Tag: Life

Journey Update (part 2)

What i have come to understand about shadows and prophecy, fullness and fulfillment. In part 2 of my Journey update i want to explore these things and encourage you to be a Berean and explore them for yourself as well…

There was a time that i worked at DIA (Denver International Airport) as a ramp agent, affectionately known among peers as ramp rats. We made a song, don’t ask me to sing it, not that it was vulgar, they all knew of and respected my faith. First, i don’t remember most of it and two i was once asked if i was tone deaf after singing. Anyway, it was a pretty cool gig. Besides all the cool benefits it was just fun work, physically tiring, but fun. One of the cool parts of working there was all the sights of various planes taking off and landing. The shadow of a plane on the ground as it came in getting larger and larger until it merged with the wheels on the runway as if Tinker Bell had sown them together. Revealing the fullness of the shadow in the presence of the plane.

The shadow of the plane on the ground looks like a plane. You can hear the plane, and see its shadow, an image of what is to come. As the object gets closer, the shadow grows in size until the fullness of the image casting the shadow arrives. The shadow doesn’t change it becomes more full when the substance of the shadow, the plane arrives. The planes shadow is an image of what is to come and when the substance arrives it reveals the fullness of the casted shadow. The shadow becomes something that you can enter into in its complete form.

John 1:1-3

“In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with Elohim,
and the Word was Elohim.

He existed in the beginning with Elohim.

Elohim created everything through Him,
Fore nothing was created except through Him.”

Yahoshua is the fullness, He is the substance of the shadow of what was to come. The Word casted its shadow on humanity, through Israel. Yahoshua, the Word made flesh, was the arrival of the Torah. The instruction (Torah) known as the Word, a shadow of things to come, arrived as the Word became flesh, Yahoshua Messiah. As Paul writes to the Colossians: “which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Messiah’s.” (Colossians 2:17)

Yahoshua is the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s Prophecy in 31:31-34– “Behold, the days are coming, declares YHWH, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares YHWH. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares YHWH: I will put My law (Torah) within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘know YHWH,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares YHWH. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” In Hebrews this is brought up as fulfilled in Messiah. (See Hebrews 8)

The Word didn’t change. The Torah didn’t change. Elohim didn’t change. His instruction didn’t change. The method of delivery changed. The Holy Spirit is the written Torah, the written WORD, on the hearts of those within the Nation of Israel, whether by birth or by adoption, grafted into . . . There is one Torah for the native and for those who adjoin themselves to the people of Elohim. When we enter into the fullness of Messiah we are no longer Gentiles or Jews but we are one people, the people of Elohim, we are the bride. As gentiles (any nation of people not of the 12 tribes of Israel) can not live outside the foundation and root of the Hebrew Nation which is founded on the Word of Elohim, who was made flesh and dwelt among us, and now resides in the heart of the believer through the Holy Spirit. The written Word on our Hearts does not free us from Torah but empowers us to live it!

Yahoshua didn’t come and die for our sin so that we could live a life of sin. Sin as defined by 1 John 2:3-6 —
“This is how we know that we know Him: if we keep his commands. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and yet doesn’t keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His Word (Torah), truly in him the love of Elohim is made complete. This is how we know we are in Him: The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.” He came to reconcile us to the Father, take the punishment of our disobedience, and show us how to live. Paul, says, “imitate me as I imitate Messiah.” We also need to understand what John was referring to when he says, the word, and His commandments. As Paul instructs Timothy in his 2nd letter to him: “All Scripture is breathed out by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Neither Paul or John were in anyway referring to their own letters or the Gospels, but the written Word of Elohim of the day, the Tanakh, which includes the Torah, or instruction, which has been translated, Law.

The shadow of things to come, has come in fullness through Yahoshua. And in the millennium, we will continue to live these instructions of Elohim. We will observe the Sabbath, the Feast Days, and the commandments of Elohim. As we have been taught to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” May we through the power of the Holy Spirit begin to live our lives in the pattern of Yahoshua Messiah, imitating Him as Paul demonstrates.

