Fear No Fear

(All scripture from the NET, netbible.org, all rights reserved)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21 (emphasis added)

This verse clearly states a principle found throughout scripture. When dealing with Adonai, there are only two options. It is a binary scenario. A or B. Life or death. Every word we speak (the tongue) produces either life or death. There is NO middle ground. ““Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. Offspring of vipers! How are you able to say anything good, since you are evil? For the mouth speaks from what fills the heart. The good person brings good things out of his good treasury, and the evil person brings evil things out of his evil treasury. I tell you that on the day of judgment, people will give an account for every worthless word they speak. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:33-37). We love compromises, but Jesus shows us He is in TOTAL agreement with the Old Covenant. If something isn’t life it is death. Paul put it this way: “But the man who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not do so from faith, and whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). You are either FOR Adonai and His point of view, or you are against Him (Luke 11:23).

Everything about our existence in this material creation is programmable. We either program it for life or we program it for death. Since that life is the Light that is the Life of humanity, it MUST be discerned and engaged spiritually. “Then Jesus spoke out again, “I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”” (John 8:12). Anything outside of Jesus leads to death in the end. Everything that comes from or through Jesus leads to life. We do this by WORDS. Either we say and take in words that are life-focused or we say and take in words that are death-focused. The reason we need Jesus, is that the things of the Spirit are foolishness to those outside Jesus. “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is understood by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to advise him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). Since we have the mind of Christ available to us, we really need to engage it.

Jesus was about abundant life (John 10:10). Jesus got everything He said from His Father (John 12:49). Jesus kept His mind stayed on the Father and the point of view the Father had on things (Isaiah 26:3; Ephesians 1:18). If we want to walk in the abundant life that Jesus did (blessed emotionally, mentally, physically, materially, financially, relationally, and spiritually), we need to do what He did and keep our minds on Adonai and the Word.

We need to recognise Adonai’s blessings in every aspect of our lives. Throughout our everyday living. Even in the smallest things. It helps to keep our minds and hearts following Him. This might mean keeping a distance from people who always speak negatively. This might mean not watching or reading things focused on thinking that doesn’t line up with Adonai’s. By keeping our focus on things that line up with Him, we will naturally keep our focus on Him. It won’t be because those things will make us think of Him. Rather, it will be because we’ll be constantly thinking of Him to vet what we do and do not expose ourselves to. While we are NOT to live in a bubble (Matthew 5:13-16; 28:19-20; Luke 14:23; Acts 1:7-8), it is US who should be influencing the environment we find ourselves in and not the other way around. This is accomplished by us listening to the prompting of Ruach HaKodesh and going where HE wants and calls us to, not where we think we might want to be.

Our input should focus on life. We have been given seven categories to accomplish that. Everything we say, do, watch, listen to, or read should fall into one of those categories. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9). Focusing on these things will focus us on the things that are all about LIFE. It will change your atmosphere when you do it in Jesus. It will change your circumstances when you do it in Jesus. It will change the reality of who you are and what is ‘real’ for you, if you do it in Jesus.

Things that are TRUE. The word for true is aléthés (al-ay-thace’), meaning unconcealed, worthy of credit, truthful, and something that is an undeniable reality when fully tested and ultimately shown to be fact. That discounts a LOT of human thinking, since we are often floundering around in the dark trying to explain or categorise what we observe – which may not be what is really occurring. Sadly, it also is becoming more and more apparent that most of the news cycle fails this simple test. Stories and viewpoints are being reported, not facts (certainly not ALL the facts. Just look at how often a sports athlete gets cut off with ‘technical problems’ when they give Jesus glory). Adonai is not afraid for the search for truth. He TELLS us to test things against the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). If ANYONE tests what Adonai says, the exact way that Adonai says it, they will ALWAYS find it to be true. We find truth when we are faithful with our seeking of Him.

