Sons and daughters of the Most High, there is a tremendous need for each of us to store up the Word of our heavenly Abba (Father) within our hearts for many important reasons. We are living in the latter time of the end of the age before the return of Messiah. These days are the "beginning of sorrows (birth pangs), as Yahuwsha spoke of, in Matthew 24:4-8. The Great Tribulation will very soon be upon us, which will be a time such has never been, nor will ever be again (Matt. 24:21). As Abba is shaking everything that can be shaken (Heb.12: 26-29), it is more necessary than ever before, to be solidly founded upon the solid "Rock" of our Salvation, and to have the treasure of His Words within our heart(soul [mind/will/emotions]and spirit).
.
There has been a dramatic increase in the persecution and martyrdom of our brothers and sisters in the Master on a global scale. This is prevalent in areas where Communism and Islamic Jihadism has taken firm root. There are many of us who presume that we will never be persecuted, due to living in so-called "free", democratic nations,....but this is merely an illusion which will very soon be shattered.
.
For quite some time, there has been a gradual increase in the suppression of Messianic "rights and freedoms" in the U.S.A., the U.N., and the E.U., etc., due to the expansion of "hate speech" laws, etc. The "free" and "democratic" secular governments, (who are gradually changing and merging into a globalist-Socialist society), have been overzealous in trying to protect the rights of certain minority groups, and in doing so,...have infringed upon our rights and freedoms, making it forbidden to even quote various passages aloud (in a public place) from the Set-Apart Scriptures or speak in any manner which is deemed "offensive" to certain minorities, especially in the case where it is assumed that a listener can commit a violent act against someone within that minority group by being "motivated" or "influenced" by the person(s) speaking.
.
Even the mere claim that one's sermons against homosexuality is "inciting hatred" can be "legal" grounds for being arrested, and already, we're witnessing arrests against preachers silently holding up signs with Scriptures on them, even though they were quietly protesting gay parades. Likewise, in various countries, many ministers have been arrested for preaching against homosexuality, including Sweden, Canada, Australia, etc. It would be far-fetched to assume that this will not occur here in America.
.
While I completely abhor and do not condone violent acts against any minorities, including homosexuals, abortionists, etc., ...it must be made clear for the record that the Establishment IS heading in the wrong direction by assuming to judge biases and know the thoughts, intentions and motives of the speakers of specific religious topics, such as about the abomination of homosexuality (which Abba YaHuWaH hates and severely judges as evidenced within both the Old and ReNewed Testaments). These types of laws are actually in essence, "thought-crime" laws, and this type of legislation dramatically undermines the freedom of speech and religious belief which is at the heart of what a democracy should be. We are only beginning to witness the "tip of the iceberg" of things to come. This is censorship which intimidates many believers into silence, for fear of being prosecuted for misinterpreted intentions.
.
Even the mere claim that one's sermons against homosexuality is "inciting hatred" can be "legal" grounds for being arrested, and already, we're witnessing arrests against preachers silently holding up signs with Scriptures on them, even though they were quietly protesting gay parades. Likewise, in various countries, many ministers have been arrested for preaching against homosexuality, including Sweden, Canada, Australia, etc. It would be far-fetched to assume that this will not occur here in America.
.
While I completely abhor and do not condone violent acts against any minorities, including homosexuals, abortionists, etc., ...it must be made clear for the record that the Establishment IS heading in the wrong direction by assuming to judge biases and know the thoughts, intentions and motives of the speakers of specific religious topics, such as about the abomination of homosexuality (which Abba YaHuWaH hates and severely judges as evidenced within both the Old and ReNewed Testaments). These types of laws are actually in essence, "thought-crime" laws, and this type of legislation dramatically undermines the freedom of speech and religious belief which is at the heart of what a democracy should be. We are only beginning to witness the "tip of the iceberg" of things to come. This is censorship which intimidates many believers into silence, for fear of being prosecuted for misinterpreted intentions.
.
