Prophetic Implications of Ma’aseh/Acts 1:8

Within the Pentecostal movement the standard belief and practice surrounding this verse encompasses being filled with the Spirit, the speaking of tongues, laying hands and anointing with oil.  But is this what Mashiach is saying in this verse?  Selah’

To grasp the true (prophetic) meaning of this verse one must look at it from its context. To do that I will use the KJV (not that I’m endorsing this version) but because it is a version that many use and quote most often.

Mashiach has risen and appeared to the Talmidim and he is responding to a question that is imposed upon him by his Talmidim in verse (6) “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”

Initially Mashiach respond by saying (7) “…..It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power”.  Now many use verse seven (7) as justification to teach that no one knows when Mashiach returns.  But that’s not the topic here; the topic is Israel as a nation being restored!  Selah’

In verse eight (8) Mashiach makes a prophetic statement primarily focusing on the immediate Talmidim who are in his presence.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”.

There are two words in verse 8 that speaks volumes, in which when they are understood and applied in context will present clarity to the text; if we can put aside the circe/church and Christendom doctrines in order to embrace the pureness of scripture.  These two words are Power and Witnesses.

Now, let’s break this down further. 

Power in verse 8 has a Greek word #1411– which is dynamis (dunamis).  It means inherent power; the power of reproducing itself.  It has a root word #1410– which is dynamai (dü'-nä-mī). It means power to do something.

Witnesses in verse 8 has a Greek word #3144 – which is ma r tus (martys). It has three expression meanings:

1^st Expression-------To witness as in a trial

2^nd Expression------To witness as in observance of an act

3^rd Expression------To live an example of his lifestyle; by going through unto death

The word witnesses can also be referenced in Isaiah 43:8-13 where we see YAH is declaring that there is none like HIM; and that Yisrael is a witness to all the works that HE has done.

Isaiah 43:8-13 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.

I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.

Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Again, in the above verses from Isaiah, YAH is declaring that there is none like HIM; and that Yisrael is a witness to all the works that HE has done.  Selah'

Back to Ma’aseh/Acts 1:8

With defining what the words Power and Witnesses means, we now see Mashiach's Prophetic Implications

1. The Talmidim did not dunamis (produce or reproduce followers of HaMashiach) until after Shavuot (Pentecost).  It is at this point people began to embrace Yahushua as the HaMashiach; and to follow in HIS footsteps by the witnessing of the Talmidim/Emissaries. 
2. We also began to see further on in Acts (Ma aseh) home fellowships and individual conversions taking place in the four (4) areas HaMashiach mentioned in verse 8: Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  This is the third (3^rd) expression of the word witnesses manifesting upon the Talmidim/Emissaries in Acts; i.e. they became and experienced martys/martyrdom. 

The Talmidim understood Mashiach prophecy and with joy endured the rejection, persecution and death. 

Do you still feel that you are filled with the Ruach/Spirit?  Selah’

Baruk Hashem Yah My Elohim

Conditioned For Dependency

Shalom all Yisrael throughout the diaspora; the Trumpets has blown; and we have reached the Head of the Year ( actually we are already in the new year) the cyclic patterns has begun anew!

But I can’t help but wonder about our (Yisrael) own patterns within the diaspora.  There are some patterns that are healthy and good; but some patterns are not.  

While in the diaspora, there is a systemic problem that we (Yisrael)  has picked up and loaded into our Torah Keeping Communities which has caused many within the House of Yisrael to falter and get sidetracked.

Firstly let us look at some definitions:

• Conditioned - brought or put into a specified state, determined or established by conditioning.
• Conditioning - the act or process of training a person or animal to do something or to behave in a certain way in a particular situation
• Dependency - the quality of being dependent, an area that is controlled by a country but that is not formally a part of it

The g-d of this world has used the developed systems (Economic, Political, and Religious) to specifically detour all of Yisrael from Yah and proper fellowship with one another.  There’s an old military term and practice that many of us are aware of called “divide and conquer”; and old but effective term throughout all generations.

