Monday, December 14, 2009

After knowing this, how could any true follower of CHRIST approve of this practice?



How Did Christmas Come to Be Celebrated on December 25?

A. Roman pagans first introduced the holiday of Saturnalia, a week long period of lawlessness celebrated between December 17-25. During this period, Roman courts were closed, and Roman law dictated that no one could be punished for damaging property or injuring people during the weeklong celebration. The festival began when Roman authorities chose “an enemy of the Roman people” to represent the “Lord of Misrule.” Each Roman community selected a victim whom they forced to indulge in food and other physical pleasures throughout the week. At the festival’s conclusion, December 25th, Roman authorities believed they were destroying the forces of darkness by brutally murdering this innocent man or woman.

B. The ancient Greek writer poet and historian Lucian (in his dialogue entitled Saturnalia) describes the festival’s observance in his time. In addition to human sacrifice, he mentions these customs: widespread intoxication; going from house to house while singing naked; rape and other sexual license; and consuming human-shaped biscuits (still produced in some English and most German bakeries during the Christmas season).

C. In the 4th century CE, Christianity imported the Saturnalia festival hoping to take the pagan masses in with it. Christian leaders succeeded in converting to Christianity large numbers of pagans by promising them that they could continue to celebrate the Saturnalia as Christians.[1]

D. The problem was that there was nothing intrinsically Christian about Saturnalia. To remedy this, these Christian leaders named Saturnalia’s concluding day, December 25th, to be Jesus’ birthday.

E. Christians had little success, however, refining the practices of Saturnalia. As Stephen Nissenbaum, professor history at the University of Massachussetts, Amherst, writes, “In return for ensuring massive observance of the anniversary of the Savior’s birth by assigning it to this resonant date, the Church for its part tacitly agreed to allow the holiday to be celebrated more or less the way it had always been.” The earliest Christmas holidays were celebrated by drinking, sexual indulgence, singing naked in the streets (a precursor of modern caroling), etc.

F. The Reverend Increase Mather of Boston observed in 1687 that “the early Christians who first observed the Nativity on December 25 did not do so thinking that Christ was born in that Month, but because the Heathens’ Saturnalia was at that time kept in Rome, and they were willing to have those Pagan Holidays metamorphosed into Christian ones.”[2] Because of its known pagan origin, Christmas was banned by the Puritans and its observance was illegal in Massachusetts between 1659 and 1681.[3] However, Christmas was and still is celebrated by most Christians.

G. Some of the most depraved customs of the Saturnalia carnival were intentionally revived by the Catholic Church in 1466 when Pope Paul II, for the amusement of his Roman citizens, forced Jews to race naked through the streets of the city. An eyewitness account reports, “Before they were to run, the Jews were richly fed, so as to make the race more difficult for them and at the same time more amusing for spectators. They ran… amid Rome’s taunting shrieks and peals of laughter, while the Holy Father stood upon a richly ornamented balcony and laughed heartily.”[4]

H. As part of the Saturnalia carnival throughout the 18th and 19th centuries CE, rabbis of the ghetto in Rome were forced to wear clownish outfits and march through the city streets to the jeers of the crowd, pelted by a variety of missiles. When the Jewish community of Rome sent a petition in1836 to Pope Gregory XVI begging him to stop the annual Saturnalia abuse of the Jewish community, he responded, “It is not opportune to make any innovation.”[5] On December 25, 1881, Christian leaders whipped the Polish masses into Antisemitic frenzies that led to riots across the country. In Warsaw 12 Jews were brutally murdered, huge numbers maimed, and many Jewish women were raped. Two million rubles worth of property was destroyed.




The Origins of Christmas Customs

A. The Origin of Christmas Tree Just as early Christians recruited Roman pagans by associating Christmas with the Saturnalia, so too worshippers of the Asheira cult and its offshoots were recruited by the Church sanctioning “Christmas Trees”.[6] Pagans had long worshipped trees in the forest, or brought them into their homes and decorated them, and this observance was adopted and painted with a Christian veneer by the Church.

B. The Origin of Mistletoe Norse mythology recounts how the god Balder was killed using a mistletoe arrow by his rival god Hoder while fighting for the female Nanna. Druid rituals use mistletoe to poison their human sacrificial victim.[7] The Christian custom of “kissing under the mistletoe” is a later synthesis of the sexual license of Saturnalia with the Druidic sacrificial cult.[8]

C. The Origin of Christmas Presents In pre-Christian Rome, the emperors compelled their most despised citizens to bring offerings and gifts during the Saturnalia (in December) and Kalends (in January). Later, this ritual expanded to include gift-giving among the general populace. The Catholic Church gave this custom a Christian flavor by re-rooting it in the supposed gift-giving of Saint Nicholas (see below).[9]

D. The Origin of Santa Claus

a. Nicholas was born in Parara, Turkey in 270 CE and later became Bishop of Myra. He died in 345 CE on December 6th. He was only named a saint in the 19th century.

b. Nicholas was among the most senior bishops who convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE and created the New Testament. The text they produced portrayed Jews as “the children of the devil”[10] who sentenced Jesus to death.

c. In 1087, a group of sailors who idolized Nicholas moved his bones from Turkey to a sanctuary in Bari, Italy. There Nicholas supplanted a female boon-giving deity called The Grandmother, or Pasqua Epiphania, who used to fill the children's stockings with her gifts. The Grandmother was ousted from her shrine at Bari, which became the center of the Nicholas cult. Members of this group gave each other gifts during a pageant they conducted annually on the anniversary of Nicholas’ death, December 6.

d. The Nicholas cult spread north until it was adopted by German and Celtic pagans. These groups worshipped a pantheon led by Woden –their chief god and the father of Thor, Balder, and Tiw. Woden had a long, white beard and rode a horse through the heavens one evening each Autumn. When Nicholas merged with Woden, he shed his Mediterranean appearance, grew a beard, mounted a flying horse, rescheduled his flight for December, and donned heavy winter clothing.

e. In a bid for pagan adherents in Northern Europe, the Catholic Church adopted the Nicholas cult and taught that he did (and they should) distribute gifts on December 25th instead of December 6th.

f. In 1809, the novelist Washington Irving (most famous his The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winklem) wrote a satire of Dutch culture entitled Knickerbocker History. The satire refers several times to the white bearded, flying-horse riding Saint Nicholas using his Dutch name, Santa Claus.

g. Dr. Clement Moore, a professor at Union Seminary, read Knickerbocker History, and in 1822 he published a poem based on the character Santa Claus: “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in the hope that Saint Nicholas soon would be there…” Moore innovated by portraying a Santa with eight reindeer who descended through chimneys.

h. The Bavarian illustrator Thomas Nast almost completed the modern picture of Santa Claus. From 1862 through 1886, based on Moore’s poem, Nast drew more than 2,200 cartoon images of Santa for Harper’s Weekly. Before Nast, Saint Nicholas had been pictured as everything from a stern looking bishop to a gnome-like figure in a frock. Nast also gave Santa a home at the North Pole, his workshop filled with elves, and his list of the good and bad children of the world. All Santa was missing was his red outfit.

i. In 1931, the Coca Cola Corporation contracted the Swedish commercial artist Haddon Sundblom to create a coke-drinking Santa. Sundblom modeled his Santa on his friend Lou Prentice, chosen for his cheerful, chubby face. The corporation insisted that Santa’s fur-trimmed suit be bright, Coca Cola red. And Santa was born – a blend of Christian crusader, pagan god, and commercial idol.


The Christmas Challenge

· Christmas has always been a holiday celebrated carelessly. For millennia, pagans, Christians, and even Jews have been swept away in the season’s festivities, and very few people ever pause to consider the celebration’s intrinsic meaning, history, or origins.

· Christmas celebrates the birth of the Christian god who came to rescue mankind from the “curse of the Torah.” It is a 24-hour declaration that Judaism is no longer valid.

