Let's try again. :)

I previously wrote about wanting to do a book review/study, but I was unable to find any books to purchase! Then, when they became available, I did not have the money to spend on extra books for anyone interested.

Well folks, I ordered 3 extra books today, and I am praying that this study comes into fruition. The books should arrive by next week, so, I want to give people an opportunity to enter for a chance to win and/or purchase their own copy.

To enter, please leave a comment with your email address, answering: "Why do you want to examine our infected roots?"

I will announce the 3 winners, Monday, January 7, 2013.

 

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changing hearts

I was dreading this year's celebrations. I found myself very torn between what God was calling me to do and my family's traditions. I made it very clear where I stood on the matter.

Matthew 10:37
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Christmas eve arrived, and it was time for me to act. I decided to join my family in love. We ate dinner and had fellowship. My aunt made the first attempt to consider my changing heart. Our family puts pork in EVERYTHING, so after watching me pick through the few dishes I could eat, she informed me she was making her potato salad without the bacon her recipe calls for.

I was so very surprised. So much so that I teared up as I thanked her for the consideration she was showing me.

Then, it came time to sit around the pine idol and accept the gifts. I separated myself from this tradition. I was not ugly and accepted the one gift from my grandparents after this tradition was finished. I gave hugs and told them thank you. 

I helped clean up the dinner mess as the rest of the family cleaned up the wrapping explosion. We gathered our things and said our good byes. One down. One to go.

The next morning, my daughter wakes up and asks me several times if God is going to be mad at her for opening gifts at my mom's house. She is trying to decide if she is going or not. I tell her I cannot answer that question, but if she is feeling convicted about something, she needs to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying.

She told me she felt very confused about everything. I reminded her the identity of the author of confusion, and apologized to her for not knowing truth and teaching her these things so many years. We talked again about the feasts of the LORD.

I thought she might stay home with me, but then the truth came out. She wanted her gifts. I told her go ahead and receive the gifts that are now made more important than our Savior's birth AND resurrection. I said, "Before you go, tell me, out of all those decorations at Gammy's house, how many of them tell about the supposed true meaning of christmas?"

My daughter said, "She has one ornament." One. I nodded my head and watched her walk out the door.

I was told my mom, who has has vehemently waged war on my changing heart, bought me a wreath for christmas. I researched what they mean many weeks before. She bought me one, made one that says, "We speak HO HO HO in this house," and even encouraged my daughter to make one after finding out my research. This does not sound like the spirit of peace at work here. In all contradiction, it sounded like the spirit of spite.

Several hours later, it was time for the dinner back at my grandparent's house. I arrived late, which was not a worry considering the amount of food my family can produce. When I get there, my two aunts, grandfather, and family friend tell me they made their dishes without pork. I smiled and cried. I told them thank you. Hearts were changing!

No one would make comments or make fun of me to my person. I always had to hear about it from my sisters. Today was the first time in almost a year that my family made a change for me. They all have known I stopped eating pork for almost a year. I was blessed.

As the day progressed, I found out my mom gave the wreath to someone else. Her and my step dad also hurriedly took their tree down before inviting me over for a game evening. I inventoried all the information. I could not believe what was happening after feeling so alone and so out-casted this last year.

Only YWHW can change hearts. Do you understand that?! Only He can change hearts to be as soft and humble as His son and servants or as stone hard as the Exodus pharaoh. In preparation for this time, I started an unfinished study about our hearts and what it takes for them to change.

Deuteronomy 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Deuteronomy 8

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature;
because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

1 Kings 8:23
And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:

1 Kings 8:39
Then hear you in heaven your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of men;)

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Job 12:24
He takes away the heart of the chiefs of the people of the earth, and causes them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.


Thank you for stopping by and sampling some of the Word God has written on our hearts. I hope to continue to this study.

Yahweh bless and shalom.


Linking with Tracey today. <3
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irritability challenge, pt 2

This was a difficult internal viewing. Let me start with a list of things I immediately noticed in others that irritated me:

apathy
selfishness
entitlement
lack of commitment
whining
know-it-all
attention seeking

As I first created this list, it was easy to list the people or situations consisting of these irritating traits, but I'm not on the hunt for an external haughty attitude. My quest is to shine light on the dark places of my heart, exposing the festered place to YHWH's healing.

apathy
I hate when people just flat do not care... and yet, that is my best response when something hurts me or doesn't go my way. Facing troubles in the past, I would shoot my nose as high as it would go and pretend none of what was happening mattered. It was like telling the person doing the hurting or punishing, "Do what you want, you can't hurt me or get to me." But how productive does this response become when it creeps into other situations? Our behavioral responses become almost routine, and I know I have intertwined apathy into words that needed love and acceptance.

