[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

The crowds were searching for Him, and they came to Him and were trying to keep Him from leaving them. But He said to them, “I must proclaim the Good News of the kingdom of God to the other towns also. It was for this purpose I was sent.”

-Luke 4:42b-43

As we read this scripture it begs the question are we focused on what our Abba is calling us to do?

Yeshua was very much focused on what He was tasked to do. He clearly knew and stated I am (John 6:35,51; 8:12,23; 10:7,11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1). Then He too it a step further and proclaimed I was sent for this purpose (Luke 4: 42-44,Mark 1:35-38).

I pray as followers of the Most High we will be still asking and listening to what we are being directed to do. May we take heed that no one, nothing or even our flesh lead us astray. There is no shame in asking, “Father what is your will?” I pray we ask the Holy Spirit to direct us into truth that we are not distracted but focused to do His will in complete surrender.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ...

The more I read the word, the more I find it pressing to know what love is. Not the emotional experience but the act itself which requires much intentionality. Ephesians calls for us to be rooted and established in love. In the natural that appears to be a tall order, so I am asking Yahweh how to achieve what seems impossible on most days. As part of my circle of believers how certain are we that our foundation is love? Do we really love our neighbors as ourselves? Do we even know what love is and how to covey it to others? I am wrestling with the concept myself, so I have not attained fully but pressing towards this mark. I find it even increasingly challenging in the climate of hatred that we are living in to love as it taints all aspects of life. The stress it presents and the thought process leads into other aspects of our being. Thus I must contemplate on what is lovely, true, and living giving to renew my mind! I am chewing on this nugget of truth in light of the conversation on love starting off with 1 John 3, seasoned by this dash of Ephesians praying it moves us into contemplation, repentance and true love. A Prayer for the Ephesians 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you Without a strong word to step to! I am inviting you to study 1 John 3! I am meditating on love and how to remain confident in the truth of Yahweh's words to me...the one he calls His child....His Beloved. That is you too my friend. Eat up the manna and be still allowing the Holy Spirit to speak. I am looking forward to reconvening next week to share notes! Peace and blessings!

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

Night-Morning Prayer for Peace

Lord, I understand how people can be harmed by worry. I am restless as we speak and my mind is being flooded from all angles. I don't even want to be awake. The little one fell out of bed and wanted comfort. So off I went to help him get back to sleep. Now I need help getting back to sleep. I am a hour in and I have to wake up in 2 hours. I guess grabbing my phone, only makes things worse, but I don't want to start walking around the house waking people up. You are awake, so please look upon me in this moment and have mercy. Sleep is a valuable commodity for me with all these responsibilities I have. But you know this already.... So I cry out Lord, I cast before you everything that is bombarding me at this moment. I pray Abba, that I am anxious for nothing but through this prayer, you will allow me to experience your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me Father to find my rest in you. To let go of it all, trusting in you and Your ability to save and comfort. Let perfect love have its way casting out fear, anxiety, and anything else that does not line up with Your will for me. In Yeshua's Name, I pray... I am signing out. Putting my phone down and trusting He will meet me in this moment... Good night-morning.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

The Breath of the Almighty Gives Me Life

I don’t have a deep long post this week. Just the sobering reality that I am not connected to the source as much as I think I am or need to be. Yeshua, in His infinite wisdom said it best, ““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers.”

The withering away describes our state, when we find ourselves overwhelmed, anxious, chaotic, and unable to make sound decisions. We have not invested the necessary time to seek the face of the One who gives peace, wisdom, life, living water and the breath we need to breathe. The result is us running around like a hot mess. The continuation of this renders us powerless in so many ways.

Thus my challenge to you and me today is an invitation to reflect on whether or not you are connected to the true vine.

Consider meditating on the following scriptures: Luke 10:38-42; John 15:1-17

Ask Yahweh to reveal to you what are your distractions? What is the needful portion? Determine how you plan to be intentional to being connected to the power source so you can daily take in the breath of life…

