DEVOTIONAL
Pursue what matters most

In the book of Romans, Paul begs Believers to give their entire lives over to God because God sacrificed everything for them. Yeshua gave up His life so that we could experience His unending love and grace. We cheapen His gifts if we refuse to align our lives with the way Yeshua lived.

But we give our lives to God by making Him the one thing we pursue above anything else.

So here are 5 steps you can practice—right now—to help you put God first.

Give thanks
“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”
Psalms 75:1 ESV

Right now, take a moment to thank God for what He’s already done for you. Reflect on His faithfulness, and recount the stories you have seen and heard of His wonderful power.

Spend 5 minutes in silence
“Abide in me, and I in you.”
John 15:4 ESV

Abiding in Yeshua starts with stillness. So right now, pause, take a deep breath, and give anything concerning you over to God. Spend 5 minutes centering your heart on the One who matters most.

Remember Whose you are
“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

God loves you. The price He paid for you cost Him everything. So remind yourself of Whose you are, and reflect on some of the things God says about you.

Meditate on God’s Word
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
Psalms 119:97 ESV

One of the best ways to find out how Yeshua wants you to live is by spending time in Scripture. As you do, ask God to speak to you through His Word about what His will is.

Focus on what is excellent
“…If there is any excellence … think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 ESV

You have been given the mind of Messiah. If you’re not sure what you should think about, try asking yourself: What is praiseworthy? What thoughts and actions would honor God?

Make a list of whatever comes to mind, and pursue those things.

By practicing these steps every day, you can create habits that will help you pursue intimacy with God every day, and put Him first above everything else.

There is a concept that man was created to sin or that God created man knowing he would sin. The idea of free will really does mean that sin is a choice. Did our Creator intend for us to be disobedient? Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him male and female He created them.” Because we are made in the image of God, making the statement that we are created to sin would mean that the Creator Himself would sin, we are created in His image not to sin but to have a righteous relationship with the one who created us.

"Thus saith Yahweh, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and withdraweth his heart from Yahweh."

Jer 17

Some would count it as humility to never say that you know something. But when the Father says to work in his vineyard, to say, "I don't know what he means", when you know full well what he means, is simply disobedience and rebellion, not humility in any way. It is not humble to doubt God. Humility does not equal doubt, least of all when God himself has made something clear.

This is true of everything fundamental to morality: "The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" Ro 1. How much more when, in addition to this, God adds his perfect and preserved Word?

#sabbathposts 2023/07/15

Yahuah has One Name! Scripture says it! You can say and do as you wish, but Yahuah's Word says what it says so it is what it is and your opinion means nothing. It is Yahuah's Way, not your way. Does your vision match Yahuah's Word or are you using it to justify your actions against Yahuah's Word? There is a difference. Words mean things and only a fool would say otherwise. Be careful of your boldness towards Alahym!

Thought for Today: Sunday July 16:

To be grateful is to recognise the love of Adonai Elohiym in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existance is a gift of grace, for it brings with it immence graces from Him.