That I May Know Him…

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:13-14 New King James Version

Yahweh = God / Yeshua = Jesus

The above picture depicts parts of a Christian’s life journey. Sometimes the way is narrow, not looking pretty or very appetising.  It’s one of those paths that, once you go down it, the only way is out!  You have to keep pressing on, going forward until the end is reached.  Obviously this all depends on the viewpoint of the individual concerned and events in their life.  The depicted child in this instance, is dressed in a uniform, flat shoes and braided hair.  In reality it’s a child, heading to school in the Caribbean (maybe!), but for the sake of this analogy it’s a Christian, on their life’s journey.  As the child, nothing else seems to matter but the end goal of where they are heading.  They know where they are going.  One way in, one way out.  If you go down this path with a friend, it would be in single file, because there is no space for two to walk side by side without touching or scraping away the moss covered walls?  You may be like me and avoid touching any live thing that appears different from the human life form! 

Back to the analogy, that friend may fall away but, will you follow them or proceed on your way; I mean you’re going to be late and you wouldn’t want Daddy to find out!  However, how? How will you get out? Will you keep walking ahead wondering when you’ll reach the end OR will you try to turn around and get out the way you came in.  In this picture it’s a child that ventures down that path, if they were any bigger there would be no room to turn sideways, because they may feel claustrophobic, to turn and face the direction they entered. It’s similar to when an adult comes to know Yeshua; old ways have to be unlearned, a bigger change needs to take place, as more life has been lived. 

Bright start…

This journey may appear bright at first (the start of this narrow path).  Depending on how you have given your life; your favourite chorus playing in the background; your life going ‘off the rails’ and eventually giving thanks that you survived; major event taking place where you didn’t know how you were going to face another day; and/or you hearing His voice.  The fact you’re reading this could be your calling; it’s just an amalgamation of things that louden the deafening call, you just can’t shut it out…….until ‘reality’ sets in.  Eventually you are put to the test.  You, therefore, need to keep going until you reach a section that is a little wider…..maybe.  There has to be a cleaner/clearer part to this journey.  Your guarantee is that your Father is at the end…keep going.  Try to keep to the path…immovable…just press forward.

And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven

Matthew 18:3 New International Version

What did Yeshua mean when He said that? He meant that we are to come eager and ready to learn; be excited; remain wide-eyed and focused; humble; and submissive. 

And when you welcome one of these children because of me, you welcome me.

Matthew 18:5

However, our Father provides protection/recompense as He warns the below.  If you lead someone astray in this manner, the punishment is GREAT.  If you assist someone, likewise, the reward is GREAT!

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Matthew 18:6 New International Version

Protected, the way is narrow and it’s hard for anything to attack, tempt or pass you.  It’s just you and God…no other things or people can come into contact with you…no turning to the left or right, just straight forward on the narrowing road. The thought may be that it is uneventful and boring but it’s the best way whilst you aim to be weened off the milk and become ready to eat the meat. You will eventually end the journey on this road or path. I say again, it’s just you and God.  You’ll realise everything is just going your way, as He lifts you up.  Psalm 91 tells us ‘he that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of The Almighty’…covered over…you’ll not want to move away…nothing can shake you…it will be harder spiritually, physically and mentally, to reverse and place yourself on the wider path.  Initially there will be pain and heartache.  Eventually all will be great. Christian life is all about getting to know Yahweh, Yeshua and the Holy Spirit; wanting to become more and more like Him and actually becoming more and more like Him.  Scripture tells us; ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened!

For those reading this who already know Yeshua.  No matter how long or how much, you should always yearn to know Him more and more, better and better.  You can never know/understand Him too much. The more and more you know Him is the more of yourself that you will be willing to hand over; the more of yourself you will be willing to change. For to whom much is given, much is required.  It is not wrong for your talents and blessings to be used for Yahweh’s Kingdom, He wants ALL of you. It may seem daunting and that you won’t be able to do it but ALL things are possible with God.  He makes the impossible possible. He is the light leading your way; live as He intended.

For the Christian (believer) and mature Christian (mature believer), how well do you know Him?  Has your heart ever waxed cold (even for a moment, hour, day, situation or person).  Why? 

Do you know HIM?

Do you truly know The One who hovered on the face of the deep; threw the stars up into space; separated darkness from light; knows the beginning from the end and end from the beginning; who sent His Son to die on Calvary’s cross; and offered you and me forgiveness and eternal life.  By His stripes we are healed. Have you truly handed over everything to Him and asked Him to have His way?  Do you know HIM?

Do you KNOW Him?

Do you truly know and accept His forgiveness, which He so freely gives; do you know of His love that He has for you, no matter what; do you believe the events surrounding His existence, birth, death and resurrection sprinkled through the text of the Holy Bible, from the beginning to end; the history of this earth; do you know that your sins are as far away from you as the east is from the west; and that He says He’ll never leave nor forsake you?  Do you KNOW Him?

