Johnny Cash And The Texas Cashmaster

Johnny Cash and The Texas Cashmaster

There was a time when I wholeheartedly believed some things happened merely by chance.  That was before I came to grips with the concept that YHVH had ALL things under His control.  For the person that acknowledges Divine ownership of the universe by Father, "chance" or "luck" just doesn't appear on their spiritual radar screen.  

Although fortuitous, it should not be considered happenstance that I found myself sitting in the old "Mile High Stadium" in the late 1980's where the Denver Broncos used to play, and hearing Johnny Cash perform at a Billy Graham crusade.  Even though I was highly impressed, I was completely unaware of the role of significance the life of this "Man In Black" would come to play later in my own life.

Father had purposed long before I saw Johnny in Denver that I should be singing his tunes.  In harmony with His choosing, this man that doesn't include the words, "luck", or "chance" in his vocabulary, would rather lean upon Scripture that says, "The steps of a good man are directed and established by the Lord, and He delights in his way".  Psalms 37: 23

Approximately twenty or so years after that day in Denver, I was just beginning to realize the personal impact of this "outlaw country" singer.  I started singing his songs at the behest of a karaoke KJ in Arizona that said my voice lent itself well to singing Johnny Cash.  His comment was all it took to get me started.  I went out that week and bought my "all black" outfit and started singing his tunes and saying, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash".

In the Spirit of the Scriptural understanding of Psalms 37: 23, it wasn't chance that had me walking past a book store window and seeing a copy of "Cash" by the Rolling Stone Magazine.  This is a collection of stories and tributes to Johnny by family members and close friends after his death in late 2003.  Of course, I purchased the book and subsequently bought other books about the "Man In Black".

The more I read about Johnny, the more I learned about his life, especially his love for gospel music.  I learned how he wanted to record gospel from the very beginning.  But, Sam Phillips at Sun Records refused saying, "I can't sell gospel music".  Over the next few years, Johnny recorded a lot of secular songs, many of which went high up the charts.  Even so, he never lost his love and desire for gospel music.

After leaving Sun Records, he spread his recordings over the next nearly four decades with several record labels, each with a stipulation that he would be allowed to record gospel music.  Although he sang and recorded traditional church hymns and various southern gospel songs, many others, especially late in his life, showed a steady progression toward Messianic gospel themes.    

One such song that quickly drew my attention was "The Greatest Cowboy of Them All".  The lyrics begin with, "I've always had my heroes; I've loved a lot of legends.  But, my cowboy hero hat's off to the Man Who rode a donkey..."  Then, there was "The Man In White" with first person lyrics from the viewpoint of the apostle, Paul, on the road to Damascus--very powerful and compelling indeed.  

Although recorded about 10 years before his death, his song, "Going By The Book", has chilling end time lyrics that have become extremely real and applicable to us today.  His song, "When The Man Comes Around" is equally prophetic and very Messianic in nature.  

The theme of this article is, "Johnny Cash and the Texas Cashmaster?".  The question is, "Can Johnny and the Messianic lifestyles I now sing and try to live appear in harmony on the same page?"  I believe that answer can be found in a very revealing quote from Johnny and cited by Dave Urbanski who wrote the book entitled, "The Man Comes Around--The Spiritual Journey Of Johnny Cash".  

In his introduction to the book, Mr. Urbanski speaks of a particular writer that tried to "paint Johnny in a corner" by getting him to pick a favorite church denomination of affiliation.  In the spirit of his secular song, "I Won't Back Down", Johnny was quoted as "laying down the law" to this writer: 

"I--as a believer that Jesus of Nazareth, a Jew, the Christ of the Greeks, was the Anointed One of God (born of the seed of David, upon faith as Abraham has faith, and it was accounted to him for righteousness)--am grafted onto the true vine, and am one of the heirs of God's covenant with Israel".

As far as I can tell, I don't think Johnny ever referred to Messiah by His Hebrew name, Yeshua.  Yet, his music and personal testimony strongly suggests the distinct possibility that Johnny would have been a spiritual giant in the Messianic community today had he not died nearly eight years ago.  Yet, partly by his own personal early life choices, the enemy was able to cut him down far too soon.

There will never be another Johnny Cash, not even close.  Yet, in my own little way, I am trying to use the talent Father has given me to pay tribute to the man whose life and music has been a great personal inspiration, and to lift up Israel's Messiah Whom he obviously loved as much as do I.  In so doing, I am merely trying to carry on his legend in a direction of which I believe he would applaud, and would loved to have trod himself.

I once had a funny little story line enter my mind.  I visioned Johnny and June in heaven standing next to Yeshua.  Johnny tapped Yeshua on the shoulder, pointed toward SueJean and I and said, "See those two down there; they're messin' with our songs".  Then, Yeshua slightly leaned in Johnny's direction and said, "Yeah, they're doing a pretty good job, don't ya think?"

