I come to you today with a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. My eyes are fixed on those who willingly disobeyed my calling on their lives and turned away – far away from my sight. They do not love me or my ways and my justice will come upon them this very day. They are lovers of only themselves and they are wicked in every way. They have resolved themselves to only do what is evil and their life will end in one day.
Remain in me and stay close to my side, my beloved child. For when you stay close to me and keep your eyes on me, I will keep you protected and show you what to do. I will never lead you astray, but lead you in the ways of YAHWEH. Nothing in this world can ever take you away from me. I am your Rock and your Shield and I will provide for your every need until the time appointed for you to come home to me. I am your Provider, put your whole trust in me. Remain in my presence and I will remain here with you.
Continue to study to show thyself approved. This will connect you even closer to me. So, stay in my Word and listen to my Spirit’s voice guiding you and leading you into all truth. Don’t let your guard down, but keep your eyes on me. Keep your mind sharply focused on me and remember the words I’ve spoken to you. I am not a liar and I will never lead you astray. I am a Promise Keeper and you can count on my words for all eternity. I am your Papa, your Abba Father, and I love you with an everlasting love. I have wrapped you in my love and covered you by my grace and you will always find your place right here with me.
Take down what I say and keep a record of my words spoken to your heart each day. See my hand at work in your life and remember and reflect frequently upon the words I have spoken to you. Your faith in me will build from there and lead you onto my path I’ve laid out for you. Trust and obey the words I have spoken to you and you will never go wrong. Your obedience to me only makes you stronger for each new day. Righteousness comes from me, but obedience is up to you. Choose to follow closely in my ways and my hand of blessing will be on you all of your days.
Don’t compare yourself to others, but look only to me. Comparison is the thief to the joy you’ll find only in following me. Look unto me and me only. Here is where you’ll find joy divine. Keep your eyes fixed on me, the Author and Finisher of your faith. When I have instructed your heart to go a certain way, stay on that path until I tell you to go another way. My instructions to you are for your own good and they will lead you onto the path of YAHWEH.
Revelation 2:16 The Passion Translation
16 So repent, then, or I will come quickly to war against them with the sword of my mouth.
Revelation 2:17 The Passion Translation
17 But the one whose heart is open, let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is presently saying to all the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will let him feast on the hidden manna[d] and give him a shining white stone.[e] And written upon the white stone is inscribed his new name, known only to the one who receives it.[f]
Footnotes
- 2:17 This refers to the glorious relationship we have with the mystery of Christ within, the hope of glory (Col. 1:26–27), which is in contrast to eating meat that was sacrificed to idols. There was manna hidden within the ark of the covenant, and there is now hidden manna within the heart of the overcomer. See also Ex. 16:4, 15, 31–34.
- 2:17 The Greek word leukos can be translated either “shining” or “bright [white].” It is possible that this stone shines brightly from within (i.e., a glowing stone). See G. H. R. Horsley and S. R. Llewelyn, New Documents Illustrating Early Christianity I–VI (North Ryde: Ancient History Documentary Research Centre, 1981–92). This would remind us of the stones on the ephod-breastplate of the high priest (Ex. 28:9–12) or the Urim and Thummim that glowed as God responded to the questions of his people. Jewish tradition has held that precious stones also fell from heaven with the manna (cf. Midrash Ps. 78:4). Some scholars see this white shining stone as a reference to a vote of acquittal in a court case (Acts 26:10). Others as the burning white coal from off the altar that purged Isaiah’s lips (Isa. 6:1–7). Whatever this “shining white stone” is, it is to be prized as the victor’s reward. Every believer is a “living stone” (1 Peter 2:5).
- 2:17 We see that there are personal mysteries imparted to God’s people; that is, secrets that are between the believer and Jesus. Only someone devoted to God is to know the meaning of the shining white stone and the name written upon it. In the first century AD, the white stone became an engagement stone. It later took on the form of an engagement ring with the white stone being represented as a diamond. A bridegroom would give his bride a white stone with a special name engraved upon it, a pet name of endearment as lovers for life. Such names could be embarrassing and thus were kept secret and used only between themselves. Only one person in the world could call a woman by that special name, and that would be her husband, her beloved.
1 John 3:7 New Living Translation
7 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous.
2 Timothy 2:15 The Passion Translation
15 Always be eager to present yourself before God as a perfect and mature minister, without shame, as one who correctly explains the Word of Truth.
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