hearts joys

hearts joys

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Ambassadors

We are here to be a light to the Way.  Where we currently reside if we are believer's in Messiah is not our home or country.  An Ambassador represents his home country.  If we truly represent the Father we must live the lifestyle we are instructed to by the Father.  Consider Sampson.  When he was confronting the culture he was effective.  When he tried to join the culture he was ineffective 
Php 2:15 in order that you be blameless and faultless, 
children of Elohim without blemish in the midst of a 
crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine 
as lights in the world, 
 
 
     Sampson is an example of being called to be different. 
His was the vow of the Nazarite. He was to be unique, 
set-apart for Yahweh’s purposes. Sampson was not effective 
in his calling as a visual aid for one reason. He went down 
to the Philistines and 
rather than being in confrontation to the culture there, he 
chose to participate in it. This is what I see in the churches 
today and why following Abba’s instructions are so important. 
Sampson’s big failure was not so much in violating his Nazarite 
vow but in beginning to participate in the cultural value 
system that he was supposed to be confronting. 
     It is completely impossible for us to live out this 
Elohim – centered existence in confrontation of the cultural 
values that we live with and with which we disagree if we 
are openly or even secretly participating in the value 
system in which we oppose. The great failure of Christianity 
is its tendency to adopt the cultural values and the 
lifestyle values of the very culture we are supposed 
to be distinct from. Just as when Sampson lived a 
lifestyle completely separated to Elohim’s values 
he was effective, so too when we live according to 
Abba’s instructions we can be effective. When Sampson 
compromised with the value system he represented he 
lost his power and effectiveness. The same thing 
happens to us. Our task is to be a part of this 
confrontation between the culture of Elohim and 
the culture of the world. Our task begins and ends 
with discipleship for ourselves and our family. We 
must recognize that “faith is more often than not 
counter-cultural, that the values it elevates – 
selflessness, love, faith – are often ignored, 
belittled, or perverted by the society we live in. 
And if Jesus really is Lord, as the Gospels, the 
apostle Paul, and the church insists, then nothing 
else is, so why should it matter what society thinks, 
does, or says?”3  
 
Now pictures from yesterday and today's Menorah lighting

 Today the girls helped their brother-in-law with baking some goodies. For a
running commentary and more pictures visit my daughter's blog at
esthersmeadow.blogspot.com





Shalom 

Monday, December 26, 2016

We the Temple


 Day 2 of our celebration.  For a running commentary on the pictures you can visit my daughters blog at             https//www.esthersmeadow.blogspot.com





















We can have fun besides focusing on rededicating our lives the to the Father.  Now with that in mind I am giving a couple of articles that pertain to this time of year. 


https://www.facebook.com/notes/jim-staley/christmas-hanukkah-and-the-antichrist-part-1/1893972727490675
https://www.facebook.com/notes/jim-staley/christmas-hanukkah-and-the-antichrist-part-2-when-was-jesus-actually-born/1894592807428667


Our bodies, according to Paul, are the temple of the living Elohim. 1Co 6:19  Or do you not know that your body is the Dwelling Place of the Set-apart Spirit who is in you, which you have from Elohim, and you are not your own?
1Co 6:20  For you were bought with a price, therefore esteem Elohim in your body and in your spirit,1 which are of Elohim. Footnote: 1See 7:23, 1 Peter 1:18-19.
If our bodies have been purchased with a price then we should by all means begin renewing them with the head.  Rom 12:1  I call upon you, therefore, brothers, through the compassion of Elohim, to present your bodies a living offering – set-apart, well-pleasing to Elohim – your reasonable worship.
Rom 12:2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.
What do we fill our minds with.  ( I speak to myself here).  What do we spend time looking at and working on.  Do we fill our minds with these things?  Php 4:6  Do not worry at all, but in every matter, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Elohim.
Php 4:7  And the peace of Elohim, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Messiah יהושע.
Php 4:8  For the rest, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is righteous, whatever is clean, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any uprightness and if there is any praise – think on these.
Php 4:9  And what you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, practise these, and the Elohim of peace shall be with you.

if we are filling our minds with everything pure, lovely and good what do we watch on TV.  If we are working and striving for what honors and brings Esteem to the Father then we begin to fill our minds with these
Deu 6:4  “Hear, O Yisra’ĕl: יהוה our Elohim, יהוה is one!
Deu 6:5  “And you shall love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might.
Deu 6:6  “And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be in your heart,
Deu 6:7  and you shall impress them upon your children, and shall speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up,
Deu 6:8  and shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
Deu 6:9  “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.


