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Mishpatim – Ordinances Exodus 21:1-24:18
Parasha Mishpatim is an illustration of YHVH's view that there is not two-parts to a man nor separation between a person's secular life and his religious life. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the three entities of one (echad) God, so is man, one man. And yet today, the majority of society has been deceived into believing that they can be a different person and act one way in business and another on Shabbat (or Sunday, if that is still your belief system). YHVH says - not so.
Yithro - Jethro Exodus 18:1-20:26
The past several weeks the book of Exodus revealed YHVH’s plan of redemption. As we study this parashot we begin to transition from YHVH’s deliverance to what was expected of the people in becoming the betrothed of a Holy God. It is a loud and clear message for today's believers who are bought by the blood of the lamb, Yeshua.
Beshalach - When he let go
Exodus 13:17-17:16
Let us not let the familiarity of this parasha dull our perception of the significance of these scriptures to our lives. We must remember that this is all part of the picture for God’s salvation plan and is repeatedly reminding us of God’s presence and provision. We, who live in the "last days" need to grab hold of these truths to arise and shine in the midst of the prophesied difficulties ahead.
Bo – Go Exodus 10:1 – 13:16
In this week’s parashah we read about the last three plagues upon Egypt – locusts, darkness and death of Egypt’s firstborn. While the awesomeness of YHVH’s miracles and process of deliverance should be ever present in our being, we again must focus what the Ruach is telling those of us who live in these end times.
Va’eira – I Appeared Exodus 6:2-9:35
The knowledge of the next two parashah are among the most well known bible stories of all time. However, the story, mysteries and instructions of YHVH contained in these two accounts are vast and full of the main plot – redemption – and sub plot upon sub plot of repentance instructions, overcoming the deities of the land, characteristics of YHVH, Moses’ change, and Israel’s separation from YHVH’s judgments.
Shemot - Names Exodus 1:1-6:1
In our study of the Torah, the patterns, shadows, and types give understanding so that we might encourage each other, understand the ways of YHVH and discern their instructions for our day as brought to light by the Holy Spirit. As we consider the parallels between the story of Exodus and our day under the blood covenant of our Messiah, it becomes more and more clear that our “redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28) Study the enemies' tactics and YHVH's ways in preparing His called out ones.
Vayechi – And he lived. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years. (Genesis 47:28) In this Torah review let us consider the lessons we can learn from the blessings of all the tribes.
Vayigash: He Drew Near
Genesis 44:18-47:27
In the closing chapters of the Joseph account we see the prophetic expression of Messiah’s ministry toward Ephraim and a willingness to give his life in exchange for Benjamin’s charge of sin. It is a story with so many analogies; there can be no doubt of its significance to the Christian and Jew alike. And yet, after centuries of waiting, the Jews missed the Messiah they were looking for because they were looking more for Messiah ben David the conquering king, than Messiah ben Joseph, the suffering servant. Can Yeshua’s disciples avoid the same veil when He returns as king?
Miketz – At the end
Genesis 41-44:17
This is the continuing unfolding of Joseph's forshadow of Yeshua's first advent as Messiah Ben Joseph, the suffering Savior. From Joseph's example we not only see Christ, but also the persons we are called to be as Messiah Yeshua's disciples.
Vayeshev And He Dwelt - Genesis 37:1- 40:23
We live in a time when many religious and even secular voices believe we are on the threshold of a worldwide food shortage, economic collapse, wars and all manner of disaster and impending judgment. Today’s parashah is once again a clarion call to G_d’s people to know and place their trust in their G_d to make provision for them in times of great trial.
VaYishlach - And He Sent - Genesis 32:4 - 36;43
Every maturing believer can identify all too well with Jacob in this story about the transformation of his soul from Satan's kingdom of flesh and self to YHVH's kingdom of spirit and faith. In it we see the repeated affirmations of G_d as Jacob walks in the old way of flesh as he wrestles with G_d and His way of faith and obedience.
Vayetez – And He Went Out
This week's parasha evidences a repeated cycle of blessings and crushings in order to grow Jacob into one of the exampled "heroes of the faith" as described in the book of Hebrews. What a light of understanding and encouragement to the believer who is wearied by the lows of this refining process to rule and reign with Christ!
