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.

Pure as Fresh Snow

22“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,
         Or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,

23Which I have reserved for the time of distress,
         For the day of war and battle?"  Job 38:22-23

Yahweh rightfully asked these questions of Job who for a moment lost perspective of his relationship to the Almighty.
It is easy to do in the midst of adversity and trial.  We may even begin to think that God owes us answers for why things are not going as we'd like.  Guess what?  Sometimes that's they way things turn out!  Our Heavenly Father is not a puppet master, controlling every move and decision we or our fellow humans make.  We were given free will and the choice to either obey or not.  More times than not, our own poor choices cause problems and other times the careless decisions of someone else is to blame.  This is why true religion is based on how we treat others in relationship to ourselves.

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."  James 1:27

I like to think of how clean and fresh, un-driven snow is!  It is so pure and without any spots or contamination.  This is how we should keep ourselves in this world.  All the same look what is listed first: "to visit orphans and widows in their distress."  A lot of  religious emphasis today is on looking good rather than actually doing good!  We can't afford to let that be the case especially if we call ourselves servants of the Most High God and His Son Yahshua.  We may not understand why things turn out the way they do but faith in a God who is able to save to uttermost will keep us grounded in an active faith:

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Job didn't have all the facts before trying to justify his righteousness before God which is why he was given some pertinent things to think about.  No we haven't seen nor do we know of all of God's wonders but we certainly can trust Him to work towards the achievement of His perfect will in our lives.

Follow Me

Luke 9:23, Yahshua says to those who would truly belong to him: "²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

What does that mean? Well, first it tells us that we have a personal responsibility to be faithful in our walk with the Savior. He will help us but notice he is saying that we have to take up OUR cross and follow him daily. Sometimes we are erroneously told that becoming a Christian means all of our problems will be solved. Yes, at one time we all enemies of Yah. "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior." Colossians 1:21

Turning from our former evil deeds and thoughts is part of denying ourselves. Now while leaving things like smoking, drinking and illicit sexual practices can often make life better, it will not absolve all of one's problems. However, no matter what the issue, we can make our Heavenly Father rejoice each day by obeying His Son especially when under trial and temptation. The cross is just that, a torture stake that we gladly bear each day because we are on our way to a sublime destination. The place? God's Kingdom here on earth as co-heirs with Yahshua!

Christmas Blessings from Shekinah Path

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!

A City on a Hill

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;" Matthew 5:14

Yahshua's own words proclaim that WE are the light of the world. There is a lot of focus on HIM which is only appropriate but not if it takes away from hearing his WORDS. Think of the Menorah, the lamp stand used in the temple and now for Hanukkah.

If you notice, the Menorah has a center light that is higher than the rest. It is used to light all of the other oil lamps or candles on the branches. Yahshua is that middle light, the foremost of the world:

"In him was life, and that life was the light of men." John 1:4

The reason for the Messiah's coming was to spread that light to us. WE are that city on a hill! Our purpose is light up this dark world with HIS Gospel. Not so much the Gospel about Yahshua but the Gospel of Yahshua, namely what he taught. It is quite clear to see that the main focus of his teachings was the Kingdom of God and its righteous rule. We then, should be beacons lighting the way for people to find it. In fact, Jesus said that this was something for us to seek first:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33