Today’s Shabbat Thought: Man’s Sovereignty And Free Will

Today’s Shabbat Thought

Even Though God Knows
And Can Do All Things,
He Does Not Actively Impede
Or Intervene In
The Actions Of His Creation
Due To His Commitment To

Man’s Sovereignty And Free Will.

Prophesy Fulfilled - Emannuel's Childhood And Subsequent Judgement Of Israel

Everyone knows and reads Isaiah 7:14, but rarely reads the rest of the prophecy, which is equally amazing and accurate. Nowhere else, but in the Bible, is this level of accuracy.

He will eat Curds, Honey,

in order to know evil 
and choose good

Before knowing how to refuse evil 
and choosing good, 

the land, 
by which two kings you dread, 
will be forsaken.

Yahweh will bring upon the people, 

your father’s house, 

days that which never have come, 

since the day that Ephraim 
was separated from Judah, 

even by the king of Assyria.

Isaiah 7:15-17

Curds are symbolic of tested Words or Doctrine, while Honey is symbolic of an abundance of good things and prosperity. 

The scriptures tell us, in Luke 2:40, 

“And the child grew 
and was made strong in spirit, 
being filled with wisdom 
and the grace of God was upon him.” 

Before this occurred, two kings, the Greeks and the Romans, who were despised by Israel, forsook the Land of Israel, ushering in days , never seen by Israel, even leading to their diaspora and the destruction of the Father’s House, the Temple.

Prophecy Fulfillled- Emmanuel

Adonai will give a sign.

A virgin maiden will become pregnant,

bearing a Son,

Calling out the Name,

Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel means “with us is God” or “God is for us” or

“God will keep us(safe)”.

All three are acceptable interpretations.

Jesus is the Latin version of the Hebrew name, Y’shua, which means “God Saves” or “God is our Salvation” or “God will keep us Safe”. 

In Hebrew, Immanuel and Y’shua(Jesus) means the same thing.

Interesting...New Science Study Shows That Our Consciousness Could Continue To Exist After We Die.

Amazing, anything, that's anti-God, coming out of any kind of research, is immediately plastered all over the news, as fact. However, anything that supports the Bible is buried. Check this out. A study from The Prestigious Oxford Unvisersity shows that it's a great possibility that the soul does exist and most likely continues to exist beyond death, a fact that Bible believers know, since that's exactly what the Bible says. Why isn't this front page news?

Since 1996, Dr. Stuart Hameroff, an American Physicist and Emeritus in the Department of Anesthesiology and Psychology, and Sir Roger Penrose, a mathematical physicist at Oxford University, have been working on the Quantum Theory of Consciousness in which they state that the soul is maintained in microtubules of the brain cells. Their interesting theory says that the human heart or soul is being contained by the brain cells in structures inside them.

The two researchers believe the human brain is, in fact, a biological computer and the consciousness of people is a program run by the quantum computer located inside the brain that even continues to exist after we die. Both scientists argue that what humans perceive as ‘consciousness’ is, in fact, the result of quantum gravity effects located within the so-called microtubules. This process is named by the two scientists “Orchestrated Objective Reduction – (Orch-OR).”

Amazingly, this quantum quality is code for explaing our interdimensional reality, which is exactly what how the Bible hints toward, when discussing prayer, God speaking, Y'shua's ability to pass through walls of a locked room, interdimensional travel, such as Jacob's Ladder and so on.

The theory indicates that when people enter a phase known as ‘clinical death,’ the microtubules located in the brain lose their quantum state but maintain the information contained within them. In other words – as experts explain it after people die, their soul returns to the universe, and it does not die’.

In a Science Channel’s Through the Wormhole documentary, Dr. Hameroff said:

“Let’s say the heart stops beating, the blood stops flowing; the microtubules lose their quantum state. The quantum information within the microtubules is not destroyed, it can’t be killed, and it just distributes and dissipates to the universe at large. If the patient is resuscitated, revived, this quantum information can go back into the microtubules, and the patient says ‘I had a near-death experience.’ If they’re not revived, and the patient dies, it’s possible that this quantum information can exist outside the body, perhaps indefinitely, as a soul.”

According to this theory, human souls are more than just ‘interactions’ of neurons in our brain and could have been present since the beginning of time. Again, that's what the Bible says.

See you at the Ressurrection.

Does Man Percieve Their Own Ignorance? (A Little Fun With Cartoon Creation)

Having a little fun with cartoon creation. Even though we may laugh at the arrogance of man, it should sadden us as to how out of touch they are to what they actually say and how far Salvation is from them. If the individual boxes are hard to see, click on the first one and use the right cursor to go from frame to frame. I hope you enjoy.

Did Adam And Eve Die The Same Day They Sinned?

When you are out evangelizing for the Lord, it won't take too much time, before you run into an unbeliever, who will point out that there are many inconsistencies. Atheist love to point out perceived errors, within the Bible.

I ran into one recently, that I honestly haven't heard before. This individual pointed out the God said, to Adam and Eve, that they would die the day they ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They didn't. Adam supposedly lived to a thousand years old.

For reference, this is found in Genesis 2:18 and in Genesis 5

Well, my first response was that God didn't tell that to Adam and Eve. He just told Adam, just before creating Eve. That's the first thing she was wrong about and technically Adam only lived to be 930 years old.

