Sons of Obedience

Baruch YHWH

2011-11-17T05:00:00.001-08:00

Bm Em F# Bm Em F# Bm

Baruch YHWH Elohai Yisrael YHWH, Blessed is YHWH

Bm Em F# Bm Em F# Bm

Baruch YHWH Elohai Yisrael YHWH, Blessed is YHWH

D Em G A D Em Bm

Min Ha-olam V’ad olam praise His name forever and again

D Em G A Bm Em F# G A

Min Ha-olam V’ad olam Blessed is YHWH The El of Yisrael….||..

Bm G D A Bm G D A

So let the nations sing and praise Him and Yisrael will say Amein

Bm G D A Em Bm A Bm

Sing all you nations HalleluYah and Yisrael will say amein

Bm G D A Bm G D A

So let the nations sing and praise Him and Yisrael will say Amein

Bm G D A Em Bm A Bm

Sing all you nations HalleluYah and Yisrael will say Amein

Em Bm A F#

And Yisrael will say…….

He Is My Defense

2011-11-17T04:58:00.000-08:00

He is My Defense

By Marty Goetz

Em A Am Em

My Soul Wait Thou Only Only Upon Yah

Em G A Am Em
For From Him Is My Expectation

Em A Am Em
My Soul Wait Thou Only Only Upon Yah

Em G A Am Em C-D
For From Him Is My Expectation

Em A Em A C D G D

He Is My Defense I Shall Not Be Mo-ved
Em    A        Em   A        C    D   Em
He Is My Defense I Shall Not Be Moved
Em    A       Em    A        C    D   G    D
He Is My Defense I Shall Not Be Mo-ved
Em    A        Em   A        C    D   Em            C    D     Em
He Is My Defense I Shall Not Be Moved;      not be moved

Em A Am Em

My Messiah Only He Only Is My Rock
Em         G          A       Am Em
And The Horn Of My Salvation
Em                   A         Am            Em
Yes My Yeshua Only He Only Is My Rock
Em        G          A        Am Em            C-D
And The Horn Of My Salvation

Em A Am Em G A Am Em

Sh’ma Yisrael YHWH Elohenu YHWH YHWH Echad
Em A Am Em G A Am Em
Baruch Shem K’vod Malchuto L’olam L’olam Va’ed

Wholehearted? part 2

2011-09-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

In the post I wrote regarding being "wholehearted" I never really got around to the "whole" part of the word. Now I know why. Wholehearted does not appear in the english as far as I can find. Neither could I find a word in the Hebrew that had a picture of being "wholehearted". Of course it may be there and you might know what it is. So if you do i would appreciate a little help.

The first post I looked at the word "lev(heart)". In the ancient Hebrew we can see that "lev" is the picture of "the authority within".

In the next post we looked at David and a man after YHWH' own heart.

So back to The Scriptures. I began to search out the word "lev(heart)" and I found something interesting. One particular word appeared along with it many times. The word is "return". So I was off to the races after that. The strongs concordance said that this word appeared only "263 times in 239 verses". So I read most of them. Then I went to the Hebrew to find the word "shuv", it means "to turn back to where you came from".
In the ancient Hebrew I'm still not sure but the letters are (shin-teeth, vav-nail or peg, vet-house or family). The only picture I could see that was in context is to grab something with your teeth to secure yourself to the family. I'm not sure that is right so don't take my word for it. Anyway as I was looking through the definitions I noticed that the numbers didn't add up. The word "shuv' it said appears 1066 times? I know I'm not a mathematician but this one doesn't add up. Here's why.

Shuv appears 1066 times as
return 391, again 248, turn 123, back 65, away 56, restore 39, bring 34, render 19, answer 18, recompense 8, recover 6, deliver 5, put 5, withdraw 5, requite 4,
misc 40 times as (in any case, at all, averse, call to mind, cease, certainly, consider, continually, convert, deny, fro, go out, hinder, let, see more, needs, be past, pay, pervert, recall, refresh, relieve, rescue, retrieve, reverse, reward, say nay, still, surely, turn.

To me it looks as if someone was confused. Rather than look at The Scriptures for what they say men decide to interpret them and some if not all of the meaning is lost. Or can it be possible that our Elohim wants to confuse us? So what, do we need someone to teach us the meaning of individual scriptures? Sometimes entire doctrines are written with just a part of a verse. I don't believe our Elohim wants to confuse us, for the scriptures tell us.

1Jn 2:26 I have written this to you concerning those who lead you astray.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him stays in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as the same anointing does teach you concerning all, and is true, and is no falsehood, and even as it has taught you, you stay in Him.

This verse does not mean that we are all that smart and therefore do not have a need to be taught, rather that YHWH has given us His word and His Ruach HaKodesh to see for ourselves THE TRUTH.

So anyway back to the subject at hand.

1. Lev (heart) the authority within, who is the authority within us?
2. A man after YHWH' own heart, how do we get there?

Deu 30:1 “And it shall be, when all these words come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you shall bring them back to your heart among all the gentiles where יהוה your Elohim drives you,
Deu 30:2 and shall turn back to יהוה your Elohim and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, with all your heart and with all your being, you and your children,
Deu 30:8 “And you shall turn back and obey the voice of יהוה and do all His commands which I command you today.
1Sa 7:3 And Shemu’ĕl spoke to all the house of Yisra’ĕl, saying, “If you return to יהוה with all your hearts, then put away the foreign mighty ones and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts for יהוה, and serve Him only, so that He delivers you from the hand of the Philistines.”
1Ki 8:48 and they shall turn back to You with all their heart and with all their being in the land of their enemies who led them away captive, and shall pray to You toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen and the House which I have built for Your Name,
2Ch 6:24 “And if Your people Yisra’ĕl are smitten before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and they shall turn back and confess Your Name, and pray and make supplication before You in this House,
2Ch 6:38 and when they return to You with all their heart and with all their being in the land of their captivity, where they have taken them captive, and they shall pray toward their land which You gave to their fathers, and the city which You have chosen, and toward the House which I have built for Your Name,
2Ch 30:6 And the runners went to all Yisra’ĕl and Yehuḏah with the letters from the sovereign and his leaders, and spoke according to the command of the sovereign, “Children of Yisra’ĕl, turn back to יהוה Elohim of Aḇraham, Yitsḥaq, and Yisra’ĕl, so that He returns to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the sovereigns of Ashshur.
2Ch 30:9 “For if you turn back to יהוה, your brothers and your children shall be shown compassion by their captors, even to return to this land. For יהוה your Elohim shows favour and compassion, and does not turn His face from you if you turn back to Him.”
Job 22:23 If you return to the Almighty, you are built up. If you remove unrighteousness far from your tents,
Job 36:10 And He opens their ear for discipline, and commands that they turn back from wickedness.
Psa 90:3 You turn man back to dust, And say, “Return, O children of men.”
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 10:21 A remnant shall return, the remnant of Yaʽaqoḇ, to the Mighty Ěl.
Isa 10:22 For though your people, O Yisra’ĕl, be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return – a decisive end, overflowing with righteousness.
Isa 19:22 And יהוה shall smite Mitsrayim, smite it and heal it. And they shall turn to יהוה, and He shall hear them and heal them.
Isa 35:10 And the ransomed of יהוה shall return and enter Tsiyon with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isa 44:22 “I shall wipe out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I shall redeem you.”
Isa 45:23 “I have sworn by Myself, a word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, so that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue swear.
Isa 51:11 And let the ransomed of יהוה return. And they shall come to Tsiyon with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. Let them attain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isa 55:7 Let the wrong forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to יהוה, who has compassion on him, and to our Elohim, for He pardons much.
Jer 3:1 Elohim said, “If a man puts away his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, does he return to her again? Would not that land be made greatly unclean? But you have committed whoring with many lovers. And would you return to Me?” declares יהוה.
Jer 3:12 “Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, O backsliding Yisra’ĕl,’ declares יהוה, ‘I shall not look on you in displeasure, for I am kind,’ declares יהוה, ‘and I do not bear a grudge forever.
Jer 3:13 ‘Only, acknowledge your crookedness, because you have transgressed against יהוה your Elohim, and have scattered your ways to strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed My voice,’ declares יהוה.
Jer 3:14 “Return, O backsliding children,” declares יהוה, “for I shall rule over you, and shall take you, one from a city and two from a clan1, and shall bring you to Tsiyon. Jer 4:1 “If you do return, O Yisra’ĕl,” declares יהוה, “return to Me. And if you remove your abominations from My presence, and cease straying,
Jer 5:3 O יהוה, are Your eyes not on truth? You have smitten them, but they have not grieved. You have consumed them, but they have refused to receive instruction. They made their faces harder than rock, they refused to turn back.
Jer 8:5 “Why then has this people, Yerushalayim, turned away in a continual backsliding? They cling to deceit, they refuse to turn back.
Jer 12:15 “And it shall be, after My plucking them out, I shall return, and have compassion on them and bring them back, everyone to his inheritance and everyone to his land.
Jer 15:19 Therefore thus said יהוה, “If you turn back, then I shall bring you back. Before Me you shall stand. And if you take out the precious from the worthless, you shall become as My mouth. Let them return to you, but do not return to them.
Jer 18:11 “And now, speak to the men of Yehuḏah and to the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, saying, ‘Thus said יהוה, “See, I am forming evil and devising a plan against you. Return now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your deeds good.” ’ ”
Jer 23:3 “Therefore I shall gather the remnant of My flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and shall bring them back to their fold. And they shall bear and increase.
Jer 23:14 “And among the prophets of Yerushalayim I have seen a horrible matter: committing adultery and walking in falsehood. And they strengthen the hands of evil ones, so that no one turns back from his evil. All of them are like Seḏom to Me, and her inhabitants like Amorah.

As I see it in the Scriptures a man who has YHWH as "the authority within" is a man after YHWH' own heart and he remains there as David did because YHWH is a loving and compassionate Father. His kindness is so great towards me I can't possibly measure or fathom it. It shames me for all the times I have found something else more important than Him. But He will not tarry forever. As always I write specifically to the men. Where are the men? In the last week there were 4 men that i spoke with. All claim to be christians in some way shape or form. One doesn't want to take another breath, He has no will to live. The other three didn't want to talk after I brought up scripture. What else can we possibly have time for? I hear the Ruach HaKodesh whispering "repent, wash yourself, make yourself clean, as a bride pure and spotless. I don't want to be outside the city, I want to touch His face. Right where they ripped out His beard. He allowed them to do it for YOU and me. I can't even imagine what seeing THE MESSIAH will be like. But I want to be there.

I pray that all those who love YHWH with all their heart, soul and might be strengthened for the times ahead; that YHWH create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us; that we be discerning of the spirits and only listen to the voice of YHWH our Elohim. And that we may see and love all as YHWH sees and loves. Shalom blessings to you in the name of Yahashua HaMashiach.

2Ch 16:9 “For the eyes of יהוה diligently search throughout all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect to Him. You have acted foolishly in this, so from now on you shall have battles.”
Jer 23:20 The displeasure of יהוה shall not turn back until He has done and established the purposes of His heart. In the latter days you shall understand it perfectly.
Jer 24:7 ‘And I shall give them a heart to know Me, that I am יהוה. And they shall be My people and I shall be their Elohim, for they shall turn back to Me with all their heart.

YHWH has sought Him a man after His own heart

2011-08-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

The above title bears the words that were spoken of the future king of Yisrael. In my opinion also the greatest psalmist in scripture. In the previous post we looked at the definition of the Hebrew word "lev" which has been translated to heart in the english language. We see that the Hebrew definition of the word "lev" means "The Authority within". We looked at pharoah as an example of a wicked heart. But now we will at David, my favorite character in scripture after the Messiah. When people talk of David some people have a hard time. For great was the sin he committed with Bethsheva. Even unto the murder of Uriyah the hittite. Yet when confronted by Natan the prophet David has already been forgiven.

2Sa 12:13 And Daviḏ said to Nathan, “I have sinned against יהוה.” And Nathan said to Dawiḏ, “Also, יהוה has put away your sin, you shall not die.

Wait a minute, for in The Torah David should be put to death for just one of these sins. In fact those were David's own words.

2Sa 12:5 And the wrath of Daviḏ burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As יהוה lives, the man who has done this is a son of death!

What is so special about David that YHWH as in verse 13 has already put away David's sin. When Sha'ul the previous king transgressed the first time it was told him the kingdom would be taken from him.

1Sa 13:13 And Shemu’ĕl said to Sha’ul, “You have been foolish. You have not guarded the command of יהוה your Elohim, which He commanded you. For now יהוה would have established your reign over Yisra’ĕl forever.
1Sa 13:14 “But now, your reign is not going to stand. יהוה shall seek for Himself a man after His own heart1, and יהוה shall command him to be leader over His people, because you have not guarded what יהוה commanded you.

The above verse also has the entrance of David for the first time in The Scriptures. The above verse is also the one the Ruach HaKodesh has put upon my "lev"(heart).

The prophet Shemu'el is instructed to go to Yishai in 1 Sam 16:1. As always the father parades the oldest and strongest first all the way to the end of his sons. But none of them is YHWH'S anointed, until. The one who was keeping the sheep is brought in.

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.”

1Sa 16:11 And Shemu’ĕl said to Yishai, “Are these all the young men?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and see, he is tending the sheep.” And Shemu’ĕl said to Yishai, “Send and bring him, for we do not turn round till he comes here.”
1Sa 16:12 And he sent and brought him in. And he was ruddy, withal of beautiful eyes, and goodly to look upon. And יהוה said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is the one!”

Contrary to many beliefs David was not a little boy either, he was a young man.

1Sa 16:18 And one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Yishai the Bĕyth Leḥemite, that is skillful in playing, and a mighty man of valour, and a man of war, and skilled in words, and a handsome man. And יהוה is with him.”

Why was YHWH with David? Was it because he was a handsome man? 1 Sam 16:7 tells us YHWH looks on the heart, so no. Was it because he was a man of war. For surely he was skilled in combat. He killed Goliath, a man who made all of the men of Y'israel tremble. Surely it was not for this.
We may not ever know why YHWH forgave David his sin and allowed him to live but perhaps this is why.

Psa 3:2 Many are saying of me, “There is no deliverance for him in Elohim.” Selah.
Psa 3:3 But You, O יהוה, are a shield for me, My esteem, and the One lifting up my head.
Psa 3:4 I cried to יהוה with my voice, And He heard me from His set-apart mountain. Selah.
Psa 3:5 I, I laid down and slept; I awoke, for יהוה sustained me.

Psa 4:7 You have put more gladness in my heart, Than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
Psa 4:8 I lie down in peace altogether, and sleep; For You alone, O יהוה, make me dwell in safety.

Psa 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; Let them ever shout for joy, because You shelter them; And let those who love Your Name exult in You.
Psa 5:12 For You bless the righteous, O יהוה; You surround him with favour as with a shield.

Psa 18:1 I love You, O יהוה, My strength.
Psa 18:2 יהוה is my rock and my stronghold and my deliverer; My Ěl is my rock, I take refuge in Him; My shield and the horn of my deliverance, my high tower.
Psa 18:3 I call upon יהוה, the One to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.

Probably the most well known psalm.

Psa 23:1 יהוה is my shepherd; I do not lack.
Psa 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
Psa 23:3 He turns back my being; He leads me in paths of righteousness For His Name’s sake.
Psa 23:4 When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil. For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psa 23:5 You spread before me a table in the face of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Psa 23:6 Only goodness and kindness follow me All the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the House of יהוה, To the length of days!

The point:

David was whole-heartedly devoted to YHWH. There was definately a deep personal relationship between them. But I do not believe that was all. In The Scriptures we have many examples of men and women who loved YHWH with all their heart, mind and strength. But I believe they were poured out so to speak. They were poured out as examples for those who would come after them. There is always a pattern (cycle) in The Scriptures.

Heb 11:13 In belief all these died, not having received the promises, but seeing them from a distance, welcomed and embraced them, and confessed that they were aliens and strangers on the earth.
Heb 11:16 and behold they decide that which is more excellent and set-apart and heavenly is this Elohim. Therefore Elohim is not ashamed to be called their Elohim, for He has prepared a city for them.
Heb 11:24 By belief, Mosheh, having become great, refused to be called the son of the daughter of Pharaoh,
Heb 11:25 choosing rather to be afflicted with the people of Elohim than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time,
Heb 11:26 deeming the reproach of Messiah greater riches than the treasures in Mitsrayim, for he was looking to the reward.
Heb 11:32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to relate of Gidʽon and Baraq and Shimshon and Yiphtaḥ, also of Dawiḏ and Shemu’ĕl and the prophets,
Heb 11:33 who through belief, overcame reigns, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty in battle, put foreign armies to flight.
Heb 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. And others were tortured, not accepting release, to obtain a better resurrection.
Heb 11:36 And others had trial of mockings and floggings and more, of chains and imprisonment.
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn in two, they were slain with the sword. They went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being in need, afflicted, mistreated,
Heb 11:38 of whom the world was not worthy – wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes of the earth.
Heb 11:39 And having obtained witness through the belief, all these did not receive the promise,
Heb 11:40 Elohim having provided what is better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
.

I believe ours is a battle like theirs, one fought till our knees are bloody. The world has dimmed our sight and made us to follow after her. But all those who are truly born of Mashiach and desire after Him, will not be ashamed. The world puts us up as a mockery any who will "dance in the streets" praising YHWH our Elohim. All of the "men and women of "emunah (faith)" the world has tried to strip from our memory. So let us remember The Mashiach Yeshua and the example he has made. For surely there was never a truer or purer heart than His!

No more will we trust in the ways of this world. But rather we will walk with our heart after our Elohim. Only then will we be able to be offered up as a burnt offering that is pleasing to YHWH. It is not about us and our needs anymore but rather a generation of children who don't follow after "gods who are not gods". Instead we will have children who because they have their hearts on YHWH Elohim, will have their steps ordered by Him.

I have seen a wonderful blog that my wife has "joined" to. http://messianickah.ning.com/, the title is Messianic keepers at home.
Women who are seeking to walk with YHWH in the home and training their children to walk with YHWH.
It is time for men to be Messianic messengers to the world in our workplaces and everywhere we go.

Shalom in Messiah Yeshua

Definition of heart (Wholehearted)

2011-08-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

The word heart. We know it's an organ that pumps blood. Yet this word appears over 800 times in The Scriptures. I haven't searched out every one of those, but I haven't been able to find even 1 that fits the definition above. If you were to look up the definition you might get any number of things. Here are the Strong's concordance definitions.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding

a) inner part, midst

1) midst (of things)

2) heart (of man)

3) soul, heart (of man)

4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

6) conscience

7) heart (of moral character)

8) as seat of appetites

9) as seat of emotions and passions

10) as seat of courage

Wow, so many different things. So how are we to know which one applies? I guess it would be up to interpretation.

