Tag: Word

The Power of Endurance in Faith

The Power of Endurance in Faith

Endure.
1. to hold out against; sustain without impairment or yielding; undergo.
to endure great financial pressures with equanimity.
2. to bear without resistance or with patience; tolerate.
I cannot endure your insults any longer.
3. to admit of; allow; bear.
His poetry is such that it will not endure a superficial reading.

“Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities. To him who endures, I will give the right to eat from the Tree of Life. Which is in God’s Paradise -‘Eden.’” Revelation 2:7

“Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities. He who endures will not be hurt at all by the second death.” Revelation 2:11

“Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities. To him who endures I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, on which is written a new name. A name that nobody knows except the one receiving it.” Revelation 2:17

(“Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities.”) “. . . only hold fast to what you have until I come. To him who endures and does what I want until the goal is reached.” Revelation 2:25-26 (29)

(“Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities.“) “He who endures will, like them, be dressed in white clothing. I will not blot his name out of the Book of Life. In fact, I will acknowledge him individually before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5 (6)

(“Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities.”) “I will make him who endures a pillar in the Temple of My God, and he will never leave it. Also I will write on him the name of My God. As well, the name of My God’s city, the new Jerusalem. Which is coming down out of heaven from My God, and My own new name.” Revelation 3:12 (13)

(“Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities.”) “I will let him who endures sit with Me on my throne. Just as I myself endured and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21 (22)

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Endurance, is an important part of the Way of the Rabbi. He taught us by His actions. Not just His life, but even more so in His death, enduring death, beaten, pierced and hung on a tree. Paul, continues the passage above by saying, “Therefore, I do not run aimlessly.” No he ran with a purpose. He said, imitate me as I imitate Messiah Yahoshua (Jesus). We are not to live aimlessly, lawlessly, or without purpose. No we have been given instruction for our purpose and charged with an enduring mission.

“Then Yahoshua (Jesus) came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

What is it that Yahoshua instructed? He exemplified the Torah, bringing it to fullness, revealing its purpose. The Torah is the instruction manual on how to live set apart lives from the nations. It reveals to us how to live obediently, holy, sanctified lives. Without it we are lawless making us no different than the nations. To keep the Torah is not to do away with Faith in Messiah. It is done because of our faith in Messiah. Revelation 14:12 says, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints. Who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Yahoshua (Jesus).”

In Yahoshua’s charge to His disciples in Matthew 28 quoted above He says, “. . . all that I have commanded you.” At no point did Yahoshua instruct His disciples to do away with the Torah. No not once but to do away with man’s tradition. He challenged the religious leaders on their interpretation and their added rules. He clarified, and lived out the Torah perfectly. It is by His grace through faith that we are saved but we are called to live set apart.

Many will read this and say it is impossible to keep all the commandments of God. Yet in their next breath quote Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me.” All but keep the commandments of God, that I cannot do. Oh you of little faith, hypocrites and weak willed fools. Paul’ s words are true and align with the instruction of Messiah perfectly.

Is it difficult in a fallen world to live set apart lives under the instruction of God? YES! A hundred times yes. But that doesn’t mean we are free to practice lawlessness (Torahlessness) and say we are under grace. By no means! We are to endure and in that endurance we will be blessed, protected, and welcomed into the Kingdom. This is the Way of the Rabbi.

You are loved,
cj

Choosing to Listen: Embracing God’s Word Daily

Choosing to Listen: Embracing God’s Word Daily

How serious are you, when you attend your church gathering, in hearing the Word of God? What preparation goes into it? Do you pray before asking God to reveal your heart? This is my practice. When I enter the Synagogue I pray, “Adonai, reveal my heart, You know me better than i know myself. Help me to not only hear You but to listen and obey Your instruction.” After this prayer I write out my initial thoughts. This past Sabbath as I prayed this prayer this is the thought given me through that prayer.

“i am not in a right frame of mind. i am not sure what i need to do since it is ultimately a heart issue. i am growing increasingly critical of myself, but lack the strength to change the thought patterns.”

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A people for God’s own possession. So that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. For you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God. You had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

From this point I begin to prepare my heart and my mind to receive what Adonai has for me. The question was asked, “What is the truth of your calling?” From that question I wrote down the first things that came to mind.
Concert Tour – if you read back in my blog several years. I shared how my family would travel and sing in churches. It was during this time that I believe I received my first calling into ministry.
Visions while Driving – It would become increasingly clear that this calling was sure. You see while friends were talking about their future plans or lack of I was having visions of my calling. It was a mixture of singing and preaching. This would later be the case as in some churches I had to both lead worship and preach.
Jr. High Camp – It was at an evening Chapel service at Jr. High Camp that my calling into ministry would be cemented. It would also face one of its greatest challenges. As the speaker presented the message, it became clear that I was to do this. “This is what I am calling you to do, this is the purpose I have set out for you. To preach My Word.” I could feel the burning inside my heart as I went to the alter that night. I spoke of my calling at our cabin time later.
Prayer Chapel – Years had past and I had forgotten the root of my calling. It was always there but I lacked a seriousness. I would find myself at a crossroads, homeless and jobless, I sought shelter one night in a prayer chapel. It was positioned on a cliff overlooking Puget Sound in Northwest Washington State. It was unlocked and I had prayed here many times before. On this night, although I was physically alone, I was not Spiritually alone. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit I was reminded of my call. I rededicated my life to the purposes of God that night. The very next day I was blessed with both a house and a job.

