Tests

So it's been a rough few weeks for me. I have felt like everything in life has been sabotaged. My work life felt like it was caving in on me and there was nothing I could do, but crumple with it.  Finally, last night during my prayer time, I just started to sob out my complaints to God. It felt a little better, but I still felt pretty lousy when I awoke this morning.


After my shower, I sat down at the table to read the Bible. I prayed and told God, "I don't even know where to read." So, I just started flipping through pages and stopped and looked down at II Corinthians 13. I prayed, thanked God for the Word and I asked God to speak to me through the reading. Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves! You know, don't you, that Jesus Christ lives in you? Could it be that you are failing the test? I hope you will realize that we haven't failed our test. We pray to God that you won't do anything wrong - not to show that we haven't failed the test, but so that you may do what is right, even if we seem to have failed. For we can't do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We're glad when we are weak and you are strong. That's what we're praying for - your maturity. (2 Cor. 13:5-9)

Then, I decided to pray through Psalm 139. I got to verse 3: You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.  I was sobbing again, by this point just pouring out my heart to God.  I kept hearing a line from Job going over and over in my spirit (You know the way I take). So, I looked it up - Job 23:10: But He knows the way that I take; But it didn't stop there. That was just part 1 of the verse I read on all the way down to verse 12:  When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. This reminded me of one of my favorite chapters in Psalms - 119.


I knew that God was speaking to me about the trial of my faith: Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried in with fire, might be found unto praise (I Peter 1:7)  And again, Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (I Cor. 3:13) 

The Work of Faith

Abraham believed in the Lord and it was credited him for righteousness. Gen 15:6*


The word used in the Hebrew is "Amen" - "Abraham Amen'ed the Lord..."  Amen is the root word for faith in Hebrew: Emunah.


Now faith is the foundation of things we hope for, the proof of things we cannot see.  By faith the elders received approval. By faith we understand the universe was created by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made from the things that are visible. Heb.11:1-3~  The Apostolic author is referring to Psalm 33:6** - By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.


Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently search for Him. Heb. 11:6 For what can be known about God is clear to them, because God Himself has made it clear to them. Indeed, ever since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes - His eternal power and divine nature - have been understood and observed by what He made, sot that people are without excuse. Roms 1:19-20~  For we live by faith, not by sight. II Cor. 5:7~ Because we don't look for things that can be seen, but for things that can't be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that can't be seen are Eternal. II Cor.4:17-18~


Faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead. But someone may say, “You have faith, and I have actions.” Show me your faith without any actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions. James 2:17-18~  Abraham acted in faith when he stood in God's presence, Who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that don't even exist. Hoping in spite of hopeless circumstances, he believed that he would become "the father of many nations," as he had been told. Roms 4:17-18~  Now hope that is seen is not really hope, for who hopes for what can be seen? But if we hope for what we don't see, then do we eagerly wait for it with patience. Roms 8:24-25~


*  Author's Translation
**  King James Version
~ Scripture translations by International Standard Version of the New Testament

The Unsearchable Greatness of God

Great is Adonai and greatly to be praised,

and His greatness is unsearchable.  

Psalm 145:3

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom

and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable are His judgments,

and His ways past finding out!

Romans 11:33

As I was eating dinner, last evening, I said my thanks to God.  Then after I finished my meal, I ate an orange for dessert.  I started thanking God for the orange and a thought struck me.  I was in awe (fear in the western English vernacular) of how amazing and omniscient God really is.  He knew the moment that orange seed went into the earth and a tree begin to form, that on this very night, this very second I would be eating fruit from that tree. Someone in California had planted the seed possibly years ago, but God knew that I would eat the fruit of it. He knew when the tree that would bear the seed of the tree of the fruit and even many generations and eons ago, that I would be sitting this night to eat that orange. When you put that into perspective, there is not one tiny detail God does not orchestrate in your life. 

And yet, He is so great and so magnificent that He knows the very second when the stars in the heaven will be born or die. He sees every particle on every planet in our universe.  When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalm 8:3-4  When you start to think that your somebody, just remember who God is and you'll remember just how small and humble you really are.

