We all want to enter the Kingdom of Heaven as we are now in end times. And as I have said in my videos, at this time we are all being measured.
Though I and others have have been given many gifts, I prefer to have the gift of peace and love above all. Prophesying is the second greatest gifts among those which Yahua says to seek. But love is essential, it’s really all we have from Yahua in the end. Faith, hope and Love, and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13.
But how do we remain tender-hearted yet tough enough to bear the trials?
Ephesians 4:2-3 says, 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
But not unity outside of truth. Many seek to unify in opinion like the gentiles believing truth is something agreed upon. But the truth is the truth regardless. He is Yahuasha. So how shall we enter in the Kingdom?
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living Aluhym.
3But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we are made partakers of Messiach, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; 15While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 3:8-19
So unbelief or faithlessness is connected to a hard heart? This is why we must walk by the Ruach or Spirit of Abbah, in relationship with him.
The Hebrew word: "ahaba," or love is the thickest skin you can have. He who dwells in the shadow of the almighty, dwells in the secret place of the Most High, and this is where nothing can harm you. You are unstoppable. Praising Yahuah helps remain in his love and presence, so this is how you confront thin skin rooted in offense and self-centeredness. Know you are loved, and that keeps you child-like.
1 The same time the disciples came unto Yahusha, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Yahusha called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whosoever shall receive one such little child in my Name, receiveth me. 6 But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:1-6
To enter in we must have the humility of a child, love, peace, tenacity. There is another creature who also has the “toughness” characteristic, the badger. What, such an unclean animal? You may ask… But the badger’s skin covers the table of presence.
Let’s deep dive into what the word says about being tough, tenacious and tender-hearted, so we can submit to the Ruach and enter the kingdom. These scriptures also should be used in prayer.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue [morality]; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness [love] charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Yahuah, Yahusha Messiach. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 2 Peter 1: 4
Family, I had never seen this before. You are guaranteed to win and enter in, if you do these things, you will “never fail.” Reading this was a miracle to me. It’s a guarantee. If you trust Yahua and love, and add knowledge to those things; add temperance and godliness to that: temperance is humility and meekness, sensitivity to the Ruach and situation, patience and kindness, you won’t fail, ever! That means you win. Eternally.
Order your words aright and you will be “like a green olive tree (like the two witnesses) in the house of Yahuah,” says Psalm 52:8.
Love is really the key to all of this, knowing you are loved and loving others. Knowing all through the trails the love of Yahua is there to strengthen you and break off things that are not of him. So how do we hold onto and give that love?
1. Pray for “love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of Aluhym” (Ephesians 3:19)
2. Put away wrath. “Love is not easily angered” (1 Corinthians 13:5).
3. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
4. Pray harder for strength and Yah to deal with your enemies through blessing or judgment as he sees fit. The weaker our prayer life, the thinner our skin, and the harder our heart. Pray for Yah to bless them with his righteousness and view of things. Not a car or promotion, but spiritual gifts.
5. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41).
6. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Gal. 5:23), avoid selfish desires which make you prideful and self centered. Avoid excess in food, drink. Or fine clothing, cars, houses, hairstyles or cosmetics. This goes for men and women, especially the latter.
This article will expore the broader strokes of being tough and tender and then more intricacies of interpersonal dealings. Lets look at the little child and the badger. The two who are mentioned in the bible who as both tough and tender.
Levi was set up as Priest over Israel from heaven and was anointed to avenge the rape of Dinah, his sister from heaven according to the Testament of the 12 Patriarchs. We know the Torah says he did this, and he and his offspring were the priests of the Holy of Holies and those who serve Yahua forever. The Levites also cut down Yahsharel with the sword many times at the direction of Yahua, because of their golden calf and mixing with Midianlite women. David is said to have a heart after Yahua, yet he was the greatest warrior and military leader in Israel and conquered the Philistines and land of Israel.
The most important thing is to forgive our brethren and know we all have limitation in our understanding. We all have blind spots it will take till Kingdom come to be rid of. To avoid becoming hard-hearted, learn to forgive. The ability to forgive those who hurt us is key to avoiding the development of a hard heart. The ability to acknowledge our own failures goes hand-in-hand with practicing forgiveness.
