Author: NiYi

Daniel & Co.

In case you’re wondering – no, the Co. is not a reference to the lions in the lion’s den(Daniel 6)… and yes, this blog title could pass for the company name of a law firm i.e. Daniel & Associates, or 👇 … I see why God picked it 🥰.

The name Daniel means God is my Judge. By direct translation, the title of this blog reads as:God is my Judge and Company– I absolutely 🧡 this translation! Howbeit unintended by me, it is exactly as God intends. The word ‘Judge’ is equivalent to Justice (Water – Amos 5:24) or being Just … God is Just. Accordingly, the title of this blog can also be translated as God is my Water Company orGod is my Just Company(2 Kings 6:16-17) … The LORD of Host: Jehovah Sabaoth is His Name. He is The LORD with me and The Troop that comes with (and accompanies) me as He leads me and I follow Him – Genesis 30:11 (N/KJV). He certainly ismy Just Rewardand Good Fortune (Genesis 15:1, Isaiah 45:19). The Truth that each of these translations express fills me with great joy.

Like Joseph, Daniel was taken from his home country to the land of a people who spoke a different language (in his case, the land was Babylon). He also had the God-given gift of interpreting dreams – this too brought him before a great man: Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Like Joseph, he also was appointed ruler over the whole land (Daniel 2:48) – these are but a few of the things Daniel and Joseph have in common. That said, the focus of this blog is not about Daniel per se. It is more so about the& Co.part – it is aboutDaniel’s Company…(1) the Company we should keep,(2)the Company God (my Judge aka Daniel) keeps and, MOST importantly,(3)the Company God is. I’ll begin and end this blog with the most important part that can not be taken from us as we choose itLike Marydid.

Mary has discovered theONE THINGmost important and vital by choosing to sit at My feet (Deuteronomy 33:3) … it will not be taken from her.

Luke 10:42(TPT, MSG)

The COMPANY God IS

Isaiah 43:2– today’s verse of the day on the YouVersion bible app – is what God used to set the tune that birthed this blog. The more I type-write it, the more convinced I am that this blog is God’s celebratory gift from Him to me – We celebrated 9 years of Friendship on Nov 17 🧡🥳. Just before the clock turned Nov 18, I experienced God call me Gittit – His winepress and musical instrument. In response to this name, I asked Him yesterday to play a number with and through me for His pleasure … this God-breathed blog hits all the notes (of both the wine and music)!

I had no idea God was going to write (let alone have me publish) this blog until sometime past 3:33AM when I attempted to get some 5-ish hours of sleep before the work part of the day began … lights out, tucked in bed, and ready to dream dreams, I heard a continuous, play by play read-out of this blog. So, I got up, switched the lights back on, and put heart and hands to keyboard.

WHENyou pass through the waters,I WILL BEwith you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. WHENyou walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

Isaiah 43:2

One of the truths that Isaiah 43:2 reveals is that: God is the Company that will NEVER leave any Babe, not even and especially when the going gets tough. The AMP/C version ofJohn 14:16refers to Him as a Standby. He is ever close by and closer than close. Proverbs 18:24B describes this as the closeness ofa Friend.

As a Friend, God reveals things … God-glorifying things: things hidden in His Heart but revealed to His friends i.e. Abraham (Genesis 18:17-33) … Moses (Exodus 33:11A)… Everyone to and through whom God reveals the purpose of His Heart is God’s Friend. Chief of us all is The Holy Spirit (God Himself). His Name is YAHWEH (The ever-present One); He is the Revealer of the secret things of God.

When He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all Truth. He will not speak His Own message (on His Own Authority); but He will tell whatever He hears from the Father – He will give the message that has been given to Him, and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come (things that will happen in the future – things not yet seen, hidden things, secret things).

John 16:13

The HolySpirit is the Company that God IS…He is the Friend that God ISto you, to me, and to God as well. He is the most intimate part of God (both Father and Son) … it is He Who makes us perfectly fit for God as His friend (Reuel) and as His bride (Kekalotho) – Ephesians 4:30 (MSG). He is both the Friend and the Father’s Friend referenced in Proverbs 27:10A (AMPC). He is the Friend of the Bridegroom referenced in John 3:29 … The Best Man aka The HusbandMan. He certainly is the Bride’s Companion … the Companion of every Believer, every Babe, everyone who humbly walks and talks with the Life-giving Spirit and Revealer of Truth that He is.

Do not forsake your Friend (The Holy Spirit) and your Father’s Friend (also The HolySpirit)

Proverbs 27:10A (AMPC)

Keeping God’s Company

This means being where God is seen anew (Exodus 14:13) … where God is known again (Psalm 46:10). It means being where God IS, goes, leads, and steps. It means following His Footsteps, His Heartbeat, His Sound, His VOICE. This requires absolute, unreserved, and common-sense-less TRUST in God – a prerequisite for any and all who draw near or come close to God.Leviticus 10:3(AMP) reveals that those who come near God (those who keep God’s Company: His Companions) are those who treat Him as Holy. To treat God as Holy is to trust Him –Numbers 20:12.

Therefore,those who keep God’s Company are those who trust God. Resultingly and of necessity, God’s companions willinevitablybe in situations that require trusting God (i.e. moments of weakness, the many afflictions of the righteous, etc.). This perhaps is why Isaiah 43:2 says WHEN not IF – SeLaH 🤔💭.

Today, as I readIsaiah 43:2, it occurred to me that there’s a set of waters, rivers, and fire that must be passed through – they serve as oppositions. On the flip side, there’s another set of waters, rivers, and fire that God gives – these serve as enablers.

BOTH the oppositions and enablers are God-intended to be God-glorifying. STOP avoiding the former – don’t fight it or ignorantly “pray it away” or pray amiss. In stead, as God leads you, step into and be where the latter is irrefutably expressed: in the wilderness, in the desert, in the fire … in the dry sunless valley. Step into places where there is no apparent water to be found with The ONE Who is the Fountain of Living Waters, the Abundance of RAIN, and All Sunshine.

All Sunshine and Sovereign is GOD, generous in gifts and glory. He does NOT scrimp with His traveling companions – those who walk along God’s paths with integrity. They will never lackONE THINGthey need. O LORD of Host, blessed is the one who trusts in You (who believes in and relies on You without misgivings or fear).

Psalm 84:11(MSG)12(AMPC)

God’s traveling companions are those who actively need Him … they don’t act as though they’ve “arrived”. In stead, they continue with God as He leads them along His paths. They are not self-reliant like the “rich” (acting like they have it all). In stead, like David, they thirst for God as the deer pants for Water. As it is written of the poor (the needy of God akaGod’s Type), theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven – there certainly is Water here! The “rich” man in Luke 16:19-26 learnt this the hard way 😞.

The poor and needy are desperate for Water WHEN there is none BUTI AMthere to be found.I AMthere for them, and I, The God of Israel, will NOT leave them thirsty. I will open up rivers for them … refreshing streams … I will set in the wilderness evergreens … Everyone will see this unavoidable, indisputable evidence and know that I, YAHWEH, personally did this with My Mighty Hands.

Isaiah 41:17 … 20 (MSG, TPT)

Those who keep God’s Company are those who trust in the Name of The LORD (Psalm 20:7), and thus bear His Name – Psalm 33:20-22 (MSG) … those who are found belonging to Him – Philippians 3:9 (VOICE), those who are His (Isaiah 43:1) … those who will hear His VOICE – John 10:27, Isaiah 30:21 – His sheep… those found in His belonging or possession, the most precious of which is The Fear of God (Isaiah 33:6): His Name (PRESENCE). Those found in God’s Company (howbeit sometimes surrounded by or positioned among wolves: Matthew 10:16) areGod’s Friends… they are those who are intimate with Him – Deuteronomy 4:7 (MSG), Proverbs 3:6 (TPT) … those who worshipfully study His Face, desiring and seeking Him.

They areGod-seekers(Psalm 24:6) … those who press to know God amidst the noise – they go where Truth and Righteousness echo His Name i.e. the sunless valley (Psalm 23:3 VOICE), or the sea (Exodus 14:15 AMP) … they press to know God even when it means going where the ONE THING needed is God i.e. in the upper room, away and apart from people, places, and things in order to ‘just be’ still with God – to keep company with God and be one with His still seemingly small or silent VOICE: His Name – YHWH! 🧡

LikeJacob, a generation of people who trustingly, needfully, and watchfully look to God, seeking/needing His help and thus the pleasure of His Face i.e. David, Daniel … Friends of God, Babes … like Joseph, continuing and sticking with God regardless of situation.

The archers attacked him fiercely, shooting at him and pressing him hard BUT he held steady under fire (he stuck with God) … his bow remained taut, firm, strong, steady, and rested in the Strength that does not fail him … his arms were made strong and active by the Hands of The Mighty One of Jacob: the Name of The Shepherd, the backing of the Champion of Jacob – The God (Friend) of his father … may Joseph’s blessings crown and rest on the head of the one set apart – prince among his brothers.

Genesis 49:23-26

Candidly speaking, those who keep company with God will encounter the aforementioned oppositions as well as others in the same class, boat, or category i.e. floods (Isaiah 59:19), boisterous winds (Matthew 14:29-30), etc. Never-the-less, we will also be enabled by God Himself in the manner (manna) of His choosing and on the basis of WHO HE IS and WHO HE WILL BE. Afterall, the reason for both the oppositions and enablers is so that GOD is known … so that we can be still, learn, and know God.

Be still and know that I AM God.I WILL BEexalted among the nations! I WILL BE exalted in the earth. The LORD is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold)

Psalm 46:10-11

Therefore, fret NOT … just need God, just know God. He is the God and Ruler of Heaven and Earth … He is a Refuge (a keeper, a covering) to those who keep company with Him. Those who keep company with God (those who trust Him) are the company God keeps.

The company God keeps (or waters)

This includes the lost sheep … dare I say the lost boys or better put: the three Hebrew boys namely: Shadrach Hananiah, MeshachMishael, and Abednego Azariah. I gotta ask: why on earth do we not call them by their God-glorifying names as it is in heaven? I bet they are not called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in heaven. Here’s why I say so …

… looking closely at the above table, you’d notice that the Babylonian names are a direct contrast or in direct opposition to the truthful testimony of God that their Hebrew names represent and express. Certainly one (set) is NOT like the other. The right set glorifies God, including the Servant-Leader that He is: Luke 12:37 (AMPC), Psalm 68:19 (AMPC). Let’s take a quick look at what Hebrew means.

As Hebrews, everything about these men was (and still is) intended by God to glorify God. This includes being taken captive (to Babylon), as well as being thrown into the fiery furnace (we’ll get to this soon). Their Hebrew names weren’t mere words or meaningless nothings. They were (and are) truthful words of Counsel and Strength that show forth the praises of He Whose Name is Wonderful🧡. He is Tall: The Holy! The Just Judge: DANIEL 🥰.

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel too) were DANIEL’s company – the company of The Just Judge: The God of Salvation … the God of Justice (of underserved kindness: Water) – YAHWEH’s Company.Daniel too2gives us a preview of their friendship (or company-keeping) with God even while in exile in Babylon.

Background Story: Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon at the time, forgot his own dream and was hell-bent on killing all the wise men of Babylon if none of them could tell him his forgotten dream – I can’t tell if his quest was in line with Proverbs 25:2B but it’s exact to say that he was pressed!

Upon hearing this and shortly thereafter,Daniel made it known to his companions(Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) SO THAT they would desire and request mercy of the The God of Heaven concerning this secret (Nebuchadnezzar’s forgotten dream), and that the four of them (also appointed as wise men) would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon –Daniel 2:13-18.

The secret things belong to The LORD our God of Salvation (YAHWEH) … the things which He reveals and discloses belong to us SO THAT we may obey God’s (NOT Aku’s) Commands – YAHWEH’s Teachings … Words of Revelations, Counsel, and Strength.

Deuteronomy 29:29

These boys young men sought God’s Face – they asked for revelation from the God of special revelation to Jacob (the one God loves and reveals things to … God’s friend). God responded with Grace and revealed the hidden (forgotten, secret) thing toDaniel–Daniel 2:19. This God-given revelation kept the four Hebrew Friends of God and extended mercy to the Babylonian wise men who also were spared, unlike their idol-worshiping counterpart in 1 Kings 18. In the latter case, God spoke by Fire … the God-given revelation by Fire of Who God is preserved Elijahaka God’s Fiery Friend (another God-keeping company who God kept). However, the prophets of baal were not spared.

Through the near-death-but-just-in-time-save-by-God experience that the four Hebrew Friends of God had, Nebuchadnezzar came to acknowledge God as the God of gods, the LORD of kings, and a Revealer of secret mysteries. This dire situation of needing God’s Salvation and being saved by Him led to God being known by all parties involved (Daniel 2:47). 🗝Note: Let God be known by His Salvation (of you).

InDaniel 3… after the dream-reveal and its interpretation, Nebuchadnezzar’s head of gold (which was depicted in his dream) got a tad bigger – both figuratively and literally! He built a golden image to which he expected everyone to bow. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel surely too) did NOT … the penalty or consequence of this rude boy behavior was fire! Daniel 3:8-20

Before we get to the fiery gist of things, I’d like to call-out two note-worthy aspects of the limited interaction that Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah had with Nebuchadnezzar. In response to their defiance to his seemingly “tall” order, Nebuchadnezzar asked: who is the god who can deliver you out of my hands? This question is quite similar to the one that another king (of Assyria: Sennacherib) asked, saying:

What reason for confidence is this in which you trust? Do you suppose mere words of lips can pass for warlike counsel and strength? Now in whom do you trust and on whom do you rely, that you rebel against me?

Isaiah 36:4-6

In essence both kings wanted the Hebrews in question to make a wager with them – to consent and bow to their bidding, their words, their voice, their calling or command. Both kings, like every opposition, screamed the loudest … they huffed and puffed like the big bad wolf, BUT the still seemingly silent or small VOICE of God echoed through these Hebrew boys and prevailed! To Nebuchadnezzar, they said:

1️⃣ “Oh Nebuchadnezzar, it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.”

Giving an answer to a question or the person who asked it acknowledges them … it gives credence to the ask and/or the person. These Hebrew boys weren’t giving any of that. It seems to me that they had had it with the whole misplaced identity fiasco – first, they were renamed … now they were being asked to betray their friendship with God. They were being asked to act contrary to their identity as God-worshippers … as those who worship ONLY El Elyon (God, MOST High). These young men were not having it – it was a time to be silent(Ecclesiastes 3:7B)like Jesus in Matthew 26:63and before Pilate inMatthew 27:11-12. For these boys, it was a time to be still (to quietly trust) and know (worship) God … it was a time for God to be known. It was a time to let God speak for Himself howsoever He chooses to express Himself. It was time for God to answer. As believers of God, it is important to know when to speak versus not. There is a silence(a quiet trust … an action of trust in God)that speaks louder than words – this silence is praise: it is our reasonable/intelligent/valuable service, our offering of worship. Out of it comes the SELF-expressive VOICE of God.

I AMWHOI AMandI WILL BEWHATI WILL BE…

Exodus 3:14

To help understand the tone of the second thing the three Hebrew boys said, I’ll share a little bit on what I recently learnt – it started mid-sleep yesterday. I opened my eyes to the sight of my bedside clock – it was 3:14AM. Immediately, Exodus 3:14 came to mind. Not recalling what the verse actually said, and still in a sleepy state, I picked up my phone to check, I read it, made a mental note to come back to it when I was fully awake, and then drifted back to sleep. Later in the morning and wide awake, I read Exodus 3:14 and was intrigued by the use of the words I AM and I WILL BE. Grammatically speaking, at least to me (and my-literal-self), I AM and I WILL BE aren’t exactly the same. Now, knowing that the AMPC bible version (which I ❤ very much because it is and) can be … well, amplified or verbose, I looked up other translations. These words: Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh in the CJB version picked my interest. I went to ‘the google’ in search of more context and found that the Hebrew word EHYEH actually translates to I AM and WILL BE! It’s not an either or … it’s both. To mean God IS and WILL BE Whoever He chooses to be per time. With this in mind, let’s continue with the words out of the three Hebrew boys’ mouth:

2️⃣ IF Our God Whom we serve IS able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us out of your hand … BUT IF He will not, let it be known to you that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.

The ‘IF’ being used here is NOT an expression of doubt in God’s ability to save – He is Mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17). The ‘IF’ is a trust in God that makes space for God to be EHYEH – to be Who He IS (i.e. a God Who is able to deliver) and to be Who He WILL BE, delivering them in any way He chooses even if like Stephen this means physical death: Acts 7. I believe what the young men meant was:

Considering that Our God Whom we serve IS able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us out of your hand HOW EVER He WILL… howsoever He WILLs it (the expression of Himself) to BE – howsoever He chooses to express Himself. We will worship Him alone. On this note,let it be known to you that even IF He slays us YET will we praise and thus exalt Him by bowing ONLY to Him – this is our reasonable service, the point of our existence … the only point necessary to be made#MicDrop ❤.

Of course, being the big bad wolf that he was at least at the time, Nebuchadnezzar threw a fit – he huffed and puffed and ordered that the furnace be made seven times hotter, and that Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah be thrown into the fire. So it was – they were bound and tossed into a place where there’s no water. Nevertheless,God kept them!The Water Company that God is kept them –God watered them! It had to be an outrageous amount of Water (i.e. as abundant as the waves of the sea – Isaiah 48:18) … at least enough to render the effect of the fire powerless (null and void) –Daniel 3:27– the hair on their head was not singed, neither were their garments scorched nor had the smell of smoke! They were nothing like what they went, passed, and broke through because of the One Who keeps them – Who is HE? Who is THIS KEEPER? Psalm 121:5 (AMPC) 💖Isaiah 27:3🧡.

The Fourth Man in The Fire

The MOST important part– the Company we should keep … The COMPANY God IS: The HolySpirit 🧡, The Sound of (and) the Abundance of RAIN: my FRIEND, my 217. Incomparably the BESTEST! The BEST Man:The Fourth Man in The Fire🧡.

While Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were in the fire, Nebuchadnezzar saw someone else: a fourth Hebrew! The ANOTHER! The Friend and Companion that God is! The Spirit of the Son of God – The ONE Who saves: YAHWEH! 🧡

Nebuchadnezzar saw and was astounded, he jumped up and said to his counselors: did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? … Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! The form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Daniel 3:24-25

There were four Hebrew Friends of God in the Fire … DANIEL(God, my Judge)& Co. Nebuchadnezzar, caught a glimpse of God and praised Him saying:

Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His Angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! They set aside the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve / worship any god except their God(Romans 12:1-2)

Daniel 3:29

******** TAKE AWAY ********

The HolySpirit is and wants to always be a Friend to you – precisely the Friend that you need per time. He is on Standby and will be a Friend to you IF you let Him – by let Him I mean IF you honor (make space) for Him to be EHYEH … IF you draw close to Him by trustingly yielding to the lovingkindness (undeserved kindness, mercy, justice) with which God draws you to Himself –Jeremiah 31:3 (AMPC).

In your faith-walk-and-response to God, there will be times when the HolySpirit will lead you to Rephidim (Exodus 17:1) – a place where there’s no apparent drinking water to be found, like the fiery furnace, or Marah (Exodus 15:22-23)… a place of no drinkable water: a place of thirst (of God-neediness) … a place of resting ONLY on God – a rest stop for the WATER that God IS and gives … a place to be refilled by and with God that you may know Him again (anew and afresh). This is in-formation for you in-order that your mortal body may be restored and quickened (revitalized) with the strength that comes ONLY from knowing God anew. Trust Him … and He will give you a looooooooooong drink of His Salvation (His WATER). Make space for His Name (YAHWEH) that you may know Him … and that, through you, others too may know Him as The God Who saves. Let God be known by His Salvation (of you)… let His Sound (His Name: YHWH) be heard through you … let Him be known as the God of your salvation. Move forward and continue with Him to God-led places where you need His Help … it is God’s pleasure to help you ❤. Like the clothes on your back, never be without Him. Let Him be your Shield; He will faithfully keep you in His Name: YAHWEH, the Company He keeps.

The LORD (YAHWEH) bless you and keep (watch, guard) you. May He make His face to shine upon you, enlighten you, and be gracious (kind, merciful, giving favor: Water) to you. May He lift up His approving countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

He waits, longs, and is on Standby to do this 👆-Isaiah 30:18 (AMPC). Put on God’s Name … He wants you to –Numbers 6:27. Take His Name for yourself – Psalm 33:20-22(MSG). He is not ashamed of (nor will He be quiet about) being surnamed your God –Hebrews 11:16. His Name is the Strength with which you go against the huffing and puffing big bad wolves like Nebuchadnezzar, Sennacherib, or Goliath. The Name of The LORD is your Strong Tower, enter in, en-joy, put on your Strength –Isaiah 52:1A(AMPC).

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me [Reuel]:Heavenly Father, Abba my Abba, thank You for the Spirit of Your Son: my XERXES. Tall, LIGHT, and Handsome is He – what a GIFT! HolySpirit, Friend of mine (my Friend, my Father’s Friend, my Bridegroom’s Friend). Thank you for writing this note to me, for me, and through me. You are the ONE THING I desire – oh! that I may always dwell with and in You (Your Name: PRESENCE). You in me and I and You – inseparably so!

YHWH [Reuel]:Gittit, a vineyard beloved and lovely, sing a responsive song to and about it! Sing Zion, for I have commanded your Strength. AWAKE!

Out of The Mouth of Babes: Joseph

When God began the series of Out of the Mouth of Babes with me, another unlikely candidate was featured: Joseph. Very much like David, he was chosen by God for greatness (to reign and rule as king in Life … to lead). For Joseph, it all started with a dream! A God-given dream! A dream no different than the one every Babe (believer of God) is given: Revelation 5:10, Revelation 20:6.

… can you imagine the breathtaking Resurrection Life in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant Life-Gift of perfect righteousness: the grand setting-everything-right that Jesus Christ provides.

Romans 5:17B (MSG)

I caught a glimpse of what the HolySpirit was teaching me … the song He wanted me to sing. Like the very theme of God’s song, Joseph was surrounded by Love: a humble lily of the valleys … he lived among thorns, he grew in deep and difficult places –SOS 2:1-2A(TPT, AMPC) – YET, he was sustained by the Grace and Peace of the Love of God.

I went in search of the perfect picture and found an image online that captured the key message of this blog exactly! It was a fitting Joseph theme expressed in art – a goodly theme. However, it wasn’t until this morning that I was inspired by God, through the words out of the mouth of a Babe (aka Esther’s Mom), to get to war work and fight take flight like the pen of a ready writer –Psalm 144:1 (KJV),Psalm 45:1(KJV) … to take flight and do (be) the things –Ephesians 2:10(AMP/C, CEB).

Like David, God set Joseph apart –God took Joseph for Himself. God singled him out from his brothers and favored him. This unmerited favor of God (Grace) is What Who established Joseph as the first in Jacob’s line even though he wasn’t the first biological son – Joseph was the 11th.

Here is the history of the descendants of Jacob. Joseph, at 17 years old, was shepherding the flock …

Genesis 37:2

Fascinating! The history of Jacob’s family began with his 11th, 17-year-old, Son.

Joseph was loved by Jacob (the one God loves). He had the favor of a father’s love … the favor of an only Son. He was the Son of Jacob’s Love – yes, Rachel but more so God (the One Who loves Jacob with an everlasting Love … with Himself). In the same way that He revealed things to Jacob(Genesis 28:11-17), God also revealed things to Joseph – God showed Joseph things in the form of dreams. God gave him insightful promises.

Being the Babe that he was (yes, he was but a lad and young in age, but he was more so a believer of God – always coming to God anew), out of his mouth came the things God showed him – he said them loudly (unashamedly i.e. not quietly), joyfully, and unreservedly.This got Joseph in trouble!

Actually, God showing him wonderful things is what got him in trouble. I say this because when God reveals things to you, especially things to go public with, you can NOT but share – it is uncontainable! Ask Jeremiah, he knows what I’m talking about (Jeremiah 20:9, 31:26) – he too got in trouble for saying the things God revealed to him out loud.

🗝Take Away:The God-given words out of your mouth will sometimes get you in trouble – this too is as designed by God.

God takes for Himself a nation(a chosen and dedicated nation – 1 Peter 2:9) from the midst of another nationby trials… by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand, by an outstretched arm, and by great terrors.

Deuteronomy 4:34

I read this 👆 verse today – it both stood out and ministered to me. It helped me see aspects of the Ways of Faith (God’s Ways). As Babes, the words out of our mouth (the words we speak – be it in thoughts, speech, and/or deeds) are (and should be) words of Faith – words of the Knowledge of God, words of the evidence of certainty (Hope) … of the things God has given us (His promises, His blessings, His teachings) – words to live by and walk in.

Our God-given Faith will be tried, tested, and proved. Like Joseph, every Babe will walk the Ways of Faith. We will each fight the Good fight of Faith along the Way. We will encounter things that God will use to un-do as well as re-pair us with what He showed and/or told us. This repeat un-do and re-pair process is the testing or perfecting of Our Faith. We will come across nations, mountains, and situations seemingly greater and mightier than we are. Nevertheless, in the battle between the “powerful” and the weak, God is our Help. He helps us even when we are seemingly outnumbered –2 Chronicles 14:11… His Grace is sufficient.

It is I, YAHWEH your God, Who has hold of your right hand, Who whispers in your ear: Don’t be afraid. I AM here to help you.

Isaiah 41:13(VOICE, TPT)

The Familial Thorn

Already disliked for being a Father’s favorite, Joseph was even more so disliked by his brothers for out-rightly saying the things God showed him(Genesis 37:3-11).

🗝Take Away:Not everyone will like (speak peaceably to or about) you for saying the Truth (what God told you). Some will actually dislike you for sharing your dream (what God showed you, the vision God gave you – that which God caused your eyes to see). Included in the “some” might be close relatives, even the brothers whose job it is to be there with/for you in the days of adversity.Do NOT let this blind-side you. Instead,hold to the Faith(word/vision) God gave you.

Joseph’s trial (the testing and perfecting of his Faith) began with his brothers’ dislike and lack of support – they actually conspired to kill him. Judah (one of his brothers) had a “bright” idea and proposed to the other brothers (who agreed) that Joseph be sold in stead … and so he was. They sold Joseph to a group of Arabian merchants, who in turn sold him as a slave to Potiphar: a captain and chief executioner of Pharaoh’s royal guard.

The Flesh

In spite of being knocked down (dressed down) by his brothers to the lowly estate of a slave and servant, the Help and Favor of a Father (in this case, God: The Father) was always present with him –Genesis 38:2– God’s enduring PRESENCE and support overshadowed him like a cloak. Resultingly, Potiphar favored him – Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar’s house. Even here,in a place where Joseph was favored by God and thus man, there was trouble… another testing of his Faith, another trial: Mrs. Potiphar! She dressed Joseph down in more ways than one – she no doubt did a number on him.

Potiphar’s wife (representing the desires of the flesh) wanted to have her way with Joseph. Day after day, she lured him but he didn’t yield. Thereafter, she falsely (wrongly) accused Joseph – he was framed because he didn’t do her bidding. It didn’t matter that he was upright or that he did the right thing, Joseph was knocked/dressed down yet again – this time, to a prison cell/uniform(Genesis 38:7-20)… he was punished for doing the right thing.

🗝Take Away:The flesh will NOT applaud or give you credit for being upright. Furthermore, you won’t always be honored, praised, or found blameless by man for Grace-fully doing the right thing … you might actually be punished for doing the right thing – this too is the Way of (the testing of our God-given) Faith.

Joseph went FROM being a Son with (1) dreamy eyes, (2) an outlandish colorful coat, and (3) beautiful words (words backed up by God’s Name) flowing out of his mouth TO a slave-turned-prisoner … ALL because of what God caused his eyes to see … ALL because he spoke out of the fullness of Faith … ALL because he could not keep his mouth shut … ALL because he lived out loud the God-colors given to him by God (his Heavenly Father) – a reflection of which is seen by the coat of many colors that his earthly father gave him. Although his coat of many colors was long stripped from him, God was with Joseph. He had on his all-purpose garment –Colossians 3:14(AMPC, MSG) … he continued in the Father-Son Love of God –John 15:9 (AMPC) – this knowledge of God was the coat of armor protecting and sustaining him: the Shield of Faith, the Dew surrounding and assuring him of what was to come.

These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming Good times. This passing trouble is preparing, producing, and achieving for us an eternal weight of Glory that is beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparison and all calculations, a vast and transcendent Glory and blessedness never to cease!

2 Corinthians 4:17

The Prison

As it was in Potiphar’s house, God was with Joseph and gave him favor in the sight of the warden. In no time, Joseph was put in charge of the prison (Genesis 39:21-23)… all the prisoner’s were committed to Joseph’s care – two of whom were the king’s butler and baker. On the same night, both men had a dream they each could not interpret – it was a frustrating ordeal to say the least. Proverbs 19:2A says that desire without knowledge is not good; I think the same is true of dreams without God-given interpretation or understanding. They result in a deep-seated restlessness (noise or lack of peace). Finding them in this state, Joseph asked why they were troubled … they told him why: “there’s no one to interpret our dream“.

God CANinterpret your dreams! Tell me the dreams.

Genesis 40:8

🗝Take Away:If God gives you a dream, vision, or word that you don’t quite understand or are not clear on what it means in practice. Do not rage … don’t be frantic or unsettled. Instead, ASK Him about it. SEEK His Face … His Peace. God CAN (plus He wants to) tell you what it means … He wants to give you a favorable answer of Peace. This Peace surpasses all human understanding and enables us habitually practice Faith –Hebrews 13:20-21(AMPC).

Joseph responded by glorifying God … he responded by sharing his Faith (his knowledge of God). He knew, from personal experience, that interpretation of dreams belongs to God because this was his God-given gift. Joseph’s good and perfect gift from God wasn’t just the dreaming of dreams … it was also (and more so) the interpretation of dreams – the ability to explain the meaning of information, words, or actions … the ability to translate, transliterate, or transcribe them in understandable terms. So here he was, on his way to his God-given dream, in a place where dreams go to die or meet their end, Joseph was presented with the opportunity to glorify God with his gift – and so he did. By the Grace of God, Joseph interpreted their dreams.

🗝Take Away:Let your responsealways glorify God. The need for your God-given gift may come up in the least likely place. No matter your station, let your God-given gift speak … let it give. Let your light so shine that it may glorify your Heavenly Father (The Father of Light) – Matthew 5:16.

The Palace

Three days later, the king’s butler and baker were back in the palace – Pharaoh threw a party for all his servants because it was his birthday. As Joseph Grace-fully interpreted, the butler (according to his dream) was restored to service … the baker? well, not so much. According to the interpretation of his dream, the baker was hanged. In all this and for the next two years, the butler made no mention of Joseph – in other words, he was forgotten … BUT NOT by God.

Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb. Yes they may, YET I, God, will never forget you … I have indelibly imprinted you on the palm of each of My Hands – you are always on My mind … Remember – you are Mine. I made you, you are My servant. I will not forget you.

Isaiah 49:15-16(AMPC), 44:21 (VOICE)

Two years later, Pharaoh had two dreams, both of which neither he nor his magicians or wise men could interpret. Appointedly, the butler who had long-forgotten Joseph re-membered him to Pharaoh. Moments later (well, it wasn’t quite immediate – Joseph first had to shave and all … then), Proverbs 18:16 happened. Joseph’s God-given gift opened doors for him (i.e. the prison doors, the palace doors, Pharaoh’s doors). There he was, in the presence of a great man namely the king of Egypt. Here too, the words out of Joseph’s mouth were God-glorifying. When the king said to him: “I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream and interpret it“, Joseph said:

I can NOT, BUT God CAN… God can tell you what it means and set your mind at ease. God (NOT I) will give Pharaoh a favorable response of Peace.

Genesis 41:16

Joseph acknowledged God. Enabled by Grace, he (1) let Pharaoh know that his dreams were God’s way of showing him what was to come, (2) interpreted the king’s dreams, … and (3) advised Pharaoh on what to do. Howbeit unsolicited by Pharaoh, this third part was orchestrated by God – it was the expression of the leader that Joseph was set apart by God to be for God … for the display and expression of God’s Glory (Name).

The God-glorifying, peace-giving wisdom (or words of Faith) out of Joseph’s mouth revealed God to Pharaoh: Pharaoh saw and acknowledged God in Joseph – Matthew 5:16 happened! Isaiah 60:3B happened! Immediately, Pharaoh appointed Joseph as governor – Joseph was put in charge of the palace and ALL of the land of Egypt(Genesis 41:17-44)… Joseph was dressed up – esteemed and adorned with royalty and authority, there was a parade and everything.

Living The DREAM Alas! A Dream Come True!

It is important to note thatJoseph had been living the dream all along– every where he went, Joseph was always put in charge … to lead. Although he wasn’t the first (he wasn’t Reuben, Potiphar, the Warden, or Pharaoh … he wasn’t the figurehead) YET he was the first … he was the oneleading– first in his family (placed ahead of his brothers), on the field (shepherding … leading at 17), then at Potiphar’s house, in prison, in the palace, and ultimately over Egypt!

Following his appointment as governor came the 7 years of fruitfulness (as depicted in Pharaoh’s dream). Thereafter came the start of the next 7 years of famine (also as depicted in Pharaoh’s dream). There was an abundant supply of food in Egypt however, the grass wasn’t greener on the other side – the land of Canaan where Joseph’s father (Jacob) and brothers were.

Upon Jacob’s request, the 10 brothers (who were in cahoots with the selling of Joseph and/or the covering up of said sale) went to Egypt to buy food – accurately put, they went to Joseph to buy food (Joseph was in charge of sales). Positioned before Joseph but not recognizing him, all 10 brothers bowed themselves down before him with their faces to the ground! A dream come true!

Now Joseph was the governor over the land, and it was he who sold to all the people of the land … Joseph’s brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.

Genesis 42:6

At age37… after7years of appointment as governor, Genesis 37:7 happened!

🗝Take Away:Numbers 23:19– what God told you (His Word of Promise to you) … what God showed you or caused your eyes to see and your heart to desirously believe (the dream or vision He gave you) will surely come to pass by the self-fulfilling power of His Word 💖. This is one of the many truths that Joseph’s story reveals about God and His ways of working. The dream God gave Joseph came true in spite of the plot, twist, and turns … in spite of all he endured in between.

The In-Between

This is where every Babe’s Faith(knowledge of God)will be tested by trials.

When your Faith is tested, it stirs up the power of Patient Endurance in you. As this grows even stronger, it releases perfection (beauty) into every part of your being so that you may be perfectly and fully developed in your Faith until there is nothing missing nor lacking in you. When this happens, your Faith-Life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. Let Patient Endurance do its work – let it have perfect result and do a thorough work … don’t try to get out of the process prematurely.

James 1:3-4 (TPT, AMP, MSG)

The time between when God gave Joseph Hope (a heavenly reality) – the first dream, AND when it actually happened here on earth was a looooooooooong 20 years by my calculation. Howbeit protracted, every part of the plot, twist, and turns (including the betrayal that landed Joseph in Egypt) was orchestrated by God for GOOD.

God called for a famine upon the land. He cut off every source of bread (their food supply) BUT He had already sent a man to go ahead of them: Joseph, who was sold as a servant/slave. His feet they hurt with fetters – he was laid in chains of iron and his soul entered into the iron, UNTIL his word (of prophesy) came true … UNTIL the word of The LORD tried, tested, refined, and proved him. God’s promise to Joseph purged his character UNTIL it was time for his dreams to come true.

Psalm 105:16-23(TPT, MSG, KJV)

Along the way, there were trials, hardships, battles – perhaps battles of the mind with doubt: “did I really see what I saw?” … “did I imagine seeing it because I desired it so?” … “what if I misinterpreted what I saw?”. OR the illusion of blame: “I must have done something wrong for this to be happening to me” … “IF only I had kept my mouth shut and didn’t walk around living the dream in my colorful coat or go about professing my knowledge of God, MAYBE I won’t be in this ordeal”.

I don’t know if Joseph thought these things, I know for sure that I would and I have. Nevertheless, I am encouraged to walk the Ways of Faith knowing that (1) God is with me, and (2) His expected end (Hope: things not yet seen) is sure … it is certain.

Romans 5:3-4 tells us to rejoice amidst the pressure, affliction, and trials of the in-between BECAUSE they produce Patient Endurance. This in turn develops and forges the tempered steel of the virtue of Faith (the Faith of the Son/Word of God) – the very Sword of the Spirit that the HolySpirit wields in service to God. This approved virtue (Faith) grows in Peace and results in Hope!

