All Things In Common

 

 

In Acts of the Apostles we see a community of people who are committed to the Messiah and His teaching and His way of life.

They shared their lives, lifting one another up with encouragement and support.

We could all take another look at exactly what was happening in the lives of the people during those early days of the believers in the Messiah.

All had been given the scriptures growing up, knowing the teachings of God from Moses and the Prophets. They also would have had the wisdom of Solomon through the books of Proverbs. They also would have had historical data of the Israel on how it prospered and suffered depending on whether the ruler, priest, leaders and teachers were teaching the people to live with Gods Torah – teachings and laws, yet when the leaders failed to keep the commandments and Holy days and keeping their lives separated from the worlds (pagan) ways of life. We can see historically that Israel prospered when they obeyed God, Israel suffered defeat and loss and dispersion amongst the nations when they failed to obey.

So we see that when we come to the Messiah and our hearts and minds are seared by the Holy Spirit and as we are drawn to live Gods ways and keep his commandments, learning to understand how we can live together in peace and harmony.

We see the lives of the disciples are living unity of mind and purpose and supporting one another.

They lived together sharing one another’s lives, working together as a community helping one another enjoy each other company by being hospitable with one another.

Yet in today’s society it is so hard to be hospitable – people are afraid to share and invite people to their homes, sharing is hard when people do not trust each other – yet as fellow believers, building relationships within the community is highly important as we are called to be one body – each of us has their own role to play within each community to help build up the Kingdom of God here on earth. Inviting one another to break bread together, encouraging one another with words of comfort and psalms and hymns and always loving one another just as Yeshua loves us.

We really need to recognise we are all important to God, we all have a place in the Body of Christ – yet there are many times that we feel separated and cut off and out of the communities we are called to share in therefore it is incredibly important that we are honest and truthful to each other and sharing genuinely with one another.

This is the calling of God on our lives to Love One Another As He Loves Us.

The greatest gift we can give a fellow human being is Love and support. For without supporting one another we are in danger of being selfish and self centred and separated from God and His mercy and His Love and His generosity.

So next time you speak with your friend be genuinely interested in their lives, if you can encourage that person in some way do so. Lift each other up in prayer and love. Help one another find solutions to their troubles, listen to each other. Grow together. For without this support system the body falls to bits and nothing will remain. Yet when we start to be genuine with each other and start to really Love one another as God has called us to then we will start to see a difference in people lives.
 
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Genesis - Word for Today

Complete Jewish Bible-OE


I have recently reread Genesis and have had a wonderful time discovering the most amazing things that God did for his people - those that were called and were led into the desert.

The incredible mercy God has on mankind to allow human beings to be able re-cover the earth after the mighty flood, the incredible generosity of God to give us all that we have need of in the way of food, water, sky, sea, sun, moon, stars, We as a species are incredibly blessed.  God made us in His Own image to share in His wonderful handiwork.

For me it is just awesome that this amazing God and His angels look down on us and have mercy on us and want us to be given so much - yet we despise him, and reject him, deny his very existence yet all around us is the evidence of his handiwork.

All through Genesis you can see the thread of how beautiful God has led Mankind.  When Joseph was carried off and taken to Egypt - all seemed lost - yet out of the tragedy there came hope and salvation - for when the famines came on the world God had in place already Joseph who had taken care to follow Gods plans and prepared for the people - the storehouses of Egypt were full and there was plenty for everyone - even those that were outside Egypt were able to go buy from Egypt - we see just how important everything fitting together for God's purpose. 

Even on thier dying beds, both Jacob and Joseph predicted that the Israelites would be led out of Egypt and taken back to the promised land.

WE today in our society fail to see the Hand of God in the movements in the earths events.  Yet His hand is definitely in control.  For without his intervention we would be annihilated by the decisions of those in office - determined to win at all cost - using bombs and terrorisim to affect their ends.

Yet Here is God - looking down and seeing just what an outcry mankind had become - again, he must be thinking "what have I done - allowing this mankind to continue" it seems we never seem to learn the lessons of history - yet many look to history for the evidence of how to behave.  We really do not look far enough back to see just how much we are dependent on God and his ways to live the life of peace with our neighbours.

For me, when I read the scriptures and see just how much we could learn from the facts which are clear to see - on how these terrible times in Israel and the Arab nations - who by the way are brothers and cousins to each other as they are both of the Seed of Abraham.  They along with many families in Asia are also related to Abraham.  For when you check out the names of the families - the son of Abraham both from his wife Sarah and his concubines you will realise just how far and wide the sons of Abraham are spread.  We are all in some way related to each other. 

When God gave Abraham the promise that ALL NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED BECAUSE OF ABRAHAM - it makes you wonder just what the Blessing is that God is talking about - could it be restoration back to the Father Creator because it is only through the line of Judah that we have the safe keepers of the Word as it was - it is only through the history of the nations which were developed from the sons of Abraham does the World really have any secure path of living in peace.

