Unsatisfied Beast

The Unsatisfied Beast – Your Carnal Mind
by py  thomas
© November 6, 2014

 

Psalm 3:1-8 is King David’s prayer regarding his plight when having to flee from his own son and his son’s co-conspirators.   The back story to Psalm 3 contains a lot of family drama, which includes rape, isolation of rape victim, fleeing the law, rebellion against the family patriarch, murder/death of the one who avenged the rape of his sister, by committing murder of his half brother.   That is certainly enough to cause anyone to be on their knees seeking ELOHIM.  Here’s his prayer:

Adonai, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
² Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in Elohim.” Selah

³ But You, O Adonai, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
⁴ I cried to Adonai with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

⁵ I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for Adonai sustained me.
⁶ I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.

⁷ Arise, O Adonai;
Save me, O my Elohim!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
⁸ Salvation belongs to the Adonai.
Your blessing is upon Your people.   Selah  (Psalm 3:1-8)

 

This Psalm is a great reminder of YHVH’s faithfulness of how mindful He is of those in covenant relationship with Him.  How many of us have ever felt a level of betrayal from those closest to us?  Has it been to the degree that your own flesh and blood seeks your life, or has very little concern to your personal safety or welfare?  This particular account of the betrayal David was experiencing  was coming from a son he adored,  Abshalom.   Yet, his love for Abshalom did not waiver, even though his son treated him like an adversary (enemy).  Can this be said about us - even if we are fleeing or avoiding one that is oppressing us (a family member to boot!), can we still love them, pray for them?   

Keep in mind this was not David’s first experience of betrayal – remember, he first was being pursued by Saul, the first King of Isra’el – the one he would ultimately replace.  But David never lifted a hand or spoke disrespectfully against ELOHIM’s anointed and appointed authority, even though he had the opportunity to kill Saul – he did not.  David waited and trusted  YHVH.  Many of us would have said, “My mother didn’t raise any fools; or I’m tired of these people in my family,; or worst yet,  I’ll handle this myself…I know how to shut them down…etc.”  The temptation and challenge for Followers of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah is to wait on YHVH.  It truly is not only a good thing to wait on YHVH, but it means we understand that the answers that are for our good regarding our situation comes from Him – and that we BELIEVE that Yeshua is truly seated at the right hand of the Father ELOHIM, making intercession for us.  This is where the rubber meets the road in refining us and teaching us how and why we should trust YHVH to deliver us no matter what.  He did promise to never leave us, nor forsake us.  We need to believe it as David did.

The details of David’s persecution from his son and how it all got started are found in Chapters 13 through 19 of 2 Samuel.    Well worth the read for those of you who have wrongfully suffered at the hands of family and those closest to you. 

The following are some my observations  from chapters 13 through 19 of 2 Samuel, where  the account of King David, daughter Tamar, sons Amnon and  Abshalom and a host of others is left on record for our learning and instruction.  Oh that men would  love YHVH’s Word, His statutes and precepts to the point of  meditating on it during their waking moments…seeking to adorn their soul and minds with godly wisdom – given freely to all who ask.

Observations & Considerations - Chapters 13 through 19 of 2 Samuel

·         Jonadab (King David’s nephew and amnon’s cousin) put the scheme in amnon’s head on how he could sleep with abshalom’s sister, Tamar (see 2 Samuel 13:3-5)

·         After amnon puts Jonadab’s plan into action to lure Tamar to his home; and then his bedroom to rape her, we see later him in verse 32 playing up to David to console him to let him know that all of his sons weren’t killed by abshalom, but only amnon!  Can you believe that!  Amnon was just as responsible for amnon’s death than Abshalom because of the evil counsel he provided amnon.  However, Amnon could have rejected the counsel – he made his choice; and rationalized his sin.

·         The anatomy of sin and spirit of the anti-Messiah is in full swing and operating through Jonadab, (creating confusion to divert attention from the evil that is really in operation)  - and it continues.

