5th of the 3rd month 2020/2021
Shalom all,
Pilipiyim/Philippians 4:13 “I have strength to do all, through Messiah who empowers me.”
This is a very powerful verse, which speaks great volumes, as it highlights for us the true reality that we are unable to do all without Messiah!
If He is not empowering us, we cannot do it all, yet when we allow His Word to empower us and lead us, we can do all.
Over the past couple of months, we have all been facing the effects of a wasting disease that has been poured out on the earth and, as a result, various battles and challenging circumstances have risen in our lives, to which we need to be empowered to endure as we stay in our Master.
When one goes through a battle of any kind, be it for health, for financial of for relational struggles, we may not often grasp the full reason for the battle, yet find that we need to get through it as best as we can.
This is where the powerful truth of this verse comes in; as we need to recognise, that without Messiah we are actually unable to do all.
While reasons for various battles may or may not be identifiable, what we, as believers in Messiah, must recognise and allow, is that it is Messiah who empowers us to have the strength to go through whatever we face and this truth must not be neglected, or misunderstood, in any way.
a message called, ‘IS MESSIAH EMPOWERING YOU?’ I would like to highlight the importance of the complete trust that we are to have in our Master and Elohim, so that He can strengthen us and empower us to face any given circumstance or situation.
Sha’ul was making a very clear statement of courageous and confident faith and was basically encouraging the believers in Philippi, as well as us who are alive today, emphasising that regardless of what happened, he could face all conditions and it made no difference by the circumstances he was in or battles he would face!
He could do all, only because of having the strength to do all through Messiah who empowered him. So many believers today crumble in their belief at the first hint of a battle and find themselves worrying and getting anxious over what may or may not happen and, in the process, their eyes are so focused on the problems or battles they are facing that they no longer have them fixed on the Author and Perfecter of our belief, which leaves them ‘powerless’ instead of being properly empowered and armed in the Truth.
Many may like to recite this verse and think that by speaking positive words, they will stimulate a positive attitude that will get them on the go.
While positive speaking can, and does, have certain effects on stimulating our brain, what we must recognise here, is that simply saying these words, without the followed-up response of obedience to His Word, will not bring about the proper and honest fruit of set-apartness!
And no matter how many times one recites this verse, if they do not hear, guard and do all that our Elohim and Messiah commands us to do, then they will not have strength to do all!
יהושע clearly tells us in Yoḥanan/John 15:5 that He is the vine and we are the branches, and the one who stays in Him and He in them, bears much fruit, for without Messiah we are able to do nought!
The Greek word that is translated in Pilipiyim/Philippians 4:13 as ‘empowers’ is ἐνδυναμόω endunamoō – Strong’s G1743 which means, ‘to grow in power, increase in strength, strengthened, strengthens, be made strong’.
This word is used 8 times in the Renewed Writings (N.T.) and as we consider the use of this word, we are able to see that we are only truly strengthened, or empowered, in/by the Master when we walk as He walked and stay in Him by guarding His commands!
We see this word ἐνδυναμόω endunamoō – Strong’s G1743 being used in:
Ma’asei/Acts 9:22 “But Sha’ul kept increasing in strength, and was confounding the Yehuḏim who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah.”
After Sha’ul had a huge awakening to the Truth of the revelation of who Messiah is, he kept getting stronger and stronger, confounding the Yehuḏim so much so, that they plotted to kill him!
As he grew in the strength of the Master, and grew in the proper understanding and knowledge of Elohim, he did not see the threats of others as a hindrance to keep being strengthened to prove who the Messiah is!
As one is strengthened in the Master and is strengthened in His Word, confidence and boldness increases and it is clearly displayed in the proper, reverent and honourable manner, without the fear of man being a hindrance to one’s walk of faith and proclamation of the Good News!
Many people struggle with strength and courage in the Master and lack the ability to be a faithful witness, due to them not being strengthened daily in the Word and living completely set-apart lives in total faith, as the pattern of their walk is not being properly assessed against the clear plumb-line of the Word of Elohim!!!
We see this word ἐνδυναμόω endunamoō – Strong’s G1743 being used in describing Aḇraham:
Romiyim/Romans 4:20-21 “he did not hesitate about the promise of Elohim through unbelief, but was strengthened in belief, giving esteem to Elohim, 21 and being completely persuaded that what He had promised He was also able to do.”
How much are you being strengthened in belief?
Are you completely persuaded that what has been written, and instructed for us to do, ‘is’ the Truth and ‘is’ the clear pattern to walk upright and set-apart, amidst a dark and depraved world?
If you say you are completely persuaded that what יהוה has promised He is able to do, then ask yourself if your life and the pattern of your walk lines up with that confession of belief, especially when faced with battles that you did not expect!
Or, do you find yourself at times hesitating about the promises of Elohim, promises that are yes and aměn in Messiah?
Sha’ul, in his letter to the Ephesians, says:
Eph’siyim/Ephesians 6:10 “For the rest, my brothers, be strong in the Master and in the mightiness of His strength.”
The Greek word that translated here as ‘be strong’ is ἐνδυναμόω endunamoō – Strong’s G1743! He said this, after giving some very clear instructions in this powerful letter, and what follows these words can be, in a way, a clear picture of the ‘how to be strong’ in the Master!
For what follows, are the instructions to put on the complete armour of Elohim!
We have previously discussed, at length, that the reference to the armour of Elohim as being a clear reference to the putting on of the whole Torah and serving in garments of righteousness, as a set-apart priesthood that stays in our Master, Head, High Priest and King, יהושע Messiah!
Once again – the ‘how to’ of being strong in the Master, or ‘being strengthened’ in the Master, is in our ability to ‘stay in’ Him and guard to do all He commands us to!
Sha’ul writes to Timotiyos and says:
Timotiyos Aleph/1 Timothy 1:12 “And I thank Messiah יהושע our Master who empowered me, because He counted me trustworthy, putting me into service”
He was telling Timotiyos that, although he was a blasphemer, persecutor, insulter and a terrible sinner, compassion was shown to him, as he saw that what he did previously, he did in unbelief, yet now, in the Master, continues to give abundant thanks to יהושע Messiah who empowered him and put him to service!
I love the wording that he uses here, as we can clearly learn from this, that despite how terrible we once were, as we acted in unbelief, we are able to give a joyous thanks unto our Messiah and King who empowers us in His Truth and counts us worthy to be of service in His royal and set-apart priesthood!
He empowers us to serve!!!
How are you serving?
This is a word that should inspire a true assessment of the pattern of your walk!
In his second letter to Timotiyos, we see the words of Sha’ul in:
Timotiyos Bět/2 Timothy 4:16-17 “At my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me. Let it not be held against them. 17 But the Master stood with me and did strengthen me, so that through me the preaching might be completely accomplished, and that all the gentiles should hear. And I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.”
Can you hear the words of Sha’ul here?
When everyone forsook him… the Master did not!
The Master strengthened him, so that he could accomplish, completely, what he was to do, even being rescued out of the lion’s mouth – that is – he was rescued from a sure death sentence!
When everyone had forsaken him and no one would stand with him…!
How often have you felt all alone and forsaken by all? How often do you feel like giving up?
How often do you allow crippling circumstances or battles to cause you to fail in your trust and belief in the Master?
We can learn from this, how the Master’s Word is true and sure – He will never leave us nor forsake us – even when everyone else will!
And we can be sure, that even while everyone may forsake you and stand against you, you can still be strengthened in the Master to accomplish all that you should do!
The question is, “do you believe it or not?”
This Greek word ἐνδυναμόω endunamoō – Strong’s G1743 is the construct of two words:
1) – ἐν en – Strong’s G1722 which is a primary preposition denoting position, and is translated as, ‘in, on, at, by, with’, and
2) – δυναμόω dunamoō – Strong’s G1412 which means, ‘to make strong, enable, strengthened’, and it is this word δυναμόω dunamoō – Strong’s G1412 that we see being used in the LXX (Septuagint – Greek translation of the Tanak – O.T.) 4 times.
We see it being used in:
Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes 10:10 “If an iron tool is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he needs more strength, and wisdom is advantageous to make right.”
This is plain and simple: if your sword is blunt… you need more strength!
The Word of Elohim is living and working and is sharper than any double-edged sword and is profitable for teaching, reproof, setting straight and instruction in righteousness, so that we can be fitted for every good work!
The Hebrew root word that used here in this verse for ‘strength’ is חַיִל ḥayil – Strong’s H2428 which means, ‘strength, efficiency, wealth, army, ability, capability, excellence’ and comes from the root word חִיל ḥil – Strong’s H2342 which means, ‘to be firm, strong, endure, prosper’.
This is the same word that is used to describe the ‘able’ men that Mosheh’s father in law had instructed him to seek out!
While many ought to be ‘able’ and ‘brave’, given the length of time that they have been walking according to the Torah, sadly, we see that the fruit of their lives proves otherwise and they are simply not qualified to be classed as being ‘brave’ or ‘able’, when we all should be, as we make our firm stand in Messiah, who empowers us!
In Sha’ul’s letter to the Philippians, the Greek word that is translated as ‘strength to do’ comes from the word ἰσχύω ischuō – Strong’s G2480 which means, ‘to be strong, have power, strong enough, healthy’, and has the understanding of having sufficient strength, ability and power, both physically and morally.
Our ability to be strong and able to be faithful witnesses of our Master and His coming reign, comes through Him empowering us through His Living Word, as we submit and obey and guard to do all He has commanded us to.
The Master tells us that many will not be strong enough, as we see this word ἰσχύω ischuō – Strong’s G2480 being used in His words, in:
Luqas/Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, because many, I say to you, shall seek to enter in and shall not be able.”
Here this word ἰσχύω ischuō – Strong’s G2480 is used in the negative sense, of highlighting how so many seek to enter the narrow gate, yet will not be able to nor have the strength to do so, all because it is not Messiah who is empowering them!
The Greek word that is used here for ‘strive’ is ἀγωνίζομαι agōnizomai – Strong’s G75 which means, ‘to contend for a prize, struggle, compete, labouring earnestly’.
Our sojourning is certainly not an easy road, yet we must labour intensely in the Word, as we seek to take our stand of righteousness, for when we labour in the Word, by meditating day and night on it and guard to do all that is commanded, as a pure love response of obedience to our Master, then His Word will cause us to be empowered to face all, no matter what we face… whether it be a physical challenge, an emotional battle, a relational one or any sort that tends to get us flustered, when we should be strengthened and empowered by our Master and Messiah!
Yeshayahu/Isaiah 40:28-31 “Did you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting Elohim, יהוה, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men stumble and fall, 31 but those who wait on יהוה renew their strength, they raise up the wing like eagles, they run and are not weary, they walk and do not faint.”
This passage of Scripture is a powerful Truth that reaffirms why Sha’ul could say that he has strength in all situations, because it is our Master and Elohim and Saviour who empowers and strengthens us.
The One who made all is the One who empowers us!!!
This is something that we must never forget.
There will certainly be times when we may feel faint and out of strength.
Yet, as we properly wait on יהוה we will have our strength renewed to not faint or grow weary but press on and overcome.
Wait on יהוה
In the Hebrew, this word for ‘wait’ comes from the root word קָוָה qavah – Strong’s H6960 which means, ‘to wait for, eagerly wait, expect, hopefully waiting’ and this word carries the intensity of being commanded to look eagerly for the soon return of our Light, Saviour and Refuge, in who we continually trust and praise and are taught by; for when we wait on יהוה, our strength is renewed. And waiting on יהוה requires our active response to who He is, and is to be done with great intensity.
Tehillah/Psalm 27:14 “Wait on יהוה, be strong, and let Him strengthen your heart! Wait, I say, on יהוה!”
Tehillah/Psalm 37:7-9 “Rest in יהוה, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man doing wicked devices. 8 Abstain from displeasure, and forsake wrath; do not fret, also to do evil. 9 For evil-doers are cut off; but those who wait on יהוה, they shall inherit the earth.”
In the LXX (Septuagint – Greek Translation of Tanak) the Greek word that is used for ‘wait’ is ὑπομένω hupomenō – Strong’s G5278 which means, ‘to stay behind, to await, endure’, which comes from the two words:
1) ὑπό hupo – Strong’s G5259 which means ‘under, in subjection to’, and
2) μένω menō – Strong’s G3306 and means, ‘to stay, abide, remain, stand’ and this word is the word that is used in Yoḥanan/John 15, where we are told to ‘stay in, remain in’ Messiah!
A word that is derived from this word is ὑπομονή hupomonē – Strong’s G5281 which means, ‘a patient enduring, steadfastness, perseverance, a remaining behind’, and is translated as ‘endurance’ in:
Luqas/Luke 21:18-19 “But not a hair of your head shall be lost at all. 19 Possess your lives by your endurance!”
As faithful talmidim (disciples) of Messiah, we recognise that while He ascended to the Most Set-Apart Place, where He continually intercedes for us as our High Priest, we, who are here, and have ‘remained behind’, need to endure and be steadfast in staying in Him, as we walk in subjection to His clear Torah.
For more on ‘waiting for יהוה’, please see the notes of a message called, ‘WAIT, WAIT FOR YAHWEH!’, which can be found on our site (https://atfotc.com) under the sermons 2018/2019 menu or by clicking on the following link:
https://atfotc.com/wait-wait-for-yahweh-psalm-40/
The Hebrew root word that is used in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 40:28-31 for ‘renew’ is חָלַף ḥalaph – Strong’s H2498 which means, ‘to show newness, change for the better’.
The message is clear – if we are not being continually renewed and refreshed and changing for the better, then we are not waiting on Him in the way that we should, and are in danger of becoming stale!
His Word is alive and we are to be refreshed each day, keeping His presence fresh in us, as we do not forget His dealings!
As we take a look at the pictographic rendering of this root word, we are able to see how it is the Word of our Master that renews us!
In the ancient pictographic script, the root word חָלַף ḥalaph – Strong’s H2498 which means, ‘to show newness, change for the better’, looks like this:
Ḥet – חָ:
The ancient script has this letter as 
which is a ‘tent wall’, and carries a meaning of ‘SEPARATION’, as a tent wall separates two halves of the tent; or it can also reflect the outside walls that separate the people inside from that which is outside and so can also symbolise protection and security to those inside, while picturing a cutting off of those who are outside.
Hence this letter can mean ‘established, secure’ as well as ‘cut off, separated from’.
As a tent wall we are also able to recognise the picture of stones being built up to make a complete wall, having been separated from the world and built up in the master!
Lamed – לַ:
The ancient script has this letter as 
, and is pictured as a ‘shepherd’s staff’, can give the meaning of ‘to or toward’ and can represent that which pushes or pulls a flock in a direction, and can speak of authority or a yoke that is used to lead and guide, as well as the ability to bring back by Authority.
Pey – ף:
This is the letter ‘pey’, which is pictured as 
, which is an ‘open mouth’ and carries the meaning of ‘speak and blow’, from the functions of the mouth, and can have the meaning of ‘scatter’ by blowing. It can also mean sword or beard as in things with edges, as well as a region in depicting a place with edges or boundaries. It also can represent that which has been spoken forth from the words of one’s mouth, as being established, and therefore can also render the meaning of word!
When we consider these pictographic letters, in terms of being renewed, we are able to see the following:
SEPARATED, ESTABLISHED AND BUILT UP
BY THE SHEPHERD’S WORD
Our ability of being renewed and changed for the better, is made possible as we submit under the authority of the Word of our Master, The Good Shepherd, as guard His Torah, for then we shall be established in Him, with strength to do all!
The Hebrew word that is used here in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 40:28-31 for ‘strength’ is כֹּחַ ko‘aḥ – Strong’s H3581 which means, ‘power, might i.e. the potential to exert force in performing some function; physical strength; virility; power and ability to do that which on is capable to perform’.
In other words, this word speaks of one’s ability to be firm and do what is required!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 24:5 “Mighty is the wise in strength, and a man of knowledge strengthens power”
Knowledge and wisdom of Elohim increases our power or strength to do what is required!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 24:10 “If you falter in the day of distress, your strength is small!”
Being adorned in righteousness as a true chosen and called out Bride is our strength!
I could certainly present many passages that speak this clear message, of the need to be strong and courageous, and that it is only by Messiah who empowers us that we can be properly strengthened to stand and endure whatever comes our way, yet the simple but very important issue I am presenting, in this brief message, is the issue of being empowered by Messiah and not by any other means that carry no ability to strengthen one in the Truth.
The question I ask you all, is simply this:
IS MESSIAH EMPOWERING YOU?
It is a very simple question, yet a very sobering and valid one that we ought to ask ourselves continually, especially when going through times, which may often be tougher than we expected to face.
The last verse in the Tehillim/Psalms tells us that everything that has breath should praise יהוה, yet why is it that so many people are unable to do so?
If we have breath and are alive, we must praise, no matter what we are facing!
The dead cannot praise our Master, but the living should!
Are you?
Can you truly give Him thanks in all circumstances or do you find that the tougher battles are causing your breath to be lacking in the proper praise that you ought to bring to our Master, Elohim, Messiah and King?
Our Master did tell us that we will have pressures in this world, and in telling us this, He told us that we are to take courage, as He has overcome the world and as long as we stay in Him we too can overcome whatever pressure we face, for we can be strengthened to face all, through Him who empowers us!
While this short teaching may seem to be an obvious truth that we all know, the reason I decided to do this teaching, is for the simple truth that we all need to assess our lives on a continual bases, to make sure that we are in fact being empowered by our Master, as we diligently stay in Him and guard His Word with great joy, even in the heat of the toughest challenges and battles that we may face, knowing that, when we may feel faint, He is the One who renews our strength to take up His Armour and fight the Good fight of belief.
While we may not always have the answers as to why we go through what we do at times, we must take courage in the sure confidence, of the trust we are to have in our Mighty Master and Elohim and His Living Word that strengthens and empowers us on a daily basis, giving all we need for life and reverence and the ability to stand and after having done all, to keep standing in the mightiness of His strength!
Eph’siyim/Ephesians 6:10 “For the rest, my brothers, be strong in the Master and in the mightiness of His strength.”
All too often, many people try to do things in their own strength and find that they grow weary and weak and end up losing heart, yet when we continually seek יהוה and His strength, we shall be strengthened and empowered in Him.
Tehillah/Psalm 105:4 “Seek יהוה and His strength; seek His face always.”
The first Hebrew word that used here in Tehillah/Psalm 105:4 for ‘seek’ comes from the root word דָּרַשׁ darash – Strong’s H1875 which means, ‘to resort to, seek out, ask, avenge, consult, investigate, search carefully, make inquiry, question’.
Now, when we see that this word carries more than simply just take a quick peek, but rather emphasises the need to be digging deep, in seeking out carefully and with great diligence, through consultation, and asking.
Mattithyahu/Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the reign of Elohim, and His righteousness, and all these matters shall be added to you.”
When we are told to ‘seek’ first the Kingdom, we must recognise that this is not an instruction that gives the notion that you look at it and now that you have seen it you can go on your merry way – NO!
To seek His Kingdom requires hard work and discipline, each and every day.
Here we are being clearly instructed to ‘seek’ יהוה and His strength.
We need to ‘seek’ Him and this implies an inquiry after knowledge, advice, and insight into any situation or circumstance we find ourselves in.
A word that is derived from דָּרַשׁ darash is מִדְרָשׁ miḏrash – Strong’s H4097 means, ‘a study, record, writings or story, commentary’.
A ‘miḏrash’ speaks of the ability to search out something and often refers to that which is written to teach, and later became known as a Hebrew word relating to the in-depth study of the word, often done together.
The point is that we are to be a people who are earnestly growing in wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures so we can remember what we look like when we look intently into the mirror of His Word!
Dawiḏ says in:
Tehillah/Psalm 63:1 “O Elohim, You are my Ěl; I earnestly seek You; My being has thirsted for You; My flesh has longed for You In a dry and thirsty land without water.”
Dawiḏ starts off by declaring who is Elohim, and who was His Elohim, and he then declares that He earnestly seeks יהוה!
“I earnestly seek You!” – Can you declare this honestly – do you earnestly seek יהוה?
Bearing in mind that Dawiḏ was in one of the toughest times of his life – and he was earnestly seeking יהוה!
The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘earnestly seek’ is שָׁחַר shaḥar – Strong’s H7836 which means ‘to long for, diligently seek, strongly desire something with a focus on a relationship with that which you seek’ and is an intensive verb which denotes that is requires exceeding effort and from this we get the noun of the word which means, ‘at dawn, early, daybreak’.
Therefore, it is safe to say that what Dawiḏ was actually declaring here was, “I rise early to diligently seek you”.
The LXX (Septuagint) translates this as ‘I rise early for you’.
What we have here is the picture of ‘seeking early’ as having the connotation of great diligence – “I am seeking you really diligently” – not with half measures!!!
And this he would do ‘early’, while it was still dark, at the breaking of dawn!!!
How many of you can say that?
Most of the time the majority of people cannot even get out of bed early on a good day! What about when you are in a tight spot, when things are all messed up and your circumstances look dismal – getting up early to seek יהוה is, for most, not even a consideration!
The second Hebrew word used here in Tehillah/Psalm 105:4 for ‘seek’ is בָּקַשׁ baqash – Strong’s H1245 which means, ‘to seek, aim, search, look, inquire’, and it is written in the ‘piel’ form which expresses an intensive or intentional action and could therefore be expressed as, ‘seek earnestly or seek the face, seek to find, demand, desire, ask’, and this kind of ‘seeking’ is an intense seeking with a purpose!
We who stay in the Master and walk in integrity are to seek (בָּקַשׁ baqash – Strong’s H1245) יהוה and His righteousness with great intensity and desire to please Him.
The reason for me highlighting these words on ‘seeking’ is to highlight that while we recognise that it is Messiah who empowers us we must also recognise our responsibility that we have in properly seeking Him and staying in Him so that we can be strengthened to all through Him who empowers us.
How earnestly are you seeking יהוה?
When looking at this Hebrew root word in its ancient pictographic form we are able to grasp a clearer picture of what this kind of seeking entails.
In the ancient pictographic script this word בָּקַשׁ baqash – Strong’s H1245 which means, ‘to seek, aim, search, look, inquire’, looks like this:
Beyt – בָּ:
The ancient script has this letter as 
, which pictures a tent floor plan and means, ‘house’ or ‘tent’. It represents family and the importance of those who are inside the tent as opposed to the tent structure itself.
We also recognise that the House/Dwelling Place of Elohim is the body of Elohim that is built up as living stones in our Master, יהושע Messiah.
A house/tent speaks of your family and to whom you belong and under whom you submit and adhere to, as the House of Elohim has clear instructions for those in the House! The Light (that is His Word) is for those in the House!
Quph – ק:
This is the Hebrew letter ‘quph’, which is pictured in the ancient script as – 
– which is a picture of ‘the sun at the horizon’ and depicts the elements of ‘time’, as it pictures the sun in its rising and setting. It therefore carries the meaning of ‘circle’ or ‘to go around’, representing for us both, appointed cycles or times as well as eternity.
It also is understood as the ‘gathering of the light’ as has the understanding of that which is ‘continual’ and signifies a continued pattern that is faithfully repeated.
Shin – שֵׁ:
This is the letter ‘shin’ which in the ancient script is pictured as, 
, which is a picture of ‘two front teeth’ and carries the meaning of ‘sharp or press, chew or devour’; which is what the teeth do, and also speaks of the sharpened word that comes forth from the mouth as the teeth ‘chew’ or ‘meditate’ on the Truth, making what comes forth pure and sharp! It also carries the understanding of consuming or destroying – as teeth do to food. Understanding the concept of eating our daily bread, as we meditate on the Torah day and night, we also see this picture rendering for us the meaning of ‘The Word’.
When we consider this pictographic rendering of the Hebrew word בָּקַשׁ baqash – Strong’s H1245 in terms of ‘seeking’ then we are able to see the meaning that is clearly expressed through this word, as it can render for us the following:
DWELLING CONTINUALLY IN THE WORD!
I do think that this clearly expresses what proper seeking Elohim and His righteousness entails!
How earnestly are you seeking Elohim and His righteousness?
Are you dwelling continually in His Word?
By ‘dwelling continually in His Word’, I do not mean being buried in the reading of His Word for 24 hours 7 days a week, with no time for anything or anyone else, but rather, that one’s life is continually centred around His Word, which entails a proper diligent reading, studying and seeking and then, the proper practical application of the Word, that is studied, in all you do!
Dwelling continually in His Word, means that all that you think, say or do, is done in the Name of יהושע.
Dwelling in His Word involves a proper understanding of how we are living stones that are being built up in Messiah and therefore, we recognise that we are no longer our own and to seek our own ways would be a foolish thing done in pride!
The Hebrew word בָּקַשׁ baqash – Strong’s H1245 can also carry the meaning of, ‘desire, consult, discover, call upon’ and therefore implies that this kind of seeking is done in order to try to learn information about an object or person and implies a diligent procurement of the information required.
Those who have no desire for Elohim do not seek Him and are not interested in discovering and learning more about Him.
Now, I just want to make it clear that יהוה is by no means lost in any way – it is us who were lost through sin and lawlessness and so we earnestly seek Him while He is to be found, as we seek to please Him and walk in His Truth.
Tsephanyah/Zephaniah 2:3 “Seek יהוה, all you meek ones of the earth, who have done His right-ruling. Seek righteousness, seek meekness, if so be that you are hidden in the day of wrath of יהוה.”
We are to be seeking יהוה and His kingdom, which entails seeking how His kingdom operates and the rules that apply for proper stewardship in His Kingdom.
So many neglect to seek first the Kingdom of Elohim but are rather seeking the falsified treasures of man-made reverence that has no true power and will always be learning new theologies that try to excuse away the need to walk in true obedience to the Torah of Elohim and never actually come to the true knowledge of the Truth, but are headed for death!
We who stay in the Master and walk in integrity are to seek (בָּקַשׁ baqash – Strong’s H1245) יהוה and His righteousness with great intensity and desire to please Him, knowing that is our intense seeking and proper waiting upon Him, we shall be strengthened and renewed, giving all we need to keep standing in Him, armed in His Truth and always ready to give thanks and the proper praise that is due to His Mighty Name that saves!
This short message may be a sobering challenge to some, especially as one honestly assesses their current position of strength in our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah.
Do you have strength to do all through Messiah who empowers you or do you find that your strength has been weakened by battles and challenges that often seem too hard to bear and your faith has thus been weakened through compromise, as a result of your proper seeking first His kingdom and righteousness being neglected?
Let this message stir your faith to seek יהוה and wait properly on Him and allow Him to empower you to be strong and full of courage.
It simply comes down to our belief/faith, for we face the daily choice to firmly believe His Word and live according to it, no matter what we face and we seek Him as we should, and trust in our Master and Elohim, or, fall prey to fears and worries and risk not being able to enter through the narrow gate.
IS MESSIAH EMPOWERING YOU?
Or, have troubles and the worries of this life disempowered your trust and belief in the Master, due to your eyes being focused on the earthly matters of the flesh, rather than the matters above!
Qolasim/Colossians 3:1-2 “If, then, you were raised with Messiah, seek the matters which are above, where Messiah is, seated at the right hand of Elohim. 2 Mind the matters above, not those on the earth.”
Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 17:7-8 “Blessed is the man who trusts in יהוה, and whose trust is יהוה. “For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and does not see when heat comes. And his leaf shall be green, and in the year of drought he is not anxious, nor does he cease from yielding fruit.”
Do you have strength to bear fruit in all seasons, as you are being empowered by Messiah or do you find that when facing some heated circumstances, your leaf fades and anxiety grips you, resulting in their being no fruit of righteousness in your life?
Let this brief message stir your belief to seek יהוה and His strength, as let Him empower you through His Word and His life-giving Spirit!
IS MESSIAH EMPOWERING YOU?
If yes, good, keep being strengthened in Him to do all, and if no, then take the opportunity to start being empowered in Messiah, so that you have strength to do all!
After all… you know what you should do… now, go forward in the Master, in belief… a belief that works proper obedience, as your hear, guard and do all He has commanded us to do!
We have all been experiencing some very tough challenges, in the face of the mandated lockdown, that has limited our ability to do what we would normally be doing each day, and the pressures that are felt, as a result of these trying circumstances, certainly vary in intensity, for each individual, family or group, yet, what we must remember, as a called-out, separated Bride of Messiah, is that as we wait on Him and seek Him as we should, then He will renew our strength and empower us to do all, to the esteem of His Name!
This is time for the true set-apart ones to stand firm and be empowered by Messiah!
I will close with the words of Kěpha from both of his letters:
Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 5:10-11 “And the Elohim of all favour, who called you to His everlasting esteem by Messiah יהושע, after you have suffered a while, Himself perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the esteem and the might forever and ever. Aměn.”
Kěpha Bět/2 Peter 3:17-18 “You, then, beloved ones, being forewarned, watch, lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the delusion of the lawless, 18 but grow in the favour and knowledge of our Master and Saviour יהושע Messiah. To Him be the esteem both now and to a day that abides. Aměn.”
יהוה bless your and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show favour to you; יהוה lift up His face to you and give you Shalom