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. “ - Job 33:4

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

The Traditions of Man

My dear friend’s father said something that has stuck with me for some time. He said, “Tradition would have me to be a slave”.  The essence of his statement captured the necessity for us to not function as automatons and critically examine life from the vantage point of truth. Truth is found in one source- Yeshua. Yeshua said, "I AM the Way -- and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me. In my season of combing through and peeling back layers in search of how truth is being lived out, my mind is processing so many things. As everyone around me is celebrating “Easter” I am questioning how much of it is tradition versus truth. I don’t have on a new suit, there are no eggs, bunnies, Easter baskets, or egg hunts to go to. Instead, I stand with Peter and declare, Praise be to God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope. The most quintessential, tenant of my faith that sets it apart from all others is the death and resurrection of Yeshua HaMashiach. I understand and fully accept this but the terminology of “Easter”, does not fit into the picture for me. The origins of the term and what the celebration has become cloud the greatness of this moment in history. This is not a once a year event. The reality is the gift of resurrection is to be celebrated by a believer daily. Daily I am called to crucify my flesh into rise into the newness of Christ. I am not trying to disparage anybody but I want to challenge us to ask ourselves where are the practices that we are participating in originating from. It's not enough to say my mom and dad did this we are adults and must be accountable for the decisions that we are making. I myself am struggling to work through what is tradition in hopes of finding truth. I know the truth is available because the Holy Spirit will lead me into all truth according to Yeshua. I have been reading Philippians 3 and today found myself relating Paul's presentation to tradition. Traditions exist in homes, church, work, etc., Not all traditions are bad but one must be confident that the tradition is not a form of bondage. For instance, tradition says a child must attend school for x- amount of years, go to high school then go to college, possibly graduate school, then, obtain some form of employment. This is a tradition in of itself. The truth is college is not for everyone. Trade school is a viable option for some. Other points to consider are that some individuals are able to start college as young as thirteen! It doesn't take everyone the same amount of time to move from one academic phase to the next. Most of this is dictated by tradition. Tradition that has brainwashed us to think things need to be a specific way.  In these past few years too many individuals have graduated with high amounts of debt in the name of tradition and had no employment. How did that work out for them? Traditions are often esteemed because human nature loves the ability to brag on accomplishments. You hear individuals boast, “I have three degrees, I graduated from an Ivy League University, I am a partner in my firm, etc.). Paul calls all of this confidence in the flesh. He even lists his own lengthy resume (Philippians 3:4-7) but concedes to say all that he has is regarded as garbage to know Yeshua. These accomplishments and degrees will remain on the earth. They have no eternal value. The same goes for the shiny Sunday suits, and shoes, Easter baskets, choir robes, pews, podiums, offering baskets, worship production schedules, etc., only the truth of God’s word will remain. The material items that we find so necessary were not even a part of Yeshua's ministry. No microphone. No band. Just one man committed to truth. People are hungry for that. "Give us the truth that's what we need." Marketing strategies and dog and pony shows in the pulpit have masked the truth of what church is. It is not a building. It is a covenant community gathering to do life together; a life that is lived as worship. So I am inviting you to recall the words of Yeshua, in Matthew 15:1-20. And ask Him to examine your heart, motives, and traditions. Are they pleasing to Him? Do they distract you or others from the truth?

I leave you with Colossians 2:8,

Watch out, so that no one will take you captive by means of philosophy and empty deceit, following human tradition which accords with the elemental spirits of the world but does not accord with the Messiah.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

...let every person be quick to listen

James 1:19

There are moments when we lack self-control, or make a statement based on impulse. The issue is once the words are spoken. They cannot be retracted. Editorial footnotes and apologies are presented but how many really pay attention to the correction.

In moments when my children are saying unkind words or just talking plain foolishness I remove what we call "verbal privileges". It is our best attempt to slow them down and have them quiet their selves to process and reflect before speaking.

As adults I think we can stand to do the same. We can stand to practice active listening. This involves us silencing our urge to respond in immediacy. This requires not forming a response even before the speaking party has completed their statement. The truth is as you listen and take time to digest the words of others you can understand their point of view more clearly. I do not have to agree. But I am called to be respectful. I am called to listen. I am called to engage and I am called to love.

Yeshua was constantly in conversation with individuals and actively listening. It was from this viewpoint that He was able to discern motives, theologies, and beliefs. He was slow to respond. I am thinking of His exchange in the Book of John, chapter 8 in the CJB,

4 Then they said to him, "Rabbi, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5Now in our Torah, Moshe commanded that such a woman be stoned to death. What do you say about it?" 6 They said this to trap him, so that they might have ground for bringing charges against him; but Yeshua bent down and began writing in the dust with his finger. 7 When they kept questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "The one of you, who is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8 Then he bent down and wrote in the dust again.

Yeshua bent down and began writing in the dust with his finger. They were talking and questioning Him, yet He was still actively listening and processing. In discerning their desire to test Him, His response is a classic. “The one of you, who is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he bent down and wrote in the dust again.

In the midst of conversation, controversial debate, marital discussions, family dialogue whatever the venue or circumstance, listen. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you insight and maybe you are not called to respond. It is possible in listening you may find that you are wrong! A moment of conviction can shine forth from the deepest part of the soul. Maybe you are being forced to practice silence through an exercise in listening; listening actively I will add. That means phone down, ears open and being zoned in. (I am speaking to myself as I write this.)

Your silence and active listening also gives you the opportunity to process what an individual is communicating to you. This gives you the space to free yourself from being belligerent and responding in a manner that does not reflect love. Consider the words being conveyed and even try paraphrasing. Something like, “I think what I hear you say is…” This leaves no room for confusion and it communicates, I am listening and I value your opinion.

So keep in mind as you go on today ...Therefore, let every person be quick to listen but slow to speak.....Will you be quick to listen today?

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

Such little trust! Why did you doubt?

Yeshua, Matthew 14:31b

Last week we left off with the question, “Do we desire to be led by Yeshua or carried?” What conclusion did you form for yourself? Do you desire to be led by Yeshua or carried? The answer to this question is most important for us to consider as followers of Yeshua. If we only want to be carried, when will we secure maturity? Hebrews 5:12-14 (CJB) presents the admonishment, “For although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the very first principles of God's Word all over again! You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who has to drink milk is still a baby, without experience in applying the Word about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by continuous exercise to distinguish good from evil.”

