Showing posts with label teshuva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teshuva. Show all posts

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Be Like Esther




The last holiday we celebrated prior to "the virus" was Purim.  America has gone through a tough time since then.  During Purim, we remember the courage of Queen Esther when she went before the King to save the Jewish people.  This passage has remained as a testament to her bravery, and a charge to believers ever since then:

"For if you fail to speak up now,
 relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from a different direction; 
but you and your father’s family will perish. 
Who knows whether you didn’t come into your royal position precisely 
for such a time as this.”
(Esther 4:14)
 
This phrase has echoed in my mind many, many times since Purim, and more insistently for the past month.  God has laid a heavy burden on my heart for my country and I know He wants me to share this post today.  One day, I was praying about this and received two confirmations from Him.  

One confirmation was seeing a YouTube video about the "mantle" of Esther.  That same day, I received this gift from a friend:


Like Esther, I am being called to go before the King on behalf of my people -- America.  We are in grave danger.  Complete destruction could be our fate.  I'll explain why.

First, I have to lay the groundwork of what has been happening in the world.  There is a plan called the New World Order.  I first heard this expression about thirty years ago in a book I read about the subject.  This plan is to have all countries unite as one, all with no borders. There will be one global government, and one supreme leader.  All will follow the same belief system and religion would be banned.  The United Nations plays a big part in this scenario.  The Book of Revelation in the New Testament of the Bible mentions it, too, and calls the supreme leader the Anti-Christ. 
 
I heard President George H. W. Bush mention it at the beginning of the Gulf War.  I remember watching a news feed of rockets being fired  and was dumbstruck when I heard him say these words:  

“Out of these troubled times, our fifth objective — a new world order — can emerge.” — President George H. W. Bush
 
Other presidents and U.S. officials have espoused their support of this new world order.  One is running for president right now:
 
 “The affirmative task we have now is to actually create a new world order.” — Vice President Joe Biden (2013)
 
  "I think that his [Obama’s] task will be to develop an overall strategy for America in this period, when really a ‘new world order’ can be created. It’s a great opportunity.” — Henry Kissinger
 
 All of that to say this:  if you've been paying attention for the last thirty years, you have seen our country make a big shift.  The years under the Obama presidency, especially, saw a complete upheaval of Biblical values with far-reaching destruction.  In example: late-term and live-birth abortion, homosexual and transgender lifestyles support and promotion,  disrespect and violence toward the police, and wanton lawlessness have proliferated from his efforts.  These things are totally against God's Word and Ways.   
 
Many Democrats are pushing globalism, socialism, open borders, and even a whole new constitution.  World leaders are heading in that direction.  Others, like the UK, however, have made the decision to back out of the EU, which is a very positive sign.
 
I sincerely believe we stand at a crossroads this very week, Gail-Friends.  America's decision about the presidency for the next four years is critical to either save or destroy America as we've known it.  A vote for Biden is a vote for the new world order.  A vote for Trump is a vote for the America based on The Constitution, and for the Biblical principles on which it was founded.

You and I, as believers in the One True God -- Adonai, and  in His Son, Yeshua the Messiah, are like Esther.  We were born for such a time as this.  But it's not only about voting.  It's about going before the King of the Universe.  We have to do what Esther did:
 
She believed in the One True God, the God of the Universe.  She knew about God, about His Word, His Ways, and His Holiness.  
 
She believed in prayer and fasting.  She fasted for three days before she had audience with the King.  
 
She prepared her spirit.  She took courage and strength from Adonai, seeking His face about when to go and what to say. 
 
She didn't just pray, she added feet to her prayers and followed His leading.   
 
I believe you and I are to be like Esther at this time in history -- for this election -- but also going forward.  I call you to:
 
Fast and pray from November 1 - 3.  
 
Meditate on 2 Chronicles  7:14 (TLV)

When My people, over whom My Name is called, 

humble themselves 

and pray and seek My face

 and turn from their evil ways, 

then I will hear from heaven 

and will forgive their sin 

and will heal their land.


I'm sure you're familiar with this verse, but please pay attention to this part:  "turn from your evil ways".  This means return to Torah.  If you will read the preceding verses of the chapter, you will see that the people had turned their backs on the Torah. Many believers have done the same.  They don't even know they're sinning because they've been told "not to be legalistic, or under the law".  
 
