Perceptions From Beyond Time And Space

Observations From Sulam Yaakov

2011-11-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

Sulam Yaakov is known to us as Jacob's Ladder. It is a inter-dimensional ladder and the only means of traveling from this reality into G-d's. It can be seen in Genesis 28:10–19.

"Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.And behold, the Lord stood above it [or "beside him"] and said, "I am the Lord (Yahweh), the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; "

We also see in John 1:51 that it is the Word of G-d, Y'shua, who is this ladder.

"And he said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter you shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

Also, when John ascended into Heaven, in Revelation 4, he was in the presence of Sulam Yaakov, Y'shua.

Observation #1

Since angels can only ascend and descend into heaven on Jacob’s ladder, then does Satan use Jacob’s ladder to gain access to the throne of God in order to accuse us before G-d?

Observation #2

Does the souls of G-d's Elect also gain access that way? Therefore, when we die and we are in the presence of the Lord(II Corinthians 5:8), does this mean we are at the foot of Sulam Yaakov, Jacob's Ladder?

Observation #3

After Jacob had his dream, he named the place Beth-El, the House of G-d. Is this a physical portal into the House of G-d or is symbolic of something else or both?

As we delve into these and other questtions or observations within the Word of G-d, we gain a more intimate knowledge of our Lord and G-d thereby growing closer to him.

Shabbat Shalom my Friends

Simchat Torah

2011-11-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Recently, within the Jewish and Messianic Jewish communities, we celebrated Simchat Torah. It occurs on the 22nd of Tishrei right after Sukkot. This year it was on October 20th.

Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. In Hebrew, it literally means "Rejoicing in the Law" . It's is a joyous holiday celebrating having completed the study of God's word and looking forward to hearing those words again during the coming year.

My question to you is... When is your Simchat Torah?

Do you joyously look forward to completing the reading and studying of G-ds Word and starting it over again? Your answer gives you a self evaluation of your position in the Messiah.

Shalom

How Will We Respond To The Coming Of The Messiah?

2011-04-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

As I watched a couple of videos my son in law sent me, I couldn't help draw a correlation to how we as true believers will respond to the coming of our Messiah in order to take us home.

These videos are of dogs owned by soldiers who were deployed recently as they returned home. As I watched how they whimpered and rubbed up against their master, I noticed that they couldn't get enough of their master's presence.

I honestly believe that these videos gives us a glimpse into our possible reaction when the Lord comes. Tell me what you think.

Don't forget to turn up the volume.

http://www.break.com/index/dog-greets-mom-coming-home-from-war-2035934

http://www.break.com/index/dogs-happy-to-see-soldier-return-home-2023319

Thanks Brandon for the videos. You never know how G-d will use us. Keep up the fight.

Shalom

Are You Washed In The Blood or Just In The Water?

2011-03-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

Are you washed in the blood or just in the water?

Was the water dirty after the baptism?

Do you worship him, to him or about him?

If you have to ask, we need to talk

Do you serve him or serve because of him?

Are you open to the Spirit or just spirited?

These are just a few humorous sayings begging the question,

Are you coming over or just straddling the fence?

Many of us have one foot in the church and one foot in the world. Where do you stand? When you go before the throne, what side will you be standing?

We need to ask these questions on a daily basis.

ME INCLUDED.

Wash Me Clean In the Muddy Water

Do We Justify The Sin in Our Lives?

2011-03-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

During a recent one on one with G-d, the subject of the sin in my life came up. And like he does so many times, he asked me point blank, with love, "Why do you attempt to justify the sin in your life?"

My first response, like so many others, was to deny the accusation or act ignorant of what he's is talking about. But, this is G-d. Who is more righteous and just and all knowing than he? Who loves me more and has my well being in mind than he does? NOBODY!!!!!!

Once I came down off my high horse, I had to admit that I do attempt to cover over or make light of the sin in my life.

What do I mean? Well, it's when I do things in my life that I know is not according to G-d's will and I do them anyway. I attempt to sugarcoat them or somehow try to raltionalize in a way that it appears, to me, that it is according to God's will. My biggest excuse is to say, "It's all about what's in the heart." or "It's ok if I mean well."

Obviously, I couldn't see G-d's face at that time but I could sense him hanging and shaking his head in major disapointment. Of course, I realized my shame, confessed my sins and asked for his forgiveness which he promptly gave.

All worked out fine, but that's not the point. During this time of denial, I lost a closeness I could have enjoyed. I missed out on the benefit of the presence of G-d in my life and I'll never get that back. Sure, I quickly got back to G-d's side, but I'll never regain the time I lost because of my disobedience and I'll feel that hole in my spirit as long as I will live.

Most don't know what I'm talking about because Satan has a great way of masking that separation. It is not until we go back to G-d's side that we realize it. This is the same feeling we will have during the 1000 years of tears after G-d comes back for us. This is documented in the book of Revelation.

This brings me to why I'm writing this today. Are you justifying the sin in your life? Are you missing out on a closeness with G-d that completes your spiritual life? Only you can answer that question. However, I can give you some examples where you may attempting to justify your disobedience, sin.

Are you still celebrating the pagan holidays in lieu of the actual festivals ordained by G-d? Good examples are the pagan holidays of Easter and Christmas. Are you still telling your children that Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Y'shua and Christmas is the birthday of the Messiah...when in reality, they are pagan holidays celebrating the fertility goddess and the sun god? The true birth of the Messiah is about the time of the Feast of Tabernacles(September/October)and the death and resurection are during the Passover, Feast of Unleaven Bread and Feast of First Fruits.

Are you trying to please G-d by doing things instead of getting closer to him?

Are you making excuses about being in the Word of G-d?

All these things and more can prevent you from experiencing a close relationship with and completeness in G-d.

Get back to G-d's Word and follow his ways. That is the only way to his heart and being one with G-d. There's no greater experience. Come back home.

Love all of you in the Messiah,
Shalom

Is Jesus G-d?

2011-02-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

Within the Christian community, there are those who believe that Y'shua is not G-d. They point to many verses that state that there is only one G-d, G-d the Father and there is no other. This is proclaimed in the venerated Shma: "Hear O Israel the Lord thy G-d is one." Deuteromony 6:4. Also, in the following verses which are a few among many that state the same thing.

"Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me." Isaiah 43:10

"I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me." Isaiah 44:6

"Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none." Isaiah 44:8

"I am Yahweh, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God." Isaiah 45:5

"Surely, God is with you, and there is none else, No other God." Isaiah 45:14

"I am Yahweh, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:18

"Is it not I, Yahweh? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me." Isaiah 45:21

"I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me" Isaiah 46:9

"And Yahweh will be king over all the earth; in that day Yahweh will be the only one [echad], and His name the only one[echad]." Zechariah 14:9

On the other side of the argument, we have those who believe Y'shua is G-d. They point to the following verses:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel(God with us).”Isaiah 7:14

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:6

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The Word is Y'shua. John 1:1

“Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’"John 20:27-29

Another side wants to argue whether Y'shua is G-d the Father or a separate G-d the son along with G-d, the Holy Spirit. This is the triune argument that G-d is three separate persons. However, this is no scriptural basis for this belief which arose out of adding things to the Bible, not reading it and allowing the Spirit of G-d to lead you into understanding. Therefore, I will not entertain it. If I am not clear, let me categorically state that there is no such thing IN THE BIBLE as the Trinity.

