Facing Our Giant

I'm sure most of us have heard the biblical story of David and Goliath. How a young shepherd boy took out the Philistine giant right to the forehead armed only with a slingshot and stone. How did he show such bravery while the entire army of Israel hid behind the rocks quaking in their sandals? Day after day, the Philistine would step forward and taunt the Israelites, yelling for them to choose a soldier to face him one on one. None dared take up the challenge. Except David! It wasn't that he had some supernatural power within himself. Rather, it infuriated him that this uncircumcised pagan dared to reproach the name of the God of Israel. His zeal for the honor of Yehovah was so strong, courage welled up in him canceling out all fear. He had no doubt that he would prevail.

Who is our Goliath? None other than the god of this age, Satan, the devil. He is the enemy of God and therefore, the enemy of God's creation, mankind. Scripture tells us that he continually roams the earth, seeking whom he may devour. He will stop at nothing to take us out. The problem is we all have a proclivity to sin, going all the way back to the garden and sin separates us from God. It's the age-old battle between good and evil. We tend to give Satan an open door to attack us. Without a relationship with God, we are at the mercy of the evil one. He is our protection if we stay close to Him.

Satan's ability to subdue us is through our thoughts or emotions and our behavior apart from God. When we allow wrong thinking to cloud our minds, such as feelings of unworthiness or self-hatred, what follows are depression, anxiety, hopelessness, uncontrolled anger, to name a few. This often turns into addictive behavior, as many have turned off all emotions and sought worldly pleasures to satisfy their hurting souls, i.e. substance abuse, adultery, multiple sex partners, pornography, gambling, stealing, even violence. 

There's no end to what Satan can do to someone who is lacking a relationship with the Creator. This is war and many are POW's. The good news is that Jesus has power over the enemy and He has the keys to the prison. If you find yourself in the crosshairs of Satan's demented plan to destroy humankind, it's past time to seek the only one who can save you and give you a new life, Jesus Christ. He doesn't care where you've been or what you have done. The moment you accept Him as your Savior, the slate is clean, you are a new creature, the old is passed away, all things are new. You are now ready to learn what life truly is all about.

Follow The Instructions

 All of us have bought products that had to be assembled. Usually they come with instructions, sometimes difficult to decipher. We are prone to discard them and wing it ourselves. Often, we make a mess of the entire project, with pieces and parts left over, unable to figure out where they belong. It can be a daunting task to say the least. Sometimes it may be worth it to pay for the expert assembly offered than deal with the expense to our mental health.

What about another set of instructions, that of our heavenly Father? The Bible is full of instructions from God, not meant to control or enslave or intimidate us, not meant to stress us out, not meant to burden us or confuse us. These instructions are guidelines designed to bless us, to make our lives better. Following them will build us up and strengthen us against the enemy's attacks. God's Word reveals everything we need to build an abundant life.

Not depending on Him to guide and direct our steps has led to the destruction of millions due to the breakdown of the family, anxiety, depression, rampant substance abuse, major health issues, the rise in suicide. God has the antidote for all of this if we will turn back to Him in repentance and ask Him to take control of the mess we've made of our lives.

  Unfortunately, the world at large is at war against God and each other. We cannot continue on this course or we will all be destroyed. 

As individuals, we need to ask ourselves if we are part of the problem. If doing things our way has not yielded the results we desire, maybe it's time to pick up the instruction manual again and build our lives according to its pattern. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

OVERCOMING WORRY

 We all have a tendency to worry. It comes with being human. We can find a myriad of things to worry about; family, health, finances, job, to name a few. Sometimes we project problems before they even come. That's the "What If Syndrome". We all have that at one time or another, imagining the worst-case scenario before it even happens, and more often than not it never happens. We make ourselves crazy with worry, which often leads to health issues.  Proverbs 17:22 tells us "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Worry can actually make us ill. Our attitude, good or bad, affects the entire body.

Yeshua gave his disciples a lesson concerning worry.  Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" Certainly, He didn't mean for them not to be concerned with their daily needs, did He? No. He knows we all need the basics of life, food, clothing and shelter.

He goes on to say in Matthew 6:26-33 that as He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field, we are much more valuable and can be assured that He will take care of us. Rather than living in worry, anxiety and stress, He instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto us.

Worry cannot add anything to our lives. The world at large is consumed with worry, but Yeshua's followers have a higher calling, to seek His Kingdom first and He promises to take care of our needs. He will never leave or forsake those who put their trust in Him. 

What does it mean to seek the Kingdom first. As with our daily physical needs, we also have spiritual needs to lead a balanced life. Does Yeshua provide these as well. Absolutely!

He declared in John 6:35 "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." He is the spiritual bread that we need to sustain us. That bread is his Word. It has been given to us in written form in the Holy Scriptures and in the life of Yeshua himself, who is the Word of God. He loves us so much that He became flesh and dwelt among us to teach us how to walk out that Word. If we eat of that bread every day, it provides all the spiritual nourishment we need for an abundant life.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Psalm 91:1. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall rest under the shadow of the Almighty." That's the best shelter I can imagine. Physical shelter is very important, but living under God's protection is priceless. If we seek Him and His Kingdom above all else, we are under His protection and will find spiritual peace and rest no matter the fleeting circumstances of life. Yes, many problems assail us daily but we are promised that God works everything out for good to those who love Him and keep His commands. We need not fear. If we seek Him every day in prayer and bible study, He will commune with us and give us the wisdom we need to get through the hardships of life. He doesn't promise that it will always be easy but that it will be worth it.

The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians chapter six that we are to put on the armor of God. Many believe that the illustrations are of the Roman soldier of that day. However, He is quoting the prophet Isaiah, who never saw a Roman soldier. Isaiah was describing the garment of the high priest.

 Isaiah 11:5 "And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His heart."

Isaiah 59:17 "For He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head. And He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing and was covered with zeal like a cloak."

Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, making peace heard; who brings good news, making salvation heard; who says to Zion, Your God reigns!"

It might surprise many that all believers are to be missionaries. We are to share the good news with everyone we meet. Missionaries are not only those who travel to far off places to share the gospel. We are all entrusted with the Word and given a mandate, a mission to share Yeshua in our daily lives by the way we live, the example we set, the testimony of our faith.

Paganism is flourishing in our society today as never before. Believers need to step up and be the standard-bearers for truth and righteousness. There is no room for worry and complaining, grumbling and feeling sorry for ourselves. We've been given our marching orders from the King. Let's get busy and go into the mission field.

The Soul of Mankind

What exactly is the soul? Is it immortal? Does it leave the body at death and go to heaven or hell? This seems to be the teaching of the Church today, a teaching I have heard all my life. Let's discover what the Bible actually says about the soul.

