What can it mean, that G'D KNEW the end at the beginning? Is it possible that G'D knew what I am going to decide before HE started the World? Is there any chance that G'D will not follow through with the curses and the trouble leading up to the END of DAYS?
Numbers 23:19) God is not man to be capricious, or mortal to change His mind. Would He speak and not act, promise and not fulfill?
Isaiah 45:18) For thus saith the Lord, The Creator of Heaven who alone is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who alone established it– He did not create it a waste, But formed it for habitation: I am the LORD, and there is none else.
Isaiah 45:19) I did not speak in secret, at a site in the land of darkness; I did not say to the stock of Jacob, “Seek Me out in a wasteland”– I the Lord, who foretell reliably, Who announce what is true.
Isaiah 46:9) Bear in mind what happened of old; For I am God, and there is none like Me. I am divine, and there is none else.
Isaiah 46:10) I foretell the end from the beginning, And from the start, things that had not occurred. I say: My plan shall be fulfilled; I will do all I have purposed.
These are only a couple of instances where God makes these statements. A couple of years ago while reading Isaiah, I was struck by the message in 46:10) I foretell the end from the beginning.... I started looking at the Tanach differently. I started seeing the hand of G’D in events in the Bible and Today. Prophecies become more alive when you can see that the text is not haphazard in nature. For example Genesis 1:28 “....Be fruitful and increase, fill the earth and master it;” in the JPS 1999 translation this is listed as a blessing. I now see it in context with Is. 46:10 where “...My plan shall be fulfilled;....”
How has this change my thinking? I see the story of the ARK and Noah as a lesson about faith, obedience and how One Righteous Person can save much. I don’t see that G’D wants to wipe out the earth, but wants to teach us many lessons. Mostly it identifies problems with human perception and understanding. We have a short term point of view, at best a few years, but the Lord’s plans are Thousands of Years. The Lord’s knowledge of us and our decisions must be just as vast and detailed. Truely, no thing is hidden from G’D, but each of us must still make our choices, for even deciding not to make a choice is a choice.
May the Lord Bless you with Hears that hear(Perceive) and Eyes that see(Understand) and may it be today.
Shalom,
James
Love G_D, Seek Truth, Act Justly, then can we hope to find understanding, peace and life.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The First Temple’s destruction
In a recent discussion, it was presented that the destruction of the First Temple was a shock and a surprise to the people. I propose that this could only be true if One does not or was not exposed to history, prophecy or G’D. Which of course there were a least a large number of prophets of G’D(Hundreds of them), they gave messages to the people,the Kings and us. These messages are the LORD’s complaints which are in abundance in the Torah and Tanach. The people turn away from G'D, then the people are in trouble and pain, turn back to G'D for salvation and when they are again saved, ....they again trun away from G'D. Obviously, almost no one was paying attention. It does seem to relate to Noah’s Ark in that for a long time the evidence was presented, but nobody noticed the ARK or Noah's work.
Here are my reasons for this statement.
The First Temple’s destruction happened because, King Solomon was told by G’D what would happen if this people turned from the LORD. King Solomon knew the destruction this was going to happen. When he dedicated the temple he asked for mainly two things. An heir on the throne of his father King David(1Kings 8:25) and G'D's promise to be attentive to this place(1Kings 8:29..53).
Why is such a prayer needed, when King Solomon’s reign is a time of peace and grace? Does he know something that we should know?
The wording of the prayer, the response by G'd and a review of Lev. 26:31..33 and Deuteronomy 28:64, 31:17&18 is warranted.
How important are the Laws given to Moses? Deut. 32:45..47.
The greatest thing that prophet King Solomon(prophet** in that G'D spoke to him and in the writings he tells us) did was getting G'D's promise that G’D would Perpetually attend to the location HE placed HIS Name, even when G'D said hear will turn away and not hear us. 1Kings 8:22..53 -- the prayer of King Solomon,
1Kings 9:3..9 The LORD's Response to the King's Prayer.