You are loved,
cj

Supreme

“For Elohim in all His fullness was pleased to live in Messiah.” Colossians 1:19

“In the beginning the WORD already existed. The WORD was with Elohim, and the WORD was Elohim.” John 1:1

“. . . and through the Son He created the Universe.” Hebrews 1:2b

There is no other name under heaven in which on can be saved. Yahoshua is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In the end, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Yahoshua Messiah, to the glory of Elohim the Father. The Father, revealed through the Son, and in the Son. Revealed, even in Word, and Deed, in Name and in Purpose.

Joshua son of Nun, who led the people of Israel into the promised land was named Hoshea. It was through Moses, that Elohim changed his name to Joshua. Some would think this name is inconsequential, most read right over it because lets be real, names and genealogies are boring. However, here is a revelation to all of humanity. Hoshea means, salvation, the name change puts the emphasis on who is salvation, Yahoshua, means, YHWH IS Salvation.

Who saves? YHWH saves, Yahoshua saves, “I and My Father are One.” “But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father has commanded Me, thus I do.” Paul said, “Be imitators of me, as I also am of Messiah.” What did Yahoshua do? He kept the Sabbath, He kept the feasts, He ate clean. What did Paul do?

He kept the Sabbath — Acts 17:2 & 18:4
He kept the Feasts — Acts 20:6 & 20:16
He instructed on the Feasts — 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
He believed in Torah — Acts 24:14
He taught the Torah — Acts 28:23 & Romans 3:31
He obeyed the Torah — Romans 7:25
He delighted in Torah — Romans 7:22
He said IMITATE ME as I IMITATE MESSIAH 1 Corinthians 4:16 & 11:1

Are we saved by keeping the Law or the Torah? No, we are saved by Grace as was Noah, as was Abram. We show our love for Messiah, by keeping His commandments. In Luke 6:46 Yahoshua said, “Why do you call Me ‘Adonai, Adonai,’ but not do what I tell you?” We are set apart by Torah. What significance is there in keeping Torah? It sets us apart from the pagan, and the unbelieving. To worship on the Sabbath demonstrates our thankfulness in His provision, if even the land was commanded to keep the Sabbath shouldn’t we? If Yahoshua became the Sabbath wouldn’t keeping it honor Him even more?

The very fact that the commandment starts with the word, “Remember,” should be motivation enough. It should also give us pause to reflect on why there has been such an attempt to forget the Sabbath. To celebrate the Feasts is to honor Him, “These are MY FEASTS” if we are His people should we not honor Him by keeping His Feasts and not the traditions of men, which is one of the major points of contention between Yahoshua and the Pharisees? And if clean and unclean came before the Torah, should we not also now keep the clean and unclean dietary practices? Certainly if Elohim is the same yesterday, today, and forever; we should. Does this make us Holy? No. Does it show that we love Him and want to honor Him? Yes!

We are instructed to be set apart, sanctified, holy. This is done through Yahoshua, who is our example, not our free pass to idolatry. “If we know what is good and we do not do it, that to us is sin,” said James. Also, in Revelation 3 Yahoshua says:

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on His throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

It seems to me that this is a direct reflection of Jeremiah 31:31-34 in which is written:

Behold, the days are coming, declares Adonai, when I will renew My covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand
to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they broke My covenant,
though I was a husband to them.” it is a declaration of Adonai.
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days” —it is a declaration of Adonai—
“I will put My Torah within them. Yes, I will write it on their heart. I will be their Elohim and they will be My people. No longer will each teach his neighbor or each his brother, saying: ‘Know Adonai,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest.” it is a declaration of Adonai. “For I will forgive their iniquity, their sin I will remember no more.”

For those who will say that the Gentiles and Israel are two separate tracks of Elohim’s story with humanity, i give you Yahoshua, “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be ONE flock, one Shepherd.” (John 10:16) Is Messiah divided, that this ONE flock would be separate somehow? No, not at all, they become one under the Shepherd who is the WORD of ELOHIM made FLESH. And He declared that He is knocking on the heart of the lukewarm believer, and if we open to Him He will come in and in essence write the Torah on our hearts.

