Your Texas Cash Master

2011-12-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

Greetings In The Name of Messiah, Yeshua!

Hello, I'm DannyLee ben Israel. Welcome to my blog. Currently, the site is undergoing a bit of transformation. Little by little, I am trying to make it look more like a web site by organizing my writings in a more user friendly order on the right side of this page. Please bear with me as I, with varied levels of trepidation, learn more about being a computer "techie".

For a time, the site will be under continued construction and may have a slightly different look each time accessed. Until construction is complete and all articles are organized, readers can still access the "archive" section to scroll through my writings. New writings will no longer appear on the first page, but will appear on the right side of this greeting page. Please note I have made a permanent addition to my welcome page to follow this greeting.

Currently, just above the "Moon Phase" display there is a heading entitled "Inspiration & Encouragement". Under this title, I have placed all 16 chapters of my writing on the 84th Psalm. Click the button to read the first chapter, then scroll through the remaining chapters by clicking the button at the bottom of each chapter or part.

**Note: All links are now in place for my writings on the 19th Psalm, 84th Psalm, and the Alef Tav Story. Just click on the link at the bottom of each chapter or part in each writing to access the next part. All of the links below the Alef Tav Story are inactive at this time, with each becoming a future writing under this category. Other categories will be added soon. Please check back often. Thank your for your comments.

The purpose of this blog is to share as much as I can of the music Messiah has put in my heart. Some of that sharing will be about actual music, while other posts will take the form of written encouragement (music of a different sort) through HIS holy Scripture, hopefully leaving the reader with a Texas sized dose of YAH's peace.

If you have been blessed through any of my writings, or have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to inject your thoughts. It is written in Holy Scripture, "Iron sharpens iron". In no way are any of us perfect in our thinking. In the spirit of Hebrew ways of thinking, the views of the body as a whole, soundly backed by Scripture, come together to make us better vessels in the service of Messiah Yeshua.

"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel.' Say to them: 'The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.'" Numbers 6: 23-26

Have a terrific Son-shine day in Messiah!

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".

Johnny Cash And The Texas Cashmaster

2011-11-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

Johnny Cash and The Texas Cashmaster

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

2011-06-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

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 Two

2011-05-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

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 One

2011-05-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

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!

Gathered In His Name

2011-03-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

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!"

Shalom Y'Israel

2010-11-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

Our time in Israel has come down to two final days. Today, we head south along the Jordan to spend a day in the Dead Sea area. The center of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea is the border between Israel and the nation of Jordan. At about 1000 feet below sea level, the surface of the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the planet. We were told its depth extends at least another 1000 feet.

The salt content of the sea is far greater than any of our oceans. Only the Great Salt Lake in Utah comes close to rivaling the Dead Sea, yet falls far short. When walking in the water, shoes had to be worn to keep feet from being slashed open by salt crystals lining the bottom. The worst feeling I had in the sea was walking on these crystals only to find my next step sinking up to my knee into a thick, black mud. That step almost cost me one of my shoes...almost like stepping into a pit of quicksand.

Our time in this area included En Gedi. Even though the land in and around this town is barren, there was evidence of an ample supply of drinking water available to the ancients. The remains of several man made reservoirs were seen in and around the town. Canals linked to them had been dug and channeled directly out of the mountains to the west. Heavy rains in Jerusalem would take a little over an hour to flood through these canals and into holding areas. Dug by a small group of religious separatists, they were specially made to catch and retain this seasonal rain water.

Other than my moment of levity on the Dead Sea, as described by SueJean on our Tsiyon Bound blog, our time atop Masada stands out in my mind as the highest point of the day--in more ways than one. I remember several years ago viewing the "Masada TV Mini Series" starring Peter O'Toole. In that film, Masada didn't seem all that high to me. Yet, in real life, it is easily observed why it took the Romans more than nine months to scale that mountain rising nearly 1000 feet above the valley floor.

In a matter of a few minutes we ascended the Dead Sea side of the mountain by cable car. Looking back over near shear cliffs, the remains of several Roman encampments could be seen. Although there was a small foot trail up the eastern side of the mountain, it was very obvious an army could never successfully capture the mountaintop from that direction. Even though it was still several hundred feet below the top of the mountain, the Romans chose to assault the western slope. Remains of the stone ramp they built can still be seen today extending to about 200 feet below the top. Several encampments can also be seen around the western slope.

The mountaintop was completely fortified and equipped for its residents. All of the necessities of life were in stock and readily available, including a synagogue for worship. While food and water was readily available to the Jews, the Romans had to return to En Gedi nearly fifteen miles away for their only source of supply--not a very pleasant task to fulfill when temperatures in the region can far exceed 100 degrees. It was only about 90 degrees on this November day.

While atop Masada, I thought about very good observation I once heard regarding the last generation. Fast forwarding from Masada of the past to our time, this observation says people will be divided into three different groups--those that pick up the gun and fight the government or even the anti-messiah, those taken into captivity, and those hidden by the Father.

There is a saying I've heard, "live by the gun and die by the gun". Those of ancient Masada chose this option. They were the final holdouts of a rebellion that began by assassinating James and usurping his authority. As those of ancient Masada carried out an attempt at futility against the Romans, there will be those in coming days that will manifest the same foolishness and suffer a similar end. Certainly, protect yourself and family against Amalek, but don't be a part of this number. As with Moses, Father will take care of the "Egyptians" of our day.

Among the members of the second group will be a those of Christianity that hold to the false presumption of a soon coming rapture. When the bad times of the great tribulation begin to occur, they just won't be prepared. They will be taken into captivity and subsequently killed. Many of the survivors will actually think they have been left behind and become part of the great apostasy--likely becoming candidates to acceptance of the mark of the beast. According to Biblical prophecy, they will suffer a far greater demise.

Unlike the last group, the third distinction will be believers that hold both Messiah AND His commandments (Torah) as precious in their site. Rather than hold to the idea that the Torah of Moses has been abolished, they will love Messiah Yeshua enough to do their very best to learn His Torah and keep its precepts. In that undertaking, they will also learn of the prophetic road signs clearly shown within its pages. As children of obedience, they will be hidden by the Father. They will be the subjects of Revelation 12: 17--"(having) the testimony of Yeshua and (keeping) His commandments".

Aside from the blessing of about two hours of shopping on famed "Ben Yehuda Street", our final day in Jerusalem afforded us a tour of the Holocaust Museum. There are "super deluded" individuals that would have us believe the travesty Hitler committed against the human race actually never happened. The fact is, this crime against humanity actually occurred. The fact is, this travesty will again come into play in the days to come, and will make Hitler look like play school in comparison.

Time has now come to say goodbye to Israel. We're at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv facing extremely long lines to pass through baggage and customs. At just after midnight, our 747 El Al flight will return us to New Jersey. The question now racing through my mind is, am I really going home? Certainly, my country of birth is the USA. Yet, in my heart and mind, Israel is my home. Walking these last eleven days where Yeshua and His disciples walked has confirmed this fact upon my spirit.

By natural birth, I am a proud American. The USA will always occupy a special place in my heart. Yet, by my second birth, I am a citizen of the Commonwealth of Israel. So, I'm really not going home. I'm just going back to the USA to get my affairs in order for my final return to my true home. I'm not saying goodbye to Israel. I'm saying "until we meet again". Shalom Y'Israel. May you prosper in His Peace.

The Power Of Our Peace

2010-11-15T18:21:00.000-08:00

Our third day in Jerusalem has our tour bus again turning us toward the old city. Yeshua is quoted by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, "Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.". As I stood below the southern wall of the old city, I saw evidence of the fulfillment of this prophetic statement of Messiah.

In 70 AD, Roman soldiers sacked and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple. Stones weighing multiples of tons were literally thrown to the ground one by one, beginning from at least a hundred feet above. The massive weight of each stone shattered the stone walkways and sometimes broke the falling stone as well. Today, the wall has been restored--the lower 30 feet or so with original stones. Much of the walkways still show the effects of fallen stones.

Standing at the base of the wall, I was able to observe the presumed location of the residence of James atop the southeastern corner of the wall. Just a few years before the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans, James was assassinated by one of his own (a member of the House of David) and thrown over the wall to the walkway upon which I stood. This new leader placed Jerusalem in a state of rebellion against Rome, ultimately causing its destruction in 70 AD. Those that understood the prophecy of Daniel concerning the "abomination of desolation" got out in the years preceding that fateful siege.

A short walk from this part of the wall took us to a place called the "Southern Steps". This is a series of steps in size and height much like a set of bleachers in a small sports arena. Situated near the "Dung Gate", these steps afford a panoramic view of the south and eastern part of the main city, including Gethsemane, Olivet, the Kidron valley below, and an adjacent mountain covered with stone tombs. The steps provide a very adequate venue for public meetings.

It is on these steps Yeshua is presumed to have delivered His discourse of Matthew 23. All the sites He spoke of in His thrashing of the Pharisees were clearly visible from these steps. It is also the presumed location where Peter delivered his sermon of Acts 2 which was followed by the adding of three thousand souls that very day. To accommodate the baptism of this many people, there were multiples of large purification baths (Mikvahs) all along this part of the wall.

I was moved in my spirit as I sat upon these steps and listened to our tour leaders teach. As I imagined Yeshua, Peter, and the others boldly teaching the truth of the Father, I can now go before Him on a daily basis and imagine those steps in my heart. With the view of Jerusalem in the background, I can see His Word come alive right before the eyes of my spirit.

As powerful as was the move of His Spirit in this part of His city, it pales in comparison to that which I felt as I stood atop the Mount of Olives. It is written in Acts 1: 9, "Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight." I was standing upon this site knowing full well of prophecy that says He will return "in like manner" to this very same spot.

With the old city spread out before and below me, the view to my left was the same row after row of white, stone tombs I saw from the Southern Steps. They were stacked atop each other and ranged from the mountain top toward the Kidron valley below. Many of the patriarchs are buried among these tombs. I was told even Adam is among the number in this massive graveyard. As I stood there, I was reminded in my spirit of His testimony that "the dead in Messiah will rise" in that day.

Looking across the Kidron valley toward the city, I viewed the "Eastern Gate". As I had been told before my journey, this gate has been completely closed off and sealed with stone. I had also been told of a graveyard placed before the gate. In my mind's eye, I saw it as small and relative in size to the gate itself. In fact, this graveyard covers the entire length of the eastern wall and extends toward the Kidron valley below.

It is written in Luke 19: 37, "And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives..." On the day of His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He approached the Eastern Gate from the Mount of Olives. That day, He came riding into the city on a colt, with sounds of the praises of His disciples heard all around. As our return to the land of promise from our Egypt will mirror the exodus of Moses, so Messiah's return to Jerusalem will mirror His first entry nearly 2000 years ago.

When some of the Pharisees chided Him on that first entry to "rebuke your disciples", Yeshua laughingly said, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out". One day very soon Messiah will once again ride into Jerusalem, this time on a white horse. The praises of His disciples, both risen of the dead and among the living, will echo His praises from the mountain tops and throughout the city.

This is the part I ascribed as "laughable" in my last post. Jews were not responsible for the closed gate, or the graveyard. This was done according to muslim desire to keep Israel's Messiah from returning through this gate as prophesied. On that great day, the dead in the tombs before the gate will either rise up to praise Him or descend into hell, opening the path to the gate for Messiah's triumphal second return.

With the path cleared, only the stones that board up the gate will remain. Of these, the prophecy of Yeshua on His first triumphal entry to Jerusalem will come to pass. I don't know how He will do it or cause it to be done. Yet, I can see in my mind's eye each stone coming alive, bowing to their Creator, and moving aside so He can enter through the gate to His temple. I rejoice to know that I will be there to witness that great site. I pray you will be there with me as well.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1: 27, "But YHVH has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and YHVH has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty". How foolish! These muslims flaunt their demonic god before the Elohim of Israel. They don't care that YHWH has chosen the far fewer of Israel to bring shame upon the many of those that hate Him and His people.

Steeply descending on foot down from Olivet, our tour entered the Garden of Gethsemane. Of all the places we toured, this was the most crowded. There appeared at the time to have been more than a dozen large tours all bunched together in this one place. Therefore, it wasn't that easy for the Spirit to impress me. It also didn't help to walk several hundred yards down the mountain at a 5-10 degree back angle. My legs were so sore when I entered the garden I could hardly stand. Even so, it was not hard to easily take in the peaceful, serene scene of a large grove of two thousand year old olive trees and imagine being there with Yeshua.

It was here, I had a very up-close view of the Eastern Gate. With the Kidron valley still well below us, I wondered how one could easily get from garden to city. When I posed that question to our tour guide, I was told a large stone bridge had been built across Kidron during the time of Yeshua but had been destroyed and never restored. I'm not sure how Messiah will cross the Kidron. Maybe by the same manner in which the gate stones will stand aside they will come together and form a bridge. Today, the bridge is gone but the site of my tour bus outside the garden gate is a blessed site indeed for my sore legs, and our driver has the A/C going.

It was in this garden Yeshua prayed, "Let this cup pass from Me, nevertheless not My will but Yours be done". On the eve of the completion of His work of our redemption, He sought to know if there might be another way. In a parallel sense, we have the same thing before us. We stand near the end of all things and some of us are showing the very human tendency to look for and easier way to complete a task. By not yielding to His human tendency, Yeshua gave us strength to endure the hard, but pure, road that lies ahead of us.

There are those among us that seek another way through troubled times before us (rapture). In fact, there is no other way through these times other than through the "Tribulation", to bear our own cross (testimony) and walk through these tribulations to enter His glory. I not only pray for the Peace of Jerusalem (Yeshua), but pray my brothers and sisters in the faith make ready. The time of Jacob's trouble is knocking at the door. Let us look to Him as "the Author and Finisher of our faith". If we remain strong in Him, He will "hide (us) under His wings".

The Peace Of Jerusalem

2010-11-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

After a day of rest, the city and its inhabitants awoke to resume the routine of life. After breakfast, our tour headed for the old city. Through the Jaffa gate and into the Jewish quarter, we walked down narrow cobblestone streets lined with shops. There would be plenty of time for shopping, but first there were sites to see.

Highlights among these sites were David's tomb and the "Upper Room". There remains some questions as to the exact location of David's tomb, yet it is traditionally accepted to be on "Mount Tsiyon" in a part of Jerusalem called "The City of David". Neither is to be confused with the Temple Mount or the old or modern city of Jerusalem, even though common attributions are often made. The City of David sits on a small hill (Mount Tsiyon) to the side of Mount Moriah.

The tomb of David sits on the first floor of an ancient building. Just above his resting place, on the second floor, is the supposed location of the "Upper Room" where Yeshua celebrated Passover with His disciples. All of the first floor and part of the second floor date at least to the time of Messiah. The rest of the site has been renovated. We were told there actually was a third floor that more likely was the the original site of this Passover feast.

After some free time for shopping and exploring this part of the old city, and a little rest back at the hotel, we were treated with an evening trip to two specific sites. The first site, the "Western Wall", also referred to as the "Wailing Wall", is known in Jerusalem as "The Kotel". This wall is not the western wall of the old city, but, rather, the western wall of the Temple Mount.

Approaching the Kotel, the view is breath taking. The wall extends several scores of feet up from the floor and has multiples of tree and other vegetation roots protruding from between its large stones. There is a bridge to the right of the wall that extends to the top of the Mount. Of course, it has been closed off with access restricted only to muslims. There are also scores of armed Israeli soldiers all around the Kotel, some with whom I was able to cordially speak.

The floor area near the wall is made up of two sections, one designated for men and the other for women. As I entered my section, I encountered some elder Orthodox rabbis. One particular gentleman took special notice of the "tzitzis" I was wearing. I told him I was from Texas and wore them because I kept Torah. Many Orthodox Jews are amazed there are others besides Jews that keep the Torah of Moses.

At first, I thought he might be challenging my right to enter the area. Yet, with a smile on his face, he eagerly gestured for me to continue on. For a few moments, I wandered around within the area just taking in the awesome, up-close view. Then, I approached the wall and prayed, concluding as Scripture says--"pray for the Peace of Jerusalem". Of course, Yeshua is the Prince of Peace. One day, as a member of the house of Ephraim, I will join my brethren of Judah in a walk up a cleansed Mount Moriah to worship Messiah Yeshua.

After leaving the Kotel, we entered the "Rabbi's Tunnel"--literally under the old city. As far as the western wall extends above ground, it may extend nearly as far below. As was the case in other parts of Israel, the city appears to have been built layer upon layer. From sections of mosaic tile flooring to a large water cistern, Israeli archeology teams are finding striking evidence of Hebrew presence centuries before the time of Yeshua.

Naturally, the muslim community and other anti-Israel crowds have staunchly objected to these diggings, and will likely continue until the return of Yeshua our Messiah. Even so, YHVH's people will always bring out the truth of their past. In the face of all objections, His glory will always be manifested. In my next post, I will describe one such foolish objection, or obstruction if you will, of epic proportions that is almost laughable.

Jerusalem Bound

2010-11-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

The time to go up to Jerusalem has finally come. The first stop on our journey to Yah's Holy City is a special place on the Jordan River.for "mikvah" (Hebrew baptism). Several of those within our tour group entered the waters of the River Yardin as a cleansing before ascending to Jerusalem. Such is a requirement of Torah before going up to the temple.

It was not difficult to imagine John the Baptist standing in these waters presumed to be the very spot where he baptized Yeshua. This secluded part of the Yardin is surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation. The air was cool and refreshing, and the not so clear (muddy) water of the river was loaded with fish. Except for my eager anticipation of Jerusalem, I think I could have stayed here for the rest of the day. I even mused in my mind about parking my RV along these waters and staying on a more permanent basis.

Our journey south from Tiberius took us along the Yardin through the West Bank territory along Israel's border with the country of Jordan toward the villiage of Bet She'an. This little town contains the remains of an ancient city almost totally Roman. Roman architecture can be seen throughout, including the remains of tall columns, statues, and marketplaces. In the most prominent place in the city was a 7,000 seat Roman theater with a stage large enough to accommodate any large orchestra or musical entourage of our day.

After a stop at "Genesis Land" for lunch with a modern day Abraham and his family (SueJean has written about this stop on our "Tsiyon Bound" blog), our tour bus made the final turn for Jerusalem. My feelings on this leg of our journey were mixed. On one hand, I was finally achieving my lifelong dream of entering the Holy City of YHVH. I longed to walk its streets and be in the center of His presence. Yet, on the other hand, I knew (and dreaded) what I knew I would see when I first arrived.

The sight of this city is grand and beautiful, literally built atop the mountains within its limits. All of these mountains rise high above the central of the mountains, Mt. Moriah, affording literally millions of people to observe temple services below. This is the mountain known in Scripture as the "Temple Mount".

Mt. Moriah is the site where Abraham was instructed by YHVH to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. It is also the mountain upon which sat temples built by Solomon and Zerubbabel, and expanded upon by Herod. It is also the site of the return of our Messiah. He will return to the Mount of Olives that sits high above the Eastern Gate of the old city, walk triumphantly through that gate, and enter His temple where His Word will forever go forth.

