I remember engaging in conversation a few years ago with a friend regarding the concept of Father choosing a mate for us--arranged marriage. The idea put forth by my friend was "God lets us make our own choices for a mate. Then, we offer the choice up to Him for blessing. God would never make that choice for me".
The purpose of my comments is not to criticize the free choice we have truly been given by Adonai. Personal choices are great but, sadly, perpetually continue on or end in bitter disappointment far more times than joyous adventures. My purpose is to show a much better choice through Scripture, and back it up with personal testimony.
My response to my friend's statement was, "God lets us make our own choices. So, my choice is His choice"--a conclusion arrived at through bitter experience. Both my friend and I had made marital choices in line with the former position. Both ended with hurt and disappointment.
When I left Arizona alone for Texas, I had one purpose in mind---follow the purity of Adonai no matter what the cost. For, it is Messiah that said in Luke 14: 26, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate (love less than YHVH) his...wife and children...yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple". In contrast to my friend, I chose the purity of YHVH's Word. Whether or not He gave me another mate, it would be His choice. And, the lady He would choose would be "(equally) yoked" with me, and I with her.
In the spirit of being "(equally) yoked", Abraham said to Eiezer "...go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac", (Gen. 24: 4). It is made clear in v. 6 Isaac had no choice in the matter. For, Abraham tells Eliezer, "Beware that you do no take my son back there". By virtue of his delegation to Eliezer, the matter didn't even reside in the purview of Abraham.
Then in v. 12, this wise servant expresses trust in YHVH to "give (him) success". In v. 14, Eliezer displays the depth of his wisdom by deferring the daunting choice of wife to YHVH Himself. His faithful act is only a continuance of his unswerving trust in the prophesy of his master in v. 7. Abraham had said, "He (YHVH) will send His angel (Yeshua) before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there".
My personal testimony parallels in its own way and support Abraham allowing Father to choose a mate for Isaac (or for us), and is seen through the person of Sarah. After several months of living in Texas, I began to embrace the idea of living single. Yet, Father had different ideas that my weak faith couldn't grasp at the time.
During that summer, I had begun a string of musical sequels, now totaling 25 songs recorded on three albums. Through various objects or persons of inspiration, I took on the task of taking popular secular tunes and changing the lyrics to present a Messianic Gospel theme, without altering the integrity of the original song.
Unknown to me at the time, one of those persons of inspiration would become Father's choice of mate, for both her and I. By early fall, Father had caused both of us to notice and consider the other. Even so, we were far from being a mutual choice of mate. Actually, we never fell in love until after our acceptance of Father's choice.
Acting upon a several year old prophesy that Father would be sending her a husband, SueJean threw out a fleece similar to Eliezer's in 24: 14. Just between her and Father she said, "If this man (DannyLee) is the one You want for me, let him write me a song".
To the tune of "Peaceful Easy Feeling", that song is the title song of my "On Holy Ground" album. Father took two people that would likely not have personally chosen the other and put HIS stamp of approval upon their union, just like He did with Isaac and Rebecka.
I believe the personal qualities ascribed to Sarah by the sages show contrast and comparison between SueJean, a virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, and the unrighteous. I have heard is said, "beauty is only skin deep". For the unrighteous, this is certainly true. For the virtuous, outward beauty continues to the very heart and soul.
As opposed to the beauty of outward appearance and adornment, it is a beauty described by Peter in 3: 4 of his first epistle. "Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of YHVH".
It is written in 1 Corinthians 11: 3, "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Messiah, the head of woman is man, and the head of Messiah is YHVH". This is a concept almost totally alien to our society and virtually demonized by all of Christianity.
There are NO "yes, buts". Peter continues in 3: 5-6 of his first epistle, "...being submissive to your husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord". As with Sarah and Rebecka, wisdom and innocence seen in Father's choice for me is described in Proverbs 31: 26. "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." It is SueJean's wise kindness that many times keeps this sometimes crude cowboy honest.
Herein lies the contrast and irony. With kindness, a Godly wife will respect and reverence the headship of her husband. An unrighteous wife will subvert her husband's headship no matter how good he is. A Godly husband will "love his wife as Messiah loved (us)". An unrighteous husband will likely be a "brute" regardless of a wife's gracious efforts.
The irony is, at one point in the months before leaving Arizona, I mused in my mind that if I was going to be blessed with a Godly wife, Father might have to bring her from the other side of the planet. Hmm ... Thailand to Texas ... anyone got a globe handy? I'll let SueJean talk about that one. Her story about us can be read by clicking here. Have a terrifically encouraging Son-shine day in Messiah!