The g-d of this world has used this “divide and conquer” methodology through these systems (Economic, Political, and Religious) which caters to the emotions and to the flesh of humankind.  And when the emotions gets involved a person or group can be persuaded to react, respond and even change to anything at anytime.  Change what?  Behaviors, Beliefs and Practices.

Devarim/Deuteronomy 6:25

And tzedakah it shall be for us, if we are shomer to do all these mitzvot before Hashem Eloheinu, as He hath commanded us.  OJB

And it is righteousness for us when we guard to do all this command before Yah our Elohim, as He has commanded us.’ ISR

The word guard in this text from the Hebrew is shomer or shamar; which is to observe.  In other words, as we observe we thusly are guarding HIS Torah.  This enables us from being sidetracked by the things of this world; and prevents falseness, deceptions and error from creeping in.

However, what the g-d of this world does is to play us against each other by using these Economic, Political, and Religious systems as a tool against us.  Until Mashiach is manifested and the government is upon HIS shoulders we will have adversary circumstances in this world.  We must realize that and get back to shomer or shamar, observe and guarding HIS Torah.

The g-d of this world’s systems has been Conditioning us to be Conditioned to display Dependency upon them.  We have embraced Behaviors, Beliefs and Practices that are too numerous to list or name; and these has caused divisions and schisms among the Torah Keeping communities.

Question 1 - So what should we do? Follow the pattern of Mashiach who shows that purpose is more important than the circumstances.

Matithyahu/Matthew 4:3-11 OJB

And the tempter came to him and said to him, If you are the Ben HaElohim, then speak the command that these avanim (stones) become lechem (bread). 4 But Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach answered, Katuv (It is written), LO AL HALECHEM LVADOH YCHEYEH HAADAM, KI AL KOL MOTZAH FI HASHEM. (Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of Hashem, Dt 8:3).

 5 Then Hasatan takes Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach to the Ir Hakodesh (the Holy City) and set him atop the pinnacle of the Beis Hamikdash,

6 and says to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, If you are the Ben HaElohim, then throw yourself down, for katuv (it is written), MALACHAV YTZAV-VEH LACH (His angels he will command concerning you) and upon their hands they will lift you up lest you strike your foot against a stone, TEHILLIM 91:11,12.) 

 

7 Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach said to Hasatan, Again, it is written, LO TENASSU ES HASHEM ELOHEICHEM (Do not test Hashem your G-d, DEVARIM 6:16). 

8 Again, Hasatan takes Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach to a very high mountain and shows him all the mamlechot (kingdoms) of the Olam Hazeh and the kavod (glory) of them. 9 And Hasatan said to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, All these things I will give to you, if you will fall down VTISHTACHAVEH (and you will bow down to [DEVARIM 5:9]) me. 10 Then Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach says to him, Depart, Hasatan! For katuv (it is written), ES HASHEM ELOHEICHA TIRA VOTO TAAVOD (The L-rd your G-d you shall fear and Him you shall worship, DEVARIM 6:13). 11 Then Hasatan leaves him, and, hinei, malachim came and attended to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach.

Question 2 – How can we do this?

Psalms/Tehillim 119:11 

Thy word have I treasured up in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.  

Treasures are always hidden or stored in such a way that nothing or no one can touch them; or handle them inappropriately.

The word sin in this text is the Hebrew word chat'a; which means to miss the mark, to stumble and fall morally, a coming short.  An act of thought, word, or deed, not a condition.

Let us not allow the developed systems (Economic, Political, and Religious) to continue Conditioning us to be Conditioned to display Dependency upon them. 

 

Baruch Hashem Yah Our Elohim

Return To Your Nakedness

Genesis 2:25

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, yet they were not ashamed

Naked in this text is not like the naked we as westerners envision in our minds (bare and without clothing).  Naked has a Hebrew root word  Aram; (Strong’s Hebrew Concordance #6174 #6175 and #6191) which means subtle, shrewd , crafty and prudent.

