Everybody wants to "teach"' no one wants to "learn"

 

I recently joined a German Messianic Facebook group, and am so very disappointed to see that they're no different from American Messianic and Hebrew Roots groups. Nobody is there to learn anything; they're all there to "teach" and defend their misconceptions.

Like every other group, it's mostly the blind leading the blind, with most insisting "the law" was abolished at the cross, while constantly presenting the misunderstood/misinterpreted writings of Paul as "proof"...

As in the United States, the writings of Paul seem to be more important in churches than the actual Word of YHWH - Yeshua's FATHER! (I'm referring to the Torah - the first 5 Books of the Bible that contain ALL of YHWH's original teachings and instructions to mankind … most of which were for the Levite Priests, some only for men, others only for women - and some were meant for ALL who accepted YHWH as their ELOHIM.  Torah didn’t die on the cross; the MESSIAH did!)

For some reason, Christians believe, nay, INSIST on pretending that Jesus came to abolish everything His Father commanded, and that nothing else is required of them except to “believe in Jesus.”

Most simply do not understand that Yeshua was THE MESSIAH (the “Word” - John 1:1, 14; and the “Arm” - Isaiah 53:1) who came NOT to do his own will; but rather, to do everything his Father (to whom he prayed!) commanded.  Yeshua never once prayed to himself or in his own name!  He came, ultimately, to become our Redeemer; NOT to abolish His Father's Divine Instructions in Righteousness! (Why would he, as they were the ONLY instructions from God Himself that revealed who ELOHIM is, what He expects of His people, and how to actually LIVE a holy life!)

The "arm" (Yeshua) doesn't control the "brain" (YHWH) and Yeshua never suggested that he came to replace his "Father" in any way! Yeshua, unlike the Father, was a very special HUMAN with a divine Nature, who was born and died. Can YHWH be born or die?

Yes, YHWH and Yeshua are ONE (Hebrew: Echad).  Yeshua came from YHWH Himself as His MESSIAH, His special Messenger on earth who, when his job on earth was complete, returned to YHWH. They are “one” in ways we mere humans cannot begin to comprehend!

Luke 4:43 "But he (Yeshua/Jesus) said, "I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."

Luke 8:1 And it happened after these things that Y'shua was going around in the cities and in the villages and was preaching and declaring the Kingdom of Elohim.

And golly-gee, look at what Paul wrote:

Acts 24: 14. “But this indeed I (Paul) acknowledge, that in that same doctrine of which they speak, I do serve the Elohim of my fathers, believing all the things written in Torah and in the prophets.”

So, while his death, burial, and resurrection are an important part of the Good News, it's not the whole story! YHWH isn't just in the business of "saving" people. As Creator and law giver, He is in the business of teaching us how to be good subjects in His Kingdom to come!

If His Messiah "Jesus" supposedly “abolished Torah at the cross" then why was EVERY believer completely Torah observant for one hundred years after Yeshua's death, including the Apostle Paul who was "caught" being Torah observant 29 years after Yeshua's death (Acts 21:23-24)! Was Paul a hypocrite, saying one thing and doing another; or were his teachings, perhaps, misunderstood?

SIGH! People.... They begin with their preconceived ideas; and they will defend them to the bloody end – because “being right” in their own eyes is more important than anything YHWH ever commanded or the things that Yeshua ever taught…

(For all the pertinent references, please read our website’s article:  https://www.therefinersfire.org/confess.htm

New COVID strain now in the USA….

So, the first known case of the new COVID strain is in the US, and the young man (in his 20’s) has no apparent “travel history.” The media didn’t mention it, but this means, that young man picked the virus up from contact with someone.

The virus didn’t just find its way to Colorado and break into this guy’s house to slap him upside the head while he was minding his own business playing video games….

This means, soon we’ll hear about an epidemic of this new strain … because whoever brought it INTO the United States has surely had tons of contact by now (including with everyone on the plane) … who have had contact with myriad others.

Folks, this whole thing could probably have already been remedied, and the virus eliminated from the entire world IF people had only kept their butts at home, except for grocery shopping or medical needs.

But noooo – they “have rights” ….

With all the Christmas and New Year’s holiday travelers ignoring all the pleas and warning, I’m pretty sure that 2021 will see myriads receiving their “last rites” as many hospitals across the US are now bursting at the seams and medical personnel are stretched to the limits.

But hey, not to worry! We’ve got a vaccine now. We can continue to stick our heads in the sand and remain uncooperative as we exercise our “right” to shirk common sense, personal responsibility and our CIVIC DUTIES!

Praying to Mary? Why?

Reasons Miriam/Mary should NOT be “prayed to” and cannot be our intercessor, mediator, advocate, helper or benefactress:

[1]  She was not YHWH’s Messiah.

[2]  She was not “the Mother of God” (GOD doesn’t have a “mother”).

[3] She, mother of YHWH’s divine Messiah, is a mere human.

[4]  She’s dead!

[5]  Nowhere in the Bible does it say she went straight to heaven.

[6]  Not once are we told that she has been resurrected or "sits at the right hand of God" (as in the case of Yeshua - Colossians 3:1).

[7]  She was simply the righteous vessel YHWH chose to give birth to His Son.

[8]   Even Mary herself understood SHE was not to be praised or worshipped (Luke 1:45-50).