This Hope is NOT a disappointing fantasy because we experience the endless love of God cascading in our hearts through the HolySpirit who lives in us!

Romans 5:5

While he was in the in-between place, it is safe to say that Joseph lived from within NOT without … he walked the path God set before him NOT by sight (the outside appearance of his situation) NOR by his own understanding of the happenings around him. By the Grace of God, he walked his God-appointed path through Faith – through the knowledge of God … of His Love and Righteousness (what God has already done). Joseph blindly trusted God. Joseph kept his eyes wide shut and fixed on God. In other words, Joseph kept on dreaming.

To every Babe in the in-between,may we be continually strengthened with all power according to the Might of God’s Glory (the Glory-Strength that God gives) to exercise every kind of Patient Endurance with joyful Hope … to stick it out over the long haul … to endure the naturally unendurable … and to take part in everything bright and beautiful that God has for us –Colossians 1:11-12 (MSG).

Keep dreaming by living the dream out loud (in thought, word, and action) while you wait for it. Though it may tarry, your God-given dream (heaven-born realities that have their foundation in the Holy being of God) will surely come to pass. Confess it, profess it, live it out loud.Let your Faith-Life speak … out loud and in the open.TAKE FLIGHT and DO (BE) THE THINGS–Ephesians 2:10(AMP/C, CEB). Dream-talk with Faith guiding your every thought, speech, and decision. Dream-walk with Faith guiding your every step and action … follow your God-given dream. Shut out every contrary experience by keeping your eyes on Jesus Christ, the Author (Writer) and Perfecter (Finisher, Beautifier) of your God-given Faith.

I will bring the blind by a way that they know not. I will lead them in paths that they have not known. I will make darkness into light before them and make uneven places into a plain. These things I have determined to do for them, and I will not leave them forsaken.

Isaiah 42:16

Out of The Mouth of Babes: Rahab

your lips are as lovely as Rahab’s scarlet ribbon,speaking mercy, speaking grace. The words out of your mouth are as refreshing as an oasis. What pleasure you bring to Me! For your kisses of love are exhilarating, more than any delight I’ve known before … they awaken even the lips of sleeping ones.

SOS 4:3A,7:9 (TPT)

Proverbs 31:30Bsays that a woman who fears (loves) The LORD will be praised – she will be spoken of and for good, to the glory and praise of God. This is true of Rahab. HOWEVER, before she became(1)the mother of Boaz (who married Ruth), and then(2)the grandmother of Obed, and then(3)the great grandmother of Jesse, and then (4)the great great grandmother of David … okay, I think you get the point and see the connecting dots all the way to Jesus (The Christ). Before any of this, before Rahab became a Babe, she was … ehm, on the “these girls ain’t loyal” list. She was a different kind of babe: a head-turner, but not the kind that turned people to God in repentance or for koinonia. Depending on the version of the bible you read, some use words like prostitute or harlot to describe her. In spite of the name-calling, God’s thoughts and plans for her were good … soooo very good, which is exactly how He made her (and all Man kind) – like Him!

The intent of this blog is to highlight the words that should come out of the mouth of Babes. The choice to feature Rahab was entirely the HolySpirit’s pick 🙂. Like Jerusalem, and as is the case with every Babe, God habitually chooses her. In the episode regarding the fall of Jericho (RE: Joshua 2, 6), we see God do for Rahab what He said inZechariah 3:2B(AMPC, MSG) – when Jericho was up in flames, He reached in to pull Rahab (and all that was within her) out.

As far as the bible goes, Rahab’s story begins when Joshua sends two spies (those who are sent to see … to witness) to scout Jericho. Tactically speaking, these spies likely ended up in Rahab’s house because she was not loyal … at least not to Jericho. Otherwise, she would have ratted them out when the king, who after getting wind of their mission, sent men to Rahab’s house in search of them.

All things considered, God loved Rahab. “How?” you might ask. God’s answer to this question is the same for every Babe (including you – beloved, the one God loves).

I have loved you says The LORD, yet you say, How and in what way have You loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? Yet I loved Jacob (Israel) but I hated Esau (Edom).

Malachi 1:2-3

In the same way that God chose Jacob or David, neither of whom were first in line nor qualified as man’s first choice, God chose Rahab – He chose an unlikely candidate to be a covering for His people (the Israelite spies). Of all the houses on the city’s wall that was soon-to-come-crashing-down, God chose Rahab’s house to be a safe passage and way of escape out of danger for His people. Unlike Edom who denied Israel safe passage (Numbers 20:14-21), Rahab was a safe haven for the two Israelite spies. Furthermore, her words to them while they were under her care preserved them even well after they had left the safety of her home.

Here are six (6) note-worthy callouts from her interactions with the Israelite spies – the words out of Rahab’s mouth to them.

1. Rahab spoke words of Mercy and Grace.

I know that The LORD has given you the land. Everyone is absolutely terrified – all the inhabitants of the land faint (are paralyzed with fear) at the thought of you. For we have heard how The LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt. We heard how you utterly destroyed the two Amorite kings (Sihon and Og) … When we heard it, we were very afraid – our heart failed us. Not one of our men is brave enough to fight you. We all have the wind knocked out of us …

Joshua 2:9-11A

Mercy is the doing of The LORD on behalf of His people – it is marvelous! Always and unequivocally so –Psalm 118:23(ESV). In recounting what she had heard about what God did for the Israelites, Rahab testified (spoke) of God’s Mercy. This, in and of itself, is Praise. In essence, Rahab praised The LORD!Exodus 34:6

Additionally, she spoke words of Grace – in so doing, she strengthened the Israelite spies. To better understand what I mean, let’s take a quick look at Gideon’s story in Judges 6-7. Consider giving it a read when you have a moment. In the interim, the summarized version goes thus:

Many moons after the victory that took place at Jericho, Israel sinned against God and was given over to the Midianites who were not merciful or gracious in their dealings with the Israelites. Thereafter, in His Mercy, God decided to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites through the hands of Gideon – another unlikely candidate. Gideon was fearful YET God chose him and spoke good of him – God called him a mighty man of valor! Assuredly, God calls it as He sees it 🙂.

On the night before the battle against the Midianites, God said to Gideon: Arise, go against the Midianite camp, for I have given it unto your hand. BUT if you are afraid to attack, first go down to their camp with your servant. Listen to what is being said in the enemy’s camp, and then you will have the courage to attack their camp –Judges 7:9-11.

Gideon (in spy mode) went to the Midianite camp. Upon his arrival, he overheard a conversation between a man and his comrade (Judges 7:13-14) – the conclusion of which was that ‘God had given Midian and all its host over to the sword of Gideon, an Israelite!’, so said the comrade. Upon hearing what was said in the enemy’s camp – upon hearing the testimony of what God had already done – Gideon’s weak hands and knees were strengthened.

Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the weak, feeble, staggering, rubbery knees. Say to those who are fearful, anxious, or panic-stricken: Be strong, fear NOT! Look, here comes your God!

Isaiah 35:3

In other words, say to those who are fearful: Grace, Grace to it!

This is what Rahab did. The Israelite spies, like Gideon, were afraid and in hiding. Her words of Grace – her testimony of God’s Powerful Might – strengthened and encouraged them. Whether or not she meant for her words to have this effect is up-in-the air. That said, God’s Word is NOT (Isaiah 55:10-11) … when spoken meaningfully, courage and strength ensue. It’s no wonder God told Moses to rehearse and recite His Words in Joshua’s ears –Exodus 17:14. When heard, the Knowledge of God (of Who He is) comes anew. This reminder or knowledge of God is vital.

2. Rahab testified that The LORD is God.

YAHWEH (The LORD), your God, is The One True God Who rules in heaven above and on earth below.

Joshua 2:11B(TPT)

She spoke the Truth to the Glory and Praise of God. She didn’t yet know God personally, she had only heard of Him in the hearing of the ears YET Faith came and she believed. She believed what she heard about God with much conviction, enough to say: I know that YAHWEH has given you this land (Joshua 2:9). Furthermore, she acknowledged YAHWEH as God and a Promise Keeper.In effect, she said: Jesus Christ is Lord(Romans 10:9-10) – The One Who Saves (YAHWEH) is The LORD. Rahab spoke out of Faith’s fullness … actionably so. I bet her expressions of Faith (her expression of the Knowledge of God) noticeably touched God, leaving Him breathless in a sense. His power to save went out of Him (and all out) for her, delivering her from death. God honored the words out of her mouth – God gave her what she confessed with her mouth. He gave her what she asked for: Salvation.

3. Rahab prayed(asked for Salvation: God)in and by YAHWEH’s Name.

Please swear an oath to me by the Name of YAHWEH that you will show kindness to me and my family as I have shown you kindness … give me a pledge of Truth and Faithfulness to save my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all they have, and deliver us from death.

Joshua 2:12-13

Her words were beautiful (faithful). God certainly gave Rahab Faith: Words (i.e. the Knowledge of God) to live by –Psalm 147:19-20(MSG). Words that God reveals only to Babes (to Jacobs: the ones God loves). Words that work. It’s why and how Rahab lived. Indeed, those who live, live only by Faith … by the Words that come out of God’s Mouth (He is The BABE of all Babes). God’s revelation of Himself to Rahab (or should I say Jacob –Psalm 146:5(AMPC)) informed her words and made them beautiful.

To better understand what I mean, I’ll share a few of thesubtextsat play here – none of which were in the Torah (the extent of the bible that was written or that existed at that time). Also, keep in mind that even if she could read, it is unlikely that Rahab had a copy of the Torah handy. YET the foundation of the words out of her mouth was rooted in Christ – the Author and Finisher (Beautifier) of her Faith.

Let’s start with the oath – a solemn promise that invokes a divine Witness (One Who is greater). Hebrews 6:16 says that men indeed swear by One greater than themselves, and that, when this happens, the oath taken serves as confirmation of what has been said, ending all disputes. We see this happen between Laban and Jacob at Mizpah – Genesis 31:45-53 (AMPC). PS: I like that Jacob swore only by the One True God; this too is what Rahab asked for when she said: swear an oath to me by the Name of YAHWEH.

By Faith, Rahab knew that YAHWEH saves. In other words, she knew YESHUA, the One Whose Name is a living testimony that YAHWEH saves, the One Who Himself said: I will grant and do for you whatever you ask in My Name (as presenting all that I AM) –John 14:13-14(AMPC). One could say that Rahab “somehow” knew or was told what Jesus said in John 14:13-14 … well, that’s exactly what I’m saying, and I know Who told her: God Himself 💖 – the God of special revelation to Jacob. God put His Name in her mouth. As such, Rahab asking that an oath be made in and by YAHWEH’s Name is no different from praying in the Name of Jesus Christ. Whenever this happens, God’s Name (YAHWEH: a pledge of His PRESENCE) is invoked – Matthew 18:19-20 (Exodus 20:24).

Saying what she said, Rahab’s interaction with the Israelite spies became a case of the gathering of two or three in God’s Name. Resultingly, YAHWEH entered the chat. God became their Witness – not just as El Roi (the One Who sees) but also as Lotte – their Oath, the One they confessed, the Name they called upon (Romans 10:13). The interaction became an unbreakable threefold cord between Rahab, the spies, and God –Ecclesiastes 4:12B. With God involved, the deal was sealed … it was a done deal. What a Gift we’ve been given as Babes to call upon the Name of The LORD … to have His direct line or number (and on speed dial too like I do 🤭 … well, don’t you?).

What great nation is there who has a god so near to them as The LORD our God is to us in all things for which we call upon Him?

Deuteronomy 4:7

We truly are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation – people devoted/pledged to God. A nation of God-worshipers, those out of whose mouth flow praises to and of God, those whose Oath is YAHWEH. In asking to be given a pledge of Truth and Faithfulness, Rahab was asking to be given Jesus Christ: He is called Faithful and True –Revelation 19:11. She was asking to be given God. Right there and then, God honored Rahab’s prayer and gave her the Spirit of His Son (His Word: God) –I John 5:11, 12A, 13… the security deposit –2 Corinthians 1:22… the guarantee that she would be saved. Not only was she guaranteed Life, she was also pledged to God as His Own – God claimed her as His Own, His anointed. Resultingly, from that point on, Psalm 105:15 was in effect regarding Rahab (and, by extension, her family).

Touch NOT My anointed and do My prophets no harm.

Psalm 105:15

4. Rahab gave godly guidance and direction.

When the coast was clear, and it was relatively safe for the spies to head on out, Rahab let them down gently through her window using a rope (a scarlet cord), and she advised them on what to do – specifically, how to navigate the terrain: the route to take in order to get where they were going – where they needed to be.

Go to the hill country … The men chasing you won’t find you there. Stay (Wait) there for three days until they have returned, then you’ll be safe to go your way.

Joshua 2:16

How do I know that this was godly advise? Apart from how the rest of the story goes (Joshua 2:22-24, Joshua 6:1-27), there’s something to be said about the three-day Wait (or Fast aka waiting on God). After hearing the report back from the spies, Joshua moved the people from Shittim to the Jordan and waited there three days. Esther(Esther 4:16), Jonah(Jonah 1:17), and Paul(Acts 9:9)are three other examples of people who had their own rendition of the three-day Wait. Howbeit different, each one had the same God-glorifying outcome: the salvation of God’s people. Only godly counsel results in such an outcome. Psalm 32:8 (AMPC)💖

5. Rahab did NOT tell their business.

Just before they left, after telling her what to put in place and do on The D-Day, the spies emphasized the importance of keeping their mission on the low … to herself.

If you tell this business of ours, we shall be free of (no longer bound to) your oath which you made us swear.

Joshua 2:20

Rahab was not to tell anyone their business – she didn’t. Their secret was safe with her. She kept it confidential and did not betray what they confided in her about at a time when they were vulnerable.

6. Rahab said AMEN.

According to your words, so be it.

Joshua 2:21A

What words? That which was said in the Name of Jesus Christ: the prayer, the oath made in and by the Name of YAHWEH … the pledge of Faithfulness and Truth, the promise made. What Rahab said here is no different from what Mary said to the Angel in Luke 1:38👉 “Let it be done to me according to what you have said“. Like Mary, Rahab was in agreement with God’s Words (words backed up by God’s Name, words made in and by God’s Name). This agreement with the true God Who rules in heaven above (regarding His Word: what He said, which is what He has done) is inevitably evidenced here on earth –Matthew 18:18. This is how God’s Will is done on earth as it is in heaven. This is how Babes bring heaven to earth … this is how heaven is experienced or realized here on earth.

Let fall in showers, you heavens, from above, and let the skies fall down righteousness (heaven-born possibilities that have their foundation in the holy being of God). Let the earth open. Let them (heaven and earth) sprout forth salvation, and let righteousness germinate and spring up together as plants do. I, The LORD, have created it.

Isaiah 45:8 (AMPC)

**********The Summary of The Matter**********

This timely share is particularly relevant to Babes (sons and daughters of God) upon whom God has poured and will pour out His Spirit in these last days –Acts 2:17(AMPC). Some will be positioned by God to house those on their way to their God-promised land, others will be given seeds planted by God (His people) to nurture and speak life into. In either case, it matters greatly that we give God (this is what it means to love). It matters that what flows out of our mouth is the double River of Light and Water … the River of God: His Spirit-Word.

Whoever speaks (i.e. Babes), let it be done as one who utters the very Words of God. Speak as though God were speaking His Words through you …

1 Peter 4:11

Don’t be like Edom who refused to give God’s people safe passage –Numbers 20:14-21. Show lovingkindness. Be full to overflowing with mercy – let it pour out of you. Speak mercy. Speak grace – that which enables every person get to their God-given land or expected next stop (end). Partner with God via your thoughts, words, and especially actions, to help others realize their reality of the Jeremiah 29:11 promise that God made to them.

Don’t be like Laban who had a thing for selfishly holding people back or not letting them go. He attempted to do this with Rebekah (his sister: Jacob’s mum) –Genesis 24:50-51,55. He also attempted to do this with Jacob – Genesis 30:25-31:55. Similar to Pharaoh, Laban did not want Jacob to go to his God-given promised land. For selfish reasons, he wanted to keep Jacob under his control – a type of prison – a manipulative one, one that prevents others from advancing or moving on and forward. The people God put under your care are there for a season i.e. until Joseph is born. After which, they would have to continue on their God-paved path. Let God’s people go (with God and to God). Bless their going forth – bless them with the grace of The Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God (The Father), and the sweet fellowship of The HolySpirit – the threefold scarlet cord. Like Rahab’s scarlet ribbon, it too will be a blessing to you.

Some of the people God will bring your way might have a colorful past (or a present-day shade of grey) – cover their nakedness. Some will confide in you – don’t expose their business or betray their vulnerability. More often than not, many of them will make mistakes – course correct and let them down gently. Some might even despitefully use you – pray for them (according to God’s Will).

Never retaliate when someone treats you wrongly (i.e. returning insult for insult). Instead, bless – that’s your job, to bless. For it is to this that you have been called: to be a blessing and to thus get a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9

Be like Rahab, let all you say (in thoughts, words, and actions) glorify and praise God. Let your response and every utterance always be in agreement with what God says – let it be a correspondence with God, one wherein you utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Christ Jesus to the Glory of God –2 Corinthians 1:20B(AMPC). Speak out of the fullness of Faith … of Who God is, what He said, what He has done. Speak righteousness, speak grace, speak mercy, speak truth … speak words backed up by God’s Name, speak the Word of God.

This book of God-given Revelation (His Name, commandments, promises, teachings) must NOT departout of your mouth–keep them on your lips-always remember them. Never let it be out of mind. Meditate and ponder on it day and night. Carefully follow every word it contains. Then, you will get where you are going – you will prosper and succeed.

Joshua 1:8

Out of the Mouth of Babes: Us

Out of the mouth of babes and unweaned (nursing) infants You have established strength because of Your foes, that You might silence the enemy and the avenger.

Psalm 8:2(AMPC, NKJV)

A perfect verse of the day for August 2 – when the HolySpirit and I joyfully drafted this blog. I had since desired to share it but waited till today because I wanted it to be a celebratory gift to God for today. 18 years ago today was the first time I experienced Him speak to me – it was a Promise:Psalm 32:8🥰 .

