Getting Our Prayers Heard

It seems the more I think about prayer, talk about prayer, read about prayer, meditate about prayer, the more I hear about prayer and how to pray. When I was a child, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I was raised in a Catholic home. My concept of prayer was very different then. Although I don't remember it being said or taught overtly, I got the impression that the words of my heart were just not good enough for “God” and that I had to pray what I now think of as “formula prayers”. If you had a similar background or history, you know what I mean: The “Our Father,” the “Hail Mary,” and the “Glory Be.” The Our Father, more popularly known as the Lord's Prayer or the Disciples Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13, when Messiah Y'shua's disciples asked Him how to pray. The “Hail Mary” has its roots in Luke 1:28 and 1:42 plus some additions deemed suitable by various popes along the way. And the “Glory Be” started with the simple praise to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the early 300s CE. In 529 CE, the rest of the prayer was added. And so, I was left with the impression that my own words were not good enough and that any matter for prayer needed to be “Hail Mary'ed” into submission. In my youthful mind, tough issues required the rosary, the repeated repetition of all three of the above prayers.

We grow. We learn.

My convictions are much different now. David said in Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be acceptable in your presence, YHVH, my Rock and Redeemer.” YHVH's interested in what I THINK?!?! He's interested in what I have TO SAY?!?! I have a chance of what I think and what I say being ACCEPTABLE to the Creator of the Universe?!?! Astounding!!! I don't even fare so well with a good portion of my family who see me as the universal definition for the term “fruitcake.”

But now, since I know I have a chance to be accepted by YHVH, how can I approach the throne of my Creator? I love Psalm 15 for its clear instruction:

Oh, YHVH, who shall sojourn in Your Tent? Who shall tabernacle on Your holy mountain? He who is walking flawlessly and effecting righteousness; he who is speaking truth in his heart. He has not vilified with his tongue; he has done no evil to his associate and has borne no reproach against the one near him. Despised in his eyes is the reprobate, yet he glorifies those fearing YHVH. He makes an oath and does not change, [even if] it hurts. He has neither lent his money at interest or taken a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall not fall at any time.

Proverbs 28:9 is FAR more blunt:

“If a person will not listen to Torah, even his prayer is an abomination.”

Every fiber of our being cries out “NO!” “Unfair” and we ask, “What about the sacrifice of Messiah?” Beloved, the potency of Messiah's sacrifice for us is dependent on our obedience to Torah. Y'shua HIMSELF said that the situation existed where He could say (Mat. 7:23), “'I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!' for He said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep my commands.” Even as late as the Book of Revelation (written in 96 CE for our time) Y'shua is still pleading with those that say they follow Him, “As for me, I rebuke and discipline everyone I love; so exert yourselves, and turn from your sins!” (Rev. 3:19) My point is that to fully connect with YHVH, even through the atoning sacrifice of Messiah Y'shua, we must turn from and avoid sin. We can't live wanton lives and expect our prayers to be heard.

So, in a nutshell, here's the plan: When we approach our Father in prayer, first make sure there are no impediments, that nothing stands in the way of our prayers getting heard. Thus, every prayer should start with thoughts and words of repentance. On any given day, anyone who is human has stuff for which to repent. Whether it was just a pen that followed us home from work or we rolled our eyes at our spouse, we need to clear the way to the Throne of YHVH. Next, having thoughts and speaking words of thanksgiving is in order. Most of the time we go running to the Throne with a shopping list of needs, as if our Creator was some sort of blessing 'Dispense-O-Matic'. If we had focused on what YHVH has already done, we just might see that the need we think we have is already taken care of. (Don't worry, I've got more fingers pointing back at me than will ever be pointed at you.) And while we're sharing our needs with our Father, let us not forget that HE KNOWS our condition FAR BETTER than we do. We just see our current circumstance, He knows the cause and His intention for the outcome. He knows the end from the beginning. That is why praying for OUR intention may not be the best thing to do. Case in point, had Hezikiah died when YHVH wanted him to, he would have never seen the destruction of his kingdom. He wanted to live, and so he did. If we pray for our Father's will to be done and for us to have the grace to accept and understand His will, we are maturing in our walk with Him. We are building our TRUST in Him as our Father and Sovereign. He says in Jeremiah 29:11-13, “11 For I know what plans I have in mind for you,' says YHVH,'plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future. 12 When you call to me and pray to me, I will listen to you. 13 When you seek me, you will find me, provided you seek for me wholeheartedly”

And TRUST is probably the best thing to do in order to get our prayers heard, for we must come to Him like little children, trusting in expectant hope with thanksgiving.