· Christmas is a lie. There is no Christian church with a tradition that Jesus was really born on December 25th. (DUH! Anyone who studies to show themselves approved - a workman that NEEDETH NOT BE ASHAMED would know He was born on the Feast of Tabernacles. If you say otherwise, you do ERR - not knowing the Scriptures!)

· December 25 is a day on which Jews have been shamed, tortured, and murdered.
· Many of the most popular Christmas customs – including Christmas trees, mistletoe, Christmas presents, and Santa Claus – are modern incarnations of the most depraved pagan rituals ever practiced on earth.



Many who are excitedly preparing for their Christmas celebrations would prefer not knowing about the holiday’s real significance. If they do know the history, they often object that their celebration has nothing to do with the holiday’s monstrous history and meaning. “We are just having fun.”

Imagine that between 1933-45, the Nazi regime celebrated Adolf Hitler’s birthday – April 20 – as a holiday. Imagine that they named the day, “Hitlerday,” and observed the day with feasting, drunkenness, gift-giving, and various pagan practices. Imagine that on that day, Jews were historically subject to perverse tortures and abuse, and that this continued for centuries.

Now, imagine that your great-great-great-grandchildren were about to celebrate Hitlerday. April 20th arrived. They had long forgotten about Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen. They had never heard of gas chambers or death marches. They had purchased champagne and caviar, and were about to begin the party, when someone reminded them of the day’s real history and their ancestors’ agony. Imagine that they initially objected, “We aren’t celebrating the Holocaust; we’re just having a little Hitlerday party.” If you could travel forward in time and meet them; if you could say a few words to them, what would you advise them to do on Hitlerday?

On December 25, 1941, Julius Streicher, one of the most vicious of Hitler’s assistants, celebrated Christmas by penning the following editorial in his rabidly Antisemitic newspaper, Der Stuermer:

If one really wants to put an end to the continued prospering of this curse from heaven that is the Jewish blood, there is only one way to do it: to eradicate this people, this Satan’s son, root and branch.

It was an appropriate thought for the day. This Christmas, how will we celebrate?

AUTHOR: LAWRENCE KELEMEN

SOURCES

[1] The first mention of a Nativity feast appears in the Philocalian calendar, a Roman document from 354 CE, which lists December 25th as the day of Jesus’ birth.

[2] Increase Mather, A Testimony against Several Prophane and Superstitious Customs, Now Practiced by Some in New England (London, 1687), p. 35. See also Stephen Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America’s Most Cherished Holiday, New York: Vintage Books, 1997, p. 4.

[3] Nissenbaum, p. 3.

[4] David I. Kertzer, The Popes Against the Jews: The Vatican’s Role in the Rise of Modern Anti-Semitism, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001, p. 74.

[5] Kertzer, p. 33, 74-5.

[6] Clement Miles, Christmas Customs and Traditions: Their History and Significance, New York: Dover Publications, 1976, pp. 178, 263-271.

[7] Miles, p. 273.

[8] Miles, p. 274-5.

[9] Miles, pp. 276-279.

[10] John 8:44

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

the seventh month on the tenth day

The evening of Sept 29 on the Gregorian calendar began the 10th day of the seventh month of the agriculturally and astronomically corrected calendar -- which I like to refer to as YHWH's calendar.

Lev 16:29-34 RNKJV_W And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: (30) For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before YHWH. (31) It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever. (32) And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priests office in his fathers stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments: (33) And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation. (34) And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as YHWH commanded Moses.

For years, the children of Israel rehearsed this practice. To this day, they still do. The only part they do not rehearse anymore is verses 32-34. I would like to think that Yeshua HaMoshiach (Jesus the Messiah) will one day return and fulfill this part of this day in the spiritual -- just as he came and fulfilled the spring feasts of the LORD: Feast of Unleavened Bread, Passover, Feast of Shavuot (Weeks), & the 50th day (later known as Pentecost in the book of Acts). It is my only hope because I read in the instructions of YHWH to Moses that this is to be "an everlasting statute... to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year." I am of the understanding that Yeshua was the final Passover lamb, whose blood speaks of better things that the blood of bulls and goats. I understand that He is known in the heavens as "the Lamb of God".

But what are verses 32-34 really saying here?
What I understand it to be saying is that the anointed priest who is full of power, will minister in the office of priest in lieu of his father. He will make atonement. I looked up that word "atonement" in the Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Definitions. I found the definition interesting as a Scripture popped into my rememberance while reading it. First I'll share the definition, then the Scripture that the Holy Spirit reminded me of.

to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation, cover over with pitch
  • to cover over, pacify, propitiate
  • atone for sin and persons by legal rites
  • to be covered


Now the Scripture I was reminded of:
Eze 16:10 RNKJV_W I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.

The badgers' skin was used to cover the tabernacle as well.

Exo 26:14 RNKJV_W And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers skins.

We see the tent is covered in badgers' skins and we see YHWH telling the people of Israel that he covered them with badgers' skin through the prophet Ezekiel. He already covered the people. He already covered the tabernacle. Yet that is the job of the priest: to make an atonement for (cover) the holy sanctuary, for the tabernacle of the congregation, for the altar, for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.

Another area of Torah gives us further instruction on how to observe this day:

Lev 23:27-32 RNKJV_W Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto YHWH. (28) And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before YHWH your Elohim. (29) For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. (30) And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. (31) Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (32) It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

This tenth day of the seventh month is known today as the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur in the Hebrew language. Yom Kippur is a day the children of Israel are to "afflict [their] souls". What does this mean? It means that they are to humble themselves, to oppress themselves, to bow themselves down, to become depressed and downcast. What is the purpose of doing this? Since this was the ONE day of the entire year that the priest made an atonement for all the people of the congregation, it was important that the people did not make this into a formal ritual, but rather that they were made aware of the importance of this day and what it meant in relation to their salvation.

This was the only day that the people were commanded to publicly fast.

It was also a high sabbath day. The children of Israel were not to work on this day nor allow the stranger who sojourned with them to work. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible has this to say about being "cut off" from Genesis 17:14:
To be “cut off from his people” is to be excluded from any part in the covenant, and treated simply as a Gentile or alien, some of whom seem to have dwelt among the Israelites. It was sometimes accompanied with the sentence of death Exo_31:14; and this shows that it did not of itself imply such a doom.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible has something similar to say:
The uncircumcised - shall be cut off from his people - By being cut off some have imagined that a sudden temporal death was implied; but the simple meaning seems to be that such should have no right to nor share in the blessings of the covenant, which we have already seen were both of a temporal and spiritual kind; and if so, then eternal death was implied, for it was impossible for a person who had not received the spiritual purification to enter into eternal glory. The spirit of this law extends to all ages, dispensations, and people; he whose heart is not purified from sin cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Reader, on what is thy hope of heaven founded?

I looked up the word "convocation" in the Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Definitions and this is what it had to say:
convocation, convoking, reading, a calling together
  • sacred assembly

The Strong's says:
miqrâ'

mik-raw'

From H7121; something called out, that is, a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the palce); also a rehearsal: - assembly, calling, convocation, reading.


"Also a rehearsal." These are important words.

YHWH has instructed the children of Israel, via Moses, to observe laws, statues, days, and feasts. The purpose of these things were not made obvious to the children of Israel during the days of Moses. These are rehearsals until the day that Messiah returns. Already, Messiah came one time and he fulfilled the springs feasts of the LORD to the very exact timing, the exact actions, every jot and every tittle was fulfilled.

He will come again -- the second time -- and these fall feasts we have been rehearsing will be fulfilled by him.

Rev 22:16-21 RNKJV_W I Yeshua have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (17) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (18) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, YHWH shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, YHWH shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (20) He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. amen. Even so, come, Master Yeshua. (21) The grace of our Master Yeshua the Messiah be with you all. Amen.



10/01/2009 C.E. 07/11/6009 F.C.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Great news! I follow

Great news! I followed the advice on this site http://htxt.it/9IW9 and took this assessment http://htxt.it/Ve0D and I joined the 6:40p classes M-Th at Valley AK Club & immediately (after 1st class) seen the difference when I tried on 1 of 4 brand new pants. I've worn 3 this week. The 1st day was tight! 2nd & 3rd days are easier. GET FIT! It's easy.

