Sunday, February 26, 2017

Let's make this go viral in time for the "Oscars"!!!

An open letter by Robert Davi, an American actor, singer, and entertainer. Published Feb 14, 2017:

My Dear friends and colleagues,

I have recently been pondering President Trump’s executive action with regard to our nation having extreme vetting and our immigration policy finally being enforced. It has pained me deeply to see such a violent reaction to something that, to my mind, makes absolute common sense.

Let me begin by saying that I am from a family of immigrants that came to this country for a better life. They came to the US “legally,” assimilated, integrated, and learned English to the best of their ability, and demanded we speak it. As we all know, we live in a time in which there are forces who wish to destroy our way of life.

There are thousands of illegal immigrant criminals in the United States whose country of origin will not take them back. These criminals are free on the streets of America.

We have recently heard from a plethora of Hollywood stars on this issue — Meryl Streep, Robert DeNiro, Ashley Judd, Madonna, major agencies, musicians, singers and even the indomitable Shia LaBeouf. After much prayer on this issue, I must now stand in solidarity with all of my Hollywood elite brethren. They are right! The rest of you are wrong!

It is now in this spirit that I make an appeal to all in Hollywood and the media for us to use the Oscars to take a stand for the entire world to see and hear. It is time for Hollywood to lead the way.

I propose that Meryl Steep, Chelsea Handler, Richard Gere, Robert DeNiro, Christoph Waltz and others lead an Oscar first: let’s do away with the rules, barriers, and tickets to the Oscars and after-parties, such as the swanky Vanity Fair party or the Weinsteins’ star-studded affair. I ask all migrants, all illegal immigrant criminals and all un-vetted refugees to converge on Hollywood to come to the Oscars and all the after-parties, even those held at the mansions or the Chateau Marmont or anywhere else. After all, we in the Hollywood community want to show all Islamic extremists that we have love in our hearts — and what better way to do that than by inviting them along on our most important night?

It’s time the walls and electronic security gates come down. There are roughly 3,600 seats to the Oscars; we should have at least 2,500 seats reserved for illegal aliens, refugees and migrants, or maybe even more. For those celebrities skipping the ceremony, each should invite at least 100 illegal aliens, refugees or migrants to come to their home to watch the Oscars with them. The Academy and the Vanity Fair people should also get the 150 criminals who have recently been deported from Los Angeles and bring them to the show as honored guests.

I find it curious that when President Obama did the same exact thing — and more — in terms of enforcing the law on illegal immigration, the Hollywood elite were silent. Why were they silent then, but are so vocal now when President Trump is doing basically the same thing? Is Hollywood racist? Why — when Christians are being slaughtered in Syria, Iraq, and other places in the Middle East — is Hollywood silent?

Of course, the people that wish death upon Christians, Jews, gay people and the West are greeted with open arms by the elite in Hollywood — so why can’t they come to our Oscar parties?

Additionally, I am now pleased to announce that Hollywood and the recording industry no longer require the protection of the Men in Blue at any of their events! We do not need a country of laws; only a country of illegal immigrants, refugees and migrants. How dare we ignore the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”

So now, we ask you all: please come to the Oscars on February 26th at the Dolby Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. We welcome you to our homes with open arms and love in our hearts. Together, let us celebrate the Progressive left and its policies, which have helped make blue collar America Tired, Hungry, and Poor.

And the Oscar goes to…

With love in my heart,

Robert Davi

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Is it true that Torah teaches that we can elevate the souls of a specific person or group of people who have died?

Received another interesting question to our website today:

Shalom! Could you please clarify the following statement for me and if possible give some Scripture references.

“The Torah teaches that there are several ways that people can continue to elevate the souls of a specific person or group of people who have died. These include performing the following in their memory: reciting the mourner’s prayer called Kaddish, giving charity, repenting, and engaging in Torah study.” Read more at https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/83657/elevating-souls-bible-study/#o4Q0D4iQqgsKJLXq.99

Our response:

Thanks for the question!  Actually, no, we can't clarify or provide scripture! In the quote you provided from the website article, the word "Torah" (as used) includes the writings of the sages captured in the Mishna and Talmud.  Jews consider all the rabbinical writings as part of Torah, not separate from Torah. 

So while the statement says: "The Torah teaches that there are several ways that people can continue to elevate the souls of a specific person or group of people who have died", it is only "true" in the sense that the Mishna records that some rabbi said this or that act elevates a soul.  But if you exclude the Mishna and Talmud, you find no such evidence in the Torah (the 1st 5 books of the Bible), hence no scripture.

Much of the Jewish view on the soul comes from Jewish mysticism known as "Kabbalah".  In the rabbinic study of the Torah (and here I mean the 1st 5 books of the Bible), the rabbis look at 4 ways to interpret a verse, it is known as "PARDES", which is an acronym for Peshat, Remez, Derash, Sod.  Each word is a "type" of interpretation:

Peshat: The literal or "plain" meaning of a verse.

