Author: NiYi

In Be a Son, I mentioned that the Purpose of Sons is a coin that belongs to God. I also mentioned that the Purpose of Sons is to bea Son AND a Sun– the two sides of the coin. Synonymously, they both say the same thing, which is to be like God – we are and were made for this exact reason (Genesis 1:26).

One key take-away from Be a Son is that Sons speak Truth (Sons do NOT lie). With this in mind, it is accurate to say that Truth is synonymous to Son which (as will be seen in this blog) is synonymous to Sun. All three are expressions of Who God is. Surely, He is the purpose and scope of Life here on earth as it is heaven.

Having shared on what it means to Be a Son, the focus of this blog will be on being a Sun. To get us started, lets take a look at the VERY FIRST known words out of God’s mouth(Genesis 1:3A) …

He could have said anything … anything at all. YET, for His first words, God purposefully chose to say: Let there be LIGHT. This speaks volumes about what God wants and the Purpose of Sons – a Purpose no different in meaning from what God said inGenesis 1:28A(Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth). Another set of FIRST words out of God’s mouth, this time, it was said explicitly to Man … to Sons … to believers of God: those who live by every Word (Truth) that comes out of God’s mouth. Without His Truth, nothing exists(John 1:3). Considering the significance of God’s Word, and the understanding that He prizes/exalts Him above all His other Names, it is accurate to say that the FIRST words out of God’s mouth is an imperative – one that pertains to Sons.

Sons are Light

With God (Our Father) being The Father of Light, it means then that,Like Father, Like Son,we (His Sons) are Light … I’ll uncover this truth by sharing two and a third reinforcing truths. Side Note: unlike a lie which is covered up and furthermore reinforced by more lies, truth is uncovered and furthermore reinforced by more truth – SeLaH. Here are three witnesses upon which stands the truth that Sons are Light:

It is important to note that, in order for the Lights described in Genesis 1:14 to be, the LIGHT in Genesis 1:3 (Jesus) first had to be … He had and has to come first.

Sons can’t be Lights without the Life (LIGHT) that is the Light of Man –John 1:4,9. Jesus has to come (and be put) first in order for us to arise, shine (give light), and glorify Our Father in heaven – this is the Purpose of Sons. It is a Purpose that stands(Proverbs 19:21)… an out-standing Purpose. Like the immovable, unshakable, ever right-standing ROCK described inMatthew 7:24-25, this Purpose is the Stand for the Lamps that Sons are.

The Lamp and The Lamp-Stand

We are chosen and called out of darkness (your father’s house) into God’s marvelous LIGHT (Jesus) for a reason: to show forth God’s praise – to actionably praise His Name … to glorify Him … to be a Light … to stand out and shine(Mathew 5:14-16)– we’ll come back to this. First, let’s take a look at the diagram below (PS: I really enjoyed putting this together 😊).

Though intended for another blog that is still a work-in-progress, I thought to share this diagram here because it’s a good visual depiction of the relationship between the Lamp which represents Sons and the Lampstand which represents the means by which the Purpose of Sons stand: the One on Whom we lean/rest in order to shine like the Sun … like stars that give light and show forth God’s provident care and wonder-FULL works: the good works(Ephesians 2:10), greater works(John 14:12), and infinitely-MORE works that the HolySpirit does in, for, and through us(Ephesians 3:20).

God wants the Lamp that we are to be wholly filled and flooded with Light – this Light is the Love of God that Paul prayed for inEphesians 3: 17-19 … this Light is the Glory of God that fills His Temple – both the temple that we are to Him(1 Corinthians 6:19)and the Temple that He is to us(Revelation 21:22). The temple that we are to God is the righteous city described in Revelation 21:9-23 – a city whose length, breadth, height, and depth is equally and fully filled with Light … with Love, both of which are synonymous to the Glory of God. This is the interest (desire) of God that the HolySpirit pursues and seeks to accomplish in, for, and through Sons – He does this solely and entirely for the Pleasure of God that He is.

The Purpose of Sons is impossible without the HolySpirit. Without the Lampstand(Zechariah 4:1-6)and all its inner-workings … without the Holy Spirit: THE LORD, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of The Word of God, the Honey from the ROCK aka the Oil, there can be no Light. He is the Wisdom that makes us Lights that shine. He is the Oil and we (believers of God), like Christ, are the Sons of Oil – those who stand on and are continuously fueled by the Name of THE LORD. His is the Name (Flowing Oil) that we bear … His is the Name (Stone of Help: Ebenezer-Eliezer … the ROCK) upon which we are built and thus stand, solely because He bears us up.

Light can NOT be (shine) without the HolySpirit. The evidence of this is seen in the beginning(Genesis 1:2B)– The HolySpirit was there when God said: Let there be LIGHT(V3)… He was there when God said: Let US make man in our image and likeness(V26)… He was our very first Breath – God’s first words to Man(V28)… the very same Breath Jesus breathed into the twelve disciples (Sons) in John 20:22. The HolySpirit is the Power of God Who makes all things God-glorifying possible. He is the Oil (fuel) that powers the Purpose of Sons, this includes that of Jesus (THE Son of Sons). While He was here on earth as a Man, Jesus was governed, accompanied, and empowered by the HolySpirit(Acts 10:38). My point is: we need the HolySpirit … we are and can accomplish nothing without Him. I reckon that this nothingness is the darkness described in Genesis 1:2A, Isaiah 60:2, and Matthew 6:23 – this is NOT what God wants.

What does God want?👉 The Shining of Light (His Glory)

God wants our body (His temple) to be fully filled with LIGHT, with Love, with Himself (the Knowledge of His Glory). This is what God wants – evidently so. Not only did He make this expressively known with His first words:Let there Be Light … Be Fruitful, Multiply, Fill the earth… we see this depicted at the end of time when God makes all things new (Revelation 21:1-7, 10-11, 22-23, 22:5) … when God makes us something brand new, fully-filled with the Knowledge and Glory of God!

This knowledge of the Glory of God is the fruit described inIsaiah 27:6and the fragrance described in2 Corinthians 2:14. The multiplying release or spread of this fragrant fruit is how we show forth the praises of God and thus fill the earth (Genesis 1:28) with Light.

The Language of Praise (Truthful Peace)

There is a language … the language of praise, and it isTruth– Yup! the language of Sons – the language of the HolySpirit:God’s Love language… it’s no wonder that God desirously seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (Proverbs 12:22, John 4:23-24), or that He continually pours His Oil … His Strength … His Truth … His Love into our hearts (Zechariah 4:6, Romans 5:5). Indeed, God actionably desires Truth in our innermost being (Psalm 51:6); for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks:the fruit of our lips.

Keep in mind that the above reference to mouth or lips is related to every part of us that speaks: our words, our thoughts, and our actions … even our eyes. When we speak Truth in words, thoughts, and actions (by way of the good and greater works of Righteousness which results in Peace: God’s Face or God’s likeness), we personifyGenesis 1:14. When we tell The Truth, we glorify God, we set forth His Praise – this is how we DO it!

Truth-telling is how we DO it. That said, let me be clear 👉 by DO it, I mean God does it for us through His HolySpirit Who is the Spirit of Truth … He is God’s Face (Peace) – the God of Peace(Hebrews 13:20-21)… therefore, love Truth and Peace(Zechariah 8:18)… love, embrace, honor the HolySpirit. Love Righteousness – love the work that the HolySpirit does in, for, and through you. He is the LIGHT (Righteousness) and the Way of Peace by which we MUST go.

Jesus, our perfect example, came to earth to do the Father’s Will and He did. That said, it is important to note that He did this by the Power of the HolySpirit (aka the Grace of The Lord Jesus Christ) – Acts 10:38. Without the Oil (Strength, Power) that the HolySpirit is, it would have been impossible for Jesus to do all that He did. He did nothing of His own accord(John 5:19, 30 AMPC)– He was enabled by the Spirit (Voice) of the Word of God that He is: the inseparable power duo of God’s Spirit and Word💖.

I cite Jesus’ example to emphasize that Righteousness (the shining of Light) is what the HolySpirit does … He is the One Who does it for us. We can not and must NOT attempt to ‘do’ it on our own, in our own strength, or by leaning on our own understanding. Instead, we must always exalt Peace (God’s Name, God’s Face, LIGHT, the HolySpirit, Truth) above and beyond our own understanding (Philippians 4:7). Assuredly, the HolySpirit is how we DO it – He is the power and desire in us that wills and works for God’s good pleasure, satisfaction, and delight. His singular focus and prayer (The LORD’s prayer) is for God’s Will to be done so that God’s Name is hallowed and that God is glorified. All the HolySpirit (the Voice) does and jealously wants to do is glorify God – Revelation 19:5.

It’s no wonder thatGalatians 5:16(AMPC) encourages us to walk and live in the HolySpirit … in Him is where we have our being (Acts 17:28) – in Him is the only place we can be Lights that shine, in Him is where and how we become the faithful city of Righteousness/Truth mentioned in Isaiah 1:26,Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16, as well as Zechariah 8:3. The HolySpirit is how we arise (stand erect) and shine like Jasper – He makes it so (Psalm 29:9A AMPC ❤️) … He makes us birth Sons … He makes us give Light. Like the lamp resting on the Lampstand, we are the city set on a hill – this is what is written of Sons in the volume of the books (Psalm 40:7-8).

Let’s not be like those who hide (John 3:20) … let’s not be undercover, let’s come out from among them and leave your father’s house. By the Grace of God Who carries us, let’s stand out … let’s stand erect(Leviticus 26:13 AMPC)and shine – this is our priestly duty, this is the Purpose of Sons 👉 to glorify God, to speak/practice Truth (John 3:21), to set forth Our Father’s praise (Name) … to shine … to let God shine in and through us … to let there be Light! Therefore, heretoforward, come into the LIGHT.

Arise(stand erect, uprightly)and Shine

This is WHY God wants there to be LIGHT: to glorify God, to make Himself known – this is the Purpose of Sons. This is WHY God made Man (Sons) – we are His Light-bearers … His Glory-carriers … His Peace-makers … His Workmanship.

In and before God is where and how we become God-lit Lights (Lights that shine). In Him … in His LIGHT we see Light(Psalm36:9)… face-to-face with Him, we mirror and reflect Him(2 Corinthians 3:18)as we go from glory to glory (shining brighter and brighter) until we become a picture-perfect mirror and reflection of God … a spitting image of God‘s likeness: the Word out of His mouth – the Truth and Peace that Sons love, speak, and practice.

Therefore, set The LORD ever before you … be ever before Him, that you may display and express the Glory-Light and Peace of God. Let Truth’s shining Light guide your choices and decisions –Psalm 119:105-106(TPT, MSG). Be a Son … speak Truth – Psalm 119:110-111(TPT, MSG). Let God (His Name: Peace, His Word: Truth) be your response. Exalt His Word-Name … His Holy Name. Tell the Truth … subdue every shade of grey, shadow of doubt, and darkness by the Light that they can not comprehend or gainsay: Truthful Peace 💖. Be a Sun … be God’s Face, speak Peace (the effect of Righteousness) by walking in the Way of Peace, the path where Truth and Righteousness echo God’s Name –Proverbs 4:25-27(TPT). Let there be Light in and through you. Multiply and fill the earth with Sons (fruitful works) of Righteousness, with good and greater works, with the knowledge of the Glory of God. Be a Son … Be a Sun … be Purposeful: Let there be LIGHT!

In both testaments of the bible, we see men and women who left their Father’s house to journey with God (Our Father) into the unknown and/or a never-before.

