The Time of the End
Many believers in Yahweh watch the news with more alarm these days. Things seem to be getting worse, not better. We are bombarded with images of war, natural disasters, and an ailing economy. Of course we know that as believers, we are not to be troubled by these bad tidings if we trust in Yahweh.
In 1 Peter 4:17 we read, “For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of Elohim: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the evangel of Elohim?”
It is clear that when Peter wrote this, a desire to encourage the believers to stand firm in the face of suffering and trial, was foremost in his mind. He used the term “the end” on four occasions.
The first use of the term followed an explanation of the nature and benefits of theevarious trials in a believer’s life. The result
would be a pure, effective faith now, as well as receiving the “end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:9), the final ultimate deliverance of our whole person.
Then we find in 1:13, “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Yahshua Messiah.” In other words, our minds should be completely ready for action, sober and expectant, focused on the ultimate resolution of all trials.
Then we learn in 4:7 that the “end of all things is at hand.” Our response should be to remain sober and pray! This means to be of sound judgment, especially watchful as we pray, with eternity in mind.
Finally, we return to our original scripture, 1 Peter 4:17. The time of judgment on both believers and non-believers looms ever nearer. But Yahweh’s cleansing of His people has already begun. At times it is not pleasant, but is very beneficial to our ultimate goal of seeking first the Kingdom. This warning should motivate us to live our lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh.
A number of years ago, game wardens attempted to help a Canadian goose that flew into Wisconsin with an arrow lodged in her body. They tried to catch her using tranquilizer-laced grain, but she avoided eating it. The poor goose even managed to evade the cannon-fired nets that were hurled at her. After a month, the goose became so exhausted that the game wardens were able to trap her and remove the arrow with surgery. The goose recovered fully and was able to be
returned to freedom. If the goose could think, it is easy to imagine her wondering why she had stayed away from those nice people for so long!
Being Yahshua’s followers means becoming a slave in order to be free; becoming weak so that through His strength we may become strong. Following Yahshua is not struggling to stay aloft with a broken wing or a serious wound. It is being secure in the One who loves us enough to capture us and cure us, even when we want to go the other way. Ask yourself: In what way does pride keep me from enjoying the full benefits of belonging to Yahshua? The only way to be free is to let Yahshua take a hold of you. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Quit These 5 Habits!
1.
Don’t overanalyze or overcomplicate situations. Really, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Pray that Yahweh will show you what He wants, not what you want.
2.
Don’t be consumed by the negative possibilities. Think positive and trust that Yahweh will work everything to his purpose.
3.
Don’t insist on being perfect in everything. Try your best at whatever you need to do, but accept that not every one has the same talents. We all are good at some things and not others.
4.
Don’t do it alone. Ask for help when you need it.
5.
Don’t get angry when things don’t go according to plan. Try to roll with the punches. Oftentimes, funny or delightful memories are made when things go opposite to the plan! One person remembers getting lost on a road trip, but finding a beautiful scenic route instead. Make the most of these opportunities.
Just Wait
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried. Quietly, patiently, lovingly [Yahweh] replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate. And the Master so gently said, “Child, you must wait!”
“Wait? You say, wait!” my indignant reply. “[Master], I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard? By FAITH I have asked, and am
claiming Your Word.”
My future and all to which I can relate hangs in the balance, and you tell me to WAIT?”
“I’m needing a ‘yes, a go-ahead sign, or even a ‘no’ to which I can resign.”
“And [Master], you promised that if we believe, We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And [Master], I’ve been asking, and this is my cry; I’m weary of asking! I need a reply!”
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate as my Master replied once again, “You must wait.”
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut and grumbled to [Yahweh],
“So, I’m waiting...for what?”
He seemed then to kneel and His eyes wept with mine, and He tenderly said,
“I could give you a sign. I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun, I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.
All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be. You would have what you want—but, you wouldn’t know ME. You’d not know the depth of my love for each saint; you’d not know the power that I give to the faint.
You’d not learn to see through clouds of despair; you’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there. You’d not know the joy of resting in me when darkness and silence were all you could see.
You’d never experience that fullness of love as the peace of my Spirit descends like a dove. You’d know that I give and save…(for a start), but you’d not know the depth of
the beat of my heart.
The glow of my comfort late into the night; the faith that I give when you walk without sight. The depth that’s beyond getting just what you asked. Of an infinite [Elohim], who makes what you have LAST.
You’d never know, should your pain quickly flee, what it means that ’My grace is sufficient for thee.’ Yes, your dreams for your loved ones, overnight would come true, but, oh the loss!...if I lost what I’m doing in you!
So, be silent my child...and in time you will see that the greatest of gifts is to get to know me. And though oft may my answers seem terribly late, my wisest of answers is still but to WAIT.”
(Author Unknown)
Little Kitchen Tips that Work!
1.
When browning ground beef, add water to the pan. Instead of the grease frying into the meat it comes out into the water and can be poured out.
2.
Use hot milk instead of cold when mashing potatoes. You’ll be surprised at the difference in lightness of the potatoes!
3.
If you are prone to boil-overs when cooking rice or dry pasta, try greasing the top 2 inches of the inside of the pot. The water will stay just where it should.
4.
Substitute lemon juice for vinegar in salad and vegetable recipes. It will give your recipe extra zip!
5.
When cooking cabbage, place a piece of celery in the pot. It will prevent odors from filling your house!
6.
When making meatloaf, place the meat and other ingredients in a plastic bag and zip it shut. Then simply knead the mixture together in the bag. This way you won’t need to wash your hands or a mixing bowl!
7.
For a super quick, child-friendly smoothie, simply blend a peeled banana, a tray of ice cubes, and about a cup and a half of orange juice.
8.
You can freeze leftover cooked rice or barley. Then you can simply defrost when needed for a simple side dish or use in recipes.
9.
Red potatoes make great potato salads because their skin is so thin you don’t need to peel them. They also don’t absorb excess dressing or break apart as easily.