Since Miriam was still alive when Yeshua died on the stake (John 19:26-27), it means she wasn’t “resurrected” or taken up bodily in any shape or form.  We know of no other "resurrection" since the day Yeshua died when there was a great earthquake, and some dead believers were "resurrected" (Matthew 27:50-53).

Therefore, Mary must wait until Yeshua's Second Coming when many believers will be "caught up in the air to meet him" (1 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). (The final "catching up" of mankind will happen at the end of Yeshua's thousand year reign when we will ALL stand before YHWH on Judgment Day (Revelation 20:11-15).)

While being chosen to give birth to the Messiah was a huge honor, this did NOT make Mary "the Mother of God" (can GOD have a mother?) and she is NOT someone to idolize or to "pray to." Yeshua was our Messiah, a human with a divine Nature – and that Nature was divine because he was YHWH's Son!

Yeshua Himself taught, "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven....'" (Matthew 6:9). Yeshua intercedes on our behalf to the Father (Hebrews 7:25). The Bible teaches that we have access to the Father only through Yeshua (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:18; 1 Timothy 2:5). Therefore, we should be praying to the Father, in Yeshua's Name (John 14:13-14).

EVER FELT HURT AND HAD A LUST FOR REVENGE?

Admit it - we ALL have!  (I had one of those experiences just yesterday!) But did you know that Scripture commands us not to take revenge?

Proverbs 20:22 Don’t say, “I’ll pay back evil for evil”; wait for Adonai to save you. (CJB)

Proverbs 24:28 Don’t be a witness against your neighbor for no reason — would you use your lips to deceive? 29 Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me, I’ll pay him back what his deeds deserve.” (CJB)

Although "revenge" against the perpetrator would feel good, we are to let it go and give it all to YHWH, because HE will avenge us!

Romans 12:19. And be you not avengers of yourselves, my beloved: but give place to wrath. For it is written: If you do not execute judgment for yourself, I will execute judgment for you, says Elohim. 20. And if your adversary be hungry, feed him: and if he be thirsty, give him drink. For if you do these things, you will heap coals of fire on his head. 21. Do not be overcome by evil; but overcome evil with good. (AENT)

There are NO directives from Genesis to Revelation that counsel anyone to take vengeance upon their adversaries. YHWH says, "vengeance belongs to Me" (Deut. 32:35, 41; Psalm 94)

He will judge and resolve all matters according to His Righteous Judgment. The idea of taking vengeance upon others is rooted in fear and heathenism by those who put their faith in self rather than in ELOHIM.

Romans 12:19 Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for in the Tanakh it is written, “Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’” (CJB)

If someone has hurt you in some way, LET GO! Symbolically hand your pain and anger AND the perpetrator over to YHWH and let HIM do whatever He wishes with that person or persons. It's not YOUR problem to deal with.

Simply move on and soothe your wounded soul by remembering that it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living Elohim... (Hebrews 10:31) If you belong to YHWH, HE will avenge - and woe be unto whoever intentionally hurt you!

Does God really hate dogs?

Of course, He doesn't! That's ridiculous. Yet, there are actually some (especially those in the same crowd that sees "paganism" under every rock), who are out there, trying to tell people that God hates dogs.

In their attempts to show why, they use such passages as Revelation 22:15 ... which, on the surface, DO seem to put dogs in the same category as wickedness.

But this is because the allegory is taken out of context.

Let’s look at the actual Hebrew meanings of passages such as Matthew 7: 6 and Revelation 22:15, which will help to clarify:

Matthew 7: 6. You should not hang earrings on dogs and you should not place your pearls before pigs that they should not trample them by their feet and they overtake and wound you. (AENT)

Revelation 22:15. Without (will be) dogs and sorcerers, and whoremongers and manslayers and idolaters, and everyone that loves and does falsehood. (AENT)

The word “tithlon” (hang) was misunderstood as “talon” (to give); “qudesha” (earrings) was misunderstood as qudsha (holy). The picture of hanging earrings on dogs dovetails with giving pearls to pigs, and the symbolism of the two animal groups could not be clearer, as dogs represent apostate Jews, and the pigs, apostate Gentiles who are ignorant of YHWH and His Torah.

Either way, the lesson here is do not give what is precious to those who will not appreciate the value. It's got nothing, whatsoever, to do with God "hating dogs"....

Be very careful about whom you choose to believe, as there are many opinionated people "out there" making wild accusations on things about which they know absolutely nothing.

And yes, they ARE ready, willing and able to take their "truth" and trample you to death with it, tearing you to pieces verbally ... all while believing themselves to be doing God's Work.

BAH HUMBUG!

I just returned from a local grocery store, where I shopped just long enough to be "blessed" with three different Christmas songs on their intercom system:

(1) "All I want for Christmas is yooooooo!"

(How many times have we heard that thing since last September when they started forcing Christmas songs down our throat ad nauseam? Wouldn't it have been nice if ALL Mariah Carey wanted for Christmas was to offer thanks to YHWH for sending us His Divine Messiah, and to shower the Messiah with the gift of her heart, soul and body, in return?)

(2) "Saaanta Claus is comin' to town, Saaanta Claus is comin' to town, Santa Claus is coming ... to town!"

