Category: The Day of Adonai

Signs . . . Pt 2

Wars and Rumors of War

War is messy and destructive. It has also been around nearly, since time began. What we look for in the fulfillment of prophecy is frequency and magnitude. WWI, the war to end all wars was thought to be it. Then just a few years later WWII followed by localized boarder skirmishes. Now if it hasn’t already started technically, certainly, we are on the doorstep of WWIII. So given history, why are so many pointing to what is going on now and saying that this time it is prophecy fulfilled? Another point that we need to address is our western understanding. We have a sense of entitlement, everything must run through us.

Yet, the Word of Elohim is clear. The center of the world, the time piece of history, is Israel. Therefore, any and all prophecy needs to run through and around Israel. With that understanding, until Israel was back on the map in 1948 there couldn’t have been birth pains as described in Matthew 24. Perhaps what we could call all of the previous wars are Braxton Hicks type of labor pains. i think we can safely say that WWII was Braxton Hicks contractions as it prepared the way for the reformation of Israel. It was getting things ready for the real labor pains to come. You see all of end times prophecy involves Israel, period. Now does it effect the rest of the world? Of course. So, lets take a look at what is going on globally.

Here is a partial list of wars, rumors of wars, nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom conflicts around the world. Russia and Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and Serbia, China and Taiwan, North Korea and South Korea, Upheaval of French Africa, Russia and USA (in proxy wars in Ukraine, and Syria). China and USA (if China does invade Taiwan, this will be a major point of conflict). Now lets add to the partial list, activity directly related to Israel. Iran through proxy groups in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, verse Israel. Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinians. Israel and Iran. In support of Israel a western coalition directly engaging the Yemeni Houthis.

i just saw a news article out of Yemen, in which it appears hundreds of thousands, if not a million, protesters in the streets. Not opposing the Houthis, but in support of the Houthis leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi. Condemning the attack by the United States and its allies, referring to the USA as “the Devil.” Again the Houthis are aligned with Iran in support of Hamas against Israel. Add to this the protests against Israel and in support of the Palestinians in its global reach and it numbers in the millions. And don’t forget the involvement of the United Nations, who are supposedly neutral, but full of condemnation for Israel.

So, is what we are seeing a sign? To answer this lets look at Zechariah 12:2-3 — “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. Judah will be besieged, as well as Jerusalem. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.” This is just one passage of many, that gives us an understanding that what we see happening now could very well be part of the actual birth pains Yahoshua described to His disciples. Certainly, if we were just looking at this it would be fair to conclude that this present age of wars, rumors of wars, etc is indeed a sign and part of the birth pains described by Yahoshua.

The Word tells us not to fear, although, fear is a natural response to war. Yet, we know that those that endure will be saved, that is the great hope we have in Messiah. Yahoshua, says, “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom . . .” If we are in the last days, buckle up because, the ride only gets wilder from here.

You are loved,
cj

Signs . . . pt1

“. . . His disciples came to Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal Your return and the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3

i have covered this before but feel given the times we are in and the events happening around the world it would be good to revisit. Yahoshua in the Olivet discourse, sets out a pattern of things to come, signs to look for, prior to His return. With the world on the cusp of WWIII, eschatology, or the study of end times, is off the charts. Speculation, is running rampant, so what are the signs and what do they mean? And why is it important?

First, i do believe it is vitally important that every believer have some clue as to His return. The warnings alone should spark a desire within the very heart of every single believer to look up! But also, it is Yahoshua, Paul, Peter, and many others that say, “do not be fooled.” There is coming a great deception and it will fool many. Even the elect if possible. So what are we to look for according to Yahoshua in Matthew 24? He likens the signs to birth pains. i haven’t given birth but i was very present for the birth of all three of my boys. One thing that happened with all three of them was something known as Braxton Hicks contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions according to the Mayo Clinic are: “‘false’ labor pains. If you’re pregnant, you might have these before true labor. They’re your body’s way of getting ready for the real thing. But they don’t mean labor has started or is about to begin.” Do not be fooled by folks who try to make everything that happens some sort of sign of the imminent return of Messiah Yahoshua. Don’t get swept away by predictions, for “no man knows the day or the hour.” With that said, know what to look for so you will not be deceived.

So what are the true birth pains? Well, there are two things to consider, first, what specifically did Yahoshua point out to His disciples? Second, is there an uptick in frequency? We will begin with what Yahoshua said, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will lead many astray.” Matthew 24:4-5 Again, this can not be stated enough, do not be lead astray!

