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Concordance.
Contact larryv
The
Letters:
# 1. Faith,
Discipleship &
Spiritual
Warfare.
# 2. Prayer,
Judgmentalism
& Forgiveness.
# 3. The
Ekklesia
(Church)
-vs-
Religion.
# 4. Elohim,
His
Love &
His
Discipline.
# 5. Spiritual
Gifts, Humility
& Elohim's
Power.
# 6. The
Ruach ha Qodesh
and Elohim's
Word.
# 7.
Reconciliation
& Sin - The
curse and our
need.
# 8.
Reconciliation
& Sin - The
consequence
of the curse.
# 9.
Reconciliation
& Sin - Sin's
cure.
#10.
Reconciliation
& Sin - Our
Choice.
#11.
Discipleship.
#12.
Works of Faith.
#13. The
Gifts of
the
Ruach ha Qodesh
- and a Test.
#14.
The Sign Gifts.
#15. The
Support Gifts.
#16. The
Service Gifts.
#17. Living
as Disciples.
#18.
The Snatching
(Rapture) &
Tribulation.
#19.
Prophesy & a
Closing.
#20.
Beware the
false prophets
and teachers.
#21.
The Signs
of Messiah's
Return.
#22.
Oneness
&
The Trinity.
and the Names
of Elohim!
#23.
Understanding
Righteousness,
While
Acknowledging
The enemy.
Simple Poems.
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Author.
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My Dearest Mathetes;
Your latest letter was an inspiration, my friend, and I am delighted to
hear of your work for our Messiah. I am also delighted that my past
letters have proven useful to your teaching ministry, and that you are
reaching others for Elohim's glory. The Zeteo (seeker) process is
increasing for many souls, as you now know, and it is my
fervent prayer that these messages might somehow quicken the search.
Surely, however, you must recognize your own growth over the years.
Personally, I cannot
even begin to express my pride in your accomplishments. Continue your
efforts, my friend, and continue in your prayer life. The fruit you are
bearing today will shine for eternity.
We must remind the brethren to remain focused on their walk with Elohim, for it is in applying the Word of
Elohim to everything we
do that we will reach the goal. I am confident the Ruach ha Qodesh will
smile sweetly upon you as you do these things, my friend, and that you
will maintain the faith regardless of your circumstances. While our
discussions have included practical applications to many of the
instructions we find in the Bible, I want to talk about the traits of a
Disciple today; talk about those things which should "mark"
us as different. It is in the doing of these things that our actions
silently testify to the world that we are Elohim's children, and prove the
truth of our sanctification in our loving Messiah.
I am staring at a list of adjectives that describe
what a Disciple is supposed to be, and as I contemplate these matters I
am confronted with the realities of our humanness. While I acknowledge
the power of Elohim in our lives, which enables us to overcome
all evil, I am also very realistic as I consider our human frailties,
mannerisms and habits. Evil is like a violent vacuum, and it desires to
suck us toward the wide path to destruction. Conversely, the Ruach ha Qodesh
is blowing a gentle breeze toward the path of righteousness, and our
senses must remain keen to His moving.
SPECIAL NOTE:
For a quick explanation of the NAMES used
throughout The Letters, please click here...
For an in depth accounting of these matters though, please go to Letter
#22.
Letter #17 continues here:
While anticipation for the return of Yahshuah heightens, and excitement for
eternity future with our heavenly Father is to be expected, we need to
patiently endure whatever Yahshuah asks of us for the time remaining. We must
be prepared to live throughout whatever tribulation confronts us, and
faithfully witness to this dying world. We must be prepared to sacrifice
everything, including our lives, in order to serve Him. Together we will
enter the kingdom of Elohim - together we will reign with Him - but together
we must first prepare the bride to meet the Bridegroom.
In view of these things, I want to offer some thoughts for living
in the world - today - as disciples of our Master Yahshuah. Just like the apostles and prophets
who went before us, we must take up our shield and sword, put on the
full armor of Elohim and stand firm against the forces of evil. We must
also move toward the upward call of Elohim in Yahshuah, and, as we draw near to the
conclusion of these studies, we must consider the fullness of the fact
that Elohim desires great things for us, and that Elohim also desires great things from
us. In His power, we will accomplish all of these things.
The first adjective on the page before me is a
topic we have already discussed, but is worthy of multiple
considerations: Humility.
As I ponder the realities of humility [tc],
however, my mind turns to the drive and competitiveness I have displayed
throughout my life. While I know that as a disciple of Yahshuah, I am different today
than I
was in my youth, I still find pleasure in winning; I still have a desire
to succeed. Where is the humility? Am I being humble when I always play
to win? Am I humble when I push myself to achieve? Am I humble when I
stand up against a false pastor, prophet or teacher, and know that I
might have been gentler in my approach? Am I humble in defying the
religious institutions? I am incapable of answering these questions, my
friend. I am incapable of judging myself or anyone else.