Each of them left their Father’s house for a God-glorifying purpose. Think of this God-glorifying purpose as a coin that belongs to God … I also refer to it as the Purpose of Sons. As with every coin, there are two sides (of the same thing). In this blog, I’ll speak to one side of the coin: be a Son. God willing, I’ll speak to the other side of the coin (be a Sun) in a future blog. Both sides say the same thing –the Purpose of Sons is to be like Our Father:Like Father, Like Son…to glorify Our Heavenly Father– Yes, Our Father glorifies Himself(Exodus 34:5-6)… every part of Him does.

In the first part of this blog-series (The Exodus), I mentioned that the instruction to leave your father’s house is NOT a call to be fatherless (orphaned or not belong) – far from it. Instead, it is a call to experience the Fatherhood of God … a call to know (experience and express) God’s provident and protective care.

The response to the call to leave your father’s house begins with a God-led Exodus that leads to becoming a Wife (becoming undivorceably married to God) and then being a Son. In the same way that Wives don’t have two husbands, Sons can NOT have two Fathers (Matthew 6:24). This is why leaving your father’s house is an absolutely necessary prerequisite to being a Son of Our Father in Heaven. The Our in Our Father is inclusive of Jesus – the first of many brethren, one of whom is Ruth. She is a testimony of2 Corinthians 6:17-18… she came out from among them by leaving Moab for Judah where she ultimately transitioned into being a Son – she was bestowed the honor of Sonship and was titled: better than seven sons – a honorable title indeed!

Like Ruth, this transition to Sonship is the path every virgin-servant (christian, bride of Christ) must walk (Matthew 25:1-13) – it begins at the point where you and God meet, court, and God puts a ring on it gives you His Signet (2 Corinthians 1:22). Without this Engagement Ring, it is impossible to leave your father’s house let alone enter into Our Father’s House of many mansions. This Engagement Ring is the powerful Truth that translates us from darkness in to Light wherein we are made one with God (as members of His Body) and are therefore able to be fruitful(Genesis 1:28A)… to multiply … to birth Sons. This birthing of Sons is what it means to be a Son – it is a key characteristic of Sons.

In an attempt to uncover and elaborate on this truth, I’ll be sharing four essential distinguishing characteristics of Sons. In and through this blog-share, I desire that God pursues His desire to teach, encourage, and inspire Sons to meaningfully and actionably be Sons. Like Manoah, I too pray that The One Who’s Name is Wonderful Counselor will (through this blog) teach and guide us into all truth related to the birthing of Sons –Judges 13:8B 🥰.

Who is a Son?

To better understand the above definition of who a Son is, let’s take a look at the Son that was given to Abraham –Genesis 15:1-7; 16:1-16; 17:1-8, 15-21; 21:1-5; 22:1-2. By earthly standards, Ishmael was Abraham’s first-born and would naturally be identified (ID-ed) as Abraham’s Son BUT not so by God. By God’s standard, Isaac was Abraham’s only Son (Abraham’s only true son).

One might wonder/ask: why was Isaac a Son and Ishmael not? The answer to this question reveals a core characteristic of Sons.

Let me explain: Isaac’s birth was predicated on Truth(John 17:17B)– he was conceived and birthed by the Word of God. As such, he became a living evidence (Faith) of what God said (Truth) and what God did (Righteousness) … Isaac became a living testimony/witness that God can NOT lie and that God did what He said He’d do. On the flip side, Ishmael’s birth was predicated on a lie.

Sarah’s plan to obtain children and build a family through Hagar was NOT according to the Word of God(Genesis 16:2)– it was a lie – Sarah actionably told a lie by clinging to her own righteousness. This do-it-myself, do-it-my-way, arm-of-flesh move (lie) led to Ishmael’s conception and birth. True to form, whatever is born of flesh is flesh(John 3:6) … whatever is born of a lie is a lie and inherently stands in opposition to the Truth – herein lies the difference between a Son versus not. This distinction is determined based on what a person expresses or says (in thought, words, and/or actions) – what each person’s core responds to and with: Truth versus Lie. What does your core respond to and with? What are you core-responding to and with? What are you corresponding to and with?

Sons always speak Truththus, they stand right with God … this right-standing is the Righteousness of Sons; it is a position of trust in God. Due to the core or seed of his conception: an unrighteous seed, Ishmael embodied a lie – one could say that he was a bodily or ‘living’ expression of a lie. This, I believe, is why Ishmael was not a Son by God’s Standard (Truth: God Himself). God can NOT lie, neither do Sons – this is characteristic numero uno 🙂.

Characteristic #2:Sons bear Our Father’s Name– Sons embody the reason (the WHY, the purpose) for all that God does (i.e. the making of Sons) – this reason is: His Name … it’s all for His Name’s sake. In part 1 of this blog-series, I shared that a Father is the one who’s Name we bear. I’ll use the example of Jesus and Isaac to buttress this point – both of them embodied God’s Name. Jesus – the Son Who is given – is named Everlasting Father(Isaiah 9:6), a name that reflects/expresses Our Father Who is everlasting (eternal). Isaac embodied the Name of God known as The Fear of Isaac – another name for the Fear of God. Keep in mind that (1) the Fear of God is Love for God, and (2) this Love for God is The Spirit of God(Isaiah 11:2)… THE LORD is this Spirit(2 Corinthians 3:17)and THE LORD is His Name. This precious Holy Spirit of God is the heritage of Sons (He is the Name/Love/Glory of God, Our most-prized treasureIsaiah 33:6AMPC) – He is THE LORD, our Peace … THE LORD, our Righteousness.

Like a robe to be worn or a name that we bear (wear or put on), this God-given gift is the breastplate of righteousness on which is the representations of Sons (the twelve gemstones for each tribe of Israel … for each Son, for each Disciple – those who leave your father’s house to follow God to God). Surely, all who are led by God are Sons of God(Romans 8:14)… He is our God-given righteousness, the very same righteousness that leads us to Peace(Isaiah 58:8)– to God Himself (Peace).

This imparted righteousness (right standing with God) is the authority we’ve been given by God to be called Sons … the authority on which we call Our Father: Abba! Father! His is the Name by which we are called: THE LORD, our Righteousness (Jeremiah23:5-6)– this gift of Sonship is the gift of belonging to God, the unearnable privilege to be called His people – a Name Sons wear proudly on their chest like the breastplate of righteousness. FYI: God puts this on too! (Isaiah 59:17).

Characteristic #3: Sons belong to Our Father. I alluded to this in part 1, where I shared that we bear the image, likeness, and name of the one we belong to. I believe that this third characteristic of Sons (at least in part) is why God asked for Isaac and not Ishmael inGenesis 22:2. In asking for Isaac, God was asking to be given what belonged to Him: Isaac – the one who was birthed by God’s Word and thus embodied God’s Name (God’s Name is the Glory of God that is to be given to God).

Sons belong to God and are uniquely His for His Name’s sake, for His Glory … no sharing allowed –Isaiah 42:8(VOICE). Sons are given for the Glory (the revealing, revelation, or unveiling) of God – to make God known. Same is the story of Abraham and Isaac in relation toGenesis 22:2– Isaac (like Jesus) was given to Abraham for God’s Name’s sake, for the knowledge of God, for God’s Glory – this experience led to the revelation of God’s Name: Jehovah Jireh (God, Our Provider) – another expression of the Fatherhood of God.

To be found belonging to God means that you have left your father’s house and have become God’s people. He calls you: “My people“(Hosea 2:23) and says “you are Mine“(Isaiah 43:2)– this is the very same claim that Our Father made of Jesus, when He said:

Right before Our Father spoke these words👆about Jesus, something pivotal happened – the Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted on Jesus(Matthew 3:16)… this is how Sons are made (made known, ID-ed, revealed). Jesus’ time had come! God was ready to give the Command (Grace) … God was ready to make all Grace abound to Jesus. Note: the HolySpirit is the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ that rests on, abides in, and leads those who are Sons.

The indwelling of the HolySpirit is the proof that we (Sons) belong to God. He is the One Who makes the Fatherhood of God real to us as He whispers truth in to our innermost being saying: you are God’s beloved child. The HolySpirit is the Love of God that God pours into our hearts and that we ought to receive (welcome) in order for Him (the Spirit of God) to rest/settle on and dwell/abide in us.

We can NOT be Sons without the HolySpirit. This was the case with Jesus – He could not be a Son without the HolySpirit (John 5:30 Acts 10:38)… this was the case with the twelve disciples (Sons) – the HolySpirit settled on each of them and they were filled with Him(Acts 2:1-4)– this was the only way they could be Sons. This also was the case in the beginning, when Man was made – when Sons were made.

The Making of Sons (aka Love-Making)

Be a Son … do NOT Lie:Be Fruitful, multiply

Do you feel like you’ve strayed away from this place … from your God-given place as Sons? This happens – the righteous falls BUT gets back up. Two quick testimonies of this, and I’ll wrap up with a prayer 🙂.

Samson was conceived by the Word of God(Judges 13:3)… to ensure his birth, his mother was instructed to ingest no unclean thing (lie). She was on a clean diet(Judges 13:4,14)… one could say she ate Truth (John 17:17), she ate the Word of God: the root of the character of Sons, of Nazirites (dedicated ones), of those who prophesy (Sons). The free Will (mercy and grace) of God gave him birth, thus he was to be consecrated to God – to exclusively belong to God. YET, like Solomon (1 Kings 11:4), he too was distracted and side-tracked. He was temporarily blind-sided like the prodigal son (the lost sheep) who went about his own not-so-merry way(Luke 15:11 -20A).

If any of this relates to you, fear not … be encouraged in The LORD (in the Merciful Truth and Love that He is). There is Hope for your future (for the Sons that you will beget 🙂). What’s done is done and gone … there is hope in the not-yet –Isaiah 42:9(VOICE). Look heretoforward … expect Love, Love, and more Love –Jeremiah 31:3(MSG). Our Father wants you back – He is unrelenting in His pursuit of you (the Spirit-Man He created). All that is required is repentance – turn to face God, return to Him(Hebrews 4:16)and you will be pleasantly surprised to find that, like the Father of the prodigal son inLuke 15:20-24, God is ready, eagerly waiting with arms wide open to welcome you Home: the dwelling Place of Sons.

Assuredly, this reconciliation (of Truth) is impossible with man. Nevertheless, with God Who is The More, all God-glorifying things are possible – this is the sole basis on which I pray that heretoforward, the sweet fellowship, presence, and companionship of the HolySpirit Who is both the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God, will always be with us … leading us, carrying us, and enabling us to live by the Faith of the Son of God (Jesus Christ) Who gave Himself for us that we may be Sons – this is the first, foremost, full, and whole purpose of Man.

I excitedly intended to share this blog back in June (on Father’s Day) but God had other plans – He has since continued to teach me what it means to leave your father’s house: a very important step in each person’s walk/union with God.

Before you continue reading, I’d like to ask that you read the words ‘your father’ as a compound word that represents a single entity. Think of it as the name of a place or person. For now, let’s call this person or placeholder Moab. I’ll explain later.

In my narration of Tamar’s story in How will I know, specific to being told to go back to her father’ house, I hinted that there’s significance to leaving your father’s house. In this blog, I’ll shine some light on this with the hope that you would see and understand what it means to leave and not go back to your father’s house. Moreover, I pray that in reading this, you’ll come to honor and embrace the Merciful Truth of God’s Love like never before. This Merciful Truth is God’s Word – the ONLY power that makes the exodus out of your father’s house possible and permanent (such that we don’t look or go back).