My singing of his secular tunes hasn't been the purpose or conclusion of my journey.  If still in this life and endowed with his singing prowess, I believe Johnny might well have taken his Messianic song writing to a whole new level--likely even doing greater than I.  Obviously, he's the real Cashmaster.  Without changing the integrity of his original songs, I have applied new lyrics to several of his songs to present a gospel theme that uplifts Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel Whom we both love dearly.  

One such tune is a rewrite of "Cocaine Blues".  Rather than a drug crazed killer with a "lovin' .44", and a very sad ending,  the new lyrics for the song entitled "The Trial Of DannyLee" portrays a man in love with YHVH and His Torah, then finds himself locked in a battle with the enemy in the courts of heaven.  Yet, with his Advocate Messiah (the Son of Man) at his defense, the man is judged not guilty and set free from his sin--with a very happy ending.


Another tune is a rewrite of "Folsom Prison Blues".  Rather than a rebellious son that just wouldn't listen to his mother and wound up with a lifelong "sad" ending, its rewrite, "Satan's Prison Blues", is the story of a wayward son that wakes up just in time to be the recipient of a very happy ending.

"Ring Of Fire" became "Chain Of Fire".  Rather than "Love is a burning thing and it makes a fiery ring", it's "Sin is a burning flame and it binds with a fiery chain".  "Hey Porter" became "Hey Brother, Hey Sister".  Rather than a homesick man making his way back home to Tennessee, it's a man longing to go home to Tsiyon--and asking others if they're ready to come with him.

Our pride and joy song is a rewrite of the Johnny and June duet, "Jackson".  Rather than a man going to another town to "mess around", it became "Tsiyon Bound", a story about two people gloriously saved from sin that was "hotter than a pepper sprout", and bound for a singing jubilee around the Throne in Messiah's Kingdom. 


These are just a few of the songs Father has allowed me to rewrite.  In paying tribute to Johnny Cash by singing his secular tunes, I find people equally eager and receptive to the message of Messiah through my rewrite and other gospel songs. 

Because the life of Johnny Cash was clearly on course toward Messianic thought, I believe the talent and message Father has given me makes a perfect "pass the baton" fit to pick up where he left off, and shows a distinct harmony with, "Johnny Cash and the Texas Cashmaster".

The Alef Tav Story--The "Truth" Of The Matter

By the leading of the Holy Spirit, I have become acutely aware of the fact that Holy Scripture CANNOT be correctly interpreted from a western (Christian) perspective.  Our Bibles were written for Hebrew people by Hebrew people.  If we are to learn pure and complete truth concerning Biblical content, we MUST divest ourselves of all Christian thinking in favor of Hebrew perception.  Consider what Messiah says about Himself and truth.

"Yeshua said unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me'".   John 14: 6

In looking at the Greek language from which our English Bibles are translated, we find the word for "truth" means "a verity".  This sounds simple and straight forward but is woefully lacking in divine revelation that can ONLY be seen through the Hebrew language and perspective.  

In consideration of the Alef Tav story, we still have a Hebrew apostle writing about the life of our Hebrew Messiah.  Far more properly than the Greek rendition, the Hebrew word "emet" should be considered.  With the letters "Alef, mem, and Tav", one should begin to see the truth hidden by Christian reliance upon a language not used by the apostles, their followers, or their Messiah.

Let me describe this word in baseball terms.  A batter hits a long fly ball that eludes all defenders.  With all the speed he can muster, he runs around the bases and slides safely into home base just ahead of the throw.  Just as jubilant celebration begins, another umpire calls the runner out--because, in his zeal to run the bases, he didn't touch first base.

Our Alef Tav Messiah emphatically says, "I am...the truth..."  Yet, our baseball runner missed first base--the first letter of "emet".  When we remove the "Alef" from "emet", we are left with the Hebrew word, "met", which means "death".  In this, I am reminded of the words of Paul to the Romans.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of YHVH is eternal life through Yeshua our Messiah and Adonal".   Romans 6: 23

Herein lies a problem in contrast.  On one hand, we have people like our baseball runner that hits that long fly ball, runs to first base, and stops there (grace).  In regards to these, they have rightly heeded the words of Messiah through John.   

"And you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free".   John 8: 32

The first group has hit a home run according to the words of Messiah through John.  Though they are clear to run the bases, they elect to stay on first base.  As baseball enthusiasts know, far more often than not, that runner is usually still standing somewhere out on the bases when the third out is made and never makes it to home base.  In a spiritual sense, many like these will hear the following from Messiah through Matthew.

"Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and in Your name have cast out devils, and in Your name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, 'I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity.'"  Matthew 7: 22-23 

On the other hand, there are many that try to make it safely home without the benefit of Alef Tav (works).  They spend their lives trying to earn their redemption through the medium of "good works".  These will definitely hear the same sad words above through Matthew.  It is truly as Paul wrote to the Ephesians.

"For by grace you are saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of YHVH, not of works lest any man boast".   Ephesians 2: 8-9

There is a proper order in regards to grace and works.  Additionally, neither are properly utilized separate from each other.  "Faith (Grace) without works is dead", says James.  Nor, is redemption separate from works, as Paul concluded with the Ephesians.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua unto good works, which YHVH has before ordained that we should walk in them."   Ephesians 2: 10

The proper order is clearly shown in the first commandment of the ten.  No, it's not "you shall have no other gods before Me".  That's the second.  Thanks to western perspectives and Christian Bible translators, the second has been divided into two commandments, effectively obscuring the first.  From a Hebraic perspective, the first is as follows.