I went on the say that the Bible clearly tells us that time, within God's reality and Adam's original reality, is and was different than ours. In the Bible, we are told,

"A Thousands Years In Your Eyes is a day. A previous day as though it passes like a watch in the night."

Psalm 90:4

"Moreover, not this one thing to be hidden from your knowledge, beloved, that with the Lord, one day like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day."

2 Peter 3:8

You see, when Adam and Eve, disobeyed, they were immediately tossed out the Garden's dimensionality. Within the Garden of Eden, only one day had passed, while outside the Garden, around 930 years has passed, exactly what the above Bible verses tell us above. Therefore, Adam did die within the same day, within God's dimensionality, as when he was told of the penalty for disobedience, but it seemed like almost a thousand years, in this reality.

In the end, there are no errors, within the Bible.

Shalom.

Is John 1:14 Mistranslated?

One of the most famous verses, in the Bible, John 1:14 has been debated over the centuries. On one side, the verse has been translated, from the original languages as:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

While the other side insists that the verse is translated as:

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

One declares the divinity of the Messiah, while the other states that the Messiah was created.

Which one is correct?

Well, the word, in question, is "ginomai". It means "to come into being". It can be an active or passive verb, in the Greek. However, how is it being used here. If we go to the writer, who is the Apostle John, then we find that he used it consistently as an active verb, ocassionally using it as a passive verb. For example, he used the word "ginomai", in John 1:3, in the active voice, while switching to the passive voice, in verse 6, then back to active, in verses 10, 12 and 14.

Translators agree that John used the active voice, every time he talked about the Word of God, except, for some reason, in John 1:14....an so the debate continues.

However, may I suggest that almost every time he talks about the Word of God, he references Genesis 1. If so, why would he change, in verse 14? If you look at Genesis 1, Bara and Asah are the equivalent Hebrew words to the Greek, "Ginomai". Bara and Asah means to create, either out of nothing or available elements.

As a side note, the Hebrew also has "Yatsar", which means to create out of available already created things.

Bottom line: In the Beginning, Bara, Asah and even Yatsar, are used as active verbs. Therefore, it should be translated as such, even in the Greek.

With all that said, it brings us back to the original question. Which one is correct? Is it passive, as most translators insist or active, as portrayed in the Genesis ?

Well, if we use the available tools God has given us, we can easily perform a basic Word for Word translation and find the truth. John 1:14 is translated as:

Even so, the Word created a living creature, a body of a man, subject to suffering and desires and dwelled among us and we beheld his glory. The glory of the only one born of the Father, thoroughly permeated with merciful kindness and what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth.

Yes, this created man had and has the fullness of God dwelling within him, but also had the frailties and compacity to sin, if he chose to, which makes what he did of the cross, so amazing and wonderful of full of Agape. That man, the only begotten Son of God, was so committed to the Will of God, that he freely went to the Cross, to die as a Sin Offering for us all. Amen!

In the end, it's your choice to decide, whether ginomai is active or passive, in John 1:14. May I suggest reading it in context and with the whole of scripture in mind? 

Search out the Truth, for Yourself.

Shalom!

Is It Pierced Or Is It Wounded? The Rest Of The Story.

The Rabbinic Jews Say:

He Was Wounded Because Of Our Transgressions….

and that this verse can be anyone, including the Nation of Israel.

The Christians Say:

He Was Pierced For Our Trangressions….

and obviously points to Y'shua/Jesus, because he has been the only one pierced and claimed to be the Messiah.

However, both are correct, but neither gives the complete story.

To be honest, this debate has raged from long before English was even a language. It all comes down the original Hebrew word, CHALAL, translated as 'Wounded' by the Rabbinical Jews and as 'Pierced', by English speaking Christians. With that said, a simple look into both a Jewish Lexicon Condcordance and a Christian Lexicon Concordance reveals that the Hebrew word, CHALAL, means to be wounded, as if by being bored through and through. Otherwords, it means Pierced. But, that's not the whole story.

Our account takes us to another debate, which has been going on since the writing of Epistles of Paul, concerning the Gospel of Y'shua/Jesus.

In II Corinthians 5:21 and Galations 3:13, the Apostle Paul started an outcry, resulting in this two thousand year old debate. He stated that Y''shua/Jesus was made sin or a curse for us, so through his punishment upon the cross, so we would be made clean in God's eyes. 

Jews say that it's nowhere in the Tanakh, Old Testament, and that it's just one of the many lies Paul made up, while creating Christianity in his own image.

Most Christians, even supposed scholars, futilely debate this, but can not come up with the exact language and it's location, within the Holy Scriptures, to refute the Jews. Paraphrasing is the common response from the most learned Chrisitian Scholars. Paul was paraphrasing, revealing that most Christian Scholars have gotten bogged down in the English translations, while ignoring the Hebrew at the most basic level. 

How can you say that? 

Because, a further investigation reveals that Paul's exact words were indeed within the pages of the Jewish Scriptures, within the famous Isaiah 53. You guessed it, the same Isaiah 53:5, with which we started off this post. If you look in the same Lexicons, mentioned above, we find out that the primary meaning of the original Hebrew word 'CHALAL' is actually ."allowed himself to be made profane, iniquity, sin"

Therefore, based on the writings of a first century Pharisee, the Apostle Paul and of course the actually meaning of the text, we now know that Isaiah 53:5 goes like this:

He Became Profane/Iniquity/Sin, Through Boring Wounds, For Our Transgressions, 

Allowed Himself To Be Crushed/Smited For Our Depravity And Punished. 