It is important to keep in mind that the instruction to leave (forget) your father’s house is NOT a call to be fatherless. On the contrary, it is a call to experience the Fatherhood of God. He is The Everlasting Father … Our Father in heaven.

Our Father versus your Father

Before you answer, first check outMatthew 23:9

God knows all about human genealogy … He designed how babies are formed in the womb – He is very aware that a seed must first be sown/planted by a father in to the womb (hearth) of a mother. God Himself acknowledged the place of fathers (and mothers) when He said: therefore a Man shall leave his father (and mother) to become one with his marriage mate (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-5), YET in Matthew 23:9God says to call no one on earth father. This confirms to me that the definition of father in the context ofPsalm 45:11andMatthew 23:9is beyond the natural sphere or human-language definition of earthly birth-fathers. That said, while earthly birth-fathers are not the archetype and definition of Father in the context highlighted in this blog, they are a representation that can help contextually understand who a Father is.

Who is a Father?

Accounting for the multi-faceted definition of a Father, I’ll make this a two-part blog series. This part will focus on becoming a member of God’s family by marriage, while the second part will focus on being a member of God’s family by birth – being a Son (or the birthing of Sons). This seems like the right order, given that there can be no birthing of (true) Sons without the Wife/Mother into whose womb (soil) the Seed of the Father is sown/planted. Let’s dive in …

The EXODUS

Leaving your father’s house is a must-be-done part of any marriage/union. Every wife-to-be must first leave her father’s house in order to be a wife … in order to bear her husband’s name. It is this name that grants her access into her husband’s house. As long as she meaningfully bears her husband’s name, she has access to him and what’s his.

To bear a person’s name is to be found always belonging to that person. This involves always representing or being in the person’s name … it translates to putting on the person’s name or always bearing the person’s image and likeness.

Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar … Give to God what is God’s. I believe that this principle is the basis for which God called (asked) for Isaac and not Ishmael in Genesis 22:2and perhaps why God chose Jacob over Esau (Malachi 1:3). I’ll elaborate on this in the second part of this blog-series.

The Name of The KING is the Crown that you’ve been given –Revelation 3:11 – it is the Crown and Glory of your head, your beauty – the Beauty that The KING desires. God is the Crown, Glory, and Head of the family that He calls/invites you into.

Keep in mind that it is possible to be given The Name of THE LORD (to be surnamed by birth like Esau or by marriage like Tamar) and yet be displaced. Esau displaced himself by selling his birthright – he traded his right of passage into the Household of God for food. Tamar was displaced by her father-in-law (Judah) who told her to go back to your father’s house. Thankfully, her story didn’t end there – God, THE Father (Lion and Head) of the Tribe of Judah, was merciful to Tamar and gave her The Way back into His House: a consummation, one which established her union with Judah THE Father of the House of Judah. Tamar was given a signet and a staff – both inherently represent Judah’s Household Name: Truth, a Name Judah couldn’t deny or lie/sin against(Genesis 38:25-26A).

Tamar was given a binding … unbreakable, undeniable, undivorceable covenant. Undivorceable? Yes, very much so.Romans 7:2says that a married woman is bound to her husband for as long as he lives however, if he dies, she is released (auto-divorced). The first two times Tamar was married into the household of Judah, both husbands died. Nevertheless, her third entry was different – by virtue of being given the Signet and Staff of The House of Judah (God’s Covenant-Promise and Oath, the two immutable things by which God can NOT lie), Tamar was marrying The Lion-KING of the Tribe of Judah … she was marrying God Himself. Her third entry into the Household of Judah by marriage was an undivorceable one because she married The ever-living God, The ever-lasting Father. As such, till today and for all of eternity, Tamar is known as belonging to God. She left your father’s house and was eternally placed before The KING Who is Our Father.

Tamar isn’t the only one who left your father’s house to come to Judah. Ruth did as well. Before we get into Ruth’s story and how she left your father’s house, let’s take a look at Moab – a representation of the house that we are called to leave.

It all started with a Lot (a man named Lot), Abraham’s nephew. He had two virgin-daughters who were betrothed to be married but the marriage never took place and was not consummated. Both sons-in-law-to-be did not take God’s Word to heart, as a result, they were destroyed along with the rest of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Unmarried and desiring to birth Sons (to Be a Son), both daughters willfully decided to have their way with their father instead of leaving his house (cave).Genesis 19:30-38

Wait a minute (quick side bar) … no man on earth???

Okay, back to Moab’s origin story. Both daughters took turns having their way with Lot while he was drunk and none the wiser. Their willful act of sin led to the birth of two sons – one by each daughter. The first-born son was Moab! Like the first-born son(s) of Egypt, Moab represents the pride of the flesh that exalts its SELF against God in the same manner that lie sets it SELF against Truth. Moab was born in sin and represents a house of sin. Moab is an expression of all things born of the seed of deception (sin) – all things born of the seed of the father of lies.

Keep Moab’s origin story in mind as we look at Ruth’s story – Ruth was from Moab (born and bred) BUT by the Merciful Truth of God’s Love Who works all things together for the good of those who love Him (those who give God to God, those who give Him what belongs to Him), Ruth was established in Judah forever.

The prequel to Ruth’s story was a backslide to your father’s house – the story goes thus: Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, namely: Mahon and Chilion, left their home country and tribe (Judah) because of the famine in their (God-given) promised land. In stead of calling upon, waiting, and trusting in The Name of THE LORD, they did things their own way (the way that seemeth right to them) … they went looking for food (self-perseveration) and sojourned in the country of Moab (your father’s house). Thereafter, Elimelech died in Moab, leaving Naomi and their two sons who later took wives of the women of Moab: Orpah and Ruth. Time passed and both Mahon and Chilion died as well. At this point, Naomi had lost everyone she came into Moab with. Let’s put a pin in the story to quickly acknowledge Proverbs 14:12 and Romans 6:23

Indeed, the wages of sin is death. The house of lies sin that Moab represents is a house of self-gratification, self-preservation, self-reliance (do-it-your-self), and self-exaltation, all of which is based on (1) the deception, falsehood, or lie that we can satisfy our own needs or fix things, AND (2) the seed of doubt sown by the father of lies that God is not Who He is: Jehovah Jireh (THE One Who provides for all your needs), Jehovah Raah (The Shepherd Who always takes care of all who belong to Him: His Sheep). The house of cards sin that Moab is ends in destruction – it takes (steals) our pearls and crown, with the sole purpose of leaving us desolate, empty and void of life: dead. Death is Moab’s end ‘game’ – first the stealing, then the killing and destroying. Death is the consequence of (the house of) sin – Jesus was not exempt from this consequence when He took on our sins.

To make a Way for us, like God did for Tamar, Jesus Who knew no sin was made sin. He took all of our sins (once and for all time) on Himself and suffered long; He suffered the consequences and endured DEATH (separation from God) –2 Corinthians 5:21,1 Peter 2:24,Hebrews 12:2B. All this happened while we were yet sinners (while we were yet in Moab, while we were found belonging to Moab, while we were busy dying in Moab). Knowing fully where we were and how we got there (self-inflicted disobedience), Christ died for us anyway. In doing this, Jesus conquered Death and deprived it of power to harm us –John 16:33(AMPC),Isaiah 54:17(AMPC),Romans 8:1. In doing this, Jesus became THE Way back home to THE Father – THE Way in the wilderness that God made for us (Isaiah 43:19) so that we can come back to Him like Naomi did.

Leaving Moab (the house of sin) is impossible for man but possible with God, by His Spirit. Leaving the house of sin requires dying to death. This is what Jesus did on the cross and what the HolySpirit enables us with daily. Leaving your father’s house requires truthfully, actionably, and actively saying to Moab: you are dead to me (get thee behind me), without looking or turning back.

The only way to leave Moab behind is to believe and keep believing God … to set THE LORD before you (Psalm 16:8)by speaking His Word of Truth – this is how you set yourself before The KING Who is God’s Word (2 Corinthians 3:18) and how you seek His Kingdom of Righteousness. THE LORD is your Righteousness – this is the Righteousness that conducts your steps to Judah: The Forever Place of peace, prosperity, and good success (Isaiah 58:8B,Joshua 1:8). This is how Naomi made it out of Moab! She believed and trusted God.

Her exodus began with God’s signature fragrance …

God’s Mercy was extended toward Orpah and Ruth as well. They left Moab with Naomi however, somewhere along the way, after much or less persuasion from Naomi, Orpah returned to Moab but Ruth did not. Instead, Ruth clung (held tight) to what she had been given (the God in Naomi) and was resolute in her choice to continue on with Naomi, saying:

What beautiful (faithful, believing, unwavering) words! Ruth was NOT distracted by the lie (seed of doubt) that she could be rejected by Naomi’s God on the basis that she was a foreigner and that she might not belong or that she would not be acceptable to The KING. More so, in saying: your God will be my God, Ruth echoed God’s Heart and Will …Hosea 2:23B … she echoed what God said:

… Ruth echoed Truth: The Word of God … she said God’s Name(Revelation 19:13). In saying God’s Name … in speaking His Truth, Ruth set THE LORD before her with her eyes unflinching like a flint, all by the Mercy of God. She said No to Moab and Yes to God like a bride saying I do. Her Yes was Yes and her No was No – she was resolute. She said Yes to God’s Yes and No to God’s No – this is the agreement by which two walk together! And so Ruth’s walk/union with God began.

Ruth was married (adopted) into God’s family by virtue of her undivorceable union with The KING, the evidence/proof of which was signified by (1) her marriage to Boaz and (2) the consummation that birthed their Son: Obed – the Father of Jesse, who birthed David (the ancestor of Jesus Christ). What a glorious and eternal honor! Ruth was made a part of The Beginning Line (the very Lifeline) of David who is a representation of THE Son-Shepherd-KING that Jesus is, and in Whom THE Father is well pleased.

Note that Ruth was married first to God and not to Boaz’ “Christian” family. Same as with Tamar’s third marriage, Ruth entered into an undivorceable union with God THE Father and Husband – this secured her place in Judah. Furthermore, Ruth was described as being better than seven (perfect) sons! She was characteristically likened to a Son – a glimpse into the meaning of this can be seen in Be a Son.

God’s call to leave your father’s house is a wedding invitation – one where you are the bride. Make no mistake, it is NOT a call to marry into a so-called “Christian” family – Tamar did this twice and she was displaced and misplaced … BUT for the Mercy of God, she would have been consumed (lost forever). God’s call to leave your father’s house is a call to be married to God first and foremost … Ruth was married first to God before Boaz came along. This first-love marriage/union with God is what He calls us to: The Wedding Banquet, an invitation to become equally yoked and one with Him, truthfully living and walking before Him in Love, faithfulness, and humility.

God calls us out of Moab, darkness, lies, your father’s house by His Name because He desires and unrepentantly intends to betroth us to Himself – He is not a man that He should lie or the son of man (the seed of deception) that He would repent –Numbers 23:19. Will you say I do Yahweh, do it for me (Mercy), will you say His Name (YES), will you truthfully, actionably, and actively bear His Name. Will you say YES to The One Who first loved you (your First-Love: this is His Name). He wants you back and this is what He says:

What say you? Ishi or Baali … JUDAH or Moab … LIFE or DEATH. I pray that the Merciful Truth of God’s Love will be the Grace and Faith with which you leave your father’s house and say The Name of THE LORD by means of His Name both now and forevermore. AMEN (YES).