Shalom b'shem Sar Shalom / Peace in the Name of the Prince of Peace

yocheved

The Power of Prayer

Over the years, hundreds of studies have been done on the power of prayer. Some have been informal, such as pastors keeping track in prayer diaries. Others have been rather clinical and have been published in professional journals. Either way, prayer is one way our heavenly Father has given us with which to communicate with Him. Messiah's disciples who were life-long Israelites and thus very aware of the concept of prayer, asked Messiah if He would teach them to pray. Rather than teaching them new, in-depth concepts, Messiah taught them to pray for the simple things: today's food, forgiveness of sin, strength for face today's temptations and so forth. So it is fitting that when we are in pain, when our marriages are falling apart, when we're consumed with concern over financial affairs that we pray. Research shows that it is just those things for which prayer is beneficial.

In the study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism published in December 1989, it was demonstrated that of those who prayed for pain relief, the majority received that pain relief; prayer was more effective than dietary changes, massage, swimming, exercise, bed rest and relaxation techniques. Other studies have shown that prayer is helpful in lowering pain in back injuries, nerve disorders, traumatic injury and other pain scenarios. Those who engage in prayer have had their lives made more livable, by the grace of YHVH.

First appearing in the American Health periodical and later in his book, Timeless Healing, Dr. Herbert Benson described how cardiac patients could reduce their blood pressure and angina episodes. He also went on to document how the test subjects had reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes and other stress related illnesses.

In the Archives of Internal Medicine, November 1985, Dr. Richard Smith and associates documented immune system response and how it responded to prayer. When prayer was part of the subjects' testing, the immune system response skyrocketed and the activity of the viral allergens were minimalized.

So, I said all this to say: prayer works. It works for provision, for healing, for serenity in the midst of life's storms. Prayer works.

One of the classic prayers in Judaism is “Mi shebeirakh.” Immortalized in song by Debbie Friedman, the ancient words from centuries long gone have been used across the generations to plead for health and healing. Read the words and let them connect with your spirit:

May the One who blessed our forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya'akov; Moshe, Aharon, David and Shlomo and our fore-mothers, Sarah, Rivkah, Rakhel and Leah, May the One bless and heal this (person's name) daughter / son of (mother's name) because we will contribute to charity on his / her behalf. In response to this, may the Holy One, Blessed is He, compassionately help him / her to recover, to heal him / her, to strengthen him/her and to revive him / her. And may Elohim send him / her a speedy return to wholeness from heaven for all his / her organs and blood vessels, among the other ailing people of Israel a renewal of spirit and of body swiftly and soon. Let us respond: Amein.

Wait a cotton-picking minute!!! Do I mean that you should try to bribe YHVH by giving to charity? Of course not! It is right and proper to thank YHVH for what He has done and for what He will do. It is right to imitate the mercy we wish to receive from YHVH by being merciful to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. YHVH cannot be bought. But we can, in the tradition of our ancestors who brought their gifts to the Temple, demonstrate the generosity that our Messiah encouraged when He told us to have a 'good eye'. The generosity you demonstrate unleashes positive thoughts, happy, uplifting energy that sets in motion a positive (healing) atmosphere.

So as we move forward in time towards the day when the need for healing will be a thing of the past, let us support each other, agree with each other in prayer that we will be our most vibrant, healthy selves, that our spirits and bodies will function according to our Father's design and we will, in unity and strength, occupy until Messiah comes, b'shem Y'shua.

Shalom b'shem Sar Shalom / Peace in the Name of the Prince of Peace,

yocheved

Who You Gonna Call?