Everything in life is a choice. You have to choose one way or another, moment by moment. These choices are often inconsequential. However, there are choices that can be earth shaking. Therefore, every decision made should be made thoughtfully and in some instances with the guidance of others. Perplexing it is that often we find these things out after wrong choices are made. Everything in life is a choice, even allowing yourself to be chosen.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 . . .
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.”

How many times have I defiled the temple? How many times have I brought uncleanness, by choice, into the temple of my body? Proverbs offers wisdom in short, impactful pieces. This is perfect for a generation that cannot focus for more than 30 seconds before scrolling to the next TikTok video. “The foolishness of man ruins his way, and his heart rages against Adonai.” “Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps errs.” “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of Adonai will stand.” “Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” (Each of these are found in Proverbs 19).

They are relevant to choice. We can all relate in one way or another in making hasty decisions that ended up being wrong. Some of us carry the burden of those decisions long after the dust has settled. It is an unfortunate truth however, there is still room for choice. Will you wallow in the mud or will you step boldly forward in the Grace of God?

1 John 2:3-6
“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him.” Yet he does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Here is truth, whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him . . . the one who says he abides in Him ought walk in the same manner as He walked.”

John 14:15
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

IF is the conditional term. If we choose to allow ourselves to be chosen. We then must choose to walk in the manner worthy of that calling. In what manner? What are his ways? Do our ways conflict with what He has instructed? Are following the traditions of man over the instruction of God? Tradition, does not make disobedience to His word less disobedient. There is no such thing as acceptable sin. What is sin as defined by the Apostle John in 1 John 3:4? “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” Lawlessness is defined as being without Torah. Likewise, being without Torah is known as being in darkness. Therefore, being in Torah is then being in the light.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A people for God’s own possession. So that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. For you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God. You had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

Sin, or as many like to say, to lessen the blow, missing the mark. Whether in ignorance or intentional, when found out, repentance is required. A turning away from that sin is a choice and a matter of the heart. When you break relationship, dishonoring someone, that guilt is conviction. That conviction is dealt with by repentance. That repentance is a choice, as much as sin was a choice. “IF My people, who bear My name, will humble themselves, pray, seek My face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Trust in Adonai with all your heart;
do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him;
then he will level your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Here is where we are in the cycle of life. We are in a famine. The famine is severe, so severe that it has become normal. So normal in fact that most people don’t even know what they are missing and they don’t care to know. Even some who sense there is something deeper, a calling, a choice to be made, they too are starved. They don’t choose, whether out of fear of making a wrong choice or seeing it as inconsequential either way. The famine shouldn’t surprise anyone. It was foretold by the Prophet Amos.

“The time is coming,” says Adonai Elohim,
“when I will send famine over the land,
not a famine of bread or a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of Adonai.
People will stagger from sea to sea
and from north to east, running back and forth,
seeking the word of Adonai;
but they will not find it.”
Amos 8:11-12

However, those who are in Messiah Yahoshua, we are at an advantage. We have the Word made flesh. He promises the new covenant will be written on our minds. It will also be inscribed on our hearts. So that we can be the Temple, that we can be the city on a hill. So that we can stand out separate from the world, sanctified by the Word of Truth. As Yahoshua prayed for us to be.

“I have given them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world — just as I myself do not belong to the world. I don’t ask you to take them out of the world, but to protect them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth — your word is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. On their behalf I am setting myself apart for holiness, so that they too may be set apart for holiness by means of the truth.” John 17:14-19

Sometimes I have to write to remind myself of whose I am. That I am no longer my own but have been bought at a price. It is no longer I who live but Messiah who lives in me and through me. I don’t always make the right choice, I am thankful for Grace. But one thing I do, forgetting that which is behind me. I strain for what is ahead of me in Messiah Yahoshua.

“It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal — no, 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 in order to win the prize offered by God’s upward calling in the Messiah Yahoshua. Therefore, as many of us as are mature, let us keep paying attention to this; and if you are differently minded about anything, God will also reveal this to you. Only let our conduct fit the level we have already reached.” Philippians 3:12-16

You see it is a constant choice, moment by moment, decision by decision, we choose. What will you choose?

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

My Journey from Ministry to a Deeper Faith

My Journey from Ministry to a Deeper Faith

From an early age I have been involved in ministry. As a kid singing with my family in churches even doing concert tours. Later, I would attend youth camps. When I was eighteen, the owner of the campground where we lived asked me to be the Pastor of the “Little Chapel of the Canyon.” He even helped me figure out a way to receive an ordination so that I could legally officiate weddings. This so he could advertise this as an available option to the campground experience. I led services at the chapel every Sunday for a year. At the same time I also held a Bible study in my home on Wednesday nights. I did this until I moved to Washington state for a girl that I had met in Jr. High at a summer camp. A camp I attended while visiting my grandparents after earning money selling candy door to door. We wrote letters back and forth for years. However, after my arrival the spark we shared in Jr. High never returned.