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these things are the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:6-8

So what do we have here, wars, rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, famines, and earthquakes. Well, can we check the box on any or all of these? Over the next several posts we will look at each of these more in-depth. This and the next set of warning signs, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:9-12

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13
Enduring to the end is another ther theme of end times prophecy that gets over looked maybe even more so than the warning to not be led astray. The big sign, however, in all of this is; “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24:15-16

So are we in the birth pains? Or are the things happening now just Braxton Hicks type pains? Again, this is what we will explore over the next several posts. Regardless of what we find, we are in for a wild ride. So buckle up!

You are loved,

cj

Great American Prophet

“YHWH your Elohim will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, according to all you desired of YHWH your Elohim in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let us not hear again the voice of YHWH our Elohim, nor let us see this great fire anymore, lest we die.’ And YHWH said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which he speaks in My name, I will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which YHWH has not spoken?’ — When a prophet speaks in the name of YHWH, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which YHWH has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.” Deuteronomy 18:15-22

It’s election season again in America and the prophets are out in full force with their, “Thus says the Lord,” prophetic word. i am not calling out any by name but instead giving insight as to what the Word says and how to interpret or see who is a false prophet or one who speaks presumptuously, after eating his ham sandwich he purchased from the deli on the Sabbath. Deuteronomy 18:22 says, “When a prophet speaks in the name of YHWH, if that thing does NOT happen or come to pass, that is the thing which YHWH has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.” There are a lot folks who are still following and promoting some of the ‘Great American Prophets’ which pretty much got every aspect of the 2020 election wrong. Yet, folks still cling to every word and are hopeful still about more ‘prophetic words’ that again have yet to come to pass.

The Word says to test: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from Elohim, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

We are called to be like Bereans: “These were more fair-minded than the Thessalonians, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11

i don’t know for sure but it seems to me that if YHWH were going to speak to a prophet today, He would do so using His name and not a translated title. He says He is not the Elohim of confusion. He isn’t going to contradict Himself, He isn’t going to mislead His prophets, He isn’t a liar. Yahoshua came in the name of YHWH and was rejected. He warned that others would come in their own name and be received. There is power in the Name of YHWH Elohim (For more on what’s in a name click here).

What causes so many to remain loyal to modern day ‘prophets’? The word is clear about the way to recognize a false prophet. It is also clear of the warnings. For further study here are some verses you can look up on how to spot, and the warnings about listening to, false prophets.

Jeremiah 14:14
Jeremiah 29:8-9
Deuteronomy 13:1-4
2 Peter 2:1-3
2 Timothy 4:3-4
Add more in the comments:

As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way MORE AND MORE like MESSIAH, who is the head of His body, the church.” Ephesians 4:14-15

Be watchful, be like those in Berea, study to show yourself approved.

You are loved,
cj

Abandon Your Faith

It seems many walk away from faith in Elohim because of bad experiences within the Church. Either that or because they, “prayed and prayed, but nothing happened.” Both of these excuses are selfish as our example, Yahoshua’s garden prayer, “Let this cup pass from me,” was not answered. Yet, He still walked the road to Golgotha. Our example, Yahoshua from a heart of compassion while being brutally murdered cried, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” In the midst of abandonment, our example, Yahoshua, found Peter who denied ever knowing Yahoshua, even to the point of cursing, and ask him, “Do you love Me?” And then said, “Feed My sheep.”

“I have said all these things to you so that you will not abandon your faith. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to Elohim. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor Me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.” (John 16:1-4)

Our example, Yahoshua, told them they would be expelled from the Synagogues, the churches of the day. That they would be killed in the name of Elohim, out of ignorance. For they will believe they are serving Elohim. Look at Paul, he pursued the believers relentlessly in the name of Elohim. Paul/Saul was there at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:51-60). Paul, who had faith in Elohim, came to know the Messiah on the road to Damascus. Even though His mission to Damascus was one of persecution, Yahoshua, revealed Himself. This shows us Paul’s heart, he loved Elohim, his desire was for Him, and he was open to receive.

The early Church met in the Synagogues. They were a sect of judaism known as the “Sect of the Nazarene.” Yet, because of their belief in Yahoshua Messiah, they were expelled. Scattered among the nations, this Sect of the Nazarene did not abandon their faith but proclaimed it. “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the Word.” (Acts 8:1). It was because they knew both the Father and the Son, they believed in their hearts that Yahoshua truly was the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

There is coming, not long from now, a persecution the Church has never seen. Many are unprepared, as they wait for a pre-tribulation rapture event. Scripture tells a different story. One of great persecution and trial and death. One where the world seeks to wipe from the face of the earth all who call on the Name of Yahoshua. If you are not prepared to endure you might find yourself in the shoes of Peter, denying and cursing the name of Yahoshua. Even perhaps, in the shoes of Judas, betraying those who call on the name of Yahoshua. We are called to endure, with the hope of knowing, we, as did Yahoshua, will rise again. We will rule and reign with Him in eternity. Only be ready to holdfast, endure to the end.