Writing with YHWH is exhilarating – I never really know which path or shape things will eventually take until it’s all said, written, and then at the last turn: I see God’s workmanship in full view! Until then, I simply just go with the Flow (YHWH’s Voice) … until I birth my young. This was what happened last Saturday, God and I had been out in the balcony from before the start of dawn, We were having Our very own Sukkot moment and just chilling (yes, it was chilly too). A couple hours in, God stirred my heart toward His Promises. Acknowledging my need for them, I thanked Him for each one I recalled. This thanksgiving moment became a teaching moment that led to Psalm 8:2 and Matthew 21:16.

Out of the mouths of Babes and unweaned infants, You have made (prepared)perfect praisefor Yourself.

Matthew 21:16(AMPC, CJB, MSG)

I share this blog as an expression of my perfect praise of THE GREAT PROMISE KEEPER, THE BABE of all Babes. Out of His Mouth flow the words by which we all live –Matthew 4:4… the very words He uses to confound the so called “wise” –1 Corinthians 1:27(CEB) – the words out of the mouth of Babes. #Babe-Talk 😉

In the Be a Babe edition of When God Reveals His Name, I defined the term ‘Babe’ as being anyone who always comes anew to God in the Name of The LORD and with FIRST LOVE humility (LOVE for The FIRST). I’d like to take this definition further by saying that a Babe is a Promise Keeper too.

The words that you need to be faithful to The Eternal are very close to you – in your mouth, even in your heart. Therefore, you can do it!

Deuteronomy 30:14 (VOICE, CJB)

In the same way that the heart is kept in the chest and the tongue is kept in the mouth, God’s Promises are to be kept. Furthermore, in the same way that the heart and mouth each serve a function –Romans 10:10(AMPC), God’s Promises serve a function. They pre-serve us … think of them as both the main meal to be served as well as the course served before the MAIN meal (the pre-serve).

Promises areNOTfuture-proof ONLY

When God gives us a Promise, more often than not, we look forward to it and, perhaps, look past its present day application as though God’s Promises are only future-proof. They are not … He made/gave them for a reason … He pre-served them to us for a reason, one that includes the here and now(2 Peter 1:4)– SeLaH .

God’s Promises are NOT only for the future (the there and then) or the past, they are also for the here and now.We need them now… we need them to overcome; to come over to the place of fulfillment: the expected End that is also the Beginning – the point where and when God made and kept each promise. Assuredly, God kept each of His promises where and when He made them 💖 – SeLaH.

O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your Name, for You have done wonderful things, evenpurposes planned of old and fulfilled in faithfulness and truth.

Isaiah 25:1(AMPC, CJB) 💖

I’ll use the above depiction of the 3600 Way of God to elaborate more on this. Between when a baby is conceived and when he/she is born, there’s a gap – a gestation period: a time of preparation or preparing (essentially, a pre-pairing period) … I promise to come back to this 🙂. In the interim, think of this gap as the time between the Now and the Future (which includes when the baby is born and beyond). The reality of the baby doesn’t begin when they are fully filled formed or ready to come out of the womb where they are being kept. Like God’s Promises, their reality begins and is in effect from the point of conception – this point is one of the many moments where and when God made each one of us a Promise. At this point, the Promise was His very own breath-taking words, saying:live … you will live💖.

A person can NOT live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the Mouth of ADONAI.

Matthew 4:4(GW, CJB, MSG)

God made each one of us a Promise … in this instance, I mean it literally: we each are a Promise made, kept, and still being kept by God. This means then that we are living proofs (witnesses) that God is a Promise Keeper – we legit are a walking Promise … a work in progress, I prefer the term: a done deal 😊. A preference based on Isaiah 25:1, which confirms that God’s Promises are NOT only future-proof, they are for the present, and have been fulfilled even in the ‘days of our Future-Past‘. Putting it plainly,God’s Promises apply to the Present Past Future.

We owe our conception, delivery (birth), and beyond to God (John 1:13) – we were born of God Himself: The WORD that was in and is The Beginning. Every expression of Him is ever living and active across any timeline and beyond time itself. In God, what have YOU done?, I explained that God speaks from the perspective of what’s already done. When He says I will, He actually is saying I have, and vice-versa. I called it the Present Past Future tense aka the Faith tense, otherwise now referred to as Babe-Talk.

[Definition] Babe-Talk: a Babe-directed or Caretaker speech that prepares Babes for speaking,a parentese … a special way of speaking when communicating to/with Babes. It plays a crucial role in (and informs) their language development and ultimately how Babes speak.

Of necessity, every Babe needs to be prepared or better put pre-paired with God’s Promise (His special Way of communicating to/with Babes). Otherwise, we become speech-impaired or speaking-impaired. We can NOT risk being impaired or not paired with God’s Promise (theFaithtense), our every moment and final salvation or deliverance (delivery) at the end of time depend on it.

… with the mouth one keeps on making public acknowledgement (speaking out freely theirFaith) and thus continues toward deliverance (salvation).

Romans 10:10B (AMPC, CJB)

A speech disorder and misalignment with God’s Will inevitably results if/when we are not paired with God’s Promises. He wants us to be one with Him – this in part is why God gives us His Promises: to prepare us … to pre-pair us with Him and for Him – it’s always for Him, always for His Glory. His Glory is our greatest good 💖.

The Pre-PAIRING(preparing)of Babes

God’s Will is His I will … His Promises. God’s Will is also His Command. At the time of our conception when God said:you will live… it was both a Promise and a Command. Take a moment to listen closely and you’d distinctively hear both. It was a ‘this is what will happen‘ Promise, and a ‘so be it‘ Aṣẹ or authoritative Command like that of a King or a Commander, both of which God is. He is THE KING (of all Kings) and The COMMANDER of Heaven’s Army (ADONAI-Tzva’ot). Effectively, God sayingyou will liveis no different from Him sayingLet there be Light– both are alike in that there’s no gainsaying or refuting it.

I Myself will give you a mouth and such skillful utterance and wisdom that all your foes combined will be unable to refute, gainsay, or resist.

Luke 21:15(AMPC, KJV)

God gives us His Promises for use now so that we can escape the thorn in our flesh, outgrow growing pains, andsurViveall vengeful interferences coming at us. This includes but is not limited to every tongue against us – Isaiah 54:17 (AMPC)

The word Survive is comprised of the prefix sur which means above, beyond, on top of, and the word vive: to live long. Combined, it means to live long beyond and above danger or hardship. To outlive or outlast: an ever-living, ever-lasting well-being – the John 3:16 Promise 🤍.

The avengers mentioned inPsalm 8:2are vengeful toward us not because we did anything wrong, let alone right. They are simply anti-Christ (Matthew 10:22). They are anti that which is born of God – like Christ, every Babe is. From the moment God made and gave us a Promise, these avengers assembled! What I’ve found to be helpful is keeping my gaze where my heart lies – with God, in His bosom. Positioned here, I’m face-to-face with Him, We see eye-to-eye, and I am nursed and nurtured with what I need per time i.e. milk, cake, meat … oh! that thing called meat is sweet 🥰. I said these very words when I was but a toddler. Now, as a Babe, I say it so: the Word of God is sweet beyond compare 👌💯.

God gives us His promises for use now so that we can overcome the wiles of the enemy. Imagine the likes of Abraham (Genesis 14:14-16), Joshua (Joshua 10), and …

… Eleazer – with each of these men, God brought about a great deliverance and victory. That said, imagine them as human babies – there were no match for any enemy, not even one as tiny as a mosquito. I call this out to say that UNTIL we reach full maturity in Christ at the expected end, we are all but Babes – be it the milk-drinking, cake-eating, or meat-chewing host of us – we all are still Babes and should so be, always coming anew and remaining in God’s bosom … His Chest, His Heart – this is what we should always be after, and where our mouth should always be. This is how we maintain a heart-to-mouth correspondence with God … how God’s Words become ours: the Promises out of our mouths and by which we overcome. Assuredly, that which is born of God overcomes the world –1 John 5:4

God has given you magnificent (absolutely terrific) promises that are beyond all price and of the highest value, SO THATthrough these tremendous promises you may escape the moral decay (rottenness and corruption)that is in this world due to covetousness, and experience partnership with God’s divine nature.

2 Peter 1:4(TPT, AMPC)

This mouth-to-heart position is how we grow from strength to strength, from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). When positioned in God’s compassionate Womb, we are in His Heart, smack in the center of His Will. Likewise, when we are positioned in God’s multi-breasted bosom, we are right before His SEVEN Eyes … the very Mighty Teats of El Shaddai – the Eyes of God’s Heart aka God’s Chest. This is where every Babe is nurtured and nursed: our place of development.

God’s Chest, aka The Chest (Ark) of The Covenant –Hebrew 9:4(AMPC, CJB) or The Chest of Amana (Amen) –SOS 4:8(TPT), is where His Covenant-Promises are kept … God’s very Own Treasure Chest. These Promises don’t lie dormant or idly – they are living and active in the same way that a baby in the womb is. When made/given, they provide the prenatal and postnatal care that every Babe needs –SOS 7:2-3,8(TPT). They preserve us on all fronts because we, like the rose of Sharon, are often times surrounded by thorns –SOS 2:1(AMPC).

The emphasis on God’s Heart and Chest is key because this nurturing and nursing place is where the pre-pairing (preparing) happens #KeepingmyPromise 🤭. Going by the definition of a Babe (one who comes anew), it is accurate to say that there are several delivery points in between when we were birthed in Christ (became born again) and when our final delivery happens at the end of time. We come anew at each delivery point – it’s the only way. God Himself does not put new wine in old wineskin(Mark 2:22)– SeLaH.

Preceding each delivery point (and thereafter), a preparing (pre-pairing) for the next delivery point happens. Think of it as the SEVEN-point refinement process that every Word i.e. Babe of God goes through(Psalm 12:6). This pre-pairing is the interlocking of our mouth with God’s Heart – it happens every time we believe what God says.

When locked in, our core (all that is within us) responds by blessing God’s Holy Name … we literally correspond with God: we co-respond with the Joy on God face: the Joy in His Eyes –Zechariah 4:10(AMPC), we core-respond to God’s Heart with delightful satisfaction, which is what’s on the menu and what we en-joy. No matter whatever else might be happening around us, we remain at Rest (undisturbed). This Sabbath Delight and Rest is the effect and purpose of God’s Promise in the here and now as we make our way, walking humbly and in sync with God, to the there and then. Putting it simply, God’s promises are such that we can eat it and still have it – both of which are a must.

God wants us to EAT our cake AND HAVE it too. Keeping the focus on the eating part, I dare say that God commands it so –Ezekiel 2:8(AMPC). With God, to EAT is to consume for the purpose of being fully-filled and sowing or speaking –Ezekiel 2:7(AMPC), Jeremiah 23:28(AMPC), Hosea 10:12(AMPC). When God speaks to our heart, He feeds us with what we must live by: His Promises … all that we should speak and thus live out loud: word-for-word(Isaiah 50:4).

We use our God-given words when we speak. This is what happens when  we pray – when we echo God’s Word, intervene with Truth, and/or call upon His Name. This is what happens when we praise – when we bless (speak good of) The LORD; we exalt His Word (Covenant, Command, Promise), this too is what God Himself does –Psalm 138:2(AMPC)

This perfect prayerful praise is how we bring God’s Will down to earth as it is in Heaven. It’s how we arise (are raised or carried in) to heavenly realities even while still being here on earth. Be it heaven on earth, or earth (mankind or man made of earth) to heaven, or both. One thing is certain: heaven and earth meet (dare I say: kiss) when Babes speak out of their mouth the words that God speak out of His Mouth. The result of this continuously flowing stream of God’s word to and through us to Him is a harvest of righteousness, peace, and joy in (and of) the HolySpirit … the Kingdom of God.Oh, you will enjoy this harvest!

These Promises – Jeremiah 31:5 (MSG), Isaiah 54:17 (AMPC) – and all others come to pass and to be for us as long as we stay/abide with and in God. As long as we remain within God, seed time and harvest will never cease –Genesis 8:22. This harvest (the Kingdom of God) comes anew and again as long as we keep our hearts and mind stayed on God (Isaiah 26:3 AMPC) … on His Name, recalling them at night time when things are scary and/or unclear (Psalm 119:55 MSG), depending on them (Psalm 33:20-22 MSG) … on His Promises, meditating on them day and night, trustingly reciting (re-seeing) and rehearsing (re-hearing) them by saying and living them out loud (Exodus 17:14) SO THAT we do NOT snooze.

When we temporarily take our face or gaze off God, we snooze – this is an inactive, non-responsive, or sleepy state. When this happens, we get lost: we get where we are NOT meant to be. Don’t be a Snoozer-Loser 🙂. By God’s Grace, be a Finder-Keeper 🙂.

When You speak to me,I find Your Word and EAT (devour) them. Your Word brings me such boundless Joy – What a feast! The endless delight of my heart is knowing that Your beautiful Name is attached to me – You have me bear Your Name, O YAHWEH, Commander of Angel Armies.

Jeremiah 15:16(TPT, CJB)

Babes, let us be found belonging to God and in His keeping, continually tasting the Joy of every breakthrough God brings us –Psalm 51:12(TPT, MSG, NKJV). This Joy of God’s Salvation is maintained and restored when we remain unweaned from God’s nursing bosom. This Joy is our strength – it stems from God’s Promises, the powerful and perfecting prayerful praise by which we overcome or come over and into all that God has in store for us –1 Corinthians 2:9(AMPC), Ephesians 2:10… Ephesians 1:5-6(CJB, MSG)💖. Actionably saying this prayerful praise out loud is how we keep our God-given Promises: to keep them is to use them, NOT lose them.

Use your Words:Keep your Promises

Keep safe and with the greatest care the precious and excellently adapted Truth (Promises) which has (have) been entrusted to you by the HELP of the HolySpirit Who makes His home in you.

2 Timothy 1:14(CJB, AMPC)

In the same way that the heart kept in our chest and the tongue kept in our mouth are used, we too are to actively and actionably honor and use God’s Promises, Commands, or Words. We honor God (His Word: His Name) when we make space for Him and mind that which partakes of His nature. We keep God’s Promises (His Words: Commands) when we use them appropriately by the Help that His Holy Spirit is. This is how we surVive, outlive, and outshine each unharmonious or perplexing situation.

Every Babe is a Light spoken into being by The WORD that God IS- He is the Father of Light. He is Light itself, one that darkness can not put out or overcome … NEVER –John 1:5(AMPC, TPT). The same is true of every Babe as long as we do not forsake His Word –Proverbs 3:3(AMPC, TPT, CJB),Joshua 1:8 (TPT, CJB, MSG) – as long as we do not forget to speak and live them out loud.

As we honor (make space for) God, we find His Words – 💯 guaranteed –Jeremiah 29:13. God’s Words are a Light to those who find them – Proverbs 4:22 (AMPC). It’s what Who causes us to shine and to keep shining. Unlike the term LOST which is used to describe something that is NOT where it should be, FIND refers to something that is exactly where it should be, typically for safe-keeping …Mathew 13:44.

The same is true of God’s Promises (and Commands), they are to be kept in the safe haven of our heart and the hearth that we are. Case in point:🔵ur body is the temple of the HolySpirit Who Himself is God’s Promise to us –2 Corinthians 5:5💜. This same Holy Spirit is how we keep God’s Commands and navigate the gestation period or the gap between when God made kept His Promise and … well, when God kept His Promise😊. Even when you’re unsure of if/what God said, give it to Him in prayer and let His Wind … 💜His Ruach (Breath)💜 either blow them away or make them new and beautiful. Whatever the case may be, let no one take your God-given Word from you or say you are but a child – shout it out if you must. Don’t look them in the face, keep your eyes on God, keep His Promise to you exactly where it should be: in your heart and out of your mouth – always speak out of Faith’s fullness … overcome again, and again, and again … until the very end of time.

Because you have kept My Word of patient endurance, My Command to persevere (My Message of perseverance), that I give you, I will also keep you safe … hold fast to what you’ve been given so that no one may rob (deprive) you and take your crown of victory …

Revelation 3:10-13 (AMPC, TPT)

Like the Sword in ELEAZER’s Hand, the Promise God made us to be and the one He gave us to have (a two-edged Promise) is the Sword of the Spirit: the Mighty razor-sharp Spirit-Sword of the spoken Word of God –Ephesians 6:17(TPT, AMPC) – USE IT!Pair up with the HolySpirit Who is the Wielder of this Sword and The GREAT PROMISE KEEPER.Be a Promise Keeper too.

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ADONAI, 18 years ago today You spoke to my heart: You promised to guide me along the best pathway for my Life. Your Love for You – the very love with which you love me has been my surpassing victory at every turn (Romans 8:37). Your Promises to me have become a perfect symphony of song and color – the very ones I echo, reflect, and make public as I remain and I’m found Mouth-to-mouth in this Kiss with You. I am forever Your purple … Your Spirit is the Promise Ring I’ll put on forever.

I share this blog in celebration and honor of Your VOICE and every Promise out of Your Mouth to me, Chief of them is Your Name: YAHWEH, Your HolySpirit. RABBANI-RABBONI, You are a BABE like none other. AJIDEMOLAWA, the abundance out of every part of You satisfies me. It is the highest honor of my existence to be paired with You: my HELP-MEET, Spirit of Yeshua: The Son of God and The Message We carry and that carries me: Yes, The Amen. Equally yoked with You, I’ll continue Our dance: the dance of Mahanaim, right here on this threshing floor. Face-to-face, Eye-to-eye, Heart-to-heart, Shoulder-to-shoulder, Hand-in-Hand, as I walk in step with You along THE ABSOLUTE BEST Pathway for my Life: You are it! Out of the mouth of this Babe I say: here’s to forever and a day with You here, now, then, and there – a promise I can keep solely because You are THE GREAT PROMISE KEEPER.

The OVERFLOW that is for-GIVE-ness

The verse of the day (June 27, 2025) on the YouVersion bible app wasMatthew 5:7– not my first time reading this verse however, it was my first time seeing what I saw. This made me think about the Mercy of God.

Mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before God (those who are moved by Him).

Luke 1:50(MSG)

God’s Mercy endures forever YET it is new every morning. Ever wonder why? WHY renew something that has NOT expired, is no where near its expiry date (and because it endures, it has no expiry date, so it can NOT), and does NOT expire? WHY? What is THE Point? With God there is always a point … there is always a knowledge of Himself being revealed in everything He does – this is so that we may know Him (HAVE Faith) and truly live. Surely, Mercy is a must-HAVE part of our livelihood.

