Author: tylamb

Ty Lamb has an agricultural background, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from the Arizona College of the Bible, an ordained minister, an author, an independent John Maxwell Team Member, a Board Member of the Greater Prescott Area Healing Rooms and leads the Great Prescott Area Intercessor Teams for local prayer gatherings and geographic journeys locally and across the nation. He enjoys a ministry presence on social media, personal pastoral counseling, facilitates small groups, loves to preach and teach and delve into God's word. He and his wife Tamara reside in Prescott, Arizona, and enjoy five adult children with nine incredible grandkids.
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Cessationism- A Lie From the Pit

What happened to the gifts of Holy Spirit? Why don’t we see them in many churches today?
First, keep in mind, it says in Revelation 12:11 that we conquer the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the “word of our testimony.”
Our testimony is a powerful force against the enemy. It testifies to the truth of the word of God and the evidence of it operating in our lives that produces life change and transformation.
Transformation is the “new creation” Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 5:17. It is not just a declared truth, there is a testimony and measurable, observable change of that transformation.

So, my testimony is that I was brought up in mainstream Christianity which is by and large cessationist. This brand of Christianity do not believe the Holy Spirit operates in the same power, force and supernatural gifts that were exhibited in Acts 2-28. My early life was in the Methodist church. I then spent a few years in the Nazarene church. Then I spent 10 years in the Southern Baptist church.

Back in the late 1990’s I was in a season of life having a serious health crisis that threatened my life. I began to seek the Lord harder than any other time of my life. I could not find a doctor that could diagnose me correctly. I was greatly humbled and desperation had been increasing. I finally received diagnosis and direction from my large animal veterinarian. (I was a dairy farmer in Arizona at the time) This resulted in a major invasive, extremely painful surgery. After the surgery, recovery was very slow and painful.

Dairy field trip, 1999 Buckeye, Arizona

I truly wanted more of God than I ever had before. I began to hunger for Him more and more. I went to a weekend retreat with a group of men. This movement was called “Walk to Emmaus.” I asked the Lord for everything He had for me. I was ready for whatever it was. I was fully surrendered. I began to grow dissatisfied with the church I was attending. This also led me to deeper levels of repentance. I began to ask the Lord to show me things in my life that grieve Him. The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:13 we will find Him when we seek Him with all our heart.

These formed the stepping stones to an encounter with Holy Spirit, not at any church, but out on the farm in the corral with my Holstein cows where I began to prophesy and then speak in another language/tongues. My life has never been the same since. I feel His presence and power in my life far greater than I have ever in the previous 20 years of my life. I have also laid hands on the sick and they have been healed. I have cast out demons and I have experienced many words of knowledge in ministry to people over the years. My testimony matches the things described in the Bible. I have not attained the level that my shadow heal people like Peter (Acts 5:15).

All I can report is, Holy Spirit is real. God is real. Yeshua is alive. Holy Spirit is extremely powerful. I continue to ask Him to show me things that are in my life and in my household and in the church that grieve Him. I seek to repent and remove things that grieve Him.

My goal is to keep this brief. Please consider the following scriptures. This list is not exhaustive.

Holy Spirit “pouring out on His people.”
Proverbs 1:23
Isaiah 32:15,44:3
Ezekiel 39:29
Joel 2:28-29
Acts 2:17, 33, 10:45
Romans 5:5

Holy Spirit baptism (fire, not water):
Matt 3:11
Mark 1:8
Luke 3:16
John 1:33
Acts 1:5
Acts 11:16

Holy Spirit gift of tongues:
Acts 2:4, 19:6
1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:2, 14:14

Holy Spirit prophesy:
1 Samuel 10:6, 19:20
Joel 2:28
Acts 2:17-18, 19:6
1 Corinthians 14:1

When these things and other gifts are not in operation then there must be a reason. Here are some biblical reasons you may not be experiencing the fullness of Holy Spirit:

1 Thessalonians 5:19 -Do not quench Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30 -Do not grieve Holy Spirit

Unbelief- Matt 13:58; Mark 6:5, 9:24

Neglecting Holy Spirit – 1 Timothy 4:14

Failure to “fan into flame” ( anazōpyreō ) the gifts of God – 2 Timothy 1:6

Failure to ask for the gifts of Holy Spirit – Luke 11:13

Some gifts will cease when Jesus returns-
1 Corinthians 10:13 “when perfection comes, the imperfect will pass away.
“teleois” Strongs- the perfect state of all things, to be ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven.”