Little by little, we are being stripped of the freedom to share the Word of Yah with others, for It is being labeled as "hate speech". Any non-profit assemblies and ministries who have tax-exempt status are bound by federal laws to obey specific guidelines or else, suffer legal consequences. Also, we are witnessing an increase in the mockery of believers (collective Body of Messiah) and right-wing fundamentalists by the far-left politicians and many within the entertainment industry, whether it be in movies, TV shows, stand-up comedy, books, music, etc. Those who profess faith in Messiah ARE, without a doubt a part of the MOST persecuted form of Spirituality in the world, for the forces of darkness understand that we know the Truth which liberates us and defeats them. Do we honestly believe that there will never come a day when our bibles are taken away from us, public gatherings banned, and the preaching of the Word forbidden? Many millions of believers have been heavily persecuted and martyred for millennia, and this is still daily occurring all around the world.
.
Even though we can hear Abba's Voice intuitively within by His Anointing and Spirit, ...we desperately need the sacred Scriptures saturating our consciousness, to increase our divine discernment against the lies and deception of spiritual darkness by the enlightenment which comes from seeing into and receiving revelation by the Spirit of the Word. It is wise to have Scripture memorized so that the Set-Apart Spirit of our Abba can preach and minister through us as messengers in a more thorough and efficient manner to others.
.
(2 Timothy 3:16,17) "All Scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of Elohim may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
.
There will come a time when we will have no bibles to read from and thus, it will be extremely important to be able to recall Scripture from memory. Just as has already occurred during ancient times, Abba is going to once again sovereignly allow a famine of His Word to occur. Those who had rejected It previously, never taking the time to meditate and learn of It will deeply regret doing so, not being able to find It. Imagine the day when perhaps martial law will be declared, being followed by the establishment of a new global order and there are no Scriptures to be heard in public gatherings, on television, radio or the internet, as well as no bibles sold or allowed to be kept in our possession. Chilling thought, huh? Let us NEVER forget what has been prophesied within the book of Amos :
.
(8:11) "Behold, the days are coming, says YaHuWaH Elohim, that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst of water, but of hearing the words of YaHuWaH. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the Word of YaHuWaH, but shall not find It."
.
Rather than presuming that we will escape all future persecutions and troubles, it is highly imperative that we prepare ourselves, so that we may be able to spiritually endure and to overcome anything that we will experience. May we be wise as the ant and store up that which we will need, so that we will not suffer exponential loss later.
.
(8:11) "Behold, the days are coming, says YaHuWaH Elohim, that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst of water, but of hearing the words of YaHuWaH. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the Word of YaHuWaH, but shall not find It."
.
Rather than presuming that we will escape all future persecutions and troubles, it is highly imperative that we prepare ourselves, so that we may be able to spiritually endure and to overcome anything that we will experience. May we be wise as the ant and store up that which we will need, so that we will not suffer exponential loss later.
.
(Acts 14:22b) "....We must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of Elohim."
.
(2 Tim. 3:12) "Yes, and ALL who desire to live godly in Messiah Yahuwsha will suffer persecution."
.
(Philippians 1:29) "For to you, it has been granted on behalf of Messiah, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake."
.
(Matthew 5:11,12) "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
.
Believers who do not thoroughly abide within the inspired Word, and allow It to abide within them will eventually fall away from the Faith, for It has not taken proper root within them.
.
(Mark 4:17) "and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble."
.
(Heb. 4:2) "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it."
.
Let us not be as the spiritually blind religious Pharisees of Messiah's day, to whom He said, : ".....My word has no place in you." (John 8:37b)
.
In Matthew 13:18-23, we read of the Master's parable of the sower, and the people who do not receive the precious "Seed" of the Word and keep It within their hearts suffer great loss. But the ones who do receive It produce an abundance of "harvest" within their lives.
.
(Proverbs 13:13) "He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears [reverences] the commandment will be rewarded."
.
We have not been commanded by the Master to merely read His Word, but to thoroughly meditate in It. In this context, the word, "meditate", means: "to ponder, mutter, or converse with oneself; to muse, reflect, imagine, and study; to pray or talk (with) [to Abba]; to think about doing, plan, intend." Meditation means: "the practice of of reflection or contemplation; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind."
.