VaYera - "And He Appeared" Genesis 18:1-22:24
Of all the lessons taught with this portion, one stands out in my mind and harmonizes with a central theme of many of my writings--a contrast between the ideals of YHVH and the ways of men.
As a bridge to my comments on this Torah portion, it is written of Abraham in Genesis 15: 6 of the previous portion. "And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness." From the beginning, every request of Father upon Abraham had been received with the fullness of firm trust, belief, and obedience.
Such true faith carries over into this portion. Father says in 18: 19, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of YHVH, to do justice and judgment; that YHVH may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him".
Although Abraham showed the very human tendency to help YHVH facilitate His promise of descendants, he effectively establishes a pattern of obedience. Even to offering his son of promise (Isaac), he was obedient. For his heart of obedience, he became known as "a friend of YHVH".
Herein lies a controversy between grace/works and religion/relationship. Grace devoid of action is religion and an effort in futility. In reference to Isaac, James writes in 2: 23, "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed YHVH, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of YHVH". True belief necessarily includes action.
As Abraham did everything humanly possible to obey the direction of Adonai, we are provided with his righteous example to also become "friends of YHVH". John records Yeshua saying in 15: 14, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."
Written upon the heart of Abraham, and upon our hearts as well, His righteous Word stands unswerving. Status of "friend of YHVH" is dependent solely upon our obedience to Him. Yeshua said through John in 14: 15, "If you love Me, keep my commandments (Torah)"
Just as with James, there are people today that pervert His everlasting Word. The promote a "grace only" doctrine devoid of Torah. In its place, the man made concepts of righteous living, as varied as there are religious institutions, are substituted. This is the "Baal-like" mixture of man's ideals with/for the timelessness of His ways (Torah).
They claim to have His Spirit yet deceive themselves, and those that blindly follow them. James writes of these in 4: 4. "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with YHVH? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of YHVH".
Our response to the call upon our hearts by the voice of YHVH is a matter of relationship or relationship or religion. Yeshua said, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light". Will we attach to our lives a peaceful relationship with Him by submitting to the ease of His Torah, or continue under heavy burdens imposed by religious church fathers?
For those that choose relationship, Yeshua said through Matthew in 5: 6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled". Choose relationship with Messiah YHVH in the same manner as Davis in Psalms 51: 10. "Create in me a clean heart...and renew a steadfast spirit in me."
Compared to those that foolishly choose to remain in religious bondage, these in relationship will be few in number. For a time, these righteous will suffer the loneliness of rejection. Yet, Yeshua says of them through Matthew in 5: 10. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
For these precious ones hated by the world, I invoke the encouraging Words of Messiah through John in 14: 27. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The world cannot know Him, "but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (14: 17)
As a bridge to my comments on this Torah portion, it is written of Abraham in Genesis 15: 6 of the previous portion. "And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness." From the beginning, every request of Father upon Abraham had been received with the fullness of firm trust, belief, and obedience.
Such true faith carries over into this portion. Father says in 18: 19, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of YHVH, to do justice and judgment; that YHVH may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him".
Although Abraham showed the very human tendency to help YHVH facilitate His promise of descendants, he effectively establishes a pattern of obedience. Even to offering his son of promise (Isaac), he was obedient. For his heart of obedience, he became known as "a friend of YHVH".
Herein lies a controversy between grace/works and religion/relationship. Grace devoid of action is religion and an effort in futility. In reference to Isaac, James writes in 2: 23, "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed YHVH, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of YHVH". True belief necessarily includes action.
As Abraham did everything humanly possible to obey the direction of Adonai, we are provided with his righteous example to also become "friends of YHVH". John records Yeshua saying in 15: 14, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."
Written upon the heart of Abraham, and upon our hearts as well, His righteous Word stands unswerving. Status of "friend of YHVH" is dependent solely upon our obedience to Him. Yeshua said through John in 14: 15, "If you love Me, keep my commandments (Torah)"
Just as with James, there are people today that pervert His everlasting Word. The promote a "grace only" doctrine devoid of Torah. In its place, the man made concepts of righteous living, as varied as there are religious institutions, are substituted. This is the "Baal-like" mixture of man's ideals with/for the timelessness of His ways (Torah).
They claim to have His Spirit yet deceive themselves, and those that blindly follow them. James writes of these in 4: 4. "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with YHVH? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of YHVH".
Our response to the call upon our hearts by the voice of YHVH is a matter of relationship or relationship or religion. Yeshua said, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light". Will we attach to our lives a peaceful relationship with Him by submitting to the ease of His Torah, or continue under heavy burdens imposed by religious church fathers?