In the Matthew 14:22-33, there is a struggle within Kefa in realizing Yeshua is present whether he wants to be led or carried. The struggle is all too real because it exposes our human nature that has not completely surrendered and believed in the truth of Adonai’s words.

23 After he had sent the crowds away, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night came on, and he was there alone. 24 But by this time, the boat was several miles from shore, battling a rough sea and a headwind. 25 Around four o'clock in the morning, he came toward them, walking on the lake! 26 When the talmidim saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost!" they said and screamed with fear. 27 But at once Yeshua spoke to them. "Courage," he said, "it is I. Stop being afraid." 28 Then Kefa called to him, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water."

There is indeed a storm ragging and the scripture tells us that all the talmidim are terrified and in fear. In the midst of the storm Yeshua is present and reveals to them that He is there and tells them, "Courage, it is I. Stop being afraid."  He speaks to them, but they are still in “carry me” mode. This is clear because Kefa responds by saying, “"Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come.” I cannot fault Kefa because I have walked in his shoes on many occasions. A challenge is present and I don’t know what to do and I panic. In the midst of this the word of truth remains the same, and does not change! The question for us is will the truth of Yahweh’s words prevail or will fear grip us into paralysis? Truth speaks to us:

“Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I am calling you by your name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through water, I will be with you; when you pass through rivers, they will not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you will not be scorched — the flame will not burn you. 3 For I am ADONAI, your God, the Holy One of Isra’el, your Savior — (Isaiah 43, CJB)

Yet, we doubt the verity of the speaker, and say if it is you Lord. The voice that responds in this manner desires to be carried because of fear. Yeshua despite this responds with an invitation “Come!"

Yeshua invites Kefa and us to trust, to depend and follow. Our walk in Christ is not contingent on how we feel. Indeed, some life circumstances can be overwhelming. If we perceive them to be greater than Yeshua surely fear will step in and cripple our ability to walk in the invitation. He does not call us to walk with Him then walk away. He beckons unto us and makes Himself known. Why would He call us out and allow us to drown/fail? The call of Yeshua is certain. ADONAI is good, and he is fair; this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live], leads the humble to do what is right and teaches the humble [to live] his way.  All ADONAI’s paths are grace and truth to those who keep his covenant and instructions. (Psalm 25:8-10)

When and if we step out we can pray unto the Lord as in Psalm 25:4-5, Make me know your ways, ADONAI, teach me your paths.  Guide me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God who saves me, my hope is in you all day long. For the steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.( Psalm 37:23-24) This is our demonstration of faith, when we allow and trust Yeshua to lead us according to His word and what He commands us directly.

But when he saw the wind, he became afraid; and as he began to sink, he yelled, "Lord! Save me!" 31 Yeshua immediately stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "Such little trust! Why did you doubt?"

Yeshua was present and in the moment throughout the entire storm. From the moment they recognized there was a storm until He ended it.  He wasn't carrying Kefa but leading Him when He invited Him out of the boat. It was a moment of trust and faith. But when he saw the wind, he became afraid; and as he began to sink. As a believer there is a fundamental truth that we must hold dear. It is that Yeshua will not abandon us because He loves us. Period! That is the end of the story. This is crucial to us because when we face a storm we have to be able to say rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love.  ADONAI, oppose those who oppose me; fight against those who fight against me. Grasp your shield and protective gear, and rise to my defense. Brandish spear and battle-axe against my pursuers; let me hear you say, "I am your salvation." (Psalm 44:26, Psalm 35:1, 2) That takes faith!

Unfortunately we have not fully committed to the work of developing our faith. It's easier when things go south to cry, cry, and cry. But seldom crying and trusting in faith, with the bold proclamation, “though he slay me yet will I hope in him”. One could argue Kefa was still young in his walk no pun intended. But as we learn the nature of Yahweh and Yeshua we need to be able to travail a little more without wimping out. This is what develops our faith. No challenge means there is nothing to trust Yahweh for. Who needs a Savior if they can deliver themselves? The development of our faith is what facilitates the ability for us to be led. So why then, such little trust? Why do you doubt?"

This is the question of the hour why such little trust? Why do you doubt?" This is a personal question, upon which you must reflect. Therein lays the answer on what is holding you from fully trusting and allowing the Lord to lead as you step out in faith. I can be honest and share that my ability to trust is often impaired by my desire to want to control the outcome and general impatience with the process. The process is work. The process means I have to pray, I have study, I have to renew my mindset, and I have to cast down vain imaginations. Basically, I have to fully engage. There is no room for laziness. It is my laziness; on occasion that then cries out Lord, can you do this for me? Carry me please! And in the circumstances when I want to engage, I find Yahweh leading in His word, in adoration, and in His instructions to me.  The truth is that I cannot ask Yeshua to do those things for me when I am fully capable of exercising these tasks.