“³⁵ And Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the king’s sons are coming; as your servant said, so it is.” (2 Samuel 13:35)

·         Initially David was very angry to hear of the rape of Tamar, but did not take action…it was his son Abshalom who would later avenge the defilement of Tamar.

³⁹King David then longed to go to Abshalom, for he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead.”  (2 Samuel 13:39)

·         Joab’s best intentions were based on his concern and loyalty to King David to set up a plan to bring Abshalom home because David was so grieved by his leaving (see 2 Samuel 14:1-21) – Joab had good intentions, but what was the result of those intentions?

o   Joab enlists the help of a wise woman named Tekoa

o   Tekoa was wise enough to tell the truth when David discerned that Joab was behind the ploy (see 2 Samuel 14:18-19)

o   Abshalom waited two years before he avenged his sister’s rape; and after two years of his being brought back to Jerusalem by Joab, Abshalom sent to see his father via Joab (twice), but David did not come either time.  (see 2 Samuel 14:28-29)

o   Abshalom felt that Joab was not being forthcoming in going to King David to deliver the message that he wanted to see him.  How do we know this?  (See 2 Samuel 14:30-33). 

o   After Joab’s fields were burned at Abshalom’s orders, Joab figured out a way to get the King to agree to see Abshalom (self preservation  and self-interest can be an effective motivator).

o   Abshalom’s return to Jerusalem would ultimately lead to treason against his own father – King David.  

Carnality is the Unsatisfied Beast

Why would Abshalom return David’s forgiveness and kindness with treason?  Sound familiar?  Consider what happened to Lucifer at the beginning – his treason and rebellion against YHVH.  It would serve all of us well to consider how Yeshua’s  (Jesus’) forgiveness and kindness is many times returned by us in a form of treason.  For example, when we want to take over and be in control (not waiting on YHVH); when we are no longer willing to respect the authority in our lives because of our own selfish desires (impatience, greed, thirst for power, choosing a mate, etc.), don’t want to wait to on YHVH.

Too much self-love  and pride proved to be major sins and character flaws in Abshalom.  Note 2 Samuel 14:25-26, we see the great adoration Abshalom received from Isra’el because of his good looks.  It is a warning to us to praise people’s outward appearance should be tempered with wisdom because typically, most can’t handle it and it goes to their head – so much so, that they have a difficult time when others don’t continuously give them that type of attention.  It drives a need for more…carnality is never quenched.

Abshalom missed a very important lesson.  It is clear he never embraced the wisdom of  “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

o   Abshalom’s treason-based practices continued for the next 40 years  - purely to steal the hearts of the men of Israel.  Doesn’t sound like Abshalom understand that “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”  His soulish man wanted more power, more adoration…not being content with godliness allows one’s carnal nature to be in control – carnality is never satisfied.

o   With Abshalom’s dissatisfaction with his lot in life – he left an opening for deceitfulness (see 2 Samuel 15:8-11)

o   He did go to “serve” YHVH.  Note that the word “serve” is the Hebrew word, “abad” (5647); and it means to be a worshipper, a bondservant, a slave, to serve (see 2 Samuel 15:8)

o   He did become a worshipper because it is confirmed in 2 Samuel 15:12.  Yet we also see that his worship was corrupt and profane, because he continued in his rebellion against YHVH’s appointed authority, which also happened to be his father.  His practice of dishonoring his father, King David, would ultimately prove to be the foreshadowing of his days about to be cut short, and things not going well with him.

When King David was fleeing, those loyal to him in truth went with him.  I say in truth, because note Ittai the Gittite’s response (2 Samuel 15:19-21). 

o   Ittai’s response acknowledged the true and living Elohim.  He had seen and known the Elohim of Israel to be with them.  He recognized truth and victory and wanted that.   

o   This is also true for those who follow and truly obey as Yeshua did.  He is YHVH’s Truth and in truth (the covenant of salvation in Yeshua), we have the promise of victory. 

o   Likewise, those who love the false (lies & deceit) are operating in darkness (sin), which leads to death and destruction.  Selah. 