It is the current condition of this mountain that was the focal point of my dread. As our tour bus wound its way through the mountains of this magnificent city, Mount Moriah came into view. There I saw the unholy golden dome sitting in the exact spot on which the former temples sat. With the sight of the dome and accompanying mosque, my heart sank. Yet, on the other hand, I joyed in knowing this scourge will be soon destroyed, with the mountain cleansed and graced with the final temple of our Adonai.

After a brief communion and special prayer service at a promenade overlooking Moriah, we hurried to a marketplace in Jerusalem to buy some food, snacks, and other goodies in preparation for Sabbath. The hustle and bustle of the people was at its apex. Streets were packed with vehicles and walkways with people. Yet, the experience was very enjoyable. I was even blessed through a conversation with a young Orthodox rabbi that also claimed roots in Texas. He seemed to enjoy the fact that I considered my cowboy hat to be a "Texas Kippa".

As we stood on the street corner waiting for our tour bus to pick us up, we noticed two rabbis in fancy outfits walking down the street. They would stop at the entrance of each shop, blow a short blast from their shofar, and say loudly to the shop owner, "time to close up". The sun was only an hour or so from setting, and shabbat was upon us. Our tour bus has arrived and soon we will be at our hotel, streets will be bare and silent, and the city will rest for a day. More of our tour will come in the next post.

Walking In His Steps

2010-11-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

Tiberius sits on the southwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. In our two day stay, we literally walked where Yeshua walked. According to prophecy, Messiah would begin His ministry in this territory. Residents of little villages spread around the shores of Galilee would be His congregation.

It would be in this region He would gather His disciples to Himself. Peter hailed from the town of Capernaum on the northern shores. From the town synagogue to the home of Peter's mother, at least the lower stones of many structures were original to the time of Yeshua. As our group sat under a grove of olive trees listening to our guides speak, it wasn't too hard to imagine Peter, James, John, and the others sitting under the same trees while Yeshua taught them.

Our tour of the area wouldn't be complete without seeing the presumed location of the Sermon on the Mount. Located in the Golan Heights above the northeastern corner of the Sea of Galilee is the Mount of the Beatitudes. Of this site, it is said a person could be easily heard from the edge of the mountain to a great distance with little more than a normal speaking voice.

Among the highlights of our time in Tiberius was a cruise out on the Sea of Galilee. Again, it wasn't all that hard to imagine us being out on that sea with Peter at the helm. It was another magic moment in walking where Yeshua and His disciples walked. Even now as I reflect back, I can close my eyes and see Yeshua walking across that expanse of water toward our boat, calming storms on the seas of our lives.

Day two of our time in Tiberius had us viewing three particular sites of interest, among others. Messiah speaks of Korazim (Chorazin) in Matthew 11: 21. Among other towns in the region, including Capernaum, Yeshua spoke harshly of the lack of repentance of the inhabitants of Korazim.

In their rejection of Yeshua and His message, even in the face of "mighty works", they were relegated to being worse than Tyre, Sidon, or even Sodom in the case of Capernaum. When I stood in the synagogue at Korazim and saw the remains of the Seat of Moses, I saw two sides to a coin.

On one side, I saw the "wise and prudent" Pharisees that rejected Messiah Yeshua, even as they do to this day. On the other, I saw the "high and mighty" teachers of our day that accept Yeshua yet reject or make null and void His pure ways (Torah). Then, I saw the souls both then and today caught in between (Hebrew children of Abraham) that both cling fervently to Messiah Yeshua and keep His Torah because they love Him. For this, they are rejected by both groups just as He was rejected.

John quotes Yeshua in 15: 18 saying on their behalf, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you". In a day soon coming, these precious souls that lovingly cling to Messiah will be ushered into His everlasting joy while the "wise and prudent"--high and mighty--of Korazim, Capernaum, and their modern day descendants will be cast down.

Deep in the Golan Heights Mt. Bental rises up to overlook Syria, with Damascas only about 60 miles to the north. The top of the mountain is still fortified with the remains of trenches, observation areas, and gun turret mounts. It was from this mountain in 1973 Israeli soldiers saw the beginning of a major Syrian invasion.

Hundreds of Syrian tanks rolled across the valley floor below. The battle was costly in consideration of Israeli lives. Yet, when the smoke had cleared away, Syrian tanks that had not been destroyed fled back toward Damascas. One Israeli tank was credited with more than 20 tank kills and another with over 50. Even though surprised and greatly outgunned, Israeli ground forces won the day. But, that has been the Israeli legacy throughout Biblical history.

The IAF had mastered the enemy Air Force. In fact, their supremacy over the Syrian Air Force was so great the IAF was able to record three "non-ordinance" kills. IAF pilots that had already expended ALL their ammunition flew up behind Syrian MIGs and "locked on". Syrian pilots in each plane (later determined to be elite Russian pilots) didn't waste time in ejecting from their aircraft. One might say those Russian pilots had "the fear of God" put in them.

In the extreme northern reaches of Galilee just south of the Lebanese border lies the ancient ruins of Tel Dan. Entering this lush, green forest area with the beautiful Dan river cutting through its middle is like going from one world to another. The serenity of this wooded area below Mt. Hermon is as a hedge of protection from the world outside. It is in this area we met the Israeli children SueJean so affectionately wrote of on our "Tsiyon Bound" blog. I had the honor and privilege of taking their pictures.

Tel Dan also includes the synagogue presumed built by Jeroboam, king of Israel (northern kingdom) in about 930 BCE. This site clearly shows the evil mixture of Baal worship with the purity of worship of YHVH. With the exception of the steps going up to the altar (steps are forbidden in Torah) and the large Terebinth tree overshadowing the altar (trees are forbidden around or near the altar in Torah), the altar bore the same dimension requirements of an acceptable altar before YHVH.

The most brazen departure from an acceptable altar was two golden calves erected and displayed above the altar. Of these, it is written in 1 Kings 12: 28. "Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, 'it is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!'"

To expand upon this sin, v. 32 says, "Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made". The feast initiated by Jeroboam is his duplicate of the Feast of Tabernacles commanded of YHVH to begin on the fifteenth day of the "seventh" month.

Father's Word is not only unchanging, it is specific. It is clear from this account Jeroboam was "pulling out all the stops" to keep his people from going to Jerusalem and worshiping according to the purity of Torah. He put in place just enough of YHVH's precepts to make it look good, but mixed in enough pagan rituals to entice the ungodly crowd--all in the name of money, greed, and power.

Throughout Scripture, the eternal nature of the covenants of YHVH made with His people Israel is made explicitly clear. Just as from the beginning in Eden, satan had only one way to destroy the pure work the Father--distort its truth. This is precisely what Constantine did in about 325AD. By making Christianity the official religion of his kingdom, he purposely drove out all evidence of our everlasting Hebrew heritage.

Effectively, he accomplished the same end as Jeroboam. Among other things, he changed the observation of Sabbath. In his version of changing the time for celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, he discarded all the Biblical feasts and replaced them with pagan celebrations. Biblical time keeping was done away with and Torah observation disappeared. Only the tenet of tithing was kept--of course directed to church officials, as it so effectively is today.

It is clear in Scripture that YHVH hates mixture--which is the essence of Baal worship. Through His prophets He has repeatedly admonished against mixing the "profane with the holy". He has called it "witchcraft and idolatry". He has called it "whoring after other gods". Even though I may stand alone at days end, I choose to align myself with the unchanging purity of YHVH and His Word.

It is difficult dealing with mixture among strangers. Yet, the pressure put upon us by our families is immensely more heart rending. There just isn't an easy solution in these dealings. My heart goes out to those that bear the heavy burden of leaving all to follow Yeshua rather than living with mixture. SueJean and I personally know what it is like to walk alone, leaving precious family members behind. The road traveled with Yeshua may not be an easy one, but it's laden with His many blessings. Won't you join us on that journey with Him?

Caesarea to Tiberius

2010-11-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

My comments herein cover the conclusion of our day from Tel Aviv to Tiberius. After leaving Caesarea, our tour headed north to Haifa. From our Mt. Carmel overlook advantage, we could see all of the city, including a very active Haifa bay--both military and civilian. Looking at the extreme northern end of the bay (about 30-35 miles) we were able to faintly see a border village of Lebanon.

It was from this location in a recent conflict with Lebanon that missiles were fired at Israel, landing in Haifa bay. When Israel confirmed they were "under attack", the enemy launched a much larger wave of missiles--all of which fell into the bay. Hmmm. A ploy by Israel or the ineptness of the enemy? I hear the enemies to south aren't much better.

From Haifa, we headed east across the top of Mt. Carmel to the Muchraka overlook and presumed site of Elijah's encounter with the prophets of Baal. From our overlook vantage point, we were afforded a complete view of the massive Valley of Megiddo (Jezreel Valley). I have heard it said, "all the armies of the world could maneuver for battle in this valley". I would be inclined to agree with that perspective, as does Scriptural prophecy.

From Carmel, it's down to our final stop of the day--Tel Megiddo. Dating back over 3000 years ago, this fortress was built high above the valley floor by Solomon upon the ruins of earlier civilizations many centuries older. Strategically located in the Jezreel valley, this fortress was virtually impregnable and could not be approached without being observed from a great distance. It also had a special tunnel built to access water from a natural spring without going outside the fortress.

From here, it's on to Tiberius, the Leonardo Club Hotel, another great buffet dinner, and a night of peaceful rest in His land.

Jaffa To Caesarea

2010-11-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

After a walk on the Mediterranean beach front followed by a night of MUCH needed sleep, our bus tour headed north from Tel Aviv to the town of Caesarea. This should not be confused with another town known as Caesarea-Philippi. The former is a town on the Med between Tel Aviv and Haifa, almost solely built by Herod the Great as a summer retreat. The latter is in the northern territory near the Golan Heights.

After personally viewing the ruins of this Roman architecture, there was no doubt in my mind Herod was a master builder. He had literally built his palace out in the Med to more effectively capture the refreshing afternoon breezes--pleasant indeed with the blistering summer temperatures of the region. He had even built a fresh water swimming pool inside his palace and lavish quarters for his guests.

Herod gained much of his vast wealth as a perfume trader. I observed evidence of a massive man made bay capable of harboring large ships from the waves along the sea coast. The ancient loading docks were massive, rivaling many large truck loading docks of our day. Ruins of Roman aqueducts remain to this day as a memorial to the genius of Herod in providing life giving water to a very dry region.

Entertainment was a top priority for the Romans. Nestled directly upon the beach front was the "Circus"--for chariot races. Horses drew their chariots on a man made track overlooking the beach, with grandstands affording an unobstructed view of the Med. It was also here for pure amusement followers of Yeshua were thrown to hungry lions.

For our day, I found one distressing reality for Israel, and a possible personal destiny when I enter His land for good. The ONLY golf course in the entire country is located in Caesarea, built by the Rothchilds family. I don't know how many golf courses Israel could accommodate, but I KNOW it could handle more than one. When time comes to GO HOME, are there any brothers among my readers that would like to help me build some courses?

Aside from all the Roman history of this ancient port city, Caesarea plays a big role in Biblical history as well. With Yeshua and the apostles ministering throughout the land, it is no wonder His gospel of redemption had spread to this city--a center of Roman culture. Not only were Jews in Caesarea among the number of believers. Romans were also included in that number.

Acts 10 speaks of a high ranking officer of the Roman military, Cornelius, as being "a devout man and one who feared YHVH with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to YHVH always", v. 2. It is with the story of this Godly man I wish to expose a great lie perpetrated from within modern Christianity.

Within the Torah of Moses, one can find a detailed list of clean and unclean foods. In regards to dietary commands spelled out in Leviticus, modern teachers use Acts 10 to specifically debunk these Mosaic precepts. They do so by taking out of context what actually happened--in this case, not reading the entire chapter.

Beginning with v. 9, Peter found himself very hungry while on a housetop praying. While others below were making ready for their supper, Peter "fell into a trance". During this encounter, Father gave him a vision of a varied array of birds and animals and told him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat". As a side note, this is the same Peter to whom Yeshua told "Feed My sheep".

This is precisely where modern Christianity stops, so putting forth the lie. If the entire account was read--in context--even a novice student of Yah's Holy Word would realize "food" was NOT the underlying message Father wanted to teach Peter. If the message was a simple message of food, then Father would not have needed to relay the message three times to Peter, v. 16. It seems Peter was still a little slow at "catching on". Remember, Yeshua had to tell Peter three times to "feed My sheep".

It seems strange to me that so called "veterans" of His Word can readily assume this vision repealed the dietary commands of Moses when Peter--the recipient of the vision--didn't even understand the message, v. 17. I don't think Peter would have EVER understood what Father intended if not for a knock on his door at the precise time the vision was concluded, for the third time.

Father clearly understood Peter's confusion and gave him the answer to his question in vv 19-20 when He said, "Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them." Father didn't need to show him the vision a fourth time. It did take three times, but he clearly understood the message.

Upon arrival in Caesarea with his personal escort, he was greeted with a personal invitation from Cornelius to enter his house and preach whatever Father had placed upon his heart. Peter's clear understanding of the vision is recorded in v. 28-29a. "Then he said to them, you know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for..."

There you have it! Food is NOT and NEVER was the subject of Peter's vision. Those that support this despicable lie undermine and do away with the very redemption we have in Yeshua. There are those among Jewish circles--and even some Messianic groups--that exclude all gentiles from the blessings of Torah and benefits of redemption. Without this vision of Peter, myriads of millions might have been denied redemption to this day.

Clearly from the beginning, YHVH is the Savior and Messiah of all mankind, not just Israel. As with the rest of Torah, His dietary commandments are still valid. Even if impossible in our days of poisoned and contaminated food, we should do our best to keep these dietary commands, out of our health considerations and pure respect for Father's unchanging precepts. Father says in varied ways more than once, "If you will keep my commandments (Torah), I will not put upon you the diseases of Egypt". Don't let Him have to tell you a fourth time!

Something Old--Something New

2010-11-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Today, November 8th, is day number three (or, is it 2 and a half?). I have heard it said, "no rest for the weary". That was the case after landing in Tel Aviv. With the difference in time zones (8 of them, I think), an early afternoon take off in New Jersey became an early morning arrival nearly 11 hours later in Tel Aviv.

Even though desired, it was too early to go to sleep. After arriving, our bodies were ready for sleep, but the sun was up and too late. To complicate matters, my Rabbi friend sitting next to me was restless most of the trip. Although he nodded off a few times, I think he was having problems getting comfortable in those tiny seats. He was as big a man as I.

After collecting our luggage and checking through customs, we were introduced to our guide, Rafi. Within about an hour, we were loading onto our bus and preparing to depart the airport for the heart of Tel Aviv.

Our first stop was Independence Hall. This is where it began for modern Israel. It was here David ben Gurion headed a group of fellow brethren in declaring Israeli independence. On the afternoon of May 14, 1948, Israel became a nation once again--for the first time in nearly 2500 years.

Out of little more than a sand dune in April of 1909, sixty six families parceled off plots outside the old city of Jaffa. Homes with running water were built for each family. Land was reserved for a school and public buildings. By 1910, the city received the official name of Tel (old) Aviv (spring, or new). Hence, something old and something new.

Just before lunch and about an hour free time to explore shops in the market place, our tour stopped at Rabin Square. It was on this site on that tragic day in November 1995, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by an Israeli right wing radical who opposed the Oslo accords.

After lunch and window shopping in the market place, our tour headed toward the ancient city of Jaffa. At an age of more than 4000 years, it is the oldest in the region.

Jaffa has seen much through its storied centuries dating from at least the times of the Pharaohs in the 14th century BCE. Jonah sailed from Jaffa in running from divine orders to go to Nineveh. Cedar and other supplies for Solomon's temple arrived in Jaffa from Lebanon.

Spread through the Book of Acts, Jaffa (Joppa) shows heavy apostolic activity. It was home to "a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas" (Acts 9: 36). When this lady died, Peter was summoned from nearby Lydda where in Jaffa he raised her from the dead (Acts 9: 40).

It was home to Simon the tanner. Following this miracle, Peter spent many days dwelling in Jaffa with Simon. As would be expected, news of this miracle traveled like wildfire, as is written in 9: 42. "And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on Adonai". It even traveled to Caesarea. But, that's for my next post.

From the time of the apostles until now, Jaffa has seen the Romans, the Crusaders, the Ottomans, Napoleon, the British, and now Israel. It is one thing to read of these accounts in the Bible and on pages of reference books. Yet, it is totally another to actually walk on these cobblestone streets and walkways, see the visible remains of cultures long past, and know in my spirit it will very soon be a thriving part of Messiah's kingdom.

Tsiyon Bound

2010-11-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

In my most recent music CD, "Yeshua my Vision", I open with "Ridin' Yah's High Road", my Messianic rendition of the Dave Dudley Country classic, "Six Days On The Road". It is with the lyrics of this song I have chosen to begin my perspective of our journey, in harmony with SueJean's title and comments on "7 Days to Yerushalyem". This part covers the first three days of our journey from Tennessee to Tel Aviv--well, two if you discount the jet lag.

Even though I had never been to Israel, it has been a large part of my Biblical thought process. As the years progressed, His "Land of Promise" has become a major part of my Biblical understanding. Contrary to most modern Christian thinking, our future in every aspect will be centered around Israel. Father's covenants with Israel will be fulfilled to the last letter.

"Well, I left outta Egypt headed t'ward that Jordan line.
I got my spirit revved up and I'm a livin' like a-never before.
No sin gonna slow me down, nothin's gonna turn me around.
Ridin' Yah's high road and I'm a-bound for that Tsiyon life."

Today (Friday, November 5th), my dream of actually going to His land became a reality. As I have done before, I was now leaving a portion of "Egypt" behind me, ultimately to become closer to Adonai. The heavy Tennessee rains and West Virginia snows on our trip to New Jersey did little to dampen or cool off my spirit. I was "revved up" and filled with excitement--"nothing to slow me down or turn me around". I was bound for Tsiyon, and home.

"I've got His Torah in my heart and my spirit's in overdrive.
Livin' His pure Word with eyes a-open wide.
Gonna wear robes of shinin' white, and behold His Yeshurun sights.
Ridin' Yah's high road and a-bound for that Tsiyon life."

Everything happens according to His timing. If I had taken a similar tour of Israel just a few years ago, the spiritual benefit would have had a much diminished and negative impact on me. I still had far too much Christian thinking ingrained within my thought processes--even after starting a leaning toward Messianic thought.

Now, what I have seen of "His Yeshurun sights" is through the eyes of Torah. My choice through the years to live according to His pure and unchanging Word has opened my eyes to the amazing truth that literally lives. As its accounts have come alive in parallel for SueJean and I over the last two years, it came alive for us in Israel.

"Well, it seems like forever since I bid bad doctrine goodbye.
Now, I could live a lot of mixture but I'm not a-like some of the guys.
To His pure Word I'll hold on tight, I won't stray to the left or right.
Ridin' Yah's high road and a-bound for that Tsiyon life."