His Wounds/Stripes Brings Peace And Healing. 

Regardless, It Still Points To Y’shua Ha Mashiach. Amen!!!

Shalom!!!

What Are The Odds That You Would Find Y'shua/Jesus, Literally On Every Single Page Of The Old Testament?

As many of you know, I’ve been performing a Word For Word Translation of the Scriptures, where I pull out the base meaning of every word, that actually appears in the original text, and place it end to end in sentence form. In this exercise, I throw out any additional words, that may appear in your Bible, with the exception of the accepted implied definite articles, like ‘the’, ‘a’, and so on. I also have made a promise to God, not to take away any words that would disprove what I feel is the leading of God’s Spirit.

My studies have resulted in many amazing discoveries, which have confirmed that the Tanakh/Old Testament scriptures, from Reshith (Genesis) to Malachi, testifies of the Messiah, Y’shua/Jesus, just as Y’shua/Jesus said, in John 5:39.

“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”

My friends, Brothers and Sisters, I hope these two nuggets will find their way into your heart and edify you as they have for me. 

With all that said, let’s look at two amazing verses, that just blew my mind. It’s not that the base meaning brings up the name of Y’shua/Jesus, but look at what they say. They are consistent with each other and the rest of the scriptures and the Good News of Y’shua Ha Mashiach, Jesus Christ.

Exodus 15:2

"Yah, my strength and song is, has been and shall become Y'shua."

'This Mighty One of God, I will praise.

"Father God, I will exalt."

Isaiah 12:2

"Behold, the Mighty One of God, Y'shua."

"Trust and hold in awe, Yah."

"YHWH's strength and song is, has been and shall become Y'shua."

Honestly, what are the odds, that you would find such a consistent message, within a collection of 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over thousands of years. Some say Coincidence. I say a Supernatural Message from a God from outside our Time and Space.

Shalom.

Amazing!!! Esther Reveals A Messianic Prophecy!

God's Word Never Ceases To Amaze Me.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up!!!

We finished the Book of Esther, last night and in the only Biblical Book, where God is not mentioned one time, his salvation plan shines through.

If you start from the beginning of the Book of Esther and take the names and determine their meaning, as they are mentioned in chronological order and put the meanings in sentence form, you'll find the following:

I will be silent, poor and humble, a Lily, a dressing of God’s Love, Beautiful, Faithful, but Despised. The One who rides the ass, but crushed in the wine-press.

God will give the one to behold, to be emulated, but he will be plain, simple and unadorned.

This Illustrious One will be a Sleeping Lamb.
A Star will be his testimony to them on sea coast.
He will be Lofty!
He will be Worthy!
He will be Dignified!

He will be pure, one from the middle land, an intecessor, who will link two sides, a little man, but enlightened and one who will enlighten, renowned as one with a propensity, a natural inherent way of doing things, as the son of the right hand.

This Teacher of peace, that Yahweh will establish, will be praised and lifted up. May the teaching prophet preserve the crown of love and partnership.

A Bright Star, but the Father is his might.

A Blaze of Fire for the servants of the beautiful one, in their wine-press, will practice strict religious or moral behavior.

He is magnificent, a double, an image of his Father, dispersing inheritance to the Sons of the Lofty and Exalted one, which is given by faithful prayer, given forth to the light, by the pouring out.

The enticed will be gathered. The fruitful shall be drawn/gathered up to Yah.

The Lion of the decree will be raised above all.

He will be the lion of the banners.

The Lion is sufficient. He is strong as the wind and strong with the Spirit.

Another Turn Taken, Heading For Home

Memories Of Mom

Even though my given name is officially Keith William, I honestly thought my name was Richard...Paul...Keith, while I was growing up. This was due to the fact that when I was young, Mom would rattled off my brother's names first, before getting to mine, whenever I did something wrong and she got mad. This is one of the first stories I recount, when I think of my mother.

Or the time, in the second grade, when I sprained my ankle, so bad that mom walked all the way to my school and carried me home, on her shoulders, because we didn’t have a car.

When we were young, I remember the long walks with mom and my brothers. We would pick up soda bottles, because we could get 2 cents apiece, at the local pony keg, in order to get a treat or ice cream.

Of course, the times when mom made me go get a belt or switch, when it was time for a attitude correction.

However, for me, the best was when I was at her bedside, this past Thursday. The Hospice nurse and I were discussing, down the hall, in a conference room, how mom would stare at one place, whenever she was awake. The nurse indicated that it was her belief that she was staring at someone, who was waiting for her to pass.

After the meeting, I went back to mom’s room to say goodbye. She was staring at that one place, totally unaware that I was in the room. I reached down and kissed her on her forehead. I said, “Is that Grandma waiting for you?” She blinked and turn to look straight in my eyes and said, “Dad, too.” She then turned back to staring at the same spot. I said “I Love You, Mom.” That was the last time we spoke.

My mom passed away Friday.

Before Reading This, Can You Find John 7:38 In The Old Testament?

There are many people out there, that spend a lot of time, attempting to discredit the Bible. One great example is John 7:38, where Y'shau/Jesus quotes from the Tanakh, the Old Testament. However, a cursory search reveals that it's not in there. It is one among many verses, through which the Atheist and other Non-Beleivers attempt to lead us and our children from the faith.