This is also taught by Paul, for he understood this to be true. “And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for Elohim has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.” Earlier Paul warned the gentiles, “do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.” (Excerpts from Romans 11:18-24)

So then what? Is it by grace or works of the Law? As James says, “Faith without works is dead . . . I will show you my faith by my works.” Yahoshua said, “Why do you call Me Adonai, and not do as I commanded?” If we are to love Elohim with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength isn’t it reasonable to think that living by the commandments of Elohim is within the realm of loving Him completely? Keeping holy what he declares holy and unclean what he calls unclean, is this also not a sign of our love for Him? To join Him in celebration of His Feasts, is this not also a condition and confession of our heart?

i present this as a question, i choose to live it as a statement. i am not under the law, yet, i choose to live in the footsteps of My Adonai, by the power of His Holy Spirit within me, writing Torah on my heart.

You are loved,
cj

Abandon Your Faith

It seems many walk away from faith in Elohim because of bad experiences within the Church. Either that or because they, “prayed and prayed, but nothing happened.” Both of these excuses are selfish as our example, Yahoshua’s garden prayer, “Let this cup pass from me,” was not answered. Yet, He still walked the road to Golgotha. Our example, Yahoshua from a heart of compassion while being brutally murdered cried, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” In the midst of abandonment, our example, Yahoshua, found Peter who denied ever knowing Yahoshua, even to the point of cursing, and ask him, “Do you love Me?” And then said, “Feed My sheep.”

“I have said all these things to you so that you will not abandon your faith. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to Elohim. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor Me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.” (John 16:1-4)

Our example, Yahoshua, told them they would be expelled from the Synagogues, the churches of the day. That they would be killed in the name of Elohim, out of ignorance. For they will believe they are serving Elohim. Look at Paul, he pursued the believers relentlessly in the name of Elohim. Paul/Saul was there at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:51-60). Paul, who had faith in Elohim, came to know the Messiah on the road to Damascus. Even though His mission to Damascus was one of persecution, Yahoshua, revealed Himself. This shows us Paul’s heart, he loved Elohim, his desire was for Him, and he was open to receive.

The early Church met in the Synagogues. They were a sect of judaism known as the “Sect of the Nazarene.” Yet, because of their belief in Yahoshua Messiah, they were expelled. Scattered among the nations, this Sect of the Nazarene did not abandon their faith but proclaimed it. “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the Word.” (Acts 8:1). It was because they knew both the Father and the Son, they believed in their hearts that Yahoshua truly was the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

There is coming, not long from now, a persecution the Church has never seen. Many are unprepared, as they wait for a pre-tribulation rapture event. Scripture tells a different story. One of great persecution and trial and death. One where the world seeks to wipe from the face of the earth all who call on the Name of Yahoshua. If you are not prepared to endure you might find yourself in the shoes of Peter, denying and cursing the name of Yahoshua. Even perhaps, in the shoes of Judas, betraying those who call on the name of Yahoshua. We are called to endure, with the hope of knowing, we, as did Yahoshua, will rise again. We will rule and reign with Him in eternity. Only be ready to holdfast, endure to the end.

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.”

You are loved,
cj

Through the Noise

Life is loud, people are loud, TV is loud, music is loud, the walls echo, and silence only comes in your sleep and even then it is interrupted; click-clack-slam, twenty-two times. When i was locked in a cell one would think that it would be solitary, lonely, quiet, none of those things are wholly true. Perhaps solitary for a moment but when crammed two to a single-person cell, not so much. Lonely, only in the darkness of thought. Quiet, only in your dreams. It did however, give way to thought and an increasing desire to listen to Elohim, through the noise.

Even now as i sit and think and write in the hall, voices echo, doors slam . . . knock-knock “house cleaning,” over and over. The highway is abuzz with the constant flow of traffic. Sirens in the distance reveal drama unfolding somewhere for someone, only the participants know for certain, to what extent.