In Hebrew the word is so much more simple in the picture it shows. There are only 2 letters, the lamed and the bet. Here is what they look like in paleo-Hebrew.

From right to left, the lamed is the picture of a shepards staff and represents authority.
The second letter is the picture of a house and represents the idea of being inside as the family resides within the tent. When combined they mean "the authority within".

So now we will look at it in the context of scripture. First looking at an evil or wicked heart.

Gen 6:5 And יהוה saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Jer 17:9 “The heart is crooked above all, and desperately sick – who shall know it?
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.
Jer 7:24 “But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in the counsels, in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward.
Jer 16:12 ‘And you have done more evil than your fathers, for look, each one walks according to the stubbornness of his own evil heart, without listening to Me.
Jer 18:12 But they shall say, “It is no use! For we walk according to our own plans, and we do each one the stubbornness of his evil heart.
Jer 23:17 “They keep on saying to those who despise Me, ‘יהוה has said you shall have peace.’ And to all who walk according to the stubbornness of their own heart they say, ‘No evil comes upon you.’ ”

The Strongs definitions to me don't really work here. But i believe the Ancient Hebrew does. These people who are described here refuse to recognize YHWH as the "authority within"

In this study there is one person who I am going to focus on here, and that is Pharoah.

Exo 4:21 And יהוה said to Mosheh, “As you go back to Mitsrayim, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I am going to harden his heart, so that he does not let the people go.
Exo 7:13 And Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as יהוה had said.

In regards to this story the word "leb(heart) appears 21 times from Ex 4:21 to Ex 14:8. Anyone who has read these passages over and over in the Torah portions should know that YHWH was judging the "gods who are not gods" of Egypt. Pharaoh wanted instead to be worshiped as the authority that he believed came from himself. I wanted to get this part out of the way to go on to the beautiful pictures that YHWH has put in His Word for those who desire to be "wholehearted" unto Him. To love Him with all their heart (leb), soul and might. So for next time "a man after YHWH'S own heart". Shalom

Wholehearted

2011-08-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

This post will be fairly short. It has been 5 months since I have written a post. I had promised to write a followup to "Messiah is our pesach", but I could not. I originally wrote it in response to an ugly exchange between some people in regards to what should be done on this feast day. I am zealous for the things of YHWH and wanted to put the scriptures up for those who used so many of their own words. But my definition of zealous and YHWH'S definition are two different things. The Ruach Hakodesh would not let me write anymore. For He has shown me there is a fine line between being zealous and being judgemental.

Jas 2:13 For the judgment is without chesed(kindness) to the one who has shown no chesed. And chesed boasts over judgment.

Furthermore YHWH has impressed upon my heart the need to be "WHOLEHEARTED" unto Him. As I have found, I have not been as wholehearted as I thought I was. Once upon a time I was wholehearted to Him.

The first day that I recognized Him and came to Him on my knees; I was filthy and broken, not really sure if He would take me. For surely I was the worst to ever come to Him. He embraced me on that day and cleansed me from within. Instead of condemning me as the trash I was, He embraced me. I felt something extremely heavy lift off my shoulders and for the first time I truly could breathe. Simply put He loved me and I loved Him. He has proven Himself time and again to me. He truly is faithful and yet I am not. If we forget that first moment do we lose something? , As I read the Scriptures I felt I had. I praise YHWH that He has shown kindness towards me and gives me the opportunity to return to my first love, Him. For this I believe is the whole of the Scriptures
"To return to YHWH and LOVE Him".

Today in this world we live in many people will say that there are many ways to come to YHWH. They will also say that their way is the best way. I know that my example has not been the "best way". There is only one way to The Father and that is through The Messiah. His way is the best and only way to The Father. He has given us the desire to be pure and wholehearted unto Him. But will we be swayed and play the harlot with other gods who are not gods at all? I do not want to be sidetracked anymore. The time is short, The Ruach Hakodesh is calling for a people to be set apart unto YHWH, the enemy wants to weaken our resolve and keep us from being wholehearted and pure. I speak mainly to the men. It is time fall down on our faces, we are the leaders of our families! Let us look unto YHWH our Yasha(saviour) and be a people that are wholehearted to the end of our days. I will be going into The Scriptures on future posts on this subject as YHWH leads.
Shalom and chesed to you, Chris

Messiah is our Pesach/ part 1

2011-02-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

For those of us that keep YHWH’s feasts the time of Pesach is almost upon us. Several years ago

our home fellowship began to discuss how we would keep it. What one person said shocked me to the core, that we should build an altar and sacrifice a lamb. I asked that everyone in our group study The Scriptures over the next three weeks in order to see what we would do. My eyes were opened not to words of men but to a greater depth of understanding and the fact that ;

THE MESSIAH IS OUR PESACH. I have seen one article in particular that troubles me deeply. It teaches that if we are to be obedient we must not only build an altar and sacrifice a lamb, but we must also put it on our doorposts. If this is what The Scriptures commanded then no problem, but we must study The Scriptures in their entirety if we are to find ourselves approved. I will not have much more to say in this letter but I will let The Scriptures do the talking.

The First Pesach

Exo 12:1 And יהוה spoke to Mosheh and to Aharon in the land of Mitsrayim, saying,

Exo 12:2 “This month is the beginning of months for you, it is the first month of the year for you.

Exo 12:3 “Speak to all the congregation of Yisraʼĕl, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month each one of them is to take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household.

Exo 12:4 ‘And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next to his house take it according to the number of the beings, according to each manʼs need you make your count for the lamb.

Exo 12:5 ‘Let the lamb be a perfect one, a year old male. Take it from the sheep or from the goats.

Exo 12:6 ‘And you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then all the assembly of the congregation of Yisraʼĕl shall kill it between the evenings.

Exo 12:7 ‘And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.

Exo 12:8 ‘And they shall eat the flesh on that night, roasted in fire – with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

Exo 12:9 ‘Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire, its head with its legs and its inward parts.

Exo 12:10 ‘And do not leave of it until morning, and what remains of it until morning you are to burn with fire.

Exo 12:11 ‘And this is how you eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Passover of יהוה.

Exo 12:12 ‘And I shall pass through the land of Mitsrayim on that night, and shall smite all the first-born in the land of Mitsrayim, both man and beast. And on all the mighty ones of Mitsrayim I shall execute judgment. I am יהוה.

Exo 12:13 ‘And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I shall pass over you, and let the plague not come on you to destroy you when I smite the land of Mitsrayim.

Exo 12:14 ‘And this day shall become to you a remembrance(most translations say a memorial). And you shall observe it as a festival to יהוה throughout your generations – observe it as a festival, an everlasting law.

Important notes

Ex 12:7 does not appear again as a commandment, only as a reference

Ex 12 :13,23 The blood is a sign(seal) and it is Elohim who keeps the destroyer out.

Commandment

Exo 12:23 “And יהוה shall pass on to smite the Mitsrites, and shall see the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, and יהוה shall pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to smite you.

Exo 12:24 “And you shall guard this word as a law for you and your sons, forever.

Exo 12:25 “And it shall be, when you come to the land which יהוה gives you, as He promised, that you shall guard this service.

There is no question that this is a commandment forever “to keep this feast”. But are we commanded to put blood on our doorposts “when we come into the land”?

At Mt Sinai

Exo 34:18 “Guard the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days you eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, in the appointed time of the month of Aḇiḇ, because in the month of Aḇiḇ you came out from Mitsrayim.

Overview of YHWH’s Moedim

Lev 23:4 ‘These are the appointed times of יהוה, set-apart gatherings which you are to proclaim at their appointed times.

Lev 23:5 ‘In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, between the evenings, is the Passover to יהוה.

Lev 23:14 ‘And you do not eat bread or roasted grain or fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your Elohim – a law forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

2^nd keeping of The Pesach

Num 9:1 And יהוה spoke to Mosheh in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Mitsrayim, saying,

Num 9:2 “Now, let the children of Yisraʼĕl perform the Passover at its appointed time.

Num 9:3 “On the fourteenth day of this month, between the evenings, perform it at its appointed time. According to all its laws and right-rulings you perform it.”

Num 9:4 And Mosheh spoke to the children of Yisraʼĕl to perform the Passover.

Num 9:5 So they performed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, between the evenings, in the Wilderness of Sinai. According to all that יהוה commanded Mosheh, so the children of Yisraʼĕl did.

Important notes

Num 9:6-14 those who were unclean because of a dead body or traveling were allowed to keep the feast one month later. But I think it is important to note, nowhere is there a provision here to keep the feast somewhere else because they were traveling; it would be that they would return to Yerushalayim.

Final instructions

Deu 16:1 “Guard the month(season) of Aḇiḇ, and perform the Passover to יהוה your Elohim, for in the month of Aḇiḇ יהוה your Elohim brought you out of Mitsrayim by night.

Deu 16:2 “And you shall slaughter the Passover to יהוה your Elohim, from the flock and the herd, in the place where יהוה chooses to put His Name.

Deu 16:3 “Eat no leavened bread with it. For seven days you eat unleavened bread with it, bread of affliction, because you came out of the land of Mitsrayim in haste – so that you remember the day in which you came out of the land of Mitsrayim, all the days of your life.

Deu 16:4 “And no leaven should be seen with you in all your border for seven days, neither should any of the meat which you slaughter in the evening on the first day stay all night until morning.

Deu 16:5 “You are not allowed to slaughter the Passover within any of your gates which יהוה your Elohim gives you,

Deu 16:6 but at the place where יהוה your Elohim chooses to make His Name dwell, there you slaughter the Passover in the evening, at the going down of the sun, at the appointed time you came out of Mitsrayim.

Deu 16:7 “And you shall roast and eat it in the place which יהוה your Elohim chooses, and in the morning you shall turn and go to your tents.

Deu 16:8 “Six days you eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there is a closing festival to יהוה your Elohim – you do no work.

Deu 16:9 “Count seven weeks for yourself. Begin to count seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the grain.

Deu 16:10 “And you shall perform the Festival of Weeks to יהוה your Elohim, according to the voluntary offering from your hand, which you give as יהוה your Elohim blesses you.

I underlined the two verses above for a reason. A few years back, one brother told me that YHWH had blessed him with the land that he owns here in Texas. So his reasoning was that since YHWH had given him the land he was to sacrifice it there.The verses above clearly show that you may not do it within your own gates.

Yahushua(Joshua) in the wilderness

Jos 5:10 And the children of Yisraʼĕl camped in Gilgal, and performed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening on the desert plains of Yeriḥo.

Jos 5:11 And they ate of the stored grain of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened bread and roasted grain on this same day.

History in The Scriptures

1Ch 23:25 For Dawiḏ said, “יהוה Elohim of Yisraʼĕl has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Yerushalayim forever,”

1Ch 23:26 and also of the Lĕwites, “They shall no longer bear the Dwelling Place, or any of the vessels for its service.”

1Ch 23:27 For by the last words of Dawiḏ the Lĕwites were numbered from twenty years old and above,

1Ch 23:28 because their duty was to help the sons of Aharon in the service of the House of יהוה, in the courtyards and in the rooms, in the cleansing of all that was set-apart, and the work of the service of the House of Elohim,

1Ch 23:29 both with the showbread and the fine flour for the grain offering, and with the unleavened cakes and what is baked on the griddle, and with what is mixed and with all kinds of measures and sizes;

1Ch 23:30 and to stand every morning to thank and praise יהוה, and so at evening;

1Ch 23:31 and for all the burnt offerings to יהוה on the Sabbaths and on the New Moons and on the appointed(feasts) times, by number according to the right-ruling upon them, continually before יהוה;

1Ch 23:32 and that they should guard the duty of the Tent of Meeting, the duty of the set-apart place, and the duty of the sons of Aharon their brothers in the service of the House of יהוה.

1Ch 25:1 And Dawiḏ and the commanders of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, and of Hĕman, and of Yeḏuthun, who should prophesy with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. And the number of the workmen according to their service was:

Interesting note

In the Hebrew the name “Asaph” aleph(strength), samech(to protect/support), pey(a word).I thought that was interesting in light of how the sons of Asaph prophesy with psalms, and how they prophesied the psalms that The Messiah would sing according to the book of John.

2Ch 6:4 And he said, “Blessed be יהוה Elohim of Yisraʼĕl, who has filled with His hands what He spoke with His mouth to my father Dawiḏ, saying,

2Ch 6:5 ‘From the day that I brought My people out of the land of Mitsrayim, I have chosen no city from any tribe of Yisraʼĕl in which to build a house for My Name to be there, nor did I choose any man to be a leader over My people Yisraʼĕl.

2Ch 6:6 ‘But I have chosen Yerushalayim, for My Name to be there. And I have chosen Dawiḏ to be over My people Yisraʼĕl.ʼ

Note

Here is a reference to where YHWH will cause His Name to dwell.

The chapters from 1 Ch 23 and 25, and 2 Ch 6 will come up again, so this is a reference point.

History in The Pesach

I think it is important to read 2 Ch chapters 30-33. Y’chizkiyah’s story is beautiful.

2Ch 30:1 And Ḥizqiyahu sent to all Yisraʼĕl and Yehuḏah, and he also wrote letters to Ephrayim and Menashsheh, to come to the House of יהוה at Yerushalayim, to perform the Passover to יהוה Elohim of Yisraʼĕl.

2Ch 30:2 But the sovereign and his leaders and all the assembly in Yerushalayim had taken counsel to perform the Passover in the second month.

2Ch 30:13 And many people, a very great assembly, gathered at Yerushalayim to perform the Festival of Unleavened Bread in the second month.

2Ch 30:14 And they rose up and removed the altars that were in Yerushalayim, and they removed all the incense altars and threw them into the wadi Qiḏron.

2Ch 30:15 Then they slaughtered the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month. And the priests and the Lĕwites were ashamed, and set themselves apart, and brought the burnt offerings to the House of יהוה.

2Ch 30:16 And they stood in their place according to their right-ruling. According to the Torah of Mosheh, the man of Elohim, the priests sprinkled the blood from the hand of the Lĕwites.

2Ch 30:17 For many in the assembly had not set themselves apart. Therefore the Lĕwites were over the slaughter of the Passover for everyone who was not clean, to set them apart to יהוה.

2Ch 30:18 For many of the people, many from Ephrayim and Menashsheh, Yissasḵar and Zeḇulun, had not been cleansed, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Ḥizqiyahu prayed for them, saying, “יהוה who is good, provide atonement for everyone

2Ch 30:19 who has prepared his heart to seek Elohim, יהוה Elohim of his fathers, though he is not cleansed according to the cleansing of the set-apart place.”

2Ch 30:20 And יהוה listened to Ḥizqiyahu and healed the people.

Note

It is possible to keep the Pesach incorrectly, Y’chizkiyah prayed and entreated YHWH and they were healed.

History continued

2Ch 35:1 And Yoshiyahu performed a Passover to יהוה in Yerushalayim, and they slaughtered the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.

2Ch 35:6 “And slaughter the Passover, and set yourselves apart, and prepare for your brothers, to do according to the word of יהוה by the hand of Mosheh.”

2Ch 35:11 and they slaughtered the Passover. And the priests sprinkled out of their hands, while the Lĕwites were skinning.

2Ch 35:12 And they removed the burnt offerings, to give them to the divisions of the fathersʼ houses of the lay people, to bring to יהוה, as it is written in the Book of Mosheh, and the same with the cattle.

2Ch 35:13 So they roasted the Passover offerings with fire according to the right-ruling, and they boiled the set-apart offerings in pots, and in cauldrons, and in bowls, and brought them speedily to all the lay people.

2Ch 35:15 And the singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their places, according to the command of Dawiḏ, and Asaph, and Hĕman, and Yeḏuthun the seer of the sovereign. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not have to leave their position, because their brothers the Lĕwites prepared for them.

2Ch 35:17 And the children of Yisraʼĕl who were present performed the Passover at that time, and the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days.

2Ch 35:18 There had not been a Passover performed in Yisraʼĕl like it since the days of Shemuʼĕl the prophet. And none of the sovereigns of Yisraʼĕl had performed such a Passover as Yoshiyahu performed, with the priests and the Lĕwites, and all Yehuḏah and Yisraʼĕl who were present, and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim.

Note

I find it amazing that no one not even King David kept the Pesach as this king did.

Here is the second place the singers of the sons of Asaph are mentioned in regards to The pesach.

History continued

Ezr 6:19 And the sons of the exile performed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month,

Ezr 6:20 for the priests and the Lĕwites had cleansed themselves – all of them were clean. And they slaughtered the Passover for all the sons of the exile, and for their brothers the priests, and for themselves.

Ezr 6:21 And the children of Yisraʼĕl who had returned from the exile ate together with all who had separated themselves from the uncleanness of the gentiles of the land in order to seek יהוה Elohim of Yisraʼĕl.

Note

These verses have been used to justify “the Pesach slaughtering” away from Yerushalayim.

Yet if you read the book of Ezra the King of Paras let them go to Yerushalayim to do this.

History continued

Eze 45:21 “In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, you have the Passover, a festival of seven days, unleavened bread is eaten.

Eze 45:22 “And on that day the prince shall prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bull for a sin offering.

Eze 45:23 “And during the seven days of the festival he prepares a burnt offering to יהוה, seven bulls and seven rams, perfect ones, daily for seven days, and a male goat daily for a sin offering.

Eze 45:24 “And he prepares a grain offering of one ĕphah for each bull and one ĕphah for each ram, together with a hin of oil for each ĕphah.

Eze 45:25 “In the seventh month, on the fifteenth day of the month, at the festival, he prepares like these seven days, as the sin offering, as the burnt offering, as the grain offering, and as the oil.”

These are all that I have been able to find in The Tanakh as references to The Pesach.

1. There is not a second mention of putting blood upon the lintels and doorposts

2. We may not sacrifice within our own gates

3. We may only do the above in the place where YHWH has caused His Name to dwell, and that is Yerushalayim

4. If you have been unclean or in exile you must first be sanctified; that only being done by the cohanim(priests) that are set for the service in the place where YHWH has caused His Name to dwell.