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

Written last year, this month

I often wonder if this is how a caterpillar feels when it's inside its coccoon.....metamorphosizing into the beautiful butterfly it will soon manifest into when it emerges forth and flutters off.....liberated from its shell of change.....floating off freely where it will go.

What is it I'm experiencing? Quite a bit actually.

If man is made of three parts -- flesh, soul, and spirit -- then I am an eclectic mass (or mess, rather) of evolving natures all coming into alignment ......as when the planets revolve around the sun in such a manner as to one day -- on that certain, yet very rare day -- come completely into alignment so that each planet is lined up perfectly with the Sun. That is what is happening in me... but in three parts. My spirit is taking the head of the line... kicking my flesh back to the back of the line. Essentially, they are swapping places, but not without a bit of a fight from my flesh. My soul is sitting in the middle... watching all of this... wondering how to respond... how to "feel"... how to react... what to "think". And so, since it cannot determine what really to do... I find myself solemn at times. My flesh has been "in charge" for a good part of my life... doing things that are not convenient... leading me into directions that have not been fruitful... being willful and obstinate in all manners and such. But now the sweet spirit of the Lord has come and he is taking the reigns of my heart...leading and guiding me into all truth and righteousness. He's calming the areas of my flesh that once moved with zealous passion but from a wrong spirit. Things like anger and frustration... irritation and impatience...........these things He is taking and showing me how harmful they are to my walk with Him...and to others who witness it. And I find, I don't like them. I hate them. They are so very damaging. Even if I'm right -- just manifesting those behaviors automatically puts me in a position to look and be wrong. I want to be one of an excellent spirit. One who is unfluttered ....unmoved... by the annoying things of this world that come from people, technology, traffic, long lines, unruly children, interruptions, rudeness, thoughtlessness............ok I have a long list. But there are obviously "buttons" within me or else such things would not "touch" me as they do. They wouldnt be able to "push my buttons", so to speak.

There is change happening. At times, I want to dance and sing and laugh. Like today -- the spirit of the Lord moved me to sing songs... with such marvelous and powerful words from a vocabulary I do not normally draw from... and with a voice that I have often found is only released during these intimate times of deep expressions... and such confidence and tone that only He can demonstrate. Such inspiration overcomes me at times and I cannot contain it. Fortunately, I had the liberty to do so and so I took it.........and ran. For an hour. While I did my laundry. lol.

But as with Friday, I occasionaly - and rarely - find myself very quiet... withdrawn... uncertain as to what I'm feeling really. For I am not upset, yet I am not happy. I am quiet and very introspective. I believe that at such times, I should perhaps distance myself from others who could observe it.... so that they would not find me melancholy and consider that I may be depressed or oppressed. Which I do not think is the case. Yet I do not want to give a misperception. I had a few comments that told me that there was that going on. It's awful because I do not wish to be alone during such times. Yet it is probably best so that others do not sit confused, wondering what is going on. Because honestly... I don't know what is going on. I find I can talk during such times, but I will not freely offer conversation. I find I can laugh, but I'm not easily persuaded to do so.

My conversations have been changing. The words I use have been changing. Yet everything I've been journaling, meditating upon, praying about, or being impressed upon in my spirit have all lined up with what I'm hearing from the lips of others who are following the Lord. And so I am encouraged that the Father is dealing with me as His daughter.

Tonight, I spoke with someone for awhile. They told me that I am right to the point, but not mean (unkind) about it. These were encouraging words because I do recognize that I am one who gets right to the point. But in getting right to the point, I do not desire to be mean or injurious about it. I wish for my words to be salted with grace and mercy... and to be sweet as honey... when spoken. Not in a flattering kind of way, but in a soothing kind of way. Like balm to pain. I cannot hear myself speak in the same manner that others hear me speak. So to hear the opinion of others certainly helps me to see how I am being shaped. It helps me to correct areas that need correcting. While we were talking about that, I recognized that it is something I do because I appreciate when others speak to me plainly and to the point, but in a manner that causes my heart & mind to really think about what they're saying. If they present it to me in a tone that offends me though -- like in an angry or accusatory tone -- then I will shut off from "what" they are saying and only listen to "how" they are saying it. The person I was talking with told me that when they talked to a gal, who is a friend and sister of mine, she was the same way with them: to the point. Laid it out on the table with "this is how it is". I happen to like how that very same gal speaks to me. She talks to my spirit. She teaches me how to live and move and have my being in the spirit. So if my emotions get hurt or my flesh gets offended, then it truly isn't her fault.... it means there is something inside of me that didn't like what she had to say.... so there's something *I* have to deal with. I had a button to push... and she pushed it. Time to get rid of the button!

While we were talking, they told me that I had slapped them in the face the other day with my words. My fork paused mid-air as I sat there holding it with my mouth open... not because I was about to feed it but... because I was shocked., "I did?! Was I mean?" They answered, "No, no. You weren't mean. What I was saying was you slapped me in the face with the truth. And I didn't like it! I was like, 'ugh. well!'But you were right. You were right in what you said." (*WHEW*) They further explained that what I was sharing totally confirmed what they heard from two others earlier. Well that was encouraging. Especially since I didn't hear what the other two had said. It's encouraging for me to know I'm on the "same page" as my sisters who are going all the way. Our heart's desires are in the same place... and we're thinking along the same lines. That's awesome how the spirit of the Lord keeps us all in order as our minds conform to Christ.

That's something that's always been a big deal with me: communication. I'm a communicator. I like to talk things through. I like to reason. When someone is being unreasonable, it's tough for me to watch. I cannot comprehend how someone can continue to argue their point and defend it with such stubbornness because they are unable to humble themselves to see the truth of the matter. I can talk from experience here......... when someone is talking to me and I hear the truth in what they are saying........I will pause and let that truth soak in...and begin right there to examine my heart. Usually it's the friend & sister in Christ who teaches me how to live & move & have my being in the spirit who has been the one to talk to me. But He's placing others in my life who speak into my life today... such as the one I was talking to last night ...and other folks whom I'm growing close with. But I have been in the 'hot seat' and made excuses for what I was doing... justifying my behavior.... then was presented with truth and sat there meditating on the words as the person continued talking.... examining my heart... and had a change of heart. I've turned my conversation around and said, "You're right. Wow. I never saw that before. I am sooo sorry." None of us are so perfect that we are not prone to being in the wrong.

These changes I'm witnessing are really good. I want everything the Lord has for me. Everything. I want nothing less. That has been my heart's cry since I was first saved... but nobody ever showed me how it was possible. I never knew I would be in this place I am today. I would love to describe these changes. I can only look back at who I was and then look at who I am and think.... "WOW". Wow. Amazing grace. How much I have been given... and how very thankful I am. That He would take me... and forgive me... and change me as He cleanses me... performing His awesome redemption work in me... restoring my soul... cleansing my mind... purifying my heart... changing my desires. Wow. I am not the same person. I am so very different. And I so very much like it. I would not go back to who I was for anything in this world. What I have today in Christ I jealously guard with all my life... with all that is within me... because I know how much it cost to get to THIS place. Yet there is more to come. There is more. And if I have made it this far... and have tasted how good and perfect this life is... this way is ... then I want it all. I will not be satisified with just this. I will not be satisfied until I have attained the end goal... the finish line... the completion of this way. I want to overcome all things. I have overcome some things to get to this place. Now that I know what that is like... have had a foretaste.... I want the rest of it. I want all that the Lord has promised me.

Thank you, Father, for Your great love toward me. How much I do not deserve this -- but how very thankful I am that You decided I did!!!