For me, I find that the Torah holds the greatest thing in the world. It contains G'D's teachings for the people he created when we are but dust, without the breath HE placed in us. The Breath, The Soul this is what the LORD counts as valuable, it seems that the SOUL is tested here for something the LORD has designed for later. Walk before ME and be HOLY for I YOUR GOD AM HOLY. (Paraphrased)
Please do not be agree with me for what I am trying to share.
Question: How many of the curses are not fulfilled yet? Background: Deuteronomy is specific about the curses, and Deut. 30:1 sets the end events in a what must happen before Israel repents.
**Prophet : In religion, a prophet (or prophetess) is a person who has claimed to have been encountered by the supernatural or the divine. (A clip from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Shalom,
James
Here are my reasons for this statement.
The First Temple’s destruction happened because, King Solomon was told by G’D what would happen if this people turned from the LORD. King Solomon knew the destruction this was going to happen. When he dedicated the temple he asked for mainly two things. An heir on the throne of his father King David(1Kings 8:25) and G'D's promise to be attentive to this place(1Kings 8:29..53).
Why is such a prayer needed, when King Solomon’s reign is a time of peace and grace? Does he know something that we should know?
The wording of the prayer, the response by G'd and a review of Lev. 26:31..33 and Deuteronomy 28:64, 31:17&18 is warranted.
How important are the Laws given to Moses? Deut. 32:45..47.
The greatest thing that prophet King Solomon(prophet** in that G'D spoke to him and in the writings he tells us) did was getting G'D's promise that G’D would Perpetually attend to the location HE placed HIS Name, even when G'D said hear will turn away and not hear us. 1Kings 8:22..53 -- the prayer of King Solomon,
1Kings 9:3..9 The LORD's Response to the King's Prayer.
For me, I find that the Torah holds the greatest thing in the world. It contains G'D's teachings for the people he created when we are but dust, without the breath HE placed in us. The Breath, The Soul this is what the LORD counts as valuable, it seems that the SOUL is tested here for something the LORD has designed for later. Walk before ME and be HOLY for I YOUR GOD AM HOLY. (Paraphrased)
Please do not be agree with me for what I am trying to share.
Question: How many of the curses are not fulfilled yet? Background: Deuteronomy is specific about the curses, and Deut. 30:1 sets the end events in a what must happen before Israel repents.
**Prophet : In religion, a prophet (or prophetess) is a person who has claimed to have been encountered by the supernatural or the divine. (A clip from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Shalom,
James
A new understanding?
Recently, I heard it said that Ezekiel invented a new understanding of what G'D wants.
Ezekiel the Prophet did not invent a new understanding, he merely clarified what the Snake in the Garden of Eden already knew. We think that the death of the body is what G'D talks about when HE speaks of death, but Ezekiel in Chapter 18 tries to explain that the SOUL, the breath of G'D belongs to G'D. It is that part that gets punished for SIN. When the death of the body takes place, you no longer are allowed to repent to G'D. Your test is over. The difference between the Righteous(Holy) and the Sinner(un-Holy) is ONE SIN vs Repentance for the sin and the refraining from do it again, this is where the LORD makes you Righteous again.
Ezekiel is not defining something new, he simply attempts to clear up a bad understanding of what G'D wants. Because of the misunderstanding it has been construed that: "If you suffer in this world, you must be a sinner." Conversely, if you are not punished in this world you are not a sinner. This has been used to question whether there is a G'D or maybe G'D does not mean what HE has said. This is a serious mistake that is continually used against having faith. After all when I look around I see many, many, bad people that seem to have great blessings and no punishment, I have wondered what is wrong in my understanding.
I know this: We are all tested, the great and the small, the rich and the poor, to understand (SEE) whether we will chose G'D or not.
I chose G'D.
Shalom,
James
Ezekiel the Prophet did not invent a new understanding, he merely clarified what the Snake in the Garden of Eden already knew. We think that the death of the body is what G'D talks about when HE speaks of death, but Ezekiel in Chapter 18 tries to explain that the SOUL, the breath of G'D belongs to G'D. It is that part that gets punished for SIN. When the death of the body takes place, you no longer are allowed to repent to G'D. Your test is over. The difference between the Righteous(Holy) and the Sinner(un-Holy) is ONE SIN vs Repentance for the sin and the refraining from do it again, this is where the LORD makes you Righteous again.