Although I have only recently given myself over to the ways of Torah, it has been many years since I turned my back on the "bad doctrine" of Christianity. As I have been faithful to His Word, He has been faithful to bring me closer to Him. An example of how far I have come is made evident in my conversation with an Orthodox Rabbi on the plane bound for Israel.

It was not that many years ago I had erroneously thought, according to my Baptist teaching, that "God is finished with Israel and now works through the church". I was proud to call myself a "Christian". I was certainly not a Jew. As you will see, that position has drastically changed--physically and spiritually.

About 30 minutes before landing in Tel Aviv, this Rabbi asked of SueJean and I, "Are you Jewish or Christian?" My response was, "Neither; we are Hebrew. We're children of Abraham. We worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob". About 15 minutes later, he leaned his head on the seat in front of him and prayed. It is said these Rabbis pray earnestly five times a day for Ephraim's prophesied return to the Land. Both SueJean and I felt in our spirits he was praying for us.

"Well, Babylon is a-checkin' on down the line.
I ain't a bit overweight and His Book Book shines just fine.
And, nothin' bothers me tonight, I can dodge Satan's darts alright.
I'm ridin' Yah's high road and a-bound for that Tsiyon life."

I have always like flying. Every chance for me to take an airplane ride has been a welcomed opportunity. I even started a "private pilot" course in my early college days but ran out of money before I could finish. Yet, I now prefer to drive rather than fly--only because I have deep disdain for the TSA and their gestapo-like attitude and tactics.

Even so, security checks for our flight were very easy. This humorous photo pokes a little harmless fun at a part of "Babylon" that is getting all too pervasive in our society. Yet, I have Father's promise that He will protect me and "hide me under His wings". He will shield me from all the "fiery darts of the wicked". So, "nothin' bothers me tonight"; I have His sweet Peace.

"Well, my body's a little bit old but that don' mean I'm slooow.
There's a flame in my heart and His Spirit it revived my soul.
Jerusalem's a-comin' in sight, and if you think I'm happy you're right.
Ridin' Yah's high road and a-bound for that Tsiyon life."

There may be some that think this 64 year old former Southern Baptist preacher turned Hebrew is a little over the hill--or at least getting there. I will agree that some days I feel like I'm heading 90 miles an hour down a dead end street. Yet, such was not the case as our plane descended through the clouds on final approach to Tel Aviv.

A blessing I had waited a lifetime for was about to be bestowed--to walk where Yeshua and the apostles walked. As land appeared, rising up out of the Med, I felt the flame of His Spirit lifting up my spirit and soul. Israel "is comin' in sight, and if you think I'm happy, you're right". My ultimate destination? Tsiyon town!

A Great Light Shines

2010-09-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a Great Light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a Light has shined.” Isaiah 9: 2

From the decision of Adam to go against the Word of YHVH, all mankind came under the bondage of sin. By the rebellion of Adam, man was transformed from light into darkness. His sin caused the souls of all men to become prisoners in dark places, bound in misery and adversity, given to ignorance, shrouded in sorrow, and destined for the grave and eternal destruction.

As the generations issued from Adam, the darkness of sin and rebellion grew and became as Isaiah wrote in 60: 2. “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep (gross, KJV) darkness the people:” Yet, he completed his prophetic thought with, “but Adonai shall arise upon thee, and HIS glory shall be seen upon thee.”

Isaiah's phrase in 9: 2, “walked in darkness” suggests the same depth of depravity as expressed in 60: 2. His words go beyond simple sin to describe continual, life long states of rebellion. These are those later spoken of in 1 Timothy 4: 2 that “(have) their own conscience seared with a hot iron”. In spite of this great darkness, it is for these Isaiah foretells of a glorious “Light” to shine.

Isaiah speaks prophetically in 9: 6 of the birth of our Messiah, Seed of the Covenant of Abraham. He says, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;" Isaiah says “His name will be called Wonderful (a miracle)”. Born of a virgin by Ruach Adonai, HE came to be the Redemptive Fulfillment of the Covenant of Abraham—a work prophetically completed at HIS first coming during the feast of Passover.

HE shall be known as “Counselor”. Through HIS Spirit, HE will be as Isaiah said in 28: 26, “for HE instructs him in right judgment, His Elohim teaches him”, and in v. 29, “Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance”. It is as David wrote in Psalms 40: 4. “Blessed is that man who makes Adonai his Trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”

HE shall be known as “Mighty Elohim”. As recorded in Genesis 49: 24, “HIS bow (remains) in strength”. HE is the “Mighty God of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel)”. According to Jeremiah in 32: 18, HE is “the Great, the Mighty Elohim, Whose name is Adonai of Hosts”. HE shows judgment on those that rebel against HIM and “loving kindness” to thousands of the “remnant of Jacob” that love HIM, “to the Mighty Elohim”, Isaiah 10: 21.

HE is known as the “Everlasting Father”. HE is the “Aleph and Tav”, Whose existence was before time and will continue throughout eternity. HE is as John writes in Revelation 1: 8. "I am the Aleph and the Tav, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty."

Isaiah says in 9: 6,“and the government shall be upon HIS shoulders”. For “government”, he uses the word, “misrah”, which means “empire”. Messiah will soon return for HIS remnant chosen. Then, it will be as the king of Babylon said of HIM in Daniel 4: 34. “For HIS dominion is an everlasting dominion, and HIS kingdom is from generation to generation.”

Isaiah chose a word to describe HIS everlasting kingdom that was derived from “sarah” which means “to prevail: have power (as a prince).” In 9: 6, Isaiah calls Messiah “The Prince of Peace”. Paul writes of HIM in Ephesians 2: 14, “He Himself is our Peace, Who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation”.

Isaiah completes his description of our soon coming Messiah and King in v. 7 by saying, “Of the increase of HIS government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over HIS kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever”.

A work begun in Galilee over 2000 years ago will soon be completed when Yeshua returns at the sounding of the final trumpet (Yom Teruah). HE will then sit on David's throne and bestow upon HIS faithful chosen an eternal Covenant of Peace. With HIS work having come full circle, we will joyously commemorate with HIM the beginning of HIS kingdom where it first began—Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), in Yerushalyem.

Until that time, it is for us to prepare ourselves by ever learning and practicing HIS Torah. It is for us to honor HIS feasts and holy days and render kindness to our brethren. I pray all my readers have experienced a blessed Sukkot. Have a terrific Son-shine day in Messiah, Yeshua!

Yeshua my Vision

2010-09-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

In just a little over two and a half years, I have recorded six music CD albums. It is September 14, 2010, and the day after the recording of number six. Now that it has been completed, I reflect back to the beginning of the recording process. Even though the first album was completed in the spring of 2008, foundations were laid throughout the many years preceding.

Out of a conscious decision in the summer of 1965 to preach and follow the Word of Adonai, I was compelled by YAH's Spirit to dig below the surface of that Word to find precious jewels of HIS wisdom. During the process of the years, I made a specific choice to implicitly follow HIS wisdom rather than the wisdom of men.

In choosing HIS wisdom, many old associations grew cold and disappeared. Even though smaller in number, new circles were established. As time marched on, I was presented with more opportunities to choose HIS wisdom, each time reducing the number of those around me.

As I contemplate today the road I have chosen to follow, I have no regrets. The higher I climb HIS mountain, the more I can truly say as the title song of this album, “Yeshua (is) my Vision”. Although still shackled to this fleshly prison, I can sincerely say as a line in this song, “Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art”.

Until the day I stand unshackled in HIS presence, HE is truly “my Wisdom and my True Word”. The great Father of the universe, our loving Messiah, has chosen me to be HIS adopted son. Until the day I see HIM face to face, HE will dwell within me through HIS Spirit, making me one with HIM in unity.

When those that dare come against HIS chosen son, HE will be “My Breast Plate, my Armor, my Might and Sword for the fight”. HE will be my “soul's Shelter” from the storm, “my High Tower” of defense. Of myself, I am weak and can do nothing. HE is the “Source of my power” and hides me under HIS wings.

Once, I thrived on the praises of men. There was a rush in my soul to stand before an audience, sing a song, and receive accolades accordingly. Even though applause is still much appreciated, I desire HIS accolades above riches or man's praise. Truly I can say, “Yeshua mine Inheritance, now and always, Thou and Thou only, first in my heart; High King of Tsiyon, my Treasure Thou art”.

Until that great day when I shall bow before HIM, I will stand, faithfully looking for the blessed “hope of my salvation”. I will “fight the good fight” in HIS strength. When the battle is done, I long to hear HIS words, “Well done, faithful servant. Enter into the joy of Adonai”. Until that day and beyond, HE is “Heart of my own heart, whatever befalls, Yeshua my Vision, Ruler of all”.

There are nine other songs on this album, each bearing the same theme depicted by this song and the design of the album cover. The rose is a representation of the Scriptural parallel of Yeshua as “The Rose of Sharon” (Song 2: 1). He is the “Bread” (John 6: 35) and the “Wine” (John 6: 53). Unless we eat the bread of HIS flesh and drink the wine of HIS blood, we have no part in HIM.

HE is the center candle of the menorah, hence the center of life. It is this position in our heart, devoid of the ideals of men, HE requires of all HIS true followers. Each of the candles together represent the seven pillars of wisdom in Yeshua, as eloquently taught in Torah. Of course, HIS Holy Torah is the living testimony of HIS Wisdom and foundation of our faith in HIM, as it is the background of this album art.

The Star of David at the base of the menorah represents the covenant Father made with this man after HIS own heart. He promised that only a son of David would ever sit on his throne. Ultimately the Seed of that covenant, Yeshua, will sit on that throne and reign for a thousand years. Those that have the “testimony of Yeshua AND keep HIS commandments” will join HIM in that millennial reign.

The key represents release from our prison of sin, as depicted in the song “The Trial of DannyLee”. As it is sung in the song “Yerushalyem By Morning”, “He paid my sin debt at Calv'ry, broke the curse that held me down”. Because HE loved me enough to pay my just debt, I love HIM enough to fervently follow HIS ways (Torah). “So, I'll be looking for grace when I see HIS face. 'Cause I know my Judge ain't blind.”

This album is available to all that hunger to hear the message of the songs HE has put in my heart. Engineered by Jack Hill for Big Mama Recording Studios in Seymour, Tennessee, this may well be the finest of my album collection. For, each song on this album represents an achieved milestone over the last two years in my studies of HIS Holy Torah—ones that anyone can reach by diligently studying HIS life giving Torah.

You can have this album for your enjoyment and spiritual encouragement. Just select the album(s) of your choice from the order section on this page and complete the process. I pray YHVH's best be for you and those you love. Have a terrific Son-shine day in Messiah!

An Unfinished Work of Art--Tsiyon Dawn

2010-08-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

Tsiyon Dawn
Part 5 of 5

For now, we must endure hard times. Yet, there is a soon coming day when those that afflicted our souls will reap their due recompense. For them, it will be as David said in Psalms 37: 10. “For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.”

In harmony with David, the author of Hebrews writes in 10: 37, “For yet a little while, and HE that shall come will come, and will not tarry”—rendering judgment. Yet, for the diligently faithful, it will be as David wrote in Psalms 30: 5. “For, His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

For HIS true believers, it will be the dawn of a new day and new life—a Tsiyon dawn of eternity. What a grand day that will be! ALL the enemies of Messiah Yeshua and HIS chosen people will be dispatched into eternal oblivion, while we are left to experience the beauty and majesty of Adonai, without obstruction.

It will be a day as described by Moses in Deuteronomy 15: 6. "For Adonai your Elohim will bless you just as HE promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.”

Father says through Micah in 4: 6-7, "'In that day,' says the LORD, 'I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast and those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcast a strong nation; so Adonai will reign over them in Mount Tsiyon from now on, even forever.'”

We will reign with HIM in Jerusalem for a thousand years as prophesied in Revelation 20; 6. “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of YHVH and of Messiah Yeshua, and shall reign with HIM a thousand years.”

From there, we will reign with HIM on into eternity in the new Jerusalem as spoken of in Revelation 22: 5. “There shall be no night there: they need no lamp nor light of the sun, for Adonai Elohim gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.”

As I have heard it said, “the ball is now in our court”. Who will reign in our hearts? Will it be YHVH and an implicit following of HIS ways? Or, will we choose a mixture of HIS ways with our own, or even outright reject HIM? Paul conveys this truth in 2 Timothy 2: 12. “If we endure (hold to Father and HIS ways), We shall also reign with HIM. If we deny HIM (discard HIS Torah), HE also will deny us.”

Yes, our “Tsiyon dawn” is drawing nearer by the day. When that day arrives, I pray HE finds us doing “the will of YHVH” as Hebrews 10: 36 says. HIS will is summed up in the two greatest commandments—love YHVH and love neighbor. In so keeping, one keeps the heart of the Torah and obeys the teaching of Yeshua, the Seed of the “promise of Abraham”, and central focus of Torah as spoken through Moses.

An Unfinished Work of Art--Eternal Promise: A Work Completed

2010-08-31T15:34:00.000-07:00

Eternal Promise—A Work Completed
Part 4 of 5

What Father has spoken He will also cause to happen. By the simple utterance of HIS voice all things came into being, each coming with special purpose. Truly it is written of HIM in Psalms 90: 2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are YHVH.”

Of HIS Word, Isaiah says in 55: 11, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Of HIS secure resolve, Jeremiah writes in 1: 12, “Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am ready (watching over) to perform My Word".

As a potter takes a lump of clay and works it into a beautiful vessel, so our Master Potter takes our lump of flesh, smooths out the rough spots, and molds us into a vessel capable of completing HIS purposes. Sadly, many will not rise to the occasion, fulfilling HIS purpose in their lives.

Unlike many of us, Father YHVH completes what HE sets out to do. HE says through the prophet in Isaiah 40: 8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of YHVH stands forever.” Peter echoes the prophet in 1: 24 of his first epistle and adds, “Now this is the Word which by the gospel was preached to you.”

You are the special creation of HIS hand. Witness to this truth was given to Jeremiah in 1: 5. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” No matter the purpose for which you are created, you are a precious child of the King. HE will fulfill that purpose in you! Be encouraged and live accordingly!

An Unfinished Work of Art--A Work In Progress

2010-08-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

A Work In Progress
Part 3 of 5

There is no work we can do to obtain His mercy and grace. Yet, redemption from the “law of sin and death” , and glorious transformation according to the “law of life in the Spirit”, doesn't mean we can sit on our “blessed assurances” while all around us “goes to hell in a handbasket”. We are works in progress, showing our gratitude for HIS redemptive work and hope of salvation through obedience to HIS Torah.

Far too many follow the lead of their Christian teachers and pastors and stop at this tenet, becoming victims of “greasy grace” or “sloppy agape”. In so doing, there is little or no reason to change life styles. Surface changes may be made, but“self” is usually still on or around the throne of our lives. Such thinking tends to make Father into a genie that blesses personal choices and whims.

James, the eldest brother of Yeshua, said in 1: 22, “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves”. For those that believe redemptive faith alone can garner favor with Elohim, they should consider the words of the Apostle in 2: 17, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Certainly, we are set free from the “law of sin and death” by His grace. Yet, such profession of faith by itself is worthless. James wrote in 2: 19, “You believe that there is one Elohim. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” The key to the Apostle's premise is found in v. 18, “and I will show you my faith by my works”.

John writes in 2: 4 of his first epistle, “He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments (Torah of Moses), is a liar, and the truth is not in him”. If you have truly made a profession of faith in Yeshua as Messiah, then be a willing and gracious “work in progress”.

Be greatly encouraged by showing heartfelt gratitude in heeding Yeshua's Words according to John in 14: 15 of his gospel. "If you love Me, keep (pursue from the heart) My commandments (Torah of Moses),” and be “loved of the Father” as He said in v. 21.

An Unfinished Work of Art--Humble Beginnings

2010-08-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Humble Beginnings
Part 2 of 5

Isaiah writes in 44: 24, “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and He Who formed you from the womb: 'I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself'”.

From our birth, HE began a great work. From before the beginning of time, we were chosen for a special purpose in this life. Paul writes to the Ephesians in 2: 10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua for good works, which YHVH prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”.

For some, that purpose and calling is known and followed. For many others, that purpose is veiled. A reason for lack of clarity of HIS purpose could be because our purpose and desire (careers, pleasure, etc.) has been chosen over HIS purpose and desire for our lives.

I have heard it said, “every move we make becomes prophecy fulfilled when we are in the center of HIS will”. If we are in HIS will—pursuing Torah—then our purpose will become more known. Subordinating our will to HIS erases the clouds of doubt that swirl around and within our lives.

Whether or not we crucify our own fleshly desire, whether or not we choose to conform our lives to the image of Messiah Yeshua, HIS purpose will most certainly be accomplished. If we fail to rise to HIS high calling for our lives, that calling and purpose will pass to another while we perish in our self-centeredness.

This same ideal was spoken by Mordicai to Esther in 4: 14. "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Don't short circuit the work HE has begun in you. Rise to the occasion and be a blessing to all with whom you come in contact. Begin your great adventure with an immersion in HIS Holy Torah. For, it is the basis of ALL good works, as is taught by Moses, the Prophets, Yeshua, and the Apostles.

An Unfinished Work of Art--Foundation of Faith

2010-08-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Messiah Yeshua:” Philippians 1: 6

Foundation of Faith
Part 1 of 5

To express his confidence in the Philippian “fellowship in the gospel”, Paul used the word “peitho” which is a primary verb meaning “to convince”. Certainly, he was secure in mutual fellowship from the beginning of their relationship. Yet, there is a deeper, underlying foundation for that fellowship I wish to discuss.

The writer of Hebrews says in 11: 6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to YHVH must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”.

The confidence of the apostle was strong and certain concerning human fellowship because his faith was even stronger in the Divine foundation supporting that relationship. I share an equal reliance of inward certainty in the validity of HIS Word. I write according to the confidence poured forth by YHVH through the prophet Isaiah.

He quotes Father in 55: 10-11. "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

It is this confidence in YHVH I wish to impart to my readers. In what appears to be the last few years before the return of Messiah, it is imperative we grab hold of HIS confidence. More than any other time in human history we need to strengthen our faith, thereby building confidence in Messiah and HIS pure Word. Our choice will determine whether we incur reward or suffer loss.

When we go through trials and endure suffering for the cause of Messiah Yeshua, or even become companions with those that are so treated, we will have great reward. So, I say as the writer of Hebrews in 10: 35, “Therefore, do not cast away your confidence”.

It's just yet a little while that we must endure. Then, Messiah will come quickly with the sound of a trumpet. Then, we will reign with HIM in Jerusalem for a thousand years, then into eternity. So, have faith, my friend, as the writer of Hebrews says in 10: 38. “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

Baptist to Messianic—The Journey

2010-07-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

I was asked recently how I made the transition from Southern Baptist preacher to a proponent of Biblical thought from a Messianic, Hebrew perspective. The journey has crossed a little over forty years...too many years for this little article, or to answer the above question for my friend.