If He had never loved me, then I'd have never known what love truly was. Now I know. And I will not let go. Love has changed me and continues to change me. And some day it will fill me 100-fold full until I am overflowing. My cup shall overflow. And mercy & truth shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

There is an urgency in my spirit... that things must come into alignment... that I must obey... and there are things that the Lord God Almighty is cutting off in my life. He's requiring more of me than He has before. To him whom much has been given, much is required. He's requiring more... and He wants no excuses. Every decision I make qualifies me. I can continue to run this race as long as I continue to qualify. If I make the wrong choice... if I justify my actions.... if I continue to persist in a manner He has put His finger on and said "ENOUGH"... then I'm making a decision to disqualify myself. By the grace & mercy of God... by the Blood of the Lamb... by the word of my testimony... I shall continue to obey Christ ALL THE WAY TO THE END!!! May God's perfect will & perfect plan be accomplished in my life until ALL has been completed & I may know in my spirit "it is finished".

August 17, 2008 jmf

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

About intellectuals

1Co 1:20-21 KJV Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (21) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Eph 4:17-19 KJV This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: (19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

1Co 2:6-8 KJV Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1Co 3:18-20 KJV Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. (20) And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Book Review: The Shack

A story about how God reveals himself to a man who'd grown bitter toward God after the death of his youngest daughter. His wife appears to be a background strength and though the book doesn't outright say so, I believe that strength is in the area of prayer. His bitterness hasn't consumed him because he still has a heart that is full of questions for God. Apparently, he is still open to receiving those answers.

Mack receives a strange note one winter day that baffles him, inviting him to come back to "the shack". A place he'd never want to return to. This was the very place where he discovered what had happened to his daughter. Yet, the signature on the note compels him to check it out. Upon his arrival, he discovers the shack to be empty and cold. There is no sign of anyone else having been there. He flies through a blend of emotions - anger and pain - spewing forth words I would never recommend ANYONE saying to God, no matter how upset they are at Him.

Mack decides to give up his search for God and determines that God will have to search for him if God cares about him. As he leaves the shack, a remarkable thing happens that compels him to turn back around and return to the shack. This time, he is welcomed by three amazing people whom he never expects to personally meet in his lifetime.

He spends a few days with them, and with an added, unusual guest, in a dark cave, who really gets to the heart of the matter. (I think this is Wisdom.)

He emerges from his visiting days with them (the three) at the shack with a renewed love for God. His heart is changed. As a result, he is able to forgive the killer.

There is much more to the story that I left out, such as the story around the falls, the camping trip, Nan's love for God, the names of his five children and what one is going through, the garden, who the three people are, what the cave guest required him to do, and where we find Mack toward the end of the book.

I don't recommend this book to a non-believer because they may take the book literally and believe God to be someone He isn't. The character who is known as God explains in the book the purpose for His manifesting Himself in the way He does toward Mack. See, Mack had an idea of who He thought God was. He had an image in His mind of God - what he thought God should look like. So God chose to manifest Himself as something FAR from that imagination to totally disarm Mack, in order for Mack to be at ease in His presence.

There were parts of the book that made me cringe.

One was that I could not believe the audacious disrespect in the thoughts and mannerisms of Mack toward God. The God I know from the book of Job would have put Mack in his place immediately, causing Mack to repent and quickly rethink his approach toward God. He would have approached God in humility with a broken heart rather than with the mockery, sarcasm and hostility he showed at times. He was a very disrespectful character toward God -- completely imperfect -- and I strongly believe that God would never have addressed Himself to such a one because God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.

But the author apparently chose this character with all his flaws as an example for that God can change even the worst of what Wisdom called "a glorious, destructive mess."

A spirit-filled follower of Jeshua and keeper of God's laws would walk away from this book taking the meat and throwing away the bones. There are some good parts that remind us of the LOVE of God and why He sent His son for us. There's a good reminder included of how our world has become what it is, filled with the kind of dangerous people we may encounter, and that there IS a better way.

Aside from a few cringing items, the dialogue between Mack and the four people (three at the shack and one in the dark cave) produce some really good quotes, thoughts to meditate on, and reminders of the reality we live in and what God purposes in the midst of it all.

Here are just a few of my favorite quotes:

"Pain has a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly. And if left unresolved for very long, you can almost forget that you were ever created to fly in the first place."

"You cannot produce trust just like you cannot 'do' humility. It either is or is not. Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you know you are loved."

"Humans have a great capacity for declaring something good or evil, without truly knowing."

"You do need me if you have any desire to stop such an insane lust for independence."

"I am Love and there is no darkness in me."

"Rights are where survivors go, so that they won't have to work out relationships."

"Without wisdom, imagination is a cruel taskmaster."

"The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love. I am not talking about rational fears regarding legitimate dangers, but imagined fears, and especially the projection of those into the future. To the degree that those fears have a place in your life, you neither believe I am good nor know deep in your heart that I love you."

"To force my will on you is exactly what love does not do."

"Submission is not about authority and it is not obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect."

"Is there any way out of this?" ...
"By giving up your ways of power and manipulation and just come back to me."

"As you grow in relationship with me, what you do will simply reflect who you really are."

"Just like love, submission is not something that you can do, especially not on your own. Apart from my life inside of you, you can't submit to...anyone...in your life, including [God]."

"So many believe that it is love that grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it."

"Love is just the skin of knowing."

"[God] has never needed evil to accomplish his good purposes."

"Return from your independence. Give up being his judge and know [God] for who he is."

"People are afraid of uncertainty, afraid of the future. These institutions, these structures and ideologies, are all a vain effort to create some sense of certainty and security where there isn't any. It's all false! Systems cannot provide you security, only I can."

Friday, July 03, 2009

Calling him by his name

Over the course of the last eight months, there have been changes in my walk with the LORD. With the Spirit of El as truly my sole teacher upon whom I rely strongly for instruction and direction, there are changes happening inside and out. Some of these changes have spurred actions that have not been performed as of yet -- and they will be. He has placed a desire in me to be quick about accomplishing what He has shown me to do and not to "look at their faces", as He told Jeremiah. Not to be fearful of what men or women would think of me. Especially brothers and sisters in Christ.



One of the changes that has occured is what I call Him. For years I have read from an English translation of a King James Version Thompson Chain-reference bible and used a Strong's Concordance to look up the original words from which the English words were translated from. The general rule is that the Old Testament was translated from the Hebrew language and the New Testament was translated from the Greek language. Here I've been making this a practice for years and years and it never really settled in my understanding of what I was truly doing. I'm limited to the English language and yet, the Scriptures I've been reading for years and years have been born from a language of another culture that has its own customs, manners, meanings. Every person's name means something. If you go to Israel and you ask them what the name "Jesus" means in Hebrew, they would tell you that it doesn't have a meaning. That name is not in their vocabulary. In fact, the Orthodox Jews and some others have a name nearly close to it that means, in their language, "He, whose name will not be mentioned". And it's not "Yahweh". It's "Yesu". Which sounds similar to the Greek's: "Iesous". Which sounds similar to their pagan god "Zeus". Which reminds me of the time that Paul went to talk to them in Athens about their altar with the inscription "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD."



The name "Yeshua" or "Yahushua" would properly be translated in English to "Joshua". The Son of God's name on earth was a compound name in their tongue, combining "Yahweh" and "Yasha" into "Yahushua" which means "Yahweh, our savior"... or combining "Yahweh" and "Hoshea" into "Yahoshea" which means "Yahweh, our deliverer".



We see that name "Jeshua" (or the one spelling of "Jeshuah") in the Old Testament as the name of a few Levites - some who helped in the building of Jerusalem after the captivity (told in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah). And isn't that just prophetic? For Who is restoring the tabernacle of David? He is building his house. He has laid his foundation. The foundation was laid and the wall was built and on the seventh month, on the first day, what was the first thing they did? On the Day of Trumpets *smile* they brought out the book of the law of Moses and it was read to all the congregation that could hear with understanding. One could read all about it in Nehemiah 7 and 8.