Matthew 5:7says ‘blessed are the merciful for (because) they shall obtain Mercy’. Like the breaking of bread in two parts, we are told the gospel truth that(1)the merciful are blessed, and that(2)the blessing they GET from God is Mercy. In other words: the blessing of the merciful (those already FULL of Mercy) is Mercy. Seems somewhat redundant or de trop right? Wrong! Better yet, Mercy says NO!

God is abundantly lavish. That said, He is NOT wasteful. Evidence of the latter can be seen in John 6:12 (AMPC) – after feeding the 5,000+, Jesus told His disciples to gather the left-overs so that nothing was lost or wasted. To better understand Matthew 5:7, imagine pouring water into an-already-full cup of water – what results is an overflow that inevitably gives (pours out) water. As you would imagine, there can be no out-pouring without this overflow … also, there can be no overflow without the fullness (without first being full) – this is a depiction of the blessing of the merciful, I refer to it as the Overflow that gives … this right here isTHE Point.

THE Point of the enduring newness and overflow of the Mercy of God is for ‘giveness’ or giving. I’ll elaborate on this with intent to praisefully exalt the Mercy of God. It is my desire also that reading this blog will give you a reason or more to love Mercy and be for giving as Mercy is.

God has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does The LORD require of you but to do justly, and tolove kindness (justice) and Mercy… to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

For starters, let’s clear the air of a gross misunderstanding … or two.

Amiss-UNDERSTANDING

‘I better forgive so that God can forgive me too’. It seems that the ‘forgive us as we forgive others’ prayer inMatthew 6:12may have been mistaken to mean that the blessing of the merciful (God’s for-give-ness or Mercy) applies BECAUSE we “forgive” those who offend us. Furthermore, it seems that what Jesus said inMatthew 6:14-15may also have been misconstrued to mean that God forgives us BECAUSE we “forgive” others, implying that the correlation between the two is but a dependency of the latter (God forgiving me) on the former (me forgiving others). On top of this is the ‘I forgive then become merciful’ perspective that mistakes the action of forgiveness as what substantiates the state of being merciful.

Combined, they result in a FALSE positive and misinterpretation of the Truth hidden in Matthew 5:7, 6:12,14-15. The mindset that underpins both perspectives is amiss and void of the Knowledge of The Holy One (The HolySpirit) – He is the hidden Truth entrusted to us, the very Truth that God desires to have in our hearts. The Knowledge of this hidden Truth is Understanding – Proverbs 9:10B (GW); God wants us to GET to know and HAVE Him.

Therefore, get Wisdom: And with all thy getting, get Understanding.

Proverbs 4:7B(KJV)

Let’s set course for UNDERSTANDING and go GET Him: the very ROCK on which we stand. He is The HOLY and He stands Tall –Isaiah 52:13(MSG),57:15(MSG).

The UNDER-STANDING

God’s for-give-ness (what He gives and does for us: Mercy) is NOT contingent on man’s action or inaction. Case in point: Jacob vs Esau before they were born –Romans 9:10-16. It is entirely God’s choice (Romans 9:18A) and He so chooses solely based on Who He is.

Jeremiah 2:13tells us that God is The Fountain of Living Water … the representation of Water in this context can be seen as Justice, Lovingkindness (undeserved justice), or Mercy. True to form (being the Fountain that He is), God gives and keeps on giving. It’s in His nature to pour and keep on pouring out Water. In deed, the River of God is FULL of Water, abounding and overflowing is He. He is El Shaddai: The Pourer-Forth and Giver of Himself. He gives out of His FULL knowledge of Himself – 2 Peter 1:3 (AMPC), Isaiah 53:12 (AMPC). He is Faith (the very knowledge of Himself). He is Faith’s Fullness. GREAT is His Faithfulness.

It is because of The LORD’s Mercy and Loving-kindness (undeserved justice) that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. GREAT and beyond measureis Your FAITHFULNESS.

Lamentation 3:22-23(AMP/C)

Therefore, get this: God is for giving (every part of Him is a Gift that He gives). He is all about giving and He gives faithfully so, even in spite of our grass-like-ness (a condition I recently realized I project onto God #coversface).

[Definition] Grass-like-ness: the effect (infirmity, weakness) of the sinfulness of sin i.e. forgetfulness, fear, doubt – Psalm 77:10A (KJV) 11A (CJB). Indeed, people are like grass – one way today and another way tomorrow. God is NOT – He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I’ll quickly share a side but related story about this …

… I started out my day on June 21 being acutely aware of my need for God and so I prayed asking for His help. In response, God reminded me that He’s got me 💜🥰. He then took me down the memory lane of yesteryears dating back to 2007 – to the moment He told me He would guide me along the best pathway for my life. Together, We walked through key events that have occurred between Aug 7, 2007 and the Saturday in question. Shortly after the walk-through, I picked up my phone to do God-knows-what, it was then that I saw the verse of the day on the YouVersion bible app:Psalm 77:11-12… I was inspired to read the whole chapter because both verses were in line with what God just had me do: the walk through time and back.

Asaph, the writer of the chapter, starts out crying out to God for help until he was too troubled to even speak. Then he began to reminisce … there after came the questions – I call them 21 Questions (it was June 21 afterall 🤭).

For context, 21 Questions is a generic term for mindful considerations that result in doubt-triggered questions.

Asaph’s doubt-triggered questions (Psalm 77:7-9) were more directly about God. Mine (when they’ve come up) tend to be about my grass-like-ness and how it might or could change God’s mind about me. Howbeit focused on me, my questions were indirectly about God. They essentially implied the same thing as Asaph’s, which is that God’s God-FULL-ness (the Godliness of God) … that His very nature can somehow be dissuaded or retracted. The trickery of such thoughts or should I say sly little foxes. Thankfully, the ANSWER (WORD) from God to Asaph, myself, others alike, and even the sly little foxes is as clear as DAY or as the clearness of Heaven – the ANSWER is: NO.

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What God will do for us (MERCY) is what He has already done (RIGHTEOUSNESS) and keeps ready for us. His FAITHFULNESS is what connects the dots between what He will do and what He has already done. God is and can NOT be dissuaded by us. He is NOT a man nor the son of man that He should feel compunction (misgivings) for what He has promised –Numbers 23:19(AMPC). God is NOT like grass – He is NOT as we are.

When things don’t seem like what God told us He would do, we sometimes doubt what we once believed we heard Him say or question our standing with Him. Unchecked, this doubt subtly transitions into fear, a faith-less (unfaithful) response. The same is the case when there’s an increasingly growing distance between when God said what He promised and where we are, we sometimes forget. Unchecked, the joyful hope we experienced when God gave us His word/promise begins to fade. Thankfully, God does NOT forget when we forget. Also, the Joy on His face and in His Heart is exactly as it was when He (1) desired to do, (2) did, and (3) said what He promised. God certainly is NOT unfaithful when we are unfaithful. Still, we sometimes imply that God might be too … that He might be as we are because we are as we are.

The implication that God is faithful to Himself or His Word to us ONLY when we are faithful to Him is a snare (the fear of man: a trap) and a lie – we were all kinds of unfaithful when Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). In spite of His foreknowledge of our sinful state, both of the heart and art act, God still continued/continues His faithfulness toward us – Jeremiah 31:3 (AMPC).

Bringing all this back to the topic at hand …

1.The premise that God forgives only when or because we forgive inadvertently implies that when we don’t forgive, God doesn’t forgive us either– this is a projection of our grass-like-ness on God, AND it is NOT true. It is a far-fetched lie that fuels the temptation to question God’s faithfulness when or because we are unfaithful. God doesn’t forgive only when (or because) we forgive. The notion that underpins this mindset is NOT God-glorifying. It is NOT a reflection of the Gem hidden in Matthew 5:7 and Matthew 6:12,14-15. It most certainly is NOT reflective of the more-than-enough, non-stop Overflow that El Shaddai is.

2. God doesN’T not forgive us.

No matter our disposition to Him, God is for giving and ever giving. Proverbs 4:2 (AMPC) – He gives what is to be received first by us. This is so that we can have to give to others out of the abundance with which God lavishly gives to and through us, without being depleted – 2 Corinthians 9:8.

That said, what God gives does NOT flow through a vessel that is not for giving to others. Every vessel of God’s Mercy gives as (and in the moment that) God gives. Such a vessel is receptive to the continuous flow of God’s Mercy in, to, and through it … a God-traveled road so to speak (and to give). Like a king’s heart – Proverbs 21:1 (AMPC) – a pathway through which God’s delight-FULL Will is done and continuously flows. This really is what theMatthew 6:12 line of The LORD’s prayer asks for: to be an extension of God’s giveness – to be a branch (a Nazarene). To be as God is (to be for giving as God is for giving i.e. to forgive as God forgives) – a vessel that gives what God gives: God … a vessel through whom God flows. When said truthfully and not amiss, God hears and grants this prayer because it is according to His Will – Amos 5:24 (MSG), Habakkuk 2:14.

I want Justice – oceans of it. I want Righteousness – rivers of it. That’s all I want. That’s all I want… a mighty and ever-abundantly-flowing stream.
#Anendlessocean

Amos 5:24(MSG, AMP/C, CJB)

So, IF God doesN’T not forgive us, what THEN did Jesus mean inMatthew 6:14-15? Good question 🙂 … to answer it, I’ll share a couple connecting dots:

🟣 First, note that having is giving … to have is to give. As a matter of godly principle, when we give (have), we receive what God gives and have MORE abundance: an overflow – Matthew 13:12A (NIV, KJV).

🟣 Relatedly and according toJames 4:2D-3(NKJV), we have not and thus give not because we ask not and as such we receive not. Here too, the principle holds true: when we don’t give (or have not), we don’t receive what God gives.

This 👆 is what Jesus was talking about. It is the true meaning of what He said in Matthew 6:14-15, which is that: we are for giving by God (we are vessels of Mercy that God can use to have or pour Mercy on and through to others) WHEN we are for giving as God is – this happens ONLY by continuing to receive what God gives beyond being full, to the point of overflowing, and even more so. Other than this, we are not for giving by God. Assuredly, separate from Him (The Vine and VineDresser: The Husband Man), we (can) BUT do nothing – John 15:1-5,7 (AMPC).

This is NOT because God stops giving (no, He doesN’T not give). Instead, it is because we do not continue to receive God’s Mercy and do not GET to or remain at THE Point of OVERFLOW … The OVERFLOW is WHAT gives and The One WHO actually forgives, not us per se.

3. We do not forgive and then(or as a result)become merciful.

Truth be told as it is in Matthew 6:14-15, we can NOT forgive UNTIL we overflow with the fullness of the Mercy that God is. Therefore, the order is as follows:(A)we ACCEPT (receive) God’s Mercy till(B)we BECOME merciful: full of it Him … further MORE(C)we CONTINUE to receive God’s Mercy and inevitably get to(D) THE tipping Point where we overflow and then forgive (or accurately put, forgiveness happens through us). Keep in mind that forgiveness is but one of what God gives … there is MORE – so much MORE to have … to hold … to cherish … to give.

4. Mercy is for the sake of giving … it is something to be given. It is given by God to us and then through us to others. Thus, we must first receive Mercy in order for us to have, give, or be giving of it Him.

Getting(to)THEtippingPoint

The merciful get to THE Point of OVERFLOW by obtaining, receiving, or accepting Mercy – we get this fromMatthew 5:7which itself inspires another question: WHY get MORE of something you are already FULL of? Better yet, what keeps us wanting MORE of (and going after) WHAT we are already FULL of? Generally speaking, three things come to mind: lust, greed, OR humility. When the WHAT is God, God wants it exactly so – He is VERY OKAY with all three.

Relative to God …

🟣 God Himself has all three – it’s called The Jealousy of God(The wanting MORE of God) … indeed God is a Jealous God. I dare say that it is WHY God created Man: to have (give) MORE of Himself (to Himself). God desired MORE of Himself so He created goblets –SOS 7:2A(AMPC), cups –Psalm 16:5(KJV), containers –Romans 5:5(MSG) to drink from … to have His fill of His inheritance. In His desire for MORE of Himself, God created receptors to fully and overflowingly fill with Himself (WHAT God gives).

🟣 God wants us to have all three too … God wants us to have the jealousy of God – it’s why He wants His HolySpirit Whom He pours into us and has caused to dwell in us to always be welcomed (accepted, received) withThe Jealousy of God–James 4:5(AMPC, NKJV, NIV). This Jealousy is the desire of God for God … it is a state of humility … the state of MORE and MORE!

God gives and continues to pour more and more grace upon us … He gives grace continually to the lowly: those who are humble enough to receive it

James 4:6

The merciful are perpetually in this state of humility … this state of always desiring MORE of God even when already FULL of Him …

… help me and hold me, for I am lovesick! I am longing for more – yet how could I take more?

SOS 2:5 (TPT)

THIS state of still needing God and acknowledging our need for Him by ASKING (crying, inquiring of and for Him, requiring Him with all our desires), and wholeheartedly receiving Him, IS what gets us to (and keeps us at)THE tipping Point – the point where the merciful beget Mercy– the point ofMatthew 5:7🙂.

The reason the merciful obtain Mercy is also a matter of principle: the godly principle that Mercy begets Mercy. This is THE Point of the Overflow… to beget Mercy – to beget and perpetuate what God gives and does for us, as branches of God, oaks of Righteousness, God’s divine offsprings: His Holy People (God’s inheritance), The City God wants –Isaiah 62:12 (ERV, NLT), a desirable or desire-ABLE place – God’s Own resting place.

Speaking of resting place or rest, a king’s heart daughter (Psalm 45:9A,13), Nyimenka, shared a recording with me of God’s Somebody saying that: ‘Man is designed to rest when he GETs his greatest desire‘. I believe that the same is true of the Creator of Man (ELOHIM) – God rests when where He gets His greatest desire (Himself: His Holy Spirit). We are designed to be God’s resting place – the place where He gets what He gives (Himself: His Glory) … the resting place of His Glory … the place of His delight: Mercy.

Seeing therefore that we are receptors and conduits of God’s Mercy, let us keep receiving Mercy that we may be enabled by God’s Grace to fruitfully beget Mercy. Candidly speaking, neither the receiving nor the begetting always comes easily or without a good fight of Faith. As pointed out earlier, the former (receiving) requires humility – it requires being in a constant state of need (a state of constantly needing God) – the flesh of man is inherently resistant to this. The latter (begetting) can be somewhat like the travail of labor – not readily easy, ONLY gracefully so (Matthew 11:28-30). Thankfully, being a partner in our labor (Romans 8:28 AMPC), God strengthens us by His Grace.

Not only do we stand to gain the blessing of the Merciful, God does too. He is Merciful afterall – the blessing of the Merciful applies to Him too. He delights in it – He delights in Mercy, He delights to show Mercy, He delights to have Mercy, and we are His vessel of choice – Romans 9:23– Will you let God have Mercy on you? Will you let God have God through you? Will you let God give God to Him, you, and others through you?

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Heavenly Father, have Mercy on me … have it on me, have Your fill. It’s my treat.

Do NOT be disMAYed

December 2023 was the first time I really really heard (experienced) God say these words to me. I may have connected with it the way I did because I heard it in the context of my birth month (May) and understood it to mean to NOT be discouraged from being all that I was birthed to be – all that God created me to be. This meaningful understanding reinforced my preference for the month of May 🙂 .

Prior to this experience, May was already my favorite of all the months (for obvious reasons). I always look forward to May – specifically my birthday, which happens to be the day of the month 😊. Slightly more than a decade ago, I started taking my birthday off all else but me to quietly celebrate. While a part of the celebration involved acknowledging God (giving Him thanks and praise), it wasn’t until 2020 that my birthday time-off became more about being still and knowing only God. Since then, I’ve spent my birthday weekend, week, or month exclusively with God. In this regard, this year was no different – I took time away from all else to just be with God Who is always with me. In alignment with what I believe was God’s say-so, I followed my dream to a place called Rehoboth. I didn’t know what to expect other than God (in whatever way, shape, or form He chose to show up). I was all kinds of excited, maybe the most excited I’ve ever been about this time of the year.

The Genesis Week …

It was a joyful Genesis Week … each evening gave way to a fresh, new Morning: an expression of God’s GOOD-ness unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. God did not only show up, He showed off! He made His Presence known in ways that I’m yet to fully process let alone comprehend. It was like finding a Wife (a Good Thing) … the Wife of my youth, of my beginning – my genesis. It was like being on a honeymoon … like Sweet Wine, a perfect mix of bridal joy and the joy of a new husband – dare I say, the JOY of The LORD. It was like when God’s work was beginning … before earth saw its first sunrise – Proverbs 8:22-30 (VOICE). What a Genesis Week it was! I wanted what came next to be an equally joyful Exodus (Deuteronomy 33:18A) … with praise in the air as I set sail with God (Isaiah 42:10 VOICE) and go out to sea – the place appointed for me: Zebulun, the perfect marriage gift 💖.

… two days later …

From what seemed like nowhere, a storm hit! What began as a moment of discontent progressively sky-rocketed into a Tsunami. I was tossed left, right, center … and then knocked down to size (little, small, weak). Excessive eating and entertainment (binge-ing) was way easier than seeing me weak/fail … easier than processing the discontent-now-turned-disappointment-in-myself with God through prayer. Amidst the storm, there were pockets of time when I’d hear Rabbani-Rabboni (the HolySpirit of Yeshua: my Divine LORD and Teacher) remind me of things He has told or taught me:

… Leave your Father’s House: The Exodus.

… Be a Son.

… DoN’T be Ruthless.

… Do NOT draw back your hand.

… Peaks and Valleys.

… Clay, meet Potter.

I read through the above teachings multiple times. In some moments, I’ll be up-lifted. In other moments, I’ll be down-casted. The latter was more prevalent. I was downcast mostly by the reality that I hadn’t learnt what I’ve been taught …

Also, the uplifting moments didn’t last long because I wasn’t sure if, like the binge-ing, I was merely using God’s teachings to excuse my way out of feeling and thinking all that I was feeling and thinking, most of which was about me still failing after all these years of being groomed by the Bridegroom and the Vinedresser (HusbandMan).