selfishness
I am so selfish. I know I can give and help without expecting anything in return, but what about the days I demand a pat on the back for offering a ride or paying someone else's utility bill? I want the money spent my way, dinner cooked my way, laundry done my way. I should get to decide what happens to the last $20 of fun money. I don't mind sharing, but its always on my terms. I should get to hang out with my friends, work on the computer when I want, or not give as Yeshua would because that last dinner/dollar is for me and my family. I am very selfish.

entitlement
This seems to hold hands with selfishness. I should get this, this shouldn't happen to me, people don't get the right to complicate my life. I should get to make decisions, how dare that person cut me off in traffic! Don't they know I was here first and we're late for girl scouts?! What makes me feel so important? What demonic spirit urges me to react in hostility when things don't go my way?! How much is my reaction related to me slipping away from the knowledge of YHWH's will?

lack of commitment
I've always considered myself a loyal and committed person. I'm loyal to my family, friends, study, sports, and any other engagements I've given my word to be at or help with. I cannot stand when someone neglects obligations they've taken on. I can't stand when the neglect stems from priorities not aligned as I see fit. As I reflect on this, I KNOW I have not been committed always to YHWH's will and truth for my life. Commitment to healthy living per God's instruction. I continually allow things like cigarettes to enter my life after He has asked for its removal.

whining
Oh man... this grates on my nerves with my children. BUT, I'm the biggest whiner and complainer! I gripe so much! There is a real battle between my smile and scowl.

know-it-all
I had to walk away for some hours. The confrontation and exposure is needed for healing and correction, but I felt a harsher critic in there air taking on an ungodly form. As I return, I own my tendency to think I know more than most. Instead of hanging my head in a debilitating shame, I slightly smile like a child, awaiting loving correction.

attention seeking
This one makes me sad, especially when I see others wanting attention so bad, they're willing to receive negativity and punishment over nothing at all. I don't like too much attention either, but I do like approval. Any kind of attention that approves what I am doing or how I'm acting, I am all over it. And it is worldly approval, even from godly brothers and sisters, I seek more than God's approval.

Now, time for prayer and the Word.
to be continued...

irritability challenge, pt 1

Faith Tabernacle December 18,  2012

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS:   Many of you, My people, are experiencing an almost unexplained sense of irritation with people around you.  Beloved, this is something in you that has come up so that you can deal with the root of your irritability.  Do not blame others for your reactions.  Look squarely at the cause in yourself that creates this haughty response.  It is an ungodly attitude that needs to be adjusted, says the Lord.  I will give you wisdom and help you overcome.    Romans 12:21 Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------     Look squarely at the cause in yourself that creates this haughty response. Blogging inspiration comes in many shapes and sizes! I read this email approximately ten minutes prior to typing these words. I admit my irritability, and I accept this internal reflection challenge. To be continued. :)

happy Sabbath

2 Peter 1:5-9

 

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

worship in spirit and truth

Yesterday was so much better! I started my electronic day with the the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment newsletter.

John 4:23,24
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.

"In the current war over Christmas and religious symbols, Satan has pitted the secular humanists, who want to blot out Christianity and encourage almost any other form of worship, against mainstream Christians, who are fighting for the right to worship as they see fit by putting evergreen trees in schools per Jeremiah 10:2-5. Atheists and agnostics arrayed against Christmas-bent "Christians"--for whom do we root?

The truth of the matter is that Satan is the real winner regardless of the outcome." -David C. Grabbe

I felt more empowered to be in the world right now. It makes me spiritually visualize the waters of the Red Sea parted. Waters is usually a metaphor for people, and it feels like walking between two ginormous groups of opposing people. I wore a shirt I bought several years ago. I got it 75% off after that particular christmas season. :)

 

 

Wrinkled and messy. Isn't that how I usually am on this walk with YHWH?

 

I picked this shirt because I had recently added the backside scripture.

(Yes, I did it with a red sharpie, and the first wash turned it pink, adding more personality!)

I helped with a fundraiser involving a booth at "candy cane lane." My burdened spirit wanted to witness in peace, so I added this. I wore my sword so to speak.

 

I had seen, read, and shared the front's verses, but today, I SAW it again.

 

John 4:23

The LORD was speaking to me! Even if I felt heavy, uncomfortable, and not confident, He reminded me there was purpose in this new pain.

 

You see, I'm used to causing the pain I go through. Maybe not directly, but I know my decisions have hurt me many times.

 

It seemed so easy, answering the call, "Don't worship me like that. Worship as my Word asks you to."

 

My christian upbringing taught me all about spirit and a little about truth. Truth is most difficult at times... to understand, to accept, to find, to convey.

 

 

 

 

sitting next to a vain tree

I didn't have words earlier. mostly feelings, indescribable.

I clicked over to blogger multiple times today, opened a new/blank post, and typed a mere sentence to only delete after rereading ten times.

I didn't want to force it, so I went throughout the rest of my day. I visited my mom. She lives down the block, so I walked the 8 houses between us. Today was her 2nd at home since her heart attack and double bypass surgery.

