Each Has a Job

 

The other day I had a brief conversation with a young man that I just can't get out of my head. I replay the interaction over and over. I feel like I should be seeing something "between the lines", if you will. A deeper meaning, another layer of understanding perhaps. Writing down my thoughts helps, so here goes. 

We traveled to Missouri to meet with our assembly for Shabbat. Fortunately, my youngest granddaughter was allowed to go with us. She was especially excited to go because she could meet some people she had only seen on video and heard through the car speakers. She knows all their songs and boldly sings them from her booster seat as we roll down the road. These people are the praise/worship leaders of the assembly. They are a couple known as Linden and Ruth of Left and Right Ministries. I ran into Linden in the parking lot. I told him my granddaughter was excited to meet him. He was always a person on a screen, and now he's right in front of her. He responded something like, " I'm not special". I said, "I explain to my granddaughter that we all have a job, and that one is yours". He agreed. 

Now my thoughts go in two directions. First, if I have a choice of who is influencing my granddaughter, I would choose folks like Linden and Ruth over Taylor Swift everyday. One is operating in the gifts and talents Yah has given them, in service to Him. Isn't that the ideal? The other is clearly self serving, striving to gain worldly approval and exhibiting less than righteous behavior, influencing the youth negatively. No brainer! I pray all my kids and grands live their lives operating in the gifts and talents Yah gave them, in service to Him. Therefore, I say Linden and Ruth are special, few are willing to take the path of service over self-serving. Influence away you two beautiful souls. 

Now second thought direction. I was once confident that I was indeed operating in the gifts and talents Yah gave me. I homeschooled my kids and served as youth pastor. That was my spot, my niche, doing what I was called to do. Such a sense of satisfaction, contentment, and confidence. But my kids have been out of the home 8+ years. I haven't served as a youth pastor even longer than that. It's no longer easy to identify my gifts and talents. All my roles have changed. I do have a job in pediatric dentistry that is indeed satisfying and a great sense of contentment. Yet, educating in dentistry is quite different than educating in Biblical discipleship. I often wonder if I am still operating in my gifts, in His service. Of course I cannot speak of the things of Yah openly in the work environment. But walking it out before the world without saying a word would speak volumes for those Yah puts in my path daily. The special needs child and her worn out, frustrated mom who feels the warmth of my patience and encouragement. The toddler who is trying to do big kid stuff, but isn't ready for everything. Patience and some kid friendly explanations help this child to gain confidence. The young mom who just learned her two year old has cavities, she didn't know, no one educated her on this stuff. She feels horrible, judged, and helpless. She too benefits from patience, kindness, and love. My "job" for the kingdom is parallel to my job in the world at this time. I will do my best to recognize that I am doing my "job", and not question my effectiveness in the Kingdom just because it doesn't look like I think it should. 

Doing my job as unto Him

Teresa

Links to Left and Right Ministries. Copy and paste in the search bar.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpHSW_0SJbfDQX06W04h6ntUa2gFSSwIS&si=mh-vWoaktGAHeEuo 

My grand daughter's fav playlist 

https://youtube.com/@leftandrightministries?si=MeFx_-SkM6B1gy_V

Their YouTube channel 

Alien Invasion?

 

Have you heard about the drones? News reports the drones are appearing over more and more cities and military bases across the USA and Eutope. Lots of speculation as to who is responsible for the drones, but seems no one really knows.  Are they alien? Black Ops? Iran? Watchers? Regardless of what they are and who is responsible, as a redeemed child of the Most High you have security.

 A great deception is prophesied to come on the earth. A deception so great even the elect might be deceived.  ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, Revelation13, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). I understand this to mean that even those we hold in high esteem for their knowledge, wisdom, spirituality and experience could fall victim to the deception.  Our only life line here is to know the Word of Yah. Listen intently to what is being presented and weigh it against the Word of Yah. Do not waiver to the left or to the right. 

Yahusha told us that His own (sheep) will know His voice. Truly this means to know the Word of Yah so deeply that you recognize when you hear truth and lies. Hold tightly to this, then it will be impossible to lead you into deception.  

As one who studies end times prophecy, I expect a return of the fallen watcher angels with their advanced technologies.  I believe that's partly what we're seeing.  Governments across the earth have received some of this advanced technology and plan use it. Remember we don't struggle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, the powers of darkness and evil spirits in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 6:12). BUT!!!! But, you belong to the Most High, marked as His own. You have no reason to fear for yourself. Let your concerns be for the unsaved, the mislead, and the deceived, that they may come to know truth. 

I will include some video links you may glean from or to share with those asking questions about this topic. Copy and paste in the search bar. 

Looking up for my redemption draws near!

Teresa 

https://youtu.be/PaEPvrq5VFM?si=UzI-8Xrd5QoSt2l0

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKSIiroBiO2cv-lm4vfSPV-lxusRRG9xv&si=YbAMVbgSbDC5QDRi

https://youtu.be/Ks0l_Zpt1xA?si=845uBzihIthTfvh_

https://youtu.be/AmZoJ1vKEKk?si=rIZ5RGzHHJkmmlKT

Supernatural Experiences

I have had a few hard to explain experiences in my lifetime. I know what I know, but sounds crazy when I try to explain it to others. Like that time I was rescued by an angel:

 

This was way back in the 1980's. I was living in Fayetteville NC near Ft Bragg and Pope AFB. It had been reported in the news that summer about several women being attacked along this certain stretch of road. These women were in car breakdown situations when a carload of men would arrive. The women thought they were going to be helped, but instead they were brutally attacked. I had a job in the mall working evening hours to close. This schedule had me leaving work pretty late at night. One evening as I'm driving down that stretch of road the alternator in my car went out. Lights started to dim, car coasts to a stop in the parking lot of a business. Remember no cell phones, I look around, no payphone, no people, nothing but darkness. Then I hear music, car radio, and see headlights heading towards me. But from the opposite direction a car pulls in, the passenger window comes down and a masculine voice says to me, "get in, they're coming for you". 

I was nervous, but walked towards the car. I thought to myself, 'I can't get in that car unless he has a broken leg, I can get away from a guy with a broken leg.' Lo and behold, the man offering me help had a cast on his left leg from ankle to mid thigh. I jumped into his passenger seat just as a car full of men, radio blasting, came skidding into the same parking lot right next to my disabled car. We pulled out of there and my rescuer asked where I live. I gave him my address, he said he lived in my same neighborhood. He took me home and I never saw him nor his car again. I searched for him for months. I know in my knower that I was rescued by an angel.

Then there was the time I heard God's voice: I hesitate to tell this story simply because it doesn't shine favorably on me. I don't recall how old I was, but I was young and stupid. One day I had stopped to visit my cousin. I did this often because he always had marijuana. And I would partake if he offered. This particular visit he had a giant black trash bag of weed. When he left the room I convinced myself that I could take a little and he'd never know. So I put a little pot in a cigarette cellophane wrapper and put it n my pocket. ( See? Not my finest hour.) We visited a little, said our good-byes, and out the door I went. I got to my car and terror struck me. A thunder voice that seemed to be coming from everywhere said, "Take it back". I could see a man mowing grass, but couldn't hear it, I could see cars on the road, but couldn't hear them, no wind, nothing, all other sound was gone, except for the thunder voice. I fell to the ground, my legs were like rubber and couldn't hold me. I was trembling and crying hysterically, I crawled my way back to my cousin's door. He was so surprised to see me in this condition just seconds from walking out his door. I confessed to him my theft and what I had experienced. He said, " first of all I would have given it to you, second, I believe you, third, I know I can trust you more than most, clearly your God keeps an eye on you". 