Until Yeshua returns, we need everything Holy Spirit has available to us so we can complete the mission here on earth. Like Jacob, do not let go until He blesses you (Genesis 32:26) . Do not give up, do not stop seeking Him until He blesses you and baptizes you in Himself!

We should not do ministry without Holy Spirit gifts and His power operating in our life. Anything short of this is misrepresenting Yeshua.

Acts 1:4-8
Notice the word “power.” (“dynamis“- power, mighty work, miracle, virtue, excellence of soul)
Paul warns of a time when people will have a form of godliness (outward religious activity) but deny the power. Paul says to Timothy, “have nothing to do with them.”

2 Timothy 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power (same word- “dynamis“). Avoid such people.

Could it be that the absence of the power of Holy Spirit contributed to the “lukewarmness” Yeshua warned about in the church of Laodicea:

Revelation 3 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,” not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

The Bible give us the command to “avoid such people” who do not operate in the power and gifts of Holy Spirit! Time is short and we do not have time to mess around with a weak, powerless watered down gospel!

From this perspective it may be interpreted as “sbenoomi” (put out the fire) “quenching the Spirit” to deny or restrict the freedom of operating in all the gifts of Holy Spirit. We also grieve Holy Spirit when we have un-confessed sin, un-forgiveness, rivalry, dissension, disunity and when we refuse to operate in certain gifts of Holy Spirit.

It may be interpreted as arrogance, conceit or pride to assume that we do not want or need certain gifts of Holy Spirit. Who are we to tell Holy Spirit, sorry I won’t do that?

If certain gifts of Holy Spirit are not flowing in ministry we must assume that He has been “lupeo” (to make sorrow) “grieved” because of sin, impure motives, church politics, false doctrine, traditions of man, arrogance, pride and/or a controlling disposition and has withdrawn His gifts and anointing.

Yeshua came and died to set us free. When He returned to the Father, He sent Holy Spirit to enable us to complete the work of healing the sick, delivering people from oppression and bondage. Why would He withdraw anything from us that we need to complete our mission? He would NEVER DO THAT!!!!

Matthew 7:11 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

When the gifts of Holy Spirit are not flowing and operating in ministry to hurting, lost, broken people in spiritual bondage it is most biblically responsible to assume that Holy Spirit has not changed. The church has changed. In these last days we must repent and remove the obstacles and hindrances of Holy Spirit from being able to flow and operate fully and powerfully in the church. Be unashamed! Hold nothing back!

Be a “Continuationist!” Holy Spirit is alive and well.

Blessings
Amen

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THE HANUKKAH – YESHUA CONNECTION

Along the timeline of the biblical “holy days,” or “moedim” a.k.a “appointed times” Yeshua punctuated those occurring in the Spring/Summer in a dramatic way. Based on this it is reasonable to assume all seven of them point to our redemption. So what do we do about events that occurred after Torah was written and canonized? Like Purim and Hanukkah? Is there a fit?

Do these historic events speak to us today! ABSOLUTELY YES!!

From the Bible, our redemption story began with the Exodus. Chapter 12 states “for you the beginning of months.” It was in the wilderness that the “appointed times” were given and instituted along with the Tabernacle. The Israelites were being forged into a nation and this nation would receive instruction and the Messiah.

So, we continue to expect the events related to our redemption to be in prophetic alignment with the Feasts- Appointed Times. According to this proposed Messianic chronology, I and many others have shown the Spring feasts to be fulfilled. Let’s briefly outline the chronology of Yeshua coming into the world the first time. It all begins in a surprising place.