Do YOU know Him?

Everything you’ve wondered in your heart, can be found through Him; that He loves you; out of all the people in the world He chose you to do a great thing for Him; He knew you before you were an apple in your father’s eye; is He your personal Saviour?  Are you riding on the salvation of Mummy, Daddy, husband or wife?  He knows your beginning from your end; He knows your deepest, darkest secrets; and He knows EVERYTHING about you!  The amount of times He has ‘saved‘ you, yes, that’s right, you have a purpose; you were no mistake!

Walk boldly to His throne of grace because His mercy is great and His mercy is so wide. He’s saying to you today to come unto Me all who are heavy laden and I WILL give you rest.  Selah!

That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death.

Philippians 3:10 King James Version

Devotional Prayer – Sunday 5th July 2020

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, the Word was God.

John 1:1

You have told me to neither fear nor be dismayed, for You are my God; You will strengthen me, You will help me and uphold me with Your righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

…….by Your mercies, Yahweh, I have been called to present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You, which is my spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1

I choose to discipline my body and keep it under control, to ensure that I do not fall short, after having preached to others.

1 Corinthians 9:27

The desires of my flesh are against the Spirit and the desires of the Spirit are against my flesh; these are against each other, to keep me from doing all the things I want to do.

Galatians 5:17

You who have begun a good work in me will follow it through to completion.

Philippians 1:6

…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Throughout the coming week I aim to think on these fruit and cause a blossom

Galatians 5:22-23

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly.

Amen

Minister Marcia

Yeshua The Way Ministries

Devotional Prayer – Saturday 4th July 2020

Abba Father, as I wake this morning, I want to give You the glory, honour, praise and thanks for taking me through the night and ready to face another day. Whatever this day has in store for me, I ask that You go ahead and make my way straight

Father, cleanse my heart and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Your Word says that You are near to the broken-hearted and save the crushed in spirit. The world may feel as though it’s crushing me from all sides but if I just keep my heart and mind focused on You, I need not fear.

Psalm 34:18

You say that I should delight myself in You and You will give me the desires of my heart. Please make the desires of my heart run in line with the plans You have for me.

Psalm 37:4

Help me to draw near with a true heart; fully confident that it is showered clean from an evil conscience and my body is washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:22

Grant me the peace You have promised, so my heart is free of trouble and fear.

John 14:27

Promise of God – Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly.

Amen

Minister Marcia

Yeshua The Way Ministries

Devotional Prayer – Friday 3rd July 2020

Abba Father, as I wake up on the last day of this week, I give You thanks and praise. There are those that have started this week but haven’t made it to this moment…but I have. The morning isn’t as bright as I would like, but I thank You that, once I venture outside, I will be able to feel the raindrops and the wind blow on my skin. I’m able to smell the fresh air and behold the goodness of Your creation. THANK YOU!

You are spirit, and I must worship You in spirit and in truth.

John 4:24

We love because You first loved us.

1 John 4:19

I am a new creation. The old has passed away and the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of You through Yeshua, my Messiah.

Romans 8:38-39

Promise of God – john 3:16-17 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly.

Amen

Minister Marcia

Yeshua The Way Ministries

Devotional Prayer – Wednesday 1st July 2020

Abba Father, I wake up this morning and offer up my heart, filled with thanksgiving, love and assurance that I am Your child and that You love me. Give me a heart that is compassionate. Examine my heart and leave it strengthened, pure and wise.

When I pass through waters or fire You will be right there, I will not be overcome. No matter the situation, You will be with me.

Isaiah 43:2

Great is Your mercy and faithfulness towards me. Thank You!

Psalm 89:13

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth

Psalm 108:5

You both calm the wind and the sea then, likewise, lift up the waves of the sea…what control You have over all things. How Great and Mighty You are.

Psalm 107:25 and 107:29

I will rejoice and be glad, for my reward is great in heaven.

Matthew 5:12

No eye has seen, nor ear heard or heart imagined, what Yahweh has prepared for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9

Perfect love casts out all fear. Bless me with perfect love and allow me to pass it on to others. May I also be a true reflection of You.

1 John 4:18

Instruction of God – Colossians 3:12-17 – Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly.