I challenge you, as you fast, to re-read the gospels of the New Testament and see what Yeshua said and did.  He obeyed the law and taught everyone to obey it.  He observed the seventh day Sabbath, kept the feasts and festivals, and attended the synagogue.  Research it yourself.  Most of all, He said,
 
 If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 
 (John 14:15 CJB)
 
He was speaking of the Torah.
 
So, I say to you -- read, study, and obey God's instructions to you in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible).  This is so very important because we're in a spiritual battle.  A war between evil and good.  That war can be won only with spiritual weapons.  Hear this very clear and important verse:  
 
 Those who abandon Torah praise the wicked,
    but those who keep Torah fight them.
(Proverbs 28:4 CJB)
 
I said earlier we have to be like Esther in this election AND in going forward because the battle will not be won when Trump is elected.  We have to stand up and be Esther every day.  We have to be obedient to God in every way in order to turn this country around.  We have to speak to people and tell them the truth.  We have to talk about sin.
 
Oh, you might be thinking but that's judgmental.  No, being judgemental is when you watch someone going over a cliff and do nothing to stop them.  God calls us to be righteous judges, living holy lives, and pointing others to a life of obedience.  
 
Oh, but you might be thinking where's the love?  Adonai is a loving God, but He is also the God of truth and justice.  This verse is important:  
 
Grace and truth have met together; 
justice and peace have kissed each other.
(Psalm 85:11 CJB)
 
For many, He is the god of anything goes.  This is not the one, true God of the Bible.  He is righteous and holy, and He wants us to be righteous and holy, too.  I pray believers will fast, pray, and repent, so that our prayers will not be hindered.



 


 
 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

L'Shanah Tovah - Happy New Year 5775

photo courtesy of The Graphics Fairy


At sundown today, Rosh Hashanah begins and with it, the beginning of the High Holy Days.  Rosh Hashanah is also known as the Feast of Trumpets, and it is the first day of the year on the Jewish Calendar.  It will be the beginning of the year 5775, so Happy New Year, or L'Shanah Tovah in Hebrew.  As Messianic Jews, we say
L'Shanah Tovah B'Yeshua 
(Happy New Year in Yeshua)
As believers, we are commanded in Numbers 29:1

 “‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work; it is a day of blowing the shofar for you.   (See also Leviticus 23:23-25).

Please listen to the beautiful sound of the shofar

The Scriptures say that when Yeshua returns, the shofar will sound.  Wouldn't it be wonderful, if all the shofars around the world were blowing, and He returned on that day?  Here is the passage, in I Thessalonians 4:16-17 in the Complete Jewish Bible:

 16 For the L-rd himself will come down from heaven with a rousing cry, with a call from one of the ruling angels, and with G-d’s shofar; those who died united with the Messiah will be the first to rise; 17 then we who are left still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the L-rd in the air; and thus we will always be with the L-rd. 18 So encourage each other with these words.

There are some who firmly believe He will return during this time.  I pray He does, because I long for His return.
You can learn more about this holiday and read my past posts that explain more, by clicking on this link.

Rosh Hashanah begins the Ten Days of Awe, which are a time of reflection, meditation, and prayer to Hashem.  It is a time to get alone with Him, search our hearts for sins in our lives, and to repent.  Repent means to turn around and obey G-d's Word and follow His ways (Torah).  This song is my favorite about what repentence (teshuva) really means.  Please listen:





Because this is a holy time of introspection, I will not post again until after Yom Kippur. I will be back on Sunday, October 5. At that time, I will post about our Rosh Hashanah celebration, and also about our Yom Kippur service.  

I will pray for you, dear Gail-Friends, while I am away, and please pray for me.  Until then, I say L'Shanah Tovah B'Yeshua (Happy New Year in Yeshua).  And may the year 5775 be a sweet one for you.