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ADÉ orí mí (The Glory-Crown of my head), I bow before Your Glorious Throne (Itẹ Ológo tó ń dán gbinrin) – Your Glorious Kingdom reigns forever! You are my Forever Place. Your Glory is my Beauty, my Light. You are THE Father of Light, in (the shinning of) Whom there is no variableness, no shadow of turning or doubt, Kábíyèsí!!! You are TRUTH, undeniable, irrefutable, unquestionable … undoubtedly so! You create calm (the absence of doubtful questions) with Your comforting Love. Olùtùnú mí (my Comforter) … Ẹlẹ́bùrúìkẹ́, it is with age-enduring, lasting love that You tenderly care for me (E fi itoju ya mi soto … Ọbẹ̀ Yin dùn la wọ mi, mo n dán gbinrin). Afẹ ní là fẹ́ tàn (You love me completely to the very end … to the endless END that You are) … I say YES to Your YES! … I say do it for me, I say Grace, Grace, Grace to it! You are my response to You. Your Name (Love) is my Banner, my Logo, my Strength … I say Your Name: YES and AMEN. Help me to always say Your Name. Ishi, I choose You. Help me to always choose You. Ishi, it is You I want. #IshiNOTBaali

I thought my next blog would be in June when I share on: leaving your father’s house – a Father’s Day special! BUT many plans are in a man’s mind however, it is the LORD’s purpose for him (her or me in this case) that will stand. Truly, it is NOT in me to direct my steps – God does this, and in doing so, He makes my feet beautiful!

When God speaks who can but prophesy(Amos 3:8B). My point is, I really had to share this kiss! I could not restrain myself my hand … like the pen of ready writer, my fingers excitedly went to work. With that said, it is my desire that you enjoy this kiss even as I did and still do … I pray that this Kiss from God’s gracious sweet lips awakens you at your core to His call – you are a people called by God’s Name.

This blog is a spin-off of the Judah and Tamar saga! One of the many lessons to be taken from it is this: do NOT draw back your hand.

It is for this reason that God teaches and tells us these things so that His delight and pleasure may be in us fully, completely, and overflowingly. For our way is not that of those who draw back(Hebrews 10:39A).

Who are those who drew back?

1.Onan– Judah’s second son and Tamar’s second husband. He died because he withdrew his ‘hand‘ thus preventing conception(Genesis 38:6-10). His deliberate intent on preventing fruitfulness/multiplication displeased God and he became a deadline … a dead end.

2. Zerah– Tamar’s second son (Perez’ twin). At the time of their delivery, he put out his hand and could have been born first BUT he drew back his hand(Genesis 38:28-29A).

3. The children of Ephraim(Psalm 78:9-11)– they were armed and carrying bows, yet they turned back their hand in the day of battle. They kept not the Covenant of God and refused to walk according to His Command (Grace). They refused to walk according to God’s Word (The Staff) … they forgot God’s Face, a forgetfulness that happens when one does not keep The Signet and The Staff … a forgetfulness that could lead to being forgotten (like Tamar would have been) – a dead end.

Flipping it from 6 to 9(to better things … to princely things), let’s look at examples of people who did NOT draw back their hand. First, the little boy with five loaves of bread and two fish –John 6:9– this was all he had in his hand. I’m not sure how the disciples knew about this little lad’s lunch. My guess is that he offered … he probably was like: hey, here’s my lunch. However these princely things may have transpired, I reckon that this little boy (who I’m very much inclined to call Gideon or Perez) willingly … fully … and outstretchingly gave what he had in his hand. He certainly did not withdraw his hand – he was a cheerful giver. We all know from2 Corinthians 9:7 that God loves Him some cheerful giver and giving! Through this little lad’s outstretched hand, God demonstrated His nothing-like-it-ness … God demonstrated His Holiness (John 6:1-13).

Before we look at Moses, let’s take a look at Ehud – another person who did NOT draw back his hand in spite of being restricted. The story goes thus: after 40 years of peace, and following the death of Othniel (a man used by God in response to the Israelites cry to God for deliverance from their self-made oppression), the Israelites did evil in the sight of God …. AGAIN! As a result, evil befell them … eighteen (2×9) years later, the Israelites cried to God again for salvation/deliverance. In response God used Ehud, a left-handed man (a man restricted in his right hand as we all are) to do the job. It didn’t matter that he was restricted in his right hand (which is popularly mistaken to be a person’s strong hand) … Ehud gave his (left) hand regardless, and God used him to run a secret (ninja, samurai-like) errand! When you have a moment, check out the details of the story inJudges 3:1-30– you’ll understand why I said it was ninja and samurai-like 🙂. Not only did he not withdraw his hand, Ehud did not withdraw the sword in his hand! He took what was in his hand and went all in! A God-glorifying commitment to the task he was given/assigned/appointed!

Exodus 3captures God’s early conversations with Moses. God called Moses to Himself using the burning bush with fire that was not consumed – a semblance of the Word and Spirit of God –Jeremiah 23:29A…Hebrews 12:29. In this conversation, God tells Moses Who He is and what’s on His mind (salvation). Furthermore, God lets Moses in on his part in His Plan and gave Moses His Name – what a preciousness! Moses was called by God’s Name.

InExodus 4:2and in response to Moses’ reservation to all God revealed to him, God asks: what is that in your hand? Moses responds saying: a staff!

With the staff in Moses’ hand, God gave him two and a third sign to ease his reservations. Twice during this show and tell, Moses had to stretch out his hand. Thereafter came the part where Moses almost withdrew his hand (Exodus 4:10,13) BUT the mercy of God stepped in and stayed his hand (Exodus 4:11,12…14-17). I believe this is a significant part of the story because, like Moses, many of us tend to look at ourselves (and others) when God tells us to “do” something … when God tells us to move in and by His Spirit. Sometimes (more often than not), when God calls us forth, we tend to very quickly see all the ways in which we can’t, are weak, or will fail – indeed, we can’t, we are weak, and we will flat-out fail in and of ourselves – all these are facts! BUT we are NOT the criteria! Thankfully so.

I use the example of Moses to highlight that the response of fear is common to us all, including the best of us. Jeremiah also expressed his version of this fear response inJeremiah 1:6-to-9. In Moses’ case, he said and I quote: “O Lord, I am not eloquent nor am I a man of words, I never have … not even since You’ve spoken to me in this conversation, I am slow of speech. I have a heavy and awkward tongue … Oh, my Lord, I pray You, send by the hand of some other whom You will send.”.

Without mincing words, that right there👆was Moses in the process of withdrawing his hand. Thank God for God (His Mercy) … Moses could have been a dead end BUT the Mercy of God would not have it so. The same Mercy has been extended to us …

For all of us, our experience of God’s Mercy starts with an invitation or calling from God to come into Him, to give Him our hand (including our right hand of weakness). Holding our hand in His, as we walk with him (hand-in-hand), God shows us His out-of-this-world, nothing-like-it-ness Plan (Promise). The PURPOSE of which has already been fulfilled in faithfulness – Isaiah 25:1 …

Like Abraham entered into what God was doing for him and through him (Romans 4:3 MSG), GRACE is how we enter into and remain anchored in God’s Purpose, Plan, and Promise for/to us. PURPOSE and GRACE – a match made in heaven and realized (reali-ti-zed) here on earth. God’s purpose on the earth will not want or lack her mate (GRACE) in fulfillment –Isaiah 34:16.

When God reveals your part in His Plan to you, do NOT look at yourself … do NOT respond based on you. Instead, look unswervingly and undistractedly at His Face and respond based on what you see on His Face. Keep your eyes of Faith fixed on His Face, fixating on the delight on His Face for what’s to come … for what comes next. On His Face, you’ll find no deadlines, no dead ends, instead a Lifeline, a no-way WAY! God will ALWAYS make a way! Yes … even in the wilderness!

Always remember God’s Right Hand.

If ever you feel fear, do NOT draw back your hand. Instead, remember that God’s Right Hand is holding your right hand. Speak His Word in response to His Word (what He tells you) – speak to The ROCK – and watch Him demonstrate His Holiness! Like Elisha threw the stick into the water and a like-never-before happened(2 Kings 6:1-7), speak God’s Word (speak with holy fervor born of Faith) in(to) the seemingly impossible task at hand, and watch God demonstrate His nothing-like-it-ness! Watch heavenly realities that have their foundation in the holy being of God happen here on earth! God’s Glory revealed!

These are the verysame wordsthat God spoke to Joshua at the start of his assignment and God’s conversation with him(Joshua 1:9) … dear reader, do NOT draw back your hand like Zerah did. Instead be like Perez and break forth as the LORD calls you forth and commands your strength! Strength! Courage! Grace! Grace! Grace to it!

TheSignet and Staff(God’s pledge: The HolySpirit) is HOW.

A quick shout out to all the good (God-created, God-named, God-like, godly) mothers out there! To you God has given a honorable title … for many of us, you are the first expression of God that we see here on earth – the first image, likeness, and glory of God that we experience: The Womb Love. Same as with Sarah (Genesis 21:9-12), you reflect God-likeness in that you teach, counsel, and instruct us in The Way of The LORD (Isaiah 54:13, Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 4:2)– you literally echo God’s heart … like the Garden of Eden, you are a place of nurture, a fountain of gardens.

While the emphasis of this blog is geared towards godly mothers, the same is true of godly fathers. I believe that every God-named parent has been given the unique honor and privilege to be an expression of God to their God-given children (anyone who calls them home). To all godly parents, thank you for your service of love in honor of God Who is Love.

That was a befitting start to this blog: honoring mothers (and fathers) in The LORD – mothers (and fathers) who are found belonging to God – this is the first command with a promise(Ephesians 6:2, Exodus 20:12). Speaking of promises, how do we know that what God promised will be?

Common to us all (in our relationship/walk with God) is the question:How will I know? How will I know it is God speaking to me? How will I know that what God said will happen? How will I know that I have a place in God’s family? These are important questions.2 Peter 1:10-11 encourages us to confirm God’s election and choice of us so that we don’t fall away or stumble – God’s confirmation is the guarantee of the fulfillment of His promise which makes us steadfast.

Abraham, Tamar, Moses, Gideon, Mary, and I have had our respective versions of this ‘how will I know’ question.  Somewhat similar to Gideon, I have asked this question many times and in many ways. Thankfully, same as His response was to Gideon, God gives me a favorable answer of peace each time. I reckon that Peace is always God’s answer to everyone who asks this question because He is Peace. This holds true even for Zechariah (John the Baptist’s dad) – he was given literal silence (I call it a peaceful quiet or quiet trust … some parents might call it a time-out 😃🤭). However you look at it, the truth remains: God always answers with Himself. He gives what is to be received and kept (taken to heart) – Proverbs 4:2(AMPC).

In response to the question: how will I know? Abraham was given Faith – evidence: a sign that outlived his time here on earth (Genesis 15:7-21)… He was given something Eternal (God). Tamar was givena Signet(both seal and cord)and a Staff(Genesis 38:16-29)… Moses was given the Name of The LORD (Exodus 3:7-15, Exodus 33:16–34:6)… Gideon was given PEACE(Judges 6:11-24A)… Mary was given GRACE (Luke 1:26-38).

For the purpose of emphasis and in keeping to the theme of this blog (RE: Godly Mothers), I’ll keep the spotlight on Tamar: a woman who woo-ed, won, and protected a man (Judah) –Jeremiah 31:22B– a woman who encompassed a man (Perez) by embracing him in her womb. This tender love mirrors the Womb Love in which God embraces us into His family and protects us like a mother would (with compassion).

It is this same Motherly (merciful) compassion of God that justified and glorified Tamar, making her forever His and a member of His family. Tamar’s place in God’s Kingdom is referenced in the prayer regarding Boaz’s house in relation to Ruth (another godly mother).