All was not lost however. As I did begin volunteering at a Youth for Christ center in the town I lived. Later, I would be asked to lead the Jr High Ministry at the church I attended. I did this for a couple years before moving back to Southern California, the place I called home. After moving back I started attending a local church and again began volunteering with the Youth ministry. After a year the youth pastor moved on. They did not have a budget to hire a new youth pastor. So, they asked me to lead as a volunteer. To which I accepted. Newly married, and bi-vocational, it was a busy time. We would have our first son during this time as well. On top of family, work and ministry, I began attending classes towards becoming a Pastor.

Mostly online through a Denominational University, however, some courses were held at the District Center. While still attending classes I would be granted a District license. Later, upon completion of my studies I was ordained. I did eventually end up finishing two degrees, Biblical Studies (Theology) and Biblical History. After my first District license I would accept my first full time Youth Pastor position. At my first assignment my family would grow adding two more son’s to the clan. After my ordination I was approached about moving into a Lead Pastor position to which I accepted. I would bounce between, Youth, Lead, and Evangelism over the next 20 years. After which I would step down from ministry within the denominational structure.

My transition from full time ministry wasn’t all by my desire. However, several life events of my own making, caused a ripple effect that forced my hand. Some of those ripples I am still feeling and will be riding out for as long as I live. However, these events have brought something good. They have brought the closeness with Adonai that I have desired. I started first with putting down all devotionals, commentaries, and inspirational books. I began to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Oh I had done this before, several times actually, but with guides. This time I simply prayed, “Adonai, I want to know You for who You are and not what man has made You.”

The journey that I am on has been one of change and adaptation. As I learn new principles and new ways that Elohim desires worship, I adjust to Him. No longer do I take mans definitions, and mans traditions and tell the Father, “this is how I will honor You.” No, now I learn what pleases Him and I strive to make that a part of my life, of who I am day in and day out. I taught for so long man’s definitions, mans traditions, all centered around a Greek Jesus. Now I am learning about Elohim’s instruction, His desires, all centered around a Hebrew Messiah, Yahoshua.

During this time I studied in depth the works of Augustine, and Josephus. Along with many other historians. One thing rings true in these writings. The faith of the earliest Apostles has slipped from the Way left by Yahoshua. It has taken on a Greco-Roman philosophical leaning faith. A mixture of ideas from cultures not inspired by Elohim but men.

Ezekiel 22:26 is one of the eye opening verses that started my journey of awakening to the Fathers instruction. It was the first step after deciding to take the advice of the Apostle Paul. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but so much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” It was my first walk through of Genesis to Revelation. When the Ezekiel passage leaped off the page and smacked me in the face. “Her priests have done violence to My Torah and have profaned My holy things. They have made no distinction between the Holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.”

I was one of those who stood in a leadership position and did violence to His Torah. I did not make any distinction between the Holy and the common, nor did I teach the difference between the unclean and the clean. I disregarded His Sabbaths, and profaned them even, by doing my pleasure on them. This was eye opening. It isn’t that I feel a need to earn my salvation. No, I am thankful for my Messiah Yahoshua who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. It is through Him that I receive forgiveness of sin and am washed clean. Through His righteousness I am made worthy. However, it is Yahoshua who says, “If you love me, obey My commandments.” He also said, “Why do you call Me Adonai, Adonai, and not do as I command?”

Dating back to late 2019, you can begin to read the shift. There are posts before that that I am still editing as my understanding of Elohim’s instructions are more clear. However, in a nutshell here is that journey. These are my highlights.

Psalm 51:6-13
– Purge me with hyssop
– Create in me a clean heart
– Do not cast me away
– Restore me
– Uphold me

Revelation 19:7
– make yourself ready

2 Corinthians 5:17
– IF anyone is in Messiah

2 Corinthians 13:5
– Examine yourself/test yourself

Galatians 6:4
– Examine your own works

1 John 2:3-6
“And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. Whoever says ‘I know Him,’ but does not keep His commandments is a liar. The truth is not in him. Now, the promise is true, whoever keeps His word [Torah], in him truly the love of Elohim is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him. Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
– Fear Elohim
– Keep His commandments
– Every deed will be judged (Those in Messiah have the hope of forgiveness)

John 5:46-47
– If you believed Moses, you would believe Me
– The Torah points to Messiah
– Look at the road to Emmaus where Yahoshua explains through the Tanakh who He is
– To truly know Messiah we must know the whole of Elohim’s Word

Psalm 119:105-112
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, Adonai, according to Your Word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, Adonai, and teach me Your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget Your Torah. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the end.”

This is the Way of the Rabbi, won’t you join me on this journey?

You are loved,
cj

Living Under Grace: Understanding God’s Commandments

Living Under Grace: Understanding God’s Commandments

Oh how burdensome it is to take a day off each week. To dedicate it to rest and restoration. To honor God and His instructions. It is a heavy yoke to carry. Oh that there would be a simpler way than resting in His presence. Oh thank You Lord Jesus. He completed it so I don’t have to. No longer am I burdened with what the children of Israel were burdened with for thousands of years. They couldn’t do, for it was too hard. Even though You constantly called them back to it and told them if they turned from their own ways. If they followed you again and kept Your statutes You would bless them again. Yet, you must have known that it was too hard and that they would fail. You punished them so that you could send Jesus and make it easy on us gentile believers. No longer burdened with living a life that sets us apart. Thank you for freeing us from the law of sin and death. Thank you for giving us thousands of years of illustrations of punishing a people so we could be free. Free to live however we want, for all things are permissible, for grace sake.