(Sure he is. After all, Christmas is all about him, isn't it? A mythical man who brings you presents for free - while parents rack up enormous credit card bills to pay for all those "free" gifts during this "season of giving" ...and taking, and returning because you didn't like what you got....Has it ever dawned on anyone that the "three wise men" gave presents to the Messiah and NOT each other?)

(3) Last but not least, "Jingle Bell Rock," inviting us all to dance the night away in the frosty air ... never mind that this "Christmas season" is supposed to be a reverent and holy time with sole focus on our Savior. But then, truth be told, Christmas hasn't been "about him" in decades....

Oh well - don't pay any attention to me. I take God too seriously. I don't wish to be viewed as another out-of-date ol' fuddy-duddy religious freak trying to steal everybody's joy.

On second thought - NEVER MIND! That's exactly who I am, and it's exactly what I'm doing, and I'm not ashamed of it.

THERE! I've said it! I can't wait till the end of February, when hopefully they will have put an END to the #@%*& Christmas songs that have been forced down our throats for the last three months now. I'm positive ADONAI feels the same way. (To find out why, read the Bible.)

Anyway, these songs have literally taken all the fun out of grocery shopping and even turned it into a dreaded chore! What's worse, it's pretty much the ONLY time Bill and I go into public anymore, thanks to the other "dreadful issue" that's been holding the entire world hostage for the last year.

No, it’s NOT the “Christmas” or “Bethlehem” Star!

Myriads (including the news media) are insisting that the conjunction occurring on December 21st is one of two things: (1) It’s either the Christmas/Bethlehem Star, or (2) a bad omen kicking off the winter solstice, which is “pagan.”

SIGH! People it is neither; it's a simple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn!

The only thing unique about this Jupiter/Saturn conjunction is how close they will appear to each other (one-tenth of a degree), which hasn't happened for 400 years.

As for the winter solstice, this is completely coincidental. The solstice is simply the farthest south the sun appears in the Northern Hemisphere, which simply marks the beginning of winter. There’s nothing “pagan” about it...

Yes, Scripture commands that we NOT serve. worship or entertain "other gods" or idols of any kind (and those who do, will reap their just desserts on Judgment Day!). In the meantime, YOU need not have anything to do with those types; just shake the dust from your sandals and keep your eyes on YHWH/Yeshua/Torah.

But if someone wishes to celebrate the first day of winter (or any other season) by roasting marshmallows over an open fire, or hoisting a glass of wine to the heavens, can that automatically be labeled "pagan" or evil; and does it give you some special right to harass them? YHWH made the seasons. If someone wishes to rejoice and celebrate the occasion, it's THEIR business!

Anyway, if you have skies clear enough to enjoy the upcoming conjunction on December 21st, REJOICE in the fact that YOU get to be witness to a rare occurrence - and don't try to turn it into something it's not....

Remember the wisdom of Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness…

A great example showing the need to "cut the strings" of your "baggage"....

 

Are you suffering because you've got some "baggage" from your past? If so, please take a couple of minutes to read this beautiful example about the importance of "cutting the strings" and "letting go"... I promise it will be worth your time!

Romans 12:19 Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for in the Tanakh it is written, “Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’” (CJB)

Romans 12: 19. And be you not avengers of yourselves, my beloved: but give place to wrath. For it is written: If you do not execute judgment for yourself, I will execute judgment for you, says Elohim.
20. And if your adversary be hungry, feed him: and if he be thirsty, give him drink. For if you do these things, you will heap coals of fire on his head. 21. Do not be overcome by evil; but overcome evil with good. (AENT)

(Author of the below is unknown.)

The first police officer reaches under the one-ton bale of hay and attempts to lift it off of me. Of course, it doesn’t budge. He grabs his flashlight and shines it under the hay into my face. I blink. He yells over his shoulder to his partner, “He’s alive! He’s alive! Help me move the hay.”

Even working together two officers can’t move it – not a fraction of an inch. A thousand pounds each? Of course they can’t move it.

“Cut the strings,” I whisper. My voice is weak. They can’t hear me.

I am not going to last much longer. If they will just cut the strings, the bale will break apart, and they can drag me out of here.

“Lift, Joe, lift!”

“Just cut the strings,” I mumble, “Please cut the strings.”

“C’mon harder.”

“It’s too heavy! We can’t lift it. We gotta go for help! Hang on Chad, we’ll be right back!”

I am alone again in the growing darkness. Wonderful painless, peaceful, irresistible sleep beckons. I struggle to remain conscious. One. Two. Three. Four… Where are they? How long does it take for police, fire, ambulance, to arrive? Where is the Coast Guard? Where are the Marines? Where is that one old farmer with enough common sense to just cut the strings?

The desert air grows chilly as the sky darkens. I grow weaker. Dizziness overcomes me and I begin to drift off into that gray space somewhere between the living and the dead.

Help finally arrives. One of the police officers bends down so I can see his face. “Hold on! A fire engine is here. There are six men aboard.”

I do the math. Two big, strong cops and six burly firemen must move a ton of dead weight off me. That’s two hundred forty five pounds each. No way can they possibly do that – but somehow, miraculously, they do. A couple of neighbors who have arrived at the scene stand by to catch me. They lower my limp body to the ground where I lie in a broken heap.

Why didn’t they cut the strings? They could have saved a long, tortured hour.