That this happened right after such a Genesis Week was discouraging to say the least. WHY am I like grass? Flaky … here (with God) when it’s easy and feels good, but fall short and blown away by the wind when the going with God gets harder?

O you afflicted city,storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in fair colors (in antimony to enhance their brilliance) and lay your foundation with sapphires.

Isaiah 54:11 (AMPC)

It didn’t matter how far tossed or blown-away I was, God was with me. Like a Help-Meet, His Word came to meet me … even at my lowest, and regardless of the fact that I was too fearful, weary, and weak to hold tight to Him. I wanted to … He was all I had going for me, the only One rooting for me, the only One in my corner (even I wasn’t in my corner) … YET I struggled to keep up (stay uplifted). With all the up, down, and downer … I couldn’t let myself be encouraged because it (the encouragement) seemed like a temporary band-aid or an interim work-around back to square one. I had been round this mountain too many times … from desire and excitement to distress … I was exhausted. Enabled by Grace, I’d go to God … sometimes, I’d just sit there with Him in silence. Other times, when words don’t fail me, I’d ask God for Help … for Mercy … for God to do for me what I was failing to do 👉 weather the storm with Him like Jesus did in Matthew 4:1-11 and at Gethsemane, by choosing God over and over and over again especially when it’s hard to do so.

… Today

My first waking thought was a reminder of a promise …

… as described in Hebrews 6:17, in His desire to show more convincingly the unchanging character of His purpose (Glorification by Mercy: Salvation), God guaranteed His promise to me with an oath – His Word:Psalm 34:19.

“BUT Beulah you will not be without Me“, these are the words I experienced God say to me earlier in the year (Jan 26). It was in response to me dreading what has now happened these past few weeks … me NOT wanting to see me fall short or fail when temptations come (Matthew 18:7). Recognizing that I was the weak-link in Our relationship … the weak spot of the City/House that He has made me to be for Him, I did NOT want to see how incapable and unwilling I can be WHEN push comes to shove, when the rubber meets the road, when “stuff gets real” … WHEN the storms of Life hit as they have this past few weeks.

In reading my notes from Jan 26, not only did I experience God teaching, I also experienced a spark that ignited me to be as God presents His PRESENCE to me. TODAY, as I hear God’s Voice (Hebrews 3:7-8), I don’t stand aloof from the Living God – Hebrews 3:12 (AMPC). Instead, I go with the flow of the HolySpirit by sharing (saying out loud) what God has come to teach… that I may hear it again, and maybe someone else in a similar boat might hear it too – Hebrews 3:13 (AMPC).

I AM The LORD your God, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar … I can make the oceans roil with storm and roll with great waves … I teach you how to talk, word by word, and I personally watch over you …

Isaiah 51:15 (AMP, VCE) 16(MSG)

(1)The LORD Who gives you the bread of adversity and water of affliction (Isaiah 30:20A)is also The LORD Who delivers you from them all(Psalm 34:19). He is your Teacher – the very same One Who won’t hide Himself from you (Isaiah 30:20B), the One your eyes must constantly behold as He guides you (Isaiah 30:21) by instructing and teaching you along the best pathway for your life with His watchful eye upon you (Psalm 32:8). Indeed, He is the LIFE of (A) The Bread of Life (John 6:35), (B) the Rivers of Living Water (John 7:38), and (C) the Tree of Life in the Garden of Delight (Eden).

Are we to receive only good at the Hand of God and not also adversity, trouble, or evil (hardship)?

Job 2:10B (CJB, AMPC, NKJV, NIV, KJV)

In the same way that the Tree of Life and the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil Hardship are good, so too is what comes from The LORD, your God, Who is GOOD. Eat that which He gives you even when it is hard to swallow … it is good.

(2)Do NOT be disMAYed– do NOT be contrary to the good soil that God created you to be. In the same manner that the good soil clings to a sown seed, take firm hold of God’s instruction … His teaching: Wisdom, the Wife (Good Thing) that you have found in God. Do NOT let Her go (Proverbs 4:13). Do NOT let go (Proverbs 3:3).

Do NOT be disMAYed … Do NOT be discouraged …Do NOT be defeated. Defeat results in letting go, and is what the enemy wants in order

(A) to get you to let go of God’s Hand (Isaiah 41:10,13) so that you do not take root and as such not be the evidence of what God sows … the evidence of Jezreel (Hosea 2:21-22), OR

(B) to get you to not see God’s Hand (1 Kings 18:41-46) so that you’re not encouraged to run and get to Jezreel – the place of your appointment.

He knows that being discouraged leads to being defeated, which then leads to being disappointed (not at your place of appointment), and ultimately being disMAYed (contrary to who God created, birthed, called, and appointed you to be i.e fruitfully good) …do NOT be disappointed(lost) in yourself.

(3)Yes, you are the weak link … a weakling,suffer it to be so for now because it is the fitting way for both you and the HolySpirit to fulfill the righteousness of God, together (SOS 2:15 TPT) … as one(2 Corinthians 12:9)– His Strength (Love for God) is made perfect (fulfilled, complete) and shows itself most effective in your weakness. Let it be so for nowby trusting in the Wisdom of God’s choice (His choice of finding a Wife in you). Permit it to be so for nowby resting on the promise of God’s election of you(Ephesians 1:4). An election made in spite of the intel He had on you even before the foundation of the world, when the Lamb was slain … an election made in spite of you and all because of Him.The promise of God’s election of you is MERCY… the promise of His election of you is that He will do it for you.

(4) Yes, you’re like grass. God is NOT unaware of this(Isaiah 40:7)YET He saysbe like little children– they are reliably (always relying on and) in need of their guardian i.e. their parent, teacher, neighbor, or custodian … they don’t hesitate to speak, say something, or even cry out loud when they need help … they always need help. As such, they are always with (in the presence of) their guardian.

In saying be like little children, God is saying be reliably in need of God: your Heavenly Father, your Teacher, your Neighbor (Proverbs 27:10) – the Friend Who is closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24B) … even the brother who was born for adversity or times of trouble (Proverbs 17:17B).

In saying be like little children, God is sayingalways need God… be trusting of Him and His care … be lowly – humble yourself (1 Peter 5:6-7) … cry out loud – God will be gracious to you at the sound of your cry (Isaiah 30:19) … be loving (giving of God), even to yourself … be forgiving, even to yourself …cleave to God(Matthew 18:6A) … be present (or represented) before Him, in His PRESENCE (His Name), looking up on His Face (Matthew 18:10B) and seeking His Strength always. In other words,be with Godas He is with you: ALWAYS … and all the way.

Seek The LORD and His Strength … seek His Face
… seek to be in His PRESENCE continually.

1 Chronicles 16:11

(5) The HolySpirit’s loyalty and devotion to God (The Father) is your only Hope (certainty) of Salvation.

This HOPE is NOT a disappointing fantasybecause we can now experience the endless Love of God cascading into our hearts through the HolySpirit Who lives in us.

Romans 5:5 (TPT)

The Strength of the HolySpirit’s Love for God (The Father) is your blessed assurance of Salvation … your saving Grace … your only certainty (Hope) of Salvation in every moment. Always acknowledge Him (in all your ways) …do NOT look around you in terror and be disMAYed– Isaiah 41:10 (AMPC). Instead, seek God continually and your eyes will behold your Teacher … cling to Him as He leads you to your place of appointment in the Kingdom of God. It is The Father’s good pleasure to give you His Kingdom – you belong there. (Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16). He destined, devised, and decreed it before the ages to bring (lift) you into His Glory (1 Corinthians 2:7). As such,this Exodus will happen… NOT by your own might, power, understanding, or desire for God, BUT (and only) by His Merciful Spirit. Seek Him continually … His Strength (Grace, Love for God) is sufficient.

… I will keep My good promise to you, causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you – thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you an expected end. Call to Me(persistently, like little children)… Come and pray to Me(persistently, like little children)… I will be found by you. I will make sure you won’t be disappointed … I will release you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and places to which I have driven you. I will bring you back to the place from which I caused you to be carried captive,you can count on it, says The LORD.

Jeremiah 29:10B-14 (AMPC, MSG)

… great will be the Day of Jezreel!💜

Peaks & Valleys

What do you see when you look at the image below?

The semblance of the rhythm of a heartbeat? a voice note? OR even that of a radio wave? The more I consider each possibility, I find that (in essence and to a significant degree) each one is an accurate depiction of what the image represents 😊. That said, whose heartbeat is it? … whose voice note is it? … whose radio wave is it? I dare say that it is that of the Righteous!

The righteous falls seven times BUT rises again (each time).

Proverbs 24:16A

[Contextual Definition] The Righteous is the Man in whom God’s handiwork (or workmanship) is expressed. The one through whom God demonstrates His Righteousness – the one for whom God expressly does what He has done, the Man who lets God do it (what God desires/wants/wills and has done) for him/her. The one who runs into and calls upon the Name of The LORD and is thus saved.

While the above diagram depicts the rise, fall, and rise again of the Righteous, it represents something else – this something else is what I’d like to shed some light on in this blog. This something else is the land that God has given us here on earth –a land of hills and valleys (Deuteronomy 11:11).

The land which you go in to possess is NOT like the land of Egypt where you were once slaves … the land which you enter to possess isa land of hills and valleyswhich drinks Water of the Rain of Heaven – a land for which God cares …

Deuteronomy 11:10A,11,12A

I recently found myself in a valley (a low place) – at first, I did not like it one bit! Not especially having just experienced a peak (a high) moment with God few days prior. I’m not sure how or when I got to the valley but I knew I was there. As always, it did NOT feel good! A few days prior to being in the valley, God had a series of conversations with me about the dawn, sunrise, and morning … it was Our time to meet/commune, and I desired it so. BUT THEN here I was: struggling to get up at dawn to hangout with my GOOD MORNING (Yahweh) just few days after I desirously and excitedly said I will. I wanted to … I wanted to spend IDAJI (the time between dawn and sunrise) with God BUT I didn’t.

It is not of him that willeth nor of the righteous that runneth … it depends NOT on how badly you want it, your own willingness or strenuous exertion (effort) as in one running a race … it does NOT originate in our bleeding hearts or moral sweat. BUT it is of God Who has the first and last WORD: MERCY (Romans 9:18B MSG, Jeremiah 33:26B MSG)

Romans 9:16 (KJV, TPT, AMPC, MSG)

When I finally got up (which was well past sunrise), I couldn’t help but look at me – Did I not want to spend time with God? What is wrong with me? I couldn’t make sense of why my heart failed … why my desire didn’t result in action. Very quickly, the enemy came in like a flood – the flood of thoughts from the enemy’s camp were down-casting and finger-pointing indications that I’m mostly desire and excitement but not enough action … all talk but not much walk … that I keep failing (falling) … that I keep failing to execute or finish. Each finger pointed at me was a vivid reminder (evidence) of undeniable facts yet zero truth because none of them pointed me to God. To be honest though, considering the facts, I was weary BUT HEY …

Though my flesh and my heart may fail, God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.

Psalm 73:26

… there He was: The WORD that God is, my Standard (Jehovah Nissi), the Strength of my failing heart. The One Whose rod and staff comfort me. Time and again, The WORD of God encourages and lifts me up. With lovingkindness, He draws me to Himself: The ROCK that is higher than I. This is what He did on the morning in question. Although the enemy came prepared to sift me like chaff (hence his attempt to judge me worthless, unreliable … and unfit for use by God), God was (and continues to be) my Saving Grace – this is God’s banner of Love over me … God’s WORD: MERCY – this is my Story and my Song!Isaiah 12:2, Psalm 118:14💖

I agreed with the HolySpirit that my weakness or shortcoming is NOT reason enough to prevent me from spending time with God … I may not have walked the talk BUT there was no rule against being carried😊. Carried by Grace, I was enabled to still spend some time with God that morning before going about my day.

The next morning was … well, somewhat the same, so let’s just fast forward to later in the evening. During my quiet time with Yahweh (Grace), I opened up to Him about not liking the feeling of being in the valley. His first response was lovely – He said:I AM here in the valley too. Immediately, the scenery changed. Yes, We were still in the valley but it mattered not. I was more engulfed by God-with-me (Immanuel) and less mindful of where We were (the valley). Yahweh indeed saves! I was saved by the Teaching of Grace! Altogether, He responded by teaching (showing and telling) me3 things that make the valley worthwhile… 3 things that make being in the valley worth the while or duration of Our temporary stay.

(1) He is in the valley with me.

(2) He CAN use the valley season for His Glory.

(3) I am more aware of (and in tune with) my need for/of Him in the valley than I am anywhere else. As a result, I call out to and for Him even more, I depend on Him even more. Thus, like the peak, the valley is God-glorifying too 💖.

With this in mind, my dislike and dread of the valley reduced significantly! For the first time in my walk (my being carried by God) with God, I honored (made space for) the valley to be the God-glorifying moment that it really is meant to be. For the first time, I experienced the valley as a blessing (something of value) for me that blesses (speaks good of) God. Resultingly, and as strange as it might sound, I desired it … I desired the valley, which (to me) had become a thing of beauty. What an unexpected turn of events! The enemy meant to use my weakness for evil but God turned it around for good, like the turning of the tides – Psalm 118:15,16(MSG)

The adversary thrust solely at me that I might fall, BUT The LORD helped me.

Psalm 118:13 (AMPC)

True to His Word: God’s Grace is sufficient –2 Corinthians 12:9– His Grace (His Name, His PRESENCE) is sufficient enough to turn the tides from a failing heart to a desirous one … to a God-shaped heart(Ezekiel 36:26).

Furthermore, the Spirit that God is inspired me to look up scriptures on valleys – my search led me to Deuteronomy 11:11which was where I saw that the land God has given His people to possess is a land of hills (peaks) and valleys. To mean that the peaks and valleys come with the territory and make up the lay of our God-given land – the place wherein we are to worship God. God purposefully designed it so. Yes, He has the power to level the field(Isaiah 40:4)and He will. In the interim, their God-intended purpose is to glorify God – this is in line with all things made by God (The Potter). He made all things by His WORD (the Message that is Christ – John 1:3), this includes our new (no-longer-slaves) Life – a resurrected Life made possible by the Spirit that God is (Romans 8:11), the very same HolySpirit that every believer receives from God (Ezekiel 36:27).

Did you receivethe HolySpiritby your own works (your own doing or striving)? Was it not by hearing the Message that is Yeshua (Yahweh saves) and, with faith, believing it? Didyour new Lifebegin because you worked hard to please God or by simply responding to God’s Message to you – by trusting in what you heard God say to you and trusting Him to do them in you.

Galatians 3:2,3,5

When you have a moment, consider reading Exodus 23:20 (VOICE) … Ezekiel 36:27-29 … Joel 2:23-24 (APMC,MSG) …Galatians 5:25… and Deuteronomy 11:12-14. These verses underpin the summary of what I’d like to convey through this blog to anyone struggling with navigating the valley or the DOWN after each UP … Don’t lose heart or be weary (devoid of desire for goodness). Instead, let God continue to shape your new heart/Life, like the Vinedresser (HusbandMan) carefully tends His vine/vineyard. God, your Husband (Isaiah 54:5), is not angry with you (Isaiah 54:9).

For your Husband is your Maker, The LORD ALMIGHTY, YAHWEH is His Name, The LORD of Hosts, your Kinsman-Redeemer … He is NOT angry with you. For though the mountain should depart and the hills be shaken or removed(though the peaks crumble or disappear)His Grace, Unfailing Love, Compassion, Lovingkindness will never end. The LORD Who loves you said this.

Isaiah 54:5,9-10

When you fall short and find yourself in a low place like the valley, don’t mistake your contrite heart for guilt. The truth is that you’ve been set free from the power of sin (i.e. guilt) –Romans 8:1-4(AMPC). Don’t give in to guilt or do its dirty little work. Instead, throw yourself at God’s MERCY.

Don’t give sin (anything non-God-glorifying i.e. guilt) a vote in the way you conduct your new life. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run errands that are connected to that old, former dead state (or so called “life”). Remember you’ve been raised from the dead, sin can’t tell you how to live. Wholeheartedly throw yourself into God’s Way of doing things full time(not part-time and only when things are UP, but also when things are DOWN … at all times, including all cares … cast (throw) all of your concerns on God for He cares for you in the same way that He cares for the land that He has given you – 1 Peter 5:7)

Romans 6:12-14 MSG (elaborated)

MERCY is God’s Way of doing things (of setting things right). A God-inspired definition of MERCY that I’ve come to trust and hope in is thatMERCY = God doing it for me (on my behalf). Where Righteousness is what God does (the end, result, or outcome), Mercy is God doing it. MERCY is the means by which Righteousness is given, credited, bestowed, and/or birthed. This Righteousness is fully met in all who believe and accept the sacrifice/blessing of God’s MERCY –Romans 8:3(AMPC). This Righteousness is fully met in those who live and move(Acts 17:28)NOT in the ways of the flesh (the wicked ways) BUT in the ways of the HolySpirit … those who are actively being governed/led by the Standard that God is –Romans 8:4(AMPC).

Don’t try to fix your weakness or shortcoming by yourself … this self-help or break-fix-attempt is the wicked way that God mentioned in2 Chronicles 7:14. Don’t be Ruthless, INSTEAD, be a Babe … humble yourself and pray – call upon the Name of The LORD like Blind Bartimaeus did when He said: Yeshua, SON of David, have mercy on me (Mark 10:46, Luke 18:34). In other words and in alignment with1 Peter 5:6-7, Blind Bartimaeus was saying: God, do it for me. This is the heartbeat of the righteous … a heart that calls upon the Name of The LORD again and again, a heart that beats for MERCY, a heart that hopes in and desires MERCY. God desires Mercy too, He is full of it –Psalm 86:5(GW). He is Righteous. It’s God’s Heartbeat too.

Whereas we fall, God does NOT. He, however, is the safe place into which we fall and/or run (Proverbs 18:10). He comes to our aid … He stoops low to meet us where we are and draws us to Himself in compassion. He carries and bears us up as He prays for us in alignment with His Heart –Romans 8:26-27(AMPC, TPT). MERCY is His Heart’s cry too. MERCY (not anger) is God’s Wavelength and it endures forever.

The next time you find yourself in the valley – be it the valley of the shadow of death(Psalm 23:5)or the valley of Achor(Hosea 2:15)or the valley of dry and disjointed bones(Ezekiel 37:1-3)– keep your wavelength short; your wavelength is the time between getting knocked down and you calling on God for MERCY.

