The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for us. We have moved from our previous location to a small apartment (previously, master bedroom in a private home). While having our own private place to call home definitely was involved in our move, there was something more, something deeper that Abba Father was doing. The Spirit instructed us to move quickly and decisively. Initially we didn't understand it and we did not respond well to His instructions. This was not about trying to make sense of what was happening, but it was all about obedience. In the end, Abba Father found an apartment exactly according to the parameters that He specified (small, affordable, and with space to park cars). He has called us to rid ourselves of more “things” and live more simply. The Spirit moved on our hearts that this was practice for the Greater Exodus. It was an object lesson to learn to leave in haste.
Are you ready to make sacrifices for Abba's greater purpose? Are you prepared mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to leave everything behind when you leave Egypt? Is your heart ready to rid yourself of houses and lands for His Kingdom Yisrael? Our brother Yehudah has endured numerous expulsions and persecutions throughout the centuries, but are you as Ephrayim prepared to endure?
Tehillim (Psalm) 9: 7 But YHWH is seated forever; He has established His throne for judgment. 8 And He shall judge the world in righteousness; He shall judge the peoples in uprightness. 9 YHWH also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of distress. 10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, YHWH, have not forsaken those who seek You.
(emphases added)
(emphases added)
The epistle of Yaacov (James) speaks to us of endurance as well. Yaacov makes clear as to who the audience of his epistle is. The following is an appropriate exhortation to the circumstances facing each of us today.
Yaacov 1:1 Yaacov̱, a servant of Elohim and of the Master Y'shua Messiah, to the twelve tribes who are in the dispersion: Greetings. 2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the proving of your belief works endurance. 4 And let endurance have a perfect work, so that you be perfect and complete, lacking in naught. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him
ask of Elohim, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it shall be given to him. 6 But he should ask in belief, not doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man should not think that he shall receive whatever from the Master – 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (emphases added)
ask of Elohim, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it shall be given to him. 6 But he should ask in belief, not doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man should not think that he shall receive whatever from the Master – 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (emphases added)
Let us be faithful watchman for the coming days ahead. Abba is calling each of us to discern the times in which we live.
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 23: 7 Therefore behold, the days come, says YHWH, that they shall no more say, As YHWH lives, who brought up the children of Yisrael out of the land of Egypt; 8 but, As YHWH lives, who brought up and who led the seed of the house of Yisrael out of the north country, and from all the countries where I had driven them. They shall dwell in their own land. (emphases added)
Though our way to Yisrael will be filled with many obstacles, a Way will be there, the ransomed of YHWH will return and enter Tzion with singing, joy, and gladness. (see Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 35:8-10). Despite the descending darkness, be not downcast. Seek and listen for redemption is near.
Shavua tov,Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
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