We haven't seen eye to eye on my changing beliefs. She didn't have her tree up till today. My children were mesmerized.

I sit in pain. This isn't easy. Its painful to admit that I like all the things God is asking me to forsake and turn away from. I try to be sensitive to my mom now. I won't celebrate, but I sit next to the tree. An incredibly intense yuck, dark oppression filled my guts.

Seeking His voice in this time. Praying for healing, patience, and grace.

My September Clean

My september clean was only the beginning of bittersweet sorrows and joys.

September. I moved my family to the streets of my childhood. Many life preparations taking place, I began unpacking and sorting christmas items. I knew I would have to face it. The emotional and spiritual battle would wage till information processing began, deciding what step followed God's voice.

Isaiah 44:18,19
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals therof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abominations? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?

It was easy to throw away the trees. Some of the decor was vain, meaningless. Then I found my children's ornaments... and those of my childhood, my birth year.

Jeremiah 7:18
The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.

I cried. And prayed. Then, following Him, I threw most things in the trash.

Jeremiah 7:23
But this thing I commanded them, saying, 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the was that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.'

I kept some of the lights. I want them for my backyard summer adventures this next year.
I kept a Hallmark glass manger scene. Simple. Mary, Joseph, and baby Yeshua (Jesus). I've kept it out as decor since I ravaged the decorations box. I also kept a couple differing items. Its 3 months later, and I still have yet to decide the others' future.

This is my first year to reject and expose the "christianized" winter solstice celebrations. Its been heart breaking. I knew it would be tough after my first Passover celebration. Actually, I had completed my first year of celebrating YHWH's feasts. There was much joy, and I know for sure I did not do it perfectly. Actually, I stumbled through it like a beginning standard transmission driver.

Leviticus 23:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, "Concerning the feasts of (the LORD) YHWH, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts."

Its writing day 2. I want to convey my conviction the most. I am a very messy sinner. I always have been. I'm that typical worldly christian that happens to know more verses than most. I do not say that with pride, but even in the midst of my filth, God always had His Word on my tongue when it was needed for love, mercy, and understanding. To Abba be the glory forever and ever.

Psalm 119:120
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgements.

Let me get real with you. I smoke cigarettes, cuss, gossip, fornicate, rage, and am not soberly minded all the time. Filthy and rotten, and the watered down christianity I've grown up with didn't do much to change that. I was saved at 15, and 15 years later, I have more conviction about pleasing YHWH through His appointed times and Torah than I ever did about any of the sins I listed above.

Jeremiah 8:7
Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.

It made so much sense to me. If I couldn't follow Him in the celebrations and removing of idols and idolatry, then how could I ever quit smoking cigarettes. I'm not saying it wasn't possible. I have gone through several non smoking seasons, relying on Him. But I wasn't conscious to all the idols I bent my knees to.  

The best metaphor I've heard concerning this is plumbing. Yeshua, Jesus describes the living waters flowing down upon us. If idols, idolatry, disobedience are the grime clogging the pipes, then I can still receive blessing, grace, mercy, healing, but its a dripping stream instead of a powerful flow.

John 7:37, 38
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture had said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

I smile when I think of where YHWH has brought me today. My mom hurt me upon every pagan celebration. I know she hurts because she sees my rejection of these celebrations as a rejection of her and our heritage. Although I try to maintain boldness, its hard claiming the victory over idolatry and warning those in my life... but back to why I smile.

Matthew 10:34-36
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to "set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law, and a man's foes shall be they of his own household."

As I transferred to my new town, I offered free counseling services to my home church. I didn't have a paying job but still wanted to follow God in where He was leading. I am now the head nursery attendant with a staff salary. I still offer free counseling, but this was a great way for me to continue to fellowship but observe a Saturday Sabbath. I know a day encroaches involving me and my pastor conversing about biblical understanding. I'm not afraid.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

I try to convey my walk with grace and love. I hope I can continue to gather my notes and thoughts here. I've been away a few months, studying and seeking. I reread this composition with anxiety as I do not want to seem prideful or all knowing. I seek and share in humility.

Deuteronomy 30:11-20

vs.14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth and in they heart, that thou mayest do it.

I've missed the blogs of the ladies and gentlemen this environment lead me to. I hope to visit more and lift you up in prayer. If there are any special requests, please share them. As for me and my family, I ask prayer for my mom's heart health, my grandparent's overall health, my sister for peace and banishment of her anxieties and fears. I ask for strength and wisdom in parenting my daughter. She is turning into quite the preteen.

Peace and blessings, friend. <3

the cities

     And the cities had four judges to four cities, and these were their names: Serak , Sharkad , Zabnac, and Menon. Eliezer the servant applied to them different names, and he converted Serak to Shakra, Sharkad to Shakrura, Zebnac to Kezobim, and Menon to Matzlodin.