Thus Elohim made man and woman (male and female) or in Hebrew ish and ishah to be subtle, shrewd, crafty and prudent.  But in what?  In the knowledge of doing good according to the ways of Elohim.

Here are some other scriptures that has the same Hebrew word Aram ; but the word crafty or prudent is inserted instead of the word naked:  Job 5:12, Job 15:5, Proverbs 12:16.23, Proverbs 13:16

Not ashamed in this text now takes on another meaning because of the proper understanding of the word naked as Aram.  Not ashamed thusly means “to stand BEFORE or in HIS PRESENCE”.  Why? - Because Elohim has made man and woman (male and female) or in Hebrew ish and ishah to be in HIS PRESENCE and to have knowledge of HIS ways.

Now we can understand the next verse:

Genesis 3:1

And the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which Yah Elohim had made, and he said to the woman, “Is it true that Elohim has said, ‘Do not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

Serpent has a Hebrew word of Nachash; (Strong’s Hebrew Concordance #5175) which means shining one, it also relates to Cherub where we get the word Cherubim from.

Crafty in this text has the same Hebrew root word Aram as naked; subtle, shrewd , crafty and prudent. But in what?  In the knowledge of doing evil according to his own ways; thusly being opposite of Elohim ways.

Even though Crafty has the same Hebrew root word Aram as naked; the word crafty is used in this verse to show that the serpent is being opposite of the ways of Elohim and doing evil according to his own ways.

By understanding these two (2) versus ( Genesis 2:25 and 3:1), it presents a foundation in which the believer is now able to put the rest of Genesis 3 in proper perspective.

Let's revisit the word naked again.

Since naked implies the knowledge of doing good according to the ways of Elohim; it's time for believers to return to that. We should put aside the societal trickery of manipulated history, put aside the deception of religion; and embrace our original creative intent.

Created in HIS image and after HIS likeness takes on a whole new meaning.  

Everything is waiting on our Return To Nakedness

Romans 8:19-21

For the intense longing of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of Elohim.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not from choice, but because of Him who subjected it, in anticipation, that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage to corruption into the esteemed freedom of the children of Elohim.

Selah'

May Mashiach Return and Restore Us All

Baruch HaShem Yah My Elohim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Two (2) Things

There are two (2) things that we all do that tells people about us and our beliefs.  These things contains a volume of information about us, that when others see/hear them they immediately know who we are. People can discern your motives, intentions and stance.  If we pay attention and listen, we can discern the beliefs of others based on our relationship with the Father. 

So what are these two (2) things that tells people about you and your beliefs?  Words and Action! 

(Debarim) Deuteronomy 30:14 says… But the Davar (word) is very near unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy lev (heart or inward parts), that thou may do it. 

(Mattiyahu) Matthew 7:16 says… By their fruits (perot) you shall know them…. 

What a person says proves what they believe.  It proves whether they walk in faith (emunah = belief/trust and actions or a firm carried out action of the Father’s will). 

Your actions proves what’s in your heart.  For you only do that which is in you; and that which is in you is what you believe. 

Here’s an example: 

Two men are jogging along a path; the first jogger says to the second jogger “ The rapture is going to catch a lot of people off guard”.  Now that statement alone speaks volumes to the second jogger about the beliefs of the first jogger who said this. 

 

It says the first jogger; 

...believes Messiah (Mashiach) came to do away with the Torah (law)…he’s actually confusing certain ceremonies with instructions. See Psalm 40:1-8 

...believes Messiah (Mashiach) came to start a new religion centered around church …..he’s not connecting the statement “seek and save that which is lost” and “ only sent to the lost sheep of the household of Yisrael” 

... believes Messiah (Mashiach) came to choose twelve (12) Hebrew/Jewish/Israelite disciples who were Torah observers and kept kosher; but then tells them to eat anything and to teach something totally different from Torah. 

And there’s a host of other things that proves that this jogger’s beliefs are based on religion and heresy, and not on scripture.   