Let's start at the first mention of the word "soul" in the Bible. Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." The Hebrew word used here is nephesh. It is properly rendered a breathing creature and  refers to both man and all other living creatures. 

Prior to God breathing life into Adam, he was simply  lifeless body of clay. When God breathed into his nostrils, Adam came alive and then became a living soul. The soul is not the body, which is created from the dust of the ground, The soul is the result of God breathing life into that body. Every living being is a soul. What distinguishes the human soul from all other living creatures? Genesis 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

Mankind is elevated above all other living beings in that God not only gave man the breath of life, but with that life something more; a spirit, the ability to think and reason and plan. It's this spirit in man that forms our character and the intelligence to make decisions and create, the ability to actually have a relationship with our Creator that all other creatures have not been given though they too are a nephesh or soul. 1Corinthians 2:11 "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?"

But, again, does this soul depart from the body at death and enter another realm? Is it immortal outside of this fleshly body? Speaking of God, we are told in 1Timothy 6:16 "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen."

Let's continue in Genesis with Adam and Eve in the garden. Genesis 2:16 -17 "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

Genesis 3:1-5 "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."

Satan has been peddling that lie for the last six thousand years and the Church has bought into it.

What was God's response to their disobedience? Genesis 3:19 "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

 Genesis 3:22  "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever. Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life."

If Adam and Eve had obeyed God they could have partaken of the tree of life but, instead, they listened to Satan's lies and were banished from the garden.

They did not possess an immortal soul. God told Adam that in the day he ate of the forbidden fruit, he would die.  2 Peter 3:8 "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." Genesis 5:5 "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died."

Adam's disobedience resulted in death, not only his but also his offspring. Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."

We are made of dust and to dust we shall return at death. Psalm 115:17 "The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence." Ecclesiastes 3:20 "All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again." Ecclesiastes 9:5 "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten."  Ecclesiastes 12:7 "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."  We are living souls. At death, that lifeforce returns to God for safe keeping until our resurrection.. Throughout the Bible, death is likened unto sleep.

Hebrews, chapter 11 recounts the lives of our ancient forerunners who lived by faith; men and women like Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and many more.

 Hebrews 11:13 "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." 

Hebrews 11:39-40 "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise. God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

The Old Testament books of  Kings and Chronicles, speak of the death of each king as sleeping with their fathers, beginning with David. 1Kings 2:10 "So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David."

Did David ascend to heaven at death? In Acts 2:29 Peter addressed the crowd on the Day of Pentecost with these words. "Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day."

Daniel was given a vision of the last days. Daniel 12:1-2 "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."

Daniel 12:13, Daniel was instructed by the angel "But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days."

The scriptures are replete with the state of the dead, too numerous to include here. Man is not immortal in his present state, nor contains an immortal component that ascends from him at death. He is simply asleep awaiting the resurrection.

Job 14:14 "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come."

Yes, man will indeed live again and those who put their trust in Jesus have a glorious future ahead of them. The day will come when they will arise from their sleep and be forever with their Lord in the Kingdom of God.

Please read my article "The Resurrection" to discover when and how these mortal bodies will be exchanged for immortal bodies that will never die.

The Resurrection

 Does the Bible reveal a time when God will grant the gift of immortality to human beings? Yes, but surprisingly to the majority of mankind, it will not be at our death. 1Corinthians, chapter 15, often called the resurrection chapter, gives a detailed account of mankind, beginning with Adam. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul speaks a great deal about the resurrection of Christ and what it means to the believer. Through Adam, death entered into the world but through Christ, the resurrection of the dead.

When will this resurrection occur? 1Corinthians15:22-23 "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.." 

1Corinthians15:51-54 "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

1Thessalonians 4:13-17 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus comforted Martha with the knowledge that her brother would live again. John 11:23-24 "Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." She fully understood that Lazarus had not ascended to heaven, but that he was dead.

Four times in John, chapter 6. Jesus taught the resurrection from the dead.

John 6:39 "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." 

John 6:40 "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." 

John 6:44 "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." 

John 6:54 "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

 Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"

 Death is an enemy. It is not a passport to heaven. 1Corinthians 15:55 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 

1Corinthians 15:26 "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."

 Revelation 20:14 "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."

 Revelation 2:11 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."

 Revelation 20:6 "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

 Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Death is the consequence of sin.  Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Believers will be raised to life through the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, who gave his life a ransom for our sins."

The second death is the penalty for those who refuse the precious gift of God and will be eternal death, not eternal life in hell. 

Malachi 4:1-3 "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts."

 

    

The Biblical Recipe

 I don't consider myself to be a great cook, especially since I have become a widow. Cooking for one is not exciting, and trying out recipes that contain a multitude of ingredients is not my idea of fun, not to mention the cost associated with purchasing so many items just for one sit-down meal for myself. Nevertheless, I have recently decided to try out some healthy recipes that look appetizing, in addition to being simple one pan dishes with few ingredients. I'm even learning to improvise a little when the recipe might call for chicken and I substitute sausage, or I might add an ingredient or two that may add flavor, such as mushrooms, garlic or a certain spice that I feel would be a good fit. I find myself enjoying creating flavorful meals and have even invited a couple of my friends over to share a meal with me. My culinary skills are improving greatly, and my meals are becoming much more exciting and something I look forward to rather than dread.

With that said, The Lord used this new experience to reveal something about His word that really spoke to me in a tangible way I had never given thought to before. The Bible is, in many ways God's recipe for life. His word contains everything I need to live out my life in obedience to Him and to inherit the Eternal life He promises to all who follow His commands.

However, I cannot substitute ingredients as I do with my meal prep. His recipe is perfect. It doesn't need me to tamper with it. Deuteronomy 4:2 instructs "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you". These are very clear instructions.

I see a lack of reverence for God's word in today's culture. We are getting further away from the Bible and creating our own "recipe" for life according to our desires. What does God have to say about this?

 Isaiah 55:7-9 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

We need to follow God's recipe as it has been given in His word. We have no right to change it or make substitutes to it. It is perfect! Unfortunately, not only in our secular world, but even in Christianity, we have often disregarded God's instructions and chosen to create our own substitutions. Each of us needs to return to the Bible to discover what God really instructs and make the necessary changes in our lives to conform to His ways. They are the path to eternal life and there's no substitute for that!

The Pictures in My Mind

 I find it amazing where my mind takes me as I sit quietly in the early morning hours contemplating life itself. I can turn the pages of my life's album and view snapshots of myself as a young child, playing gleefully with my sister, the schoolyears, growing up years, my wedding, the birth of my precious daughter, the working years, my body as it has aged and changed over time. I see good times and bad, happy times and sad. I've experienced miracles. It has been quite a journey. The picture that looms the largest is the day I gave my life to my Savior and asked Him to come into my life. He has always remained by my side and my life has been enormously blessed, through the lowest valley or highest mountaintop. He is my everything.