The simple answer I gave addresses a subject that has plagued men since the day of Adam. It is that proverbial mindset that originally set the feet of all men on the path of sin, but can also reverse that path to freedom in YHVH. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, “Trust in Adonai with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

The writer goes on to say in v. 7, “Be not wise in your own eyes; Fear YHVH and depart from evil”. More than once in recent years of trying to share my acquired perspective of our Hebrew heritage, I was pridefully made aware of seminary degrees of the persons with whom I was sharing—with an attitude intended to trump my perspectives...wise in their own eyes.

The written Word of YHVH is more simple to understand than one might think. It's as simple as reading His Word, understanding it from a Hebraic perspective, and believing it. It's as the one-liner I once heard. “God said it; I believe it; and, that settles it.” For the record, I'm not the only proponent of Hebraic thought that has made the “humble” transition I speak of. Both my current Torah teachers are among that number...each a spiritual giant.

The simple answer given to my friend regarded a personal choice to align myself with the unchanging purity of His Word. Jeremiah wrote in 31: 34, "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law (Torah) in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

From the time I sat at my father's desk in the late 1960's and poured over his Bible commentaries, I found myself looking for the deepest of meaning within Holy Scriptures. I went from Baptist doctrine taught in those early years to seeking truth through original Hebrew word meanings in the 1970's.

Through the progression of years until this day, and forward from here, YHVH is fulfilling His promise to me through Jeremiah. Although I didn't understand it until recent years, He has been writing His Torah upon my heart. He has been faithful in His response to my frustrated accusation of silence many years ago. He said, “My son, I have been speaking to you. I've been speaking to you from My Word. Read it”.

Although the path is fraught with trials of various degrees, the transition from man's wisdom to YAH's Wisdom is rather simple...just make the sincere change of mindset. Father will take care of the rest. As with me, He will be faithful to honor your earnest and sincere choice to heed His commandments and humbly learn of Him.

Throughout the process of Him transitioning me from Baptist to “Bapticost” (a jubilantly happy Baptist) to a Torah pursuant follower of Yeshua, He has shown me the “living” nature of His Torah. With each studied portion, He addresses a real life situation.

For me, He has truly been a “Friend that sticks closer than an brother”...and many times with a very pleasant sense of humor. I pray likewise for you...that the richness of His favor comes to rest fully upon you and yours. Have a terrific Son-shine day in Messiah!

Perashas Emor--A Study of Torah

2010-05-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Perashas Emor
A Study of Torah
Leviticus 21-24

The Hebrew word “Emor” means “speech, a saying, or the spoken word”. There is an old saying that says, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can ne'er hurt me”. The saying is blatantly false.

While a stick swung with or without intent can certainly hurt our physical bodies, words carelessly or purposely spoken can hurt down to the very soul leaving emotional scars for a lifetime, or even spiritual wounds that last for an eternity.

Words spoken carelessly or heartlessly are like stones tossed into a body of water. The “ripple effect” caused by irresponsible usage of our words sets in motion in every direction rings of fire that cannot be stopped until they burn all in their path.

Possibly one of the most volatile arenas for negative verbiage and attitude concerns Shabbat and special feasts of YHVH enumerated in chapter 23. Messianics routinely split over Sabbath and the feasts. Some have rightly called them “messy” anics.

Paul writes to the Colossians in 2: 16, “Let no one judge you...regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths...” How wonderful it would be if everyone adhered to this principle! Yet, judging and isolation permeates our fellowships.

Some find themselves accepting the stated doctrines of their assembly just to have fellowship. Others earnestly search for truth, come to an understanding different from their assembly, and either become isolated or receive the “left foot” of fellowship.

A day is coming when two brothers will be in a camp (or foxhole) together. Will questions of our brother be of fellowship and survival, or his timing of New Moon, Shabbat, or feasts? As it stands today, war is in the camp, not the peace of unity.

As it stands today in Messianic circles, there is little difference between they and the baal-like christian churches they left. A difference of opinion usually means isolation, apostasy, or the birth of yet another unneeded denomination (division).

YHVH has for several years been gathering His elect together. He began by staging them in separate groups and locations. He is now starting to blend some of those groups together. It would be good to start adhering to Paul's admonition in Colossians.

The times within which we now live are tumultuous and present peril of life at nearly every turn. The escalation of negative, current events demands a cessation of negative “Emor” and a lot more brotherly love, especially from leaders and teachers.

We will one day be held accountable for our words and actions. As we have judged, so we will be judged (Matthew 7: 1). Our words will one day be collected from the four corners of the earth by the Master Judge and heaped back upon us.

When Messiah returns for us, and together we walk the streets of Jerusalem, Yeshua will personally teach us His pure ways of Torah. So, let us put on a little more humility before our brethren NOW. In that day, we may find we were ALL wrong!

Viva Mexico

2010-03-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

SueJean and I have now returned from our excursion to Mexico. Because I would have been at a complete loss in articulating our travels and handling the camera, I have necessarily let her have charge over our blog site. She has posted several entries regarding our recent trip south of the border at www.tsiyonbound.blogspot.com.

I am absolutely pleased, and sometimes amazed, at her literary skills. I am also deeply moved by her comment in her most recent post regarding “a perfect life with a perfect man”. With me, the feelings are mutual. For the first time in my life, I have been blessed with the perfect “help-meet”, as Moses wrote of Eve in Genesis—for me, my personal June Carter Cash.

Even though I have left the travel blog duties to my sweetheart, I felt the need to describe our trip to Mexico from my point of view. I have been across the border only 4-5 times in my life—Nogales, Sonora and Piedras Negras, Coahuila. So, my prior exposure to life in Mexico was limited to border towns and a myriad of news reports regarding drug related violence.

Needless to say, I had a lot of reservations when my darling companion made me aware last December of the upcoming excursion to Bahia de Kino (Kino Bay). We have always looked for open doors our Lord provides—His divine direction. This trip seemed to be an open door. Yet, a nagging question continually prevailed in our minds. Just what was His purpose for us to fulfill?

After over a month of preparation for the trip, the day finally came to begin the journey into the Mexican interior. On our initial entry to obtain visas and change our money to pesos, we encountered two border officers that saw our karaoke sign on the side of our truck. Turns out, they were big Johnny Cash fans. There were nothing but smiles on all our faces while the rest of our caravan waited patiently down the road for us to finish our little musical conversation.

Driving in Mexico wasn't nearly as bad as I had perceived before hand. Actually, they were smoother than many we encountered last summer in several U.S states. Even though Mexico's roads were more narrow than ours and had little or no shoulders, I found them rather easy to negotiate. Of course, it was a tad scary passing a fully equipped 18 wheeler. Just as big in the anxiety area were the 2-6 foot drop offs on the side of most of the roadways—instant disaster if I drifted too far to the right.

Something that moved me deeply was the abject poverty most Mexican citizens live in. In America, most of us are oblivious to the degree of poverty in other countries. Much of our worst is better than in Mexico. Even though I saw neighborhoods in Hermosillo that appeared to be in the million dollar range, and a very small complement of middle class, a very large contingent weren't so lucky. At best, they lived in mud or adobe structures with little or no utilities, or worse, in tar paper huts or less.

Although the structure of the rally was in the form of a vacation or retreat, the main purpose was charity for the communities of Benjamin Hill and Kino Bay. Between the two, several thousand dollars were donated to the people of these towns. I personally watched as a few people became beneficiaries of funds to build much needed houses and children were provided with food and clothing. A few of our members remained after the rally to help build those structures. I was extremely proud to have a part in this honorable venture.

Music was also a major part of our trip. Before leaving for Mexico, we had the privilege of doing a karaoke gig at Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson. The night before returning to Arizona, we again had the honor of a karaoke performance in Kino Bay. Both generated high reviews from all the rally members.

As always, I enjoy every musical performance I give. Even so, there were two incidents that gave me greater joy than any others. While performing at Kino Bay, our music was a great blessing to even the Spanish speaking persons in attendance. Although they didn't understand the words, the tunes were very recognizable.

While making our return to Arizona, we stopped in Benjamin Hill for fuel. During that stop, the gas attendant made comment about the Johnny Cash sign on our truck. Before that stop was complete, I had done a small performance for him and several other local people present. The smiles on their faces will remain within my memory for years to come.

There is another item that, in my opinion, ranks higher than anything we encountered on our Mexico excursion. While I was singing in Benjamin Hill for those men gathered around our truck, I watched as SueJean interacted with one of these men.

The man had horribly withered hands, had obvious trouble with speech, and was confined to a wheel chair. Before all was said and done, this man became the recipient of most of the lunch originally prepared for me. My cookies disappeared in the same fashion to the needy at Nogales border crossing later in the day. What blessed my heart more than anything was standing beside the truck and watching my lady bend over this man with loving care and present him with Father's gift.

Possibly more than any of my concerns about traveling in Mexico, I worried about encounters with border and local police officers. Even before specific fears were instilled upon me just before embarking on our journey, such related things had always been a part of my thinking. However, on this trip, we specifically prayed and asked Father for favor with all the authorities. Such prayer was answered, sometimes in humorous fashion. SueJean relates some of these details in her posts.

So, what was Father's purpose for us on this trip? Was it the experience I would gain for driving on roads inferior to which I was previously unaccustomed? Was it the gift of music He wanted us to share with others? Maybe it was insight into how those of other nations live—to make us more appreciative of the standard of living at which we live? Could it have been the men at Benjamin Hill? Or, could it have been His effort to strengthen my faith in His hand of protection? Could it have been any one, all of the above, or maybe something unknown?

The answer to that question may never be completely known to us in this life. Yet, I think it reasonable to assume every one had a degree of importance in Father's plan. Even though I am still very human, and subject to very human fallacies, I have learned one thing. I have learned not to fear His leading. I have become better able to recognize His open doors and boldly move through them.

If there is one thing I could leave with my readers, it would be this. Father will never assign a task to His bondservants without providing the resources to accomplish that task. It's like Yeshua giving the charge in Matthew 28:19 to “go into all the world”, and saying in v. 20, “and, lo, I will be with you always, even to the end of the age”. Have a terrific Son-shine day in Messiah, my friends!

Righteous Words--A Lesson Learned

2010-02-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

A Lesson Learned
Part 4 of 4

David closes out this Psalm with an exclamation of unbridled faith, “O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. David didn't go through the ordeals Job did. Yet, in his own way, he endured extreme trials that would break most men. Likewise, Job's ordeal would likely have caused most men to “curse God”.

Both David and Job had one thing in common. They were both, to a fault, faithful to the ideals of YHVH. They weren't perfect, yet, they fiercely trusted in their Adonai. Throughout the lives of both men, there was a concerted effort to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling”.

The challenge of this section, and the entire 19th Psalm, is to commit your ways to His ways. In making such a commitment, it is also necessary to understand our battle for control of thought and tongue is not one of the flesh. Lasting victory in this battle can only be achieved through the Spirit of YHVH.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 10: 4-5 of his second epistle, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through YHVH to the pulling down of strongholds”. He says the weapons of the Spirit “(cast) down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of YHVH and (brings) into captivity every thought to the obedience of Messiah”.

When we sincerely commit our every thought, word, and deed to YHVH, He will care for us as sons and daughters. With the loving hands of the Potter, He will gently form us into vessels that can be used in His service. Usually, as in the case of David and Job, this molding comes in the form of trials and tribulations—rods of correction.

Peter wrote in 4: 12-13, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Messiah's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy”.

He tells us in v. 14 we should be happy while going through our respective trials. For the Father is glorified when we allow His Spirit to rest upon us. Then, Peter warns in v. 15 not to allow our trials to cause us to fall into sin. This would be our epitaph if we allowed tongue and thought to control us rather than controlling them.

Both David and Job were greatly blessed in this life. Both men left a living legacy that has been a blessing to every generation since their time. Their stories afford to every man and woman blessed hope in controlling the “members” that continually war within our bodies and lives.

It seems fitting to close my comments on this Psalm with a comparison of faith statements from both men. David closes his Psalm with, “O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. The writings of this shepherd king are replete with testimonies of his faith in his Master Shepherd and has gained him the title of “a man after the heart of YHVH”.

Out of the deepest pit of despair, Job looked up and declared in 19: 25-27, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see YHVH: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me"—and became an example of hope for all that lived thereafter. Keep looking up for His encouraging hope!

Thank You For Reading My Series On The 19th Psalm--Your Comments Are Appreciated.

Righteous Words--Hung By The Tongue

2010-02-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Hung By The Tongue
Part 3 of 4

In light of David's conclusion of this Psalm, there is another aspect of the “words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart”. The ideal is embodied in Scripture, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”. It's like a one-liner I once heard. “Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.” It's also like another one-liner, “loose lips sink ships”.

At one time or another, all of us have fallen prey to these sinister little axioms and become “hung by the tongue”. Job was one such man that allowed himself to be ruled not only by fearful thoughts in his mind, but by outward expression of that same fear. He said in 3: 25, “That which I feared has come upon me; that which I dreaded has happened to me”.

Job had both negative thoughts and loose lips. For many years, I have viewed the story of Job in a rather negative mind-set. The idea that YHVH would conspire to play games with Job created in my mind a dim view of Adonai. Whether outright taught, led to believe, or just never saw the heart of YHVH within the story, I always viewed Job as a righteous man that was an unfortunate victim of circumstance.

Now, my study of Torah sheds a whole different light on this story. The heart of our Father is like a one-liner I once heard. “He accepts us just as we are. But, He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.” Our loving Adonai is always working hard to prune away our rough edges—like the Potter shaping us into a pure vessel. Job was in desperate need of pruning and shaping.

Job says in v. 24, “For my sighing comes before I eat, And my groanings are poured out like water”. Job set himself up for the actions of a loving Lord that couldn't bear to leave him as he was. By the weakness of his own “self” Job became hung by his own tongue and actions.

He speaks of “sighing” and “groaning” in v. 24. For the former, he is “groaning, mourning, and sighing” according to Strong's concordance. For the latter, he is “rumbling or moaning”. It appears he's not responding well to his adversity. With the help of his three friends, he's seriously wallowing in self pity.

In the beginning of his ordeal, he and his three friends joined together for seven days and nights of mourning. After this mutual “pity party”, Job begins chapter three by cursing the day of his birth. He spends the next 21 verses wishing he were dead or never born. In v. 23, he even blames YHVH for “hedging him in” so death can't touch him—all this for boils. If he only knew what was coming next!

I am not being tough or critical of Job. I am merely using insight from his story that parallels a normal response of all mankind when put in a position of great suffering. Here is a very human but righteous man that could have very easily done what his wife told him in 2: 9—“curse God and die”. Even so, it is said of this Godly man in v. 10, “in all this he did not sin with his lips”.

The insight from this story is our propensity to speak or think negative things into our lives. That which Job was afraid of actually came to pass in his life. It is also a reasonable assumption he verbalized his fears at various times prior to his ordeal. The insight from this story is the serious nature of what we think and/or say. Don't speak or think evil upon your life, or others around you. You just may get it.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Righteous Words--Tongues Bridled

2010-02-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Tongues Bridled
Part 2 of 4

Tongues of fire are the sad epitaph of our sin nature. Because of the presumptuous sin of Adam, doing things his own way, we have all fallen prey and victim to the same sin nature. There is nothing within our power to defeat this enemy. It is an effort in futility. James goes on in v. 8 of chapter 3 to say of this truth, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison”.

In v. 9, he portrays a diabolical contrast when he says, “With it we bless our Elohim and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of YHVH”. As one that has been on the receiving end of the negative, I can say IT HURTS—sometimes down to the very soul. In that, I must agree with James in v. 10, “My brethren, these things ought not to be so”.

In considering the heart, our thinking, as the source of our words, and “the meditation of (our) heart” as David spoke of, the words of Paul to the Philippians in 4: 8 should be given very, very serious consideration.

He said, “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things”.

These things we can do only in the strength of our El Shaddai. When we, as His redeemed, meditate on these things, as outlined and taught through His Torah, and make them an integral part of our being, we will truly make “the words of (our) mouth and the meditations of (our) heart acceptable in (His) sight”. And, the soothing encouragement of YHVH’s Shalom will necessarily flow to all with whom we come in contact.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Righteous Words--Tongues On Fire

2010-02-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

Anthem Twelve
Righteous Words

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19: 14

Tongues On Fire
Part 1 of 4

It seems fitting David would close this Psalm with v. 14. He says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. David was a man that thoroughly understood the Torah of Moses. He was a man that clearly understood and employed the concept of Yeshua in 15: 11 of Matthew. It's not what goes into the mouth that defiles. It's what comes out of his mouth that defiles.

I have heard it said, “Don’t engage your mouth before you put your mind in gear”. In a paraphrase of Proverbs 17: 28, Abraham Lincoln said, “It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”. Sadly, too many people don’t heed these very wise little axioms. Rather than acting upon a given circumstance, they “react”. They allow fleshly emotions to have dominion over their words and thinking.

Even as a full-grown horse is easily turned by a small bit in his mouth, or a large ship is turned by a small rudder, so the words of our tongue can turn our entire being to either good or evil. Even as a small fire can kindle great destructive forest fires that destroy countless thousands of acres, so a few small words of discord can scar precious lives for years to come, maybe even for an eternity.

Of these truths, James says in 3: 6, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell”. For this reason, we should pray as David in earnest that our communication with YHVH and man be pure and encouraging—acceptable to Adonai.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

The Secret To Wisdom--Control Or Be Controlled

2010-02-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

Control or Be Controlled
Part 4 of 4

David continues in v. 13 with, “Let them not have dominion over me”. In rendering this request to his Lord, he acknowledges that sin will always be around and a part of our lives as well as his. He merely desires not to be controlled by them. By unspoken comparison, he is yielding dominion to YHVH.

He concludes v. 13 with, “Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great sin”. He realizes he is a child of sin with every breath he takes. He realizes his blameless status is only through the dominion of his Lord. He further doesn’t focus on the little things, but, rather, on the “great sin” that can readily and sometimes rudely derail the life of any person.

The same thing happens when we major on minor differences of opinion. When that happens, unity in the Spirit is sacrificed and the power of the kingdom of YHVH in our lives is compromised. Such is even more than a great sin. It’s a real travesty of justice and mercy.

As children of YHVH, we are charged with the responsibility to keep His Torah to the best of our ability. Yet, don't think such a task is easy. In fact, it's one of the hardest things we can attempt. Even so, human nature is a devious and sometimes diabolical enemy we must overcome.

Even Paul had serious problems dealing with this diabolical nature. He said in 7: 22 in his letter to the Romans, he “delighted in the Torah of YHVH” as written upon his heart. Even so, he spoke in v. 23 of another law warring against the law in his heart. He said this “law of sin” which was in his members “(brought him) into captivity”.

For this bondservant of Yeshua, attempting to live according to Torah “written upon the heart” was no easy task. He detailed his frustration in v. 25. “...then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law (Torah) of YHVH; but with the flesh the law of sin”. What a daunting task before him! For, he cried out in v. 24, “Wretched man that I am!” Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?”.

