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It is time for the Jewish Passover celebration. The Jews observe PASSOVER as they did in ancient times. Jews who do accept the Savior as the Messiah, celebrate the Jewish Passover and honor HIM for being the firstfruit and Passover lamb, the sacrifice. The Savior followed the Jewish custom of going to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. The Messiah's death and resurrection was connected with the JEWISH Passover, which is during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. We do know HIS resurrection occurred on the third day of the Passover.
22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
This was said during His final seder meal, in Jerusalem, on the night of HIS betrayal, as Yeshua/Yahshua, celebrated His final Passover seder with HIS followers. The Savior was the firstfruit (Bikkurim). (See scripture above: Luke 22:14-15)
They did and still do not call it Easter!
Christians celebrated Easter about a MONTH ago.. Many people say origin of the name Easter and the goddess herself (EASTRE)actually go all the way back to the Tower of Babel, Nimrod and his wife Semiramis (Ishtar). It's all related to the relationship to a "Mother goddess of fertility".
Easter is named after an Anglo-Saxon, pagan, fertility goddess with the pagan fertility symbols of rabbits, colored eggs, and chicks.
Christians began to celebrate the death and resurrection of the Savior after the ROMAN emperor, Constantine, ruled the people would celebrate the Easter festival would be celebrated the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring or Vernal Equinox. If the full moon should occur on a Sunday and thereby coincide with the Passover festival. This year, it was a month BEFORE and NOT even close to Passover which begins this year on the eve of April 19, 2008.
My opinion is, if a person wants to really celebrate and honor the Messiah, celebrate as was HIS custom, the way HIS people calculate the Passover timing, as they always have. I think it shows honor and respect to remember HIM AT the time He actually died and resurrected, which WAS during the Feasts of Unleavened Bread and Passover.
I encourage you to attend a Messianic Passover Seder. The focus is all about the Messiah and not pagan substitutes! Messianic Jews are followers of the Messiah.
23:5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, is Jehovah's passover. 23:6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto Jehovah: seven days ye shall eat unleavened bread.
I added the above scripture for reference as to when and where the Scriptures mention the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Savior observed this feast.
Thank you, Messiah, for being the THE sacrifice, THE Passover Lamb!
Passover Blessings to everyone!
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Let go and let God. New beginnings. Have you ever ended a relationship, job, or phase in life but was not quite ready to begin something else? Perhaps you were not even sure you wanted to end this particular thing. I have.
If the door closed, there must be a reason. I may need a time to "be still" and rest. I may need a time of preparation, even if I don't KNOW what the new beginning will be, Yahweh (God) is big enough to guide me through the past, guide me to release that which I need to, and prepare me for the next season of life.
6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. I've been through this desert before. I know that during a crisis or growth time that I can let go of that which I must. When Yahweh (God) closes a door He opens another. I am confident NOTHING is impossible for my Father. I believe He can provide direction, love, life, peace, and yes--even laughter.
15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. I leave behind doubt and fear. HE is my constant companion and I will not lose my way. Yes, I shall be still and KNOW that HE is GOD! HE does have plans for me! HE IS in Charge!!!! HalleluYAH!
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I remember hearing someone teach that *sometimes sickness is not always necessarily caused by sin on the part of the person who is ill. It can also result from living in a sinful, fallen world.
*SEE first SCRIPTURE insert, below.
**rophe, defined in blog--keep reading :)
Considering the topics of my last two blogs and "listening to others and myself" I tend to agree with this. This in no way saying we should "use" this to blame something or someone else, but I do believe it can be a factor in our health.
I've noted the amount of people even on MyChurch that do not like to watch television, movies, or even the news anymore since it's usually filled with the bad news of our society, the lack of morals in programming, and so on. Just hearing all the pain, hurt, anger, hate, disease, the list just goes on and on and on!
Perhaps we've even commented, "It all just makes me sick!" and did not realize that seeing, listening to, living with it all around us---- all this CAN make us sick! Of course, for sake of keeping this blog from being too long, I will only touch on a very small portion of this subject.
PLEASE DO read the scripture references I have on this blog!
9:1 And as [Jesus] passed by, he saw a man which was blind from [his] birth. 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 9:3 Jesus answered, *Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
We can be sick physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, to name only a few areas we may need to be healed. The Savior bore our sickness (ALL of them)!
147:1 Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely. 147:2 The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 147:4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by [their] names. 147:5 Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite. 147:6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 53:5 But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
**Rophe is Hebrew word that means heal, cure, restore, or make whole.
Since our God is a God of Healing, we can pray,
Yahweh Rophe (yah WEH ro FEH)
Bow before HIM in praise and thanksgiving that HE is the source of all healing! By HIS stripes we ARE healed.
8:50 But when Jesus heard [it], he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Thank you, Yahweh Rophe, for the Savior and healing!