God willing, I’ll share more on Ruth in my next blog. For now, let’s zone in on Tamar.

Sooooo, Tamar was Judah’s daughter-in-law. She was married to Judah’s first son who died, and then to his second son who also died. Out of concern for his third son, who he didn’t want to die like the older two, Judah tricked Tamar into going back to her father’s house (we’ll see the significance of leaving your father’s house in my next blog – can’t wait to share it 🙂). Judah told Tamar to remain in her father’s house until his youngest son was grown and ready for marriage. Trusting Judah and taking him at his word, Tamar went and lived in her father’s house BUT Judah never sent for her when his third son (Shelah) was all grown up.

Fast forward a few episodes, Judah’s wife died. He and his friend (Hirah the Adullamite) went to his sheepshearers, possibly in search for peace or a good time, BUT along the way-side (literally … by the roadside), Judah ended up in the bosom of a woman he didn’t recognize was Tamar … yup, the daughter-in-law he abandoned! I’m not making it up … check outGenesis 38and read the story for thyself 🙂 .

As you’ll find in the story, there was an exchange between Tamar and Judah prior to doing the do. The account of which is narrated below 👇

Judah gave Tamar all that she asked for. After the deed was done, they both went their separate ways. Judah attempted to keep his promise by sending the kid through his friend so that he can receive his pledge from the mystery woman who now could not be found until 3 months down-the-road when Tamar was about to be burned alive for “playing the harlot” – which she did, literally! Judah, on the other hand, was about to find out who she played it with!

Long story short, when Tamar was brought forth, she took the things that were given to her in pledge:The Signet andThe Staff… and she had them presented to Judah. Seeing his belongings, Judah acknowledged them as his. Furthermore, he considered Tamar to be more righteous and just (more giving of water: justice, underserved kindness) than he was.

At the time of her delivery, Tamar had twins, the first of the two boys was named Perez which means breaking forth! Perez, son of Judah, is the Great (X7) grand Father of David, who is the Great (X25) grand Father of Jesus, Who is his Lord, Shepherd, and Father!

My point in highlighting the genealogy of Jesus(Matthew 1:1-25, Ruth 4:18-22)is to call attention to the significance of Tamar’s place in God’s purpose, plan, and household. Her role was significant and not misplaced because of what she was given:The Signet and Staff… without these items she would have been burned at the stake. Instead, she was redeemed and honored. The Signet and Staff– like the righteous and just Love of God – redeems and honors us in like manner. This same honor or honorable title was bestowed on Mary when she was called blessed among women.

Mary wasn’t honored because she was chaste (a virgin) … this can be deduced from the story of the foolish virgins, who also were chaste BUT weren’t honored. Mary was honored and called blessed because she believed/received what was given to her from The LORD (Luke 1:38)AND she held on to it (she kept it) till its fruition. As it is with all virgin-servants, what was given to Mary consists of God’s Covenant-Promise(Luke 1:31-33), His Oath (Name), and the Grace (Command) to believe – all of which are representations of The HolySpirit(Luke 1:35)… He is the Voice and Name of God that named her blessed – Mary was called by God’s Name: Blessed, Fruitful, Ephraim – the Name of the Son in Whom God takes pleasure solely because of the indwelling and signature fragrance of the HolySpirit Who is the pleasure of God.

God’s Glory–Voice and Word is Who confirmed Jesus as the Son of God, as belonging to GodMatthew 17:5… The same is true for us, God’s Covenant–Promise and Oath is the Glory–Voice and Word of God that confirms us and claims us as His Own … as belonging to Him. This has been God’s purpose and plan all along; that we will be His people and He will be Our God (Our Father, Our King, Our Protector) – THIS is The Covenant. The Promise that comes with (and guarantees) this Covenant is The HolySpirit … He is the guaranteed Promise that was given to us by God; He is the zeal with which God zakars and carries out His fulfilled Covenant of Love and Done (His fulfilled Purpose –Isaiah 25:1 AMPC).

God’s Covenant–Promise and Oath are the two immutable things and the three witnesses (the two and a third) indicating that God can NOT lie(Hebrews 6:17-20)… This Surety (The HolySpirit) is Who keeps us in the very certainty of God’s Presence: we within Him, and He within us(John 15:4-17). This is the covenant relationship that God wants to have with us. Hence, The Garden of Eden (Delight) – The HolySpirit (Who is in us and) in Whom we are planted. Hence, The Signet– an unbroken Engagement/Promise Ring:The seal and cord that can NOT be broken – The HolySpirit… this is why The HolySpirit had to come and is here! This is why The HolySpirit was and continues to be given. He is The Connector … He is the One Who keeps God (The Father) glued and attracted to us – God actively and jealously yearns for His HolySpirit.

The HolySpirit is The One Who gives us Faith – The Staff(1 Corinthians 12:9A)– the very essence of God that God finds irresistibly pleasing: His Holy Spirit.The HolySpirit is The Staff that we must lean on and live by– The Commander’s Staff (Judges 5:14NLT). He is The Shepherd’s Staff(Psalm 23:1,4)and the Name of The Shepherd(Genesis 49:24-25)… He is The Helper who blesses us with the blessings of heaven … including the blessings of the womb and and of the breast. He is the Name of The LORD that is the Strong Tower we must abide in. He is the Love of God that we must dwell and continue in –John 5:9. Abide in Him as He abides in you (FULLY). Delight in Him as He delights in you (FULLY). Like Paul, be found always belonging to God – bearing His Name (His Kingdom, His Righteousness … His Household Name).

The HolySpirit is the Faithfulness of God … He is the Faithfulness of all anointed ones, The First and Chief of us is Jesus: The Son of God, The Son Who was given(Isaiah 9:6)… in Him and because of Him, we’ve been given the Spirit of Sonship, The HolySpirit – He is the Kingdom of God within us(Mark 4:11 Luke 17:21)… He is the pledge: the Signet and the Staff that all those who belong to God have been given. Don’t talk yourself out of what is to be received (what God has given).

Do not say that you do not belong …

Don’t say I’m but a man, a boy, or eunuch … don’t say I’m barren, unmarried, too young, too old … I don’t have a job or house, etc. This was a type of excuse some gave when they were invited to The Feast of God’s Kingdom. None of these facts has any bearing on the truth (efficacy) and fulfillment of God’s purpose and plan for you. The only basis for which you have every right in to God’s fulfilled purpose and His will-be-done plan is His Name: The Name of The LORD, His Love, His Delight: His Holy Spirit.The HolySpirit is HOW you knowthat you belong and that God will do exactly what He said He will do.He is the ONLY confirmation you need … the ONLY confirmation there is: The Signet and Staff– hold on to Him, keep Him … He is God’s Command (Grace). Keep God’s Command.

Like Tamar, hold tight to what you have been given(Revelation 3:11). Do not throw it away because you don’t yet see/experience the reality of it. While it may yet not look like it, The Word of God inHaggai 2:19assures us that God will indeed make good on His promise: He will bless us – He calls us blessed. Though it may tarry, it will surely come to pass. Like Tamar, do not despise the wait … be patient. While you may feel abandoned, I assure you God assures you that He will not abandon you nor leave you short-changed.How do I know?The HolySpirit (God’s pledge: the Signet and Staff) is HOW… He can NOT Lie.

When Moses asked God: “how will they know?”, God gave him two signs and a third(Exodus 4:1-9)… In like manner, I give you two and a third sign (signature) from God’s mouth … believe it, receive it, take it to heart, it’s yours!

One …

Two …

... and a Third …

Ever wonder what1 Thessalonians 5:18is really saying?

I remember reading this bible verse a few years ago and wondering how a person could in practice give thanks ALWAYS (every second, every breath, every heartbeat, or however else one chooses to count time). While I didn’t yet see how, I understood through the knowledge of God that (1) it was possible in practice to give thanks ALWAYS, and that (2) giving thanks to God goes beyond merely saying “Thank You God” or meaninglessly repeating the words: “Thank God”. Furthermore, I saw that the instruction to give thanks always comes with (and is itself) a promise from God that there will always be a reason to give thanks no matter what happens. This means that we will never be without reason to give thanks … it means we ALWAYS have thanks to give. What a promise!💖

Think of it as the difference between an unsown seed and a seed sown into Good Soil(Matthew 13:8)– the latter results in and is the result of a fruitful tree. Thankfulness is to Thanksgiving what a sown seed is to a fruitful tree. The cyclic nature of this relationship is why I can say that thankfulness (the seed) is thanksgiving (the fruitful tree) and vice versa. God created it so –Genesis 1:29… the plant-yielding seed AND the tree with seed in its fruit, both are God-given. What a beauty!💖

Like a cycle which goes all the way (always) to its starting point in an unbroken and continuous way, by nature, thanksgiving is always continuous and giving. It is a cycle of giving that does not deplete or bankrupt the giver, instead it gives to The Giver (it gives into its Source) … it is a virtuous cycle, and it shares a resemblance to what I callThe 360⁰ Ways of God💖. While I can’t fully describe this amazing 360^O mystery that continues to unfold like a blooming flower, I can say that the seed-tree cycle is very much like it in that the beginning results in an end that is the beginning. Another way that I can describe it is that it is God-like. God is The Beginning and The End that is The Beginning … hence, He is eternal, never-ending, always continuous.

True to form,God is ALWAYS giving–Isaiah 63:7(VOICE) – He gives, gives, and keeps giving. The same is true of thanksgiving, it gives … ALWAYS. Another God-like attribute that is characteristic of thanksgiving is that it multiplies. Case in point:John 6:1-14… with five loaves and two small fish, a young boy and Jesus both gave thanks. This resulted in a never-before-seen-or-heard multiplication! God multiplies(2 Corinthians 9:10)… because of its God-like nature, thanksgiving multiples!

With the understanding that thanksgiving is God-like, it will be truthful to say then that1 Thessalonians 5:18is a call to be God-like, a call to beauty: thanksgiving.What a fruitful service!💖Isaiah 45:19. This service/beauty (thanksgiving) is what makes us beautiful (thankful). It is the beauty that stems from God Who is the Giver of Himself – He is our Beauty (Isaiah 60:19). This very same Beauty is what God, our King, greatly desires(Psalm 45:11)… it is unique and uniquely God’s. Though He gives it, He will not share it with any man –Isaiah 42:8(VOICE) … He gives it so that we can give (be) it to Him.

This beautiful brightness (fragrance) – thanksgiving – grows and flows out of our heart: the place of beginnings … the place of our conception and foundation in God … the place where we begin/start (heart) with GodSOS 3:4(TPT) 2 Corinthians 9:7(VOICE). God takes pleasure in a thankful (bright and beautiful) heart – He loves a cheerful giver, one whose heart is in his/her giving. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving – this is the way God Himself gives: delightfully, cheerfully, thankfully – very much so, God gives thanks and He does it beautifully and thus faithfully (Godfully). This one thing is certain:God gives FULLYand without reservation … be it one, five, or ten talent(s), God gives liberally and without scrimping.

Walking with God is by faith and it requires humility, the result of which is thanksgiving (the gratitude of Grace) – this is the way God wants it. Micah 6:8

We become God-traveled roads when we step into and remain in the 360^o virtuous cycle/way of God. Becoming God-traveled roads, paths where His Name is always hallowed and echoed, paths where His Kingdom always is and comes, paths where His Will is done every step of the way: all the way (always) is what I believe1 Thessalonians 5:18 is saying … that we choose to always walk with God as He walks with us – always before Him as He is before us … face to face.