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.”

You are loved,
cj

Die

“. . . ‘Let’s go, too — and die with Yahoshua.’” John 11:16

This statement was made by one later dubbed, doubting Thomas. How does one go from charge to retreat? It happens with a lack of understanding. Once Thomas fully understood he once again picked up the mantle and charged forward for Yahoshua, dying a martyr. There is coming a time, i believe not too far into the future, that we will be faced with a choice. The choice, to live in this world that is fallen and deny Yahoshua Messiah our Adonai or die.

Revelation 13:15 describes it thusly, “And it was allowed to give breath to the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.” Some will say that the rapture will take place before this and therefore the “Christian” needn’t worry. Unfortunately, if they are wrong, which i believe Scripture shows, i fear many of them will fall away for lack of understanding.

Now is the time to build your faith. To deny yourself, and live for Yahoshua. To stop participating in the fallen nature, in a fallen world. Stop the compromise of entertaining evil, and practicing those things that Scripture calls detestable, or abominable.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of Elohim in Messiah Yahoshua for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophesies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the Elohim of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Adonai Yahoshua Messiah. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Martha, the sister of Lazarus, in the eleventh chapter of John makes the following statement and confession; “. . . I know that he (Lazarus) will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” And, “Yes, Adonai; I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of Elohim, who is coming into the world.” (John 11:24,27)

This needs to be our confession regardless of what comes of our lives. Are you ready to die for Yahoshua? That is a hard question, especially for the western church as it lives on positive experiences and not the harsh reality, of the ever increasing intolerance of the Elohim of the Bible and His Son Yahoshua. The Jesus of the coexist movement is a false-Christ. Seriously, are ready to be a martyr? Not a martyr like the Muslims teach, in which you attempt to take out as many infidels as possible. But, a martyr for Yahoshua, in which you proclaim the truth of salvation to the world in hopes of saving even just one.

“Come out of her, My people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and Elohim has remembered her iniquities.” Revelation 18:4-5

Are you ready to die for Yahoshua?

You are loved,
cj

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Leaving so soon?

“I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of YHWH. YHWH has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to YHWH. This is the gate of YHWH; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank You that You have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Psalm 118:17-22

It seems the world, driven by the elite’s, is seeking new ways to eternal life. We can look at organizations like the World Economic Forum, or corporations like Meta and its creation of the Metaverse. We can also look at the progress being made in the world of AI. It seems the faster technology expands the greater the desire for eternal life. Yet with all of the worlds progress towards this goal the one actual road that leads to eternity is being missed all together. Perhaps because it is narrow and not wide open, maybe because it calls to us from a place of righteousness, sacrifice, and surrender. It doesn’t come with a promise to be easy, only that in the end, it will be worth it.

The adage, “what have you done for me lately”, plays like a symphony to selfish side of our humanity. Yahoshua points this out in John 6:26-27; “Hear this now, what I say to you, you are seeking Me not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him Elohim the Father has set His seal.”

It is this nature within humanity, which is a result of the fall recorded in Genesis, that harkens us to desire worldly pleasure. It overcomes us because the flesh is weak. The same lie satan told Eve in the garden is the same lie he is still whispering to us today, “Did Elohim really say?” If he can get us to doubt he can then entice us to walk the wide path that leads to destruction. Unlike what the world would have us believe there are only two roads, two options, a fork in the road that at some point each of us must decide, “Should I go to the left, with its wide path, full of people, doing as they please? Or, should I go to the right, although it looks narrow, and there are few people on it?”

Yahoshua, recorded by Matthew puts it this way; “Go in through the narrow gate; for the gate that leads to destruction is wide and the road broad, and many travel it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Those that follow Yahoshua with the idea, “what have you done for me lately,” are more susceptible to the changing wind of doctrine we are warned of in Scripture. A new or different gospel. When Yahoshua explained to all that were following Him that there is a level of commitment beyond just being fed, many walked away.

“After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” John 6:66 it seems a fitting verse number doesn’t it? So many teach of great prosperity, no harm, no sickness, only blessings, manna from heaven. Yet, the Bread of Life, Yahoshua teaches a different truth. A narrow path. He calls us to endure, tells us that we will be hated, even killed, for following Him. This is the way that leads to eternal life. Our life in this present age is short, eternity, is well forever! So the question Yahoshua asked the remaining few is the same question He asks the few now, “Are you also going to leave?” How will you answer Him?