For those that choose relationship, Yeshua said through Matthew in 5: 6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled". Choose relationship with Messiah YHVH in the same manner as Davis in Psalms 51: 10. "Create in me a clean heart...and renew a steadfast spirit in me."
Compared to those that foolishly choose to remain in religious bondage, these in relationship will be few in number. For a time, these righteous will suffer the loneliness of rejection. Yet, Yeshua says of them through Matthew in 5: 10. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
For these precious ones hated by the world, I invoke the encouraging Words of Messiah through John in 14: 27. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The world cannot know Him, "but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (14: 17)
Lech L'cha - "Get Yourself" Genesis 12:1-17:27
This Torah Portion speaks of two diametrically opposite mind sets--walking by faith or walking by sight. Just as Noah, Abraham received a clear set of instructions fro YHVH. This portion begins with that Instruction in Genesis 12: 1. "Now Adonai had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you'".
Abram clearly showed his mindset to be on the side of walking by faith. He believed (and obeyed) YHVH and it was "accounted to him for righteousness". Genesis 13 shows the two mind sets contrasted together. When the flocks of Abram and his nephew, Lot, became too large to share the same space, Lot clearly walked by sight (v. 10) and chose the plains of Sodom and Gomaorrah.
Very little is said throughout the rest of this portion concerning Lot, other than his continuing trials regarding his poor choice in mingling with the wicked people. He even had to be rescued by Abram. All of chapter 14 describes his ordeals. I guess walking by sight wasn't such a good idea after all. The next Torah portion details yet another rescue, this one by Father Himself.
Yet, Abram was immediately blessed with the presence of YHVH. Beginning at 13: 14 Father promises Abram land, and descendants that number "as the dust of the earth". The key verse in this sequence is v. 15. "For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants FOREVER." YHVH's promises never have been, are not now, and never will be done away with. He is faithful to "watch over His Word to perform it", (Jeremiah 1: 12).
Just in case one might think Abraham was as perfect as any man can get, rest assured he was just as human as you and I. For, not once, but twice he showed very human tendencies with the text of this portion. Shortly after embarking on his initial journey, he morphed from faith to sight. In 12: 10, he beheld the "famine in the land" and kept on going, all the way to Egypt.
Although Scripture really doesn't come out and say it, it strongly infers he might have been better off remaining in Canaan and living by faith. For, when he got to Egypt, he compounded his misfortunes. Chapter 12: 12-13 shows him conspiring with Sarah to present a lie to Pharaoh saying she was his sister. His rouse may have garnered limited provisions, but got him kicked out of Egypt with a degree of disgrace.
I have many times heard the phrase, "God helps those that help themselves". This has almost always been put forth as Biblical principle. Actually, it is diametrically alien to Scripture. In the absence of faith, sight almost always becomes "the monkey wrench" in YHVH's work. Such was the meddling of Abraham and Sarah in chapter 16 concerning Ishmael. That caused a different set of problems--ones with which we live to this day.
Among the many messages contained in this portion, I would like to center on one. YHVH tells Abram in 17: 1, "I am El Shaddai; walk before Me and be blameless". The question begged here is, "How can I walk before Him and be blameless?" Mathew 5: 48 says, "Be therefore perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect". As in this verse, perfection is not the concept YHVH wanted to convey to Abraham.
Throughout Scripture, obedience is the only answer for this question. Any righteousness Abraham possessed was solidly anchored in his obedience to the calling of YHVH. And, ALL of us are called to obedience to His commandments (Torah). We must strive for excellence in pursuance of Torah on a daily basis. When we fail, we have, as Abraham, "an Advocate with the Father"--Yeshua our Messiah.
So, what is the next step? That question is answered affirmatively in 12: 1. "Get out of you country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you". What is that land to which He wishes to take you? It is the figurative land of His Holy Torah. He is calling you out of perverse mixtures of doctrine--away from those that would have you believe Torah was abolished by Yeshua, even friends and family members.
John the Revelator puts it this way in 8: 4. "And I heard another voice from heaven saying, 'Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.'" If you can stay in any fellowship that substitutes idolatrous rituals and doctrines, among others, of christmas for the holy birth of Messiah, or the pagan rituals of easter for His glorious resurrection, then you deserve and may well receive the plagues spoken of by John.
The beginning of your true Abrahamic faith journey is to forsake all your idols, and those that worship them. Keep His true Sabbath. Keep His true feasts. Pursue His Torah. As Scripture says, "Come out from among them and be separate". Worship Him according to His eternal principles. Then, walk before Him in agreement with Paul to the Romans in 1: 17. "For, in it the righteousness of YHVH is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith".