Just reading it brings me back to that first day when the LORD God Almighty had Moses assemble together the congregation of Israel for the first time on the third day. They assembled at the base of the mountain Sinai. They'd spent two days sanctifyng themselves and washing their clothes per Yahweh's commandment to Moses. Suddenly, on the third day, a trumpet sounded *big huge grin* and they knew what to do! This "set apart" people put on their white garments that had no spot or blemish, because they were clean from having been washed, and ... well, they followed Moses to the base of mount Sinai to meet with God for the first time. See, they knew they were to assemble at the base of the mountain, but they were trembling from fear so they needed a little guidance. Moses brought them forth out of the camp to meet with God. I mean, these people knew that nobody was on the mountain. Moses and Joshua were in the camp so they weren't up on the mountain. Yet, here was a trumpet sounding within a thick cloud upon the mountain... and it was getting louder and louder as it sounded long... as though someone didn't need a breath while they blew it. {There's a guy named Kenny G who figured out how to do circular breathing so that he could hold a saxophone note for a long time... but I don't think anyone like him was up on the mountain that day. I think whomever was sounding the trumpet DESIGNED circular breathing into our human bodies!} As soon as they got to the mountain, the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain. The people were standing there listening to this and watched as Moses went up. They didn't move though. They were already full of fear. But, God didn't say anything special to Moses once he got up that mountain. Basically, he obeyed God - went up the mountain. As soon as he did, God told him to go back down. God just wanted the people of Israel to see that Moses obeys the voice of God and to hear that God talks to Moses with an audible voice... not in his head. Not in his imagination. Not in his dreams. But with a clear, unmistakeable voice. So, Moses went down to the people. When he did, God addressed Israel who were assembled together for the first time as a congregation.

What was the first thing God did when He addressed the congregation of Israel??

He gave them the law. Verbally. Every word from His mouth was His law. The ten commandments were first given to the people of God by His own voice. One can read it in Chapter 20 of Exodus. Start with Chapter 19 to get the preparation for this day.

The people of God could not handle it. In fact, the account indicates that in addition to this - "all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die." And Moses answered them (verse 20) but their response to that was standing "afar off". Only Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was."

God told Moses to tell the people "Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven." (Exo 20:22).

I can only imagine that the first thing that will happen -- once the smoke settles and the new heaven and new earth comes down from God -- is that those who have the law bound to their hearts (inward parts) will teach it to those who are remaining. Those who have the law bound to their hearts are those who establish the law through obeying it. They are those who walk after the Spirit, in the new man, who by grace and the Spirit of El were able to keep His law because His commandments were not grievous to them and they loved Him to do so. They loved not their lives to save them, but chose instead to love God's life for them. They could have chosen, like the rest of the world and other believers, to "live their lives to the fullest" as defined by the world's standards. But they chose instead to live the Way, the Truth, and the Life until they came into the fullness of the measure of the stature of Jesus Christ (Jeshuah the Messiah.... Jeshua HaMoshiach). These are those who knew that the law did not save them nor justify them -- only grace did that. But the law was given for a citizen of another kingdom who follow after a certain King and Priest. These citizens sought, during their sojourning here on this earth, for that city whose builder and maker was God. They first sought after the kingdom of God and His righteousness. While other believers argued that the law was for the old testament, these are those who knew that His statutes and judgments were for Israel (the resurrected man in whom God prevailed - overcomers who live after the Spirit)... even though He showed His word to Jacob (the old man/carnal man - still living after the flesh).

Notice that in the Exodus account and in the Nehemiah account, we see a people who have been set apart. They were separated from the rest of the world. They separated the mixed multitude from their midst. They were reckoned by genealogy. We're seeing types and shadows of something that will come on the day that the LORD raises up the tabernacle of David that has fallen, closes up the breaches of it; raising up his ruins and building it as in the days of old. *excited* If one reads Nehemiah 12:27, then they can see that the order of worship was restored. There will be men and women singers and players of instruments. What a joyous day it will be! We will celebrate the LORD!!

There is so much to share. The LORD God Almighty has been opening up His Word and showing me so much that I'm so grateful for. Stuff I've wanted to know for so long. It's not given to me to boast, but that He would reveal Himself to me... and perchance, to others. For so long, I've sat and listened to doctrines of men and women who have had some understanding of things... and could teach what they knew. But of other things, they began "going off" thinking they understood what only the Spirit of God could reveal concerning His penned Words. He truly is the Teacher.

After learning what His names mean to us, I've chosen to make every effort to call Him by His names. Having learned that the "J" is pronounced as a "Y" in the Hebrew language, I can see why my name sounds like "Yohanne" or "John". Actually, it sounds more like "yawn". LOL
Occasionally I'll refer to Christ as "Jesus" or "Jesus Christ", but in my heart and mind I'm calling him "Jeshua" at those times. I refer to him that way when talking to others who have learned as I did to call him "Jesus". But I know what Jesus I'm preaching.

He is the Truth and only He can reveal His truth. If one truly wants truth, then they will receive it. He has proven that. He answered my prayers, though I knew it not at the time. He kept me from being deceived and falling into false doctrines and from the simplicity that is in Christ. It's one thing to run after revelation. But it's another when the Spirit of El, who is the spirit of prophecy, opens up -- or reveals -- the truths in His very own words. When He does it, on His own, in His own time, as He wishes, according to His truth... then it's so much more incredible. It's like... a huge puzzle that puts itself together quickly. Scripture after Scripture floods in and puts the pieces together in other areas that have been obscure for so long when the LORD opens up one area. For example, when He showed me the trumpet... EVERY SCRIPTURE that had to do with the blowing of the trumpet just OPENED. It ALL made sense!! Every old testament prophet was talking about that same thing. And then to have John bring it up again in Revelation: confirmation after confirmation.

When the Spirit of Yahweh opens His word -- two things happen: 1) intense happiness and celebration followed by intense gratefulness, thanksgiving which brings weeping... and leads into realizing how incredible it is to have a Holy God reveal such amazing things to someone like yourself: an unclean person in the midst of an unclean generation. 2) Repentance. Wailing like a person who has seen the devastation of what death brings. That's what it sounds like. It's a grieving that cries out from a place deep inside... and the sorrow is a knowledge that one is trapped in this old wineskin, yet longs to be in a new wineskin near to the Author and Finisher of one's faith. To be found pleasing and acceptable -- one without spot or blemish -- to draw near to Him in the Holy of Holies and abide in His presence daily and He with you.

He is an incredibly amazing God.

After all is said and done -- after all we do or don't do -- the one truth that will hold to the final day is that: He is God and He is good.

Friday, May 22, 2009

The Day and the Hour

This is my riddle:

I know the day and the hour

and yet

I don't know the day and the hour.



The Holy Spirit gave me these words last week. They're given in the same manner that Samson gave a riddle concerning the source of his strength. This riddle is concerning the last days.



What does it mean?



That's the reason for the riddle.





Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.



Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.



Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.



Matthew 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and in an hour that he is not aware of,



Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.



Zechariah 14:7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, [that] at evening time it shall be light.



Mark 13:32 But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. This means that the sons of God (friends of Yeshua) cannot know the day and the hour from the Son... remember he no longer calls them "servant" but "friend" because all things that the Father makes known to him, he makes known to them. But remember that Yeshua said this PRIOR to his ascension. Now he sits at the right hand of the Father. His fulfillment of the roles of Son of man, suffering Servant and the Lamb of God and the Spring Feasts is completed after his ascension. His next fulfilment is that of the roles of Judge, conquering King and Lion of Judah and the Fall Feasts when he returns to "confirm the covenant with many for one week" (Daniel 9:27; & see 1 Corinthians 1:8). In Revelation 3:3, you see him state to the messenger in the church in Sardis that the church will not know what hour he will come upon them if they do not watch. So either he knows the day and the hour or he doesn't. Since Yahweh set the stars in motion and hung the moon and the sun in the sky, I believe that He will share with His Son "the plan"... and that by the Spirit of El... those of us who are "led by the spirit, they are the sons of God" will know also "the plan". And so far, "the plan" still stands... and a handful of us know what to watch for. "A handful" is a small percentage of people - and only Almighty El knows that number. Blessed is he who seeks His kingdom and His righteousness and even has this thing added unto him: the revelation of the day and the hour. Now he/she can truly watch for that day and not have it come as a thief.