o   David also took with him the priest Zadok, ALL the Levites; and the Ark of the Covenant of YHVH.  (What do you take aside with you when dealing with persecution?  Habits or Yeshua?)

o   When David makes his destination – the top of the mountain – he doesn’t beat his chest in foolish pride, but instead, humbles himself and worships ELOHIM (see 2 Samuel 15:32).  (Can this be said of us?  (Do we acknowledge YHVH in All of our ways – so we don’t lean/rely on our own understanding?)

o   In David’s worship, YHVH responds with more provision - He provides David not only with strategies to know what to do, but the resources to accomplish the strategy. (LIGHTBULB!!!) see 2 Samuel 15:25-37; and 16:1-2 (resources to sustain David and his men)

The closer David comes to dealing with the challenge at hand with his Son Abshalom, the more distractions are being presented (spiritual warfare tactic of the Enemy).  However, David’s response showed his continued focus, reliance and hope on YHVH for deliverance.  He picked and chose wisely  his battles.  Read 2 Samuel 16:10-12.

However, YHVH does not forget those who are diligently seeking Him, including those seeking Him regarding their enemies.  YHVH is seeking an opportune time to deal with those who are enemies to His people. 

¹⁴ So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For YHVH had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the YHVH might bring disaster on Absalom. (2 Samuel 17:14).

o   WARNING:  Carnal spirits are drawn to bad advisors and faulty counsel  (see this in 2 Samuel 16:21-23).

o   Joab stuck with David (see 2 Samuel 18:2).  It is important to remember  that Abshalom set his fields on fire because he didn’t think Joab pushed hard enough initially for him to get an audience with his father, David.  Also, Abshalom made the guy (Amasa) who slept with his sister’s daughter the captain of his army instead of Joab (so much for gratitude – no loyalties to others just self – the sign of a carnal-led mind   (see 2 Samuel 17:25)

o   The irony of Abshalom’s death is that his physical attribute that was seen as desireable (his hair) is the thing that got caught in the tree brush and made him accessible to be killed (see 2 Samuel 18:9-15).

In the end, it’s a sobering reminder to us to consider these key points:

1.       Understand that our best / good intentions are not to always be acted upon – take counsel first in prayer and the Word of ELOHIM.

2.       A carnal mind that has not surrendered to the Torah will be drawn to unwise counsel  - it is a mind that has not wanted nor understood that “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

3.       There is great benefit to waiting on YHVH to fight your battles, which means you’ve placed yourself in a place of obedience.  

4.       It is in obedience to YHVH that you will be able to see and hear the Holy Spirit give you the strategies and instructions  to go with the provisions made by YHVH to accomplish His will, plan and purposes for your life.

Joab’s loyalties were based on the statutes of the commandments…he did not allow his emotions from stopping him from the doing the right thing.  However, we have on record of this particular instance of doing “his one right thing” (when mixed with his emotions in trying to bridge the estrangement between David & Abshalom) would ultimately put David’s life at risk, and end Abshalom’s life.

Therefore, look beyond and past your situations until your vision becomes locked and focused on Yeshua, Your Redeemer, pray to Him and He will make intercession for you to the Father in Heaven…your answer is never in your situations or circumstances…it is always found beyond them…the great beyond is Our Father, who is in heaven, so we should hallow His name because He is holy.  adonai hears and answers the prayers of His people – it’s been guaranteed by and through Yeshua’s innocent shed blood on our behalf.

Shalom to those near and to those far off.

 

The Price was Not Right

Isra’el & The Church - The High Cost of Not Following YHVH’s Instructions
by py thomas
all rights reserved.  © July 25, 2014




Consequences are the reflections of truths we tried to ignore.  Selah.

The high cost of not obeying YHVH – we see Isra’el  and the Church (the “Commonwealth of Isra’el) suffering from the results of disobedience many generations ago being played out even today because of our unwillingness to come to repentance.  However, YHVH longs for His people and has established His covenant with us.    Isra’el remains troubled by their enemies, as they did not deal with them as instructed by YHVH.  When we pray for Isra’el and the “commonwealth of Isra’el (the Church), let us not only pray for their victories over their enemies, but first pray for the Godly sorrow that yields repentance, that YHVH’s favor, blessings grace and mercies will be on His people in the midst of this perverse and dying generation so that El Elyon (the Most High GOD) will be glorified.