*********
  I'm linking up today with:

 Spiritual Sunday

GRAND Social

All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up
 The Gathering Spot Link-Up

Modest Mom Monday Link-up 
Share Your Stuff Tuesday
Jenny's Monday Meet-Up



A Return to Loveliness



Winsome Wednesday A Wise Woman Builds
Whole Hearted Wednesday 
Wake Up Wednesday

Hearts for Home
Favorite Things 

Fab Creative Friday
Friendship Friday 
Freedom Friday

Monday, October 28, 2013

31 Days of His Wisdom - Day 28 - Torah and Teshuva


Ma'gen Da'vid's Torah scroll

Proverbs 28 is my focus today, and this verse is so important:

4 Those who abandon Torah praise the wicked,
    but those who keep Torah fight them.

I've written about this before, but I must address it once again.  Torah is Life.  The truths found in the first five books of the Holy Scriptures are very important to living a life of success and peace.  Those truths destroy evil.

Many of the things taught in Torah have been diluted, ignored, and completely rejected by many who call themselves believers today.  Yeshua (Jesus the Messiah) did not say to do this.  Nowhere will you find that He said to reject the Torah.  

Yeshua was an observant Jew who studied and obeyed the Torah.  He spoke out against the religious leaders who had substituted their own man-made laws for G-d's holy truths. 

He said, "If you love me, keep my commandments."  He was G-d in the flesh, and He was speaking of the commandments in the Torah.

He observed the Feasts and Festivals commanded in Leviticus (Vayekra in Hebrew).

He observed the Sabbath commanded in the Ten Commandments so popular in churches today.  Yet, the Command about the Sabbath is disobeyed.  Nowhere in the New Testament will you find that G-d changed His mind about it.

He observed the dietary laws commanded in Torah.  I know your first thought is, "Paul said..."  Paul's statements have been perverted, and totally misunderstood.**  

Most of all, Yeshua preached  teshuva which is Hebrew for repent, and carries the meaning return to Torah.   John the Baptist preached teshuva prior to Yeshua's coming on the scene.  The disciples preached teshuva after Yeshua's death and resurrection. 

Teshuva is the great need of our world today.  We live in a world of the feel-good message and easy-believism.  Repentance is not preached and is not practiced, and many will be surprised when they hear G-d say, "Depart from Me.  I never knew you."

The Torah is a life preserver, and the New Testament should be read throught he lens of the Torah in order to understand Scripture.  When I learned this, my questions were all answered.***

If the things I've said here make you feel uncomfortable, the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.  Seek His face, and His wisdom...not your denomination, your preacher, or your religion.  I don't want you to hear G-d tell you to depart when you stand before Him in judgement.


**If you want to learn the truth about Paul and the dietary laws, please get the book The Genesis Diet by Gordon Tessler.  Very helpful.  

***I also recommend the book Our Father Abraham  - Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith by Marvin R. Wilson.  This book will explain how the Jewishness of faith in Yeshua was stripped out, and replaced with a great deal of lies and paganism.  After I read this book, I cried out to G-d for wisdom, and was led to Messianic Judaism.

^^^



Quotations are from The Complete Jewish Bible

Each time I read through Proverbs, something different jumps out at me.  This is ADONAI quickening His Word to my heart.  

As I go through this month of studying Proverbs, I hope you'll join me and read the chapter, too.  I'll share what stands out to me for that day.  

I'd love for you to share something He shows you through the day's reading. 
I'll be linking these posts to the 31 Days event at The Nester


This 31 day series will focus on the things I learned from Proverbs, as well as some things from Torah study, and will add in a sprinkling of what I've learned from Judaism. 

I will be posting daily through October 31.  To read the posts, just go to the Labels section on the left, and click on "31 Days of His Wisdom".

Thursday, May 2, 2013

My Prayer for America



Today, on this National Day of Prayer, this video expresses my prayer for the world, my country, my state, my town, and my self:  for a return to Torah.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Pray for America - Day 18


 


This post is part of a 31 day series from the American Prayer Initiative
You can sign up at the link and have the prayers sent to you daily in your
 e-mail box.  I encourage you to join us in praying daily for America
up through the general election on November 6, 2012.