Isaiah 2:1-5 speaks of the future, it says: 

The word that Yeshayahu (Isaiah) the son of Amots saw concerning Yehuḏah (Judah) and Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). 

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of Yahuah house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations (Goyim) shall flow unto it. 

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahuah, to the house of the Elohim of Ya‛aqoḇ; and he will teach us of his ways (Derakhim), and we will walk in his paths (Orakhot): for out of Zion (Tsiyon) shall go forth the law (Torah), and the word of Yahuah from Yerushalayim. 

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation (Goy) shall not lift up sword against nation (Goy), neither shall they learn war any more. 

O house of Ya‛aqoḇ, come ye, and let us walk in the light of Yahuah.

 

1.      Question:  Where’s the location?  ----------------Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)

 

2.      Question:  What’s coming out of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) ?  -----------------the law (Torah)

 

3.      Question: What will be taught?  ------------------HIS ways (Derakhim)

Psalm 40:1-8

I waited, waited for Yah ; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

 

And He drew me Out of the pit of destruction, Out of the muddy clay, And He set my feet upon a rock, He is establishing my steps.

 

Then He put a new song in my mouth; Praise to our Elohim; Many do see it and fear, And trust in Yah.

 

Blessed is that man who has made Yah his trust, And has not turned to the proud, And those turning aside to falsehood.

 

O Yah my Elohim, many are the wonders Which You have done, and Your purposes toward us; There is no one to compare with You; I declare and speak: They are too many to be numbered.

 

Slaughtering and meal offering You did not desire; You have opened my ears; Burnt offering and sin offering You did not ask for.

 

Then I said, “See, I have come; In the scroll of the Book it is prescribed for me.

 

I have delighted to do Your pleasure, O my Elohim, And Your Torah is within my heart.

School of Thoughts:     

So how could Messiah (Mashiach) destroy something that he himself was? ……. (the Father’s word and will was within his heart) 

Does your Two (2) Things line up and produce Emunah?....... ( a firm carried out action of the Father’s will )

If you read these scriptures in your translation; you will come to the same conclusion.

 

Se’lah

Where Are Today's Pinehas?

As Torah observers, we live in a society in which we must work and live side by side or in citizen harmony with non-believers. But sometimes we find ourselves compromising for the sake of citizenry.

Certain compromises eventually leads us to forsake our commitment to Torah, YHWH and other believers.  In other words - we compromise our lifestyle or walk (halacha).

In Bemidbar ( Numbers) 25 we find Israel compromising with the Moabites--Verse1-3

And Yisra’ĕl dwelt in Shittim, and the people began to whore with the daughters of Mo’aḇ,

and they invited the people to the slaughterings of their mighty ones, and the people ate and bowed down to their mighty ones. Thus Yisra’ĕl was joined to Ba‛al Pe‛or, and the displeasure of יהוה burned against Yisra’ĕl.

 

When one compromises they actually become one or in union with the other party.  Another way to put it; they become that other party!  There's no difference between the two; they become one!

 

There's a consequence to compromising and enjoining--Verse 4-6

 

And יהוה said to Mosheh, “Take all the leaders of the people and hang them up before יהוה, before the sun, so that the burning displeasure of יהוה turns away from Yisra’ĕl.” And Mosheh said to the judges of Yisra’ĕl, “Each one of you slay his men who were joined to Ba‛al Pe‛or.”  And see, one of the children of Yisra’ĕl came and brought to his brothers a Miḏyanite woman before the eyes of Mosheh and before the eyes of all the congregation of the children of Yisra’ĕl, who were weeping at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

 

As in that day, so it is in this day.  We see Torah Keeping brethren against Torah Keeping brethren.  And we see Torah Keeping brethren accepting the wrong of other brethren.  Not only accepting the wrong of other brothers within Torah Keeping; but the wrongness has crept into the entire Torah Keeping congregation/fellowship/assembly infecting the whole. Again, as in that day, so it is in this day.....Selah

 

The whoredom and false worship that some of the people did in verses 4-6, they did in the midst of the congregation, fellowship - assembly.  They committed whoredom and false worship; and it was being accepted by some.  Again, as in that day, so it is in this day.....Selah

 

But thank Elohim for Moshe, who did his part to correct this.  And thank Elohim for those who wept and made intercession for those in error while seeking divine intervention.