Is one side correct? If so, which one? If not, can we reconcile these two sides?

Well, the answer is that both sides are looking at it single dimensionally. You need to ask yourself, "Can both sides be correct?" The true answer is yes. Y'shua is 100% man and 100% G-d. What? Are you crazy? That's not possible. First of all, all things are possible especially with a supernatural G-d. That's the problem with most streamline denominations. They fail to take in consideration and sometimes deny the supernatural power of G-d.

I can sit here and argue the point all day long, but I won't. I leave you with the following to either muddy the waters or by the Spirit, clear it all up for you.

The sacrifice for our sins had to be of the line of Adam, therefore a man and had to be perfect.

Y'shua had to be G-d because the sacrifise had to be perfect and G-d is the only perfect being.

Y'shua had to be man to qualify as part of the line of Adam.

Y'shua cannot be just a man because that would disqualify him as the perfect sacrifice required by G-d for our salvation. Why? Because, if Y'shua was just a man then he would be sinful.

"All men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" Romans 2:23

Y'shua (Jesus) is 100% Man and 100% G-d and G-d is one, not many.

Finally, to those who believe in the false teaching of the Trinity, I would gladly entertain the thought that G-d is a multidimensional being which is what the scriptures say. He is not three separate entities as most denominations teach today.

Shalom

Chanukah Sameach * Happy Chanukah Day Two

2010-12-02T15:23:00.000-08:00

The second day of Chanukah, Kislev 26, starts with the lighting of the second candle of the Chanukiah, the special nine menorah seen below.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by your commandments which was fulfilled by the Messiach Y'shua, and commanded us to kindle the light of Chanukah in remembrance of the true light that shines within us. We dedicate our temples to you.

The Talmud tells that the Chanukiah was designed to recall the miracle of the eight days during which one day worth of oil burned eight days in the temple. Each candle increasingly creates an ever increasing light, symbolizing our godly resistance to both tyranny and evil.

Today, the light, that shines from within us, gives us an ever increasing resistance to the world and the evil within it. The same way our ancestors resisted assimilation, we are to use the supernatual gift of the Holy Spirit of G-d to resist becoming part of this world.

Traditional Reading: Number 7:18-23

On the second day, Nethanel son of Zuar, chieftain of Issachar, made his offering. He presented as his offering: one silver bowl weighing 130 shekels and one silver basin of 70 shekels by the sanctuary weight, both filled with choice flour with oil mixed in, for a meal offering; one gold ladle of 10 shekels, filled with incense; one bull of the herd, one ram, and one lamb in its first year, for a burnt offering; one goat for a sin offering; and for his sacrifice of well-being: two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five yearling lambs. That was the offering of Nethanel son of Zuar.

Messianic Reading: II Corinthians 6:14-17

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Beliala? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.

Shalom

Chanukah Sameach * Happy Chanukah Day One

2010-12-01T17:20:00.001-08:00

Today at sundown, as we usher in the Chanukah festival, the Festival of Lights, please remember the historical and Messianic significance.

Historically, we are to celebrate the rededication of the 2nd temple during which the temple menorah burns miraculously for eight days when there was only enough oil for one day.

Messianic, we are to celebrate the yearly rededication the temple of God, which is the Body of Christ, the church. Seven of the candles represent the completeness of G-d's Spirit within us. The eighth light represents a new beginning through the work of the Messiah on the cross, the altar of G-d. We are told that the candles can only be lit with the ninth candle. No other source of ignition is allowed. This ninth candle represents the fact that the lighting of our souls can be lit only by the single light that is within us, that is G-d. The miraculous work that has been done in us was done by G-d alone, not by man, lest anyone should boast.

On this first night, we light the first candle with the middle candle.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by your commandments which was fulfilled by the Messiach Y'shua, and commanded us to kindle the light of Chanukah in remembrance of the true light that shines within us.

Recommended Readings Comes from Numbers 6:22-27, 7:1-17 and the book of John.

The Lord spoke to Moses: Speak to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the people of Israel. Say to them: The Lord bless you and protect you! The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!Thus they shall link My name with the people of Israel, and I will bless them.

On the day that Moses finished setting up the Tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings, as well as the altar and its utensils. When he had anointed and consecrated them, the chieftains of Israel, the heads of ancestral houses, namely, the chieftains of the tribes, those who were in charge of enrollment, drew near and brought their offering before the Lord: six draught carts and twelve oxen, a cart for every two chieftains and an ox for each one.
When they had brought them before the Tabernacle, the Lord said to Moses: 5 Accept these from them for use in the service of the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the Levites according to their respective services.

Moses took the carts and the oxen and gave them to the Levites. Two carts and four oxen he gave to the Gershonites, as required for their service, and four carts and eight oxen he gave to the Merarites, as required for their service—under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. But to the Kohathites he did not give any; since theirs was the service of the [most] sacred objects, their porterage was by shoulder.

The chieftains also brought the dedication offering for the altar upon its being anointed. As the chieftains were presenting their offerings before the altar, the Lord said to Moses: Let them present their offerings for the dedication of the altar, one chieftain each day.

The one who presented his offering on the first day was Nahshon son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah. His offering: one silver bowl weighing 130 shekels and one silver basin of 70 shekels by the sanctuary weight, both filled with choice flour with oil mixed in, for a meal offering; one gold ladle of 10 shekels, filled with incense; one bull of the herd, one ram, and one lamb in its first year, for a burnt offering; one goat for a sin offering; and for his sacrifice of well-being: two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five yearling lambs. That was the offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab.

John 9:1-7

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

John 10:22-29

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication,(Chanukah) and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand.

Shalom

Language of the Kingdom

2010-11-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am often asked, "Is there going to be one tongue or language used in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

Answer: Absolutely.

It is the same language that G-d uses within the scriptures and that is Hebrew.

Why? Hebrews 13:8.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

We all know what John chapter one tells us....that Y'shua is the Word of G-d. You also know me by now that I take every word literally. With that said, Can I not say, "The Word of G-d never changes." and "The language of G-d never changes." and be correct?

What about the other translations? Yes, it is good that we have many translations of the Bible. However, the KJV, NIV, ASB... are all beginner books. To know and fully understand G-ds Word, we must learn his language and dig into the Word of G-d and be totally immersed. We must become "echad" one with the Word of G-d.

Let me ask you a few questions. To settle a disagreement within these translations, where do we go????? To the original Hebrew text!!!! What about the B'rit Chadashah, the New Testament? Isn't it in Greek? Yes. However, what do the New Testament writers and Jesus reference? The original Hebrew text!!!! Y'shua did not have the Greek B'rit Chadashah on the road to Emmaus. No...he referenced the Tanakh, the original Hebrew text.

Now, getting back to the original question. Is there going to be one language in the Kingdom of Heaven? Isn't G-d's Word the same today, yesterday and forever? If you answered yes to both of these question, then what do you think it will be?

Finally, is it hard to learn a new language? Yes. However, isn't your relationship with G-d worth it?

Shalom Aleichem

Who Are The Children Of G-d?

2010-10-31T11:14:00.001-07:00

In continuation of the last post, Who are the Children of G-d? Quite simply they are believers that:

-Believe in the one and only G-d, creator of Heaven, Earth and all that is within, whose name is Y'hoshua(Jesus), Yahhahveh, Yahweh
-Believe that our G-d provided himself as the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins.
-Attempt to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and repent when they fall short of G-ds expectations.
-Follow G-d's Law, not for salvation, but for relational purposes.