There are I’m sure other points to be given from these Scriptures. Yet to me they are not the focus. The Messiah however is our focus. So if you are curious come back for part 2, there is more in the Psalms and the New Testament. So till next time Shalom.

wisdom/chokmah

2011-02-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

              For those who have looked at the previous studies I have posted; (grace/beauty, simchah/joy, chesed/mercy) my purpose has been to better understand the writings in the new testament. Not just to understand them in their current translations but to see them from an Hebraic perspective. Believing that YHWH would have us rightly divide His Word of truth. Therefore it is impossible to understand abstract words that have multiple meanings or to know exactly when to use them. There has been an awakening amongst YHWH'S people to return to the old paths and to a language (hebrew) which until the last century was considered a dead language. Hence the topic for this study "wisdom".
              Many people would say that to get wisdom you would go to your grandparents because they've been around for so long. Often quoted to me were the things my parents told me because they had "already been there". As always I would ask that everyone study out for themselves the things I put here. So to begin.
              The earliest dates I can find are very vague as to the first usage of this word "wisdom". Most popular among my searches were references to what we call our "wisdom teeth", others were esoteric in their definitions of the word.

Σοφíα/sophia

Greek for “wisdom” is a central term in such things as “helenistic philosophy, Platonism, Gnosticism, orthodox Christianity, esoteric Christianity and Christian mysticism.

Sophiology is a philosophical concept regarding wisdom, and they would tell us it is an theological concept regarding “the wisdom of god”. If you were to type in the word "sophia" you might be amazed at the dark and creepy things that pop up.

So know we know what "wisdom" in the scriptures is not. So we will see what it is.

Exo 28:3 “And you, speak to all the wise of heart, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, and they shall make the garments of Aharon, to set him apart, for him to serve as priest to Me.

Chakam Strongs #2450

1) to be wise

a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely

b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct

c) (Pual) to be made wise

d) (Hiphil) to make wise

e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom

Chokmah Strongs#2451

1) wisdom

a) skill (in war)

b) wisdom (in administration)

c) shrewdness, wisdom

d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)

e) wisdom (ethical and religious)

These two definitions don't really give any meaning to the word. The question still remains, what does it mean to be wise or have wisdom?

The first word which is a root word "Chakam" is comprised of the hebrew letters (chet, kaf, mem).

The second word "Chokmah" comes from the first with one letter added the (chet, kaf, mem, hey).

When I first began to look at this I didn't have a clue. So as always we should look for more witnesses

Exo 31:6 “And I, look I have appointed with him Oholiaḇ son of Aḥisamaḵ, of the tribe of Dan. And I have put wisdom in the hearts of everyone who is wise-hearted, and they shall make all that I have commanded you:
Exo 35:26 And all the women whose hearts lifted them up in wisdom spun the goatsʼ hair.
Exo 35:31 and He has filled him with the Spirit of Elohim, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all work,
Exo 35:35 “He has filled them with skill to do all work of the engraver and the designer and embroiderer, in blue and in purple, in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and a weaver, doing any work, and makers of designs.
Exo 36:1 “And Betsalʼĕl and Oholiaḇ, and every wise-hearted man in whom יהוה has given wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all work for the service of the set-apart place, shall do according to all that יהוה has commanded.”
Exo 36:2 And Mosheh called Betsalʼĕl and Oholiaḇ, and every wise-hearted man in whose heart יהוה had given wisdom, everyone whose heart lifted him up, to come and do the work.
Deu 34:9 And Yehoshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Mosheh had laid his hands on him. And the children of Yisraʼĕl listened to him, and did as יהוה had commanded Mosheh.
Job 28:28 And He said to man, ‘See, the fear of יהוה, that is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding.ʼ ”

I have skipped over many other places where these words appear to a particular one in the book of Job.

Job 32:3 And against his three friends his wrath burned, because they had found no answer, and pronounced Elohim wrong.
Job 32:4 And because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Iyoḇ.
Job 32:5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath burned.
Job 32:6 And Elihu, son of Baraḵʼĕl the Buzite, responded and said, “I am young in years, and you are aged. Therefore I was afraid to let you know my opinion.
Job 32:7 I said, ‘Days should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.ʼ
Job 32:8 But truly it is the spirit in man and the breath of the Almighty that gives him understanding.
Job 32:9 The multitude are not wise, nor do the aged understand right-ruling.
Job 32:10 Therefore I have said, ‘Listen to me, let me also make my opinion known to you.ʼ
Job 32:11 Look, I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say.
Job 32:12 And I paid close attention to you. But look, not one of you proved Iyoḇ wrong, nor answered his words.
Job 32:13 Lest you say, ‘We have found wisdomʼ – it is Ěl that drives him away, not man.

Psa 51:6 See, You have desired truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You make me know wisdom.
Psa 90:12 Teach us to number our days, And let us bring the heart to wisdom.
Psa 111:10 The fear of יהוה is the beginning of wisdom, All those doing them have a good understanding. His praise is standing forever.
Psa 136:5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His kindness is everlasting;

I could put all the places where it appears in the first and second chapters of the book of proverbs, but I think those are better read in context.
As always my purpose for these studies is that I believe the writers of the "new testament" had great understanding in The Torah. They also have seen The Messiah in the flesh and walked with Him. That said, I cannot comprehend the usage of these abstract words, or believe the would have used such words to illustrate anything! It has taken two months of study, always trying to keep in context these passages of scripture. I believe we must be painstakingly careful to keep from creating doctrines or empty philosophies.
So about three weeks ago as we sat together on shabbat studying His Word, we something very interesting unfold as we read more about this "chokmah"(wisdom). Many times it is closely tied to the word "chakam"(wise). The word "chakam"(wise) is many times also tied to the "heart" of the person in the verse. It would seem that those who are of a "right heart" are "chakam(wise)" and they are the ones who receive "Chokmah(wisdom). I think the scriptures clearly show that to be old does not mean we are wise, nor that we have this "wisdom"; rather it is something that comes from YHWH Elohim.
He clearly blesses those who? Have a right heart!
Now for the finale. When you look at the word "chakam/chet, kaf, mem" we see "divide, water, hand".
When you look at "chakam/chet, kaf, mem, hey" we see "divide, water, hand, breath"

If you have a hundred men standing in a line there is nothing that sets one above all the others. Each one has different skills and gifts but nothing that "sets them apart" so as to be the best one. With YHWH we know that He is no respecter of persons. Does He set one apart just to be better than another? No. He does set a man or woman apart because why? They are a person after His own heart. As King David for example, or Ruth who is named in the lineage of The Messiah. YHWH gave the spirit of "chokmah" to ordinary everyday men in order to build His Tabernacle in the wilderness. Those men were set apart not because they went to a trade school, but because YHWH Elohim gave them something. I would say it is this.

YHWH Elohim gave them the ability to "divide by hand the water". There is no way to comprehend someone being able to divide water with their hand, it is an impossibility. But with YHWH nothing is impossible. As always study for yourself. Shalom

2Ti 2:15 Do your utmost to present yourself approved to Elohim, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.
Heb 4:12 For the Word of Elohim is living, and working, and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through even to the dividing of being and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Eph 6:17 Take also the helmet of deliverance, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Elohim,

Yirmeyahu 31:33

2011-01-25T07:22:00.000-08:00

Jer 6:16 Thus said יהוה, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and find rest for yourselves. But they said, ‘We do not walk in it.ʼ

Psa 40:8 I have delighted to do Your pleasure, O my Elohim, And Your Torah is within my heart.
Psa 119:35 Make me walk in the path of Your commands, For I have delighted in it.
Psa 119:47 That I might delight myself in Your commands, Which I have loved;
Psa 119:44 That I might guard Your Torah continually, Forever and ever;

For quite a few years now we have been studying the Torah. To think that men would do away with it and teach others to do so. But I think that it is impossible for men to actually do away with it for it is The Word of YHWH.
Men tend to look at it as "a bunch of laws" and don't want to be under a burden. I think it is a burden only when men refuse to obey them.
When we first began to read the cycle of the Torah portions we began to see it as "instructions for living".
The next few times were reminders to keep the things therein but also to do the things that had been to hard for us before.
We also found that you must read the Torah for yourselves, as men have added unto The Word of YHWH.

So to sum up the first few years it would be this, We are to obey YHWH, in fact the things He has commanded us are not to hard and they should be common sense to us now.
So here is the question. What should we be seeing in the Torah now that we believe His commandments and do them? My answer would be "The Mashiach"!
He is the one who delights to do everything that is the Fathers will.

Psa 40:7 Then I said, “See, I have come; In the scroll of the Book it is prescribed for me.
Psa 40:8 I have delighted to do Your pleasure, O my Elohim, And Your Torah is within my heart.
Psa 40:9 I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness, In the great assembly; See, I do not restrain my lips, O יהוה, You know.

In the book of Deuteronomy we see the point of all that was said to the children of Y'srael in the wilderness.

Deu 10:16 “And you shall circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and harden your neck no more.
Deu 30:6 “And יהוה your Elohim shall circumcise your heart and the heart of your seed, to love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart and with all your being, so that you might live,

The circumcision of the flesh is the outward sign of obedience, marking you as His. The circumcision of the heart is the inward sign. It is what YHWH is looking for to see that someone is His. Hence a greater understanding of what it was that was found in Noach, Moshe, Ruth and Ester(see study on grace/beauty).
It is a response from us to Him that we obey Him because we love Him. To be disobedient would do nothing less than to break His heart and deny our Elohim. He is not looking for someone to go through the motions, for that person will leave when they find something better. Rather He desires our complete affection and our time, the obedience is actually a result of our love for Him. Could anything less lead The Mashiach to His death? Brothers and sisters we have a great Elohim who by example loves us with a great love and wants to deliver us to The Father. As the scripture says,

1Co 2:9 But as it has been written, “Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, nor have entered into the heart of man what Elohim has prepared for those who love Him.
Isa 64:4 Since the beginning of the ages they have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any Elohim besides You, who acts for those who wait for Him.

Is there more discussion as to wether or not we will obey Him? Is the Torah only there to turn us back to Him because we are stiffnecked and want our own way? Rather it is our delight and our pleasure to do His will. so I will end with these verses of scripture and say that there is a whole lot more the scripture has to say of this subject or even to say that this is what the scriptures are all about.

Jer 7:23 “But this word I did command them, saying, ‘Obey My voice,1 and I shall be your Elohim, and you be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, so that it be well with you.
Jer 7:26 “But they did not obey Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did evil, more than their fathers.
Jer 9:25 “See, the days are coming,” declares יהוה, “when I shall punish all them are circumcised in their uncircumcision
Jer 31:33 “For this is the covenant I shall make with the house of Yisraʼĕl after those days, declares יהוה: I shall put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.

יהושע wept (Yeshua)

2010-12-28T16:22:00.000-08:00

Joh 11:22 “But even now I know that whatever You might ask of Elohim, Elohim shall give You.”
Joh 11:23 יהושע said to her, “Your brother shall rise again.”
Joh 11:24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Joh 11:25 יהושע said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he dies, he shall live.
Joh 11:26 “And everyone that is living and believing in Me shall never die at all. Do you believe this?”
Joh 11:27 She said to Him, “Yea, Master, I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of Elohim, who is coming into the world.”

Joh 11:34 and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Master, come and see.”
Joh 11:35 יהושע wept.
Joh 11:36 The Yehuḏim therefore said, “See how He loved him!”

Yesterday we received a call from a dear family. The wife was being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, she had passed out. I believe she is around 3 months pregnant. The next call we received was dreadful. She was going into surgery to have the baby removed from her tubes, as I understand it there is no other way. I can't even begin to understand what this family is going through. Their faith in Messiah is strong, their walk unwavering. They have forsaken the comforts of this world and desire only The One who is to come Yeshua. Yet my heart breaks within me, if my heart breaks how much more does the heart of our Beloved. I don't know if they named the baby yet but I can't wait to meet him or her. Such things are the promise of those who love and prepare themselves for the coming of The King! Please pray for the Montanez family. Shalom

2010-12-23T23:33:00.000-08:00

A two edged sword

2010-12-23T19:58:00.000-08:00

Heb 4:12 For the Word of Elohim is living, and working, and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through even to the dividing of being and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Mat 10:34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword,

Luk 12:51 “Do you think that I came to give peace on earth? I say to you, no, but rather division.

In the last few days quite a few people have wished me a "merry christmas". Many people associate this particular day as the greatest significant day in history. They say it is the birthday of The Messiah. So they go to malls and superstores buying gifts that most people will be paying for in the year to come. Acres of lights displayed across eaves and bushes share their holiday cheer. Millions of trees are cut down, pruned and adorned with glitter and all manner of ornaments. Hams are roasted, shrimp are skewered and high fructose corn syrup candy canes painted red are protruding from their mouths. In fact years ago I celebrated quite zealously all of these things, If anyone had told me that "jesus" was not the reason for the season, they would have heard all about the significance of christmas and The Messiah. Seven years ago I grudgingly read an article that stated "christmas" was a pagan feast day. At first my blood boiled, how dare they! So I studied it out. There are hundreds of articles actually on the origination of "christmas". Here is one example.

A. Roman pagans first introduced the holiday of Saturnalia, a week long period of lawlessness celebrated between December 17-25. During this period, Roman courts were closed, and Roman law dictated that no one could be punished for damaging property or injuring people during the weeklong celebration. The festival began when Roman authorities chose “an enemy of the Roman people” to represent the “Lord of Misrule.” Each Roman community selected a victim whom they forced to indulge in food and other physical pleasures throughout the week. At the festival’s conclusion, December 25^th, Roman authorities believed they were destroying the forces of darkness by brutally murdering this innocent man or woman.

B. The ancient Greek writer poet and historian Lucian (in his dialogue entitled Saturnalia) describes the festival’s observance in his time. In addition to human sacrifice, he mentions these customs: widespread intoxication; going from house to house while singing naked; rape and other sexual license; and consuming human-shaped biscuits (still produced in some English and most German bakeries during the Christmas season).

C. In the 4^th century CE, Christianity imported the Saturnalia festival hoping to take the pagan masses in with it. Christian leaders succeeded in converting to Christianity large numbers of pagans by promising them that they could continue to celebrate the Saturnalia as Christians.

D. The problem was that there was nothing intrinsically Christian about Saturnalia. To remedy this, these Christian leaders named Saturnalia’s concluding day, December 25^th, to be Jesus’ birthday.

E. Christians had little success, however, refining the practices of Saturnalia. As Stephen Nissenbaum, professor history at the University of Massachussetts, Amherst, writes, “In return for ensuring massive observance of the anniversary of the Savior’s birth by assigning it to this resonant date, the Church for its part tacitly agreed to allow the holiday to be celebrated more or less the way it had always been.” The earliest Christmas holidays were celebrated by drinking, sexual indulgence, singing naked in the streets (a precursor of modern caroling), etc.

F. The Reverend Increase Mather of Boston observed in 1687 that “the early Christians who first observed the Nativity on December 25 did not do so thinking that Christ was born in that Month, but because the Heathens’ Saturnalia was at that time kept in Rome, and they were willing to have those Pagan Holidays metamorphosed into Christian ones.” Because of its known pagan origin, Christmas was banned by the Puritans and its observance was illegal in Massachusetts between 1659 and 1681. However, Christmas was and still is celebrated by most Christians.

G. Some of the most depraved customs of the Saturnalia carnival were intentionally revived by the Catholic Church in 1466 when Pope Paul II, for the amusement of his Roman citizens, forced Jews to race naked through the streets of the city. An eyewitness account reports, “Before they were to run, the Jews were richly fed, so as to make the race more difficult for them and at the same time more amusing for spectators. They ran… amid Rome’s taunting shrieks and peals of laughter, while the Holy Father stood upon a richly ornamented balcony and laughed heartily.”

H. As part of the Saturnalia carnival throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries CE, rabbis of the ghetto in Rome were forced to wear clownish outfits and march through the city streets to the jeers of the crowd, pelted by a variety of missiles. When the Jewish community of Rome sent a petition in1836 to Pope Gregory XVI begging him to stop the annual Saturnalia abuse of the Jewish community, he responded, “It is not opportune to make any innovation.” On December 25, 1881, Christian leaders whipped the Polish masses into Antisemitic frenzies that led to riots across the country. In Warsaw 12 Jews were brutally murdered, huge numbers maimed, and many Jewish women were raped. Two million rubles worth of property was destroyed.

But perhaps this article is not valid you might say. Well here is a link to the History Channel documenting what is written above.
http://www.history.com/topics/christmas

So what does scripture say about the keeping of holidays?

The tree
Jer 10:1 Hear the word which יהוה speaks to you, O house of Yisraʼĕl.
Jer 10:2 Thus said יהוה, “Do not learn the way of the gentiles, and do not be awed by the signs of the heavens, for the gentiles are awed by them.2 Footnotes: 1Lev. 18:3, Dt. 12:30 & 18:9, Ezek. 11:12 & 20:32, Eph. 4:17, 1 Peter 4:3. 2Dt. 4:19 & 17:3.
Jer 10:3 “For the prescribed customs of these peoples are worthless, for one cuts a tree from the forest, work for the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool.
Jer 10:4 “They adorn it with silver and gold, they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it does not topple.
Jer 10:5 “They are like a rounded post, and they do not speak. They have to be carried, because they do not walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they do no evil, nor is it in them to do any good.”

Angels, santas and nutcrackers

Deu 5:6 ‘I am יהוה your Elohim who brought you out of the land of Mitsrayim, out of the house of bondage.
Deu 5:7 ‘You have no other mighty ones against My face.
Deu 5:8 ‘You do not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness of which is in the heavens above, or which is in the earth beneath, or which is in the waters under the earth,
Deu 5:9 you do not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, יהוה your Elohim, am a jealous Ěl, visiting the crookedness of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
Deu 5:10 but showing kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and guard My commands.

Still there are those that would say that the ancient traditions have nothing to do with the "christmas" we celebrate now. But The Scriptures would disagree.