 

Without the Ruach--Verses 7-9

 

And when Pineḥas, son of El‛azar, son of Aharon the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation and took a spear in his hand, and he went after the man of Yisra’ĕl into the tent and thrust both of them through, the man of Yisra’ĕl, and the woman through her belly. Thus the plague among the children of Yisra’ĕl came to a stop. And those who died in the plague were twenty-four thousand.

The thing I like about Pinehas is his zeal and tzadik (righteousness).  He was so full of Torah and had of love for fulfilling his commitment to Yah that he responded!  He did not sit back and compromise, accept or intercede in prayer.  He acted!   But wait....

How did he act?  He did not wait until the Ruach/Spirit moved upon him?  He did not wait until the Leader, Pastor or Rabbi instruct him?  What is Pinehas doing?  Is he out of order for acting without permission?  No!

Pinehas zeal and tzadik (righteousness) kicked in.  He knew whoredom and false worship is wrong and he acted!  No direction from man, there was no I'll wait until I feel the timing is right, there was no I'll wait until my Leader, Pastor or Rabbi instruct me; there was no I'll wait until the Ruach leads me.

When whoredom and false worship manifest; anyone with zeal and tzadik (righteousness) can and should respond.

So where are the Pinehas of today? Though you may not oversee the masses; you are called to zeal and tzadik (righteousness).....Selah

When the Pinehas of today responds, we will see the falseness and whoredom leave within all Torah Believers.  Thus the plague among the children of Yisra’ĕl came to a stop.

Shalom,

Baruch Hashem Yah My Elohim

Wandering Is The Evidence The Marriage Contract Was Broken

Divorce is a word that many can relate to; it has touched so many children and adults across the world. It is a nasty and ugly word.  When someone mentions or speak regarding divorce notice the facial expressions, body language or voice tone of the speaker or hearer.  It’s a sign of disconnect or pain; regardless of how liberating some may feel, there’s a loss.  A loss of potential, dream or what could have been if both parties stayed with the initial commitment promised or contracted.  But instead one is left by themselves.

Torah is Ketubah

When Elohim betrothed Himself to the seed of Abraham, HE actually entered into a marriage contract with them. The terms and conditions of this marriage contract are written in document; in this case two stones of tablets called Torah or Commandments.  In Hebraic terms a marriage contract is a Ketubah.   It states the rights and responsibilities of the groom, in relation to the bride; promises and results for being faithful.  Therefore the Torah or Commandments became the Ketubah.

Israel agreed to the Torah Commands or Ketubah

Exodus 19:1-8

In the third month after the children of Yisra’ĕl had come out of the land of Mitsrayim, on this day they came to the Wilderness of Sinai.

For they set out from Rephiḏim, and had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Yisra’ĕl camped there before the mountain.

And Mosheh went up to Elohim, and Yah called to him from the mountain, saying, “This is what you are to say to the house of Ya‛aqoḇ, and declare to the children of Yisra’ĕl:

 ‘You have seen what I did to the Mitsrites, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.

 ‘And now, if you diligently obey My voice, and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession above all the peoples – for all the earth is Mine –

 ‘and you shall be to Me a reign of priests and a set-apart nation.’ Those are the words which you are to speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl.”

And Mosheh came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Yah commanded him.

And all the people answered together and said, “All that Yah has spoken we shall do.” So Mosheh brought back the words of the people to Yah.

 

Ketubah Itemized

Deuteronomy 28:1-14

 “And it shall be, if you diligently obey the voice of Yah your Elohim, to guard to do all His commands which I command you today, that Yah your Elohim shall set you high above all nations of the earth.

 “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of Yah your Elohim:

 “Blessed are you in the city, and blessed are you in the field.