     The cities' four judges told the people to erect beds in the streets of the cities, and if a man came to these places, they seized him, brought him to one of their beds, and by force made him lie in them. As he lay down, three men would stand at his head and three at his feet, and they would measure him by the length of the bed. If the man was less than the bed, the six men would stretch him at each end, and when he cried out to them, they would not answer him or stop. If the man was longer than the bed, they would draw together the two sides of the bed at each end til the man was close to death, and if he continued to cry out to them, they would answer him and say, "This must be done to any man that comes into our land."

     When men heard about these things the people of the cities did, they refrained from going there.

     When a poor man came to their land, they would give him silver and gold, but give an order throughout the whole city not to give him a morsel of bread to eat. If the stranger should remain there some days and die from hunger, not having been able to obtain a morsel of bread, then at his death, all the people of the city would come and reclaim their silver and gold they had given him. Those that could recognize the silver or gold they had given him took it back, and they also stripped him of his garments. They would fight about them, and he that prevailed over his neighbor took them.

     After that, they would carry him to the desert and bury him under some of the shrubs; so, they did this to any one that came to them and died in their land.

     After a while, Eliezer was sent to the cities to find his master's nephew and inquire after his welfare. When he went to the cities, he met a countryman fighting with a stranger, and the man of the cities stripped the poor man of all his clothes and went away. This poor man cried to Eliezer and found favor with him because of what the man of the cities had done to him. He said to the countryman, "Why did you act like this to the poor man who came to your land?"

     And the man of the cities answered, "Is this man your brother, or have the people of the cities made you a judge today, that you're allowed to speak for this man?"

     Eliezer argued with the man on behalf of the poor man, and when Eliezer approached to recover the poor man's clothes from the countryman, he quickly threw a stone and hit Eliezer in the forehead. The blood flowed copiously from Eliezer's forehead, and when the man saw the blood, he grabbed Eliezer, saying, "Pay me a service fee for having rid you of this bad blood from you forehead, for this is the custom and the law in our land."

     Eliezer said to him, "You have wounded me and require me to pay you a fee?" Eliezer would not hearken to the words of the man of cities, so the man captured Eliezer and brought him to Shakra, the man's city for judgment. The man spoke to the judge, "I beseech you my lord, this man is unwilling to pay my fee for hitting him with a stone and releasing the bad blood from his forehead."

     And the judge said to Eliezer, "This man speaks truth to you. Pay him his fee because this is the custom and the law in our land." Eliezer heard the words of the judge, and he lifted up a stone and hit  the judge on his forehead. The blood flowed copiously from the forehead of the judge, and Eliezer said, "If this then is the custom in your land, give this man what I should have given him. This has been your decision, and you did decree it." Eliezer left the man of the cities with the judge, and he went away from the cities.

     Another poor man came into the city to seek help, and he remained in the city some days. All the people of the city communicated their custom not to give this man a morsel of bread to eat. They talked about upholding the custom until the day he dropped dead. A woman of the city, Paltith, saw this man lying in the streets starved with hunger. No one would give him anything to sustain him, and he was upon the point of death. Her heart was filled with pity for the poor man; she fed him secretly with bread for many days, and the soul of this man was revived. When she went to fetch water, she would hide the bread in the water pitcher. She would visit the place the poor man was and give him  the bread to eat; she did this many days.

     All the people of the cities wondered how this man could bear starvation for so many days. They spoke among themselves, saying, "No man can bear starvation for so many days or live as this man has; therefore, he has to be drinking water and eating food," so three men concealed themselves in a place where the poor man was located to discover who was brining him bread to eat.

     Paltith went that day to fetch water, and she put bread into her pitcher. She went to draw water by the poor man's place. She took out the bread from the pitcher and gave it to the poor man, and he ate it. The three men saw what Paltith did for the poor man, and they said to her, "It is you who has supported him; therefore, he has not starved, nor changed in appearance nor died like the rest." Then, the three men came out of hiding and seized Paltith and the bread from the poor man's hand. They brought Paltith before their judges and told them what she had done for the poor man. They demanded, "Declare to us the punishment due to this woman for having transgressed our law."

     The people of the cities assembled and kindled a fire in the street, and they took the woman and threw her into the fire where she was burned to ashes.

     And in the city of Admah, another woman was also put to death, because a traveler came into this city to stay there during the night with the intention of going home in the morning, and he sat opposite the door of the house of the young woman's father. The young woman saw him sitting by the door of the house. He asked her for a drink of water, and she said to him, "Who are you?"

     He said to her, "I've been traveling on the road and reached here when the sun set, so I will stay here through the night, and in the morning, I will arise early and continue my journey."

     The young woman went into the house and fetched the man bread and water to eat and drink. This woman's actions became known to the people of Admah, and they assembled and brought the young woman before the judges, that they should judge her for this act. The judge said, "The judgment of death is awarded to this woman because she transgressed our law, and this is the decision concerning her actions.

     The people of those cities brought out the young woman and covered her with honey from head to foot, as the judge had decreed, and they placed her before the bee swarm's hive. The bees flew upon her and stung her, causing her whole body to swell. The young woman cried out because of the bees' stings, but no one took notice of her or pitied her, and her cries ascended to heaven. The Lord was provoked at this and at all the works of the cities, because they had an abundance of food and peace amongst them but would not sustain the poor and the needy.

                                                                                          -The Book of Jasher, Chp 19, concerning
                                                                                                           Sodom and Gomorrah

To the seven churches write:

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

⁸ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.


 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

¹⁸ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with the eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Acts 12:4

I'm listening to a sermon while I right. Here is the link if anyone is interested: http://www.hebronchurchofchrist.com/?page_id=221&sermon_id=426

I am reading out of my King James Bible, and I was so frustrated after reading Acts 12:4.

Mine says:

And when he had apprehened him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring hom forth to the people.

It gives three references explaining some of the language within the verse. The last of these is a replacement of "the Passover" for easter. They are not even the same celebration but satan mimicing God! I have to say though, as I am listening to the gentleman's lesson, I heard him say, "the Passover"
in its rightful place.

The previous verse (12:3) reads:

And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleaveded bread.)

In parenthases is a reference to the feast of unleavened bread, a feast that begins right after Passover.

I wanted to see a comparison of what other translations say, but intead, I will let my irritation give way to His peace and continue listening.

Lord God,
Again, You words, not mine. I've been listening to the backgroun song lots because its true, we get in the way of Your great works. Open ears and eyes and melt hearts. Lord, there are those in the world plotting unbelievable terror, and I ask that You undermine their plans and foul their scemes. Protect your people as the earth is plundered and destroyed. Please wake them up. Please call their names, Lord. Help them to see, and I ask that they have the courage to let their pride go, even me! Help me to truly submit to You. In Jesus name, amen.

Psalm 119

I once heard you could pick a number between 1 and 176 and search Psalms 119 for that number's  verse, discovering each number contains a reference to God's instruction. Tonight, I had a friend choose.

86
All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongully; help thou me.

1 Kings 13

1 Kings 13

English Standard Version (ESV)

A Man of God Confronts Jeroboam

13 And behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the word of the Lord to Bethel. Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make offerings. ²  And the man cried against the altar by the word of the Lord and said, “O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’” ³ And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign that the Lord has spoken: ‘Behold, the altar shall be torn down, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.’” ⁴ And when the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar at Bethel, Jeroboam stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, “Seize him.” And his hand, which he stretched out against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back to himself. ⁵ The altar also was torn down, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. ⁶ And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored to him and became as it was before. ⁷ And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” ⁸ And the man of God said to the king, “If you give me half your house, I will not go in with you. And I will not eat bread or drink water in this place, ⁹ for so was it commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.’” ¹⁰ So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel.

The Prophet's Disobedience

¹¹ Now an old prophet lived in Bethel. And his sons^[a] came and told him all that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told to their father the words that he had spoken to the king. ¹² And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him the way that the man of God who came from Judah had gone. ¹³ And he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey for him and he mounted it. ¹⁴ And he went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak. And he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” And he said, “I am.” ¹⁵ Then he said to him, “Come home with me and eat bread.” ¹⁶ And he said, “I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, ¹⁷ for it was said to me by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’” ¹⁸ And he said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” But he lied to him. ¹⁹ So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water.
²⁰ And as they sat at the table, the word of the Lord came to the prophet who had brought him back. ²¹ And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord and have not kept the command that the Lord your God commanded you, ²² but have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water,” your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.’” ²³ And after he had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the prophet whom he had brought back. ²⁴ And as he went away a lion met him on the road and killed him. And his body was thrown in the road, and the donkey stood beside it; the lion also stood beside the body. ²⁵ And behold, men passed by and saw the body thrown in the road and the lion standing by the body. And they came and told it in the city where the old prophet lived.
²⁶ And when the prophet who had brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, “It is the man of God who disobeyed the word of the Lord; therefore the Lord has given him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him, according to the word that the Lord spoke to him.” ²⁷ And he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” And they saddled it. ²⁸ And he went and found his body thrown in the road, and the donkey and the lion standing beside the body. The lion had not eaten the body or torn the donkey. ²⁹ And the prophet took up the body of the man of God and laid it on the donkey and brought it back to the city^[b] to mourn and to bury him. ³⁰ And he laid the body in his own grave. And they mourned over him, saying, “Alas, my brother!” ³¹ And after he had buried him, he said to his sons, “When I die, bury me in the grave in which the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones. ³²  For the saying that he called out by the word of the Lord against the altar in Bethel and against all the houses of the high places that are in the cities of Samaria shall surely come to pass.”
³³ After this thing Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way, but made priests for the high places again from among all the people. Any who would, he ordained to be priests of the high places. ³⁴  And this thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, so as to cut it off and to destroy it from the face of the earth.