"I am Adonai your Elohim, Who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."   Exodus 20: 2

In harmony with the first great commandment to "love the Lord your God",  Yeshua our Law Giver says through Moses, "Believe in Me".  That is the first order of business.  We must first realize our desperate, sin nature and trust Messiah as our Redemption.  If one doesn't come to grips with this first commandment, they have no hope of keeping the other nine.

In this, many of my Christian brethren have it right.  However, they have foolishly "stopped at first base". They sit back on their "blessed assurances" trying to be a good person and wind up practicing what I've often called "sloppy agape".  In actuality, I have met many Christians that were "good people" before they expressed a profession of faith, yet, afterward, became proud, arrogant, egotistical, and just "the pits" to be around.  These just "got religion".

There is something that should happen after our redemption, and grace is bestowed.  Before we attain our actual salvation (home base), there is second and third base to attain.  Before Messiah spoke the words, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free", He spoke the following regarding second and third base, as recorded by John.
 

"As He spoke these words, many believed on Him.  Then said Yeshua to those Jews which believed on Him.  'If you continue in My Word (Torah), then you are My disciples indeed'".   John 8: 30-31

According to the accounts of ALL the apostles, continuing in His Word meant keeping His commandments (Torah).  There was no New Testament in their days.  The ONLY Scripture they had was "the Law and the Prophets".  Only the Christian twisting of Scripture through at least the last seventeen centuries could and did distort the doctrine of Messiah and the apostles. 

One example of this devious twisting is seen in a billboard sign I saw as we drove west bound through Ft. Smith, Arkansas.  On the left side of the sign, there was a picture of a cross with the word "grace" written below.  On the right side, there was a picture of the ten commandments with the word "curses" written below.  Written at the bottom of the sign and centered between "grace" and "curses" were the words "your choice".

According to the unchanging Scripture and ideals of our Alef Tav Father/Messiah, this message is blasphemy and was authored by those that subvert truth for "doctrines of demons".  Consider the following from Moses.

"Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: and a curse, if you will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which you have not known."   Deuteronomy 11: 26-28

These words were spoken just after Moses was presented with the ten commandments.  As only understood from the Hebrew, the word, "blessing" is accompanied by the letters, "Alef Tav".  For the word, "curses", the Alef Tav is omitted.  According to this unchanging edict from Father, the proponents of this Arkansas message, as well as at least a majority of Christianity, find themselves clearly in the same category as those that received the curses.

I ask from the proper perspective a similar question as the proponents of this Arkansas message.  Will you choose the complete spectrum of grace (touch all the bases), or will you choose to miss one or more of these bases and expect to arrive safely at home base (His eternal kingdom)?  The "complete" spectrum (touching ALL the bases) is the formula to true peace and encouragement.  The latter?  Eternal pain and misery (Matthew 7: 21-23). 

To Be Continued...

The Alef Tav Story--The Rest of the Story

Part 3 of 4


The Alef Tav story doesn't end with grace, as modern, Christian thought would have us believe.  Such ideals water down, take away from, and sometimes blaspheme the unchanging ideals of Father Messiah (Alef Tav).  As was shown in my last article, the story actually begins with grace.  For that reason, I introduce part two of this subject with a famous one-liner of Paul Harvey.  "Now, you're going to hear, the rrrest of the story."  

Several more times in Revelation, Messiah refers to Himself by the same name, Alef Tav, each time placing His "stamp of authority" on the subject matter.  He refers to Himself in judgment to the churches.  It is written that judgment must first come upon those of His own, then to the heathen.  Regarding judgment of His own, John records the following from Yeshua.

"I am the Alef and the Tav, the First and the Last, and, what you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."  Revelation 1: 11

The judgments of Alef Tav against these churches are expansive and deep.  For this article, I will only convey my thoughts concerning Alef Tav and the church at Ephesus.  

"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.  And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary."   Revelation 2: 2-3

 In my years within Christian circles, I have found a multitude of brethren, and some entire assemblies, that manifest the qualities for which Alef Tav praised the Ephesians.  They are sincere in their faith in Messiah and incorporate that faith into their daily walk.  Even with all their weaknesses, they will be counted among the multitude returning to the land with Ephraim.  Yet, they lack one thing, as Messiah says through John.

"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love."   Revelation 2: 4

Of all the avenues I might take with the subject of "first love", I address the subject of Alef Tav as our true "First Love".  It has been clearly shown the Father and Messiah, Alef Tav, are one and the same.  Moses says this concerning our Father, Messiah.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!  You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."  Deuteronomy 6: 4-5

In response to the question of the "great commandment", Yeshua quoted Moses and stated the following. 

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."   Matthew 22: 37-40

In citing these two commandments, Messiah sums up the "heart" of the Torah of Moses.  Concerning the eternal nature of the Torah of Moses, Alef Tav said the following through Matthew.

