Are You Sanctified in Truth?

In today’s text, Yeshua makes a very moving statement. He “sanctified Himself” in order for others to be sanctified. We could spend all day discussing the simple fact that even Yeshua, the Son of the Most High, had to choose to set Himself apart. As we see here, one of His primary motivations was in order to set others apart as holy unto His Father. If we miss this simple statement, and presume that the Son was some superhuman deity that was just “born holy”, then we will equally miss the wonderful fullness of His work on our behalf. He willfully *chose* to “sanctify Himself.” The Hebrew equivalent of “sanctified” first appears all the way back at Creation (Genesis 2:3.) Creator Yahweh spoke and said that He had “blessed and sanctified the Sabbath.” It’s always worth noting that this is the only day of the seven that He did such a thing to. It was holy, then. It is holy, now. It is distinct, hallowed and set apart. And so is the Son. And so then are we who entrust our very lives into His incredible work on our behalf. We too are called to be a holy and set apart people unto Yahweh, in like manner. Sadly, we live in an “everything is holy now, in Jesus” culture that has lost the understanding of set-apartedness. If “everything is holy”, then nothing is, by very definition. (Think on that, won’t you?) In an age where sanctification (set apartedness/holiness) has been almost entirely removed from culture – or at best has been made into some internal spiritual condition alone, that has no outward demonstration – I would suggest that it is time that we return. And lastly, Yeshua added that those who follow Him must be “sanctified by (or through) truth.” In a world full of offerings, opinions and ideas, where is truth? Is there absolute truth anymore? Even mainstream Christian belief systems that defend the Bible to no end, compartmentalize and cherry-pick what is true today, for the Believer. “That” is archaic and dispensationalized away as merely “cultural.” It’s just not “truth”…. today anyway. Well, how did Yeshua define truth? His Father’s Word. The Word when Yeshua walked the earth was the Torah and the Prophets. This is what He learned. This is how He knew what it even meant to “be sanctified.” Then, this is what He taught others. This is what He taught us. This was and is truth. In a world full of chaos, confusion and false freedom to simply live as one pleases, absolutes remains. The Word and the incredible testimony of Yeshua. Perhaps this is why we see what we do, at the end of the age. Revelation 12:17 “So the dragon became enraged at the woman and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring - those who keep the commandments of Elohim and hold to the testimony of Yeshua.” What does this mean for you today, my friend? Are you sanctified?

Desires of the Heart

Almost fourteen years ago now, my wife and I were both 37 years of age. In December of that year, we discovered that we were going to have our first child. We had already been married for over ten years and had become quite comfortable and set in our plans. We had, of course, discussed having children over those years, but the thought was always cast aside, especially as we were nearing 40. Usually due to my own selfishness and fears. I was fully convinced that I never wanted children (as crazy as that sounds.) I vividly remember the day that I was driving alone, crying out to Father about my insecurities, fears and questions, relating to becoming a father. I didn’t know how to be a father. How would we take care of a child? What would have to change? I had many questions… many fears. Then, today’s verse came to mind. As sure as I’m sitting here this morning, I knew that this was the voice of my Father speaking it to me. I remember saying, out loud, “What in the world do you mean? *This* is not the desire of my heart!” I may have even thrown in a “Are You crazy?!?” question and sounded a bit like Abraham and Sarah. Next, however, came this. I heard the voice of Father speak to me, in my innermost place. The place where the real me resides. “Joel, I know the innermost desires of your heart. Even the places that you just don’t even know exist yet. Trust Me.” As I arrived home that evening, I went straight to my wife and repented to her, and to my Father for being so selfish and fearful. That night was truly one of the most powerful spiritual moments of my life. I embraced the gift that He was bringing to us, even if I thought that I somehow knew better than He. From that moment on, I was changed. Of course, I still had many fears and concerns that didn’t just instantly vanish, but from there my heart was set. Thankfully, here we are today – parents of an awesome boy that is ever so quickly becoming a young man. Father did know the desires of my heart, even before I knew of them myself. Being a father is one of the greatest joys of my life. Today, I cannot even imagine not having our son in our life. What about you, friend? Entrust your everything to Him today and then believe that whatever He brings is for your good, even if you cannot see it as such in the moment. Let us commit our ways to Him fully. Trust in Him today. He is good. Selah.

Grass Withers

Life and time. Two things that move on without any ability to slow them down or stop them. Despite man’s attempts to capture and harness them both, lives end and time continues to move forward. The future becomes the present and even more quickly, the present becomes the past.

As a 1991 high school graduate, I was one of only 7 in my class. Attending an extremely small Christian school in the Midwest had many perks. One being we were all extremely close, relationally, as you would expect. However, time moved on and here over thirty three years later, most of us don’t have any clue whatsoever about one another at all. Just last week, I learned that another one of my classmates passed away in September. The second already. No one called me. No one sent a message. I guess that I should have randomly seen it on social media, but I don’t really use it, so I remained ignorant. Like it or not, time changes things. It changes us.

I don’t know about your world, but people all around me are sick. It seems someone in our sphere of life has some connection to a death almost weekly now. This has been happening all year long. Friends, all humanity is like grass. We had better face it. Whether we’re 20, 80 or 51 like me. So, what remains? What does it mean when we read that the word of Yahweh endures forever? What even is it? Do we know?

Today might be a good day to start pondering upon these things, if you don’t already. Many seem to talk as though they’re invincible. Too occupied to deeply consider eternal matters. Man has always been this way. I guess we all used to feel that way, in some measure. Some of you need to turn off your phone, clear your calendar, take a quiet walk and take a sober look at your life today.

What are we doing? What will last beyond us? What of our lives has been literally built upon Father’s word that will remain?

Who is this "God" That You Speak Of?

 

Roughly six years ago now, my wife first asked a very intriguing question: "Why do we never speak the 'name of God?'" I responded with, "You know… I don't know." After this, we embarked into an ongoing journey of rediscovering what has been lost. An intimate Creator Who has revealed His intimate Name.

As this simple image depicts, most people have no issue clearly stating the names of false deities in order to differentiate one from another. Names clearly distinguish one from another. Yet, in regards to the Elohim of all other Elohim, it just doesn’t seem to matter. He is simply “God” and that is somehow sufficient.

In an age where people believe all manner of things. When they place their hope and trust in all kinds of spiritual forces and deities. Now, as much as ever, it needs made clear that my Father’s Name is not “God.” His Name is not Lord. Names are personal and signify clearly who one is speaking to or about. Despite pagan gods getting the esteem of their name forever properly recorded and spoken, Yahweh has somehow been demeaned down to "God" by the religious majority. This is grievous.

In light of the Word and the endless importance given to His Great Name specifically, let us strive to call on the Name of Yahweh, our Elohim. There is none like Him! He is deserving of our declaring His Great Name – Yahweh! 

 

For more about this topic, click HERE.

Is Anyone Thirsty?

As I’m always saying, what was, is still today. This ancient question, “is anyone thirsty?” continues to go out.

Many today are turning to political figures, celebrities and “leaders” for guidance, direction and sustenance, but there is only one true Source. The same Source that has always been. Many come in His Name today yet speak promises that are merely rooted in falsehood and temporal pleasures of the kingdoms of men.

So, let this question continue to be put forth! Is anyone thirsty? There is an eternal wellspring of life for you, friend. The key is equally as old – you must deny yourself and abandon your own thoughts and ways.

Return to Yahweh today, friend. Cry out for Him alone to be your Source. He is sufficient. He is offering living waters that will never run dry. Just like He always has done. Selah.