YHWH,
Your words not mine. Open eyes and ears and melt hearts. InYeshua's name, amen.

Not your typical seminary.

I took some extra time to really let God percolate all the material He has been giving me. I feel so blown away by His wisdom and knowledge, but I know that He has me standing upright and grounded. A baby limb grafted into the natural olive tree.

Last post, I spoke of possibly moving forward with a pseudo book review series thing. I've prayed so much since I visited last, trying to discern what I'm supposed to be doing with the time He has given me, and I will admit there are still so many unanswered prayers.

As much as we have botched up and stumbled through the celebrations, the Feasts of God have become our timeline of importance. A memorial. During Passover, sister commented on the smell of the lamb as we burned all that remained. She said, "No wonder God talks about how He liked the sweet smells of the sacrifice from Israel." I agreed, it smelled so good. The peace and joy that night was another something to be remembered. This is where I mention seminary. Not many people know this, but I prayed for direction about seminary or secular schooling back in 2007. I was finishing my bachelor's in psychology and wanted to be a Biblical counselor. God put me in a secular institution, and I never could answer why... until I got this book, 5 years later. God enrolled me in His seminary, learning of Him and His word the way He wanted. :)

The Feast of Weeks approaches in May. I need to say right here that this change in view of the Bible, Torah and Tenach, is not about legalism. This is not about finding any form of salvation. Jesus, the son of God is my sacrifice for salvation and atonement. Only He can make me white as snow. This acknowledging of God's instruction is deeper.

I know I've said so many times, and I have even told YHWH in prayer, "He knows my heart; You know my heart, Lord."

Psalm 119 reveals why David was a man after God's heart. Pick a verse. Any of them, and you will find a reference go YHWH's instruction. I want to make my life, not about what is in my heart, but what is in God's heart. My Elohim.

Russ Houck begins his novel, Epidemic: Examining the Infected Roots of Judaism and Christianity, with a definition of covenant as:

A vehicle created BY GOD to define both His relationship with man and the rules man must abide by to maintain that relationship. Covenant - not religion - was the vehicle God chose to define His relationship with, and to, man. (Man-made covenants were patterned after God's design.)

He then presents what he calls, "UNTHINKABLE POSSIBILITIES That We Need To Think About:"

• What if you found out that... both Judaism and Christianity were not actually Biblically based religions - that is, that neither were birthed in Jerusalem - but rather had their origins in Babylon and Rome? I'll clearly show you this in historical record.
• 
  
• How would you feel if... you discovered that many of their major doctrines and practices were of man-made paganism and not from the Holy Scriptures? I'll show you where.
• What if you discovered that... much - if not all - of the New Testament was originally written not in Greek, as popularly believed, but in Aramaic and Hebrew? And that several scriptures were added to the Greek text to "help" prove certain Roman Catholic doctrines that Protestants never removed? We will cover many of these.
• What if you learned that...Protestant denominations were really just Roman Catholic sects?
• What would you think if... you discovered that all religion, including yours, was an infection and that Judaism and Christianity are just varying strains and degrees of it?
• What would you do if... you learned that there is a diabolical conspiracy to keep you from knowing and understanding the truth? And that this conspiracy makes the Illuminati, the Tri-Lateral Commission, and the CFR look like the Cub Scouts?

Why all the deception? Hasn't that been our enemies mo for thousands of years?
I want to allow one more week to pass before I continue sharing the research within the book. Even as I type this, a fear rises in my belly about not having enough information, but if this information and study is of YWHW, I ask that He make Himself known. The only way to truly test the spirits is knowing YHWH's voice.

I will purchase 3 copies of this book for anyone wishing to join but without means to acquire the book. Please contact me via comment or email: kaynight1202@yahoo.com.
After putting this together and adding links, preparing to purchase, I discovered the link provided is sold out. I have searched other places finding no other purchase options, so I will hold off again before the series starts. :)


Father God,
I ask that You be with all eyes on this space. I ask that You continue to reveal Yourself and make Yourself known to the young, old, and in between. You have amazed me into speechlessness, so I ask that You provide the words needed. Your truth needs to be heard in the land! The land is in need of repentance, God. I ask that You extend Your truth because Your people perish from lack of knowledge!! Tear down the Ashteroth poles, God! Wipe away all those ensnared by Baal! The nations think its a joke, a myth, a fictitious science fiction blockbuster hit! God, open their eyes and ears! Melt their hearts within them, as well as mine! May Your Torah be in me like a fire in my bones as well, that I must get it out for ears and eyes to understand. Be with us all. Please show us, your sheep, mercy for lack of a shepard. Shepard us to You.
In Yeshua's (Jesus) Name, amen.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/revolutionaryradio/2012/03/22/epidemic-the-infected-roots-of-judaism-christianity

A Book Review

I've been doing so much research lately. I want to share many things. I finally decided to begin with a book. This book has been one of the wildest nonfiction rides I have ever been on, excluding my experience with YHWH's Word.