Through His word, I can open another album of the future. I can glimpse scenes of eternal joy in His presence. As I turn each page, I see the new heavens and new earth (II Peter 3:13). I can see Yeshua on His throne in Jerusalem, ruling over mankind (Jeremiah 3:17). If I have long slept in the dust at His return, He will awaken me and change this mortal body to an immortal one (I Corinthians 15:51-52). If I am alive at His coming, He will lift me up and I will rise with all who are His and meet Him in the clouds, to be with Him forever (I Thessalonians 4:13-17). I see the thousand-year reign, His Sabbath rest, where the saints will live and rule with Him over all the earth (Revelation 20:6). I see the earth at peace, mankind learning to live as He intended, being taught to obey His Torah (Micah 4:1-5). I see animals at peace with one another, little children sitting alongside lions, stroking their manes as if they were cuddling kittens (Isaiah 11:6-9). I see all mankind living in exuberant health, enjoying satisfying lives, no more pain or suffering (Revelation 21:4). His Holy seasons will replace those of the nations. I can see clearly all peoples going up to Jerusalem to celebrate His Sabbaths and festivals, as He has foretold in His word (Isaiah 66:23, Zechariah 14:16). I can see the day when God Himself, our Father, comes to live with us forever in the new Jerusalem that will come down out of heaven (Revelation 21:1-3). 

My life's album is filled with memories that I enjoy flipping through from time to time, but God's album is one I look into every day, for it declares my future with Him into eternity. I speak with others often, those who attend church each week, and have never heard these things. They are amazed when I open God's word and share these marvelous truths with them. God has given me a gift and a calling, to teach His word to any who will listen, to reveal to them what they may never hear in their weekly assemblies, but that which will change their lives forever as it has mine. I pray I can fulfill that mandate until I take my last breath.

Life Interrupted

(This was originally written in 2015)

As I was praying and meditating this morning, wondering what direction I would be led in now that my job recently ended, I contemplated how important it is for me to wait upon Yehovah to lead me in all aspects of my life. I rehearsed in my thoughts all the many blessings he has already bestowed upon me throughout my life and how he has never abandoned me. Surely I can depend upon him today as I look to the future. Who knows what he has in store for me?

Suddenly my thoughts turned to a dear friend of mine, Susan, whom I have known for only a short time, just a year, but who has impacted me in such a profound way. I met her October a year ago when I began attending a small Torah study group in my area. Each month, her insights and knowledge of scripture propelled me toward a much deeper understanding of our creator and his plan for our lives. She has played a huge role in my growth as a believer on so many levels and I marvel at how Yehovah has used her to advance his Kingdom message.

Susan had been a believer for many years and raised her children in a local Assemblies of God congregation. One day Yehovah spoke to her heart and revealed to her that she was going to be taken in an entirely new direction. He revealed himself to her in ways that few of us experience. She and her husband, along with a friend, started this small fellowship in order to teach others Torah, the biblical festivals, the Sabbath, and the beauty of the Hebrew language, through which Yehovah first revealed himself to mankind. Several years ago, Susan's husband suffered a sudden heart attack that took his life. They had shared a long marriage, resulting in eight children. All are grown now, except her youngest, Nathan. 

Last Fall, events in Susan's life took an unexpected turn. She and Nathan had to move out of their townhouse apartment and she didn't have money enough to relocate. One of her sons is in the State Dept, stationed in Bangkok, Thailand, and invited them to come there for a couple of months for a visit, allowing Susan to save her money and get a new start upon her return to the States this month.

Upon preparing for the trip, a friend in Israel told her of a small group of believers in Bangkok, who were studying the Torah, that she could connect with upon her arrival. The rest of the story is truly amazing. She not only began meeting with this group each Sabbath, but her knowledge of scripture also blew them away and they began asking her to teach them. Our small group was able to provide ten bibles, "The Scriptures" version and have them drop-shipped to Bangkok. This version is a closer translation to the original, using the original names of the Father and son, as well as the original names of people and places spoken of in the bible.

These believers are so zealous for Yehovah's word and, through Susan's teachings, are growing in ways they never could have imagined. And Susan.......one thing has led to another, and she has been invited to speak before other groups and even Churches that don't even teach the Sabbath or Holy Days. She shared four hours with a Muslim man and shared the teachings of the Messiah with him. Invitations have been extended for her to travel to other places; Cambodia, India, all expenses paid.
She was due to return to the States this month, but her visa had to be extended. Yehovah has other plans, and she is fully aware that each day her steps are ordered by him.

As I thought of the significance of these events this morning, my mind began thinking of all those before whose every day, ordinary lives were "interrupted" by a divine calling. I thought about Noah, Abraham, Moses, Daniel, David, the prophets, and the disciples. If we are willing to follow Yehovah with all our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies, we too can be used mightily in advancing his soon-coming Kingdom on this earth. Each day we have an opportunity to step up and make a difference.

Each new day is a mystery. We make our plans, go through the lives that we have built, and one day....who knows? Our everyday, ordinary lives just might be interrupted! Yehovah might call out our name and say, "Come, follow me! I have a job for you."

May Yehovah continue to bless Susan and all who eagerly answer his call with a resounding YES!

The Seventy-Week Ministry of Messiah

If you ask most Christians today how long Yeshua's ministry was, you will no doubt be told 3 1/2 years. That's what I was told many years ago and took at face value. That's what I was taught in Church.

However, that's not what I believe today. History records that the early church fathers all believed his ministry was about one year. Eusebius, the court bishop of Emperor Constantine in the fourth century, was the first to argue for the 3 1/2 year ministry and his chronology has continued through the centuries, although there are many voices that do not agree with his timeline.

I was first introduced to a dissenting view by Biblical historian, Michael Rood, the author of "The Chronological Gospels, The Acceptable Year of the Lord, The Life & Seventy Week Ministry of the Messiah". This book is the result of a 40-year study of the chronology of the gospels. Michael believes that Yeshua's ministry is the second layer of Daniel's seventy-week prophecy. He contends that from the day Yeshua was baptized until he baptized with the Holy Spirit was exactly seventy weeks. In my opinion, this book as a masterpiece and has opened my mind to so much understanding regarding Yeshua's ministry.

Through Michael Rood's book, I have been able to see with greater clarity the events surrounding Yeshua's life and teachings in their proper context as recorded in the four gospel accounts. Each gospel writer gives us a glimpse of the role of the Messiah from a different perspective. Matthew's gospel focuses on his role as our King, laying down the rules of the kingdom. Mark focuses on his role as a servant, caring for the needs of the people. Luke's gospel speaks of him as the son of man, and John's as the Son of God. Luke's gospel is chronological as it follows Yeshua week by week and often day by day throughout his ministry. John follows Yeshua as he goes up to the yearly feasts in Jerusalem. The one miracle recorded by all four gospels is the feeding of the 5,000, which allows us to synchronize the gospeel accounts of Yeshua's ministry with startling accuracy.

