June 15, 2021

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” mat 16:26 kjv

“What are the scriptures above really saying… do we understand the gravity of what Yeshua (Jesus) is saying? Do we believe Him or just appreciate that He was a good man? Everywhere you turn to look, you will see the “worldly” influence and attractions that beckon you come and join the “season” of carnival-like pleasures and indulgences that they offer… and then, soon it is over, and your life is consumed by them and you perish in the abyss of darkness, separated from your Creator Yahweh and the eternal peace and fellowship of His love and heavenly provision… all created for faithful believers from the beginning of time.

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” heb 11:24-26 kjv

The Apostle John tells us that the “world” does not know us… that is, if we don’t look and act like them. He tells us clearly that a person who sins transgresses Yahweh’s law. Paul the Apostle tells us, “the wages of sin is death; and the gift of God (Yahweh) is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Yeshua).” rom 6:23 kjv

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 jn 3:1-4 kjv

When Yeshua came into our world, it says “the world did not know Him.” I think I see this same condition everywhere in “our world.” I don’t say this to be judgmental, I simply think these last days are what they are. I don’t profess to have arrived at the expectations that Yahweh has of me; thankfully His grace and mercies are working in my behalf and I am trying to walk uprightly as a knowledgeable believer… knowing that what I have been taught and believe (obey) are yet incomplete. This “imperfect” condition in me is being made perfect in me by Yeshua… day by day.

The Word (Commandments / Law/ Torah) and the indwelling Holy Spirit give me Biblical insights and perspective that reveal a surrounding society full of “lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” Mostly, I don’t find many who care to discuss or consider the message of the gospel, unless it is a feel-good “co-exist” version. Sin and repentance are rejected and the “love” everybody temperament is the way. I feel less effective as a witness and more like a castaway. I expect some of you can relate to this as well. We must carry on, and believe Yahweh’s purpose for us is yet “pending,” less we miss fulfilling our usefulness from Yahweh’s view… and remember the Psalmist words:

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” ps 27:13-14 kjv

Shalom… John