When you forgive someone, think of something you have or are struggling with overcoming or you have just been forgiven for. Even to the worst of your own sins. And if someone has done you worse than you have ever done other, forgive anyway, it doesn’t mean the person has not done wrong, it means to release it to Yahua to deal with. You are no longer carrying that burden. It keeps your heart light and in good health.
I struggle with but am getting more victory in releasing or loving many people who have hurt me, or just followed after strange gods, leaders of false teaching and prophecy for the sake of vanity; or love to hold to teachings like polygamy. Or those who envy the things I am shown as a teacher or prophet and insult me. But these are the trials that we are to praise Yahua in so none of these things move us. We praise Yahua in the struggle. And Yahusha saves us in the situation.
Whoso offers praise glorifies me: and to him that orders his conversation aright will I show the Yahusha [Salvation] of Aluhym. Psalm 50:23
And so, regardless, we can have love for our brothers:
Having purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, to love brotherly without feigning, love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 1:22
Honor all men: love brotherly fellowship: fear Aluhym: honor the King. 1 Peter 2:17
Respect Authorities: Do not revile even when wronged.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and courteous, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward Aluhym endure grief, suffering wrongly. James 2:18-19
Do not envy others, it means you can’t see your blessings and gifts so be grateful, count your blessings.
As Provebrs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in Yahuah with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” He does allow situations in your life, though the trial may mean enduring sin the sin of others,“trust he will use it for your good,” Romans 8:28. Remember Yahusha bore our iniquities, we must bare some of others’.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Messiach. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” -Galatians 6:2
This will keep you from pride. Remember: When we suffer, it keeps us from pride. It keeps us soft, humble, open.
Children are trusting, loving, innocent, forgiving and persistent. They are resilient and hopeful. They love easily. Another way which you can never fail.
LOVE suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 LOVE never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
But what about the badger? Did you know that the Badger’s skin is generally black and white covered the Tabernacle of Yahua and even the altar?
And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof: -Numbers 4:11
Its skin was used for the tabernacle of Yahua, to carry the tent of meeting fabric, vessels of offering. It even provided the shoes for the Bride of Yah, who was Yahsharel when Yahua first called us in Abraham, Issac and Jacob as a nation.
“I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.” Ezekiel 16:10
Tough and Tender – How to Have the Heart of a Child & Be Thick Skinned as a Badger.
The cute badger. It looks like a cross between a skunk and a mole. Many bible commentators are skeptical as to whether the term badger which the King James translators rendered from the word tachash is correct. The badger looks like an unclean weasel skunk. Why is it not a “clean” animal, like the ram’s skin or linen or wool used in and upon the tabernacle?
Why? The badger is thick skinned, yet he is nimble, he can turn and twist with flexibility in a fight to the death and attacks the vitals. He can withstand the darts of the porcupine (enemy). He can fight the lion, and hyena and win, and they fear him. He can withstand the stings of the bee to take their honey and even the scorpion. And he is not fearful of anything. But the hyena, lion, leopard and wild dogs respect, fear and hesitate to fight with him. Though he can defeat any enemy in a death battle, he will wisely walk away from a fight.
The badger is immune to the bite of the serpent. And he is smaller than many snakes. And can even defeat the boa constrictor. When bitten by the serpent, the icon of Satan, he simply passes out, goes into a 3 hour coma and revives. So when dealing with the worst enemy on the earth, he submits, dies and rises again. And scrambles away, no problem, in fact if he has killed the snake, he eats it. He is the picture of resilience. He is feared and respected. Most videos you will find of him, he wisely walks away from foolish battles but is not overcome.
One of the keys to being tough and tender is to appreciate your blessings and understand your favor and that beauty lies in charity, love. Ahaba or ahava is the Hebrew word for “Love,” considered the greatest gift and the last three things that will remain in eternity, “faith, hope and love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13. Remember we love because Yahua first loved us. He allows us to come to him to request forgiveness daily for our sin. “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9. He asks us forgive our brother “seven times seventy seven times,” Matthew 18:22.