Remez: The meaning that is "hinted" at, or a meaning that is deeper than the literal meaning.

Derash: The "comparative" meaning, that is, derash seeks to penetrate into the inner meaning of the words. It postulates that there are mysterious and hidden meanings in the words of the Torah that are deeper than the superficial appearance of the text.  (Note: This is very simplified. "Derash" is so complex that books have been written to explain the difference between "pehsat" and "derash" interpretation.)

Sod: The "secret" ("mystery"), "hidden" or the esoteric/mystical meaning, as given through inspiration or revelation.

It is from the "sod" exegesis of scripture where "kabbalah" dwells and is where the rabbinic interpretations of "elevating the soul" comes from.  Most people can't interpret scripture beyond the "peshat" and "remez" understanding, and most people should not really spend time in the "derash" or "sod" exegesis of scripture because without  decades of personal and guided study, the concepts simply cannot be understood.

It would be our recommendation that you file away this article as "interesting", and spend your time in scripture alone and not on the confusing world of the Mishna and Talmud.

Pleasing ADONAI is what life is all about

Deuteronomy 30:15 "Look! I am presenting you today with, on the one hand, life and good; and on the other, death and evil - 16 in that I am ordering you today to love ADONAI your God, to follow his ways, and to obey his mitzvot, regulations and rulings; for if you do, you will live and increase your numbers; (CJB)
This scripture couldn’t be any clearer! We see YHWH throughout the Torah constantly admonishing His people to obey Him so that they would “live” and “be blessed,” and so that “all would go well with them.” (After all, that is why He kept them in the wilderness for 40 years! - Numbers 14:34 and 32:13 – so they would learn to follow, obey and trust Him in everything.)
This is not to say that YHWH promised His people that proverbial “rose garden” where everything would be constantly hunky-dory and free of stress and strife; rather, it means that life lived according to His Holy Instructions is more pleasant in every way because His ways are holy, good and perfect. His ways allow us to “sow spiritual seeds” that reap a “spiritual” (rather than a “carnal”) harvest - which is pleasing to Him. And pleasing Him is, after all, what really matters!

Friday, February 24, 2017

If you’re thinking of rejecting Yeshua, please read this!

Amazingly, I'm starting to become numb to the number of "Hebrew Rooters" who are "rejecting Jesus" to follow the counter-missionary rabbis and their converts into Judaism. The numbers are growing every day, and it just doesn't surprise me anymore. It saddens me, though, because by rejecting YHWH's Messiah, they have LOST their salvation because by rejecting him, they're also guilty of blaspheming the Ruach (which is how they knew about Y'shua, in the first place!), which is the the ONLY "unforgivable sin!"

Y'shua said I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father except by me. If only you would have known me, you would have also have known my Father. And from now on you know Him and you have seen Him. (John 14:6-7)

Ephesians 4: 30. And do not grieve the Ruach haKodesh of Elohim, whereby you are sealed for the day of redemption. (AENT)

Matthew 12: 32. And anyone who says a word against the Son of man, he will be forgiven, But anyone who will speak against the Ruach haKodesh, he will not be forgiven – not in this world or in the world that is to come. (AENT)

In other words, if a person commits one of the capital offenses mentioned in Torah, but confesses and pleads for forgiveness, there are ways to receive atonement. But those who blaspheme against the Spirit of YHWH have no way to make atonement for themselves, nor can they make an appeal in the name of Y'shua. See also Acts 5:1-11 and Hebrews 10:28-30.

Whatever their reasons for rejecting Y'shua, they are truly "hosed." They THINK they've finally found THE Truth, but all they've managed to accomplish is "religion hopping" until something "felt right." Instead of actually getting into and trying to comprehend Scripture once their eyes have been opened to the truth of YHWH/Y'shua/Torah, they started grazing their way through the Internet where they found all kinds of "ear tickling" teachings and HR teachers with kooky ideas that dragged them down into "rabbit holes" until they ended up so confused they no longer knew WHAT actual Truth looked like....

Once we begin to LOOK for problems, we WILL find them ... everywhere. Religion hopping isn't the answer. Getting INTO Scripture for yourself, and ridding yourself of false teachings and teachers IS!

Anyone who is able to reject Y'shua as YHWH's FInal SIN Sacrifice/Offering, has never properly understood Scripture, to begin with That's just the bottom line. As Christians, they never truly understood the first two-thirds of the Bible; and as Jew wannabe's, they're not properly understanding the last third. They came close while they referred to themselves as Messianic/Hebrew Rooters, because they recognized the need for YHWH/Y'shua/Torah (which CANNOT be separated!). But instead of seeking the Ruach for guidance, they ended up listening to MAN....and suddenly they "learned" that Paul was a false Apostle, and the NT was a complete myth and mere commentary, written by man - and gosh, if those things were lies, then so is Y'shua.....