My introduction to this book began through Rob Skiba's March 21, 2012 airing of Revolutionary Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/revolutionaryradio/2012/03/22/epidemic-the-infected-roots-of-judaism-christianity

If you want to check out more of Rob's work: www.seedtheseries.com/blog

The book, Epidemic: Examining the Infected Roots of Judaism and Christianity by Russ Houck, Ph.D.; Th. has been more than just an eye opener. This journey is a heart racing, nail biting roller coaster grumbling underneath my foundation of faith like an earthquake. I can only thank our Father for His Son, Yeshua (Jesus) and his authoring of my faith.

I ask you journey through with me this amazing source of information. I will say, this is not an easy read, and I'm not talking reading grade level. I would suggest prayerfully considering this journey, asking God to cover you with His Spirit as you not only prepare to read but also discern the knowledge you are given.

Here is a link to purchase the book, if you are interested: http://shop.twofaithfulbeachbums.com/EPIDEMIC-Examining-the-Infected-Roots-of-Judaism-Christianity-9781616231231.htm

I have yet to find an abundance of sources entailing the book's contents, so I hope to add some promotional light to this work. People need to know these facts concerning the faith and God that they love and worship.

Although I have felt an urgency to share and write about this book, I will post this introductory blog and wait 7 days to begin the actual review. I am currently through half of the information, and it is more than evident that the review will be a series of blogs; therefore, I'm allowing myself this last week to not only finish the book but also allow YHWH to speak to me about how this material presentation should take share.

Father God,

Thank You for all that You have given me, especially knowledge. It is better than gold. I know nothing compared to You and Your annointed ones. I ask that You grace me with the wisdom You want shared. Thank You for giving this opportunity to serve, and I ask that You guide my steps though this so that anyone reading this sees You and Your truth.

I ask these things in the name of Yeshua,

Amen.

Why I Want to Celebrate Passover & The Feast of Unleavened Bread

God has been speaking to me. I've been absent as I've been studying some of the radical things God has shown me. I am not Jewish, but one of these things shown is the importance of His 7 ordained feasts. Of those, the first is Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

I know without a shadow of a doubt God is leading me to worship Him in the manner written to us through Moses. Jesus worshiped then became the passover sacrificial lamb in this same manner. As I prepare to share the scripture behind my desire to celebrate these feasts, I will mention Easter only this one time in saying I will not participate in traditions once upheld. It has been hard to let go and grasp a celebration I knew nothing about, but God has been patient and merciful in revealing His will to me.

With that said, here is some scriptural references God revealed to me as He prepares my heart to celebrate His passover and feast.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

I went back to the original story in Egypt. God let loose the Angel of Death, and His people were protected because of God's specified blood sacrifice. He ordained this sacrifice a memorial feast to be kept by Hebrew generations for ever, explaining to children the reasoning behind the celebration.

Exodus 12:14

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Forever. That's a long time. I can't see God saying "Do this forever" and being happy with a people not celebrating the way he commanded. So I dug further. I wanted to find instances of the people celebrating the Passover and what it looked like for them.

2 Kings 23:21, 22

And the king [Josiah] commanded all the people, saying, "Keep the Passover unto the LORD your God, as it is written in the Book of this Covenant." Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;

King Josiah of Judah in the south wanted to lead his people back to serving Yahweh. He put away the poles, idols, and alters to other gods and directed the cleansing of the priests and temple to worship God and celebrate passover as He commanded. After practicing the traditions of other gods set up by his grandfather, Josiah found courage to get the nation back on track with Yahweh. I loved the verse speaking about a passover never been or not celebrated like that one under the kings. It spoke to me about God's important role in our personal and national spiritual healing.

Another story of man's courage to fulfill God's commandment and His abundant mercy: the king [Hezekiah] directed the people to celebrate the passover at a time not commanded of God; however, because the temple was not ready in the first month on the fourteenth day, the day passover is celebrated, the people took the time to prepare the temple and themselves to celebrate this important memorial.

2 Chronicles 30:18-20

For a multitude of the people, even many from Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "The good LORD pardon every one who prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary." And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

What spoke to me most about this story is that God accepted and healed them even though they didn't get the specifics of the feast perfect. This gave me hope as a novice trying to celebrate in a manner pleasing to God.

I found this deeper explanation involving sin offerings very interesting.

Ezekiel 45:21,22

In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock for a sin offering.

The 45th chapter of Ezekiel continues in describing daily sin offerings for the nation throughout passover and the week of the feast of unleavened bread. This knowledge of sin offering reminded me of Jesus. God began putting the spiritual puzzle in my heart together. This was a memorial of our Christ's sacrifice put in place thousands of years before His birth.

Then, I began exploring the New Testament's passover experiences.

