A Scripture Study From Pastor ObadiYah

 

Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the church and gave himself for it that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as Yahshuah, the church. For, we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. (Ephesians 5:25-30)
  
But by what means are we to accomplish such a task as this? The answer is by the washing of the 'water' by The Word; (does anyone remember what the water typifies?) If you said counsel you were right! And this is precisely what we are to wash our wives with i.e. the counsel of YAH'S Word!

Hereby we learn; that we are to make sacrifices of ourselves for our wives, but to what end? Not, that they'd be happy or love us the more, rather that we might present them to ourselves gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle, holy & without blemish!

(Now I want you to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself have you been 'washing' your wife with only 'clean water of The Word' or with the water of your heart, or both?)  If you can say yes to only the clean water, then congratulations you're on the right track, but if you can't, you should repent and commit to doing so.

This is done by seeking the word for all our situations and circumstances! This is a daunting task indeed, but don't let that stop you, for it will enrich your marriage/life 10 fold!

And when you can show your wife the source of your decision making, you cease to be the 'know it all' 'dictator' etc. and become the wise counselor that's building his house upon The Rock of Yahshuah. (Which is your wife more likely to submit to first you, or YAH?)

We must understand that to YAH, in every way we and our wives are one flesh and if our spouses be unclean and unholy, then we are unclean and unholy!  Therefore, If there's something not right concerning your spouse, cleanse her i.e. yourself with The Word of Elohim, and likewise if there's something not right about you i.e. her, you need to teach yourself i.e. allow your wife to cleanse you i.e. herself with The Word as well.

Remember, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them who make peace.” (James 3:17-18)

This way YAH will be leading and guiding the household, thereby making it a delight... (It ought not be what us husbands say go, but rather what YAH says...)

May HIS peace & blessings be upon you & your household. Shalom.

Rejoice Always

“Rejoice evermore.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) Paul tells the Thessalonians (and me). How can I rejoice always when I don’t feel like rejoicing? If I focus on my life and external circumstances, my emotions range from heights of joy to depths of sadness. When I’m sad, it seems impossible to rejoice.

Reflecting on Paul’s letter, I see his advice is based upon a deep faith and his hope of eternal life. When I embrace that kind of faith and hope I have something worth rejoicing over. My physical emotion becomes a spiritual one that isn’t dependent upon my state of health, the local economy or any loss I may experience.

Paul’s letter further explains how I can always rejoice. “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of Elohim in Messiah Yahshuah concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). In other words, I need to focus on my relationship with Yah. When I reflect upon His plans, I realize that it’s not about me. It’s all about Elohim and the people He places in my life.

Some Questions

“Who are you?” (John 1:19) was one of many questions posed to John the Immerser. Are you a prophet? What are you doing out here in the desert? Why do you baptize people?

Imagine yourself in John’s sandals. What’s your role in Elohim’s plans? Has Yahshuah given you something to do in the world today? If you don’t know your answer yet, it’s wise to diligently seek it now. Elohim sent John. (John 1:6) Some one might be depending upon you to discover who you are and what Yah expects you to do?