Is it a misquote and translational error or what?

Well, let's start off by understanding that God’s Word clearly says to consume his Word. Why? Because God’s message is here a little, there a little, line upon line, with wonderful nuggets hidden, rewarding the faithful consumer of his Word, when they are dug out. This is the only way, to gain a full encompassing vision of God’s ways.

For example, Proverbs 10:28 says, 

“The Hopeful Expectations of the Righteous and Trusting is Joy; The Expectations of the Ungodly is destruction.”

Also, Isaiah 12:3 says 

“Joy draws forth water from wells of salvation.”

Together, we can say that the Joy of a Righteous and Trusting Person, one who is right with God, will draw out a flood of water out of the God’s salvational depository. Salvation is life. Life everlasting. Therefore, wouldn’t the water be both living and undending and abundant? The answer is obviously, Yes.

What we have done here, is taken the Word of God, consumed different parts and spoke a truth, which is not word for word, from the scriptures, but a truthful concept gained from the Whole Counsel of God. This is how the Remnant of God, the Faithful of God, the ones who are right with God speaks out for our Lord and God.

So, when the Apostles do the same thing, in their Gospels and letters, it shows that they has consumed the Word of God and made it thier own, a model for you and me to emulate,in order to be true B’nai Elohim, knowing the Machashabah Elohim, the Thoughts of God, not just regurgitating his Word, word for word, without any meaning.

Now, I drugged you through this exercise to show what we have gained from knowing the whole counsel of God, the Machashabah Elohim, reveling that John 7:37 is indeed in the Tanakh, not a butchering or misquote, as the naysayers would say.

Now, Let’s read John 7:37, from the Word for Word Translation.

“Place your trust in me. According to the scriptures, it says, “From out of wells, flows a flood of living water.”

Doesn’t that sound exactly what we just gained from the Whole Counsel of God? Be a consumer, not a reader. Shalom!

Is This Truly A Great Day?

Truly, this day marks a Great Day in the History Of Humanity. This is the day when the Salvation of Humanity became a reality for all who will trust in God, that he provided the true Passover Lamb, thereby causing the Angel of Death to pass over us, giving us Life Everlasting with God.

This Passover Lamb committed himself to us and freely and obediently went to the alter of God and gave his life, as a ransom for all.

Then, three days later, on the Feast Of First Fruits, he raised our Messiah from the Grave validating the Word of God and Y’shua/Jesus as the Promised Salvational Lamb Of God and setting us up as Joint Heirs in the Kingdom of God. Truly, a great day!

However, let us commit ourselves to celebrate everyday, as this day, for our Messiah is the Passover Lamb and God is our Savior everyday. Amen!

This Day Was Foretold From Before The Beginning Of Time, Before The Foundation Of The Earth.

As Passover arrives, it's important to realize that our Father had preplanned the whole event surrounding the crucifixion of the Messiah. The details are amazing. 

Every year for 1,500 years Israel unknowingly went through the dress rehearsal of binding the Passover Lamb to the horns of the altar at 9 a.m., the very time Y'shua was being bound to the execution stake. 

The Jews began to sing and continue to sing today, 

“God is the LORD who has showed us light, Bind the sacrifice with cords even to the horns of the altar.”

At noon, as the Messiah was lifted up from the earth and as the sun went dark for three hours, the Jews were singing and as they sing today, 

“The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.”

Then at 3 p.m., the time of the evening sacrifice, the Messiah dies and the people again sing from Psalms 118: 

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.”

God dictated that this event had to happen on the 14th day of the first month, or Nisan 14, as this was to be the day on His calendar that the fulfillment of prophecy would happen.

Before his death, the Messiah ate the Last Passover Supper with his disciples and told them that this day is to be forever remembered.

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

The Book Of Esther: The Plot Thickens And Memucan's Misongyny Is Exposed.

Esther 1:10-12

Seventh day, heart of the King was merry with wine, told Mehuman, Bizzetha, Harbona, Bigtha Abagtha, Zethar, Carcas, seven eunuchs serving presently King Ahasuerus, bring Queen Vashti before the King, Royal Crown, to display beauty to all princes, very pleasing. Queen Vashti refused to come, Kings’s command delivered by Eunuchs. King became angry and wrath burned within.

After seven days of drinking, the King was clearly drunk. I know how the Hebrew puts it, the King was very merry with wine. Yep, I would be very happy with actor seven days of wine drinking myself. LOL For those who don't think that the wine of the Bible doesn't have any alcoholic content, this clearly shows the opposite. He then gets it in his mind, that it would be a great idea to have the seven eunuchs, which were serving him, go and fetch the Queen.

Now, there are two schools of thought here. Was the Queen drunk too and not thinking straight or did she out and out disobey the King? Either way, the queen decided she was going to have nothing to do with the Kings banquet or being paraded around as a posession of the king. Obviously, she refused and the king became very angry at her disobedience.

Esther 1:10-15

King spoke, Wise men understanding the times, speaking of the King in such a manner to all who understood law and justice, closest, Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, Memucan, seven princes of Persia and Media, beholding king's face, who sat first in the kingdom, dwelling first in the Kingdom. By the Law, what can be done Queen Vashti, upon that commandment King Ahasuerus eunuchs.