But Matthew 18:15 says that we must ask our brother to forgive us or if we have offended them to make it right or to bring others to hear the matter, so we see this manifest in balance. We are called to “be slow to anger and to overlook an offense,” but the offense or sin in almost all these cases must be delt with but not ignored in the renewed covenant (NT), the standard is higher. This is balance, the true good news. Our brother’s must ask for forgiveness but sometimes, many times, we just have to be bigger and forgive.
When we look at how Yahsharel (Israel) is clothed when Yahua makes her his wife in Abraham Issac and Jacob in Ezekiel 16, we can see how to walk out “Tough and Tender.”
When Yahua found Abraham and Sarah he was living like a Canaanite. All the sons of Shem were and serving Egyptian and Canaanite gods. Racheal and Sarah suggest concubines to their husbands because Canaan was the first to have two wives. And Abraham’s father is literally a maker of idols. The Canaanites had taken Shem’s land, their usurping conduct was so bad. And though Abraham was a Shemmite, this is why Yahua says:
And say, Thus saith Yahua Aluhym unto Jerusalem; Thy birth and thy nativity is of the land of Canaan; thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite. 8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith Yahua Aluhym, and thou becamest mine. 9 Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil.-- Ezekiel 16
So what is the first thing Yahua does to Yahsharel? He coveres our nakedness, makes a blood covenant to clean us, comes into relationship with us, and washes Yahshrel with water of the blood. And he anoints us with oil as a covering.
These are some keys:
We seek Yahua in prayer when we are challenged by any situation, we pray for forgivenss of our sin, and submit to him and his answers. So we are covered in the blood and washed by forgivenss. We check our sin in the situation and do not sin in the situations and trials we are in. We wash ourselves in the commands of Yahua’s word and the blood of Yahusha and confession of sin.
Then we are anointed in the Ruach and the name of Yah. This is the oil of his name and Ruach. We walk in his Ruach. We know we are chosen and loved.
And we clothe ourselves in righteousness and peace. But we still operate in the truth of the word. We persevere in our battle with faith like the bager.
Eat the fine flour of the word by confessing affirmative scripture.
Again, Ezekiel says of Yahsharel that the feet of Yahsharel were shod with badger skins. Why? Because the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force. Luke 15:22. Yet simultaneously we walk in peace! How is the King desribed:
Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Ephesians 6:15
So his feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Maybe it speaks of the honor and duty to preach the gospel.
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15
Is this a contradiction? No, it shows us we must be resilient, thick skinned, loving, peaceful in the battle for good. Correction is also love. Did Yahua not say in Hebrews 12:6 to 7, that he disciplines (Disiple-lines) those whom he loves? Is not Yahsharel in captivity due to his love and discipline? This is discipleship.
Remember the scripture is always about balance. Yahusha comes both with peace. Yet he says to to withdraw your peace or shalom from those who do not receive the good news. He sent the disciples with a “sword” in twos, to share the good news. So they went with peace, but a sword at the same time. Yahusha said he has not come to bring peace, but a sword.
How do we reconcile all of this? Well, with balance. With "Shalom."
“The pictographic symbols for the word shalom, written in pictographic Hebrew as shin, lamed, vav, mem. The “shin” symbol look like teeth, the “lamed” a staff of a leader or teacher; and “mem,” the symbol of water, which can mean chaos, blood, nations. Strong's H7965 matches the Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (šālôm).
So it means “Destroy the authority that binds to chaos.” The root word, shalam, means “to restore,” meaning replacing or providing what is needed in order to make someone or something whole and complete. So shalom is used to describe those of us who have been provided all that is needed to be whole and complete and break off any authority that would attempt to bind us to chaos.” So we don’t enable or agree with sin, we can resist that with force, as the disciples who carried swords while sharing the good news.
Notice the teeth, think of a lion or badger, takes hold of the agent of chaos to restore peace! In the same way that a sword does. Remember, we are to “receive” the kingdom as a little child.