So while we should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Isra’el in their conflicts, we should also understand that we are in essence standing for our fellow brothers and sisters because of the covenant of salvation we have with YHVH through the Messiah Yeshua, knowing that of all people we are to share the Gospel with, we are to share it with Isra’el that scripture will be fulfilled about the prophecy of Isra’el coming to know Yeshua as the Messiah.

Further, let none of us deceive ourselves into thinking the conflicts and wars in the Middle East have nothing to do with our well-being…and no, it’s not just about oil, but more so the anointing oil YHVH has poured on His covenant with Abraham; Moses, Isaac, Jacob and the Church for our redemption, sanctification unto holiness and salvation through the innocent shed blood of Yeshua the Messiah.  It is in Him alone, we should rejoice!

⁵⁰ Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying, ⁵¹ “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, ⁵² then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; ⁵³ you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess. ⁵⁴ And you shall divide the land by lot as an inheritance among your families; to the larger you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance; there everyone’s inheritance shall be whatever falls to him by lot. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. ⁵⁵ But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. ⁵⁶ Moreover it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.’” (Numbers 33:50-56 NKJV)

⁹ Adonai said to Moshe, ¹⁰ “Tell the people of Isra’el, ‘When you cross the Yarden into the land of Kena‘an,…²⁹ These things shall constitute your standard for judgment through all your generations, wherever you live. (Numbers 35:9; 29 CJB)

So who is the commonwealth of Isra’el?  John Hendrix  provided insight on what Scripture teaches us about this very topic in his online article, “An Observation about Israel in Ephesians 2:11-21 & 3:5, 6” explains:

[1]"The following passage really makes up the heart of Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians. Here he reveals a great mystery which was hidden in previous ages:

"Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ ... So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."

Notice in this passage that Paul speaks to Gentiles as having been previously separate and alienated from Israel and the covenants of promise, but in the Messiah, Gentiles have also become citizens of Israel. The phrase "brought near" was their modern day parlance for Jewish proselytes. According to this passage we Gentiles now partake of the same promises and are no longer strangers to the commonwealth of Israel, but citizens of it.

Notice the clear reference to Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) as the true Israel, and this includes are all who are joined to His body. Let’s have a closer look: Verse 12 "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel" Paul now joins Gentiles to (vr. 19) "you are no longer strangers and aliens".  No longer aliens to what? No longer aliens to the commonwealth of Israel. That means that Gentiles who are in the Messiah are now "citizens" (v. 19) of Israel built as a house with the Messiah as the chief cornerstone. In other words, Yeshua the Messiah is the True Israel of Elohim (its fulfillment and foundation) as are all who are joined in union to Him. To say it another way, both OT and NT saints who are in union with the Messiah are now citizens of Israel.

Likewise, according to Ephesians 3: 4-6, Elohim made known a mystery to Paul "...the mystery of the Messiah, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in the Messiah Yeshua through the gospel."  Partakers of what promise? The promises given to Israel to Abraham of course.

Did not Elohim promise to Abraham that through him all the nations would be blessed? And since the Paul elsewhere asserts that the gospel was preached to Abraham beforehand (Gal 3:8), the OT and NT saints were both saved by the same grace in the Messiah and are members of the same body .... partakers of the same covenant promises. The difference is simply (if you think about it organically) that one was a mere seedling or immature branch and the other a fully mature fruit-bearing tree, but both are part of the same tree. The OT saints saw the Messiah from a distance in promises and shadows, yet in God's economy those regenerate were, even then, united to the Messiah, part of the same body and saved by the same blood ... the blood which the signposts of the temple sacrifices pointed to.

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” (Heb 11: 39, 40)

Just as we can never separate the Law from the lawgiver, we likewise cannot separate the benefits from the benefactor. Many in modern day evangelicalism have wrongly divided the people of God, even while Paul here was at pains to show them both in union with the Messiah.