As sons and daughters of Abraham, we are no different from Paul, any of the apostles, or even the prophets and renown men of old. As did all these men, we find our only reprieve in the grace of YHVH through promised Seed of Abraham's covenant, Yeshua our Messiah.

Our Lord said through John in 8: 32-33, “If you abide in My Word...and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. In contrast, Yeshua tells us in v. 34, “Truly, I say to you. Everyone that commits sin is the bondservant of sin”. The choice of controlling force in our lives is before us—freedom through Messiah and His Torah or bondage to sin through our "self-will".

I close this section with the encouraging words of John the Beloved in 2: 1 of his first epistle. “My little children, these things write I unto you that you may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Messiah Yeshua the Righteous”. No matter how difficult, with earnest and sincerity of heart, and for love of Yeshua, do the best you can to “keep His Torah”. Then, He will cover the short-falls with His grace, and daily make you a better disciple in the process.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

The Secret To Wisdom--The Mirror of His Word

2010-02-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Mirror of His Word
Part 3 of 4

Even though mankind has individually and collectively struggled through the ages with the difficulty of controlling their heart, it really is, on the other hand, rather easy to succeed at. It’s as simple as opening YHVH's Word, reading it, and putting it into practice—subordinating personal will in favor of His will.

Paul told Timothy in 3: 16 of his second epistle, “All Scripture is…profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. For David, the principle of Paul’s admonition was clearly understood. And, it was the writer of Psalms 119 that wrote similarly in v. 105, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.

David relied heavily upon every facet of YHVH's Word, and considered it life itself. It should be understood the “Word of YHVH” for David was Torah. It should also be understood the whole of Scripture (as we have it today) can't be correctly interpreted or understood without a thorough acceptance, understanding, and implementation of Torah--from a Hebrew perspective. Without such a foundation, heresy is the ultimate result.

It is no wonder David looked to his Adonai and asked in v. 12-13, “Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins”. In asking his opening question, he was in fact recognizing his limitations and fallibility. In presenting this request, he is expressing faith in the only source of infallibility—his Elohim.

In rendering this question and prayer, David clearly gives us a road-map to follow in understanding the errors of our heart—admit our fallibility and rely upon YHVH's perfection through His Holy Word. Absolutely nothing else works! Bondage to the ways of “self” or the ideals of YHVH will determine the longevity of true encouragement. It is as the title of the next section says—“Control or be controlled”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

The Secret To Wisdom--Self Evaluation

2010-02-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

Self-Evaluation
Part 2 of 4

Shakespeare once wrote, “Know thy self”. He also wrote the line, “To thine own self be true”. Although I’m certain he didn’t have YHVH’s wisdom in mind when he wrote these words, I want to present them here with divine wisdom (Torah) in mind.

For the person that doesn’t understand personal strengths and weaknesses, their lives can more resemble an emotional roller coaster. And, those that don’t understand their limitations, and insist on doing things outside their scope of ability or calling, become as disasters waiting for a place to happen.

We all struggle with the challenge to understand our persons and the ability to remain loyal to it. No matter our status or level of wisdom, all of us will continue to struggle with this challenge as long as we are bound to this vessel of flesh. Even David, our great shepherd king, gave evidence of his struggle with this battle with his opening question of v. 12, “Who can understand his errors”.

Understanding one’s errors is a matter of the heart and, on one hand, is not as simple as one might think. For, it has plagued great minds down through the ages. Of this dilemma, it was Jeremiah that wrote in 17: 9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?”

The person that understands the nature of their heart has an inside track on knowing it and keeping it in control. It is the writer of Proverbs in 23: 7 that focuses on the origin of trouble in the heart when he says “As a man thinks in his heart so is he”. And, it is Yeshua that said in 15: 19 of Matthew, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies…”

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

The Secret To Wisdom--Wisdom Personified

2010-02-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

Anthem Eleven
The Secret to Wisdom

“Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sin; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.” Psalms 19: 12-13

Wisdom Personified
Part 1 of 4

The purpose of this section is to introduce the reader to the “Living” nature of the Holy Torah. Mike Clayton at www.joinedtohashem.org, a trusted and respected Torah teacher, recently challenged his audience to spend a month reading one chapter daily from the book of Proverbs. He asked us to substitute Torah for the word, “wisdom”. What I have found from that reading is a very compelling truth that Yeshua is Torah and Wisdom personified.

As men, we are what we think in our hearts. The two are inseparable. So it is with the Father and the Son. It is to this personified Wisdom (Torah) we are lovingly called. Messiah is the Aleph and Tov, the Beginning and the End. We cannot partake of Him without keeping His wisdom laden Torah. The two are inseparable. The conclusion of this section will rest solely upon the testimony of His Word.

Proverbs 8:22 YHVH possessed Me (Wisdom, Torah) in the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was.
8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.
8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills were I brought forth;
8:26 While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
8:27 When He established the heavens, I was there: when He set a circle upon the face of the deep,
8:28 When He made firm the skies above, when the fountains of the deep became strong,
8:29 When He gave to the sea its bound, that the waters should not transgress His commandment, when He marked out the foundations of the earth;
8:30 Then I was by Him, as a Master Workman; And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him,
8:31 Rejoicing in His habitable earth; and My delight was with the sons of men.
8:32 Now therefore, My sons, hearken unto Me; for blessed are they that keep My ways (Torah).

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Keep My Commandments--Matter of Life and Death

2010-02-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

Matter of Life and Death
Part 7 of 7

David writes in v. 11 of the 19th Psalm, “Moreover by them (His Torah) your servant is warned”. Adam was warned with a choice of trees from which to eat. Mankind was warned through Godly men such as Enoch and Noah. We were further warned through righteous men such as Moses, David, and the apostles. Yet, are we listening today any better than the constituents of these men?

Whether or not we implement righteous Torah in our lives will determine whether we live or die in the coming year or so. The time of His coming is upon us, even at the very door. We now find ourselves just a few short minutes before the midnight hour. Sadly, many will not ready for His coming.

Because of mixture lies taught by modern christianity, many good and well meaning people have put their trust in a rapture that just isn't going to happen. They have been duped into believing YHVH is going to “zap” them out of this world before the tribulation begins. When such fails to happen, ardent supporters of rapture theology may well be part of the prophesied great apostasy.

Survival in the coming days will heavily depend upon whether we live according to our mixed ways or live by His Torah. The fact is, only through Torah can one find the correct road map for the end times within which we now live. End time prophecy is not determined according to modern church theology, but according to prophecy outlined within Torah.

Without even a hint of the “church” included, Jeremiah says in 31: 31 the “new covenant” is specifically for “the house of Judah and the house of Israel”. Just as in our redemption and hope of salvation, end time prophesy centers around these two houses. We are NOT going to heaven! YHVH's faithful will endure three and a half years of tribulation before entering His kingdom for a thousand year stay in Jerusalem, Israel.

Because these two houses of YHVH's people repeatedly disobeyed His Torah, they were sent into exile—Israel by way of Assyria, and Judah a generation later by way of Babylon. For the part of Judah, their captivity was only for a short time. Soon, they would begin to return to their land, but not to become a nation again until May of 1948.

However, the captivity of Israel was far more serious. Theirs was a captivity of assimilation among the nations so great they would lose all sense of identity. Even so, YHVH promised not to leave them to their fate. He promised in the last days to bring them back into their land.

He has now begun the process of gathering from the the four corners of the earth His scattered remnant of Israel—called Ephraim in Scripture. He says of the son of Joseph through Moses in Leviticus 26: 40, “If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against Me, and that also they have walked contrary unto Me...”

For over three decades, there has been a rapidly growing spiritual awakening with pursuing the purity of Torah as its focal point. People all over the world are waking up and coming to grips with their role in these last day prophecies. Because of their love and devotion to YHVH, they are assuming personal responsibility for living out their faith by making Torah an integral part of their lives.

Because they have confessed their iniquity and recognized the sin of their fathers, v. 40, YHVH says through Moses in v. 42, “Then will I remember My covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land”.

Even though the sins of their fathers and theirs we so great, YHVH has not totally cast away His chosen remnant. He says in v. 44, “And yet for all that (disobedience), when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break My covenant with them: for I am the LORD their Elohim”.

He says in v. 45, “But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their Elohim: I am the LORD”.

As David says, in concluding support of Moses, in v. 11 of the 19th Psalm, I say to my readers. “In keeping them (His Torah) there is great reward.” In concert with the title of this section, there is one final reward/judgment for keeping/rejecting His Holy Torah. John speaks in Revelation 12: 17 of a people that “have the testimony of Yeshua the Messiah AND keep the commandments of YHVH”.

Many certainly have “the testimony of Yeshua”. Yet, because they reject His Holy Torah, they WILL NOT survive the coming years of tribulation. It is for us as David says in 19: 11, “Your servant has been warned”. According to Daniel's timeline, the final seven years may have begun this year, 2010. Choose the encouragement of His pure ways and come with us on our wilderness journey to Jerusalem.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Keep My Commandments--Reward and Judgment

2010-02-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

Reward and Judgment
Part 6 of 7

With establishment of the eternal validity of Torah through Moses and the prophets and re-asserted and taught through Yeshua and the apostles, it is time to consider Torah's rewards and judgments. Just as Scripture is replete with direct orders to observe Torah, so it's ripe with blessing and consequence regarding the choice to obey or disregard Torah.

Scripture says Yeshua our Messiah was slain from before the foundation of the world. From before creation, our redemption was firmly put in place—to be revealed in its proper time. In regards to the subject of this chapter, and our inability to keep Torah in purity, Paul wrote to the Galatians in 3: 29, “If you are in Messiah, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise”.

The understanding of this statement of Paul is that we are Messiah's possession. We have been bought with a price, as Scripture says. Because of our transgression of His Torah, we have been redeemed to abide forever in His love. Yeshua says of this abiding in John 15: 9, “Even as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you: abide in My love”.

Herein is the highest reward of keeping His commandments, even a double reward. We have blessed fellowship with Him, and He with us. If we keep His commandments, we know His presence will always be with us. For, He says in v. 10, “If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love”.

In vv. 12-13, Yeshua reduces His Torah to the second of the two greatest commandments. "This is My commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Without a solid understanding of Torah regarding redemption—the surety of Judah for Benjamin being one example (Genesis 43: 8-9)—one will never grasp the deepest meaning within this statement of Yeshua, or receive the greatest reward found within His Living Torah. It truly is as Messiah said of the two greatest commandments—“All the law (Torah) and the prophets hang on these two”.

To be in Messiah is to abide in His love, reaping the rewards of His blessed presence. To choose not to abide in His love is as Yeshua said through John in 15: 6. “If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

To be a partaker of Messiah is to be a partaker of the Abrahamic covenant. To be a partaker of the covenant of Abraham is to abide in Torah. Our reward is as Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 7: 12, “Wherefore it shall come to pass, if you hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD your Elohim shall keep unto you the covenant and the mercy which He swore unto your fathers”.

For our part, if we keep his Torah, the covenant remains in effect and we remain beneficiaries of His mercy. Further, if we abide in His love, we are blessed (v. 13). He blesses the fruit of our land and makes us to increase, even if no more than in the richness of His immense love. We will be blessed above all people (v. 14). We will also walk in divine health (v. 15).

There are two sides to every coin, as I've heard it said. As there is blessing for covenant keepers, there is judgment for those that refuse to honor His Torah. Moses concluded v. 15 by saying, “I will lay them (diseases) upon all that hate you”. It will be as Moses wrote in Leviticus 26: 17. “I (YHVH) will set My face against you.” To understand the full scope of judgment for not keeping His Torah, I suggest a reading of the 26th chapter of Leviticus, vv. 14-39.

One might say, “These judgments were for the children of Israel. They disobeyed and were subjected to brutal captivity. They can't apply to us today.” It is true these were written for our ancient Hebrew brethren. Yet, they most certainly apply today, as has been proved in previous sections. Sooner or later, the disobedient will face their day of judgment.

As with our early Hebrew brethren, so it was with those of Yeshua's day. Mark quotes Messiah in 7: 6, “He answered and said unto them, well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, this people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me”. They worship in vain, teaching the doctrines of men (v. 7). They “rejected” Torah in order to keep their “own traditions” (v. 9).

As it was with those of Yeshua's day, so it is in ours. The Living Torah of YHVH is completely rejected by nearly every mainline christian denomination or independent fellowship. They follow the “Golden Rule” of Matthew 7: 12, giving “lip service” to Torah, but enter the wide gate of v. 13 and drink the cup of their own destruction.

There will be those standing before Adonai on that day thinking a profession of faith and life of service in the name of Yeshua will get them into His kingdom. They will stand before Adonai and say as in Matthew 7: 22. “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? And, in Your name cast out devils? And, in Your name done many wonderful works?”

There will be evangelists, pastors, deacons, and sunday school teachers attempting to give account of their choice to disregard Torah. Even worse, these will be very conscious of the presence of those standing there with them whom they led astray by teaching abolition of Torah.

At very best, for them, it will be as Yeshua said in 5: 19 of Matthew. “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

At the very worst, it will be as Yeshua said in Matthew 5: 20. “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” These will hear the saddest words in all the universe. It will roll over them like a giant tsunami. They will be totally crushed to hear the words of Messiah in v. 23, “I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity (are Torahless)”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Keep My Commandments--Written Upon the Heart

2010-02-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Written Upon the Heart
Part 5 of 7

I have written very emphatically in favor of keeping the commandments of YHVH as given through Moses. Therefore, I feel a distinct need to begin this section with a little clarification regarding the reason for keeping His Torah. Simply put, we keep His Torah because we love Him—saved for service.

However, there are those among us—commonly called Judaizers—that would say our salvation is dependent upon keeping His Torah. It is recorded in Acts 15: 1 regarding these that would pervert the purity of His Word. “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

In no way, shape, or form have I or will I ever stand in solidarity with these Judaizers. In the Spirit of Paul to the Ephesians in 2: 10, we are His blessed work of His hands. YHVH has created within us through Yeshua our Messiah a new man fully and properly equipped with a gratitude that seeks to keep His commandments a little better each day.

Regardless of our national heritage, we all have equal standing in faith with our Messiah. Peter says in 15: 11 of Acts, “But we believe that through the grace of Yeshua our Messiah we shall be saved, even as they”. For the child of Abraham, whether natural or grafted in, the requirements are the same.

Peter says of these in vv. 20-21 of the same chapter, “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day”.

Each of these stipulations in v. 20 are a part of the Torah. Then, he concludes in v. 21 with support of the study of the Torah of Moses. We are truly redeemed from the single “law of sin and death”, but not extended the right to disregard the remainder of His Torah. With that said, let us move on into the “heart” of His Torah.

YHVH didn't create us as mindless beings that would always respond in robotic form. From the very beginning, YHVH gave us a choice. He created man for a fellowship that was mutual. He wanted us to commune with Him freely of our own volition, not because it was forced upon us.

Jeremiah writes in 31: 31-32, “Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was an husband unto them, says the LORD”.

The beneficiaries of this covenant—“the house of Israel and the house of Judah”—are the subject of another discussion. However, suffice it to say here the “Church” is NOWHERE mentioned within the list of beneficiaries—in these verses or anywhere else in Scripture. What is important here is to note such covenant was the very Mosaic covenant which their fathers broke—desecrated is more like it.

Referring to this same covenant, the prophet says in v. 33, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people”.

The clear message here is the concept of free choice. We won't disregard the Torah of YHVH in favor of the false concept of “under grace and not the law”. We won't even attempt to keep the letter of His Torah out of fear as a necessity for salvation. But, rather, we will keep His Torah as best as humanly possible with the help of His Spirit because of love and deep gratitude for Messiah's blessed salvation.

His Torah has by NO means been abolished. YHVH has merely taken what was proved “ineffective”, as Paul put it, and “perfected” it through the sacrifice of Yeshua. That perfection is clearly seen in Jeremiah's words in v. 34. “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Yes, my friends, we have truly been delivered from the “law of sin and death”. We have become as Paul wrote in 7: 6 to the Romans, “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter”.

With this in mind, we would be wise to adhere to the admonition of Paul in 2: 12 of Philippians. “Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” With Paul's words leading into this statement, and in the Spirit of this writing, we are exhorted to confess the supreme dominion of Messiah with our adherence to His ways as expressed in Torah.

Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 30:6, “And the LORD your Elohim will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love the LORD your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live”. This is the very heart of the first of the “two great commandments” spoken of by Yeshua in quoting Moses in Deuteronomy 6: 4—without which we will never be able to fulfill the second.

The “heart” of the matter in this section, and in our lives, is expressed by Paul in his comments in 3: 3 of his second epistle to the Corinthians. “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Messiah ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living Elohim; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart...”

The challenge of this section is to look at, study, and adhere to His Torah—not by the letter, but as is written deep within our inner parts. It is as Paul went on to say in v. 6. “Who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” We are His ministers, lights in this dark world. Grasp Torah with all your heart, for it is Living, even Life itself.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Keep My Commandments--Torah of the Apostles

2010-02-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

Torah of the Apostles
Part 4 of 7

Some of the arguments I've heard within threads of many subjects, including anti-Torah sentiment, are truly amazing. A premise can be thoroughly and adequately asserted through the prophets, and some enlightened person will say, “But, Paul said...” A premise can be solidly supported through the teaching of Yeshua, and some “full of himself” theologian or 90-day wonder Bible student will say, “But, Paul said...”

Salvation is a huge part of apostolic doctrine. Without it there would be no hope for our eternal souls. However, salvation seems to be the focal point of our modern “enlightened ones”—TO THE EXCLUSION OF TORAH. Because I will largely cite Paul in this section, I begin by citing Peter, regarding Paul, in 3: 14-16 of his second epistle.

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things (hope of salvation), be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless; and account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (pervert), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

Before considering Paul, let me flash back to the prophets for a moment. They not only spoke of the future, they spoke of the future in regards to past actions of the Hebrew people—and inactions as well. They repeatedly spoke of the demise of YHVH's people because they failed to obey His Torah. YHVH says through Ezekiel in 18: 4, “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die”.

Sin is simply defined as transgression of YHVH's Torah. For Ezekiel, sin was violating Torah. Statements following v. 4 are all included within the Torah. Because of Adam, the “law of sin and death” reigned supreme in the lives of men. That the children of Abraham failed miserably in keeping Torah is not in question. What is in question is the equating of the “law of sin and death” with the whole of Torah.

In agreement with Ezekiel, Paul said to the Romans in 6: 23. “For the wages of sin is death...” He wrote to the Corinthian church in 15: 56 of the first epistle, “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law”. These two statements and the one by Ezekiel do not represent the whole of Torah. But, rather, they represent only ONE law, one that is part of the Torah and dates back to Adam in the garden.

Since Adam, men have continually manifested an uncanny propensity to follow their own desires. Providentially for them, and us, YHVH had a plan even before Adam sinned, even before He made Adam. Paul concluded 6: 23 for the Romans by saying, “but the gift of YHVH is eternal life”. He concluded 15: 56 for the Corinthians with, “But thanks be to YHVH, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah”.

Paul told the Romans in 8: 1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Messiah Yeshua, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”. He goes on to say in v. 2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua has made me free from the law of sin and death”.