How heavy is hay? A piece of hay is about the weight of a feather. How many pieces of hay does it take to make two thousand pounds? Lots. That package of sixteen bazillion individual pieces of hay wrapped in a gigantic bundle is a crushing weight. But separated, it would have been nothing. I feel bad saying this, because it makes me sound ungrateful – and I am very grateful to the guys who saved my life that night – but there is a point to be made here, isn’t there?

Is it too big?

Is it overwhelming?

Cut the strings – just cut the strings!

Are you buried under crushing burdens? Projects that are too huge? Schedules that are too complicated? Maybe you are trying to do too much at once – trying to do everything instead of doing something.

Cut the strings and cut yourself free. Do one thing at a time – and get it Done. Move “out of the strain of the doing into the peace of the done.”

Conspiracy theories: Modern day witch hunts by the gullible, thrill- and glory-seeking throngs

Those peddling conspiracy theories and seeing paganism under every rock are engaging in modern day witch hunts!

That thought occurred to me last night while I was busy purging my Facebook friends list of people I can't even remember accepting as friends, and with whom I never communicate.

While it's no secret that Facebook has always included these types, I was shocked at how their numbers have multiplied exponentially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the extent of the raw viciousness, vitriol and general evil being spewed on their walls and in groups.  

And yet, every single one of them claims to be either a Christian or Torah observant believer!  (I've never knowingly accepted friend requests from unbelievers, nor bother to visit their walls because YHWH commands us to stay away from them.  Example: Proverbs 4:14-19 and 2 Timothy 3.)

What I witnessed last night reveals that, while "knowledge" has increased since the Middle Ages (Daniel 12:4), the "fallen nature" of people hasn't changed one bit.  It seems many (if not most) THRIVE on gossip, slander and all the things YHWH hates. (See Proverbs 6:16-19 and Romans 10:1-14.)

Clearly, some of the worst gossip-mongers in the world can be found in "religious" circles.  And the sad part is, anyone who dares challenge them with actual biblical or scientific TRUTH (depending on the topic at hand) is either immediately berated or verbally "beaten to death." 

When you try to extricate yourself from their ectoplasmic online claws, some will attempt to hound you with one Messenger "message attempt" after the next.  And, if that doesn't succeed, they will coax one of your Facebook friends into relaying their "urgent messages" to you.  (THAT is exactly how our mortal enemy works - and many who view themselves as believers, are falling for his wiles!)

In the meantime, those who are busy "serving two masters," will continue to post Scripture on their own walls to show the world just how "holy" they are - because they truly BELIEVE they are doing God's work....

None of this is surprising, though, because the BIble warns us that these things would happen:

Isaiah 30:10: They say to the seers, "No more visions," and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us the truth. Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. (CJB)

2 Timothy 3: 1. But know this: That in the latter days hard times will come:  2. and men will be lovers of themselves and lovers of money, boasters, proud, revilers, unyielding towards their own people, deniers of grace, wicked,  3. unloving, addicted to irreconcilable malicious gossips, ferocious, haters of the good,  4. treacherous, rash, inflated, attached to pleasure more than to the love of Elohim,  5. having a form of respect for Elohim but wide from the power of Elohim. Them who are such, repel from you.  (AENT)

Romans 16: 17. And I plead with you, my Brothers, that you beware of them who cause divisions and stumblings apart from the doctrine which you have learned: and that you stand distant from them. 18. For they who are such do not serve our Master Y’shua the Mashiyach, but their own belly: and by bland speeches and good wishes, they deceive the hearts of the simple. (AENT)

Here’s something important to ponder about “perspectives”….

In this week’s Torah portion (Parasha 11, Vayigash (He approached) - Genesis 44:18 through 47:27) we see Yosef giving credit to YHWH – to whom all credit is due.

Yosef could have said something like, "Look, guys - you threw me into that well and left me for dead – and after some really hard times, I lucked out and ended up as second in command in Egypt. Just look at what I've accomplished and what I'm doing now, and what I’m going to do for you! I TOLD you all, you would someday have to bow down to me!"

But he didn’t do that.

While he had plenty of reasons to blame God for his misfortunes and seemingly endless hardships at the time, he instead gave all the credit where it belonged: To YHWH and His Plans for Yosef! Take a look:

Genesis 45: 4 Yosef said to his brothers, "Please! Come closer." And they came closer. He said, "I am Yosef, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But don't be sad that you sold me into slavery here or be angry at yourselves, because it was God who sent me ahead of you to preserve life." (CJB)

Genesis 45: 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his household and ruler over the whole land of Egypt. 9 Hurry, go up to my father, and tell him, 'Here is what your son Yosef says: "God has made me lord of all Egypt! Come down to me, don't delay! (CJB)

How often do WE give YHWH the credit? Do WE rejoice in YHWH or Yeshua when something good happens in our life? When something upsetting happens, do we sit and bemoan the situation, or ask YHWH what the lesson is that He is trying to teach us? How many actually take the time to thank Him for the hot and cold running tap water flowing out of the kitchen faucet?

See what I mean? YHWH takes care of HIS people by giving and taking away (Job 1:21). He ALLOWS us to fall and fail so that we can learn and grow from the experience; He ALLOWS us to reap what we sowed!