Does this statement sound absurd? It should, yet for many Christians this is exactly what they believe. Oh, they won’t say it out loud but deep down they believe it. They have to. If they don’t then they will be forced to recognize their constant depravity. And their need for walking out the commands of God. They will be forced to consider the whole of God’s Word. They cannot rely only on the few verses they cling to in order to break the commands of God. Does this sound too harsh? It’s better than eternal darkness and complete everlasting separation from Yahoshua (Jesus). Who is King of kings, and Master of masters.

Henry David Thoreau an early American poet and philosopher said; “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of a man to elevate his life by a conscious effort.” The writer of Revelation, pens this statement; “Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Yahoshua (Jesus).” It is both, and, not either or. We must do what we can to honor the commandments of Elohim and couple that with our faith in Yahoshua. It is not by works that I am saved. It is by living within the instruction of Yahweh that I show myself as having faith. I believe, therefore, I do.

Jude writes, “Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints. For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Adonai, Yahoshua Messiah.” How does one deny Yahoshua while claiming faith in Him? Simple, they say His teachings were for the Jews. That He came to fulfill the law so that we don’t have to. They deny statements like “I did not come to abolish the law, but to bring it to the full.” He challenged the religious leaders of the day and the man made traditions they held above the Word of God.

Ezekiel writes about the shepherds who don’t feed their sheep. “Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what Adonai Elohim says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock.” There are many pastors getting fat off the flock today. They aren’t scattering them. They are deceiving them with false messages of prosperity and even making a mockery of grace itself.

He continues, “You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.” The violence and cruelty today is that they are not teaching the commandments of God but of man. They have created a different religion and their Christ Jesus is the lawless one He himself warned about. They both cannot be true. This is why I choose to use His Hebrew name. This is why I choose to seek Him fully and completely. To know His Word is to know Him for He is the Word made flesh. Thoreau may not have been a true believer but he did get it right when he said, “. . . unquestionable ability of a man to elevate his life by a conscious effort.”

Paul writes, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Messiah Yahoshua took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Messiah Yahoshua.” Are we striving for “Your Kingdom come, Your WILL be DONE“? Or are we content with mediocrity? Are we content with lukewarmness? Are we content fooling ourselves that what the Word describes as not burdensome, to be too burdensome? “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” For this is what John 5:3 says.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. It is true to this day. Jeremiah records this in the sixth chapter. “This is what Yahweh says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’'” Yahoshua said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Early believers before they took on the ‘christian’ moniker were known as the sect of the Nazarene. They were also known as the people of the way. We know truth to be the Word, “Your Word is Truth”. Life, for all who come and obey Yahoshua will live.

As Jeremiah later writes in the sixteenth chapter. “O Yahweh, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all. Can man make gods for himself? Such are not gods!” Some churches do have idols, engraved images, but beyond that many have man made traditions. They them place above the Word of Elohim. They justify themselves by taking the words of Paul and twisting them. As Peter warns. If the faith you follow allows for lawlessness, which is Torahlessness, you are outside the ways of Yahweh. Therefore, you are not following Yahoshua Messiah.

“Then I will tell them to their faces, ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’” These are Yahoshua’s (Jesus’) words to those who live outside the instructions of Elohim, outside of Torah. The lawless one is coming and he will deceive many. In fact the spirit of the lawless one is already at work. Wake up! The time is drawing short. Put your faith in the true Messiah Yahoshua! The ‘Jesus’ the Apostles taught about and live for and ultimately died for. Not the lawless one being taught today in the majority of churches.

You are loved,
cj

Repetition and Retention: Wisdom from Proverbs

Repetition and Retention: Wisdom from Proverbs

Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Adonai. Writing the same things to you again is no trouble for me. For it is repetition that is a good instructor.” Studies show that repetition is necessary to retain information. Even basic retention of simple contextual ideas require 3 to 7 times of hearing the information. While more complex ideas may require 6 to 20 times. Of course emotionally charged or high-stakes information can be retained almost instantly. This has been my motivation over the past few months. Perhaps, presenting it in different lights for slightly different audiences, nevertheless, it is the same concept repeated. It is in this vain that write to you today.

“Behold, days are coming,” declares Elohim,  “when I will send a famine on the land. Not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of ADONAI.” Amos 8:11

Are we living in the days of famine prophesied by Amos? It sure seems so. No one wants to hear the idea that faith is more than a prayer and Sunday attendance. Reformations and Church splits happen, not because people want things to be more difficult. No, they happen because people want to find the easiest path forward. It is human nature after all to seek ease and comfort. New technologies emerge daily with that simplistic goal in mind, to make life simpler.

Proverbs is a book of wisdom, a collection of thoughts and instruction. It is also laced with warning and a call to obedience, to the instructions of Yahweh. Proverbs chapter one is full of riches. “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth– Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (1:2-7)

Some definitions that I think will be helpful. Instruction can mean Torah for Torah is Elohim’s instruction. Righteousness in Greek is dikaiosynē which means, the things commanded by God to be obeyed by man. In other words, righteousness is an act of obedience to God. In Hebrew the word is ṣeḏeq which means pretty much the exact same thing. Solomon who is the author of Proverbs was asked by God what he wanted. Solomon responded, “wisdom.” He wanted to be wise. A wise man seeks instruction and obeys without exception those things commanded by God. For this obedience it is counted to him as righteousness.