Let’s return to the way Yahuah clothed Israel when he found her. If you will notice, the king is beautiful and comely and brought forth to be clothed in with a ring on his hand and the same is with Israel when she is found.
Ezekiel 16:11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. 12 And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. 13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom. 14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith Yahua Aluhym.
This is something we must always remember, that we are loved, desired and chosen of Yahua. When we feel insecure, we must know that as 2 Peter 1:3 says, “we have been given everything for life and godliness.” Like the find broidered work and bracelets of silver and gold, like the vessels used to serve in the temple. Ephesians 2:10 says “we are Yahuah’s handiwork, created in Yahusha Messiach for good works that Aluhym has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” We should repeat this to ourselves daily when the enemy tries to whisper defeat.
We say it outload and the word will make it substance in our lives. This is the sword of the Ruach which the disciples walked with. Balance is always to confess more good than bad. To outweigh in prayer and confession all negativity with confessions of the good word of Yahua. This is how we eat fine flour of the word of Yahua, and we speak words of honey, words of righteousness. And this is how we put on the righteousness of Yahusha, that Yahua has put upon us with his love. We become beautiful like him. We seek the beauty of his face as in Psalm 27, the one thing that we ask for and seek.
Balance is key because if we don’t understand our gifts come from Yahua’s love balanced with humility in trials, we become prideful, vain. Look at Yahsharel, and find that we were so blessed by Yahua as a nation that we became vain as Yahsharel, and Satan did!
But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pourest out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was. Ezekiel 16:15
It is when we resort to vanity that we slip and fall. We are not loving. We are hardened and cannot give or receive because we are not the source of anything but obedience in what we have been given. This is what makes us hard hearted.
When we are humiliated it keeps us in balance because we know there is nothing we are experiencing that is strange to men, says 1 Corinthians 10:13. There is nothing new under the sun. The worst thing we could end up doing in this life is suffer vainly, in other words for no reason. As 2 Esdras 7 says:
For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not that we should begin to suffer for it after death. 57 Then answered he me, and said, This is the condition of the battle, which man that is born upon the earth shall fight; 58 That, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou hast said: but if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I say.”
For there are palaces prepared in advance for us in heaven for our reward, but most of all the eternal presence of our father is the reward of bearing the challenges that cause suffering and cause us to shed our sinful ways and trust Yah more. Why? We will regret when we find ourselves shut out of the Kingdom,
Yahusha is coming to judge the earth now, but he gave mercy until the times of the gentiles be fulfilled according to Genesis 15 and Luke 24.
DOING THE INTERNAL WORK OF THE CHILD & BADGER IN INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
It is all about balance. We avoid vanity and hard heartedness when we examine ourselves. But we don’t judge ourselves. This is a revelation that provided me with great relief. Examining is not judging.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Corinthians 13:5
Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is Yahuah who judges me. 1 Corinthians 4:2-4
But we can trust Yahua to judge us so we can be on the right path.
Psalm 7: 3 O Yahua my Aluhym, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, 4 if I have repaid my ally with harm or plundered my foe without cause, 5 then let the enemy pursue and overtake me, trample my life to the ground, and lay my soul in the dust.”
Psalm 7 is a psalm of judgment. David extols the righteous judgment of Yahua , even inviting Yahua 's judgment upon his own life. David doesn't fear the judgment of Yahua because he knows that Yahua 's justice is not retributive but restorative.
If you feel judged, trust Yahua knowing his judgement is righteous. Submit to it, not necessarily the heart of the wicked, but what’s happening and your role in it per scripture, but serve as though serving Yahua in perfect righteousness.
In fact, we should not walk in condemnation and judgement. Avoid anxiety, despair and depression knowing that is not Yahua’s will.
Pray in All Things & Don’t Be Anxious
If you tend to be a pessimist or negative, pray and confess the word daily. Pray in all things as you go through the day, believe Yahua will answer you. And if you hear nothing, leave the situation alone. But confess the good things of Yahua and the promises and his love for you and the word will establish a road beneath your feet.