Hubble telescope image from www.Nasa.gov

If there is any thing that is constant in my life, it is change. Sometimes it is a roller coaster of activities and emotions. Other times it is an endurance test, a time of squaring one's shoulders and persistently, doggedly, moving towards the finish line. It is never dull, that is for sure. I imagine some of my readers nodding their heads in agreement. That is because whether we are short or tall, rich or poor, funny or serious, bubbly or quiet, we are all human. And, humans have lives. Humans have situations.

I am blessed to be supported by a husband and mishpokha that love me. I am blessed beyond measure that YHVH, my Creator, Redeemer, Bridegroom and Sovereign Master has taken notice of me and has had mercy on me. He has privileged me to work for Him and I am awestruck by the magnitude of the blessing. In attempting to heal His world through good works to others, I myself have been healed. I am not talking about various maladies du jour like colds, flu, injuries and such, although all those needs have been met along the way as well. I am talking about the broken soul, the life that was so filled with self-doubt, self-loathing, self-condemnation that for a while ... well, let's just say, I'm happy to be here to experience my “now”. And that is all I will say about that.

Through it all, YHVH has been there. Since before time began and after it ends, He will be there. When Moshe asked the Voice from the burning bush, “Who shall I say sent me?” YHVH replied, “I am / will be that I am / will be.” For me, the most accurate interpretation of that title is “The Eternal One.” As humans, we cannot fathom eternity. We live for the 5 o'clock close of business or the next family reunion. We have no concept of FOREVER. And yet, that is what YHVH tells us. He has been here, He is here, and He will continue to be here, FOREVER. There won't be a sunrise or a sunset without Him. There won't be a turn of a leaf or the turn of the seasons without Him. There will not be life or death without Him. He is FOREVER.

So then, who shall I call when I'm not feeling well? A doctor whose life is as fleeting as my own who will probably be dust in another decade? A banker whose riches depend on market manipulations and thus may be penniless himself in a twist of events? A lawyer whose job is to find the loophole rather than the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? I choose to call on YHVH, Maker and Owner of heaven and earth and all they contain. He is my Champion, He is my Rock, He is my all in all.

What I am saying to you in this blog-post today is not a new discovery. It is something I ruminate on quite often, but it was brought to the surface today with a prayer I discovered in an online siddur (prayer book) – yes, there's an app for that too! I share it with you here. May it be for a blessing.

True and firm, established and enduring, right and faithful, beloved and precious, desirable and pleasant, revered and mighty, well-ordered and acceptable, good and beautiful is Your word unto us forever and ever. It is true, the Elohim of the universe is our Sovereign, the Rock of Ya'akov, the Shield of our salvation; throughout all generations He endures and His Name endures; His throne is established and His kingdom and His faithfulness endure forever. His words also live and endure; they are faithful and desirable forever and for all eternity, as for our ancestors so also for us, our children, our generations, and for all the generations of the seed of Israel His servants.

For the first and through the last of the ages Your Word is good and endures forever and ever. It is true and trustworthy, a statute which shall not pass away. True it is that You are indeed YHVH our Elohim, and the Elohim of our ancestors, our Sovereign, our ancestor's Sovereign, our Redeemer, the Redeemer of our ancestors, our Maker, the Rock of our salvation; our Deliverer and Rescuer from everlasting, such is Your Name, O Yah; there is no mighty one besides You.

The winds of change will continue to blow in our lives. YHVH can see the past, the present and the future; and so He moves His servants to where He wants them for the sake of His kingdom and for the esteem of His Name. Change will happen as part of His plan. When I want a sure foundation and a Rock to which I can cling, I call on YHVH, the Eternal One, because there is none like Him, for He is FOREVER.

Shalom b'shem haSar Shalom

Peace in the Name of the Prince of Peace --

Yocheved

Against Babylon

For people who are Torah pursuant, this past week has been most difficult. It will probably be just as difficult next week, too, as these popular festivities unfold. Naturally, I am talking about the feasts commonly known as Christmas and New Year's Day, but have since ancient times been celebrated as Saturnalia and Janus. Being Torah pursuant, I see the fertility symbols behind the tree and the tree skirt; the mistletoe and the holly. I see the convoluted thinking that says we give gifts to each other because it is “Christ's birthday” and try not to roll my eyes. I see the drunken debauchery that is satan's counterfeit for true joy. I think of how our heavenly Father must be so hurt that the people that call on His Name are twisting the Gospel story to serve their own pleasures and ambitions. And in a few days, people will be celebrating the feast of Janus, the two headed god that looks ahead to the future and behind to the past. Unknowingly, they will listen to and watch TV specials that capture the year in review, and they will make New Year's resolutions to control their future, not realizing that they are practicing ancient rites. And then there is the drunken debauchery thing again ... “ringing” in the New Year, they'll call it.