103:1 <[A Psalm] of David.> Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name. 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
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My last blog, "Freedom From the Bondage of Pornography", encouraged me to think about previous judgements of people and end times prophecy. I think the moral decay, including the rampant pornography (men, women, and CHILDREN exposed to it and USED in it) and the acceptance of it and other things, clearly spoken against in Scripture, points to a downward spiral of humans and is an indicator of end times and judgement getting closer.
Yes, I know this has been said all our lives. I usually like to be positive, but sometimes everything we need to say is not always pleasant to think about, talk about, nor is it always welcome by others.
Current Events on the news today, are further down in the blog.
I'm doing this blog to share some of my thoughts on end times, please feel free to share your thoughts about this in a blog comment. Things do seem to be speeding up!
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 had a request (Arlene) for me to write a blog about Revelation and end times.
I do not claim to be an expert about anything, much less prophecy.
I may add more as time goes on but for now, I want to write what I feel I am supposed to write about. I realize that this is not going into the depth of Revelation, but at least it's a beginning. 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually. Sodom and Gomorrah was judged because of sexual sin, homosexual lifestyles. We all know the story about Lot's wife and the pillar of salt. I am including below, the verses that talk about homosexual lifestyle there. 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where [are] the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as [is] good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said [again], This one [fellow] came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, [even] Lot, and came near to break the door. 19:10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. 19:11 And they smote the men that [were] at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. Noah's generation was judged because of the thought of their heart was on evil continually.
Israel was judged and sent into Babylonian captivity because of their godless lifestyle.
He will judge ALL nations, some will be destroyed as were
Sodom and Gomorrah, before the end times.
Yes, HE will judge nations, including America,
(perhaps before Revelation prophecy for the last days)
for murder of unborn children, homosexuality, pornography (accepted under the freedom of expression label).
It is freedom of expression until you speak of God and the things pertaining to the Savior. That is not POLITICALLY CORRECT. You just might hurt someones feelings! We are labeled as a "right-wing", Bible believing radical, that must be shut up. Perhaps we need to study the verse below: 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. Prophecy???
A few news stories: Monday, February 25, 2008, From FoxNews: JAKARTA, Indonesia — Two powerful earthquakes struck Indonesia's Sumatra island Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A giant earthquake along the same coast spawned the large tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people in a number of countries in December 2004.
Thursday, February 21, 2008, From FoxNews: A California man is battling a rare and usually fatal parasite caused by a brain-eating amoeba found in soil, the Press Enterprise reports. Matt Moore, a fire captain in Murrieta, Calif., became seriously ill in November and doctors were initially baffled as to what was causing his sickness, according to the report. Moore, 43, is on life-support in a critical-care unit in San Diego.
Thursday, February 21, 2008, From FoxNews: A strong earthquake shook rural northeastern Nevada Thursday, damaging a town's historic district but sparing residents from any serious injuries.
I'm not even including the wars and rumours of wars and all of the other things listed in the Scripture below. I do think we can agree there is a lot going on, at a faster pace than ever before, and it's all in the Bible!
24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 24:8 All these [are] the beginning of sorrows. 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Can you believe the Bible? I think you absolutely can! The Bible when written, was 25% prophecy. Most have already been fulfilled. 1:19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Even the Savior mentions Daniel. See scripture references below: 24:15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 13:14But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: I also HEARD on FoxNews, today, February 25, about the rising cost of grocery items. They specifically named bread and milk in the story on high prices of grocery items. They spoke today about the recalled beef and all the problems with that and recalled the mad cow disease that we have to worry about these days.
The story about the bread (and other grocery items) reminded me of a verse in Revelation.
This happens when the THIRD SEAL was opened. I'm not saying the seal has been opened, but the news of today really made me think of the third seal and end times. I once heard it taught that the loaf of wheat bread (measure of wheat) or three loaves of barley for a day's pay. Increasing prices also would encourage us to not WASTE the olive oil (or gas, non food item), MILK (have you checked the price) or any thing! But, we are getting very close to the end times! Think of the meat supply problem, along with the high cost of food, the droughts we already have, even in the United States, and I can certainly see how the black horse (deep mourning) of famine fits and the last days seem very close, indeed. What do you think? 6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Thank you for reading my blog (thoughts) and for your comments!
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I've always liked study about relationships. We are all involved in various types of relationships if we exist on the planet. Even though some of our relationships are deeper and more intimate than others, I've found the more I learn about relationship matters and self, it helps me as a person to grow overall, even if I don't have the particuliar problem or situation that I study. (For those who are not married, it does not hurt to learn about relationships directed at married people. ) This type study also helps me appreciate the Savior more than ever, the various problems many of us face--and that HE is so forgiving and is the only answer.
I am not addicted to pornography. I found article in my research material and realizing that this is a problem for many, I thought I would post it. I am sorry that I did not always include the source of the various articles, etc. that I did keep.
Perhaps you know of someone that can use this very informative information.
It's a Matter of the Heart
The dictionary defines pornography as written, graphic, or other forms of communication intended to excite lascivious feelings. The term "pornography" is used to describe everything from lingerie catalogs to XXX-rated movies. Pornography is broken into two categories: soft-core pornography and hard-core pornography. Soft-core pornography is material that is considered protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution and is considered a freedom of expression. Hard-core pornography is that which is not covered by the First Amendment and is prosecutable by law. Regardless of the category it falls within, the effects are the same, damage to the individual and to those they love. Addiction to pornography crosses all economic, ethnic, educational, and religious levels of society.
The one common denominator is that it plagues men. (I know there are women addicted to this, too--but usually it is men) Why is this?
It is important to understand that God created men to be visually stimulated. His plan was for sex to be enjoyed and explored within the confines of a mutual commitment in marriage. Unfortunately, society today exposes and assaults our senses through graphic sexual images, images that have a profound effect on men and boys.
Through subtle introductions using such things as lingerie catalogs and swimsuit calendars, an appetite for fantasy is encouraged in men. Pornography and the fantasy it encourages turns men's minds and hearts toward satisfying their own desires with little or no concern for others.
Galatians 6:8 (New Living Translation) explains the consequences: "Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest consequences of decay and death."
6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Dr. Victor Cline, a clinical psychologist, estimates that 40% of men have some level of involvement or addiction to pornography.
Men who become addicted to pornography require increasingly graphic material to be aroused and satisfied. Research indicates that after six one-hour sessions of exposure to soft-core pornography and R-rated movies, men experienced a loss of respect for women, a decrease of satisfaction with their spouse and a major increase in the value of sex without attachment.
Many types of addiction plague our culture, but nothing is more powerful or more difficult to break than an addiction to pornography. The pornography industry relies on men who indulge in sexual lust and fantasy. The truth is, fantasy does not satisfy. It only creates a sexual sinkhole in our minds that gets larger and never leads to fulfillment. We can clean out drugs and alcohol from our bloodstreams, but images etched in the mind and patterns of thinking are more difficult to remove. The only answer is that the mind must be renewed.
Any addiction is difficult to break, but sexual addiction establishes a stronghold on the individuals it controls. When men become so controlled by fantasy and lust, they can only become completely free through the power of God. We know of men who, after years of destruction and bondage caused by addiction to pornography, are now free thanks to the power of God. You or your loved one can find freedom as well. Breaking the bondage is not easy, but it is possible through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord gives grace, mercy, forgiveness, and the power to overcome the bondage along with the power to restore family relationships.
There are four basic elements that are vital to breaking the stronghold of pornography and overcoming sexual addiction:
Acknowledgment: Freedom begins with an honest recognition that there is a bondage that controls your thoughts and, as a result, your behavior. It is very important to come to a place where you acknowledge that involvement with pornography is wrong and has been very damaging to you and your family. Justifying the behavior or blaming your spouse's problems for your behavior will not lead to freedom. 1 John 1:8-9 (NKJV) says, " If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Repentance: Repentance is an about-face in our behavior and thought life. It involves complete honesty with God. When we confess our sin and repent to God, we allow the Holy Spirit to compassionately and mercifully cleanse us from destructive thoughts and behavior. It is more than being sorry for the results that sin has produced?true repentance always leads to a change in behavior. Repentance that leads to changed behavior is the only act that will lay the foundation for God’s forgiveness. Revelation 3:19 (NKJV) says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent."
3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Meditation: Meditation on the Word of God is the necessary exercise to replace unhealthy thoughts with pure thoughts. It transforms our minds and sets us free (Psalm 107:20). Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) says, "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth but you shall meditate in it day and night…then you shall make your way prosperous and then you shall have good success."
107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.
1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Accountability: Accountability involves placing yourself under the scrutiny of another person or group of individuals who love God and who are committed to support your efforts to overcome your harmful behavior. No one can do it alone. Godly friendships are crucial to helping us overcome temptation and establish healthy thoughts. James 6:16 (NKJV) says, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed…"
(Sorry, I tried to insert this KJV scripture twice and it did not include words)
If you or someone you love is involved with pornography, the bondage can be broken and a damaged life can be restored. Pornography addiction begins and ends in the heart, and only God can truly change a heart. God is faithful, and He is an ever-present help in times of trouble. With God's help, the support of committed friends and loved ones, and your own effort to submit your thoughts to God, you'll emerge changed and free from the bondage that has controlled your life. Psalm 62:8(NKJV) says, "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
62:8 \62:7\In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God.
Scriptures for meditation:
Psalm 101:3-4
Proverbs 6:27-29
Proverbs 5:15-21
1 Corinthians 6:13-20
James 4:7
James 1:12-15
Psalm 1:1-3
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