Remember, any time you fear or doubt, pay attention to your feelings and fears and give them to Yahua. Express them and what he wants you to feel and have, and you will find he answers you quickly. Present them to him and ask him what to do with them. He loves you, that’s why he doesn’t want you anxious or despairing, he says:
Remember, any time you fear or doubt, pay attention to your feelings and fears and give them to Yahua, express them and what he wants you to feel and have, and you will find he answers you quickly. Present them to him and ask him what to do with them. He loves you, that’s why he doesn’t want you anxious or despairing, he says:
Be anxious for nothing but in everything make your requests known to Yahua with prayer and thanks giving. And the peace of Yahuah, which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Yahusha. Philippians 4:6-7.
You will feel the anxiety dissipate. At times we are called to travail in prayer. If we are still holding on to something, go into deep prayer or go for a walk in prayer. You may need to fast. You may need to war and travail even over night or for a season. If it is something that may take a while, always cast your burden upon him. And wait in hope and prayer.
When dealing with people and trials to stay tough and tender:
Don't shy away from confrontation when dealing with perceived offenses, ask questions humbly, speak in love in Ruach. Remember, people are very much consumed with themselves as a rule, so don’t take it personally.
Don't shy away from confrontation when dealing with perceived offenses, ask questions humbly, speak in love in Ruach. Remember, people are very much consumed with themselves as a rule, so don’t take it personally.
Express whatever is going on with you to a trusted friend. “There is nothing we experience that is strange to men. But Yahua is faithful and will not tempt you above what you are able to bear.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. Keep your eyes on his love and faithfulness to you by “Putting Things In Perspective.” Your objective is truth in love, not to be “liked” but also, not to make enemies, to have peace.
In a trail, hear out whomever you are dealing with. If you don’t agree, or it’s a repeated pattern of mistreatment, make sure you have expressed yourself, but you can withdraw from that person, fade away from them. Leave in peace if possible, having expressed, “you don’t keep your word, I am busy is an excuse we all can use because we are all busy, so I just find that behaviour neglectful of my feelings or what I have done to keep our agreement and my feelings.” Leave them be, when the time comes to try the relationship again, you can express terms, if the other party doesn’t face the ways they may take you for granted, fade again. Leave the door open, but don’t enter into their world again until they can respect yours. Best of all, you can still have pleasant feelings and thoughts about their good traits. Don’t hate them in your heart, just detach from them.
Sometimes people are very focussed on personal problems, so offer help. But if they are not obeying Yahua, focussing on sin like money, sex and self. It’s ungodly sin. Selfishness and greed above human relationships or Yahua; not doing his work, nor keeping his appointed times, is idolatry. If they don’t want to pursue righteousness you can separate from them. Especially if they are calling themselves a believer. We are not to have fellowship with those who call themselves believers yet sin:
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one do not eat. 1 Corinthians 5:11
So when they are ready to walk in righteousness the door is open. But you can only walk with others in the bond of Yahua and love. Be like the badger, walk away from trouble but don’t fight to the death.
To keep your peace, remember, everyone is not out to get you. But the Devil is. And Yahua is your protection.
We war not against Flesh and blood but against powers, principalities, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 1:12
And you are not the centre of everything, so don’t take things personally. Yahua is also testing you. Trust his plan. When pain comes, a blessing is coming, it may seem vain and futile but Yahua is trying to break something off of you or bless you. So don’t be in despair, but it’s alright to be perplexed. When people behave badly or strangely, detatch and let Yah guide you. Pray against the spirit behind the situation. Submit like the badger to Yah, not the venom, and wait to awaken.
“To everything there is a season and time to every purpose under heaven,” says Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Understand life is full of ups and downs, blessings and trials. Night and day, winter and summer. This is how you grow, like plants. And the greater the ups and downs, the more growth. If you push a marble along level ground, it will get to the end in time, but if the course has hills and valley’s it get’s there faster with more power. Just know and enjoy when you are happy, and be happy. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Celebrate. But know trials will come again so be sober minded.
When you are in pain, know happiness will come again. And this balance keeps you humble so you don’t have to pretend humility.
