heart as David did? See, our Creator gave us all of these wonderful gifts to show gratitude and praise for His loving care. Many of us can sing and some of us can even play an instrument. Can't we direct some of that talent back to bless the One who gave it to us in the first place? We can sing of His wonders and even proclaim the Lord Messiah's Gospel to a world in dire need.

If we are truly thankful for all that Yah has done for us, such as His help, forgiveness of sins and salvation through His Son, Yahshua, (which means "Yah's Salvation") we will find ways to express our joy. He our AWESOME GOD and so worthy of praise!

Who is Like Our God?

Who then is like our El, (God), Yahweh of Hosts? There are so many wonderful attributes of the One True El that we can praise and acknowledge. Did you know that the Muslim god, Allah is given many wonderful features but is never, ever called "Love"? Allah is the Moon god of Saudi Arabia and his worshipers believe in the Koran as their holy book. The Bible speaks of trading the image or glory of the One True God for the abasement that can only come from the worship of false gods.

"and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles". Romans 1:23

This includes the worship of created things such as the sun and moon:

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen." Romans 1:25

This means that the glory that we could have has been bartered for something much less luminous. This will effect not only our world view but how we treat others. Yahshua said that his followers would be characterized by love. Since Yahshua reflects his Heavenly Father so perfectly, we would recognize and respond to love immediately.

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8

So who is like our God? Well, first Yahshua because he gave his life so that we might live in a renewed relationship with the Father and then those who truly love God and others. If we submit to Yahshua, we will find ourselves being changed into the image of Yahweh just as he is.

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." Colossians 1:15

So we are given this wonderful promise if we are in Messiah, (Christ):

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18