For instance, if you’ve abused your body with gluttony of any kind over the course of your life; or through the use of drugs, cigarettes and alcohol, He doesn’t suddenly restore your health, just because you’re now a “believer”. You made your bed; you get to lie in it.

He even did that to Moshe (Moses), remember? Moshe – after everything he did - didn’t get to go into the Promised Land. Know why? Because he disobeyed some commands, and even took glory for himself. (You can read all about this issue in our website article.)

YHWH knows who will and won’t eventually come to Him, and He reaches out to those who will … even though they don’t realize it at the time! In the end, they will still reap what they sowed; but once someone has given their life to Him, they simply learn to deal with things differently. The road becomes a lot smoother once we are on HIS Path!

Many of our paths have been crooked because HE needed us to take some detours that caused us to learn or realize something; or perhaps He needed us to pick up some skills along the way for later use. Unfortunately, when “detours” happen, many don’t get the hint, and tend to sit around to whine and complain, blaming God for not answering their prayers. They refuse learn or grow, because they’re “lukewarm” and “half-hearted” (Revelation 3:16) They’ve basically “stuck their big toe into God’s wide and warm swimming pool, but refused to jump in head-first” to discover the plethora of endless blessings waiting to be had.

That’s when He usually leaves us right where we are. One either learns and grows on a daily basis … or not. The choice is ours to make.

The bottom line is: It’s all a matter of maturity and perspective!

Our lives could be a lot easier if we were more like Yosef, constantly remembering that YHWH is in charge, and that He establishes our steps. All we have to do is to recognize and accept His guidance – for, in the end, He makes our paths straight and smooth, as we make our way through that “narrow gate that leads to life” (Matthew 7:13-14)….

Proverbs 16:9 A person may plan his path, but Adonai directs his steps. (CJB)

Proverbs 19: 20 Listen to advice, and accept discipline, so that in the end you will be wise. ²¹ One can devise many plans in one’s mind, but Adonai’s plan will prevail. (CJB)

Stop bashing the Star of David!

We've all seen certain "intellects" on Facebook and elsewhere trying to impress us with their "vast knowledge!" Such is the case with this ridiculous meme below that serves to make Judaism appear to be evil! Here's my response to those smart-alecks:

Sorry, but this meme is plain offensive, not to mention, a LIE against Judaism! You clearly have no clue what the Star of David is! I wish people who don't know what they're talking about, would stop forwarding and trying to pass things off as "truth" junk they found on the 'net....

Here's the deal:  NONE of us have any right to challenge Israel's right to use the Magen David (Shield of David/Star to David)! No one knows the true origin of the Magen David in Israel, and even Jewish scholars openly admit it is a relatively recent symbol adopted into Judaism.

But they don't "hide" the fact that other cultures also use the 6-pointed star, and that some cultures employ the symbol nefariously. So if Israel adopts the symbol and applies to it a noble meaning - the use of the symbol is in NO WAY tied to any "pagan" origin!

Consider the "cross" in Christianity. It is actually a symbol of a Roman torture and death device! Even Satanists use the upside-down cross in their rituals. Many denominations in Christianity make an effigy of the Messiah hanging from the cross (prohibited in Exodus 20:4), yet I don't see these same Facebook intellects going after Christianity or Catholicism because the "cross" has "pagan origins"! Yet they NEVER hesitate to go after Judaism!

(Good thing Yeshua wasn't hanged or put to death in a gas chamber, isn't it? People would look pretty silly with THOSE symbols hanging on their necks!)

Consider the names of the days of the week or the months which are named after pagan gods! Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – and the months of January – December …they ALL have ties to pagan roots, names of planets, or names of "gods". Yet I don't see the Facebook intellects attacking the world demanding they change the weekday names to numbers or something else!

The Magen David gained popularity as a symbol of Judaism after it was adopted as the emblem of the Zionist movement in the late 1880's. When the modern state of Israel was founded, there was much debate over whether this symbol should be used on the flag.

Today, the Magen David is a universally recognized symbol of Judaism. It is no more "pagan" than the universal days of the week are today pagan, and all the armchair Facebook experts have no right to challenge it. The Magen David simply represents Israel - and they earned it. Let it go.

For more on the Star of David, without the "occult" and "it's evil" nonsense, please read our short but informative article about the Star of David.

Nancy Drew “updated”….

I was an avid Nancy Drew mysteries fan when I was 12. always trying to solve the mysteries, myself, in hopes of beating the teenage sleuth to the draw. (And I often succeeded!) I LOVED Nancy Drew books!

They were great teaching tools that caused us to think. learn and grow, all while remaining wrapped in the innocence of youth. There was no cussing, no sex nor real violence - just great story lines for young teenage girls. (Total disclosure, I was a Hardy Boys fan, too, helping them solve their respective mysteries.)

Anyway, I've never watched any Nancy Drew TV shows, but imagine my shock to hear on this morning's CBS Sunday Morning Program, that Nancy Drew has been "updated and made more real" for the new TV series. The interview included a short clip featuring the opening scene of the latest show, in which we see Nancy rising from her bed after a sexual liaison!

Wait - WHAT?!?

That's right. Nancy has been revamped for a more "mature audience" according to the spokes person for the Nancy Drew show.