What a shame! But not surprising, because Scripture warns us of a great deception in the end times wherein people fall for anything “ear tickling”:

1 Timothy 4:1. But the Spirit says explicitly that, in the latter times, some will depart from the faith, and will go after deceptive spirits and after the doctrine of demons.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

1 John 4:1. My beloved, do not believe all spirits; but discriminate among spirits whether they are of Elohim: for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2. By this the Spirit of Elohim is known; every spirit that confesses that Y’shua the Mashiyach has come in the flesh[1] is of Elohim. 3. And every spirit which does not confess that Y’shua the Mashiyach has come in the flesh is not of Elohim; but he is of the false Messiah of whom you have heard that he comes and now is he already in the world. (AENT)

FOOTNOTE: The Spirit of Mashiyach dwells inside a person. This does not refer to Y’shua coming in his flesh to Earth; even the demons know that much (see Luke 4:41). This refers to the neshama (spirit of man) being born from the beginning into the image of Elohim, which is evidenced by living a Set Apart life unto YHWH, having Torah written upon the heart and growing in the Attributes of Mashiyach as revealed in Isaiah 11:2.

If you're thinking of "leaving Jesus" please reconsider, because it may just be the biggest mistake of your life because you WILL lose your salvation!

Monday, February 20, 2017

STOP with the “flat earth” nonsense already!

 

I never cease to be amazed over the number of “Hebrew Rooters” who are falling for the ridiculous “flat earth” nonsense! It’s mind-boggling to find you can’t go anywhere on Facebook without encountering it. It’s as if it’s become an unstoppable virus that causes humans to become stupid. One of the many excuses they have come up with is, “I was deceived by my church and kept from Torah all my life, and so now I study Scripture for myself.”

First of all, I do NOT understand why these people insist on playing the “blame game.” You would think that, after awhile, they would come to realize it’s their own danged fault that they didn’t know about Torah. If they had READ the Bible for themselves, to begin with, they would have realized “something was missing in church!” HELLO! Since Scripture tells us we’re all ONE in Christ (Galatians 3:27-29), that alone should have “rung a bell” that Torah (the first five Books of Moshe which contain all of YHWH’s Divine Instructions to His people) pertains to ALL! Passages such as Numbers 15:13-16 TELL us so!

So, this “I’ve been deceived and have started studying for myself” junk doesn’t fly unless you use some common sense and move your limited human mindset aside. If you jump from one extreme to the other, what do you think you’ll find there? Scripture amply explains what happens to those who freak out and jump to conclusions and rely on their own understanding:

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in יהוה with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 Know Him in all your ways, And He makes all your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear יהוה and turn away from evil. (ISR)

Please pay special attention this passage:

Isaiah 29: 9 If you make yourselves stupid, you will stay stupid! If you blind yourselves, you will stay blind! (CJB)

For those who have fallen for this “flat earth” nonsense, I implore you to PLEASE wake up and use your God-given common-sense in this matter. Come out of your self-induced hypnosis long enough to ask yourself what possible reason all the governments of the world would have to purposely “deceive” you into believing the world is round! It IS round! It’s not flat, and the Bible does NOT say it is!

You are guilty of “reading into” and allowing yourself to be led astray by brainless, loud-mouthed, uneducated nincompoops who don’t understand the first thing about physics or astronomy! Please read my husband’s article on this “flat earth” issue, which contains PROOF as to why you are dead wrong.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Having trouble “hearing” from God?

 

Every once in awhile we receive emails from people who complain that they "can't hear God." I received such an email yesterday, and here was my response to this lady:

Wow, your question is a doozy - hard to answer! The only thing I can say to that is, perhaps you're not recognizing when He "speaks." I don't mean, necessarily in an audible voice (which is truly RARE); rather in "ways." I'll explain in a second, but I just want to say it's GOOD that you're "not" hearing from Him because that means you're not like many folks who can be deceived easily, or believe their every thought and dream is "from God" and they make stupid decisions based on what they THINK or dream….

When YHWH "speaks" (through dreams or thoughts or in "ways") you'll KNOW it because it either has a happy ending for you/yours, or it serves to teach you a lesson (even if it hurts sometimes), or it causes a major change in your life (i.e., you couldn't get a job for YEARS, until you finally followed “that urge” to move somewhere else).

Here’s an example about something that could be easily overlooked as a "God thing":

One morning you oversleep and miss your bus to work, and you panic and become a nervous wreck and knock yourself out to find a cab in hopes of still making it in time because, in your particular job, you cannot be late because YOU are the one who … for instance, opens the doors to the store (and you don't have a car at home because you're a one-car family and your husband took it to work). Instead of remaining calm and taking it all in stride and asking God for His shalom in this, you get yourself all worked up and end up with a sprained ankle while hailing a cab, because you weren't looking where you were going. When you finally get to work, someone calls to find out if you're okay, because they just heard that the bus you usually ride at that time in the morning, was hit by a train as it was crossing a railroad track….