Most people have no problem with the first three, but balk at the last. However, what did Y'shua say in Matthew 5:17-18.

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."

and Paul in Romans 13:8.

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another fulfills the law."

You and I fulfill the Law through the Messiah. Otherwise, let us obey the unfulfilled parts of the Law, including the Feasts.

Even Paul tells us to celebrate the feasts in II Corinthians 5:7-8.

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

We attempt to obey the unfulfilled parts of the Law in order to draw closer to G-d. We don't follow the ways of the world but the ways of G-d.

As asked in the last blog entry, Children of G-d....Are you out there?

Shalom!

Where Are All The Children of G-d?

2010-10-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, due to changes to the "hierarchy"[sic] of our church, Karrin and I had began a search for another group of believers, with which to worship on the sabbath. As we search, one thing continually came to the forefront. Where are the true believers, the B'nai Elohim, the Chidren of G-d, the Bridegroom of the Messiah.

As you read this, please understand that I do not put myself into an elite group. No, I am just a child of G-d desparately looking for true believers with which to commune. It is harder and harder to find them. Not to say that all that is within our small little congregation are not true believers, but it amazes me how many continue to follow traditional and false teachings because of a charasmatic individual or individuals.

At this point, most people will say, "Is really possible to understand the whole Word of G-d?". The answer is yes. The real questions are, "Are we willing to submit ourselves to the leading of the Spirit?" or "Are we lazy and let others tell us what G-ds Word says?". The latter is 2nd hand knowledge of your savior, not the true relationship our G-d wants with us.

This leads me back to the original question, "Where are the children of G-d?". Are we in the midst of what the Bible calls the "Great Falling Away" in II Thessalonians 2:3?

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..."

So then, who are the true B'nai Elohim. Are you out there? I would love to talk to you.

Love,

A brother in the Messiah.

Shana Tova

2010-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Shana Tova,

I hope the new year has found everyone in good physical and spiritual health. We are in the ten days of awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Remember, Rosh Hashanah coincides with the Feast of Trumpets. Since the spring feasts and Shavu'ot were prophetic, the hope is that the fall feasts are prophetic also. That is my hope and understanding.

If they are prophetic, will the rapture of the true body of the Meshiach be, as Paul says, at the last trump. If so, then this surely points to Rosh Hashanah and the Feast of Trumpets as the best possible future date of the rapture. My hope is that it can be any day, as we don't know the true day of his coming. However, we are told to recognize the signs of the times.

The purpose of Yom Kippur is to bring about reconciliation between us and other individuals and G-d. According to Jewish tradition, it is also the day when God decides the fate of each human being. Could this coincide with the future throne judgement. That is why I often say to my friends and family upon saying goodbye, "I'll meet you at the southern gate". Why the southern gate? Because the judgment throne of God will sit at the western gate. Those that belong to G-d will be at his right side, the southern gate.

Prophetic or not, we should use these days to recognize and become familiar with the plan of G-d and how we fit into it. Shun the ways of man and cling to the one and only G-d.

Shalom and I will see you, the b'nai Elohim, at the southern gate.

Talk With Me not To Me

2010-08-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Have you been with people who ramble on and on in their prayer?

Have you notice that some fill in any pauses with Father, God, Lord, Father_God. etc.?

Their ramblings are full of nice standard phrases and accepted varying tones like Robert Schuller or monotone without any nuances whatsoever. Let me stop and say that I'm not saying that these people are not saved or believers. They are just stuck in a rut.

G-d does not want you to talk at him but he wants you to talk with him. He loves to hear his Word used in your prayer but he doesn't want you preaching at him. Record yourselves sometimes, you'll be surprised.

I know. I have wrote about this before, about a year ago.

But it is a big pet peeve of G-ds. Sometimes, you can hear him say "Shut Up Already...Aren't going to let me get a word in?"

Let me finish by saying that G-d loves to listen. But he wants you to take a chill pill, relax and listen to what he has to say sometimes. You never know....you may learn something or at least hear him say, "I Love You" and "I'll be back soon."

Shalom

God, Help My Doggie Find Her Way Home

2010-08-17T10:26:00.001-07:00

Last week, my son in law, Brandon, put one of his family dogs out in the backyard in order to stretch her legs. Her name is Bella. Yes, her name is a direct result of the "Twilight" phenomena. But don't blame Brandon, it was my daughter, Angela, who chose the name. But I digress.

Brandon went back in the house to lay down for a few minutes. And before he knew it, Bella, who is a great jumper, jumped the fence and was on her way down the creek. Knowing her, she was happily on her way to a great adventure.

Bella, running away, adversely effected the family. Brandon was down and out, Angela was in tears at the mention of Bellas name and Madison kept saying, "where's Bella?". Madison is my three year old granddaughter. OK...she's actually two until September 18th. They spent the week in this condition, while they searched the surrounding area for Bella.

As a side note, my eldest daughter, Stephanie actually helped with the search. You are going to have to take my word for it that Stephanie getting out in the heat of the summer and searching for a dog is a miracle in itself and a testimony of her love for animals.

Anyway, this is the way it continued until my beautiful granddaughter asked the one and only person that could really help, and that is God. Last night, she kneelled down at her bed like she has been lead to by her mom and dad since the early age of one. :-)

Out of the blue, Madison ends her prayer with, "...and God, help my doggie find her way home." If that doesn't bring you to tears, nothing will.

Well, I just received a phone call from my wife, Karrin, saying that Brandon just got a call from an animal shelter concerning Bella. Bella was found this morning and could be picked up at any time.

Coincidence?????? I Don't Think So.

Isn't God amazing?

Sometimes, we need the children to bring us back to the child-like faith that we need to truly see God.

Thank You God. And Thank You Madison.

Madison, God Loves You and So Do I.

BTW. Here's Madison and Bella.

Shalom My Friends

The Heavens Declare Thy Existence

2010-08-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.

Psalm 19:1

Recent cosmic discoveries are boggling the minds of secular science. Imagine that. Not to sound flippant, but they just need to put on the glasses in order to perceive reality....their "Christ Colored" glasses that is.

Beginning approximately 30 years ago, scientists began to notice that there was far more matter in the universe than the matter we can see. As a matter of fact, :-), the matter that we see only makes up approximately 20% of the total matter, while 80% was what is now known as Dark Matter. Dark, because they see evidence of it but can not actually see it.

As we come forward in time, they now know that Dark Matter is the force responsible for holding all visible matter together. Isn't that what Colossians 1:17 says, speaking of G-d:

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

In 2008, scientists revealed evidence of another force called, "Dark Energy". This energy is actually trying to tear us apart. Imagine that. Again, that is what G-ds Word says in I Peter 5:8.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may tear apart:"

Can science now actually see the evidence of the cosmic battle between good and evil?

Or could it be just coincidence?

What do I believe? I rely on the old Jewish saying.....

"Coincidence Is Not A Kosher Word"

May the Lord keep you safe from the devouring lion.

Shalom Tov,
Keith

Pesach Part Eight

2010-07-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

We finally come to the fourth and final cup of the ceremonial Seder meal. This cup is the same cup that is documented in Matthew: 26:29.

"But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

This truly exciting because the final cup is called, "The Cup Of The Taking Out." We are to lift this cup and recite the promise G-d gives us and gave the Jewish people in Exodus 6:7.