 “Blessed is the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your livestock – the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.

 “Blessed is your basket and your kneading bowl.

 “Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out.

 “Yah causes your enemies who rise against you to be smitten before your face – they come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

 “Yah commands the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and shall bless you in the land which Yah your Elohim is giving you.

 “Yah does establish you as a set-apart people to Himself, as He has sworn to you, if you guard the commands of Yah your Elohim and walk in His ways.

 “And all peoples of the earth shall see that the Name of Yah is called upon you, and they shall be afraid of you. 

 “And Yah shall make you to have plenty of what is good, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land of which Yah swore to your fathers to give you.

 “Yah opens to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. And you shall lend to many nations, but you do not borrow.

“And Yah shall make you the head and not the tail. And you shall be only on top, and not be beneath, if you obey the commands of Yah your Elohim, which I command you today, to guard and do.

  “And do not turn aside from any of the Words which I am commanding you today, right or left, to go after other mighty ones to serve them.

The Breaking Results

However, when the bride breaks the marriage vow, a clear sign or evidence thereof is wandering.  It is a sign of forsaken-ness, loneliness, without covenant or covering!  Besides the cursing, the other result is one must fend for themselves..i.e…wander!  In other words, you become without a place and subject to others.  It causes a dispersion into other areas.  That’s why there is so many different false religions that the bride has gotten herself into….Se’lah

Deuteronomy 28:36

Yah brings you and the sovereign whom you set over you to a nation which neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other mighty ones, wood and stone.

The whole text of scripture is a journal of a groom (Yah) wanting HIS bride back.  It details the length that Yah goes through to display HIS continual love for HIS bride.  HE even develops a plan to restore her back by sending HIS messenger to proclaim HIS enduring love for her.  

Jeremiah 31:31-34

“See, the days are coming,” declares Yah, “when I shall make a new covenant with the house of Yisra’ĕl and with the house of Yehuḏaha,  not like the covenant I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Mitsrayim, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares Yah.

 “For this is the covenant I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl after those days, declares Yah: I shall put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.

 “And no longer shall they teach, each one his neighbour, and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Yah,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares Yah. “For I shall forgive their crookedness, and remember their sin no more.”

 

Matthew 15:24

And He answering, said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Yisra’ĕl.”

 

NOTE:  When one wanders he/she joins/connects/fellowships with someone who is a substitute for what is missing in their lives…Se’lah

Let us not wander anymore..teshuvah (return to your groom) THE CONTRACT STILL STANDS...THE GROOM IS STILL WAITING

 

Baruch HaShem Yah My Elohim!

Distractions? It’s really about the Kingdom.

Distractions comes in all forms and avenues.  Some through family and friends, and others through political, racial or social issues.  However, all of these things are signs of the times; and in some cases prophetic.  I want to share something that some will refute and snarl at; but if we put our emotions aside and begin to think with the mind of Elohim, then we can come to a Kingdom conclusion on these matters.

Distractions are the work of HaSatan.  Specifically distractions that hinders the Kingdom pursuit.  Just like HaSatan, distractions becomes an adversary, an opposite, a contender or resistor.  So anything or person that prevents the Kingdom can be a HaSatan in itself.

Let’s look at the word Distraction.

• It means:  something that makes it difficult to think or pay attention.  
• It means: something that amuses or entertains you so that you do not think about problems, work, etc.
• It means: a state in which you are very annoyed or upset.

Identify your Distractions

When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down he had a passion ( a pull if you will ) to restore the walls.  Why?  These walls stood for something!  They represented Elohim desire and fulfillment for HIS people and a sign throughout the earth.  Nehemiah knew that once the walls were restored that there will be hope, a sign, prophetic fulfillment and evidence that Yahweh hears, knows and keeps HIS promises. But……

There’s a Sanballat, a Toḇiyah, and a Geshem!  An adversary, an opposite, and a contender.   They are always around to distract (make it difficult to think or pay attention to purpose, amuses or entertains so that you do not think, to get you very annoyed or upset).