Elohim tells us that as long as we are growing in faith and bearing the
fruit of the Ruach, and as long as we are striving to live for Yahshuah,
these other matters are insignificant - humility before Elohim is present.
I do find humility in my life whenever I bow to the throne of Elohim. I
find it in my heart as I look into the faces of the people the Master has
given me to witness to. I find it as I bow to the gifts the Ruach ha Qodesh
has given His children. I find it whenever I consider this creation; how
the hand of Elohim did all these things, and I cannot create anything. I
find it as I consider you; the fact that you study the ramblings of
another man who is striving to glorify Elohim. Somehow, the life of a
disciple is to exemplify humility, and through our humble heart, Elohim finds us
useful.
But how do we apply humility in the midst of tribulation, when we must
confront an evil society? How do we maintain a humble heart when we know
what awaits humanity at the end of the path they have chosen? How
do we remain humble as we see the Antichrist spirit present throughout
the world today, taunt the very Messiah we love? While we must hold our
heads proudly before the jeers of our enemies, in our hearts we must be
humble before Elohim. That is important! We are to be humble, in the same
way Yahshuah was humble before the Chief Priest and Pontius Pilate. We are
to remain humble as Yahshuah was humble - even to death. If they hated Him,
they will hate us as well. If they persecuted Him, should we not
anticipate the same? Do we offer ourselves to Elohim in pride, or humility?
Paul said, "I have become all things to all men, that I may by all
means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22), and the humility of those
words must impact us today.
Two other adjectives on the page are, Thankful
[tc] and Content [tc].
We certainly know that a Disciple is to be these things, but how can we
be thankful, when we are terminally ill and worry about the future care
of our children? How can we be content when we are out of work and
unable to find gainful employment? How can we be thankful when our
spouse commits adultery and abandons us, or find contentment when our
child is a drug addict? How can we be thankful when the pain and grief
being experienced worldwide is increasing every day, and humanity is
headed toward destruction?
Oh, Mathetes, being thankful and content surpasses circumstances. The Disciple
of Yahshuah has the Ruach ha Qodesh abiding within, and can be
thankful for all things, knowing that our suffering is neither unique
nor everlasting. We can be content in all situations, knowing that Elohim
desires us. We can be thankful at all times in the understanding of His
predetermined plan for us, because Elohim has a special purpose for each
and every one of us, and whatever happens is meant to accomplish that
purpose. Somehow, through our faithful acceptance of His plan,
we are able to glorify Him. We can be thankful for His predetermined
plan that included the sacrifice of His Son for our souls, and we can be
content in the knowledge of an eternity of joy prepared for us.
Scripture
says, "In everything give thanks; for this is Elohim's will for you in
Mashiach Yahshuah" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and then adds, "I
will praise the name of Elohim with song, and will magnify Him with
thanksgiving, and it will please
YAHUAH
better than an ox or a young
bull with horns and hoofs" (Psalms 69:30-31). Elohim is glorified
whenever we give thanks, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves,
because our circumstances always fall within His will. In this alone we
can be thankful, content and joyful.
Six months before my Dad died, I had the opportunity to travel back
home for a visit. During my stay, I spoke with my family about the
Messiah I had found, and one night, just before I had to leave, my Dad
and I had an uninterrupted opportunity to share our thoughts. As we sat
on the steps outside his house, I poured my heart out to him regarding
the true Gospel, not the junk that had cluttered our lives, and he
received Yahshuah as his Master and Messiah. That was the last time we spoke
face to face. The next time I saw him, was in an intensive care unit,
following surgery. He was incapable of talking, but we prayed. He died
later that evening. I was, and remain, thankful for his salvation, and
for the moments Elohim gave me to share Yahshuah with him. I was, and remain,
content in knowing I will see him again in our Father's Kingdom. Praise the
Master!
Being thankful to Elohim, content in His will, is solely a matter of
faithful obedience. Not surprisingly, therefore, as I scan the list of
adjectives before me, I find Obedient [tc] prominently displayed as descriptive of a
Disciple. As children
of Elohim, we can all respond with a nod at the mention of that word -
obedience, but
how do we really apply obedience daily in our lives? Are we obedient to Elohim
when we knowingly deceive someone? Are we obedient when we curse
somebody for the way they drive? Are we obedient when we don't study the
Word of Elohim, or when we deny ourselves time to pray? Is our obedience
displayed when we consistently place work ahead of family? Or is
obedience a factor when we turn our backs to the poor, homeless, widowed
and orphaned? Being thankful comes through acknowledging His presence
and plan, and being content is a product of obeying that plan.