Do you see what I mean? We miss YHWH in the little things! Just because we don't see Him performing some miracle giving us the outcome WE desire about something, or giving us a vivid dream or whatever, doesn't mean He's not at work. Since we have the Holy Spirit within, He is ALWAYS with us! It's just that He allows us humans choices - the choice to do things HIS way, or not … and when we feel He's remaining silent, it's because He's often sitting back and watching us grow through our mistakes as we study Scripture and become more and more adept at "hearing His Voice" (no matter what form it's in).

It's kind of like that little ditty that was going around not too long ago about a guy stranded on top of his house because it was surrounded by a flood. He prays, "Please God, get me out of this!" Pretty soon some guy in a little motorboat comes along and offers him a ride, but he refuses. "No, thanks. God will provide!" Later a guy in a helicopter comes along, and again, he turns it down. So, the flood rises and he drowns, and when he gets to heaven, he yells at God, "I prayed to you! Didn't you hear me? Why didn't you help me?" And God says, "Well, I sent you a boat and a helicopter…."

So, don't worry about "hearing from ADONAI." He hears YOU! And I'm positive He's working in your life, or else you wouldn't be so eager to learn more about how to be holy and how to please Him, etc.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

How does Y’shua fit into Passover–and why didn’t this negate the need for Yom Kippur?

 

The short answer is this - and more can be found in this particular article on our website: Yom Kippur/Atonement.

Since Y'shua was our Final SIN Sacrifice/Offering, why do we have to bother with Yom Kippur? Well, Y'shua died to cover our sins so we could enter the Kingdom in spite of our sin nature. Thanks to him, our debt is covered - but the thing is, we still inadvertently sin and Yom Kippur is the ELOHIM-commanded day, a permanent regulation, to seek forgiveness for those sins!

On Yom Kippur, we are to spend the whole day remembering where and how we have wronged our Creator, and to seek His acceptance of our remorse and ask Him to forgive our errors....

Here's more:

Was Y’shua the Passover Lamb?

About First Fruits

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Let's talk abut that "eye for an eye" thing


About that "eye for an eye" thing in Matthew 5:38 - did you know that wasn't meant to be literal? Some are interpreting it literally - but that is not what Scripture teaches.
 

When Y’shua says, “you have heard it said” he refers to oral tradition; when he says “it is written” he refers to Scripture. The matter of an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth, according to Torah, refers to fair restitution; not literally taking out an eye or tooth. The amount to be restored must be commensurate to the loss; the loss of an eye must be rewarded the value of an eye. See Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21. Torahless ultra-religious judges or pagan cultures opted for barbaric punishment as crime for crime, however this is not a Torah principle.

As everyone knows, a person who unjustly assaults or steals from his fellow man is subject to penalty and discipline, and is required to make restitution. In ancient times it was not uncommon for some to try to “get even” with an adversary by killing them over very minor offenses, even going so far as to murder that person’s family. Therefore YHWH put a limitation on vengeance (i.e. take one eye for an eye), the opposite of what has been taught in the Christian West which views “eye for an eye” as the judgments of a wrathful Elohim.

So, this simply means, do not react with evil towards evil; rather let patience and temperance prevail when accosted by evil doers. Torah instructs the strong to protect the weak, Deut 22:27. Ya’akov teaches to “stand firm” against Satan, James 4:7. Paul teaches to stand against the strategies of the Accuser in Ephesians 6:11; neither does he mince words in Acts 13:10. Isaiah 14:15 states that haSatan will be brought down to hell and a slaughter is prepared for his children (verse 21). Rev 20:10 promises a date for Satan in the lake of fire, in the meantime we are to recognize that our battles are not against flesh and blood, and to act accordingly. (Source, Aramaic English New Testament)

Monday, February 6, 2017

Countering another counter-missionary’s anti-Paul, anti-Yeshua assertion



A counter-missionary in this video attempts to use Romans 14:10-12 and Philippians 2:10 to “prove” that Paul is a liar who “removed the Creator from these verses to suit his own agenda” - which supposedly directly contradicts Isaiah 45:22-24.