Things that are worthy of RESPECT. The Greek word here is semnos (sem-nos’), meaning reverend, venerable, serious, honourable, dignified, and weighty. Something deeply respected because it is viewed as majestic. Something that is to be venerated for its character. As a society, we tend toward cheap things. Cheap thrills. Cheap titillation. Empty ‘reality’ that is scripted to make sure there is a maximum of drama, maximum of immorality, and a general lowering of standards. We see it in music, drama, comedy, television, feature films, children’s programming, books, magazines, art, and comics. There are personalities who are working overtime to get to the point that everything is permissible. So that no content will be considered inappropriate, too far, or unacceptable. A power drive toward epicureanism (if it feels good you are justified in doing it and don’t anyone DARE to disagree with me). It takes careful thinking and prayer to find material that has the gravitas of character this verse is talking about. Hard to find? Yes. Worth finding? Absolutely. Is everything else worth tossing out? Yes. You might not know what people are talking about at the water cooler the day after the favoured show comes on, but your brain will be exposed to a lot less trash and programming toward immorality. It isn’t ‘inclusive’. It is dangerous. We keep ourselves from these things by exercising self-control.

Whatever is JUST. The Greek is dikaios (dik’-ah-yos), meaning correct, righteous, by implication innocent, especially acceptable from Adonai’s point of view: righteous. In other words, conformity to Adonai’s own standard of rightness. This one is a hard one. There is a LOT that humanity says is right. That feels right. That seems right to our reasoning. We cite all sorts of things from biological ‘needs’ to an inability to control the heart to not wanting to leave anyone out to saying that if it is good for them, let them do it. It is the idea that we are in some way discriminating against them for having an opinion founded on Adonai’s point of view. But the reality is that Adonai is OBJECTIVE and His point of view is also OBJECTIVE. It exists as pure righteousness regardless of whether ANYONE agrees or WANTS to comply. Look at a simple example. Ask the world and everyone would agree that an older man (50+) has no business or right to be completely naked and playing in the same area as young (5-6yr old) children. Police would be called. Charges laid. However, put that exact circumstance in the framework of an LGTBQ+ pride event and there is a pause. All of a sudden there is a huge number of fors and againsts. From a HUMAN point of view, it is no longer clear. However Adonai does not waver in His opinion (Hebrews 13:8) because He is not our creation, does not conform to our ideals and thoughts, and exists completely separate from us. He IS. Though it is hard and there can be a LOT of pushback from special interest groups, we are ALWAYS best served holding to HIS ideas and not our own – no matter how harmless they seem. When we humbly submit, knowing and acknowledging our place vs His place, this becomes much simpler.

Whatever is PURE. The Greek word is hagnos (hag-nos’), meaning pure either ethically, ritually, or ceremonially. It means being without spoliation down to the centre of one’s being, not mixed with guilt or anything condemnable. Doing nothing illegal or unethical. Nothing leading to ruin or destruction (especially in a moral or value sense). Purity expressed toward others is a form of kindness. Not looking for selfish gain. Not looking to take what is not ours. Not choosing to refuse to work for advancement. To go out of our way to do the right thing. Think the right thing. Say the right things. Because it is a kindness to give others the value they have. Not just on human scale, but the value Adonai says they have. When we are kind, we are not looking to be negative. When we are kind, we are looking to be ethical people (being in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, especially the standards of a profession). Kindness is more than a smile. It is a lifestyle of lifting others up.

Whatever is LOVELY. The Greek is prosphilés (pros-fee-lace’), and means pleasing, acceptable, and grateful. It is affectionate caring of others in a proper way worthy of personal affection. It is worth the effort to have done it and embracing it as a lifestyle. It is cultivating gentleness toward each other. It is a popular idea to be nice to our fellow humans (male and female), but something that doesn’t often come into play. Sometimes, we aggrandise the opposite (like the Karens you find on social media). But true gentleness will always seek pleasing and acceptable (from Adonai’s point of view) interactions with each other. It will always be non-judgmental (Matthew 7:1-6). It will always be a turning of the cheek to make sure you’ve done all you can to help, assist, and lift up. You find this attitude throughout scripture from the Law (Leviticus 19:33-34) to Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5:43–44). We find this possible when we focus on goodness (all good things come from Him – James 1:17) – regardless of whether is is social, mental, physical, or societal.