So who are these HaSatan, Sanballat, Toḇiyah, and Geshem’s ? Family, friends, political, racial or social issues.  Here’s one more….religion or religious infighting. Specifically among Torah believers.

The adversary knows that as the wall represented Elohim, so too does the Kingdom represents Yah here and now. 

Remember the program that was installed called COINTELPRO?  If not look it up.  This is the same tactic that is being used as a HaSatan to prevent the Kingdom from being manifested within the people.  To remedy that we must be sure to maintain our focus and HIS purpose.

The Talmidim lost focus and purpose

• Yahushua talmidim had infighting:  “who shall be the greatest”! 

•  HaSatan worked though Yahushua talmidim to (attempt to) prevent prophetic fulfillment. Matthew 16: 21-23

From that time יהושע began to show to His taught ones that it was necessary for Him to go to Yerushalayim, and to suffer much from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and to be raised again the third day.

And Kĕpha took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Be kind to Yourself, Master, this shall not be to You!”  But He turned and said to Kĕpha, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to Me, for your thoughts are not those of Elohim, but those of men.”

Did you catch what Yahushua said?  Let’s break it down:

• Get behind Me, Satan…i.e.…stand your ground!

• You are a stumbling-block to Me…i.e.…you are an adversary, an opposite, and a contender, or oppose to prophetic fulfillment that is designed to bless the world!

• Your thoughts are not those of Elohim, but those of men…i.e…your mindset is not aligned with that of Elohim, but with mankind! You are thinking and reacting to the things of this world that are meant  as distractions or a HaSatan!

Make The Choice

 

I’ve made my choice to pursue HIS Kingdom. The HaSatan of this world system will not distract me, I will align my mind with that of Elohim.  For I know that if the Kingdom is built, then it fulfills prophecy! 

 

May HIS will be done here on earth! Blessed is the servant who when HIS master comes, he will be found doing!

 

Baruch HaShem Yah our Elohim

Technology....Blessing and Curse

Technology is a wonderful thing.  It causes people from other states and countries to see or have knowledge of stories, events and information instantly that would otherwise be unheard of.  It has propelled mankind to a place of no return. 

Almost monthly there’s a new App, Enhancement Package, Gadget, Tool or Invention that supposedly make our lives and ministry easier or more efficient.  It’s a wonderful thing with benefits.

It’s so easy to logon, research , video-chat, stream and see people and events all from the comfort of your sofa or vehicle.

However, technology when misused has or is becoming a replacement tool for true discipleship, true intimacy  and halacha.  We are discovering men and women who are using technology as a reason tool for not connecting to a local Messianic or Torah congregation; instead they are opting in for the Messianic Torah teshuvah teaching ministries that has a heavy online presence.

You see many, if not most Messianic or Torah Observant ministries meet in homes, small buildings and or rented facilities.  Others are itinerary ministries only.  And when people see this they get turned off; why?  Because it’s not like the church system and its structure.  So to cope with that they turn to the online presence Messianic Torah teshuvah teaching ministries.  It fills the so call gap. 

But here’s what’s lacking:

True discipleship/talmidim:

A methodical step by step process of conversion and Torah teaching which takes time and patience.  It requires personal connectivity.

True Intimacy

Knowing what Yah wants and how to prepare oneself for HIS presence.

True Halacha

Knowing how to walk and live this Messianic or Torah Observant life.

What’s also occurring is the lack of knowing.  We really don’t know each other apart from technology.  It’s easy to deceive or mask ( “Hypocrisy” as Elder Kevin said) one another during Feasts because there’s no regular personal attendance or accountability of Sabbath or Torah study together. 

As we ( myself included) build our online presence Messianic Torah teshuvah teaching ministries -  we have to be careful that we don’t lose focus of our local commitment or initial purpose. 

 We must ask ourselves;

• Our we operating in ministry, or building a ministry?

• Are we trying to be like someone else?

 

• Are we dissatisfied with our few?

 

• Is it about the money or name branding? 

