I’m sitting at my desk, drinking lukewarm black coffee, thinking about all that God (YHWH – pronounced Yahweh or Yahuah) has shown me in the last year. It’s cold outside, and the chill permeates right through the windows and walls. The weather man speculates that there may be three to five inches of snow tonight. The fragrances of lavender and sweet orange drift through the air, carried on the currents blown about by the small white fan sitting atop the computer tower. It’s another day in the Ozarks.
The last eighteen months or so has been so full of ups and downs. My entire life has been one long series of insanity, which I’ve only survived by the grace of Yah. This year, though, has certainly been unique even to me. I’ll spare you the painful details.
I’ve learned quite a lot, and I’ve changed more than I thought possible. Not by my own power, of course. That’s the trick though, isn’t it? We’ve got to realize that it’s only in the power of the living God that we have freedom. It’s only by His love and grace that we can even breathe, let alone grow and enjoy any part of this trial we call life.
He showed me this truth and my life hasn’t been the same since. I’m free knowing that He loves me. I know that because if the Creator didn’t love me, I wouldn’t be here. My trial would be over and the score would be set at FAILED. But his love and patience are so great that he allowed me enough chances to get to this place where, while far from being perfect, I finally feel like I have some real understanding of who He is and what His plan for me is.
Through everything, He has proven his faithfulness. As a result, I actually want to do what He says. I want to obey His words, follow His way, and keep His commandments. After all, He said that’s what we would do if we love Him (John 14:15). And love Him I do – more than anything or anyone else.
He calls those who love Him to come out of the world, to turn away from sin, and to put Him first. He says that He doesn’t want us to be friends with the world. In fact, He hates it when we’re friends with the world (James 4:4). Peter reminds us, quoting Vayiqra (Leviticus), that Yah said, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:26). He says that if we obey His voice, and keep His covenant, “then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6).
I know now that I can’t be part of this world in the way my flesh wants me to be and also be a part of the holy kingdom of Yah’s people, Yashar’el (Israel). I can’t serve two masters. I’ve tried. It’s extremely painful, and pointless, and a waste of time and effort that could be far better spent.
I guess that’s it for now. I just wanted to share some things I’ve been thinking about, and that maybe we should all be thinking about…
Question: If Yeshua returned right now for His bride, how do you think most of us would look to Him?
(Hint: I think there’s a very good reason He hasn’t returned yet…)
Until next time,
YHWH bless you and guard you:
YHWH make his face shine upon you,
and be gracious unto you:
YHWH life up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
Being Sanctified 