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."   Matthew 5: 17-18

It's been two thousand years and the earth hasn't passed away yet.  It still revolves around the sun, as does the several other planets in our tiny solar system.  And, there is still a much larger amount of stars and planets twirling around in a cosmos of immense size.  Therefore, this statement of Alef Tav must mean exactly what it says.

The law of Moses hasn't been dissolved or otherwise nullified.   Messiah just intended to fill it up with a deeper meaning.  A reading of the verses following the above passage firmly bears out this reasoning with a procession of statements beginning with the phrase, "You have heard it said of old, but I say unto you..." 

Truly, we have been redeemed (recipients of grace) from the law of sin and death.  Yet, this one law is only a small part of the Torah of Moses.  Just because grace has been freely bestowed, we are not absolved from keeping Torah.  It was James, the elder brother of Yeshua, that eloquently put this thought into words--and practice. 

"Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  But someone will say, 'you have faith, and I have works.'  Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  You believe that there is one God.  You do well.  Even the demons believe--and tremble!"  James 2: 17-18

In regards to the subject of Alef Tav being our true "First Love", Messiah says the following through John in his gospel.


"If you love Me, keep My commandments."  John 14: 15

Our "was with God", "was God", Alef Tav Messiah says Torah is His commandments, those He gave to Moses from the mountain.  If on one hand we say we believe, and on the other discard His Torah, our belief in Him is truly suspect.  As James said, the devils have that level of belief.  John puts it further into perspective. 

"He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.  By this we know that we are in Him."  1 John 2: 4-5

I am always amazed at how Christian theologians have the propensity to take only part of a text and form totally new theological ideals and claim they are of God.  Even more so, I am at a loss to understand why their parishioners are so down-right gullible in accepting their every word.  Possibly with the same frustration, Messiah stamps His authority again regarding grace.


"I am the Alef and the Tav, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.  Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city."   Revelation 22: 13-14

Those that nullify His Torah and teach others to do likewise commit the sin of blasphemy--possibly against the Holy Spirit--calling good evil and evil good.   Don't be among those of whom Messiah describes in His closing comments in this last passage.

"But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie."   Revelation 22: 15


Wake up my brothers and sisters.  Certainly, the work of redemption is a free gift and was completed on the cross as He says.  There is no work we can do to make us worthy of our redemption, even in the slightest.  Yet, if we truly love Him, we will do the best we can to keep His Torah, as He commanded.  

By keeping His Torah, we "work out our salvation" and place ourselves on the path to learning, practicing, and being "perfected" through "the rrrest of the story" concerning grace.  Show your love for Messiah by coming into the encouraging peace of obedience (Shema) to His Torah--without Christian mixture.

Click Here For Part Four--The Truth Of The Matter

The Alef Tav Story--Picture Of A Thousand Words

Part 2 of 4

There is an old saying I've heard.  "A picture is worth a thousand words".  As it is with many ancient languages, Hebrew words incorporate a pictorial view into their meaning.  The "Alef" was made to look like an ox and means "strength of YHVH".  The "Tav" is made in the shape of a cross and means "a sign or covenant".  Hence, "Alef Tav" is the "strength of the cross".

As told from the beginning, Yeshua (Alef Tav) was foreordained to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

"Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things...but with the precious blood of Messiah, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot...Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you."  1 Peter 1: 18-20

The "Alef Tav" appears throughout the Hebrew texts of the prophetic word, yet, is somehow left out of or hidden within English translations.  In possibly the most beautiful of Messianic prophecies, Isaiah writes of the reason Yeshua (Alef Tav) was chosen from before the foundation of the world.
  
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him (Alef Tav) the iniquity of us all".   Isaiah 53: 6

Concerning the path Alef Tav trod to the cross, Zechariah writes the following.

"And I said unto them, 'If you think good, give me My price; and if not, forebear'.  So they weighed for My price (Alef Tav) thirty pieces of silver."   Zechariah 11:12

The Prophet also speaks of the death of the Shepherd and the scattering of His sheep.  Speaking of Himself, Matthew also records in 26: 31 Yeshua confirming Zechariah.
  
"Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man that is My fellow, says the LORD of hosts: smite the Shepherd, (Alef Tav) and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn Mine hand upon the little ones."  Zechariah 13: 7

In foretelling of the coming Messiah, Father God issued the following promise to Moses.
 
"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto you, and will put My words in His mouth; and He (Alef Tav) 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.  But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in My name (Alef Tav), which I have not commanded Him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die."   Deuteronomy 18: 18-20

Zechariah further spoke of "Alef Tav" in regards to the the house of David.

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me (Alef Tav) Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn."   Zechariah 12: 10

The Spirit of Grace has been bestowed upon us from even before the foundation of the world.  With Its foundation in perfection before the world was, that which we could never achieve while bound in our human frailty was completed upon the cross.  It is as Paul wrote to the Romans.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Messiah Yeshua, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of Life in Messiah Yeshua has made me free from the law of sin and death."  Romans 8: 1-2


Truly, it is as Messiah (The Alef Tav) spoke through John in Revelation.   