Abram clearly showed his mindset to be on the side of walking by faith. He believed (and obeyed) YHVH and it was "accounted to him for righteousness". Genesis 13 shows the two mind sets contrasted together. When the flocks of Abram and his nephew, Lot, became too large to share the same space, Lot clearly walked by sight (v. 10) and chose the plains of Sodom and Gomaorrah.
Very little is said throughout the rest of this portion concerning Lot, other than his continuing trials regarding his poor choice in mingling with the wicked people. He even had to be rescued by Abram. All of chapter 14 describes his ordeals. I guess walking by sight wasn't such a good idea after all. The next Torah portion details yet another rescue, this one by Father Himself.
Yet, Abram was immediately blessed with the presence of YHVH. Beginning at 13: 14 Father promises Abram land, and descendants that number "as the dust of the earth". The key verse in this sequence is v. 15. "For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants FOREVER." YHVH's promises never have been, are not now, and never will be done away with. He is faithful to "watch over His Word to perform it", (Jeremiah 1: 12).
Just in case one might think Abraham was as perfect as any man can get, rest assured he was just as human as you and I. For, not once, but twice he showed very human tendencies with the text of this portion. Shortly after embarking on his initial journey, he morphed from faith to sight. In 12: 10, he beheld the "famine in the land" and kept on going, all the way to Egypt.
Although Scripture really doesn't come out and say it, it strongly infers he might have been better off remaining in Canaan and living by faith. For, when he got to Egypt, he compounded his misfortunes. Chapter 12: 12-13 shows him conspiring with Sarah to present a lie to Pharaoh saying she was his sister. His rouse may have garnered limited provisions, but got him kicked out of Egypt with a degree of disgrace.
I have many times heard the phrase, "God helps those that help themselves". This has almost always been put forth as Biblical principle. Actually, it is diametrically alien to Scripture. In the absence of faith, sight almost always becomes "the monkey wrench" in YHVH's work. Such was the meddling of Abraham and Sarah in chapter 16 concerning Ishmael. That caused a different set of problems--ones with which we live to this day.
Among the many messages contained in this portion, I would like to center on one. YHVH tells Abram in 17: 1, "I am El Shaddai; walk before Me and be blameless". The question begged here is, "How can I walk before Him and be blameless?" Mathew 5: 48 says, "Be therefore perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect". As in this verse, perfection is not the concept YHVH wanted to convey to Abraham.
Throughout Scripture, obedience is the only answer for this question. Any righteousness Abraham possessed was solidly anchored in his obedience to the calling of YHVH. And, ALL of us are called to obedience to His commandments (Torah). We must strive for excellence in pursuance of Torah on a daily basis. When we fail, we have, as Abraham, "an Advocate with the Father"--Yeshua our Messiah.
So, what is the next step? That question is answered affirmatively in 12: 1. "Get out of you country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you". What is that land to which He wishes to take you? It is the figurative land of His Holy Torah. He is calling you out of perverse mixtures of doctrine--away from those that would have you believe Torah was abolished by Yeshua, even friends and family members.
John the Revelator puts it this way in 8: 4. "And I heard another voice from heaven saying, 'Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.'" If you can stay in any fellowship that substitutes idolatrous rituals and doctrines, among others, of christmas for the holy birth of Messiah, or the pagan rituals of easter for His glorious resurrection, then you deserve and may well receive the plagues spoken of by John.
The beginning of your true Abrahamic faith journey is to forsake all your idols, and those that worship them. Keep His true Sabbath. Keep His true feasts. Pursue His Torah. As Scripture says, "Come out from among them and be separate". Worship Him according to His eternal principles. Then, walk before Him in agreement with Paul to the Romans in 1: 17. "For, in it the righteousness of YHVH is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith".
Noach - "Noah" Genesis 6:9-11:32
Luke records in 17: 26 Yeshua saying, "And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man..." There are a lot of things to learn from the life of Noah. He was of a long line of Godly men all the way back to Adam. As a matter of fact, he had the distinct honor of living and learning from Adam while he was still alive.
Yet, after living 500 years, he was completely surrounded by a wicked and evil generation. This generation was so perverse that YHVH expressed His regrets of making man in the first place. His solution was to wipe man from the face of the earth. Even so, it is written, "Noah found grace in the eyes of YHVH".