True obedience is blind, Mathetes. Obedience has
to be blind! When we know something is true, everything that contradicts that truth must be removed from sight, sound or
consideration. For example, we know Elohim created man in His
image. True? If true, how can a Disciple of Yahshuah ever explain racial or
sexual bias or bigotry? Nonetheless, hatred between professing 'Christians' rages, on just these basis, and because of these prejudices,
the name of Yahshuah is blasphemed. Everything contradicting
Elohim's truth must be rebuked, and in purity of heart we must blindly obey the
will of our Master and Messiah.
Obedience is also faith in action, because only in faith can we
please Him; only in faith can we overcome this world for His glory.
And the truth that obedience is
faith in action brings us to another adjective describing a Disciple,
because we are to be Faithful [tc].
It is a sad, but true, statement, that a very small percentage of
professing 'Christians' really know what faith
is. Inasmuch as faith exceeds all known limitations, how many of us
are living as if we believe that? Are we faithful when we worry and
fret? Does faith include double mindedness and complaining? Where is
faith when we sit like robots in 'church' pews, and let others tell us
what they believe Elohim wants us to hear? How is faith displayed when our
laziness and apathy keep us from becoming politically active; even if
that only means voting? Is faith displayed in electing unrighteous
men and women to decision-making positions in the government, or is it
present when we vote our wallets instead of our convictions? How is
faith being shown in the abortion
clinics? Is faith even being exercised in our prayers about these
matters? If obedience is faith in action, how obedient have we been as
children of Elohim?
Faith will be displayed once again though, my friend. As the world turns
its hatred toward the Disciples of Yahshuah, which is inevitable, either faith
or apostasy will be seen. Don't be deceived, and do not allow anyone to
tell you differently - your faith will be tested, physically, mentally
and spiritually. As we draw near to the return of our Messiah, the lines in
the sand will become exceedingly evident, but we must not cross those
lines. Although unrecognized, the world is seeing the Antichrist spirit
quite clearly today, which necessitates that the world must also see
true faith displayed by the Disciples of Yahshuah. While many are being
deceived, the harvest shall come through our faithfulness, and Elohim will
be glorified.
Elsewhere on my list I see the words, Integrity
[tc], Honor
[tc] and
Truthfulness [tc],
and I am again overwhelmed. The world is aflame with the mind-set to
achieve - everything, anything, at all costs. Do the preachers and
teachers within Babylon (the religious institutions) display integrity, honor and
truthfulness, when their ambitions are empire building, program
prioritization and financial gain? How many politicians can you name who
exemplify the traits of integrity, honor and truthfulness? Do you know many
industrial leaders who are concerned with these matters? How about
employees and employers, is integrity, honor and truthfulness witnessed
today in the work place? If the life of a Disciple is to exemplify these
three traits, then where are the Disciples? Aren't there any Disciples of
Yahshuah in the rolls of our industrial/political leadership, or in the rank and
file of the employees of industry and government? Are we missing there
too? Oh, the Master knows
that we can find professing 'Christians' everywhere, but somehow
they seem to reserve integrity, honor and truthfulness for Sunday mornings.
The world needs to see the EKKLESIA
today, Mathetes, and that means that the Disciples of Yahshuah must stand
firmly with integrity, honor and truthfulness.
As Yahshuah's Disciples deal one-on-one with people, these
characteristics must be evident, regardless of whom those Disciples are
dealing with, and regardless of the position or organization we are
dealing from. We must always maintain honor, truthfulness and integrity.
In the last days, people's hearts will turn to Elohim, when the faithful
and obedient children of Elohim remain constant in their walk - regardless of
the cost. We are children of Elohim; we are heirs to the throne; we are a
royal priesthood, how should we act toward the world?
As I browse the list
further, I am confronted with Reverence
[tc], Wholeheartedness [tc]
and Submissiveness [tc],
and again I consider the ills of society. Over three million people
are imprisoned in the United States today, and even more criminals are
running loose on society. How does that speak of a 'Christian' nation?
Nearly fifty million unborn babies have
been slaughtered in the United States since abortion
was legalized. How does that witness to the unsaved world? The
educational proficiency of our children slips every year. What sort of testimony
will these children present to the world, when they cannot even read the
Word of Elohim?
In the same newspaper, on the same day, two separate articles
appeared, which really define the United States of America today: The
first article declared: "EXPRESSIONS OF HATE
RULED CONSTITUTIONAL", and goes on to say that the
Supreme Court of New Jersey has found that, "expressions of hate, as
offensive as they may be, are a constitutionally protected form of
speech and cannot be banned by the government." The ACLU hailed
the decision.
The second article declared: "SIGNED ABORTION
BILL SOCKS IT TO PROTESTERS", and describes how anyone
exercising their constitutional right of free speech and assembly in
front of an abortion clinic, will face prison terms from six months
to life, and fines of up to $250,000.00. An ACLU statement
called the legislation, "A milestone in congressional protection
for reproductive freedom."