Whatever is COMMENDABLE. The Greek is euphémos (yoo’-fay-mos), meaning well reported of, spoken in a kindly spirit, laudable, and reputable. It is speaking well to and of others. It is giving credit where credit is due. It is encouraging them. It takes patience sometimes. And certainly a love for everyone. A love that puts their needs on the same level as yours BUT doing all you can for them first. Serving. Servers have to be some of the most patient people on the planet to get through the day. The burden of always smiling, always making right, and always providing over and above service is wearying. It takes strong people with massive interpersonal skills to pull it off on the human level and Jesus’ character to manage it consistently.

Whatever is EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY. The Greek is areté (ar-et’-ay) for excellent. It means moral goodness, virtue, a gracious act, and uprightness displayed to enrich life. An excellence in body and/or mind. A virtuous course of thought, feeling and/or action. The Greek for praiseworthy is epainos (ep’-ahee-nos), meaning commendation, praise, and approval. More particularly, it is enthusiastic acknowledgment for what deserves commendation that’s appropriate because it relates to Adonai’s will. This is us choosing to submit to what we find in His Word. Using self-control to maintain an excellence of thought – especially when the thoughts are of His nature, character, kingdom, and moral guidance. It is us taking JOY in the things of Adonai instead of choosing to take joy in the things of the world. It is a conscious focusing of our attention in ALL things on Him and what He has to say about it – serious, simple, big, or small.

All of this will change how you live your life and how your mental landscape functions. If we focus on the things of LIFE, we will have a better life. If we focus on the rest, the quality of our lives will slowly deteriorate the more bondage we find ourselves in. Jesus does NOT leave us to try and force these things on our own. He GIVES us what we need to succeed. At ANY time, we can engage the Fruit that comes from the Spirit who dwells in us. We can engage this Fruit because we are abiding in Jesus by seeking Him as much as we can. Seeking Him in the Word, seeking Him in our thoughts, reflecting on what He says through Ruach HaKodesh in our spirits. When we are connected to Him (John 15:5) we are able to grasp the reality of our place in Him – the Righteousness of Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:21).

It is a battle in our minds. Will we accept what HE says we can be by embracing the abundant life He offers us in every sphere of our lives? We have as much freedom, as much anointing, as much blessing, and as much of His promises that we allow ourselves to trust that He gives us. No matter WHAT He offers, we have to believe He is offering it and trust that we can receive it. When we stay in the Word and keep meditating on Jesus in our hearts, we grow that trust (Romans 10:17). When we grow our trust, we can engage it because we believe it to be TRUTH. We can quash our doubts because our belief in what our trust shows us to be true is so strong. In HIM we have all that we need. He GIVES us the tools we need (Galatians 5:22-23). All we need to do is trust Him, believe, and engage what He gives us whenever we need them. We can live lives focused on words of LIFE: ours AND His. It makes ALL the difference. When we love them like He says we should, we get to eat the fruit of that life. It is GOOD fruit.

Daily Affirmation Jesus IS Messiah: Isaiah 35:4

“Tell those who panic, “Be strong! Do not fear! Look, your God comes to avenge; with divine retribution he comes to deliver you.”” Messiah will come and save you. His NAME means salvation. Not a simple military victory, but a total deliverance. The word deliver is the Hebrew word yasha (yaw-shah’) meaning to be safe or to be the cause to free and/or succour someone. To avenge, defend, be their deliverer, help, preserve, rescue, make safe, bring (because you have it) salvation, to get them victory, or in other words, to be their saviour. This is what Messiah was to be. “She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Spoken by the Angel Gabriel, this was prophesied about Jesus. He would be the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) who would redeem us spiritually and bless us with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). Jesus would also be the Messiah the Conquering King coming to deliver Creation in a very physical way (Revelation 19:11-16) – something still in our future, but just as guaranteed as the first was. Jesus IS the Messiah!

Your Daily Confession of Jesus/Yeshua’s Identity:

Yeshua is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Matthew 16:16b