Ezekiel is not defining something new, he simply attempts to clear up a bad understanding of what G'D wants. Because of the misunderstanding it has been construed that: "If you suffer in this world, you must be a sinner." Conversely, if you are not punished in this world you are not a sinner. This has been used to question whether there is a G'D or maybe G'D does not mean what HE has said. This is a serious mistake that is continually used against having faith. After all when I look around I see many, many, bad people that seem to have great blessings and no punishment, I have wondered what is wrong in my understanding.
I know this: We are all tested, the great and the small, the rich and the poor, to understand (SEE) whether we will chose G'D or not.
I chose G'D.
Shalom,
James
Blessings or Prophecy?
Recently I was told by a Rabbi at the Torah Study I attend that Blessings by GOD are different that Prophecies or Curses. I have come to the understanding that every word or thought by GOD will happen. The chosen people according to Moses will be cursed until they all return to G'D in the manner described in Leviticus 26 and in Deuteronomy 30.
In Numbers 23:19) God is not man to be capricious, or mortal to change HIS mind. Would HE speak and not act, promise and not fulfill? Isaiah 46:10) I foretell the end from the beginning, and from the start, things that had not occurred. I say: My plan shall be fulfilled; I will do all I have purposed.
(All quotes today are from Jewish Publication Society(JPS) 1999 translation)
Shalom,
James
In Numbers 23:19) God is not man to be capricious, or mortal to change HIS mind. Would HE speak and not act, promise and not fulfill? Isaiah 46:10) I foretell the end from the beginning, and from the start, things that had not occurred. I say: My plan shall be fulfilled; I will do all I have purposed.
(All quotes today are from Jewish Publication Society(JPS) 1999 translation)
Shalom,
James
If they had only!!!!
I have heard it mentioned that if they(Judah), had realized the sign(prophecy**) when King Jehoahaz of Judah was taken into captivity in Egypt. They would have turned back to G'D. [It was King Josiah of Judah, King Jehoahaz father who was presented with a scroll found in the Holy of Holys by the priest Hilkiah. This scroll, when it was shown to King Josiah, caused the King to tear his clothes and cry out loud.(Possibly the Book of Deuteronomy which contains blessings and curses in regards to following G’D’s Laws given to Moses)] If this scroll is the Book of Deuteronomy then **Chapter 28: 36) The Lord will drive you, and the king you have set over you, to a nation unknown to you or your fathers, where you shall serve other gods, of wood and stone. 37) You shall be a consternation, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples to which the Lord will drive you. (All quotes today are from Jewish Publication Society(JPS) 1999 translation)
I disagree with the assertion that they(Judah) would have returned to the LORD if they understood the events. I would also point to Leviticus 26 which describes when, how and why the children return to the LORD.
Shalom,
James
I disagree with the assertion that they(Judah) would have returned to the LORD if they understood the events. I would also point to Leviticus 26 which describes when, how and why the children return to the LORD.
Shalom,
James
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Today, Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Today, Tuesday, March 24, 2009 with the state of the world is: Beauty is everywhere. The potential for the Day HIGH. Man kinds actions.... can we start over? Yeeuk!!
The bad guys are still be very bad, in that most every crime is on the rise, even if not reported. Abuse of others for our own benefit is rampant. The desire to be good is almost gone.
If you are seeking the truth from most humans, you are given back an argument of "Truth, it depends on your point of view". That is what I see today and this scenario has been increasing daily for several years now.
There was a time when in business, the motto was that "If you were going to take your clothes off for anyone, it would be your banker." The reason for such a idea was simple, you banker, who was your banker, knew you, your market and could help you be successful or a failure by not helping or mis-directing. You had better know your banker.
I grant you, that level of service and knowledge by bankers has not been around for a long time. Like so many things, we consumers have just accepted what has come to us, or happened to us because it is too much trouble to do it right.
But, if we are not doing it right, don't we deserve whatever happens to us? Are we working diligently to know what is RIGHT from WRONG? Or, are we just going with the flow?