Proverbs chapter one continues in verse twenty-two, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” This ties into Amos’ prophecy perfectly. You see the simple today want simpler. They don’t want to be challenged. They will scream grace, grace, but condemn the sinner. They will say, “I am free from the law.” And brush away verses like James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Yahoshua (Jesus), declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me. John describes Yahoshua as “. . . the Word made flesh . . . ” He is the living Torah scroll now emblazoned on our hearts and minds. This is the exact description of the New Covenant. It isn’t new instruction, it is new placement, new empowerment. The penalty of death is gone for the one who has faith in Yahoshua. This does not however give one license to keep on sinning. Paul emphasizes this point by asking the question, “Do we then keep on sinning so that grace may abound? By no means!” What is sin, if not transgression of the Torah (law)? John writes, “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices Torahlessness (lawlessness); sin is Torahlessness (lawlessness).”

Yahoshua during the parable of the persistent widow, asks a stinging question at the end. He asks, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” Faith as defined by itself in Scripture is action and activity of the things of Elohim (God). It is fidelity to the truth, what is truth? God’s Word is Truth, the Torah, and Yahoshua the Word made flesh. Yahoshua asks another question, “Why do you call me Adonai, Adonai, and not do as I ask?” There is one final statement many will hear on the last day. What is it? “Depart from Me you who practice lawlessness (Torahlessness).”

How is one to know what to do if one doesn’t study the Word? The whole Word. The Word the Apostles referred to every single time they say, ‘the Word”, is the Torah. Yet, so many today don’t have any desire to pick up and read it. In the end are they condemning themselves? For the Word says, the very Word of Elohim will judge at the last day. If the Word is the judge shouldn’t one know the Word? This is the Way of the Rabbi.

Will He find Faith?
You are loved,
cj

Treading the Word: The Berean Approach

Treading the Word: The Berean Approach

To you, the reader, i write, with this one purpose in mind, that you would be stirred in your soul. A stirring so deep that you desire to read and study beyond this post. In order to gain a greater understanding of the Word of God. For it was the Bereans’ who were considered to be of more noble character. Why? It was for their desire to hear, and to study. That they would know if what they were being taught was true. And what did they study? The Scriptures, the Law (Torah) and the Prophets.

The word declares, “Study to show yourself approved. A workman that doesn’t need to be ashamed, rightly treading the Word of Truth.” The word treading is often translated as dividing. Many a wayward interpretation believes this is to divide up the words of God. Not true. It is to cut a path, maintain the truth, tread rightly the Word of Truth. For God’s Word is Truth. This was the heart of the Bereans’.

When reading the Word, one must ask themselves, to whom is the letter written. Yes, in the end it can be concluded that we are the intended audience. However, it is vitally important that we understand context. This will allow us to tread rightly the Word. To whom was it written? Where did they live? What is the backstory and therefore the overall purpose of the letter? When one knows the answers to these questions it becomes easier to know how to apply the Word today.

For instance, a passage often taken out of context is of the dietary law. Yahoshua is confronted about the washing of hands. The Pharisees question why Yahoshua’s disciples don’t wash their hands. Yahoshua answers it isn’t what goes in the mouth that defiles a man but what comes out of the heart. He challenged the Pharisees extra rituals. This had nothing to do with food and everything to do with extra man made burden. It is well known that an added phase, “Thereby declaring all foods clean.” Which now in most translations if it is present is so with brackets. For it was added much later and does not appear in the earliest of manuscripts.

The context was hand washing. The food on the table was all food. There wasn’t a giant ham on the table with lobster tails and shrimp. What was on the table was food. The question of cleanliness is of tradition. It was said that if a person with unwashed hands touched food, the food was unclean. It didn’t turn to ham it was a steak or a potato that was now ritually unclean. So Yahoshua pointed out that this was not a Torah commandment but a man made ritual. Yahoshua declared that all food considered good by God was not defiled. This was true even if one didn’t wash their hands.

Context matters, audience matters, time and place matter. This is just one example but there are many more. The modern church thinks that the Word of Elohim has been done away with in large parts. Calling the Scriptures old, yes, they are but they are still relevant. They are necessary to know sin, for what is sin? Sin is the transgression of Torah, sin is Torahlessness. The Word talks about the coming of the lawless one. What law is he going to be without? The law of the land? What land? Who’s land? The lawless one will be Torahless. Are you Torahless?

The opposite of Torahless is righteous. Righteousness is those commanded by God to be obeyed by man. Are you obeying the commands of God. Yahoshua said, “If you love Me, obey My commandments.” He also said, “Why do you call me Adonai Adonai and not do as I command?” And “Depart from Me, I never knew you, you who practice lawlessness.” Remember, lawlessness is Torahlessness.

This is the way of the Rabbi. To study to show yourself approved, rightly treading the Word of Truth. God’s Word is Truth.