Everyone remembers what they were doing on September 11th 2001, that was the day I met Satan: I homeschooled my boys. That Tuesday morning was just beautiful in Central Oklahoma, so we decided to take our school work to the city park. We set up at a picnic table across the road from the duck pond. My back was to the road and the duck pond as I was facing the boys, both seated at the picnic table. I noticed the boys looking at something behind me, I turned to see a man sitting on a swing just a few feet from me. He seemed to be listening to the lesson. His being there startled me and I said, "You should have made your presence known, where did you come from?" He said," do you know who I am?" I replied,"no". He said, "I'm known as Satan, and I've been walking around on the earth." He got up from his seat to approach my eldest son. He pointed a finger at my son and began to speak, "you will never..", I cut him off, stood between him and my son and said as firmly and convincingly as I could muster, "you don't speak into my child's life, you need to leave!!!!".  He started to walk away, I turned my attention back to my kids. After a moment I looked up to see where he had gone, he was no where to be seen. He walked toward an open field where people play Frisbee golf, where did he go? He just vanished. We packed up our school stuff and walked back home. I turned on the TV to see the twin towers burning. I'll never forget my 9/11. 

A few years ago I walked into this interesting looking store in a neighboring town. I was thrilled to find a wide variety of dried herbs. I'm looking intently at the herbs when I noticed that each herb bin included a spell. Yes, a spell. Love spells, enemy spells, and more. I thought, 'oh, I'm in the wrong store'. But I didn't want to appear rattled so I continued to make my way around towards the exit when I noticed a full blown pentagram alter with candles and a goat's skull. Still trying to maintain a calm, I hear the shopkeeper lady who has been watching me say, "all the herbs are kosher". That really freaked me out. How could she have known that I'm kosher? What a telling thing to say. I thanked her and left. That's when I realized she knew because her demons told her. Clearly they recognize me as belonging to the Most High. I'm marked. Or at least that's how I understand what happened. 

Could the man in the cast be just a regular fellow? Sure. Could I have imagined the thunder voice? Perhaps, but I doubt I could be convinced of that. Was the Satan character just a crazy guy giving me a hard time? That's possible too, but in such a small town in which that I grew up, you'd think I would have seen him before, and where did he go? I have no other ideas on how the witch/ shopkeeper knew that kosher was important to me, or even that the word 'kosher' would get my attention. Like I said, I know what I know, just sounds crazy to others.

Crazy stories, and they're all mine

A work in progress 

Teresa 

Letter to My Sons

 

To my Sons: Chaz and Caleb (and my grandsons Charlie and Johnny, and Ethan)

Boys, please forgive me for the many times I have failed you as a parent. I have had moments of selfishness, depression, fear, ignorance, and denial,  in these moments I have failed you as your mother. I could have and should have done better. Please forgive me. 

I am beyond proud of you.  Both of you have overcome great obstacles and have grown into good men. You are wonderful dads, attentive and supportive husbands, and respectful sons. You are such a blessing to me. I am grateful to be a part of your lives. 

Do you remember our bedtime routine when you were little? I would read to you, then we prayed together and I said blessings over you.  Such sweet memories. I still pray for you and now I want to say blessings over you again.  May Yah bless you and keep you, may His Face shine upon you and bring you peace. May Yah grant you favor in all you do, with everyone you meet, and everywhere you go. May Yah give you wisdom and good health. But most of all may Yah give you a heart that desires to know Him and to do His will in your life so that you can lead your family into life everlasting.  

Be a strong head of your household. Yahusha/ Jesus taught us that a strong leader is first a servant to those he leads. And I definitely see that quality in you. Draw your family nearer to Yah by your example.  When they can't hear your words of guidance, they can still see you modeling it before them. 

I love you 

Mom

Divorce Shame

 

I have been legally married according to the laws of my state and federal government three times. Only one of these unions is a covenant marriage grounded in Yahuah and His instructions for life.  Until recently I have carried such guilt and shame for my past failed marriages.  I have had really skewed understanding of the Scriptures about marriage,  divorce,  and remarriage. And I clearly received poor counsel from well meaning church leaders. 

I found myself in the Pastor's office frequently during my second marriage seeking help. The fact that there was abuse in my marriage was not a secret.  My ex attended church with me often enough that people could see we had problems. Each time I asked for counsel, I was proposed the same question: are you being stiff-necked? The verses about being submissive and having an unbelieving spouse were quoted, and I was dismissed.  Not sure why I kept going back, maybe because I knew the answers were in my Bible, just not known to me. My Father in Heaven surely cared about my situation and had solutions for me. 

I spent many years under the impression that I was to persevere thru the abuse, it was just my cross to bear. It would endear me to My Heavenly Father, I would be made Holy and bring Holiness to my husband and children by enduring.  After 21.5 years of marriage this husband told me he needed a girlfriend to satisfy his needs, he just wasn't happy. No duh he wasn't happy, he made that clear every day. The real abuse started six months into the marriage when I discovered I was pregnant, and it didn't let up.  My first thought was: I believe I just saw the final straw. Hit me like a punch. I knew I was going to leave him, but I hated the thought that this decision would put me at odds with the perfect will of my Father in Heaven. Oh how I prayed for mercy, I was convinced I was committing an intentional sin. I just couldn't do it anymore. 

I did get that divorce. It was a difficult time, my sons were upset me, my relationship with them was terribly strained. Their father did his best to turn them against me. The guilt and shame was overwhelming, but I could only go forward. In a short period of time the man who would become my third husband entered my life. (I would refer you to a previous blog entry titled: Best Husband Ever dated 9/10/24 for this story.) We married 3 years later, we've been married 9 years now, and these have been the best years of my life. I am truly blessed, yet it wasn't until recently that I found some sound biblical teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Such a blessing, no more guilt and shame. No more guessing whether I am within my Father's will. No more hoping for mercy about my divorce and remarriage. I can now see what I couldn't see before. I have often said that I am thankful for my failed marriages because the misery and pain drew me closer to my Yah, and this is true. Yet I am so happy to be on this side of it. 

Here are the web addresses to the teachings I discovered. Copy and paste in the search bar. The first one is a whole playlist of teachings. Enjoy!

Matthew Janzen with Ministers of the New Covenant 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGeyl5M-I3q_Q7FdBvq3UW76yLD6UHdnk&si=lFiizivwxB8sgG87

https://www.youtube.com/live/ryZGAV18bfw?si=Y5fMTOFOGLCZtF-H

Blessed beyond measure 

Teresa

Turn From Our Wicked Ways

 

For several years I have been praying that the corruption in our world be exposed. I didn't pray for what should come next, repentance, but the election results have given me some encouragement.  I honestly didn't put much faith in the recent US Presidential Election, but my faith has been somewhat restored in the citizens of the United States. I'm also seeing this resurgence of family morals all over the world.  Everywhere people are rejecting "progessive"/antihuman policies. 

It is without doubt that Donald J Trump has unified this counrty like no one else in my lifetime.  Many self important "celebrities" tried to convince the masses to not choose this unifying individual, and they failed miserably. So either the celebrities weren't as influential as they thought or the people are waking up and opening their eyes to the evil and darkness trying to take over. Both are most likely true. This waking up and opening eyes is also moving people to seek their Creator and Savior. 

So are we at that place where we seek Yah and turn from our wicked ways that our land may be healed? Sure looks like that's the will of the people. How strong is the will of the people? Some folks will be passionate for a short time, and others will take the torch and lead the way for the long haul.  Do not be fooled, the darkness is still there. This darkness is desperate because time is short. The more people who turn to Yah and away from their wicked ways, the brighter the light that disspels the darkness.  