He never promised it would be easy, He only promises it will be worth it. These new teachings, new doctrines, new paths to enlightenment, are not new. They are the same lie the serpent told in the garden. Who will you believe? The Creator of the Universe or the fallen one? There is one way, Yahoshua, The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Call upon His name, seek first His Kingdom. Put on the full armor of Elohim, and stand ready to endure what is quickly approaching.

When things get tough, are you also going to leave?

You are loved,
cj

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He is Coming.

It’s faint, in the distance, the group falls silent. How far, is hard to tell. Yet, it is distinct like the sound of one walking a trail in a thick forest. The sound brings with it a feeling, and it inspires the senses. A smell of pine in the air along with falls crisp morning. Even in the house one feels as if their very souls were as dew settling on the grass. It is both comforting and alarming. Sitting around the table a hush has fallen as they search each others eye’s and yet look past them. It’s hard to think about. It’s wonderful, yet it is also unknown. Silence is broken as one musters up the strength, in a quiet breath, just slightly above a whisper, “He’s coming.”

This is not a new scene. It has played out before. Once in a garden, once in a stable, and now. The feeling of what is to come has been here before and all along. He walked in the garden and we hid in our shame. Later, He was birthed in a stable covered in blood. Then a man He would hang on a tree, bloody, bearing no shame of His own but ours, willingly. He approaches again, to settle accounts, who has enough to pay the debt? No one. Yet, no one need pay anything. The debt has already been paid. Only receive it by faith through repentance. Time whispers, “He’s coming.”

As the foot steps grow louder, you can feel the earth shake with anticipation as it longs for restoration. Nature shifts, the waves roar, the storms rage, but man misses His approach, consumed by self, what must we do? Surely we must do something. Nature becomes humanities focus even while nature whispers, “He’s coming.”

The noise is deafening. It is hard to think clearly. Life consumes, the destroyer wages war on the soul of humanity, whom the destroyer hates, with distraction after distraction. The destroyer knows how, having studied the likeness of He who is coming, the destroyer lays out traps as only the destroyer can do. The destroyers time is running out, with every footstep heard, the noise doesn’t deaden the sound for the destroyer knows all too well his fate. The destroyer hesitant to acknowledge, whispers, “He’s coming.”

Most are unprepared. Many are without understanding. Lost in their perceived reality, devoid of the impending doom. Few have enough oil to get through the night. Night is coming. Do you have enough oil for your lamp? Go and buy oil without money. Put out the distractions from your mind. Sit in silence. Be still. Listen. Get ready. Every soul willingly or unwillingly, whispers, “He’s coming.”

He is coming.

You are loved,

cj

Labor Day Special

“. . . holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Messiah I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:16

There are a few head scratching things about a Labor Day Special. The very idea of it is to draw in business, increasing sales; “come in today for ‘Unbelievable Labor Day Specials!’” However, who is it that is going to help you? A Laborer. What is Labor Day anyway? According to the History Channel, and i take extreme liberty in paraphrasing, (read more about Labor Day here) it is a day to celebrate the laborer. Yet we have decided the best way to celebrate is to have sales that require laborers to labor on Labor Day. We have a lot of weird things in our culture like this, “Black Friday” the day after Thanksgiving just to name another. Mostly people buying things for the sake of a sale. We are a consumer driven society, we want things and we will go out of our way to buy them on sale.

Lately, i have been noticing a few more empty shelves. In some instances i am noticing lots of shelves filled with the same product, seemingly because there is an abundance of one and a lack of another. So to keep the appearance of looking stocked, they just put out what they have. Have you been hearing any rumblings of an impending food shortage? According to Business Insider, “Zoom out and it’s clear: A food crisis is unfolding around the world, with prices shooting up everywhere.”

One of the things i enjoy is watching prepper channels on YouTube. Most of them have cool, innovative, solutions for general crisis and natural disasters that would make life easier during a difficult time. However, if you are a student of history one thing you should know is that in times of war and in times of famine, food becomes incredibly valuable. In Germany in the lead up to extreme Jewish persecution the government came and confiscated food. During the occupation of Eastern Europe food rationing was a big part of how they controlled the citizenry. Of course one would say, that wouldn’t happen here, and to a degree one would be right. However, food is a powerful tool. When a population is hungry and they are told a certain group is hoarding food, it sorta creates a different dynamic. In a crisis certain things are enacted, water rationing, rolling blackouts, so if one hopes to be a survivalist, you will need to understand each facet with all the moving parts. Think you are safe because you own your own land or grow your own food . . . Just look at this article by The Western Journal.

