I know that a lot of us might not think too much about the Gregorian new years and events, and to me, that's beautiful, because we're on a much better and exciting calendar. But, happy new year to all of you, anyway! We pray that you have a year full of blessings and come closer to your Heavenly Father this year!
Just before I get too carried away again, I just want to thank you all for your patience with this blog, as I know it hasn't been working properly for the last week or two. We'll try to keep it running smoothly, as smoothly as non-techy people can - but hey, it's an experience and it's fun!
So, I have a question that I would like to ask you.
And, I would value honest answers.
And lots and lots of patience.
Please.
What would you do to make this blog better? What would you add to it? Is there something you would take away?
Please let me know what you think!
Now, another favour (or two!):
Please consider sending some entries of your own that would bless us all. Could you recommend new books to read, new music to listen to, more recipes to try and enjoy, and you know all those sections that haven't been launched need things to go into them - so far, I haven't really had anything to put into them. In the next post, I'll give you a bit more ideas as to what the sections will look like, so keep posted!
Now, for the second favour. Spread this blog far and wide, with all the Torah believing girls you know. It is such a blessing and encouragement to connect with each other in this very special time that we are living in. We need to learn how to be able to support each other and build each other up. The Kingdom of God is at hand (soon and in our days, hopefully) - and what a wonderful Day that will be. People around us are focusing so much attention on the ''doom and gloom'' that's on the way. But we mustn't focus on those things. It brings us down. It makes us anxious.
We must start focusing on the joys. We must start getting excited about the Kingdom that is coming and not on the gloom! And we need to hasten the day. How do we hasten the day? Let's take a look at what the Bible says.
I encourage you to all go and read 2 Peter 3, but for now, I'll just quote some of it:
''The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you - not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
''But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements will melt and disintegrate, and the earth and everything done on it shall be exposed.
''Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be? Live your lives in holiness and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.''
''But in keeping with His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.''
He wants us to help bring the Kingdom. He wants us to ''All day and all night, they will never hold their peace. 'You who remind ADONAI, take no rest for yourselves, and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.''. It's up to us. We can hasten the day. We can partner with Him ins such a way that the Kingdom will be hastened. He is waiting for us to want Him to come back with all our heart, soul and strength. We were born in this very special time to bring the Kingdom. In other generations, they had different callings. But ours has one calling, with all the different branches branching out of it. We need to bring the Kingdom.
In the portion in Luke chapter 11:5-13, Yeshua tells us a parable that I think is very fitting for todays thoughts.
''Then Yeshua said to them, ''Which one of you has a friend and will go to him in the middle of the night and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has come to me on his journey and I have nothing to set before him.' Then from within he may answer, saying, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up to give you anything.''' I tell you, even if the friend will not get up and give him anything out of friendship, yet because of the man's persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you, 'Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.'''
We need to press in together, we need to work together to bring the Kingdom! We're all one big family, and a family cannot function if they don't work together. That doesn't mean that we all do the same thing, as Paul very clearly explains in Romans 12:4-8, ''For just as we have many parts in one body - and all the parts do not have the same function - so we, who are many, are one body in Messiah and everyone parts of one another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace that was given to us - in prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; or the one who teaches, in his teaching; or the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who gives, in generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.''
Each one of us has different gifts. Some of are good at music, some of us are better at cooking. Some of us can draw, some of us can write, and more. Sometimes, I think we are tempted to think that we have nothing to give, or that what we have doesn't 'line up' with what we think Kingdom bearers should do. But, girls, don't even think these thoughts! God gave you something for a reason. Did King David shepherd sheep in vain? No! He was learning how to, eventually, shepherd God's people!
Use the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) God gave you. Be faithful with what He has given to you today. Don't look at those around you and compare yourself with them. Not your progress, your style, your joys. Find your joy in Yeshua. Trust me, He will come to you, He is always with you! ''Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.'' (James 1:17). He will not give you something if He doesn't have a plan for it. As long as we are all using the talents He gave us to bless one another, even just our family or friends, if we've just made someone smile today, made someone feel special, it's as if we have let the Kingdom come to that person today.
I am so excited about this topic, and one day (hopefully soon!) I'll tell you why.
So, get ready for more where this came from. I hope it encouraged you all today, and I pray that you will all have an amazing day and awesome week.
Shalom!
''Therefore, brothers and sisters, make all the more effort to make your calling and election certain - for if you keep doing these things, you will never stumble.'' 2 Peter 1:10
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