Being angered by Vasti’s disobedience, Ahasuerus immediately consulted his seven right hand men, men who were first in the kingdom. At first thought, you think, “Why does the king need to consult these wise princes? He’s the king." Why doesn’t he just have her beheaded, imprisoned or whatever he chooses. His response actually gives us an insight into that Kingdom and their laws.

When the Persian kings conquered a people, they didn’t run rough shod over them. The Persian Royalty would incorporate the people into their society. Even though he was King over the Empire, the Empire was ran like a confederation, where the Empire was a loose confederation of provinces, which were ran independently by princes, who answered to the king. Far too many times, if a queen or king or some popular officer was murdered, the Empire could easily be facing an uprising. Even though the armies of these provinces were loyal to the King, the King didn’t want to test that loyalty based on a whim or unpopular edict. Therefore, it was smart politics for the King to get the advice of his underlings.

So, the King asked these Princes, what could be done legally to the queen or without much mumbling from the masses. 

As an interesting side note, if you look in Strong's Concordance, you'll find the meanings of the seven princes, you'll find that you get a prophetic sentence. The exception is Tarshish, which you have to dig into the root meanings. Also, an interesting sidenote is that Tarshish can also mean Yellow Jasper, which is a Semitic term, pointing to Israel. Either way, the following sentence works.

Carshena means, The Illustrious One and it also means A Sleeping Lamb.

Shethar means, A Star
Admatha means, will be his testimony to them
Tarshish means, sea coast
Meres means, He will be Lofty
Marsena means, He will be Worthy
Memucan means, He will be Dignified

Putting it all together, it means:

The Illustrious One, A Sleeping Lamb. A Star will be his testimony to them at the sea coast. He will be Lofty, Worthy and Dignified.

This gives us another example of God working behind the scenes and communicating to us, because here, God sends us a message about the time of the Messiah and his coming onto the scene. Amazing Stuff.

Esther 1:16-18

In the presence the king and the princes, Memucan said, "Queen Vashti committed iniquity not only the king, but all princes, all the peoples who are in provinces King Ahasuerus.” “King, Word will go back and forth, all women will look contempt husbands saying, “King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti, come in his presence, come not.” This day, princesses of Persia and Media who heard queen word will speak all the king princes, much contempt and wrath.”

Here, Memucan, not only answers the King, but stirs the pot, which makes you wonder if he already had a problem with Vashti. Remember, Vashti was a daughter of the Babylonian King, a long time enemy of everyone. So, it's not hard to imagine, Memucan has an agenda, which will come to fruition with the King's coming referendum.

Anyway, back to the story, Memucan indicates that not only did Vashti insult and commit an egregious infraction against the King, but all the people, especially the men, who have independent thinking wives. It has been mentioned, in more places than one, that Memucan must have been hempecked and he finally had a chance to get back at his wife. Well, that may be true, but there is no evidence to that.

However, Memucan does appear to be a misogynist and he uses the Vashti incident to not only to put an end to Vashti, but get his digs in to all the women of the empire. He basically tells the King, that if he lets Vashti get away with this infraction against the King, the woman of the empire will cause all kinds of problems for the men of the Kingdom and he surely can't have this issue and be remembered as a Great King.

Esther 1:19-22

If please king, royal edict go forth, let it be inscribed, laws of Persia and Media, never revoked, that Vashti shall not come before King Ahasuerus, let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. Kings verdict, when heard throughout kingdom, entirely, women shall give honor to their husbands, great and small." Words well pleased King and Princes, King did Memucan said, sent letters all king's provinces, every province, as scripted, all people, every man master in his household, speaking according language of all people.

Memucan continues, by recommending that the King not only punish Vashti, but banish her and find someone else to replace her. He goes on to suggest that the King put the "Submission of Women"  into the Law of the Empire. He drives it home by suggesting that the "Women Submission Act" be entered as never to be revoked.

His misogyny then seethes out like the stink of a rotten carcass. He uses this time of the Kings anger to say to reveal his agenda. He tells him that when the King's decree is heard, all the women will not only submit to their men, but give honor. Can't you just see his mischievous smirk on his face?

Well, bottom line, the King did all of what Memucan suggested, by sending out letters to every province and in every language. You could almost imagine that there were posters on every direction sign and street post, within the kingdom. This is a great example why we need to take a step back, when we become angry become responding. Clearly the King went way overboard, in his reaction. Also, it shows that Satan will utilize even our closest allies to guide you into the sin of over-reaction and possibly lashing out at our loved ones. Don't let your anger get the best of you and beware of evil advisors with evil agendas.

Also, we find out, in the next verse, that Vashti is casted out, but that is for next time.

Why Is The Media Ignoring This??? And The Killing Continues!!!

Shame on the US media. While they are utilizing the recent mass murder in New Zealand for their own political agenda against President Trump, they are ignoring a mass genocide in the world, specifically Africa. Why? Because they are Christians. Just last year, almost 8000 Christians have been killed for living their faith. In the span of the last eight weeks, 200-600 Christians have been killed in Africa. My friends, most of the media has become the propaganda arm of the anti-Christian and anti-Semitic spirit within the world today. Another sign of the End Times. Now, even more than ever, it's time to put on your Spiritual Armor and get into the Word of God for the Truth of our times.