Everyday, i fight through the noise of echoing voices, bouncing off the brick walls. Often those voices yelling in anger, frustration, even madness. It takes a great deal of concentration to focus on what i am reading. To quiet my mind, and my ears, and of course my thought in order to focus on listening to the Word as i read from the pages of Scripture.

Reminding myself of passages like Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am Elohim. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” As well as reminding myself that although i am here in the world, this present moment is not my identity; “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 17:18-19) And although survival instincts kick in when life is thrown at me, i need the reminder, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of Elohim, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

On the day i penned most of what is above i was grappling with John 5. In particular, John 5:6-7; “…Do you want to be healed?” Do i? Do you? As the world distracts, as it pulls, as it turns, as it stirs; “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” The thoughts swirl around in my head, my heart turns with anxiety, the world becomes darkened, the words echo in the hollows of my soul, “Do you want to be healed?” Do i? Do you?

Be not conformed to this world. We are new creations, the old is gone. Let the past go, strain forward for what lies ahead in Yahoshua Messiah. Focus on things above, those things that are true, and lovely, and righteous.

“In all circumstances take up the shield of FAITH, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16

Focus through the noise.

You are loved,
cj

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The Inhumanity of Humanity pt 1

When i was a young teenager, i don’t recall my exact age maybe 14, we put our family dog, Shawnee down. Shawnee was a beautiful, intelligent, protective, friend. A full bread German-Shepherd who had been with us since i was just two years old. As with many German-Shepherd’s Shawnee suffered from debilitating hip dysplasia. i remember the day the decision was made, i carried her to the car and put her in the back seat in tears. She looked grateful, of course i don’t really know what she was thinking but it was almost as if she knew and was thinking, “thank you, you have been good to me, it is my time, I love you;” Spoken with her eyes and the gentle nudge of her nose to my cheek.

Later, i would have a similar experience with Nanook a coyote/terrier mix. Think of a coyote’s long pointy snout and slim build, covered in the shag of a terrier’s fur. She was incredibly loyal, protective, and loving. As i held her in the veterinary office and watched them inject her, the relief in her eyes as the pain faded away, i again sensed the thoughts of gratitude. “Thank you for all you have done, I am ready to go but know this, I have and always will love you.”

While serving as pastor, i sat with many a family as they said goodbye to a loved one being taken off life support. The words of affection spoken to mostly lifeless bodies by those remaining behind always tore at my heart. Being a comfort in a time like that is never easy and no matter how many times i had experienced it, it never got easier. Death is uncomfortable, even when expected.

In 2020 i said goodbye to my mom. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in April and she died in August. While on hospice she was home so we got to spend that time with her as opposed to how hospitals were treating families due to Covid, inhumanely. However, watching my mom fade away each day was ten times worse than being in the room with members of my congregation as they said goodbye to a family member i really didn’t know.

We strive to live forever in a fallen world rather than celebrate into our forever, eternity with Yahoshua. Of course families who do not have that hope or are saying goodbye to someone who doesn’t have that hope will rightly grieve more difficultly. Not withstanding this notion of the lost-loved-one, for what do we preserve life that we sacrifice our loved ones to pain and torment? We treat our pets with more dignity.

i was talking with Melvin, a friend of mine, one evening. He recently lost his mom. As we talked about grief and loss, we also discussed the impact such an event has on the family dynamics. Through our conversation that evening i was once again struck with the inhumanity of humanity. Don’t get me wrong life is precious. We only get one shot on earth really, but i think we need to seriously consider our end of life options. No i am not talking about letting people suicide themselves because life is hard or uncomfortable or even when suffering some incurable disease, at least not in the beginning. That’s really a side note, just me thinking out loud with my fingers. The point that i want to make here was made in that very famous Pete Seeger song, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” Also, you can find it in the pages of Scripture . . . Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
YHWH’s Given Task
What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that Elohim has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”

Written into the pages of Elohim’s sacred book we see that time is ordained. There is a time for every purpose and that He, YHWH, El Shaddai, has made. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what Elohim has done from the beginning to the end.

i don’t necessarily have the answer to this one. When i began writing, i simply wanted to express the idea, that we treat our pets with greater compassion than we do our human loved ones. And as i read the words in Ecclesiastes and sing the song in my head i can’t help but wonder, how might we treat end of life situations with a bit more compassion and humanity? And, more importantly, how do we steal time, or redeem time, or spend time in a way that expresses the Creators beauty of life?