Well, I was rendered speechless, to say the least - but not surprised, because our world hasn't been "innocent" for several decades now. For Americans, it all started going downhill the day we kicked God and prayer out of public schools and government buildings back in 1962.

One has to wonder what kind of a world we live in, where children of ALL ages are constantly bombarded with sex, cussing and violence.

It's certainly NOT the world ADONAI envisioned when He created mankind....

Romans 12:2. And be not conformed to this world; but be you transformed by the renovation of your minds: and discern you what is the good and acceptable and perfect pleasure of Elohim. 3. And, by the grace given to me, I say to you all: Do not carry thoughts beyond what you should think; but think with modesty, as Elohim has distributed to each one his measure of faith. (AENT)

If you think you’ve got a reason to whine and complain….

Imagine you were born in 1900. When you're 14 World War I begins and ends at 18 years old with 22 million dead. Shortly after, a global pandemic Flu called 'Spanish' ", kills 50 million people. You come out alive and free. You are 20 years old.

Then, at 29, you survive the global economic crisis that started with the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange, causing Inflation, Unemployment, and Hunger. At 33, the nazis come to power.

You turn 39 when World War II starts and ends at 45 During the Holocaust, 6 million Jews die. There will be over 60 million deaths in total. When you're 52, the Korean War begins. At age 64, the Vietnam War begins and ends at age 75.

A boy born in 1985 thinks his grandparents have no idea how difficult life is, but they have survived several wars and disasters.

A boy born in 1995 and now 25 years old thinks it's the end of the world when his Amazon package takes over three days to arrive or when he doesn't get more than 15 likes for her photo posted on Facebook or Instagram.

In 2020, many of us live comfortably, have access to different sources of home entertainment, and often have more than we need. But people complain about everything. However, they have electricity, phone, food, hot water, and a roof over their heads.

None of this existed before. But mankind survived far more disastrous circumstances and never lost the joy of living.

Maybe it's time to be less self-escaped, stop complaining, and stop crying.

- Author unknown

Carmen’s addition:

1 Thessalonians 5:18  In everything give thanks, for this is what God wants from you who are united with the Messiah Yeshua.  (CJB)

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,  (ESV)

Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to ADONAI; for he is good, for his grace continues forever. 2 Now let Isra’el say, “His grace continues forever.” 3 Now let the house of Aharon say, “His grace continues forever.” 4 Now let those who fear ADONAI say, “His grace continues forever.” (CJB)

2 Timothy 1:7  For God gave us a Spirit who produces not timidity, but power, love and self-discipline. 8 So don’t be ashamed of bearing testimony to our Lord or to me, his prisoner. On the contrary, accept your share in suffering disgrace for the sake of the Good News. God will give you the strength for it, 9 since he delivered us and called us to a life of holiness as his people. It was not because of our deeds, but because of his own purpose and the grace which he gave to us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. He did this before the beginning of time, 10 but made it public only now through the appearing of our Deliverer, the Messiah Yeshua, who abolished death and, through the Good News, revealed life and immortality. (CJB)

Aaaah yes, Christmas is just around the corner once again…

Aaaah yes, Christmas is just around the corner once again. A sticky subject for most. The truth is, it is NOT one of YHWH's commanded Holy Days, and it's stepped in paganism - something He has been commanding we stay away from, since the day He created man and began to provide His "do's and don'ts."

Yet, most of the world ignores that part....

Ever wonder how many Commandments are broken in the month of December alone?

Now that another Christmas is on the horizon, let's count the the number of the Commandments broken in the frenzy to observe this annual ritual:

Here are the 10 Commandments for those who are unfamiliar with them:

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.

2. You shall not make any graven images.

3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder/kill.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet (neighbor's servants, animals, or anything else).

NUMBER ONE: So here we are each December, and the first, and #1, Commandment is "You shall have no other gods before Me".

But, let's be realistic: Which "god" takes precedence over YHWH? "Santa Claus!" EVERYTHING seems to be about Santa and presents and "what I am getting this year." Even the music in department and grocery stores reflects the carnality of the season. You hear can "I'm dreaming of white Christmas"; "I'll be home for Christmas"; "Jingle Bell Rock," and "All I want for Christmas is you!" But not one song about the "baby Jesus" whose birthday we're supposedly celebrating during this man-made holiday....

Very few homes make it all about YHWH or Yeshua! If you don't believe that, then tell me, how do children today learn of YHWH or Yeshua when they are tearing the wrapping of Christmas morning presents from "Santa"? GOD has been relegated to at least 4th place, after Santa, Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa! Does anyone receive a Christmas present from YHWH? Well, of course not! It's from "Santa"....

NUMBER TWO: You shall not make any graven images.

What is a "Manger Scene" with a doll representing the "baby Jesus" if not a graven image?

NUMBER THREE: You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

How is equating the birth of "Jesus" on December 25th NOT taking the name of the Lord in vain? Did "Jesus" come to be remembered only once a year, and only when you received gifts under a tree loaded with lights and decorations? Since Christianity equates "Jesus" with "Lord", how is that NOT taking the Lord's name in vain?

And when you do remember that the purpose of Yeshua (the real name of "Jesus" - a name that in Hebrew menas, "YHWH is Salvation") was to offer himself on your behalf for your SINS, how does that relate to celebrating His birth (at the wrong time of year) with gift giving - to each other? (The three Wise Men didn't give presents to each other; they brought them for the baby Yeshua.)