I want to focus primarily on John's gospel accounts as pertaining to the annual feasts, as this is where the controversy comes in regarding the duration of  Yeshua's ministry. Not many days after his temptation in the wilderness, John 2:13 has him at Passover in Jerusalem. Chapter 5:1 has him again at Jerusalem for a "feast of the Jews", which chronologically would be Shavuot or Pentecost, where he heals a lame man at the pool of Bethesda. Next, we come to John 6:4, which tells us that Passover is nigh. This verse seems to be missing from many of the early manuscripts and thought by some scholars to have been added with the intent of lengthening Yeshua's ministry, although Eusebius did not include this particular verse in the defense of his 3 1/2 year chronology. Interesting!

If we look at the context, Yeshua is in the Galilee feeding 5,000 men, along with women and children, barley loaves and fish. If Passover is nigh, why is he not in Jerusalem for a feast he would be commanded to keep and why is this great multitude also not going up to the feast? Why are they in the Galilee eating leavened bread? Remember, this miracle was recorded in all four gospels. Luke's gospel is in chronological order and the next event following the feeding of the five thousand is the transfiguration eight days later according to Luke 9:28. This is believed to be on the Day of Atonement, in which Peter, James, and John encourage Yeshua to stay on that mountain where they offer to erect tabernacles for the upcoming feast, fearful that he will not be safe going up to Jerusalem. John's gospel confirms the timing in John 7:2 that Tabernacles is approaching. Interject John 6:59 where Yeshua is in a Capernaum synagogue teaching on the last great day, a theme of the Day of Trumpets. John 6:4 absolutely breaks up the chronology of the gospel records. In John 5:1, Yeshua is at Shavuot. Then in John 6:59 he is in Capernaum for Trumpets. In Luke 9:28, he is with his disciples on the mount of transfiguration in the Galilee on the Day of Atonement and in John 7:2, he is going up to Jerusalem for Tabernacles.

Also, as we have already established, Luke's gospel follows Yeshua's ministry often on a day by day basis. If John 6:4 is recording a Passover and we have seen that the next named feast in John 7:2 is Tabernacles, we have a serious break in chronology and months of silence by the gospel writers who record no events during this entire time.

We continue to follow Yeshua as he travels back to Jerusalem for Hanukkah, the feast of dedication. where he heals a man born blind, John 9:1-41, 10:22. He is fulfilling his role as the light of the world.
John's gospel ends with Yeshua returning to Jerusalem for Passover, where he will become our Passover through his death, burial and resurrection.

So we have it. According to the chronology of the gospel writers accounts, we see that Yeshua's ministry begins at Passover and a year later he is crucified at Passover. Fifty days following the Feast of Firstfruits, the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples at Shavuot. Again, from the day of his baptism to the day he baptizes with the Holy Spirit is 70 weeks to the day, the fulfillment of the second layer of Daniel's seventy-week prophecy.

One last thought for you to ponder. If Yeshua's ministry began at Passover, which is evident according to the gospels, and his ministry was 3 1/2 years in duration, that would take us to Tabernacles, which is impossible. He was crucified at Passover.

Come Out of Her, My People

I find myself at a crossroads today, the same one I found myself at more than 30 years ago. I never imagined I would find myself back at the beginning of my journey, having to once again fight the same battles I thought I had won so long ago. At that time I was a member of a small Baptist church, comfortable in my faith, my religion. I was part of a community of believers, was active in Sunday School, served as a teacher, was a member of a weekly women's bible study. I was your average Christian I guess, much like most of my neighbors in that small town, living a quiet life, active in my daughter's school as a room mother, helping her with her studies, teaching her the Bible, raising her up to be a good, moral person.

Then one day, God interrupted my quiet, comfortable, peaceful life. He began showing me, through his word, that my "religion" was not as acceptable as I thought. Over time, he began dealing with me about the customs and traditions that the whole of Christianity had adopted, which were in direct violation of his commandments. I must interject here, that some years before, I had been exposed to this same understanding, but my heart was not open at that time to receive such revelation. It was as if a veil covered my eyes so that I was unable to comprehend the truth that God was offering me.

However, this time, I truly received revelation. I hate to admit that it wasn't readily received because it shook my foundation to the core. All that I had believed and lived by was being challenged. My whole world view was crumbling beneath my feet. My acceptance of these truths would result in a massive upheaval of my entire life and isolate me from everything and everyone that had been the sum of my entire existence up to that point. In reality, that's exactly what happened. As I began to repent and turn my life around, I was immediately met with opposition. My family and friends thought I had gone completely mad, my church brethren pleaded with me not to leave the congregation. They questioned my salvation. It's hard to explain but I was filled with joy and wonder over what God was teaching me and, at the same time, extremely saddened by my isolation from my former associations.

The one saving grace was that I lived in a very rural community and had several years to spend alone with God in training, My days were filled with bible study, meditation, and prayer. I would walk and talk with him for hours on end as he fed me the bread of life. When it was time for me to be thrown back into the world, I was like a butterfly emerging from my cocoon. I was able to stand firm in my faith, even after I began working outside of the home to help support my family.

Surrounded by "Christians" of all denominations, as well as non-Christians, I often engaged in biblical discussions where I was able to share my understanding, but rarely was able to break through the denominational strongholds that held them captive. I was surrounded by the pagan customs and traditions that had embedded themselves into the very fabric of our society and my heart was often grieved by the inability to awaken others out of their slumber to embrace the truth. I often had to remind myself that I too was once as they were, a part of it all. But for the grace of God, I would still be deceived and oblivious to God's awesome plan for mankind.

Fast forward to today. I am now retired. Since my husband's passing last September I have been blessed with friends that have taken me under their wings to keep me encouraged and lifted up. One dear friend, who has been an absolute angel to me, invited me to attend a weekly bible study at her church. You would think I would be absolutely thrilled and I am to a certain degree. However, I find myself again facing the same things I thought were buried 30 years ago. The new friends I am meeting are from varying denominations and, the more I associate with them, the more I am reminded of the great gulf that separates us. They want to invite me to attend their Sunday services and other community events that are common this time of year. I have attempted to share my beliefs with them, but they fall on deaf ears. It's not my intention to rail accusations against their chosen denominations, but I know I must separate myself from such worship. I am well aware that the longer I allow myself to be drawn into their fellowship, the more they will attempt to bring me back into "religion". I learned a long time ago that Jesus did not come to start a religion, but to have a personal relationship with mankind. It is a good thing that Christians meet together in worship. I believe everyone benefits from congregational fellowship, but it must be in accordance with the word of God. Unfortunately, the "Church" as we know it today has been infiltrated by the enemy. He has brought in leaven that has diluted the pure word given by God in the beginning, resulting in a mixture of truth and error. God says he will not accept this form of worship. It breeds confusion and contention and corrupts our worship of him. He has instructed his followers to come out of Babylon.