Where are reverence, submissiveness and wholeheartedness to Elohim in our
tolerance of these hypocrisies? How do we as a nation justify a
life sentence for protesting abortion, while murderers, rapists and
thieves freely walk the streets? I pray against these things,
Mathetes, and ask you to join me in this vigil. Are we being reverent as
we silently capitulate to extremists who are bent on destroying our
nation? Are we wholehearted in our love of Elohim, as we remain apostate in
our approach toward our local, state and federal government? Are we
submitting to Elohim, as Elohim requires, in our spiritual and civic apostasy?
Does our silence please our King?
Reverence - the fear of Elohim - is not laziness or apostasy. Reverence is
applying every effort to please the One revered. Wholeheartedness, being
single-minded and devout in our approach to the matters of Elohim, is
extremely broad. Wherever we labor and whatever we do, we are to
accomplish our assigned tasks wholeheartedly. Our Elohim expects His Disciples
to
represent Him wherever and whenever we can. Is He being represented
today?
Submission, as we have already discussed, is never easy. As tribulation
abounds, and as the return of our Messiah nears, we will be called upon to
submit in ways we have never imagined. Don't forget, Mathetes, Elohim will
always provide for His submissive servants. Even though we have been
directed to submit to many authorities, we can never "cross the
lines in the sand". If the Mark of the Beast is literal, we must
not submit to the pressures of society, or to a materialistic spirit. We
must never submit to evil. As we assemble to glorify Elohim though, we can submit to Him and to each
other. In this, Elohim will be glorified.
My list continues with expressions like, Prayerful
[tc], Seeking
[tc] and Merciful [tc], and
I recognize the mercy of Elohim as He allows me to seek Him and talk with
Him. Yet, mercy received is void unless mercy is displayed. How will Elohim
judge our apathy in light of the slaughter occurring in places like
Kosovo, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Bosnia or America? How will Elohim view the
testimony presented to the world by the Catholics and Protestants of
Ireland, who profess to be 'Christian', but whose actions
display pure hatred? People are being massacred around the world, and people
are starving everywhere. Where is mercy?
We have already discussed the differences between mercy
and pity, Mathetes, so we don't need to cover that again. But another
question begging to be asked about mercy is, "If we prayerfully
seek Elohim and find Him, and if in the finding we also find eternal
salvation, how should we behave toward others who have yet discovered
the truth"? (See Matthew 18:21-35 as you ponder this matter).
Simply, only the children of Elohim, will ever hear the voice of Elohim.
Yahshuah said, "My sheep will hear My voice" (John 10:27). The
rest - are not of Elohim, and will never hear Him! Inasmuch as we can
never judge another soul, we must approach each individual in prayer,
with love and mercy in our heart, because those who will hear - will
hear, and the remainder are dead already! Truly, mercy must
abound...
And, consider the power of prayer for
a moment. The slaughter that is taking place around the world testifies that not
many have really heard the Gospel of Yahshuah. Many do not know the
Truth. Therefore, the Disciples of Yahshuah must be in prayer for
this world, seeking a merciful outpouring of Elohim's grace upon His
heretofore deaf, dumb and blind children. Victory only comes through
prayer, and Yahshuah deserves a wondrous victory through His EKKLESIA.
My list also includes some adjectives that are
unusual. Traits like Singing [tc], Productive
[tc]
and Joyful [tc],
are to be evident in the life of a Disciple of Yahshuah. As I looked at
these words, I was reminded of the dream
I had about the crate with humanity inside. It is a strange association,
to be sure, but as I considered these adjectives, my heart turned to the
work that needs to be done, and I started to sing a song of praise.
Anyone who has ever experienced adrenaline rushing through his or her body
will testify to its life changing affect. My time in Vietnam was laced
with periods of extreme adrenal power, and, until I met Yahshuah, I
had not experienced anything like it since. There have been times in my
walk with Yahshuah though, that an opportunity to plant a seed about Him
in
someone's heart has excited me more than adrenaline. There have been
other times, when Elohim allowed me to water a seed already planted by
another brother or sister, and the excitement heightened. Then there
were moments of harvest, when Elohim permitted me to participate in the
repentance and rebirth of a soul. Adrenaline does not compare with these
moments.
As I looked at the adjectives, singing, productive and joyful, I could
not get past the crate with humanity because of anticipation in my heart
for the work before us. I do not know how Elohim is going to assemble the
surgical teams necessary to free the EKKLESIA from its
bondage, I just know He will. I cannot imagine my involvement either.