"And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."

My friends, we are to look forward to the day in which there will be a great feast in heaven after the Messiah comes and take us home as his bride and drink the fourth and final cup.

This is documented in Revelation 19:7-9.

"Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the finest white linen." (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.) And the angel said, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God."

Shabbat Shalom

Here Is Your King

2010-07-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

This is one of those opportunities that I got to preach at our church. I hope you enjoy.

For the the sermon, click here:
Sermon

If you want to view the presentation click here:
Presentation

Shabbat Shalom

Pesach Part Seven

2010-06-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

After the third cup, the three matzah are displayed. They are representative of G-ds Redemptive plan for his people otherwise known as the Tanahk, the scriptures, the Old Testament. The first matzah is the Torah, the first five books of the bible, second is the Nevi'im, the prophets and the third is the Ketuvim, the writings. It is written that the Torah, Nevi'im and the Ketuvim always point to the G-d.

We are also told to break the middle piece, Nevi’im in two. The first piece of these two matzah is the Afrikomen, which is wrapped in a cloth and hidden away. This will be search for by the children on the Shabbat following the Shabbat after Pesach, which is the Feast of First Fruits. This represents the gift of freedom and salvation for future generations and the promise of the Messiah.

The second piece is then held up and presented as the substitute for the lamb of God. The leader says, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away our sins." We normally break the matzah and pass it around for everyone to eat.

I tried my best to describe this section of the ceremony without any comment. However, you can't go through this part without getting goosebumps. It doesn't need any comment. But I will from here to the end.

During the ceremonial seder meal, Matzah, unleaven bread is used in place of the sacrificial lamb. Rabbinical law requires matzah to be without leaven, striped, bruised and pierced. Nothing in any Jewish writing tell us the reason for these requirements except for the “without leaven”. This is to show that the Passover lamb is to be perfect, without sin. However, Isaiah 53 tells us:

“…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was broken for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

We now know that this was to point to the death and resurrection of the future Messiah. The lamb of God would have a two-fold appearance, first to die for and rise in triumph over sin, the second to come in glory as King.

Also, please notice the cloth that holds the three pieces of Matzah. It is called the unity cloth. This is representative of the power of God, the fabric that holds all things together. There are three sections. Can we say the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

The breaking of the Matzah has always sent chills down my spine and tears from my eyes. Chills, because it points to one person, the one who fulfilled the Nevi'im, the prophecies, Y'shua ha Mashiach, Jesus Christ. Tears because of our Jewish brothers and sisters who remain blinded to the Messiah.

However, as Saul (Paul) said in Romans 11:25-26:

"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved."

Our Judaic brothers and sisters will come to know the Messiah and I rejoice in that future uncovering.

Finally, remember the piece of Nevi'im, which was wrapped up and put away? It is to represent the coming Messiah. It is to be unwrapped on the Shabbat after the Shabbat after Pesach, which is always Sunday, the Feast of First Fruits. It was the third day, Sunday, after his death on the altar of G-d, that Y'shua rose victoriously as King on the Feast of First Fruits.

Isn't G-d amazing? His Word always points to Yeshua, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Pesach Part Six

2010-04-25T10:52:00.001-07:00

It's definitely been a busy Pesach season and I'm sorry for not posting very often.

However, with that said, we come to my favorite cup, the second cup, Kos Sheni, the Cup of Judgement. This represents G-ds second "I will" statement. I will judge the Egyptians. It is during this cup, we remember G-ds judgement on Egyptians, which is synonymous with the world and sin.

During this time, we recite the plagues, G-d used to smite the Egyptians for not following G-ds Word.

But before continuing, I would like to remind you of a few verses.

The first verse is John 5:39. This is where Y'shua is telling everyone that when you search the scriptures, you find eternal life and that is testifying of a future Messiah and that is Y'shua, the one and the same that is standing right in front of you.

"You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life."

Also,

"Whom will He teach knowledge? And whom will He make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts? For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little" (Isaiah 28:9-10).

and Proverbs 25:2

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings."

These last two verses tell us that G-d hides things for his children to discover and that those jewels are not always on the surface, but hidden from plain view.

Now, let's look at the plagues. As we recite them, notice that the first word is the Hebrew, the second is the English and finally, what the word means.

1. DAWM
BLOOD
LIFE
2. TZ'FARDAYAH
FROGS
IS REQUIRED
3. KANE
LICE
BY WAY OF FASTENING IN A CROSSING MANNER
4. AHRAB
FLIES
GIVEN AS AN EXCHANGE
5. MIKNEH
LIVESTOCK
IN ORDER TO BUY OR PURCHASE OR REDEEM
6. SHEK'CHEEN
BOILS
RISE UP OR THRU FIRE BY WAY OF JUDGEMENT
7. BAWRAWD
HAIL
ROCK FROM HEAVEN
8. ARBEH
LOCUST
INCREASE IN US AN ABUNDANCE
9. KHOSHECK
DARKNESS
THROUGH DEATH
10. MAWVETH B'CHOROT
DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN
THE DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN

As seen in different places throughout the Tanakh, the Old Testament, here we find that we are to recite G-ds judgement upon the world and the salvation of his people. If we put the plagues in sentence form, we find:

Lifeblood is required by way of fastening in a crossing manner and given as an exchange in order to redeem. Rise up Fallen Rock. Increase in us an abundance through death, the death of the Firstborn.

Here, we have the life, death and resurrection of the Messiah as a hidden prophesy, a prophecy that points to none other then Y’shua ha Mashiach, Jesus Christ. In this, we find that the Messiahs death and resurrection is G-ds judgement upon the world and sin. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!He is risen.

Pesach Part Five

2010-03-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Four Cups of Wine

The four cups of wine represent the four "I wills" of G-d found in Exodus 6:6-8.

"Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rescue you from your bondage, and I will redeem you with out stretched arms, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be your God: "

The first cup is Kos Rishon - The Cup of Sanctification, also called the Cup of Blessing.

This represents the promise from G-d to initially, Israel, and ultimately to all of us. I will separate you from the world as my children. Some say this is the cup of the calling out. G-d is calling out to his people. If you follow me, I will make you holy and sanctified. He is still calling you out of Egypt which represents the world.

After the Kos Rishon, we have the Urchatz, the ceremonial washing. I really love this one. During this washing, we recite Sh'mot(Exodus)30:17-21

"And the Adonai spoke unto Moshe, saying, Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of meeting and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. For Aharon and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the meeting, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD: So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations."

Notice why the priests must wash....so "they die not", be able to "come near to the altar to minister" and worship.

Let's step back and look at the washing. First, the laver of brass symbolizes judgement. The laver was made of brazen mirrors to allow reflection. The water represents the Word of G-d. The laver is to be anointed with oil which represents that which is made holy by G-d. Finally, the feet represent our walk which will be judged according to the walk of Y'shua.

All together, this laver represents the need to wash daily in the Word in order to reflect that which is made holy by G-d through that which was judged by G-d. I'm sorry but there is only one that has fulfilled this laver and that is the one and only B'nai Elohim, the son of G-d, Yeshua ha Mashiach.

We must continually immerse ourselves in the Word of God and walk with G-d in order to be able to come to the alter of G-d, to minister unto others and properly worship our G-d. Only by doing this, we can see the true saved individual whose sin was judged and made holy by G-d.