1. Doing what others do and giving it another name.
Lev 18:3 ‘Do not do as they do in the land of Mitsrayim, where you dwelt. And do not do as they do in the land of Kenaʽan, where I am bringing you, and do not walk in their laws.
Deu 12:30 guard yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire about their mighty ones, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their mighty ones? And let me do so too.ʼ
Deu 18:9 “When you come into the land which יהוה your Elohim is giving you, do not learn to do according to the abominations of those gentiles.
Eze 11:12 “And you shall know that I am יהוה, for you have not walked in My laws nor executed My right-rulings, but have done according to the rulings of the gentiles1 which are all around you.” ʼ ”
Eze 20:32 “And what comes up in your spirit shall never be, when you say, ‘Let us be like the gentiles, like the tribes in other lands, serving wood and stone.ʼ
Eph 4:17 So this I say, and witness in the Master, that you should no longer walk as the gentiles walk,1 in the futility of their mind,
1Pe 4:3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the desire of the gentiles, having walked in indecencies, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, wild parties, and abominable idolatries,

2. The birth time of The Messiah
The Birth of Yeshua (Jesus) on Sukkot
Messiah’s birth, (10 - 4 BC), was expectantly awaited (Matthew 2:1-18) because within about 40 years Daniel’s prophecy concerning Him must be fulfilled.
The prophet Micah wrote that He was destined to be born in Beth-Lechem (Bethlehem) — the House of Bread (Micah 5:2). (God called Him the Bread from Heaven (John 6:32-36), though men say Manna (Exodus 16:31) — What is It?) It was because of this prophecy that King Herod had the children of Bethlehem killed, to protect his throne against the coming promised king.
The rabbis who translated the Septuagint taught from the prophet Isaiah that He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and would be called Immanuel — God with Us.
In the expected time and place, on the Festival of Sukkot,* in a succah (tabernacle, temporary dwelling) where Passover lambs were raised in the city of the shepherd David, a Son was born to a virgin descended from that Messiah David (Matthew 1, Luke 3:23-38). At an angel’s command (Matthew 1:21), He was named Yeshua, meaning " Salvation." God would dwell with us in a sukkah of humanity that would be bruised by the serpent, then crush that old serpent!
The apostle Yochanan (John) tells us that the Word (of God) became flesh and "dwelt in a sukkah" (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14). The author views Sukkot as figurative of Messiah"s coming to dwell among His people; this reference is not submitted as proof of a dogmatic date.
When Zekharya (Zechariah) was ministering in the temple, he received an announcement from God of a coming son. The second course of Abia,12 when Zekharya was ministering, was a week in the middle of Sivan. If Zekharya’s promised son Yochanan (John the baptizer) were conceived soon thereafter, then Yeshua’s conception, which was six months later, would be late Chislev to early Tevet, near Chanukah (the Feast of Dedication); His birth would thence be at mid Tishri, the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles).
The month of Tishri (in the fall) also fits with the season of shepherds being out with their flocks by night, as they were when Yeshua was born; during winter the lambs are kept indoors.
Later in His life, Yeshua celebrated His birthday on a mountain with three of His disciples (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:1-10). In contrast to birthday parties, such as Herod’s (Matthew 14:6-12), where people were killed for entertainment, His was a celebration of life. On the Festival of Sukkot, Moses and Elijah, from centuries past, representatives of the Torah and the Prophets, appeared and talked with Yeshua. One disciple, Kepha (Peter), suggested building three sukkot for Yeshua, Moses, and Elijah, because it was required for the festival, but he did not understand (Mark 9:6) that these three were fulfilling that which the festival symbolized: they were dwelling in their sukkot (temporary tabernacles) of flesh, awaiting their eternal resurrection temples.

So according to scripture are we to celebrate the birth of "The Messiah"? Not that I can find, so if you do find it please share it with me. But there is a feast we are to celebrate as put forth in scripture beginning in Leviticus 23. Most would say we are not to continue celebrating the "feasts of the Jews", below you will see whose feast it is.

Lev 23:34 “Speak to the children of Yisraʼĕl, saying, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Festival of Booths for seven days to

.
Joh 7:2 And the festival of the Yehuḏim was near, the Festival of Booths.
Zec 14:16 And it shall be that all who are left from all the gentiles which came up against Yerushalayim, shall go up from year to year to bow themselves to the Sovereign, יהוה of hosts, and to observe the Festival of Booths.
Zec 14:17 And it shall be, that if anyone of the clans of the earth does not come up to Yerushalayim to bow himself to the Sovereign, יהוה of hosts, on them there is to be no rain.
Zec 14:18 And if the clan of Mitsrayim does not come up and enter in, then there is no rain. On them is the plague with which יהוה plagues the gentiles who do not come up to observe the Festival of Booths.
Zec 14:19 This is the punishment of Mitsrayim and the punishment of all the gentiles that do not come up to observe the Festival of Booths.
May you be whole and complete in Messiahs beauty

Simchah/joy

2010-12-09T22:02:00.000-08:00

To clarify the reason for these studies on the origins of words simply put. I desire to know the truth spoken by The Messiah Yeshua. Many psalms speak of the wonders of YHWH, a deep intimate knowledge that surpasses any writings or emotions. Down deep in his nefesh(soul) David was a man after YHWH'S own heart. That description is hard for me to fathom. Do I see others as YHWH see's them? Do I love as YHWH does? Do I hate sin and not the sinner as YHWH does? The answer would be; sometimes. I don't believe that I can sit back on my laurels and just coast through to the next life. I know many of you don't either. I believe there is a greater depth to the words given in YHWH's Torah. Messiah Yeshua spoke of the circumcision of the heart and it seems few heard Him. Many times my wife and I have discussed "joy" and what it means to us. More often than not we notice the lack of it. But what exactly is it?

Mat 25:21 “And his master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy servant. You were trustworthy over a little, I shall set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.

I always look first to the Torah to get the original Hebrew word first. To my surprise the first entry translated to the word "joy" does not appear until 1 Sam 18:6 so I began to study each entry. There are 13 Hebrew words translated to the word "joy". To me thats quite a loose translation. Most have nothing to do with joy as we might define it as the concordance often refers to the "abstract" definition. For most people who have been part of the messianic culture "simchah" is the most familiar word in the Hebrew. There are a couple others that have some bearing but I will focus on "simchah" and "ranan". Mainly due to the following verse taken from the king james version.

Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (see end for tansliteration)

This is the one of the verses that prompted my study into meanings behind the words. Exactly how would you describe words like "hope, joy, peace and a holy ghost" to someone you might be sharing with? Yet It is verses like these that entire sermons and doctrines have been built around. There are so many abstract meaningless holes here that it would be impossible to discern the meaning behind the words. When you read of the men and women in scripture is it easy to understand why they fell on their facesor danced in the streets? Did you ever wonder at the one on one prayers they prayed and the answers received? Is it possible that we don't know because we have been filling ourselves with philosophical words from men? Yes there is a greek pagan root to this word joy also. But I don't feel like pointing to it. Instead I want to understand the correct response for all who take refuge in YHWH.

Psa 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; Let them ever shout for (ranan)joy, because You shelter them; And let those who love Your Name exult in You.

               Amazing, the picture here is not to shout for undefinable abstract joy. But rather to SHOUT or ranan, Let those who love your name exult in You. This is not a "hey I'm happy shout". This is a exclamation, one that everyone within hearing distance turns their head. This is a shout that claims that the deliverer has something that everyone needs to know about
H7442
רנן
rânan
raw-nan'
A primitive root; properly to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), that is, to shout (usually for joy): - aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful, (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. -
AHLB #1451 Shout: [freq. 54] (vf: Paal, Hiphil, Pual, Piel, Participle) |kjv: sing, rejoice, shout, cry|
{str: 7442, 7444}

   The verse above I would describe this way according to the ancient hebrew pictures. The first letter the dalet is the door or pathway. The second, a noon and the third letter a final noon are "activity and life".
Perhaps saying that this is an activity that brings life on the pathway. What is the first thing a baby does when born? The first activity of life is a scream or a shout "here I am". When you get a perfect report card what do you do? You shout of course.
------------------
Psa 137:6 Let my tongue cleave to my palate, If I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Yerushalayim Above my chief joy.

H8057
שׂמחה
śimchâh
sim-khaw'
From H8056; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival): - X exceeding (-ly), gladness, joy (-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice (-ing).

       The picture I have associated with these two words is, "David". From shepard boy to king the things shouted from his lips we have as worship songs today. But does the same response come to us that came to Miriam at the reed sea. I would state that today is no different from yesterday. There is no lack of the wonders of YHWH and our need to praise Him, even to shout it from the rooftops or dance down the street. Of course you might go to jail, but perhaps if we kept singing the doors would open and they would either join us or let us go to shut us up!

Rom 15:13 Now the Elohim of yachal(expectation for what will come), fill you with all simchah(shouting in praise) and you be shalom(whole and complete) in believing, that ye may abound in yachal(expectation for what will come), through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh.

Chesed/mercy

2010-11-28T23:52:00.000-08:00

This study came from Matthew chapter five. Commonly referred to as the beatitudes. I will only be focusing on one part though there is a wealth of information from The Messiah. I wanted to understand one thing in particular.

Matt 5:7 happy are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.

So this is a fairly abstract term "mercy", I wondered how many definitions there would be. I actually found more than i bargained for.

Definition of MERCY

1 a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment mercy> b : imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder

2 a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion b : a fortunate circumstance mercy they found her before she froze>

3 : compassionate treatment of those in distress mercy among the poor>

— mercy adjective

— at the mercy of

: wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against

Notice how it's not till the second definition that it mentions in regards to "divine", also the use of the word "fortune". Is this what YHWH has intended for us to understand.

Origin of MERCY

Middle English, from Anglo-French merci, from Medieval Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise

First Known Use: 13th century.

This only goes back to the 13th century, so it's obvious that this was not the word The Messiah spoke.

mercy : [< Medieval Latin merces (reward, compassionate action) < merx (merchandise); influenced by Latin miserere < miserêrî (to have pity)] compassionate action or treatment; relief from distress; a tendency from personal character to act compassionately; to be ruthful, to show forbearance or kindness. In Scripture and in the Christian faith, mercy means the giving of grace to people who don't deserve it, or showing compassion to someone you have power or authority over. There is purpose for God's mercy :

Again this latin does not go far enough back, it is set in medieval times.

ἔλεος eleos

1) to have mercy on

2) to help one afflicted or seeking aid

3) to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched

4) to experience mercy

How very convenient that each time this word was translated it transferred the same definition each time.
But in 600-800 b.c.e. it had a different meaning, I wonder why they didn't transfer it to the dictionaries and concordances?

Eleos or Eleus (Ελεος) -- The goddess of compassion.

1) to have mercy on

2) to help one afflicted or seeking aid

3) to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched

4) to experience mercy

ELEUS (Eleos) The female personification of mercy.

There is no way that The Messiah would have said this to those assembled on that day. It makes me wonder about how many times I've used this word and not understood it's meaning. How did it get from a reference to a pagan diety to the mumbo jumbo it is now. So now it's time to throw away the swine's flesh and get to the clean meat of the study.

H2617
חסד
chêsêd
kheh'-sed
From H2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opprobrium) reproof, or (subjectively) beauty: - favour, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.
The three letters in the Hebrew are the "chet, samech and the dalet. This is the picture I saw "on your journey to the inner room(chet) I will support(samech) you on the pathway(dalet)

Gen 19:19 “Look, please, your servant has found beauty in your eyes, and you have increased your kindness(m-rcy) which you have shown me by saving my life, but I am unable to escape to the mountains, lest calamity overtake me and I die.

H7349
רחוּם
rachûm
rakh-oom'
From H7355; compassionate: - full of compassion, merciful.

Deu 4:31 “For יהוה your Elohim is a compassionate(merciful) Ěl, He does not forsake you, nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.
The four letters here are "reysh, chet, vav and mem. I've been praying that YHWH would show me His meaning in Matthew. As I began to study out the pictures in the ancient Hebrew I felt instantly humbled. I don't think we can understand "chesed/m-rcy" until we define merciful. From all that I can find merciful is only used in the Tanakh in regards to YHWH. The picture I see is this "the Highest(reysh) in the inner room(chet) secured us(vav) by His mighty blood(mem)." Does scripture not tell us that we are to die to this life? Aren't we supposed to lay down our lives to the point of death to be raised again to The Messiah? it is not for me to give an interpretation of the scriptures for you. You must study yourselves. I see this in the passage in Matt 5:7 blessed are the ones who lay down their life for others to find Me, for they will find me at the door.
May YHWH bless you, shalom

False Prophets

2010-11-28T19:57:00.000-08:00

How important is it to return to the purity of scripture? Can we be satisfied with some truths and continue on our way? When I work on an old house there is a specific job I am hired to do. Often times I find many things that require a great deal more work to accept the changes I am making. Most of the time though the customer does not want to hear about all the problems. So I am required to put new windows in rotted walls. No matter that wind and rain will come in just as long as I can see through my new windows! Should this be so with The Scriptures? We have returned to YHWH'S Sabbath and His Feasts. We even begin to learn Hebrew, much of which we don't understand. We have great heaps of wisdom, but they are as useless as rotting walls if we don't have the understanding to use the wisdom. I find it overwhelming the amount of greek thinking we have in this world. We are inundated with the names of gods and goddesses in our day to day speech. Someone even had the nerve to tell me that "hashem" (which means "the Name") gave the scriptures in greek so that we would understand them. Huh? You've got to be kidding me; and no I'm not a pagan hunter. But I do hunger and thirst for YHWH'S righteousness. For I will perish without it. The Messiah is our life, breath and He should be everything that we do. As I continue to study out the picture meanings in the ancient Hebrew I find myself stunned at what I have missed all these years. Is it any wonder that so many look to false prophets and anti-messiahs for understanding in The Scriptures? I never was satisfied with the answers given and was often told just to listen to the pastor.

Jer 14:14 Then YHWH said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Mat 7:15	Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 24:11	And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:24	For there shall arise false Messiahs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Mar 13:22	For false Messiahs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.
Luk 6:26	Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
2Pe 2:1	But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying YHWH that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
1Jo 4:1	Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of Elohim: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Is it not time to rip out the old framing (greek thinking) and allow YHWH to frame us in the beauty of The Messiah? Who will stand to expose the false teachers and denounce the heresies spoken from the pulpits to YHWH'S people? We ourselves must repent of all the wickedness we have taken part in and turn and walk according to The Beauty of The Messiah in all humility. Remember all those who stayed silent during the holocaust? Where was the voice of YHWH'S people then? Where is the voice of YHWH'S people now. The world needs to hear of YHWH'S "chesed"(mercy) now or they will hear His judgement. Shalom

But I and my house, we serve יהוה

2010-11-23T04:53:00.000-08:00

               There are many words in the english language. There are also many definitions and contexts for each word. Many of those definitions are abstract in their form. Meaning the exact definition is based on someones interpretations or even. Hebrew is not so, it's meanings are concrete, meaning there is a clear definition. Even more they convey a picture to the mind of the hearer that is easy and clear to understand. Many people myself included do not understand the catch phrases we throw around so often. Have you ever struggled with finding the right word to convey a message. The best way I have found is to describe a picture that someone is familiar with. How about all the fancy words we use but have no clear definition of.
                Entire doctrines and philosophies float around single words. They give a foggy understanding of concepts that are critical to our knowing YHWH. Yet so many are content with their current knowledge. Are the scriptures to be understood in this manner? So let's look at the following passages of scripture.

Deu 31:11 when all Yisraʼĕl comes to appear before יהוה your Elohim in the place which He chooses, read this Torah before all Yisraʼĕl in their hearing.
Deu 31:12 “Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and your sojourner who is within your gates, so that they hear, and so that they learn to fear יהוה your Elohim and guard to do all the Words of this Torah.

                 Can you imagine this being done, it would be incredible to have an entire nation taking part in this. Sadly the scriptures tell us of few times that this took place. Joyfully when it did there was great teshuva(repentance) when it did happen. But what if they had to get out their websters dictionary, and the strongs concordance, and the writings of men long dead? No one would agree ever on what the pure Torah contained. This is what we are doing right now. Many of us have left the lies given to us from our forefathers and are returning to the Torah. We have left off pagan feasts and festivals of false gods. Rather than sun god worship we desire YHWH and His spoken word. We have returned to the Hebrew roots of our faith.
                    For awhile now I have been searching out the meaning of phrases found primarily in the New Covenant writings. The Messiah gives us so much instruction yet it is hard to understand in it's context. Many will say that you have to understand The Torah first and I agree. Yet why would we believe that The Messiah spoke greek? Not that He couldn't have, He probably created it when he confused the languages at babel.
1. He is The Word made flesh
2. He spoke the same words He had spoken in The Torah
3. He taught his talmidim(disciples) they were to speak the same word

                 I have found some interesting things as I study between the greek translation and The original Hebrew. First I will say that this is all to better understand who The Messiah is and what He has told us to do.
At first I was disturbed by what I was finding; words like faith, hope, chastity, joy, wisdom, peace and grace were not clearly definable. So I set out to find their Hebraic meaning. Now I was beginning to understand principles set out from the foundations of the earth. What I found though in the greek was beyond disturbing. All the words faith, hope, charity, joy, wisdom, peace and grace are pagan in their origins. Look for yourselves, the greek names given to the gods of greece in 600 to 800 b.c.e. are the same words translated from the hebrew in 150 to 300 c.e.. Are these concepts that are acceptable for those of us seeking to walk as The Messiah? Do they describe His Beauty to us? I think the following verse sums it up for me and my family.

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.”

Where are the Men???????

2010-11-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

            For a long time I have been wondering "where are all the men". Most messianic or christian assemblies are comprised of mostly women. In 22 years it has been hard to draw men into conversations of scripture. I mostly get frowns because I cannot find anything else to talk about. Sure I can talk about muscle cars and guns and all the guy stuff. My team even won the world series this year. But who cares? None of those things changed my life. None of them would die for me. None of them would look for me if I didn't show up. Yet there is a picture of two men that the Ruach brought to my mind. One is the man of the world his name was Haman. The other is not even mentioned as much as the first, his name was Mordecai; and yet he was a man above others of his time. Haman sought prestige, wealth, honor, pride and vengeance. He could be likened to a man who works hard for his family putting all else aside, though in truth even his family was put aside and died as he did!
           But the man Mordecai he was the real man. His face was in the dust, he must have looked more shameful than a beggar. But he did not beg for himself, rather he cried out for his people. He refused his own well being for that of the children of Y'israel. He raised a young woman who forsook her own life and laid it at the feet of The Sovereign King of The universe; YHWH! It is natural for a man to go into a self preservation mode and protect all that he has and holds dear. This man held dear in humility that his life was not important and the life of his niece. He was willing to lose her in the hopes that his people would not be forever eliminated from the earth.
            So i ask again, "where are the men"? As a man I can answer that question and if the following do not apply to you then praise YHWH. Men are in the bars, illicit affairs, surfing the internet for adultery, not around their children or their wives, they hide in alcohol, drugs, pain medications, work, garages, cars the list could go on and on.
             One man got on his face right where he was supposed to be and the world changed as he knew it. For him everything stopped and there was only him and the dirt exactly what we came from. Yet that man was lifted out of the dirt and his feet were solidly upon a rock, The Rock in fact.
              I myself am no one of any importance. If I died today not many would notice. So while it is yet today it is time to make a stand or rather a repenting in the dust crying out to YHWH our salvation to deliver his people from a life apart from Him. To "create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us, to restore unto us The blessing of our Salvation. Yeshua our Mashiach, our bridegroom, our one true love and yes for us men to present ourselves as a pure and spotless bride.
              Purim is traditionally spent as a celebration of the deliverance of YHWH'S people. Yet I would say that we are not delivered right now. Our time grows short. I who am as Shaul stated the chiefest of sinners make a call to all men that upon the day celebrated on the rabbinical calendar that we call Purim, call all men to a day of being on our face to cry out to YHWH and see what He will do to us, in us and through us

Shalom/peace

2010-11-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

           For those of you that have read my study on (beauty/gr-ce), here is another word that is an eye opener. Perhaps for some of us it has been an eye closer. My purpose in this study is to come to an Hebraic understanding of the things we share scripturally. Also that we have an Hebraic understanding of the things that we pray for.