Each law in v. 2 reflects a single law within the total of Torah. We are, therefore, free from the SINGLE law of sin and death and made beneficiary of the SINGLE law of life in the Spirit. This is a concept clearly acknowledged by Paul to the Ephesians. He writes in 2: 8-9, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of YHVH; not of works, lest any man should boast”.

What the children of Abraham could never do, even in meticulously keeping the law (Torah), Yeshua did with one selfless act on the cross. Yet, that act DID NOT absolve us from keeping and learning from the rest of Torah to the best of our ability. Paul concluded his statement for the Ephesians in v. 10 with, “For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua unto good works, which YHVH before ordained that we should WALK IN THEM”. (My emphesis added)

What then shall we do, my friends? Should we continue with the “sloppy agape” tenets of the christian grace doctrine? Or, should we heed the instruction of this “hard to understand” apostle, Paul? Quite frankly, I think he is rather easy to understand. Only those in blind bondage to modern “doctrines of men” might disagree with me.

I close this section with an answer to the above questions through the witness of two other apostles—James, the elder brother of Yeshua and John the Beloved. James wrote in 1: 22, “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”. John writes in 2: 4 of his first epistle, “He that says, I know Him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him”. How neat is that...two examples of a New Covenant “Shema”—hear and obey!!

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Keep My Commandments--Torah of Messiah

2010-02-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

Torah of Messiah
Part 3 of 7

Modern theologians would have us believe Yeshua abolished the Torah and absolved us from any responsibility for its keeping. Yet, we find Old Covenant prophets and New Covenant apostles teaching the opposite ideal. In keeping with the unchanging character of YHVH shown by Malachi, would one expect Him to change direction with the advent of Israel's Messiah and the New Covenant?

According to the Words of Yeshua, we find a continuum of consistency. He is quoted by Matthew in 5: 17-18. "Think not that I am come to destroy the (Torah), or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the (Torah),till all be fulfilled."

Yeshua says even the accent markings and pronunciation guides of the Torah will in no wise disappear or be abolished. It doesn't take rocket science to deduce that Torah is still in effect today. The sun is still shinning! And, the meaning of the Greek word for “Heaven” suggests Torah will still be in effect throughout eternity.

This statement of Yeshua completely debunks the idea He abolished Torah. He says, “I came not to destroy”. According to Strong, Yeshua said “I came not to 'loosen down (disintegrate), demolish, halt, dissolve, overthrow, throw down, or bring to naught'”.

Yeshua said “I come not to destroy, but to fulfill”. It would be pure silliness to equate His statement to the passing of Torah. If this were really true, we might word it this way today. “Read My lips...I came not to destroy the Torah; I came to make it redundant.” Sounds to me like the double talk of a politician rather than an unchanging God.

According to the Greek, and easily recognizable by any sane and reasonable person, He truly came to “fulfill”. Strong says He came to “level up (as a hollow)”. He came to “furnish (or imbue, influence), satisfy, verify (or coincide with a prediction), fill up, make full, or perfect”. Yeshua said just what He meant. “I came not to (abolish) the Torah. I came to give it deeper meaning”—throroughly debunking the “law of the Pharisees”, and ultimately that of modern christianity.

Throughout His ministry, Yeshua taught from the Heart of Torah rather than from the “letter of the law”. Luke records of Yeshua in 24:27 , “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself”. He taught the heart of the Father embodied within Torah.

Many times during Yeshua's ministry He made the statement “You have heard it said of old...but I say unto you”. With each of these statements, He wasn't abolishing Torah. He was merely giving it deeper meaning, as He did in 5: 21-22 of Matthew. Through the generations, the “letter of the law” has never worked, and has suffered great misuse by way of the empty doctrines of men.

As the Pharisees were in the days of Yeshua, so are the teachers of our day. He was merely filling up the hollow created by these self-serving men. For these, Yeshua said through John in 5: 46-47, “For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me: for he wrote of Me. But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe My words?”

The leaders of our day would do well to heed the words of Messiah in Matthew 5: 20. “For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees ( or modern preachers and teachers), you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

In everything Yeshua taught, He taught the principles of Torah, and kept them Himself as our example. Every parable He taught can be traced back to its roots in Torah. Even the verses just preceding His comments on the Torah in Matthew 5 are embodied in the heart of His Living Torah, and eloquently summed up in the Spirit of the “two great commandments”.

The specific keeping of His Torah IS required. His Torah is timeless, not done away with as modern theologians say. The prophets taught it, and Yeshua taught it. For those still in doubt, or otherwise chained to prevailing christian dogma, I close this section with the emphatic words of Yeshua in Matthew 5: 19. “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Keep My Commandments--Everlasting Torah

2010-02-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

Everlasting Torah
Part 2 of 7

In the minds of many Biblical theologians and scholars of our day, what I have cited is of little concern, and unashamedly alter Scripture to fit their modern ideals. In their minds, we are under grace, and the law (Torah) has been done away with. For these false teachers, I dedicate this section.

YHVH made a covenant with the Hebrews through Moses. Within that covenant, He set laws to be obeyed. With those laws, He put in place rewards and penalties regarding the keeping of those laws. Whenever He made a covenant with men, it was a covenant guaranteed never to be broken or done away with on His part. However, the men with whom He made the covenant routinely broke each covenant.

Since the beginning of time, men have grown weary of remaining faithful to the ways and ideals of YHVH. Time and again they have devised different derivatives of their own ways and ideals. Herein lies the controversy so addressed in my writings and adeptly explained by the writer of Proverbs in 3: 5-6—YHVH's ideals versus man's ways of thinking.

Time and space in this forum is not available to enter a complete study of the intricacies of a covenant and the devious ideals of modern “replacement theology” taught and practiced by theologians of our day. For the gain of a solid foundation regarding covenants, I refer my readers to a Monte Judah article, “The Seven Everlasting Covenants”, at http://www.lionlamb.net/v3/YAHVOHArchives/volume11/09.

The eternal, unchanging nature of ANY of His covenants with men is the focus of this section. According to modern christianity, YHVH is protrayed as a fickle wimp that has abdicated His Throne in favor of the ever changing whims of men. I once heard a pastor of a very affluent christian church in Arizona say, “In order to please God, He expects us to adapt ourselves to the culture and society within which we live”. Ugghh!!

The pure fact is YHVH is unmoving and unchanging. There are six covenants in effect to this day listed in Scripture and a seventh coming in the very near future. Each covenant simply added to the covenant before it. The covenant with Noah in no way made null and void the Adamic. The Torah covenant through Moses in no way made null and void the Abrahamic, and so on.

Moses writes of the everlasting nature of YHVH's covenants in Deuteronomy 7: 9, “Therefore know that the Lord your Elohim, He is Elohim, the faithful Elohim who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS”. (My emphasis added)

The commandments of YHVH (Torah) are the written sum of His righteousness—a righteousness which was before the foundation of the world. The Psalmist speaks in 119: 142 of the timelessness of His Torah. “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your Law (Torah) is truth.” He says in v. 144, “The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting”.

The Psalmist sings in 105: 8, “YHVH remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations”. He continues in vv. 9-10 with, “The covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, and confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant”—a blessing to they and their posterity if they would only walk in YHVH's righteousness, enumerated in His Torah.

Jeremiah writes in 31: 35-37 of “the sun for a light by day” and “the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night”. He lists the “(disturbing) of the sea” and the “(wave's) roar” and says in v. 36, “If those ordinances depart from before Me, then the seed of Israel shall cease from being a nation before Me forevermore”.

He speaks in v. 38 of the “(measuring) of heaven” and the “(searching out)” of the earth's foundations, and says if that can be done, then “I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says the Lord”. A quick look at our great outdoors will reveal the sun, moon, and stars still in their ordained positions. Though they try, no one will discern the expanse of the heavens. Therefore, YHVH's Torah covenant is still in effect, and He is certainly NOT “finished with Israel”, and replaced it with the church.

In the next section, I will present His everlasting covenant of Torah through the teachings of Messiah Yeshua. What we will find is an emphatic refutation of the false doctrine which says the Mosaic covenant has been trumped by “grace”. As a bridge to that section, I present the words of YHVH through the Prophet, Malachi in 3: 6. “For I am the Lord, I DO NOT CHANGE; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Keep My Commandments--"So Let It Be Written, So Let It Be Done"

2010-02-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

“So Let It Be Written—So Let It Be Done” (Shema!)
Part 1 of 7

There is a doctrine spun on the web of modern theology. “With the appearance of Messiah Yeshua, grace prevails and Torah has been done away with.” In actuality, nothing could be further from the truth. In the film, “The Ten Commandments”, the phrase “So let it be written...so let it be done” was coined by Pharaoh. As we will see, such is the same with YHVH's Holy Word regarding His Holy Torah.

From Genesis to Revelation, Scriptures very emphatically tell us the only way to please YHVH is to follow His ways. Whether the term is commandment, judgment, ordinance, statute, covenant, or the all-inclusive term Torah, we are commanded to “(Shema), Hear and obey”—Deuteronomy 6: 4-5.

Moses writes in Deuteronomy 5: 1, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them”. In this instruction, Moses uses the same forceful word as in 6: 4—“(Shema), Hear and obey”.

In the spirit of “The Shema” of 6: 4, Moses answers in 10: 12 of the same book the question addressed in this chapter—what does YHVH require of us? “Fear the Lord your Elohim, walk in all His ways and love Him. Serve the Lord your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul.”

There are many little words throughout Scripture that mostly go without proper attention, thereby creating false interpretations. One of those little words is the contraction, “and”. In addition to loving YHVH, as commanded in v. 12, v. 13 says, “(AND), keep the commandments of the Lord (AND) His statutes which I command you today”.

“So it has been written...” by Moses, as he heard from the mouth of YHVH, and watched His finger etch His law (Torah) on stone tablets. Other holy men after Moses admonished their readers to “Shema” YHVH's Torah, and made them aware of rewards and judgments for obedience and rebellion. A simple word search will reveal scores of references to support this truth.

For a New Covenant witness for Torah, consider the straight forward words of James in 1: 22. “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” Consider John the Beloved in 2: 3-4 of his first epistle. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments (Torah). He who says, 'I know Him', and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

John writes in 5: 2-3 of the same epistle, “By this we know that we love the children of YHVH, when we love YHVH and keep His commandments. For this is the love of YHVH, that we keep His commandments”. Because we love YHVH, we love our neighbor—the two greatest commandments of Yeshua in action, the heart of Torah and the Father.

“So let it be written...So let it be done!” These are just a few of the many Scriptural witnesses that instruct us to obey His Torah. The witness has been presented. The verdict is in. Of a certainty, we will never be able to keep all His Torah. The Hebrews couldn't keep it and we are no different. But, that's where Yeshua's saving grace comes into the picture. He merely commands us to circumcise our hearts and willingly allow Him to write His Torah there within—daily learning more of Him and practicing His ways.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Keep My Commandments--Introduction

2010-02-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

Anthem Ten
Keep My Commandments

“Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalms 19: 11

Introduction

My thoughts on the 19th Psalm to this point were written during the summer of 2006 while on a trip deep into the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Because YHVH has taught me much since then, a normal editing process was necessary to make sure my thoughts reflected as best as possible the increased revelation of the unchanging purity of His Word—no doctrinal mixture.

One of the points of mixture I found was an example of an ideal that has taken a long time to pare away from my thinking. With the false doctrine of “grace vs. law” still an integral part of my theology, it did not come as a surprise to find this glaring error in my writing—one of omission.

In taking an overall survey of the material within this writing, I noticed v. 11 had somehow been completely skipped over. I'm not certain why I neglected to write even one word concerning David's comments within this verse. Even though influenced by Hebrew Messianic thought at that time, it appears I had become little more than a Messianic Christian.

It is a fact that not all Messianic followers embrace the fullness of Torah. There are those within Messianic circles that wear the theological clothing of Hebrew Messianic persuasion. They speak the language of Torah. On the surface, they may even seem to “walk the talk”. Yet, a closer examination reveals a Torah walk of their own devising—no different than tainted mixtures of modern Christianity.

In order to correct my original error of omission and expose false teaching within both christian and some Messianic circles, this chapter will address the very important charge David accepts for himself, and passes on to us—“Keep (YHVH's) commandments”. In addition, chapters 11 & 12 are the edited and expanded version of the original chapter 10. Go fully with YHVH, and He will go with you.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Honey of a Gold Mine--A Wise Quest

2010-02-03T19:27:00.000-08:00

A Wise Quest
Part 4 of 4

When we approach and attach to our lives the principles of our benevolent Messiah, we become beneficiaries of the wisdom of our Lord. His is a wisdom that, in the least, gives us the ability to keep any wealth our Lord bestows upon us and to properly affect its responsible stewardship. On the other end of the spectrum, His wisdom creates peace, contentment, and joy through His grace, with or without material wealth.

Hear what the Psalmist said in 49: 6-7 concerning the irresponsible. He says, “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to YHVH a ransom for him”. Wealth can buy a lot of great things. Yet, it can’t buy the most valuable commodity in the universe—our eternal salvation.

These just don’t understand. That price has been paid for us. It was paid through the precious blood of our Master Shepherd Messiah. It is a ransom prophesied of old. Hosea says in 13: 14, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be your plagues; O grave, I will be your destruction”. In fulfillment of this prophesy, Yeshua said through Matthew in 20: 28, and in 10: 45 of Mark, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”.

Then, Paul affirms this truth for Timothy in 2: 5-6 of his first epistle, “For there is one YHVH and one mediator between YHVH and men, the man Yeshua Ha’Mashiach; who gave Himself a ransom for all”. Because of that ransom, we have victory over the grave. And, the sting of death has been removed far from us.

Yes, compare the splendor of immense wealth and prosperity to the sweetness of His freedom giving grace. If used in His wisdom while we have it, health, wealth, and prosperity are grand and wonderful possessions, and will cling to US. Yet, even in its absolute best use, it will perish along with everything else in the world—whether in the day when the earth melts with a fervent heat or we just die and leave it all behind.

The only thing we take with us when our lives have ended is the grace He has bestowed upon us. Yeshua said through John in 3: 16, “For YHVH so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Entrust every fiber of your existence to the Master Architect of the universe, reverence and serve Him with heart-felt gratitude, and truly say as David of the law, of which Yeshua is the focal point, “More to be desired is (the heart of our Elohim, His Torah) than gold, yea, than fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Honey of a Gold Mine--A More Secure Quest

2010-02-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

A More Secure Quest
Part 3 of 4

In seeking the kingdom of YHVH, as David suggests in this psalm, we attain His grace. Wealth is a fleeting commodity. It is something that can be here today and gone tomorrow. Those of the late 1920’s found out the hard way when they went to bed one evening as millionaires, and woke up the next morning as paupers. There's another time coming in the very near future for us that will make 1929 pale in comparison.

There is only one constant in the universe—the ever-strong El Shaddai of that universe. Because of the ever-reliable qualities of our all-powerful and omnipotent Lord, we can safely trust His Word and commit every fiber of our existence to Him. It truly is a faith like Paul expressed to Timothy in 1: 12 of his second epistle, “For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day”.

It is because of this unmerited favor of our Lord, we are brought into all joy—a joy which remains as ever-constant as the Elohim that gave it. While there is nothing inherently wrong with wealth, or even great riches, the ever-solid foundation laid for us through Yeshua our risen Messiah and made available through His redeeming sacrifice truly is as David concluded v. 10, “sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Honey of a Gold Mine--A More Profitable Quest

2010-02-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

A More Profitable Quest
Part 2 of 4

David begins this section of the 19th Psalm with, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold”. It is good for a Godly man to seek the financial betterment of his family, even to the simple increasing of that which some would term non-essential. As long as the pursuit of wealth is with the correct mind-set, there is not a problem. The proper way to begin this pursuit is to keep in remembrance that which Moses spoke of in Deuteronomy 8: 18, “For it is He that gives power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers”.

A problem arises in the seeking of wealth when the seekers fail to heed the words of Yeshua as recorded by Matthew in 6: 33, “Seek first the kingdom of YHVH and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you”. This is the seeking of the kingdom that David says needs desiring. In saying, “More to be desired are they”, he is referring to the six previous statements, individually and as a whole. When we honor every aspect of His law (Torah) through faith in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, we become beneficiaries, according to a degree of His choosing, of the “all those things” He adds to our lives.

While we rightly seek some of the finer things this life has to offer us, our greater focus is upon the righteousness of our Lord, serving Him by advancing His kingdom, and caring for those within and newly entering that kingdom. We affect that task by keeping His law, commandments, and statutes. We heed His testimonies because we trust an Adonai that is trustworthy in everything. Because He is worthy, we stand in awe-filled reverence in the presence of His majesty. We enhance and expand His kingdom out of love and a genuine heart of gratitude—willingly, graciously, and joyfully because of what He did that we had absolutely no ability to do on our own.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Honey of a Gold Mine--Gold Fever

2010-02-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Anthem Nine
A Honey of a Gold Mine

“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Psalms 19: 10

Gold Fever
Part 1 of 4

In 1849, the face of the American West radically changed. California became a prime focus of everyone. With the discovery of gold in California’s Sutter’s Creek, people relocated in mass numbers. Thus began what was called the “California Gold Rush”. Many uprooted and went alone or took entire families in search of the possibility of fame and fortune. Whether the reason for the trek was for motives good or bad, their lives would never be the same again. In varying degrees, each of them had become inflicted with a malady known as, “Gold Fever”.

Others made the trek for entrepreneurial reasons. They weren’t looking to dig gold for themselves. They just viewed this situation simply from a business stand-point. They just wanted to be there when gold was found. Yet, others of their number sought to be near the action for pure evil reasons. They didn’t want to dig for the gold themselves. They didn’t even aspire to provide a business service to those that did sweat and toil in the dirt. They only looked for the chance to steal it from the miner and business entrepreneur.

Paul told Timothy in 6: 10 of the first epistle, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” The seeking of wealth and riches is in no way evil. It is a noble and wise desire to provide for a family in a better way. Some within the rush for California gold had these reasons in mind when they began their trek. Yet, the intentions of others were not as honorable. They manifested in their actions a mind-set as spoken by Paul in concluding v. 10 for Timothy when he said, “for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”.

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A True Covenant--The Unity of Truth

2010-02-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

The Unity of Truth
Part 3 of 3

As the people of those days didn’t understand the meaning David intended when he said, “The judgments of our Lord are true”, so those of our day are no more enlightened. Their brand of truth is the opposite of David’s meaning. They are so blind they don’t see the instability, uncertainty, and the lack of trustworthiness or assurance they have in their power to eliminate pain or sorrow in their neighbor. They can’t see it because they are just too concerned about self. Because they are blind, they can’t be used as a vehicle for our Lord to bestow upon His faithful children the blessed assurance of His “true” justice.

Regardless of the perversion of man’s righteousness, the true judgments of our Lord are as David concluded in v. 9, “righteous altogether”. David used the word, “tsadaq”, which means, “to be or make right”. And, make everything right He most certainly does, and will—as Paul said in 8: 28 of Romans, “All things work together for good, for them who love the Lord, to them that are called according to His purpose”.