Again, do not take things personally. "Is she mad at me?" "Did I say something wrong?" Don’t let pessimistic dark thoughts take over. It’s actually vanity, no one but Yahua should have that much impact on anyone’s life. Not you or any loved one or family member. You are not the center of their world. But if people habitually sin against you, that is another issue, you are allowed to set boundaries.
Don’t be upset at rejection, it’s just a sign you need to head in a different direction or toward different people. Don’t get discouraged. It’s not a good door to go through, it’s not a good room, is all. Yahua is often rejecting the people who are rejecting you if you are lining up with him and they are not. Yahua routs us through life by closing certain doors, so if it closes and you are inspired to offer a couple more solutions, then accept it’s time to move in a different direction, don’t waste energy or time or take it personally, trust Yahua, “your times are in his hands.” Psalm 31:15. If you planted a seed, let Yahua water it. Wait for the sun to shine. Just move on.
If it’s a particular topic, job or event, offer an alternative solution. Remember Yahusha was rejected, but don’t wear it as a chip on your shoulder. It’s a badge of honor, bless them, pray for them to have understanding and peace with you. Your faith in doing your good works and efforts is not determined by the situation or challenge but Yahua’s standards and commands and staying in faith, hope and righteousness in that challenge. Detatch from what is going on and be relieved it’s not all about you. It’s just resistance training or the eb and flow of water moving downhill in a stream, it hits rough edges and rocks, it’s part of the momentum of life.
Proverbs 21 1 The King’s heart is in the hand of Yahua, as the rivers of waters: he turneth it whithersoever it pleaseth him.
Dust yourself off, and keep it moving. Don’t tolerate toxicity.
When discussing matters with people and the conversation escalates, check and see if you spoke any words not completely in line with what you meant. Was your response a reaction? Start over if necessary, say, can I restate that, that was kind of clumsy, or I wanted to express this the right way, and I am not sure how yet. Can we discuss it another time when not emotional. Let me say a better way.
If you feel reactionary or compulsive, give yourself time to cool off. Humble yourself. And it’s not complicated to, it’s just walking truthfully in the Ruach. You can say things like: This isn’t productive, should we discuss it another time when we’ve both thought about it some more.
"I want us to be on good terms and maybe it’s too emotional and unclear at the moment so that’s the reason for the tension." Or "Can I just edit what I said, it wasn’t really what I was trying to say." This is humility. It’s simple. Being professional while working on a job is the same energy you should apply to all personal interactions.
Avoid focussing on yourself. Focus on Yahua, knowing he loves you and wants the best for you, this situation is passing through his hands. Play your role with positivity and the best intentions, ask for Yahua to be your shield to your emotions, speak good in the situation and it will strengthen your heart. Do not let negativity come out of your mouth and affirm what steps you need to get there.
Give thanks for your blessings. Be grateful for the person. Avoid self-centeredness. If self-centeredness is the issue with the person, say, can we turn the focus to Yah, or the goal and making this work for the best, instead of on what things look like from our own perspective? What does his word say? Or, what is the objective here?
Being self-centered, feeling you are the root of all problems or the solution is vanity. When we are shy, or allow discouragement or depression to take over do you know that is self-centered? We are saying it all depends on us, or this is all there is, so we lay down and die.
Because Yahua has other things for us, and it actually all depends on Yahua’s will, rather than thinking it’s you, maybe it’s not his will. Ask him. Or just let it go till you have clarity.
Surrender it to Yahua and he will be at the center of it all, not you and your burden is lifted. This is why Yahusha says:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.- Matt 11 28-30
Avoid negative self talk. Remember how big Yahua is. That he is with you and he set this situation up for you. If you sinned and disobeyed him, he is still with you. Psalm says:
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. Psalm 139:7-8
Until the contest of life ends, you are there to try again. Confess your sin and be washed and remember, don’t be your own worst enemy, give yourself a break." Confess that you are loved and Yahua’s plans are for your good.
Do not be afraid of the anger or negativity of others, it is their issue, unless you have hurt them, it’s them. Proverbs 29:25 says:
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in Yahuah shall be safe.