I want to be the believer that consistently can be led through the storm, because the fact is that the Lord is there. I want to be able to say "You really are God's son" during the storm, not after the coast is clear. The realization for the talmidim occurred once Yeshua cleared the storm and put Kefa back in the boat. Yet, what if, while in the storm we maintained the truth of the word, and confessed the word, “Vindicate me, ADONAI, for I have lived a blameless life; unwaveringly I trust in ADONAI. Examine me, ADONAI, test me, and search my mind and heart.  For your grace is there before my eyes, and I live my life by your truth. (Psalm 26:1-3) Allow my ears to hear Your word behind me saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever I turn to the right or to the left.

Yeshua’s call to us to be led is also because He wants us to operate in the authority He has given us. Recall that the talmidim in Matthew 17 received a serious admonishment from Yeshua in their inability to pray and call upon the Lord’s power for healing in the epileptic boy. In verse seventeen, Yeshua answered, "Perverted people, without any trust! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to me!" These were Yeshua's words to His talmidim. This was a stern rebuke for their lack of spiritual maturity and faith. It is also a rebuke for us to consider if we constantly find ourselves pleading with the Lord to carry us, when He has indeed given us power and authority to execute truth in action.

In the desire to be led it’s clear this is accomplished at the feet of Yeshua. Hebrews 11 provides us with the portrait of what true faith in action can look like for us. We must seek after the Lord with every breath we take and embrace the journey of faith in which we will harken and follow His leading as His sheep. Remember without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. We can’t be led if we don’t believe. And so I leave you to ponder an excerpt of the lyrics of the song Oceans above, may this be our heart’s song:

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior

PRAYER:

We declare Thanks be to Adonai, who daily carries our burdens, leading us into righteousness, and teaching us the way we should go. Yahweh, we thank you for the invitation to believe and accept Yeshua as our Lord and Messiah. Expose those hidden elements that cause us to doubt, to be powerless, and deviate from Your leading us to the way of everlasting. Lord we believe, but help our unbelief. We desire that our faith move beyond a theological concept but become experiential. May our moments of seeking you be a renewal unto our minds and an equipping of our spirits to stand for Your truth. In Yeshua’s Name We Pray, Amen.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

"Courage," he said, "it is I. Stop being afraid."

Yeshua, Matthew 14:27b

Do I Want Yeshua to Carry Me or Lead Me?

22 Immediately he had the talmidim get in the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowds away. 23 After he had sent the crowds away, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night came on, and he was there alone. 24 But by this time, the boat was several miles from shore, battling a rough sea and a headwind. 25 Around four o'clock in the morning, he came toward them, walking on the lake! 26 When the talmidim saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost!" they said and screamed with fear. 27 But at once Yeshua spoke to them. "Courage," he said, "it is I. Stop being afraid." 28 Then Kefa called to him, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come!" he said. So Kefa got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Yeshua. 30 But when he saw the wind, he became afraid; and as he began to sink, he yelled, "Lord! Save me!" 31 Yeshua immediately stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "Such little trust! Why did you doubt?" 32 As they went up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 The men in the boat fell down before him and exclaimed, "You really are God's son!"

I have read this scripture several times in my life and heard several sermons pertaining to faith, based on the passage. Yet this time when reading I received a fresh perspective for myself. The question I had to ask myself and I share with you is “Do we desire to be led by Yeshua or carried?

There are moments in life that I can honestly say that I don't want to do the hard things. I go a step further and almost plead with the Lord to "do it" for me. I often hear church jargon "won't He do it for you!" Yes, He will, but then no! There comes a point in our walk that we have to mature. We are asking Adonai to carry us, when clearly we know what needs to be done and really we may need to be led at best but not carried. How long do we wish to remain infants?

Anyone who has potty trained a child knows that it is no fun. (Trust me I am currently doing it!) It is not one of those parenting tasks that brings joy to the depths of your heart. Regardless of the sentiments toward the assignment it is a necessity that can’t be circumvented, by any means.  You cannot be in diapers forever! At some point you have to put your big girl/big boy underwear on and grow up. Maturing in our faith walk is no different.

This week I invite you to re-read the passage Matthew 14:22-33. Pray and ask yourself what is the Holy Spirit impressing upon me?  Also, consider these statements found in the passage below. Next week we will pick up part 2 of this discussion and we will wrestle with the question “Do we desire to be led by Yeshua or carried?

"Courage," he said, "it is I. Stop being afraid." (v.27)

“Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” (v.28)

"Lord, save me!" (v.30)

"Such little trust! Why did you doubt?" (v.31)

“You really are God’s son!” (v.33)

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

Continuous Dripping

                    A constant dripping on a day of steady rain                            And a contentious woman are alike

                                      (Proverbs 27:15, NAS)

I didn't quite know what the scripture describing a contentious woman really meant until I saw her. She walked into the room ever so dramatically pausing at the door. She failed to greet those already there with a simple hello. She simply opened her mouth and began expressing her thoughts on the appearance of things around her. "Wow, this place needs some work. I think it actually looks worse than when I left." Sashaying across the floor with a look of disgust she shook her head and went on to the next room.