For those who sit at home because we are not fond of the Messianic or Torah Observant ministries who meet in homes, small buildings and or rented facilities: we must ask ourselves:

• Do I really want to be like Messiah?

• Am I using technology as a reason to stay at home?

• Am I afraid of accountability?

 

• Am I trying to justify not changing my lifestyle by using technology to my benefit?

Technology is a wonderful thing – it is a blessing, but can be a curse if misused and misapplied.

 

Final question:

 

What's your purpose of using it?

Let's examine ourselves to see if we be in the Faith

Shalom Shalom, may we all follow HIM

Baruch HaShem Yah my Elohim

Be Ready for the Transformation Choice

Life is full of choices and decisions.  No matter your ethnicity, pigmentation or status; you are making choices and decisions on a daily basis. As humans we do it on such a regular basis that we have become unconscious to these actions; they are in fact routines and are a part of our lives. 

 

However, some conscious choices/decisions can prohibit us from attainability.  When this occurs, we sometimes say “ that’s just me” or “ that’s who I am” as excuses when missing the mark. These decisions are based on selfishness, arrogance and pride!  How can I say this? Because it’s evident in our daily lifestyle, environment we choose to dwell in, language and conversations.  All these things we use to justify not walking completely in Torah through Messiah.  Consider this:

 

Mattityahu/Matthew  19:16-24

 

16. And see, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good shall I do to have everlasting life?”

 

17. And He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except One – Elohim. But if you wish to enter into life, guard the commands.”

 

18. He said to Him, “Which?” And יהושע said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’

 

19. ‘Respect your father and your mother,’ and ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

 

20.The young man said to Him, “All these I have watched over from my youth, what do I still lack?”

 

21.יהושע said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven. And come, follow Me.”

 

22. And when the young man heard the word, he went away sad, because he had many possessions.

 

23. And יהושע said to His taught ones, “Truly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter into the reign of the heavens.

 

24. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the reign of Elohim.”

 

In verse 16: This young man knew the question he was asking Messiah.  It wasn’t a question to get clear understanding of Torah; it was a question requesting approval of how he observed Torah. This young man knew (based on his responses, he already observed Torah in verses 18-20) that if he could get approval from Messiah then he would not have to make any other decisions or adjustments in his life.  If Messiah would have given him approval then the young man would have opportunity to gloat – that’s what he was hoping for.  Sometimes people are like that today…Selah.

 

In verse 20: This young man second question is not about what he’s  lacking; but it is more about “see, I am walking in Torah above all else” “none is like me” “I’m above your talmidim”.  He could have easily accepted Messiah’s response in verse 19 and left it there; instead, he asked a third question:  What do I still lack?   Could this be an innocent and sincere question of desiring to be right before Yah?  I don’t think so.  The young man was not wanting to know what’s lacking in his life; but to boast of his Torah observance.

 

As humans, we sometimes measure Torah observance against one another.  Measurement Examples:  I/we Shabbat twilight to twilight not 6am – 6pm, I/we Havdalah all day not just for a few hours, we have the Challah bread not just x.y.z.bread...etc,etc... 

 

It’s choice time.

 

Messiah being Messiah knew the heart of the young man.  So in verse 21 ….. יהושע said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven. And come, follow Me.”  In other words, if you really desire to reach attainability then walk as I walk.  In verse22: And when the young man heard the word, he went away sad, because he had many possessions. What happened?  He did not want to make a choice for attainability because it affected his comfortableness  He loved his possessions…i.e...his possessions had him, thus making him disqualified from becoming a following in HIS footsteps talmidim..... Selah

 

You see, many desire things, but when conscious sits in then the choice/decision you make will determine who you really are.  What’s your motive?  What’s your angle?

 

The young man left sad, why?  Because of this, “ if he really desired to reach attainability, then he would walked as Messiah walked gladly without question”. 

 

Therefore, let us all be ready for the Transformation Choice as the Master calls us!  It is here!......Selah

 

Baruch HaShem Yah my Elohim.