In Pursuit of Truth

As we become seekers of truth in our walk with Messiah, at some point, a vital question will rear its head.  "How far do we go with this truth stuff.?"  Do true seekers of truth stop when they discover something that allows them a degree of comfort?  Are we willing to keep on seeking, moving past those areas that are appealing to our flesh, especially when it looks so spiritual.

If we are truly living in the last days, we must not neglect the warnings of Scripture concerning these times.  If we believe that we are somehow immune to these warnings because of the group to which we belong, we are truly deceived.  In fact, Scripture warns against those who would build a following solely on the message of "The day has drawn near." (See Luke 21:8).  This is the day when every spirit must be tried, when every "prophetic" word must be doubly scrutinized, when the words of the preachers must be weighed against Holy Writ.  This is the day when every man and woman of YHVH must learn to think for themselves, and trust the Living Word "Yeshua" in us. 

According to the prophet Daniel, knowledge will increase in the last days.  That increase of knowledge concerning Biblical times and customs has led to an explosion in the numbers of people embracing Messianic Judaism.  The problem is that people have simply traded one religious system for another.  Believers have been deceived into trading a Gregorian calendar for a Rabbinical one.  The modern Jewish calendar has its origins in the Babylonian captivity...the proof here being the very names of the months, every bit as pagan as the Gregorian calendar they were trying to get away from.  The Torah, that they say they follow, gives very specific instructions on when the months and years begin, and when the feasts are to be celebrated.  With the "increased knowledge" of NASA's calculators and biblical understanding of the "Abib" (ripening) of the barley harvest, there is no longer a doubt of when to celebrate these feasts.  My point here is NOT to be dogmatic concerning a calendar...but simply to say that if we are rejecting paganism in its entirety, it must include weeding it out in whatever system appeals to us.  Truth seekers must be willing to seek truth no matter where it (He) leads. 

Because our Messiah IS the Truth, I remind you it is not a system or denomination, or even a leader we seek to follow.  We must follow Him, no matter where He leads.  We are in the process of learning discernment, and hopefully coupling that together with wisdom.  If the promised Holy Spirit truly is our teacher, we can trust what He says, no matter how contrary that might be to what we hear from the pulpits.

Keep seeking and you will find!!

 

Shalom

Is It Real?

Time for a little gut-level honesty. Have you ever asked yourself, "Is this whole Christianity thing real?" Can we be assured of the Truth?

While the evidence I am about to present may be of little value to you personally, I can only continue to marvel at what it means to me.

About 3 weeks ago, I was at work as a general contractor on a residential construction site. I was giving an on-site update to the home owner who just happens to be a physician. We were in the lowest level of this split (4) level home. As we were discussing the progress of the construction, I began to feel a little dizzy and noticed some pressure beginning in my chest. I mentioned these symptoms to my client who immediately took the situation under control and asked me if I could climb up to the next level. I climbed up ( approx. 4 ft.) to the next level and looked for a place to sit down. Because the pressure in my chest was increasing, my client asked me to lie down and elevated my feet. She called 911 and requested ambulance service.

As the construction site is in Historical Downtown Boise, we were in the close proximity to several hospitals, one of which is St. Luke's, a facility known for its cardiovascular care. The paramedics arrived within a few short minutes and began their field procedures, including administering nitro glycerin. As they gave me a third dose of nitro, I suggested to the paramedic that since it wasn't working, perhaps it wasn't my heart that was causing the pain. By that time, I was hooked up to the EKG monitor and the paramedic announced, "I believe you are having a heart attack, we are going to St. Luke's code blue with lights and sirens."

Because of the intense pressure on my chest, the next series of events are a little fuzzy, to say the least. I recall the paramedics, and then the emergency room personnel telling me to keep my eyes open and "stay with them." By then the realization had hit me that I may be breathing my last. My vision was fading in and out, and I knew that I was on the edge of consciousness. The amazing thing to me, that even in that moment, there was NO fear. I was completely at peace.

Please understand this was not what I would call a "spiritual" moment, but it was extremely real. I was not having visions of the hereafter, or seeing Jesus with outstretched arms or any such thing. Honestly, the only conscious thought I was having was, "This really hurts, please make the pain stop!"

I recall the medical staff informing me that we were on our way to the Cath Lab, please keep my eyes open and stay with them. The fuzzy 'tunnel' vision with black edges continued. I have absolutely no idea of how long all of this was taking, and it seemed the elephant that was sitting on my chest was not going anywhere.

I was hearing bits and pieces of conversations the medical staff were having with each other, and them asking for responses from me. When they got to the blockage in my heart, the elephant decided to leave. I remember asking myself at this point, "Why was I not afraid." Other questions going through my semi-lucid mind were: "Why was I not concerned for my family?" Had I become so self- absorbed that I had lost sight of that which was most important to me? Why was I not concerned for Carol, my best friend and companion for 31 years? (We had planned to attend the "Chicago" concert that very evening to celebrate our 31st anniversary!). Why, especially at this time, did my thoughts not turn to my 6 kids (3 natural and their spouses) and our 8 grandkids? Was I just being selfish, or is there really something to this "Peace that passes ALL understanding"?

Several years ago, I was involved in an in-depth study of the scriptural concept of peace. When our Messiah said to His disciples, "My peace I give unto you." He was giving them authority to overcome the circumstances of life. The definition of 'PEACE' according to scripture is, "To destroy the authority that establishes chaos"! Certainly a heart attack would establish chaos! Not knowing how to handle the financial obligations that have come our way would establish chaos. I don't know how all of this will work out, but in the words of the Apostle, "I know in Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him, against that day!"

I want to express my appreciation to Dr. Paula Carvalho, for her professionalism and expertise in taking control of the situation. Also thanks to St. Luke's Hospital for their care at this critical time. Most of all, thanks to my loving Creator who has provided His Son, the Prince of Peace who gives of Himself that blessed characteristic that passes all understanding.

Shalom

Times and Seasons

Well, it has been a month since I have posted to this blog.  Time's fun when you're having flies! 

Although there is not a lot of time for extended study these days, it is nevertheless a time of phenomenal learning for me.  It seems to be a season of theological exclamation points.  By that I mean that many things that I have sensed in my spirit have either been confirmed or are being articulated by others whom our Creator is bringing into my path.  The challenge for me is to keep an open mind and allow the Scriptures to be my guide.  We are in a time that open mindedness, or more perfectly open scripture-ness is vital to understanding the day in which we live.  We must be willing to allow our doctrines to be defined by a preponderance of biblical evidence, and never one or two verses pulled out of context.  It is a difficult challenge to me, as a former denominational pastor, to lay aside man's ideas as to the interpretation of scriptural passages.  I must be willing to lead the way in going back to the original languages to determine for myself the meaning of scripture.  I must fully accept the promised help of the Holy Spirit in teaching me Truth.  If the New Covenant is Yahuweh's Word written on my heart, than I must be willing to accept, apply, and also accept the consequences of disobedience to what He has written on my heart. 

There is much more to come and hopefully time for particulars in the days ahead.

Shalom

Busy Time for Me

Time gets away extremely quickly these days!  Being a construction contractor to support my ministry habit, at times gets in the way of the very thing it is intended to support.  Because we had a somewhat slow winter, I will not complain now about the work that has come my way!  I feel very blessed just to be working!

Even though I haven't been able to do much writing lately, I feel I am experiencing a time of spiritual growth.  There is much confirmation going on in me personally, of things I have sensed in the spirit realm that our loving Heavenly Father is bringing into reality. 

Over the past several years I have placed my "complete theology package" on a shelf.  It has been a wonderful experience to examine each component of my personal theology under the scrutiny of scripture.  Although much of what I believed and even preached publicly has either had to remain on the shelf or be discarded completely, it is gratifying when some components are found to be biblically sound.  The goal of all of this is to have a theology (belief system) that is firmly rooted in the whole of scripture, as opposed to the loosely based, denomination supporting structure found in the church world today.