There was nothing refreshing about her presence. You actually wished she could exit door left and never return. But that wasn't an option. Like her mother before her and her mother's mother, and so on, there was this generational spirit. She was bitter, resentful, and angry. I wonder if she even knew why? It appeared that she "felt" powerless in her ability to impact matters, and used her assailing speech in hopes of changing conditions. Almost passive aggressive in her actions displacing what has been held hostage inside on those that are least able to respond.

A continuous dripping of the tongue wears down and corrodes the best of us. Take notice to the beautiful stain left in my tub by an incessant leaking faucet.  We finally replaced the faucet. But the damage has already been done. What was once a beautiful white porcelain surface now is adorned by lead, rust, and calcified stain.  It is an apparent visual of the response we have when subject to the perpetual verbal disdain from an individual.

Consider a child who is never affirmed by their loved ones but is constantly compared, criticized, and cursed for not living to the expectations of someone's standards. Their confidence surely deteriorates, and their concept of who they truly are is damaged taking on the distorted view of all the negativity that has been dispersed upon them.

As a wife of over 13 years I know the exact words to say to send my husband flying through the roof. Early in our marriage in my immaturity I would allow my flesh to receive its gratification by saying whatever I felt was necessary to assert that I was right and ensure that in my eyes I had won the battle. That was foolish at best. Upon the conviction of the Holy Spirit I stopped singing “you should have listened to your wife” (yes I made it into a song), humbling myself and most importantly considering my words. Death and life are in the words we speak. I ultimately made the decision that I did not want to be a foolish woman tearing down my home with my actions and words.

The truth is we are perfect masterpieces designed by Yahweh. Unfortunately because we live in a fallen world, the artwork of the Creator is subject to conditions that distort the condition of the original. I pray that we would take care to not vandalize the craftsmanship in others by desiring to make them conform to our expectations, contaminating them with maledictions that their maker would never dare utter. I pray that we would afford grace to those listening and execute self-control in our engagement with others. In the same spirit that governs Philippians 4:8, before speaking we should ask

Is my statement true? Are my motives honorable? According to the Word of God is this just? Are my thoughts pure? Are the words being spoken shared in love? Would Yahweh find my actions commendable? Will my statements produce moral excellence leading to building up and praise?

PRAYER

Yahweh, we bow down before you broken. The truth is we have been subject to verbal slaughter from every corner from loved ones to media. Convict us if we are operating with a spirit of continuous dripping tearing down what you have established. Begin a work in us that we may heal from our bruising. Abba, I pray that we not operate in our old nature but with renewed minds, and eyes and hearts that see others as you perceive them. We look to you for a refreshing. As your word can cut out the scar tissue, the blocked passages that have prevented the acceptance of your truth.

As we recognize this truth help us to allow it to resonate in us. Holy Spirit convicts us where necessary and heal our spirits of the words of rejection that have breed contentiousness in our beings. Give us the capacity to accept the truth of your love. Cleanse our vocabulary and replace it with life giving seeds. Give us the capacity to see others as being better than ourselves! Brand upon our hearts your word that says we are your beloved, a chosen generation, a holy people. May the words we speak be a reflection of this truth that we may declare “your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.” In Yeshua’s Name, we pray.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

CONSIDER YOUR WORDS

In our home resting on a mahogany wood shelf, you will find a small canvas with a short phrase written in block letters, “CONSIDER YOUR WORDS”. Although not the prettiest thing my hands have created, if the thought is heeded it paints one of life’s most necessary lyrics… love.

Our mouths are our chief forms of communicating, thus most essential in building relationships. It is with what we speak we express who we are, and share what we desire for others to know about us.  We exchange dialogue on an ongoing basis with hopes of developing and building, leading to connections. This freedom of expression that we have is truly a gift.

Wisdom has spoken that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Thus, what our mouths speak matter greatly. What words have you allowed to flow like a river out of the well within you? Has your freedom of expression been at the expense of another, leaving them wounded on the ground after your tongue let out shots? Did you take a moment to say something kind and uplifting to another to remind them of who they are as a purposed human being? I do not ask this in judgement but as a point of reflection for all of us to think about what we spew out when we speak.

James in the third chapter of the New Living Version shares this thought, “The tongue is also a small part of the body, but it can speak big things. See how a very small fire can set many trees on fire. The tongue is a fire. It is full of wrong. It poisons the whole body. The tongue sets our whole lives on fire with a fire that comes from hell. Men can make all kinds of animals and birds and fish and snakes do what they want them to do.  But no man can make his tongue say what he wants it to say. It is sinful and does not rest. It is full of poison that kills.  With our tongue we give thanks to our Father in heaven. And with our tongue we speak bad words against men who are made like God.  Giving thanks and speaking bad words come from the same mouth. My Christian brothers, this is not right!  Does a well of water give good water and bad water from the same place?  Can a fig tree give olives or can a grape-vine give figs? A well does not give both good water and bad water.