I hope and pray for those of us who have been following Jesus/Yahusha. Let us self reflect and weigh our current understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Let us question our walk in this faith. Are we making compromises? Are we following traditions of men? Are we sure we are walking it out correctly? Is there any unclean way in us? Are we meek enough to let Him remove the unclean thing? Can we, without bias, identify our wicked ways? Can we know for certain what walking in righteousness looks like and to check ourselves against it? Yah has provided His Loving Instructions for Life that we can know for certain, we do have a template and can discern what is wicked and what is righteousness. We need to read our Bibles and pray: Abba, show me your ways and teach me to walk in them. When we turn from our ways towards His ways, we have indeed repented of our wicked ways. 

A work in progress 

Teresa

My Xmas Story

 

I have one really great Christmas memory. I was elementary school age. After the Christmas parade, in which I had marched with my baton twirling class, my best friend and I were allowed to run around downtown enjoying our giant candy canes. This was 1970's, it was a real downtown, lights, music, happy shoppers, the works, an American Christmas! 

For about 35 years of my life I believed Christmas was a Holy Day, an important Christian celebration, and as an adult, I religiously put up those decorations.  I accumulated debt to buy the gifts I was expected to provide in the family gift exchange, plus the excessive gifts for my kids, I attended Christmas Eve candlelight ceremony, I did all the stuff and found myself feeling empty and discontented every year. I was expecting more. I was expecting an encounter with God. 

While raising my boys I couldn't bring myself to lie to them about Santa (or Easter bunny, or tooth fairy either). I had planned to do the whole Santa thing, but when it came down to it I couldn't.  When the kids asked, I just told them it was a make believe game people play during the holidays.  No Santa wasn't real, yes your family bought the gifts, yes I had them hid till I placed them under the tree, no it's not about Jesus, and please don't tell other kids who are playing the make believe game with their parents. I did, however, get a birthday cake for Jesus every year. Lol, I don't do that any more either.  

My marriage (ex-husband) was contentious, we weren't friends and I was depressed. I am thankful for this situation because I am convinced that my misery lead me to seek my Creator and Savior in desperation. Because of my emptiness and ache for a connection with my Elohim(God) I was eager for Him to show up on Christmas (and Easter) and let His presence be known to me.  Each year I was disappointed at Christmas (and Easter). He wasn't there. When I cried out for truth, a broken woman, He began to show me the answers. 

Creator YHVH gave His Children His Holy Days, His Appointed Times, and His instructions about when to meet with him and how to love Him and His creation. He has set appointments to meet with us. His meeting times have not changed, He hasn't changed. And the big thing for me at the time, was learning that Christmas and Easter, and Sundays were not included in His meeting times. I was showing up to meet Him at the wrong times.  No wonder Xmas seemed so empty,  it is. Yes, Yah is available to us 24/7, but that doesn't negate His appointed times, they still stand.  

It's been 25 years or so now, and I don't miss Xmas at all. The debt, the stress, the questionable pagan traditions, I miss none of it. Some family members are still disappointed that I don't participate,  but I just try to be obedient to The Word. People say, "Jesus is the reason for the Season", but that's just not true. That chosen date, the celebration,  the decorations, and the festivities were all going on before the Birth of Yahusha/Jesus and had nothing to do with him.  Xmas, or the Winter Solstice has been honored since ancient Babylon for rulers who claimed to be deity, as their birth date. Do your own research. Truth matters to me, I am not interested in compromises when it comes to doing Bible things in Bible ways. 

It's been such freedom to shed the traditions of men for the Instructions of Yah. 

A work in progress 

Teresa

*Photos are of my actual hometown downtown and Xmas parade. 

Letter to My Daughters

 Dear Daughters: Harlie, Sarah, Britny, Millie, Tatum, Amy

You are beautiful,  intelligent,  kind, and worthy. Don't let anyone tell you different.  If you will allow me, I'd love to share some wisdom with you.  

Know your worth and don't look for acceptance or validation from someone who is incapable of giving it. Not everyone wants to see you succeed.  But your heavenly Father does. You were fearfully and wonderfully made. You were created on purpose with purpose. And I think you're pretty wonderful. 

A man's greatest need in a relationship is respect. A woman's greatest need in a relationship is security, everything from finances to her friendship with her man. When there are conflicts, take a step back,  and see what needs are not being met. If you simplify the problem, then it's easier to find the solution.  Talk to your man, feed him information. The more he knows the better he can love you.  The Bible tells us: husbands love your wives, wives respect your husbands. That's how men receive love, respect. We receive love by feeling secure. My husband hears me, he values me, he provides for me, therefore he loves me. You may have to tell him when your need isn't being met. He is focused on providing thru his job, give him grace for not knowing,  and tell him gently.

Each of us has a love language as well. Words of affirmation,  quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and gifts. Figure out what is your love language,  then let him know.  Figure out his love language and give it to him. Hint...he may say physical touch. Honestly sharing your body with him provides him with comfort, stress relief, tenderness and much more. Unless your praying and fasting, don't withhold physical love. 

Do not go to bed angry. Do your best to resolve the issue, or at least come to a place of peace before you go to sleep. Letting a problem stew in your mind and in your sleep is unhealthy for you and your marriage.  

A piece of paper from the government doesn't necessarily mean you have a marriage.  Marriage is actually a heart and soul connection.  A commitment to each other and your family.  Many people have a piece of paper and no heart connection,  and I know people who are clearly committed to each other without the paper. That paper is a government approval and a tax on your relationship,  it does give you guaranteed benefits such as next of kin, tax break, and a few others, but it's not mandatory for a Godly marriage. Your commitment is mandatory.  I do recommend you make a public showing of your commitment like a ceremony of some sorts so your extended family can rejoice with you. This also helps to hold us accountable to the commitment. 

Do not take disrespect from your children. You are raising adults, not forever children. You are teaching them how to treat others and how they should expect to be treated. As parents, we need to treat each other with respect, and live it out in front of our kids.  Don't expect respect if you can't give it. They will mimic all your worst behaviors so be careful what little eyes and ears witness. 

Be the doorkeeper against spiritual attacks on your family.  Use your intuition to sense dark spirits in people, and limit those people from your home and access to your children. Avoid the occult in all forms, séance, tarot card and palm readings, and witchcraft of all kinds. Seems innocent because you're not aware of how dark and dangerous it is. You can open doors to the Spirit realm and invite a demonic presence into your home, your body, or even your kids. Please be careful with the darkness,  it's not your friend.  

I love you and desire the best for you.  The best for you is a relationship with your heavenly Father and His Son, your Savior Yahusha/Jesus. It's a journey and I am here to help in any way I can.  

Love Mom, aka Granny

Gifts of The Spirit

The gift of the word of wisdom, the gift of the word of knowledge, the gift of faith, the gift of healing, the gift of doing miracles, the gift of prophecy or speaking Yah's words, the gift of discernment of spirits, the gift of different languages, both the speaking and interpretation. Acts 2:1-47, 1 Corinthians 12:1 -14:40, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:1-21, Isaiah 11:1-3, 1 Timothy 4:14-16, Hebrews 2:4, Mark 16:17 is where we read about the Gifts of The Spirit. These verses cover what the Gifts are, how you receive a Gift, structure for using the Gifts in an assembly, purpose for the Gifts, and warnings and assurances about the Gifts. Yet, I still have questions. 

First question: why don't we see believers in Messiah operating in these gifts in mass currently? A internet search says there are 2.38 billion Christians in the world. That's a lot of believers. So why aren't we seeing folks healing like Peter and Paul did? Why is there so little words of wisdom and knowledge being shared? Why? Some people teach that we are no longer in a time for the Gifts to be in effect, but I don't see that in my Bible. So why? 

Second question: why do I find so few teaching on these gifts in the Christian Torah pursuant community? Passion for Truth and Rise on Fire Ministries are the only two I have found so far, that touch on the gifts. 