There is a way that seems right to a man, says Proverbs 14:12 & Proverbs 16:25, but the way thereof is death. And, YHVH gave His only begotten Son, so that none should perish says John 3:16, but have life everlasting. Hebrews 6:6 says that by willful sin they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.

So, how can we pray for those friends and family members that “just don't get it”? First of all, our motivations must be pure. We have to approach this with an attitude of love, and not let it be a contest of wills, for that is nothing other than manipulation and witchcraft. Humbly, we must consider how long it took for us to “get it” and put away any pride over having “gotten it,” because we did not “get it” on our own. It was YHVH's mercy ALONE that allowed the scales to be taken from our eyes so that we could see what we were doing; so that we could see the vast distance between our own actions and the Word of Yah. So we start with repentance, for our own shortcomings and for theirs. We pray that YHVH in His mercy will hear our prayer for their highest good and remove the scales from their eyes. We must not give into the temptation to use sarcasm or try to control their activities. Lastly, we must realize they are YHVH's baby too, and sometimes, you just gotta let go. This affords our Father the opportunity to deal with them without interference or any rescuing on our part. Experience is an expensive school, but some will learn no other way.

This week's blog is, by admission, a expose' of my own spiritual wranglings. Those who mean the world to me think I am a nut-job because I choose to not participate in the festivities they find so wonderful. But, in the words of a song by Lenny and Varda, “I choose Life, I choose Blessing, I choose to live by [Yah's] Word / I choose to follow You, my L-rd. (Song: I Choose Life from the CD Torah is Life © Adonai Echad Music 2004) They think – or, rather, I presume they think – that they can do what they want without having to face judgment. I'm sure they would tell me that there is nothing wrong with parties, gifts, drinking etc. They are right! There is nothing wrong with parties, gifts and drinking. What's wrong is forsaking the feasts YHVH gave us. If we say we follow Y'shua – even if we're still calling Him Jesus – then follow Him! Do the things He did, celebrate the feasts He celebrated. Consider holy / set-apart what He considered holy / set-apart and eschew (to avoid something on moral or practical grounds) the things He eschewed. He is, after all, the Word of Yah in the flesh!

So how is all this “Against Babylon”? YHVH, in Genesis 3 mentions two seeds. The seed of the woman, which we understand to be Messiah Y'shua; and the seed of the serpent, the world system, that is, anything that is apart from or different from Yah's Word-in-the-flesh, Y'shua. It is really black and white. We are either YHVH's servants or Babylon's. We are either promoting YHVH's kingdom or Babylon. In Revelation 18:4, YHVH pleads with us, “Come out of [Babylon] My people, so you will not take part in her sins and you will not receive her plagues.”

Recently, in response to something I said about keeping Sabbath, someone called me 'elitist'. Although offended at the time, I see their point. They are right. Narrow is the gate that leads to eternal life and broad is the way to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Only a few will travel that narrow road. I am pursuing it and I pray their spiritual GPS can find it. Soon. Every day we spend is another day we don't have.

Shalom b'shem Sar Shalom / Peace in the Name of the Prince of Peace

Yocheved

The Mourning After

These past few months have been touching emotions that I don't often take out and play with. One of them being 'mourning'.

A couple of months ago, Uncle Jimmy, my father's youngest brother and last living sibling, passed away. He had taken up residence in the nursing home to be with Aunt Yvonne who was there to recover from a stroke. She lived about another 6 weeks after his passing, and then she joined him. They were very special, very sweet and I love them. In a way, it was almost like losing Dad (who passed in 1984) all over again.