"It is done!  I am the Alef and the Tav, the Beginning and the End.  I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts."   Revelation 21: 6

According to the rabbis, Alef Tav represents perfection and completion.  In Him, our redemption is made complete.  All that now remains is the "perfecting of the saints", or "(working) out (our) salvation", as Paul said in Philippians 2: 12  This subject will be discussed in my next article.   

Click Here For Part Three--The Rest Of The Story

The Alef Tav Story--The Missing Word

Part 1 of 4

During my spiritual journey through the decades, I have found many things in YHVH's Holy Scripture I was never taught in any Christian church.  One such item of revelation has it's roots in a declaration of YHVH by the prophet, Isaiah.

"Remember the former things of old, for I am YHVH, and there is no other; I am YHVH, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.'" Isaiah 46: 9-10

The very first verse in Holy Scripture is a fulfilling example of Father's statement through Isaiah.  It is filled with glorious revelation and end time prophesy.  Yet, every Christian teacher I have ever heard has used it in various sermon themes exclusively regarding creation.  Certainly, this is a very valid theme.  However, it goes far deeper.  Our Bibles read as follows.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."  Genesis 1: 1 

On the surface, creation is the central theme of the entire chapter.  Yet, when looking at the Hebrew rendering of this verse, a word is found that never was translated into any of our English versions, and yields jewels of immense value.  It appears the rendering of this verse has troubled translators through the generations.  The Hebrew reads as follows.


"B'reishit (In the beginning) bara (created) Elohim (God) [et] ha'shamyim (the heavens) v'et (and) ha'erets (the earth)."  Genesis 1: 1

The Hebrew rendering clearly shows the missing word, "et", placed at the right hand of the Father, "Elohim".  These two Hebrew letters--alef and tav--bring to light the beauty of Father's creative revelation where the traditional, English rendering of "In the beginning God...", has tragically left it hidden.

If not for John, we might still be in the dark concerning this missing word.  In a very similar fashion as Moses, he opens his gospel with the same phrase, "In the beginning..." and proceeds to bring into the light this missing word--and even explicitly describes the "Word".  

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God."   John 1: 1-2

Here is John the Beloved speaking of this missing Word, placing Him in the exact order as did Moses to begin Holy Scripture.  He identifies the missing Word, "et", (Alef/Tav), says the Word was with God, "Elohim et", and the Word "was God".  Just as Moses testified of Him, John says He was "in the beginning with God".

Just who is this Living Word that was with Father God in the beginning, and was, in fact, Father God Himself?  Who would be better than the same beloved apostle to reveal the true identity of this Living Word?  For, he was closest to Messiah.  Speaking of Yeshua, John reveals the identity of the "Word" in Revelation.  He says of Him.

"'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End', says the Lord, 'Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty.'"  Revelation 1: 8

I have cited this Scripture exactly as it reads in all of our Bibles for the purpose of exposing an obvious lie, or at least a serious detraction from truth, of/by Christian teaching.  This statement is made by a Hebrew apostle regarding a Hebrew God for the peaceful and comforting benefit of a nation of Hebrew people.  A Greek rendering is nothing more than another lie to obscure Messiah's true, Hebrew identity.

I hardly think the proper rendering would be "Alpha and Omega".  Although the rendered Greek letters are the first and last of their alphabet, the proper rendering would be the first and last letters of the Hebrew alefbet--"Alef and Tav".  Such rendering in Revelation specifically names the "Word" of John 1: 1 and agrees with the missing "Word" of Moses in Genesis 1: 1. 

It is indeed encouraging to the spirit to correctly understand Scripture--in this case, the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end--from its Hebrew perspective rather than from twisted, ever changing perspectives of western, theological thought.  In my next article, I will draw a picture of grace, redemption, and judgment gleaned from this same "Alef Tav" of Moses.  I pray His encouraging shalom be upon you and yours.

Click Here For Part Two--Picture Of A Thousand Words

No Turning Back Part 2

In my first article on "No Turning Back", I wrote from the perspective of a physical following--completing a task or series of tasks at hand.  In the same general theme of "no turning back", I now come from the perspective of what I have become as a man for my resolve to follow Messiah.  Who am I and how do I view myself in Yahweh's service?

As long as I live, I will likely continue to assess and re-assess my status in Messiah.  Yet, I believe the beginning of my understanding of who I am came from my own mouth in response to an elder Rabbi on the plane bound for Israel last November.  When he asked me if I were Christian or Jew, I responded, "neither; I am Hebrew.  I follow the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob".  In hearing the words I spoke, I knew I had truly done according to the charge of John in Revelation.

"Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.  For, her sins have reached to heaven, and Yahweh has remembered her iniquities." Revelation 18: 4-5

In hearing my own response to the Rabbi, I realized Father had re-defined me according to my faithfulness to Him in preceding years.  For several years, I had separated myself from many Christian doctrines , yet was still somehow held in the grips of that moniker.  Even so, according to His mercy and loving kindness, I had been taught by His Holy Spirit, having lies replaced with Truth.