OUR RESPONSE:
 
Well, let’s examine this:

Isaiah 45: 22 Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God; there is no other. 23 In the name of myself I have sworn, from my mouth has rightly gone out, a word that will not return - that to me every knee will bow and every tongue will swear 24 about me that only in ADONAI are justice and strength." All who rage against him will come to him ashamed, 25 but all the descendants of Isra'el will find justice and glory in ADONAI. (CJB)

So far, so good! It’s true - we only have ONE Creator and His Name is Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey!
Now, let’s take a look at the NT scriptures Jason cites – IN CONTEXT:

Romans 14: 9. Moreover, for this cause Mashiyach died and revived and arose; that he might be Master YHWH of the dead and of the living.[1] 10. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or, why do you despise your brother? For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Mashiyach! 11. As it is written: As I live, says Master YHWH, to me every knee will bow; and to me every tongue will give praise. 12. So then, every one of us must give account of himself to Elohim. (AENT)

[1] By rising from the dead and ascending into heaven, Y’shua becomes the Word that is with Elohim and is Elohim (John 1:1-5). Y’shua is the exact reflection of YHWH’s nature (Hebrews 1:1-5) and will bear the name, “Word of Elohim” when he comes out of heaven again at the second coming (Revelation 19:13).

And here is Philippians 2:10 … Well, let’s just back up to Philippians 2:5 and go through verse 11, because Philippians 2:5-11 reveals Yeshua IS God ONLY BECAUSE the Ruach of YHWH is encased in the flesh of the Son, and it is that FLESH that was pierced! (God Himself cannot be born or die, but Yeshua, the human with a divine Nature COULD and DID – and there is NO law against martyring one’s self!) And for those who insist that Torah says mere men cannot atone for the sins of others, here’s proof that that is NOT true.
 
Philippians 5. And think you so in yourselves, as Y'shua the Mashiyach also thought; 6. who, as he was in the likeness of Elohim, did not regard it sinful to be the coequal of Elohim; 7. yet disinherited himself and assumed the likeness of a servant, and was in the likeness of men and was found in fashion as a man; 8. and he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the stake. 9. Wherefore, also, Elohim has highly exalted him and given him a name which is more excellent than all names; 10. that at the name of Y'shua every knee should bow, of (beings) in heaven and on earth and under the earth; 11. and that every tongue should confess that Y'shua the Mashiyach is YHWH, to the glory of Elohim his Father. (AENT)

As everyone knows, ADONAI is constantly referred to as an ECHAD (plural form of “one”; never by the singular “yachid”….Deuteronomy 6:4). Yeshua is an aspect of ADONAI. He was formed in Miriam’s womb supernaturally to serve YHWH’s purpose on earth. He is divine, having the nature, character, mission and capacity of God in every respect. When he was crucified, he returned to the Father – the Echad. Paul constantly demonstrates this principle (Romans 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 1:1, 2:16, Philemon 1:3).

We must remember that we cannot possibly know the concept of “God” while we are in our earth suits with limited, human mindsets; and therefore it is blasphemy to suggest YHWH doesn’t know what He is doing and could not possibly have sent a Messiah named Y’shua.
We cannot put “God” in a box!












Saturday, February 4, 2017

A word to all the liberal protesters

 

I have the perfect solution for you all:  Everyone who is against thorough and careful vetting of Muslims should be forced to sponsor at least one Muslim immigrant.  If your immigrant becomes a good citizen – GREAT.  But if he or she commits a crime, he or she gets exported and YOU take the prison sentence for them.  And the next time you see ANY Muslim terrorist acts ANYWHERE, YOU get on your protest clothing and make signs to carry that say:  “This is MY fault!”

Problem solved.

Yes, most Muslims are innocent, peace loving people.  But how can we know for sure that the newlyweds, or the handsome psychiatrist or that innocent looking family of 6 who just came into the USA aren’t planning to kill Americans? 

Let’s take a look at what radical Muslim crazies have done, shall we?  Here’s an extensive list!  And here are some pictures to remind you of just a random few incidents:

behead 

behead2  behead3  behead4

beheading

 

(For those who have been asleep and didn’t know it, it’s MUSLIMS beheading and wreaking havoc and causing many of the world’s wars. It’s MUSLIMS harassing and bombing Israel.  It’s MUSLIMS who behead, behand, kidnap innocent girls, murder and terrorize and force their own citizens to flee to Europe!  If you didn’t know this, then perhaps it’s time to come out of your slumber and check out some reputable world news sites so you can educate yourself on what MUSLIMS are doing around the world!)

Friday, February 3, 2017

A short, true story featuring some life lessons….

 

 When I was stationed with the US Army in San Francisco in the mid-Seventies (during my “B.C.” days), I somehow became involved with this super rich married couple named Paul and Nancy. We met at Zach’s Restaurant and Bar in Sausalito one Sunday afternoon when Paul suddenly appeared at my table to ask me if I would mind sharing, as the place was packed and there was standing room only.

I immediately liked this couple, odd as they seemed. Paul, a 62-year-old short and squat lawyer, resembled Jabba The Hut; while his wife, Nancy, in contrast, was a tall, slender and gorgeous 28 year-old sporting a headband and doing her best to look like a Native American goddess. Nancy was his fourth wife. Her mother had been his third….