Then, the proverbial ball really started rolling a couple of days before Thanksgiving when we learned of the deaths of our brother and sister in faith, Don and Jo. Don had gotten news of his own father's death at the age of 96, so he and Jo flew his plane to Connecticut for the funeral. They never arrived. Their plane went down just shy of the runway, just a couple of miles from his daughter's house. I learned later that his son in law heard what sounded like a crash, but at that time, “Pop's” plane wasn't late yet. It may take a year before all the investigations into the whys and wherefores are complete. I still expect to see Pop sitting on the back row of the shul, playing his bass guitar and Mama in her usual seat, smiling as she always did. But that's not to be.

Then earlier this week, I learned of the death of someone I knew in the 1980s. We had traveled to Europe together then. He insisted on driving through Germany. I was the navigator. Armed with only a paper map and NOT knowing German, every day was an adventure. Unfortunately, the names of the towns were at least 31 letters long and by the time I had gotten to letter 17 of the 31, we had passed the exit (Ausfahrt in German). We were going at least 90 mph on the autobahn, which had no speed limit, in a 2 cylinder Fiat – and yes, this roller-skate sized car could go 90! So we would argue because we had to turn around at the next exit. Ours was a brief but tumultuous relationship, so although not particularly saddened, I was shocked. He was “only” 54 when he died.

Today's encounter with death was a little different. A co-worker / friend I had in the late 1980s was very dear to me. It had been ages since I had heard from her and I wondered what had happened to her. Last I heard, she was the manager of the Humane Society in Sarasota, FL. I thought that FaceBook would be a good place to start, since I remember her as a very social, energetic, and outgoing person. There was nothing on FaceBook when I searched her name, but there was a link to a devotional she had written. Cool beans, I thought; I knew Sheree was just discovering Jesus in a Presbyterian church when I was discovering Y'shua in a Torah observant community. Praise Yah! I dug a little further. I went limp when I came to the Social Security Death Index. Sheree passed away in June 2005, three weeks after her 50^th birthday. The thoughts she expressed in the devotionals became all the more precious. I share them with you here. I don't think she'll be too upset at my not asking her permission.

10%

Written by Sheree Motola

A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s and is holy. Leviticus 27:30 (The Book)

God’s word clearly sets up a system for giving back to the church. The Lord decreed to Moses that ten percent (a tithe) of everything that He blesses His people with, in the way of money or produce, should go back to Him.

Recently, some friends of mine have given me cause to challenge this principle. Last week, on two separate occasions, two different friends called me to offer help (I have not been feeling well lately) by providing meals, groceries, and to help tidy up my house (including changing my kitty litter!). Their reason for offering went beyond friendship and fellowship; both had been blessed recently and wanted to return the blessing to someone else. One had just sold a house and received some unexpected profits; another just got word that her husband had been awarded a big promotion. Both of these ladies give their tithe to the church, they wanted to give beyond the tithe; they wanted to give back a portion of the time, love and help that God had given them in the past week.

What would Christianity look like if we all agreed to give back one tenth of ALL the blessings God gives us? God has totally forgiven us for every wrong – what if we forgave just a tenth of those who had wronged us? God loved us enough to send His son to die for us, before we even knew Him or loved Him – what if we gave a tenth of that love back to strangers who don’t know us, much less love us? God blesses many of us with good health every day – what if we gave back a tenth of that health and helped others who were less healthy by giving blood or volunteering for a health organization? God hears all of our prayers – what if gave back a tenth of those prayers and prayed for or with others? God gives us 24 hours every day to use as we choose – what if we gave Him back 2.4 hours every day?

Take inventory today of the ways God has blessed you and ask Him to show you how to bless others in return.

Bye, Sheree ... I hope your transition was peaceful and I hope to see you again. This time we'll be rejoicing before our King, rather than lighting up Sarasota. I'll hold you in my heart til then.

Blessed are You, YHVH our El, Ruler of the universe who is Ha Dayan Emet, the True Judge. Blessed are You, YHVH, who gathers to Himself the remnant of His People in peace. May we be comforted among the mourners in Zion; and may our solace come from Heaven, b'shem Y'shua, who bore our griefs and who wept at the death of His friend, Lazarus.