He has given us the knowledge of his ways if we will heed them. They are embedded in the Sabbath and Holy Days he gave to Israel millennia ago. They all point the way to Messiah and his plan for humankind. But modern Christianity has adopted customs and traditions that are diametrically opposite to those of our creator. Each one of these appointed times has been replaced with those of ancient sun-god worship. The Sabbath has been replaced by Sunday, Passover by Easter, Tabernacles by Christmas. Throw in New Year's day, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras and Halloween. Add to them the days devoted to so-called saints and you have a witch's brew that bears no resemblance to the biblical instructions in the word of God.

We are two thousand years removed from the teachings of the Apostles and many have abandoned the faith once delivered to the saints. I will admit that the majority of Christendom today is totally unaware of how they have been deceived by evil forces that have corrupted what they earnestly believe to be the true worship of God. But being ignorant of it does not make it any less the truth. It has been and remains my deepest desire to educate any and all that I come in contact with and bring them out of deception into the true worship of the living God. With that said, I know that most will choose to remain in their comfort zone, to that which is familiar to them. They will hold tightly to their customs and traditions to the very end. The good news is that Jesus will soon come back to the earth to establish his divine rule and mankind will learn to keep his commandments and live by his standards. He will open the eyes of the "spiritually" blind and lead them into all truth.

Today, he has blessed me with the opportunity of sharing his word through a home Bible study. My friends have requested that I teach them the meaning of the biblical festivals. They have been very receptive and are blown away by the beauty and real meaning of these holy seasons. I sincerely pray that God will increase us in numbers and that we will receive much truth and understanding in this study that will result in untold blessings for those involved in this endeavor.

The Eye of the Storm

Having lived through three major hurricanes, Betsy in 1965, Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005, I am more than familiar with the destructive nature of these powerful storms and the impact they have on the lives of those in their path. They come ashore with a vengeance, their intense winds and torrential rains leaving utter destruction in their wake.

One thing that has always fascinated me is the eye of these storms. While the outer bands, often extending hundreds of miles in diameter, descend upon their target with incredible force, the eye itself remains calm. As the storm moves in, these bands bring in the wind and rains, their intensity growing stronger with each hour. Then, in an instant, quiet settles in. The winds dies down, the rains abate. The eye is passing over. It is short-lived, however. One doesn't let their guard down. Once the eye has passed, there remains another round of intense winds and rain to weather through on the backside.

Although many may have never experienced the fury of a hurricane, everyone must navigate through the storms of everyday life that assail us on many fronts. We are buffeted on every side with a myriad of issues and problems that scream for our attention. There is hope, though, in the midst of our storms. Jesus (Yeshua) is that hope!. Like the eye of the hurricane, in him is peace and calm. The closer we draw to him, the more peace we have. Psalms 91:1 tells us "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." That is comforting to know.

Yeshua told a parable in Matthew 7:24-25 of those who hear his words and obey them. They are likened to a wise man who builds his house upon a rock: Though the rain descends and the floods come and the winds blow and beat upon that house, it does not fall for it is founded upon a rock.

Through a relationship with Yeshua, we can experience total peace in the midst of our storms. In John 14:27 he tells his followers on the night he was betrayed, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Knowing that, after his death, burial and resurrection, his followers would endure many hardships, he gave them encouragement to see them through. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

We will experience many storms in this physical sojourn, but Yeshua is the eye in the midst of them all. If we stay in the center of his will, we will experience the peace that passes all understanding.

LABELS

Labels, as they apply to each of us, are the major source of division in the world today. They are used to divide us on every level imaginable, from our individual families to the collective family making up humanity as a whole. We are all guilty of using labels to identify one another in a myriad of ways. Consider for a moment the divisions these labels cause in every area of our lives. We relegate people into boxes, categorized by gender, race, nationality, education, social standing, political affiliation, appearance, personality......the list is endless.

I believe the most dangerous label of all is "denomination", as it pertains to our religious beliefs and  practices. Our world is so divided by religion. It is estimated in 2018 that there are 4,200 different religions in the world. That is incredible! Why do I find that to be such a frightening statistic? Because, as a Christian (here I go labeling myself), I believe God hates division. In this great, big universe (uni =one, verse = song), humanity is meant to live in harmony and unity under the leadership and guidance of it's creator. We are breaking down the very fabric of our world through our divisions, our intolerance of any and all who are not "one of us".

Now, I know there are many religions that do not believe in the Holy Bible as the word of God or Jesus as the Son of God and savior of the world. I cannot speak to those. Christianity, encompassing 32% of the world's population and 2.5 billion adherents, has division enough to fill volumes without focusing on the other 4,199 religions on the planet. What is the primary cause of division within the Christian churches? Denomination!

Denominations are a man-made invention. It is estimated by some that there are more than 30,000 different denominations of Christianity today and some sources believe this number to be much higher. Jesus didn't come to earth 2,000 years ago to build religious institutions but to build a bridge  between God and man through a relationship. Religion is as old as man's sojourn on earth. The dominant religion in Judea at the time Jesus came into the world was Phariseeism, which was developed 300 years prior to his birth. The Pharisees had instituted many man-made laws and commandments into their religion, replacing God's instructions to the nation through Moses. This was  in direct violation of Torah, in which they were told not to add to or take away from any of the words given them by the Almighty at Mt. Sinai. (Deuteronomy 4:2). Throughout his ministry, Jesus vehemently spoke against and violated their customs and traditions, by which they held the Jewish population in bondage, exposing their so-called authority over the people as worthless. He came to set his people free from religion and into a relationship with his Father. He came to reveal the true character of the Father, that of never-ending love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and acceptance. Rather than bondage, Jesus brought us a message of hope and freedom, a message of oneness with our heavenly Father.

The accurate definition of the word "church" is not a building, but the collective body of called out, set apart believers in Jesus.....his body.  According to Ephesians 4:13,  we are to grow in the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, unto perfection, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:4-14 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many."