Perhaps we should all take a closer look at what the book of Genesis has to offer and start to understand the historical significance of how today is played out.  While we ignore the truth in the book of Genesis and ignore the fact that both Arabs and Jews are related they were both promised a share in the promises of God then perhaps we can start to come to some understanding on how to resolve the issues.

God gave Hagar - Ishmael - the father of the Arab nations a promise that his twelve sons would also be receiving a blessing alongside Isaac - yet because Isaac was the son of Sarah whom God had chosen to be the mother of Israel and many nations would be developed from his sons - we need to look at the concubines as well because Abraham had to send his concubines east ward from where they were because at the time there was not enough room for them all - you can imagine the amount of people we are talking about - all shepards tending to their flocks and livestock - it is an amazing story of how the East and West were populated by the Sons of Abraham - how the sons of Abraham were spread about the whole earth - even to the isle of the sea - which means there is possiblities that the Isles of the Sea would need to be researched to see which ones were in evidence in Abraham's time.

There is so much in the Bible which gives us hope and security in knowing that we are all one under God - he made us all equal in his sight - none of us are better than the other - we are all here because He has designed it that way.

For me the journey through the scriptures is not just a spiritual one but a step across time and space and events - a time of reflection of how things were and how things could be when we choose to follow Gods teachings and his precepts.

It is amazing what you can learn about yourself as well when you see others feeling like you do and understanding the you are not alone - we are all here because we are wanted by God for a purpose - the thing is we as human beings need to discover for ourselves is how we can serve God best and understand His ways of doing things.

For me, discovering that God is so omnipotent and merciful and gracious and so incredible it makes me stand and look around at the amazing things He has done.

His Word - gave us the light in the heavens, His Word gave us Stars, Sea, Land.  By His Word all things were created, even the flies and the mosquito's have a place (although I am not sure what - as they are a nuisance)  Nevertheless God created everything in His order and at his command.

The scriptures are a great source of History - Even the archaeologist use the Bible to start their hunting for evidence - otherwise what would they have to give them any beginning of guidance - even with the history of the people around the world's own history there comes a point of "where did they come from" we are all here because God planned it that way.  He is also very able to squash us like bugs and wipe us all off the planet and start again if He should desire - he has done it before remember - in the time of Noah.

Remember also that Yeshua/Jesus said that as the days of Noah so shall His coming be.  Therefore we are called to watch and pray that we are not caught with our heads looking into the sand but rather looking up for His redemption draws nigh.

When reading the book of Genesis and reading how families were developed and the wonderment of why God created Man and Woman - (I myself had never felt the need to be with man -yet now I can see that there is a purpose even in that - I for one have struggled with marriage and understanding the importance and relevancy of it - looking at the scriptures there is a clear and divine pattern which evolves from it.)  I see that being married to the man or woman that God chooses for your life is very important - we often run ahead of God in choosing our own mate - with devastating results - broken homes - failed marriages, divorce.  God had not intended it to be that way.

When I look at the length of time Jacob had to wait to marry his beautiful Rachel and the length of their marriages - today's modern ways is a definite no no.  For me, if God saw fit to bring a man into my life that would be how He wanted him to be - I would accept it with all the grace that God would give to me to live with that person according to Gods ways.  (I have lived and married to two men in my life - yet both were not the man God would have chosen for me)  These things I have had to face.

Coming back to the Father and seeking his wisdom on the matter has been a real eye opener -taking me right back to the beginning of Genesis and seeing just how important a relationship with man and woman is - not just the bearing of children, but working as a team to develop ones life's journey with another human being.  That takes courage and patience and love - again something I am learning along the way.

I hope that when you read my word for today - you will see I am not trying to preach to anyone just hopefully share with you the inner-workings of my mind and share my experiences with you.

Your journey with God is your own.  Yet we all have something to contribute to one another.

My studies have brought me right back to the Father and I look for answers for my life and also in looking for the answers I can see the answers also for society at large.

I hope that as you read your Word of God and ask for wisdom and Him to teach you His ways -  you will be open minded enough to let the Holy Spirit to teach you all truths - do not go to God with precepts of your past life - Coming to God with an open heart and mind wanting to learn from him is vital.

Here is something I use for my journey.

Understanding your relationship

The Bible I use is Complete Jewish Bible-OE
On learning how to live the life and what it involved in it the Bible is the best source I know.
For me it has always been difficult to form relationships with anyone, until that is I made my commitment to Yeshua/Jesus, God.

For me to be here at all is amazing.  For me write anything down for others to see is a really incredible experience because when I started I just did not know how it was going to be.

I asked God to use me in the best possible way He wanted.  He made it clear he wanted to use me best to bring comfort to the people.

Well, this is the manner in which it seems fitting for me to do that.
From my own life experiences and my relationship with God and family this is something I hope will be of help to you.

First of all, I have lived the past 30 years walking on a more or less straight path with the Lord Yeshua, with various deviations as I choose to follow a path of my own choosing - yet all the time being drawn back to God and His ways.