We can’t do this enough, focus on your blessings. Focus on the promises of Yahua. Confess the promises of Abraham, Issac, Jacob.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made, that my soul knows right well. Psalm 139:14.
If you feel unworthy, say “who am I that you are mindful of me?” to remember, he is “minding you.” Watching over you like a hen gathers her chicks. He wants you to do well.
What shall we then say to these things? If Aluhym be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Don't worry about looking stupid. If you are asked a question and you can’t answer, you simply say, “Let me pray about that.” "I will have to think about that and get back to you." Learn to laugh at yourself when you make a mistake. Ask Yahua to forgive you, admit it out loud in the situation as a simple error and apologize openly and quickly, “oops, I got that wrong, I confused that, oh, I forgot this part, that’s the problem.” These are little things that make quick adjustments to help you move forward in a situation. They also relieve tension and allow others to find creative solutions and put them at ease. This is how teamwork and brotherly love begin.
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Acts 24:25
Learn to be patient with yourself and others, work smart, ask for wisdom. 2 Corinthians 9 says: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for Aluhym loves a cheerful giver.” This is referring to tithes, but applies also to your energy. Make decisive use of it.
James 1:5 says we should ask for wisdom from Yahua who does not berate us for asking for it as we pray in all things. He gives it liberally.
Don’t act with compulsion, pressure or fear, check for these emotions and calm down. Breathe. Slow down to unpick the issue.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2
Pray ask Yahua to give you understanding and peace, to trust that some moments are vain and you just have to bear it for the moment. We are all under confusion or hurt. These are the trials of life, so just slow down, breathe, ask for time, state you want to wait, state you need to figure it out, let’s wait and see, ask more questions. Or repeat the situation to another trusted person. It’s likely a common one.
Walk in Meekness. This doesn’t mean cowering but just approach the issue with faith but don’t be afraid to show you want to figure it out, work it out.
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:13-18
Do not be quick to blame. Don’t even blame yourself, say you haven’t got it figured out, wait and see how things shake down. Express fears to Yahua and yourself and legitimate threats or concerns but with plainness, no foregone conclusion. Everyone has ups and downs. Wait and see. If in time you need to write a situation off, if you have been patient and kind and transparent in conveying your feelings and you need to fade out on the person or situation, you have done well if you later understand you must withdraw. Again you are leaving the door open for you and others to change.
Enter all social situations with the thought to make it enjoyable. Remember Yahua said these are light afflictions, so handle heavy matters lightly. Walk in the Joy of Yahauh and the Ruach. Think about how you can make it more enjoyable for others and ultimately you will enjoy it more.
When you receive a negative comment, take a breath, let the emotions wash over you and leave before reacting. Count to ten and breathe. Walk away if necessary. Then come back. Then respond. Try to separate the insult from the constructive criticism. Leave the person’s emotional baggage with them. Receive all criticism as if it is from Yahua, then ask him and a trusted person if it’s legitimate. You can state that you don’t think a criticism is not correct but you will pray about it.
You can say, “I am not sure I love how you put that, but I can see x,y and z.” Is there anything I have said to you that seems legitimate. Look at the overall context and try to determine if the person meant well or they are rushed or pressured, or being deliberately cruel. And spend more time around like-minded believers. You can be in the world but not of it. You do have to spend seasons with challenges and challenging people but not all the time. Go and pray or cry out to Yah to be restored. And “Pray for your enemy.”
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? – Matthew 5:44-46
Give thanks, because as James 1 says:
Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:3-4
Have “Self-Control” in all things, food, drink, relationships, etcetera is the key in all of this. If you are in excess you lose self-control and so can get into trouble.
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked. It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:26-28
This is excess even in positive things. Mercy, good food, and even searching out high things. Which I did not know. I just think about these things all the time. But to others it who don’t it can seem vain glorious. This is the good news. Books on the Khazars described them as punishing or berated anyone with any exceptional gift or ability, especially if Yah given before their converted. High callings or gifts can cause jealousy. Which is why many of the gifted run around saying, “oh I am just regular folk.” To mitigate this pride, or hostility gifts may engender. Instilling confidence through love and humility may help secure you to Yahua and others more. But remember some people are just gifted to do what they do, without even trying, or because they love Yahua.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another…26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:13-15, 26
If you are the type who eats too much too fast, do whatever is necessary to curb your enthusiasm for food. Also, do not eye the ruler’s delicacies, for the food may not be what it seems. Proverbs 23:2-3
There is trickery in fine foods, especially today. So be moderate in all things. Then you will have temperance.