Ancient Hebrew Word Meanings
Peace ~ shalom
By Jeff A. Benner

When we hear the word peace we usually associate this to mean an absence of war or strife but, the Hebrew meaning of the word shalom has a very different meaning. The verb form of the root word is shalam and is usually used in the context of making restitution. When a person has caused another to become deficient in some way, such as a loss of livestock, it is the responsibility of the person who created the deficiency to restore what has been taken, lost or stolen. The verb shalam literally means to make whole or complete. The noun shalom has the more literal meaning of being in a state of wholeness or with no deficiency. The common phrase shalu shalom yerushalayim (pray for the peace of Jerusalem) is not speaking about an abcense of war (though that is part of it) but that Jerusalem (and by extension all of Israel) is complete and whole and goes far beyond the idea of "peace".

   The strongs concordance would claim that there are 430 references to the word peace. However I found five different Hebrew words that are translated to the word peace. Let's look at them.

1.The word here is Shalom
Gen 15:15 “Now .as for you, you are to go to your fathers in peace, you are to be buried at a good old age.
בשׁלום H7965 in peace;

2.The actual word here is "charash" and in the context it is "to keep silent".
Gen 34:5 Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; and his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they came.
והחרשׁ H2790 held his peace.

3. The actual word here is "Shelem" a voluntary offering.
Exo 20:24 ‘Make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall slaughter on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your cattle. In every place where I cause My Name to be remembered I shall come to you and bless you.
שׁלמיךH8002 and thy peace offerings
AHLB # 2845 - Payment: Given to make a completion of an action or transaction.

4. The actual word here is "chashah".
2Ki 2:5 And the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said to him, Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from your head today? And he answered, Yes, I know it; hold your+ peace. H2814 חשׁה   châshâh
A primitive root; to hush or keep quiet: - hold peace, keep silence, be silent, (be) still.

5. The actual word here is "hasah".
Zep 1:7 Hold your peace at the presence of the Sovereign YHWH; for the day of YHWH is at hand: for YHWH has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests.
H2013 הסה   hâsâh A primitive root; to hush: - hold peace (tongue), (keep) silence, be silent, still.

So we cannot truly say that every time we see the word "peace" that we can automatically insert the word "shalom". Here is where the study gets interesting. The translators could have easily used these five definitions to better translate or convey the meanings of these words in the "tanakh-old testament". But why did they feel the need to create brand new definitions in the "Renewed Conenant-New Testament". So let's take a look.

   In the "New Testament" there are 5 different words that they translated from, here they are.

1. Mat 10:13 “And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
G1515 εἰρήνη eirēnē i-rah'-nay
Probably from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

2. Mar 9:50 “Salt is good, but if the salt becomes tasteless, how shall you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace among one another.”
eirēneuō   i-rane-yoo'-o
From G1515; to be (act) peaceful: - be at (have, live in) peace, live peaceably.

3. Luk 14:4 But they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go.
G2270 ἡσυχάζω   hay-soo-khad'-zo
From the same as G2272; to keep still (intransitively), that is, refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech: - cease, hold peace, be quiet, rest.

4.Luk 20:26 And they were not able to take hold of what he said before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace.
G4601 σιγάω sigaō   see-gah'-o
From G4602; to keep silent (transitive or intransitive): - keep close (secret, silence), hold peace

5.Mat 20:31 But the multitude rebuked them, that they might hold their peace. But, they, the more, cried aloud, saying—Lord, have mercy on us! Son of David!
G4623 σιωπάω siōpaō see-o-pah'-o
From σιωπη siōpē (silence, that is, a hush; properly muteness, that is, involuntary stillness, or inability ot speak; and thus differing from G4602, which is rather a voluntary refusal or indisposition to speak, although the terms are often used synonymously); to be dumb (but not deaf also, like G2974 properly); figuratively to be calm (as quiet water): - dumb, (hold) peace.

Phew! Basically in my humble opinion all these definitions are a bunch of mumbo jumbo. For the remainder of this study though I will focus on the first greek definition. This is the one where it should be translated to "shalom".
Mat 10:13 “And if the house is worthy, let your peace(shalom) come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace(shalom) return to you.Once again we'll look at the greek translation and the definition.

eirēnē i-rah'-nayProbably from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

Why, I ask again would the translators need to create a new definition? It took me awhile to find it so here it is.

Eirene (Greek goddess)

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Statue of Eirene with the infant Ploutos: Roman marble copy of bronze votive statue by Cephisodotus the Elder, now in the Glyptothek, Munich

Eirene, or Irene (Ancient Greek: Εἰρήνη, pronounced IPA: [eiˈrɛːnɛː]; Greek for "peace"; the Roman equivalent was Pax), one of the Horae, was the personification of peace, and was depicted in art as a beautiful young woman carrying a cornucopia, sceptre and a torch or rhyton. She is said sometimes to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis.

She was particularly well regarded by the citizens of Athens. After a naval victory over Sparta in 375 BC, the Athenians established a cult for Eirene, erecting altars to her. They held an annual state sacrifice to her after 371 BC to commemorate the Common Peace of that year and set up a votive statue in her honour in the agora (marketplace) of Athens. The statue was executed in bronze by Cephisodotus the Elder, the father of the famous sculptor Praxiteles. It was acclaimed by the Athenians, who depicted it on vases and coins.^[1]

Although the statue is now lost, it was copied in marble by the Romans; one of the best surviving copies (right) is in the Munich Glyptothek. It depicts the goddess carrying a child with her left arm – Ploutos, the god of plenty and son of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Eirene's missing right hand once held a sceptre. She is shown gazing maternally at Ploutos, who is looking back at her trustingly. The statue is an allegory for Plenty (Ploutos) prospering under the protection of Peace (Eirene); it constituted a public appeal to good sense.^[1] The copy in the Glyptothek was originally in the collection of the Villa Albani in Rome but was looted and taken to France by Napoleon I. Following Napoleon's fall, the statue was bought by Ludwig I of Bavaria.^[2]

^{Now I know why they created a new definition. ha satan is an imitator and a liar. What better way to deceive than to hide the names of "ba'alim(gods)" than to put them in the place of words that would be common off of a believers tongue? Is this just an innocent error on behalf of the translators? I would say no. The greek spelling is the same for the g-ddess as it is for the word "peace".}

^{The word "Shalom" has great depth of meaning for us. In it we are to understand that it means "whole and complete". I pray that you remain "shalom(whole and complete) in Mashiach's beauty(gr-ce)", until next time when we will uncover the "g-ddess wisdom"}

^Chris

Days of Eliyahu

2010-11-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

Days of Eliyahu by Robin Mark

G C D C

These are the days of Eliyahu declaring the word of YHWH

G C

And these are the days of your servant Moses

D C G

Righteousness being restored

Bm Em

And though these are days of great trials

C D

Of famine and darkness and sword

G C

Still we are the voice in the desert crying

Em D G

Prepare you the way of YHWH

G C

Behold He comes riding on the clouds
G D
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call

D G C

So lift your voice it’s the year of yubilee
G D G
And out of Tzion’s hill salvation comes

G C

And these are the days of Ezekiel
D C G
the dry bones becoming as flesh

G C

And these are the days of your servant David

D C G

Rebuilding the temple of praise and
Bm Em
these are the days of the harvest

C D

The fields are white in the world

G C

And we are the laborers in your vineyard

Em D G

Declaring the word of YHWH

G F C G

Who was and who is and who is to come

G F C G

Who was and who is and who is to come

As a Bride Adorned

2010-10-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

                I can't wait two more Sabbaths to share this. Several years ago we were at someones home during Erev Shabbat. We were reading the Torah portion "Chayei Sarah" it is found in Genesis 23:1-25:28.
We were reading in Chapter 24 about Avraham sending his servant out to find a bride for His son Yitz'chak. Something beautiful came to my mind as to the deeper meaning to this part of scripture. I believe this is an especially important study for anyone who is single and desiring to marry.

Gen 24:1 And Aḇraham was old, advanced in years. And יהוה had blessed Aḇraham in every way.
Gen 24:2 And Aḇraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh,
Gen 24:3 so that I make you swear by יהוה, the Elohim of the heavens and the Elohim of the earth, that you do not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Kenaʽanites, among whom I dwell,
Gen 24:4 but to go to my land and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Yitsḥaq.”
Gen 24:5 And the servant said to him, “What if the woman refuses to follow me to this land? Do I then take your son back to the land from which you came?”
Gen 24:6 And Aḇraham said to him, “Beware lest you take my son back there!
Gen 24:7 “יהוה, Elohim of the heavens, who took me from my fatherʼs house and from the land of my relatives, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, ‘To your seed I give this land,ʼ He sends His messenger before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.
Gen 24:8 “And if the woman refuses to follow you, then you shall be released from this oath; only, do not take my son back there.”
Gen 24:9 Then the servant put his hand under the thigh of Aḇraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.
Gen 24:10 And the servant took ten of his masterʼs camels and left, for all his masterʼs good gifts were in his hand. And he arose and went to Aram Naharayim, to the city of Naḥor.

                The picture I saw is The Father sending His Ruach HaKodesh to find a bride for His Son. The Ruach is also bearing gifts, but they are gifts of a different sort. This bride is to be adorned with True jewels that can't be destroyed or taken away. This bride is ready to leave their former life and never return. The bride is fully trusting that they will be led to one who will love them for an eternity, even though they have never seen them. In the western world this type of marraige would end up in the supreme court with the parents facing prison. Yet this is the way our Heavenly Father is arranging the marraige between the bride and the Bridegroom. As we were driving to take part in Succot (practice for the marraige feast), I was praying about these things. The Ruach spoke clearly to my heart. "These children are mine, they are betrothed to me". I saw a picture of a young man with his eyes looking up, also the picture of a young woman with her eyes looking up. I knew their eyes were focused upon YHWH and His perfect will for their life. As they continued in this way one day they ran into each other and they were married. They were totally focused upon YHWH and not the futility of fleshly desires, or the need to make their own way. YHWH impressed upon me the need that day to walk as a bride, one who is set apart completely unto Him. I'm not talking about the picture of a white dress walking down the aisle. I'm talking about one who is clothed in The Beauty of The Mashiach.

Isa 49:23 “And sovereigns shall be your foster fathers, and their sovereignesses your nursing mothers. They bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and lick up the dust of your feet. And you shall know that I am יהוה – those who wait for Me shall not be ashamed.”
Isa 61:10 I greatly rejoice in יהוה, my being exults in my Elohim. For He has put garments of deliverance on me, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Jer 33:11 the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who are saying, “Praise יהוה of hosts, for יהוה is good, for His kindness is forever,” of those who are bringing the offering of praise into the House of יהוה. For I shall turn back the captivity of the land, as at the first,ʼ declares יהוה.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the heaven saying, “See, the Booth of Elohim is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and Elohim Himself shall be with them and be their Elohim.
Rev 21:4 “And Elohim shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying. And there shall be no more pain, for the former matters have passed away.”
Rev 21:5 And He who was sitting on the throne said, “See, I make all matters new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and trustworthy.”
Rev 21:6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the ‘Alephʼ and the ‘Tawʼ, the Beginning and the End. To the one who thirsts I shall give of the fountain of the water of life without payment.
Rev 21:7 “The one who overcomes shall inherit all this, and I shall be his Elohim and he shall be My son.
Rev 21:8 “But as for the cowardly, and untrustworthy, and abominable, and murderers, and those who whore, and drug sorcerers, and idolaters, and all the false, their part is in the lake which burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.”
Rev 21:9 And one of the seven messengers who held the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and spoke with me, saying, “Come, I shall show you the bride, the Lambʼs wife.”
Rev 21:2 And I, Yoḥanan, saw the set-apart city, renewed Yerushalayim, coming down out of the heaven from Elohim, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Completed by His beauty

2010-10-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

          Just before the Feast of Tabernacles I was going through my notes on this subject in order to share it one of the nights. My wife told me that she didn't understand what I was putting forth or the final point in the study. When your wife tells you something like that it's time to put on the brakes. Something came to me as I was praying that night. I hadn't studied out the greek. Well I haven't studied out the greek in many years because scripture is Hebraic in its origins. Nevertheless I studied it out that night and the smoke is still clearing.

              The Septuagint (pronounced /ˈsɛptuː.ədʒɪnt/), or simply "LXX", referred to in critical works by the abbreviation ,[1] is the Koine Greek version of the Hebrew Bible, translated in stages between the 3rd and 2nd century BCE in Alexandria.[2] It was begun by the third century BCE and completed before 132 BCE.[3]

           So here are the origins from the greek for the words favour and grace.
                G5485
                χάρις
                charis
                khar'-ece
From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
           Here is the greek word translated to favour and grace and yet the definition does not shine a light on it's meaning. We see that from the 2nd to 3rd century this translation came to be used. I did not expect to find the next thing.
*important note see the greek above and the greek below it is the same.
• In Greek mythology, a Charis (Χάρις) is one of several Charites (Χάριτες; Greek: "Graces"), goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity and fertility. They ordinarily numbered three, from youngest to oldest: Aglaea ("Beauty"), Euphrosyne ("Mirth"), and Thalia ("Good Cheer"). In Roman mythology they were known as the Gratiae, the "Graces". In some cases Charis was one of the Graces and was not the plural form of their name.
• The Charites were usually considered the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome, though they were also said to be daughters of Dionysus and Aphrodite or of Helios and the naiad Aegle. Homer wrote that they were part of the retinue of Aphrodite. The Charites were also associated with the underworld and the Eleusinian Mysteries.

                Why, I asked myself would the translators use such a word to describe this concept? So let's recap the scripture to this point.
                 We see in the previous studies that this "beauty/grace" was found in someone. Noah, Moshe, Ruth and Ester; we also see that it was not found in the children of Yisrael. We also see that the psalms and proverbs describe it as an ornament upon ones shoulders or head. It is also indisputable that The Messiah is complete in beauty and that this beauty originates from Him in the first place.

Act 4:33 And with great power the emissaries gave witness to the resurrection of the Master יהושע, and great beauty(gr-ce) was upon them all.
Act 11:23 who, having come, and seeing the beauty(beauty) of Elohim, was glad, and encouraged them all with purpose of heart to cleave to the Master.
Act 13:43 And when the meeting of the congregation had broken up, many of the Yehuḏim and of the worshipping converts followed Shaʼul and Barnaḇah, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the beauty(beauty) of Elohim.

This beauty is definately a result of an action. My definition is "a completion of a life lived in righteousness according to The Messiah, who stated "if you love me keep my commandments! So I ask the question again, Why would they choose a greek word that refers to some goddesses?


            In the Tanakh(old testament) the word from the hebrew "chen" is translated to favour or more often than to the word grace. In the B'rit Chadashah(new testament) most translations use the word grace. So was it a mistake or just a bad translation?

             I think the answer is in the book of Ephesians. If you want to deceive someone just change the language. As the saying goes, "if you want to destroy a people you first have to change their language".

                                                                                                                                                              Eph 2:8 for by gr-ce you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of Elohim,

Thirty six of forty translations are written this way.BUT they left out a very important word. Here is how it reads corrected.

Eph 2:8 for by His beauty we were saved by faith, and this was not of yourselves, but it is the gift of Eloah.

            Judge for yourselves, are we saved by a goddess or are we completed by The beauty of The Messiah. I can't even begin to express how this study alone has changed my life. I will never be the same. I feel I have an understanding now of the importance of walking out my salvation with fear and trembling before YHWH. I also do not remember ever being attacked in the spirit so much. The evil one hates The Beauty of The Messiah. he moreso hates the fact that if we as true believers understand and embrace these truths then we will be showing The Beauty of The Messiah to all the world.
             Several things have been spoken to my heart in the scriptures as I have prayed and sought out more concerning this subject. So please pray for me. I will leave you with this; Paul, Peter and James all began their letters with this greeting. May you be whole and complete(shalom) in His beauty(gr-ce). Chris

Beauty/Grace part 2 "We find beauty in His eyes"

2010-09-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

                     So for anyone who has ever been in the "church" we grew accustomed to a particular phrase. That being "you are saved by grace".

Eph 2:1 And you were dead in your sins and transgressions
Eph 2:2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience,
Eph 2:3 among whom also we all once lived in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, (as) also the rest.
Eph 2:4 But Elohim, who is rich in compassion, because of His great love (with) which He loved us,
Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in sins, made us alive together with Messiah – (by favour you have been saved – )

I have to stop here because there are some words left out in the previous verse. Here are the words that were left out.

Eph 2:5 when we were dead in our sins, He gave us life with The Messiah, and by His Beauty, He saved us.

How do we know which the correct verse is? We look for the witnesses.
1. First is there anyone who was "saved by grace" in scripture? No, all the references throughout scripture say "so and so, found beauty in the eyes of YHWH" Gen 6:8, Ex 33:12, Rth 2:10, Ester 2:15.
2. "by His beauty" The picture of Mashiach is the only one that fits the bill.

Isa 11:1 And a Rod shall come forth from the stump of Yishai, and a Sprout from his roots shall bear fruit.
Isa 11:2 The Spirit of יהוה shall rest upon Him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of יהוה,
Isa 11:3 and shall make Him breathe in the fear of יהוה. And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears.
Isa 11:4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and shall decide with straightness for the meek ones of the earth, and shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and slay the wrong with the breath of His lips.
Isa 11:5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and trustworthiness the girdle of His waist.
Isa 42:1 “See, My Servant whom I uphold, My Chosen One My being has delighted in! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He brings forth right-ruling to the nations.
Isa 42:2 “He does not cry out, nor lifts up His voice, nor causes His voice to be heard in the street.
Isa 42:3 “A crushed reed He does not break, and smoking flax He does not quench. He brings forth right-ruling in accordance with truth.
Isa 42:4 “He does not become weak or crushed, until He has established right-ruling in the earth. And the coastlands wait for His Torah.”

            These verses jumped out to me. First because Noah, Moses, Ruth and Ester all had a servants heart, as well as being humble. Or to put it simply "The spirit of Mashiach". We see all throughout the Torah those who were a type of Messiah. Joseph being another example. Yet we are not saved by their beauty.

Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and pitched His tent among us, and we saw His esteem, esteem as of an only brought-forth of a father, complete in beauty/favour and truth. (Footnote: 1An indication that His birth was during the Festival of Booths.)
Joh 1:16 And out of His completeness we all did receive, and beauty/favour upon beauty/favour,
Joh 1:17 for the Torah was given through Mosheh – the beauty/favour and the truth came through יהושע Messiah.

So to sum up, there was action involved with this "beauty/favour". Mashiach actively saved us and commanded us to follow Him. If you follow someone you do exactly as they do or you get canned! There actions don't cover your not doing anything. In this case the actions of The Messiah covered our transgressions of the covenant that He established to show that we needed Him all along! Every single person who "found beauty in the eyes of YHWH" was pointing us to The Messiah! Imagine if Moses were to have said "look dude who cares if pharoah is chasing us I'm saved by grace".

Yom Teruah

2010-09-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Blessed is YHWH the king of the universe! As we prayed tonight before bed something was impressed upon my spirit. It doesn't matter what men think of this day. It is YHWH'S feast. May we all allow Him to complete the good work He has begun in us. May we be found to have (beauty/favour) in His eyes and be ready for the return of our beloved Messiah. Just as He has renewed the moon may he also "create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us". May we also be "echad" as the Father and the Son are "echad".
Shalom, Chris

She found beauty in his eyes

2010-09-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I posted last. I was looking at my wife's website and then the one where she and my daughter have one together. My wife Moira has a website called "blessed", truly I am blessed that my mate has a heart for YHWH. I can't imagine the trial of an unbelieving mate. We are intended to be a check and balance system. Neither one complete without the other. I once wondered what I would do if she was taken by YHWH. I once thought I would marry again. I personally have never met someone as special as my wife. As I look at other people in my day to day doings, I realize that she is the one whom YHWH has joined me with. Is it not to complete me that I may be found to be (beauty/grace) in His eyes? For surely she has been found beautiful in my eyes. No she is not perfect but in Messiah who she loves, she is!

A Contrite Spirit

2010-08-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

First I must apologize, I don't have a clue how to display the paleo hebrew. It just shows up as boxes. Maybe the computer is not smart enough to recognize it. This is a follow up to what I wrote on "grace/beauty".
I wanted to look at Moshe. Was he not a broken man, from the palace to the fields. Alife of luxury to a nomadic existence. His people captive to a dictator who desired oppression for the Y'israelites. I see his brokeness as the preliminary ingredient to what we looked at for "grace/beauty". The best part of this study is where Messiah appears in the aleph/tav.

Ps 34:18 YHWH is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.

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Psa 34:18 ) קרוב יהוה לנשׁברי־לב ואת־דכאי־רוח יושׁיע׃
Is near
2729)  ( QRB) ac: Approach co: Near ab: ?: A bringing, giving or approaching of someone or something to be close, at hand or among.

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Psa 34:18 ) קרוב יהוה לנשׁברי־לב ואת־דכאי־רוח יושׁיע׃

He Who Exists

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Psa 34:18 ) קרוב יהוה לנשׁברי־לב ואת־דכאי־רוח יושׁיע׃

Unto them that are broken
2811)  ( ShBR) ac: Burst co: Grain ab: ?: The grain is placed on the threshing floor or in the millstone and crushed to burst out the seeds from the hulls. [from: ]

Heart
1255)  ( LB) ac: ? co: Heart ab: Think: The pictograph  is a picture of the shepherd staff representing authority, the  is a picture of a tent representing what is inside. Combined these mean "authority inside". The consciousness of man is seen as coming from deep inside the chest, the heart. Thirst as an Inside desire for water. (eng: life; love; liver - the seat of passion; lava)

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Psa 34:18 ) קרוב יהוה לנשׁברי־לב ואת־דכאי־רוח יושׁיע׃

In the strongs there really isn’t a definition for this. Strongs #853
The first letter ו (a vav) is taken to mean “and” then you have the את (aleph,tav).
1022)  ( AT) ac: Plow co: Mark ab: ?: The pictograph  is a picture of an ox. The  is a picture of two crossed sticks used to make a sign or mark. Combined these pictures represent "an ox moving toward a mark". When plowing a field with oxen, the plowman drives the oxen toward a distant mark in order to keep the furrow straight. A traveler arrives at his destination by following a mark. The traveling toward a mark, destination or person. The arrival of one to the mark. A "you" is an individual who has arrived to a "me". The coming toward a mark. A standard, or flag, with the family mark hangs as a sign. An agreement or covenant by two where a sign or mark of the agreement is made as a reminder to both parties. (eng: at - a moving at something)

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Psa 34:18 ) קרוב יהוה לנשׁברי־לב ואת־דכאי־רוח יושׁיע׃

Contrite
Nm)  ( D-KA) - Broken: Something that is broken into pieces. [freq. 3] kjv: contrite, destruction {str: 1793}
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Psa 34:18 ) קרוב יהוה לנשׁברי־לב ואת־דכאי־רוח יושׁיע׃

Nf)  ( RWHh) - Wind: Also the wind of man or god, the breath. [Hebrew and Aramaic] [freq. 380] kjv: spirit, wind, breath, side, mind, blast, vain, air, anger, cool, courage, space, enlargement {str: 7305, 7307}
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Psa 34:18 ) קרוב יהוה לנשׁברי־לב ואת־דכאי־רוח יושׁיע׃

Nm)  ( Y-ShAh) - Rescue: A deliverance or freedom from a trouble. [freq. 36] kjv: salvation, safety, saving {str: 3468}

Grace (part 1)

2010-08-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

What is the definition of "grace"? I found that to be a bit harder than I imagined it would be. I found that most of my definitions were not even my own, but rather those told to me. This particular Shabbat we studied it out as a family. Both my wife and I were floored at what we found. I also found one of the most beautiful things I have ever known.
For the past few months I have been gone through some trials.
I have always been a servant in the body (22 years), yet YHWH showed me that my service was not all it should be. I have always known how to pray and believe YHWH for the answer. Yet YHWH showed me otherwise. Lately "grace and mercy" has been the topic. It is one of the most argued topics today as yesterday. Shouldn't we have a clear understanding of this? I Bless YHWH for His revelation and the wisdom to use it. Please study this with me and respond that we may be "echad" as The Father and The Son are "echad.

GraceH2580
חן
chên
khane
From H2603; graciousness, that is, subjectively (kindness, favor) or objectively (beauty): - favour, grace (-ious), pleasant, precious, [well-] favoured.
Beauty: As the beauty of the camp. To give or show beauty, grace or mercy to another. [freq. 69] kjv: grace, favour, gracious, pleasant, precious {str: 2580}

Gen 6:8 But Noaḥ found favour(beauty) in the eyes of יהוה.

Exo 33:12 And Mosheh said to יהוה, “See, You are saying to me, ‘Bring up this people.ʼ But You have not made known to me whom You would send with me, though You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favour(beauty) in My eyes.ʼ

Rth 2:10 And she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favour(beauty) in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, seeing I am a foreigner?”
Rth 2:11 And Boʽaz answered and said to her, “I have been told all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before.
Rth 2:12 “יהוה repay your work, and your reward is complete from יהוה Elohim of Yisraʼĕl, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”
Rth 2:13 And she said, “Let me find favour(beauty) in your eyes, my master, because you have comforted me, and have spoken to the heart of your female servant, though I am not like one of your female servants.”

Est 2:15 And when the turn came for Estĕr, the daughter of Aḇihayil the uncle of Mordeḵai, who had taken her as his daughter, to come in to the sovereign, she sought no matter but what Hĕḡai the sovereignʼs eunuch, guardian of the women, advised. And Estĕr found favour(beauty) in the eyes of all who saw her.
Est 2:17 And the sovereign loved Estĕr more than all the women, and she found favour(beauty) and kindness in his eyes more than all the maidens. And he set the royal crown upon her head and made her sovereigness instead of Vashti.

Num 32:5 And they said, “If we have found favour(beauty) in your eyes, let this land be given to your servants as a possession, and do not let us pass over the Yardĕn.”
Num 32:10 “Then the displeasure of יהוה burned on that day, and He swore an oath, saying,
Num 32:11 ‘Not one of the men who came up from Mitsrayim, from twenty years old and above, is to see the land of which I swore to Aḇraham, Yitsḥaq, and Yaʽaqoḇ, because they did not follow Me completely,

So here we have examples of Noach, Moshe, Ruth, Ester and the children of Y'israel. Four of them found His "beauty"(grace) and the children of Y'israel did not. Yet there is a common thread between them and what seperates them. So we look for more witnesses. In the next one I believe it is about The Messiah.

Psa 45:2 You are more handsome than the sons of men; Favour(beauty) has been poured upon Your lips; Therefore Elohim has blessed You forever.
Psa 45:3 Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, Your excellency and Your splendour. Psa 45:4 And ride prosperously in Your splendour, On the matter of truth and humility, righteousness; And let Your right hand lead You to awesome matters.

It seems to me that here there is a witness to "humility" as one of the things that defines one as "the beauty of the camp".

Psa 84:11 For יהוה Elohim is a sun and a shield; יהוה gives favour(beauty) and esteem; He withholds no good matter From those who walk blamelessly.

Here is another witness for "walking blamelessly". But who can attest to that? There are a few in scripture but I will focus on One.

Luk 2:40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom. And the favour(beauty) of Elohim was upon Him.
Luk 2:52 And יהושע increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour(beauty) with Elohim and men.

Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and pitched His tent among us, and we saw His esteem, esteem as of an only brought-forth of a father, complete in favour(beauty) and truth.
Joh 1:16 And out of His completeness we all did receive, and favour(beauty) upon favour,(beauty)
Joh 1:17 for the Torah was given through Mosheh – the favour(beauty) and the truth came through יהושע Messiah.

Is it just me or is this the best witness of all. He "pitched His tent" and is "complete in beauty" and from Him we receive His beauty! As i read this those first five examples became clearer. Noach was the only beauty YHWH saw on earth. Moshe was a type of Messiah. Ruth desired YHWH more than her own people. Ester helped in delivering her people and all who beheld her saw her as the beauty of the camp. All of these were humble. Was YHWH Elohim not their sun and shield, and what great matter did He withold from them. Yet He did withold from the children of Y'israel in the desert. No man above twenty years old left there alive. I see several witnesses and examples to the "grace" of YHWH. Those who walk according to His word, who LOVE HIM with all their heart, soul and might will have His beauty poured out upon them. Yes it's free, for those who desire the completeness of Messiah. Not my words but His Word.

1Jn 2:1 My little children, I write this to you, so that you do not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Intercessor with the Father, יהושע Messiah, a righteous One.
1Jn 2:2 And He Himself is an atoning offering for our sins, and not for ours only but also for all the world.
1Jn 2:3 And by this we know that we know Him, if we guard His commands.1 Footnote: 1See 3:6.
1Jn 2:4 The one who says, “I know Him,” and does not guard His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jn 2:5 But whoever guards His Word, truly the love of Elohim has been perfected1 in him. By this we know that we are in Him.2 Footnotes: 1Gen. 17:1, Ps. 119:1, Mt. 5:48. 2See 3:24.
1Jn 2:6 The one who says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked.
1Jn 2:7 Beloved, I write no fresh command to you, but an old command which you have had from the beginning. The old command is the Word which you heard from the beginning.1 Footnote: 1See v. 24.

Prayer

2010-07-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

22 years ago I became a believer in Yahshua Ha Mashiach. I still remember the first question I asked in regards to the scriptures. It was about the early believers in the book of Acts.

Act 2:45 and sold their possessions and property, and divided them among all, as anyone might have need.
Act 2:46 And day by day, continuing with one mind in the Set-apart Place, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Act 2:47 praising Elohim and having favour with all the people. And the Master added to the assembly those who were being saved, day by day.

My question was "why don't we do this now". I was told that was for that time in history, thats all it is history. I didn't believe the answer then and I don't believe it applies now. Just as sure as we live in a world that is full of every imaginable pleasure, comfort or philosophy, the same was present in that time. We just have more technology so we can sin faster! Why within the "church" do we have so many doctrines and different teachings. Yes some of us have returned to "The Torah", but so many of us disagree on so many different levels. I think that something is wrong here. In fact our Messiah must have the same idea for He prayed in the book of John this,

Joh 17:11 “And I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Set-apart Father, guard them in Your Name which You have given Me, so that they might be one, as We are.
Joh 17:21 so that they all might be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, so that they too might be one in Us, so that the world might believe that You have sent Me.
Joh 17:22 “And the esteem which You gave Me I have given them, so that they might be one as We are one,
Joh 17:23 “I in them, and You in Me, so that they might be perfected into one, so that the world knows that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me

So obviously from our Messiah's mouth he is praying that we would be "echad" or one.

אֶחָד
echad

1) one (number)

a) one (number)

b) each, every

c) a certain

d) an (indefinite article)

e) only, once, once for all

f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one

g) first

h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

If we go back a few verses in the 2nd chapter of acts there is a recipe for what our Messiah was praying for. We can see that it worked for the early believers and YHWH blessed them.

Act 2:42 And they were continuing steadfastly in the teaching of the emissaries, and in the fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every being, and many wonders and signs were being done through the emissaries.
Act 2:44 And all those who believed were together, and had all in common,
Act 2:45 and sold their possessions and property, and divided them among all, as anyone might have need.
Act 2:46 And day by day, continuing with one mind in the Set-apart Place, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Act 2:47 praising Elohim and having favour with all the people. And the Master added to the assembly those who were being saved, day by day.
May we as the time of YHWH'S fall feasts approach consider and do these things in scripture that if we may, hasten the coming of our beloved Messiah. In prayer one of the greatest gifts given to men.
Shalom, Chris

If My people? Who are called by My Name? 2 Chr 7:14

2010-07-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

2Ch 7:14 and My people upon whom My Name is called, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I shall hear from the heavens, and forgive their sin and heal their land.
2Ch 7:15 “Now, My eyes are open and My ears attentive to the prayer of this place.
2Ch 7:16 “And now, I have chosen and set this house apart for My Name to be there forever. And My eyes and My heart shall always be there.
2Ch 7:17 “And you, if you walk before Me as your father Dawiḏ walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you guard My laws and My right-rulings,
2Ch 7:18 then I shall establish the throne of your reign, as I covenanted with Dawiḏ your father, saying, ‘There is not to cease a man of yours as ruler in Yisraʼĕl.ʼ
2Ch 7:19 “But if you turn away and forsake My laws and My commands which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other mighty ones, and bow yourself to them,
2Ch 7:20 then I shall pluck them from My land, which I have given them, and this house which I have set apart for My Name I shall cast out of My sight and make it to be a proverb and a mockery among all peoples.
2Ch 7:21 “And this house, which has been exalted, everyone who passes by it is shall be astonished and say, ‘Why has יהוה done thus to this land and this house?ʼ
2Ch 7:22 “Then they shall say, ‘Because they forsook יהוה Elohim of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Mitsrayim, and embraced other mighty ones, and bowed themselves to them and served them, therefore He has brought all this evil on them.ʼ ”
Posterboards all over Texas have 2 Chr 7:14 Pray for our nation, above an American flag.
The people I have talked to only know the verse regarding praying and healing our land. This is actually an answer from The Almighty. The nation of Y'israel had just finished sanctifying the temple.

2Ch 7:5 And Sovereign Shelomoh made an offering of twenty-two thousand bulls and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep. Thus the sovereign and all the people dedicated the House of Elohim.

This response from YHWH was to a people that were set apart to Him. He also warns the people what He will do if the pople turn away. Surely our country has not turned away from YHWH.

Unless you count the millions of slaughtered babies
Unless you count Rom 1:27 and likewise, the men also, having left natural relations with woman, burned in their lust for one another.
Unless you count our addiction to pharmakia, witchcraft, fortunetelling, false prophets and false messiahs.

If we want YHWH to heal our land then we MUST TURN from our wicked ways, humble ourselves and pray.

Water in the desert

2010-07-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

Isa 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall sprout; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

HaMayim b'Midmar is the Hebrew for Water in the desert or Wilderness. The word for water is Mayim and is a life source as well as a cleansing medium. We know that the Word of God (YHVH) is the water that washes us clean. The word Midmar consists of two parts; "Mid", meaning 'Garment' and "Bar" meaning 'Son' and 'Cleansing'.

Our walk through this life is like traveling through the Desert (Midbar), and it is designed to let us thirst and find the Son, so that our thirst may be quenched and our Garments may be Cleansed by Him through His Living Water (Word).

Isaiah 44/John 17

2010-07-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

This chapter in Isaiah really began to speak to my heart after hearing it sung by Ted Pearce.

Isa 44:1 “But now hear, O Yaʽaqoḇ My servant, and Yisraʼĕl whom I have chosen.
Isa 44:2 Thus said יהוה who made you and formed you from the womb, who helps you, ‘Do not fear, O Yaʽaqoḇ My servant, and Yeshurun1, whom I have chosen. Footnote: 1A poetical title for Yisraʼĕl, meaning the Straight One or the Upright One. This poetical title is also found in Dt. 32:15, 33:5 & 33:26.
Isa 44:3 ‘For I pour water on the thirsty, and floods on the dry ground. I pour My Spirit on your seed, and My blessing on your offspring,
Isa 44:4 and they shall spring up among the grass like willows by streams of water.ʼ
Isa 44:5 “One says, ‘I belong to יהוה; another calls himself by the name of Yaʽaqoḇ; another writes with his hand, ‘Unto יהוה,ʼ and names himself by the name of Yisraʼĕl.
Isa 44:6 “Thus said יהוה, Sovereign of Yisraʼĕl, and his Redeemer, יהוה of hosts, ‘I am the First and I am the Last, besides Me there is no Elohim.
Isa 44:7 ‘And who is like Me? Let him call and declare it, and lay it before Me, since I appointed the everlasting people. And the events that are coming and those that do come, let them declare these to them.
Isa 44:8 ‘Do not fear, nor be afraid. Have I not since made you hear, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there an Eloah besides Me? There is no other Rock, I know not one.ʼ ”
Isa 44:9 Those who make an idol, all of them are emptiness, and their delights do not profit. And they are their own witnesses; they neither see nor know, so that they are put to shame.
Isa 44:10 Who would form a mighty one or cast an idol that is of no value?
Isa 44:11 See, all his companions are ashamed, and the workmen, they are but men. Let them all be gathered together, let them stand up, let them fear, let them be put to shame, altogether.
Isa 44:12 The craftsman in iron with the tools works one in the coals, and fashions it with hammers, and works it with the strength of his arms. Even so, he shall be hungry, and has no strength; he drinks no water and is weary.
Isa 44:13 The carpenter stretches out his rule, he outlines it with chalk; he fashions it with a plane, and he outlines it with the compass, and makes it like the figure of a man, according to the comeliness of a man, to remain in the house.
Isa 44:14 He cuts down cedars for himself, and takes cypress and oak, which he raised among the trees of the forest. He has planted a pine, and the rain nourishes it.
Isa 44:15 And it shall be for a man to burn, for he takes some of it and warms himself. He also kindles it and shall bake bread. He also makes a mighty one and bows himself to it – has made it a carved image and falls down before it.
Isa 44:16 Half of it he shall burn in the fire; with this half he eats meat. He roasts a roast, and is satisfied. He also warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire.”
Isa 44:17 And the rest of it he makes into a mighty one, his carved image. He falls down before it and worships, prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my mighty one.”
Isa 44:18 They do not know nor understand, for He has smeared their eyes from seeing, and their hearts from understanding.
Isa 44:19 And no one recalls it to his heart, nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, “I have burned half of it in the fire, and I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it. And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Should I fall down before a log of wood?”