Do NOT lean on your own understanding of the dark, troubling shadow from your past “life”. Don’t get blindsided by the staggering facts of the quack doctor’s report or go down the rabbit hole of trying to make sense of why you are still selfish with God even when you don’t want to be and especially considering that He has been nothing but GOOD to you. Do NOT fear, panic, or rage … this is what the enemy wants (1) so that he can distract you from the truthful reality of where you are: with God, Yahweh, your Righteousness, and (2) so that he can tempt you into the filthiness and futility of self-righteousness, which is what happens when we panic – we tend to want to fix things ourselves. Instead, know God. He is the ONLY understanding you need –Proverbs 9:10B(AMPC). As opposed to fixating on the fact that you have a weak, failing, or broken heart, be still and actively know the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Yahweh (God with you). Unlike the quack doctor that the enemy is, God does not use your weakness against you. He does not despise your broken heart (Psalm 51:17). He will help you navigate the valley and direct your path – He wants to. Trust Him to do it for you. Keep the wavelength short by crying out for MERCY. Call upon on the Name of The LORD and be saved.

Keep the wavelength short by prayerfully moving forward with and in God –Galatians 5:25(AMPC). They say fail-forward … I say: LET yourself fall in GOD with God. To mean do NOT be afraid of failing, let yourself fall in God and see where you land (with God, DOWN tends to lead UP) … LET yourself fall in LOVE with God 😊. This is one perspective of the gift and blessing that the valley is – it is an opportunity to fall in LOVE (in GOD) with God Who is with you. Heretoforward, do NOT let your weakness stop you … it is NOT a show-stopper (the show being God’s Glory, a display that can NOT be stopped). God can use your weakness for His Glory … let Him. Let God use every part of you (including your shortcoming) for His Glory. Let God use every moment of your life in the land of the living that He has given you for His Glory – this includes times when you fall short and find yourself in the valley. He is the God of the living … the hills … and the valleys. Therefore, let God use not only the UPs for His Glory, give Him the DOWNs too … give God the valley, give God your I-want-to-but-I-can’t-help-myself, give God your weaknesses, give God your shortcomings, and let Him love you (show you Himself) through each one … let God love Him for you with all of your heart, with every part of the land of the living that He has given you and the threshing floor that you are. Let God love Him for you with your entire being –Deuteronomy 11:13 Deuteronomy 6:5– Let God do it for you. Choose Life –Proverbs 21:21 (AMPC) … choose MERCY.

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Oaks of Righteousness, you are the planting of The LORD. Indeed, JEZREEL! God planted you into this Land of the living. He transplanted you from that old dead state to this new resurrected state (Psalm 80:8) by His Spirit – your new (resurrected) life in God is through the HolySpirit. It started when you were awakened to Christ, at which point sin became dead to you and you too became dead to it; you were made alive in Christ. This new life can ONLY be lived by the HolySpirit (Zechariah 4:6). He is the Water and Rain from Heaven that you drink. Yes, you are the Land of the living (here on earth) that God has given you – a land of hills and valleys. Don’t despise the valley, it is God-Glorifying too. Like the Waters cover the sea, it too shall be filled with Water (2 Kings 3:17 CJB) … drinking Water! The HolySpirit is the early and latter Rain that God (Our Father) gives/sends (Joel 2:23 AMPC, MSG). He is the Heavenly Messenger from The Father Who goes before you to protect you during your journey with Him and to lead you to the place prepared by God for you (Exodus 23:20). He will enable you to hear The Father’s Message of Christ, pay attention to all that He shows you and respond to what He tells you for He carries the Father’s Name and Message: Yeshua (Yahweh saves) – it is the Message of Salvation. By the hearing that comes by The WORD of God (Romans 10:17 AMPC) and thus by Faith (the knowledge of God), keep responding to The Father’s Message to you via His Spirit (John 16:13). Respond to the Rain that the HolySpirit is so that the Threshing Floor and Land that you are may yield abundant grain, new wine, and fresh oil … like the abundant offspring of the sand and sea (Isaiah 48:18-19) … and sky (Genesis 15:5). Let your response be God (Who God IS: LOVE, His Banner … His WORD: MERCY). Let your response be MERCY: Yahweh, do it for me.

When God Reveals His Name (1, 2, 3, GO)

This is part 2 of a two-part blog series, both intended for those to whom God is revealing His Name – you are in good company: a host of us! Yahweh, The LORD of the Host of us, wants us to know and trust His Name –Isaiah 43:10(VCE, AMPC).

you are My witnesses; you are My proof. you whom I chose for a special purpose, My servant, in order that you would know Me, believe Me (trust Me), and be faithful to Me …

Isaiah 43:10A (VOICE, AMPC)

In part 1 (Be a Babe), we saw that:

(A) God is the One Who reveals His Name.

(B)God’s Name is Yahweh (The LORD), andHis Son’s Name(Jesus) is Yeshua which means Yahweh saves. God’s Son is called by God’s Name – as it is with Jesus so it is with anyone to whom God reveals His Name or Self.

(C)WHEN God reveals His Name/Self to you, He is doing two things simultaneously: revealing His PRESENCE to you AND calling you. Who God presents His PRESENCE as to you is the Name by which He calls you.

(D)The humility of the HolySpirit (the FIRST LOVE humility) is the (our) expected response to the revelation of God’s Name and His calling. Hence, be a Babe – be a newcomer, one who humbly comes anew to God.

Here, in part 2, we’ll take a further look at (1)WHYGod reveals His Name to us, (2)WHAT HAPPENSwhen we respond as expected, and (3) whatTHE EXPECTED RESPONSEof being a Babe means in practice.

Therefore My people will know what My Name is and what it means; they shall know in that day that I AM He Who speaks; Behold, I AM!
Here I AM! I AM ready.

Isaiah 52:6 (AMPC, VOICE)

WHY?

Why does God reveal His Name to us? Why does He want us to know what His Name means? Here’s WHY:so that we can say His Name by calling upon Him again and again…

“Say My Name … Say My Name“, says The LORD

Backed up by Exodus 3:14 and Exodus 34:6, this 👆 was going to be the title of this series 😊. Both times, God said His Name twice! I increasingly believe that this is God’s name-calling style …

Furthermore, I believe that God wants us to call Him in like manner: again and again … this is the manner in/by which God comes.

In part 1, I likened God’s name-call repetition to the ‘Knock Knock’ on a door … an expression of the gentleManly nature of God’s PRESENCE. This is but one facet of God’s name-calling style. The emphasis (name-call repetition) can also be seen as an echo of God’s Voice (Psalm 62:11 NKJV), an assurance, a confirmation … it is the hearing and hearing effect by which Faith comes (Romans 10:17). It is a surety, a certainty (a HOPE).

Contrary to popular belief unbelief, HOPE is not a maybe. In Truth, howbeit unseen for a time, HOPE is a certainty, the evidence (substance) of which comes with God’s Voice … it comes when God calls you by His revealed Name.

Faith is the assurance, confirmation, substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen … Without Faith, it is impossible to walk with God and please Him. Those who come to God (Babes) must necessarily believe that HE ISand thatHE ISa rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:1, 6 (AMP/C)

Every Babe needs Faith … every Babe needs evidence of HOPE. This in part is why God reveals (and calls us by) His Name. His revealed Name is the evidence we need, our strong hold and foundation –Proverbs 18:10– our Strong Tower of defense against doubt, the sin that readily besets, attacks, or hampers us IF we respond in fear instead of Faith (the knowledge of God).

Isaiah 43:10tells us that God wants us to know and trust Him, and to be faithful to Him. To be faithful to God is to be FULL of Faith in our response to Him and all else. We can not be God’s Babe (we can not be humble, or come anew, or call on God again and again) without FIRST knowing and trusting Him.

To know and trust God is to know and trust His Name. This is what God wants and here’s WHY 👇

… SO THAT we may truthfully say His Name.

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While God wants us to call on Him again and again, it is important to note that not everyone who says LORD, LORD truthfully says God’s Name – Matthew 7:22-23. There’s a distinction … and it goes beyond merely repeating God’s Name. Those who truthfully say God’s Name are known by God because they bear and thus GO only by the Name God calls them: His Name. Case in point: Moses – God knew his God-given name. I think it was Beautiful (Exodus 2:2) and very likely why Moses had beautiful feet (Isaiah 52:7). In any case, God knew him by name(Exodus 33:12B)… Another example is Gideon – he was called by His God-given name: Mighty man of fearless courage(Judges 6:12)and so he was.

Everyone to whom God reveals His Name is given a God-given name … a name that expresses God’s Name. This God-given name is your calling (your purpose), a calling that happens when God presents His PRESENCE to you. Another reason to NOT take God’s Name-Reveal lightly – SeLaH.

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To truthfully say God’s Name is(1)to call upon His Name (Zephaniah 3:9) AND(2)to proclaim His Name (Psalm 68:11, 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 5:14-16) in HUMILITY (Side Note:Humility is extravagantly Truthful– SeLaH).

How are people to call upon Him Whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him (to trust in and rely upon Him) of Whom they’ve never heard? How are they to hear without a PREACHER?

Romans 10:14

The PREACHER is coming … FAITH (the knowledge of God) is coming … Yahweh, the Ever-Present One, is coming. For those wondering about how HE IS here and yet also coming, kindly note that coming in this context does NOT mean “not yet here”, instead, it means to unveil or reveal. Indeed, God is revealing His Self/Name to Babes across the four corners of the earth. WHEN this happens, LISTEN for and TRUST His Holy Name. Like Samuel, you will hear Him when He comes (Romans 10:17, Psalm 40:6 AMPC) … you will hear Him because what He says (Who He presents Himself as to you) is Who enables you to hear Him. WHEN this happens, LISTEN for God’s Name-Reveal to you … it is intimate, thus be intimate with Him. Welcome and honor (make space for) His Name. What a privilege it is to be God’s chosen dwelling place for His Name! Indeed, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar nation –1 Peter 2:9💖.

To TRUST God’s Name is to actionably GO by the Name that He calls you (to bear His revealed Name to you).Totruthfullysay God’s Name is to say His Name in THE Way that matters to Him: obediently… trustingly– this is what happens when we respond to God’s Name-Reveal (and calling) with the humility of our first love for God. Every time we respond in this manner, we actionably say: God can NOT lie … we actionably say: God is TRUTH … we (by our actions) meaningfully say His Name. Something happens when we truthfully (humbly) say God’s Name – I Peter 5:6-7, 2 Chronicles 7:14-16.

WHAT HAPPENS?

GOD HAPPENS!

This is what the The Blind Man in John 9 was saying to the people who would not listen – He essentially was telling them that God happened! That God came to pass … that God passed by –John 9:1(CJB).

When we trustingly know God’s Name and thus truthfully say His Name …

… GOD MOVES!

… a translation happens i.e. The Blind see – this is what transpired in John 9:38… a God-inspired translation from darkness to Light (to all things bright and beautiful) happens! When God moves, things shift … things move: heaven (God’s throne) and earth (God’s footstool) move. It is accurate to say then that when we truthfully say God’s Name, God effectively moves heaven and earth! No one else can do this … none besides Yahweh 🥰.

Still on what happens when we truthfully say God’s Name …

… SHILOH COMES!

The PRESENCE of God comes to pass … to make a move. In so moving, God makes the place of the feet of His Heart GLORIOUS(Isaiah 60:13, Isaiah 52:7)… oh! how BEAUTIFUL are the feet of His Heart! The feet of His PRESENCE! God makes them so because He moves … because God moves, His host move as well (on earth as it is in heaven, none missing a mate) …

… an EXODUS HAPPENS!

Like the Pillar of Fire by night and the Pillar of Cloud by day, the ANGEL of God’s PRESENCE goes to work! He is Mighty to save! As a result …

… SALVATION HAPPENS!

God reveals His Salvation (His redemptive Name), He reveals the Kinsman-Redeemer. God reveals His Name in His Son’s Name:Yeshua: Yahweh saves!He does it through the open DOOR-Way (HEY) of Salvation that His Son is –John 10:9. In other words, God reveals Himself!

As He did with Moses, God comes to show you His Way, His Glory – He lets His Goodness pass in front of you, right before your eyes. God Himself passes by and shows you Himself: Salvation(Psalm 50:23) Peace and Prosperity(Haggai 2:9) … Good Success (Psalm 118:25)… Oh the GLORY! Both that of the early and latter RAIN (Joel 2:23)

Deuteronomy 11:14,Isaiah 45:8(AMPC) – This RAIN of SALVATION and the bounty thereof (Haggai 2:19, Joel 2:19, Hosea 2:22) … this Righteous Gift of Salvation (Hosea 10:12) is what happens and what you can expect: The GLORY of God! His POWER and MIGHT … His PRESENCE! God in FULL view!

Look! Here is your God! Look at Him! Yahweh comes in power, ready to go into action. Behold (HEY), Yahweh comes with might, and His arm will rule for Him. Behold (HEY), His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.

Isaiah 40:9B -10 (MSG, CJB, AMPC)

THE EXPECTED RESPONSE

Rightfully put, the expected response is to be a Babe … always. Another way to put it is: One … Two … Three … Go! Always Go to God anew, with God and in God. Let’s take a look at what this means in practice.

(1)Respond with Thankful Praise

It is the praising life that honors Me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I will show you My SALVATION.

Psalm 50:23 (MSG)

Honor God with a response of Thankful Praise – this is exactly what Jesus did when God revealed His Name … when God revealed Himself (Salvation) … when God called Him by His Name. Indeed, Salvation is Jesus’ calling – Who and What He is called to be. A calling and revelation to which Jesus responded with overflowing JOY … the Joy of Salvation aka The Joy of The LORD.

Jesus, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit (the Ruach HaKodesh), said: I thank You Father, Lord of heaven and earth,BECAUSEYou concealed these things relating to SALVATION from the sophisticated, educated … know-it-alls yet You revealed these things relating to SALVATION to Babes, to new comers, to those who humble themselves. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this Way.

Luke 10:21 (CJB, AMPC, MSG)

Jesus responded with Yahweh’s Joy –Psalm 16:11(AMPC), the Joyfulness of God’s PRESENCE (the FULLness of Joy found in God’s PRESENCE).

(2)Give God PRESENCE

Here I am

Genesis 22:1,11, Genesis 31:11, Exodus 3:4,
1 Samuel 3:4-10, Isaiah 6:9

This is the ULTIMATE RESPONSE … it is inclusive of both (1) and (3). I’ll elaborate more on this when I share on The Desire for PRESENCE. In the interim, it is worth noting that Abraham (Genesis 22:1,11), Jacob (Genesis 31:11), Moses (Exodus 3:4), Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4-10), and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9) each said ‘Here I am’ to God when He presented His PRESENCE to them – in other words, each of them were present (in attendance, they attended to God’s PRESENCE).

(3) Bless The LORD … Bless Yahweh

What does it mean? What does it mean to bless The LORD? What does it mean to bless The One Who is Blessed … the One from Whom ALL blessings flow? How does one bless Yahweh? All VERY valid questions 🙂.

How about we start with what it means to bless …

(1) To bless is to give something of value to someone. The something given is of value to the recipient AND comes at a cost to the giver. The perfect example: God gave us redemption (His Righteous Gift of Salvation) at the cost of His Son –John 3:16💖.

(2) To bless is to speak good of someone or something. I found and thoroughly enjoyed seeing this definition in the AMPC version of Genesis 2:3 🥰👌.

God blessed (spoke good of) the seventh day. He set it apart as His Own and hallowed it because on it God rested from all His work which He had created and done.

Genesis 2:3 (AMPC)

We bless God when we speak good of Him in our thoughts, with our words, and by our actions … we bless God when we praise His Name – when we exalt His Holy Name above all else. We exalt God’s Holy Name when we actionably believe Him i.e. trusting and obeying Him. When we believe (accept, embrace, welcome, honor, trust, obey) His WORD: When we believe that HE IS Who He says HE IS … when we believe Who He reveals His Name as or Who He presents Yahweh as.

Keep in mind that this presentation may not always come in the manner that you expect. When God presented His WORD (PRESENCE) as Yeshua in the person of Jesus, a lowly man from Nazareth, many did not believe Him … they would not (they willed not to) believe Him.

In returning to Me and resting in Me shall you be saved; in quietness and in trusting confidence shall be your strength. But you would (willed) not. Oh, that you had hearkened to My commandments. Then your peace and prosperity would have been like a flowing river, and your righteousness like the abundant waves of the sea. Oh, that My people (Israel) would listen to Me and walk in My ways (not their wicked ways).

Isaiah 30:15 (AMPC), Isaiah 40:18, Psalm 81:13

Who are those who willed not? Those whose unbelief (whose unwillingness to trust that God has done what He said He would do) shut them out from stepping foot into all that God has in store and has prepared for them. They were given the Good News and the opportunity but they willed not to humble themselves … they willed not to receive it, welcome it, or honor it. This inevitably led to disobedience,Hebrews 3:7 – 4:7(AMPC). They did not say blessed is He Who comes in the Name of The LORD because they did not believe that Jesus (Yeshua) came from God … they did not believe that He was The Anointed (Blessed) One: they did not speak good of Him.

We bless (speak good of, praise, exalt) God when we obediently trust His WORD – this happens as a result of believing that God is Who He reveals Himself to be and that He has done what He said He will do. God values obedience … it belongs to Him – Genesis 49:10(AMPC). It is an integral part of believing and thus trusting God … it is an integral part of actionably, trustingly, truthfully, or meaningfully saying God’s Name – THIS is what it means to bless The LORD. We bless God by our welcoming (receptive) and humble (responsive) action of whole-hearted obedience.

As mentioned earlier, it is costly to bless … as such, blessing God will cost each one of the host of us something. Believing, trusting, and obeying God will cost us something … actually, it will cost us everything – everything we are and have within us. Blessing God will cost us everything just as it cost Him everything (Himself) to bless us with Salvation (Himself). Like Jesus too was broken or broke (and no, I don’t mean money-wise), we too must be broke in order to truly bless God. We must be all-broken-hearted or whole-heartedly broke, having poured out all of our heart before God … loving Him (giving God to God) with all that is within us.