  1. Hanukkah– Considering what we now understand from biblical calendar calculations, Mary conceived Yeshua during Feast of Dedication “Feast of Lights” which takes place on the 24th day of the 9th month which is Kislev. This is most always in the December timeframe. What a beautiful foreshadowing of Messiah- Overcoming the persecution; Rededication; restored hope. Without the historic events of Hanukkah, with the Maccabean revolt of 167-164 BC, Israel would have ceased to exist. Prophetically, Kislev, the 9th month, 24th day- 9 implies full gestation- fullness of time (Galatians 4:4). Also, the prophet Haggai got a word from the Lord on the 24th day of the 9th month which extended their hope with the Lord’s blessing, though they were an unclean people. (Haggai 2:10-23). The existence of the Zerubabel temple provided the landing place for the Messiah’s first coming.

+/- Nine and 1/2 months later…

  1. Sukkot/Tabernacles– Yeshua is born on the 1st day and circumcised on the 8th day.
    Feast of Ingathering, Emmanuel- “God dwelling with us.” Through various calendar calculations we can calculate that Yeshua was born in the Fall. What Feasts come in the Fall? Yom Teruah- Day of Trumpets, Yom Kippur- Day of Atonement and Sukkot- Feast of Tabernacles. Which one fits perfectly with His birth? Sukkot, of course! It marks the ingathering harvest of souls of the earth. Yeshua has come to save us and then come establish His kingdom.
  2. The Great Day. Seldom noticed, there is an additional holy convocation at the end of Sukkot. It is a mystery day. John called it the “Great Day.” (John 3:37). It is the cherry on the cake because it aligns perfectly with Yeshua’s circumcision to prophetically recognize baby Yeshua’s circumcision- coming under the Law to save us apart from the Law. (Galatians 4:5)

+/- 33 years later…

  1. Pesach/Passover– Yeshua was crucified. Yeshua is our “Passover Lamb.” (1 Cor. 5:7). The gentile church cannot escape the fact that Yeshua died on Passover and was prophetically declared by John the Baptist, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Yeshua punctuated Passover with His own blood.
  2. Unleavened Bread– Leviticus 23:6-8. While in the grave, during the Feast of Unleavened bread, Yeshua went in the lower regions preaching to Old Testament saints (Ephesians 4:9; 1 Peter 3:19) Yeshua is the Bread of Life and the Living Bread (John 6:51).
  3. Firstfruits– Yeshua was raised from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits. He was raised on the day after the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:9-14). He alone in all the world demonstrated His authority and power over death, hell and the grave. (Luke 12:15; Isaiah 53:9) He is the first of many other followers. (1 Cor. 15:20; 1 Thes. 4:16).
  4. Shavuot/Pentecost– Moses received the 10 Commandments forming the foundation of Torah. It is to be remembered forever (Leviticus 23:15-22). Yeshua releases Holy Spirit fills the Apostles and births the church (Acts 2:1-41). Yeshua is the Word “Torah” made flesh and dwelt among them. (John 1:14).

+/-2000 years later…

We are still living in the post-Pentecost outpouring harvest of the earth. This timeframe will be completed when the “fullness of the Gentiles” have come in (Romans 11:25). We also eagerly anticipate what the Lord will do with the Fall feasts of the Lord. How will He fulfill the Feast of Trumpets, Yom Kippur and His birth on Sukkot. Until then, we, the church are still under the mandate to:

Matthew 5:19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

Luke 19:13 …‘Engage in business until I come.’

1 Peter 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

These are the major themes, but the list, of course goes on and on in great detail throughout the New Testament.

In closing,

Yeshua said these words during Hanukkah in His day:



John 10 
22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”


Are you His sheep? Can you hear His voice?

Please don’t let Hanukkah slip by unnoticed while the world gets you to focus on the false date of December 25th. Celebrate that the Light has come into the world and it began with a virgin with child. Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights” now carries a new layer of meaning as this is the very origin of the Light of the World, Yeshua, entered the realm of the fallen, natural world, to save it and save us, His children.

HalleluYah!

All quotes are from the ESV Bible
copyright Ty Lamb, Prescott, Arizona 2025

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Why Do People Believe the Bible?