In the story of Noah, we find judgment and grace meeting together in one place. As his story unfolds, we even find grace riding high upon the very judgment that cleansed wickedness from the earth. In light of the words of Yeshua, it will be the same for the generation within which we now live. Whether we receive judgment of grace will be according to our "belief" in Yeshua the Law Giver.
I have written many times concerning simple belief. That's the belief James says the devils manifest and says of them, "they tremble". I'm talking about the belief Noah had. He believed YHVH and put feet to his belief by building an ark exactly as Father instructed. I'm talking about the belief Abraham expressed by obedience in offering Isaac back to YHVH.
It is as simple as this. "Belief" is NOT the "sloppy agape" expressed by ignorant church leaders and believed by gullible pew sitters. True "belief" is NOT free. It will cost you something. It causes you to make a choice--your selfish choices or the pure ideals of YHVH. It is written in Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in Adonai and lean not to your own understanding, but in ALL your ways acknowledge Him..."
This is the "belief" Noah presented to YHVH. This is the "belief" Abraham presented to YHVH. The prophets, the apostles, and all those that truly professed Yeshua as Messiah have one thing in common. Even if it was under the pain of death, they followed the words of Yeshua, "If you love Me, keep My commandments--Torah". Obey Him in everything. So it shall be in our generation.
Any difference between Noah and our generation may only be that ours is worse. The countdown has already begun. The thunder of His horses are heard on the horizon. Even as He is at the very door, foolish mankind (even Christian mankind) daily fulfill the prophecy of Yeshua in Luke 17: 27. "They (eat), they (drink), they (marry) wives, they (are) given in marriage."
Those in this Torah portion were heavily engaged in the routine of their lives, oblivious to the 100 years Noah preached their destruction as he built the ark. The residents of Sodom and Gommorah were similar. Yeshua says of them in v. 28, "They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built". The flood washed away Noah's scorners while brimstone dispatched Lot's neighbors. Even so it will be when Yeshua returns.
The line has definitely been drawn in the sands of time. Whether known or not, wicked lives of self interest are falling apart. Jobs are being lost, marriages are falling apart, yet, many just keep right on redefining insanity--doing the same thing over and over again hoping to get a different result. The continue on with their daily routine with no fear (respect of reverence) for YHVH their Creator.
Others are waking up. They see the handwriting on the wall. They have seen the error of their way. They no longer bow down to the gods of self will. They have chosen life by truly "believing" the Elohim of Israel. Because they love Him, they obey Him. What will be your choice?
Yet, after living 500 years, he was completely surrounded by a wicked and evil generation. This generation was so perverse that YHVH expressed His regrets of making man in the first place. His solution was to wipe man from the face of the earth. Even so, it is written, "Noah found grace in the eyes of YHVH".
In the story of Noah, we find judgment and grace meeting together in one place. As his story unfolds, we even find grace riding high upon the very judgment that cleansed wickedness from the earth. In light of the words of Yeshua, it will be the same for the generation within which we now live. Whether we receive judgment of grace will be according to our "belief" in Yeshua the Law Giver.
I have written many times concerning simple belief. That's the belief James says the devils manifest and says of them, "they tremble". I'm talking about the belief Noah had. He believed YHVH and put feet to his belief by building an ark exactly as Father instructed. I'm talking about the belief Abraham expressed by obedience in offering Isaac back to YHVH.
It is as simple as this. "Belief" is NOT the "sloppy agape" expressed by ignorant church leaders and believed by gullible pew sitters. True "belief" is NOT free. It will cost you something. It causes you to make a choice--your selfish choices or the pure ideals of YHVH. It is written in Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in Adonai and lean not to your own understanding, but in ALL your ways acknowledge Him..."
This is the "belief" Noah presented to YHVH. This is the "belief" Abraham presented to YHVH. The prophets, the apostles, and all those that truly professed Yeshua as Messiah have one thing in common. Even if it was under the pain of death, they followed the words of Yeshua, "If you love Me, keep My commandments--Torah". Obey Him in everything. So it shall be in our generation.
Any difference between Noah and our generation may only be that ours is worse. The countdown has already begun. The thunder of His horses are heard on the horizon. Even as He is at the very door, foolish mankind (even Christian mankind) daily fulfill the prophecy of Yeshua in Luke 17: 27. "They (eat), they (drink), they (marry) wives, they (are) given in marriage."
Those in this Torah portion were heavily engaged in the routine of their lives, oblivious to the 100 years Noah preached their destruction as he built the ark. The residents of Sodom and Gommorah were similar. Yeshua says of them in v. 28, "They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built". The flood washed away Noah's scorners while brimstone dispatched Lot's neighbors. Even so it will be when Yeshua returns.