Luke 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.



Acts 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.



1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the LORD so cometh as a thief in the night.



2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.



Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. This is a warning to his servants. The book of Revelation is not written for the average pew-warmer/church-goer. It is written to the servants of God to enable them to prepare for the trouble to come and to know what to expect and what is required of them in the last days. They have a job to do and will need to glean their instructions from the Spirit of El.


I wrote these words down about three weeks ago. Today is June 3, 2009 which is Sivan 9, 6009 F.C. (From Creation). It is three days after the Feast of Shavuot 6009. I've been immersed in studying the Scriptures and have been dependent upon the Spirit of El to be my teacher. For the last eight months, Almighty El has been doing a work in me that I was unaware of until two weekends ago. He has shown me how he has directed my steps these eight months. A separation took place and I was at peace with it, but I wasn't understanding of it which brought a bit of turmoil into my soul. I sought not to dwell on such things but to continue to move forward. But on the occassions I desired to share with someone things that He had been teaching me, my mind stopped to remember ones I spent time with doing these things in the past and this brought heartbreak from missing them. After spending time communing with Him about it -- asking Him to help me understand what had happened, to heal hearts involved, knowing full well from the prayers that have come forth from my heart that it held love, mercy, and forgiveness in the situation -- He showed me what took place.

I've grown leaps & bounds. He is truly perfecting (maturing) me. The things I know today, I've never known before and the Scriptures have become like a living person. I've acquainted myself with them like one who cannot get enough of them. And each time I open the pages of my KJV or the E-Sword on my computer... it's like the Scriptures come alive and begin putting themselves together on their own. The rate at which the huge puzzle is piecing itself together is phenomenal. The Spirit of El is truly alive and moving in them... and it confirms all the more to me that Yeshua is indeed the Living Torah - something I never was taught in the Western Gentile Nation's church system: Church building or Church denomination or Bible Study or Home church or Fellowship. Nobody has had the understanding and the wisdom to teach me the things that the Spirit of El has been spreading before me like a banquet. I am ever-so-thankful to Him for such revelation... and MORE for the Love He is teaching to me through His demonstrations and mercy. It is a Love that has not been demonstrated and yet I longed to know it so that I, too, could manifest it. His Love is not properly taught nor shown. But in the life of Yeshua, it is made obvious. The day is coming where He will appoint judges, but the throne of judgment is established in mercy. And until one can demonstrate mercy, they are not a judge - not until that appointment is made. We must look to Yeshua to see how to live. He IS the Torah made flesh which dwelt among men. The thing that is difficult for the Western Gentile Nation believers is that they cannot find the middle ground of the Yahweh of the Old Covenant and the Yeshua of the New Covenant. HEAR O ISRAEL, THE YAHWEH YOUR ELOHIM IS ONE. And this truth remains: He is constant. There is no variableness nor shadow of turning in Him. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And if anyone says any different or tries to represent Him differently - they are creating a takanot... a law unto themselves.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Britain's "name and shame" game is lame

from this article:

In February Britain triggered a formal protest from the Netherlands after refusing entry to far-right Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders, maker of a controversial film linking Islam to terrorist attacks.
At the risk of becoming extreme themselves, Britain's Home Secretary Jacqui Smith says, "The government opposes extremism in all its forms and I am determined to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country."
"If you can't live by the rules that we live by ... we should exclude you from this country and, what's more, now we will make public those people that we have excluded," she told the GMTV broadcaster.

Hmmm. Somehow that statement sounds more like an excuse than a good, sound reason, for their actions.

It appears that their intention is meant for good, but it is extreme all in its own. In fact, it has it's own foul stench associated with it. It's somewhat laughable even, because here they've set up public cameras on practically every street corner & building rooftop for the so-called purpose of monitoring terrorist activities, but yet they're banning people like Michael Savage and Geert Wilders from entering Britain. What exactly are these guys gonna do? Verbally blow up a city square with their words? Paint a picture of explosive proportions with a speech for every mind's eye within blasting distance to reel from it's force?? Be for real. These men hardly have an army of religious (or political) zealots behind them waiting for their slightest signal to cue them to walk out into the middle of a highly populated area in order to take out as many people with them as possible.

This whole "name and shame" thing is just another hypocritical action taken on by a government to portend to be do-gooders. It reeks of arrogance & hypocrisy.

The fact that Britain refused entry for a maker of a film that showed how those who follow the Islam faith are related to terrorist attacks indicates that Britain has fallen into the very blemished pot by which they have judged the blemished kettle.

There's a book that's been out for years. It is the result of a compilation of years and years worth of news clippings, published articles, agreements/pacts/"peace accords", speeches - some of which were recorded live unawares, and it is a remarkable historic record of everything the terrorist leaders have done and plan to continue doing. Memory loss does not overrule facts. Ignorance does not overrule facts. What happened -- and continues to happen -- exists side-by-side with memory loss. So for the person -- or generation -- who has memory loss... it could be bliss or it could be their downfall. Fortunately we have records that preserve what has happened which confirm what is currently continuing to happen today.

If a person/generation/people/government/country chooses to be ignorant, then it's to their own downfall. There was a saying that seems to be ignored: "To be well informed is to be well armed." But today, more and more, we see people who just don't wanna know. It's like they cannot handle the information anymore because then they might have to make a decision that may not be popular. They may have to choose something that the rest of their uninformed peers may not like... and therefore they will "go against the grain" as another saying goes.

The truth is lacking today. We are ruled by our own destructive devices personified in those who govern us -- all over the world. We have been "given over" to what is in the hearts of the people. The majority truly does rule in this case... because it is a minority who does not desire the things that the majority seem to want.

The minority want the truth. No matter how ugly it is. The minority would rather make well-informed, thoughtful, and careful decisions based on facts, historic occurrences of similar events, and the current manifestations of things put before them. They don't want to be pressured into making last minute, rash decisions, forced upon them by lack of time, lack of resources, lack of patience from others, lack of votes, lack of support, or lack of wisdom. A sound answer under pressure is: "If you want my answer right now, then the answer is 'No.' If you can wait, then that answer might change." (This works well when dealing with teenagers who sometimes get very impatient with their parents.) We train others how they will treat us. If we respond in a certain way to the temper tantrums, bawling out, and crying of those who want things their way, then we train them that such behavior will give them that response... and that is how they will continue to deal with people in all their relationships, hoping to elicit the same response each time. They may stop for awhile & pretend to be changed -- but when the same behaviors come forth from them time after time, year after year, generation after generation, ruler after ruler -- then either the one with the behavioral problems is a problem... or the one who allows the behaviors to continue is a problem.

When someone writes a book or creates a film which documents historic facts and presents manifestations of elements that continue to exist from before we were born -- and when that documented information is not to our liking ...because maybe it does not fit within our limited perception -- then how can we make a sound decision to suddenly shun the author or filmmaker? Sure, the truth sucks at times... it hurts at times... it may even make one angry, but it is what it is. It only sucks when we've been taught lies all our lives through traditions of men and vain conversations of the world. It only sucks when those lies come from those in authority who have the power to alter truth. It only hurts when we are not willing to embrace the truth. We only get angry because everything we thought we knew was wrong. It's offensive. It may even make us angry because it exposes our weaknesses. But our "feelings" have nothing to do with the truth. When our feelings have come and gone -- the truth will still stand.

And if that's how one wishes to live -- being ignorant of truth -- then ... one day... they're going to have a very rude awakening. And all their "coping" mechanisms will fail. If one can't deal with the truth today? What makes them think they'll be able to deal with it tomorrow? When it comes full-force "in your face"... unavoidable... on full display... demanding a response?

We already saw how the ignorant reacted when the twin towers came down in New York. And yet... that was just a small incident.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

What spiritually drives you?