Shalom

Pesach Part Four

2010-03-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

Brechat Haner (Kindling of The Candles)

At the beginning of the Seder, the lady of the house lights the candles. The lady of the house always begins the Seder by lighting the candles. According to Rabbinical law, the woman is responsible for putting out the lights in the first place. Therefore, only a woman can turn them on again.

This is a reference to the fact that through Eve, sin was introduced into the world. I find it interesting that Rabbinical law states that only through a woman can sin be ushered out of the world.

In fact, that is exactly how it happened. Through a virgin woman, the mother of Y'shua, Mary, the Messiah was brought into this world. It was through the Messiah, sin was overcome.

I amazes me that my Jewish brothers don't see that this part of the Seder was prophetic and only one candidate has fulfilled it. That is Y'shua, the Messiah, and not only the savior of the world, but the Jewish race.

Beruch habah, Y'shua, b'shem Adonai.

Blessed is he, Y'shua, who comes in the name of the Lord.

Shabbat Shalom

Pesach Part Three

2010-03-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

Prior to Pesach, we are to search out and clean our houses of all leaven. During the searching part, we are to use a candle as our only light. When leaven is found, a feather is used to brush it onto a wooden spoon and placed into a cloth bag. This is done three times or on three consecutive days.

On the morning of the third day, the leaven, bag, feather and wooden spoon is set on fire and consumed completely by the fire. The father is to look to heaven and says, "Heaven Father and my G-d, the purging of leaven from our home is finished. Our home is now ready for your presence."

The symbolism here is so fantastic.

The candle that shines light upon the sin in our lives is symbolic of the Ruach Ha Kodesh, G-ds Holy Spirit.

The feather represents the faithfulness of Y'shua to place himself upon the altar of G-d, the cross, which is represented by the wooden spoon.

The leaven is symbolic of our Meshiach, the Messiah, Y'shua, Jesus Christ who was made sin for us.

The bag respresents the burial cave of the Messiah.

The fire is symbolic of G-ds judgement of our sin on the cross.

Let's step back and look at the ceremony another time.

The candle, G-ds Holy Spirit, convicts us and reveals, the leaven, our sin to us. The feather, which is our faith, and the faithfulness of Y'shua that puts our sin up on the altar of G-d, the cross, the spoon. Our sin upon Y'shua was put into the grave, the bag, for three days. At that time, our sin is judged, symbolized by the fire. It is the three days that sets this apart from all other religions in the world. Because after three days, the Messiah rises from the grave, leaving our sin judged. We are now free to say to the father, "We, our tabernacles, are now ready for the presence of G-d, his Holy Spirit."

Here in the opening ceremony of Pesach, Passover, we have a model of the main elements of G-ds redemptive plan.

My prayer is that our Jewish brothers and sisters eyes will be open to the model of G-ds plan of salvation, given to us to celebrate every year.

Pesach Part Two

2010-03-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

"Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come." (Exodus 12:17)

We are to celebrate this festival forever. Yes, it is the law. However, we don't do it out of obligation to the law but out of desire to do his will. By living through this celebration, we become intimate with G-d and his plan of salvation. We, as Christians, need to become one with G-d. Celebrating his feasts is instrumental in getting to know your bridegroom.

Tomorrow, we start with the Bedikat Hametz.

Ba-rukh A-tah A-do-nai E-lo-hey-nu Me-lekh ha-'o-lam a-sher kid-sha-nu B'-mi-tzvo-tav v'-tzi-va-nu l'-had-lik ner shel (shabbat) yom tov.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by your commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the Festival lights. Amen.

Pesach Part One

2010-03-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Over the next few weeks, we will delve into one of the most important festivals that revealed G-ds plan of salvation for all mankind. That festival is none other that Pesach, known as Passover. Pesach celebrates the fact that G-d provides a way to save his people through the death of the first born and an innocent and unblemished lamb. I hope you will join me in exploring the elements of Pesach and, without any biased commentary, see how this festival points to the first born, innocent and unblemished lamb of G-d, Y'shua Ha Mashiach, Jesus, the Messiah.

Shalom Aleichem

Happy Birthday Y'shua. Part Six

2010-01-16T18:01:00.000-08:00

It has been 27 weeks from the discourse of Abiyah, the conception of John, to Chanukah, the conception of Yeshua. That leaves 14 weeks to Johns birth, which was at Pasach, Passover, the 14th of Nisan, first month of the Hebrew religous year. That leaves six more months to Yeshua's birth which would have occured during the seventh month, the month of Tishri. If John was born on 14th of Nisan, then Yeshua would have been born the 15th of Tishri, which would have been the first day of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).

It's interesting to note that all of Israel are to build temporary dwellings called a sukkah and dwell in them [Leviticus 23:34-43]. These sukkahs were erected to house families with some bare comforts and food for the eight days. Food was placed in a stall or a crib for storage in this sukkah or tabernacle. Does that not sound like the nativity story found in the B'rit Hadashah. Yeshua was not born in a manger, but rather in a temporary tabernacle which had been built for the celebration. He was placed in a food stall or crib. This is most fitting, because this models what Yeshua is to all of us. He is the Bread of Life from heaven.

In conclusion, the date of Yeshuas birth was the 15th of Tishri, 6-7 BC, not the 25th of December. Why not celebrate the true birthdate of Y'shua this year on September 23-29, 2010? Please prayerfully consider this information and let the Holy Spirit guide you into the truth. There is a reason why G-d commands us to continually celebrate his feasts. This is because, just as the stars in the heavens revealed the glory of God, so does the feast revealed the salvation plan of G-d and points to the Messiah of all mankind, our Lord and Savior, Yeshua.

Happy Birthday Y'shua. Part Five

2010-01-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

During the sixth month of Elisheva' s, Elizabeth, pregnancy Gavri-El, Gabriel, came to Mariam, Mary. Gavri-El told Mariam that Elizabeth was six months pregnant. This was six months after the priestly course of Abia which puts us at the end of the month Kislev. This would have been the time of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, the rededication of the Temple.

Mariam is also told that she would be a vessel for the Messiah. This is confirmed when Mariam goes to Natseret, Nazareth, to the home of Elisheva and Zachar'yah a few days after Gavri-El announcement. I find it exciting that it's a three day trip to Elisheva. Can we say, "on the third day"?

Upon her arrival, John leaps for joy within Elisheva's, Elizabeth, womb. Elizabeth also, upon hearing Mariams voice, is filled with G-ds Holy Spirit. She says, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."

Therefore, on the third day, following Gabriels announcement to Mariam, Yeshua was in her womb. Yeshua was conceived at Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. It's only appropriate since He is the Light of the World, and he is responsible for the rededication of the present day temple of G-d, that is you and me.

You can read this account in Luke 1:26-55.

Happy Birthday Y'shua. Part Four

2010-01-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

To establish the birth month of Yeshua, we have to first look at the birth of Yochanan, John, the baptist which begins with his conception.

In Luke 1:5-25, the angel, Gavri-El Gabriel, appeared to Zachar'yah, Zacharias as he was performing his duties in the Temple. This was during the priestly course of Abiyah,Abia. This course of priests ministered in the Temple the eighth week of the Hebrew year as dictated by King David in 1 Chronicles 24:10. This is also backed up and documented in both the Talmud and the Mishnah.