Know this as a fact, without reservation, The LORD knows your most intimate information, thoughts, desires, deeds, your heart. If there was ever a greater friend or advocate than yout Mother and/or your Father it is GOD, Your Creator.
If you were NOW standing before the LORD to answer for your life, how would you do? Were you honest with yourself?(Only you know what you answered, and you should be at least honest with You.) Would you like to change your answer? It is easy to change, more difficult to maintain, ...in the near term.
If your answer is not that "I am righteous, I am ready", maybe you should find out what you need to do to change your answer. You answered the question and if you were honest with yourself, turn to GOD right now, tell HIM what you want to say. MAKE SURE THAY WHAT YOU SAY IS WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO SAY, YOUR ARE TALKING TO THE ALMIGHT. THIS IS NOT A JOKE. HE HEARS AND KNOWS YOU!!!.
Shalom,
James
The bad guys are still be very bad, in that most every crime is on the rise, even if not reported. Abuse of others for our own benefit is rampant. The desire to be good is almost gone.
If you are seeking the truth from most humans, you are given back an argument of "Truth, it depends on your point of view". That is what I see today and this scenario has been increasing daily for several years now.
There was a time when in business, the motto was that "If you were going to take your clothes off for anyone, it would be your banker." The reason for such a idea was simple, you banker, who was your banker, knew you, your market and could help you be successful or a failure by not helping or mis-directing. You had better know your banker.
I grant you, that level of service and knowledge by bankers has not been around for a long time. Like so many things, we consumers have just accepted what has come to us, or happened to us because it is too much trouble to do it right.
But, if we are not doing it right, don't we deserve whatever happens to us? Are we working diligently to know what is RIGHT from WRONG? Or, are we just going with the flow?
Know this as a fact, without reservation, The LORD knows your most intimate information, thoughts, desires, deeds, your heart. If there was ever a greater friend or advocate than yout Mother and/or your Father it is GOD, Your Creator.
If you were NOW standing before the LORD to answer for your life, how would you do? Were you honest with yourself?(Only you know what you answered, and you should be at least honest with You.) Would you like to change your answer? It is easy to change, more difficult to maintain, ...in the near term.
If your answer is not that "I am righteous, I am ready", maybe you should find out what you need to do to change your answer. You answered the question and if you were honest with yourself, turn to GOD right now, tell HIM what you want to say. MAKE SURE THAY WHAT YOU SAY IS WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO SAY, YOUR ARE TALKING TO THE ALMIGHT. THIS IS NOT A JOKE. HE HEARS AND KNOWS YOU!!!.
Shalom,
James
Friday, March 20, 2009
If Want Truth...
My personal search has lead me, to the idea that if any Torah contradicts itself, then there is reason to doubt all of it.
Yet, in all of my readings and seeking and attempts to understand the Torah and Tanach, I have found only truth. This is not surprising to me, GOD is causing the writing not man. In the sedition of Miriam and Aaron against Moses, the LORD states Numbers 12:8) "With him(Moses) I speak mouth to mouth, plainly and not in riddles...." How could there be an error in the Torah that the LORD caused to be written? The Living GOD that created the heavens and the earth would make certain that the books HE caused to be written, are true and accurate for HIS purposes. Isaiah 40:19) reports "The nations are but a drop in the bucket, Reckoned as dust on a balance;" how do we have the right or understanding to modify or re-interpret the Word of GOD with statements like: “You can not know or live by the Laws of Moses”? When Moses says in Deuteronomy30:15) "See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;". G-D grants understanding and wisdom to any that seek to know and understand.
From the Prophet Moses until this day, the LORD has said return to my Law and Live.
How do we or I return to GOD? Leviticus 26:40) If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; 41) And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: ..... 45) But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.
....Deuteronomy30:10 if thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law; if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul.....A very enlightening read, Deuteronomy 30.
OR! (Ezekiel 18:21) But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22) All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
(Malachi 4:4) Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
Remember: Love GOD and keep HIS commandments and statues.