Ten days ago, just before I put pen to paper fingers to keyboard to begin drafting this blog, I saw and understood that (1) the measure of how thankful I am is NOT a function of how many thanks I have (or the number of reasons I have to give thanks); (2) One thanks is plenty full enough to give; and (3) the measure of how thankful I am is a function of how giving of thanks I am.

The measure with which we give(Luke 6:38)is the true measurement of our thankfulness. Accurately put, the measure with and to which God has given (and thus gives) to us to give to Him is the only requirement for how we should give(Luke 12:48B)– surely, we have been given much! An abundance! … without measure (John 3:16, 34 … Colossians 2:9-10) – underserving yet faithful –what a just measure!💖 Though I know relatively little and in part, still, I recognize and acknowledge that soooo very much has been given to me by God … truthfully, we have been given ALL that counts: God – He is the what and how of thanksgiving. Everything else is but a clanging cymbal … everything else is idle talk and utter futility, the cause and effect of which is described inRomans 1:21👇

To not give thanks to God is to break faith with God … it is to break out of the life-giving, virtuous, 360^o cycle of thanksgiving … it is to break out of the wheel Will of God … to break out of the Covenant of Peace and to instead break in to a viscous cycle of futility. Friends do NOT break the covenant, enemies do.

Do not leave the Way of Peace … stay the course. Do not break faith with God. No more in and out – this in part was what I believe was happening with the people of Israel at Meribah(Exodus 17:1-7) … in this place of contention, the Israelites kept going back and forth saying ‘is God with or not with us’. This back and forth place is a viscous cycle. It is where and why the nations rage(Psalm 2:1-6)… Zion, do not rage, there is a King in you and He walks with you always. Mirror Him by walking with Him always. This is also what I believe1 Thessalonians 5:18is saying.

God is ever with us, always walking with us. The in and out or back and forth we experience … I’ll speak for myself: the back and forth I’ve experienced happen when I’m not walking with God (when I’m not looking at Him … when I’m not face-to-face with Him). God is always walking with me however, when I look anywhere other than His lovely face, I don’t see Him (I don’t behold Him). Until I’m re-positioned before Him by Grace, I go through this agonizing back-and-forth, contention, doubt, and uncertainty about me and my interpretation of God’s Word to me (particularly when it doesn’t look like anything I see around me, it rarely ever does). This is why the encouragement in1 Thessalonians 5:18, to always be face-to-face with God, is imperative. Being face-to-face with God is the only way we walk humbly with Him. Being always before God is the only way we can walk with Him in righteousness.

This righteous walk – thanksgiving – happens only when we are before God … only when we walk with and in God as He walks with and in us –John 15:4-11. When we abide in God in God-like manner … to mean when we abide in God as He abides in us, invariably, we give thanks always because righteous-giving (God-like giving) is continuous, it endures forever – Psalm 112:9. In other words, before God, face-to-face with Him, is the only way we can be thankful … the only way we can continually give thanks to God.

Sooooo, essentially speaking, what does it mean to give thanks to God? What is thanksgiving? Going by1 Thessalonians 5:18we know that it can’t be a one-day-in-a-year action … we also know that it can’t be limited to only what we consider to be good (or not bad). Now … even though what I’m about to say goes without saying, Imma still say it 🙂: we can’t lean on our own understanding for this answer … the fact that our judgement of good and evil is all kinds of skewed is reason enough. Thankfully, every answer we seek is found in God (Hosea 14:8) – in Him our fruit (the favorable answer of peace/satisfaction) is found. Furthermore, it is befitting to look to God for this answer because thanksgiving is God-like! Soooooo, looking at God (the One Whom I’ve been pointing you to all through this blog), we see thatGod FULLY gives God to God ALWAYS … herein lies the essential meaning of thanksgiving: giving the way God gives! This also is what I believe1 Thessalonians 5:18is saying.

Giving the way God gives is our God-given command – this command is the very blessing that was bestowed on us in the beginning. 1 Thessalonians 5:18echoes this command and blessing.

What a Command! What a Blessing!💖

In pausing to read Genesis 6 to 9 – the story of another beginning, I saw that the sameGenesis 1:28blessing was bestowed on us again in Genesis 9:1, 7!

… Oh precious HolySpirit! How I enjoy writing with You! What a Friendship!💖What a Gift!💖 Truly, I have been given a Teacher –Joel 2:23(MSG).

Dear reader, please bear with me, I’ll be taking an unplanned (by me) yet connected (by God) “detour” to share a bit of what I saw in Genesis 6 to 9, after which I’ll circle back to1 Thessalonians 5:18. What I saw gives expression to the thanks that I am giving by way of sharing this blog. It also connects and gives MORE life (reinforcing meaning) to the reason I really really desired to share this blog today: another beginning! my God-given, brand new beginning.

Okay … here’s what I saw:

Planting happens in the beginning … vineyards are planted in The BEGINNING! I enjoy seeing this … Thank You HolySpirit for opening me up to see it. I enjoy experiencing You! What a Kiss! You really are always my very First Kiss! New every morning, my daily (every moment’s) Bread … GREAT is Your Faithfulness! From dusk to dawn and dawn to dusk, I will sing of Your love forever! How can I not?

My excitement for this new beginning that You have given me is uncontainable … I’m reminded ofJeremiah 31:4-5(MSG), my joy is FULL … You are the JOY in my heart! You are my Happy Birthday! What a beginning this is!💖 A beginning with THE BEGINNING, THE ONE Who was before the beginning … before the very first tick-tock. Alpha, there is absolutely no one else I’ll rather begin again with. You are my Beginning … my First, my All and Always. You are Your promise to me – a hopeful (certain) promise. What a promise You are – what a promise You’ve given:

What a Kiss!💖 I couldn’t help but respond to God’s giving. This is what happens when Love and Truth meet in the streets, kissing happens – Psalm 85:10(MSG). I promise, this public show of affection is God-approvedMatthew 5:14(MSG) …Titus 2:11-14(MSG).

Okay, circling back to1 Thessalonians 5:18… the instruction to give thanks ALWAYS is God’s 360^o Way … it is a promise, a blessing, a command, and a call to beauty – a call to be fruitful and to multiply, to be God-like … this was the Will of God in the beginning (Genesis 1:27) … it is how it ALWAYS must be in The BEGINNING; there is no other way to be in God. Thanksgiving is the lifestyle, livelihood, and reality of those found ALWAYS belonging to The BEGINNING (God). This righteous-giving (fruitful service and fruitfulness) is the mark that we are loved (Romans 8:29) … that we are chosen(1 Peter 2:9) … that we are called by God’s Name and according to His Will (Romans 8:28, 30) – we are expressly named (designated by name and specifically named) with the job description: Give Thanks to God, BECAUSE His mercy and loving-kindness endures forever(1 Chronicles 16:40-41)– friend of God, keep God’s command, be thankful … be loved.

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It is out of the overflowing joy mentioned inJohn 15:11that I share this blog.

At some point while type-writing this, I was told and shown something I had previously not seen – a liberating reality that I have since referred to as The SABBATH Delight 🥰. It certainly is a reality that I deeply desire to have be my EVERY moment’s experience. Yes, E.V.E.R.Y moment!

Hopefully, in reading this blog, you’ll see why and desire it too.

For those who are familiar with the Sabbath, the first likely thought that comes to mind is Rest. Rightfully so … however, Rest is the outcome of a much deeper TRUTH called The SABBATH.

The entirety of our life (our faith-walk) with and in Jesus Christ is righteousness as well as the peace and joy thereof(Romans 14:17). Each righteous step is geared toward holiness(2 Timothy 1:9)… this is becauseit is The Will of God that we be Holyas God IS ... out-of-this-world, literally!

Inherently,mankind wants to be Holy– this can be seen in our varied attempts to be better and/or seen (noticed or recognized) as different, outstanding, or exceptional. Specific to those for whom this blog is shared – believers (already and to-be brides) of Christ – this inherent desire ultimately takes the form of wanting to be Righteous: exactly as God did it.

Going by the truth captured inPhilippians 2:13, I believe that these aspirations stem from an inherent (God-breathed) desire in us to be as God wills … to be as God created us – like Him: Holy, which is exactly how God did it (how He made us) inGenesis 1:27. There however seems to be a misalignment on our part onWHO makes it happen– WHO does ALL that makes us Holy and ALL that leads to holiness.

God is clear on The WHO: God is The One Who makes us Holy(Exodus 31:13). Our experiences as believers are real-time proofs thatGod is The ONE WHO does… YET, even if and when we don’t mean to or want to, some of us (myself included) often FORGET, struggle with, and/or act contrary to this truth. Hence, the reason and need for the Sabbath.

Before going into what the Sabbath is, let’s first wipe the slate clean by taking a quick look at what the Sabbath is NOT.

The Sabbath is NOT an old testament, back-in-the-day “thing“. On the contrary, it is VERY applicable and essential to living (enjoying) our God-given abundant life.

The Sabbath is NOT item #4 on a checklist of To-Dos nor is it a performance-based measurement criteria – every expression of these misconceptions is inevitably sin-inducing and can very quickly turn into a weight-lifting, off-tangent, self-imposed conquest.

The ESSENCE of the Sabbath is sooo NOT a one-day-of-the-week thing nor a do-nothing-on-this-one-day-of-the-week thing. Jesus’ action inJohn 5:5-9andLuke 13:10-13makes this quite clear – Jesus worked (healed people) on the Sabbath.

We know fromJohn 5:19that Jesus did ONLY what He saw The Father do. To mean then that regarding the healing in John 5:5-9 and Luke 13:10-13, God (The Father) did it first … God ‘worked‘ on the Sabbath.

Notice the deliberate and loose use of the word ‘worked‘. Scriptures likeGenesis 2:2-3Exodus 20:11andHebrews 4:4reveal that God completed ALL things work-related and has since rested. Technically Heavenly speaking and not to the exclusion of other Sabbath-Day-healings, the healing of the man in John 5:5-9 and that of the woman in Luke 13:10-13 was done before Day 7 of Creation! I soooo want to dive into this juicy revelation but I’ll stick to the point at hand which is that God, Father … Son … and the HolySpirit, Who is the performing power of God, worked on the Sabbath. In deed, The Trinity is ONE, always in unison – all in or not at all.

Speaking of unison, God’s Word inExodus 20:8-11and the action performed in any of the Sabbath-Day healings are NOT and can NOT be unharmonious – God is His Word. To mean that He can NOT act contrary to Himself – He can NOT act contrary to what He says, wills, intends, or means. Therefore, that Jesus worked on the Sabbath means then that the do-nothing command inExodus 20:10is certainly NOT as the natural mind understands/translates it. While I suspect that there’s MORE to uncover from this, one key take-away (for me at least) is that the ESSENCE of the Sabbath is NOT a “do nothing on this one day of the week” thing.

What then is the Sabbath?

The answer lies inExodus 31:13…

Echoing Exodus 31:13, the Sabbath is a sign intended to remind and let us know that God is The One Who performs ALL things pertaining to our holiness on our behalf. THIS is the truth that results in Rest … NOT laziness or idleness, NOT carelessness or spiritlessness, NOT stagnancy or inactiveness … in stead, godly Rest.