Be Content in God's Will

Then Jacob made this solemn vow

 “If God remains with me, watches over me throughout

this journey that I’m taking, gives me food to eat and clothes to wear, 

²¹ and returns me safely to my father’s house,

then the Lord will be my God,

  ²² this stone that I’ve erected in the form of a pillar will be God’s house,

 and I’ll give you a tenth of everything that you give to me.” (Genesis 28:20-22 ISV)

Godliness with contentment is great gain.  But you must be content with what you have.  We didn’t bring anything into the world and it is certain that we can’t take anything out of it.  If we have food and clothing, we should be content with that. (I Timothy 6:6-8 Auth. Trans.)  Look at the birds in the sky: for they don't plant or reap, nor do they store up food in barns or silos; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Why do you worry about clothes? Meditate on the lilies of the field, how they grow; they don't work at it, nor do they sew: So if God clothes the grass, which is alive today, and tomorrow is baked in the oven, won't He even more clothe you?  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not even one of them falls to the ground, without your Father. (Matt 6 Auth. Trans)

Don't store up treasures for yourself on earth, where moths decay and rust corrodes, and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither moths decay nor rust corrodes, and where thieves cannot break in and steal  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Don't worry in life about what you are going to eat, or what you are going to drink, nor even what clothes that you are going to put on your body. Isn't the life more than food, and the body more than clothing? (Matt 6 Auth. Trans)

Don't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself.  There are enough things to worry about today to concern yourself with. (Matt 6:34 Auth. Trans )  Come on!Those of you who say, "Tomorrow, we're going to such and such a city and spend a year working there." You don't know what tomorrow will bring. Your life is like smoke that appears for a little while then dissipates. What you should say is, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:15 Auth. Trans) Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. (Phil. 4:6 NLT) 

O God, I beg two favors from you;
    let me have them before I die.
⁸ First, help me never to tell a lie.
    Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
    Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
⁹ For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”
    And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

(Proverbs 30: 7-9 NLT)

Contentment vs. Minimalism

Recently, I have been reading up on many frugal websites and blogs. I find it intriguing that so many of the things listed, I already do. The best scrubby in the world is a used orange or onion bag. Also, ordering water on those occasional trips to a restaurant.  And how about those leftovers.

Before going on a two week trip to Hawaii, I decided not to go to the grocery store for almost two weeks. The refrigerator was full and so was the food pantry. In fact, some things were outdated and had never been opened. It's amazing how ingenious I became with meals.


I have also found that you can save some change by going the speed limit. It reduces the use of fuel, as well as saves you from catching so many red lights.  I have found myself accelerating down the interstate over the posted speed limit, only to be stopped in rush hour traffic, right next to that sweet old granny I passed ten miles ago.  Not only did it cost me fuel, but the rush left me feeling anxiety and hurried.


Many people turn to Buddha for tips for wisdom.  I turn to the Jewish Messiah - Jesus. He was very minimalistic. In fact, we find He had no place to call home (Matt 8:20).  He taught that we shouldn't put thought into material things, such as food/clothing, but our main concern should be the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 6:33).  He practiced a very ancient form of meditation. Modern Hebrew speakers refer to it as Hitbodedut. It is being alone with God. (Matt 14:23)


Rather than being a minimalist, I prefer the term "contentment".  The apostle stated, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" and " having food and clothing, be content with these things" (I Tim 6:6, 8) It's not so much about having to have the latest gadget or the most recent iPhone. It's not about driving the latest model or taking a spectacular vacation. It's about being content with what you have.


The 10th commandment states, "You shall not covet your neighbors spouse. You shall not covet his house, nor his ox, his mule, his land or anything that is your neighbors."  By keeping this commandment, we guard ourselves against discontentment with the things that we have.  I am happy for my neighbor that he/she got a new car. I am happy that my neighbor has an 60'' concave plasma T.V. But I am thankful that I have a car to drive. I am content with my laptop. I am content with my older model phone.


I may not go through my closet an eliminate all but 7 outfits, but I do not wish to overspend on clothing that I don't need. If I find a shirt I like and feel that it will be more practical than one I already own, it may be time to donate an old one to make room for the new.


I have lived in my house, now for eight years.  I have yet to have a water spigot install outdoors to water my garden.  It does become cumbersome carrying out buckets of water in the summer, to water my garden, but it is also a blessing.  As I was thinking on this recently, I realized how thankful I am to God when it rains.  It gave me the sense that I'm sure Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had when rains came or they found an oasis in the desert. I began to realize how God has used this to illustrate a lesson of thankfulness.