Yet as we work together in His harvest, I am certain that regardless of
the circumstances, our hearts will be singing joyfully. We have become
so engrossed in earning a living that we have forgotten what it means
to live - to be truly productive. We are so intent on maintaining our
lifestyles, that we have surrendered our joy. We are so involved in our
status, we care more what others think, than what Elohim thinks, and
because we have been deceived, there no longer remains a song in our
heart.
World financial markets will be crashing soon, yet every Disciple of Yahshuah
must be
joyful. Wars and rumors of war will abound, and slaughter will increase,
but the Disciples must sing the praise of Elohim. Hatred and bigotry will be
commonplace, but His Disciples must remain steadfast in the fields,
productive in the great harvest. Whenever we find ourselves downcast and
foreboding, we must remember that Elohim wants us to be joyful, productive
and singing.
Could there be a relationship between joy, singing and productivity, and
faithful obedience? YES, unquestionably!
A few other adjectives that describe a Disciple are; Prepared
[tc],
Enduring [tc]
and Wise [tc],
and as I look at the definitions of these words, I run
directly into the disease called apostasy. Apostasy is the desertion of
one's faith. Apostasy certainly casts a shadow across the lines of
wisdom, and undoubtedly causes failure and unpreparedness. Apostasy
contradicts wisdom, stops us from being prepared and insures we are
unable to endure. If "fear of YAHUAH
is the beginning of
wisdom," (Psalms 111:10) then defying YAHUAH
is the path to
error. If only the wise are spiritually prepared, then those in
error are incapable of preparation. If endurance comes from Elohim,
abandoning Elohim will certainly bring failure. Aren't these failures what
we are witnessing in the world today?
The Word of Elohim says, "With regard to the coming of our Master Yahshuah
Mashiach, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly
shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a
message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Master
has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the day of the Master) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of
lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction" (2 Thessalonians
2:1-3).
This passage speaks directly to preparation, endurance and wisdom:
 Wisdom to discern truth from lies, and to know adequately the plan of
Elohim.
Endurance to withstand
tribulation - withstand the revealing of the "son
of destruction", and to patiently wait for the coming of the Master.
Preparation, because much work must be accomplished before the day of
the Master comes. The bride must be prepared to meet the Bridegroom.
Before discussing the last three
adjectives that describe a Disciple: Being Dead to Self but alive
to Yahshuah [tc], Being
Imitators of Elohim [tc],
and Loving [tc],
I want to show you some other adjectives that describe what a Disciple
is not. As we disciple and teach others about Yahshuah, it is important to
remind each other about these deeds of the flesh and heart,
Mathetes, because they stand against the holiness of Elohim. In so
reminding them of these things, we must do so without judgment.
Therefore, as each man and woman searches their heart regarding these
matters, I offer this list without comment:
"For this is the will of
Elohim, your sanctification; that is, that
you abstain from sexual immorality, that each of you know how
to possess his own vessel in
sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who
do not know Elohim; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter
because the Master is the avenger in all these things, just as we
also told you before and solemnly warned
you. For Elohim has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.
Consequently, he who rejects this is not rejecting
man but the Elohim who gives His Ruach ha Qodesh to you" (1
Thessalonians 4:3-8).
"Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith,
love and peace, with those who call on the Master from a pure
heart. But refuse foolish and
ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. And the
Masters bondservant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach,
patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in
opposition" (2 Timothy 2:22-25).
"But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice,
slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one
another" (Colossians 3:8-9).
"Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy
and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure
milk of the word, that by it you may grow
in respect to salvation" (1 Peter 2:1-2).
"By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or
evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15).
"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness"
(1 John 3:4).
"Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good"
(3 John 11).
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity,
sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy,
outbursts of anger, disputes, dissension's,
factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of
which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned
you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the
kingdom of Elohim" (Galatians 5:19-21).
"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful,
arrogant, revilers, disobedient to
parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious
gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless,
conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of Elohim; holding to
a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men
as these" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
In case you were not aware, Mathetes, the sorcery in Galatians 5:20 is
the Greek word PHARMAKEIA, from which we
get the word, pharmaceutical. It is used four times in the New Testament, and
each use speaks specifically of drug use, drug abuse and drug trafficking. See Revelation 9:21,
18:23 and 21:8. (And many do not think Elohim's Word is relevant today!!!)
"But the fruit of the Ruach is love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians
5:22-23), and for these things we must be known.
As we have discovered throughout these letters, my friend, Yahshuah has won the spiritual
battle. In these last days, therefore, we
must provide evidence of His victory to the world. That is our function
as ambassadors and Disciples of Yahshuah, and that is the power and authority He has
given us.
Finally then, the list
of adjectives describing a Disciple, includes the phrases: Being
Dead to Self but alive to Yahshuah [tc], Being
Imitators of Elohim [tc], and Loving
[tc].