Here YHWH is proclaiming His purposes and who can answer Him. As He says in verse 7 And who, as I, can proclaim--let him declare it, and set it in order for Me. At this point no man can lift his head and even breath let alone respond. Here He is promising to restore Y'israel, and bless them.

Isa 44:21 “Remember these matters, O Yaʽaqoḇ, and Yisraʼĕl, for you are My servant! I have formed you, you are My servant, O Yisraʼĕl, do not forget Me!
Isa 44:22 “I shall wipe out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I shall redeem you.”
Isa 44:23 Sing, O heavens, for יהוה shall do it! Shout, O depths of the earth! Break forth into singing, O mountains, forest, and every tree in it! For יהוה shall redeem Yaʽaqoḇ, and make Himself clear in Yisraʼĕl.
Isa 44:24 Thus said יהוה, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb, “I am יהוה, doing all, stretching out the heavens all alone, spreading out the earth, with none beside Me

And again He is saying return to Me, that He has redeemed them. But there is a man who answers Him. After the meal with His disciples where it is only recorded in the book of John.
Yet this man that answers does not speak in arrogance or pride for it is our Messiah.

Joh 17:1 יהושע said these words, and lifted up His eyes to the heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Esteem Your Son, so that Your Son also might esteem You,
Joh 17:2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give everlasting life to all whom You have given Him.
Joh 17:3 “And this is everlasting life, that they should know You, the only true Elohim, and יהושע Messiah whom You have sent.
Joh 17:4 “I have esteemed You on the earth, having accomplished the work You have given Me that I should do.
Joh 17:5 “And now, esteem Me with Yourself, Father, with the esteem which I had with You before the world was.
Joh 17:6 “I have revealed Your Name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours, and You gave them to Me, and they have guarded Your Word.Joh 17:7 “Now they have come to know that all You gave to Me, is from You.
Joh 17:8 “Because the Words which You gave to Me, I have given to them. And they have received them, and have truly known that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me.
Joh 17:9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
Joh 17:10 “And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I have been esteemed in them.
Joh 17:11 “And I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Set-apart Father, guard them in Your Name which You have given Me, so that they might be one,1 as We are.
Joh 17:12 “When I was with them in the world, I was guarding them in Your Name which You have given Me, and I watched over them, and not one of them perished except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be filled.
Joh 17:13 “And now I come to You. And I speak these words in the world, so that they have My joy completed in them.
Joh 17:14 “I have given them Your Word, and the world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world.
Joh 17:15 “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the wicked one.
Joh 17:16 “They are not of the world, as I am not of the world.
Joh 17:17 “Set them apart in Your truth – Your Word is truth.
Joh 17:18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world.
Joh 17:19 “And for them I set Myself apart, so that they too might be set apart in truth.
Joh 17:20 “And I do not pray for these alone, but also for those believing in Me through their word,
Joh 17:21 so that they all might be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, so that they too might be one in Us, so that the world might believe that You have sent Me.
Joh 17:22 “And the esteem which You gave Me I have given them, so that they might be one as We are one,
Joh 17:23 “I in them, and You in Me, so that they might be perfected into one, so that the world knows that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
Joh 17:24 “Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me, might be with Me where I am, so that they see My esteem which You have given Me, because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Joh 17:25 “O righteous Father, indeed the world did not know You, but I knew You, and these knew that You sent Me.
Joh 17:26 “And I have made Your Name known to them, and shall make it known,1 so that the love with which You loved Me might be in them, and I in them.”

I think the scriptures speak for themselves here so I won't muddle it up with my words.

Shalom, Chris

Singing the Psalms

2010-07-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Sh'ma Y'israel/Hear and Obey

2010-07-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a question by someone a few weeks ago that is possibly the most contended subject in scripture. "What has been done away with?" My response was nothing! Has the sun not gotten out of bed for one day? Do the stars take a vacation? Maybe the seas take a break from their constant tides? No, No and No. I gave the same answer to the question posed to me, No.
Every time I didn't want to obey my parents I had a response similar to "that was done away with years ago". How convenient for me that I was so much wiser than my parents. Now I am a parent and I see my sin for what it was, disobedience. Since when did the instruction from a parent who loves their child get done away with? Yet this is the norm for the world in which we live. Everyone sees what is right in their own eyes. We justify our sins, wants, so called needs and feed our putrid stinking flesh to the point that we don't want anything that is good for us.
Our places of worship are no different. We come and are reminded once a week that we need to repent. We are overjoyed because someone died on a cross for us. Now we don't have to do anything because we are forgiven and there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation.
Imagine your 18 year old child saying to you something like this. Hey dad I'm sorry I stole 20 dollars from you again, oh yeah and I'm sorry I took your keys without asking the tow truck driver pulled your car out of the ditch and you can pick it up at the impound yard. But I'm so glad dad that I don't have to go out and get a job because you have already paid the price for me. So anyway I'll see you next week dad and I'll try to do better, by the way do you have 20 dollars? Love you Dad.
This scenario is so absolutely absurd it shouldn't be allowed in the funny section of the paper! So to the meat of what I'm getting at. There are rules that were layed down a long time ago for a rebellious and stiffnecked people. Guess what, the rules still apply. Messiah Yeshua said it very clear throughout the gospel writings. OBEY! Don't take my word for it, see for yourself. I'm just another man. I have been blessed since I got rid of the greek based interpretations of scripture. I now have the "Hebraic roots version Scriptures" based on the original Hebrew and aramaic writings.
Return to The Father of Lights and trash everything from the father of lies. Our Heavenly Father gave us words to live by. The following scripture has been the basis for my journey to go through the "narrow gate" that few find.
Deuteronomy 6:4
HEBREW: Shema Y'israel YHWH Elohaynu, YHWH echad
ENGLISH: Hear o Y'israel: YHWH our Elohim, YHWH is ONE

Deut 6:4 Hear, o Y'israel: YHWH our Elohim, YHWH is one.
5 and you shall love YHWH your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
6 and these words which I command you this day, shall be upon your heart
7 and you shall teach them diligently unto your children, and shall talk 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.

So what words did YHWH command them? You have to read the rest to find out. Watching veggie tales isn't good enough. YHWH loves us and knows exactly what we need. He has called us to come out of the nations and become a people set apart to Him. He is a jealous El and will not share us with another. Let us seek Him with all of our heart, soul and might.
Shalom, Chris

The 63rd Shavuot

2010-07-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

Written by Michael Rood ministries

The 63rd Shavuot and the Impending Destruction of Damascus

Tonight I sit at a coffee shop overlooking the Horns of Hittim, where the Crusaders were defeated and Muslim domination of the land of Israel went unchallenged for centuries. Five years ago, I was given a revelation in a dream – I was in this exact location when an incoming barrage of rockets hammered the shopping center. The people began screaming in terror as we helplessly watched the incoming SCUD missiles. Tonight I am haunted as I sit here and sip my juice because five years ago this place was just an empty field – and the shopping center being decimated by rockets was not even a dream in the mind of the developer.

This past Shabbat I went to the Judean Desert to contemplate the things that transpired at the Shavuot gathering on the Temple Mount last weekend and spend some quality time with the prophet Zechariah. It was five years ago that I laid out the mathematical pattern that had developed from my lifetime of study and learning to walk by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Yom Teruah of 2010 (which we can now calculate as September 11, 2010) was a long way off back then, and very few considered the ramifications of Zechariah’s Thermonuclear War and the upcoming destruction of Damascus, which was revealed to me in Jerusalem at Tabernacles in 2000.

I have been working on the Chronological Gospels and the Creator’s Calendar for over three decades in order to understand the past fulfillment and gain a glimpse into the prophetic fulfillment of the Feasts of the LORD. Yet, until NASA provided the calculations to run the Creator’s calendar back in time, the prophetically significant date on which Isaiah’s “nation in one day” prophecy was fulfilled remained secreted under the veils of both the pagan/Christian calendar and the invented calendar of the Pharisees.

May 23, 2010 was the 63rd Shavuot from the rebirth of Israel in 1948. That year, May 15th fell on the prophetically significant seventh Sabbath of the omer – the following day was the first Feast of Shavuot in the born-again nation. If I have accurately calculated a third layer of Daniel’s “seventy shavuim,” we are now just a few short months away from what I projected back in February 2005 – “the destruction of Damascus in the fall of 2010 following a global economic collapse.” For months I have been praying for a Divine confirmation concerning the events expected to follow the 63rd Shavuot, but Divine signs, wonders, and confirmations seldom come in the way they are expected – or even welcome…

I knew that I was to be in Jerusalem for this particular Feast of Shavuot. The 63rd Shavuot from Israel’s rebirth marks seven years before Israel’s 70th year, as well as seven years before the next Jubilee in the cycle that began when Allenby took Jerusalem in 1917. That cycle was confirmed and continued when Israel took Jerusalem in 1967. As usual, I reserved the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount where Gamliel the wise and his Aviv Court met to determine the aviv barley each spring. The Ophel Gardens Archaeological Park has always granted me permission to allow the attendees of our Messianic Shavuot celebration free admission to the site. I went through the written formality of requesting permission from the Park Authority, and immediately sent out a global email authorizing free admission to the Temple steps according to our previously established procedure.

To my indignation, on the morning of Shavuot, Ophel Gardens informed me that everyone would have to pay admission – including me! I curtly responded that I would personally pay the admission fee for everyone – and that I would also reconsider the free advertising I give them on my television programs. My mood lightened when I saw the ancient Aviv Court steps covered with smiling faces from around the globe. Several Saints flew to Israel just for the weekend to be there for the Feast. Russell and Renee Swann sneaked out to the ticket booth after everyone was seated and unexpectedly picked up the admission tab for the event as part of their Shavuot offering. Renee later reported the Divine reason that we were required to pay the aggravating admission fee: We would NEVER have taken a head count of the Saints gathered for the 63rd Shavuot – but because a fee was charged by the Park Authority and they took the head count, we found that EXACTLY 63 Saints had come from around the planet to be there for this prophetically significant event! This is not a coincidence!! This is the prophetic marker for which I had diligently prayed and traveled to Jerusalem to affect!!! Just think, you could have been one of the 63.

Were you supposed to be in Jerusalem for Shavuot, but you made an excuse? Did you get lost on a Jerusalem side street and decide to wait it out in the shade? Did you decide to follow the takanot of the Pharisees or Samaritans and celebrate Shavuot at another time? Are you following the false apostles who added another month onto the year to honor the Babylonian Equinox? DO NOT WORRY! Yahweh CALLED OTHERS TO TAKE YOUR PLACE! Go ahead – do your own thing. He will get exactly 144,000 to the Temple Mount on the Last Great Day according to His prophetic calendar. He will pour out a double portion of His Holy Spirit on the obedient ones who are actually walking by the Spirit – and not just pretending. PLEASE, let me be perfectly clear. I am not condemning YOU for not being in Jerusalem for Shavuot. Only 63 people were supposed to be here! But if you are following false apostles, you have the opportunity to get back on track before the rockets’ red glare. You will not be “raptured” out of here for at least seven more years – nor will you enjoy seven years of peace.

No one likes the picture of “a thousand rotting bodies on your right hand and ten thousand bloating carcasses on your left,” but the way things are shaping up, it will take from September 21st until sundown April 4, 2011 to bury the bodies strewn over the land of Israel. If America leaves Israel hanging in the wind – or in any way impedes her attempt to defend herself – seven months of mass grave filling will not begin to bury the dead in America. Americans have already elected the executor of judgment to the highest posts in the land – President . The Almighty has such an ironic sense of humor (Psalm 2:4).

I want to send you the complete DVD video of Shavuot 6010 from the Temple steps in Jerusalem. Please put as many zeros on your Shavuot offering check as possible. We need and eternally appreciate your tithes and offerings as we prepare to minister to you and others during the tough times ahead. We are NOT tearing down and building bigger barns. We are standing with you to the glorious end.

Here come da schmoke… FEAR NOT!
Michael Rood

P.S. Many of the people I have taught through the years have turned away from me and the Word I was sent to deliver. Every day a new calendar, a new calculation for the Sabbath, and a new way of determining the Feasts are sent to my office. Thousands of pages of nonsense based on unsound principles of biblical interpretation are delivered to my desktop. There is a guiding principle I learned nearly forty years ago: Interpret the difficult or unclear verse in the light of the many clear verses on the subject. I also deeply consider the historical interpretations – especially the interpretations of those to whom “the oracles of Elohim were committed.” I have been diligent to study the Scriptures to show myself approved unto Yahweh as an unashamed workman. I do my very best to “rightly divide” the Scriptures so that I can speak words that deliver men’s souls from darkness.

Thousands are being misled by false apostles – those who say that they are “sent ones” but “they are not.” They “send themselves” to exalt themselves and gather sheep to fleece in their barbed wire folds. When self-serving shepherds attempt to lead people into the kabbalistic takanot of Phariseeism, they get cut off. When hirelings and opportunists attempt to manipulate and control the move of the Spirit, Heaven responds. Let us press on to the finish line – the final dash begins just around the bend.

Your tithes and offerings help keep this ministry spreading the Word of YHWH into all the earth. Please remember us during the season of Shavuot.

Prodigal son's jealous brother? Y'hudah?

2010-07-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

Luk 15:28 And He said to his father, Behold, how many years have i labored for you as help and never transgressed your commandment, yet during all this time you did not give me a goat that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But for this your son, after he has squandered your wealth with harlots and come home, you kill for him the fatted calf. 31 His father said to him, My son, you are always with me, and everything of mine is yours, 32 but it is right that we make merry and to rejoice because your brother was dead but is alive, and was lost but is found.

There have been several different teachings in regard to who this parable is referring to. As I have been seeing more and more that our Messiah taught with "Hebrew parables" this passage to me has been seen in a different light.
The Jewish people have lived a life hard beyond the measure of many nations. They have been persecuted in every land, murdered and hated by all. Yet there has always been a remnant that have carried The Word of YHWH. There has always been a remnant that has not forsaken His commandments. Does this sound at all like the "jealous brother". The House of Y'israel turned to other gods. Forgot His commandments, statutes and ordinances. In fact we don't even know who we are! I think one of the key things in the parable is the part were the wicked son says "verse 19 and therefore I am not worthy that I be called your son, Make me like one of your hired servants.
Many of us have a desire to return to YHWH'S land, the land of Y'israel. But if you are not of the tribe of Y'hudah then you may only make aliyah by becoming a "Jew". Going through the practices set by men in the form of Judaism. Then you may do whatever you like. Where is the return to YHWH'S land? To His Torah, and living in the land as He commanded. Instead the same sins are present in the land promised to the sons of Abraham.
I believe in scripture there is a recipe to return to The Land of Y'israel.
1. To earnestly seek YHWH in prayer and fasting and to hear from Him to go.
2. Rom 2:29 But that one is a Jew who is one secretly, and circumcision is that of the heart by the spirit and not by the letter only, whose praise is not from men but from Eloah.
3. This requires a servants heart, like the heart of our Messiah.

For under YHWH His word shall not return void.
Isaiah 11:12,13 And He will set up an ensign for the nations, and will assemble the dispersed of Y'israel, and gather together the scattered of Y'hudah from the four corners of the earth.
The envy also of Ephrayim shall depart, and they that harass Y'hudah shall be cut off; Efrayim shall not envy Y'hudah, and Y'hudah shall not vex Efrayim.

In the verses in Isaiah I see the wicked son repenting and returning, Y'hudah is not overjoyed because Efrayim had made her bed with the harlot. But because of Messiah that one who was dead is now alive, and was lost but now is found in Him!

Pray for the peace of Yerushalayim; Shalom, Chris

Noahide Laws? Prodigal Son's jealous brother?

2010-07-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

What are these Noahide laws and are they scriptural or are they the teachings of men? Here is a definition found on the internet. It quotes no scripture nor do I make a claim to it's authenticity or validity.

(definition for research only)
The Noahide Laws comprise the six laws which were given to Adam in the Garden of Eden according to the Talmud's interpretation of Gen 2:16[4] and a seventh one, which was added after the Flood of Noah. Later at the Revelation at Sinai the Seven Laws of Noah were regiven to humanity and embedded in the 613 Laws given to the Children of Israel along with the Ten Commandments, which are part of, and not separate from, the 613 mitzvot. These laws are mentioned in the Torah. According to Judaism, the 613 mitzvot or "commandments" given in the written Torah, as well as their reasonings in the oral Torah, were only issued to the Jews and are therefore binding only upon them, having inherited the obligation from their ancestors. At the same time, at Mount Sinai, the Children of Israel (i.e. the Children of Jacob, i.e. the Israelites) were given the obligation to teach other nations the embedded Noahide Laws. However, it is actually forbidden by the Talmud for non-Jews (on whom the Noahide Laws are still binding) to elevate their observance to the Torah's mitzvot as the Jews do.[5][6]

While some Jewish organizations, such as Chabad have worked to promote the acceptance of Noahide laws, there are no figures for how many actually do.
(definition for research only)
History
Main article: Oral Torah

The first page of the Vilna Edition of the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Berachot, folio 2a.Originally, Jewish scholarship was oral. Rabbis expounded and debated the law (the written law expressed in the Hebrew Bible) and discussed the Tanakh without the benefit of written works (other than the Biblical books themselves), though some may have made private notes (megillot setarim), for example of court decisions. This situation changed drastically, however, mainly as the result of the destruction of the Jewish commonwealth in the year 70 CE and the consequent upheaval of Jewish social and legal norms. As the Rabbis were required to face a new reality—mainly Judaism without a Temple (to serve as the center of teaching and study) and Judea without autonomy—there was a flurry of legal discourse and the old system of oral scholarship could not be maintained. It is during this period that Rabbinic discourse began to be recorded in writing.[1][2] The earliest recorded oral law may have been of the midrashic form, in which halakhic discussion is structured as exegetical commentary on the Pentateuch. But an alternative form, organized by subject matter instead of by biblical verse, became dominant about the year 200 C.E., when Rabbi Judah haNasi redacted the Mishnah (משנה).