The gift of tongues or languages is a tough one for me to understand. When I read the scriptures in Acts regarding the gift of languages I see that people were hearing the message in their own language when it was spoken in a language different than their own, a language that is spoken somewhere on earth. The "heavenly language" or "prayer language" people speak about doesn't compute with me. I simply don't get it. I have always considered Hebrew to the the language of creation, therefore the language spoken in heaven. For me to utter sounds I don't understand makes me uncomfortable since Matthew 12:36 warns us that we are accountable for our words. How can I answer for words I don't understand? I'm open to explanations on this. Also, I attended a charismatic church for a few years and witnessed people clearly faking this gift. It was about getting attention for themselves, no one was edified. Now if I suddenly testified in Thai to my Thai neighbor, that I could clearly see the gift of languages operating and edifying. As I write this I think perhaps I have the gift of discernment. 

I would love to receive the gift of healing. I'd clean out a hospital. No broadcasting, just go around touching and praying in the name of Yahusha, watching the wake of joy behind me. This is one gift that can only be given to the most humble of believers, so that probably eliminates me. To shine the light on oneself, and accept laudation could be a major temptation. 

I definitely want more knowledge on this subject, and am open to hear something outside of my currently understanding. 

A work in progress 

Teresa

About Hanukkah

 I began this blog/online diary during the Hanukkah season, with a rededication of the temple, aka my body, to Yah in mind. Well, as things go I've learned more about Hanukkah. The more you know,  the better you do.  I've changed how I handle Hanukkah due to the things I've learned.  Hopefully, I'm doing better.

First  I learned that there likely was no miracle involving the oil to light the menorahs in the temple. This story was recorded in the talmud between 100 and 600 AD, but is not found in any historical documents.  Considering that this event happened approximately 160 years before the birth of Messiah, seems like it would have been recorded before 100 - 600 AD.  Even the Jewish historian Josephus excludes the oil miracle in his account of the Maccabean revolt.

Second, I learned that the descendents of Zadok were not serving as temple high priests with the rededication of the temple (Ezekiel 44:15-16). The Hasmoneans, a Maccabean family, were placed in the priesthood after the Maccabean revolt and came from the tribe of Levi, but not in the succession of Zadok which goes against the Yah's instructions in Ezekiel. How can they be legitimate high priests? They served to usher in the religious leaders with whom Yahusha/Jesus had conflict. They enforced many added laws called the Oral Law thus compounding the burdens on the people.

Thirdly, I  have a problem with the 9 branch Hanukkah menorah. I'm just not comfortable with it being an exaggeration of the Menorah Yah claims as His symbol. So I  no longer display one. I don't light candles for Hanukkah either. The traditional prayer when lighting those candles claims Yah commands it, and that's just not true.  

Hanukkah has always been a national holiday, not a Holy Day instituted by Yah. John 10:22-23 tells us that at the time of The Feast of Dedication, Yahusha/Jesus was in the temple. It doesn't tell us what He was doing, except that the Yehudim/Jewish Leaders surrounded Him to test Him again. I will continue to use Hanukkah as a time of self reflection, seeking to  ensure the temple is pure for the Spirit of The Holy One of Israel to abide. Another opportunity to do a focused cleaning can't be bad thing, right? I hope to be a light. I am including web links that helped me along this path.  

Don't hide your light under a bushel

Teresa

Copy and paste in the search bar:

https://dafaleph.com/home/2015/12/8/the-historicity-of-the-miracle-of-oil

https://youtu.be/6-6sHGm54GE?si=66Sc1p2GYo5-J9ET

https://youtu.be/xqh_xGSIbk4?si=a9DtngBK2v6skzrj

https://youtu.be/xqh_xGSIbk4?si=jtcRBWnp8ZAxlfSM

https://youtu.be/MroOSG5QLus?si=ffClRuL04q8EhbfU

https://encountersinarchaeology.org/the-kingdom-of-god-a-brief-history-of-qumran/

Lets Talk Politiks

I know folks say never talk about religion or politics, but I  do it anyway.  The upcoming US Presidential Election is 5 days away at the time of this writing.  The tensions are high,  the propaganda is deep, the lies are astronomical, and folks are at extreme odds with one another.  I've seen a dozen or so YouTube videos from respected Bible teachers talking about the election,  half say Christians have a moral responsibility to vote,  and the other half say Christians should have nothing to do with this corrupt system. I'm not going to advise anyone on that.  Make a decision with which you can live. That's what I will do. 

I would like to bring one thing to your attention: left wing, right wing = one eagle

The more I learn, the clearer this comes into focus. The pendulum swings, and it's likely to swing wide. Right now we've got far "left/ progressive" rulership. The swing far "right/conservative" will be bad too, just different. In a fair representative republic we should be able to keep each side in check,  but that's not what is going on.  The checks and balances have been corrupted. 

I'd like to leave you with some verses from 2Esdras, this is a book written by Ezra that was removed from our canon (books of your Bible). But is still included in the Ethiopian Orthodox canon. When you search it you will find western Christianity disavows this book.  Hmmm why? Read it for yourself.  

In His Name

Teresa

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%2011&version=CEB

Vision of the eagle and the lion

11 On the second night I had a dream. I saw an eagle, with twelve feathered wings and three heads, rising up from the sea. 2 As I looked, it spread its wings over the whole earth, and all the winds of heaven blew toward it, and the clouds[a] gathered around it. 3 Out of its wings grew opposing wings. These became small, tiny wings. 4 Its heads were at rest. The middle head was larger than the other heads, but it was also at rest with them.

5 I kept looking and saw the eagle flying with its wings to rule over the earth and over those who lived on the earth. 6 I saw how everything under heaven was made to submit to it, and no one opposed it, not a single creature that lives on the earth. 7 I looked and saw the eagle rise on its talons and call out to its wings, saying, 8 “Don’t all watch together. Let each one sleep in its place and take turns watching, 9 but the heads will be kept for the end.” 10 I looked and saw that the voice didn’t come from its heads but from the middle of its body. 11 I counted its opposing wings, and there were eight of them. 12 A wing arose on the right side, and it ruled over the whole earth; 13 and while it was ruling, it came to an end and disappeared so that its place vanished. The next one rose up and ruled, and it held sway a long time. 14 While it was exercising its rule, it came to its end, so that it disappeared like the previous one.

15 Then a voice rang out, saying to this wing, 16 “Listen, you who have held sway over the earth all this time. I announce[b] this to you before you begin to disappear. 17 No one after you will hold sway as long a time—not even half as long.” 18 A third wing raised itself up, and it also exercised rulership like the previous ones, and it too disappeared. 19 And so it happened to each of the wings in turn, to come to power and then never to be seen again. 20 I looked, and indeed the wings that followed on the right side also rose up in time so that they too might rule, but some of those who came to power disappeared immediately, 21 while others of them rose up but didn’t succeed in establishing their rule. 22 After all this, I looked again, and the twelve wings and two of the little wings had disappeared. 23 Nothing remained on the body of the eagle except the three heads that were at rest and six little wings.

24 I looked and noticed that two of the six little wings were set apart and remained under the head on the right side, but four remained in their place. 25 I watched as these little wings plotted to rise up and take power. 26 One was raised up, but it immediately disappeared, 27 and then a second, but this one disappeared more quickly than the previous one. 28 I saw the two that were left plotting among themselves that they too should rule, 29 and while they were making their plans, one of the heads that had been at rest, the one in the middle, woke up. This one was bigger than the other two heads. 30 I saw how it formed a partnership with the two other heads, 31 and then how the head turned with those that were with it, and it ate the two little wings that had planned to rule. 32 Moreover, this head gained power over the whole earth and dominated those who lived on it, inflicting great distress. It had greater power over the whole world than all the wings that had gone before.