Shalom,
James Jeffries
Yet, in all of my readings and seeking and attempts to understand the Torah and Tanach, I have found only truth. This is not surprising to me, GOD is causing the writing not man. In the sedition of Miriam and Aaron against Moses, the LORD states Numbers 12:8) "With him(Moses) I speak mouth to mouth, plainly and not in riddles...." How could there be an error in the Torah that the LORD caused to be written? The Living GOD that created the heavens and the earth would make certain that the books HE caused to be written, are true and accurate for HIS purposes. Isaiah 40:19) reports "The nations are but a drop in the bucket, Reckoned as dust on a balance;" how do we have the right or understanding to modify or re-interpret the Word of GOD with statements like: “You can not know or live by the Laws of Moses”? When Moses says in Deuteronomy30:15) "See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;". G-D grants understanding and wisdom to any that seek to know and understand.
From the Prophet Moses until this day, the LORD has said return to my Law and Live.
How do we or I return to GOD? Leviticus 26:40) If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; 41) And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: ..... 45) But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.
....Deuteronomy30:10 if thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law; if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul.....A very enlightening read, Deuteronomy 30.
OR! (Ezekiel 18:21) But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22) All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
(Malachi 4:4) Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
Remember: Love GOD and keep HIS commandments and statues.
Shalom,
James Jeffries
Thursday, March 19, 2009
US Air Force Article
This is a great article regarding the US Air Force, and military gifts. It is in response to someone that has not considered the value of the gifts that they have recieved. These gifts were given by those who willingly put their lives on the line to defend a Nation founded in order give safety, civil and egual civil rights to its citizens. The type of attitude this complainer has, has plagued America for a long time, but getting worse everyday since the Korea and Vietnam conflicts. Unfortunately, the number of defenders has consistantly decreased, to the point that there maybe no way for us to have a United States of America or these freedoms much longer. Good Morning America!!!(based on Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam)
This was emailed to me, and in researching the information below, I found it available on blogs all over the web. I so far have not found the source, to give credit for this article. --James Jeffries
Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women  who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
This was emailed to me, and in researching the information below, I found it available on blogs all over the web. I so far have not found the source, to give credit for this article. --James Jeffries
Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women  who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Questions, Answers and Observations 17 Mar 2009
Welcome back. I pray that you had a restful Sabbath(seventh day).
Today is Tuesday, yesterday I had started back on the continuation of Friday’s blog by reading what was posted and comparing that to what I had written by hand. I have not been a blogger prior to this or a writer of any significance, so I am finding my voice and style. I have already been told that I should post video conversations as I am very “One on One” expressive. Maybe sometime in the future this will be done. I will let you know when that happens.
More to come.
**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilad_Shalit
Today is Tuesday, yesterday I had started back on the continuation of Friday’s blog by reading what was posted and comparing that to what I had written by hand. I have not been a blogger prior to this or a writer of any significance, so I am finding my voice and style. I have already been told that I should post video conversations as I am very “One on One” expressive. Maybe sometime in the future this will be done. I will let you know when that happens.
What should you expect to read about here: Anything that seems most pressing today along with perspectives on Torah, Tanach and News commentary. I will continually work on the Torah and Tanach commentaries, which will be built in to a library of statements of Right and Wrong as defined in GOD's Word. I started trying to demonstrate short answers to questions like: GOD?, Torah?, and found that the answers in short form are lengthy discussions at best. I will also try to answer any question along presented, to the best of my understanding.
Today: Israeli news sources and for that matter the main media sources of the world are happily presenting desires, fears and dealings in the negotiations for a kidnaped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, who is being held hostage by Hamas.
The background is: **”Early on Sunday morning, 25 June 2006, Shalit was captured by Palestinian militants who attacked an Israeli army post on the Israeli side of the southern Gaza Strip border after having crossed through an underground tunnel near the Kerem Shalom border crossing.”
It appears that the demand by Hamas may now be up to 1400 Palestinian terror prisoners, for one IDF Soldier.I have been in the US Military twice, both of which I volunteered for duty. My concern in this issue is the devaluation of the great gift that a soldier(defender) gives for GOD, their country, neighbors, friends and family, .... The idea of trading one Terrorist(caught in the act or after the act) for my life is a thing of HORROR to me. The thought of a trade of 10, 20, 50, 540 or 1400 terrorists for one soldier, says that the life of that soldier is more valuable than every new life lost as a result of the trade. There will be men, women, children, babies, policemen, firefighters, medics, emergency workers, health care providers and soldiers that will be killed, maimed, traumatized and deeply effected by any such trade. Everyone effected by even ONE act of terror by any of these terrorists, makes that soldiers gift less than values less, it makes that soldier a terrorist weapon.