The line has definitely been drawn in the sands of time. Whether known or not, wicked lives of self interest are falling apart. Jobs are being lost, marriages are falling apart, yet, many just keep right on redefining insanity--doing the same thing over and over again hoping to get a different result. The continue on with their daily routine with no fear (respect of reverence) for YHVH their Creator.
Others are waking up. They see the handwriting on the wall. They have seen the error of their way. They no longer bow down to the gods of self will. They have chosen life by truly "believing" the Elohim of Israel. Because they love Him, they obey Him. What will be your choice?
B'resheet - "In the Beginning"
For a lot of years, I did as many. I just took the words, "In the beginning God created", and glossed over them. I took them as just the first in a collection of words and phrases describing the creation of the world within which we live. Even so, I accepted without doubt the truth of divine creation.
It wasn't until I started studying Torah that I began to discover and understand precious jewels in this phrase, and all of Torah. There is a mountain of prophetic wealth contained in this phrase, specifically in YHVH building a house for His Son. Even "Alef Tav" resides within the phrase. Sadly, it is not translated into our English Bibles.
In Hebrew, the phrase reads, "B'resheet (in the beginning) bara (created) Elohim (God) ET {Alef Tav} ha shamayem (the heavens) v'et (and) ha eretz (the earth). We don't find until Revelation the identity of Alef Tav--Yeshua Himself.
More so in our generation than any other, the battle lines have been drawn. There is no more sitting on the fence and ignoring the truth contained in His Torah. YHVH is certainly building a house for His Son through the sons of Jacob--specifically the two houses of Judah and Ephraim.
It is written in Scripture, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'". Just as Jacob's brother, Esau, sought to kill him and steal his God ordained birthright, the foolish descendants of Esau today are trying to do the same thing. Yet, they will soon have a very rude awakening.
Yes, the battle lines are drawn--the God of Jacob, or the god of Esau. It is also written by Joshua in 24: 15, "Choose you this day whom you will serve". As for me and my house (just like Joshua) we will serve YHVH. We're on the winning side, the "Alef Tav" of creation.
For a more detailed explanation of the "Alef Tav" in Genesis 1, click on the "Alef Tav Story" on my greeting page under the section entitled "Inspiration & Encouragement".
Matot - "Tribes" Numbers 30:1-32:42
In studying this portion, there appears to be three seemingly unrelated topics within its teaching. Actually, the topics herein described are related to their very core. All three have a thread common only to "true" men of YHVH--with impeccable integrity and character, and the blessing that naturally follow.
The first topic deals with the truthful nature of YHVH's men. It wasn't all that long ago the the "word" of a man was considered binding. I remember as a young child my father fueling up his vehicle at a local gas station. Each time, he would put his purchase "on a tab" he had verbally created with the station owner. True to his word, he promptly paid the station owner upon receipt of his paycheck.
However, the society within which we live is replete with contracts of all kinds and sizes, and teams of lawyers to service and enforce their terms. In regards to our current legal position as a society, it is what it is. Yet, with or without a legal, written contract, the quality of a man being true to his word is still, and always will be, at the very heart of a true man of YHVH.
In regards to vows, Yeshua counseled that our conversations should be "yes, yes and no, no"--very simple indeed. In this statement, He fully supported the wisdom of Solomon.
The writer of Proverbs puts it this way.
The first topic deals with the truthful nature of YHVH's men. It wasn't all that long ago the the "word" of a man was considered binding. I remember as a young child my father fueling up his vehicle at a local gas station. Each time, he would put his purchase "on a tab" he had verbally created with the station owner. True to his word, he promptly paid the station owner upon receipt of his paycheck.
However, the society within which we live is replete with contracts of all kinds and sizes, and teams of lawyers to service and enforce their terms. In regards to our current legal position as a society, it is what it is. Yet, with or without a legal, written contract, the quality of a man being true to his word is still, and always will be, at the very heart of a true man of YHVH.
In regards to vows, Yeshua counseled that our conversations should be "yes, yes and no, no"--very simple indeed. In this statement, He fully supported the wisdom of Solomon.
"...a fool's voice is known by his many words. When you make a vow to Elohim, do not delay to pay it, for He takes no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you have vowed. It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay." Ecclesiastes 5: 3-5
The writer of Proverbs puts it this way.
"When words are many, transgression is not absent, but he who restrains his lips is wise."
Proverbs 10: 19
There is infinite depth of wisdom in these instructions. True men of YHVH are defined by the words they speak, and the keeping of the same. It's like a line from a song on my "Tsiyon Bound" album. "Men of the Great Yahweh"..."men who mean just what they say, truthful men of the great Yahweh".