Amen

Minister Marcia

Yeshua The Way Ministries

Devotional Prayer – Saturday 25th July 2020

I have read Psalm 91 so many times but, it’s only when I thought about posting it here, that I looked at it a little closer.  It was then, I realised, just how much Yahweh wants us to know that He will protect us.  All we have to do is depend on and dwell in Him. That is His one requirement.  In ancient times, the fortress mentioned in the opening verse, was a place of safety.  It was a watchtower, made of thick walls, and whoever stood in there, would ensure that people were alerted of approaching danger. The second example of protection…….Yahweh is referred to as a refuge and fortress!  The first example is where the author mentions dwelling in the shelter of the Most High.  To dwell is to ponder, live your life in a particular way, with your mind continually focused on Him.  Obviously you have to work and do your daily tasks, but as you grow closer and closer you will find that you desire to be in His presence, so much more.  As you proceed through each verse you will find the situations in which Yahweh will be with you, and provide His protection, intensifies.  He starts off protecting you as you rest in His presence.  Then He reassures us of His protection from the fowler/huntsman’s snare/noose.  Then there is protection from plagues and right at the end it’s the great lion and serpent [after the cobra and lion!]. No matter what it is, great or small, in the past or in the present or finally in the future, we will receive His protection as long as we rest and realise just how faithful He is!  Do you realise how boldly we would live our lives, if we were aware just how protected we really are?  God tells us, through His Word, that He is not a man that He should lie.  Therefore, whenever He tells us something, we should know that our life can depend on it.  The next time you take up the Bible, and come across a promise [there are many!] claim it!  Each and every one is there for us to claim.  Scripture tells us ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.’  As long as it runs in line with the plans He has for you, you shall receive.

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

So mighty is our God that we only need to rest in His shadow and it will provide all the protection we need.  Think on that for a moment!  Not His actual physical presence, but His shadow.  Within that shadow we are kept from difficulty and danger.

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

In His presence is all the protection we need.  We will be sheltered from all evil, danger and difficulty.  Throughout scripture/His Word, we are told how faithful He is…He’ll neither leave nor forsake us.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

24 hours a day, 365/366 days a year, we should never fear.  Danger may surround you but it will not come near enough to cause you any harm.  You will see the destruction of others and those that mean to cause you harm may be many, but YOU ARE PROTECTED!

If you make the Most High your dwelling even the LORD, who is my refuge then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

Continue to abide with the LORD and you will be okay. No harm will come to you.  Your relationships; protected!  Your food; protected!  Your sleep; protected!  Your place of work; protected!  Your coming in and going out; protected!  Dwell with the LORD mentally, physically and spiritually, at all times. He wants all of you!

For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

He has set His angels over us to guard and [AGAIN] protect us in every way.  As we go about our day, they will CARRY us through.  The lion, great lion, cobra and serpent are given as examples of exactly what you will be protected from.  Your life will not be cut short.  The LORD holds each and everyone of us’ life in His hand.  No weapon formed against us will prosper; it’s only if He is done with us, that our lives will come to an end.  However, within this same Psalm, He has promised us a long life

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Devotional Prayer – Monday 29th June 2020

Abba Father, as the chorus says, it’s a new season and a new day! I thank You that each and every day is a new slate. No matter what we go through, if we earnestly seek Your face, with a humble heart, You are righteous and just to forgive. I will not live in my past but acknowledge, here and now, that I am free and forgiven!

You have made everything beautiful in its time. I am a work in progress.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Your mercies are new each and every morning! My soul realises that You are all that I need.

Lamentations 3:22

I thank You that as long as I wait upon You, I will never grow weary. I will walk and not faint. I pray for a renewal of my strength; refreshing of my soul, as I attempt to get through this new week.

Isaiah 40:31

I will go through this week, with fresh eyes, knowing that my future is not as it appears to be right now…my future is prosperous!

Job 8:7

Covered by You, there is now no condemnation, No longer bound by the law, as I am in You, Yeshua, my Messiah.

Romans 8:1

I forget about all that is behind. My sins. My past. Last week. Yesterday! I strain toward what is ahead and towards the goal of winning the prize. I’m answering Your heavenly call.

Philippians 3:13-14

Promise of God – Ephesians 4:22-24 – You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly

Amen

Minister Marcia

Yeshua The Way Ministries

Devotional Prayer – Sunday 28th June 2020

Abba Father, I thank You for Your love, kindness and grace. I thank You for waking me up this morning because You didn’t have to do it, but You did. Today I want to rest in Your presence. Consecrate me and let today be a revelation of what I can do for You, in my life. Speak to me Father and help me to hear and understand Your voice.

Your Word says, that if Your people who are called by Your Name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek Your face and turn from their wicked ways, You will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Your Word says that if I call to You, You will answer me, and tell me great and mighty things.

Jeremiah 33:3

Preparations have been made for me, because I love You. Prepare my heart, mind and spirit for today and the week ahead, so that I am ready for all that is revealed.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Set me apart, so I am not conformed to the things of this world. Renew my mind.

Romans 12:2

Help me to stand strong in You and pursue godliness, righteousness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

1 Timothy 6:11

As I go my way, remind me as often as needed, that You have not given me a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind

2 Timothy 1:7

Promise of God – Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly.

Amen

Minister Marcia

Yeshua The Way Ministries