1 Co 12:27-28  "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."

God intends the body, though many members, to work together as one unit for the edification of all. However, what the church has been more than successful at for almost two thousand years is dividing the body up into pieces. Labels, under the guise of denominations, keeps believers sequestered in their own camps, where "never the twain shall meet". Each focuses on one gift of the body, i.e. miracles, prophecy, healings, or tongues for example and dismisses anyone not holding to their particular doctrinal viewpoint. This ought not to be. Unless the collective body learns to work together, sharing in the unique gifts each individual member has to offer, it will never be fully effective in sharing the gospel with the unbeliever. I don't care how many "mega" churches we build, if we don't build up the body according to the Word of God, removing the labels that divide us, we will never grow into the spiritual house Jesus sacrificed himself for.

WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES

What is your response when your life takes a turn for the worse, when all seems right in your world and everything is flowing smoothly, but suddenly takes a nose-dive? An unexpected situation arises that throws you into a tail-spin, perhaps a job loss, financial set-back, family conflict, an unfavorable health diagnosis, or worse.....the death of a loved one. How do you react? How does it change your perception of God, especially if you are a Christian and feel you have been living a good life? Do you question, "Why would God let this happen?" "Why would he do this to me?"

That is a common response for many and understandable when faced with situations such as mentioned above. None of us are ever really prepared when our lives are being turned upside down and we don't see a way out. It's scary! Our emotions are all over the place and we feel overwhelmed, confused and unable to process the ramifications of our present circumstances.

We've all been there from time to time. It comes with being human. Life is not always good or fair. Our lives are filled with ups and downs, joy and sorrow. We can be standing on the mountaintop one day admiring the view and be hurled into the valley the next. Is there a lesson to be be learned perhaps, or are we being prepared for a new direction or season in our life? Is this part of the process of getting us out of our comfort zone and bringing us to an awakening we would not have discovered but for the present trial we find ourselves in?

If you are a Christian, you should find comfort in the promise given in  Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I know....sometimes it's hard to hang on to that when faced with the unthinkable. God knows that too and, I'm sure, doesn't hold it against us. He understands our human nature. That's why he sent Jesus to this earth to clothe himself with humanity, whereby he could experience the fullness of  our earthly sojourn. Hebrews 4:15  tells us "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.". Yes, Jesus sits at the right hand of God, the Father in heaven, making intercession for us as our High Priest.

When we find ourselves drowning in troubled waters, God should be the one we turn to, not away from. Many are quick to praise him in the good times, but curse him in the bad. He is often the one who is blamed for our misfortunes and it's easy to fall into the trap of turning from faith and prayer to unbelief and rejection. May that not be your attitude!

God is not to be compared with a genie in a bottle or Aladin's lamp, whereby he grants our every wish and desire at the drop of a prayer. In Isaiah 55:9 He tell us "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." He is our creator, not the other way around. We have no right to judge His sovereignty. He is the potter, we are the clay. As He works in our lives, it is always for our good. We have limited vision, whereas His is eternal. He sees the big picture, that which we cannot fully fathom in our present state. As the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known".

Trials and tribulations are part of this present age. They are never pleasant, but I believe necessary, for our overall growth in preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. They are part of our training and serve a purpose that we may not understand now, but will one day see with renewed clarity and be thankful for. Romans 5:3 tells us that we should glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation works patience and  Romans 12:12 says we are to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.

Another important aspect of tribulation is given in 2 Corinthians 1:4, which is the capacity to comfort others who are in trouble. Have you ever gone through some horrible situation and had well-meaning friends tell you, "I know how you feel"? Do they really? Oftentimes not. Unless they have experienced what you are facing, they can't really know what it is like. However, a person who has faced what you are currently facing can truly empathize with you and often be a source of strength and encouragement. You don't feel you have to go it alone. Someone understands. That is powerful!

The important thing I want you to remember is not to blame God or turn away from him. He is the one you most need to turn to when troubles assail. He loves you so very much and always wants what is best for you. Trust His providence. Trust that He knows what He is doing. When He allows trials and tribulations in your life, know that it has a future blessing attached to it. You may not understand now, but if you keep the faith, it will become clear as time goes by and you will be thankful that you remained committed to Him.

If there is ever a break in your relationship with God, it can only be on your part, not  His. He will never leave you or forsake you. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Lessons From Psalms 1

Psalms 1 has always been a favorite of mine and I often return to it in my meditations. I love verse 3, that speaks of the reward of the righteous. "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." I love the imagery of that verse. It speaks of security and safety. But, in order to experience verse 3, we must take to heart verse 2, " But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Law? Is that the law that has been done away with, the one Jesus nailed to the cross? If so, then verse 3 cannot apply to us. Oh, but it does. The English word "law" is from the Hebrew "torah", which  means instructions. The biblical term torah simply means the instructions of our heavenly Father.  Picture, if you will, a sheepfold. While in the sheepfold, under the protection of the shepherd, you are safe from harm. When you venture out on your own, you are in danger of that which lurks without and the enemy who comes only to kill, steal and destroy. Jesus tells us in John 10 that he is both the door to the sheepfold, as well as the good shepherd that protects the sheep. Verse 7 "Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.", and in verse 11 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." Verses 27-28 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." How do we follow him? We keep the torah! Isn't that trying to be saved by works? No! We are not given access to the protection of the sheepfold because we have kept torah, but keep torah because the good shepherd has brought us into his sheepfold by grace through faith, and then teaches us his instructions for righteous living, whereby we remain in his care. Now we can read again verse 3 and see the blessings that are the reward of those whose delight is in the torah.

The role of earthly parents should be patterned after our heavenly Father. They are to train up their children according to rules and guidelines that are given to keep their children safe and happy. It has been proven that children who are raised with parental boundaries feel loved and secure. They may test those boundaries, but often it is in hopes that their parents will prove to be consistent in their upbringing. Those of us who are parents know the pain and sorrow brought on by disobedient children and the fruit of their willful defiance of the teachings that would bring them innumerable blessings. It breaks our heart. Our heavenly Father feels that pain all too often as he sees his children turning from the ways of eternal life to that which leads to death. His instructions for righteous living are never meant to be seen as bondage, but as a loving father's desire to bless us with abundant life.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Do we see this, even in Christian households today? No, for all our advancements and technology, we see families growing farther apart. We are in bondage to TV, the internet, IPhones, Facebook, twitter, instagram, etc. Families rarely sit down together for a meal or engage in any meaningful conversation. Our children have lost the art of communication and socialization. Their method of "conversation" is through a cell phone attached to their hands every waking hour. Sadly, their parents are doing the same thing. This is not the abundant life our Father intended for us.

Many today grow nostalgic when thinking of the "good old days." Well, if you ask your grandparents or great-grandparents, those days were not all good. What was good though was that they lived in simpler times. They didn't have the distractions we live with today. They knew what it was to join hands at the dinner table in thanksgiving and enjoy the togetherness of family and friends, sharing and laughing with one another. After a hard day's work, they would often sit out on the porch, gazing up at the moon and stars, sharing stories with one another. Children would play outside under the watchful eyes of their elders long after the sun set, chasing fireflies, burning off excess energy, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Children respected their elders and found joy in sitting at their feet listening to tales of days gone by. Their education consisted of the bible and it's teachings, at church and at home. Today, bibles often sit on the bookshelf collecting dust, thought to be ancient tales of ancient times, no longer applicable to our day.