Here is my point, i certainly do not want to discourage anyone from preparing for disaster or crisis, especially given the times in which we live. However, do so quietly. No fan-far. Fly under the radar the best you can. But now for this advice, and this advice is free, yet, it may just be the most valuable piece of advice i can give. It comes from Revelation 3:16-22.

“SO, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘Rich I am, and I am made rich, and need none at all,’ and do not know that you are wretched, and pitiable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so that you become rich; and white garments, so that you become dressed, so that the shame of your nakedness might not be shown; and anoint your eyes with ointment, so that you see. As many as I love, I reprove and discipline. So be ardent and repent. See, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I shall come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I shall give to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”

You are loved,

cj

You seek the impossible!

Be encouraged; seek unity; love one another; These three statements are becoming increasingly difficult to live. Yet, throughout the New Testament we are told to live this way. How are we to be encouraged when looking at the direction of this world, unless one chooses to live in ignorance? How is one to seek unity when every issue is so divisive? How are we to love one another in such a fractured world? i don’t pretend to know all the answers but let me at least point us in a direction to explore.

Be encouraged. There’s a war, rumors of wars, violence of every kind, inflation at never before seen levels, pandemics, a food shortage brewing, and the list could continue. So how exactly is one to “be encouraged?” Here are a few verses to ponder. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 “For Elohim did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Adonai Yahshua ha’Mashiah, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort (encourage) each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” Here is one that i find personally encouraging, Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Seek unity. We are being divided by, race, gender identity, social economic classes, political affiliation, vaccine status, pro this or anti that, and the absolute vitriol that comes from certain sides is frightening as it is full of unseen hypocrisy by those spewing it. Yet, let us consider these words. Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Is this calling us to compromise? Not at all! Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Elohim’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Later in this passage it says; “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18). This brings us to . . .

Love one another. How do you love someone who seemingly hates you? How do you show love to one who uses you or is evil? The Romans passage continues (12:19-21) “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of Elohim, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says YWHW. ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Colossians 3:12-14 puts it this way; “Therefore, as chosen ones of Elohim, holy and beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other if anyone has a complaint against another, indeed as Messiah forgave you so also should you forgive.”

There is one point i feel needs to be made. When talking about unity, or love, or encouraging one another, in the context of the Church it is done to and for the unity of the Body of Believers. It is through our love for fellow believers of the WAY, that we achieve unity in the Body of Messiah and are able to truly encourage one another. It is in this genuine fellowship that those that are not of the WAY see us as a light on a hill, set apart, different. And in that we hope for the opportunity to share the Gospel of our Messiah Yahshua. Yes, we love everyone. Yes, we encourage, and yes we seek to live in unity with all, however, not at the expense of our commitment to holiness found in Yahshua ha’Mashiah.

Therefore, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25

You are loved,

cj

Flee from idolatry

“And YWHW spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the poeple of Israel and say to them, I am YWHW your Elohim. You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow My rules and keep My statutes and walk in them. I am YWHW your Elohim. You shall therefore keep My statutes and My rules, if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am YWHW.’” Leviticus 18:1-5

“These are the laws and the statutes that you shall be careful to do in the land that YWHW Elohim of your fathers, has given you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth. You shall surely destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. You shall tear down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and burn their Asherim with fire. You shall chop down the carved images of their gods and destroy their name out of that place. You shall not worship YWHW your Elohim in that way. But you shall seek the place that YWHW your Elohim will choose out of all your tribes to put His name and make His habitation there.” Deuteronomy 12:1-5

Have we as a church allowed the influences of the world to creep in on the things of YWHW our Elohim? Have we, as Israel, forgotten that our Elohim is jealous for us? i fear that as we embrace the traditions of man over the appointed Feasts of our Adonai, we are in a way doing as Israel did time and time again. We don’t possess the land, so i am not calling for violence or to take the measures outlined in the verses above. However, in a spiritual sense, i am saying, that we need to purge these things from our life as to not blend man’s tradition with Elohim’s statutes or His Feasts.

YWHW our Elohim is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As He revealed Himself through Yahshua, He didn’t somehow condone idolatry. He didn’t say, it was now okay to worship anyway we see fit. What He did do is affirm our need for a Saviour and dependance on the Holy Spirit in our lives. We cannot serve two masters. We are still to flee idolatry. We should be growing closer to YWHW our Elohim through Yahshua by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and forming our worship of Him through His instruction. How we worship matters, it has always mattered, and it will matter when we see Him, shouldn’t we then focus our attention on the ways He has outlined for us?

You are loved,

cj