In other words, we are commanded to heavily and thoroughly study His Words, to repeat Them to ourselves in order to increasingly understand and to memorize Them, while being open and receptive to the influence of the Set-Apart Spirit who imparts increasing measures of revelation of the Power and the Nature of Abba to us. There are far too many believers who only skim through His Word, reading It with a nonchalant and "not too serious" attitude, as if It is only a good book with good stories and morals. It is MUCH more than this. In fact, ...the Word of Yah, whether it be His Logos (written Word) or Rhema (Living, quickening Word of revelation) is our spiritual strength, sustenance, and LIFE.
.
In other words, we are commanded to heavily and thoroughly study His Words, to repeat Them to ourselves in order to increasingly understand and to memorize Them, while being open and receptive to the influence of the Set-Apart Spirit who imparts increasing measures of revelation of the Power and the Nature of Abba to us. There are far too many believers who only skim through His Word, reading It with a nonchalant and "not too serious" attitude, as if It is only a good book with good stories and morals. It is MUCH more than this. In fact, ...the Word of Yah, whether it be His Logos (written Word) or Rhema (Living, quickening Word of revelation) is our spiritual strength, sustenance, and LIFE.
.
(Matthew 4:4) "But He answered and said, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word [Rhema] which [continually] proceeds from the mouth of Elohim."
.
(Psalms 119:50) "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life."
.
(Joshua 1:8) "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and you will have good success."
.
(Psalms 1:2,3) "But his delight is in the Law of YaHuWaH, and in His Law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."
.
(James 1:25) "But he who looks into the perfect Law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."
.
(Deut. 30:14) "But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it."
.
(Deut. 6: 5-7) "You shall love YaHuWaH your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."
.
(Deut. 11:18a) "Therefore you shall lay up these words of Mine in your heart and in your soul...."
.
(Job 22:22) "Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart."
.
(Col. 3:16) "Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Master."
.
The Word of YaHuWaH abiding within our hearts helps to keep us clean and pure, preserving us from the ways of sin and evil, and enables us to obey Him in all things.
.
(Proverbs 2:10-12a) "When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil..."
.
(Psalm 119: 9,11) "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word....Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."
.
(Psalm 37:31) "The Law of YaHuWaH is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide."
.
(Ephesians 5:25b,26) "....Messiah also loved the Assembly and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious Assembly, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."
.
As we meditate upon His Word, our minds are renewed by It, our souls are saved, and we are thereby being gradually transformed.
.
(Romans 12:2) "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of Elohim."
.
(James 1:21b) "....receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls."
.
(2 Cor.3:18) "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the Glory of the Master, are being transformed into the same Image from Glory to Glory, just as by the Spirit of the Master."
.
The Word of Abba Yah is pure power, and capable of accomplishing His will. Just as He manifested and created the universe by It, He is likewise able to change and transform us by His word.
.
(Hebrews 11:3) "The worlds were framed by the Word of Elohim, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible."
.
(Hebrews 4:12) "For the word of Elohim is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
.
(Psalms 12:6) "The words of YaHuWaH are pure words, like silver tried in the furnace of earth, purified seven times."
.
Whatever we store up within our heart(soul and spirit) WILL determine what comes out of it, whether it be good or evil. This external manifestation of our inner spiritual nature is oftentimes called "fruit".
.
(Luke 6:43-45) "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
.
(Proverbs 27:19) "As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man."
.
(John 15: 7,8) "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Abba is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
.
(Proverbs 4:20-23) "My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues [forces] of life."
.
(Psalms 45:1) "My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."
.
Faith comes from hearing His Word, and if we are lacking in faith within any areas of our lives, it is directly connected to a lack of meditation and reception of His previously written (Logos) and continually revealed/spoken Word (Rhema).
.
(Romans 10:17) "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Elohim."
.
According to Matthew 4: 1-11, we read that whenever haShatan (the adversary) came to tempt Yahuwsha, the Master overcame him by speaking the Word against him. So likewise, this is the example and pattern to which we must follow. Only through the Master's name, and by Abba's Holy Spirit and Word do we ever endure and overcome the temptations from the forces of darkness. Anything else is futile and worthless, and will subject us to utter failure.