Jesus had his disciples go before him and prepare the feast. This is what they were eating when Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. "Do this in remembrance of me." So, in the middle of a memorial feast, he breaks bread and shares wine, providing his own body and blood as a sin offering to God for believers so that death will "pass over" them...

Matthew 26:26-29

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

Mark and Luke give confirming points of view about this Passover, Lord's Supper memorial celebration.

Luke 2:32

[Describing Jesus] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

vs. 41

Now his [Jesus] parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

So celebrating passover was a tradition practiced and taught by his own parents. When Jesus was twelve years old, Jesus went with parents again to Jerusalem for the passover celebration and stayed behind until his parents found him 3 days later, still in the temple.

There were so many references in John, I wanted to give all that were in my Strong's Concordance. If I missed any or do not mention all, please feel free to share anything extra talked about in scripture. :)

John 2:13,23
And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

6:4

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

11:55-57

And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, what think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that , if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

Those that sought to kill Jesus knew he would be near the temple for the feast, and this is God's will since Jesus would become the passover sacrifice.

12:1
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. [A precursor to his own death, burial, and resurrection?]

13:1
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto to end.

18:28.29

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, "What accusation bring ye against this man?"

[The irony behind the high priests paying Judas for Jesus' blood but wouldn't come into Pilate's judgment hall for fear of being defiled and unclean for passover.]

19:14

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he [Pilate] brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgement seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

During the night of passover for Jesus and his disciples, Jesus taught them more than just the Lord's Supper. He taught them about the Holy Spirit, the end of days, the purpose of his ministry, and the necessity of his betrayal and death. A memorial celebration feast filled with instruction for the church.

I Corinthians 3:21

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.

5:6-8

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Hebrews 11 - "The Hall of Faith"

vs. 23-29 [7 verses describing Moses, leading up to passover]

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

Isaiah 51 - reference to God's miracles and power shown around the time of passover and exodus out of Egypt. Every time the prophets urge the people to remember their Lord God, YHWH, there are usually accompanying references to Him forgiving their sins AND bringing them out of captivity. There are many more biblical references, and I would be interested in anything you feel called to share.

Interested in Hebrew books no longer a part of the canonized bible, I dug further for passover scripture.

Book of Jubilees 49 - Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
vs. 8
For it is an eternal ordinance, and engraven on the heavenly tablets regarding all the children of Israel that they should observe it every year on its day once a year, throughout all their generations; and there is no limit of days, for this is ordained for ever.

I want to end with another scripture.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

I would say our land is in serious need of healing. I want this healing, understanding, blessing, and spiritual empowerment. I do not put limits on God, but I want to put His limits on me and my worship and allow Him to align me with His will and commandments. For an in depth look at the pagan roots of current tradition, please take the time for this 2 hour video by Jim Staley: Truth or Tradition - Should Christians Celebrate Christmas and Easter?

My 2012 verse: Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

a prayer

Father,

Thank You for the unconditional love You pour out onto those that love and believe You. Thank You for calling my name to service. I ask that You guide me in the decisions before me. I am at a crossroads, and I am not sure what the right decision is. I ask that You reveal Yourself to me that I may know the right path to choose. I want to glorify Your name in my choice. I don't want to become complacent with things that are not real and endanger my calling and Your powerful agent of change. I don't want to neglect my relationship with You. Lord, You have the power and the desire to give me the things of my heart, but I'm not sure what is in my heart anymore. You warned of the negative spiritual powers that seek to destroy and scatter Your elect. I have let fear of the unknown and man's power to enter my heart, distracting me from Your truth. I ask that You realign me to Your will and reveal this to my entire being. You give wisdom and understanding to those that diligently seek You. If we ask, You will answer. If we seek, You reveal what we find. If we knock, You open the door. Here I am on hands and knees, knocking and crying out to You, my God and Savior. Please open the door to the path I am to take. Help me be pleasing to You. Thank You for always protecting me. Thank You for making me feel worthy of Your love and presence. Thank You for Your favor. Thank You for the gifts You entrusted to me, especially my children. I want to be better for You and them. I acknowledge my weaknesses and strive not to hide them away but rather let them shine to reveal Your power, grace, and glory. I admit my fear to You, knowing that You take it and fill me with love and peace. Thank You for Your healing. I ask for those healing powers to come over the people that send negativity my way. I am filled with rage as I first think of these people, but I want to act in love, Your love, and the only way that is possible is if I be still and let You fill my being with the most perfect love known in the universe. Your love. Thank You for listening to my prayer. Thank You for moving in the lives of those we lift up to You, daily. I'm sorry for doubting this work. Instead of seeking out Your will and aligning my prayers and actions to that will, I've selfishly stood by wanting to see changes that I think should be made. Continue to guide me back to Your will, knowing that You are in control and working for my benefit and Your glory. Thank You again for listening to me and loving me. In Jesus Name, Amen.