This is truth! Have you ever uttered something out of haste and watched the once blissful countenance of a loved one deteriorate right before your eyes? Their heads may have even fallen in response to what was spoken no longer able to look you in the eyes. Their body language shifting and creating a desire to flee in hurt and offense, yet in many instances their departure is not an option. The intimacy of locked eyes and total engagement is lost. They are now processing the words spoken and defining in their own eyes what could this possibly mean. You maybe even asking yourself, “now why did you have to say that?”

As a mother to a beautiful tribe of amazing people I am finding that I constantly have to guard my words. I am clear that what I say they take to heart. They are constantly looking to me for affirmation and approval. My words can either build them up or over time tear them down. It can even impact their ability to create a genuine relationship with me if they perceive that I never have anything positive to say they will fear sharing new experiences and insights. But if they believe I am going to speak life and be a source of motivation I am welcomed into their world.

I must confess that it is not an easy task. Hence the sign that rest as a reminder that it is essential that I not forget this. I want my words to be consistently reflective of what is pure and honorable. Even in the face of correction and admonition I want to be slow to speak and slow to anger. I want my words to be truthful but always spoken in love. This is beyond my call as a mother, but as a wife, sister, teacher and friend.

So this is my heart’s desire Yahweh, May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be acceptable in your presence, ADONAI, my Rock and Redeemer. "I pray I will watch how I behave, so that I won't sin with my tongue. Set a guard, ADONAI, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Let no harmful language come from my mouth, only good words that are helpful in meeting the need, words that will benefit those who hear them.

I challenge you and myself to use the freedom of expression by the way of our tongues wisely. Speak words of affirmation based on Yahweh’s truth to those who are around you. Let us create opportunities to bring forth life and love and CONSIDER OUR WORDS.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

Gratitude

In everything give thanks, for this is what God wants from you who are united with the Messiah Yeshua.  -1 Thessalonians 5:18 (CJB)

It has been my desire to write this post for some time now. My mind was flowing with so many thoughts on what I had to say and the details I wanted to share were somewhat unclear for me. Today, I am able to give voice to the ideas and feelings that have been dancing in my mind for the past few weeks.

I want to express my gratitude to the creative genius that visited me from the land of Brooklyn and challenged me to move past my excuses, fears, and procrastination. He gave me several gifts of love without realizing what he was bestowing upon me.

I have long desired  to start a blog. Yet somewhere in between life and reality I was left with good intentions. I did not produce anything tangible giving voice to all the musing my mind enjoyed. I had shared this on several occasions with one of my beloved’s and he would always encourage me to go for it. Unfortunately, somewhere between the conversations end and me returning back to the actuality of my life, I either talked myself out of the possibility, or allowed something else to take precedence.

I embarked this December again in the same conversation, but this time, I was not allowed to be left to myself. I was issued a command to retrieve my laptop and get to work. My brother sat down by my side and walked me through all the questions I had, and helped me to give birth to something that seemed like it would never happen. But it did. And what you are reading is the result of his gift to me.

On that day when he sent me to get my laptop, I did not only retrieve a tool. My brother became the audible voice of Yahweh cheering me on to not be afraid. I had talked myself out of doing it so many times that I had silenced the voice of truth in this area of my life. I am thankful for the Lord giving him the discernment to not allow me to slide under the radar, but to be accountable to putting to use all the gifting’s that He (Yahweh) had given me.  Thus, today I practice what Henri Nouwen shares is the “discipline of gratitude … the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”

Yahweh, I thank you for the gift of writing. I thank you for the gift of expression. I thank you for the gift of family. I am grateful for my brother holding me accountable to using my gifts, and not allowing my talents to go to waste. Yahweh, I thank you for the reminder that perfect love cast out all fear, and that you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. For this Abba, I express gratitude and celebrate that you will not let your beloved fall short, as true love never fails.

To my brother, a beloved of Yahweh, I can only say thank you. It is a beautiful thing to sit and partake in your creativity, and realize that I have not fully actualized the gifts I had been given. Thank you for loving me in truth. I am grateful for you spurring me on to great things. I pray through this and future projects Yahweh may be glorified.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

Stripping Off Falsehood

Therefore, stripping off falsehood, let everyone speak truth with his neighbor

- Ephesians Chapter 4 verse 25a

Arresting Officer: Put down the mask. Masked Human: (Contemplating next action. Looking around anxiously) Arresting Officer: I said put it down! Masked Human: (Stands still) Arresting Officer: Place your hands in the air and walk back slowly. After you have cleared the parameter I want you to run fast to freedom. Don't comeback around these parts again! You hear?

CURTAIN

CREDITS

Arresting Officer: Liberated Self Masked human: Captive Self

There is a false narrative being written daily that if we are not careful will ruin our total existence. I watch daily a performance being played on the stage of life with people parading as if it is all well. This pretense is hidden behind carefully edited pictures, social network updates, and blogs screaming I 'm okay you're okay! Like the media carefully censoring what is acceptable for the viewing audience we paint a Picasso that the general audience will admire rendering the acceptance we seek.

What a perpetration of fraud. What a complete lie! Those you are so concerned with impressing are not present when your life is falling apart. Rather they are eating popcorn and watching the drama unfold. What makes us so desiring of the acceptance of people who have sacrificed nothing for us?