Anyway, that’s how it all started, and before I knew it, I was spending all my free time with this very strange, yet very fun couple. We were constantly going and doing, every single weekend. If we weren’t doing champagne brunches at expensive restaurants, then we were cruising the Bay Area in Paul’s yacht, or dancing or going to movies or sightseeing in one of their Rolls Royces, and hob-nobbing with doctors and TV producers and people with money. And sometimes we simply hung out in their gorgeous Penthouse overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

I never had to pay for a thing when I was with them. Paul was loaded and he didn’t mind throwing his money around. He also didn’t mind ordering people around as if they were his slaves – especially Nancy who, I soon discovered, was totally and completely submissive. He talked to her like a dog, sometimes, and I found it a little disconcerting that she never talked back.

In short, he was a total control freak. Of course, it didn’t work on me, but for some reason, he liked having me around, anyway, to keep his wife company since she didn’t seem to have any friends. He once told me (and I remember laughing it off), “Carmen, you’re ruined because you’re too independent. Someone should have gotten a hold of you when you were young and raised you properly!”

(This, after I had told off Nancy’s brother-in-law who was a raving, hateful Neo-Nazi from Oregon, who came into town on business one weekend. Paul became upset because I refused to “date” the guy to “keep him company” while he was away from his wife…..) Suffice it to say, Paul quickly discovered that he couldn’t tell me what to do when it came to my personal life – although he constantly tried.

Regardless, feeling star struck and very privileged to be a part of this rich couple’s life, I chose to remain blind – and, for a while, I honestly thought bumping into them at Zach’s was the best thing that had ever happened to me because surely, through this couple, I would end up meeting “the love of my life” who would sweep me off my feet and buy me a mansion.

Reality began to set in a few months later, however, as I began to see that Nancy’s life was not exactly “a bowl of cherries.” The little twinge of jealousy I had initially felt for her lavish and seemingly carefree lifestyle, waned as time went on. It completely disintegrated when, one weekend while Paul was on a business trip in Chicago, she tearfully opened up to tell me about the prison that was her life.

As we were lounging in the luxury of their sunken living room surrounded by wall paper of pressed autumn leaves spattered with real gold flakes, Nancy suddenly blurted out that she envied me. I remember emitting a short and unfeminine snort as I gawked in disbelief. “You’re kidding!” I screeched.

“You envy ME? Me, A little old Army sergeant bringing home $700 a month and living in a dump in San Rafael? Girl, I’m the one envying YOU!”

Her eyes filled with tears as she broke down and told me all about the hell that was her marriage. Paul, she said, was in the Mafia (which explained the picture of Marlon Brando’s face with scenes from “The Godfather” hanging over their fireplace), and that’s why he occasionally traveled to Chicago on business trips. “He treats me like property, Carmen!” she cried. “He makes me do whatever he wants, whenever he wants … and I have to have sex with whomever he wishes, while he watches….”

Well, I was at once dumbstruck; confounded, terrified, because I had always suspected there were some behind-the-scenes shenanigans going on. I just hadn’t known the extent. So, for a moment, I simply sat there, not knowing what to say; and when I finally found my voice, I asked her why she didn’t simply leave.

“I can’t,” Nancy responded. “I’ve tried. He won’t let me. He always manages to find me because he sends private detectives after me. I once made it by bus all the way to Sacramento after a bad argument. He met me at the station and promised to buy me a new Rolls Royce if I gave him another chance. He always ‘buys’ me. It’s what he does. And when I tell him no, he becomes abusive. I can’t win.”

“…So, maybe you could try going through legal channels to get away from him?” I offered shakily.

“Carmen, he will KILL me if I do that. Believe me when I say that, even if he were to end up with prison time, he WILL find me and kill me when he’s released. There’s no escaping him! There is no place on earth I can go to escape from Paul!”

Suddenly - while I was perched there like that proverbial “bump on a log,” mind racing while staring at Nancy in disbelief - everything fell into place, and it dawned on me that I needed to get away from this relationship somehow, and remain on the path I was on. I was exactly where I needed to be: nurturing my Army career and being content in my own little world, without some jerk telling me what to do at every turn.

The Army had been a safe haven for me, a way to get out from under the control of my horribly abusive parents after high school graduation, so I knew first-hand what Nancy was going through. I wasn’t about to put myself back under THAT kind of tyranny….

Naturally, I kept Nancy’s secret, but over the course of the next few weeks, I slowly began to extricate myself from their life. The luxury, the decadence, the rich men Paul tried to set me up with – these things had all lost their luster. I had thoroughly learned the lesson that happiness doesn’t necessarily come from riches; it comes from within and from using some common sense to make life’s choices. It comes from being content with “enough.”

Happiness was having a job, a roof over my head, food in my belly, and learning to “bloom wherever I was planted.” At least, for the time being.

My complete extraction from this strange life, thankfully, came a couple months later when I was transferred to Stuttgart, Germany.