Christians Killed In Attacks In Nigeria

What's worse are the Left Wing Fact Checkers, like Snopes, trying to cover it up. Deep in their articles, they don't deny it happening, they just say things like "It can't be verified by local sources." Of course not, the local sources are anti-Christian. They are not going to verify it, because they are the ones killing the Christians....and the killing continues.

It's time for us to get down on our knees and show the Mighty Power of God's Spirit, in Prayer. We are Echad. This has to stop. Come Lord Y'shua....Come Quickly.

Messiah Watch: Syria Vows To Reclaim Golan Heights

As most news watchers saw last Thursday, the United States became the first nation to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. If you remember, the Golan Heights was seized by Israel from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967. Well, Friday, the Syrian government vowed to take back the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as its allies and enemies multilaterally condemned President Trump sovereignty decree.

Most of the time, this is just saber rattling, for show, in the news. However, with the Syrian Civil War winding down and the fact that Syrian President Bashar Assad was rushing to meet with Russian President Putin today gets my attention. Afterwards, President Assad appeared on a Russian news show, vowing to take back the Golan Heights. This is usually done to garner public support.

Not very often do we see many actual events that make my ears perk up, but this news show comment and vow by Syrian President Bashar Assad and their allies, could embolden them to stir up a conflict. Keep in mind, presently Syria, Iran and Russia are the big boys in this area and three major players, in the biblical end times scenario. Could this be the first salvo across the bow of Israel, in events leading up to the conflict, known as the Battle of Armageddon and the Return of the Messiah? Keep your eyes on the sky.

Amazing Prophecy Found In The First Chapter Of Esther

Did you know or have you ever wondered how the kings, from the east, knew about the star, under which the Messiah would be born? Many scholars have conjectured that it was Daniel, who told them. This was due to Daniel being in charge of the Magi. However, you can find an amazing prophecy, in the first chapter of Esther, which is pointed to, in the end ceremony of Purim.

As the celebration of Purim draws to a close, many non-rabbinic Jews, who believe in the Messiah Y’shua, takes a step back and dwells on a story about a King, who divorces his disobedient wife, and through a sevenfold counsel decrees that he will take a virgin bride, who’s father is Abihail, which means “My Father is Mighty”. His divorced wife is “gazar”, divided, cut off, casted out of the King’s house.

At the end of Purim, there are many questions asked, but one is most intriguing.

How does this Bride come to the King?

This is answered by the congregation citing the names of the seven “Partam Sar” Noble Princes or Chief Prince, which are

Carshena
Shethar
Admatha
Tarshish
Meres
Marsena
Memucan

Taking the meaning of their names, we get:

The Illustrious One, A Sleeping Lamb. A Star will be his testimony to them at the sea coast. He will be Lofty, Worthy and Dignified.

Is this the true meaning of Esther, chapter one. Check out the rest, with us, as we go through the rest of the Book.

Y’shua said, “You search the scriptures and in them, you think you have found eternal life, but they are which testify of me.”

Happy Purim!

Chag Purim Sameach!!!

Happy Purim!

If you're wondering, it's in the Book of Esther, to celebrate the relief of the Death Sentence against all Jews, within the Empire at that time.

The Book Of Esther: The Big Banquet And Oh What A Big Party It Was For All.

Esther 1:3-4

Third year, King produced feast. All princes, servants, Army of Persia, Medes, Nobleman of the Provinces of Persia, were present to see riches, glory of the kingdom, preciousness, great majesty, abundance, a long time, 180 days.

Now, in the third year of King Xerxes reign, he had a feast, to show off the riches and glory of his kingdom. For six months, the king held a feast. 

Notice in verse two that there were 127 provinces. At the bare minimum, there were 127 princes, 127 servants, the army of Persia and so on. That was a lot of people and lot of resources, for a Feast that lasted 180 days. Most Bible versions refer to both the banquet and the feast as the "banquet". However, the Hebrew shows that it was a feast for 180 days, six months and then there was a banquet for seven days, as clearly seen in the following verses

As a side note, please notice that the Medes were mentioned. The Medes are referred, by Josephus, as direct descendants of Japheth, through his Son, Madai. Part of this group of people became the Ashkenazi Jews of today.

Esther 1:5-6

When the time was over, the King provided a banquet for seven days. All people were found Palace Shushan, great and small, court, garden and house. White, fine cotton, and blue, embroidered with cords of linen purple, on silver rods and marble columns; couches of gold silver, on pavement of green, white, shell, onyx marble.

As I said, there was a banquet held, after the Feast, for seven days. Everyone was there, from the noblemen to the peasants. As a quick side note, even though peasant is now considered an ignorant, rude, or unsophisticated person, a person of low social status, in the days of Esther, a peasant was a poor farmer of low social status who owned or rented a small piece of land for cultivation.

Everyone was at the palace and spread out into the court and garden. Everyone!! Now, according to the archeologists, the palace was fifteen hectares in size. Image that... a Palace, the size of 37 acres or 149,733 m².  That was humongous and plenty of room for the people invited to this banquet. The following is a model of the Palace at Susa.

The columns and pavement were extravagantly decked out. To give you an idea of the size of the garden columns, please look at the following picture.

Esther 1:7-8

Drinks offered, served golden vessels different kinds, royal wine plentiful by the king’s hand. Drinking, by decree, lacked not, nor constrained. In this manner the King gave orders , to all the multitude within his house, to make happen to the pleasure of each person.