For the word, “altogether”, David used, “yachad”, which means, “united, a unit, or withal”. It is from a prime root word that means “to be or become one; join or unite”. In this unity, I am reminded of the words of Paul to the Ephesians in 4: 3. He said, “Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. And, it is David in 133: 1 of the Psalms that said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

As there is unity in all of His law, as there is unity in the Godhead, there needs to be unity in Spirit among His bride. This is the only way to give Spirit led honor, from the heart, to the gloriously encouraging true judgments of our Adonai, and be “righteous altogether” in Him.

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A True Covenant--The Blind Leading The Blind

2010-02-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

The Blind Leading The Blind
Part 2 of 3

But, such was not so with the religious leaders. The Pharisees were more concerned with man’s way of thinking than the Spirit thinking of YHVH. They did what they did best. They looked to outward appearances—on the surface thinking. In 8: 19 of John, Yeshua says the reason they never understood His words was, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also”. These leaders had ears to hear and eyes to see, yet, they were deaf and blind.

Yeshua said in 9: 39 of John, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind”. Yeshua was speaking to a once blind man the church leaders had thrown out of the church. When these leaders overheard the conversation, they asked in v. 40, “Are we blind also?” Yeshua replied in v. 41, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see’. Therefore your sin remains”. In the all-important spiritual sense, they were blind to YHVH's ideals because all they could see was there own ways.

These are like those that looked on the outside circumstances of Job and said his predicament was because of some secret sin. Bildad correctly attested to the character of YHVH and His judgment when he asked Job in 8: 3, “Does YHVH subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice?” This possibly well-intending man did very little different than many in our churches today. They look at the letter of the law—in this case, YHVH’s justice—and totally miss the “heart” of that justice.

In v. 4, Bildad suggested Job's trouble was because of a sin of his sons. In v. 5, he challenged Job to “earnestly seek YHVH”. Then, he put a “guilt trip” on him in v. 6 saying, “If you were pure and upright, surely now He would awaken for you”. Nowhere is there a hint of concern for the pain and suffering of their friend, Job. As I have heard it asked, “With friends like them, who needs enemies?”

An entire city, our Lord’s beloved Jerusalem, turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the righteous judgments of our Lord. YHVH begins an unfavorable judgment of His people through Ezekiel in 5: 7 saying, “Because you have multiplied disobedience…have not walked in My statutes nor kept My judgments”. Therefore, in v. 8, He says, “Indeed I, even I, am against you and will execute judgments in your midst…” Ezekiel further records YHVH saying in 20: 24, “Because they had not executed My judgments, but had despised My statutes, profaned My Sabbaths, and their eyes were fixed on their father’s idols”.

I’m certain some of them had literally turned to worship heathen idols. Yet, many others were like those of whom our Lord spoke in 7: 6-7 of Mark. He records our Lord quoting Isaiah 29: 13, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men”. They are like those in the first chapter of Isaiah, those from which flowed wave after wave of the sacrifice of praise. Yet, they paid little or no attention to the widow and the orphan—the need of the one sitting next to them. And, the beat goes on in many of our churches today.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A True Covenant--Truth, Predictable and Unparalleled

2010-02-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

Anthem Eight
A True Covenant

“The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” Psalms 19: 9b

Truth—Predictable and Unparalleled
Part 1 of 3

Our newspapers are filled on an almost daily basis with examples of criminals that commit crimes of nearly every category, and, yet, seem to “skate” when it comes to their day in court. It seems an all-too-common occurrence for some hot-shot attorney to find some technicality, or a judge to feel the need for leniency. What a fortune for the criminal when both of them appear in the same court room at the same time. Not so with our Lord!

Even when their hearts are reasonably in the right place, man’s justice can’t hold a candle to the judgments of our Lord. David begins the conclusion of v. 9 with, “The judgments of the Lord”. In describing the judgments of our Lord, he uses the word, “mishpat”. Whether in a favorable or unfavorable sense, we see that which a jury would render—a verdict, whether guilty or not guilty. It is also a sentence or formal decree pronounced judicially, such as an Appellate or Supreme Court ruling.

Yet, even the highest courts in our land can’t compare to the judgment of the Master of the universe. In considering the phrase, “The judgments of the Lord”, consider David’s words in 36: 5-6 of the Psalms, “Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep”.

Paul says in Romans 11: 33, “How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” Then, in v. 34, he quotes Isaiah and Jeremiah when he asks, “For who has known the mind of the Lord?” In the remainder of v. 34, he refers to Job in asking, “Who has become His counselor?”

In v. 35, he again makes reference to Job and asks, “Who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to Him?” And, John records Yeshua saying in 5: 30, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear I judge; and My judgment is righteous”. There is none before or after our Lord. There is none above Him. His justice is the supremacy of the supreme—“The best of the best”.

John records our Lord saying in 8: 16, “And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true”. According to the Greek word, “alethes”, Yeshua reveals another quality of the truth within His judgments. Rather than a word that defines truth, a word is used that says what His truth is not. The word means, “as not concealing”. And, it was John that recorded Yeshua saying in 15: 15, “…I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known to you”. He conceals nothing for our benefit from us.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Reverent Covenant--A Lasting Legacy

2010-02-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

A Lasting Legacy
Part 3 of 3

Yes, the legacy of the just endures from generation to generation. David ended this phrase with the words, “enduring forever”. The word he chose, “amad”, bears a literal or figurative meaning of, “abide, confirm, continue, establish, ordain, or stand fast”. Nearly 50 times the Old Covenant, Biblical record says, “The mercy of the Lord endures forever”. And, Peter said in 1: 25 of his first epistle, “The Word of the Lord endures forever”.

In the meaning of justice and mercy, there is another synonym that is applicable in this section which is “reasonable”. For all our Elohim has done for us, it would only seem reasonable that we return the favor by serving Him through caring for those for whom He died.

I close this verse with the words of Paul to the Romans in 12: 1. He says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of YHVH, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to YHVH, which is you reasonable service”. In so doing, we do our part in carrying on the encouragement of His legacy of mercy, justice, and truth to our posterity.

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A Reverent Covenant--An Equitable Agreement

2010-02-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

An Equitable Agreement
Part 2 of 3

Then, David said the fear of our Lord is “clean”. He uses the word, “tahor”. Whether in a physical, ceremonial, or moral sense, the word means “fair”. A synonym of fair is “just”. Of this justice, the psalmist wrote in 89: 14, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face”.

The pure and untainted nature of the fear of our Lord is His complete righteousness. To put a righteous twist on an advertisement one-liner of our day in reference to this purity, “It doesn’t get any better than this”. His mercy and justice is the kind that is the basis of the unbreakable loyalty to us through His covenant with Abraham, and ultimately through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, the Seed of that covenant.

The purity of His fear is sound, clear, uncontaminated, and holy. It is innocence in its purest form. It is honest, equitable, and brightens the pathway of all that are blessed to come in contact with it. It is this purity we are instructed to emulate. Otherwise, we can never remain in His favor.

The writer of Proverbs says in 3: 33, “The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just”. Therefore, when the just traverse their pathways in life, they are as 4: 18 of the Proverbs says, “Like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day”.

Even after they have passed to the next life, they are remembered. In Proverbs the writer says in 10: 7, “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot”. Possibly the most valuable asset we have is our good name. As it most certainly was in Biblical days, it is necessarily so in our day. To be remembered for justice was and still is a definite sign of integrity. The writer of Proverbs also says in 20: 7, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him”.

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A Reverent Covenant--The Wisdom of Fear

2010-02-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

Anthem Seven
A Reverent Covenant

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever...” Psalms 19: 9a

The Wisdom in Fear
Part 1 of 3

When I looked up into that star-studded sky, and beheld those magnificent, snow-capped, Colorado monuments, I was possessed with a sense of awe and respect. Before that beautiful creation, I stood in quiet reverence for the mighty deeds He had done. In realizing the shallowness of my knowledge, I found my heart desiring more of Him. Because of His mighty works, and His precious covenant with us, I felt drawn to fear my Lord. And, it was the writer of Proverbs in 1: 7 that said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”.

David begins v. 9 with, “The fear of the Lord…” When we stand in the awe filled presence of our Lord, we should stand in reverence rather than be afraid. Our Elohim is ever merciful to us. For that reason, we approach Him in a Biblical aspect of fear—reverence. Moses tells his people in 20: 20 of Exodus “Do not fear, for YHVH has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin”. Even so, the people chose to remain afraid. For v. 21 says of our very human tendency, “So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where YHVH was”.

Moses was doing what we might say, “practicing what he preached”. That is the quality of any good leader. In his death-bed testimony, David said in 23: 3 of the second book of Samuel, “YHVH of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: he who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of YHVH”. What an awesome responsibility it is to be in authority over any other person or group of persons, as the meaning of the word, “ruling”, suggests. Whether as an apostle, pastor, teacher, or even a husband, only the wisdom of YHVH, the beginning of which is His reverence, can effectively and gently care for the tender lambs within the scope of their authority.

The record further shows this concept in 2 Chronicles 19: 8. It says King Jehoshaphat “appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the chief fathers of Israel, when they returned to Jerusalem”. The charge to these leaders of YHVH's children in v. 9 was simply, “Thus you shall act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart”.

Anything short of this type of fear is a mockery before those whom we lead—a scandal, if you will. Nehemiah rebuked his own people for a lack of this quality. He said in 5: 9, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our Elohim because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?”

Yes, the fear of our Lord certainly is the beginning of wisdom. It is also a protection against the sinister qualities of human nature. The writer of the Psalms said in 2: 11, “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling”. The writer appears to be saying, “Serve God with His kind of fear, but keep your wits about you. The nature of human tendency can and usually does sneak in unawares”. Only when we learn true fear and reverence are we useful in His service.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Pure Covenant--Children of the Commandment

2010-01-31T18:11:00.000-08:00

Children of the Commandment
Part 4 of 4

I think it a very fitting close to this verse by connecting in order the words, “pure commandment”. These words, “bar”, meaning “son” in Aramaic, and, “mitzvah”, meaning “commandment” in both Aramaic and Hebrew, form the name of a Jewish custom and tradition of confirmation. The two words together literally mean “son of the commandment”. Of course, the ladies are not left out of this tradition. For them, it is called “bat (pronounced bas) mitzvah”. Those that are the “apple of His eye” are the “sons and daughters of the commandment”.

In 119: 172 of the psalms, the writer says of His commandments, “My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness”. If His commandments are righteous, then it is understood He is righteous. If we are the sons and daughters of the commandment, then we are “sons and daughters of His righteousness”. Our Lord leads us in the righteousness of His Spirit. And, Paul said to the Romans in 8: 14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of YAH, they are the sons of YAH”. Keep looking up to our Beloved; make Him the “Apple of your eye”; and, “enlighten the fountain of your life with His blessed encouragement”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Pure Covenant--A Matter of Choice

2010-01-31T17:47:00.000-08:00

A Matter of Choice
Part 3 of 4

Today, there are those that seem to think as the Pharisees did, and say such things as, “To please God, He expects us to adapt ourselves to the culture we live in”. Such do not realize the absolute and unchanging, no nonsense nature of YHVH. In their own wisdom, they add the weakness of man’s doctrine to the strength of YAH’s commands, thus polluting that which was already pure. In so doing, they contaminate, debase, pervert, and make invalid His pure Word. They are incontinent, in that they have no self-restraint. They add man’s wisdom to man’s wisdom, and eventually develop, “seared consciences”, as Paul spoke of to Timothy in 4: 3 of his first epistle.

However, for those that choose to willingly and graciously follow our Beloved, they receive the reward as described by David in his conclusion of this phrase, “enlightening the eyes”. For “enlightening”, David uses the word, “’owr”. He is describing a person that glows or shines. Their countenance is luminous, even as if set on fire.

I’m sure you have met some of these people. They almost always have a smile on their face, an encouraging word on their lips, and a bounce in their step. They are usually as the dawning of a new day, and very, very pleasant to be around. These are enlightened because they keep their eyes on their Lord. David said in 25: 15 of the Psalms, “My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net”.

Because we keep our eyes on our Lord, AND honor the commandments of our Beloved, we can truly ask of our Lord as David in 17: 8, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings”. In parallel, the record says of the law of an earthly father in 7: 2 of the Proverbs, “Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye”.

The same can be said of the commands of our Beloved. Regardless of our circumstances, the eye—or the fountain of our lives—shines with His glory, even if we are as Moses described in 32: 10 of Deuteronomy concerning his people in Egypt, “He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Pure Covenant--Untainted Truth

2010-01-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

Untainted Truth
Part 2 of 4

Then, David says the commandment of our Lord is “pure”. He uses the word, “bar”, to describe the purity of the marching orders of our Master Commander. The word means “beloved”. In a perfect picture of us as the bride of Messiah, and He as the Bridegroom, I can’t help but think of the expression of the Shulamite woman in 2: 16 of the Song of Solomon, “My Beloved is mine, and I am His…”

In a time of trouble, David prayed to his beloved God with the same mind-set as the Shulamite woman, saying, “You have given a banner to those who fear You…that Your beloved may be delivered…” In 108: 5-6 of the Psalms, he prayed, “Be exalted, O YHVH, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth; that Your beloved may be delivered…”

Then, Solomon writes in v. 2 of the Song of Accents—Psalms 127—“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep”. Those that rest in the care of our Beloved need not fret evils of the day, or night.

Webster says “pure” means “unmixed with any other matter—free from taint”. The psalmist writes in 119: 140, “Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it”. Of course, that is not the case with many. They have tainted the Word of our Beloved with the doctrines of men. Such had become the way of the religious leaders of Yeshua’s day. Paul wrote of them to the Colossians in 2: 20-22 when he said, “Wherefore if you be dead with Messiah from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances…after the commandments and doctrines of men?”

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Pure Covenant--Untainted Direction

2010-01-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

Anthem Six
A Pure Covenant

“The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalms 19: 8b

Untainted Direction
Part 1 of 4

When I first began study of this psalm, I did not know the exact direction my Lord would take me in completing it. Such has been the case in many subjects I have considered. Each time, I have seen and felt the hand of my Master Shepherd gently leading me by the hand. This particular verse is virgin territory for an old Southern Baptist preacher. As I write it, I am compelled to implicitly keep my eyes on my Lord, because only He knows how it will end. With that in mind, I am also left to wonder how this series will actually end.

David ends v. 8 with, “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes”. For “commandment”, he uses the word, “mitzvah”, which literally means “a command”. Whether human or divine, it encompasses with it an inclusion of “the collective law”. With the inclusiveness suggested in this meaning, I am reminded of the words of Paul to Timothy in 3: 16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of YAH, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of YAH may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”.

Webster adds “order” to the meaning of “commandment”. In this usage of “order”, the idea of direction is conveyed. Just as our great God of the universe spoke into being the stars of the heavens, and the firmament below, He speaks His direction for righteous living. In giving us “all Scripture”, He gave us divine orders to follow the ideals of those Scriptures, as the admonition is recorded in 2 Kings 17: 37. There, Yahweh says, “And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, you shall observe to do for evermore; and you shall not fear other gods”.

There are many men and women in Scripture that heeded this order to the best of their ability, and taught others to do so as well. One such man was King Asa, of whom it is recorded in 2 Chronicles 14: 2, “And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his Elohim”. He tore down the altars of “strange Gods…high places…images…and groves”. It might easily be said of Asa he decisively chose the ways of his Elohim over the traditions of men. Then, in v. 4, he did what all of us need to do. He charged all those under his leadership to follow his example. He “commanded Judah to seek Y'hovah Elohim of their fathers, and do the law and the commandment”.

Asaph wrote in Psalms 78: 1, “…incline your ears to the words of my mouth”. He wishes to tell his people of the goodness of his God which was passed down to him through the ages. He says in v. 4, “we will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done”. Herein is the prime directive of any good earthly father. The writer of Proverbs harmonizes in 22: 6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

An Authority Covenant--The Heart of the Matter

2010-01-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

The Heart of the Matter
Part 4 of 4

David reveals our benefit concerning the rightness of His statutes. He tags the statement with “rejoicing the heart”. The meaning of the word for “right” and the word for “rejoicing”, “samach”, compliment each other very well. The former figuratively suggests “pleasant or prosperous”, while the latter means “to brighten up, cheer up, be glad or joyful, or be or make gleesome”.

In the strength of our Lord, we also will be strong. David begins a list of qualities of the righteous in Psalms 15: 2 with, “He who walks uprightly…”, and says in v. 5, “He who does these things shall never be moved”. The sons of Korah said in 87: 11 of the Psalms, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly”. And, the writer of Proverbs said in 2: 7, “He stores up sound wisdom (Torah) for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly”. And, on and on the record goes. The immense benefits of the upright are too numerous to include here.

Then, to give balance between spiritual, physical, and emotional benefits, David tags the phrase with, “the heart”, the object of the rejoicing. He uses the word, “leb”, which considers the “feelings, will, intellect, and likewise the center for everything”. With all the heart and soul, Moses tells us in Deuteronomy 10: 12 to “Fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His way, and to love Him, and serve Him”. In v. 13, he sums up what is righteous in YHVH's eyes by saying, “Keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes...for your good”.

The writer of Proverbs says in 2: 21 of those that are righteous in YHVH's eyes, “For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it”. Proverbs 11: 11 says, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted...”. Proverbs 13: 6 says, “Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless...”. Again, I could go on and on. Walking uprightly in the ways of our Lord (Godly Torah) encompasses and benefits every aspect of our lives—makes our heart rejoice.

Our Adonai made a covenant with Abram and changed his name to Abraham, which means “father of nations”. The Seed of that covenant is our blessed Messiah, Yeshua our risen Lord. His plan allows us to depend upon the solidity of His ever constant ways rather than ours. Therefore, look up to Him as “the Author and Finisher of (your) faith”, and reap the encouraging benefits of His blessing-packed, upright, and faithful covenant with us through Yeshua our Lord.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

An Authority Covenant--The Straight Path

2010-01-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

The Straight Path
Part 3 of 4

Then, David says the statutes of our Lord are “right”. He uses “yashar”, which means “straight” or “upright”. The psalmist says in 119: 137-138, “Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright are Your ways. Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful”. And, David said in 25: 8 of the Psalms, “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He teaches sinners in the way”.

Webster says that which is “straight” is “free from curves, bends, angles, or irregularities”. He says it is “direct, not wandering from the main point or proper course…honest, upright, not marked by confusion…correctly arranged or ordered”. This is the character of our righteous Lord. Isaiah says of YHVH in 42: 16, “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know: I will lead them in paths they have not known, I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight”.

The writer of Proverbs said in 14: 12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”. The ways of man have always included curves, bends, angles, and inherent irregularities. They are fickle and marked by confusion, even at their best, while the ideals of our Father and Messiah are straight and pure.