And here is where everything we have discussed so far finds rest.
Being dead to self but alive to Yahshuah is certainly submission on the grandest scale. Is
there a price too high for immortality? What is eternal joy and
happiness worth? Yahshuah says, die to self and live for Me, and I will
give you all these and more. We either believe that or not. Is it easy
though, to be dead to self? Let me answer that this way:
If I put my hand near a fire, my natural reaction is to recoil from the
flame, protecting the life of the nerves and surrounding tissue. A
drowning person will push anything near them, down into the water, in
their attempt to clamber upward toward air and life. The natural
inclination of all life is to live. Yahshuah said, "He who has found
his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall
find it" (Matthew 10:39). Spiritually speaking, therefore,
everything our natural tendency dictates as true, about living and
dying, is in fact a lie. Our every inclination is for self-preservation,
but Yahshuah says we must lose our life for His sake, in order to have
eternal life with Him. So, is it easy to be dead to self? No, it goes against
everything we think is right.
Ephesians 4:15 speaks directly to this point, for therein Elohim says,
"we are to grow up in all aspects unto Him." If we are growing
"unto Him," we cannot be growing "unto self". The
maturity of a Disciple comes as we fully die to self in Him, because our
eternal life is in Yahshuah.
Whenever I pray to draw nearer to Elohim, He allows it. Funny thing about
the process though - it's painful. What we imagine to be pleasant,
getting nearer to Elohim, initially sends us into spiritual shock. The only
way we can draw near to Elohim is to die to self. Every time a part of me
dies, I recoil; I pull back. I hate that! Oh, I can look back at the
road I've traveled and see parts of me laying here and there, but an
honest look in any mirror shows a lot of Larry still exists. Am I giving
up though? Absolutely not! I want to see more of Yahshuah in the mirror,
and I trust Him to help me make that happen. Fortunately, Elohim will
never test us beyond what we are able to endure, and this includes the
pain of death. As we seek to draw nearer, He paces our growth in Him
(death to self) at a rate that not only pleases Him, but also allows us to
survive spiritually. The faithful in Yahshuah will eventually draw so
near, Elohim will personally place us upon His lap and dry our tears. I can
die for that!
Another thing I notice as I look back at my life with Yahshuah though, are
those moments when I really imitated Him. So, so sweet
are those scenes of righteousness, holiness, faithfulness and power. And
so, so rare! I can see the fruit of the Ruach, but I am not so blind
that I do not also recognize the deeds of the flesh. We can only hope
the deeds of the flesh will be less frequent and the fruit of the Ruach more prominent, because that is what bearing fruit means.
Discipleship, dying to self and living for Yahshuah, and imitating Elohim,
are a process. I am unable to determine when any part of me dies,
because its final death is imperceptible. As we determine to be Disciples, however, we imitate
Yahshuah as we surrender
our self to Him. Over
time, portions of us simply fade away. Giving up smoking for Him was a
type of dying for me. Although I know the day I quit, I do not know when
I overcame my dependency of nicotine. Not smoking has become as much a
part of me today though, as smoking once was. Amazing
transformations are possible in Him, and we are called to be
transformed!
And then there is love. I remember saying in one of my first letters,
that I could not conceive a letter that did not, in some way, speak of Elohim's love. Has that standard been maintained? Oh Mathetes, if only the
world could see the fullness of Elohim's love. Sadly
though, the crucifixion of our Messiah is a blur to most people today.
I remember telling you about the time I sat with a cousin and my
brother, about two days after our Dad had died, and I tried to discuss Yahshuah
with them. They could not understand my attitude about my Dad's
death, and I tried to explain his salvation to them also. I knew where he was and I knew
I would see him again. I was saddened by his departure, but I was not
mortified. They could not grasp what I was saying. It was not time.
They laughed as I spoke - and I prayed. I listened as they ridiculed my
words, but I praised my Elohim in heaven. At one point, my brother said
something in his jesting that I will never forget. He laughingly
pointed at me and declared, "You're shining. You radiate a glow
around you. You're going crazy with all of this stuff." After a
while I excused myself from the table, drove to an Aunt's house where I
was staying, and cried. I knew the love of Elohim had been displayed for
them, but they could not accept it.
We are capable of representing Yahshuah, Mathetes - He said so!
Not only that, He wants us to represent Him here. He gives us gifts,
talents and abilities to accomplish the task. As we draw near to Him, we
will begin to reflect Him back to the world. As we die to self, Elohim will
be glorified and magnified, and in our dying to self, we will truly find
life.
Consider Moses, having to hide under the veil. We are children of Elohim.
Elohim is love. We must become as He is. We must imitate Him. We too,
therefore, are to be
love. The veil has been removed through Yahshuah, and we are free to
display the fullness of Elohim's love for humanity whenever we choose. Power
and proclamation are fulfilled in love. The veil was miraculously
removed for my brother and cousin on that day, and my prayer is that it
will be removed for them permanently - today.