Shalom b'shem Sar Shalom, 

Peace in the Name of the Prince of Peace, 

Yocheved

Praying for my Husband

One day, after a particularly animated conversation [read: argument] with my Beloved, I came to the realization that he, for all his foibles, is YHVH's gift to me and I am YHVH's gift to him. Wow! What an eye opener! I always knew that YHVH put us together ... and keeps us together, but, GIFT??? He worries about me, cares for me, tries to make me laugh, gets flustered when he can't 'make it better,' and - I have no doubt – would die for me if need be. So, yes, gift. With that realization, what can I pray for this man Yah gave me to love, honor and cherish? Health, of course. Strength, physical and emotional, without a doubt. But how do I pray to protect this precious gift? What words can I say that would find their way to the very heart of Yah and keep my Beloved in the best of health and in complete shalom?

I know that YHVH hears my heart ... I know that YHVH's Word cannot return void. With that thought in mind, it occurred to me that praying scripture on his behalf would be the best. But which scriptures? After some reading through the Word and other texts, here are a few that I thought would apply.

Ephesians 1:17   
Oh, YHVH, glorious Father, I thank you that You give my husband a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that he will have full knowledge of You.  

Philippians 1:9-11
I pray that my husband overflows with knowledge and discernment so that he will be pure and spotless on the Day of Messiah.

Colossians 1:9-12
I pray that he lives a life that is worthy of You, my Sovereign, and that he is pleasing to You, being fruitful in every good work. May he be continually strengthened and patient in every situation, joyful and thankful to You, oh Yah.

11 Timothy 1:9
I thank you that he has been called to a life of holiness in unity with Messiah Y'shua.

Proverbs 19:21
I give thanks that Your Counsel will stand, oh Yah, no matter the plans in one's mind.

Joshua 24:15
Strengthen us – our whole household - dearest Father, to turn our backs on the 'gods' and distractions of our past and to serve You completely and wholeheartedly.

Psalms 101:2
I thank You, my Father that we follow the path of integrity and with Your help, we will run our lives with sincere hearts inside our home.

Proverbs 6:22
Dearest Father, lead my husband, watch over him and speak to his heart every day.

Ephesians 5:25
Thank You my Creator, Redeemer, Bridegroom and King that my husband, in imitation of Messiah, loves me and gives himself for me.

Genesis 18:19
I thank You that he commands his children and his household after You YHVH, and we shall keep the way of You YHVH, doing what is right and just.  

Proverbs 18:21
In my husband’s tongue are words of life and not death; may the fruit of his lips always be sweet.

1 Corinthians 13:4-6
I thank You, my Father, that my husband is patient and kind; he is not jealous; he is not easily angered and he keeps no record of my faults. May he always delight in the truth.

Matthew 5:9
Father I thank You that my husband, Your son works to make peace in Your world and in Your set-apart community.

Psalms 5:12
I praise You my Father that you surround my husband with favor like a shield and that You bless the righteous.

Psalms 112
Thank you, Father, that my husband fears You and delights in Your Mitzvot. I praise You that prosperity abides in our home and we have plenty to share with the needy. We trust You, Father, and fear only You.

Psalms 1:1,2
I praise You, my Father, that my husband rejects the advice of the wicked and that he delights in Your Torah.

Psalms 103:4
Oh, almighty Eternal One, thank You for redeeming my husband from the pit and surrounding him with Your grace and tender mercies.

11 Corinthians 9:7
May he forever be a cheerful giver and please You, Oh, Yah with his wholeheartedness toward You.

Exodus 20:3
I pray that he will never have another elohim before You or beside You.

Ephesians 3:18-19
I pray that He will be given the strength to grasp the breadth, length, height and depth of the love of Messiah and may he always be filled with the fullness of Yah.

Psalms 42:2
I pray and thank You that my husband always thirsts for You as a deer desires water.

Ephesians 5:33
Abba YHVH, I pray and thank You that my husband loves me as he loves himself. Help me to always and forever see him as Your precious gift to me and treat him with the honor and respect due his position as representative of Messiah and priest in our home.

Thank You, Father, for Your precious Word that strengthens, encourages and brings clarity and fullness. Thank You for Messiah Y'shua who modeled Your Torah for us to learn and incorporate into our lives. Thank You for joining me to a man of integrity who has a heart for You. Bless our days with Shalom in all areas of our lives, b'shem Y'shua.