Fear of God?

or

Fear of man?

What drives you, spiritually? AND how can you tell? How do you truthfully know?

I got to thinking about Peter and Yehoshua (aka Jesus, son of God). You know, Peter was one of the twelve disciples who loved Jesus. He followed Jesus faithfully everywhere Jesus went. He wanted to be right there in everything -- near to Jesus. YET, Jesus KNEW that Peter was going to deny him three times. He KNEW Peter would turn his back on him in his most darkest hour. He KNEW that while he was being grilled, judged, accused, abused, condemned by the hypocrites that Peter was going to de-friend him. Peter was going to turn his back and act like he never, ever knew Jesus in his entire life. He was going to shun Jesus when Jesus needed a friend...some comfort, some encouragement, some faith...the most. Yet Peter was professing with his lips, "Lord, I am ready to go with you, both into prison, and to death." (Luke 22:34) Even the other disciples agreed with Peter they'd do the same. (Matthew 26:35)

All Jesus had in that time period, truely, was the Almighty El (aka God, Father)... Creator of the heavens and the earth... his Father in heaven. For his friends in the earth fell asleep on him when he asked them to watch with him, to vigilantly remain awake and aide him in standing against the spiritual darkness that was pursuing him ...for he went off to pray for help. But they didn't stand watch. They didn't pray. They weren't awake and alert. He was alone. Later, his friends of earth all scattered and turned away in fear of man for ever having known the Christ Jesus while he patiently bore his accusers' words and judgments.

Who would lay a charge to Jesus? Yet they thought to do so -- his accusers, that is.

But it is God who justifies. (Romans 8:33)

God may justify the righteous, but that does not mean the accusers cannot bound the righteous as justified as they may be. A man's own heart will prove his standing before God. (1 John 3:20,21)

"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain my own ways before him." (Job 13:15)

Where was Peter in all of this? He had his own story. Peter wanted to be near Jesus, he couldn't stop following him even when he was blatantly denying him. He couldn't resist being close to Jesus even though he was professing with his mouth that he never knew Jesus.

This reminds me of Nicodemus -- another man, a Pharisee, a rule of the Jews -- who came to meet with Jesus by night to ask him "How can a man be born again?" Why did he meet with Jesus by night? Was it so the cover of darkness would prevent other Pharisees from seeing him meet with this man who claimed God as his Father which the Pharisees considered blasphemy?

Peter messed up. But Jesus KNEW Peter was going to mess up. And this wasn't just a ...you know... small mess up. Peter was there when Jesus told the twelve that "whosover denies me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:33).

Jesus KNEW Peter was going to turn his back on him when his accusers would have him bound up.

But Jesus never thrusted him out of the group. He never told Peter to leave, knowing this. He never told Peter, "I'm done with you." Nor did he imply any dis-fellowship with Peter. He never put Peter away from him.

Jesus never told the other ten disciples to stop talking to Peter. The eleventh disciple had gone off to go betray Jesus for money. He never told the other ten disciples, in private... or with discretion, that something wasn't right with Peter so... they would all be better off just focusing on their relationship with just him (Jesus). There was never any discussion between Jesus and another disciple about Peter's fault.

...love covereth all sins.(Proverbs 10:12)He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends (Proverbs 17:9)

NOR was there every a discussion between Jesus and another disciple about JUDAS' fault. And doesn't it seem to us that Judas' fault was much more worse than Peter's?? On the one hand, Judas betrayed Jesus by showing the accusers where Jesus was hanging out so that they could apprehend him. On the other hand, Peter betrayed Jesus by making excuses to others -- who had seen him hanging out with Jesus in the past -- as to why he didn't associate with Jesus now.

Can we say the same about ourselves? Do we have enough of Jesus in us that we can look at our brothers and sisters in Christ, knowing their faults -- past, present, future -- and continue to love them with agape? what about brotherly love?

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:1,2)

Who can teach this kind of love? ...this agape love?
Can a man teach something that only God possesses??

No.

God is love, and only he can teach love. Whether it is agape, phileo, or thelo -- only God can teach what love truly is ... and is not. (John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9)

We have built into our beings the ability to love because we are fashioned in His image. However, we misappropriate love because we never take the time to know Love Himself. We love for the wrong reasons.

And herein is my challenge: The more I am loving God -- learning His commandments and applying them to my life -- the more I am loving people. Everyday, I am in such wonder of the marvels of God... how He has thought of every detail... how He has made every provision... how He has created, designed, orchestrated all things in heaven and earth (all creation) to manifest His handiwork, to declare His glory, to profess the works of His hands... I cannot help but be moved to please such a thoughtful, thorough, and marvelous Creator. He has given so much to me, as undeserving as I am... and taken such notice of me, as unworthy as I have felt... and so my heart wells up with love for Him. I want to please Him. That is my heart's desire. And the more I want to please Him, the more I am seeing things through His eyes and knowing His heart on matters. And this is where people come in -- He has made provision for all of mankind to be blessed and to enter into covenant with Him. Freely He has given to me, freely I must give to others. Lord knows how I have struggled with people -- the encounters with rudeness, self-centeredness, lack of courtesy and respect, undesirable attitudes and behaviors -- and I know I'm not the only one! We've all encountered such things. Yet we'd all like to think we are (or were) not this way, but we've all manifested these things as well. Yet, the more I aim to please God through obedience to His word -- living it, applying it to my life -- the more I see people in a new light. The more I love people. And this is not like me because I dont usually "love" people. I have chosen who I will like... who I will talk to... who I will become acquainted with further... and who I will keep a distance from.

The challenge I am encountering is that I want to love people because I know why Father instructs me to do so. Who am I to pick and choose who to love?? My brother laid his life down for all men so that all would know the love of God because this is how much God loved the world ... He gave His one and only born son (all men were dead because of sin, but one man died in their place so they could all live)... that whoever would believe in him (that he is truly the son of God, that he fulfilled all the prophecies that were spoken of him in the old testament, that he truly died for us so that we could be free from sin)... would not be destroyed... but by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. (John 3:16)

The life is in the blood. It is the blood that was spilled when five sacrifical animals' pieces were arranged for God to make covenant with Abraham. It is the blood that sealed God's people when the angel passed through Egypt killing the first born. It is the blood that atoned God's people when they committed a trespass. There is power in the blood.

But these sacrifices were temporary, they were not everlasting. A more perfect sacrifice was necessary to atone God's people once and for all. That's where Jesus took up his cross and laid down his life -- for no greater love does a man have than the demonstration of laying down his life for his friends.

Even when his friends scatter. Turn their backs on him. Deny ever having known him. Shun him. Lie to make excuses why they are not friends with him.

What drives a man to do that? Fear of God? or Fear of man?

Has this happened to you? Do you think you deserved it? What do you think God thinks?

And more importantly,

How did you respond?

Did you respond like this:
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn't jealous. It doesn't sing its own praises. It isn't arrogant.
It isn't rude. It doesn't think about itself. It isn't irritable. It doesn't keep track of wrongs.
It isn't happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth.
Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up.
Love never comes to an end. (1 Cor 13:4-8)

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love them which love you, do you deserve a reward? don't the publicans (collectors of public revenue) do the same thing? And if you only salute your brethren, what is it you are doing more than others? don't the publicans do the same thing? Be ye therefore perfect (complete, not wanting, in order), even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:44-48)

Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold onto that which is good. (Romans 12:9) God's Word version

OR did you respond like this:

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. BUT he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:10-13)

I CHOOSE LOVE. And I will show it. In His time according to His way.

For as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me. (Matthew 25:40)

And though I may be misunderstood, misjudged, and accused, I will continue to stand on His words for they are truth and spirit... and it is God who justifies.