It is Malachi that recorded the surety of our Lord in 3: 6 when he quoted YHVH saying, “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob”. And, then James said in 1: 17 of the surety of our Lord, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow of turning”. This is the straight and smooth path of which David is speaking concerning the righteous statutes of his Master Shepherd.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

An Authority Covenant--The Last Word

2010-01-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Divine Authority—The Last Word
Part 2 of 4

As in all of His creation there is order—rhyme and reason, as we would say it—so it is with all of His statutes. David begins v. 8 with, “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” For “statutes”, David used the word, “piqqud”. The word bears a meaning of a precept or appointed mandate. Webster says “appoint” means, “to fix or set officially…equip”. He says a “mandate” is, “an authoritative command…an authorization to act given to a representative”.

Beyond mere rhyme and reason, as seen in His order, the meaning of the word David chose describes power, authority, and supreme status. Concerning the supreme status and deity of our Master Architect, Moses exclaimed in 15: 11 of Exodus, “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”

Then, Hanna’s prayer of praise is recorded by Samuel in 2: 2 of his first book, “No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our Elohim”. And, Moses writes of His supremacy in Deuteronomy 4: 35 saying, “To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him”.

Because He is supreme, He has the authority to make mandates and judge according to them. Yeshua says of Himself through Matthew in 28: 18, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth”. And, Daniel prophesied of the authority of our Messiah in 7: 14 when he said, “Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed”.

David said in 65: 5-6 of the psalms, “…You who are the Confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of the far-off seas; Who established the mountains by His strength, being clothed with power”. The psalmist wrote in 93: 1, “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength”. And, then, Daniel records Nebuchadnezzar saying in 4: 35 of his first hand experience concerning the power of our great God, “He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘what have You done?’”

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

An Authority Covenant--Divine Decree

2010-01-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

Anthem Five
An Authority Covenant

“The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart...” Psalms 19: 8a

Divine Decree
Part 1 of 4

When I stood beneath a star-studded Colorado sky, I saw more than an immense expanse in YAH’s majestic universe. I saw an order in the panoramic view that explodes a chaotic evolutionary creation theory—with a “big bang”. I saw a beautiful picture of perfect harmony in every detail displayed before me. I saw planets that revolve around their suns, and moons that revolve around their planets. I saw galaxies just filled to the brim with multiple solar systems, each on their appointed courses, within and without.

Without order in such a heavenly arena, one little miscue would cause a chain reaction, domino effect that could ultimately destroy that beautiful universe rather than create it. The chaos that would result would be very similar in nature to a multi-vehicle accident on one of our crowded high-speed freeways—only on a vastly larger and more devastating scale. Without order, such a chaotic imbalance could not create, but, rather, only destroy.

In v. 19 of the 104th Psalm, the writer gives testimony to order in the creation of our Lord when he says, “He appointed the moon for seasons; the sun knows its going down”. Merely with the spoken word, our Master Craftsman set order in the heavens. The Genesis account records in 1: 14, “Then YHVH said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Levitous Interlude--Atheist Holy Day

2010-01-27T10:05:00.001-08:00

The following story found its way into my e-mail inbox. I thought it appropriate to present the story here. Have a terrific Son-shine day in Messiah!

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY

In Florida , an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!

A Levitous Interlude

2010-01-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of the B.C. comic strip, and straight from their "Answer Man", I submit the following Q & A.

Q--What could a dead atheist, a dead agnostic and a dead saint possibly have in common?

A--They all KNOW there is a God!

David sings in Psalms 14:1, "The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works; There is none that does good".

A Covenant of Confidence--A Firm Foundation

2010-01-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

A Firm Foundation
Part 3 of 3

The surety of His Word is very effective in building up and giving support. It does so as with the tender, loving care of a parent or nurse. It is a surety that engenders trust and belief, instills faith, and renders a firm foundation upon which to stand. The surety of His Word is a permanent fixture in the lives of those that rest in Him. They are the beneficiaries of His quiet peacefulness that transcends our wildest imagination.

However, there are those that don’t seem to grasp the concept of believing in something they can’t understand. In their way of thinking, it just doesn’t make sense. David closes v. 7 with, “making wise the simple”. For “wise”, he used the word, “chakam”. These, simply, are those that are wise in mind, word, or action. In their understanding, and by their reasoning, they are wise. For “simple”, David uses the word, “petha’iy”. These are the ones that are silly, unreasonable, foolish, and very seducible. In the mind of the wise, those that implicitly stand on and trust in YAH’s sure Word are simple and foolish.

But, take heart my friend. It has been so from the beginning. Paul wrote in 1: 27-29 of his first letter to the Corinthians, “But YHVH has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and YHVH has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised YHVH has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence”. I am very proud to be numbered among the simple, to stand melodiously encouraged and in complete awe of and confidence in my Master Craftsman. How about you?

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Covenant of Confidence--The Deal Sealed

2010-01-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

The Deal Sealed
Part 2 of 3

The entire “swearing-in” process is actually a sign of covenant with a court of law. Abram also asks for a covenant sign in v. 8, “How shall I know that I will inherit it?” In vv. 9-10, YHVH instructed Abram to bring Him a “three-year old heifer, a three-year old female goat, a three-year old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon”. When Abram presented these animals to his Lord, he “cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other, but did not cut the birds in two”.

In v. 17, our Lord expresses, in a very dramatic way, the seriousness involved. The record says, “And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between the pieces”. The sign of a covenant could be as simple as shaking hands, exchanging of garments or battle equipment, or the serious level of requiring both parties to “pass between the pieces”, as in this case with Abram.

The significance of this passing spelled out grave consequences for either party that broke the covenant. With both parties passing between the bloody pieces of the slain animals, they were in effect saying, “If I don’t keep my end of the bargain, then, may I be as these pieces”. With YHVH passing through these pieces, Abram had a most solemn pledge that YAH’s promise to him would be kept. Such is the absolute surety of the Word of our Lord.

It should also be curious to note that Abram did not pass through the pieces. Only YHVH passed through. It is the wisdom of our Master Shepherd that knew Abram would never be able to keep his word, and would ultimately become like those pieces. It is YAH’s compassion that would not allow Abram to pass through the pieces. In His infinite mercy, and in our words, He said, “That’s alright Abe. You just sit there and relax. I’ll take care of this one”. Unfortunately, human nature causes Abrams all down through history to attempt passing through the pieces, incorporating their own righteousness into the covenant.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

A Covenant of Confidence--Unshakeable Certainty

2010-01-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

Anthem Four
A Covenant of Confidence

“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19: 7b

Unshakeable Certainty
Part 1 of 3

I have heard it said, “There are only two things in life that are certain—death and taxes”. There was a time in earlier American history when the word of a man was a part of that list. However, in our day, the exact opposite permeates our society. We even have U.S. Presidents that say, “Read my lips…”, and quickly go back on their word.

There are even Presidents that try to redefine the meaning of a word by asking questions such as, “You have to ask, ‘What is the meaning of (is)?’” Our society is replete with teams of lawyers on both sides of a contract, each employed to protect the interests of their clients, whether or not they are Presidents or average citizens.

In a society where very little is as it appears, one might easily hold only to the two certainties of death and taxes. In this verse, I would like to briefly present a third certainty, one that is even more certain than death and taxes. That certainty is the Word of our El Shaddai. In his conclusion of v. 7, David records a second statement of consideration, “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple”.

If there is any constant in the universe, it most certainly would be the testimony of our Lord. For “testimony”, David uses the word, “eduwth”, to say the “testimony/witness” of our Lord is sure. In any court of law, a witness is sworn in with the words, “Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” It should be noted that such a question is asked of the prospective witness while the right hand of the same is raised, and the left hand rests upon the Book we all know as the Living Word of YAH—the Author of Truth.

When this process is complete, the witness and the court have entered into a covenant of truth. It is not unlike the covenant made by our Lord to the father of the Hebrew nation, Abraham. Moses records the elements of this covenant in the 15th chapter of Genesis. In v. 5, YHVH told Abram concerning his heirs, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them…so shall your descendants be”. In v. 7, YAH added the inheritance of land to the covenant when He said, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

The Perfect Covenant--Truthful Benefits

2010-01-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

Truthful Benefits
Part 2 of 2

The benefit for us concerning this perfect law is seen in the words, “converting the soul”. For “converting”, David uses the word, “shuwb”, which means, “to turn back, or fetch home again”. For “soul”, he uses the word, “nephesh”, to portray the bodily or mental vitality of the living and breathing creature for which it was intended—mankind. Whether in mind or body, this perfect law of YHVH causes a conversion, or circumcision, experience in our minds—from our way of thinking to His.

The idea of circumcision of the heart was initiated with YAH’s covenant with Abraham. YAH says in Genesis 17: 1, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, I am The Eternal; walk before Me and be blameless (perfect)”. We know Abraham believed the Word of his Lord, and “it was counted for him as righteousness”.

There is another man that walked in the same manner and was blessed by YHVH. The writer of 2 Kings records the prayer of Hezekiah in 20: 3. “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight”.

Abraham, Hezekiah, and many others walked before their Adonai in perfection. Please understand, their perfection was not in anything within their own power or of their own effort. There is only one way to be “perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect”. We trust in Him and then show our love for Him by walking in His ways.

Speaking of Ha’Mashiach and our hope of glory, Paul told the Colossians in 1: 28, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Yeshua, our risen Messiah”.

This is the “washing of water by the Word” that Paul spoke of to the Ephesians in 5: 26. Those that are perfect in our Lord “are the circumcision, who worship YAH in the Spirit”, as Paul told the Philippians in 3: 3. Any perfection we have is clearly aside from any personal efforts to adhere to His perfect “Torah”. Truly, it is as Paul told the Colossians in 1: 22, “In the body of His (Ha’Mashiach’s) flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight”.

Yes, there is not a more perfect revelation of the glory and majesty of our Adonai than the personification of His Word in our Lord, Yeshua our risen Messiah, of which the Torah is a central part. Of this Messiah, Jeremiah spoke in 31: 33, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days…I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people”. Keep looking to Him! Implicitly trust in His “Perfect Covenant”, and bask in the glorious encouragement of His revivifying Son-light.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

The Perfect Covenant--The Whole Truth

2010-01-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

Anthem Three
The Perfect Covenant

“The law (Torah) of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”
Psalms 19: 7a

The Whole Truth
Part 1 of 2

This world is replete with examples of the greatness and majesty of YHVH. Just as awe-inspiring, the views of our astronauts from 240,000 miles above the earth proclaim His magnificence. Yet, there is no comparison between the creation of our Master Creator and the perfect revelation contained in His written, Living Word. For, it is through this revelation we are afforded a pathway of reclamation from our fallen state of sin. It is only by total immersion in His Holy Scripture and its espoused ideals, we have any chance to be cleansed and sanctified in His presence—a “washing of water by the Word”, as Paul told the Ephesians was the responsibility of Godly husbands to their wives.

There is not a more perfect revelation of YAH to man than His Covenant Word. Its beauty is far greater than anything in His creation. In this part of the 19th Psalm, David presents six statements concerning YAH’s instruction in His written Word. Each of these statements gives tribute to our Master Law Giver with the phrase, “of the Lord”. Each presents a different word to describe His written Torah. Each also contains an appraisal of value and a reward for adhering to this written Torah.

David begins v. 7 with, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul”. The word for “law” in this instance is “Torah”, referring specifically to His precepts and statutes. David says this law is “perfect”. He used the word, “tamiym”. The word means “entire, complete, and without blemish”. This law is entire and complete in that it can’t be added to as religious leaders have over the years. It is without blemish because it is entirely by the hand of YAH and devoid of the traditions of man.

Moses speaks of this Perfection in Deuteronomy 32: 4 when he says, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect…” It is further said in 2 Samuel 22: 31, “As for YAH, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven. He is a shield to all who trust in Him”. His perfect ideals are tried and proven. David says in 12: 6 of the Psalms, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times”. They are proven and, therefore, trustworthy. It is for that reason Yeshua said through Matthew in 5: 48, “Therefore you shall be perfect (pursue excellence), just as your Father in heaven is perfect”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

On Top of the World--The Rocks Cry Out

2010-01-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

The Rock Cries Out
Part 3 of 3

“Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race.” Psalms 19: 5

Our great Master Craftsman spoke through His creation. He spoke through His preachers. Yet, the people heard and continued in disobedience. In v. 20 of the 10th chapter to the Romans, Paul quoted Isaiah in 65: 1 saying, “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me”. Paul further quotes Isaiah’s continuing words, “All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people”. Whether by way of the preacher, or nature itself, the majority of people will hear His voice calling, but run away. Even the remnant that believed found Him only when looking elsewhere for answers to voids in their lives.

Yet, it is our gracious and loving Lord that continually puts Himself in our path, in hopes we will find Him. When Isaiah said of our Lord, “I was found”, he literally portrays YAH allowing Himself to be found. Whether by nature or the preacher, our Lord is seeking us. Sadly however, it is as Isaiah observes in 64: 7 “There is no one who calls on Your name, who stirs himself up to take hold of You”. Most likely, no one is so inclined because he said in 53: 6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way”.

In vv. 5-6 of the 19th psalm, David paints a vivid comparison of the sun, to the Creator Himself. In the conclusion of v. 4 and the beginning of v. 5 he says, “In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber”. As the sun shines down on us daily and provides us with its warmth, so the Son of the living God shines His radiant light and warmth on our lives, even when clouds stand between us and Him. In this, v. 6 aptly applies both to the sun in the heavens and the Son of the Living God. David says, “Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat”.

I will close this anthem with one small observation concerning my “mountain-top experience” at Independence Pass. While I had an awesome view of the valleys below me to the east and west, it should be noted that to the north and south I still had to look up at least 1000 to 1500 feet to the peaks towering above me. No matter how high our mountain-top experience is, we must ALWAYS look up to the Creator of that experience to live the mountain-top experience of true peace, comfort, and freedom—and be truly encouraged in Him.

Click Here To Continue In the 19th Psalm

On Top of the World--Predictable Stability

2010-01-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

Predictable Stability
Part 2 of 3

"Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun...its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” Psalms 19: 4, 6

This is an order established by YHVH in the beginning. When He set the sun, moon, and stars in the sky, He established their position forever. He even established this order as a covenant with Noah. In 8: 22 of Genesis, our Lord promises, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease”. Even Jeremiah gives voice to this surety of our Lord when he says in 31: 35, “Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for a light by day, the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, who disturbs the sea, and its waves roar (the Lord of hosts is His name)”.

There is an unshakable stability in the character of our Master Creator. Jeremiah goes on to say in v. 36, “If those ordinances depart from before Me, says the Lord, then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a nation before Me forever”. He says in 33: 20-21, “If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that there will not be day and night in their season, then my covenant may also be broken with David My servant, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levites, the priests, My ministers”.

It is this unswerving stability of YHVH in which we can safely rest. It is the immutable nature of the Word of our Adonai that keeps us forever, an unchangeable character spoken of by Malachi in 3: 6. “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob”. Because of this firm foundation, we know He will never let us go when we heed His plea to “Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest”. We rest assured that we are held safely in His arms and “heirs according to the covenant”, as Paul said to the Galatians in 3: 29.

Paul asked of the Romans in 10: 14, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Even so, in v. 18 he quoted David in v. 4 of the 19th Psalm saying, “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world”.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

On Top of the World--Wondrous Heights

2010-01-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

Anthem Two
On Top of the World

“Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard."
Psalms 19: 2-3

Wondrous Heights
Part 1 of 3

There are times when we walk through the valleys of life. There are other times we live mountain-top experiences. On one such occasion, I stood literally at the top of the world. Independence Pass stands at 12, 095 feet. As I stood there, I was afforded a view of at least a score of miles to the west toward the town of Aspen, Colorado. To the east, I could look down into valleys in the distance, and mountain peaks rising above each of them. The view was indescribably breath-taking.

The majestic beauty I saw went far beyond that which I could see from the window of my cabin. It went even beyond the scope of my vision at the top of the world. I am certain any of my readers can look out their windows and see a similar but different beauty. Each beauty is, of itself, the voice of our great Master Creator speaking.

Each morning at the rising of the sun until the going down of the same, our Master Artist bids us look up to Him. From the going down of the sun until the rising of the same, His soft and gentle voice paints His majesty upon and within our hearts, leaving us with the serenity of His peace, and indisputable evidence of His power and love.

For that reason, David said in v. 2, “Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge”. It further should be understood such continued daily and nightly revelations of His majesty is no respecter of language or culture. David says in v. 3, “There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard”. The wonders of His creation speak volumes in every language known to man. Therefore, no one can ever stand ignorant of the majesty and omnipotence of our Lord.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm

Divine Fingerprints--Glory In The Firmament

2010-01-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

Glory in the Firmament

Anthem One--Part 2 of 2
Psalms 19: 1b

Then, David says, “and the firmament shows His handiwork”. I have never walked where David walked. And, it is certain he never walked where I do today. I have never been to Israel, and I think it safe to assume David never saw the color and beauty of the Colorado, Rocky Mountains.

As I look out the living room window of my cabin, I look up a little over 4000 feet to the tallest mountain peak in Colorado. Mt. Elbert rises 14, 433 feet into the blue, cloud painted Colorado sky. And, a few miles to the north Mt. Massive rises 14, 421 feet toward the heavens. These majestically towering monuments are joined by more than 40 companion peaks in the State that exceed 14, 000 feet. Each of these is capped year round with snow and ice as pure white as the fluffy clouds that pass over head.

When I consider the handiwork I see today, I wonder if v. 1 might have been rendered any differently if David would have seen what I am trying to describe. Even so, there is no doubt Who is responsible for such magnificent wonder. The same YHVH that set the stars in place in Genesis 1: 3-5 established the firmament in vv. 6-7 when He said, “Let there be a firmament in the waters and let it divide waters from waters”. And, it was Jeremiah that said in 10: 12, “He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens at His discretion”.

Until our Lord stands up and says “enough is enough”, and puts an end to all things, it will be as the psalmist said in 93: 1, “Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved”. The beauty of the stars in the heavens, and majesty in the firmament, will continue to give glory and honor to their Creator. It will be as Paul told the Romans in 1: 20, “For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse”.

From the beginning of time, and before, to the end of time, and after, it is and will be as the psalmist began 93: 1, “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength”. Therefore, I say as the psalmist in 97: 1, “The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad!” In a fitting conclusion to this verse, I do with affection that which I always try to do—lift up my Lord, Yeshua, my risen Messiah.

In prophetic language, the writer of Proverbs says in 8: 27-29, “When He prepared the heavens, I was there. When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep, when He assigned the sea to its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him as a Master Craftsman…” And, John said in 1: 3, “And all things were made through Him, and without Him (Yeshua, our Messiah and Living Word) nothing was made that was made”.

When considering the infinite nature of the majesty and dominion of our Lord, consider the question of the psalmist in 8: 4, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” The answer to that question may be known in time. However, most important is our response to His offer through Matthew in 11: 28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Surrender to His benevolent grace, bow before His wondrous Majesty, and He will chase the storm clouds that bind you—leaving you gloriously encouraged in Him.

Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm