Tag: dailyprompt

Finding Hope: A Personal Story of Faith

Finding Hope: A Personal Story of Faith
Daily writing prompt
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever found (and kept)?
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When I was a boy, somewhere around eight, my family picked up for the summer and traveled the country singing. We sang in churches mainly, but some houses and a few lodges, being used as a church meeting place. my parents were both raised Christian. my dad’s dad was a Pastor and Denominational Leader. my mom was raised by an Uncle and Aunt. Her Uncle was a pastor. my parents met at a Christian Youth Camp. They would correspond for some time and eventually get together and marry.

When my parents began having kids of their own they vowed to raise them in the Church. And so they did. i am the youngest of three. One thing my parents were passionate about was singing. So it was natural for them to form a family singing group. We each participated in the singing ministry. my sister was the sound technician, running the sound board and mixer. my brother and i participated by singing. We both sang three songs, a solo, a duet together, and a trio with our dad. my brother had the better singing voice than i but we were all celebrated for our talents.

This was our parent’s faith, and it was fun growing up with it. We attended camps, retreats, Faith night at Disneyland, and Magic Mountain, both located in Southern California where we lived. We traveled the country visiting National Parks, museums, and family. Making new friends along the way too. It was a joyful upbringing. Yet, the faith of my parents was just that it was their faith. i understood little, and tried to understand less. The few times i expressed interest it was shortly extinguished by my response to peers or by Church leadership.

When i was in my early twenties, i experienced a low point in life. Until that point, it was the lowest. i found myself lost and alone. In a small prayer chapel of my youth i took refuge as an adult and there i encountered Yahoshua. This time for myself. Pouring over my life, my mistakes, and my beliefs i was prompted to read. I knelt at the altar and opened the Bible and found Philippians 3:12-14. It spoke to my soul. It reads:

“It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal. No, but I keep pursuing it. In the hope of taking hold of that for which the Messiah Yahoshua took hold of me. Brothers, I, for my part, do not think of myself as having yet gotten hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me and straining forward toward what lies ahead. I keep pursuing the goal. That is, to win the prize offered by Elohim and the upward calling in Messiah Yahoshua.“

Here it was, my faith, my journey, my calling. Reaching out to me, in a moment of crises, was my Savior. He was saying, “get up, dust yourself off, I am here with you.” That is exactly what i did. my life hasn’t always been roses. i have screwed up more times than i would like to share. However, if you read through my blog you will get a glimpse. Each time I fall, He reminds me of this story, this encounter, this truth. He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Now, I write, not to give you my faith but to help you discover yours. This is the Way of the Rabbi. He shares with you the how and the why. Then He invites you to join Him. It is your choice, based on your faith, revealed by your action. For He has already demonstrated His.

Will you mess up, certainly, but He who calls you is able to complete the work He began in you. That is a promise. Won’t you start today your journey with Him?

You are loved,
cj

Embrace Your Inner Child: The Joy of Being a Kid at Heart

Embrace Your Inner Child: The Joy of Being a Kid at Heart
Daily writing prompt
What does it mean to be a kid at heart?
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I use to be a story teller. I could spin a yarn with the best of them. Woven with bloated experiences peppered with drama and excitement. They would keep the hearer on the edge of their seat with anticipation. The next minute, they’d bring tear-filled laughter. I could hush a crowd. You could hear a pin drop. I could whip the emotions into a teary heart felt response. Most of the time my stories began, “Once, when I was eight.”

There is something about youthful stories that capture the attention of people. Whether it is a shared experience of like manner or living vicariously through the story-teller. Everyone, has something about their childhood they can see or hear in others. We all have moments when we think, “if I had only done this or that when I was younger.” Just fill in the blank, you know it’s true.

Even in the worst of circumstances kids are full of hope and faith. They see the good, they hope for the best. Sure, they can be greedy, and selfish, all on their own. Inner traits that all humans have, yet still their innocence always brings them to hope and faith. They can, if fostered well, exhibit both compassion and kindness. They can forgive easily and move on as if nothing happened. Their love is unconditional, until they learn conditional traits.

Yahoshua on occasion used the idea of children to teach others how to live. In Matthew we have two passages that highlight this idea. Let’s look at these two instances, Matthew 18:3-4 and Matthew 19:13-15. Let’s start with Matthew 19. Here the scene is one we are all familiar with. You are around friends and you are having a discussion. Suddenly, the kids begin to interrupt the conversation whether by intention or just youthful exuberance. You or someone becomes annoyed and tells them to go and play someplace else, or to quiet down. In this instance people were bringing the kids to Yahoshua and upsetting the disciples hearing of their teacher.

“Then children were brought to Him that He might pray for them. The disciples rebuked the people. Yahoshua said, “Let the little children come to me. Do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And He prayed for the children before departing.”

What was Yahoshua trying to say here? Simply, that we must have the heart of a child. They are hungry to learn and grow. I don’t mean classroom learning, although some kids thrive there. The learning I am talking about is life learning. Watching and learning, listening and learning, then exhibiting the behaviors learned. They are like sponges. We can see this by another analogy He uses in Matthew 9:17. “Neither is new wine put into old wine-skins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wine-skins, and so both are preserved.” The idea here was simply the need for a willing heart. To receive this deeper fuller understanding of the instructions of Elohim.

This lifestyle of Yahoshua wasn’t predicated on the letter of the law but the spirit behind it. As Micah 6:8 describes. “He has told you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you? You must do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your Elohim.” In short, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. This was the point of the Sermon on the Mount. “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder. Whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” This word for angry can also be translated as ‘hates.’ Anyone hating his brother, or fellow man, is liable as unto murder.

This lifestyle understanding of the instruction of Elohim was new wine and needed a fresh perspective. This is why Yahoshua desired so much that we the hearers of His word approach it with childlike faith. Which brings us to Matthew 18:3-4. Here, Yahoshua is asked about the greatest in the Kingdom. Isn’t like humanity to always want to know or to see or to be the greatest? Paul eludes to this when he talks about being content in all situations and circumstances. Let’s look at Yahoshua’s response.

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

What was it that Yahoshua was saying? He was simply saying, that like a child is dependent upon his mother and father, we too should be dependent. This is the way of the Rabbi. We should receive instruction from the Father like sponges. We should walk in humbleness, in hope, and in faith. We should be quick to forgive others. We should be playful and inquisitive. We should desire the fellowship of family. We should love Yahweh our Elohim with all our heart, soul and strength. If we love Him, we will obey Him. We will seek to be pleasing to Him. Like a kid trying to make his mom breakfast on mother’s day, we should seek ways to serve Him. Even if we don’t know everything or have all the skills, simply find a place to serve. Serve others, love your neighbor as yourself.

“And now these three remain; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with Elohim. Through our Adonai Yahoshua Messiah. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of Elohim. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings. Knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character. Moreover, character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame. Because Elohim’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

This is the way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Understanding Yahoshua’s (Jesus’) Teachings

Understanding Yahoshua’s (Jesus’) Teachings
Daily writing prompt
What’s something you believe everyone should know.
View all responses

An on going email conversation with two Mormon Missionaries. Part 4. i encourage you to go back and read parts one, two and three. Although, it isn’t absolutely necessary it would be beneficial.

Greetings Elders,

First, thank you for your in-depth and thoughtful response. There is much we agree on but of course this discourse is intended to highlight our differences. This not to argue but to convince, in a debate of ideas and understanding. Is this not the concept of disciple making? To present truth in hopes that one receive it and choose it . . . the very idea of changing ones mind. To this i venture. 

A divergence of understanding appears to be in the idea of what was intended by the Sermon on the Mount. Although, i do agree it was to present clarity and a deeper understanding of how to live life. In my previous response i mentioned definitions for what i believe much of this debate hinges on these understandings. As you mentioned Yahoshua said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17). – If we stop here, even with little understanding, we should be able to draw a conclusion. What Yahoshua intended the meaning to be.

Even more so, His audience who were mostly Jews of the tribe of Judah. As well, ‘Benjamites’ of the tribe of Benjamin. Of course, perhaps a remnant of the other tribes. Certainly some Levites, but at this time in history only the southern kingdom had been regathered after the Babylonian exile. As we would later read, Yahoshua says, that even those remaining would soon be scattered. So what was His intended meaning? To abolish is to eradicate, to do away with completely. Whereas, He did not come to do such a thing but to fulfill them. What fulfillment was necessary? The idea here is not fulfill in terms of ending them. 

As you quoted from Alma 34: 14. “And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.” i would have to agree. Yahoshua is the perfect atoning sacrifice. This Atonement was necessary and did fulfill once for all the requirement of death for sin. It did not end the necessity for sacrifice altogether however, as i alluded to in my previous email. The sacrificial system will return during the millennial reign of Yahoshua. Why? Briefly so that i may make my point. The Levitical Priesthood will be reinstated and as we read in the Torah, the Levites were not to own land. They were not given a portion of the inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Rather, within the tribes they were given homes. This was due to their intended purpose as priests and ministers. The sacrificial system was, of course, pleasing to Elohim. It also provided offerings to take care of the Levites with food and provisions. This again will be the case.

So back to the idea of fulfillment. If there is no temple and no Levitical Priesthood there is no opportunity for sacrifice. Nor is there a need to provide for a Levitical Priesthood within the realm of tribal land. So with this knowledge let us look at possible definitions for the term fulfill based on this context.

Fulfilled: “to fulfill” is used in Torah to reference sacrifice. In the context stated above this seems to correlate well with what Yahoshua was presenting. As John the Baptist declared on the shores of the river. “Behold the Lamb of Elohim, who takes away the sin of the world.” Further, a deeper examination of the word fulfill shows it means to “fill up.” It also means “to make full” or “to bring fullness.” If we were to stop at verse 17, these ideas might not work entirely by themselves. However, it doesn’t end with 17. Yahoshua continues; “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away. Not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Now in light of verse 18, the definition “to bring fullness” makes much more sense than to end. Here, accomplish, becomes the defining word of the statement, which is to say; “end of.” So what then defines accomplished? A new heaven and a new earth. To my knowledge this has yet to occur. Could we still debate the matter even in light of verse 18? Perhaps, if we wanted to argue semantics. However i feel verse 19 closes any such debate. “Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever does them and teaches them, will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.” It seems quite clear to me, a westerner peering into a culture not my own. A simple graft into the natural branch as Paul writes in Romans. What is being communicated. 

With all of this, we must then take into account, who again was His intended audience at this moment? This will reveal even greater understanding as we listen with their ears. You see the Torah, was intended as a permanent covenant and the Sabbath as an eternal symbol of that covenant. (See Exodus 31:13 & 17). It was instituted not with the giving of the Torah but at creation itself. To do away with it would be to call Elohim a liar, heaven forbid we do such a thing. To say Yahoshua presented a different gospel message is to call Him a false prophet. A liar even, heaven forbid!    

Law: For further clarification our modern translations do humanity an injustice as they have translated Torah to Law when a more true definition of Torah is: Instruction, or Teaching and Instruction. So are we to say that YHWH’s teaching and instruction is done away with? By no means, may it not be so . . . Yahoshua brought depth of meaning and an exemplary lifestyle. To say it wasn’t possible to know all that would happen, cannot be said, for Yahoshua taught from the Tanakh. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27

Perfect Law: Regarding “Perfect Law” we can take from it the same principle as above and say, “Perfect Instruction.” When Yahoshua was confronted and asked, “’Teacher, what is the greatest commandment (OR instruction)?’ Yahoshua replied, ‘You shall love Adonai your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law (Instruction) and the Prophets.” The response of the Pharisees and Scribes was one of acceptance. Why? Because it wasn’t new. Yahoshua was quoting from the Torah. He was in fact quoting from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. “Hear, O Israel:” This phrase in Hebrew is ‘SHEMA’ and it means ‘Hear and Obey’.

The whole passage here in Deuteronomy became known as the Shema, a daily prayer. “Hear and Obey, O people Israel, YHWH our Elohim, YHWH is one. You shall love YHWH your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Although, this is where Yahoshua’s quote ends. We can conclude very reasonably that those hearing Him would have known the exact context of it. Continuing with verse 6-9. “You shall teach them diligently to your children. You shall talk of them regularly. When you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” 

There was nothing new being presented. Only a fuller understanding. You have been told My people how to live and how to worship and how to honor. Yahoshua adds to the answer to the Scribes and Pharisees. “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law (instruction) and the Prophets.” Here Yahoshua draws from Leviticus 19:18. “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am YHWH.” This was surely a stinging rebuke to the Scribes and Pharisee. Who were not only jealous of Yahoshua’s following, but His command of Scripture as well. Are these perfect law? Yes, i would agree but they are not new revelations but a deeper, fuller understanding of Torah. It is why an understanding of Torah is absolutely necessary to discern what is truth and what is a lie. To see what has always been and what has been added or even removed.  

The Word made Flesh: The Apostle John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim and the Word was Elohim.” Later in the same chapter he writes, “. . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Isaiah says, “. . . and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which is translated, ‘Elohim with us.’” Understanding this makes it difficult to believe that Yahoshua would change the character of Elohim. It also makes it difficult to believe that He would alter the instruction or nature of Elohim. The Psalmist writes, “The Torah of YHWH is perfect. It revives the soul. The testimony of YHWH is trustworthy. It makes wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7). Yahoshua is recorded by John in Chapter 17 in what is known as the High Priestly Prayer. He says: “I have given them Your Word.” He then says, “Set them apart for holiness, by means of the Truth. Your Word is Truth.” The very idea that Elohim would change after chastising, rebuking, and exiling His set apart people is nowhere found in Scripture. Yahoshua came and said, and did, only what was instructed by the Father.

Contradiction: Clearly, as stated and presented here, there is no room for contradiction. If there is one present, there are only two conclusions. One, we have misinterpreted a passage or two, there is a false teacher/prophet spouting things they should not. i would continue but i fear to beat a dead horse.

i am sorry to hear of Elder –– departure i hope that all is well and it is not for any major concerns, health or otherwise. Will his email still be active? Corresponding with him and you via email would still be something i would hope to continue. 

Until the next . . .
You are loved,
cj  

Finding Strength in Brokenness: My Path to Healing

Finding Strength in Brokenness: My Path to Healing
Daily writing prompt
What have you been working on?
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me. For years and years, i had believed it, it was my responsibility to work on other people. So much so, i neglected myself. In so doing, my life is tattered with failures and brokenness. In 2020, during a strange year in history, i made a series of poor choices. These choices led to the breaking of my marriage, family, and ministry. To top things off my mom passed away from colon cancer. It was rapid and felt like a whirlwind. my life was collapsing around me and it was now out of my control. A place i did not know, for i prided myself on being in control.

The only good thing is that i still had my relationship with Jesus. In all the brokenness, He never left, He never let go. In fact, He stirred me. He awakened in me a desire to know Him more intimately. This became my driving force. i sought him eagerly. A daily routine was made in which i started and ended my day with Him. my day was also filled with prayer, better yet, conversations with Jesus. In one of those mornings, i read Philippians 2:12. This wasn’t unfamiliar to me, i had read it many times, probably preached on it hundreds of times. It says: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

my ongoing conversation with God was, “What now, Lord?” “So now.” As i read this tears filled my eyes. It was as if the voice of the Lord was saying, “What now you ask? So now, obey my instruction. Even if you feel I am a million miles away, obey. Stop worrying about what others are doing and start caring about what you are doing. Work out your own salvation with Me. Learn what it is to love and to honor. What does fear and trembling mean to you? For it is ME who works in you and it brings Me great pleasure to so.”

This began my journey of working on me. In so doing i sought God through it all. Leaned on Him for understanding and wisdom. Putting behind me what i thought i knew and like a new born baby, craved the Word like milk. And the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, like a mother’s embrace. The last five years have been, me working on me, with direction from the Word. It has lead me into discovering the Way of the Rabbi. It has stirred in me a desire to call Jesus by His given name, Yahoshua. To call the Father Yahweh. To refer to Him as Elohim, and Adonai. It has brought me to the Abrahamic covenant, the order of Melchizedek, to Moses, and the Way of the Rabbi. Yahoshua, the Word made flesh.

And now, i write about Elohim, working on me. To make me what He wants me to be and what i have learned along the way. In hopes that it inspires others. You even, who are reading this right now, to do the same. To “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” i invite you to join me on my journey, i call the Way of the Rabbi. You can read my transformation through the years. i hope that my working on myself, if anything, inspires you to work on yourself.

You are loved,
cj

Navigating Belonging: My Journey with Faith and Identity

Navigating Belonging: My Journey with Faith and Identity
Daily writing prompt
Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.
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I feel out of place pretty much everywhere I go. The reality is I don’t know how to fit in! What does it look like? I try to be me no matter what is going on. Some would say that is boring and predictable, maybe. Yet, still, it is where I am most comfortable. Do I have my moments, surely I do. And, I regret them every single time. I try to learn from those experiences and hopefully not repeat them again. However, with all that, what really makes me feel out of place is my heartbeat.

I have a growing desire to live for Yahoshua, as He lived. Recently, I sat down with a couple of Mormon Missionaries. They had shown up at my door one evening that I was feeling particularly vulnerable for someone to talk to. This doesn’t happen often as I am a hermit by nature. A dwelling in the cleft of a rock or a tiny home in Alaska. All I would need is some food, a wood burning stove, some books and a typewriter. Leave me alone and GET OFF MY LAWN! Regardless, I invited them back to discuss faith and life.

Which they of course gladly accepted, although they pushed for it more than I offered. When they arrived I felt guilty as my intention was to put the smack down on their faith. You see, admittedly, at times I feel superior in knowledge. At other times I feel as if I know nothing at all. This is a big reason for feeling out of place everywhere I go. In the end, after they arrived and were seated, I confessed to them my previous intention. I gave them the history of my life. I then asked them where they were from and we parted ways with the idea of further communication via email.

The following is the my latest response to them regarding a question of differences. I am sharing it here to express my feelings of being out of place. Even in my journey of faith, I feel homeless. Even still I hope that this will inspire you to read, research, and explore. The idea of what is to walk, the way of the Rabbi.

Greetings Friends.
To the question of differences between the 7th Day Adventists and Hebrew Roots. i must before i dive into this answer state that i am neither but somewhere in-between. 7th Day as well as most of modern Christianity, separate Elohim’s laws into categories. Whether it be the Moral Law, Ceremonial Law, or the Civil Law. However, they differ from modern Christianity. They hold that all 10 commandments, which fall under the category of Moral Law, are to be observed. Whereas modern Christianity moves the observance of the 7th Day Sabbath to the Lord’s Day, 8th Day Sabbath, Head of the Week – Head of the Church, however, one might define their rebellion. 

7th Day’ers also adhere to the dietary law, some in fact, hearkening back to Genesis and being vegetarians. However this is where the separation begins with the Hebrew Roots movement. The idea being found throughout scripture that the law applies to both the Hebrew and the foreigner living among them. In Romans it says that the Gentile is grafted into Israel. The Covenants made with Israel are “Forever.” Therefore, one simply concludes that the gentile is to learn the way of the Hebrew. This of course in a nutshell, isn’t wrong in its understanding but begins to vary in its application. 

The moniker i choose to go by is Messianic, however this too is problematic at best. The original followers of Yahoshua were of course Talmidim, which is where we today get Disciples, they were students. The classification given to them early on was, “Followers of the Way.” Simply, based on the very words of Yahoshua, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Of course we read in Acts that eventually they became known as Christians. Which if broken down means, little Christs. Why? Because they emulated or imitated Yahoshua so closely in an attempt to shame them, Christian, was thrown around like a slur. 

But i am sure you don’t need a history lesson. The ultimate desire of the Hebrew Roots movement is to be like those early Christians. These Christians so closely imitated Yahoshua that they were called, little Christ (in the Greek of course). Where i differ with the Hebrew Roots movement is they have gone back to Rabbinic tradition and well. If we are being intellectually honest, Yahoshua had a BIG problem with mans rabbinic tradition. They used it to supersede the Torah and the Prophets. Which is what Yahoshua kept pointing out to the Pharisees and the Scribes. This of course ruffled feathers. Do you like to be called wrong on something you have believed to be true for your entire life? Perhaps not even to any fault of your own but simply what you have been taught? This is what Paul struggled with and even writes about in his letters.

You see this is where i was and if i am being honest still am. As i learn more every day. i believed that i had it all figured out. i also thought the way that i was taught was superior to others. We had the lock on truth. When in reality we were guilty of exactly the same thing the Scribes and the Pharisees were guilty of . . . mans tradition over the very WORD of YHWH. What are we called to do? How are we called to do it? How can we do some of these things given we are not in the Holy Land? What is important? What is useless? 

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes, “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear Elohim and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For Elohim will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Micah writes, “He has shown you oh man what is good and what does Adonai require of you. To do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your Elohim.” (Micah 6:8) Paul tells Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of Elohim may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16) When Paul wrote those words somewhere around 66 AD (CE) the “New” Testament had not been compiled. Paul was referring to the Tanakh. He was saying all the information you need to teach the followers of the Way is this . . . the Torah and Tanakh. This scripture everyone loves to quote, but fail to recognize the implication. Just before this Paul writes, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Messiah Yahoshua.”

Do you hear what Paul was saying? All we need to know is found in the Torah, and the Prophets. Do i love the writings of the Apostles? Of course, I do! They are explanations of how to live out this lifestyle. Known to them as “The Way” this is the way to life. Do i believe they were inspired by Elohim to write them, without a doubt. Do i thing they thought their writings would one day supersede those of the Tanakh? Heaven forbid! Without question they did not hold this view. In every letter they quote from the pages of the Torah and from the Prophets. This is where the Way is found. Not in man, not in his traditions (not that all of mans traditions are bad only when held in place of or above the WORD of Elohim). 

Satan has been creeping in since the garden, attempting to lead men astray, even as recorded in 3 Nephi; “Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this–Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and vain things of the world.” (3 Nephi 6:15). If truth never changes, and Elohim is Truth, and if the Word points to the Torah and the Prophets; If John the Baptist declared, “Behold the Lamb of Elohim!” And John writes, “The WORD became flesh. . .” should we not then be more concerned with this Truth over anything else man has produced even if led by Elohim to write? Since, He cannot contradict Himself. Rather, in the light of the Tanakh, read the Apostles and other writings from inspired men, even my own? 

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them. . .

This is the way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Lessons from My Grandfather on Discernment

Lessons from My Grandfather on Discernment
Daily writing prompt
Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.
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When I was younger in ministry, just starting out. my grandfather, who was an ordained minister, served as a Conference Superintendent for his denomination. He also served as the Director of Interracial Evangelism and worked with an inner city school in Shreveport Louisiana. Writer of many books and editor of a once greatly sought after ministry magazine, ‘The Sermon Builder.’ Said to me, “Don’t ever think that you know everything, so that you remain teachable. However, know the Word, so that you can discern Truth from lies.”

I held to that lesson from my grandpa. I taught on it. Used it in many a sermon illustration. I would have told you that I was living that advice. Yet, I was more interested in what others had to say about the Word than the Word itself. Which didn’t allow for true discernment. Oh, I knew chapter and verse just fine. But I leaned more on voices I thought were in my circle of influence and therefore must be right, right?

I lacked the Truth of the Word, to discern properly. I simply regurgitated what I was fed. My awakening to the wholeness of Scripture was stirring for years. It started to gain traction however after hearing the testimony of an Africa Region, Missionary. It was Fall. He talked about his first time in America. He saw all the pumpkins on the porches of ‘Christian’ homes. He expressed the confusion and sorrow of his heart in that moment. “Do Americans not know the symbolism of a lit gourd?” My heart was stirred and I turned to the pages of Scripture. We are called to be set apart, not to assimilate. We are not to Worship as the pagans do.

I put down books that repeated what I had been told is true. I set aside opinions and doctrines of men. I picked up the Word and began to read, and read, and read. I recalled the words of wisdom from my grandfather. My heart was broken for the many wasted years. These were years filled with misunderstandings, poor translations, and Christian hypocrisy.

I felt like I had grasped my grandfathers wisdom. That I had learned that lesson. Unfortunately, I had not. I missed the most important part of his wisdom, “Know the WORD, so that you can discern TRUTH from LIES.” I am now a student of the Word, not of man. My eyes are open. I have taken up the cause. I do not wish to enter arguments. Instead, I want to stir desires within others to read, and read, and read the WORD. In doing so, they can gain TRUTH, so others can discern the Way of the Rabbi. Had I learned this lesson earlier in ministry, perhaps I could have avoided the many pitfalls I have found myself in.

“But you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, recalling the people from whom you learned it; and recalling too how from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can give you the wisdom that leads to deliverance through trusting in Yahoshua the Messiah. All Scripture is breathed by Elohim and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to Elohim may be fully equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Understanding the Fall Feasts: Traditions and Reflections

Understanding the Fall Feasts: Traditions and Reflections
Daily writing prompt
How do you celebrate holidays?
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With the Fall Feasts just around the corner this is a fitting prompt. When I began to dive into the idea of the Biblical Feasts I made a hard right turn. Every other holiday, especially Halloween, Christmas and Easter, became pagan. Although, I still know their roots I have taken a different stance. Joshua tells the people of Israel to pick a side. If you are going to honor Elohim then one should find out how to do it.

“Now therefore fear Yahweh and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve Yahweh. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve Yahweh, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.” Joshua 24:14-15

In the Torah Elohim explains these Feasts and how to celebrate them. They are essentially giant block parties. They are fantastic food filled, family oriented, jubilees. They demand rest and relaxation. They require celebration. Each one has a point of focus and remembrance, as well a forward looking expectation and hopefulness about them. Seven amazing Feasts, beginning in the Spring with Passover and the last one in the Fall, the Feast of Tabernacles. John the Baptist declared, “Behold the Lamb of Elohim who takes away the sin of the world!” He was pointing to Yahoshua when he said this, Yahoshua is the fulfillment of Passover as our Passover Lamb.

As the Fall Feasts approach we have the Feast of Trumpets, a call to right living. A period of self reflection and preparation of heart, soul and mind. Ten days later the day of Atonement, which is a day of Fasting. A day we reflect on a Holy Elohim. Who calls us to be separate and live as chosen people. Reflecting not the nature of the people around us but that of our Holy Creator. After this period of soul searching and repentance, we enter into the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast looks back at the time when Yahweh dwelt with His people Israel. It also looks forward to His soon return in which He will rule and reign over His people.

I have written more on the Feasts and Holidays. I invite you to take a deep dive into learning more of these great Feasts. Why do we always replace the ways of Elohim for man made traditions? It’s time we take a serious look at how we honor Elohim for His return is fast approaching.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

What Makes a Great Leader? Insights & Reflections

What Makes a Great Leader? Insights & Reflections
Daily writing prompt
Do you see yourself as a leader?
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i often wonder about the idea of leadership. i don’t feel like a very good leader that is for sure. However, for as long as i can remember i have been in leadership roles. Sometimes i have been successful at it. However, i am also my own worst critic. Never good enough, lacking true lasting motivational skills. i can lite a fire in others but it burns out quickly. i have good personal discipline for myself, meet deadlines, showing up ready and able to get the job done. All the while in my mind wondering what it is that i actually do.

To me leadership is done from the middle. Yes, there are times when one must lead from the front. A strong leader also recognizes when leading from behind is required. Still, the majority of the time one should lead from the middle. However, few leaders from the middle are remembered for their leadership. This leads to the question, “What is it that I actually do?” In the end, i don’t think my leadership is what i want to be remembered for. My life’s goal is to ‘Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly’. i want people to think of me for my writing and my philosophy. A leader of words and ideas that motivated them to try harder, be better, love more.

i have made more mistakes than i care to admit. i have let people down and look back and wonder how just was that action? How merciful? How humble? In many cases i lacked empathy. i try to learn from that experience and do better the next time. i take every challenge as a learning opportunity. At the end of the day i want to be a better person. If that makes me a better leader than so be it. But my aim is to be a better human, a better man.

“Do you see yourself as a leader?” i see myself as an example.

You are loved,
cj

Why Passover Matters More Than Easter

Why Passover Matters More Than Easter

“Now, therefore, fear YHWH, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the river and in Egypt. Serve YHWH, And if it seems evil to you to serve YHWH,, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve YHWH,.” Joshua 24:14-15

This is my yearly appeal to you, out of love, walk away from Easter and all of its pagan roots. We know it to be true that Yahoshua (Jesus) fulfilled the Passover. John the Baptist declared on the river’s edge, “Behold, the Lamb of Elohim! Who takes away the sin of the world!” Yahoshua is the final Passover Lamb. We should be honoring that and not the combination of a pagan festival mixed in. The richness of the Feast of Elohim that tears the vale and covers us in righteousness. It cleanses us from our sin. It is all that we should be remembering this time of year. For it is the Feast at the head of the year.

In Emperor Constantine’s letter to “all those not present at the council”. Following the Council of Nicea he wrote how it would be better to separate from Jewish custom. He called out the Jews for killing Yahoshua and in many instances called for antisemitism. For instance, he wrote, “We ought not, therefore, to have anything in common with the Jews.”

He goes on to say, “They do not possess the truth in this Easter question; for, in their blindness and repugnance to all improvements, they frequently celebrate two Passovers in the same year. We could not imitate those who are openly in error. How, then, could we follow these Jews, who are most certainly blinded by error? for to celebrate the Passover twice in one year is totally inadmissible. But even if this were not so, it would still be your duty not to tarnish your soul by communications with such wicked people [the Jews]. Besides, consider well, that in such an important matter, and on a subject of such great solemnity, there ought not to be any division. Our Savior has left us only one festal day of our redemption, that is to say, of his holy passion, and he desired[to establish] only one Catholic Church.”

The question of whether or not Constantine truly converted to Christianity or not has been debated for centuries. However, we do know for a fact that rather than adhere strictly to Christian tradition and belief; for the sake of the unity of the empire, he combined the festal days of paganism and Christianity. His disdain for the Jews as represented in his letter, and his lack of judgment in establishing a new religion where we see the combination of paganism and Christianity should certainly call into question our adherence to these traditions.

“When Adonai your Elohim cuts off before you the nations whom you go in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? —that I also may do the same.’ You shall not worship Adonai your Elohim in that way, for every abominable thing that Adonai hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.” Deuteronomy 12:29-32

i want to make a clarification here about Constantine’s reference to two Passover’s. Clearly he was unaware and sadly none of the scholars of his day enlightened him. In Numbers 9 we read of some men who were ceremonially unclean and therefore unable to bring the sacrifice of Passover. They inquired of Moses and Aaron on what to do. YHWH, told Moses to give this instruction: Numbers 9:10-11 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, if any one of you or of your descendants is unclean through touching a dead body, or is on a long journey, he shall still keep the Passover to YHWH,. In the second month on the fourteenth day at twilight they shall keep it. . .”

Concerning the idea that Passover or any of the Feast of Adonai are strictly Jewish, i present Leviticus 23:1-2 “Adonai spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, these are the appointed feasts of Adonai that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are MY appointed feasts.” Clearly they are HIS feasts, much like the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.

Finally, let me close with this, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Messiah Yahoshua. And if you are Messiah’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:23) Passover this year begins at Sundown on Friday April 15, in line with Good Friday services, however, the tomb would not be discovered empty until Tuesday morning fulfilling the three days and three nights. Often Easter and Passover do not line up and occasionally are off by a months time. Although this year is very close in timing i will refuse to attend any church that is honoring Easter, hosting an egg hunt, or in any way mixing pagan tradition with this most Holy of Feasts, Passover.

You are loved,

cj