A Brief Summary of Things to Ponder-

1. Thousands of ancient manuscripts and fragments exist demonstrating accuracy and consistency over 3.5 millennia. The Bible was written on 3 continents, by over 40 authors and over a 1500 year period of time yet is completely consistent in context, content and purpose. It is a book of books, 66 to be exact. It contains history, poetry, moral instruction, spiritual guidance, progression of civilization and prophecy, both fulfilled and yet-to-be-fulfilled. Together, the mosaic beautifully interweaves the tapestry of Man’s struggles, evil temptation, the progression of time and history of key events, God’s direction and timely interventions and God’s overall purpose and plan for His creation and Mankind. Though the Bible is far more than a good story, it is the actual “his-story” of Mankind. It also contains the essential elements of great literature with plot, minor plots, major and minor characters, conflict, setting, and theme. We find these major elements:

A) The setting is God’s beautiful creation which He spoke into existence; His perfection and the beauty of His original creation which may have existed eternally.

B) The conflict is the battle of good vs evil. Man falls into temptation, sin and subsequent rebellion. Due to this fallen nature Man has a continuous battle with temptation, sin and the consequences of sin. Because of this, Man is separated from our Holy, righteous God.

C) The theme of the Bible is God’s incredible immeasurable, sacrificial LOVE. God’s love for Mankind is revealed and He has provided a path for our redemption and future restoration.

D) God’s redemptive plan is underway and cannot be thwarted. The characters are the descendants of Abraham. Over time they become identified as Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and the nation of Israel.

God calls a representative man to lead the way. The man’s descendants become a nation. The nation is to provide a beacon of hope and light and to live in reverence and obedience to God. The nation is to be separate and distinct from other nations of the earth and to live as an example for other nations. They are instructed to become a priest nation giving sacrifices and offerings and worship to God alone as the only one, true, living God. The nation falls short because of continued sin of the fallen human condition. Later, God provides, in and through His Son, a Messiah who would come and be born in the very nature of Man to provide substitutionary atonement Savior for all Mankind.

The message of the Bible offers an invitation- It is each man’s opportunity to humble themselves and accept the plan and path of redemption.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

2. The manuscripts of the Bible have survived many efforts to destroy them. This is an evidence of supernatural protection of its content and its message to Mankind. The Bible remains the best-selling, most scrutinized, most printed book in history.

3. The Bible accurately describes historic people, places and events that have been corroborated and authenticated with extra-biblical writings and archaeological findings. The evidence of catastrophic flooding, geological fossilization and deformation of sediments and rock layers is clear for those willing to see it.

4. The narrative of the Bible is consistent with what can be observed in the world such as, moral absolutes of right and wrong, good vs evil, life and death, blessings and curses, the presence of evil temptation, distinction of nations, tribes and languages, the rise and fall of nations, the dilemmas of leadership, supernatural miracles, answers to prayer.

5. Most people recognize they are both a natural person and a spiritual being. The Bible clearly identifies the natural world and reveals the reality of the unseen spiritual realm. The natural realm is passing away. The spiritual world is eternal. Hence, greater value and emphasis is placed on the spiritual realm and eternity. Reading and studying and encountering its message leads to a supernatural, spiritual transformation of the human heart and soul, rendering them “new creations.” This has been evidenced worldwide, crossing every cultural line for 2000 years.

6. The internal context descriptions of spiritual entities such as angels and demons when encountered in real life situations is completely consistent. When the authority of the name of Jesus Christ is applied while encountering demon possessed people is consistent and powerfully effective.

7. The internal evidence of the Scriptures themselves bearing witness are convincing. Such as:

“Thus says the Lord” appears 415 times in the ESV Bible.

“God of Israel” appears 201 times…

“God of the Hebrews” appears 6 times…

“Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” appears 5 times…

“Son of God” appears 44 times…

“judgment” appears 235 times…

“condemnation” appears 15 times…

“salvation” appears 178 times…

“Jesus” appears 1058 times…

“shall be saved” appears 6 times…

“will be saved” appears 17 times…

“truth” appears 139 times…

“eternal life” appears 44 times…

“heaven” appears 465 times…

“hell” appears 14 times…

“lake of fire” appears 4 times.