Tol’dot (Generations) - Genesis 25:19-28:9
The lives of Jacob and Esau contain two primary lessons in today’s study that should bring encouragement to us as we wait upon the Lord. They are:
1. the immeasurable importance of the spiritual in our lives (eternity over immediacy, spirit over flesh, etc.
2. the continuing theme of prayer moving the hand of God – even for the promises He has given to us (i.e. Dan 9:2,3).
This week’s parsha entitled Chayei Sarah is translated as “Sarah’s life.” While the title would imply an emphasis of her life, the parshot begins with her death and the ends with the death of Abraham. It is a story about the faith of Sarah, humbleness of Abraham, the wisdom of his dealings with the people of the land, and the continuance of his life after Sarah’s death.
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is considered the holiest and most awesome day by both the Messianic Hebraic faith and traditional Judaism. However, both traditional Judaism and Christendom has so distorted the teachings of YHVH so as to negate the substance behind the commandment to observe this most holy Feast of the Lord.
In parasha, Nitsavim, meaning "You Are Standing" (ver 10), is the decision we must make before a Holy God for the pathway of our lives. VaYelech (And He Went) is Moses' proclamation of curse for and prophecy of covenant breaking. In them we can see the direct reflection of the New Covenant Yeshua offered through His blood sacrifice. It simply asks if we will accept the terms (i.e. obedience) to the covenants YHVH has offered. This choice of life or death is given to all generations (vs 15) and offers subsequent restoration conditioned upon repentance.
Ki Tavo (When You Enter) is not only a reiteration of several principles and instructions Moses had previously stated, it is also more specific commandments for 1) giving of tithes/offerings and 2) blessings and cursings. Through repetition YHVH teaches His little children to understand the way to fruitfullness in the Promised Land. G_d is the same today even in the B'rit Chadashah (New Testament): repeating His instructions to emphasize the importance of keeping His commandments (John 15:10).
Parasha Ki Tetse (When You Go Out) contains more commandments than any other portion. Many are centered on the second summarized law of Torah which Yeshua reiterated – “Love your Neighbor.”(Lev 19:18/Math 22:39) Although many in number, they are only a few samples to show us YHVH’s concepts of righteous behavior, justice, and blessings by obedience. Without the eyes of the Spirit we can miss the whole point and see only a compartive minor specific instruction.
In the body of believers the only ones that truly hear, or rather understand, and accept the Word of God are those who have the Spirit of God. Have today’s "called out ones" become so like the Jews of old – steeped in religious but unbiblical beliefs, traditions, teachings and intellect – that the church is dull of hearing to the revealed Word for today?
Parasha Softim (Judges) contains YHVH's instructions for several varied subjects including:
- Prohibition of bringing idols near His sanctuary
- Proper honor for G_d in sacrifice
- The establishment of truth.
- Obedience to religious authority
- Prophecies of kings and Messiah
- Abominations before G_d
- etc.
Many have gone beyond the so called “seven steps to salvation” and come, by faith, into a personal and spirit-led relationship with YHVH (Father, God) through the atoning blood sacrifice of his son, Yeshua Ha'Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah). These “sons (and daughters) of God” have often made a vow of obedience, servanthood, and love unto God as the Spirit has manifested God’s love, power and giftings within them. While this pouring out of our mouths and heart is a most intimate experience and pledge of our being, it has greater ramifications on the course and circumstances of our lives than the rationalizing part of the human mind generally considers.
Messiah is the "Ark" of our salvation, but let us be sure to steer our lives His way toward the straight gate that leads to life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10)
For The Love Of His Bride is a wonderful love story explaining how a Holy God can divorce an unfaithful wife and then remarry her while yet being faithful to His character/laws. It is the mystery of all ages simply revealed.
Parasha Re'eh (See/Behold!) teaches us about several facets of YHVH's character and how we might apprehend His blessings. These include:
1. Blessings & Curses
2. Casting down "other gods"
3. Warnings of false prophets
4. Warnings of seducing relations
5. The blessings in the tithe
6. Acceptable foods
Moses reiterates that YHVH's promises are Israel's if they will only be obedient to His laws, statutes and commandments. The Torah set before them was not just a set of instructions, but a reflection of YHVH's righteousness, His holiness and His character as a loving Father. It is this Torah which Jeremiah prophesied would be written upon the hearts of the new covenant believer (Jer 31:33) so that, through Messiah, we might have intimacy with Abba, Father.