You are loved,
cj

Feeling ???

Have you ever wanted a personal assistant who would do all the things in life that you didn’t want to do, thereby giving you more time to enjoy the things in life you want to do? For instance, i want to clean up my blog, link topics better, maybe create page links for specific topics, that sort of thing. This project will take quite a bit of time. It will be tedious and require good notes, good memory, and good organizational skills. As far as note taking goes, i am not the best, and my organizational skills, although not terrible, are not necessarily the greatest, my memory however is great, at least at the present time anyway.

Now left with the reality that i will have to do this myself, i lack the necessary motivation required. Time isn’t really an issue. i live alone if one neglects to count Shiloh who although is dependent upon me is not a dependent but a friend. my present employment is flexible allowing me to work when i want, for instance its snowing today and i decided that i didn’t want to work, so here i am. i can be both a night owl and a morning person, as long as a meeting isn’t involved in that morning or at anytime for that matter. In fact, i lack any good excuse whatsoever. All that to simply say this, i want it done, but i don’t want to do it.

Any success in life, is about finding purpose that ignites desire and motivation, hard work and discipline, dedication and drive. You can have desire but if you lack motivation, it’s not happening. You might be a hardworking person but if you lack discipline, forget about it. You can be dedicated but without drive, you are not going anywhere. Finding ones purpose is essential to success, it is the root answer to the question, what is the meaning of life? Want to know why depression is on the rise, look no further than purpose. People who lack a sense of purpose are going to naturally be depressed.

The easier life gets with technology and various inventions, the harder life becomes in finding purpose. There are different depths to purpose it isn’t just your purpose in life. Which i believe is the root cause of depression in younger people. It’s not always as profound as life, it could be work, school, hobbies, family, or any subcategory of life itself. If i were to ask you what is your purpose how would you respond? Some having trouble answering, are asked to start with what motivates you, what is your passion? They will say, answer that and you are on your way to finding a purpose. However, be careful as this purpose or lack of is a trap to a false sense of purpose.

Case in point my blog, it is not my purpose. No matter how much i want it to be it simply isn’t my purpose. But i could fool myself into thinking that it is, dedicate myself to it, pour myself into it, and in the end feel unfulfilled as if my life has no purpose. No the purpose to life, the answer, it is spiritual and it involves understanding the bigger picture of the meaning of life. Knowing your purpose will be what gives you the ability to get through any obstacles.

Purpose:
“The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Luke 19:10

“Then Yahoshua answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.’” John 5:19

“Come and See” John 1:39

“Follow Me” John 1:43

“Not My will . . .” Luke 22:42

“Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Yahoshua of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ And Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” John 1:44-46

What is your purpose?

“And Yahoshua came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Adon Yahoshua, giving thanks to Yahweh the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Your purpose isn’t your job, it isn’t your family, it isn’t your hobby, it isn’t your friends, your purpose is to glorify Elohim. So with your purpose known, when you go to work, when you serve your family, when you are out with your friends, when you are engrossed in your hobby, when you are all alone, ask yourself, “How can I do this in a manner that is befitting the name of Yahoshua?”

Let His life, death, and resurrection be your desire and motivation, hard work and discipline, dedication and drive, He is our purpose.

You are loved,

cj

He is Coming.