Walking By Emunah (Faith)

So, I have been trying to practice what the Christian elder Paul taught the Corinthian believers: Walk by faith, not by sight.   But what does that really mean? Can we do this if we don't really understand what faith is?  In our mindset (western/Euro-American mindset) faith is "intellectually accepting that something is true, despite tangible evidence" (author's definition). However, the author of the book of Hebrews stated, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen."  (Heb11:1 KJV) Faith is often referred to as the 6th sense, but it is so much greater than that.

Faith is coming to the recognition that God is. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Heb 11:3) Everything that exists only exists by His will and design. He is in the lightening, thunder, rain, earthquakes, flowers, trees, deer, fish, water, etc. He is also in modern technology for without Him would not anything exist that does exist. He is in my car, oven, microwave, job, family, pet, smart phone.  But you might say that's sacrilegious or idolatry. When we give glory to anything other than God, that is idolatry. God created Steve Jobs and gifted him with the mind to invent the smartphone.  God gave Bill Gates the talent and intellectual ability to design an amazing computer program that is used the world over.

The Apostle Paul taught the Roman believers: For what can be known about God is plain to them [godless and wicked people], because God Himself has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes - His eternal power and divine nature - have been understood and observed by what He made, so that people are without excuse. (Roms 1:19-20 ISV) When we look at the things we see, it is like looking at a reflection of God. If you are a true believer in Christ, then "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28 NIV) And no matter what the situation, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thess 5:18 KJV)

You really can't get by without faith in this life. Everyone has "faith" in something. And as a Christian you certainly cannot survive without faith.  It is oxygen to the soul. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Heb 11:6)  But how is faith cultivated? Consequently, faith results from listening, and listening results through the word of the Messiah. (Rom 10:17 ISV) Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed. When someone hears the words of God, a seed is planted. If that seed is watered and nurtured, it brings about a plant and that plant puts forth leaves and blossoms and eventually bears fruit.

So it is with faith. It is planted in the heart. The more you recognize God in your situation, the bigger your faith and before long, you find yourself bearing the attributes of Christ.

Recently, as I was preparing to take a shower, I thanked God for the ability to shower. I thought about what a luxury it is that I have shower and running water.  To my surprise, the next morning, there was no hot water.  I thanked for all the hot showers I have been able to take.  I remembered a homeless person who told me they were about to lose their job because they didn't have a routine bath for hygiene.  That evening, I was able to relight the pilot and again thank God for hot water.

Only a few days later, I was out in the back cleaning up the yard, when I scrapped my toe on a rusty nail. Instead of panicking, I thanked God for His protection that it didn't go deep into my foot. 

Only a day later, I was watching a lecture on faith from Rabbi Dror Cassouto on the Emunahchannel.com, when my back began to feel like a knife was piercing me on the left side. Within seconds, I was sure I was passing a kidney stone.  I filled the tub with hot water and laid there thanking for another experience.  Within two hours, I had passed the stone.

So, why did these things happen? I don't know. That's why it's faith. I know it was the Creator in all these things, but for what purpose, I can't say. What I can say is, "Thanks, God. I know You know the reasons and purposes and You'll work it out."

The Fellowship of the Mystery

Fellowship of the Mystery

Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.  Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He has purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him: according as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. For whom He did foreknow, He did also predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified, them He justified, them He also glorified. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto the obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me toward you: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery, (For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but I received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ.) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ. Even the mystery which has been hid from the ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints:  to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the home of Glory.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost send down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things

which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever,

that we may do all the words of this law.  Deut. 29:29

Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.

 

He revealeth the deep and secret things:

He knoweth what is in the darkness,

and the light dwelleth with Him.   Dan 2:

But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit and I will pray with understanding also: I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. If all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing event to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

And I will give you the treasures of darkness,

and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord,

which call you by your name, am the God of Israel.  Isaiah 45:5

 

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  According as His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways are past finding out!

I AM the Portal

Today, as I knelt and began to pray, I begin to pray “Hallowed be Thy Name.” I started to worship Jesus, by calling Him, “the Way, the Truth, the life... The door” Suddenly, the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation began to flow and I started to pray in the Spirit. The understanding of what I was saying came to me: 

“I am the portal to the sheepfold.” “and, behold, a portal opened in heaven... which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter” “and behold the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” “which veil is done away in Christ.” “By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh”

Jesus is the portal (the door or way) into the Holy of Holies. The only way in is through Him. He told the church in Philadelphia: “...He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.”

