Monday, April 22, 2013

Enduring by Catching up!!!

I truly need to get back on task and am doing this by playing catch up.  Unfortunately in order to do this I must combine three lessons into one.  We will need to look at Hod of Netzach, Yesod of Netzach and Malchut of Netzach.

Hod of Netzach is realizing the strength to endure comes not from within you, but from HASHEM. It is only from Him that you have the strength and ability to endure to the end and reap the reward of endurance.  This does not mean you are weak, but rather that you have an infinite source of power which goes beyond anything YOU can possibly achieve on your own.  In essence, it makes you undefeatable!  Remember that we are told in His Word:

"Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with His mighty strength!  Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary.  For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.  So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing.  Therefore, stand!"    Ephesians 6:10-14

Yesod of Netzach is being committed to the thing you are enduring about to the point of no return.  You will let nothing deter you from carrying out your task.  Do you remember the verse about "resisted to the point of the shedding of blood"?  That is commitment!   How committed are you to the person or thing you are enduring for?  I haven't really touched on our endurance possibly being for a person, (and I'm not necessarily talking about looking for a mate, single ladies out there!).  Are you enduring over someone who is lost?  Are you enduring to the point of even giving up your own life over someone who the rest of society has given up on?  Perhaps you should go back and read my post on "Broken Mirrors" from December 8, 2012.

Malchut of Netzach is the culmination of our entire week of the Counting of the Omer of Netzach.  Malchut is all about reaching the maturity level of endurance.  As I run this race of endurance, how am I perceived?  Am I a whiner who constantly complains about every little ache and pain and obstacle that arises?  Am I attracting attention to myself as I show off the things I accomplish along the way?  Or, do I bring glory and honor to the one who has called, equipped and given me all the strength to accomplish every inch of the marathon?

When I approach the finish line of this race of endurance, I want to hear the words,

"You have done well, good and faithful servant.........Enter your master's joy!"  Matthew 25:21

We begin a new week tomorrow, the week of Hod - Humility.  Are you ready?  Shalom!~~~~~~

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