Isaiah 55: 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Jeremiah 1: 11 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see an almond[a] branch.” 12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.”

Matthew 24: 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Luke 1: 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us…

John 1: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

2 Timothy 3: 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1: 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

John 5: 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Revelation 3: 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.

Try it. Read it. Study it. Apply it to your life. Treat it as if it is the most important message you will ever hear. Your eternity weighs in the balance of your response.

HalleluYah!

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Husband and Wife Conversation

A husband and wife are driving back home after a wonderful romantic evening.

The husband turns down the radio and asks, “Would you like to know my real name?

The wife suddenly sits up, “What do you mean, your real name? Alarmed, “Do I not know your real name? Have you been lying to me all these years? What is this? Are you some kind of person in witness protection? Are you a conman? Do you have wives and children somewhere else? What are you saying right now?

Husband, defending himself: “Woah! Now, now, hold on and don’t freak out on me. Settle down, now. No, no, I am none of those things. Please hear me out before you overreact. It’s just that I have my original family name, the name my father and mother used to call me. It’s my ethnic name. But then I have another name, the name you know that people started calling me.”

Wife, inquiring, “How did I not know this? Why would people do that? Why did they start calling you a different name? Is your original name weird or offensive? Did they give you a nickname?

Husband: “Truthfully, they didn’t like where I come from, you know, my family heritage. They didn’t like the association. They didn’t want the connection, so they gave me a name from their own language. They wanted separation. Then they commandeered My movement and adopted and imported everything into their culture to make it their own.

Wife: “That’s sad and that is wrong! Isn’t that stealing? Boy, people these days! So racially biased and bitter towards one another! How did they think they could just take over like that?
(pause) You know, you need to stand up for yourself more. You shouldn’t have let them push you around like that and relabel you to something else. You can’t just take over someone else’s movement like that, right?”

Husband: “Well, once I left, I wasn’t there to defend myself or force them to be corrected. That is what happens when people who see what they want to see and believe what they want to believe, takeover.”

Wife/Bride: So, Jesus, what do you want to do? I mean, whatever your name is… Tell me your real name. I can’t believe I didn’t know this. I’m your wife and I want to know and I want to call you by your real name. What name did your family call you?

Husband/Messiah: “They called me, Yeshua. My name is Yeshua. It means God is salvation.”

Wife/Bride: Stunned silent for a moment, she then responded, “That’s Jewish, right?”

Husband/Messiah: “Yes, of course I am Jewish. You knew this, right? My family was Jewish. I was born from the tribe of Judah. I lived in Israel. You didn’t know this?”

Wife/Bride: “Yes, I know what it says in the Bible. The Bible says, Jesus. I have always known you as Jesus. Jesus, I have always called you Jesus. It is all I have ever known. You always answer me when I call you Jesus.”

Husband/Messiah: “Yes, of course I do. I understand that. I know who you mean. People all over the world have their own name for me. Many people have more than one name.”

Wife/Bride: “So, what do you want me to do? Why did you bring this up? Can I still call you Jesus or do you want me to change?

Husband/Messiah: “What does your heart tell you to do?

Wife/Bride: “Jesus!” It is what I’ve always known!

Husband/Messiah: There is a big part of my family out there around the world who was severely persecuted by others who used the name ‘Jesus.’ They shudder when they hear that name and don’t want anything to do with it. It is like poison to them. It is a very sad thing this has happened.”

Wife/Bride: “Oh my, I never knew that. That is awful!! People can be so hateful and mean. (Pause, wife thinking and pondering) So, what happens when they hear your Jewish name?

Yeshua Messiah: “They hear the Hebrew words, “God is salvation.” They lift their curiosity and wonder why people are speaking Hebrew words. It begins to open their hearts because it is their heart language. My name gives them hope.”

Wife/Bride: “Wow, I see. That makes so much sense! I can see how that would open the door for conversation. It’s beautiful!” If it is ok, I would love to start calling You by Your real name. It will take me some time to adjust because I have always called you Jesus.”