Shalom b'shem Sar Shalom

Blessings and hugs --

Yocheved

Think This, Not That

I have been on a diet since the age of nine. Although born at a trim six pounds, I became a portly child by 6 months, with fat rolls, chubby cheeks and creases at my wrists, elbows, ankles and knees. My mother said I was always hungry ... I believe it! I have the baby pictures to prove it!

In the course of my trying to get some semblance of 'law and order' over my weight, I came across a series of books called, “Eat This, Not That.” The basic premise of these books is to help us make healthier choices and not really give up the indulgences that make life a happy place. For example, instead of a milk shake (600 to 1000 calories) have a single cone (about 300 calories). Instead of Chicken Caesar Wrap, have a grilled chicken sandwich. See? You don't have to live on kale and toothpicks! You can eat well and have fun while making healthier choices.

But I'm not writing today about food choices. I am writing about thought choices. Last night was election night. One thousand days of campaigning, mudslinging and promises made to be broken culminated in another four years of what we've just had four years of. Broken hearts and broken dreams on one side; empowerment and exhilaration on the other, with neither side really wanting to communicate or compromise with the other. But does it have to be that way?

Every day, in every circumstance, we are given choices. Fruit or eggs for breakfast; turning right or left out of our community to drive to work; jump in someone's stuff when they offend us or gently explain why we've been offended. Each action is preceded by a decision, each decision is preceded by a thought. The important thing (again learned via dieting) is to think about something before it's 'crunch time'. So before we get hungry, it's good to think about appropriate food choices and plan accordingly; before we blow our stack at a (fill in your own description) co-worker, think about various scenarios and peaceful resolutions; before the emergency arises, think about escape routes out of the house and where you will all meet when disaster strikes. In other words, be proactive instead of reactive.

For those of us with a deep abiding faith in our Creator and the sanctity of life and the holiness of marriage, last night's election results are disturbing. For those of us who have seen the values of our homes decrease and our household expenses increase, last night's election results are disappointing. For those of us who haven't worked in a while, last night's election results portend more of the same. It is easy to slide into the thought patterns of helplessness, hopelessness,and powerlessness. But YHVH's psychology is very different! He tells us:

YHVH is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my Elohim is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

"So don't be anxious, asking, 'What will we eat?,' 'What will we drink?' or 'How will we be clothed?' For it is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Don't worry about tomorrow — tomorrow will worry about itself! Today has enough tsuris (troubles) already!” Matt 6:31 - 34

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares YHVH, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Moreover, my Elohim will fill every need of yours according to His glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Y'shua.” Philippians 4:19

Also, we can't forget that in Yah's economy, we must not hold grudges; we must not keep track of the hurts; we must not savor the pain: “For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will not forgive yours.” Mat 6:14 - 15

So, no matter how elated or deflated we are by the results of the election; no matter the joy or frustration, we put the events of the past one thousand days behind us, we roll up our shirt sleeves and forge ahead, occupying until Messiah Y'shua's return, remembering that 'occupy' is a military term meaning to stand our ground and exert our influence, that being the influence of Yah's Kingdom. We speak kindly, we encourage, we love, we serve, and we also oppose and work to displace the works of darkness.

In all this, I am reminded of Lot, the nephew of Avraham. He chose to live near Sodom and Gomorrah, initially for the benefit of his flocks of sheep. Ultimately, he had a house in Sodom. BUT, when the sun went down he went to the town square to seek out and save travelers by inviting them into his own home. Until the return of Messiah, let us restructure our thinking. Let's reject the notion that it is hopeless and 'this' is all that there will be, and make positive strides in providing encouragement to each other and to those around us. Let us give practical help and feed the poor and homeless. Mostly, let us know that YHVH is in charge, there is no “Plan B” and submit to our Father's plan with grace and humility. Let us walk by faith, not by sight. Let us stop focusing on the mess we see around us and lift our eyes to the hills from whence comes our help. Our citizenship is a heavenly citizenship. Our riches are stored in a heavenly storehouse. So if the market crumbles, if our homes zero out, so be it!! “They” cannot take our souls, “they” cannot take our heavenly reward. Only we can hand it over. Let's not do that! Let's do this: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8.

Shalom b'shem Sar Shalom --

Yocheved