33 After all this, I watched as the middle head, just like the wings, suddenly disappeared. 34 There were two heads left, however, which also ruled over the earth and over those who live on it. 35 I looked and watched as the head on the right side devoured the one on the left. 36 I heard a voice saying to me, “Look in front of you and consider what you see.” 37 I looked and saw something like a lion being roused, roaring out of the forest. I heard how he spoke in a human voice and said to the eagle, 38 “Listen, you, and I will speak to you. The Most High says to you, 39 ‘Aren’t you the last of the four beasts that I made to rule in my world so that I might bring about the end of my times through them? 40 You, the fourth that has come, conquered all the beasts that came before you, ruling over the world with much terror and over the whole world with harsh oppression. You have lived in the world with deceit for so long! 41 You judged the earth, but not in truth, 42 for you have oppressed the meek and injured those who caused no unrest. You hated those who spoke the truth and loved liars. You destroyed the dwellings of those who bore fruit and tore down the walls of those who had done you no harm. 43 Your insolence has ascended to the Most High and your pride to the mighty one. 44 The Most High has reviewed his times. Look! They are finished, and his ages are complete. 45 Therefore, eagle, you must utterly vanish, you and your terrifying wings, your dreadful little wings and your evil heads, and your dreadful talons and all your worthless body. 46 Then the whole earth will be refreshed and restored, set free from your violence, and will hope for the judgment and mercy of him who made it.’”

Footnotes

2 Esdras 11:2 Syr and other versions; Lat omits clouds.

2 Esdras 11:16 Syr

2 Esdras 10

2 Esdras 12

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Sukkot 2024 Part Deux

 Sukkot 2024 Part Deux: what I learned, because it's all a learning process. 

In a nutshell I learned that I still have a lot of baggage. Ewww yucky things that I hide away in my regular life. Self protecting stuff that I tend to give myself excuses to use. I desire relationship with other believers yet I am still so guarded. I keep much of myself behind curtains of quiet defensive behaviors. I feel like I'm always on the outside looking in,  and am convinced that I do it to myself.  Well rejection hurts, that's why.  

Bill and I tend to be reclusive in general. We don't have many "friends" we have over for dinner.  When we do anything,  it's with family. And our family members are not living as Grafted in Believers of Yahusha. Bill and I are the odd men out, so to speak.  Our family tolerates the differences, so that's great,  but it does instill in us a desire for fellowship with like minded people.  Our prayers of course are for the individuals in the family, that they too will see this walk as truth. 

Ok, few social friends, no local fellowship,  negative past experiences from church people and secular people alike. The meanest folks I ever met, I met in church, and the pain from a back stab delivered by a "friend" while embracing you is, well... you know.  Plus childhood trauma...things many of us have come thru. These things create baggage. We want to forgive, and pursue forgiveness with all our hearts, but the more baggage that's piled on, the harder it is. Ha Satan knows this.  If he can use enough willing people to help him pile on the wounds and rejection, then he may just keep a person from seeking other people.  A person could be closed off from Yah himself, not able to receive all the promises.  

Needless to say,  I don't want that.  I want the fellowship,  I want the promises. I pray for help in this matter, of course, but some practical steps to be walked out would be most helpful. I'm open to suggestions.  Over these many years Yah has allowed me to be alive and follow Him,  I've learned some things.  #1 For Yah loved me so much He gave His only begotten Son that I may have eternal life with Him.  #2 all things I experience work for my good. #3 He has a plan to prosper me, to better me, to make me like Yahusha.  #4 if I keep my focus on Him alone,  He will protect me in His wings, no one else really matters #5 He will lift me up regardless of who puts me down #6 I am blessed when I'm rejected for His sake.  And so many more.  

To see this baggage is the first step to getting rid of it.  I can see. 

A work in progress 

Teresa

Sukkot 2024

 

Sitting in my sukkah (travel trailer) this morning,  sipping coffee and listening to the sounds of the camp waking up. It's reported that there's around 300 people registered this Sukkot, and soooooo many new babies.  I heard a praise report last evening that prayers were offered last Sukkot for fertility in our young women.  Lo and behold many families were blessed with babies this year, including one who was believed to be barren and another who had suffered a few miscarriages. Yah is Good all the time.  

We've reconnected with loved ones we met last year, and made new relationships we hope to nurture and consider brothers and sisters.  It genuinely feels like family we never knew we had. I've been Torah pursuant for over 25 years, sure wish I could remember exact dates, but it's been a journey.  In this time I have kept the Feasts sometimes  alone, most times in my backyard,  but always desiring to keep this feast with other like-minded, simpatico hearted Believers in Yahusha. This is our second year to do just that. Praise Yah!

This Sukkot will soon come to an end, and we will hug, collect emails and phone numbers to stay in touch till next year. I will immediately miss them and begin planning for 2025. I will "go back to the real world" and do my part, but my heart will remain in Sukkot Shalom. Praises to Yah for providing me a husband who feels the same way.  We have each other and our mutual hope that our children and grandchildren will one day join us and be grafted in to Israel. 

For this minute we still have a couple of days to be in this place of peace, love and unity, so I'm gonna go love on my Seed of Abraham Family. I don't want to waste a second.  

Loving every minute of it

Teresa

Fasting

 

Fasting is an important part of discipleship of which I never received instruction when I attended regular Sunday go-to-meeting Church. Why? It didn't seem to be given any value in a believer's walk. 

I have since learned that fasting is not only important,  it's necessary.  I used to be convinced that I couldn't fast. I got nauseous before 24 hours had passed and would cave and give up.  But when I got determined, I was able to press thru, the nausea would pass, I didn't barf. Once I got passed that I began to notice how great I felt. I also had clarity of mind that I hadn't experienced before. I still struggle thru the first 24 hours, but the next 24 hours are so encouraging.  But the best thing was hearing from Yah. No, not an audible voice, yet I do have a story for that I'll tell later, but a clear message either thru a person, the Scriptures, or an enlightening on a subject I'd been studying but I hadn't seen before.  Confirmation, understanding,  and clarity. 

I learned more self control thru fasting, it's satisfying to be master over my own body and fleshly desires. I find situations where fasting from my words prevents many problems.  Selfcontrol is a powerful feeling. If I can be master over my fleshly desire for food, and my tongue, what else can I do? Thru Yahusha/Jesus I can do anything set before me.  Perhaps routine fasting will strengthen my resolve when faced with temptation, fear and evil. The mental picture of believers lined up before a guillotine being given a choice of  Yahusha and death or rejection of Him and a reprieve from the blade comes to me. 

Fasting has the added benefit of being a parasite cleanse and a weight reducer. Also studies show that after 17 hours of fasting our bodies attack sick and abnormal cells. Like natural cancer fighting abilities. Fasting is a win win activity for those who practice it. 

No fasting during the Feast of Sukkot for me. I'll get back on my routine after the Feast.

A work in progress. 

Teresa

Head Covering pt2

 

It's been 3 years since I first blogged about head covering. Primarily I am speaking of head covering for women who are followers of Yahusha/Jesus. I am still covering for Holy Days including every Shabbat. As I was studying this subject 3 years ago, I was listening to other women's testimonies regarding head covering. One comment stood out to me: be consistent. Whichever way I decide to implement covering in my life, I'm to be consistent.  And I have been.  

I still feel (my personal beliefs, not Scripture) that covering is one way I make the Holy Days more special.  I wear a variety of styles and colors of head coverings, so to me it's fun to coordinate my clothing with my scarfs. Lately I've been sorting my outfits for Sukkot, and matching scarfs to them. When I'm at Sukkot I blend in, many ladies cover, but in regular life, I'm always the only one.  And I don't mind.  Clearly, I am set apart from the others.