Yeshua: “Yes, of course! That would be a step towards reconciliation of our peoples. Perhaps some will find salvation because it is My name!”

Acts 4 (ESV) 12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Revelation 19 (ESV) 6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God  the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
    and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
    with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Revelation 21 (ESV) 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed—

HalleluYah!

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Something People Don’t Know …

Something people don’t understand about God’s ways-

In the present age of God’s grace through Yeshua there is such an aversion and de-emphasis of holiness, righteousness and obedience to the Torah Law. Most Christians today, when asked believe that Jesus “fulfilled” the law so they don’t have to. Paul makes the case very clearly in Romans 7 that the Law is good, right and holy. The Law is God’s righteous standard. The Law exposes sin and our need for redemption. Sin is actually defined as “missing the mark” or breaking the laws of God. We also discover in Bible that obeying God’s laws are for our protection. We find the law of blessing and curses in Deuteronomy 28. We will be blessed if we obey and cursed if we disobey. It is not just the 10 Commandments. There are many laws of God that pertain to the believer in Yeshua. Yeshua said He did not come to abolish a single part of the Law until everything is fulfilled. Living in obedience to God’s laws what it means to live in the shadow of His wings.

Psalm 17 (ESV)

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence,
    my deadly enemies who surround me.

When we follow His ways, He is our refuge and fortress, our God in whom we trust.

So then, what happens when we don’t follow His laws? We essentially are stepping out from His protective covering and open the door of opportunity for the enemy to afflict, attack us and steal, kill and destroy us.

1 Peter 5 (ESV) 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The same thing is true regarding the laws of the land. Obey them and you enjoy their protection. Disobey them and suffer injury. A lawless nation cannot endure and thrive. This is why Yehovah hates lawlessness. He desires for us to be blessed, protected and prosperous in this fallen world. Lawlessness, on the other hand, eventually leads to self-destruction and the injury of other people.

1 John 3 (ESV) 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

So again, laws are for our protection. They are there because Yehovah loves us and wants us protected. When God banished man and woman from the garden He gave them protective animal coverings. This is a pre type of the law to come. The Lord covers and protects His people.

Genesis 3 (ESV) 20 The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

Thank You Lord so much for your laws and Your protection!

Psalm 119 (ESV)

164 Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
    nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
    and I do your commandments.

HalleluYah!

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How Many Sauls Are There Today?

1 Chronicles 10 13 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 14 He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.

Do you interpret omens?

Have you read tea leaves?

Have you visited a psychic?

Have you used Tarot cards?

Have you used a seer stone?

Have you used a Ouija board?

Have you had your palm read?

Do you identify with your sign?

Have you used a magic 8 ball?

Have you practiced divination?

Do you look at your horoscope?

Have you tried to talk to the dead?

Do you look at your astrology chart?

Do you consult the farmers almanac?

Do you seek power through crystals?

Do you consult someone or something other than the Lord Yeshua?

Let’s shut em down friends! Stop playing the harlot. Repent and slam shut ever window and portal to any other source of guidance. You have but one Lord, Yeshua who is exalted over the highest place is all creation! He is the Preeminent One!

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Swine in the Father’s House

Bacon Sandwich

What Western Christian church doesn’t understand is that the Torah is a set of rules and guidelines to live by that make you “different” than the peoples and nations around you. Its a code of conduct. Follow it and you will be blessed. Don’t follow it and you will be cursed (Deut 28). It is about living different, which makes you distinguished, which makes it more obvious that you are a child of Yehovah, the one true God of the universe. This is NOT legalism. This is about your identity- who are you? Are you a child of the devil and the world or are you a child of the Kingdom Yehovah and of another world?

So, eating that bacon swine flesh sandwich may not send you to hell, but it sure identifies you with the kingdom of this world. It separates you from God and the people of God. If you eat it, you miss out on the blessings of obedience. It’s your call. Blessing or curse? Obedience or disobedience. Satisfy the cravings of your flesh and eat the same flesh of a pig that was used to desecrate the Lord’s temple or walk in the Spirit?