Isa 6:9  And He said, “Go, and you shall say to this people, ‘Hearing, you hear, but do not understand; and seeing, you see, but do not know.’
Isa 6:10  “Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and shall turn and be healed.”
Isa 6:11  Then I said, “יהוה, until when?” And He answered, “Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, and the houses are without a man, and the land is laid waste, a ruin,
Isa 6:12  and יהוה has removed men far away, and the forsaken places be many in the midst of the land.
Isa 6:13  “But still, there is a tenth part in it, and it shall again be for a burning, like a terebinth tree and like an oak, whose stump remains when it is cut down. The set-apart seed is its stump!” 

Sunday, December 25, 2016

A Man After Elohim's Heart

This young lady could hardly wait for the time to light our Menorah.  She asked this afternoon, she asked before supper and she worked hard trying to get supper cleaned up so we could gather around the table to light the candles.  Before the big ceremony we sat down and discussed why we are celebrating this day which is not one of the Father's Moedim.  All the girls could tell you about the importance of being a dedicated follower of the Father.  The feast of dedication has begun.


Psa 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psa 19:12  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Psa 19:13  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Psa 19:14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Consider King David.  Scripture calls him a man after Elohim's own heart.  Why.  I would say it is because he loved the instructions given to him by the Father.  Look over the Psalms.  They are filled with love and praise for the Torah.  I think people today who say the Father's instructions are no longer valid because they have been done away with are missing something very important.  They are missing the very words of the Father to His set apart people.  Ps. 1:2,3    Ps. 119.  and more.
Here is another very good post on  re-dedication .

http://www.honorofkings.org/why-revival-really-tarries/

If it is truly your desire to be a man or woman after Elohim's heart I believe you must consider the Father's instructions, Torah to be a vital part of that life style
See  also yesterday's post.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Book part 5. Discipleship

We are beginning to celebrate the feast of dedication 
or Hanukkah tonight.  It is also called the feast of 
lights.   We do not do a lot of the traditions 
associated with this celebration.  We do have 
doughnuts and light the candles.  We focus mainly 
on rededicating our lives to the Father as the temple
 and instruments were rededicated  after the Maccabees 
victory over their oppressors.  With this in mind 
I post another part of my book.  I trust that this 
will bless you and encourage you to live the way in 
which the Father desires all of His children to, Set
Apart for Him. 

DISCIPLESHIP: 


     Discipleship is the key point around which all the rest of what 
we do revolves. If we don’t grasp discipleship as a way of life for
 ourselves we might as well not continue from here. If we picture a 
wagon wheel with the Scriptures and Yahweh Elohim being the hub and 
discipleship being the rim, the other items being the spokes you 
will get an accurate picture of what this all looks like. How do we
 parent our children in ways which encourage discipleship? The end 
result should be our children internalize the Scriptures and desire 
to follow Elohim whole heartedly. 
     In the western world most people function with a Greek mindset. 
The Greek mindset separates everything into categories and those 
categories do not overlap. It is linear in its thinking. If we try 
to see things from the Hebraic mindset then everything a person does
 revolves around one thing. It is a circular way of thinking. Much 
like a wagon wheel with spokes. That one thing or person happens to
 be Yahweh Elohim. Paul Schutte talks about these different mindsets
 concerning education. I would insert it here as a means of what we 
are trying to do with the discipleship of our family. 
     Here is an excerpt of his article entitled, “Developing a 
Biblical Philosophy of Education.” You may view the entire document 
by visiting the following website www.rivertownbible.org. 
     The understanding of these conflicting educational systems is 
important in determining a Biblical perspective of education. 
Methodology is NOT neutral. Our philosophy will dictate our 
methodology. Our methodology will affect our outcome. We need to 
develop a culture and educational methodology that distinctively 
reflects our love for God. 
(this goes back to what I was saying about keeping Yahweh’s 
instructions) 
     The Greek model of education shapes our modern American 
educational theories. Greek education focused on content. Hebrew 
education focused on relationship. Greek teachers tried to shape 
students' minds. Hebrew teachers tried to shape students' hearts. 
Greek students were to learn what their teacher knew. Hebrew 
students were to become what their teacher was. The notion that one 
can merely teach the mind and body of a child without involving the 
heart and soul is the method of the Greeks. We see no precedent in 
Scripture for the teaching of children's minds for the sake of 
academia. We are to bring every thought captive to Christ. The mind 
of Christ is what we are to model and teach.4
(This has infiltrated our churches. We have people who know the 
Scriptures but lack a personal relationship with the Father). 
     A learned scholar, Canon H. Goudge, of the Church of England 
remarked: When the Greek and Roman mind, instead of the Hebrew mind, came 
to dominate the church” (starting with some of the early church 
fathers, such as Augustine in the 400’s a.d.) “there occurred a 
disaster in belief and practice from which we have never recovered, 
either in doctrine or practice.”5
     Personally, if we are to get back to the roots of believing and 
living the way the apostles did, we must start before the time of 
Constantine. All of the beliefs from Constantine forward are subject 
to scrutiny and should be carefully considered in light of 
the whole of Scripture as following the Way has changed since that 
time. 
     Jack Deere puts it this way Knowing the Bible is not the same thing as knowing God. Loving 
the Bible is not the same thing as loving God. Reading the Bible is 
not the same thing as hearing God. The Pharisees knew the Bible, 
loved the Bible and read the Bible but they did not know, love or 
hear God.”6

Scripture defines discipleship this way. 