Since Paul stressed the importance of this lets look afresh at the Scripture beyond our traditions and errors regarding this issue. The Text of Scripture is not Israelocentric but Messiah-ocentric.  Yeshua himself bore witness to this: "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me." (John 5:39)

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[1] An Observation about Israel in Ephesians 2:11-21 & 3:5, 6, by John. Hendryx  - http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/ephesians2.html

 

 

The Fools Among Us...Are You One?

The Fool & His Heart
by py thomas
© July 9, 2014

There are those that I’ve described who insist of having emotional eruptions like an angry volcano.  They have to have their “eruption” before being willing to hear or see anything the opposing party is trying to communicate to them; and even then the lava overflow continues to spew from their lips, unleashing an uncomfortable and toxic burn to all who are on the receiving end of their emotional eruption. 

ELOHIM's (GOD) Word calls one who does this “a fool” that has no appreciation for understanding…no understanding is the result of pure selfishness – this is the evidence displayed when it’s just all about “you” and no one else. 

A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart. (Proverbs 18:2)

However, on the other side of the spectrum, those who love and appreciate wisdom, have allowed wisdom to conform their hearts to the righteousness of their redeemer Yeshua (Jesus).  When YHWH’s right spirit has been renewed in us, it starts in our heart, and from that point on, that which flows from our mouth will reflect the righteousness of the Messiah in our hearts. 

For its not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their hearts.  Selah.  How quick we are to say, “God knows my heart.”   For me personally, that’s a frightening thing.  Had it not been for Yeshua’s death and resurrection for my sins, I’m sure that I would have been killed and sent to hell many years ago because of what resides; and resided in my heart.  We have all fallen short of the glory of ELOHIM.

Beware!

Are you brave enough to face the truth about what traditions you have allowed to  creep in and be a part of your worship and fellowship of Adonai?  Do you know what YHWH’s requirements are for our worship of Him?  Have you read His instructions/guidelines for righteous living yourself (yet)?  Or perhaps you’re waiting for others to teach you, apart from what Yeshua said the role of the  Holy Spirit is to be to each of His followers?

The traditions of men will always oppose YHWH’s will for our lives.  In essence when one chooses traditions of men vs. YHWH’s Word, they are literally living lives that witness to their belief that mortal men know what’s best for us apart from YHWH’s Word.  It says they know more and what’s best more so than Yeshua (Jesus).  It does not matter how much they say they love YHWH and Yeshua when their actions contradict YHWH’s requirements of those in covenant relationship with Him.

Are you more focused on what are the right things to do, or living right?  Is your heart near or close to YHWH?  Unless the heart of the person has been changed through the work of redemption through the Messiah Yeshua, the Word of Elohim, the teaching and help of the Holy Spirit, we see their sin nature alive and well…a sinful heart separated us from YHWH in the beginning. 

The million dollar question for each of us is, “Are we just giving lip service in our worship of YHWH, or are we worshipping Him with our hearts?”  This is what Yeshua says…

15 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Yeshua, saying, ² “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

³ He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of Elohim because of your tradition? ⁴ For Elohim commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ ⁵ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to Elohim”— ⁶ then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of Elohim of no effect by your tradition. ⁷ Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

⁸ ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me. 
⁹ And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

¹⁰ When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: ¹¹ Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”

¹² Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

¹³ But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. ¹⁴ Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”

¹⁵ Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”

¹⁶ So Yeshua said, “Are you also still without understanding? ¹⁷ Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? ¹⁸ But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. ¹⁹ For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. ²⁰ These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” (Matthew 15:1-20)

Money, Money, Money!

Stop, Think & Consider Before You Act
by py thomas
© July 9, 2014

Warning to those who obtain(ed) wealth using dishonest means to acquire it – when you make “fast cash” on the wrong side of the Law, you can be sure it won’t last. 

Ask Bernie Madoff and the others you’ve seen on American Greed, neighbors, friends and family members who are now serving prison sentences, or connected to those who have been down this path.  Or, ask any former drug dealer about all the money, cars, homes, clothes, etc. they got from illegal activities…do they still have it? 