And how is it that receiving undeserved gifts solely out of obligation (because that's what we do on Christmas) has anything to do with "Jesus" being born and ultimately laying down His life for you so that you might gain eternal life ... if only you would know YHWH and the Messiah (John 17:3)?

NUMBER FOUR: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

What's the busiest shopping day of the Christmas week if not the Sabbath day, the 7th day, Saturday before Christmas when most are off work?

NUMBER FIVE: Honor your father and your mother.

How is this instilled in our children when on Christmas morning, upon receipt of a present the ungrateful child did not desire, he or she proceeds to throw a tantrum completely disrespecting the parents? (And that's just one example.)

NUMBERS 6, 7 AND 8: You shall not murder/kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal.

Okay, here are 3 of the 10 commandments which are not typically broken at "Christmas". Nevertheless, there have been cases of the willful breaking of all 3 at Christmas! People have been murdered for their presents, people have committed adultery upon drinking too much at "Christmas parties"; and Christmas presents have been stolen, so strong is the need to fulfill this horrible annual ritual that some will resort to theft to fulfill the obligation.

NUMBER NINE: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Wow! This is a "biggie"! What can be more false than for us to LIE to our children that there is a "Santa Claus" who will bring them presents, and that he "knows who's been naughty or nice?"

According to Scripture, only GOD knows these things! Not to mention, "Santa" employs magic (something YHWH abhors!) to fly with his reindeer around the world in 24 hours, to shimmy down billions of chimneys and deliver his presents. All LIES we tell our children. Not lying is the essence of this commandment!

NUMBER TEN: You shall not covet (neighbor's servants, animals, or anything else).

How is it that we comply with this commandment when the very reason we will purchase the latest and greatest gizmo for our kids is because we know the neighbor kids will get one or that it's the "in" thing this year? How is that not 'coveting'?

So by my count, 7 out of the 10 Commandments are routinely broken at Christmas every year and, arguably, the remaining 3 (numbers 6-8) are broken by some families!

The bottom line is, Christmas is based on LIES, so, please think long and hard about how it's "fun for the kids" to do Christmas and that it is the "highest holy day of the year" in Christianity. YHWH commands HIS people to come out of paganism....

Our world will be much different after the pandemic!

Our world will be much different after the pandemic … and hopefully, people will have learned some valuable lessons.

For instance, it’s so sad to see people being evicted from their homes because they’ve lost their jobs and can’t afford to pay rent or mortgage. The main reason why many can’t pay their monthly bills is because they’ve been living in debt paycheck to paycheck … because they didn’t manage their finances properly and are now in trouble.

People have demanded to know why, in during our present crisis situation, landlords wouldn’t “forgive” the rent and allow people to remain in their homes until the pandemic is over, and people can once again find work, begin to earn money again, and THEN resume paying rent - and of course, paying the back-rent….

The problem is that the landlords are ALSO in debt. They must collect rent because THEY, TOO, are in debt! Why? Because, instead of paying cash for the properties they are using as rentals, they also borrowed the money, and have mortgage(s) – and the banks they owe money to, aren’t going to forgive them THEIR debts, because that’s not how banks operate!

America has been running on CREDIT for many decades now BECAUSE of easy access to credit that allow one to "buy now and pay later" (with only the rare person recognizing the consequences!) It's a dilemma that is specifically mentioned in Scripture as something God’s people are NOT to do!

Proverbs 21:20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. (ESV)

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. (CJB)

Luke 14:28. For who among you who desires to build a tower and does not first sit down and thinks about its cost, if he has enough to complete it? 29. Or else, when he lay the foundation and is not able to finish it, all who see will be mocking him. 30. And they will say that this man began to build and was not able to finish it. (AENT)

In addition to the unexpected virus, America is experiencing a pandemic of over-use of credit and consequently, MOST are in DEBT up to their eyeballs!

There are many more scriptures like these, but this one lays it on the line:

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (ESV)

I'm hoping this dual pandemic will serve as a wake-up call for many who have been over-spending for years, thanks to their handy-dandy credit cards; and, as a result, they have no savings whatsoever - not even enough to get them through just a few months, or even weeks, of unemployment....

How very, very sad!

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all evil; because of this craving, some people have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves to the heart with many pains. (CJB)

"No woman can bypass her husband and go straight to Yah"? Says who?

 

It always pains me to see men making the types of inflammatory and chauvinistic comments seen on the screen shot above. The Bible simply doesn’t say what this guy suggests!

Unfortunately, there are myriad “Hebrew Roots” and “Messianic” men who LOVE to give their wives a “biblical concussion” with their twisted ideas about passages like Ephesians 5:22-24 and 1 Timothy 2:12.

YES, ADONAI does have a hierarchy, but He never said that women are to be treated like little brainless robots, designed to “obey” their husband’s every little whim and wish – whether the husbands are right or wrong. That concept is beyond ludicrous!

Romans 5: 1. Therefore, because we are being made righteous by faith, we will have peace with Elohim through our Master Y’shua the Mashiyach 2. By whom we are brought by faith into this grace, in which we stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of Elohim. (AENT)

Ephesians 2: 17 Also, when he came, he announced as Good News shalom to you far off and shalom to those nearby,[a] 18 news that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers. On the contrary, you are fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s family. (CJB)

Last time I checked, women are not only considered “God’s people” but are also members of His family – which means, they need NO ONE’S permission to seek or speak to Him!