The eighth week runs its course during the last week of the second Hebrew month of Iyar and the first week of the third Hebrew month of Sivan, ending at Shavuot, Pentecost. This is our starting point to establish the month of our Messiahs birth.

The angel indicated that Zachar'yahs prayer had been answered, not going to be answered. This puts the conception of Yochanan, John the Baptist, very near the time of Shavuot, the Feast of Pentecost, in the second week of the month of Sivan, the third Hebrew month. Pentecost or Shavuot is approximately May-June time period.

We'll finish this up over the next few days with Yochanans and Yeshuas birth.

Happy Birthday Yeshua. Part Three

2009-11-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

So far we have established that the Jews were indeed looking for the Messiah around time of 6-7 AD. To nail down the exact year of Yeshuas birth, we have to study the Jewish rite of passage into adulthood, the Bar Mitsvah.

Every child, in order to enter into adulthood must go through the rite of Bar Mitsvah (Males) or Bat Mitsvah (Females). According to Jewish law, when Jewish children reach the age of majority,thirteen years for boys and twelve for girls, they become responsible for their actions, and become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a son or daughter of the commandments or law. Prior to this, the child's parents hold the responsibility for the child's adherence to Jewish law and tradition. After this age, children bear their own responsibility for Jewish ritual law, tradition, and ethics and are privileged to participate in all areas of Jewish community life.

In Matthew 5:17, Yeshua stated that he did not come to destroy but to fulfill the law.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

With that said, Yeshua would have became a Bar Mitsvah in 6-7 AD thereby qualifying himself as the Meshiach or Shiloh. This was publically declared by the holy men of Israel when they went through the streets of Jerusalem tearing their clothes and declaring that the sceptor had been taken from them and Shiloh had not come. Indeed the Meshiach had come and was fulfilling the law by becoming a Bar Mitzvah at the same time. At this time, Yeshua would have been thirteen years old. Counting back thirteen years, we come to 6-7 BC, which would have been the year of his birth.

Next time, we begin to establish the actual month of his birth.

Thank You For Your Prayers

2009-11-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not posting for the last few weeks. My wife has been in the hospital with double fungal pneumonia. Sounds gross. However, my wife is home but still on oxygen. I praise G-d for her improvement and all your prayers. G-d Bless you all in the name of the most high. I ask for your continued prayer.

Shalom,
Keith

Happy Birthday Y'shua. Part Two

2009-10-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Continuing with our discussion about the birth date of Yeshua ha Mashiach, Jesus Christ, here are some more facts. Trust me they may not appear important, but I promise I'll put it all together during the last post on this subject.

About 6-7 AD, the Holy Men of Jerusalem tore their clothes, putting on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and wailed loudly and bitterly,

"Woe unto us for the scepter has departed from Judah and the Messiah has not come!"

Babylonian Talmud, Chapter 4, folio 37

In Bereshit (Genesis)49:10, Israel prophesies over his son Judah saying,

"The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Here the Word of G-d states that the scepter of Judah or the ability to administer and enforce the law would not be taken away from them until Shiloh, the Messiah, had come.

Because Rome had taken away the right of Israel to enforce the death penalty, the priests believed that the Word of G-d had failed them. The Scepter of Judah had indeed been taken away from them. However, were they correct in believing that the Messiah had not come?

Shalom

Happy Birthday Y'shua. Part One

2009-10-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever."

Isaiah 9:6-7

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."

Micah 5:2

Two important verses to remember in order to secure your position as to the actual date that Yeshua was born. Please notice that I emphasized the important facts within these verses.

Over the next few days, we will state only the facts concerning this controversial subject. Remember, it is only by G-ds Holy Spirit and your relationship with him that you arrive at the truth. This is written in Acts 17:11.

"... in that they recieve the message with all eagerness of heart, but searched the scriptures to whether those things were so."

Therefore, be in prayer and supplication about it. I believe this an important step in tearing down the walls of traditional thought and paganistic christian teachings and getting back to basic biblical truth taught by G-d and his Holy Spirit.

Shabbat Shalom in the Messiah, Yeshua

Yom Kippur

2009-09-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yom Tov (Good Day)

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, the Highest Holy Day of two Jewish High Holy Days, the first High Holy Day being Rosh Hashanah. Yom Kippur falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah on the 10th of Tishrei (September-October) and begins at sunset today.

I know...what about Pesach and other feasts? Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are considered High Holy Days because they are strictly religious and not associated with other earthly events such as Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot (The Feast of Weeks or Pentecost).

The purpose of Yom Kippur is to bring about reconciliation between us and between individuals and G-d. According to Jewish tradition, it is also the day when God decides the fate of each human being. This is important to remember for our next blog entry.

Although Yom Kippur is an intensely holy and solemn day, it is viewed as a day of rejoicing, a day where we are reconciled to our enemies and G-d. If we have observed Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe, (Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur) properly, we will have made peace with others and with God by the end of Yom Kippur.

The three essential components of Yom Kippur are:

Teshuvah (Repentance and forgiveness of our sins)
Tefilah (Prayer, specifically for ourselves, friends and enemies)
Ta'anit (Fasting, in order to purify ourselves)

It is a day that we rededicate our lives to G-d. Some say that we should do this everyday. True. However, how many of us do? Unfortunately, too many of us get bogged down in our day to day and forget the reason why we are here. Therefore, if you are one of us that need that yearly reminder, then use Yom Kippur as that day of reflection. The day to realign yourself with G-d. However, it's not beyond our capababilty to make everyday Yom Kippur.

Gemar Chatimah Tovah.(May your final sealing in the Book of Life be good)

Shabbat Shalom (Sabbath Peace)

Happy New Year

2009-09-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

As the day closes tomorrow and ushers in another Shabbath, it brings with it the beginning of the new year. Rosh Hashanah means "beginning of the year". Rosh Hashanah also is the beginning of the Fall Feasts. Within scripture, we know it as Yom Teruah, the feast of trumpets or the feast of shofar blasts. It is also the half way mark of the religious calendar.

Tomorrow also marks the beginning of the ten days of awe which culminates at Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. Yom Kippur is followed by Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, the actual birthday of the Messiah towards the middle of the month.

Many believe that since the spring feasts were prophetic of the first coming of the Messiah, the fall feasts are also prophetic of his second coming. Over the holiday season, I would like you to join me in studying these feasts and their implications and meaning to the true body of Christ.

Shana Tova

One of the Moments that Changed my Life.

2009-09-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

“The greatest discovery for any Christian is finding that the Bible is not just simply 66 books penned by 40 authors over thousands of years, but an integrated message system, which bears evidence of supernatural engineering in every detail. The amazing part is that all of it points to one person and that is Jesus of Nazereth"

Chuck Missler
Koinonia House Ministries

Everyone has a moment in their life that they can point to that changed them forever. Mine is the moment that I heard the above quote. The bible went from a single dimensional boring book full of stories and laws to a living and breathing multi-dimensional reflection of the one who created it.

Thank you my Lord and my G-d for revealing this to me through your servant.

"He's Everything to me
He's more than a story
More than words on a page of history
He is the air that I breathe,
the water I thirst for
And the ground beneath my feet
Oh He's everything, everything to me"

Avalon

Prayer, Praise and Worship. Part Three

2009-09-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

Praise and Worship

Praise and worship is simply lifting up your love and adoration to God while acknowledging his deity and position and submitting yourself wholly unto him.

To praise G-d, we must proclaim his beauty, holiness, righteousness, etc. This can come in the form of singing and / or spoken word or living holy.

Our stature should be subservient in his presence. Kneeling, holy hands lifted high, sprawled out on the ground, etc. We can even dance for his pleasure in celebration of his glory. We can praise G-d by living out his love to others. Praise and worship is giving everything unto G-d

Once again, like prayer, it needs to flow from your heart and soul. It should be your words, your actions, not someone elses. G-d rejoices when you praise him from the heart.

You don't need someone else and you don't need a band. The best praise and worship that can be given unto G-d is when you let yourself be you.

By the way, if you want to read a good blog about Worship, please go here:

http://ideasoftimreligion.blogspot.com/2008/08/iv-worship.html

Be sure to read the comments. They are really good. They include comments from a Messianic Jewish Rabbi that goes by the name of Sh'ma Y'srael Goyim. It is amazing the chills you'll get when reading all the comments in context. I must admit that his comments and the responses to him left me in tears. This shows that the body of Christ needs the men and women of G-d to stand up and fill the gap right now. I hope I didn't embarrass you Sh'ma.

Prayer, Praise and Worship. Part Two

2009-09-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

WARNING
The truth here within could offend certain Christians

Is There An Exact Method To Prayer?

I know. What about the Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11? Well, my answer to that is found in Matthew chapter 6:9. The disciples came and ask Y'shua to teach them how to pray. Y'shua responded.

“After this manner
therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.”

“After this manner…” Otherwise, here is an example of what a prayer is like. He did not tell them to recite this prayer, word for word, every time. Remember, prayer is talking with G-d, not just saying words into the air.

Think about it. What would happen if, every morning, you came down to breakfast with your wife or husband and said the exact same words day in and day out. He or she would either sign you up for some therapy or start phasing you out. G-d does the same thing, because your heart is not in it.

Don't ramble on and on as fast as you can, filling every space with father-god or something to that effect or with a tone of voice like you're making a speech. Don't use packaged prayers. Don't use formulas such as A.C.T.S. It's ok to include elements of these, if they're from your heart. Honestly, how would you feel about the sincerity of your significant other if he or she constantly refered to a formula to ensure they included certain things about their feelings towards you.

In other words, just talk to G-d the way you talk to your best friend. G-d is the best friend you could ever have. When your done, sit back, relax and let him talk to you. Open you heart, mind and spirit to him. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Now, chances are, you are not going to hear an audible voice, not to say that it is not possible. G-d can and will communicate with you anyway he deems fit. Anyway, you will receive a message from G-d every time. G-d answers prayers.

Prayer, Praise and Worship. Part One

2009-09-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

PRAYER

As you already know, Prayer is simply communicating with G-d. What you probably are not aware of is that it is a two way communication. It is easy to talk to G-d, but we need to talk with G-d.

As Christians, we normally conduct our prayers in a manner where G-d can’t get a word in edgewise. We ramble on without any desire to hear what G-d has to say. I prayed that way for years. Thinking back, I kind of wonder if G-d was sitting there saying, “Yada, Yada, Yada.” Of course, he wasn’t, but I wouldn’t blame him if he did.

In reality, G-d is a great listener and loves to hear from you. However, as I said before, prayer is a two way street. To get the full benefit, you have to be willing to sit there and listen too.

G-ds Creation Reveals the Absurdity of Evolution

2009-09-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

As my two week vacation is winding down, I’ve had a chance to sit down and evaluate some observations. Last week, while I was in Sequoia National Park, one of the rangers made a comment that I have heard before but never ran it to its logical conclusion. He indicated that a fire is required to release the seeds of certain pine cones. He went on to say that the pine cone had evolved to this point in order to prevent the animals from eating the seeds, thereby allowing the tree to propagate.

(INSERT THE SOUND OF SCREACHING BRAKES COMING TO AN ABRUPT HALT)

Come on……What kind of an idiot does Satan think we are?

First of all, I have to interject a premise of evolution for clarification. There is a thing called adaptation. This is where evolutionists believe that a species will evolve or adapt to their environment.

So what you are saying is:

1. The Sequoia tree began its life.
2. Animals decided to eat the Sequoia seeds.
3. The Sequoia decides to create a cone that only the heat from a fire can release in order to prevent the animals from eating the seeds.

Alright I’ll give the possibility of the adaptation part. However, the Sequoia lives for thousands of years. As a matter of fact, there is one Sequoia, I was able to touch that has been alive since before our savior walked upon this earth, 2300 years. Adaptation takes many lifetimes of a species in order to adapt to its environment. As with most species, there just isn’t enough time, even if we give the evolutionists the 15 billion years as the age of the universe.

Finally, notice that the ranger said, “The Sequoia Tree DECIDED….” When asked for clarification, he said that is what he meant. This is the most absurd part. Trees do not have any cognitive power. They simply respond to DIRECT stimuli. They don’t look down and see that an animal is eating its seeds and DECIDE to change it reproductive habits, especially one that requires a source such as fire to facilitate.

My favorite part is fire helping wood, which reveals that G-d has a sense of humor, but that's for another time.

The Remnant of G-d.

2009-08-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

In every generation, since the fall of man, the earth has been the temporary dwelling place of a small group of true believers. These believers, who through faith and faith alone, spent their entire lives developing a true loving relationship with the G-d of the universe, the G-d of all creation. Placing all of their faith in this supernatural G-d, they relied completely on G-d for the salvation of their souls from the wages of sin, which is death.

Daily, they communed with the one whose existence goes beyond the restraints of our time and space. This group knew that in order to grow stronger in this life and have life after the here and now meant spending time on their knees worshipping the one and only G-d that truly deserves adoration. In dedicating themselves to and communing with G-d, they received a unique and free gift, unhindered access to the throne room of the universe and life everlasting in the presence of G-d. They are the future kings and priests of the new heaven and earth. They are the Remnant.

The Remnant knows without a shadow of a doubt, that they will spend eternity in the presence of G-d. They know that this life is but a whisper in the breath of the creator. They work for G-d, not because they have to, but because they want to. This begs the question of a lifetime. Better yet, of your lifetime.

Are you part of the Remnant of G-d for this generation?

Shabbat Shalom

Elders, Bishops, Head Pastors. Are they biblical? Part Three

2009-08-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Next, let’s first take a look at the supposed office of bishop. Man has built the office and a whole denomination out of two words, bishop, episcope, episkopos. Now let’s look at what the words actually mean.

Overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder, the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church.

Look, imagine that, an elder. A bishop is an elder. Bishop describes a characteristic of a elder. Elevating an elder above his normal position within the body of Christ goes against the word of G-d. Therefore bishop is a trumped up by man word, not an office ordained by G-d.

Head Pastor or Senior Minister.

Once again, let’s look at what the word means. Pastor????????? Wait a second, pastor isn’t in the original manuscripts. Ask any sholar what pastor means and they will tell you shepherd. OK, lets look at the scriptures, more specifically the brit hadashah or New Testament. Pastors or specifically, shepherds are the overseers of the Christian assemblies. Wow……can we say elder? Of the 18 times it appears, 16 times it refers to…………the Messiah. Imagine that. One time it’s a verb not a noun which brings us to our conclusion and the verse that has cause the body of Christ so much pain and hardship, Ephesians 4:11-12.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

First of all, let’s strip away the words that are not actually in the verse, just for clarification.