I still enjoy the sense of security my head covering gives me,  and the respect I get from strangers, but the attentiveness I receive from my husband is the confirmation I need. Why? Well bottom line, my head covering is an outward expression of my submissiveness to my husband. He never requested it, but he was present when I was studying these things and he understands the why. He is the head of our household, and I will always honor him. 

Still a work in progress 

Teresa

Trials and Testing

 

I often think to myself, "it's all a test".  Every interaction with another being, every choice, every moment of every day we are being tested. These tests are sometimes obvious and other times hard to detect. But as a Believer in Yahusha, we usually quickly notice when we've failed a test.  

Recently I have been tested by forgetting to ring up my carbonated drink, got all the way out to my pickup before I noticed.  After I loaded my paid for purchases, I took my cart back thru the self checkout and paid for that carton of drinks. I could have talked myself into just loading up those drinks and head home: the door checker person should have caught it, it's inconvenient to go back in and pay, oh I could probably come up with some great excuses to keep from doing the right thing. But I would have failed the test. 

Also this week I saw a post on Facebook that reminded me of a deep wounding I received this year. I claim to forgive this offense, but I reposted what I saw and elaborated on the situation that hurt me.  I failed that test. Reposting and commenting on that situation clearly showed a lack of forgiveness and peace on my part. All I really did was potentially stir up drama and self pitty. 

My prayer for myself is that I recognize the test and do the right thing. Yahuah loves and and accepts me just as I am,  but He's not willing to leave me that way.  He is working continuously to make me like Yahusha.  These test and trials not only grow me spiritually, they strengthen my faith and my security in knowing my Abba loves me enough to challenge me and mature me.  

Still a work in progress 

Teresa

Have You Heard?

 

Have you been listening to all the warnings about October? #1 the signs in the heavenly bodies that reflect messages in the Book of Revelation,  #2 election cycle October surprise,  #3 escalating military operations in Ukraine and the Middle East

What if October is when End Times events actually take off? Are you ready? Are you grieved by what's going on in our world? Is your heart in the right place? Have you warned everyone? These are my internal questions.  

Yah, His Son Yahusha, and the faithful prophets told us what to look for to know that the Day of Yahuah is at hand.  Wars, rumors of wars, like in the days of Noah, people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. Unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control,  brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong,  haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of Yah. We are told that the sun, moon and stars are a method of communication from Yah.

Here are some links to a few videos I have watched lately:

https://youtu.be/K-wimuCg0M4?si=r54tulbabq4p7KU6

https://youtu.be/np7tad9Dvj8?si=TqgXvhEcSYkvn9aL

https://youtu.be/dRxhk5LdjaQ?si=80YdHNDlDTPqOL-n

https://youtu.be/o6tQcWc-ajQ?si=NnezelID6BsLdjHz

Eager to see Yahusha, and concerned about my loved ones

Praying to be found worthy

Teresa

Discernment

 

I was listening to Tucker Carlson speak with John Rich and Russell Brand ( don't judge lol), and they were speaking about a Christian awakening they claim is happening all around the world ( I sure hope so). Tucker Carlson said, "when you hear truth it resounds within you like a bell". Then Russell said, " it's discernment, and not everyone has it". Those statements hit me like a lightning bolt. I, 100%,  agree with them. 

Have you ever tried to share truth with someone and they cocked their head like a confused dog? Or you share a truth and they wish to argue the point? They don't have discernment.  Try as you like,  until they ask for discernment from Yah, they won't get it.  This is so logical,  the things of Yah seldom make sense to us, after all His ways are not our ways, the wisdom of this world is foolishness with Elohim, but if He's given us discernment, we can make some sense of it.  Don't waste your time with frustration or anger, they can't get it right now.  

Our Scriptures warn us: lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him. Seems to me that we understand very little of the world around us if we're only relying on our own ability to comprehend. But if Yah gives us discernment, we can see behind the veil, in the spiritual, so to speak. When the situation comes upon us, when we need to see more clearly, that discernment comes into play. This discernment acts like an instinct sometimes giving us a heads up to "something not right". Like hairs standing up on your neck. Showing us the truth. 

Seek Truth with all your heart. 

A work in progress.  

Parasites and Demons

 

Have you seen these videos? Parasites are demons?!?!?! I'm just blown away.  I'll leave links here:

https://youtu.be/1iQF5xv7PXE?si=yW-6Jp8QXewHFpgk

https://www.youtube.com/live/GMO9lrohW6Q?si=2JprqoVedapez1Pu

This is terrifying and makes so much sense.  The videos present the data correlating the commonalities between the behaviors of demons and parasites.  The Holy Scriptures are also presented as evidence.  Yah gave us instructions regarding diet that would protect us against parasites if properly followed.  Isn't He awesome.  Even Yahusha/Jesus told His disciples that some demons are only removed by prayer and fasting. Fasting is a method to remove parasites from the human body. Ding ding ding. Bells are ringing. All of Yah's instructions are for our well-being.  

A few years ago I was visiting with a friend who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.  I had learned from another friend, Lucinda Robinson, that arthritis or joint inflammation can be a byproduct of parasites.  So I shared this information, and shared Lucinda with her.  She did a parasite cleanse and miracle of miracles she realized some time later that she wasn't suffering with her rheumatoid arthritis.  Her Rheumatoid doctor confirmed that she had indeed made progress with that affliction.  

In the US we don't talk much about parasites.  Some might even be offended if it were suggested to them that they might have parasites.  Yet before big pharma took over our Healthcare industry ( was it an industry before?) families did parasite cleanses every 3 to 6 months.  Now our doctors treat the symptoms of a condition and seldom address the root causes. Gut issues, get a pill... but what if it's a parasite? Joint inflammation and pain, get a pill...but what if it's a parasite? And the research referenced in the videos connects some parasites to altered human behavior.  Take another pill? But what if it's a parasite? 

Watch the videos, do some research, perhaps a parasite cleanse could help you.  

A work in progress 

Teresa

Lucinda Robinson

http://www.naturalherbaltherapy.info/?m=1

https://www.facebook.com/lucindagr?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Old Dogs New Tricks

 

I planted a garden this Spring. It was the first planting after observing the Sabbatical Year. I added copper grounding to my garden, I am not sure what exactly contributed to it,  but I had/have an abundance of tomatoes.  I planted 5 and had 3 volunteers.  This weekend I harvested 22 lbs of tomatoes and 4 lbs of peppers.  Oh and my garden is probably 12'x12'. 

What do I do with so many tomatoes? I taught myself how to water bath can/preserve. So far I have 6 pints of roasted poblano/nacho salsa and 9 pints of stewed tomatoes.  I'm pretty proud of my accomplishment.  Google, YouTube, and my wonderful husband were my partners in this endeavor.  Now I've got the canning bug and am looking for what else I can can... lol can can. For sure I plan to grow lots of okra next year and will pickle okra for my granddaughter who loves that stuff.  

I was pretty intimidated by the thought of canning. Seemed like a complicated thing, this preserving things in jars. There is a real danger of doing it wrong and causing illness with botulism. Yikes! Like I said, intimidating.  But I did it.  I overcame my fears and concerns and taught myself how to do water bath canning. I am pretty proud of myself.  This old dog has a new trick. 

'I can do all things through Yahusha who gives me strength', yes indeed I can.  I may be using this verse out of context, yet I know it is He who enables me, He who gives me courage to step outside of my comfort zone, it is He who gives me wisdom and guidance.  It's all Him.  