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished,
But he who gathers by labor will increase. (Proverbs 13:11)

You may get away with it for a while, but eventually what is done in the dark, will always come to light, leaving those exposed to hang their heads in shame.  Our hope should be for the Godly sorrow that brings repentance will be manifested in their lives that they might receive forgiveness and be delivered from the bondage of sin. 

 

YHWH is so mindful of us and pleads with us through our circumstances, other people, His Word; and most of through His Son Yeshua – the ultimate plea for mankind to repent  from their sin so that they will no longer be separated from Elohim – this is what glorifies the Father ELOHIM.

 

 

 

How long before you stop? 

The wages/payment for sin is death – spiritual and physical for all of eternity.  Surrender to the lordship of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) and be set free.  Shalom.
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. (Proverbs 15:28)

Fear, Wisdom & Judgment

Do We Live Like We Really Believe in Yeshua’s Return?
by py thomas
June 19, 2014 ©

²¹ With those who live outside the framework of Torah, I put myself in the position of someone outside the Torah in order to win those outside the Torah — although I myself am not outside the framework of God’s Torah but within the framework of Torah as upheld by the Messiah. ²² With the “weak” I became “weak,” in order to win the “weak.” With all kinds of people I have become all kinds of things, so that in all kinds of circumstances I might save at least some of them.

²³ But I do it all because of the rewards promised by the Good News, so that I may share in them along with the others who come to trust. (I Corinthians 9:21-23)

 We see the signs pointing to the return of Yeshua (Jesus).  So why is it that so many people (who are in the covenant of salvation through Yeshua’s shed blood) are doing little to nothing in terms of preparing for their impending judgment?  We hear people talk about how they fear ELOHIM (GOD), but live a life that is in direct opposition to His standards and expectations of how we are to live our lives before a Holy God.  Many say His laws and commandments are not longer valid, except when it comes to money (tithes and offerings); or when someone has committed adultery with their spouse, murdered a loved one, etc.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

Then there’s the issue of forgiveness – more importantly those who refuse to give it, but want to be forgiven when they sin or mess up.  Or, for those who refuse to be accountable for their shortcomings – their sins, their “indiscretions.”  Never owning it, nor apologizing to those they have offended.  Yeshua tells us in the Book of Matthew:

¹⁴ For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; ¹⁵ but if you do not forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will not forgive yours. (Matthew 6:14)

 

 

The big question of the day today is:  Do you feel the need to be taught some things about ELOHIM and Yeshua (Jesus); and are you teachable and willing to be prepared to receive the promises of salvation – “to suffer for His namesake…”  Or, perhaps you love yourself so much, that it’s your way or no way?

⁸ Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;
Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

¹⁰ “The fear of Adonai (the LORD) is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:8-10)

 

Therefore, when and where will wisdom begin for each of us? 

⁹ He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111:9-10)

 

As for me, it is my life’s goal to daily die to self so that Yeshua can be made that much more alive in me.  Why?  For the Heavenly Father’s glory in that I might become all things to all men that I might persuade some to come to belief in Yeshua – especially those of the lost tribes of Isra’el.  I am far from being perfect, but by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of ELOHIM, I am being perfected one day at a time.  I am truly thankful for ELOHIM’s long-suffering mercy and patience with me.

Shalom. 

EXPOSED

WHO & WHAT ARE YOU REALLY?
by py thomas – © June 3, 2014

For those of you who desire to be used by ELOHIM (GOD), Yeshua (Jesus) gives us clear instructions on what type of behavior we’re to demonstrate to others.  It is truly about becoming all things to all men so that some will be won to the Messiah to the praise and glory of ELOHIM.  Are you willing to do that?  It’s certainly going to cost you something – it will mean you will need to be radically changed and prepared.  How much do you truly love ELOHIM?  Is it enough for you to surrender to be able to do the following?

⁴² Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you ⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet your brethren  only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors  do so? ⁴⁸ Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:42-48)