It’s Hanukkah, so this becomes even more relevant as I am writing this. Antiochus Ephiphanes slaughtered a hog on the altar in the Lord’s temple and erected a statue to Zeus to desecrate it. The Bible says our bodies are now the temple of Holy Spirit. Hummm. That should make us think.

So also picture this-

In Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the Prodigal Son. The people of the day, no doubt, knew exactly what Yeshua was saying. Its a picture of a father and two sons. The father is, of course, Father God. The two sons are the two nations of Israel- Israel and Judah. Israel are the northern tribes that were scattered in 722 BC and never came home. They are the “lost house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24).

That is the son who found himself in the pig pen. The other brother who stayed home is the southern tribes of Judah, Judah and Benjamin. Judah came back home from Babylon and rebuilt the temple with Ezra and Nehemiah. These are the “Jews.” (Judah = Jews) They have been given charge to hold the scepter of the law for all these centuries (Gen 49:10). Its been their duty. Without them, we would have no Bible. Without them there would have been no Hanukkah. Without them there would be no nation of Israel today. Remember, Yeshua IS a Jew.

So now, with that big picture context lets ask the question, When the prodigal son (who basically represents us) comes home and embraces his father who is Yehovah God and eats the fatted calf, then reconciles with his brother who stayed home and tended the farm, will he also want to slaughter a hog on his father’s kitchen table? That is what the pagan Christian who comes back home is demanding saying, Father we love our bacon sandwich and want to bring it into Your house.”

What Peter’s vision was about in Acts 10 was “receiving” the people who had been eating unclean foods and opening the door of salvation to them. The blood of Yeshua was making the people clean. This matter does not mean that the food laws changed. It means Father will receive you no matter what you ate because of the blood of Yeshua. Remember, Yeshua said He did not come to strike a single letter from the Law (Matthew 5:18). And we must realize Yeshua would never contradict Himself. So…

The big question is, (check your heart) Do you still want to bring your bacon lover’s sandwich into the Father’s house? Do you think shrimp cocktail and lobster will be served at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb?

The Gentile church who is “Israel” needs to reconcile these big picture truths that are much deeper than just our salvation and adoption and “get out of Dodge” for free.

This may be the first time you have recognized that bacon or lobster or that shrimp cocktail or catfish dinner might be an idol in your life and you never realized it. Selah.

Please take a few moments and pray about this before you immediately dismiss it.

Grace and love.

HalleluYah!

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When Government and its People Reject God

Ever since our government determined to put a large wedge between church and state, they have continually become more demonic and depraved. Always remember that the word “secular” is a nice word (euphemism) for “atheist.”

Friends, every time you push God out, something else will come rushing in. It won’t be something good or lasting. It will be deceptive, cunning, wicked and destructive.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12; 16:25.

In 1962 our federal government decided to take prayer out of schools. In 1968 our federal government decided that teaching creationism in public schools was advancing religion. In 1970 our federal government decided it would support abortion. This is just 3 factors. I am sure we can name many other ways our government has chosen the slippery slope. The statistics tell the rest of the story.

Psalm 33 (ESV)

10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
    he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
    the plans of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

Let’s be more specific these days. We can see very clearly that when a nation rejects God the people suffer. The people choose carnal pleasure and abandon the principles of family and marriage. The foundation of civilization is the family. When the family, as God defined it is destroyed, the nation will eventually be destroyed.

Listen to the prophetic word of Hosea regarding the destruction of a nation who forgets and turns away from God.

Hosea 4 (ESV)

Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel,
    for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land.
There is no faithfulness or steadfast love,
    and no knowledge of God in the land;
2 there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery;
    they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
3 Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it languish,
and also the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens,
    and even the fish of the sea are taken away.

4 Yet let no one contend, and let none accuse, for with you is my contention, O priest.
5 You shall stumble by day;  the prophet also shall stumble with you by night;
    and I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge,
    I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God,
    I also will forget your children.