You are loved,
cj

Living Out ‘Thy Will Be Done’: A Faith Journey

Living Out ‘Thy Will Be Done’: A Faith Journey

It seems every year i circle back to Adonai’s Prayer, commonly called, “The Lord’s Prayer.” As i ask the question, “How do i live, ‘Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven'”? Given the fact that many of the times and seasons observed today are nowhere found in Scripture? We just turned the page on the Gregorian calendar. Good-bye 2025 and hello 2026. We, as they say, “circled the sun.” If you think about the meanings of things. The things we have adopted into our faith system. It seems a rational conclusion, if we are being intellectually honest, things don’t add up. Especially with “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done,” as our marker.

What times and season’s is the Father observing? Is it the framework that He Himself established at creation. Then afterward giving direction to His chosen nation to observe for all time. As such establishing them as a beacon to all nations of the earth. They were to be set apart, different than those around them. So much so that He instructs them not to learn the ways of the nations around them. For them, His chosen people, to not even pick up their traditions or habits and ways of worship. Warning them not to integrate or assimilate those things into worship of Him. He told them He is jealous for them and if they follow His ways He would protect them.

The opposite is also true. If they did not observe His times and season. If they did not adhere to His commands and instructions. Then He would remove His protection. Cause the nations around them to swallow them up and scatter them among all the nations of the earth. He said this would happen until they awaken to the error of their ways and repent. Turning from their ignorance and destructive ways to again follow after God. Adhering to all the ways in which He instructed them from the beginning. However, He promised not to leave them alone. He promised there would come One who would restore a right relationship with the Father. Writing the commands of the Father on the hearts and minds of the people. In this way, the One to come establishes the example. This provides the ability to faithfully follow all that the Father commands.

Many twist the writings of one called an Apostle. They do so without understanding. They do so hypocritically. Not understanding the fullness of the promises to come. Another such follower of the Way warned against this very thing. The very word they hold warns that if someone comes and promotes another way, they are a false prophet. Am i saying now that this one is false? By no means, i simply point out this that the warning is true, “many twist his words.” This is not a new teaching. It is established in the Word of God. The very Word the Apostle himself tells the younger minister to follow. To remember all that you have learned for it is good and profitable. It will guide the reader to knowledge. It will rebuke, correct, and train in all righteousness. This so, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Recognizing the present times and seasons. Having to live in and among them as a member of society. Does not require observance. In fact, one could say that not observing them would cause one to stand out. This would make one different and set apart. The very thing we are called to as followers of the Way. Some ignorantly point to passages about judgment without fully recognizing what is being taught. How can we pray for something we are unwilling to even try to observe now? We know the Sabbath, the Feast Days, even the yearly calendar. Yet, like the world without knowledge does they worship what they do not know. While we are called to worship the One True God by His instruction. Not our traditions, not our feast days, not our times, but His. His Kingdom Come, His Will be Done, on Earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.

At the start of this Gregorian year, what is your new year’s resolution? Is it to be more like our Messiah? If so, he observed the Sabbath and the Feast Days. These are based on the Calendar of Time established by the Creator of all things. People say praise and worship is practice for heaven. Should we not then also practice the Sabbath and the Feast Days with that same idea? Not only as bench marks that set us apart from the nations, but as practice for His Will Be Done. These are signs, like a wedding ring, they say to the outsider, we belong to the Way. We belong to the Creator of all things. We are members of the Family of God, brothers and sisters of Messiah, heirs of the Kingdom to come.

To this end i wish to live. Therefore, i do not observe the traditions of man but the ways established by the Father. So that i can truly say, “Thy Kingdom come. They will be done. On earth as it is in Heaven.” For this is The Way.

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

Exploring the Connection Between Faith and Obedience

Exploring the Connection Between Faith and Obedience

Why do i choose to observe the Sabbath? The Feast Days? Eat Clean? Is it to be more holy than the next guy? No it is not. Is it because i think i am better than you? No, not by a long shot. Why do i seek to honor the Torah? i do it out of love for Adonai Yahoshua Messiah. His challenge to me, “If you love Me obey My commandment.” (John 14:15) In spit of popular belief He wasn’t talking about any new revelation but the revelation of Torah. Of which He is, the fullness of Elohim.

Many a doctrine is built upon the idea that the law has been done away with abolished. They talk about the new covenant in Messiah. They use verses like Romans 10:4 and say, “See, Jesus is the end of the law!” The more i study the more i realize how unprepared i truly was when entering ministry thirty years ago. i lacked the seriousness of understanding the original texts language and audience. What was being said, how was it being said, and to whom was it being said? These answers are necessary, for only then, can one truly know the depth of Elohim’s Word to us.

“For Messiah is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4 ~

‘End’ in the Greek is Telos. Aristotle said, concerning mans final cause; “Everything has a telos, its final cause, which defines its nature.” Regarding ethics Aristotle said, “For humans, the telos, is living a virtuous life leading to flourishing happiness.”

Telos from the root Tello. Tello means: to set out for a definite point or goal. Telos although does mean end and has been used in termination. It is highly unlikely Paul was using it this way. Telos also means the end result of, it is used also in comparison, to which end. The end to which all things relate, commonality, custom.

Given the fullness of the definition we need to explore more the idea being presented in Romans 10:4. “For Messiah is the definite point of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” Believes, is defined by action and activity not simply knowledge of for the demons believe and tremble. “For Messiah is the goal of the law, to bring righteousness to all who obey.” Law is Torah, it is better defined as the way, path or instruction. “For Messiah is the end result of the instruction for all who obey.” “For Messiah is the Telos of the Torah, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.”