We need the Sign/Reminder that the Sabbath is. One reason for saying so is because of how frequently the deceptive, self-seeking nature of our manliness rears its ugly head AND how quickly we forget. Using human standard time and experiential calculations, my cousin (Lana) and I generously ballpark it at 15 seconds or less. Give no further thought to how we arrived at this number🙂, the point though is that however long or short it takes per time, our forgetfulness and the deceptive suggestions of our natural mind happen rather quickly and often. Without a timely reminder and an active remembrance of Who God IS and what He said (Truth) that He has done (Righteousness), the impact of our naturally forgetful and deceptive nature can be agonizingly long-lasting. Worse still, they invariably result in one or more futile pre-occupation(s) i.e. condemnation, guilt, shame, worry, self-righteousness, self-exertion … things that do NOT and can NOT please God, all of which equate to needless toil or struggle primarily because they do not align with what God has purposefully said/done –Proverbs 19:21

The Sabbath is an active (every moment) reminder made for man(Mark 2:27)… an active reminder intended for our peace and joy – a restful delight in which we do nothing and God does everything!

Still on the Sabbath …

… the Sabbath is a reminder to NOT attempt to do what ONLY God can do, and more so that we can NOT do what ONLY God can do. This includes everything He created us to be: fruitful, multiply, holy … like Him.

Another way to put it is this: the Sabbath is a reminder (1) to NOT attempt to do, and (2) that God is The One Who does ALL the doing – ALL of which He has already done, NONE of which can ever, no NEVER be attained by what we call “doing” (which really is self-exertion).

Here’s a snippet of a conversation with God, during which I caught a glimpse of what NEVER means:

Through this particular conversation, God lovingly helped me see the sinfulness that I am without Him – by sinfulness I mean the ignorant, self-seeking sinner that I invariably and perpetually am without Him.

Oblivious to what God had in store for me while working on this blog, my initial plan was to share all of the above, with a few additional buttressing points that highlight what it means in practice to do nothing, and then call it a blog! 🙂 My plan changed after seeing the delightful revelation that God shared with me about the ESSENCE of the Sabbath!

Here’s the changed plan in effect: I’ll share a sequel blog on the I-do-nothing-God-does-everything truth and what this means in practice. For the remainder of this blog, I’ll keep the focus on the delightful TRUTH called The SABBATH …

… soooo, as I was type-writing, I experienced God say to me:

As I pondered on the above words, Zechariah 4:6 came to mind:

It was at this point that it happened – the moment of Truth!

As I read Zechariah 4:6, John 14:26came to mind almost simultaneously.

Combined, both scriptures match the exact definition of The Sabbath – a REMINDER (John 14:26)that God is The One(Zechariah 4:6)Who makes us Holy. Keep in mind that the HolySpirit is The LORD’s Spirit and The LORD is His Spirit –2 Corinthians 3:17A,18B– The HolySpirit is God.

Combining all three scriptures, it became quite evident to me that the HolySpirit is the active Sign/Reminder/Evidence that God (He Himself – The HolySpirit) is The One Who performs all things pertaining to holiness for me and on my behalf.

The HolySpirit is both the REMINDER of the TRUTH and The TRUTH!

He is both The REMINDER of Who gets it done and The ONE Who gets it done!

So to the question: what is the Sabbath? Well, it should say WHO is the Sabbath? The truth-full answer is The HolySpirit! The HolySpirit is The TRUTH called The SABBATH. He most certainly is my Sabbath! my Sabbath Delight – a delight of both the peace (rest) and joy which stem from righteousness (the doing of what God has done exactly as God did it). He is The One Who makes me everything that God created me to be … He is how I walk by Faith; He is how I live (by Faith). He is how I please God. He is the reason God delights in me and I in God. He is the beautiful DEFINITION, ESSENCE, and TRUTH of the Sabbath – a preciousness to be revered and honored, NOT grieved –Ephesians 4:30.

Prior to this point in my walk with and in God, I had passively (on the surface) wondered why God was particular about the Sabbath Day – not only was He angry, His punishment for not keeping/honoring the Sabbath was grievous. It seemed to me that there was more to it than just a day of the week … that there was much more significance to what the day (the sign) represents. Now I know that there is in deed more to it than meets the eye. The day-of-the-week sign is but a token of The TRUTH called The SABBATH: The HolySpirit is this TRUTH. The HolySpirit (God) is The SABBATH. Now, I see why God is particular about the Sabbath and that the punishment for dishonoring the ESSENCE of the Sabbath is commensurate in nature: grievous. Hence, the words of Wisdom: do NOT grieve the HolySpirit. To do so is to dishonor The SABBATH which is to dishonor God Himself – a grievous offense.

For me, the revelation that The HolySpirit is The SABBATH is like finding a hidden coin, token, or pearl. Having found this treasure, like the woman described in Luke 15:8-9, I share this blog by way of inviting you to celebrate with me and share in my joy as I honor the Gift and Person of the HolySpirit! my SABBATH Delight … He can be yours too if you permit it so.

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HolySpirit, what a joy to see You! Ruach Elohim (Breath of God), my very First Kiss, Eliezer (my God, my Help), El Gibbor, Strength of my bones – my Marrow, my very BEST Friend, closer than close … most intimate and true, I acknowledge and honor You TODAY (everyday that is called TODAY) and ALWAYS by the Grace of God that You are.

I ended my previous blog (Dying to Death Daily) with the words: The Fear of God. I’ve been meaning to share this for a while but the timing wasn’t quite right until now. As I share, I pray that God fully fills us with the Fear of The LORD – it is the Strength (Grace) with which we die to death daily and the resulting Joy that we inherit and experience. Moreover,the Fear of God is Our greatest treasure(God’s as well as ours) – we must NOT take it for granted.

Prior to June 2021, I didn’t quite know what the Fear of God meant. While I can’t say that I fully understand it now – I most certainly don’t, I’m grateful that God gave me Grace by way of sufficient understanding that has since left me with a holy desire, an increasing longing to be FULLY filled with the Fear of God! O how I want it!

Prior to this God-given understanding (which I’ll be sharing shortly), the disconnect for me was the word fear. I got the respect and reverence for God part, but I was hung up on the word fear. 1 John 4:8B reveals the truth that God is Love. 1 John 4:18Asays that perfect love casts out all fear – there is no fear in Love. 2 Timothy 1:7tells us that God has not given us the Spirit of fear. Putting these scriptures together, alongside the number of times the bible records God encouraging us to NOT be afraid, it was evident that the word fear in the context of the Fear of God couldn’t be (and is NOT) the earthly definition nor the manly experience of fear. However evident this was, I still didn’t know what this Godly Fear meant.

Fast forward to June 2021, one thing led to another and then toHebrews 5. As I readverse 7, God opened me up to the beautiful Truth that is the Fear of God …

Thank God for the Amplified Classic (AMPC) translation of Hebrews 5:7!

Here’s what I saw:

The Fear of God is a Love(and longing)for God SO MUCH SO that the thought of separation from God is dreadful. It’s a longing for God that results in a simultaneous dread of the tiniest/slightest thought or possibility of separation from God.It is aLove for Godthat stems from the Love of God. God is Love … in other words,the Fear of God is aLove for Godthat stems from Who God IS.

Separation from God is (and ultimately leads to) death – I don’t mean a physical death. Instead, an eternal death – a fall from Grace, a fall to disgrace (a place of NO GRACE, a place devoid of GRACE). I can’t accurately describe this place and the gravity/impact of being there BUT,Matthew 25:30paints a picture of outer and eternal darkness: no Light, no Hope, no Water … I suspect it’s a place where dry bones don’t live again.

It is important to note that the Fear of God is NOT the same as fear-based responses to God and/or the things of God.

Before my 20s, I responded to many-hands-full of altar calls, particularly those made after preachings about the rapture and/or the second coming of Jesus (our Bridegroom-KING). Intentionally or not, these preachings were presented (and received by me) in a fearful way. For those who are not familiar with the term altar call, simply put, it is a call (an invitation) to come forward to give/surrender one’s life to the leadership of Christ, accepting Him as Lord and Savior. In truth, when God is the One doing the calling (through whichever means He chooses), it is the best invitation ever! 2 Peter 1:3 (MSG) … an invitation of Love, extended in Love, and to be responded to inLove for God – The Fear of God.

In my at-the-time ignorance (lack of the knowledge of God and, by extension, lack of understanding – Proverbs 9:10B), I responded in fear to those altar calls because I did not want to go to hell nor miss the rapture! Sometimes, I’d “re-surrender” my life to Christ before going to bed at night – just in case! The only times I was confident to sleep without some form of re-dedication were times I was visiting my paternal grandmother; this was because I slept in her room. She prayed almost all through the night. Convinced that she prayed for me – by name, my long and full first name😁, I wasn’t afraid on those nights. Thank God for praying grandmothers!

Back to the point: this fear-based response (responding to altar calls out of fear of going to hell or missing the rapture), and others like it i.e. praying, going to church, or giving offering/tithes/first-fruits out of fear that if you don’t something bad might happen to you, is NOT The Fear of God. On the contrary, it is an ungodly fear.

The same kind of fear was expressed in Peter’s response when Jesus revealed a few details about His death to His disciples –Matthew 16:21-23. Jesus’ response to Peter calls out a key characteristic of any ungodly fear – it does NOT account for the nature and quality of God.

Another characteristic of any ungodly fear is that it takes one’s attention off of God. We see this with Peter while he was walking on water and just before he started to drown where he once walked –Matthew 14:28-30– in the moment that he considered his manliness (his perceived impact of the wind on him) V30, his attention was taken off of Jesus. Same as with Peter, I too start to drown when I look at my manliness as opposed to keeping my eyes fixed on God’s Godliness.

I share these examples NOT to throw myself or Peter under the bus, but to call out that fear is a core aspect of our manliness. When presented with information about actual or perceived unpleasant events, as well as unknowns, we tend to respond in fear … even when we are being responsible, we are often times being fearfully responsible. In relation to the things that pertain to God, this fear-based response might seem godly BUT it is NOT. In Jesus’ words (also echoed in Proverbs 29:25A): it is a snare … intended to trap, hold us back, and prevent us from honoring God’s Will, which is that we follow (imitate and be like) Him. This self-based-and-self-focused fear (aka the fear of man) seeks to prevent us from following God’s path – God’s Way is in His PresencePsalm 77:13.

Any fear that is NOT the Fear of God (that is NOT solely and entirely Love from God for God) is an ungodly fear … it is a fear-based response that does NOT account for God (WHO God IS as well as what HE has said and done). It stems NOT from Faith nor leads to faith … It does NOT position us face-to-face with God.

The Fear of God isWORSHIPFUL – it keeps our eyes of worship fully focused on God. This FULLY focusedLove for Godis what it means to love The LORD with all our heart, mind, and soul(Deuteronomy 6:5)…It is God Worship– to love The LORD with ALL our eyes (the eyes of our heart, our mind’s eye, even the eyes that represent the window to and of the soul) … to keep our heart (affection) and our mind (attention) stayed on God always … to love God the way God loves – FULLY!

This FULL-faced affection of God isthe Love that God has for God. We hear God voice this in His testimony of Jesus: Matthew 17:5 …

This Love of God that Jesus embodies, represents, and IS … this very Love of God that is being poured in our heart (Romans 5:5) is the gift of the HolySpirit, Who is our most-prized treasure: The Fear of God. Yes, you read and understood that right! Jesus Who is the Love of God is the HolySpirit Who is the Fear of God!

This FULL, flint-faced affection for God is the Fear of God – the Love that God (and god) has for God. This FULL, flint-faced affection for God is the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Power, of Love, and of a sound mind (perfectly still and undistracted eyes – singleness of heart and purpose, like a dove). He is the PERFECT (COMPLETE, FULL) LOVE that casts out all ungodly fear and causes the sea of our hearts to be still, unshaken, and smooth as glass. This undisturbedness, this silent satisfaction, this peace is what’s promised to us in Isaiah 26:3Isaiah 54:10 (AMPC) and Proverbs 19:23

It is through this Knowledge of God that we’ve been and are made righteous …

… it is through this Knowledge of God that we’ve been given and thus have all things pertaining to life and godliness –2 Peter 1:3– The Fear of God is godliness; The Fear of God is Life. This Life is the Knowledge of God(John 17:3)and is lived in God’s Presence, through the Knowledge of God (Faith). This Life is the lover’s life that we are called to have and live:Matthew 22:37-40 …

… a life of Love from God that inevitably results in Love for God.