We are on a journey that is sure to get even more adventuresome in the days to come.

 

Shalom

More on the Renewed Covenant

The following is commentary from Don Harris at www.thinkredink.com.  Please go to his website and get the rest of the story.

Last week, I mentioned that there was a fatal flaw in the popular Messianic Doctrine. I also pointed out that if we take it as read that the prevalent Messianic teachers are correct in their assumption about the Brit Hadasha, i.e. that the "New Testament" is not a "new" covenant at all but a "re-newed covenant", it remains contingent upon us to ask, "Which covenant has been renewed?"

This question is quickly answered by leaders and by those versed in the doctrine, "Why, the Mosaic covenant, of course!" (By this they mean the covenant of Laws given to Moses.)

I have been commissioned (it seems uniquely commissioned) of the Lord YHVH in this matter. I speak with authority because I know within myself that it is the truth and the rejection of it may cost you your very soul. Accept or reject it, but you will reject it at your own peril.

The covenant upon which our salvation is based IS NOT the Mosaic covenant. It cannot be. The Mosaic covenant is an interruptive, stop gap measure that YHVH put into place to maintain a relationship with a gainsaying, argumentative and stiff-necked people who had no ability to serve their God in grace and truth. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." John 1:17 You may not "take or leave" this truth and remain theologically accurate in your thinking or worship.

 

Shalom

The Covenant

Jeremiah, the prophet said: “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD.  But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jer. 31:31-34)

This passage has caused some misunderstanding within the body of Messiah.  Many teach that Yahuweh is simply renewing His covenant with Moses, and therefore restoring the Torah to all believers in Messiah.  This view does NOT withstand the scrutiny of Scripture.  We must be willing to take a hard and fast look at what Yeshua did in being the mediator of a New Covenant with us.

In Paul's letter to the Galatians, he articulates some changes to the Torah (Yahuweh's teaching and instructions).  Paul's understanding of circumcision not being necessary for salvation was contrary to the Mosaic law.  He also stated that HIS gospel (that message which the Holy Spirit taught to him in the Arabian desert) was the ONLY gospel that is truth for us.  His (re)introduction of the Melchezedic priesthood was contrary to Levitical order.

In light of this evidence, I submit to you that it was NOT the Mosaic covenant that was renewed, but our Father's covenant with Abraham!  This is extremely important for us to understand as Abraham's covenant was based on faith.  Abraham HEARD the voice of the Almighty and he believed!  That covenant is renewed with YOU!  Have you HEARD His voice?  Will you BELIEVE?

Shalom

Count the OMER??

The following is from Don Haris of Think Red Ink Ministries...Good Stuff Don!

So, how many omers have ya' counted so far?
For me it's ZERO! I have counted 49 days up to this point. You see, I have been counting days - not omers. Why? Because Leviticus 23:16 says clearly, "Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days..." The Torah itself does not give us a reason for counting the omer.
Over the years, the Rabbis have provided us with several poor explanations for this "Biblical" commandment. Although I cannot see how, some Rabbis say the Omer count links Passover and Shavuot (Day of Pentecost).  According to them, the nation of Israel was given its freedom on Passover, and "we were given the purpose of our freedom on Shavuot."
The Kabbalah, (pure Jewish mysticism), teaches, "We count the omer because each day of the counting is an ascension from one of the forty-nine levels of the impurity we lived as slaves in Egypt. Only after these 49 days of ascension were the Israelites worthy of receiving the Torah."
You can easily see why I take no part in this omer counting. It comes from pure "Torah worship;" however, I do believe that the commands of YHVH have some significance.
So, what is the significance? I wish I knew it in all its fullness, but I don't. So, I will approach it in a simple, direct, and (more than likely) different way.
Could it be that the LORD YHVH's intention was spoken by the Messiah, (Luke 24:45-49) "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,  And said unto them, ... behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

I am intrigued by the statement, "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures..." Here we witness a supernatural impartation of understanding.
It also presupposes that they DID NOT understand the Scriptures pertaining to what had just occurred.  Hadn't these boys ever been to Sunday School? Hadn't they learned the teaching of the Rabbis pertaining to Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Firstfruits Offering, and counting down to Pentecost? Hadn't they kept these days and festivals all of their lives? What was it that they did not understand? (And if they did not understand, isn't likely that we do not either?)
THIS IS THAT!
On the road to Emmaus the Apostles were despondent and approaching bitterness. Jesus come close to them cloaked in anonymity and asked a red-letter question, Luke 24:17-51,
"And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?  And Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?  And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:  And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.  But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Then [Jesus] said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself..".
The despondent men, now elated, returned to Jerusalem:
"And they told what things were done in the way... [Then] Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, "... These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me."
Now we have arrived at the Scripture with which we started. "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things.  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye (count the days - wait - keep the weeks) in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.  And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."

Here we have the whole package:
His life of suffering (Isaiah 53)
His fulfillment of Passover (His death)
The sign of Jonah (the three days and nights in the grave)
The firstfruits (His resurrection)
The fulfillment of Isaiah 61 (Jubilee)
The waiting (counting) of the days of Shavuot or Pentecost
The fulfillment of Joel's prophecy that later was boldly proclaimed by Peter:
Acts 2:14-21, "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:  For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:  And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

How did Peter, John, Cleopas and the rest of the 120 come to such a realization? They waited!
They waited without knowledge - but not without hope!
They counted the days to Pentecost without facts - but not without expectation!
They waited in faith - the substance of things hoped for - until the promise came.

They waited and counted the days until hope became a reality!
Our firstfruits offerings hold little moment when compared to the actuality of YHVH's firstfruits gift. The "firstborn from the dead" was none other than Joshua - Yeshua - Jesus of Nazareth.
At THAT Day
John 14:16-20, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth ... for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  ... Because I live, ye shall live also.  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you."

Have you come to THAT Day? Have you been endued with power from on high?
Wait for it! Count the days. The promise will come... if we wait!

 

Shalom

Your Subscription Please:

 

We have added a new feature to this blog...namely a subscription link.  In the upper left hand corner there is a link to subscribe via an e-mail subscription or an RSS feed.  When you subscribe, every time there is a new post, you are notified via an email message and you can click on the link in your email message and read the remainder of the post.  This will allow you to be kept up to date with House To Life Ministries. 

I had some difficulty uploading the first video on the Creator's Calendar to the web site.  The second video is now on the front page of the web site and ready for viewing.  I will continue to work on video #1 and get it in the archive as soon as possible. 

I am really excited about the response to The Creator's Calendar. both on the web site and the TV program (The Living Room TV program airs Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM on KCLP-TV 18 in Nampa, ID)  The web site has received hundreds of hits for downloading The Creator's Calendar.  You can get yours free at www.house2life.org.   Our ministry exposure is growing exponentially because of the interest of people like you, and for that I am grateful.  Our purpose is to keep our eyes and ears open to hear from Yahuweh and keep the Body of Messiah informed as to what is happening in these most exciting of days.  Because of the day in which we live, the Scriptural admonition is most appropriate: lift up your heads, your redemption is near!

 

Shalom

New Moon Sighted

Karaite Korner Newsletter #331
New Moon Report
June 2008
Third Biblical Month
On Wednesday June 4, 2008 the New Moon was sighted from Ashdod at
20:09 by Magdi Shamuel and Eli Shamuel and from Jerusalem at 20:10 by
Johan Schutte and Nehemia Gordon.
Rosh Hodesh Sameach!
Happy New Moon Day!
Nehemia Gordon
Jerusalem, Israel

 

Those of you who have downloaded the Creator's Calendar from our website (www.house2life.org) will note that the Third Month has two pages.  The page that places the 1st day of the month on June 6th can now be discarded.  The New Moon has been sighted in Israel and we now know how the days fall according to the scriptural pattern. 