I will close with two passages, one from Jeremiah and the other from Revelation. Deuteronomy 19:15 tells us that at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. The passages I will share both witness to Psalms 1

Jeremiah 17:7-8 " Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Revelation 22:1-2, 14 "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

What a mystery! The bible reveals to us that, by our obedience to the creator, we will be as a tree of life and will one day be given access to THE TREE OF LIFE in the eternal city of our God.

King of kings, Lord of lords

The gospel message, according to the Christian church, is the story of Jesus and his free gift of salvation to all who believe in him as savior and call upon his name in repentance for the remission of sins. Following their conversion, believers have a deep desire to minister the message of salvation to others, that they too may experience this saving grace and the fellowship of the brethren. The death, burial and resurrection of our LORD is truly the greatest event in the history of the world to date. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures".  He is indeed the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.

The message, however, does not stop there. At his first coming to earth to take flesh upon him and tabernacle with men, he  fulfilled the prophecies concerning the suffering servant, the sinless lamb of God who willingly laid down his life for his creation, who bore in his own body the penalty for our transgressions. He came to break the bondage of sin that held us captive in it's grasp, to be the mediator between God and man, for he was the Son of God and the son of man. However, he will once again come to earth to fulfill the prophecies concerning his reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. I believe that Christianity has, for the most part, failed in it's understanding of the significance of that day yet in the future.

Our LORD is no longer a babe in a manger or the suffering servant who died for our sins. He is seated at the right hand of the Father on high, where he has received all power and authority in heaven and on earth. The second time he returns to this earth, it will be as reigning King to establish the Kingdom of God and lay down the rules of the Kingdom. Many who have been taught that those rules no longer apply or have been nailed to the cross at his crucifixion will have a rude awakening when they stand before the judgment seat of the Almighty. 

The "gospel" Jesus brought during his first coming was not about himself, but about the Kingdom of heaven. Everywhere he went throughout Judea and the Galilee, we are told that he taught the people concerning the gospel of the Kingdom. Fifty-four times in Matthew's gospel alone, his message was  the Kingdom. Matthew understood the prophecy of old. Jeremiah 23:5 "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." The parables in Luke's gospel were teachings on the Kingdom. The apostle Paul, in his letters, often spoke of the Kingdom. The gospel of the entire New Testament was primarily that of the Kingdom of God. Yet the message of the Church remains one  about Jesus rather than what he taught. He is accepted as savior but rarely, if at all, as our Lord or master, the one whom we are commanded to obey.

Do we even have any concept of who Jesus is today? The apostle John, while exiled on the Isle of Patmos, was transported by the Spirit unto the future Day of the Lord. He heard a voice behind him as the sound of a trumpet. He turned and beheld the glorified Jesus standing before him amidst seven golden candlesticks. The sight was so awesome and fearful that John fell as a dead man at his feet. He wasn't looking at a baby in a manger or a suffering messiah, but the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, a King of such mind-numbing majesty that words failed him, as it would us as well.

Revelation 1:13-16 "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."

I believe, if the Church could get even a small glimpse of their savior as a ruling King on the throne of his glory, as was revealed to John, there would be an awakening and a revival such as the world has never seen. One day we will honor him as King of kings and Lord of lords and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is LORD!

Peace in the Storm

(NOTE: This is a reprint of a post I wrote on 9/7/15, that was accidentally deleted)

It's one thing to say prayer changes things, but another altogether to stand on that affirmation when the going gets rough. Prayer is not something we put on like clothes. A better analogy would be armor. An even better would be skin. Life brings with it many challenges, but God is sufficient to meet them all. It's easy to say that when it's someone else fighting the battle, but not so much when we are the one under attack. Prayer can be far from our lips when we are the one facing the enemy.

Enemies abound, both physical and spiritual. We encounter them each and every day. Some of us may be facing huge challenges at this moment from any number of events. However, it's not the challenges that do us in; illness, financial difficulties, family disputes, etc. It's the inability we seem to have in these moments to keep the faith, to pray to the only One who can change things. He is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our high tower. If we will turn to Him in our hour of need, He will hide us under the shadow of His wings.

I heard a story recently about a contest. The participants were told to paint a picture of the most peaceful scene they could think of. Of course, most of the entries were of beaches, meadows, beautiful mountain scenes, fields of wildflowers. The winning entry, however, was of a raging storm replete with lightning and thunder, heavy rain and high winds. In the corner of this picture was a small cleft in the side of a mountain where a mother bird sat peacefully with her babies tucked safely under her wings.

That is what real faith is all about. It's not the absence of the storm, but the peace that God gives in the midst of it. May He grant peace to each of us as we face the storms in our lives.

Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (NKJV)

Lost in the Forest

(NOTE: This is a reprint of a post I wrote on 9/7/15 that was accidentally deleted)

Today I ran across something I wrote on February 11, 2014, following a dry season in my life. It bears repeating in hopes that it helps someone today who may be going through their own dark season.

"As my spiritual armor lay scattered before me on the floor, I succumbed to the reality. Accepting the futility of walking in circles, I retreated to my bedroom. Words were not necessary. God knew my plight. I needed his direction. I needed him to be my compass. Suddenly my attention was drawn to a book on my bookshelf, a Daily Guideposts. It was from 2012, but for some reason I felt led to pick it up and read the post from February 10th. The title for that day was "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" and the scripture reading was from Psalms 40:1. "I waited patiently for the Lord; And he inclined to me and heard my cry."

At that moment I knew that I would once again find the light, as I had so many times before. Although the forest is dark and foreboding, trees looming high above, pathless in every direction, there is a way out. My savior is the light. He is the way, the truth and the life.

In my darkest hours I have always found his outstretched hand reaching out to me, leading me into the light. I've also experienced something very powerful each and every time. I come out of the blackness stronger and more committed, with a deeper abiding faith, a greater understanding of his marvelous grace and mercy. I've learned through the years, when I find myself once again lost in that black forest, not to wander there aimlessly too long, but to scan the darkness for that outstretched hand that will lead me home.

A Leap of Faith

(NOTE: This is a reprint from a post I wrote on 1/13/16 that was accidentally deleted)

"Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith", author Margaret Shepard.

The above quote brings so many thoughts to my mind. As I look back over the years, what a life I have led! I've had more ups and downs than a yo-yo, that's for sure. One thing I've had to face about myself is that I've always been a big dreamer. I'm the queen of dreams, hopes, wishes, and prayers. Until I learned, though, to add real action-packed faith to those desires, I was destined to spend the rest of my life just dreaming, hoping, wishing and praying.

