January 2, 2024

Listen to counsel [of Torah and the Holy Spirit] and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. 21 There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. prov 19:20-21 nkjv   What is the danger of failing to “listen to counsel…?”

“Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Prov 19:27 nkjv   David writes in Psalms:

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward." ps 19:7-11 nkjv

I think, for one to be an “over-comer” in turbulent days [which I believe are soon to come], that one must put their trust and faith in Yeshua’s teachings. He never said things would be easy, in fact, He actually said the opposite… just read what He told His disciples in Matthew chapter 10, also in other places, such as in Matthew chapter 24, when speaking of the last days and the great tribulation.

I also think it is notable, that in His ascension... as noted in Acts chapter 1, that He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem [“for the Promise of the Father…”]. These were His last words… He understood that even with their special and intimate experiences with Him that they needed to have “divine counsel and Spiritual power,” that could only come from their being “baptized” with the Holy Spirit acts 1:5 nkjv.   Here would be a good place to ask what Paul really meant when he said [above], those in Christ Jesus do not walk in the flesh, but according to the Spirit. These are serious words and realities that all believers need to ponder deeply… as our natural minds cannot supply the supernatural enhancements Yahweh fully intended for us to experience… i.e., the 9 gifts of the Spirit as Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians chapter 12.

It is now 2024… nearly all talking heads and many “prophets” (I use that term loosely, as I believe there are few authentic prophets among us) are speculating ominous and scary storms heading our way; the list is too long to spend time on here… the main point is, if only a few of them materialize, we will need all the Biblical knowledge and Spiritual insights that we can get. These forthcoming events will challenge even the most ardent believer. The time will come when only the “counsel of the Word of Yahweh [Torah], and the Spirit’s guidance, will lead us safely through the misinformation and deceptions that are being planned against us… I think we need to be making plans to firm up our faith and understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is time to take the “church traditions” gloves off and earnestly seek the personal fellowship of the Holy Spirit… not unlike Yeshua told the disciples to “wait and receive.” He knew they were NOT ready for their mission… I think He would view most of the modern church likewise.

I have a special page on my website on the ministry of the Holy Spirit… there are some article links at the bottom of the page… I hope you will consider visiting that page and give serious thought to what it (and the footnote articles) says… I truly believe that when we are “born again,” that Yahweh's Holy Spirit comes as part of the package… also, I truly believe that the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit is a separate and greater supernatural component, as it is clearly defined as a “gift of the Spirit,” which I wholly think is essential to our inner “counsel and divine inspiration” that Yahweh provided because He knew we needed it. All the gifts, given as the Spirit wills, is for the benefit of the body of the faithful… not just for us only.  And, for confirmation of Truth and understanding, as the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Yeshua is surely our salvation, but because He had more for the disciples to experience at Pentacost; I think likewise, He has the same “more for us to experience… namely, the supernatural “baptism of fire” that John the Baptist spoke of:

“John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

As with all the gifts of supernatural power, the devil will try to confuse their validity and keep you from receiving them and their intended benefit in your life as a believer. We know it is not by might nor by power… but by Yahweh’s Spirit. zac 4:6 nkjv

And finally, remember… your are in a “spiritual war…” You need to fight with supernatural spiritual weapons; your natural mind is not fully up to a spiritual fight. Eph 6:12 nkjv   I think the devil wants us to enter the battle without ALL our weapons.

Shalom, John