Unfortunately, men like the one in the screen shot are plentiful, terrorizing women with their twisted theology about how God insists they are to be obeyed without question by their wives.

I received one of my first “biblical concussions” from a man like that, two decades ago, in the early years after the creation of our website, The Refiner’s Fire. It came in the form of an email from some mean-spirited, old pastor who referred to himself as a “Messianic Apostolic” (some weird, made-up “religion” that was apparently based on keeping constant control of everyone in his congregation, and complete subjugation of women - who were not allowed to cut their hair, wear makeup of any kind, and had to wear long skirts, etc.).

Anyway, his comments to me as a webmaster “daring to teach men around the world” were basically that my husband was a “wimp” for not making me behave; and that I needed to “sit down, shut up, and remain barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, where women belong.”

To drive his point home, he even sent us a screenshot from some real estate site, of what he thought was our house, to let me know that he knew where we lived and that he was jumping on the next plane to Colorado to personally give me “a lesson I would never forget”….

He was wrong about where I lived, but needless to say, that was the day we removed any personal info from the website!  There are some truly crazy and dangerous people in this world! I’ve kept that man’s emails over the years as a reminder to be very careful.)

Returning to the point, the plain facts are: If “husbands loved their wives as even as the Mashiyach loved his assembly and delivered himself up for it” (Ephesians 5:25), then wives would automatically be more willing to respect, honor and submit themselves to “obedience.”

Here are a couple more facts:

(1) This is a two-way street! Mutual love and respect is a give-and-take situation.

(2) We are told there is “no Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, nor male nor female, for in union with the Messiah Yeshua, you are all one.” (Galatians 3:28).

Instead of recognizing this simple fact, many “religious” men will do a lot of scripture twisting, instead of conceding that there are ALSO scriptures that tell THEM that THEY, too, have a responsibility to submit to their wives!

See for yourself:

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (CJB)

Scripture is clear... we are to build each other up!

Having said that, I will leave you with the following passage to contemplate:

Ephesians 5:28. It is fitting for men so to love their wives as (they do) their own bodies. For he that loves his wife loves himself. 29. For no one ever hated his own body; but nourishes it and provides for it, even as the Mashiyach (did for) the assembly.

30. For we are members of his body and of his flesh and of his bones. 31. For this reason, a man [1] should leave his father and his mother and cling to his wife; and the two should be one flesh.[2] 32. This is a great mystery; but I am speaking of the Mashiyach and of his assembly. 33. Nevertheless, let each of you greatly so love his wife, even as himself: and let the wife reverence her husband. (AENT)

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Rav Shaul apparently favors gowra rather than anash when speaking of men or husbands in this Epistle. Every place gowra is used seems to tap into the protector-male aspect rather than generic maleness or just being a husband. It appears as Rav Shaul is doubly emphasizing the responsibility of men to provide for their house, wife and family.

[2] See Genesis 2:24.

COVID-19 is reminiscent of the AIDS/HIV epidemic…

The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic reminds me so much of the efforts to control the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the early-to mid-Eighties.

Why? Because, back then (much like today) the media reported how the medical community was working frantically to produce a vaccine.

A VACCINE!

Nobody was talking about how HIV/AIDS could be controlled and even caused to completely die out, by simply changing our promiscuous lifestyles! Oh no, no, no! Let's invent a vaccine to HELP US CONTINUE doing the very thing that was CAUSING the virus. No need to change our decadent lifestyles when "somebody out there will surely come up with a vaccine."

Well, guess what happened - we STILL haven't beaten AIDS/HIV! It's still around! But hey, shhhh! Don't tell anyone it's because of their promiscuous lifestyle... Let's just try to come up with even MORE vaccines. (NOBODY figured out that maybe GOD was sending the world a message.)

Same thing is happening with the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of early on, using some common sense and letting Americans know the gravity of this situation, and assuring them we COULD put a stop to this evil thing by simply sucking it up and complying with the "mask" and "social distancing" rules (which may have already rid us of this pest!), everyone from the highest echelons of government on down, has been downplaying, hem-hawing, and providing contradictory statements (including our President), while demanding a vaccine.

As things stand right now, we've been promised that vaccines are on the way NOW. (BUT, oh, yeah, wouldn't ya know it? - the media ALSO informed us tonight that hackers are busy interfering with the distribution of those vaccines ...right while we're facing a HUGE coming crisis - because approximately 50 million chose to expose themselves to the virus by traveling across the US over the Thanksgiving holiday....)

So, people .... as of today, we have one American dying from COVID-19 EVERY THIRTY SECONDS! (How's THAT grab ya, you anti-maskers and anti-social distancers? We have YOU to thank for this, you know?)

I'm not kidding when I say, this is going to get really ugly BEFORE it gets better! I don't think people will realize how serious this is, until people are dying in the streets because the hospitals are overflowing....

(And, like with AIDS, hardly anyone realizes that GOD is trying to tell us something. AGAIN!)

In the words of a song by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson: "It's all going to pot, whether we like or not. Best I can tell, the world is going to hell, and we're sure gonna miss it a lot.