There is a reason Paul said, “Imitate me as I imitate Messiah.” For Messiah is our comparison of what it looks like to live out the Torah. It isn’t that Messiah ended the law but gave us a comparison. To walk out that which is commanded by Elohim to be obeyed by men. As Paul rights in Romans 2. “For it is not the hearers of the Torah who are righteous before God. No indeed, but it is the doers of the Torah who will be declared righteous.” Romans 2:13 ~ What is righteousness? It is things commanded by Elohim to be obeyed by man. Righteousness is obedience.

It is the mark of all those recorded in the Hall of Faith, found in Hebrews. “And it was accredited to him as righteousness.” What was? It was his faith that led to action and activity. It was Abraham taking Isaac to the mountain. It was Noah building a boat not knowing what rain was. It was Enoch living out daily obedience. “And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” How does one earnestly seek Him? By obedience to His Word. “He has shown you owe man what is good and what does He require of you? To Act Justly, To Love Mercy, and To Walk Humbly with Him.” It is action and activity that reveals the heart.

Yahoshua said, “Take My yoke upon you, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” He is the Word made flesh. He is our Rabbi, Teacher, who declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The way, Torah. The Truth, Your word is truth. The Life, man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of Elohim. In other words, the only way to the Father is through the Word.

During the final scenes of this fallen world Revelation reveals the target of Satan’s wrath. “And the dragon was enraged at the woman and went to make war with the rest of her children. Those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Yahoshua.” (Revelation 12:17) Two things to note here. First, they keep the commandments of Yahweh. Second, they hold to the testimony of Yahoshua. It isn’t those who seek righteousness within observance of Torah alone. It isn’t those who simply have an intellectual belief in Yahoshua. No, it is both and! “Who keeps the commandments and the testimony.” James puts it this way, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

The Word in every one of these instances is talking about the Tanakh. Yahoshua said, “On these two commandments you can hang the whole of Torah and the prophets. To love Elohim with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Action and activity. It is believing in something so passionately that you do all you can to obey.

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

The Maccabees and T-Shirt Slogans

The Maccabees and T-Shirt Slogans

When i was a teen growing up in the foothills of Southern California, life was much different than today. The most advanced gaming system was a Nintendo. VCR’s were in competition with Beta Players, and cassette tapes were the method of choice for recording music. We listened to the radio all day hoping they would play our song at least once. Where i lived, life seemed slower, and communal. It wasn’t perfect but it felt like home.

The place i lived was a campground and it had T-Shirts that said, “Follow me to Follows Camp.” We wore them proudly every Friday night. To the skating rink, football games, or wherever a Friday night adventure would take us. We were as a pack of coyotes, loyal to each other, protective even. If one of us was in danger, or needed help, we were there. i remember one time some vandals mistreated a part of the campground. We called it the Little “Chapel of the Canyon.” We came together and we repaired it, good as new. “Follow me” was more than a catchy phrase for the campground it was a rallying cry of the community.

It was 167 B.C. The Maccabees, lead by the Priest Mattathias, and his sons, the main one being Judas, led a revolt. For what reason? Against the decree by King Antiochus IV Epiphanes that band covenant worship of Yahweh. King Antiochus IV, forced Hellenization on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Along with the surrounding area, now under the control of the Seleucid Empire. He desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem by sacrificing a pig on the altar. He outlawed, Sabbath observance, eating clean foods, daily sacrifices, essentially anything to do with Torah. Instead, he implemented Greek idol worship and killed any who resisted.

The Maccabees, lead by Judas, an expert in gorilla warfare, put on their “Follow Me,” t-shirts. They led a seven year military campaign for freedom. This is the origin of Hanukkah. Once they took out the Seleucid Empire, they tore down the idols, the pagan altar’s, and restored the Temple. Hanukkah is known as the Feast of Dedication, they rededicated the Temple of Yahweh and restored covenant worship.

In life we need community. We need a pack. We need a cause. In Ephesians we read Elohim’s heart, through Paul’s hand, on the matter. “Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision. That done in the body by human hands. — Remember that at that time you were separate from Messiah. Alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise. You were without hope and without Elohim in the world. But now in Messiah Yahoshua you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Messiah.” (Ephesians 2:11-13)

Before we come into Messiah we are alienated from the commonwealth and the covenants. But once we enter through Messiah we join ourselves to the people of promise becoming one. As the letter to the Ephesians continues Paul writes about this truth. “There is one body and one Spirit. Just as you were called to one hope when you were called. One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all. Who is over all and through all and in all.” When we enter into fellowship with Messiah, we put on His clothes, His Follow Me t-shirts. As Paul also writes, “Imitate me as I imitate Messiah.”

What does it look like to be part of the covenants of promise? We need to read the Torah to find out. The entire volume of Messianic writings point to the Torah. Just as the Torah points to the Messiah. If you want the full communal experience, you must put on the fullness of truth, His Word is Truth! Unfortunately, not many religious leaders today believe this. Although, they say they believe in Jesus. They follow a misunderstood and twisted understanding of Paul’s writings. They don’t see themselves entering into the covenants of promise. Only that they will receive the promises based on the new covenant. Which if studied clearly say, that the new is simply the old written on the heart. It becomes a desire not a compulsion.