It’s faint, in the distance, the group falls silent. How far, is hard to tell. Yet, it is distinct like the sound of one walking a trail in a thick forest. The sound brings with it a feeling, and it inspires the senses. A smell of pine in the air along with falls crisp morning. Even in the house one feels as if their very souls were as dew settling on the grass. It is both comforting and alarming. Sitting around the table a hush has fallen as they search each others eye’s and yet look past them. It’s hard to think about. It’s wonderful, yet it is also unknown. Silence is broken as one musters up the strength, in a quiet breath, just slightly above a whisper, “He’s coming.”

This is not a new scene. It has played out before. Once in a garden, once in a stable, and now. The feeling of what is to come has been here before and all along. He walked in the garden and we hid in our shame. Later, He was birthed in a stable covered in blood. Then a man He would hang on a tree, bloody, bearing no shame of His own but ours, willingly. He approaches again, to settle accounts, who has enough to pay the debt? No one. Yet, no one need pay anything. The debt has already been paid. Only receive it by faith through repentance. Time whispers, “He’s coming.”

As the foot steps grow louder, you can feel the earth shake with anticipation as it longs for restoration. Nature shifts, the waves roar, the storms rage, but man misses His approach, consumed by self, what must we do? Surely we must do something. Nature becomes humanities focus even while nature whispers, “He’s coming.”

The noise is deafening. It is hard to think clearly. Life consumes, the destroyer wages war on the soul of humanity, whom the destroyer hates, with distraction after distraction. The destroyer knows how, having studied the likeness of He who is coming, the destroyer lays out traps as only the destroyer can do. The destroyers time is running out, with every footstep heard, the noise doesn’t deaden the sound for the destroyer knows all too well his fate. The destroyer hesitant to acknowledge, whispers, “He’s coming.”

Most are unprepared. Many are without understanding. Lost in their perceived reality, devoid of the impending doom. Few have enough oil to get through the night. Night is coming. Do you have enough oil for your lamp? Go and buy oil without money. Put out the distractions from your mind. Sit in silence. Be still. Listen. Get ready. Every soul willingly or unwillingly, whispers, “He’s coming.”

He is coming.

You are loved,

cj

Labor Day Special

“. . . holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Messiah I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:16

There are a few head scratching things about a Labor Day Special. The very idea of it is to draw in business, increasing sales; “come in today for ‘Unbelievable Labor Day Specials!’” However, who is it that is going to help you? A Laborer. What is Labor Day anyway? According to the History Channel, and i take extreme liberty in paraphrasing, (read more about Labor Day here) it is a day to celebrate the laborer. Yet we have decided the best way to celebrate is to have sales that require laborers to labor on Labor Day. We have a lot of weird things in our culture like this, “Black Friday” the day after Thanksgiving just to name another. Mostly people buying things for the sake of a sale. We are a consumer driven society, we want things and we will go out of our way to buy them on sale.

Lately, i have been noticing a few more empty shelves. In some instances i am noticing lots of shelves filled with the same product, seemingly because there is an abundance of one and a lack of another. So to keep the appearance of looking stocked, they just put out what they have. Have you been hearing any rumblings of an impending food shortage? According to Business Insider, “Zoom out and it’s clear: A food crisis is unfolding around the world, with prices shooting up everywhere.”

One of the things i enjoy is watching prepper channels on YouTube. Most of them have cool, innovative, solutions for general crisis and natural disasters that would make life easier during a difficult time. However, if you are a student of history one thing you should know is that in times of war and in times of famine, food becomes incredibly valuable. In Germany in the lead up to extreme Jewish persecution the government came and confiscated food. During the occupation of Eastern Europe food rationing was a big part of how they controlled the citizenry. Of course one would say, that wouldn’t happen here, and to a degree one would be right. However, food is a powerful tool. When a population is hungry and they are told a certain group is hoarding food, it sorta creates a different dynamic. In a crisis certain things are enacted, water rationing, rolling blackouts, so if one hopes to be a survivalist, you will need to understand each facet with all the moving parts. Think you are safe because you own your own land or grow your own food . . . Just look at this article by The Western Journal.

Here is my point, i certainly do not want to discourage anyone from preparing for disaster or crisis, especially given the times in which we live. However, do so quietly. No fan-far. Fly under the radar the best you can. But now for this advice, and this advice is free, yet, it may just be the most valuable piece of advice i can give. It comes from Revelation 3:16-22.