Deu 6:5  “And you shall love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being,
 and with all your might. 
Deu 6:6 “And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be in 
your heart, 
Deu 6:7 and you shall impress them upon your children, and shall 
speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the 
way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up, 
Deu 6:8 and shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall 
be as frontlets between your eyes. 
Deu 6:9 “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and
 on your gates. 

Also in the New Testament we are told in everything we do, we are to 
do it with one purpose. 

1Co 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, 
do all to the esteem of Elohim. 

     This I call discipleship. Discipleship is leading or guiding 
someone in becoming a follower of a teacher, leader or philosophy. 
In our case we become disciples or followers of the Messiah or 
Yahshua and the Word of Elohim. 
     In discipling our children we want them to be obedient to the 
voice of our Abba El (Daddy Elohim). So the Scriptures become 
important to us in determining just what it is Abba El desires of 
us or has for us to do. The Scriptures are the Word of Elohim. They 
are His words for us. When we steep ourselves in His Word we learn 
to recognize His voice. He will not say anything which is contrary 
to His written word. Here we need to be careful that it is His Word 
we are in obedience to and not the teachings or doctrines of men. We 
desire something different for our family. We want them to be able 
to know, love and hear Elohim and to serve Him with their whole 
hearts. 
     David Kupelian in Whistle Blower magizine had this to say about 
the battle believers are involved in today. “Today America and 
Europe are being transformed by Islam because there is a spiritual 
vacuum in these once Christian lands... all the vain, prideful 
fantasies of the post-Christian, secular, multiculturalism – 
worshiping Europeans are crashing down around them. Having traded 
the Christian faith of their fathers for the smug, self-righteous 
ecstasy of the socialist welfare state. Europeans have no strength 
left with which to fight back the invading hordes...We need to 
remember...to realize the bottom line reality that man is a 
spiritual creature and that he will have faith, one way or the 
other.
 If he doesn't embrace true faith, he will embrace false faith. 
It's not only automatic it's God ordained.” The war before us “ 
at core a spiritual war and therefore we cannot and will not win 
it without God. Indeed our national faithlessness, immorality and 
rebellion against Him, our abandonment of His wholesome laws of life 
and the resulting self doubt and self loathing we experience and the 
perverse policies such self hatred inspires – all this draws the 
barbarian hordes to us. To truly turn the tide of battle and win the 
greater war, we need nothing less than a genuine national awakening, 
a rebirth of faith and trust in Almighty God, and a rediscovery of 
the core biblical values...”7

     In this book I am suggesting we are unable to meet the coming 
tide of unbelief unless we turn back to discipleship as outlined 
here. Not the current discipleship we find in churchianity. But 
actually becoming a life student of the Messiah. I believe this 
would include going back and rediscovering that He taught and 
practiced obedience to the instructions of His Father found in the 
Torah or the first five books of the Bible. If we truly face the 
facts people are leaving churchianity. It is steeped in traditions 
that are not biblical. So let us go back and find the truth that 
has 
been lost. The Hebrew word for disciple is talmid…the word implies one 
who is constantly learning – a life student. More specifically a 
disciple is a lifelong student of his rabbi. It is this we are 
called to create…”8 

Mat 28:19 “Therefore, go and make taught ones of all the nations, 
immersing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the 
Set-apart Spirit, 
Mat 28:20 teaching them to guard all that I have commanded you. And 
see, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Amen. Being a disciple implies that we are fully able to transmit, 
communicate and demonstrate the message of our rabbi through our 
teaching and our life practice.”9

     As we will see throughout the remainder of the book the cost of 
discipleship will involve a radical commitment. It may require some 
radical changes in the way in which we think and live our lives. The 
question remains, will it be worth it? In this world we live in and 
the churches we attend “the influence of our secular culture has 
rubbed off all signs of our devotion and in many cases caused us to 
be “Christ like in name only. We have accepted salvation, a label, a 
creed or a doctrine, 
but have forsaken our master in our daily lives. The disciples Jesus 
called left everything and followed him…”10 
     The greatest area of error in Christianity today is that of 
accepting pagan teaching and philosophy and adapting it to teach 
about our Messiah and discipleship. The Greek philosophers Plato and 
Socrates taught “knowledge is virtue. Good depends on the extent of 
one’s knowledge. Hence, the teaching of knowledge is the teaching of 
virtue. Herein lies the  root and stem of contemporary Christian 
education. It is built on the Platonic idea that knowledge is the 
equivalent of moral character.”11
     Many pastors in the church are coming to realize that preaching 
sermons on Sunday just isn’t enough. The people in the pews may 
comment on how great the sermon was and then go on their merry way 
without thought of how it can affect the outcome of their own life. 
“These were the very people who were struggling with self-esteem, 
beating their spouses, struggling as workaholics, succumbing to 
their addictions. Their lives weren’t changing. I had to ask myself 
why this great knowledge I was presenting didn’t move from their 
heads to their hearts and their lives. And I began to realize that 
the breakdown in the church was actually based on what we learned in 
seminary. We were taught that if you just give people information, 
that’s enough!12
     Discipleship is the key. It is a lifestyle. We do not take in 
information just to have an idea of what the Master taught. We do 
not want our lives to be ruled by do’s and don’ts. We follow Abba’s 
instructions for His people because of our love for Him.  He has 
given us instructions for life in order that our lives become filled 
with meaning and purpose. In internalizing and making His 
instructions a part of our life we become His set-apart people. We 
become people that are different from the world around us. We become
 people who make a difference and in which others can see a 
difference. We become disciples of Master Yahshua our Messiah. 

Act 4:13  And seeing the boldness of Kĕpha and Yoḥanan, and perceiving that they were 
unlearned and ordinary men, they marvelled. And they recognised that they had been with 
 יהושע.
 
     The New Testament teaches us Yahweh Elohim is spirit. Because He 
is spirit we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. He is known to 
us by His revelation (spiritual insight) to the human spirit. 
The reason and intellect, as we have seen, can cause us to know 
about Elohim and give us a means to communicate and share what we 
know. But they fall short of the goal of being able to worship 
Elohim. We cannot deeply know Elohim through the gateway of our 
intellect or emotions. So much of what we see and hear in 
Christianity today is geared to touch our emotions and 
intellect. A. W. Tozer had this to say, “Divine truth is of 
the nature of spirit and for that reason can be received only 
by spiritual revelation….God’s thoughts belong to the spirit 
world of intellect, and while spirit can embrace intellect, 
the human intellect can never comprehend spirit…. Man by 
reason cannot know God; he can only know about God…. Man’s 
reason is a fine instrument and useful within its field. It 
was not given as an organ by which to know God.”13 
     
     To put this simply, we can have extensive Bible knowledge, a high
 powered intellect and super reasoning skills, but these things will 
not automatically produce within us a deep and lasting spiritual 
relationship with Yahshua in a way in which we can impart a life-
changing revelation of Him to others. Someone once wisely said “It 
is the heart which perceives God, and not the reason.” With these 
thoughts in mind let us turn our attention to the how of discipleship. 
     If discipleship is becoming like your instructor, then we must 
become like Yahshua. So what was Yahshua like? As we saw at the 
beginning of the book, Yahshua could not do anything apart from the 
Father. The words He spoke, the commands He followed were those of 
the Father. Yahshua didn’t follow His own agenda. It was in complete 
obedience to the Father that He came. Our quest for becoming 
disciples of Yahshua must also begin with being in obedience to the 
Father’s instructions for His set-apart people. 
     The Father is pretty explicit in what He expects of those who 
worship and serve Him. It can be summed up in one word: obedience. 
We can see over and over again in the Scriptures where Yahweh 
Elohim  tells His people to “guard” or “keep” His instructions and 
commands. Even Yahshua told His disciples “If you love me keep my 
commands”. Yahshua did not follow His own agenda. It was in complete 
obedience to the Father that He came and in the things He said and
 did. Yahshua was in complete obedience to His Father, and that is 
where we must start if we desire to be His disciples. 
     Throughout the Scriptures we find the importance of being in 
obedience to the instructions of Yahweh. In Deuteronomy we are told 
to guard or keep His commands. This word is a very interesting word 
picture in the Hebrew. 

Strongs #8104: 
V) .... 
(.... 
Sh-MR) -Guard: To watch over or guard in the sense of preserving or 
protecting. [freq. 468] (vf: Paal, Niphal, Hitpael, Piel, Participle)
 |kjv: keep, observe, heed, keeper, preserve, beware, mark, watchman,
 wait, watch, regard, save. 

 To consume 

. Might 

. Highest, most important 
     When we put these Hebrew letters together we have the definition 
of “consuming with ones might or life, the words that come from the 
Most High.” It is these words of life we are to impart to our 
children and families. Not only are we to guard and keep the Father’s
 instructions, which tell us the way in which we are to walk but we 
are also to be in obedience to them out of our love for Him. Our 
obedience does not save us or cause Elohim to look more favorable 
upon us. It is simply a demonstration of our love for our Father in 
heaven. 
     People often pursue goals in different fields of interest with 
single-mindedness. They often give themselves wholeheartedly to the 
pursuit of goals which have no ultimate or lasting value. Is it too 
much to ask that we, who are followers of Yahshua, dedicate 
ourselves to the only goal in life which really lasts for eternity? 

1Sa 15:22  Then Shemu’ĕl said, “Does יהוה delight in burnt offerings and slaughterings, as in obeying 
the voice of יהוה? Look, to obey is better than an offering, to heed is better than the fat of rams.
1Sa 15:23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and 
stubbornness is as wickedness and idolatry. 

     Let’s look at a couple of other passages that help to shed light 
on our being disciples. 

     .Jos 24:15  “And if it seems evil in your eyes to serve יהוה, choose for yourselves this day whom you are 
going to serve, whether the mighty ones which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the 
mighty ones of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But I and my house, we serve יהוה.
Jos 24:19  Then Yehoshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve יהוה, for He is a 
set-apart Elohim, a jealous Ěl is He. He does not bear with your transgression and with 
your sins, 

     This is part Joshua’s last address to the people of Israel. This 
statement is found in many homes today, “as for me and my house, we 
will serve the Lord”. I want to take a deeper look at the word 
“serve”. 
     The Hebrew word serve comes from an Aramaic root meaning to do 
or make. This leads to “work” or “serve”. In the case of service to 
the Most High it becomes an act of worship or obedience. The Hebrew 
word picture shows a statement of service or obedience as being the 
pathway in which one enters into the family. We must learn to be 
obedient to the Father’s instructions without trying to impose our 
own interpretation or desires into what He plainly tells us in the 
Scriptures. In light of what we find in Matt. I believe this aspect 
is extremely important. 

     Mat 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall 
enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire 
of My Father in the heavens. 
Mat 7:22 “Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we 
not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and 
done many mighty works in Your Name?’ 
Mat 7:23 “And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, 
depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!’1 Footnote: 1 See v. 15. 

     Allowing ourselves to be disciples and teaching our children to 
be disciples of Yahshua “involves intentionally overseeing the 
generational transfer of the faith in such a way that children learn 
to consistently live all of life under God’s divine rule….We have 
been called to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and 
strength as well as to love others as ourselves (Luke 10:27 
Deut 6).”14 
     If we are to accept the call to a life of discipleship we are 
to live our lives counter to the culture around us. It means we are 
to live life with an awareness that constantly demonstrates we are 
guarding to keep the values and instructions that point the way in 
which we are to go, the very instructions which Yahweh Elohim gave 
to His set-apart people rather than the values and norms of the 
society in which we live. As we go out and touch the world around 
us we bring the Word of Elohim to life. This message of the Word 
is so much more important than programs and buildings. It is more 
important than the acceptance or favor of friends, neighbors or 
even relatives. In fact, living this way we cannot expect praise, 
honor or esteem from mankind as we travel this often lonely path we 
call life. The message of the Word and being counter culture is not 
about us. It is about living our life so transparent that the message
 of Yahweh Elohim can be seen through us. This message seen through  
us is the reflection of the glory or esteem of the one true Elohim 
and Him alone. 
     Soren Kierkegaard argues in “Fear and Trembling,” if we are not 
willing to give up the things we love most for Elohim, then we make 
a mockery of our love for Abba El. Even if we give them grudgingly, 
they in fact become idols in our life and usurp the place which 
rightfully belongs to Him. To truly be a disciple of the Messiah
 is to walk a path which has always brought controversy and conflict
 in its wake. As a result many have partaken in the same fate as our
 Messiah, Yahshua of Nazareth. 













Saturday, September 10, 2016

Is Context Important?

I have been doing quite a bit of pondering and working through some things people have said to me.  So it has been a while since I have last posted.  Not only that, but we have been trying to get settled into where we are currently living.  Now, getting that all out of the way, let me proceed.
   As much as I would like what I have been seeing in the Scriptures to be non-offensive, it is quite plain that much of what the Scriptures say is offensive.  It can be offensive to those not wanting to believe the Scriptures, it can be offensive to those wanting to believe their church's doctrine over the plain teaching of what the Scriptures actually say in their totality.  This being said, is it my intent and purpose to offend?  Of course not; my purpose is and always has been to get people to stop and think about the things they are being taught from the pulpits of their churches.  It is getting people to be Bereans and study the Scriptures with their church's doctrine put aside.  People take offense because what I have said challenges what the church has been teaching for hundreds of years.  People take offense because it is easier than going to the Scriptures and seeing for themselves what the Scriptures teach rather than the church.  Today's Christianity looks nothing like what the Messiah taught His followers in the first century.  Questions you should be asking are 1.  Did Yahshua come to bring in a new religion,? Or 2.  did He come to put into practice and fully teach the words of the Father?  This leads me to just how important is the context of any verse or phrase in the Scriptures.

     If we pull a verse or a phrase out of its context in the Scriptures we can make it say just about anything we want it to.  Take for instance this phrase from Matt 5 that the church chooses to pull out and use to make it say something completely different from what it actually says.

 "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill."