The name "Jesus" became of no intrinsic value for me anymore.  I called Him by His true name "Yeshua".   The "J" name had the evolving nature of the invention of man--specifically, from Emperor Constantine of Rome--and was one of many efforts to eradicate our Hebrew heritage from Scripture.  Those that use this Greek name support with their mouth the lies of the "Babylon the great"--the great whore.

For several years, I have celebrated His feasts described in the Torah rather than the pagan spring and winter feasts of Christianity.  Just as with the false name of Messiah, I found these celebrations of Christianity to be pagan in the worst sense.  Those that give homage to these Christian "holly-days" steep themselves in witchcraft and idolatry.  

I study Father's holy Torah and glean from it His ideals of wisdom and life.  For, without a firm understanding of Torah, one CANNOT correctly interpret the New Covenant.  Without a firm foundation in Torah, the tenets of Christianity create nothing more than another false religion with a false messiah.  Yes, I have been re-defined by Father according to the words of Paul to the Galatians.  

"And if you are in Messiah, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3: 29 

For my faithfulness to Him in deed, and according to the testimony of my own mouth, I am no longer a Christian.  By faith, I am of the seed of Abraham.  

This article is a calling for Yahweh's true people to make a "clean break" from the grips of Christianity.  Who are these true people?  Scripture says they are "those that have an ear to hear".  They will have "a heart to obey" as Father spoke through Moses in Deuteronomy 6: 4

The choice is now made available.  Will it be a continuance of Baal-like adherence to the tenets of Christianity and pagan mixture?  After all, Baal worship is nothing more than a mixture of Yahweh's purity of truth with the filth of unholy lies.  Or, will it be a choice for the encouraging peace of obedience through His Holy Spirit?  If the latter, then do as Paul told the Corinthians. 

"Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says Adonai.  Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.  I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says YHVH Almighty."  2 Corinthians 6: 17-18

No Turning Back Part 1

Most of my adult life, there has been a deep desire in my heart to pursue the ideals of Father Yahweh.  In spite of my human weakness and failure through the years, Adonai has daily transformed me, little by little, into a better vessel in His service.  Yet, in the early spring of 2008, Father placed a major choice before me, one that would change my life dramatically.

Sooner or later, likely in multiples of times, Father places choices before each of us to see if we are really committed to Him.  If we pass His test, we can move on to the next level of "perfecting".  For me, that choice was to follow His leading concerning a move from Arizona to Texas, leaving behind a long dead marital relationship.  In my choice to follow Adonai, I relied heavily upon Yeshua's promise through Luke. 

"Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of Yahweh, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life." Luke 18: 29

Many times thereafter, Father has tested, and will continue to test, my commitment to Him.  Each time I pass His test, I am richly blessed according to this promise through Luke.  The most precious of those blessings was a Godly, new wife that loves Father and His Torah more than anything else.  Both of us esteem Father more than each other, and have attempted to walk humbly by His leading around the country for the last two years, ministering in His true name (Yeshua).

By His direction, SueJean and I recently found ourselves in the little town of Colquitt, Georgia.  Prior to this time, our audiences have been very small in number.  Yet, the numbers were far greater at this venue.  Friends were made quickly, a few TV and radio appearances were made, and there was even talk of expanding my musical horizons in Georgia.  There were even a couple of suggestions I should try out for "American Idol".

Although the thought of a degree of "fortune and fame" had been placed before me, and was rather tempting, I heard other words of Yeshua through Luke, and, it was time to move on. 

"But Yeshua said to him, 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of Yahweh.'" Luke 9: 62

To this point, I had learned His lessons well and was blessed accordingly.  Yet, in the coming days, I would face more tests of my resolve to do His bidding.  For several years, I have sung the classic Johnny Horton song, "North To Alaska".  It has always been a fun song to sing and a favorite of many in my audience.  Yet, the song has taken on a whole new meaning in my walk with Him.  For, that's exactly where He is sending us.

On the morning of April 18, 2011, we set out from Georgia in a similar manner as those of the first exodus.  Our first day was filled with eager anticipation and lots of sunshine.  However, after a two day stay in Birmingham, we hitched up our rig in between heavy rain and lightning storms.  From Alabama to Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and even to North Dakota we endured many more such storms that included heavy hail and high head winds.

Each time we passed through a storm or the wind rocked our rig, the thought of turning in another direction crossed our minds.  Even so, we refused to be deterred by the enemy.  As we left Fargo, North Dakota, the winds grew more calm and the sun emerged from the clouds.  Although a little chilly and the encounter of an isolated rain shower, our trip across Canada has so far been smooth sailing.  Each day, our final destination of Alaska and the fulfillment of this leg of our journey with Messiah grows closer.

The telling of our story is not just to tell our story.  For many, this story will be just that--a nice little story.  It's telling has the purpose of encouraging those that truly have a heart to follow Messiah.  Each of His disciples left behind all they had to follow Yeshua--even to the literal giving of their lives in His service.  Those that couldn't stomach the opposition or break from the "tradition of men" fell in mass by the wayside.