We are happy to tell ourselves lies but we do not realize that our own deception breeds loneliness. We create a world unto ourselves because we can stand transparency because to do so would risk the image we have carefully crafted. Thus we harbor what needs to be healed until the sickness begins to eat us from the inside out.

Only Yahweh can judge you. Free yourself from the entrapments of acceptance by mankind. If they hated Yeshua they are going to hate you too! Begin a journey this year towards truth. Walk the road to peeling the onion back to obtain freedom and authenticity. It is only in this state that you can give your best and establish who you really are.

So I challenge you to rethink your words, how you present yourself, what you communicate, the choices you make, and ask does this honor who Yahweh has designed and called me to be? Do I reflect truth? Decide to be free. Live your life in truth!

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

Overcome  Unbelief

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

I was praying. Or so I thought I was. As I listened to myself speaking I realized what was supposed to be a time of prayer, was actually me complaining to the Lord. For that moment in time, I exalted the issues, injustices, and grievances above what I knew to be true. I was overwhelmed. I had listened, watched, and read enough of the worlds ills being perpetrated against the least of these and somehow I felt like I was suffocating.  I was disheartened and honestly was reacting as if I was one with no hope.

I could honestly hear the enemy of all that is good, productive and life giving chuckle, “Got ‘em!”  And in truth I was momentarily paralyzed.  I had forgotten who Yahweh was, and the fact that infinite power belongs to him alone. My problem was that I had allowed myself to dwell on the negativity. I had forgotten to focus on those things that are true, that are honorable, pure, precious, things that are praiseworthy, deeds of glory and of praise. I was not meditating on these things. Thus I was feeding fear and not faith; which lead to my feelings of despair.

The truth is not conditional or based on my feelings. The bottom line is that without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. We must be diligent at guarding ourselves against disbelief and the skeptical response that Yahweh is unable to save. Be mindful of the influences that promote misery with the motivation of breeding depression that leaves you in a state of despair. He is clear that we will go through the fire, but the beauty is found in the fact that that he says we will not be burnt. He will go with us. Thus we are not alone or without hope.  Overcome with the truth of His word. ADONAI, you have heard what the humble want; you encourage them and listen to them, to give justice to the fatherless and oppressed, so that no one on earth will strike terror again. (Psalm 10:17-18)

There is nothing new under the sun. My sentiments this week were clearly spoken in Psalms,

1 ” Why, ADONAI, do you stand at a distance? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 2 The wicked in their arrogance hunt down the poor, who get caught in the schemes they think up. 3 For the wicked boasts about his lusts; he blesses greed and despises ADONAI. 4 Every scheme of the wicked in his arrogance [says], “There is no God, [so] it won’t be held against me.” 5 His ways prosper at all times. Your judgments are way up there, so he takes no notice. His adversaries? He scoffs at them all. 6 In his heart he thinks, “I will never be shaken; I won’t meet trouble, not now or ever.” 7 His mouth is full of curses, deceit, oppression; under his tongue, mischief and injustice. (Psalm 10:1-7)

While my thoughts were not so eloquently spoken, Yahweh acknowledges the frustration of his children to injustice. So in the face of these things I will continue to cry out and know this truth assuredly, the Lord does respond. He says in His word the evil man will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered (Proverbs 11:21). Furthermore, In a little while the wicked will be no more…for they will perish the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.,. (Psalm 37:10; 20)

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

Processing Love

As mankind we are offered unconditional love in this relationship, yet we do not know how to accept it or reciprocate it. We are fickle. We are not consistent. On most days the desire to be intentional fails miserably. Yet one wants to understand how to move past their own experiences and behaviors to engage in what is described as:

Love is patient and kind, not jealous, not boastful, not proud, rude or selfish, not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not gloat over other people’s sins but takes its delight in the truth. Love always bears up, always trusts, always hopes, always endures. Love never ends (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, CJB)

What would life be like if we indeed chose this over every other fleshly emotion that attempts to strangle the good out of you? What if we spoke words of affirmation like a dripping water faucet? What would be the result if one stayed in their own lane and was content with self, life, personal successes, and failures? In my own ignorance what if individuals remained silent instead of talking and making something up to sound as if they had arrived? In moments of our own uncertainty would it be a criminal offense to cry out for help? If only the tongues of human beings were not a knife on most days but more reflective of the two edged end sword rightly diving the word of truth maybe then it would be possible to be slow to raise one’s voice, or posture oneself in a personal stance as if at war. What if relationships were not like boxers watching scoring cards desiring to be the one left standing with my arms in the air? Could you imagine if the self-righteousness within each man would be humbled to remember "filthy rags"?

In processing this all I can say (and invite you to consider as well)

Yahweh, Help me to know love. Teach me how to accept love. It is power and truth. Thus I pray, create in me a right heart. Renew in me Adonai a steadfast spirit that is resolved to set aside anything that hinders me in my race. Grant me the capacity to be intentional to love no matter the cost. Purge me of any traces of man-made conceptions of love and grace me with understanding the fullness of who You are and I am as a new creation. I no longer want to hold on to what I know, reveal Your truth. Teach me to cherish the hearts You have placed in my hands. Help me to honor the seasons in which I know marriage, relationship, friendship, parenting and more. Lead me to the cross of healthy selflessness with You as the motive and not my own glory.

