Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.“

2 Timothy 3:16-17

My son recently figured out that no matter what path he wants to take in life, if he wants to make money he will need a job and a job often requires education. More than high school. He’s looked at several industries and the requirements of education vary wildly, but there is always SOME kind of further education. I don’t know whether he thinks this is an okay thing or a horrible thing. Even humans doing strictly human-level things know that training is required if you want to accomplish things effectively and well.

We learned the pattern from Adonai. He taught it to us because it is THE pattern that makes our trust in Him strengthen. It’s one thing to believe something. That’s important. But it is another thing to trust in it. I can believe that I can run a marathon or jump over a gap. But if I haven’t trained my muscles to accomplish it, I won’t make it no matter how much I believe. On the other hand, I could train my body to perfection but fail to believe I can do it and forever stand at the starting line without ever trying. They are linked concepts. Belief, though, is a simple matter of the MIND. Trust is a whole-person endeavour. I can BELIEVE based on my intellect, past actions, or evidence – although it is essential to TRUST our sources if we are going to believe them. I can ONLY trust through the Word. The Word must be HEARD, it must be heard with ACTIVE LISTENING, it needs to penetrate by HEART with revelation knowledge from Ruach HaKodesh, it needs to be confirmed by my SPIRIT, and THEN I am able to trust. I must hear by full-body HEARING.

That is why we declare scripture out loud. We’re not conning anyone. We’re not forcing Adonai’s hand. We’re not using a formula to make things manifest. By speaking out the Word, we are coming into agreement with Adonai about what HE has said, what HE wants to happen, and HIS will (which can include timing). It is like doing push ups and sit ups. We are using our spoken words to speak His Word in order to exercise our muscles of trust in Him. We are LEARNING. We are ABSORBING. We are essentially eating and digesting the Word so that our bodies can turn that material into energy and thereby function. It is the foundation that we build our belief on. We CAN believe from many places but when we TRUST a source, our belief is firmer. If we don’t TRUST that Adonai’s will is to heal completely, in full, almost immediately, we won’t be able to believe it effectively. We ONLY get that kind of trust in the character of Adonai by delving into the Word and really digesting what it says.

Being equipped comes from the Word – hearing the Word in our mouths and the mouths of anointed preachers/teachers – because the Word is full of our equipment instructions. It tells us of the Fruit that has been grown for us to consume. It tells us about the armour that we have been given permission to wear AND how to use it. It tells us about everything we need, everything we’ve been given, and it tells us exactly how we are to use it. When we have read the instructions, we are ready. No preparation time is wasted time. And the Word is DESIGNED to prepare us. It is also a handy field manual for when we are out doing what we’ve been called to. And it is a resting/restoring balm for after we have accomplished a task. It is an all-purpose equipping toolbox that makes us ready for every stage of our journey from beginning to beyond the end. From the begats to the it was goods. From the songs to the sermons. Everything in it gives us a benefit. Tells us a truth. And prepares us for another stage – whether it’s the one we’re on, about to go on, or far in the future. It is VITAL and it was written by Ruach HaKodesh for each and every one of us.

Take advantage of every moment you have to spend time in it. It is transformational (Romans 12:2). Also, we have the author of the book living inside us ready to give us commentary, explanation, and insight on the whole thing, cover to cover. Start letting yourself get prepared and equipped. The time is coming when you’re going to need to be ready. And we can’t be ready without the Word. Start getting on your equipment today.

Daily Affirmation of the Goodness of Elohim: 2 Kings 6:17

“Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Yahweh, please open his eyes that he may see,” and Yahweh opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw, and look, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” There are times that we have weak trust. Those are the times we are like the servant. Other times we have strengthened trust. Those are the times we are like Elisha. At BOTH times we have the SAME trust (Romans 12:3). We have Adonai’s trust given to us so that we can trust (Mark 11:22) in the same we have Adonai’s love given to us to that we can love (1 John 4:19). The AMOUNT never changes. What changes is what we can accomplish with it. We either work it so that it is developed and strengthened – much like we work out our bodies with exercise. Or we don’t work it out and let it go to flab – much like when we choose potato chips and Netflix over gym sessions. What’s great is that Adonai NEVER stops speaking to us and encouraging us to speak His words. That’s great because it is the Word spoken and heard by our conscious minds that strengthens, develops, and deepens our trust in Jesus (Romans 10:17). Adonai gave us THE tool we need to succeed and then IMMEDIATELY started using it. He spoke in the Garden. He spoke after they left the Garden. He spoke to Noah. Spoke to Abraham. Spoke to Moses. Spoke to Joshua. Spoke to Gideon. Spoke to David. Spoke to Solomon. Spoke to Jehoshaphat. Spoke to John. Spoke to Timothy. Adonai has NEVER stopped speaking. Adonai has NEVER stopped encouraging US to speak (Psalm 19:14; Psalm 81:10; Deuteronomy 30:14; Joshua 1:8). He gave us THE tool to interact with the Kingdom and has ALWAYS made sure we are ABLE to use it properly and effectively (if we choose to). No barriers. What a GOOD God!

Your Daily Confession of Elohim’s Goodness:

I taste and see that Yahweh is good; I am blessed because I take refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8