"Motivations to Sin" is the explanation of three fundamental incentives to sin which the enemy puts before the believer. Understanding his tactics can help the body of Christ be aware to resist and overcome the traps when we "see" these openings in our own lives.
An introduction to prophecy and what we post.
The Word is being attacked both outside and inside the body of Messiah. This was the Spirit's warning and proofs that this trend will become greater and greater as apostasy increases.
Within a month of receiving the prophecy "Diminshment of The Word," Egyptian officials released "evidence" that the Isralite slaves did not build the pyramids as is commonly thought.
Another example of the attack on the Word is a Paleo Hebraic text found on a pottery shard places biblical time line (and thus YHVH's prophecies) in question.
Visions of a forth coming topsy-turvey world followed by burning pyramids give warning of events we are seeing unfold right before our eyes.
A vision of a believer being led to a boiling volcanic abyss and encountering a dark angel gave rise to this Word of the Lord.
A prophecy encouraging the body of Yeshua to release fleshy pride and stand fast in hope.
As we continue the study of Moses’ last instructions to the new generation of Israel before they enter the promise land, we find, the repetition of several major themes for sanctified and blessed living. Additionally, the reader will note the inclusion of several well known promises/quotations of both Judah and Christian (Messianic) Israel. Although Moses outlines the way of blessing and life he predicts Israel’s apostasy, exile and re-establishment. These warnings all reflect the echoed shadows of the judgment befalling spiritual Israel today. Let us hear by the Spirit what is being said to the church of today.
This week's two parasha brings us to the conclusion of Numbers. In them we again see the character of YHVH expressed in his commandments for righteousness. We also can begin to understand the: 1) power in our words, 2) the law of reward's, 3) the difference between atonement and remission of sins, and 4) finally the tribal sin of lust by Reuben and Gad.
Throughout the scriptures there are several layers of understanding from the obvious to the mystical. In Hebrew study this is represented by the acronym PARDES or simply PRDS if we leave out the vowel points. This synopsis will give the reader an overview of each level and a few examples for better understanding. This is a "must read" for any serious student of the scriptures.
Torah Study- Pinchas
In the opening part of today’s Parasha we see YHVH’s distain for sin and how physical adultery leads to spiritual adultery. This act brought the judgment of death upon the sinners. The lesson should show us that we should always be on guard against the sin which would gain entrance into our lives. If we are alert, then by God’s grace we will be able to resist and overcome the "Midianite’s" lustful pathway to sin as YHVH commands us.
Several years ago the Lord led me and my family into the practice of obeying the fourth commandment: remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. In the teaching that I shared on the subject, I only addressed the “whys” and not very many of the modern churches’ “why not(s)” or reasons given for not keeping the commandment of the Lord under the New Covenant. In the brief explanation which follows, I would like to touch upon a few of the New Testament scriptures submitted as reasons why new covenant believers object to keeping the Sabbath at the time originally designated rather than Sunday, the first day of the week.
This parasha contains an often told children's story because it contains the account of the ass that spoke. While this portion has a great lesson for the believer, the underlying theme comes from the very names of the main characters themselves.
God's Word Lost is a recognition of how that throughout man's history he has lost God-given revelations. Even after Messiah had established the New Covenant and given renewed revelation of the Word, almost immediately did principles of God's Word become distorted and ignored to be lost to generations of believers. This message reveals the observable results of this loss upon the 20th and 21st century church and discusses the “dirty dozen” evidences that demonstrate our ignorance to obedience to the true word. It also contains a historical summary of church history that make this a "must read" for the serious Christian.
* The content of this message was transcribed from a sermon to the Kansas City assembly of End Time Handmaidens and Servants, Inc.
 A cram packed enlightening one hour review of an eight session study on the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Included is a depth of understanding of our enemies' tactics to heighten our discernment and Nehemiah's responses to direct our actions. If you're looking for depth that far exceeds the historical events described in the biblical cannon, this is a "must hear".
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:1-5)
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
On this evening as my wife and I were talking at the dinner table, we were interrupted as the Holy Spirit began to flood my being. The Lord was speaking about this being a time, and the start of - real change. This was not so much a prophetic word as it is an announcement.
Down through the ages of time the name of God has repeatedly been lost, hidden or distorted from the understanding of God’s chosen people. By 1000 B.C. Solomon wrote the question from the mouth of Acur: Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know! (Proverbs 30:4)
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