SOS 8:6(TPT) – Fasten and tether this fiery Love of God for God on your heart that you may never be separate from God; this is Wisdom –Proverbs 9:10A (AMPC).

This also is Wisdom: do NOT grieve the HolySpirit. He is God’s most-prized treasure: The Grace of God that we must NOT take for granted(2 Corinthians 6:1).

This Grace, the HolySpirit: our most-prized treasure, is the Spirit of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Power, Knowledge, and The Fear of God(Isaiah 11:2) … The LORD Himself is this Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17)– in and through Him we live, move, and have our being. He is our response to God, our manliness, and in all things. The fiery, FULL-faced Lover within … all-consuming as the very flashes of fire from the burning heart of God. He is our attraction to God … our guarantee of a forever FUTURE with God – The Engagement Ring (2 Corinthians 5:5), our guarantee of no separation from God as long as we honor Him by yielding to Him and letting Him have His way in us, which is to love God as God loves God. Abide in this Love of God for God.

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Thank You Jesus for giving me You – every part of You: Your body, blood, and Spirit. I understand (more than ever before) why You said it is for our benefit that the HolySpirit comes. Thank You Abba for the gift of Your Spirit … and Your Presence. Cast me not away from Your Presence, take not Your HolySpirit away from me –Psalm 51:11– I honor You HolySpirit … what a perfect Love You are … the Joy I desire. Abba, FULLY fill me with Love for You (the Fear of God). Make me a body fully and wholly filled with You. Be the constant focus of my attention, affection, and delight. Look me FULL in the face, make me Your Holy of Holies – the place where Your Name dwells and Your glory never fades, a place where Your will is done Your Way and in Your time, a place where I have no will that is separate from Your Will. Love You fully through me; drink my Love for You as Wine; take Your fill of You in me.

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InDeuteronomy 30:19, God said:

At the time that God said this👆, (1) we had been given the option of Life and Death and (2) we were already dead because we chose death (RE: the Garden of Eden fiasco … see Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:1-6). With this ‘already dead situation’ in mind, what does death mean? … what is the option of death that God set before us?

While the intent of this blog is to highlight what it means to die to death and why it is important to die to death daily, answering the first two questions provides the needed context for understanding the answers to the latter two.

Heads-up … there are questions for you(SeLaH moments)along the way. Consider taking a pause to honestly answer these zero-judgment questions. I joyfully hope that your answers will point you to God in gratitude and/or by way of asking for Grace and Faith –Hebrews 4:16(TPT, MSG).

THE MEANING OF DEATH

Short Answer:Separation from God

A separation resulting from us being distant from God, not the other way round. God is LIFE and the Knowledge of God is Eternal Life(John 17:3). By extension, death means deprivation of LIFE – to be deprived of the Knowledge of God … to perish.

It is important to note that knowing about God is NOT the same as knowing God.

Paul knew about God until he knew God (Acts 9:1-5). Job knew about God until he knew God(Job 42:5). Isaiah knew about God until he knew God(Isaiah 6:1-5). Samuel knew about God until he knew God (I Samuel 3:1-11,21). Samuel’s story calls out a key distinction between knowing about God and knowing God – we see inverse 7that, even though the temple was practically his home, Samuel did not know God because the Word of The LORD was not yet revealed to him. Then, in subsequent verses, God revealed Himself to Samuel through the Word of The LORD (verse 21). This God-given knowledge of God (FAITH) is KEY.

SeLaH: Do you have Faith (do you have a God-given knowledge of God)?

Knowing God is personal and active … it involves a personal, God-given evidence, testimony, experience, or knowledge of God that we must believe (accept, receive) AND actively apply (live by). The active application (works) of this God-given knowledge of God (Faith) is possible ONLY through God (Grace) and is the essential part of what it means to KNOW God (to live). Faith without works is dead –James 2:17

SeLaH: Are you actively applying your God-given knowledge of God?

In contrast, knowing about God is distant and through the lens of others and/or one’s own human understanding. Even though it is about God, it is distant from God because it is NOT a God-given knowledge of God (Faith) nor is it applied, if at all, through God (Grace). Whatever is not of Faith is sin – it separates us from God(Romans 14:23B Isaiah 59:2). This means then that knowing about God is, in and of itself, separation from God.

SeLaH: Do you know God OR Do you know about God?

I mentioned earlier that we were already dead at the time that God said what He said about setting before us the options of Life and Death … yes, we were already separated from God. Romans 6:23tells us that the wages of sin is death. Effectively, as a result of the sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve died. Also, since then, anyone born of human conception starts out dead. David affirms this …

Considering that we were already dead, what then is the option of death that was set before us and is still being presented to us TODAY (man’s timeline on earth)?

THE OPTION OF DEATH SET BEFORE US

Short Answer:The Knowledge of Good and Evil expressed as The law of Moses

To be explicit, it is the option of attempting to justify one’s self (to right that which is wrong) by attempting to fulfill the requirements of the law of Moses.

UNLIKE the Law of the Spirit of LIFE (God) which came from God through God (Jesus), the law of Moses came from God through Moses. However glorious and God-glorifying it was, the law of Moses is otherwise known as the law of sin and death(Romans 8:2)as well as the ministry of death(2 Corinthians 3:7-18).

The law of Moses was given NOT for any man of human conception to fulfill – none of us could ever meet/satisfy its requirements. ONLY JESUS could and did. Note-worthy point: Jesus was a man but His conception was of GodLuke 1:26-35

The law of Moses was God-glorifying in that it was given to reinforce the truth contained inZechariah 4:6B Romans 9:16 Ephesians 2:8-9and others like it. A truth that we personally acknowledge having exhausted all attempts to meet its requirements only to still fail and fall short always! I remember getting to this point … all kinds of exhausted, I acknowledged/accepted the truth thatI can NOT save myself – this truth, I believe, is the intent and essence of the law of Moses …

To choose the death option is to choose to stay dead … to remain separated from God, which eventually leads to being utterly cast out IF one does not repent.

While it is a God-given option, the resulting ultimate death of choosing the death option (being utterly cast out and irrecoverably or eternally separate from God) is NOT the Will of God for us. It’s why God encourages us to choose Life (Deuteronomy 30:19B). God does NOT delight in the death of a sinner (Ezekiel 33:11) … He does NOT want us to perish (2 Peter 3:9B). The Will of God is for us to choose Life … everlasting, eternal Life (John 3:16). We choose Life by dying to death … daily.

THE MEANING OF DYING TO DEATH

Short Answer: To Live (by FAITH) …

While we are on the subject of what God delights in, I’d like to add that God delights in the death of a believer. I know, I know … at first glance, this might seem rather harsh or maybe “off”. I’ll share more on this when I answer the fourth question. In the interim, let’s look into the definitions of a believer and the death of a believer. After which we’ll take a look at our #1 and perfect example – Jesus.

SeLaH: Do your actions say that God can NOT lie or do they imply otherwise?

Jesus fits the definition of a believer – He believed God (The Father). If He didn’t, He would not have gone along with the plan of being stripped of His divine status, to come endure the filth that is the flesh of man, let alone die the death of a criminal (Philippians 2:5-8). In coming to earth to do the Will of The Father: His God-given Knowledge of God, the very Knowledge of God that Jesus is and that He embodied, Jesus accepted The Father’s Will as Truth (absolute, perfect, right … righteous). He accepted that The Father’s Will will NOT fail, falter, or disappoint, and that He will not come up short or be short-changed. While He was on earth, Jesus trusted (held on to His belief: His acceptance of His God-given knowledge of God – to mean that he continued believing God – and lived by Faith, by His God-given knowledge of God) that God would make everything right for Him – 1 Peter 2:23. This is the Faith of the Son of God mentioned inGalatians 2:20(KJV).

Regarding Jesus’ death and the nature of it (all the bruising and crushing that ultimately led to His death), Isaiah 53:10 records that it pleased God to have it be exactly so. In other words, God delighted in Jesus’ death.

Jesus’ death fulfilled the requirements of the law of Moses AND was the only acceptable payment of the wages owed: death – this was paid in FULL. Jesus’ resurrection to Life rendered both death and its sting (sin) null, void, powerless, and of no effect to those who will believe God – it gave mankind a shot at Life.

Without Jesus’ death, there will be no resurrection to Life – this resurrection Life is the Life we experience when we die to death.

As the phrase implies, dying to death is NOT a one-time choice. It is an active, ongoing, daily, moment-to-moment choice made possible ONLY by the Spirit of God (GRACE), Who lives in every believer (Romans 8:11), AND through each person’s God-given Knowledge of God (FAITH).

In other words, dying to death is the grace-enabled righteousness (righting of wrongs) that stems from Faith (our God-given knowledge of God) and leads to Faith (Knowing God) – Romans 1:17. This is how the saved are being saved from sin and death. This is how we are translated from death to Life and transformed … This is how we live … how we know God … how we choose the option of Life.

With this option, the former do-it-my-self and have-it-my-way self-orientation is replaced with a ‘daily’ (moment-by-moment), God-do-it-for-me and Your-Will-be-done-Your-Way Spirit-led orientation. With this option, each moment and every detail of our lives is governed by the leading and working of the Spirit of Life.

Oh, that we will choose Life.

SeLaH: Are you choosing Life? In other words, Are you dying to death?

THE IMPORTANCE OF DYING TO DEATH… DAILY

Short Answer: JOY … also known as the joy of harvest!

This rich harvest is a representation of Our glorious inheritance. By ‘Our’ I mean both God’s inheritance as well as ours.

Psalm 135:4andPsalm 16:5tell us that God’s people are His inheritance and that He is ours. We see the same truth inEphesians 1:11,18 …

Where there’s a will, there’s a way there’s an inheritance. Typically, in a non-prodigal-son situation, death precedes the inheritance of a will or the inheritance of a person’s portion of a will.

Each time we die to death, God inherits His Will in us and through us … God enjoys the richness of His glorious inheritance in us. In other words, God literally receives glory and takes pleasure in us – it is for this very purpose that we were created (Revelation 4:11 KJV)… it is the reason God delights in the death of a believer.

By dying to death, we also inherit God’s Will for us: fruitfulness and multiplicity (Genesis 1:28); the Kingdom of God: Righteousness, Peace, Joy … things never before heard or seen … above all else, eternal (abundant) Life. Proverbs 22:4 echoes this by saying that: laying your life down in tender surrender before the LORD brings a satisfying life, prosperity (wealth, riches), and honor as your reward (inheritance) – TPT, MSG.

In dying to death, we inevitably give God His glory in us, we give God to God.

SeLaH: Are you giving God to God?

To give God to God is to be faithful (FULL of God, FULL of your God-given Knowledge of God) to God – He delights in faithfulness and the knowledge of God (Hosea 6:6)… To give God to God is to love God (to have the Fear of God), therein lies our inheritance …

… an inheritance of abundant Life that we have access to as we die to death ‘daily’.

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Abba, help us make a fresh start – a resurrection Life, so that we (Your people) will find joy and pleasure in You as You do in us. Enable us to die to death until death is no more. Daily renew us with and in Your love – The Fear of God.