Rejoice in Yahua always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. Yahua is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto Aluhym. And the peace of Aluhym, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Messiach Yahusha. -Philippians 4:4-7
Eat good thoughts instead of a lot of food. Remember the good things about people and situations and recite them. Try to be positive not negative.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. -Philippians 4:8
Live for Yahuah. Follow the Ruach Chodesh. People are only about what they want when they follow after sin, like money, greed, worldly fame or financial security. But those who live following the Ruach are thinking about what the Ruach wants them to do and walking in the Ruach. And by doing so we are walking in love.
For we through the Ruach wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Yahusha Messiach neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5: 5
In conclusion, with tenderness of heart like a child and the fight, wisdom, humility and courage of the badger you can be both “tough and tender.” And we will never fail if we walk in meakness, brotherly love and temperance. There is no lawlessness in “meakness.” That is gentleness, taking your time, waiting or patiently working through things. Praying in all things for wisdom, for your enemy, against dark forces; and for discernment about your internal challenges. Take time to understand things in your experiences and situations. Focus on the will of Yahua in the situation in the Ruach, and know the enemy is generating confusion to steal your blessing. Confusion is not of Yahua, so it means Satan is trying to steal your blessing that the trial was actually set up for.
Detatch, see it all from Yahua's perspective. Don’t take things personally, there is nothing we experience that is strange to men. Many people don’t understand what is going on with their own selves. Don’t worry about looking stupid by asking questions or clarifying misunderstandings or perceptions in a given situation. Don’t shy away from confrontation with humility to clarify, or rejection because you may just be being redirected to a different door. The fear of man is a snare. This is humility and it’s just simple communication.
Focus on Yahauh, what does he want? Ask him. Don’t focus on yourself and be your own worst enemy, it’s not about you. Eyes on Yah. Then you will have temperance. Walk in love. Don’t be excessive even in good things. Stop negative self-talk by meditating on Yahua’s love for you and blessings. Examine but don’t judge yourself.
Be patient with yourself and others. Don’t be reactionary, breathe, count to 10, let your feelings wash over you, walk away rebalance before communicating, not, never reacting. Learn to let things go, we must all suffer futility, trust if Satan is messing with you it’s time for a blessing. If someone is causing suffering for you, it’s their sin, not you. And if it’s your sin, deal with it. Respect authorities, love your brothers. Be willing to offer solutions, be willing to apologize, correct errors just in the simple course of your interactions and it will be easier. Do not revile or complain.
Balance is the key, there are ups and downs. Focus on uplifting scripture, promises, blessings when in a trial. When up, know a down is coming to keep you humble and grow you again.
Die to self like the badger when bitten by the snake, who is always your meal. You are being conformed to Yahua’s image in the trial, so if self-centeredness, shyness, depression is keeping you from duties or others, or thinking you are the end all or be all in a situation is not focussing on Him. Look at your belly button and you will fall. So die like the badger. But keep up the good fight. Like an eagle, look up to Yahuah and you will ascend.
Ask for wisdom. Ask for faith. Ask Yahuah for whatever you need, even understanding of yourself to express your needs to him. Understand his character is good, so think upon what ever is good, holy, true. Think his plans and thoughts are good for you and ask him to help you sort it out.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Messiach's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Walk in the Rauch: Have faith, harden not your heart, walk in Love, which is from Yahua, so rehearse his loving kindness and walk in his Ruach. His attribute is Ahaba, love, which sounds a lot like Abba. And the Ruach is wisdom, Yahusha is hope. Be loving and you will always reap love somewhere sometime soon, no matter what is going on, because Yahuah is love and he is the “one” you are seeking.