Instead of Hellenization like the Maccabees, it is assimilation. Rather, than standing out, they blend in. Instead of denouncing pagan traditions they sprinkle them into the churches. Instead of calling folks back to the covenants of promise, they tantalize people with empty promises. Why empty? Because the promises come in covenant. They come in obedience.

When the angel came to Mary to tell her she had been chosen her response teaches us a great truth. Belief is displayed in obedience. Luke records this encounter in which Gabriel, an angel of Yahweh, tells her she will give birth to the Messiah. Mary at first is frightened and confused but in the end she says, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Yahoshua, Jesus, is birthed from the covenant of promise, and calls us back to it. “Yahoshua went on to say, ‘You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition.'”

What traditions are in focus for you? Are you even seeking the Way? Yahoshua says to us, “Come and See,” He says to us, “Follow Me.” Who are you following? As for me, i will follow Yahoshua, the Way, the Truth, the Life, as He declared. The Word made flesh. Did you know that the Torah is known as The Way, Path, and Instruction? Did you know that the Torah, Elohim’s Word is called the Truth? Did you know that Life comes through every Word of Elohim? This is the Way of the Rabbi.

You are loved,
cj

Yahoshua’s Challenge: Unity in Torah for Believers

Yahoshua’s Challenge: Unity in Torah for Believers

Luke 7:23 – Yahoshua said, “Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.” The word for ‘fall away’ is, skandalizō it is often translated, “offended by”. A deep dive into the definition reveals these facts. 1. It is a word that describes a stumbling block. 2. It is a word that describes an enticement to sin. 3. It is a word that describes one who becomes irritated at a thing it once found desirable. Yahoshua uses the term in a specific context. He was speaking to John’s disciples. In this context, we can see that ‘fall away’ is a better translation.

Why would Yahoshua be concerned that people would ‘Fall Away’ on account of Him? For this we need to understand what the people of Israel were expecting. In the Gospel of John 12:34 we get a clue. “The crowd answered, ‘We have learned from the Torah that the Messiah remains forever. how is it that You say the Son of Man has to be ‘lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?‘” Their understanding was for the Messiah to come and rule in Jerusalem as King, reclaiming the Kingdom of Israel. Instead, Yahoshua went to the Temple and overturned the money tables.

Another aspect of the idea of falling away on account of Him, is perhaps, His direct challenge to the Pharisees. Yahoshua often challenged them calling them a brood of vipers, or white washed tombs. He did however, encourage His followers and the people in general to listen to them. For they sat in the seat of Moses. When they would teach in the Synagogue they would read from the Torah. It was this instruction they were told to listen to and obey. “Do as they say, not as they do.”

However, for us today I believe this carries a whole new meaning. One in which many fall away from observing Torah and reading the Tanakh. They twist Paul’s writings and minimize Yahoshua’s words, “IF you love Me, you WILL obey My commandments.” Christian’s today separate themselves from Israel as if the Kingdom of Elohim is divided. When in reality throughout the Scripture we read that the two people will become one. Ultimately, that one people will live with Yahoshua as King and we will observe the Torah.

John writes, “And everyone who has this hope in him continues purifying himself, since Elohim is pure. Everyone who keeps sinning is violating Torah – indeed, sin is violation of the Torah. You know that He appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in Him. So no one who remains united with Him continues sinning. Everyone who does continue sinning has neither seen Him nor known Him.” 1 John 3:3-6

Paul writes something similar, to the followers of the Way, residing in Philippi, regarding this pursuit of purification. “It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal – no, I keep pursing 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 in order to win the prize offered by Elohim’s upward calling in the Messiah Yahoshua. Therefore, as many of us as aer mature, let us keep paying attention to this; and if you are differently minded about anythings, Elohim will also reveal this to you. Only let our conduct fit the level we have already reached.” (Philippians 3:12-16)

This idea of progressing towards the goal is lost on modern Christians as they take Paul’s words and twist them. They also will point to the council in Jerusalem and their letter to the gentiles. A closer examination of that text will reveal that the council understood this pursuit. Paul captures in this letter to the Philippians, that it is ongoing. For reference let’s look at what the Jerusalem council said.

“Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” Acts 15:19-21

Why such a short list? We hear Jame’s heart in the matter, “that we do not trouble those who are turning.” This was a step in the right direction. Let’s encourage them and not over burden them. Why? James continues, “For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him.” You see they expected that these new converts to the Way would hear Moses taught. Where? “Since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” Not only did they expect them to hear the words of Moses taught. They also expected it to be done in the synagogues on the Sabbath. They knew that if they were genuine converts to the Way, they would continue to pursue their faith. And so they did!

There is not one instruction for the Gentile and one instruction for Israel. They weren’t to segregate. They were to merge and become one body of faith in Yahoshua Messiah. Israel isn’t to assimilate into the cultures around them. Why? Because they were outside of Torah. If gentiles come to faith in Messiah, they must eventually disassociate from pagan practices around them. Otherwise, they will have no part in the Kingdom. For the government of the Kingdom is Torah. Perhaps I will explore this more in future posts, stay tuned.

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