Could there be any possibility that as defender of our people, that we are willing to accept being a weapon against our family, friends, neighbors, country or GOD? –James
More to come.
**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilad_Shalit
Friday, March 13, 2009
A Different Reading of Tanach Stage 1
During the story of creation, each thing(s) that is made is examined, found(known or seen) to be good(correct) before that day’s work is finished. Except when the LORD made man(the gardener), formed from the dirt by the LORD who caused HIS breath to be in the man.(Hence- “Leviticus 11:45 For I am the LORD that brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” OR “Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” ) Man is known to be less than GOOD, but man was created in the image of God and given the responsibility to Choose. The choice is, to do what God said, or to disregard what God said.
From then until now, each of us is tested. This is always to see whether or not we will chose wisely. Adam and Eve are the first testees.
The First Test –A tree in the middle of the garden, God said “Genesis 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou may freely eat: Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat thereof thou shalt surely die.”(King James Translation, although the 1917 version of Jewish Publishing Society identical)
The Tools –The man’s helper(Eve), the tree and the snake.(side note: the man and the animals could talk to each other, then.)
The Result –The man did eat –a death does happen, but God’s charge is more subtle than “eating from the tree”. The charge is that the man heeded her(Eve) words when God told him(Adam) something else. The ground is cursed now. “Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because you hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for your sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life”
There are two sins for Adam, first he did eat of the tree. Second and more important for US, he chose not to heed the word of God. In our defense(today’s time), God moved through the Garden and spoke with mankind, so Adam had first hand knowledge of God and God’s word. And he still fell on his face, we must seek God and strive diligently to understand His Law.
From that point forward, Mankind continues the on a down hill path, with very few exceptions. One of the exception is Enoch, who is the first that does not die.(Another interesting topic for discussion.)
Breaking here!
Shalom,
James Jeffries
From then until now, each of us is tested. This is always to see whether or not we will chose wisely. Adam and Eve are the first testees.
The First Test –A tree in the middle of the garden, God said “Genesis 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou may freely eat: Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat thereof thou shalt surely die.”(King James Translation, although the 1917 version of Jewish Publishing Society identical)
The Tools –The man’s helper(Eve), the tree and the snake.(side note: the man and the animals could talk to each other, then.)
The Result –The man did eat –a death does happen, but God’s charge is more subtle than “eating from the tree”. The charge is that the man heeded her(Eve) words when God told him(Adam) something else. The ground is cursed now. “Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because you hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for your sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life”
There are two sins for Adam, first he did eat of the tree. Second and more important for US, he chose not to heed the word of God. In our defense(today’s time), God moved through the Garden and spoke with mankind, so Adam had first hand knowledge of God and God’s word. And he still fell on his face, we must seek God and strive diligently to understand His Law.
From that point forward, Mankind continues the on a down hill path, with very few exceptions. One of the exception is Enoch, who is the first that does not die.(Another interesting topic for discussion.)
Breaking here!
Shalom,
James Jeffries
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Interpretation, is it required to read the Tanach?
Interpretation, is it required to read the Tanach?
The answer is: a multi-layered maybe. What Interpretation can I bet my soul on? Or my children’s souls? Or my family’s souls? If I follow, why do I follow? What am I being told to do? Why am I being told this? IS IT RIGHT?
Like so many things in life, the perspective makes all of the difference when attempting to understand, anything. For example, I am not able to read and understand the meaning of the biblical hebrew found in the Torah. Therefore I must use many different translations of the five Books of Moses, also know as the Torah. Add to those translations, Hebrew/English and English/Hebrew, Greek/English and English/Greek(for New Testament) dictionaries and a couple of concordances. This gets me closer to each individual word as well as the possible variations of that word. The next step for me is to read the entire passage to make sure that I have the best meaning/fit for the words in question. Last and of course not the least of these steps is to open my heart to the word of G-D, after all HE is the author of its meaning. Now, read the Old Testament(Tanach)(and the New) this way over and over again for years. What I get is a different perspective with more refinement and understanding, from each reading, each study session, coupled with prayer and contemplation. All of this is interpretation. The interpretation that I am betting my soul on.
The last is probably this most important piece to keep in mind, You Are Betting Your Soul on what every decision you make. For example, the worse thing Adam did in as related in Genesis 3:17, was not eating of the tree of Knowledge. It was that he listened to his wife, when the L’RD instructed Adam, Himself. Adam chose to listen to his wife, and for this the Ground was cursed.... I have listened to many different INTERPRETATIONS of that story, but I have never heard that presented as the reason for being forced to the fields and hard labor. By the way, why did the snake know that we (even now) would mis-interpret the meaning of Death? (Gen. 3:3..4 verses Gen. 2 17.)
It seems that much of what has happened, is do to our thoughts being on something less important than what we should be thinking about –my commentary.
I have not found anything in the Torah(Written Books of Moses), which is a mistake or without value. It is only our lack of understanding and lack of desire to gain that understanding, that keeps us from knowing. However, if a child of six or seven can sit down and read the word of G’D, and learn what they should and should not do, why do we not question what we are told? We just accept it as being correctly stated. Each of us is required to seek understanding of Right and wrong and perform that which is Right.
G’d wants us to do that which is RIGHT, to seek HIS forgiveness and stop doing that which is wrong. Ezekiel 18:21 “Moreover, if the wicked one repents of all his sins that he committed and keeps all of My Laws and does what Is just and right, he shall live;....”
Last statement today:
Deuteronomy 30:11" Surely, this Instruction which I enjoin upon you this day is not too baffling for you, nor is it beyond reach. ......14: No, the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it.” This statement from Moses has been twisted by most religious leaders I have ever heard(with more that 50 years of listening). In Exodus 20 the L’RD G’D came down from the mountain, to the those who escaped from Egypt. He came with thunder, lighting, a blaring of horn, a smoking mountain which scared the people so badly that in Ex. 20:16 “You speak to us” they said to Moses, “and we will obey; but lot not G’D speak to us lest we Die.” They send Moses to hear G’D and report what they promise to DO! At the end of Moses life, Moses is pointing out that he has told you and noone needs to go get it for you.
You must choose. You must love the L’RD our G’D, with all of your heart, with all of your soul and with all of your being.
Shalom,
James
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I would like to present you with a couple of ideas.
Let us consider for discussion between that: The L'RD knew every life and the decisions each life is going to make before HE said “Let there be light.” Ref: Isaiah 44:6..8,
It is believed that every religion that concedes that the G-D of Abram, Issac and Jacob is G-D, believes that HE is learning and fallible. ( A major dissertation if you have the time --I know that this is not true. The part about “He is learning....”) This is not in conflict with our free will. Was Adam not punished because he gave heed to Eve. Gen. 3:17.
Second, in order to fulfill the promises to the patriarchs and for HIS glory the L'RD uses the Tanach to teach Us and the world exactly what HE wants. Example Abram and Jacob are promised that HE would make of him a great nation. (Genesis 12:2) and (Genesis 46:3). But all of the souls with Jacob are 70 when entering into Egypt. In a world where tens of thousands do battle, what better place to build a tiny people, perform great miracles and show power to all nations than to hide them in Egypt? My G'D NEVER MAKES A MISTAKE. In (Genesis 15:5) and (Genesis 28:14) again Abram and Jacob are promised descendants to numerous to count(paraphrased). If Joseph is sent away to protect 70, then ten tribes can be sent into hiding to fulfill the Greater Promise of not being able to count them.
Third, the L'RD allows events to be performed for his glory and at his desire. Example, when the L'RD appears to the Hebrews the first time and speaks the Ten Commandments, HE does so in the most terrifying way possible, this gets the Hebrews to CHOOSE Moses to be G'D's messenger and they promise that what every HE says we will perform. Of course the L'RD chose Moses, but the people had to declare it. When the L'RD needs a reason to stop Moses from crossing the Jordan to the Promised Land a second “rock” incident occurs, to whit, the tribal elders are raging against Moses and Aaron about there being “no water to drink” and they would have been better off in Egypt.... Moses and Aaron go in before the L'RD and without a word from them, the L'RD tells Moses to speak to the rock. (The striking of the Rock is the most accepted issue I have heard in any discussion.) The first words Moses speaks are in frustration and rage, then he strikes the rock. The state of Ad'nai is that before all Israel you did not give me the glory, for that reason you will not pass over....
I read the Torah(5 Books of Moses) and Tanach as written. I personal have found nothing in it that is not true or unimportant. It has taken me years of searching for truth and the L'RD's help in providing understanding to get where I am. G'D is G'D, it is we that are flawed and lacking of knowledge and understanding, that which has been there before us for thousands of years. All of the prophets have a single them: G'D's way is perfect and the spirit the HE placed within us should live, but only if we walk with our G'D. If we could do that the whole world would know the G''D of Abram, Issac and Jacob and the trouble would not happen at the end. Otherwise, we will be the cause of the trouble, so that when we are saved the World will know G'D.
I hope that you are in good health, May the L'RD watch over you.
Shalom
Let us consider for discussion between that: The L'RD knew every life and the decisions each life is going to make before HE said “Let there be light.” Ref: Isaiah 44:6..8,
It is believed that every religion that concedes that the G-D of Abram, Issac and Jacob is G-D, believes that HE is learning and fallible. ( A major dissertation if you have the time --I know that this is not true. The part about “He is learning....”) This is not in conflict with our free will. Was Adam not punished because he gave heed to Eve. Gen. 3:17.
Second, in order to fulfill the promises to the patriarchs and for HIS glory the L'RD uses the Tanach to teach Us and the world exactly what HE wants. Example Abram and Jacob are promised that HE would make of him a great nation. (Genesis 12:2) and (Genesis 46:3). But all of the souls with Jacob are 70 when entering into Egypt. In a world where tens of thousands do battle, what better place to build a tiny people, perform great miracles and show power to all nations than to hide them in Egypt? My G'D NEVER MAKES A MISTAKE. In (Genesis 15:5) and (Genesis 28:14) again Abram and Jacob are promised descendants to numerous to count(paraphrased). If Joseph is sent away to protect 70, then ten tribes can be sent into hiding to fulfill the Greater Promise of not being able to count them.
Third, the L'RD allows events to be performed for his glory and at his desire. Example, when the L'RD appears to the Hebrews the first time and speaks the Ten Commandments, HE does so in the most terrifying way possible, this gets the Hebrews to CHOOSE Moses to be G'D's messenger and they promise that what every HE says we will perform. Of course the L'RD chose Moses, but the people had to declare it. When the L'RD needs a reason to stop Moses from crossing the Jordan to the Promised Land a second “rock” incident occurs, to whit, the tribal elders are raging against Moses and Aaron about there being “no water to drink” and they would have been better off in Egypt.... Moses and Aaron go in before the L'RD and without a word from them, the L'RD tells Moses to speak to the rock. (The striking of the Rock is the most accepted issue I have heard in any discussion.) The first words Moses speaks are in frustration and rage, then he strikes the rock. The state of Ad'nai is that before all Israel you did not give me the glory, for that reason you will not pass over....
I read the Torah(5 Books of Moses) and Tanach as written. I personal have found nothing in it that is not true or unimportant. It has taken me years of searching for truth and the L'RD's help in providing understanding to get where I am. G'D is G'D, it is we that are flawed and lacking of knowledge and understanding, that which has been there before us for thousands of years. All of the prophets have a single them: G'D's way is perfect and the spirit the HE placed within us should live, but only if we walk with our G'D. If we could do that the whole world would know the G''D of Abram, Issac and Jacob and the trouble would not happen at the end. Otherwise, we will be the cause of the trouble, so that when we are saved the World will know G'D.
I hope that you are in good health, May the L'RD watch over you.
Shalom
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