7 The more they increased, the more they sinned against me;
    I will change their glory into shame.
8 They feed on the sin of my people; they are greedy for their iniquity.
9 And it shall be like people, like priest;  I will punish them for their ways
    and repay them for their deeds.
10 They shall eat, but not be satisfied; they shall play the whore, but not multiply,
because they have forsaken the Lord to cherish 11 whoredom, wine, and new wine,
    which take away the understanding.
12 My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles.
For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have left their God to play the whore.
13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is good.
Therefore your daughters play the whore, and your brides commit adultery.
14 I will not punish your daughters when they play the whore,
    nor your brides when they commit adultery; for the men themselves go aside with prostitutes and sacrifice with cult prostitutes, and a people without understanding shall come to ruin.

Let’s humble ourselves and turn back to the God of the Bible.

Forgive us Lord. We have learned what happens when we forsake You. We repent of our foolish ways and turn back to you. We invite the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of Israel, Yehovah, the Great I AM to be present and powerful and exalted in our nation and over our nation in Yeshua’s mighty name!

HalleluYah!!

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We Are Manasseh

Some believers have the deep insight to see that the blessing of Jacob on the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh did not evaporate in the diaspora of the northern tribes of Israel. These blessings actually went out and manifested in the future nations of the earth. We shouldn’t be so short sighted to think that Yehovah forgot about these blessings or that they were canceled because of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Remember,

2 Timothy 2 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh

Genesis 41: 51 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” 52 The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

Ephraim, meaning doubly fruitful, will become-

Genesis 48: 9 … “Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”

This blessing manifested as Great Britain. For we know that Great Britain had become the largest empire in history, being “the empire of which the sun never sets.”

Then, for Manasseh, which means “you have made me forget my father’s house.” We have become the nation who has forgotten who we are has manifested in the United States of America. We indeed have become a great nation. We, indeed, have also forgotten who we are in the spiritual prophetic sense of our identity.

So, we like to pride ourselves for becoming a great nation, yet we need to humble ourselves and realize it was not by our own ingenuity but by the sovereign blessing and purposes of Yehovah through Jacob for this time in history.

Its time to remember WHO we are and WHOSE we are.

The United States of America is the Manasseh Blessing. That is who we are.

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Why Do I Say, “Shabbat Shalom” on Friday Evenings?

Answer: First of all, the Sabbath begins on sundown and goes 24 hours to the next sundown, Friday night to Saturday night. This comes from Genesis 1:5 and Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 16:29-30 and Exodus 20:10-11. When you stream all of these verses together into a consistent thought, it comes to light.

I used to “ignore” the 4th commandment like most other Christians. Then, later in life my heart began to change regarding this issue as well as other things I formerly believed. I “wanted/desired” to recognize the weekly Sabbath and make that day special and different from the rest. It has been a challenge but also a blessing. It requires some discipline and self control for sure. I also have started following the clean foods of Torah. There are health benefits, but there are also obedience benefits.

As I have matured in my faith over the years I have come to believe Acts 15:29 is an entry level list of suggestions for gentile believers to abstain from but in no way is intended to be the end of the discussion. What about the 10 Commandments? Most Christians believe they are in force yet not all of them are not listed in Acts 15. Where does this reasoning come from that we can pick and choose? Also, we reflect on Yeshua’s words in Matthew 5 that He did not come to abolish the law. So, as followers of Yeshua we should not limit or restrict ourselves in any way from enjoying the benefits and blessings of observing more of Torah. Oh, did I say “benefits and blessings?” Yes I did.

I believe “every generation” means every generation whether you are a natural branch or a grafted in branch (Romans 11:17).

Exodus 31:13 “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.

Also, according to John 17:22-23, Ephesians 2:11-22 and 1 Peter 2:9 we are supposed to be one people in the Lord whether Jew or Gentile. The more we all begin to follow Torah, the more we will begin to be one people, a holy nation to the Lord.

We have learned that the Torah provides a guideline for God’s chosen to live noticeably separate and different from the other people of the world. We are supposed to be ambassadors of the kingdom of God, right? It is intended to be a blessing, not a curse (Deuteronomy 28). It is not a list of hoops to jump through in order to be saved. It is intended to keep us from demonic corruption, affliction and seduction. It also is intended to make us distinct and separate from the world system.

If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Blessings and Shalom!