And indeed, he gave apostles, prophets and evangelists and shepherds especially teachers for the make complete the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Eph 4:11-12

Apostles, Prophets and evangelists to the Body of Christ are those with a mission external to a specific assembly of believers. Shepherds and teachers are those within a specific body with an internal mission to oversee, complete the saints for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ.

Elders are not those 4, 5, 6 etc men that you vote into “office”. Not to say that there aren’t some elders within that group. True elders are mature spiritual leaders, men and women. They are the ones that shepherd or pastor the flock by following the true HEAD PASTOR and shepherd and bishop of our souls, G-d.

With all that said, Yeshua foresaw the “head pastor” debacle and said this:

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

John 10:11-14

Doesn’t that sound like a whole lot of supposed “head pastors” within the Body of Christ today?

Final conclusion. The extra offices of Bishop, Head Pastor, Cardinal etc. are not biblical and should be purged out the Body of Christ.

Elders, Bishops, Head Pastors. Are they biblical? Part Two

2009-08-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Who are the legitimate leaders and who are the imposters?

When G- led the Apostles to plant churches, who did they ordain?

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” Acts 14:22-23

When Sh’aul (Paul) and Barnabas wanted a decision concerning circumcision, who did they go to?

“… should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” Acts 15:2

Who received them?

“And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders…” Acts 15:4

Who considered this important matter?

“And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.” Acts 15:6

Consistently throughout the rest of the bible, who was it that received Paul into their midst, that Paul sent letters to and Paul called into a meeting with?

Elders, Elders and Elders.

There is no doubt that the Apostles were leaders. That goes without saying. However, right there with the Apostles were the Elders.

Isn’t it interesting to note who’s conspicuously missing?

Elders, Bishops, Head Pastors, etc. Are they biblical? Part One

2009-08-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

One the continuing problems within the Body of Christ is the establishment of a hierarchy from which men attempt to rule over the flock. They do this even though Y’shua says in Rev 2:6:

“… thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

And in Rev 2:15:

“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

Here in these two verses, we have Y’shua stating that he hates the deeds and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. But who are the Nicolaitans? Let’s look at what the word actually means as quoted from the Schofield Reference Bible.

"From Nakao, to conquer and Laos, the people or laity. There is however, no ancient authority for a sect of Nicolaitans. If the word is symbolic, it refers to the earliest form of the notion of a priestly order, or clergy, which later divided an equal brotherhood into priests and laity. What in Ephesus were deeds (Rev. 2:6) had become in Pergamos, a doctrine (Rev. 2:15)."

The Nicolaitans were and are those who divide the flock into the laity and those who rule over them with unbiblical principles and/or doctines.

Search The Scriptures

2009-08-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

“Search the scriptures;
for in them ye think ye have eternal life:
and they are they which testify of me.”

John 5:39

Here Y'shua, Jesus indicates that the scriptures testify of him. Strong concordance lexicon defines testimony as, “ to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.”

Anytime the scriptures are mentioned in the B'rit Hadashah, New Testment, it is referencing the Tanakh or Old Testament.

Are there testimonies in the Tanakh, Old Testament that speaks of Y'shua?

For had ye believed Moshe, Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

John 5:46

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.

John 8:56

And he shall send Y'shua, Ha Massiach, Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moshe, Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Acts 3:20-22

"God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began”

Could this be what Jude was talking about in which he states that Enoch prophesied about the second coming of Jesus? Jude 1:14-15.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:18-19:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you,
Till heaven and earth pass,
one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,
till all be fulfilled.”
Jesus is telling us that the Old Testament will be literally fulfilled. However, is there more to the scriptures than meets the eye that will also be fulfilled?

A jot and tittle are the Hebrew equivalent of our dotting an i and the crossing of a t.

The rabbis in Israel have a quaint way of expressing this. They say

“We won't really understand the Scriptures until the Massiach comes. But when He comes, He will not only interpret the passages for us; He will interpret the very words; He will interpret the very letters; He will even interpret the spaces between the letters!”

To fully understand G-ds Word and draw close to G-d, we must dig deep, deeper than most traditions take us into the full counsel of G-d.

Is There Proof of G-d?

2009-08-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of people who will say, “I don’t believe in G-d”, followed by “Show me the proof." Well….the answer to the question, "Is There Proof of G-d?", really depends on your perception. Sounds like a cop out, doesn’t it? But it’s true. How willing are you to look at evidence without giving credence to your prejudice? It’s hard. It all depends on how close you are to G-d. The closer you are to G-d, the more he reveals himself to you. In contrast, the further away, the evidence looks like a believers wild imagination.

In conclusion, we can try to show our perceptual evidence to those who don’t know G-d but chances are, they will turn a deaf ear or blind eye. In reality, we can not prove G-d to others because there is no concrete evidence. It doesn’t help when most of the evidence resides within the Word of G-d, and you can’t honestly perceive it correctly unless you have first received the gift of the Holy Spirit. We can just share what he’s done for us and let the Spirit of G-d take it from there. Keep being that lighthouse.

One of the hardest things in life, is to have a gift to give and realizing not everyone wants it.

Why Are People So Mean?

2009-08-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

Is it me or has people in general been getting meaner. Whether if it’s on the highway, in line at the bank, or just walking down the street, people seem to have an “I could care less about you” attitude.

When I was growing up, it seemed like people would bend over backwards to give others the right of way or lend a hand. Some say it’s just the world we live in, but I say that Satan knows his time is almost over and he’s stepped up the spiritual warfare.

As Christians, we need to start pushing back and pray harder and show Satan that we are not going take it laying down, unless the laying down is on our face before the throne of G-d. Remember, if Satans time is short, so is ours. Praise G-d.....for we are going home soon.

In the meantime, let's fight back with acts of kindness and love…..and smile. Show everyone who lives inside of you.

PRAY HARD……WEAR SOME HOLES IN THOSE JEANS.

Atheism: An Act Of Faith.

2009-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Word of G-d says it's all about Faith. Faith is relying on a fact concerning something or someone. In Christianity, Faith is relying on the fact that there is a G-d and that he gave himself as a sacrifice in our place because of our sins. I know a lot of faithful believers who have searched out the truth and believe this with all thier heart. However, there are those who appear to have a faith greater than ours......that is the strong faith that Atheist have in Atheism.

Most Atheists, that I have either corresponded with and have met, have a strong, almost blind, faith in their beliefs. A faith, so strong, that they are willing to fabricate their own background in order to create a facade of scholarship. They distort definitions and deny plain truth. All this, in an effort, to prove themselves correct. I'm not talking about the areas where G-d is concern and faith is required, no, but plain unadulterated scientific truth. Where the truth is black and white, no denying it. But yet they will twist it delibrately in a concerted effort to prove Atheism is the way, the truth and the light. A great example of this can be found in the comment section of a fellow believers blog on "The Fine Tuning of the Universe". A very good blog. You can check it out the blog at:

http://vessel-of-clay.blogspot.com/2009/07/fine-tuning-of-universe.html

What it comes down to is this: Is this the kind of faith that G-d wants us, as believers, to have. No.... A Resounding NO. G-d says it perfectly here in Acts 17:11.

"Receive the message with all eagerness of heart, but search the scriptures daily to whether those things were so."

He wants us to have an informed faith, not a blind faith as most Atheists do.

An informed faith results in assured comfort while a blind faith causes you to do unjust things to boost a false and prideful existence.