 

Shalom

Repeat the Warning

 

On April 8, 2008, I wrote the following commentary on a passage in Obadiah.  Do we really think it is a coincidence that our nation is literally being torn apart by tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes at the very time we are tearing apart Israel?  What a joke that our legislators are blaming the CEOs of oil companies for the fuel crisis, when their 'worship of creation' has caused what they now rail against.  Our Creator warned throughout scripture what would happen to those nations that would bring harm to His bride and her land.  Forgive me for the repetitive post, but I fear more destruction is coming!

Obadiah 1:15    “For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near;    As you have done, it shall be done to you;   Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.

This passage concerns the nations that would divide Israel.  To the degree that the United States of America participates in this division, we too face that division at the hand of the Almighty!   Psalm 83 speaks of a coalition of nations that come against Israel in the last days.  That day is now upon us.  Any push by the United States government for Israel to give up more land is in direct violation of the Word of the Almighty.  I encourage believers to examine their bibles for the consequences to nations that deliberately disobey.  My friends, swift and sudden destruction is headed our way.   It is very likely too late for the United States of America to repent.  Therefore a clarion call must  go out to the body of Messiah to prepare for what is coming.  The question is, "How does a human being prepare to be a participant in the Judgement of Yahuweh?"  In other words, "What must we do to be saved?"  The answer is found in the book of Acts, verses 19-21.  "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Yeshua the Messiah, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

Shalom

Calendar Restored?

I want to take an opportunity here to address more of the Scriptural restoration process. 

How do you view restoration?  Do you see it as non-consequential or as having only minor importance.  Is the restoration process disconcerting to you because it requires response?  Are you satisfied with a 'status quo' that you moved into during a time of revelation, and are now afraid to move on?  Have your previous crops of spiritual grapes turned to vinegar or fine wine?

As we look to our Messiah for the restoration of all things, we must not neglect the process of change He desires for us.  2 Corinthians 3:18 says "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."  In other words, when we observe His Glory (in restoration) we take on His glory.

What if I don't agree with what is being uncovered?  What if I have problems with those through whom the restoration is coming?

Well, my friends, it is time to make another choice.  You can choose to face the world each day without looking in the mirror before you leave the safety of your home.  Or, you can make sure that the image that is reflected back to you is seen in the faces of those with whom you fellowship.  Just because we see the same image, however does NOT necessarily mean that it is the image of Messiah!  I remind you of the pious images of the women's dress of the polygamist sect whose children were removed from them.  Just because they looked a certain way certainly did not guarantee the safety of the children entrusted to them.

Taking on the image of Messiah requires constant and continual (redundancy intended) change.  Yeshua required change when He came the first time...The same requirements are in place now!

 

Shalom

The Creator's Calendar

House To Life Ministries is excited to present The Creator's Calendar.  This is a fulfillment of Scriptural prophecy.  We are told in Acts 3:21 that all things will be restored before Messiah returns to earth.  Daniel prophesied that knowledge would increase in these days and that certainly includes Scriptural knowledge.  We have, at our disposal, the Creator's Calendar for you to download and use.  Simply click on the banner at the top of this page and follow the links.

Thanks to Don and Pam Harris at www.thinkredink for making this resource possible.  I encourage you to check out this brother's material.  You will find it extremely beneficial to  your walk with Messiah.

In the days ahead we will use this calendar to teach in greater detail the Feasts of Yahuweh as well as gain insight into Scriptural prophecy.  Be sure to watch the videos that will be produced over the next few weeks as they will refer to this calendar.

 

Shalom

What If???

I truly believe that we are in the last of the last days before the return of our Messiah. I believe that Jerusalem is about to be divided and the city of Damascus is about annihilated, all according to Biblical prophecy. I believe that EVERY governmental system on the face of the earth will fail, for the ultimate purpose of the establishment of a Kingdom designed by Yahuweh Himself. I believe that over the next two years we will be able to know, without doubt, where we are in the timeline of Apocalyptic Scripture.

Having said that, what if I'm wrong? What if this is just another bump in the road of human experience? Yeshua gave us a parable (Luke 11:19-27) that challenges what our attitude should be while we await His return. In the parable, the servants are to "occupy till I come". Carry on...Hang in there...Keep on keepin on...Take care of your family....Do what you normally do...etc.,etc.,etc., can all fit within the quotation marks. In other words, for the true believer, the return of Messiah is NOT something you prepare for...It was already prepared for when He accepted you into His kingdom! The return of the Master is part and parcel of our relationship with Him! You see, the question is NOT have you prepared your heart for the Messiah's return, but "Have you allowed the Messiah to prepare YOU for His return.

It is entirely possible that all of my research and study is completely on the wrong track, but that is entirely inconsequential because MY reputation is not what is at stake. If I live my life in proper relationship to my Savior, His reputation is my charge! It matters not what you think of me, but what do you think of Yeshua? Have you allowed Him to prepare you for His return?

Shalom

Enter HERE for Rest

Our previous post consisted entirely of a scripture portion taken from the book of Hebrews, chapter 4.  I would encourage you to read it in its entirety before proceeding. 

Verse 12 of this chapter speaks of the Word of Yahuweh being alive and powerful.  If that is the case, is it not torture to the Living Word to take verses and/or passages out of context and build doctrines and even denominations of them? 

The context of this chapter is entering into the rest of the Almighty through what Yeshua accomplished for us on the cross.  We enter that rest through His gift and nothing else.  The 'unmerited favor' extended to us as human beings was so costly to our Heavenly Father that He would declare it impossible for anyone to enter His kingdom through any other method. 

Look at Hebrews 6:4-6:  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

Any time we take what has been given to to us by grace, and then attempt to add requirements to it we are guilty of adding to the Word of our Creator.  Scripture strongly warns against this (Rev. 22:18,19).  {This reference is specifically referring to the prophecy in the book of Revelation, but is a repetition of Torah commands in Deuteronomy} 

Because we enter His rest (salvation) by His grace, EVERYTHING from that point on must be done out of love and respect for what He has done.  If you are going to obey scriptural injunction, it must be because you love, and not to earn!   When we come to this understanding then passages of scripture such as Romans 6:1-4 take on new meaning.  Please don't misuse the grace that has been extended to you.  It cost Yahuweh the death of His Son.  It is Grace that allows you to attempt walking in obedience!

 

Shalom

Rest IS Available

Hebrews 4 speaks to us of the rest of the Almighty.  Because of the length of this passage, I reserve comment for the next post. 

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.  For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
    “So I swore in My wrath,
    ‘They shall not enter My rest,’”
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.”
Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:
    “Today, if you will hear His voice,
    Do not harden your hearts.”
For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:1-16)

 

 

Shalom

The Spiritual Blame Game

We have spent a considerable amount of time and space, on this blog, encouraging and challenging believers pertaining to their relationship with Yeshua.  While this topic remains our highest priority, I want to discuss another extremely important relationship with you. 

If you have been married for any length of time (more than one hour) you have probably had disagreement with your spouse.  These disagreements take on a sinister nature when there are spiritual overtones.  As believers, we have a tendency to personify the attitude: "If he/she were as spiritual as I am, there would be no argument here!"  What would happen if we carried into this extremely important relationship the belief that our spouse is just as close to their Messiah as you are?  In other words, disagreements happen when both parties are in right relationship with our Creator! 

In counseling many married couples through the years a principle has risen to the top of rules for believers.  That principle:  NEVER use the Word of Yahuweh against each other!