As I think back, I can't remember one time that a realized dream was not preceded by an act of faith on my part, I mean a “leaping into thin air” action. Until I was able to move, jump, walk, run or leap toward my desire, it lay as lifeless as a seed on the ground. We all know that a seed cannot become it's built-in intended purpose unless it is planted. Well, that works for people too. We each have a purpose to fulfill, but like that seed, we will never see our true worth or potential by just laying there wishing. God is the creator of all things and He is the one who has designed a purpose for each of His creations. However, everything comes into existence through struggle. That seed must struggle to exit the earth, birds must break out of their shell, the caterpillar out of his cocoon, and a baby out of its mother's womb. Every hope or dream we have lies as dormant as that seemingly lifeless seed until it is planted in faith and nurtured by action of some kind. Only then can it produce the desired result. Intention must be born of action.

It’s up to each of us to use our opportunities and nurture our talents to realize our potential, giving birth to those hopes and dreams that otherwise would lay dormant in our hearts. Then we need to encourage others and help them fulfill their own potential as well. Many of the people we rub shoulders with each and every day are dealing with enormous pressures. They have unrealized hopes and dreams and they pray for a way out. They look for that light at the end of the tunnel but wake up every day to the same darkness they lay down with the night before. We are our brother's keeper and we all have a responsibility to share our light with them. If you have been blessed, if you have experienced the answer to prayer, if you have leaped into thin air and found waiting arms that caught you and lifted you up, please share with others. Give someone else the faith that they too can move the mountains in their life, that they can plant that faith and experience the joy and beauty of becoming the unique and awesome person they were always meant to be.

The Vineyard

The two passages below, one in Isaiah and the other in Matthew, portray Israel as the vineyard of Yehovah. They both allude to, in parable form, the story of our heavenly Father planting a vineyard (Israel) in a beautiful land. He provided everything needed for them to produce spiritual fruit.

Isa 5:1-7 Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:  And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:  And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

 Mt 21:33-43 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

These passages may speak of a nation, the nation of Israel, but they also speak to me as an individual. I believe, that as a child, my Father was preparing the soil of my heart for His word. Although I was not aware of it at the time, I can now look back and see His  work in my life. I can remember specific incidents which speak to His calling upon me. When it was time for Him to sow the seed of His word in my heart, I was able to receive it gladly. Much like the vineyard in the previous two passages, He chose me as a goodly place to plant His word. He cleaned me up, placed a fence of protection around me, removed anything that might inhibit my growth. He nurtured  me like a precious plant and provided everything I needed to be fruitful.

More amazing, this word that was sown into my heart was the very WORD of God, my savior and LORD, Yeshua.

In John 15:1 he tells us, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman."

Also in verses 4-5, we read, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

If I continue to let him abide in me and I in him, I will produce fruit fit for the kingdom. He will live his life in me if I will yield myself to the master's hand, if I will allow the husbandman to cultivate and prune and shape my life according to His plan for me.

The Oracles of God

 I listened to a DVD recently on the oracles of God by teacher and historian, Michael Rood. It was very enlightening, so I decided to look into this topic for myself. These oracles are mentioned four times in the New Testament, once by Luke, the evangelist, twice by the Apostle Paul in his writings and once by the Apostle Peter. The word "oracles" is from the Greek "logion", meaning utterance or communication.

Luke writes in Acts 7:38-39, speaking of Moses, This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel (messenger) which spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively (living) ORACLES to give unto us. To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt.

Moses was a mediator between the children of Israel and the Almighty. He spent 40 days at the top of Mt. Sinai receiving the oracles or communication directly from the creator, which he then taught the people. However, they quickly turned from God's commandments in disobedience. They would not listen to Moses, so he gave them a stern warning that is still applicable to all nations today.

Luke references in Acts 7:37 the message from Yehovah himself to the disobedient Israelites who refused to obey him.  Deut 18:18-19 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee (Moses), and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

This Prophet is none other than Yeshua (Jesus). Yehovah declared that he would put HIS words into his mouth and he would only speak as he was commanded. All will be required to shama (hear and obey). We see in the gospels Yeshua stating over and over that he only spoke or did what the Father told him. He was totally submissive to Yehovah and taught nothing of himself or in opposition to the Father's instructions. He declared the same ORACLES that were given to Moses at Mt Sinai. We learn in 1Cor 10:4 that He was the Rock that followed them through the wilderness and, no doubt, was the one who communicated directly with Moses.

In Romans 3:2, Paul states that there were advantages to being a Jew, chiefly because unto them were committed the ORACLES of God. See the words of Moses in Deut 4:5-8 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Paul was referring them back to the Torah, back to Mt. Sinai, where the oracles of God were transmitted to Israel. These instructions or communication from the Almighty are eternal. Israel was to be a light to the nations around them, teaching them the way of Yehovah. Though, as a nation, they never fulfilled their calling, spiritual Israel is waking up and declaring these oracles to the world.

In Hebrews 5:12, Paul chastises many believers in his day with these words. "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the ORACLES of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."

Many Christians today are satisfied with the milk of the word, so to speak.They readily accept the sacrifice of Yeshua for salvation. They worship him and eagerly share him with others. However, the gospel message is not primarily the story of his life on earth, but the message he brought to us, the message of the Kingdom. That is the story the Bible presents to us from Genesis to Revelation. Most Christians don't really know that story. They don't read what is termed the "Old Testament". They are not familiar with the oracles of God. Paul calls them the first principles. These oracles are the communication of God with mankind, his instructions for righteous living based on his word, not on modern Church theology.

In 1Peter 4:11 we read "If any man speak, let him speak as the ORACLES of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

This is a message for those who preach the gospel to us in our churches, no matter the denomination. If any speak, let him speak the oracles or communication of God. We need to hear this today, to take it to heart, to hear and obey the words of our creator. We are often told that these words are not applicable for our day and time, that they are outdated or spoken only to an ancient people. We don't have to obey them. All we need is JESUS. Scripture proves that this Jesus was the God of the Old Testament, that he was the one through whom the Father created the world. All things were made by him and for him. He was the one who met with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel). He was the one who journeyed in the wilderness with the Israelites, the one who instructed the prophets, the one who came to earth as a man and tabernacled among us, who taught the disciples, met Paul on the road to Damascus, gave his life as a ransom for sin, was resurrected to the right hand of the Father in heaven and poured out the Holy Spirit on his followers on Shavuot (Pentecost). He is alive today as our High Priest, interceding for us before the throne of God. The story is all about him and he is the WORD! The living oracles are his instructions and we must hear and obey if we are to enter into life everlasting.