Looking back, it was truly a “God thing” because two things happened:

(1) Through a set of weird circumstances in Stuttgart, YHWH caused the field of journalism to “drop into my lap” (something my mother had stolen from me when I was 15, by making fun of my efforts to write a book); and the Army ultimately sent me to journalism school, which changed the course of my career, and basically, my life.

(2) And best of all - unbeknownst to me in my “lukewarm toward God” state back in those days – YHWH was leading me from “Point A” to “Point B” and beyond in a “walk” I didn’t even realize I was on; guiding me the whole time, until I finally arrived at the final “point” in my journey … the day He opened my spiritual eyes in a little Baptist church in Missouri; and continued to lead me until I found my way to Torah in 1998….)

YHWH is so amazing! He truly does give us “as much as we can handle” (1 Cor. 10:13) because, sometimes the ONLY way to truly learn something is through personal experience. We either learn and grow, or we don’t! Some advance; most stay behind because they don’t “hear” that “small, still voice.”

I GREW through my relationship with Paul and Nancy and myriad other relationships that YHWH put on my life’s path. Some were good, some bad, some are not worth remembering. But in the end, all my combined experiences led me to find my way to YHWH/Yeshua/Torah! Halleluyah!

(I lost contact with Paul and Nancy over 40 years ago, but I often wondered whatever happened to poor Nancy. One day, approximately five years ago, I decided to Google their names, and discovered that Paul had died in 2007, which was when Nancy FINALLY managed to gain her freedom and move on with her life. (In his obituary she was still listed as his wife.) What a tragedy that she was stuck with that monster for over 30 years! I just pray that she, like me, found her way to our Creator, where TRUE shalom reigns.)

How to respond to Jehovah’s Witnesses

 

Every once in a while, we receive a question on how to respond to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Our suggestion is to simply say "No thanks," whenever they approach you - because, no matter what you say, they won’t listen to what you say. Their minds are made up.

Or, you can make a sign out of the following note to post on your door or window, or wherever it’s visible:

ATTENTION JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES!

DO NOT RING THIS DOORBELL unless you are prepared to come in and discuss the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from a Hebrew perspective, and explain why you are blindly following the anonymous people at the Watchtower who push MAN’s doctrines!  If you agree to engage us in conversation, please be aware that you may end up leaving the Witnesses in order to pursue GOD’S Truth, instead of your man-made ideas.

EXAMPLE of the things we will discuss:

There is no “J” in Hebrew, which means that your term “Jehovah” is man-made.  Not only that, but the word “hovah” in Hebrew means “mischief and confusion.”  YHWH (Yahweh) Himself provided His real Name to Moses in Exodus 3:13-15, and it looked like this:

Exodus 3: Moshe said to God, "Look, when I appear before the people of Isra'el and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you'; and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what am I to tell them?" God said to Moshe, "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh [I am/will be what I am/will be]," and added, "Here is what to say to the people of Isra'el: 'Ehyeh [I Am or I Will Be] has sent me to you.'" God said further to Moshe, "Say this to the people of Isra'el: 'Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh [ADONAI], the God of your fathers, the God of Avraham, the God of Yitz'chak and the God of Ya'akov, has sent me to you.'This is my name forever; this is how I am to be remembered generation after generation.

Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh does NOT translate into "Jehovah"!!! For more information, check out these articles on The Refiner’s Fire website – and if you’re ready for a real debate, then please ring the doorbell!  (https://www.therefinersfire.org/jehovahs_witnesses_beliefs.htm and https://www.therefinersfire.org/jesus_god.htm)

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Some advice for Beyonce: Put some clothes on and find your way to our Creator!

 

Boy, it's terribly depressing when the first thing you see on the morning news (right after the regular Trump bashing by the media) is a magazine cover of a nearly naked, very pregnant Beyonce. The woman can't seem to stay clothed whenever there's a camera around. How sad! What's even more sad is that this goes to show you how LOST most of our world is.... See http://www.tmz.com/2017/02/01/beyonce-pregnant-twins/   and   http://www.financialgazette.co.zw/beyonces-pregnancy-news-breaks-the-internet-66-million-likes-and-22-million-tweets/ 

Well, "the world" might be lauding decadence and "worldly" behavior, but anyone who knows Scripture, recognizes that women parading their nakedness is NOT pleasing to YHWH! Never was, never will be.