In the topic considering the battle against the Midyanite kings, we see a blessed benefit of the former truth. Truth in the words and deeds of a Godly man is simple and pure. It is devoid of mixture. It was not so with these Midyanite kings that were acting upon the counsel of Balaam. The prophet couldn't do or say anything to level a curse on the people of YHVH. So, he suggested mixing their pagan ideals with Yah's people--with a deadly end result.
Now, the time has come to "pay the piper". The twelve thousand soldiers in this chapter are chosen equally from each tribe to exact the judgment of YHVH on these kings for their treachery. The victory is complete. Every man of Midyan is slaughtered, along with every man child, and woman who had "known a man". Only 32,000 young girls were spared. Make no mistake; YHVH hates mixture and will judge it today just a surely and He judged the Midyanites.
There is another point of interest concerning the account of this battle. The soldiers chosen were not just your average soldier. These were more likely the elite of their soldiers--the best of the best. I may well have been akin to turning Chuck Norris loose twelve thousand fold on the Midyanites at the same time. It is also noted that all twelve thousand men returned home alive. Because they were "truthful" men doing battle in the name of YHVH, they reaped the blessing of His hand of protection.
There is a parallel point of interest concerning these elite soldiers of Israel. As Moses put together a fighting group of twelve thousand just prior to the first entering of the Promised Land, YHVH will very soon put together an elite fighting group of 144,000--twelve thousand from each tribe. Standing between the enemies of the God of Israel and His remnant, these elite soldiers will do battle in His name and lead His chosen as they re-enter the Promised Land, there to remain forever.
I am continually amazed at the wisdom of the Father. As finite humans, we seldom see His wisdom, even years after it has been manifested. As Father made known to SueJean she was of the tribe of Gad, He made known to me I was of the tribe of Reuben. Hence, this part of our Torah portion has a very special meaning to both of us--His wisdom of joining us together as man and wife. Its, therefore, with strong resolve we stand together to recommend not holding the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Mannaseh accountable.
There is error with the teaching that these tribes somehow fell short of God's intended destiny by not entering the land. The men respectfully made their request of Moses to allow them to remain on the east side of the Jordan River. Agreement was made between Moses and the tribes in question that they would arm themselves for battle along with the other tribes, and not return to their land until the other had received their inheritance. Scripture clearly shows these men upheld their end of the bargain and were held "blameless" (Numbers 32: 22).
By doing what was right, they enables our generation of Reuben, Gad, and Mannaseh to inhabit the same land. For the "right" choice, I will forever be grateful. I've seen some of this land and am looking forward to building my ranch and golf course on its spacious expanse.
There is a point of interest regarding the choice of these tribes to remain east of the Jordan which many may be unaware of and/or on which are afraid to speak because of the threat of political correctness. According to Scripture, the Jordan River IS NOT the eastern boundary of the Promised Land. It is, however, the border of a down payment on the future land of Israel.
Father clearly defines the boundaries of the Promised Land to be inherited by the descendants of Abraham.
"On the same day YHVH made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'I have given this land to your seed, from the river of Mitsrayim (Nile) to the great river, the River Euphrates...'" Genesis 15: 18
These men didn't fail to enter the Promised Land as they are often accused. They just chose not to cross the Jordan. Just lood at a world map. Everything from Bagdad to the Sinai, for parts of Saudi Arabia not to Syria and parts of Tukey is within the boundaries YHVH says belongs to Israel (Sons of Jacob) and his people.
There is one final thought I would like to inject here, one that can be and usually is very easily overlooked. Although these men were held blameless in the eyes of all Israel, Moses did have one correction in their thinking--one that a lot of men and women of our day desperately need to address.
The tribesmen said to Moses in 32: 16, "Let us build sheep-enclosures here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones..." After the agreements were made, Moses replied as follows in 32: 24. "Build cities for your little ones and enclosures for your sheep, and do what you have promised."
The question here is one of priorities. I have heard it rightly said, "the proper order of priority is God first, family second, job or career third, and self last". The thinking of these men had wrongly put their career ahead of their family, necessarily including self along with it. In v. 24, Moses respectfully corrected them with the proper order of priority. In the same spirit, I challenge each man and woman of YHVH. Set a proper order of priority "and do what you have promised".
In closing, I would encourage everyone concerned to quit maligning these men of YHVH and unashamedly grasp the truth. There are many like SueJean and I that stand to inherit this same land and would be equally appreciative of such consideration. Very soon the "Midyanite 2" war (Ezekiel 38-39) will occur and judgment of the enemies of Israel will again fall, this time on an even larger and more devastating scale. Shortly thereafter will be the blessed day we all get to go home!!