The Church


Suggested Scriptural references ...
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  Matthew 16:18
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of G-d, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the L-rd. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of G-d by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22
Let the heavens praise your wonders, O L-rd, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!  Psalm 89:5
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the L-rd and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.  Acts 9:31

Suggested prayers ...
We plead for an awakening in Your church.  Convict us of our responsibility to live and speak Your truth and grace into our culture.  Protect Your church from being absorbed into the ways of this world.  And L-rd, we ask for Your protection from persecution and from all attempts to silence the voice of Your church.
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for equipping each of Your children in unique ways. We pray against confusion in the minds of many of us who claim to know You, so that we, as Christ followers would be beacons of light to our given circles of influence.
We plead with You, O G-d, to protect Your church from deception and distortions of Your truth.
We pray for Your Spirit to work in and through every pastor, church, believer and gathering of believers in America, asking You to open each heart and draw Your people to prayer and to Your truth.
We ask for religious leaders who understand and are devoted to Your truth and who proclaim Your truth boldly, with courage and insightful grace.
We pray for courage and wisdom for Your people, L-rd.  Give us the boldness to show up, stand up and speak up for Your truth, with winsomeness and grace.  Forgive us, L-rd, for ever misrepresenting You in the way we speak and act.  Correct us and guide us, we pray.
Show us how to be effective in proclaiming Your truth so that our enemies will be drawn to You.
We ask that You open our eyes to our responsibility as individuals and churches to minister to those in poverty and distress.  Forgive Your church, L-rd, and deliver us from abdicating our responsibilities to government.
We ask You to move in our hearts to make us a generous people, not only with our finances, but with our time and our talents.  Open our eyes, L-rd, to clearly see honest needs around us, and show us how to serve those needs most effectively.
We ask that Your Church be exemplary to a watching world in the way we tend to our marriages.  Help us to honor You in how we love our husbands and our wives.
We pray for authentic, radical Christianity.


***************************************************************************

 
Yes, Father, I agree and add to this prayer.  I pray for every rabbi and synagogue in America to accept Yeshua as the Messiah.  I pray all believers will return to Your Torah (Teshuvah) which is what Yeshua preached while on earth.  Churches and synagogues have accepted the wicked ways of the world around them.  I pray we will return to YOUR ways.  

 
Yes, Father, I agree and  offer these prayers in the name of Yeshua Ha-Mashiach. Amain.
Please listen to the words of this song - Teshuvah by Ben & Lydia Laslow




Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Pray for America - Day 4


HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Today, on the anniversary of the birth of our nation, I pray you will take the time to pray and to remind others that it's not about the picnic, or the party, or the fireworks.  It's about our beloved country.  And we are responsible to protect and defend this beautiful gift given to us by G-d, and founded by men who honored and revered the Holy Scriptures.  We must repent  individually and as a nation, and turn from our wicked ways in order to save this land.  G-d had mercy on Ninevah and I pray He will have mercy on us.
*********************
This post is part of a 31 day series from the American Prayer Initiative
You can sign up at the link and have the prayers sent to you daily in your
 e-mail box.  I encourage you to join us in praying daily for America
up through the general election on November 6, 2012.
 Leaders
Suggested Scriptural references ...
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all those who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, G-dly and dignified in every way.  1Timothy 2:1 
The king’s heart is like a stream of water in the hand of the L-rd; He turns it wherever He will.  Proverbs 21:1
Nothing in all creation is hidden from G-d.  Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.  Hebrews 4:13
We can make our own plans, but the L-rd gives the right answer.  People may be pure in their own eyes, but the L-rd examines their motives.  Proverbs 16:1-2

Suggested prayers ...
Please give our leaders ears to hear Your wisdom and guidance ~ and the discernment, courage and strength to carry out Your direction.  We ask, Father, for You to move their hearts to honor You as their highest Authority.  
We pray for wisdom and strength for the President, his cabinet, his administration and his family. 
We ask that Your Holy wisdom penetrate the thoughts and decision making processes of those in positions of authority.  Help all those in authority to recognize they are accountable first to You.
We ask You to instill in our leaders an awareness of the G-dly heritage of this country and their responsibility before You to honor and preserve it.
We ask for leaders in all walks of life who sincerely hunger for truth and strive for sacred honor in all they think, say and do.
We ask You to guide and guard their motives, desires and plans.
We ask You to move in the hearts of many who know that service to You can be anywhere – even under a Capitol dome. 
We ask You to raise up G-dly leaders who desire principle over politics.
We ask for servant-leaders who desire to be statesmen over politicians.
We ask for You to prosper and give favor to those who are truly devoted to You, that they may grow in influence and effectiveness.
We ask for Your transforming power to work in the lives of those who would deceive, divide and destroy.
We ask for religious leaders who understand You and are devoted to Your Truth and proclaim it boldly.
 ****************