"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous;
love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it
does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a
wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with
the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
This is what Elohim says love is. It is a far cry from what mankind
understands it to be. Love is not romance or sex. Love is not compassion
or pity. "Elohim is love" (1 John 4:8). We are to imitate Elohim.
As you consider the adjectives I have listed in this letter, Mathetes,
seek guidance from the Ruach ha Qodesh, and review your life. Humbly
acknowledge His holiness and your desire to imitate Him. Confess those
areas that miss the mark, but do so rejoicingly, knowing that Elohim forgives. Our
Master wants all these things to be evident in our
life, but He knows that growth is not immediate. If we are
progressing in our walk, faithfully abiding as He directs, then the
fruit of the Ruach is evident, Elohim is glorified and we can have peace
in our faithfulness.
We have found the will of Elohim, and in the finding of His will we can ask for
fulfillment. And, we can anticipate and strive for the power and
authority that is forthcoming to attain that fulfillment. We are His
children. He will not deny us any good thing, ever!
May His love, peace and joy abound in your life, and may your spirit
rejoice as you imitate Yahshuah in all power and authority.
I remain faithfully your brother in Yahshuah our Messiah and Master,
larry vosen
Topical concordance:
Born again: (Apply
along with: Dead to self,
alive to Yahshuah).
Old Testament: 1 Samuel 10:6; Psalms 143 (all); Ezekiel 18:31-32
(A).
New Testament: Matthew 12:43-45, 16:24-27, 18:3-4; Mark 2:20-21, 10:15;
John 3:1-8, 8:31- 32, 12:24-26, 15:1-2; Romans 6:17-18; 2 Corinthians
5:17-20; Galatians 2:20, 5:24-25; Ephesians 4:15,20-32, 5:7-10; Colossians
2:13-14, 3:3-11; 2 Timothy 1:7; Philemon 1:10-11; Hebrews 12:7-13; 1
Peter
1:3,23, 2:24; 1 John 3:9-10,14, 4:4.
Contentment:
Old Testament: Psalms 37:7, 145:7-21; Proverbs 15 (all); Ecclesiastes
2:24, 4:6, 6:9,
7:14; Habakkuk 3:17-19.
New Testament: 1Corinthians 7:17-24; 1Timothy 6:6-8; Titus 6:6; Hebrews
13:5-7; 1 Peter 1:1.
Dead to self, alive
to Mashiach: (Also see Born again).
Old Testament: Numbers 17:13; Psalms 45:10-12, 116:15; Daniel 3
(all).
New Testament: Matthew 10:34-39, 16:24-27; Acts 20:24; Philippians
3:7-16; 2 Timothy 2:3-5.
Endurance/Perseverance:
Old Testament: Psalms 37 (all), 138 (all); Jeremiah 32:40; Hosea
12:6.
New Testament: Matthew 10:22; Romans 8:37-39; 1 Corinthians 1:8;
2 Corinthians
1:21; Galatians 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2
Timothy
2:1-3,10-12; Hebrews 12:1-17; James 1:4,12,25; Revelation 2-3 (all).
Faithfulness:
Old Testament: Exodus 14:14; Numbers 14:8-9; Psalms 37 (all), 101
(all), 107 (all);
Isaiah 58 (all); Jeremiah (all).
New Testament: Mark 9:23, 11:22-26; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians
2:16-21; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Philemon 1:6; Hebrews 11 (all); James 1:27.
Honor:
New Testament: Romans 2:7; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Philippians 4:8; Hebrews
5:4, 13:8.
Humility:
Old Testament: Numbers 12:3; Psalms 37:11, 113 (all), 138 (all), 145:14-16;
Proverbs 11:2, 15:33, 16:19, 22:4, 25:6-7; Isaiah 66:1-3; Jeremiah (all) see
45:5; Daniel 4:37, 9:3; Micah 6:6-9; Zephaniah 2:1-3.
New Testament: Matthew 5:5, 18:2-4, 19:25-28, 20:26, 23:2-12; Luke
14:8-11,
18:14; John 13:5-15, 17:4-5; Acts 14:9-19, 18:24-26; Romans 12:1-3, 10,
16; 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, 4:44-11, 7:6, 10:12-13,18, 12:9, 13:9; Ephesians 4:1-2; Philippians
2:3-10; Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 5:1-2; James 2:1, 4:6-10;
1 Peter 3:8-12, 5:5-7.
Imitators of Elohim:
New Testament: Ephesians 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2:14-16, 5:4-8;
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; Hebrews 6:12; 2 Peter 1:4-11, 3:10-14;
1 John 1:6-7, 2:6.
Integrity:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 16:19; Psalms 15(all), 24:1-6, 26(all);
Proverbs (all); Micah 6:8.