This story is written to encourage those that wish to follow Messiah regardless of the opposition, regardless of the cost.  It is written to give strength to that man and/or woman held by ties to unbelieving family members.  It is written to give hope to those that choose to call Him by His true name, follow His Torah, keep His true feasts rather than the pagan, Christian rituals of Christmas and Easter.

It is a good thing for us to love our parents, wives, children, and other family members.  Yet, it is foolish for us to remain in such fellowship if it detracts from following Messiah in purity.  If family members insist on celebrating the pagan holidays and adhering to other false Christian ideals, and it causes strife for the Torah observant believers, it's time for the believer/s to "hit the road".  The words of Yeshua through Matthew speaks loudly for this ideal.

"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."  Matthew 10: 37-38
 
Scripture tells us to "come out of her, my people".  Many in the Christian churches are doing just that.  They are waking up and learning the true ways of our God--Yeshua, Ha' Mashiach.  Even so, there are those caught in between those that choose to continue in Christian lies and those that completely separate themselves from false doctrine.  For those I say, you can't have it both ways.

No one ever won over an unbelieving friend or family member by keeping one foot in Christianity with the other in Torah.  They will just drag you back into the mire from which you are trying to escape.  If these unbelievers will ever come out of the doctrines of Baal, they're ONLY chance is for you to "lead by example".  Heed the Words of Yeshua through John the Revelator.

"And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write...I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth".  Revelation 3: 14-16

Be encouraged my friends.  Yeshua never said following Him would be easy, even though He said His "yoke is easy and His burden light".  Even so, He did command us to live and preach His true Word (NOT CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE) to the nations and said, "I will be with you even to the end of the world".  We are VERY close to that end, and the time to "gird up our loins" is NOW!

CLICK HERE FOR "NO TURNING BACK, PART 2"

Gathered In His Name

In many of my writings, I have used a lot of one-liners.  In the case of this topic, I'm reminded of the saying, "water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink".  Water is an ingredient without which life cannot be sustained.  Without water, our bodies would shrivel up and die in very short order.  Our spiritual lives are very much the same.  Although it may take longer to achieve the same end, without the water of fellowship, our spirit and soul withers away.

In our day of a church on nearly every corner...sometimes on all four corners...one would think there is no shortage of fellowship.  Just find one to your liking and dive in, right?  Not exactly.  It's more like another one-liner--"can't see the forest for the trees".  I remember as a young man looking for youth groups with whom I could share fellowship.  With each group considered, I would soon find myself moving on to the next.  There were great people in each group, but acceptance was incomplete or non existent.

For nearly two years, SueJean and I have traveled around the country sharing our music and the love of Messiah Yeshua.  Everywhere we go, we meet great people.  Yet, at day's end, we have many times found ourselves to have been floating on a sea of humanity without a drop of fellowship to drink.  Each time, we were moving in the direction we felt Father moving us, yet, on the other, we were many times left with the feeling of aimless wandering.


From the beginning of our ministry, our purpose was to seek out the remnant of Israel where ever we might find them and render to them encouragement.  Though we tried to be a part of larger fellowships on the way, we were faced with varying degrees of rejection.  Yet, as we have come to understand of Father's purpose, we found two or three here, and family there, and occasionally individual persons elsewhere.  


Each time we encountered such persons, we felt immersed in His Spirit of Peace.  We left each meeting knowing we had accomplished the task Father had placed before us.  Yet, our human need for continuing fellowship seemed to need refilling almost as often as our truck needed fuel.  Each time we would read in Torah of the gathering of the assembly, our spirits would cry.  Sometimes that crying of the spirit would spill over into physical tears.


On one such occasion while listening to a specific Torah teaching on this subject, Father ministered to our spirits.  He gave us comfort in His words through Matthew in 18: 20.  "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  Once again, we felt the peaceful comfort of Messiah putting His arms around us and reassuring us with a truth we had known and experienced many times before.

We are only two, yet, with Yeshua, we make a majority.  We have blessed fellowship for our spirit, soul, and humanity.  Whether we are high or low in spirit, He is ever with us, like the doting Father He is.  When this majority hooks up, even for a short time, with other remnant individuals or families, blessings flow like a river from His Throne of grace. 

For a time, we must continue with our majority of three.  Yet, in the very near future, that will change.  There is a gathering preparing itself, and is at the very door.  It is written that we will be among a number known "as the stars of heaven"..."as the sand of the sea".  Until that time, I encourage any of my readers that may find themselves in a similar situation like us to take joy in knowing you are not alone.  Yeshua is "with you always, even to the end of the age".

And His Name Shall Be Called

From my time as a small child, I was brought up in a church setting.  I wasn't like many I've met whose parents dropped their children off at church and went back home.  Although imperfect, my parents took their children to church and stayed with them.  Among even the most routine matters of life, the Bible was a very major part of our family life.  