Father, I lift these prayers to you in the mighty name of Yeshua Ha-Mashiach.  Amain

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Pray for America - Day 3

 
This post is part of a 31 day series from the American Prayer Initiative
You can sign up at the link and have the prayers sent to you daily in your
 e-mail box.  I encourage you to join us in praying daily for America
up through the general election on November 6, 2012.
                     Repentance/Forgiveness

Suggested Scriptural references ... From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them.  Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the L-rd of hosts.  Malachi 3:7
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.  Revelation 2:4-5
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  I John 1:9
Do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that G-d’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?  Romans 2:4
“Thus it is written, that theYeshua should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  Luke 24:45-47
Suggested prayers ... Thank You that as we genuinely repent, You extend Your mercy and pardon.  Please lead us to an understanding of how far we have strayed as a nation.  We humbly and sincerely ask for Your forgiveness and restoration.
We pray repentance for our entire nation including and most importantly from us, the church.
We pray for Your forgiveness for a nation that has lost its way without You.
We pray for Your merciful patience and protection over America as we seek to turn our country back to You
Father, cleanse me from all sin.  Fill me with knowledge and wisdom that I may be worthy of Your blessing and may be equipped to stay strong in my faith. Grant me patience as I labor to make Your ways known in my nation and Your world.
Forgive us for our attempts to control and fix this broken world in our own power.
Forgive me for the things I have said or done which have contributed to hostility toward the Christian faith.  Show me the error of my ways, and allow me to seek and find Your ways above all others.
Forgive me when I have neglected to speak up when Your name is blasphemed.  Give me boldness to speak out in Your defense, and humility to demonstrate reverence for You.  May Your name be reverenced once again in the public arena.
Forgive my silence, L-rd.
Father Your Word makes clear that we cannot mock You without consequence.  Forgive our nation, L-rd.  Show us a perfect balance of living gracefully and championing truth.  May our lives be evidence of your goodness and righteousness.
Forgive me for failing to love as You love, for holding unforgiveness in my heart when You died to forgive me.
Thank You for accepting our genuine repentance, and for Your mercy and pardon.
****************************
 
Father, I agree with these prayers in the name of Yeshua Ha-Mashiach. Amain.


 

Monday, May 21, 2012

31 Days of Prayer For Our Children - Day 27

To Preach the Good News

And Yeshua went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom.   (Matthew 4:23)

Yeshua said:  The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe the Good News
 (Mark 1:15)


Father, I pray my children will understand  that Teshuva (Repentance) means turning back to Torah.   Yeshua preached the Good News before He went to the cross.  Teshuva is turning back to  and accepting Your Way and Your Word.  You are Kadosh (Holy).  Your Ways are not our ways.  I pray for my children to understand Your Kadosh.

Thank you that we can learn Your Ways through study of  Your Torah.  May my children understand that many people and churches today preach "another" gospel.  Just as the leaders during the time of Yeshua had perverted Torah and set up man-made rules, religions and churches have done the same today.  They preach another gospel.  That gospel does not include Teshuva and throws out Your Torah.  Yeshua preached Teshuva and showed us how to live the Torah.   


Father, I pray for my children to carry the message of repentance and faith in Yeshua Ha-Mashach.   I pray they will understand that your grace never changed from the Old Testament to the New.   You don't take sin lightly, and You require a blood sacrifice for the remission of sin.

My study of Leviticus taught me so much about the blood.  It sobered me to imagine having to take an animal to the priest to be slaughtered every time I sin.    Thank You, Father, that Yeshua paid the ultimate and final payment when He shed His blood.  No more do we have to sacrifice animals.    That truly is good news.  Thank You for Your blood, and may You be glorified forever through the mighty Name, Power, and Blood of Yeshua Ha-Mashiach.

I'm linking up with  Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday