Category Archives: Trinity

Father / Yahweh, Grace / Forgiveness, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Loving / Kind

The Incomparable Nature and Sacrifice of Jesus

Many lose sight of the fact that Christ has always existed. He did not begin to exist when He became man and entered this world for a brief 33 years as a man. He has existed since the beginning.

He is one with the Father. Christ is the image of God revealed to us. Through Him all things were created. He is head of the church, the body of believers who follow Him. He chose to die for each of us so that He could bear the punishment for our sin… the punishment we deserve. That is mercy and grace and love. There is none like Christ.

Colossians 1:12-29

The Incomparable Christ

      13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

      15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

      21And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

      24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. 25Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

Let us rejoice in our relationship with Christ… in His sacrifice for our sins. Let us not ignore this incredible sacrifice and gift of forgiveness. Embrace Him, ask forgiveness, change and turn away from sin. Become more like Him and build your relationship with Him. Share the good news of Christ with all whom you have the opportunity. What if no one else will tell them if you don’t?

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Grace / Forgiveness, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Learning To Pray Effectively, Psalms, Repenting from Sin

Create In Me A Clean Heart, O’ God (Psalm 51)

We are all sinners in need of grace and forgiveness. Let us humble ourselves before the Lord and repent and He will make us clean again.

Psalm 51

A Contrite Sinner’s Prayer for Pardon.

For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

     1Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.

3For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.

4Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.

5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.

6Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

7Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

9Hide Your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.

13Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.

14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation;
Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.

15O Lord, open my lips,
That my mouth may declare Your praise.

16For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it;
You are not pleased with burnt offering.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

18By Your favor do good to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices,
In burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar.

As you read this Psalm, it is not difficult to directly relate to what David is expressing before God. Don’t just read and study it, but also pray it for yourself and others. We are all in need of forgiveness. God has made a way in Yeshua that we can receive it!

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Father / Yahweh, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Psalms, Salvation

God Is Both Judge and Salvation

God judges those who fail to follow His commands to hold them accountable but shows salvation to those who order their steps according to His ways with thanksgiving!

Prayerfully reflect… which are you?

Psalm 50

God the Judge of the Righteous and the Wicked.

A Psalm of Asaph.

1The Mighty One, God, the LORD, has spoken,
And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

      2Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God has shone forth.

      3May our God come and not keep silence;
Fire devours before Him,
And it is very tempestuous around Him.

      4He summons the heavens above,
And the earth, to judge His people:

      5“Gather My godly ones to Me,
Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”

      6And the heavens declare His righteousness,
For God Himself is judge.

Selah.

      7“Hear, O My people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you;
I am God, your God.

      8“I do not reprove you for your sacrifices,
And your burnt offerings are continually before Me.

      9“I shall take no young bull out of your house
Nor male goats out of your folds.

      10“For every beast of the forest is Mine,
The cattle on a thousand hills.

      11“I know every bird of the mountains,
And everything that moves in the field is Mine.

      12“If I were hungry I would not tell you,
For the world is Mine, and all it contains.

      13“Shall I eat the flesh of bulls
Or drink the blood of male goats?

      14“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving
And pay your vows to the Most High;

      15Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”

      16But to the wicked God says,
“What right have you to tell of My statutes
And to take My covenant in your mouth?

      17“For you hate discipline,
And you cast My words behind you.

      18“When you see a thief, you are pleased with him,
And you associate with adulterers.

      19“You let your mouth loose in evil
And your tongue frames deceit.

      20“You sit and speak against your brother;
You slander your own mother’s son.

      21“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.

      22“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be none to deliver.

      23“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me;
And to him who orders his way aright
I shall show the salvation of God.”

God judges those who fail to follow His commands to hold them accountable but shows salvation to those who order their steps according to His ways with thanksgiving!

Prayerfully reflect… which are you?

If you don’t like the answer, turn to Him more today! He is always ready to receive us.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Envy / Jealousy / Coveting, False Prophets / Teachers, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Selfishness, Share the Good News, Strife, Study the Word, Thankfulness

Rejoice When the Gospel Is Preached

Ask the Spirit to help you share with boldness the truth of Christ. Give thanks for those who bring the truth of God’s word to people. Recognize, however, that there are many who teach it from false motives and sadly, many of them do not preach it in truth, but rather tell people what they want to hear.  Test everything you hear against the truth of scripture and keep that which is good and true.

Philippians 1:12-20

The Gospel Is Preached

     12Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Rejoice that the gospel is preached. Pray for discernment in understanding the truth of the gospel. Do not just accept whatever is said about Christ, but test everything against the Bible. False teaching tickles the ears but leads people away from Christ, all the while they believe they are following Him.  Pray for the Spirit to be with those who share the gospel and give them wisdom and discernment and boldness and courage. Pray for Yeshua to be shared with the world boldly and truthfully, without filtering the message for fear of offending people with truth. Pray that the Lord would use even our personal suffering to His glory and the glory of the gospel of Christ.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Evidence in Scripture, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Submitted / Servant, Thankfulness

Are You Living Like Jesus Truly Is Immanuel… God With Us!

Yeshua is more than just a good teacher. Many try to dismiss Him or explain Him away as just that. As He entered Jerusalem just a short while before He would be crucified, it was quite an event.

At least two aspects stand out to me in regards to demonstration that He was more than just a teacher. First, Yeshua prophetically anticipates great detail around the mission He sends His disciples on to get a colt on which He is to ride. The second is more subtle. As He enters Jerusalem, many people were gathered to watch Him. He was the center of attention. Not many days later, Jesus would suffer and die publicly by crucifixion. The crowds would certainly have recognized it if anyone other than Jesus, Himself, was crucified in His place. Further, on the third day after that, Jesus would rise from the dead and walk amongst the people again for 40 days. With so many witnesses, and such a public and recognizable figure, and so little time passed between His entry to Jerusalem and His death and resurrection… there is not way to deny that it was Jesus who was crucified and Jesus who rose from the dead afterwards to continue teaching and leading the people. There could have been no substitute made.

Mark 11:1-11

The Triumphal Entry

      1As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, 2and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. 3“If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ you say, ‘The Lord has need of it’; and immediately he will send it back here.” 4They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. 5Some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. 7They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it. 8And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields.

9Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting:
“Hosanna!
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;

      10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David;
Hosanna in the highest!”

      11Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.

Even in this one short scripture, there is strong evidence that Jesus was God among us, not just a teacher. He performed miracles and overcame death before large public audiences.  For those who claim He is something else, they neglect or dismiss the evidence routinely.

With that in mind, let us ask ourselves thoughtfully and prayerfully…
“Are we living like we believe Jesus is God? How do we spend our time, money, and talent? How do I treat others?”

If you were to keep track and make a chart of where you spend your time and money, what would it tell you objectively, based on data? If you could honestly characterize your interactions with others, how often would your attention be focused on selfish desires compared to selfless ones focused on others?

It is easy for each of us to say we follow Yeshua, but could you look at the data and actually prove it beyond a reasonable doubt?

James 2:14-26

      14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

      18But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. 24You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to fully embrace You as Messiah and live my life as an offering to You. Help my life be a witness to bring others to You and show them Your glory rather than just living for me. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Father / Yahweh, Guide, Justice / Judgment, Loving / Kind, Psalms

Great Is The Lord And Greatly To Be Praised (Psalm 48)

Praise and glory to our heavenly Father and Creator. He is mighty and wise. Those who follow Him wholeheartedly are secure, joyful, and shine as a beautiful light before the world. Jehovah is eternal and to be trusted from generation to generation for all time.

Psalm 48

The Beauty and Glory of Zion.

A Song; a Psalm of the sons of Korah

      1Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
In the city of our God, His holy mountain.

      2Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion in the far north,
The city of the great King.

      3God, in her palaces,
Has made Himself known as a stronghold.

      4For, lo, the kings assembled themselves,
They passed by together.

      5They saw it, then they were amazed;
They were terrified, they fled in alarm.

      6Panic seized them there,
Anguish, as of a woman in childbirth.

      7With the east wind
You break the ships of Tarshish.

      8As we have heard, so have we seen
In the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God;
God will establish her forever.

Selah.

      9We have thought on Your lovingkindness, O God,
In the midst of Your temple.

      10As is Your name, O God,
So is Your praise to the ends of the earth;
Your right hand is full of righteousness.

      11Let Mount Zion be glad,
Let the daughters of Judah rejoice
Because of Your judgments.

      12Walk about Zion and go around her;
Count her towers;

      13Consider her ramparts;
Go through her palaces,
That you may tell it to the next generation.

      14For such is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will guide us until death.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Forgiveness, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

Yom Kippur – Deeper Reflection Through Scriptures

I have been sharing my observance of Yom Kippur as a follower of Christ with a close friend and she highlighted an important aspect of Yom Kippur that may get overlooked by some. It is a day of repentance and atonement. It is a day of fasting. We are also instructed to humble ourselves before the LORD. This is more than just observing some traditional rules like not wearing shoes with leather soles or putting on perfume. It is truly about our heart and our attitude before our Creator.

She shared some scripture the LORD had led her to as she has been observing with her family and I wanted to share it more broadly.

Each year as I observe this solemn holy day, I allow myself to continue to grow and change the approach for my family. There is so much good Biblical content to help lead us in prayer, humility and reconciliation with YHWH that I am embracing more each year the 10 days between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur to pray and reflect on this subject with my family. These days are commonly referred to as the Days of Awe. I encourage you to study at least some of the scriptures below as you seek to humble yourself before the LORD.

Do keep in mind as you humble yourself before God, that if you are in Yeshua, you have been forgiven. We still want to be humble and repent, but we can also be thankful that God has already made a way for us to be forgiven.

Daniel 9:4-19 (Daniel)

4I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, 5we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. 6“Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.

      7“Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord, but to us open shame, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those who are nearby and those who are far away in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of their unfaithful deeds which they have committed against You. 8“Open shame belongs to us, O Lord, to our kings, our princes and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. 9“To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him; 10nor have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets. 11“Indeed all Israel has transgressed Your law and turned aside, not obeying Your voice; so the curse has been poured out on us, along with the oath which is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against Him. 12“Thus He has confirmed His words which He had spoken against us and against our rulers who ruled us, to bring on us great calamity; for under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what was done to Jerusalem. 13“As it is written in the law of Moses, all this calamity has come on us; yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our iniquity and giving attention to Your truth. 14“Therefore the LORD has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the LORD our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice.

      15“And now, O Lord our God, who have brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand and have made a name for Yourself, as it is this day—we have sinned, we have been wicked. 16“O Lord, in accordance with all Your righteous acts, let now Your anger and Your wrath turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all those around us. 17“So now, our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and for Your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine on Your desolate sanctuary. 18“O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion. 19“O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”

1 Chronicles 16:8-38 (David)

Psalm of Thanksgiving

8Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.

      9Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.

10Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.

11Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.

12Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,

13O seed of Israel His servant,
Sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!

14He is the LORD our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.

15Remember His covenant forever,
The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,

16The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac.

17He also confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel as an everlasting covenant,

18Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,
As the portion of your inheritance.”

19When they were only a few in number,
Very few, and strangers in it,

20And they wandered about from nation to nation,
And from one kingdom to another people,

21He permitted no man to oppress them,
And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying,

22“Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.”

23Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

24Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

25For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
He also is to be feared above all gods.

26For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.

27Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and joy are in His place.

28Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

29Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him;
Worship the LORD in holy array.

30Tremble before Him, all the earth;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

31Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
And let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”

32Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
Let the field exult, and all that is in it.

33Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD;
For He is coming to judge the earth.

34O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

35Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation,
And gather us and deliver us from the nations,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
And glory in Your praise.”

36Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
From everlasting even to everlasting.
Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah)

Hannah’s Song of Thanksgiving

      1Then Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the LORD;
My horn is exalted in the LORD,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

      2“There is no one holy like the LORD,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.

3“Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the LORD is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed.

4“The bows of the mighty are shattered,
But the feeble gird on strength.

5“Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
But those who were hungry cease to hunger.
Even the barren gives birth to seven,
But she who has many children languishes.

6“The LORD kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.

7“The LORD makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.

8“He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S,
And He set the world on them.

9“He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.

10“Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered;
Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn of His anointed.”

Luke 1:46-55 (Mary)

The Magnificat

46And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,

      47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

49“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.

50“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.

51“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

52“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.

53“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.

54“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,

55As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Additional scriptures you may find enriching:

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, You and You alone are God. There are none like You. None can do the works that You do. Yet You love Your people and have made a way for us to be reconciled to You despite our sins. Thank You for Your grace and mercy shown through the death of Christ for our sins! May You be magnified and glorified in my life. Thank You for your continued mercy on me as a sinner submitted to Yeshua. Thank You for Your Spirit and Your word to guide me as a light unto my path. Help me to walk in repentance and seek diligently after Your ways. Amen. 

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Grace / Forgiveness, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

Scripture Readings to Enrich Yom Kippur

Yom Teruah signals us with the trumpet blast to remind us that the return of the King is nearing. Yom Kippur is a day to come humbly before God and acknowledge our sins, turning from them. The days between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur are often called the Days of Awe. This is a good time to reflect on the goodness of God in His forgiveness of our sins through Yeshua. It is also a good time to prepare ourselves to come humbly before God to reflect on any sins in our lives and repent from them. We can gratefully reflect on the sacrifice of Yeshua who has paid our debt for sin. He died so we have forgiveness of sin. We should take care not to be arrogant in regards to receiving forgiveness as if we earned it or deserved it. We don’t. It is a gift. Be humble and thankful.

First and foremost, remember that if we are in Christ, we have already been forgiven.

1 Pet 2:24  and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

I found some additional scripture reading suggestions referenced by Hebrew4Christians. We do not read them all on the day of Yom Kippur, but rather read them in preparation over several days. I find this helps, especially for young children, to be able to digest more of the importance of this Moed, or appointed time.

The scriptures are as follows:

I also encourage you to visit the sites linked below and pull in the videos, scripture, or teaching that helps your family better understand Yom Kippur in full context.  It is very helpful to study more about our Creator’s appointed times as we learn to observe them. Remember, however, we are not begging God for forgiveness, but rather humbling ourselves and thanking Him for already forgiving us through Yeshua.

As you study, remember to separate what is Jewish tradition from what is written in the Bible. The study of tradition can be helpful and enriching, but I find it good to know for myself what is scriptural and what is traditional. When getting started, I focus on the scriptural aspects first. The traditional would then be optional as it fits with and helps or supports the scriptural message.

I have provided a few links to help you get started, but you can search on your own, of course.

 

  • JacobsTent.org is a fellowship that meets in Tennessee and live streams events for Moedim and regular Sabbath services weekly. It is more than just a study, but brings you in to be part of a fellowship worshipping and learning together.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Love, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms

Love And Honor To The King of Kings

Often we may consider our Lord, Jesus Christ, in academic terms. We can acknowledge who He is, what He is like, and what He asks of us… but do we truly look upon Him with love and admiration? Psalm 45 provides a moving view of our Messiah… before He came to walk among us! The Psalmist looks forward to the coming of Messiah with joy and praise, love and admiration.

Psalm 45

For the choir director; according to the Shoshannim. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.

      1My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

      2You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever.

      3Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One,
In Your splendor and Your majesty!

      4And in Your majesty ride on victoriously,
For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
Let Your right hand teach You awesome things.

      5Your arrows are sharp;
The peoples fall under You;
Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies.

      6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

      7You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of joy above Your fellows.

      8All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad.

      9Kings’ daughters are among Your noble ladies;
At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.

      10Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear:
Forget your people and your father’s house;

      11Then the King will desire your beauty.
Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him.

      12The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;
The rich among the people will seek your favor.

      13The King’s daughter is all glorious within;
Her clothing is interwoven with gold.

      14She will be led to the King in embroidered work;
The virgins, her companions who follow her,
Will be brought to You.

      15They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing;
They will enter into the King’s palace.

      16In place of your fathers will be your sons;
You shall make them princes in all the earth.

      17I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations;
Therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever.

It took me awhile to digest this Psalm. It is a different, and beautiful, portrait of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. I do not often reflect on Him in this way. His word is a light unto our feet and this Psalm challenges me to consider Jesus from yet another perspective. He truly is King of Kings. Praise God for His holy word.

Evidence in Scripture, Father / Yahweh, Guide, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Jesus Christ / Yeshua

Remain Faithful, Even When You Do Not Understand

Often when Yahweh is at work, we may have trouble fully understanding His glorious work and how everything fits together. Peter had just correctly identified Yeshua as the Christ and then was rebuked strongly for admonishing Yeshua when He spoke about His coming suffering and death.  With that as backdrop, several of the disciples then experience an amazing event we call the transfiguration. Through it all, they did not fully understand how God’s plan was fitting together, but they remained faithful and continued on with Yeshua.

Mark 9:1-13

The Transfiguration

      1And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

      2Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; 3and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. 5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. 7Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” 8All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone.

      9As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. 10They seized upon that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant. 11They asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13“But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written of him.”

The disciples did not fully understand all of what they witnessed or how to put all of these experiences together to see what Yahweh was doing. They did, however, obediently follow Yeshua through all of it. We could take time to digest a lot in this scripture. The experience is deep and rich. I would encourage each of you to click the link to scripture and review some of the Commentaries available on Bible Hub. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary is typically helpful if you are looking for one that is not as detailed. MacLaren’s is also helpful, providing more detail.

I am focusing today on the faithfulness of the disciples, even when they did not understand how everything that God was showing them fit together. They did not know what to make of the transfiguration, afraid, but they remained with Yeshua. They did not understand even what Yeshua meant when He instructed them to not tell anyone until after He had risen from the dead. They must have been expecting this to be parable instead of literal. They did not understand what scripture meant by indicating that Elijah must come first. But they trusted in Yeshua. They turned to Him with questions and journeyed with Him as their teacher and friend. The learned along the way. When the Holy Spirit filled them after Yeshua left, they were ready to go and make disciples of others.

Do not be discouraged if you don’t fully understand what God is doing in your life or the life of others around you. Trust Him. Seek Him. Ask Him to show you. Continue walking with Him and draw near to Him. We don’t need to understand the whole picture as we go. God has that under control. We need to faithfully obey and do our part well.

One more parting thought pertaining to the truth of scripture. These verses, along with many others, paint our early church fathers in a rather unflattering light. Peter not only got rebuked by Yeshua in chapter 8, but in chapter 9 the three become terrified witnessing the transfiguration. Peter does not know what to do and suggests making three tabernacles… and does not even merit an answer documented in scripture here regarding his thought. As they go down the mountain, they do not understand the meaning of not telling anyone until Yeshua has risen from the dead. This is solid proof, beyond a reasonable doubt, that scripture is in fact true. It has not been altered to favorably reflect church leaders and “heroes of the faith”. Quite the contrary, it continually documents their failings alongside their successes. The Bible is most certainly an accurate historical document.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for revealing Yourself and Your word to us. Help us to trust in You for how and when You allow us to understand more and draw closer to You. Please help us to be strong in faith and follow even when we do not understand the things that are going on all around us. Thank You for helping us when we get it wrong to gain a better understanding. Thank You for encouraging us when we are discouraged by our mistakes and thank You that we can put our hope and faith in You above all else, no matter what is happening around us! Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.