A work in progress 

Teresa 

Binge Watching

Lately I've been binge watching this popular medical drama that has over 20 seasons. I had never seen it before. I feel like it's a window into the left- liberal- progressive- woke- world. Every possible woke agenda is front and center to every episode, their world view, what they view as the acceptable perspective, and how they view other perspectives. Medical issues tend to be secondary, but definitely part of each storyline.  As this program spans over the C0vid era, medical issues are woke issues. 

There is one character in particular that annoys me like crazy.  She says "I, me, and mine" countless times in her dialog. She is never happy or content for long, she is fearful of commitment, self absorbed, self aggrandizing, self serving, believes self comes first,  her fullment and identy comes from her work. I find myself yelling at the TV, 'get your eyes off yourself'. Yeah, I know... it's just a fictional tv show. But it reveals a darkness. Art imitates life. It's a reflection of a potion of our society. 

True happiness and contentment comes from Yahuah alone, living a life in service to him. To the world this sounds crazy, but just ask anyone living life in this way and you'll hear about joy unspeakable.  We get to serve our fellow humans and all of creation in service to Yah. The biggest difference is that we get our value from Yah and not from what we, ourselves, are or can do.  We acknowledge that in ourselves we can only accomplish so much, but in Yahusha we can do all things. Keeping a humble attitude, not thinking too highly of ourselves, considering others before ourselves, getting our eyes off ourselves,  that is where contentment begins. Whatever the conditions are around us, we are satisfied in knowing we are where Yah wants us, we are living life in obedience to His instructions for life. He will take us to His ultimate goal for us, and that is to change us and make us like Yahusha. 

Although it is advantageous to be aware of the world around us, we need to take care we don't let it rub off on us. We can empathize with those struggling in the world and be a light to shine the way to life abundant. I am most likely done binging this show. As the seasons progress, is becoming more difficult to stomach, and too much worldly influence is not productive to my walk in faith. 

Striving to keep my eyes off myself and on Him

Teresa

Best Husband Ever!!!!

 

I am beyond grateful for my husband.  I tell him he's like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way. We laugh, but in my eyes it's true. I've known Bill since we were kids, 12 and 14 years of age. He started chasing me at that time.   He told my parents he had been in love with me since he was 12. Looking back it seems like Yah was trying to put us together since then.  

Bill chased and I ran. I think I was looking for the wrong qualities in a guy. I knew Bill had the good qualities,  we had grown very close and considered each other friends.  Yet, I didn't consider him for myself,  I actually married his best friend. This was a two year long disaster.  We divorced,  I moved to the city for a job and to get more education.  Bill found me.  I rejected him again. 

We both married other people, moved back to our home town, and raised families.  My second marriage. We found ourselves attending the same church. We were cordial to each other, but kept our distance.  Our affection for each other and our connection as friends were always put aside for our spouses. They never really knew Bill and I were close friends at one time.  

Many years later both of our marriages collapsed. One evening about a month after I left my husband and got my own apartment,  I got a phone call from Bill's mother. She said Bill's wife had left him and he was crushed. He needed encouragement from a friend.  Apparently she already knew about my impending divorce, but I had no idea about Bill's situation.  Of course I would contact him.  I texted him. And we texted back and forth for about two months.  

We decided to see each other, hang out, like the old days. And like the old days, everything clicked. We fell back into that comfortable friendship which quickly became more. I knew this man,  I knew his heart since childhood. I watched him be a father and husband all those years in church. He was perfect. Why was I so blinded all those years ago? 

Well, the answer could be that I was not deserving of him all those years ago. I had alot of growing to do to be a woman worthy of this man.  Yah knew this, he allowed my life to go in such a way that I learned, grew, matured, and purified in my faith. I am not the same girl in many ways, Yah made me better.  

We just celebrated our 9th anniversary.  I'm the most blessed woman. My husband is one way Yah loves me. My husband is a gift from the Most High, my loving Father who only wants the best for His daughter.  I strive daily to be worthy of this husband Yah has given me. 

Still a work in progress and very grateful 

Teresa

Has It Occurred to You?

 

Has it occurred to you that the Statue of Liberty is a pagan goddess? Most of my life I never gave it much thought.  She is an iconic symbol of the United States.  She was a gift from the counrty of France in 1876, the 100th anniversary of American independence, as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.  She stands on Liberty Island in the Upper New York Bay. She is 305 feet high, she holds a torch in her right hand, and a tablet in her left. Growing up in the 60's-80's, I was taught that this statue represents our country and the USA is a Christian nation. But that's a problem. How can a pagan goddess represent a Christian nation? 

I was serving as a Youth Pastor when I came to the realization that Lady Libery is a pagan goddess. I asked my senior pastor if he knew,  he did indeed know this and was not bothered by it.  But I was.  How can we, a Christian Nation, embrace a pagan diety as our representative, our mascot? A statue of a pagan goddess is an idol, right? Our whole faith is centered on the One True Elohim(God), and He warns us multiple times in His Word about idols.  Why is Lady Liberty OK for most Christians? 

Let's go deeper.  Who is this Lady Liberty? Libertas is her name as the Roman goddess. Britannica says, "Libertas is worshipped as the female personification of liberty and personal freedom. Free will" In Greek culture she is known as Eleutheria. She was also known as Astarte, Ashteroth, and Ishtar. Under these names she's connected with fertility,  temple prostitution,  sexual freedom,  and love. Makes me ponder where our country is spiritually and morally...We willingly place this pagan goddess of freedom, over our nation. Perhaps it's connected,  just saying.  

I am not against liberty. I want freedoms too. My Yah is freedom,  Yahusha came to set the captives free. Free from sin, free from bondage to man made doctrine and rules, free to follow Yah and to walk in His ways,  and folks have the freedom not to choose Him.  But they're not free from the consequences of going their own way.  Seems to me,  if we consider ourselves a Christian nation,  a pagan goddess shouldn't be our representative to the world. 

A work in progress 

Teresa 

Did You Know?

 

Years ago Yah showed me that I had some things wrong. I had the wrong understanding on some things, which affected my understanding of other things. Some of the skewed notions I had came from teachers who also misunderstood, some came from me not doing the research, some came from traditions handed down to me.  I'll share with you and maybe I can give some insight, or prompt someone to do the research themselves.  

Did you know that Judaism is not taught from the Old Testament? Jews do not lean upon the Holy Scriptures: Genesis thru Malachi. They learn from books called the Talmud which contains Gemara and the Mishnah. These are books containing what is referred to as the Oral Traditions/law. The practice of holding Talmud over OT Scriptures began around 200 years before Yahusha/ Jesus was born after the Maccabean Revolt. The priests who were installed into Temple after the Maccabean war were not of the Levitical line of Zadok as commanded by Yahuah. (Numbers 20:24-28, Ezekiel 44:15-31) The new priesthood began the tradition of the Oral Law. 

What is the Oral Law? Well these folks believe that while on the Mountain, Yahua gave Moses a written law aka Torah and an Oral law that was not written down till the 2nd century CE. The Talmud is defined as "the comprehensive written version of the Jewish Oral law and subsequent commentaries on it." So whatever the Rabbis interpreted from the OT Scriptures and the traditions is included and taught as Scripture.  In doing this many laws were added to what is viewed by those who practice Judiasm as the Law of Yahuah( also called The Law of Moses). Ok, so we can glean from this information that when Yahusha/Jesus was at odds with the religious authorities it was because of those extra laws they were imposing on the people. ( Matt 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-4, Luke 6:6-11, Luke 14:1-6 just a few examples)

The writings of Paul used to confuse me, it seemed like he was talking about more than one law. Well, he was.  He was telling us that we are to keep the instructions in the Torah (OT writings and prophets) and not the Oral Traditions that had been lifted up as equal to the words of Yahuah.  If we are not aware of the fact that Paul was speaking of two different laws, we can be confused.  Which is exactly what Peter warned us about in 2 Peter 3:15-17. Peter was concerned that we would be confused and turn from Yahuah's written instructions for life and become lawless or Torahless. 