It is from this place of costly broke-ness (or brokenness) that we trustingly and truthfully say: Yahweh! Yahweh! It is from this place of nothing-else-ness that we bless The LORD with all that is within us and thus meaningfully say God’s Holy Name: The LORD! The LORD! It is from this place of humility that we cry: Abba! Father! … here is where we call upon the Name of The LORD and are saved by Him. He does not despise nor forsake a broken heart. Like the fragrance of a broken jar of pure spikenard or spice, whose every costly content is poured out, God values and glories in our broken (humble) heart. He is blessed by the humility of our obedient trust. It is from this place of obedience that we GO with God and that we walk humbly with Him. This humble, obedient walk with God is key to what happens next … MORE! God! He is The MORE 💖. Oh sooo much MORE!

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The PREACHER (the One Who speaks) is coming – His Name (Yahweh) is near. The One from Whence He comes (and to Whom all obedience belong) says:

Now get yourselves ready. Look! I AM sending a Heavenly Messenger – My Angel (The Angel of My Presence – My PRESENCE) to pass before you – to protect you during your journey with Me and to lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Pay attention to all that He shows you and obey whatever He tells you … He carries My Name in Him.

Exodus 23:20-21(MSG, VOICE)

HEY faithful … humble … Babe, The LORD your God is coming to reveal His Name to you … to present Himself to (and then through) you … God’s PRESENCE is coming. He is The Divine LORD (Rabbani) … The TEACHER (Rabboni) … The PREACHER … The Heavenly MESSENGER … He is The One Who speaks. Listen for Him (seek Him). Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving and His Courts with Praise. Bless Him with ALL that He is (deepest) within you –Psalm 103:1(AMPC).

His Name is in you (in your deepest, most intimate and private part – the secret place of The MOST HIGH). He truly is as near as the tongue in your mouth and the heart in your chest – a treasure chest. His Name is the weight of His Glory in you – His glorious inheritance. GO here-to-forward proclaiming the praise of His glorious Name (Grace). GO humbly forward with God and give Him what He values most: PRESENCE … a weighty splendor!

When God reveals His Name (Be a Babe)

Who has ascended into heaven and descended? … What is His Name?andWhat is His Son’s Name?

Proverbs 30:4

The inspiration to share this blog came when the HolySpirit was writing Do NOT be Ruthless with, in, and through me. It also stemmed from the start of the year when God called my attention to His Name: El Shaddai and then Yahweh, both of which share a connection with the Hebrew letter: HEY … a letter whose number (5) and meaning are of great significance to me and in relation to 2025 (5785). I find it fascinating that HEY is represented twice in God’s MOST Holy Name: Yahweh 💖.

While He was writing on the tablet of my heart, the HolySpirit showed me that there is significance to the revelation of God’s Name. In hearing Him speak, Faith came … a just cause for another blog, so I drafted what He showed/told me – the essence of which is what I’ll be sharing in this two-part blog series by the ever-present help that the HolySpirit is.

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From Genesis and all the way to Revelations, we see God reveal His Name/Self to His lovers (loved ones) – a task that Jesus (God’s WORD), the One Who has ascended to heaven and descended(John 16:7)is entirely committed to accomplish by His HolySpirit (Zechariah 4:6), Who also is equally committed to the task of revealing God to mankind (John 16:13-15).

I have made Your Name known to them and revealed Your character and Your very Self, and I will continue to make You known, that the love which You have bestowed upon Me may be in them (felt in their hearts) and that I Myself may be in them.

John 17:26 (AMPC)

Chronologically speaking and naming just a few of the loved ones to whom God revealed His Name/Self, there was …

(1)Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob … individually, God revealed His Self to them as El Shaddai – Genesis 17:1, Genesis 26:24, Genesis 28:13, Exodus 6:2-3 (AMPC). Something to note 👉 God’s revelation to Jacob (the one God loves) started with a dream of God’s angels (host of God’s messengers) ascending and descending on a ladder set up on earth, with its top reaching up to heaven (Genesis 28:10-19). Jacob called the place Bethel – the House of God … the gateway to heaven. Jacob experienced God’s PRESENCE 💖… Jacob experienced The PORTION OF JACOB: The PORTION of God-seekers: the generation of those who seek God’s Face – Psalm 24:6.

(2)Moses … God revealed His Self to him as I AM and Yahweh (The LORD). In other words, God revealed Himself to Moses as I AM Yahweh– Exodus 3:14-15, Exodus 34:6. God explicitly told Moses His Name💖- this happened when God made His PRESENCE known to him and in response, Moses turned to look … to behold … to see … to HEY (Exodus 3:1-4).

Seek The LORD … Seek His Face and to be in His PRESENCE continually!

I Chronicles 16:11 (AMPC, MSG) Psalm 105:4

(3)Speaking of God’s Face, Gideon … God revealed His Self to him as Shalom (The Peaceful One: Shiloh) – Judges 6:11-24.

(4) Samuel … God revealed His Self to him as THE WORD – 1 Samuel 3:3-7, 8-11A, 21. I 💖 verse 11A … it says: The LORD (Yahweh) said to Samuel: Behold (HEY) 🥰. I believe this was the point when THE WORD was revealed to Samuel. We are in the season/year of HEY … oh that, like Moses, we would turn to behold God WHEN He calls us to Himself by revealing His PRESENCE! That, like Samuel, we would say: speak LORD for Your servant is listening … that we would be present. This is the response that God wants us to have (Matthew 17:5).

(5) Isaiah … God revealed the Spirit of His Son to him as Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God (El Shaddai), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Shiloh) – Isaiah 9:6. In addition to telling Isaiah about the essence (Spirit) of His Son and how He will be known by His people, felt in their hearts, and thus called, God told Isaiah His Name 💖 – Isaiah 42:8 .

(6) Jeremiah … God revealed His Self to him as Yahweh (The LORD) – Jeremiah 31:3. Also, God told Jeremiah His Name 💖 – Jeremiah 33:2.

(7) Joseph and Mary … individually, God revealed the Name of His Son to both of them as Yeshua – Matthew 1:21 (AMPC) , Luke 1:31. In telling them His Son’s Name, God actually also told them His very Own Name💖. YeshuameansYahweh saves. Indeed, God’s Name is in His Son’s Name (Exodus 23:21) … I wonder if this is what Agur was alluding to in Proverbs 30:4 🤔 – SeLaH

(8) Peter … God revealed to him that His Son is The Christ … The Messiah (Shiloh) – Matthew 16:15-17. What a revelation and a blessing!

(9) The Samaritan Woman aka The Good Samaritan … better yet, The Good News Samaritan 🥰. God revealed The Messiah to her as The One Who speaks – John 4:26 (AMPC). I 💖 that in His response and introduction to the Samaritan woman: “I … AM He”, Jesus also said God’s Name (I AM).

(10) The Blind Man … God revealed His Son to him as The One Who speaks – John 9:35-38.

(11) Paul, another blind man who saw God – Acts 9:1-5 (AMPC). Like He did at the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:5), God revealed His LIGHT, His VOICE, and then His Son to Saul-later-turned-Paul .

(12)John … God revealed multiple expressions of His Self, His Name, and His Son to John. No wonder John is called the beloved – God reveals things to His beloved. Chief of all the revelations that God gave John is THE WORD, the Name that God exalts above all His other Names. God revealed THE WORD to John at The Beginning (John 1:1), at The End (Revelation 19:13), and as both (Revelation 22:13).

The details of each of the above referenced encounters is quite the intrigue, each one unique yet connected toIsaiah 52:6. Another common and important theme across the board is that God, not man, is the One Who does the revealing of His Name – His PRESENCE (His ever-present Self). It is a deep, intimate, and personal (DIP) revelation. It is the greatest honor to be given this revelation. I say so becauseWho God reveals His PRESENCE as to you is who He calls you to be– case in point: the ones who, instead of names, were givena honorable titlei.e. The Samaritan Woman and The Blind Man. God revealed Himself to either of them as The One Who speaks … and boy, did they speak! Like the Good News People mentioned in Zechariah 8:13 (MSG), they spoke good of God.

The Samaritan Woman turned many blind folks to God by saying “Come and See” (John 4:29,39-42). The Blind Man went toe-to-toe with the so called know-it-alls or “subject matter experts” who were blind like Paul once was before God revealed Himself to him on the road to Damascus (John 9:10-33) – he spoke Godfidently of God.

Another point worth noting is that, more often than not, God doesn’t out-rightly start His relationship with us by revealing His Name/Self. He seems to first have one or more interactions before this revelation happens – Abraham is an example of this. Genesis 12:1 is the first bible record of God speaking to him – he was 75 years old at the time. Genesis 17:1 is when God revealed His Self to Abraham as El Shaddai (The Almighty God … The Strong and Breasted One) – at this time, Abraham was 99 years old. I share this NOT to say or imply that it takes 24 years for God to open up – no, each person’s experience is unique. I share this to point out that God’s revelation of His Name/Self is as significant and intentional as the timing of it. It’s NOT mere happenstance.God’s Name-reveal is well-timed … it comes well or well-comes(it is welcoming) and can happen at any or multiple points in our journey HERE on earth. Never feel like or think that you’re too new (young) or too mature (old) in your walk with God for it to happen. Speaking in Joel 2:28, God says:

I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh (all mankind), and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your your young men shall see visions.

Joel 2:28

When God reveals His Name(He will), treat it as a big deal (it is). Treat it with humility …treat it withthe humility of your FIRST LOVE. DoN’T take it lightly. DoN’T be surface, or shallow about it. Instead, be DIP … yes, be deep about it. Make room for Him (honor Him). Treat Him as Holy –Leviticus 10:3(NASB). Go near … like Moses, turn to see Him, go deep into God’s revelation of His Self/Name to you: Seek Him … wholeheartedly, open-heartedly.

Seek The LORD (Yahweh) while He may be found (claiming Him by necessity and by right); call upon Him while He is near.

Isaiah 55:6

When God reveals His Name, He is simultaneously revealing His PRESENCE and calling you … it’s a two-in-ONE deal💖.

(1) Who God reveals His PRESENCE as to you is His Way ofcalling youby His Name. God name-calling you is NOT in vain, NOT even if/when He does it twice! Another note-worthy recurring theme 👇

God does NOT stutter. Moreover, I believe that the name-call repetition is like the Knock Knock on a door. It is a reflection of the patient, persistent, enduring, faithful, unrelenting, yet gentleManly nature of God’s PRESENCE. My personal experience of God’s ‘gentleManliness’ is waking up to find Him waiting for me to wake up … to open up, to open my eyes, to HEY, to LOOK UP, to open up the doors or eyes of my heart for Him to flood them with LIGHT and so that I can see Him.

(2)God revealing His PRESENCE to you is His Way ofcalling youto Himself. He has NOT, does NOT, and will NOT call anyone to seek Him in vain (Isaiah 45:19). This is true because He calls you by His Name, a Name that He Himself does NOT use in vain. Therefore, when God makes His PRESENCE known to you …when God reveals His Name, DoN’T be vain about it. Take His Name for yourself (Psalm 33:20-22 MSG) … and do it with the humility of the HolySpirit (your FIRST LOVE).

Through His HolySpirit, Who also is the Spirit of His Son – the Spirit of THE WORD, God is still revealing His Name to us today –John 17:26(AMPC). InLuke 10:21Jesus revealed that it pleases God to reveal things to babes … to newcomers … to those who humble themselves.

This newcomer (or FIRST LOVE) humility isthe humility of the HolySpirit’s FIRST LOVE or His LOVE for The FIRST (God, The Father). In other words: God, The Father, is the Holy Spirit’s FIRST LOVE and vice versa.

Jesus testified of the HolySpirit’s humility toward The Father in John 16:13B-15… the HolySpirit is ONLY ever ALL about glorifying The Father which in turn means glorifying The Son.

When the Truth-giving Spirit(The Giver of Himself, El Shaddai)comes, He will guide you into all Truth – the whole and FULL Truth. ForHe will not speak His Own Message or on His Own Authority BUT He will tell whatever He hears from The Father– He will give the message that He has been given to Him. and will announce and declare to you the things that are to come.

John 16:13

Another testimony of the HolySpirit’s humble LOVE for the Father is seen inGenesis 1:2. With Him being the Spirit of God and ALL, the HolySpirit knows ALL and is ALL that is in God’s Heart (1 Corinthians 2:11) – the HolySpirit is the ALL in ALL💖. To know and be all that is in God’s Heart means that He knows all there is to know about what God desires and what gives God the MOST pleasure. Knowing this, He could very well just go do all these things BUT He waits for The Father to command it … He exalts God’s Command above all else. Even above His Own authority to get stuff done. Even above His Own passionate, zealous, unstoppable desire to please God … He waits –Isaiah 30:18 (AMPC)💖.

Let me try to describe what this is like for the HolySpirit in the way that He described it to me – it’s like the moment before a Kiss. He is ready, He is aroused (the AMP/C version of Isaiah 30:18 says He lifts up Himself on high) … in order words, He is high (aroused) like the rising of the Sun, He is ready –Isaiah 52:6(AMPC). He wants it … oh He wants this Kiss! YET He waits. In His “gentleManliness”, He waits. In His humility, He waits … expectantly, desirously, earnestly! Can you imagine the force it takes to hold an unstoppable force? That’s what the HolySpirit does when He waits.

He knew about and was the one Who performed all that God commanded in Genesis 1 … He knew it was good and could very well just go do it, YET He waited … He hovered over the face of the waters UNTIL God said LET there be … What a right, willing, and Holy Spirit!

This newcomer humility is ALSOthe humility of our FIRST LOVE.The HolySpirit is our FIRST LOVE … our First Kiss. He is the very first knowledge of God that we had. His Kiss is what gave us birth – this is what happened at the beginning when we were created (Genesis 1:27), even at the beginning when Adam was formed (Genesis 2:7), before we were formed in our earthly mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5), and at the point when we became born again in Christ (John 1:13). He is the Womb in Christ that carries us(Isaiah 46:3-4)…The Womb Love that births usagain … anew … afresh.

Think about the moment you said YES (the welcoming word) to Jesus Christ … not when you responded to an altar call out of fear, no … not that time. I mean when you said YES with your heart, not just your head and/or mouth … the moment when you yielded to God and said YES to His Love in absolute surrender … the moment when you said His Name – Revelation 3:14 (AMPC, MSG) … think about that new-believer or newcomer moment. What you were responding or attracted to is the HolySpirit, your FIRST LOVE. What you were expressing is your FIRST LOVE – the HolySpirit’s LOVE for The FIRST through you.

The humility of our FIRST LOVE isan echo or an exact replica of the humility of the HolySpirit’s FIRST LOVE – it is the humility of new or little beginnings. We see the HolySpirit express this humility at the beginning when the earth was without form, empty, and void – an emptiness that exists when The WORD hasn’t been given or because God hasn’t commanded it otherwise – this was the case inGenesis 1:2, and what our lives is like BEFORE God reveals Himself (LIGHT) to us.

When God does reveal Himself to us, we become Lights that shine. The LIGHT that makes us Light … that makes us arise and shine, the Word/Truth entrusted to us and in our hearts, can only be guarded (kept from going into our heads) by the help of the HolySpirit(2 Timothy 1:14)– this requires humility (asking for and receiving help requires humility). We see David ask for the HolySpirit’s help in Psalm 51:10-12… like David, we all should be in this place of needing and asking for the ever-present help that the HolySpirit is and gives.

Unfortunately, many “grow up” thinking that “they’ve got it” and they start leaning on their own understanding. In the process, they lose the humility of their FIRST LOVE because they let the Light get into their heads instead of keeping it in their hearts (where it belongs) by relying on the HolySpirit. Inevitably, they become arrogant like king Saul, a man whose story simultaneously makes my heart break, frightens the hell out me, and puts the fear of God in me (now that I say this, I wonder if his story was written in order to have this exact God-intended effect … hmm 🤔).

Okay, back to the topic at hand 👉 these so called grown-ups or know-it-alls become arrogant about the fragrant knowledge of God (Truth) that they’ve been given – they use the Name of The LORD in vain and for vain glory (self-glorification and self-presence). This is NOT right … this is NOT of the right spirit that David was praying for inPsalm 51:10. What David was asking for is the Babe (newcomer) posture of awe-struck openness to God … the heart-posture of a newcomer in and to Christ… the heart-posture that humbly responds to God’s calling with YES … the response of a heart that says God’s Name with all-broken-heartedness, with whole-heartedness, with whole-hearted devotion.

God reveals things to His Babes … to those who always come anew to Him with FIRST LOVE humility. Therefore, understand this:

(1) God wants us to be FULL of Him … to be FULL of Faith (the Knowledge of Himself that He gives us). He wants us to grow in stature and in strength –Isaiah 40:31(AMPC, MSG, TPT)

(2) God, however, does NOT want us to outgrow or despise the humility of our little beginning of YES (Zechariah 4:10)– He instead wants to always see the humility of our FIRST LOVE response to Him.

God wants us to respond to His Name-reveal and Name-calling by coming anew to Him like the dew fresh out of the Womb of the Morning so that we can hear Him speak like Samuel did, like Moses did … like every newcomer (Babe) does.

[Definition] Babe – the one who comes anew (who comes well) in the Name of The LORD. The one who truthfully welcomes God’s PRESENCE by giving PRESENCE to Yahweh. The one who welcomes the Name of The LORD (Exodus 34:6). 🤍 The CHIEF of all Babes is God Himself 🤍. Like the Sun, He comes new every morning – Lamentation 3:22-23.

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HEY Babe, The LORD your God comes anew … in like manner, come anew to and with Him – always a Babe, God’s Babe! Always come in and to God with child-like innocence and humility … always be a newcomer, whose first-love burns increasingly brighter and does not wax cold. Indeed, blessed are you as you come into God’s PRESENCE under His Guardianship –Psalm 118:26.

HEY Babe, be loved. The LORD your God comes to reveal His Name to you, be receptive and responsive to Him. Receive God and then give God to God (love God) with ALL that He is within you(Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37)… with the right spirit within you, with the humility of your FIRST LOVE. To respond contrary to this is what it means to take The LORD’s Name in vain (Exodus 20:7) – please DoN’T. DoN’T be vain about God’s Name-reveal and Name-calling, always be God’s babe! He is your gentle HusbandMan – the One Who knocks.

Behold, I stand at the DOOR and knock; if anyone hears, listens to, and heeds My Voice and opens the door, I will come into him and will sup (eat) with him, and he will sup (eat) with Me.

Revelations 3:20