The historians tell us that Xerxes was the typical over indulgent king. This banquet was no different. Drinking was made available to all and the King gave orders for everyone to enjoy themselves according to their own pleasure. No holds barred, as they say. This was also indicative by the many rooms, within the palace and the garden area. Historians indicated that Xerxes loved the company of women and expected his constituents to act the same way.

It was definitely a big party.

Esther 1:9

Queen Vashti also made banquet for women in the palace of King Ahasuerus.

Even though it doesn't say it, the text implies that Queen Vashti, followed suit and overindulged with a women only style party, of her own.

The Book Of Esther: Chapter One-The Background

Esther 1:1-2

Coming to pass, in the time of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) whose kingdom, India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces. Those days King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) had his abode, sovereign power, throne, palace in Shushan.

Please notice that we are continuing to use the Word for Word translation, where, in this case, the Hebrew is translated Word for Word, with no additional words added or taken away. 

The Book of Esther plays out, with the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which was found by Cyrus the Great, as its background. This empire had its eastern border at India and it stretched all the way to the land of Cush, which is the land on both the east and west side of the Red Sea, which included modern day Ethiopia and stretching up to the land of Greece, as seen in the following map.

It's interesting to note that there were 117 provinces or mini-kingdoms, within the Persian Empire, each with a prince to rule over them, all under the divine rule of the King. Keep this in mind, as we get into the next few verses about the Feast and Banquet. 

In our story, the King's throne or center of power was in Susa, as seen in the map above. However, further investigation reveals that it was just one of seven palaces. Susa is considered the Winter Palace.

In the Book of Esther, the king was Ahasuerus, known by his famous Greek name, Xerxes the Great. Esther is the Hebrew name of our heroine, while in history, she is known as Amestris. It should be noted that history has not been so kind to the memory of Esther. To her credit, most scholars take the Greek histories with a grain of salt, because they tend to skew the image of their enemies. It has been found that the Greek historians out and out lied about their adversaries, showing them in a very bad and false light.

The Achaemenid Persian Empire existed between 550 to 330 BC. To give you a timeline, Adam and Eve was about 4000 BC. Noah and the flood was about 2500 BC. Abraham was about 2100 BC, David was about 1000 BC. Daniel lived 620–538 B.C. and our story begins around 483 BC.

Echad With God!

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers whatever is true, whatever honorable, whatever is righteous, whatever pure from carnality, whatever pleasing and acceptable, whatever sound and of good report, if anything virtuous and praiseworthy, take an inventory of these things learned and received and heard and seen in me. Regularly and consciously perform these and God’s peaceful rest will be present with you.

Here, Paul begins to finalize his letter to the Philippians, attempting to consolidate what he has said or implied in the letter, up to now. These two verses are a generalized statement on how a Messianic Centered life should be, which begs us to define a few terms. 

-True: in accordance with fact or reality, accurate or exact, no gray areas.
-Honorable: bringing or worthy of honor, to be morally correct, honest, moral, ethical, principled, righteous, right-minded, full of integrity
-Righteous:morally right or justifiable; virtuous
-Pure from Carnality: Free from the pleasures of the flesh. Those normally associated with addiction.
-Pleasing and Acceptable: satisfying or appealing, able to be agreed on
-Sound and of Good Report: based on reasonable, sensable, or judgment, high standing among others.
-Virtuous and praiseworthy: having or showing high moral standards, deserving approval and admiration.

At first, this appears to be a high standard, but in reality, it reflects the "Golden Rule", Y'shua gave us. 

In all things, therefore, be an innovator, start the spark, to bring about things to all humans, without distinction to race or order, after the same manner you desire others , to bring about things for yourself, for this is the Torah and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Paul is reiterating what he said earlier in the text. Take an inventory of these values, within you life. Whatever you lack, step it up and fill that gap, because if we are truly God's People, the Remnant of God, we should exert a conscious daily effort towards these values. In the end, our lives should reflect that these values are not only 2nd nature, but indeed our primary nature. As a result, we will know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we are the children of God, having his peace and resting in him. Can I get an Big O' Amen?

Philippians 4:10

Now, I rejoice in the Lord greatly because now, as in the past, allowed to sprout again concern for me even before your mind possessed the opportunity.

Here Paul is rejoicing and thanking God, for the continuous level concern, that the Philippians possessed, from the beginning, even though most people would have not given his situation any additional thought. Isn't that how we are to treat each other.

Philippians 4:11-14

Not though I speak from my want, for I have an understanding of contentment in the circumstances I am. Knowing how to live humbly. Knowing how to live prosperously. In any and all, becoming intimately satisfied, acquainted with and seeking, with eager desire, both excellence and humbleness. Being strong in all things in what strengthens me. Anyway, making this known, speaks well of you to allow us to become partakers with our tribulation.

Paul goes on to say that he has no wants or needs that has not been satisfied, by the Lord and the Love of the Philippians. He is content and satisfied in all things, all the time. How? By being strong in the previous values, that he mentioned. You, too, can be content and satisfied, by living a life, that is humble, prosperous, with an longing desire for the same values, having the peaceful rest in the Lord, through our Messiah. Exhibiting these same values and their unwavering support and concern for Paul shows that we are or becoming Echad, One, which is the ultimate goal of the Remnant of God.

Philippians 4:15-17

You also know Philippians, where I preached first the proclamation of the grace of God manifest and pledged in Christ, when I came out of Macedonia, no church communicated in word, giving and receiving, but you alone, for even in Thessolonica you sent a gift more than once, for my needs. Not that I seek gifts, but I seek the increasing fruits of your words.