1 Timothy 2:9. So also, that women (appear) in a chaste fashion of dress; and that their adorning be with modesty and chastity; not with curls or with gold, or with pearls, or with splendid robes; 10. but with good works as is becoming to women who profess reverence for Elohim. (AENT)

1 Peter 3:3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. (ESV)

Isaiah 3:16 Moreover ADONAI says: "Because Tziyon's women are so proud, walking with their heads in the air and throwing seductive glances, moving with mincing steps and jingling their anklets. 17 Adonai will strike the crown of the heads of Tziyon's women with sores, and ADONAI will expose their private parts."18 On that day Adonai will take away their finery - their anklets, medallions and crescents, 19 their pendants, bracelets and veils; 20 their headbands, armlets, sashes, perfume bottles, amulets, 21 rings and nose-jewels; 22 their fine dresses, wraps, shawls, handbags, 23 gauze scarves, linen underclothes, turbans and capes. 24 Then, there will be instead of perfume, a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well-set hair, a shaved scalp; instead of a rich robe, a sackcloth skirt; and a slave-brand instead of beauty. (CJB)

Some advice for Beyonce:  Put some clothes on and find your way to our Creator, YHWH/Yeshua.  All this is going to end very soon!

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Reader asks for clarification of “Joel’s Army”

 

READER QUESTION:

I recently attended a service and heard that in the end time God will raise a Joel's Army. But as I glanced through the Book of Joel, Joel's Army is army of Locusts, destroyer of land, which in the later part will be dealt with by God. Can you enlighten me this?

OUR RESPONSE:

According to some preachers, Joel's Army is prophesied to become an Armageddon-ready military force of young people with a divine mandate to physically impose Christian "dominion" on non-believers. But nowhere in the Bible are we told that mere men will do much of anything, let alone do actual battle....

Yeshua will do that, along with those He "raptured" at His Second Coming, which doesn't happen until 7 years AFTER the Antichrist (whoever he turns out to be) signs a seven year peace treaty with Israel.

YHWH tells His army to STAND and He fights for them. They muster at Har Megiddo and march to Jerusalem and then the battle is won - but we are told nothing on the battle itself.

Daniel 9:26 Then, after the sixty-two weeks, Mashiyach will be cut off and have nothing. The people of a prince yet to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary, but his end will come with a flood, and desolations are decreed until the war is over. 27 He will make a strong covenant with leaders for one week [of years]. For half of the week he will put a stop to the sacrifice and the grain offering. On the wing of detestable things the desolator will come and continue until the already decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator."

Revelation 16:16. And they collected them together in a place called, in Hebrew, Armageddon (in Hebrew: Har Megiddo). 17. And the seventh poured his cup on the air; and there issued a loud voice from the temple, from the throne, which said: It is done! 18. And there were flashes of lightning, and thunders, and voices; and there was a great earthquake, the like of which there was never, since men were on the earth, such an earthquake, and so great. 19. And the great city became three parts. And the city of the nations fell; and Babylon the great was remembered before Elohim, to give her the cup of the wine of the heat of his wrath.

20. And every island fled away; and the mountains were not found. 21. And a great hail, as it were of a talent weight, fell from heaven upon men: and the men blasphemed Elohim on account of the plague of hail; for the plague of it was very great. Revelation 17: 14. They will make war upon the Lamb; and the Lamb will vanquish them; because he is Master of Masters and King of Kings, and these with him (are) called and chosen and faithful.

Revelation 19:7. Let us rejoice and exult, and give glory to him: for the marriage supper of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8. And it was granted her to be clothed in fine linen, bright and clean: for fine linen is the righteousnesses of the Set Apart believers. 9. And he said to me, Write; Blessed are they who are called to the supper of the marriage feast of the Lamb. And he said to me, These my (sayings) are the true Words of Elohim.

10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, See that you do not do this; I am your fellow-servant and of those your Brothers who have the testimony of Y'shua. Worship you Elohim: for the testimony of Y'shua is the Spirit of Prophecy. 11. And I saw heaven opened: and lo, a white horse; and he that sat on it is called Faithful and True: and in righteousness he judges, and makes war. 12. His eyes (were) like a flame of fire, and on his head (were) many diadems; and he had names inscribed; and the name which was written on him, no one knew, except himself. 13. And he was clothed with a vesture sprinkled with blood; and his name is called, The Word of Elohim.

14. And the army of heaven followed him on white horses, clad in garments of fine linen, pure (and) white. 15. And from his mouth issued a sharp two-edged sword, that with it he could strike the nations; and he will rule the nations with a rod of iron; and he will tread the wine-press of the wrath of Elohim Almighty. 16. And he has upon his vesture and upon his thigh the words written: King of Kings, and Master of Masters. 17. And I saw an Messenger standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven: Come you, assemble to this great supper of Elohim;

18. that you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains of thousands, and the flesh of valiant men, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all the free-born and of slaves, and of the small and the great. 19. And I saw the beast of prey and the kings of the earth and their warriors, that they assembled to wage battle with him who sat on the (white) horse, and with his warriors.

20. And the beast of prey was captured, and the false prophet that was with him, who did those prodigies before him, whereby he seduced them who had received the mark of the beast of prey and who worshipped his image. And they were both cast alive into the lake of fire which burns with sulfur. 21. And the rest were slain by the sword of him that sat on the horse, by that (sword) which issues from his mouth: and all the fowls were satiated with their flesh.