I choose the fear of God over the fear of man. Perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18) {paraphrase: the end result of love is that it strikes down unhealthy terror, alarm, fright.}

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. (Psalm 118:8,9)

Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:8,10)

AND ONLY GOD (aka YHWH, EL) CAN TEACH THIS LOVE. Spend time with Him alone... in the "wilderness" if you must... get away from the influence of people - religious folk, brothers/sisters in Christ, family - and bring along your bible and a tender heart for the Father. Take a vacation with just you and Him so that you can get to know Him. Share with Him your heart in a reverent, humble manner...repent of sins, have a willing heart to do what He would have you do, be open and transparent before Him, exalt Him and declare His mighty works for there is none like Him... and be willing to change.

More scripture references on love:
John 13:34,35; John 14:15,21,23; John 15:9,10,12,13,17,19; John 17:26; Romans 5:5,8; Romans 8:28,35,39; Romans 12:9,10; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Cor 8:3; 1 Cor 16:22; 2 Cor 12:15; Galatians 5:6,13,14,22; Ephesians 1:4; Eph 3:17-19; Eph 4:2,15...2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 10:24; Heb 13:1; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Pet 3:8; 1 John 2:5,15; 1 Jhn 3:1,11,14,16-18,23; 1 Jhn 4:7-12,16-21; 1 Jhn 5:2,3; 2 Jhn 1:6; Jude 1:21

Monday, March 16, 2009

Truth overcomes lies

The Christians in the U.S.A. have been lied to - preached "another Jesus" as Paul had warned against. There are so many pagan and false religion rituals, festivals, dress codes, and practices that the current church of America is littered with. If God was not the merciful God that He is - He would have already dealt with this disease by snuffing it out at the roots. However, Gods' mercy and patience have continued through the years to allow those Christians who want to walk intimately with God -- truly know Him and His ways -- to come forth and seek the Truth. These are the ones who get kicked out of churches and bible studies for asking questions that other Christians cannot answer. These are the ones who want answers for things that have been unexplainable for years. But now we are in a day and age where many are running to and fro (traveling), and knowledge has increased. With the internet, there is so much we can learn. Christians can study the origins of their traditions, holidays, festivals, practices.

I've been taught that you can only give what you've got. If you've been given a whole slough of lies, then you can only give out lies. You cannot give truth if you do not have it. Christians have been frustrated for decades and become complacent, just settling for less... they make God and His Word to be so mysterious that they don't think that they can get answers when He specifically said "ASK and you shall receive, SEEK and you shall find, KNOCK and the door shall be opened unto you." HELLO?? where is faith? Can't just go to church and rely on one man or woman to give ALL THE ANSWERS. They're not God. God is God. If you have questions, you gotta ASK. If you want to know, you gotta SEEK and KNOCK and ASK. Otherwise, you can just sit there like a know-it-all ... whether you're Christian or Atheist or Jewish... and look like a doofus.

Truth has a way about it... that when it manifests itself, it needs no smoke & flashy strobe lights. It comes and presents itself plainly and its presence is so incredibly powerful that it stops tongues and has such a powerful effect that not one can deny its existence.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

four months

God is perfect. His timing is perfect. His direction is perfect.

He has placed me in the right situations with the right people at the right time. And sometimes, it appeared like things weren't going right - yet they were. I just didn't know it.

I've come to surrender to trying to understand anymore. God knows my heart: I DO desire to understand. I want His Spirit of understanding and His Spirit of knowledge. Yet, He has brought me through situations to break me of this need to know... to understand. Through situations that had me reeling and shaken, I learned to "let go".

By no means was it easy.

I've learned that when I do not understand or know something... just let go, step back, and continue to trust in God. In His perfect time, according to His wisdom, He will make all clear to me. And even if He does not, I shall continue running after Him obediently, trusting in Him completely, praising Him with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength.

Thank you, LORD.

I know that He is with me. His quiet hand has gently moved aside obstacles... lit up the darkness... set my feet on solid ground and kept them from slipping from the strait and narrow. I will fear the LORD all the days of my life. He is love. His love will be found full in me and it will overflow out of me into others. This is the work He is performing in me. It has been a difficult process for me as He has exposed me to things I was not comfortable with. He has crushed me and I cried deeply. He has removed what was familiar and a comfort and I found myself feeling lost and removed. He has allowed me to taste of things and then taken them from me because I was not ready for the fullness of them.

In all of this, I praise the LORD God - my Maker. He is the Potter and I am the clay. May His perfect work be accomplished in me. The breaking and the burning - I welcome them. I rejoice in Him for I know He is the God of my salvation. Though I do not understand what is going on at times - I will not let go of Him. Men will have me judged - but I know that God is my judge. I will show love and mercy to all. I forgive all - for even though they may think they know what they do... the LORD has shown me otherwise. I cried for them because I loved them though they treat me as an enemy. I will always love them no matter what.

I have been forgiven completely. I am loved completely. I shall give what I have been given: Complete forgiveness, complete love.

God has plans to make me whole, complete, perfect, and holy. I submit to His work in me. His perfect will be done, even as He has spoken it so shall it be accomplished. Not one word shall fall to the ground - every jot & tittle shall be accomplished.

I will wait on the LORD. I will not move. I shall rest in Him and be still.

He will do what He has purposed. His way is holy and just. He is my strength and my shield. With my song, I will praise Him.

His will be done.

selah

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The Danger of Deception

The essence of deception is that you are unaware that you are being deceived.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Not Forgotten: Barack Obama (Soetoro)'s eligibility...

...for President of the United States.

Why is it that John McCain was very OPEN and READY and WILLING to provide his birth certificate and eligibility for President of the United States when questioned about his birth abroad (overseas)??

Why is it that Philip J. Berg -- a registered Democrat & an attorney who has filed a lawsuit in question over Barack "Barry" Hussein Obama's eligibility for U.S. President -- is OPEN and READY and WILLING to be contacted about the questionability of Barack Hussein Obama's (aka Barry Soetoro's) eligibility for President of the United States??

AND YET, the man in question himself is CLOSED and UNRESPONSIVE and UNWILLING to put away this question by simply addressing it through providing the paper documents (namely, his birth certificate) himself?

Why won't Barack provide his birth certificate to the judge?
Is there a legal reason Barack is ignoring this request?
Is there a legal reason Barack won't address this request?
Does he have a reason for dodging this?

This is a most scandalous affair for the United State of America. Yet every effort to get the media -- namely CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Headline News, & CNBC -- to address this question has been BLOCKED.

Why?
Were they told to "shut up" about it?
Is there a legal reason for the media to avoid addressing this topic?
Who is the "voice" that speaks to all the networks telling them what subjects to cover and what to uncover? -What to report and what not to report? -What to display and what to hide?
Who do the media networks "work for"?
Do they have a job to do in reporting the news and making the public aware of newsworthy events?
Or are they now under some kind of control that the public is not privy to because that control is intended to be used on the public for influence and persuasion?

Who knows - but these are questions I have after watching this past Presidential election campaign coverage and now learning that an effort has been blocked to inform the public that a question has been put before the U.S. Supreme Court into Barack Hussein Obama's eligibility for the role of U.S. President.

Philip J. Berg is definitely the man for this because he's not just your average Joe. He is a United States citizen expressing his concerns for his nation. He is an attorney expressing his concerns for the upholding of law - and more particularly, the United States Constitution. He is a Democrat expressing his concerns for his party's judgment as to whether the candidates they select are eligible to hold the positions for which they have supported them.

I am thankful that there is a man who will continue to ask the question to bring out the truth: Barack Obama, please - if you have nothing to hide, then just provide your birth certificate to the presiding judges of the U.S. Supreme Court to show the fulfillment of your eligibility requirements as a Natural Born Citizen under Article 2 Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution thus recognizing that you may hold the office of the President of the United States of America.

Related:

http://www.obamacrimes.com/ - Updates on the case Berg vs Obama

News Article: Obama commercial they don't want you to see

Obama vs Constitution (60 second TV Ad) - the Commercial (YouTube video)

The October Surprise - Philp J Berg talking about the lawsuit (YouTube video)

Berg v Obama info Part 1 - Oct 13 interview with Philp J Berg (YouTube video)

Berg v Obama info Part 2

Berg v Obama info Part 3