I have been told by those teaching in the churches that this means the Messiah has done away with the law.  He fulfilled it so we do not have to.  Question?  Does this teaching line up with all of Scripture?  Is it even in agreement with all of the context it is in?  I dare say this is being misused to bring an inappropriate understanding of the Scriptures.  It is used to promote a teaching that goes against the context and the very teaching of the Messiah and the Apostles themselves.  Here, look at the immediate context.
Mat 5:17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Mat 5:19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:20  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

The entire context of the passage of chapters 5-7 deals with the future kingdom.  In the beatitudes the Messiah takes the Old Testament promise to those who will be participating in the future kingdom, telling the blessings associated with them and also giving the woes to those who will not be inheriting the kingdom.  Verses 13-16 are giving the responsibilities believers have while they await the kingdom.  Now let's narrow this down to the immediate context.
This is from a different translation.
Mat 5:17  “Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets.1 I did not come to destroy but to complete. Footnote: 1The Law and the Prophets is a term used for the pre-Messianic Scriptures. 
Mat 5:18  “For truly, I say to you, till the heaven and the earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall by no means pass from the Torah till all be done.1 Footnote: 1Lk. 16:17. 
Mat 5:19  “Whoever, then, breaks one of the least of these commands, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the reign of the heavens; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the reign of the heavens. 
Mat 5:20  “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees,1 you shall by no means enter into the reign of the heavens. Footnote: 1Mt. 15:3-9, Mk. 7:7-13, John 7:19, Acts 7:53, Rom. 2:23-27, Gal. 6:13.   
  
The Messiah did not come to abolish, do away or destroy the law, Torah, or instructions of the Father.  Now, the church says that the word fulfill means Messhiah fulfilled the instructions of the Father so we do not have to abide by the instructions of the Father.  
Thayer's Greek definitions have this to say about the word.
 to fulfil, i.e. to cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfilment
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4134

What Yahshua is saying in fulfilling the law or instructions is He is contrasting the true intent of the law with the common Rabbinic interpretation of the day.  He is living it fully and making it fully known as the Father intended it to be known.
If the law or instructions are not done away with this would line up with the teaching of the whole of Scripture.  When the Messiah was here He told us that He followed all of the words of the Father completely.  Else where in the New Testament we are told to follow in the footsteps of the Messiah, to live as He lived.
Let's go down further in this section of verses.  The law or instructions of the Father will not pass away until the heaven and earth pass away.  Are they still here or have I missed something?  

Now, if the law is done away with and that is what we are teaching, according to verse 19 we will be considered the least in the coming kingdom.  The reverse then is also true, if we do, or as Deuteronomy and James puts it, if we guard to do the instructions or law of the Father and are teaching that, then we are considered great in the coming kingdom.  I myself want to be in the latter category.  To guard to do and teach the instructions as a way of demonstrating our love for the Father is what Yahshua tells us in John 14 and 15.
Verse 20 is the key here.  How in the world can our righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees?  The Messiah addressed this over and over in the gospels.  The righteousness of the leading religious people of his day was an outward show of the instructions.  There was something missing and that was what the Messiah was pointing out and ultimately led to His death.  The instructions, Torah, law was never intended to be just an outward show.  It was always intended to be inward and then demonstrated through the things we said and did.  If our outward behavior does not match what is internal then our rightousness is only as good as that of the Pharisees.

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 
1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 
1Jn 2:5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 
1Jn 2:6  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 
1Jn 2:7  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 

Luk 11:28  But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. 

Psa 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 
Psa 19:8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 
Psa 19:9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 
Psa 19:10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 
Psa 19:11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 

When Yahshua said he came to fulfill the law it was with this meaning.  He was here to show the Father's instructions were intended to regulate the motives of our hearts as well as what takes place on the outside.  Not that He was doing away with them and living them so we would not have to.
Be Bereans.  Search it out.  Don't take my word for it.  Your eternity is at stake.

this is an addition to the original post.
Take Peter's vision.  churchianity takes this vision totally out of its context to make it say what they desire it to.  They use this to say Yahweh Elohim is taking away the food laws and make everything clean.  This is in no way what is being said.  In order to understand Peter's vision you must continue to read the interpretation which is given here.  The Father was telling Peter not that all foods were now clean but the the gentiles could now be grafted into Israel.  By the way gentile means "out of covenant".  When we are grafted in we then have become part of Israel.  Not a Jew, for that is those who are in the tribe of Judah. 

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Tire Trouble Tackled Triumphantly

I am sorry I did not get this done sooner.  I was tackling the seepage of 7 inches of rain in our living quarters and was kept busy, some of which I will be posting later.

I last left you all as we headed into Thursday evening and trying to get a good nights sleep.  The journey continued the next day and it was supposed to be a scorcher as well.  We woke up late, some closer to 9 am, but it felt good in the cool of the sheets.  I took the girls, as they became ready, down to the breakfast nook to get something to eat and to start their day.  After seeing that all was progressing I headed out the door to get the last old tire replaced before we hit the road again.  While waiting for the tire to be mounted I was getting the supplies that would help us make it through the heat of the day as we headed North.
    I made sure we had an extra cooler and ice along with plenty of orange juice.  The orange juice seemed to be a big pick me up during the heat of yesterday.  We also had about 4 gallons of water and some light snack stuff for the trip.    Laurie suggested I get about 4 squirt bottles for the girls to mist themselves with.  So we did that and we all had some fun with them on the trip.  Carrie sat behind me and made sure I behaved.  When I didn't she made sure to squirt me well.
    While I was away Laurie was making sure the girls all had showers and started to clean up and pack up so we could load and be on our way as soon as possible.  After arriving back at the hotel I started to gather items that would hold ice and melt so we could have cold water as we needed it.  I loaded the pets and clothing items from the day before and we finally hit the road around 1 pm.  The hotel was very gracious in us leaving a little bit late.  We decided we would travel about 1 to 2 hours and then stop to cool off and let the animals also have a break.  So, once again we entreated our Heavenly Father for a safe trip and loaded up, did our head count and got going.
   We stopped for about a half hour at a rest stop and sat and relaxed in some shade.  We then headed for a gas station for some more ice and a longer stop.  I treated everyone to some ice cream cones and the attendant made a comment on how well behaved the girls all were while they patiently waited for their ice cream.  After continuing on down 80 we noticed there were traffic signs about an accident several miles ahead.  When we got closer the traffic was starting to back up.  It is a good thing we were heading north at that junction and did not arrive later than we did otherwise we would have had to wait to be able to take our turn north.  I also noticed as we headed north that the south bound traffic trying to get on 80 was also backing up.
   As the sun began to set we once again headed for a pit stop.  We were heading to the gas station and noticed a sign of someone running for
sheriff.  The signs says "crooks" for sheriff.  It was also in this community at our pit stop the attendant had a difficult acknowledging the fact that we have a Father who looks after us.  As I talked with her concerning our trip and the Father's protecting hand all she would say is that there was certainly a higher power of some sort looking out for us.  As we pulled out of the station and headed back down the road we said a prayer for her that Abba would open her eyes to the truth.  We had a pleasant trip the rest of the way as the sun went down and the air around us began to cool.  We stopped at the last rest area in Iowa for another break and it was a mess.  I mentioned it to the attendant and they were already beginning to clean.  The most amazing thing about this stop was the flowers.  I walked up a sidewalk to throw some garbage out and I was met with the overwhelming fragrance of these beautiful flowers in full bloom.






 For the most part the remaining part of the trip was uneventful apart from the cheers as we entered the state of Minnesota.  We arrived without further incident at Olivia around 2:30 in the morning a full 48 hours after leaving Illinois.  We got the children all bedded down for the night and began our Sabbath finally getting to bed around 4 am.
   There have been more adventures since arriving and I look forward to filling you in on the details in the coming days.  Until then may the Father bless your lives as you seek to live for Him.  Shalom