For the first 50+ years of my life, the name and person of "Jesus" occupied  a very special place in my heart.  Although I never totally followed in my father's footsteps as a Southern Baptist preacher, from my teenage years forward, YHVH's Word was and still is at the very center of my thinking.  My goal was and is to always learn more of Him.  The music I sing and write reflects the truth I have found in His Word--many truths of which refute church doctrines I once was taught.

In my early years, I depended largely upon what I was taught by pastors, teachers, and my parents.  However, as the years went on, I accepted less and less what I was being taught and started learning for myself.  Rather than listen to my church leaders, I let the Holy Spirit be my Guide.  Gradually, Father has placed brick of knowledge upon brick of knowledge, tempered with a lot of personal one-on-one relationship.  

As a result of this personal relationship with Adonai, He has brought me forward far beyond my early Christian teachings.  Of the most elementary of my knowledge of Him is His name.  If one wishes to establish a deep and lasting friendship with anyone, it should behoove them to start by learning that person's name and how to pronounce it.  I have heard it said, "the most pleasant sound anyone can hear is their name".  If your name is John and I call you George all the time, you would likely be rather displeased with me.  So it is with our Messiah!

A few days ago, SueJean and I passed a little Baptist church near where we are staying.  On their marquee was written these words exactly as follows.  "And His name shall be called, JESUS!"  As the following quotes will support, His name is NOT "Jesus", but, rather "Yeshua".  Anyone with a heart felt desire for truth can greatly expand upon this information with a minimal of research effort.

"Yeshua is the original Aramaic proper name for Jesus the Nazarene, who lived from about 6 B.C.E. to 27 C.E. (A.D.)  The word 'Jesus' is actually a mis-transliteration of a Greek mis-transliteration. The Emperor Constantine even mistook Jesus for Apollo, the son of the Greek god Zeus." (The Nazarene Way of Essenic Studies at www.the wayofthenazarene.com)

"Modern English "Jesus" /ˈdʒiːzəs/ derives from Early Middle English Iesu (attested from the 12th century). The name participated in the Great Vowel Shift in late Middle English (15th century). The letter J was first distinguished from 'I' by the Frenchman Pierre Ramus in the 16th century, but did not become common in Modern English until the 17th century, so that early 17th century works such as the first edition of the King James Version of the Bible (1611) continued to print the name with a I".  (www.wikipedia.org)

Clearly, it is as the Nazarene website says.  "It is most proper to call Him Yeshua; only in Hebrew does this name have any meaning. In Hebrew Yeshua means both 'Salvation', and the concatenated form of Yahoshua, is 'Lord who is Salvation'. The name 'Jesus' has no intrinsic meaning in English whatsoever."  (The Nazarene Way of Essenic Studies at www.the wayofthenazarene.com) 

The Nazarene Way website further says, "Today's tradition of pronouncing His completely Hellenized name as 'Jesus' has indeed obscured His true name, 'Yeshua', and has shifted its perceived meaning much like most of His original teachings".  For more than 1700 years, the truth of His correct identity has been obscured through the Baal-like teachings of mixture by our church fathers.


In consideration of ideas and teachings suitable to be imparted to the public (the exoteric), and those designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone (esoteric), the Nazarenes make the following observation of comparison in name usage.  

"The name 'Jesus' or 'Jesus Christ' is often used in everything from idle conversation, to bumper stickers and jewelry, to enforcing false teachings, to justifying wars and political agendas, and is even used as a profanity. The name 'Yeshua' however, has remained pure and holy, known and used only by those who would uphold His name and teachings in the highest regard and thus reserving His holy name for use only in spiritual matters and the most humbled and sincere of prayer and obeisance."

At this point, I find it necessary to state that I am in no way, shape, or form involved with what is called the "Sacred Names Movement".  These are they that insist His name be pronounced correctly, exclusively according to their specific version.  If one doesn't rigidly adhere to their specific understanding, sin is implied and fellowship is damaged or totally broken.  I will never break fellowship with any brother based upon their usage of His name--even though some would break with me.

Whether I use the name, "Yehoshua", or its derivative "Yeshua", or "Yahshua", or any other form, I address Him correctly.  I have heard it taught more than once that it is impossible for a person of any descent, including Hebrew, over three years of age of correctly pronounce His name.  For this reason, I have no right to take issue with anyone concerning their version of His Hebrew name.  However, it is clear the name "Jesus" IS NOT among the list of qualified names for our Messiah.  Even so, I will continue to lovingly encourage my Christian brethren to use His proper Hebrew name.


For many years I grew to love the name "Jesus".  Just because I now choose to no longer use that name doesn't mean I love my Messiah any less.  In fact, I love Him deeply enough to search the depths of His Word and call Him by His real name.  Because I have stayed faithful to Him, He has given me the courage to stand against lies put forth from church pulpits by modern day preachers, many of whom are laden down with seminary degrees they so much like to flaunt.  

On the same church marquee, the name of the pastor was listed as Dr. _____.  Credentials attached to his name suggest knowledge of truth concerning the subject of this post.  If this particular pastor truly loved Messiah, as he would like us to believe, he would have would have parted with denominational dogmas and written on his marquee, "And His name shall be called, YESHUA!"