I have not always been a believer in God - but I do always remember having some idea that there was some one bigger than me watching over me, and who was more powerful than me.

My relationship with God began when I was a young child even though I did not know him as my own personal God and Friend at the time.

I think most of us at some time in our lives have  felt desolate and lonely and not having anyone to talk to or turn to.  Most of us if we are prepared to be honest have felt empty inside - yet always trying to fill it with stuff - whether it be things, shopping trips, eating, smoking, drinking, drugs, meditations and other stuff - chasing dreams, ideas, trying to find a solution to that ever longing niggling feeling that something is missing.

My relationship with God and His teachings began when I was in my twenties.  After and illness which he healed me from.  Through the illness it brought me to the brink of death and there in the darkness of the night I reached out to him in unbelief - yet something inside me knew I could trust Him.  After the initial realisation that the pain had gone and I could now eat and drink normally again I began to search out this incredible God who was so powerful that cared for little ol me.  A nobody wanted person.  God wanted me.  God Loves Me, God takes care of me.

He showed me his mercy and love in so many different ways, he showed me in the trees on how wonderfully great they are in all their diversity, with colours and fruits and flowers, and how he showed me the beauty of the birds and their diversity and their colours, it is amazing what you see when God is holding your hand.  I could and still see the wonder of His handiwork all around me all the time.  With the blue skies, clouds, rain, snow for cleansing, it is amazing when you start to reach out to God and ask for his help.  Yeshua/Jesus he sent to reconcile us back to him is the embodiment of all that mercy and grace, when we look at how Yeshua/Jesus treated the people, how he had compassion on the people, in healing and feeding them.  His relationship with his disciples and His relationship with God is so incredible and when we think that one day we will walk with him and talk with him as he is coming to reign on the earth as he said he would.  For me it is a great privilege to know and serve this amazing King.  He gave his life for us, he carried all our sicknesses, and diseases on his own flesh, he was marred more than any man - yes - he was despised and rejected and yet he still loves us.

He loves us with an unconditional love, yet in that when you have a personal relationship with the King of Peace you realise that the most important thing in your life is to share what God has done for you. 

I am sharing with you because He shared with me his gift of life.  For with out his touch I would have been dead many years ago.  I was a lost soul with no where to go - I felt rejected, dejected, lonely and miserable because of the choices I had made - yet here was God reaching out and healing me giving me hope and comfort asking me to be a comfort to others - wow what a challenge this has been.

Putting into words what are deep in my heart to share with you all is a really blessing and I hope will help someone else to realise that they are not alone, that God does see their need and their plight - yet all he is waiting for is you to call out to him and recognise that in coming back to the father like the prodigal son you will be blessed and healed and made to feel safe and secure.  For God, does not want us to be carrying any burdens, or worries, he knows our frame, he understands our frailty, he gave us everything in the first place - but as human beings in our stubborn, stiff-necked way we choose not to receive from Him.

God wants to let you know that you are loved and he does care.  He wants so much to reach into your lives and help you - will you let him, will you give your life back to God and live his way.

Living in the path of life where Gods teachings are paramount in your life - it helps you understand yourself first and then you can understand others - when we see that we are all the same - made of the same stuff as everyone else, made in his image and his creation then we can begin to treat ourselves and each other differently.

For me, understanding that God himself loves me, cares for me and wants me to have the best - if I would let him provide and give to me what He wants me to have instead of seeking my own path and my own ideas.  God is able to transform your life in a twinkling of an eye - I know he has done it for me.

Reaching out across the stars to the God of the Universe is an amazing concept.  Looking at the Creator instead of the created and realising that no matter how insignificant you may feel - you are important to Him.  He has a destiny for you which he has already mapped out.  Step up and take the chance of a life worth living rather than just subsisting in your life as it is today.

The God of the universe wants a real relationship with you.  He wants to hold you in his arms and give you all you need to live your life to the full.  Are you going to reject the God of the Universe.

God gave us his son as a sign of how much he loves his creation, he wants us to be reconciled back to him so that he can bring order and stability into our lives.  He wants to bless us and give us a chance of eternal life.  However, the one thing he requires from us is TRUST AND BELIEF that he is able to do this.  Also he requires us to be obedient and learn from him how to live the life he wants to give us.

ARE YOU READY TO LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE AND LIVE THE LIFE THAT GOD WANTS YOU TO LIVE.

Find out more how to become a person of God learning how to live his way.
Be willing to give up your life as you live it now, recognise that God loves you and understands your needs even better than you do.

The Bible for me has been my source of inspiration and direction it has given me so much advice and encouragement - showing me the way to live and not live, it has given me hope and joy and also given me a reason to go on.  God has called me to comfort people with his Word.  May as you journey with me in my blogs get the comfort you are looking for.

I have read many books on different subjects yet I keep coming back to the Word of God as my source.  Without it I would not have a clue how to build a relationship with God or with other people.  For it is very clear - that when you love God and allow him to change you from within you will discover that you too can reach out and touch the lives of others.