“SO, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘Rich I am, and I am made rich, and need none at all,’ and do not know that you are wretched, and pitiable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so that you become rich; and white garments, so that you become dressed, so that the shame of your nakedness might not be shown; and anoint your eyes with ointment, so that you see. As many as I love, I reprove and discipline. So be ardent and repent. See, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I shall come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I shall give to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”

You are loved,

cj

You seek the impossible!

Be encouraged; seek unity; love one another; These three statements are becoming increasingly difficult to live. Yet, throughout the New Testament we are told to live this way. How are we to be encouraged when looking at the direction of this world, unless one chooses to live in ignorance? How is one to seek unity when every issue is so divisive? How are we to love one another in such a fractured world? i don’t pretend to know all the answers but let me at least point us in a direction to explore.

Be encouraged. There’s a war, rumors of wars, violence of every kind, inflation at never before seen levels, pandemics, a food shortage brewing, and the list could continue. So how exactly is one to “be encouraged?” Here are a few verses to ponder. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 “For Elohim did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Adonai Yahshua ha’Mashiah, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort (encourage) each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” Here is one that i find personally encouraging, Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Seek unity. We are being divided by, race, gender identity, social economic classes, political affiliation, vaccine status, pro this or anti that, and the absolute vitriol that comes from certain sides is frightening as it is full of unseen hypocrisy by those spewing it. Yet, let us consider these words. Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Is this calling us to compromise? Not at all! Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Elohim’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Later in this passage it says; “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18). This brings us to . . .

Love one another. How do you love someone who seemingly hates you? How do you show love to one who uses you or is evil? The Romans passage continues (12:19-21) “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of Elohim, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says YWHW. ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Colossians 3:12-14 puts it this way; “Therefore, as chosen ones of Elohim, holy and beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other if anyone has a complaint against another, indeed as Messiah forgave you so also should you forgive.”

There is one point i feel needs to be made. When talking about unity, or love, or encouraging one another, in the context of the Church it is done to and for the unity of the Body of Believers. It is through our love for fellow believers of the WAY, that we achieve unity in the Body of Messiah and are able to truly encourage one another. It is in this genuine fellowship that those that are not of the WAY see us as a light on a hill, set apart, different. And in that we hope for the opportunity to share the Gospel of our Messiah Yahshua. Yes, we love everyone. Yes, we encourage, and yes we seek to live in unity with all, however, not at the expense of our commitment to holiness found in Yahshua ha’Mashiah.

Therefore, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25

You are loved,

cj

Be aware, be kind, be giving, love

“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our Elohim and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James‬ 1:27

If there is one thing that has always been in the forefront of my faith it is to take care of those in distress. i won’t list the times here as this isn’t about ringing my own bell just simply that even with all i can point to i still feel as if i need to do more. The other day i was talking with some folks and as we talked life and such we got on the subject of foster care. i have done foster care several times and it is an incredible opportunity to show the love of Elohim.

Even if you are unable to take in children, you can support those that do or as i discussed with this couple; Most of these kids when taken from home to home pile all their belongings in trash bags. What if the next time you replace your luggage you take a suitcase down to the foster care center and donate it to a child. Instead of them feeling as if all their worth is garbage they can have some sort of dignity.

It’s not just here but i try to be aware of my friends, especially those that are single mothers. What do they need? Money to help their kids play sports? A bill that is due and you can see their stress? i will often donate to support their children’s sports or pay a bill for them. These aren’t huge but they are helpful. It doesn’t require a lot just awareness. Be aware of those around you. i don’t always give but what i do is seek the Holy Spirits direction and remain open to His leading.

i just want to encourage you in these days of uncertainty, inflation is on the rise, and the cost of living is a giant stress. Those in need now are really going to feel the stress before some of us do . . . Be aware, be kind, be giving, love those around you the best you can. “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our Elohim and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself untainted by the world.”

You are loved,

cj