Massei - "Stages" Numbers 33:1 - 36:13
I have written before that Torah is in every way living. Since beginning the continuous Torah study cycle nearly three years ago, far more times than not I have found a particular Torah portion to be very applicable to circumstances or challenges I was facing at the precise time of its scheduled reading.
This portion is most certainly one of those times--in a way that somewhat "blew me away". It is like I heard Father speak to my spirit over 30 years ago. "I am speaking to you through My Word. Read it!" Through this portion, He spoke to my spirit and confirmed my faith.
After reading chapter 33 in this portion, and at SueJean's behest, I counted up all of the purposed destinations (or campsites) to which we had journeyed since we left Austin, Texas in June of 2009. Excluding all our one night stays in Wally World parking lots or elsewhere for a short rest, our purposed campsites, including our current site in Tok, Alaska, totaled 42.
I recount this personal testimony NOT to lift up or draw undue attention to ourselves in any way. Rather, in sharing this experience with our readers, I challenge each person to grasp the living nature of YAH's Holy Torah. As He has done repeatedly with SueJean and I, He will do according to your specific circumstances.
More important than a focus upon the number of campsites is identifying that which we left behind along the way. Scripture accounts prove Moses had far less trouble getting his people out of Egypt than he had getting Egypt out of his people. Father has the same problem with His people today.
The children of Israel continually moaned and complained about the lack of food and water in the wilderness and reflected longingly back to Egypt for the pittance they once had. For us today, there is little difference with our dependence upon Wally World, Burger King, that government check, or our careers.
Upon driving out of Austin, we left behind the security of a steady income. With each mile driven, our meager savings disappeared. A separation of ministry ties left our reliance totally upon Father. We left behind family members that still refuse to follow the commands of Torah and would rather coddle careers, friends, and other family members. As for a Wally World or Burger King, the closest venue for us is now over 200 miles.
I would submit for the encouragement of those trying to likewise shed Egypt from their lives the following words from Yeshua.
"And every one that has forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive and hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Matthew 19: 29
In NO way am I saying we have completed our journey and stand ready to enter the promised land. Such would be arrogant and presumptuous to think or say. Rather, I think Father gave this little piece of revelation to show His loving hand of providence upon our lives, as our Master Coach in this game of life.
In light of Deuteronomy 8: 2-3, Father is merely giving us a "report card" on our progress. He has tested us these last two plus years "to know what was in (our) heart, whether (we) would keep His commandments or not". It is rather likely our next campsite will be in the winter wilderness of Alaska--the first of maybe another 42.
In studying Torah under great men like Monte Judah and Mike Clayton for nearly three years, I think I'm just now graduating from third grade. These two men have taught Torah a cumulative 35 years or so. Maybe by the time I've studied that long, I might know enough to get out of Torah high school.
I really think what Father is doing is preparing all of us for chapter 34 in this lesson. He is preparing us for the day we REALLY return to the land. He is writing His Torah on our hearts. He is little by little paring Egypt out of our lives. For, those that insist on clinging to the rudiments of our worldly society will not survive to walk alive into His eternal kingdom.
Here is the heart of the matter. Ten times the people of Moses miserably failed Father's wilderness tests. In the end, only Joshua and Kaleb live to walk into the promised land. It is for us to seriously learn and live out the proper responses to these ten tests. We WILL see them again.
It is not for me to expound further here. Rather, I humbly defer to the expertise of Monte Judah regarding these tests. Below is a link to an article of his on this subject. Heed the instruction and be eternally encouraged.
I would only leave the words of Paul for our readers. From Holy Scripture we have both the questions and correct answers. Learn from the mistakes of the past and walk with us into His kingdom.
"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, UPON WHOM THE ENDS OF THE AGES HAVE COME."
1 Corinthians 10: 11
Sukkot 2012
Homer, Alaska
October 1-8
"Preparing For The Greater Exodus"
Come join us for a REAL wilderness experience...
Friday/Saturday, Lunar, or Sunday Shabbat...
ALL ARE WELCOME!
When it comes to survival, no one will care which day is observed
Only requirements:
1. Love YHVH with all your heart
(Those that love Him will do so in Spirit & Truth)
2. Love your brethren as yourself
(The heart of Torah is kindness toward the brethren)
3. Prove both by pursuing His Torah as given through Moses
(None of us have a complete revelation of Torah...we need each other for that)
YAH's Shalom, DannyLee
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