Stand Strong

America stand strong!

Truth and justice must abound!

Blood, sweat and tears is not enough.

On your knees is a must!

Freedom comes with a cost.

The One above knows that well.

Upon the cross He gave His all.

The journey is one of trust, that comes through His righteous blood.

No other way will we obtain and live to fight another day. 

America stand strong!

Refuge

What do you take your refuge in?

Is it intellect?

Money?

People?

A job?

Perhaps it is a fantasy world like the old television show "Fantasy Island".

Okay, so I am dating myself.

If you are truly seeking refuge you will never find it in any of those things.

My refuge is in a tree. 

You say, "What?" "Are you kidding me?"

Now I got your attention; because now you want to figure out where I am coming from.

Well, you see this tree is very special. It is not an ordinary tree. Yes, it looks like any other tree, but a very special man was hung on that tree over 2000 years ago. His name is Jesus the Messiah. He is the salvation for all mankind.

"How?," you say.

Well let me tell you.

God knew we would never be able to keep all the commandments so He sent His only Son to become our atonement.

Jesus Christ became the 'sacrifical lamb' and bore all our sins.

"We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6 NIV)

This is how much God loves each and every one of us. He gave His Son that we may have life everlasting. 

You see God had a rescue plan for us, but creating our own plans ultimately leads to deception and spiritual death. Not so with Jesus as part of your life.

All anyone has to do is humble themselves and believe in the name of Jesus the Messiah and accept what He and He alone could do and did do for them. 

Since only God knows everything it is only He who can guide our lives. To those who believe upon Him your lives will be guided in a fruitful way.

Accept and proclaim the name of the Messiah!

"It cannot be that simple?"

Oh, but it is. 

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (redeemed from destruction)." ( Romans 10:13 NIV )

Remember that Jesus willingly suffered for you to pay a debt He did not owe so you could satisfy a debt you would not be able to pay.

"So what next?"

Simply admit that you cannot do it on your own. Ask for forgiveness and believe in your heart that Jesus died and rose from the dead. 

Then you will have opened a door to the greatest transformation in your life.

Hallelujah!

All of heaven will be rejoicing!

In Christ,

Shifra and Yochanan 

Discerning of Thoughts

Everyday we are bombarded by things and reports that are not always positive. They may seem insurmountable in our eyes, but God says that He has overcome the world. 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ( John 16: 33 NIV )

We need to weigh which words are authentic and who is speaking. Who are we hearing self, satan, or God? We must test the spirits. 

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."  (1 John 4: 1 NIV )

We also know when negative thoughts try to pursue us that we must take them captive.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." ( 2 Corinthians 10: 5 NIV )

So whatever may be weighing you down seek out the Lord for peace.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ( Philippians 4: 7 NIV )

Our mind/soul is where the devil likes to play. We must not fight evil with evil or even in the natural. Our battle must be done in the spirit. 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV and also see verses 14 - 18a )

We are soldiers and the Commander in Chief has our backs. We have all our armor on and we stand firm in our faith. 

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." ( Ephesians 6 : 11 NIV )

We fight the good fight of faith.

"Fight the good fight of faith." ( 1 Timothy 6 : 12a NIV and also see 2 Timothy 4 : 7 )

Be encouraged my friends,

Shifra

The Father

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:1-12 ESV)

These verses show us that as we do what God says then He will do for us. 

He is our Father and we must be obedient. What good and earthly father does not expect the same from his children? Should we expect anything less from Our Heavenly Father?

Keep the commandments and our days are lengthened. Sounds good to me.

We will have great success as we remain faithful and loving. Anything wrong with that?

Trust Him and acknowledge Him and our paths will be straight (secure). No brainer to me.

I think you got the idea of where our focus must be. 

Do we look at the adversities or the Solver? 

To me it is obvious and I hope it is to you too.

Shalom my friends,

Shifra

What is God to Us Who Believe?

Comforter-

"...the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,"

 2 Corinthians 1:3b

Counselor-

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Creator-

"and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."

Colossians 3:10

Defender-

"Awake, and rise to my defense!" 

Psalm 35:23a

Deliverer-

"You are my help and my deliverer;"

Psalm 40:17b

Fortress-

"The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

Psalm 46:7 (also verse 11)

Guide-

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me."

Psalm 31:3

Healer-

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Isaiah 53:5

Helper-

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1

Leader- 

See Psalm 31:3

Lover-

"I am my lover's and my lover is mine;"

Song of Solomon (Songs) 6:3a

Peace-

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:7

Redeemer-

"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Luke 21:28

Refuge-

"Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge."

Psalm 31:4

Rescuer-

"The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever."

Psalm 28: 8 & 9 ( also see Luke 15: 1-7 Parable of the Lost Sheep)

Rock- 

See Psalm 31:3

Savior-

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ The Lord."

Luke 2:11 ( also see Luke 15:11-32 The Prodigal Son)

Shepherd-

"The Lord is my shepherd,"

Psalm 23:1a

Shield-

"The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."

Psalm 23:7a

Strength-

See Psalm 23:7

All scripture is from the New International Version of the bible.

Well my friends, be at peace and be blessed,

Shifra

God Speaks

Instead of doing my normal blog I decided to let the scripture itself speak to you. 

This is what God gave me at intercessory prayer this morning:

“Give attention to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law will go out from me, and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples. My righteousness draws near, my salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands hope for me, and for my arm they wait. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed. (Isaiah 51:4-6 ESV)

Be at peace and please let me know how God has impacted you with these verses.

In Yeshua,

Shifra

On the Road to Redemption

Many are the roads that one may travel, but the road of redemption is the greatest  of all. By its appearance it is not an attractive path at all.

It is a narrow path, but when you seek it you will surely find it, but be aware that there is one road that will try to lead you astray. It is not narrow, but wide and tempting. This wider road is more attractive because of the choices it gives you. Many travelers start on this road or eventually turn to this road. You must keep your eyes clear, pure, and focused. Remain in the truth as the truth will lead you on.

Be alert to those who are out to draw you in a different route. The intentions of these travelers may seem good, but they are based on falsehoods of ignorance. They are out to deceive and swallow you like a roaring lion. Their ways are out for self-satisfaction and evil. They are cunning and care nothing of your well-being. They will flatter with fancy words and whisper seductive things in your ears. You must not fall into these snares. Remember your mission to follow the narrow road to redemption.

There is a friend that will always be with you. He is the One you shall find and follow. He loves you and is always near. You will know Him when you find Him. Remember to seek with your whole heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

There are others also who are seeking, so encourage one another along the way. There is power when you stand together.

Your hunger must be for the truth and your thirst for living water. Do not depart from the narrow path. There are potholes, crevices, and deep embankments in the wide road which leads to destruction. 

We do not always understand many of the paths we travel until we realize we are  lost or until we reach our destination.

Peace will be your clue that you are following the right path.

Fear will show you that you are off the path and must find your way back. Do not allow the fear to overcome you, but rather overcome fear with the truth you know. 

Remember to be cautious when you come upon forks in the road. Allow your sense of peace to lead you and you will embark on the correct way.

When you see the 'cross' on the path you will know that you reached your destination.

You will try to continue standing, but you will be so overwhelmed that you will bow your knee. Your heart will be so full of love and awe that your hands will rise up with the wonder of it all. Tears of refreshing will stream down your face.

Your journey will not end there. There will be valleys and mountain tops that you must travel. These will allow you to grow and bear fruit. 

Know that just like germs and bacteria try to mess with your physical being that there are unseen things that will try to ensnare you and pull you away from the 'glory'.

Then without warning, the trumpet will sound, and the day will come, when you will gaze upon Him, face to face. You will know without a doubt that your Redeemer lives and has come to gather up His own. The eastern sky will break open and there He will be on a cloud with His arms outstretched.

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

Glorious beyond compare! A day of triumphant, miraculous, unconditional, and undying love!

All the saints will sing out and praise the glorious One. The one and only King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Jesus Christ,

Yeshua Ha Mashiach,

Our Messiah!

Amen.

The Game of Life

Life is good,

with Jesus at

home plate.

The home runs

are inevitable,

with Him as our

coach.

With running shoes on,

batter up;

Run the bases;

take the trophy of the

High Calling.

The game is not

insurmountable;

It has already been won. 

Just follow the plays

He has set forth;

The opposing team

already lost.

We take the

championship!

Hats thrown in the air; 

cheers loudly abound;

with the proclamation 

'We have won!'

'We have won!'

'We have won!'

 

Heaven Sent

Heaven sent. 

Indeed He was.

The Heavenly Father, 

from above,

gave us the gift 

of insurmountable love.

He sent His only Son 

to Calvary;

and Jesus laid His life down

willingly.

An unpayable debt,

said in these words, 

"It is finished."

Today and always,

"It is finished."

No other god,

could say or do the same,

but the Triune God is the One,

to proclaim.

Exalt His name today and always.

Shout it out to all the generations

To come;

Jesus, the Messiah,

Is alive and well!

Amen!

Blessings,

Shifra

Insurmountable

Lord you are

so good

and Your love

is

INSURMOUNTABLE !

Can I contain it all?

I am not worthy of such love.

I tend to fail so many times, but once again you are there to forgive me.

A love that is so unconditional.

How can this be possible?

How can You keep on forgiving?

What do You see that I do not?

I, your God, your Heavenly Father, look 

at your heart. 

I see the completed you.

I see beyond all the failures and scars

because , My Son, took care of it at Cavalry.

Jesus is, has been and always will be your answer.

Unending and unchanging LOVE!