.
In Ephesians 6:10-18, we read about the divine armor of Elohim that we are commanded to put on regularly by faith in Him, in order that we may remain strong in His might, and overcome the evil forces of darkness. In verse 17, we read, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Elohim." It will NOT come to us automatically. So therefore, we must TAKE It and use It, according to His will, against the satanic powers. Just as we receive our Salvation from the Master through the confession of faith (Rom.10:8-13) while calling upon His Name, so likewise, we use the Word of Elohim against evil by confessing that which has been stored up within our hearts.
.
The Word must come forth from our heart by the Anointing of the Set-Apart Spirit. The devil is not fooled nor affected by empty quotations of Scriptures in a falsely religious manner, for it is powerless. However, if we speak His Word out of our innermost being by the specific direction and guidance of the Spirit of our Abba, the Scriptures will have tremendous dunamis/power and destroy demonic strongholds, establishing an increase of Abba's Kingdom in our midst. (2 Cor.10:4-6; Matt.16:18,19)
.
The Word must come forth from our heart by the Anointing of the Set-Apart Spirit. The devil is not fooled nor affected by empty quotations of Scriptures in a falsely religious manner, for it is powerless. However, if we speak His Word out of our innermost being by the specific direction and guidance of the Spirit of our Abba, the Scriptures will have tremendous dunamis/power and destroy demonic strongholds, establishing an increase of Abba's Kingdom in our midst. (2 Cor.10:4-6; Matt.16:18,19)
.
(1 John 2:14) "I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of Elohim abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one."
.
(Revelation 12:11) "And they overcame him [satan] by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their Testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."
.
Through meditating upon His Word and storing It within our hearts, we will be led by It, and equipped with everything that we will ever need in order to be a successful minister of the glorious Gospel of Messiah. In this corrupt, dark, and dying world, it is the Word of Elohim which is our Light, shining with the Glory in our midst.
.
Of the commandments and Law of the Master, we are to : "Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. For the Commandment is a lamp, and the Law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life." (Prov.6:21-23)
.
(Psalm 19:8) "The statutes of YaHuWaH are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of YaHuWaH is pure, enlightening the eyes."
.
(Psalms 119:105) "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
.
(Psalms 119:130) "The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple."
.
(2 Peter 1:19) "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts."
.
May we not only partake of the simple and elementary aspects of His Word, but also grow and mature in Him, partaking of the deep things of the Spirit.
.
(Hebrews 5:13,14) "For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
.
(Psalms 119: 97-100) "Oh, how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts."
.
(2 Timothy 3:16,17) "All Scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of Elohim may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
.
In these latter days, the darkness is growing darker, but as we abide in His Word, allowing It to abide within us, the Light of His Glory will shine progressively brighter through us as His vessels of honor. May we shine with the Light of Messiah, so that we will be able to clearly see our way through this deep darkness without stumbling and falling. Not only will the Light of His Word that abides within our hearts sustain us, but It will also draw many others to see It, and to glorify our Abba in Heaven. (Matt.6:14-16)
.
The persecution of our brothers and sisters is increasing all over the world, and it is only a matter of time before we become subjected to it. The shaking of all things is at hand. When the fiery trial comes upon you,.....will you be ready? Will you be prepared? If your heart feels faint at these thoughts, and your answers come forth with hesitation or in stuttering, ...then it is possible that you do not have a rich abundance of the treasure of His Word within your spirit and soul. Then perhaps, it is due time to diligently seek His face with all your being, and to dig within His Word like never before. Be wise as the ant who stores up food for the winter, and store up the Word of our Abba within your heart, for It is your spiritual sustenance and life. Have so much of It abiding within you,...that if your Bible is ever taken away, you will have an abundance from within yourself to speak forth from.
.
May we deeply love the Word of Abba, and be as King David who said, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth."(Ps.119:103)
.
(Psalms 119:160-162) "The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure."
.
.
Shalom.
.
.
In HIM we live, move, and have our being,
Yahuwnatan
No comments:
Post a Comment