Even though Paul appreciated all the concern, love and gifts, the Philippians gave him, he seeks their continued living, in the Lord and ultimately, their presence, with him, at the Throne of God, above all earthly things. These verses shows how the Philippians are a model, of how to live Echad, One in the Messiah and One with each other.

Philippians 4:18-19

Moreover, received everything, received and beyond measure from Epaphroditus, these in full what you sent, a fragrant aroma, acceptable sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable to God and our God will complete all your needs according to his riches, in glory in Messiah Y’shua.
Our edifying gifts towards each other, regardless of what they are, are a pleasing sacrifice to God and as a result, God will complete you by appointing us joint heirs with the Messiah Y'shua. Romans 8:17

Philippians 4:20-23

Moreover, towards our God and Father, Glory forever and ever, Amen! Salute every holy one in Messiah Y’shua. The brothers with me salute you. All holy ones salute you, especially those of Caesar’s household. Grace of Lord Y’shua Messiah with your Spirit. Amen!

Be friendly, Salute, say hi, greetings, to everyone, in the Messiah Y'shua. Having a family like love for all who are in the Messiah.

The rest of Verses 20-23 are self explanatory.

To God, our Father, be the Glory, through Messiah Y'shua, forever and ever, Amen! The Grace of God is in the Spirit, not the flesh.

Be Ready To Present Your Victors Wreath!!

Philippian 4:1

Finally, my loving and committed friends, whom I long to see gleefully in my victors wreath. Therefore, stand firm, in the Lord, friends.

As we can see here, Paul is addressing his friends and family in Messiah, in his final remarks. Most. English translations translate the word adelphos, as a brother and or brothers, but it means more specifically, friends and family, whom you love as family.

He goes on to say that he longs to see them in his victors wreath. Most English translations have this as a crown. Most people think of a kingly crown, on top of your head,. However, this wreath is not a crown but a wreath to go around your head or sometimes around your neck. The kind you get, when you have been victorious in the battle or the colosseum games. They would put emblems on these wreaths, in the same way as our military puts ribbons. So, in reality, Paul is hoping to see them as part of his final testimony before God. That’s why he tells them to stand firm in the Messiah.

Philippian 4:2-3

Admonish and encourage Euodia (Fragrent One) and Syntyche (Fate) to be of same mind, in the Lord. Be assured those who are genuinely yoked together, I beseech you indeed help them who strive together my struggle in the proclamation of the grace of God manifested and pledged in Christ, with Clement also, and the remaining of my fellow workers whose names in the scroll of life.

Notice the difference here between the English versions and the Word for Word translation. Most English versions has Paul pleading with Eurodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Even though that is consistent with what the rest of his Philippian letter has said and there is nothing wrong with that translation, other than the Greek doesn’t say that. What it says is that the Philippian church needs to admonish and encourage them to be of the same mind in the Lord. 

The English translation tells the Philippians to plead rather than take an active and personal action to admonish both of them and then encourage them to be of the same mind in the Lord. Too many churches have shied away from correcting the flock and this is led to the many splintered factions within the church, which has overjoyed Satan, because it is exactly what he wants to happen to the church. So to be consistent, there is only one frame of minedand that is the one that is consistent with God’s Word.

How do we admonish and encourage the flock? By coming together as one and teach and groom each other with the Word of God alone. It can be hard at times, but it is what we are commanded to do. Edify and be edified according to God‘s word.

Paul encourages Clement, a predominate and proven leader who has shown that he is one with the Messiah, and the remainder of those of one mind, whose names are assuredly in the scroll of life, to come together and keep the body as Echad, one.

If they are not in one Mind in the Lord, they are to be pushed out. I know that’s harsh, but it is according to God‘s Word.

Finally, I must confess that during our small group, I made light of the meaning of Euodia’s name which means fragrant one. Unfortunately, with a name like Oder, the first thing I think of is a nickname of stinky. :-) LOL I can so relate with her if that was the case.

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord at all times, again saying Rejoice. Let your gentleness become known to all men. Lord is at hand. Seek for your own interests no thing, but in everything by prayer and request with thanksgiving your petition made known to God and peace and harmony with God rising above all understanding , protect your hearts and your minds in Messiah Y’shua.

Over the next few verses, Paul reminds the Philippians with some bullet points.

Rejoice in the Lord at all times. Notice that he emphasizes rejoice at the end of the verse. It doesn’t matter what you are going through, you are to rejoice and praise God, because he is in control of the final outcome of your lives. Be assured that he has your well-being at heart and all things will bring you to God's ultimate goal for your life.

At all times, let your gentleness be the first thing everyone sees. If you need it, the Lord is there to help you.

In prayer don’t ask for things according to your own interests. I know that goes against what most churches preach. However, if we are Echad, One with each other, then others will be praying for you in the same way you are praying for them. We are to rely on others, as we would rely on ourselves. That’s God’s plan, To Be Echad, One.

Always Live in peace and harmony with God, allowing God to give you understanding above what is normally humanly possible. With God, you are capable of doing so much more. Rely on him. Keep him alone in your heart and protect it from anything else and have the mind of Christ, the Messiah. Above all, God will lead you into all truth and be ready to present your Victors Wreath.