The Oral Law was far from monolithic; rather, it varied among various schools. The most famous two were the School of Shammai and the School of Hillel. In general, all valid opinions, even the non-normative ones, were recorded in the Talmud.

Talmud Bavli (Babylonian Talmud) (definition for research only)
The Talmud Bavli was transmitted orally for centuries prior to its compilation by Jewish scholars in Babylon about the 5th century CE.[8]

A full set of the Babylonian Talmud.Since the Exile to Babylonia in 586 BCE, there had been Jewish communities living in Babylonia as well as in Judea, as many of the captives never returned home. From then until the Talmudic period, the Babylonian Jewish population increased through natural growth as well as migration. The most important of the Jewish centres were Nehardea, Nisibis, Mahoza, Pumbeditha and Sura. It was no longer necessary for scholars to travel regularly to Israel to gather authentic traditions.

Talmud Bavli (the "Babylonian Talmud") comprises the Mishnah and the Babylonian Gemara, the latter representing the culmination of more than 300 years of analysis of the Mishnah in the Babylonian Academies. The foundations of this process of analysis were laid by Rab, a disciple of Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi. Tradition ascribes the compilation of the Babylonian Talmud in its present form to two Babylonian sages, Rav Ashi and Ravina. Ashi was president of the Sura Academy from 375 to 427 CE. The work begun by Ashi was completed by Ravina, who is traditionally regarded as the final Amoraic expounder. Accordingly, traditionalists argue that Ravina’s death in 499 CE is the latest possible date for the completion of the redaction of the Talmud. However, even on the most traditional view a few passages are regarded as the work of a group of rabbis who edited the Talmud after the end of the Amoraic period, known as the Saboraim or Rabbanan Savora'e (meaning "reasoners" or "considerers").

The question as to when the Gemara was finally put into its present form is not settled among modern scholars. Some, like Louis Jacobs, argue that the main body of the Gemara is not simple reportage of conversations, as it purports to be, but a highly elaborate structure contrived by the Saboraim, who must therefore be regarded as the real authors. On this view the text did not reach its final form until around 700. Some modern scholars use the term Stammaim (from the Hebrew Stam, meaning "closed", "vague" or "unattributed") for the authors of unattributed statements in the Gemara. (See eras within Jewish law.)
I know that this was alot of reading but I think it is important to search out a matter. As a note of interest, they say that even god must obey the oral laws. I cringe at the thought of such a statement, but perhaps they are not in agreement over that. So now to scripture for I do not care to illustrate the doctrines of men anymore.

Matt 23:2 On Moshe's seat sit the scribes and P'rushim. All that he (Moshe) says to you observe and do. But do not do according to their (scribes and P'rushim) works, for they say, but do not.

The one speaking, this is our Messiah, is He saying do what the sages say? No, He says to do what Moshe says. What did Moshe say? It is found in the first five books of Moses. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Nowhere, absolutely nowhere does it say anything about these noahide laws. Messiah Yeshua further speaks and says in,

Matt 23:8-10 But you shall not be called "rabbi" for one is your rabbi, and that is Messiah.
and all of you are brothers. Also be not you called "father" upon the earth, for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be you called "teachers", for one is your teacher, and that is Messiah.

I am not personally implying anything here. These are the words of THE MESSIAH. Back when we were ignorant to this scripture I had asked our "rabbi" why we were following the "rabbinical calendar" for the feast of Yom Teruah. I was told to basically "be quiet" because the sages of old already studied this and they know better than we do. Well if you want to get me upset thats how you do it. My wife and I devoured the scripture and prayed for an answer. For me to buck the "sages of old" system would cause division in the congregation. How could I as the worship leader not be around for their keeping of the calendar because I was going to be out on the top of a dam waiting for the new moon. We found our answer in the scriptures, so we went out to observe the new moon (it was sighted in Y'israel first). We also went away for the Feast of tabernacles to dwell in a booth for the first time. The other option was in the Jones's front lawn the first and last day of the feast. Needless to say the congregation didn't last much longer. That was the beginning of ours and a few others greater journey of obedience to YHWH and His Word.
One of the passages in scripture really caught our attention.

Is 1:14 Your new moons and your appointed seasons my soul hates; they are a burden unto me I am weary to bear them.
YHWH never referred to His Feasts in such a manner. But here He says "your feasts". Is it possible that this prophet that is sent to Y'hudah is referring to men changing YHWH'S appointed times to their own. You read the chapter and decide for yourself. I have gotten rather long-winded on this post. There is still more about this subject. Over and over again the scripture declares by the mouth of YHWH.

Exd 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
Lev 16:29 And [this] shall be a statute for ever unto you: [that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, [whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:
Lev 18:26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
Lev 19:34 [But] the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am YHWH your Elohim.
Num 9:14 And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto YHWH; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
Num 15:14 And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever [be] among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto YHWH; as ye do, so he shall do.
I will finish with this statement: In no way do I think that the Jews are not the people of YHWH. THEY ARE HIS PEOPLE. Neither do I think that any man who adds or takes away from YHWH'S set apart Word should be listened to. As Messiah Yeshua said "Do what Moshe says"
Shalom Chris

The one verse wonders!

2010-07-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Shalom; In my previous posting I mentioned "one verse wonders". So let us go back to origins of what we call "the church". As the first fathers of our faith in Messiah Yeshua proclaimed this gospel what do we think they were teaching from? Where did they get a large portion of what they wrote to us in their letters to the believers in the faith? Certainly not the library or the internet. There was only one reference that they quoted, taught from and walked in. We refer to it as the Old Testament. A more proper name would be the Tanakh. In fact they quoted from every single book from the Tanakh. That in itself would say that the "Old Testament" is improperly named. It certainly wasn't old to them. The writers of the new testament (B'rit Chadashah) walked with a Hebrew Messiah and referred to the Hebrew text that has always been about and even prophesied His first and second coming. They understood the context of scripture and further expounded and revealed that One whom they had seen and heard in the flesh. Alas, men have snaked their way into the fold and assured so many of us that we needed someone to interpret te scriptures for us. But brothers and sisters it is our responsibility to repent for that which we have been partakers of. We need to return to His scriptures and work out our own salvation in fear and trembling. Awhile back I logged on to a website that appeared good at first. Until I read their statement of faith. In it they used a verse out of Isaiah to show how they studied the scriptures.
Is 28:13 And so the word of YHWH is unto them precept by precept, line by line.
But that is not exactly what the verse says nor the context of it.
Is 28:9-13 Whom shall one teach knowledge? and whom shall one make to understand the message? Them that are weaned from the milk, them that are drawn from the breasts? For it is by precept by precept, precept by precept, line by line, line by line; here a little, there a little. for with stammering lips and with a strange tongue shall it be spoken to this people; To whom it was said: "this is the rest, give you rest to the weary; and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear. and so the word of YHWH is unto them precept by precept, precept by precept by precept, line by line, line by line, here a little, there a little; that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
This is certainly not how I want to be studying scripture. Yet all across this world we have teachers who create doctrines of men and great sounding theologies that flatter men's pride and their flesh. We need to return to the study of YHWH'S entire word, all His instructions for living, His Torah. Not the writings of men or the lofty sermons so many of us took for granted in the past. We have only one teacher and His name IS Mashiach Yeshua. I know that there are many good men and women who love YHWH their Elohim with all their heart, soul and strength. These I support and pray that they will continue to bring the truth of YHWH'S Scriptures to the nations.
Shalom, Chris

Clean or Unclean?

2010-07-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

A few Sabbaths ago someone asked me about my take on "the food laws". I replied that it doesn't matter what I think, let's see what the scriptures say. First of all though I will say that THE TORAH HAS NOT BEEN DONE AWAY WITH! This is a doctrine of men and as it says.
2nd Peter 3:15-16 And account that the long suffering of YHWH is salvation- as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you. As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also to the rest of scripture.
Even in the days of the first believers there were those who created doctrines of men. Most of these "teachings" regarding food come from Acts chapter 10. Unless you were reading the "we are the world" translation it should be easy to see the context here. (My next writing will be on what I term "One verse wonders, precept by precept."). YOU HAVE TO READ SCRIPTURE IN CONTEXT BY READING WHAT SURROUNDS THE VERSE TO GET AN IDEA OF WHAT IS BEING SAID!
Acts 10:11-15 and he saw heaven being opened and a kind of garment being held by four corners and it was like a great linen cloth. And it was descending from heaven to earth. and there were in it all four footed animals and creeping things the earth and birds of heaven.
and a voice came to him and said "arise Shim'om kill and eat", and Shim'on said never my Adon, because I have never eaten anything that is defiled or unclean.
and again a second time a voice came to him, That which Eloah has cleansed do not regard as defiled.
In the next few verses it says that Shim'on (Peter) "wondered at this vision" and "he meditated on this vision". Also notice the response to Peter. "that which Eloah has cleansed do not regard as defiled. Nowhere does it say that you may eat whatever pleases you. So we know that Peter sought from YHWH a meaning for this vision. The answer is in
Acts 10:28 but Eloah showed me that I should not say concerning a man that he is unclean or defiled.
And again;
Acts 11:17 If therefore Eloah equally gave the gift to the Goyim who believed on our Adon Yeshua the Messiah like also to us, who was I that I should be able to hinder Eloah? 18 and after hey had heard these words, they became silent and praised Eloah and were saying that doubtless Eloah has also given to the Goyim repentance to life.
These two chapters of scripture are not even remotely about food, they are about Y'hudah and those from among the nations (goyim). Or the lost sheep of the House of Y'israel. I encourage you to read for yourself do not take my word for it. Also read Leviticus chapter 11 as it has not been done away with either. Just in case you have any doubts about the dietary laws being done away with read Isaiah 65:2-4 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, that walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts. A people that provoke Me to My face continually, that sacrifice in the gardens, an burn incense upon bricks; that sit among the graves, and lodge in the vaults; that EAT SWINE'S FLESH, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels. Still thinking this has been done away with. Then read Isaiah 66:17 They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go unto the gardens, behind one in the midst, EATING SWINE'S FLESH, and the detestable things, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, says YHWH. I don't think that YHWH is talking about a pig roast either. I think the saying might be true "you are what you eat". If you think that my comment wasn't very funny, try this. 1 John 1:6 and if we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we are liars and do not walk in truth, 7 but if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Yeshua His Son cleanses us from all our sins.
Shalom, Chris

Where are we now?

2010-06-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

The other night as I lay in bed studying scripture, I went to the book of Nehemiah for a reference. I couldn’t remember the last time I had read it so I went to the first chapter. (read Neh 1)
Here you have one of the tribe of Y’hudah. Dwelling in captivity. When he hears the report from Yerushalayim it is as if the world stops. The beloved city, in ruin. Yah’s people scattered. What about the covenant? Has Yah forgotten His promise?
Obviously He has not forgotten. We see Nehemiah repenting. Remembering the promises given to Moshe.
I began to pray keeping in mind the examples of prayers that we see in scripture. For if we pray in the spirit of the Ruach HaKodesh, we pray not our will but our Fathers. I dreamt that everything around me was getting so incredibly large and I was getting so incredibly small. I really am insignificant in the scheme of all things. The feeling stayed with me for awhile, yet it was not a feeling of fear. As long as He YHWH Elohim is the one getting larger in my life, then I have nothing to fear. For the next day and a half He spoke to my heart of marriage covenant and being a servant. I believe He was speaking of The Feast of Tabernacles.
So where are we now?
1. Are we in the land?
2. Are we keeping His commandments, statutes and ordinances?
3. Have we and our fathers turned against Him and played the harlot?
Nehemiah repented of all these things. But then he did exactly what is written in verse 9 and YHWH does the rest.
We are commanded to keep Sukkot. But according to whose rules? Are we not a bride forsaken? Living in captivity?
The House of Y’israel is scattered among the nations. Pagan rituals, witchcraft, pride, self serving, idol worship, doctrines and prejudices. Are these the garments of a bride purified by the blood of The Lamb.

Jer 31:9 “With weeping they shall come, and with their prayers I bring them. I shall make them walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they do not stumble. For I shall be a Father to Yisraʼĕl, and Ephrayim – he is My first-born.
Jer 31:10 “Hear the word of יהוה, O gentiles, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Yisraʼĕl gathers him, and shall guard him as a shepherd his flock.ʼ
Jer 31:11 “For יהוה shall ransom Yaʽaqoḇ, and redeem him from the hand of one stronger than he.
Jer 31:12 “And they shall come in and shall sing on the height of Tsiyon, and stream to the goodness of יהוה, for grain and for new wine and for oil, and for the young of the flock and the herd. And their being shall be like a well-watered garden, and never languish again.
Jer 31:13 “Then shall a maiden rejoice in a dance, and young men and old, together. And I shall turn their mourning to joy, and shall comfort them, and shall make them rejoice from their sorrow,
Jer 31:14 and shall fill the being of the priests with fatness. And My people shall be satisfied with My goodness,” declares יהוה.
Jer 31:15 Thus said יהוה, “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing, bitter weeping, Raḥĕl weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
Jer 31:16 Thus said יהוה, “Hold back your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work,” declares יהוה, “and they shall return from the land of the enemy.
Jer 31:17 “And there is expectancy for your latter end,” declares יהוה, “and your children shall return to their own country.
Jer 31:18 “I have clearly heard Ephrayim lamenting, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like an untrained calf. Turn me back, and I shall turn back, for You are יהוה my Elohim.
Jer 31:19 ‘For after my turning back, I repented. And after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh. I was ashamed, even humiliated, for I bore the reproach of my youth.ʼ
Jer 31:20 “Is Ephrayim a precious son to Me, a child of delights? For though I spoke against him, I still remembered him. That is why My affections were deeply moved for him. I have great compassion for him,” declares יהוה.
Jer 31:21 “Set up signposts, make landmarks; set your heart toward the highway, the way in which you went. Turn back, O maiden of Yisraʼĕl, turn back to these cities of yours!
Jer 31:22 “Till when would you turn here and there, O backsliding daughter? For יהוה has created what is new on earth: a woman encompasses a man!”
Jer 31:23 Thus said יהוה of hosts, the Elohim of Yisraʼĕl, “Let them once again say this word in the land of Yehuḏah and in its cities, when I turn back their captivity, ‘יהוה bless you, O home of righteousness, mountain of set-apartness!ʼ

We must turn from all these things that defile us and then take up the tools and rebuild the walls, with our swords by our side ready to give a witness to the salvation of YHWH. For He is our strength and our song. He is our joy and deliverance. He is our beloved, the one who we adore and long for. We must awake from our slumber whatever the time may be. For each one of us, our days are limited on this earth. On this topic one last question. When we look in the sky, is it with anticipation and longing for our Messiah?

Is it important to know our Creators name?

2010-06-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

Is it important to speak the name of The Creator of the heaven and earth? I could give my opinion or quote many other opinions. All of which still remain our opinions. I prefer to go to the scriptures for the answer.
As a messianic believer one of the first things I heard is what is called "The Aaronic blessing". This appears in Numbers chapter 6, it is as follows in the english.
22 And the lord said unto moses
23 speak unto Aaron and his sons, saying in this way shall you bless the children of Israel, you shall say unto them.
24 May the lord bless you and keep you
25 May the lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you
26 May the lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace.
27 So shall they put my name upon the children of Israel and I will bless them.
So here we see how we are commanded to bless the children of Israel and that His name is to be put upon them in this way. But there is a problem here. The lord is a title not a name. It can not be replaced with adonai or Hashem or any other name. He says to put my name upon them.
Here is how it reads in the original hebrew.(transliteration)
24 Yvarekh'kha YHWH v'yeeshm'rekha
25 Ya'ayr YHWH panav 'aylekha veekhoonekha
26 Yeesa YHWH panav 'alekha v'yasaym l kha
Shalom.
Here in the original text is the name we are to use. Not my opinion but exactly what scripture says we are to do. So if a man says that you are not allowed to use this name because it is to holy, my answer is " I choose to fear and dread YHWH alone and not men". (quoted from Isaiah)
So from now on I will only be using His name as He chose to give it in His Word.
22 and YHWH spoke unto Moshe saying,
23 speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying in this way you shall bless the children of Y'israel, you shall say unto them
24 YHWH bless you and keep you
25 YHWH make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you
26 YHWH lift up His countenance upon you and give you His Shalom
27 So shall they put My name upon the chidren of Y'israel, and I will bless them.
And it is with that blessing that I say Shalom to you brothers and sisters. Chris

The Name or not The Name?

2010-06-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Is a name truly important? Some of us go to great lengths to name our children. We buy books, peruse lists, even ask others opinions. We don't want others to be able to shorten, nickname or tease our precious children. Is that what is truly important?
When my youngest son (Justice) was seven he taught me a great lesson. He accidentally broke my mothers storm lantern candle thingy. Thinking that it would be better to protect my son and say that I broke the lantern, I told him I would take care of it. His response was "daddy isn't that lying! I was shocked to say the least, but convicted nonetheless. I told him yes that would be lying and that his responsibility as a "man?" would be to own up to it. I learned a good lesson that day. I also reflected on the meaning of his name "Justice". For he was true to his name that day.
If someone who is angry calls you by your name it effects you! If someone refuses to call you by your name it effects you! But there is one way that I will put under the microscope so to speak. If someone calls you by your name with Love, that also will effect you!
So it truly is important how we say or don't say a name. The point I am getting to is this. How important is the Creator of the universe's Name? More importantly can we change His name and know that we are talking to the same person? Well I think it is important that we get His word on the matter before we come to any conclusions.

1. {The name god}. The hebrew for this name is the "gimel, dalet" or "gawd". The reference is from Isaiah 65:11. This reference is to the fortune deity. In the strongs reference it appears 4486 times. 2606 times the actual word is Elohim. When I began to study this out I found that something just wasn't right.
In the original hebrew text Elohim is spelled "aleph, lamed, hey, yood, mem." These hebrew letters are the plural of the word "Eloah", "aleph, lamed, yood, hey."
2. The word Elohim appears by itself from the beginning of Genesis 1 thru Genesis 2:3. Then there is a change.
3. {The title lord}. This appears 7,838 times. The hebrew for this is "yood, hey, vav, hey". I encourage you to search this out for yourself.
4. To sum up; Most every time in the scriptures that you see the word "god" the actual word should be "Elohim". Most every time you see the word"lord" the actual name should be
"YHVH"
5. the lord god is not and never was our creator's name.
His name properly transliterated is "YHWH Elohim" written thousands upon thousands of times.

So for next time. Is it important that we speak His name?
Shalom, Chris