New Testament: Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 7:2; Philippians
4:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 1 Peter 2:4-12.
Joyful:
Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 15:16; Psalms (Throughout) see, 21:1-6,
126 (all);
Proverbs (Throughout); Isaiah 51:7-11, 52:7-10, 56:6-8.
New Testament: Matthew 25:14-23; Acts 8:4-8; 2 Corinthians (all), 8:1-3;
1 Peter 1:3-9; 1 John 1:1-4.
Loving:
Old Testament: Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms (all); Proverbs (all).
New Testament: Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-33; Luke 6:31-35; John
13:34,
15:12; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 16:13-14; Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians
5:2,25-27; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 John 4:7-8; 1 Peter 4:8.
Mercy:
Old Testament: Exodus 25 (all); Psalms (all); Proverbs (all),
Isaiah 63:9;
Micah 6:8.
New Testament: Matthew 5:7, 23:23; Luke 6:36, 9:22-24; Romans 9
(all), 12:8; Colossians 3:12-13; Hebrews 9:5; James 2:13; 1 Peter
1:3-2:10.
Obedience:
Old Testament: Leviticus 19:36-37, 20:22; Deuteronomy (all); 1
Samuel
15:22-23; 2 Kings 17:37; Ezra 7:23; Psalms 106 (all); Ecclesiastes 12:13; Jeremiah
38:20; Daniel 7:27.
New Testament: Luke 11:28; Romans 6:17; Ephesians 6:6-8; Philippians
2:5-18; 1 Timothy 6:14-18; 2 Timothy 1:7; James 1:22, 2:10; 1 Peter 1:14.
Prayerful:
Old Testament: Psalms 37:3-7, 116:1-2; Isaiah 44:24-26.
New Testament: Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; James 5:13-18.
Prepared:
Old Testament: Daniel 6:5.
New Testament: Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 12:35-40; 2 Timothy 2:15.
Productive/Efficient:
New Testament: Ephesians 5:15-17; Titus 3:8-9.
Reverent:
Old Testament: Psalms (all); Proverbs (all); Isaiah 45:9.
New Testament: 1 Peter 1:17-19.
Righteous:
Old Testament: Psalms (all); Hosea (all); Micah 6:8.
New Testament: Matthew 5:10,13-20,48: Mark 4:24; Luke 16:1-13;
Romans 6:4, 13:13; 1 Corinthians 15:33-34; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Ephesians
4:1-3; Philippians 1:9-11,27-29; Colossians 1:21-23; 1 Thessalonians
1:6-7; 1 Timothy 4:8-9.
Seeking:
Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 105:4; Proverbs 2:1-5; Isaiah
26:8; Amos (all); Zephaniah 2:3.
New Testament: Matthew 6:25-34; Colossians 3:1-2; Hebrews 11:6; Revelation
22:17.
Singing:
Old Testament: Psalms 5:11-12, 27:6, 147:7; Jeremiah 31:7.
New Testament: Ephesians 5:19-20; Philippians 4:4-9.
Submissive:
Old Testament: Joshua 4:1-10.
New Testament: Titus 3:1-2; Hebrews 13:17; James 4:7.
Thankful:
Old Testament: Psalms 7:17, 9:1-6, 30:10-12, 50(all), 57:7-11, 75(all), 97:10-12,
100(all), 106:1, 107(all), 116-117(all), 119(all), 136(all), 138(all), 140(all);
Ecclesiastes 7:14; Jonah 2:9.
New Testament: Acts 24:2-3; Philippians 4:6,11-13; Colossians
1:9-12, 3:15-17, 4:2; 1 Timothy 6:6-12.
Truthful:
Old Testament: Psalms 117(all); Jonah 2:9; Zechariah 8:16-17.
New Testament: John 3:2,20-21, 16:13-14, 17:17; 2 Corinthians
13:5-11; Ephesians 4:25-32; Colossians 3:9; Hebrews 6:17-20; 3 John
1:3-4.
Wholehearted:
Old Testament: Joshua 24:15.
New Testament: Matthew 19:27-30.
Wise:
Old Testament: Job 28:12-19, 32:9; Proverbs (all), 2:1-20, 3:13-26, 7:4
New Testament: Matthew 7:24-25; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, 13:11; Ephesians
5:15-17; Colossians 4:5-6; James 3:13-17
Other significant passages:
Old Testament: Psalms 119(all); Hosea (all).
New Testament: Ephesians 4:14-16; Colossians 3:8-17; 1
Thessalonians 3:11-13, 4:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 2:2-13; 1 Peter
1:14-16, 2:1-3, 4:15-16; 1 John 3:4-11; 3 John 1:11.
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