I hope this will lead someone, anyone who cares to seek it out, to a deeper, fuller understanding of their walk in the Way of Yahusha/ Jesus. 

A Good Work in Progress 

Teresa

Integrity

 

“Again, you heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to יהוה.’But I say to you, do not swear [vainly] at all, neither by the heaven, because it is Elohim’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool nor by Yerushalayim, for it is the city of the great Sovereign; nor swear by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black. “But let your word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ And what goes beyond these is from the wicked one. (Matt 5:33-37)

Integrity in our speech.

Have you ever paid close attention to the speech of yourself and others looking for the ways we emphasize, exaggerate, and highlight what is being said? So many times we are adding an element of dishonesty to the conversation when we employ these tactics to express the ideas we are communicating.  Years ago Yah showed this to me.  I do try to be honest and not exaggerate when conveying a message, but it's something we are bombarded with daily when consuming the news. The cleverly worded headlines seldom reflect the story. I keep in mind that I am accountable for every word I speak (Matt 12:36), someone is keeping track. 

Integrity in our actions

Galatians 6:7 Do not be led astray: Elohim is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap.

Hebrews 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all are naked and laid bare before the eyes of Him with whom is our account.

1 John 3:19-21 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall set our hearts at rest before Him, that if our heart condemns us, Elohim is greater than our heart, and knows all. Beloved ones, if our heart does not condemn us, we have boldness toward Elohim.

Someone is keeping track of our actions/works/deeds as well as our words. People are capable of horrendous things if they think no one will know.  But all will be made known and laid bare. We will give an account for all things done in secret. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking,  yet Yah is always looking.  

Integrity with ourselves 

It is self defeating to be dishonest with ourselves.  How can you repent of sins of which we've given ourselves excuses? How can we lose that extra five pounds if we ignore the 500 calories in that milk shake? And on the other hand,  how easily we can be judged by another person's standard if we are not holding ourselves to Yah's standard? Lying to ourselves only postpones the inevitable pain of being held responsible.  We have to face those sins, confess and repent to propel our spiritual growth.  We gotta give up the milk shakes or limit them in order to lose that five pounds. If we are striving for Yah's standard, then other's standards are dim in comparison, and we won't care about false accusations, walking with our heads held high.  

I didn't make it to the Baptism event,  but did manage a 48 hour fast.  It always makes my body feel awesome, sometimes I forget that.  

A work in progress 

Teresa 

Reverent Fear and Humility

 

Two things required to grow in faith are reverent fear and humility. What is reverent fear? It is a deep respect and awe of The Most High Elohim. Not to be equated with being terrified of something evil, but more like a dread of displeasing or disappointing Yah. Ok, now,  what is humility? Humility is being humble in your view of yourself.  Not thinking too highly of yourself,  not being prideful or arrogant.  To understand that you are the created, not the Creator. 

Job was a humble man but he also received a lesson in humility. In Job 38, Yah responds to Job's queries regarding the trials Job had endured. Job didn't understand why he had gone thru so much loss when he viewed himself as one who walked the narrow path and wasn't deserving of the difficulties and losses in which he had experienced.  

Iyoḇ (Job) 38:2 TS2009

[2] “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

Iyoḇ (Job) 38:4 TS2009

[4] Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.

Yah reminds Job that Job is the created and Yah is Creator. The created doesn't question the Creator. His ways are not our ways,  and there's much we don't and won't understand till all is revealed to us in the Kingdom. Life is full of trials, difficulties and losses. We need to rest in the knowledge that Yah is in control. All things work together for the good for those who love YHWH and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And He has a plan to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Reverent fear: those words bring to mind the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16:1-33) and Ananias and Sephria ( Acts 5:1-11). Korah challenged Moses's authority and the ground opened up and swallowed Korah, his tent, his belongings and his family. Who are we to complain or have an opinion about the way Yah does things? Ananias and his wife Sephria were dishonest to Peter  which was equated to lying to the Holy Spirit  and died instantly when confronted by Peter. Integrity could have saved this couple. These two stories put a reverent fear in my heart.  All of these people were in the camp of Yah, yet they were weighed and found wanting. Never lose sight of the fact that Yah is Elohim and we are not.  

A work in progress 

Teresa

Heart Prep

 

The Fall Holy Feasts are coming up soon. I'm super excited for the Feast of Tabernacles aka Sukkot. We have our reservations for Lebanon Missouri, I'm planning our menu,  making blackout curtains for my Sukkah(travel trailer) and looking inward to the condition of my heart.  Before we get to the blessed celebration of Sukkot we must go thru Feast of Trumpets, Ten Days of Awe, and Yom Kippur(Day of Atonement). These Feasts are to purify us, weed out the tares, bring about great repentance and lead us into the Bridal Feast of the Lamb (Sukkot). 

This has been a crazy year so far,  and I have no doubt it will get crazier before the election and after.  As I mull over my heart,  what wounds and conflicts my heart has encountered, I want to see into the nooks and crannies. Gotta make sure the Light reaches every area.  No holding onto grudges, no self pitty or self preservation, no worry and doubt, no darkness. To be clean and free from all that baggage,  just to walk with Yahusha's saturating Light and forgiveness.  We're going to get baptized again this weekend. Seems like a good place to start.  

Create a clean heart in me oh Yahuah. Show me my sins,  lead me into repentance. Let there be no unclean thing in me.  Show me your ways,  and teach me to walk in them that I may have life,  life abundant. Let me not turn to the left or to the right, keeping my eyes on you. Abba, I ask you for our children and grandchildren, draw them near to you,  let not one of them be lost to the evil one.  Make our sons like Yitzak and Ya'akov strong leaders in The Way. Make our daughters like Rivka and Rachel, Proverbs 31 women. In the name of Yahusha,  amen

Anticipating the Return of Yahusha 

Teresa

What is Sin?

Sin, such a vague word. If you ask 20 people "what is sin?", you may get 20 different answers. In church we are taught DO NOT SIN. But seldom do we get a definition for sin, even though the New Testament Scriptures give a finite definition: 1 John 3:4 KJV[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Doesn't seem so vague there. Let's look deeper.  

If it looks like Greek, it is. That word for sin is #266. Let's see what that means.  

https://biblehub.com/thayers/266.htm

We can see from a deep search that sin is: missing the mark, an error. The mark being the law. Ok now what constitutes "the law" here? 

The word for lawlessness here is #458 anomia, from #459 anomos.

https://biblehub.com/strongs/greek/459.htm

Do you see it? Without law, particularly the "Jewish" law? You are lawless when you transgress the "Jewish" law...the Torah given by Yahuah.  

At this point you will hear from Bible scholars that the laws (instructions) fall into different categories: moral, ceremonial, and judicial.  This is a man made concept you cannot find in the Bible.  What you can find is that there are certain laws for certain people or situations and not every law applies to every person.  Some laws cannot be applied at this point because there's no temple or Levitical priesthood.  

My personal conclusion is that I want to keep every Torah law or instruction that applies to me the best that I can to be in obedience to my El. Yahusha warned that many will come to him astonished that they were left out of the kingdom only to hear from Him that they practiced anomia/lawlessness/Torahlessness. I want to hear "well done good and faithful servant".

https://youtu.be/uWXlfY12iis?si=LJH_C2_IPxIFyyo0

https://youtu.be/WMDgup8rjME?si=f-KGf8L6eFDVvtSG

Still a work in progress

Teresa