The Bible teaches that the Word is a weapon (see Hebrews 4:12) and most times when it is used to prove a point in an argument, it will cause irreparable damage to the relationship.  Our lives are governed by scriptural principle, therefore preaching to our spouse can be perceived as "hitting below the belt."  If I use scripture against my wife, I have become the voice of the Holy Spirit to her...a role I could not possibly fulfill.  It is far better to trust the Almighty to get His word across to your spouse.  After all, it is His Word. 

A couple of years ago, my child bride and myself were at an impasse.  I was shocked to come to the realization that BOTH of us were praying fervently about our situation.  We were BOTH seeking our Father's will.  We simply had a disagreement that we were taking from the natural (carnal) realm into the spiritual.  When we dealt with the problem where it originated (our own wants and desires) the solution was ridiculously simple.  It became a relatively easy matter of communication rather than an eternal problem. 

I believe it is a devious trap of the enemy of our souls to get us to spiritualize our petty problems.  Our Loving Heavenly Father has given us a brain to use.  Using it to further our interpersonal relationships is also furthering His Kingdom!

 

Shalom

Tribute to My Friend

I received word yesterday that my friend Ken Daly passed away.  Through the Holy Spirit, Ken is the person who introduced me to the Hebrew roots of my faith.  Ken and I were scheduled to teach separate classes at a Leadership Training Conference (see the link to Fellowship of New Testament Ministries on this blog and on our website).  Ken's teaching was on the Talit and Tzit-tzit (Prayer shawl and its fringes).  Ken shared how Yahuweh gave the instructions concerning this garment (Numbers 28:15) and also how our Messiah used the Talit in His earthly ministry (re. woman with the issue of blood and many others).  As we implemented this new knowledge into our own ministry, we were subsequently introduced to a whole new dimension of reality in the Holy Spirit.  We saw incredible miracles from cancers disappearing to depression lifting. Over the next several years, Ken and Carolyn made trips to Idaho to host Passover dinners and to minister together in a Conference setting.  Ken and Carolyn performed a 25th anniversary celebration for my child bride and myself.  We hold these memories in places of careful protection in our hearts. 

Ken's ministry was dedicated to an introducing the teachings of Torah to the body of Messiah as a whole.  Ken thrived on the Anointing of the Holy Spirit.  It was not unusual to watch his countenance change and his speech transform from a soft spoken and stuttering individual into a powerhouse of anointing as he declared the oracles of the Holy One of Israel.  I will miss my dear friend, but we will be together again in a short matter of time.  We know that Ken is now experiencing the ultimate in fulfillment of what he taught...Namely that Yeshua has made us into "the one new man."   To Carolyn....TO BE CONTINUED!

 

Shalom

Do You Belong to a Cult?

** cult –noun

1.a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.

2.an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.

3.the object of such devotion.

4.a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

5.Sociology. a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.

6.a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.

7.the members of such a religion or sect.

8.any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.

–adjective

9.of or pertaining to a cult.

10.of, for, or attracting a small group of devotees: a cult movie.

**

 

Because of a recent accusation of belonging to a cult, I thought it might be profitable to examine the definition  in some detail.  While it is certainly not my practice to respond to accusations, I feel this is an opportunity to examine what we do and teach.

According to the above definitions 1-5, virtually any religious organization would fit the pattern.  Number 6, however, is the area that the I would like to examine in detail.

TRUTH

The purpose of House to Life Ministries is to be an agent of biblical truth.  We are actively exposing the falsehood that has permeated the traditional church in America.  We seek to expose the paganism and idolatry that has infiltrated places of worship. 

 ORTHODOXY

The word 'orthodox' is from a Latin word that means "to keep straight".  House To Life Ministries is dedicated to the principles of returning to biblical purity.  Scripture tells us that our Messiah will return when "all things are restored" (Acts 3:21).  We are committed to that restoration process.  We teach that Yeshua is the Only Begotten of the Father, and it is through His blood alone that our salvation was purchased.  We teach that obedience to His Word is proof that you have asked Him to be your Messiah.  In Matthew 5, Yeshua instructed us to keep the commands of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17-20).  If this is not orthodox, then our dictionaries must be re-written.

CHARISMATIC LEADERSHIP

Our Leader is the Creator of the Universe!  Is He charismatic?  He created it!  Is He demanding?  He said there is only one way to enter His Kingdom!  Is He fair?  No! He is just!  Can I know Him personally?  Praise His Name forever, He has allowed me that privilege!  Because I want to know Him better, I will learn about His Name and the instructions He gave to remember it.  I will call upon His Name because He instructed me to do so.

In summary, as we look at the refusal of the established church to examine themselves in the light of Scripture,  according to the definitions given above, who is more cultish?

 

Shalom

**American Psychological Association (APA):

cult. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved April 21, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cult

Chicago Manual Style (CMS):

cult. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cult (accessed: April 21, 2008).

Modern Language Association (MLA):

"cult." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 21 Apr. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cult>.

Its All About Relationship

What is your relationship with Messiah?  Do you know Him or just know about Him?  Is He an integral part of your daily experience or have you relegated Him to a cozy religious corner?  Does He permeate every decision that you make or have you denigrated Him to convenience?  

As the events of this world escalate toward the return of our Savior, our personal relationship with Him will continue to increase in its importance.  This leads me to an even more probing question:  What is the foundation of your relationship with Messiah? 

If your foundation is simply religion or religious experience, the building will crumble.  In other words if your faith is predicated on church attendance, what will happen when you can no longer attend church?  If your foundation is Bible study, what will happen if your ability to read is taken from you?  Your relationship with the King of Kings can never be built upon rote duty!  Relationship is work!  You can never take a short cut here.  There is no substitute for an open line of communication between you and your Creator.  The only way for that line to remain open is a walk of obedience and faith.  The faith part is simply believing that He has opened the possibility of relationship through the blood of His Son.  Obedience  is living our lives in such a way as to insure that the communication remains open.  If you don't know Him, it is impossible to obey Him!

 

Shalom

Are you Prepared?

What are we to do with what we know?  What if what we know goes against the conventional wisdom of the day?  How can we warn the hearers if there is a refusal to listen?

Many times we temper what we say based on the perceived reception of the hearer.  Yeshua told us not to 'cast our pearls before swine.'  Because of the foolishness of the concept, we may be reluctant to cast pearls at all.  I must remind myself that rejection of the message and rejection of the messenger are not necessarily one and the same.  That being said, my responsibility as a messenger has no direct tie to the responsibility of the hearer. 

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

Obadiah 1:15    “For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near;    As you have done, it shall be done to you;   Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.

This passage concerns the nations that would divide Israel.  To the degree that the United States of America participates in this division, we too face that division at the hand of the Almighty!   Psalm 83 speaks of a coalition of nations that come against Israel in the last days.  That day is now upon us.  Any push by the United States government for Israel to give up more land is in direct violation of the Word of the Almighty.  I encourage believers to examine their bibles for the consequences to nations that deliberately disobey.  My friends, swift and sudden destruction is headed our way.   It is very likely too late for the United States of America to repent.  Therefore a clarion call must  go out to the body of Messiah to prepare for what is coming.  The question is, "How does a human being prepare to be a participant in the Judgement of Yahuweh?"  In other words, "What must we do to be saved?"  The answer is found in the book of Acts, verses 19-21.  "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Yeshua the Messiah, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

 

Shalom

More Prophetic Signs

Israel's home defense command has scheduled a nationwide test of their air-raid warning sirens on April 8 - which according to the Astronomically and Agriculturally Corrected Biblical Hebrew Calendar (AACBHC) will be the first day of the New Year - Biblical Rosh HaShannah - Aviv 1, 2008. This test will occur two days after the Rosh Kodesh (head of the month) incorrectly calculated on the modern Jewish calendar. We always watch for prophetically significant events to occur on significant dates on the Creator's Calendar. Since Isaiah's prophesied "Covenant with Death" was annulled on the day scheduled by Heaven - before sundown, September 28, 2001 - and was accurately calculated 6 months in advance, it conclusively established the validity of the restored Creator's calendar as the foremost prophetic tool of this generation. Those who obediently look to the heavens to determine the Times and Seasons of the Most High will never be ashamed.

The preceding paragraph was copied from a recent email from Michael Rood at www.reallyrood.com.  I also received a warning from Benji Mallory at www.fntm.org  that is worth noting.  An excerpt follows:

Let me take you back to the events that led to God’s minister-priest, Eli. You know the story of him and his two sorry sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Both served under their Father, Eli, in the priesthood in the Temple of God. Now these were the ones who, by inheritance, were responsible before God, to remain pure and totally dedicated to the work of the Lord and His temple.

As I was reading about those two sons, whose lusts were without restraint and how they defiled themselves as priest, I felt myself being pulled into comparing what goes on in the ‘The Church’ today. Whoever ‘the man’ was that God sent to prophesy to daddy Eli, spoke these soul shaking words, “..and (you) have honored your sons, more than Me, to make yourself fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people.”

The time had come when God no longer would tolerate the insolence and degradation of his ministers as His representatives.

Here before my face, was a picture, to a great extent of the Church today and not only The Church but also The Government of the United States of America.

I was in the Spirit as I saw Israel taken into a battle that God had not commissioned them to fight. Truly the Philistines were a formidable threat, an enemy of God’s Chosen People,

though the Jews were God’s Chosen Ones, they were in no spiritual condition to have God’s favor in battle. When I read that 4000 soldiers were killed, I could only gasp, and remember that a few days before, the news reported that over 4000 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq, a war that God certainly never told us to start.

Like The Philistines, the Muslims are threatening haters of God and His people. As in Eli’s time of rule, we are in no spiritual condition to make war on our own. To those who do not know The Lord and His ways, to go to war sounds reasonable; “They are the enemy and the worst part is they have the oil we must have. We are the military and financial leaders of the world, why can’t we win any battle, we decide to wage?”

(For Benji's entire article please email me here: bill@house2life.org)

My personal comments will be forthcoming over the next several days.  For now...Watch what Syria is doing...Lines are being drawn in the sand!  EVERY manmade government must fall including the United States of America!  Even so, Yeshua Come!

 

Shalom!

Troubler of Whom?

As I continue to ponder Gideon's call to leadership, I can't help but ask, "Have I been doing enough to trouble the powers of darkness?"  Have I waged a warfare that would cause a change in the strategies of The Enemy of our souls?  As we begin to think in these terms, it is easy to become grandiose in our ideas.  We fail to recognize how little it takes to change the world.  One simple decision on the side of righteousness can change the world for all eternity.  One man who recognizes his responsibility to be the spiritual leader in his home will effect every member of that household, and in turn, every member of that household will make decisions accordingly.  One woman who realizes her ability to make scriptural decisions can effect the outcomes of virtually everything she puts her hand to. 

Every week in America, there are hundreds of thousands of commitments made by well meaning Christians to go out and change the world.  After hearing inspiring sermons, we make our promises to the Almighty.  Much like the infamous New Year's Resolution these commitments are laid aside in frustration by Monday morning.  What is it that makes our promises so hard to keep?

The problem is that we tend to think our Creator is not very interested in the day to day decisions that we make.  We must understand that those "small" decisions are what effects the greatest change in our lives.  Example:  Instead of a commitment to "pray for an hour each day", how about a simple action to make sure the lines of communication are open between you and your Maker.  If we struggle with our temper, how about a prayer for help to recognize what it is that sends us "over the edge" and work on that.  Somehow we have fallen into the trap of thinking that we can change our lives simply by struggling a little harder.  If what you are doing isn't working, STOP DOING IT!  Relax!  Your service for the Master is a journey, not a destination.

 

Shalom 

Gideon's Name Change

Now it came to pass the same night that the LORD said to him, “Take your father’s young bull, the second bull of seven years old, and tear down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the wooden image that is beside it; and build an altar to the LORD your God on top of this rock in the proper arrangement, and take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the image which you shall cut down.” So Gideon took ten men from among his servants and did as the LORD had said to him. But because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city too much to do it by day, he did it by night. And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, there was the altar of Baal, torn down; and the wooden image that was beside it was cut down, and the second bull was being offered on the altar which had been built.  So they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And when they had inquired and asked, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.” Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son, that he may die, because he has torn down the altar of Baal, and because he has cut down the wooden image that was beside it.”  But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Would you plead for Baal? Would you save him? Let the one who would plead for him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead for himself, because his altar has been torn down!” Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, “Let Baal plead against him, because he has torn down his altar.” (Judges 6:25-32),

I have been pondering Gideon's call as a Judge/Leader of Israel.  Gideon seems to have had a less than stellar pedigree (at least in human terms).  He wasn't from the right tribe, he wasn't the first born son, etc., etc.  Gideon's only claim to leadership? He heard from Yahuweh!  Once hearing from the Almighty, Gideon tore down the altar of Baal and destroyed other symbols of pagan worship.  He was so fearful of the consequences to his family, that he performed his deeds of destruction at night.  When it was discovered that Gideon was the man who caused the Baal worship problems, he was branded with a moniker that means in essence "Troubler of Baal". 

We are living in a day when once again, there is a need for the men and women of the Creator to stand up and be counted.  First of all the pagan 'high places' must be torn down in our own lives.  As we take a stand for righteousness expect friends and family members to reject your ideas and opinions.  Don't be surprised when you are branded as "living under the law" or misguided, etc.  Such is the cost of leadership in the day in which we live.  If our Heavenly Father did not believe you could handle the call that is on your life, He wouldn't have given it to you.

The Joseph Connection

 

The following is an excerpt from an article by the same title from our website.  As with all of our material, this article is a 'work in process.  changes and additions are made as appropriate.  See the complete article at www.house2life.org.

 

Joseph was sold into slavery.  He had to endure hardship in

order to become fulfilled in his destiny.  His hardship became

his training ground.  He found himself in a foreign land, subject

to unfamiliar customs and culture, and yet prospered under

Yahuweh’s providential hand.  It was in the midst of the

foreign prison that Joseph accepted his responsibility to

become salvation for Egypt and Israel.   I submit to you that

the church (especially in the United States of America) has

been in a prison and is about to be released.   Just as Joseph

was kept in prison by the lies of others, we too have been

bound by the lies of our forefathers (Jeremiah 16:19).  At this

juncture, it would be tempting to bemoan the fact that we

have been in prison.  It is far more productive, however, if we

begin to examine what we are to do with our new found

freedom. 

The church has settled for a religious system that misses the

mark of the ‘high calling’ of our Messiah.  We must repent of

the sins of the past and learn to live responsibly to the freedom

given to us through the blood of Yeshua.  Our houses of

worship must be “seeker-sensitive” only to the degree that the

seeker is looking for eternal life and not simply entertainment. 

Our evangelism methods must move from models that are

concerned with census figures to relationship structures that

are governed by Scripture alone.  Leadership must accept the

challenge to build the Kingdom instead of building their local

congregations.  Now is the time to take the gospel outside the

four walls of the physical buildings and into the marketplaces

of society.  Church leaders must release their people to do the

work of the ministry.

Shalom

An Anchor Bolt

Every once in awhile, it is extremely important that we, as believers take a hard look at what it is that makes us believers. We are so fractured and disjointed that I am amazed that the Body of Messiah can even function. Were it not for our supernatural Head, function would be quite impossible. My personal study, over the past week, has led me to take inventory of my own doctrinal positions. Because we examine subjects that have become somewhat controversial it would be easy to draw conclusions that may not be true.

An Anchor Bolt is an extremely important piece of the building construction puzzle. It is the connection point between the foundation of a building and its framing. It has one end set in concrete and the other attached through framing members. The anchor bolt keeps the building intact during storms and adverse situations. The anchor bolt's placement and frequency of use by and large dictates the type of structure on top of the foundation. If the anchor bolts are inadequate, the building will fail.

The Anchor Bolt I want to address today is our salvation through the blood of Messiah. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. " (Ephesians 2:8,9). Much of what we teach (here and other ministry outlets) has to do with obedience in one way or another. I remind myself (and you) that my obedience can NEVER gain me an ounce of favor with my Heavenly Father. Personal obedience is for MY benefit alone. My obedience (or lack of it) does not help or harm my All Sufficient Creator! I don't obey to be saved...I obey BECAUSE I am saved.

I realize that a myriad of doctrines have used this anchor bolt as a launching pad and many of those doctrines are diametrically opposed to each other. That does not change the point, and in the words of an old church hymn, "my anchor holds, and grips the Solid Rock!"

Shalom

The Restoration Process

 

The following is an excerpt from a series of studies that is just now becoming available via my web site www.house2life.org.  Although not yet ready for download, there is still some provocative reading there.

 

Restoration- res·to·ra·tion

Function: noun

: the act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a : a returning to a normal or healthy condition

It is a fact of human nature that we will not change until the change is perceived to make us more comfortable than the state in which we currently find ourselves. 

Understanding this most basic of human behaviors causes us to realize that neither truth or the lack thereof is sufficient to motivate us to change.  We are “Comfort Creatures.”  Unless a restoration has a direct appeal to ease our level of comfort, most times it will not be given a second thought. 

A primary responsibility of the individual(s) called upon to undertake restoration is to create a sense of discomfort with the current state of the article needing to be restored.  This is true whether we are talking about a priceless work of art, a building that needs remodeled and updated, or the Church of Jesus Christ (Assembly of Ye’shua the Messiah).  Scripture tells us that Messiah is returning for a Bride that has thoroughly prepared herself for His coming. Everything we do in service to the Messiah must be in relationship to the love that is exhibited between our Heavenly Father and His Bride.  Ephesians 5:25-27 says; “Husbands, love your wives, as Messiah also did love the assembly and gave Himself for it, in order to set it apart and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, in order to present it to Himself a splendid assembly, not having spot or wrinkle or any of this sort, but that it might be set-apart and blameless.  

Knowing that most of the Body of Messiah is in a state of lethargic comfort, we realize that promoting restoration will be met with great skepticism.  Therefore, at the risk of being labeled “troublemakers” we undertake our first task, which is causing dissatisfaction with the status quo.

 

Shalom

Success...on His Terms

Moses had just passed away and Joshua was now in charge of the Children of Israel.  Obviously he is struggling with the tremendous responsibility that he has inherited. Look at what Yahuweh says to him. 

Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)

Notice the encouragement "Be strong and of good courage."  Apparently the Almighty thought the statement important enough to repeat it three times in the same number of verses.  As our responsibility increases, our desire to 'tuck tail and run' increases to the same degree.  In this case, our Loving Heavenly Father not only gave the encouragement, He gave the instructions on how to accomplish His will.  He told Joshua to meditate on His laws (Hebrew word: Torah which means His teaching and instruction).  The word success in verse 8 is the only time we see this word in the entirety of the King James version of Scripture.  I believe that adds to its poignancy all the more.  We are in a day when believers are going to be called upon to exercise courage.  We must be examples of success.  the prescription for that success is still the same.  Meditate in and practice ALL the teachings and instructions of the Creator of the universe.  He made it all...He knows how it works!

 

Shalom

Old Eddie - A lesson in History

It happened every Friday evening, almost without fail, when the sun resembled a giant orange and was starting to dip into the blue ocean.

Old Ed came strolling along the beach to his favorite pier.  Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp.

Ed walks out to the end of the pier, where it seems he almost has the world to himself. The glow of the sun is a golden bronze now.

Everybody's gone, except for a few joggers on the beach. Standing out on the end of the pier, Ed is alone with his thoughts....and his bucket of shrimp.

Before long, however, he is no longer alone. Up in the sky a thousand white dots come screeching and squawking, winging their way toward that lanky frame standing there on the end of the pier.

Before long, dozens of seagulls have enveloped him, their wings fluttering and flapping wildly.

Ed stands there tossing shrimp to the hungry birds.  As he does, if you listen closely, you can hear him say with a smile, "Thank you.  Thank you."

In a few short minutes the bucket is empty.  But Ed doesn't leave.

He stands there lost in thought, as though transported to another time and place.  Invariably, one of the gulls lands on his sea-bleached, weather-beaten hat - an old military hat he's been wearing for years.

When he finally turns around and begins to walk back toward the beach, a few of the birds hop along the pier with him until he gets to the stairs, and then they, too, fly away. And old Ed quietly makes his way down to the end of the beach and on home.

If you were sitting there on the pier with your fishing line in the water, Ed might seem like "a funny old duck," as my dad used to say. Or, "a guy that's a sandwich shy of a picnic," as my kids might say. To onlookers, he's just another old codger, lost in his own weird world, feeding the seagulls with a bucket full of shrimp.

To the onlooker, rituals can look either very strange or very empty. They can seem altogether unimportant ....maybe even a lot of nonsense.

Old folks often do strange things, at least in the eyes of Boomers and Busters.

Most of them would probably write Old Ed off, down there in Florida. That's too bad. They'd do well to know him better.

His full name: Eddie Rickenbacker. He was a famous hero back in World War II. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific, he and his seven-member crew went down. Miraculously, all of the men survived, crawled out of their plane, and climbed into a life raft.

Captain Rickenbacker and his crew floated for days on the rough waters of the Pacific. They fought the sun. They fought sharks. Most of all, they fought hunger. By the eighth day their rations ran out. No food. No water. They were hundreds of miles from land and no one knew where they were.

They needed a miracle. That afternoon they had a simple devotional service and prayed for a miracle.  They tried to nap. Eddie leaned back and pulled his military cap over his nose. Time dragged. All he could hear was the slap of the waves against the raft.

Suddenly, Eddie felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull!

Old Ed would later describe how he sat perfectly still, planning his next move. With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, he managed to grab it and wring its neck. He tore the feathers off, and he and his starving crew made a meal - a very slight meal for eight men - of it. Then they used the intestines for bait. W ith it, they caught fish, which gave them food and more bait......and the cycle continued. With that simple survival technique, they were able to endure the rigors of the sea until they were found and rescued. (after 24 days at sea...)

Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond that ordeal, but he never forgot the sacrifice of that first lifesaving seagull. And he never stopped saying, "Thank you." That's why almost every Friday night he would walk to the end of the pier with a bucket full of shrimp and a heart full of gratitude.

PS: Eddie was also an Ace in WW I and started Eastern Airlines .

Thanks to whomever emailed this to me...

 

Shalom

Check it Out...Please!

Yesterday, I spent a considerable amount of time researching  my passion, end times prophesies.  I am amazed at the propensity of so-called religious leaders to put out information/predictions and expect people to swallow it hook, line and sinker.  The sad thing is many if not most people do.  I include those preachers who are preaching a warm fuzzy massage, as well as those who are putting forth a doom and gloom future.  How do we sort it out?  The answer is in the pages of Scripture itself.  John 4:1-3 gives this warning:  

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,  and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.  And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

Because of the condition of the world, people are looking for answers.  Because of the condition of mankind, people are willing to get their answers from any and every source that makes them feel a little better.  Remember it is the desire for personal comfort that causes us to be open to deception.  The Bible teaches that teachers will be held accountable for what they teach (James 3:1) but you, as an individual will be held accountable for the information that you act on.  Whether it comes from a televangelist, your local pastor, an angel or me, please check it out for yourself (Galatians 1:8,9).

 

Shalom

Why so Particular?

As we post on this blog, and also update our web site, I'm sure you notice that we make every attempt to be extremely accurate when it comes to dates and historical facts.  We purposely draw lines in the sand as it comes to the celebration of Passover and consequently the remainder of Yahuweh's feasts.  We have attempted to explain why this accuracy is important, but since we realize we are 'swimming upstream" I want to try to explain it again.  Our purpose is NOT to simply be divisive.  On the contrary, it is to make sure that our unity as believers is completely in line with the unity of Scripture.  In reference to our Messiah's crucifixion and subsequent 2nd coming lets look at Acts 3:17-26.  “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But those things which Yahuweh foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Messiah would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Messiah Yeshua, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘Yahuweh your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’  Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which Yahuweh made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, Yahuweh, having raised up His Servant Yeshua, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

One of the primary purposes of this ministry is to be on the cutting edge of what is currently being restored and how it affects the Body of Messiah.  We don't use Hebrew names simply to impress you with knowledge.  We use the Hebrew name of the Almighty because He told us not to forget His name.  We use the Hebrew name of the Messiah to show its close proximity with His Father's, and to be reminded of the myriad of promises to us when we invoke His Name.  We believe that there is not a single Biblical command that was given just to test our obedience.  As we obey, and walk in that obedience, revelation continues to pour in.  What a day to be alive!

 

Shalom

When to Celebrate Passover!

The following excerpt is taken from Karaite Korner.org.  It explains the difference between celebrating Passover according to the Biblical calendar vs. the Hebrew civil calendar.  It answers the question, "When is the month of the Abib?"

Where is Abib Mentioned in the Hebrew Bible?

The story of the Exodus relates "This day you are going out in the the month of the Abib." (Ex 13,4).

To commemorate that we left Egypt in the month of the Abib, we are instructed to bring the Passover sacrifice and celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzot) at this time of year. In Dt 16,1 we are commanded:

"Keep the month of the Abib and make the Passover (sacrifice) to YHWH your God at night, because in the month of the Abib YHWH your God took you out of Egypt".

Similarly, we are commanded in Ex 23,15:

"You will keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread; seven days you will eat unleavened bread, as I have commanded you, at the time of the month of the Abib, because in it you went out of Egypt."

The same is commanded in Ex 34,18:

"You will keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread; seven days you will eat unleavened bread, as have I commanded you, at the time of the month of the Abib, because in the month of the Abib you went out of Egypt."

What is Abib?

Abib indicates a stage in the development of the barley crops. This is clear from Ex 9,31-32 which describes the devastation caused by the plague of hail:

"And the flax and the barley were smitten, because the barley was Abib and the flax was Giv'ol. And the wheat and the spelt were not smitten because they were dark (Afilot)."

The above passage relates that the barley crops were destroyed by the hail while the wheat and spelt were not damaged. To understand the reason for this we must look at how grain develops. When grains are early in their development they are flexible and have a dark green color. As they become ripe they take on a light yellowish hue and become more brittle. The reason that the barley was destroyed and the wheat was not is that the barley had reached the stage in its development called Abib and as a result had become brittle enough to be damaged by the hail. In contrast, the wheat and spelt were still early enough in their development, at a stage when they were flexible and not susceptible to being damaged by hail. The description of the wheat and spelt as "dark" (Afilot) indicates that they were still in the stage when they were deep green and had not yet begun to lighten into the light yellowish hue which characterizes ripe grains. In contrast, the barley had reached the stage of Abib at which time it was no longer "dark" and at this point it probably had begun to develop golden streaks.

More on this in the days ahead.

Shalom

We're Getting Tthere

We're getting there! Our Ministry site is now up and running. Although much of it is still under construction, at least the door is open. Check it out at www.house2life.org. The weekly TV broadcast will be on the front page. Inside you will find links to this blog as well as to the sister site www.house2life.com. The .com site is used for ministry funding while the .org site is solely for spreading the message of the Gospel. Some things that will be available from the ministry site are correct feast days as well as an explanation as to why there is a difference between corrected days and the Hebrew civil calendar, if any. New moon sightings will also be posted. We will be placing Torah teaching and its relevance to New Covenant Believers. A complete video library will be available from the site as well as an order form to get teachings on DVD. All ministry materials are free of charge.

Live at peace...yeah right!

Romans 12:17-20: Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."

As I ponder this passage, I am watching a news report on some of the 'mud-slinging' that goes on everday in American politics. I understand that this type of activity has become so much a part of our political process that we don't give any thought whatsoever to the spirit behind ALL of this activity. More than ever before, our hearts begin to long for the end of it all. Is your heart prepared to usher in the Kingdom of Messiah?

Shalom

The Warnings Continue

As I listen to news reports of continued economic downturn, I must remind myself of the cyclic nature of these events. I honestly don't know if this is the final straw for the "good ole USA." I know that at times it becomes very popular to be the bearers of 'doom and gloom.' That being said, it is also important to heed warnings, especially as they are outlined in Scripture. The news events of the past few days (assassination of a radical Muslim leader in Lebanon) and the threats of all-out war in Israel drive the point home for believers once again.

Isaiah 1:24- 31 says , " Therefore the Lord says,
The LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel,
“Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries,
And take vengeance on My enemies.
I will turn My hand against you,
And thoroughly purge away your dross,
And take away all your alloy.
I will restore your judges as at the first,
And your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”
Zion shall be redeemed with justice,
And her penitents with righteousness.
The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together,
And those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed.
For they shall be ashamed of the terebinth trees
Which you have desired;
And you shall be embarrassed because of the gardens
Which you have chosen.
For you shall be as a terebinth whose leaf fades,
And as a garden that has no water.
The strong shall be as tinder,
And the work of it as a spark;
Both will burn together,
And no one shall quench them."

The context of this passage is judgement on a wicked and wayward Israel. There is promise of restoration as well. We are living in the day when these warnings are more appropriate than at any time in history. Those who study Scripture are struck by its stark accuracy and how it pertains to the day in which we live. I want to illustrate how close these events bring us to the return of Messiah.

In Daniel 9, we are told that a command to restore Israel goes forth. That command went out from the United Nations on Nov. 29, 1947. According to the same passage, Daniel gives a 70 year timeline that would end in the year 2017. Because of the reference to a 62 year period, Daniel's timeline puts the start of the final Tribulation in the year 2009-2010. It is no accident that there is international pressure TODAY to establish a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capitol. We have crossed the threshold...The times of the Gentiles has come to a close...This is the day of the Revelation of our Messiah!! His message is the same as what he declared when He came the first time! Repent, for the Kingdom of Yehuweh is at hand!

Shalom!

Ever Closer...Open Your Eyes

I received an email message from Jerusalem this morning that confirms what I feel Yehuweh is speaking to all who will listen.  Our Creator has given stern warning as to what would happen at the end of this age.  He has told us how to discern the times of the end.  Although the article was written in October of last year, it reminded me once again of how very close we are to the return of our Messiah.  Here is a partial quote from the article written by Robert Berger.

Photo Caption: Mike Evans and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the Jerusalem Prayer Team Summit, 2002

A senior government official says Israel is prepared to relinquish parts of Jerusalem as part of a peace agreement.

Israel's Deputy Prime Minister Haim Ramon says the Israeli government would support a division of Jerusalem as part of a peace deal with the Palestinians.

Ramon told Israel Radio that under the plan, Israel would transfer many of the Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem to the Palestinians.

This would be a key component of an Israeli-Palestinian declaration to be made at an international peace conference in the United States this year.

The plan marks a sea change in Israel's position, after it captured East Jerusalem from Jordan during the Six Day War in 1967. Since then it has been an Israeli slogan that Jerusalem would remain the united capital of the State of Israel forever. Ramon said Israel does not need 170,000 Arabs in Jerusalem, about a third of the city's population, to be citizens of the Jewish state.

Palestinian officials say Israel's position is a step in the right direction, but that it still does not resolve the key issue: sovereignty in Jerusalem's Old City. The Palestinians say any peace deal must be based on an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders, which would include a pullout from the Old City.

Look at Revelation 11:1-3   Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.  And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Emphasis mine)

Once again, it comes home to us that Scriptural prophecy is being fulfilled in front of our eyes.  ALL misinterpretations will cease as truth is laid out in our newspapers and broadcast through the media.   I reserve further commentary for future writings.

 

Shalom

Obedience, a Condition of Repentance

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
    Says Yehuweh,
    “Though your sins are like scarlet,
    They shall be as white as snow;
    Though they are red like crimson,
    They shall be as wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
    You shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
    You shall be devoured by the sword”;
    For the mouth of Yehuweh has spoken (Isa 1:18-20).

Take a look a the Hebrew word translated "reason together":

yâkach yaw-kakh' A primitive root; to be right (that is, correct); reciprocally to argue; causatively to decide, justify or convict:—appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct (-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove (-r), surely, in any wise.

It seems our Creator is issuing an invitation for us to present our case concerning how He deals with our sin. 

Look at this picture.  I will admit that this is a self-serving, un-abashed promotion for the buildings I sell (see the Master Line Inc. link above) but it illustrates the concept of our discussion.  Yehuweh is saying to us in effect, "Here is what I do with your sin when you are obedient to Me.  I challenge you to leave no stone unturned in your attempt to prove Me wrong."  This is the type of challenge that would cause Perry Mason to tremble in fear.  This challenge is issued by the Creator to His creation and there is no possible rebut.   How can we continue to wallow in sin thereby cheapening the grace and mercy of our Father (See Romans 6:1-4). 

Please notice the condition of obedience.  In order to have our sins removed from us requires repentance AND obedience.  In fact, the Scriptural concept of the word "repentance' cannot be realized without obedience.  If there is no change in direction of the individual, there obviously was no true repentance.    Also notice the promise for obedience.  There is no direct economic tie to this promise.  Although it must be understood that the Creator's blessing rests upon the property of the obedient, there is NOT a condition that the obedient be a property owner!  My point here is this:  We are headed for a time when civil rights and property may well be confiscated.  Obedience to the Word will be required for our very survival!  Spiritual survival is far more important than physical survival.

 

 

Shalom

HELP!!!

From time to time I am given, either via email or through traditional venues, writings of Christian authors that are preposterous, to say the least.  Some are heretical, while others are just opinions based on faulty interpretation principles.  Because these teachers command extensive vocabularies and speak in the languages of Theological Cemeteries (seminaries), the masses follow along (at respectable distances) following their diatribes concerning the truth of Scripture. 

First a Scriptural warning:

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. (James 3:1-5)

There is always room for opinion! My opinion is that the Author of Scripture knows the interpretation.   A lifelong quest, for the believer, is to make sure that our interpretations of Scripture have been passed by the scrutiny of the Author, as well.  Any time that our understanding of Holy Writ requires us to discount or eliminate major passages of the same, means we are in extreme danger of missing our Father's plan for our lives.    I find it somewhat amusing (and sad) that men will deem it necessary to overlook scriptures just to make them fit into the boxes they have created for their religious experiences.  For example, Scriptures concerning the foreigner (Gentiles) are left out of discussions as to the importance modern believers celebrating the Feasts of Yehuweh. (See Lev. 23)  We have designed a myriad of excuses as to why Scriptures that encourage us to do this "forever" and throughout "all your generations" do not apply to us.  I have even heard people try to re-define "forever" and "generations."  What has happened to "obedience is better than sacrifice?"  We have stated, concerning various passages, "That was for the Jews" or "Apostles" or "That Age" or any thing else that helps us feel better about our lack of obedience!  We categorize dispensations and covenants and try to prove how these Scriptures do not apply to us.  By doing that we have discounted some 85% of Scripture as irrelevant to the modern believer.   My friends the time for repentance is NOW!  Yeshua's first sermon carried this theme (Matthew 4:17)!  We must turn from our habit of discounting Scripture.  We must accept His Word as from His heart and for His people.  You are not your own...You were bought with a price.  Our lives must be conducted accordingly!

 

Shalom

Personal Faith

As we look to Scripture to determine our actions in the circumstances of our lives, it is imperative that we, as believers, know how, when, and where to pick our fights. The vast majority of what we choose to squabble over would fit quite comfortably within the same categories as "the color of carpet" in the local sanctuary. Somehow the color of that carpet has risen to eternal importance because many churches have split over issues of equal or less import. I submit to you that when we choose to quarrel over such trivial matters, we cheapen our own salvation and denigrate the grace that purchased it. Let's look at Romans 14:1-13.

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for Yehuweh has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Yehuweh is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives Yehuweh thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives Yehuweh thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Messiah died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Messiah. For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to Yehuweh." So then each of us shall give account of himself to Yehuweh. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

I believe what Paul is saying to believers here, is "let lesser issues remain lesser." There is something far greater in the works than what we eat or what holidays we celebrate. I will continue to live by my own personal convictions and be always ready to discuss them with you. I will continue to pray for the Body's collective eyes to be opened to the truth of the Word and will pray for the ability to not be a stumbling block by imposing my convictions on others.

Personally, I wish this passage was absent from the writ of Scripture. Then I would be free to make spiritual clones of myself. I would be able to say to my clones, "Do what I do: Say what I say; Wear what I wear; etc., etc." However, I must come to understand that our Heavenly Father loves me enough to give me the power to choose whether or not to believe in Him AND how to carry out that belief in my own life. As a believer in Him, I must allow fellow believers that same privilege.

Shalom

Our family is currently facing a situation that is of grave concern to us and it involves our newest member. Asher William Pogue was born January 13, about 6 weeks early. His progress seems to be steady, but certainly far too slow for his parents and family. As we pray for his growth, our Father continues to show me parallels between this precious little one and His bride, the body of Messiah. Because Asher was losing a little weight, the Doctors determined a supplemental feeding tube through his nose was in order. He was not getting the nourishment he needed because he was not quite developed enough to do the job,

Here is the parallel...As the body of Messiah begins to wake up, she finds herself losing spiritual weight because she is not used to feeding herself. She has become so accustomed to the spoon feeding from the pulpits of the local churches that she feels like she is starving, How many times have you heard the statement, "I used to go to church there but I quit because I wasn't being fed."? Scripture teaches that we are to grow up, get beyond the milk of the Word, and be able to digest the meat. I remind you, it is hunger that will drive you to growth.

There seems to be a fear that articulates itself like this: Who will tell me if the spiritual food I am getting is good food? We have produced a system that does not allow individuals to 'feed themselves'. I must have a pastor/priest/rabbi to tell me if I am doing the right thing or interpreting the Scriptures correctly. Please don't misunderstand here...a balance is in order. My point is that the current system fosters fear that prohibits individual growth rather than encouraging it. Leaders pacify themselves with the justification: "I foster growth, as long as it fits within the scope of the local model." "Come and sit under my ministry, I will give you a track to grow on," is another mantra that is bandied about. Where are the leaders of the Kingdom that encourage uninhibited growth? Where are the teachers that are overjoyed when their students outpace them in Kingdom achievement? Men and women of faith take heart, your day is at hand!

Shalom