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

You Are Beautiful!

You can throw away the cases of makeup.

You can remove the eyelashes.

You can soak off the nails.

You can remove the polish.

You can cut off the extensions.

You can pop off the colored contacts.

You can come forth bare.

You can come out clean.

With no accessories needed.

You are beautiful!

There is nothing to make up;

you were created so intricately in your mother’s womb.

Nine months of creativity birthed life that was perfect.

You are an extension of the Creator.

He tells you, “Beloved you were made in My image.”

Your colored skin is only a reflection of His own copper skin tone.

He loves you!

Remember you are the apple of His eye;

the one He hides in the shadow of His wings.

A lover so great He took the lashes coupled with the nails,

so that you can be free.

Cease from your hesitations and futile attempts to polish yourself by fruitless efforts;

come forth to the altar and do not alter yourself for He takes you, as you are. 

Bare it all unto Yeshua,

who gave Himself up, that He might sanctify you by the washing of water with the word.

His sacrificial blood washes clean and makes you His righteousness.

He alone can make you beautiful.

Know thy Father, know thyself, and know that in Him you are sufficient.

Beloved, in Him you have been made perfect.

You are beautiful!

[hecallsusbeloved-blog]

Let Justice Roll Like a River

I am overwhelmed in so many instances at the injustices that are blatantly manifested on a daily basis. The feeling is heightened when you realize those who have been placed to establish order and judgement with no partiality use uneven scales without any thought of conviction. In our innermost beings we experience grief, anger, and even for a moment hopelessness.

I say for a moment because Truth tells me a different verdict.  In the face of personal or institutional injustice there is an innate desire to right the wrong. We use our voice, our hands, our community, any way accessible to inform the willing listeners of the fraud being perpetrated. It is in these instances I hear the voice of my beloved grandmother speaking "L’Éternel combattra pour vous; et vous, gardez le silence." (Translation: The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.) It isn't a call to being passive but rather a challenge for us to crucify our fleshly desires to get even and wait for Adonai to make things right.  It takes greater strength to be still and contemplate what the Lord is speaking and allowing Him to respond or give you the plan of action.

Don’t be upset by evildoers

or envious of those who do wrong,

2 for soon they will wither like grass

and fade like the green in the fields.

3 Trust in Adonai, and do good;

settle in the land, and feed on faithfulness.

4 Then you will delight yourself in Adonai,

and he will give you your heart’s desire.

5 Commit your way to Adonai;

trust in him, and he will act.

6 He will make your vindication shine forth like light,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before Adonai;

wait patiently till he comes.

Don’t be upset by those whose way

succeeds because of their wicked plans.

8 Stop being angry, put aside rage,

and don’t be upset — it leads to evil.

9 For evildoers will be cut off,

but those hoping in Adonai will inherit the land.

- Excerpt Psalm 37:1-9 CJB

Too often injustice is greeted by rage, physical violence, distasteful narratives, uninformed commentaries, and polarization of the masses. There is a real need to be still to contemplate honest reflections not based on impulse. As a follower of Yeshua, that means weighing actions against the standard, to determine what equates to even scales and justice. It is in this exercise that I can be quick to listen but slow to speak, slow to get angry; all of this is a call to form a disciplined response to what is going on in our environment without being tossed to and fro by our emotions.

I have not yet arrived at manifesting this with the consistency that Yeshua surely desires of his disciples.  This is not an excuse but the tragedies that flash on televisions to phone screens leaves much to be desired. I say tragedy because there is a sense of truth lacking in humanity which I attribute to the absence of authentic love being manifested amongst the inhabitants of the land.

We all desire justice, yet how can we desire an outcome without the active ingredient of love? Love of my neighbor, would equate to me wanting them to be treated as I wanted to be treated. Love of others would be an extension of patience, trust, kindness, hope, forgiveness, righteousness and truth. In search of justice, I would understand that there is no room for oppression, jealousy, pride, selfishness, anger, or disrespect.  All of these components are a part of the standard that is established by Yeshua. If we want justice why is it so hard to commit to these principles that can only enhance our quality of life?

I remain firm in this: Adonai brings vindication and justice to all who are oppressed.

It is an undeniable truth that he hates uneven scales. (Proverbs 20:10, 22-23). It is only in Him that Truth exists and remains. Thus I will rely on Him to lead me into all truth. Even in the absence of the majority standing for what is righteous and just, I will work diligently to be still committing my ways to Adonai and trusting Him to lead me to act or do so Himself.

In cultivating the truths He has outlined I will achieve spiritual maturity that will bear fruit. It is with this hope that I remain steadfast that I will also see Him bring justice to the nations.  I am confident others will realize the precepts that He has established equate to true freedom and justice for all; in loving our neighbors as ourselves there is no penalty but reward.