Praying the Shema

Morning, afternoon and evening – at least 3 times a day the Jewish people recite the central prayer to Judaism. This is known as the Shema. In Hebrew, this word means – HEAR or give earnest heed. However, Hebrew is not an abstract language like our English language. One word can have an alternating or multifaceted meaning. This word can also be translated as OBEY. When Yeshua was asked what is the chief of the commandments, He quoted the Shema and Love thy neighbor. [see blog post: Roots - The Great Commandment & Roots – Love Thy Neighbor]

Many years ago, I put into practice reciting this at least upon arising and before retiring for bed. Albeit, it was just a mantra. I would try to meditate on each line, but it still seemed canned and ritualistic. However, recently, I began to research scriptures to identify with each line and this mantra truly then became a prayer. Hopefully, this will inspire you on your path of righteousness.

Hear, O Israel:

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Luke 8:8)

Be ye hearers of the word, and not doers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)
Therefore whosoever hearth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them... (Matt 7:24)
Blessed are they that do His commandments... (Rev 22:14)

the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of Whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, and we by Him. (I Cor. 8:6)
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Eph 4:4-5)
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (I Tim 2:5)

And you shalt love the Lord you God with all you heart,

Create in me a clean heart, oh God and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 51:10 )

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, oh YHVH my Rock and my Redeemer. (Ps. 19:14)
I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart.(Ps. 9:1)
[I will praise Thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Thy righteous judgments.
With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments.
Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
I entreated Thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to Thy Word.
I will keep Thy precepts with my whole heart.
Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord.] (Excerpts from Ps. 119)

Many other Psalms may be found in your concordance dealing with the heart.

Proverbs says, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Pro. 4:23)

Yeshua said, “Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man. (Mt. 15:18-20)

and with all your soul,

The word for soul in Hebrew is NEFESH. It is widely used in a sense to encompass appetite, desire, lust, the mind, pleasure either negatively or positively. The ancient Hebrews often referred to 'afflicting the soul' which meant to abstain from food. Hence our soul is the part of our being that is responsible for desires delights and affections. “He satisfieth the hungry soul with goodness – Ps 107:9”

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. (Ps. 103:1)

But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law doth he meditate day and night. (Ps 1:2)
I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy Word. (Ps. 119:16)
Thy testimonies are my delight and my counselors. ( '' '' 24)
Make me to go in the way of Thy commandments; for therein do I delight. ('' '' 35)
And I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved. ('' '' 47)
Unless Thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. ('' '' 92)
O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day. ('' ''97)
My soul is continually in my hand: yet do i not forget thy law ('' '' 109)
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for Thy commandments. ('' ''131)
My soul hath kept Thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. ('' '' 167)
As the deer panteth for the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. (Ps. 42:1)
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: (Ps. 84:2)
The desire of the righteous is only good. (Pro 11:23)
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul. (Pro. 13:19)

Set your affections on things above and not on things on the heart. (Col. 3:2)

Yeshua said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mt. 6:21)

 and with all your might.

The word for might in Hebrew is M'ohd. It means so much more than strength or power. In fact, Jewish translation often translate it as resources, as our might (or labor) brings profit and increase.

Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase. (Pro. 3:9)

And whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might... (Ec. 9:10)
And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Col. 3:23)
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men... (Eph. 6:7)

And you shall love you neighbor as yourself.

Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.

David was a man after God's own heart. You will find over and over again, Psalms that ring out these points – whole heart, all your soul and all your might. I challenge you to incorporate this formula in your prayers, just as we studied on the Lord's prayer.

The Guardian of Wisdom

On the lips of the intelligent

Wisdom is found

And in keeping of silence

The mind is sound

A treasure jewel

Is a word to the wise

As an adorning jewel

Between the eyes

Written as a reminder

On tables of the heart

Is the words of Torah

In the hidden parts

Bound as a sign upon the hands

A covenant to keep is His commands

Protect the commandments

With all your strength

And they shall guard

Your steps at length

For the law is a lamp

The commandments a light

And those who watch over them

Shall be called the Upright.

By: Jonathan Hollis