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Tire Trouble

We have now officially traded the heat in central Illinois for the heat in central Minnesota.  It took us a long time to get here.  We had some breakdowns along the way and had excessive heat stops so we could cool down.
   After praying for safety and protection along the way, we hit the road about 2:30 am on Thursday July 21.  We made it about an hour down the road when one of the camper tires blew going over a bridge.  With the camper and van swaying madly back and forth, Laurie and the girls screaming, I was able to keep the van and camper on the road.  I pulled over and checked things out.  Everything seemed to check out.  All the tires had air.   Now, the amazing thing is, right after we got back on the road a couple of the girls had to use the restroom.  Talk about timing, when I just get going, I hate stopping so soon.  But this stop was of Yahweh.  I pulled off at the first available exit that would have what we needed.  Since we were at a gas station I thought I might as well fill up so we could go even further before our next stop.  After I helped Laurie and the girls out I walked around the camper to double check things.  That's when I heard a disturbing sound, the sound of air hissing.  It was coming from the rear tire of the camper and then I saw to my dismay a couple of wires poking their way out of the tire.  I filled up and then backed the camper to a spot where we would not be in the way.  I went into the station and explained our situation.  The attendant told me of a place a block away that could possibly help me when they opened.  She also mentioned the owner usually stopped at the station on his way to work. We were stopped for the time being.  At about 5:30 or 6 a disabled gentleman (he was a rough looking sort of man) stopped to see if we needed any help.  He offered me the use of his 3-ton jack, but would have to walk back home first and bring it back with his pickup.  I was able to get the tire off and then continued to wait.  He stayed around and talked and also introduced me to the co-owner of the repair shop.  The owner did not think he had a tire the right size, but this gentleman thought he might know of someone who had a used one.  While the ladies sat and waited he drove me around trying to find the right tire.  The ladies were also visited by a young man about 13 year of age.  Dave, the disabled man, has taken this young man under his wing as he and his mother are on hard times.  When looking for a used tire failed, he took his time to take me 20 minutes back into Peoria to get a new one.  While at the store I got to thinking about the tires on the camper and something told me to get two instead of just the one I needed.  I know who it was that was prompting me:  it was Yahweh Almighty, the El who watches over us.  I offered to pay this gentleman for his time and gas but he refused and just said to pass it on to others who need help.
    In a song we have heard...."on the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again...."  We then were able to get back on the road for a time.  There were other "appointments" for us later in the day.  The sun was up and it was supposed to be hot.   We were headed north and almost to our turn off to head west when the dreaded happened again.  Another tire, only this time on the other side.  So I once again pulled over to the side of the highway, just before a work area.  I called 911 to let them know of our situation and began the wait for help.  Not only was it hot outside, now it was hot in the seat right next to me.  As the sun crept slowly higher in the sky we waited for the state trooper to come so we could get our second tire put on the rim.  After the officer arrived, the girls got out of the van and took turns in the cool of the trooper's car.  They even received a short tour complete with siren.  They told me all about asking to have the handcuffs put on dad.  The tire repaired, the animals watered, I asked if there was a hotel that would take animals which would be near by, as we were all suffering from the heat.  All in all we traveled about 150 miles in 12 hours.  That is just under 10 miles of travel every 45 minutes.
     We found a motel and I was able to get Laurie and the girls settled and I then went off to find something for supper.  When I got back they were all sleeping.  I took a nap for about an hour and then the others were starting to stir.  I gave them lots of orange juice and liquids and then as they became more hungry we started on the food.  By bedtime we were all ready for some much needed rest.  When I finally got everyone to bed and laid down myself I had had one hour of sleep in about 36 hours.  That being said, I was still pretty awake.  So, I spent time thanking our Protector and Provider for all of his help the last few days.  

To be continued.....

Sunday, July 17, 2016

The Heart Part 2

 Heart in Scripture
The heart is mentioned in Scripture many times. The term “heart” is a very important word because Elohim is so deeply concerned about the inner man or the condition of the heart.
1Sa 16:7  But יהוה said to Shemu’ĕl, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him, for not as man sees, for man looks at the eyes, but יהוה looks at the heart.” 
Jer 17:9  “The heart is crooked1 above all, and desperately sick – who shall know it? Footnote: 1See 7:24, 16:12, 18:12, 23:17. 
Jer 17:10  “I, יהוה, search the heart, I try the kidneys, and give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. 
These passages teach us that Yahweh looks at and searches the heart, the inner person. Why is the heart so important? Because the issues of life—our actions, works, pursuits, etc.—all proceed from the heart Pro 4:23  Watch over your heart with all diligence, For out of it are the sources of life. ;Mat 6:21  “For where your treasure is, there your heart shall be also.  Mat 12:34  “Brood of adders! How are you able to speak what is good – being wicked? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. Mat 15:18  “But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and these defile the man.  What we do in word and deed is first of all a product of what we are on the inside.
In His Sermon on the Mount, the Messiah spoke strongly against the mere external, performance-oriented hypocrisy of the religious Pharisees. In Matt 5:17-48, no less than six times He contrasted the mere external approach to the Old Testament Scripture, as it was taught by the Pharisees, with His own teaching which, of course, was accorded with the true design of Elohim's  Word. He did this by the following statements:
“You have heard … but I say to you …” (vss. 21-22)
“You have heard … but I say to you …” (vss. 27-28)
“It was said … but I say to you …” (vss. 31-32)
“You have heard … but I say to you …” (vss. 33-34)
“You have heard … but I say to you …” (vss. 38-39)
“You have heard … but I say to you …” (vss. 43-44)
What was Messiah  showing the people? He was calling their attention to the moral precepts they had been taught by their religious leaders for years, precepts which had their source in the Old Testament Scriptures. But then, with the words, “but I say to you,” He readdressed those same issues as, first and foremost, matters of the heart. This and only this is the true way to live out the instructions of the Father. A true walk for the believer is in an inward, intimate walk with Elohim  by faith. Anything else is nothing more than religious hypocrisy.  We then walk according to the instructions as a demonstration of our love for the Father.
As an example, Messiah  teaches us that adultery and murder begin in the heart. You may not have literally committed adultery, but if you look at a woman or a man with that in view, you have already committed adultery. Where? In your heart! Mat 5:28  “But I say to you that everyone looking at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. . Our walk with God is always a matter of the heart.  This is where the Jews became confused regarding the Father's instructions for His set - apart people.  It was so much more than what was taking place on the outside.
However, as one of the consequences of the fall, people look on the outward appearance.  Elohim, however, is always concerned with the heart, with the reality and condition of what is on the inside. Why? Because if the inside of the cup is clean, so will be the outside.