Knowing the Word in These Times, Vital.

I have started reading my one-year bible again, one day at a time. We are in some strange times. With the pandemic, the Ukraine thing and Russian threats to cyber security which could affect electricity, food supplies, water plants and so forth, we need to know the word. We need to get closer to God, now. We must be spiritually ready for anything and so close to God that we can hear his voice in the sea of those wolves disguising as sheep. 

So, I felt led to read the bible in its entirety again, to make reading a priority again.  I have read the bible many times through start to finish. Then, I went to praying and randomly opening to a page. I typically, journal and take notes as I read. As I have progressed, I have explored the books mentioned in the bible that were not placed in our bible, lost books but popular scrolls of His time, and the books found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. It’s important to mix things up, so that you keep learning, don’t get bored and feel inspired to be taught by the Spirit. Truth is treasure, and we must dig to find truth. Keep asking, Keep seeking, keep knocking and the door will be open to you. 

Each time I read the bible something new jumps off the page or something different is punctuated by the Holy Spirit, stressed on my heart for that day and time. After I read and took notes on Matthew 7: 15-29 today, I did some journal writing. As I wrote I felt as though Yahshua was talking to me. 

Journal: Are my words light and fluffy? Do I mince words, like many current shepherds with words that tickle the ears? These light sermons are carefully selected so that seats are filled, budgets are met. My words pierce, and my personal piercing does not give one permission to go on about “their way” instead of ” THE WAY.” Many who proclaim belief disregard my sharp words, specific instructions and warnings.

How we act matters, faith without action is dead. You can see from the time of Abraham there is a punishment, a consequence for intentional and unintentional sin. God is fair, so he warns and warns again. But when we dismiss, become numb or justify, such in the case with adultery and sexual immorality, many are affected and punished for that sinful choice.  You can see from scripture that God sends angels, dreams and sometimes sends me to warn. He can also send prophets, friends and strangers to counsel one back to the right path, redirecting thoughts and actions that lead to the “narrow road” of salvation. 

The scriptures say that we must live a life of truth, honesty, integrity, honor and obedience, to be accepted. We must give others compassion, be just as God is just to us. If we are faithful to God, do what is right, just, fair, then God’s wisdom enters our hearts, and he fills us with knowledge and divine joy.  Yahshua is clear with his warning, those that confess only with words and a ritual baptism, will not make it. Backsliders need to call out to God for help and he will empower and pave a way for his lost child to make necessary changes.  Weeping and gnashing of teeth is real, and he does not want to lose any.

Yahshua reminds us that on judgment day he will say to some, ” Get away from me, you who break God’s laws. ” True wisdom comes from listening, following and building all of our life choices around the Word and instructions.  Hyper-grace messages are from the enemy, and many will be lost because they have scrubbed the words of Yahshua. 

Proverbs 2: 16-22 teaches us that wisdom will save us from immorality, wisdom keeps us from ignoring the covenants we make with our true spouse, YHWH. Our baptism was much more than a ritual, the baptism is a covenant, a commitment to live according to God’s laws and Jesus’s instructions, to have a complete change of living and heart, to dedicate your life to be the best bride/groom. Our life, ethics, morals, words and good deeds should honor the sacrifice that was made on our behalf.  

Reading the Word gives us knowledge and understanding. Make time to truly know the word for yourself, reading the entire word is committing yourself to understanding what is pleasing to your Messiah.

Remember, Jesus quoted 24 books in the Old Testament.  Don’t blow off the OT because you consider yourself in the “new covenant.” If it is important to your Messiah, it’s important to us!

If you don’t have time to read a lot, read each one of these scriptures listed below & journal.

If you would like to read the bible start to finish, want an accountability partner or have a deeper conversation about the word, message me.  Shalom!  His Way is the ONLY Way!