HAPPY NEW YEAR

Theories prevail that we are not actually at the turning point of a new year. This thought is that a new year doesn't begin in the dead of Winter, but rather sometime in Spring when nature blooms. However, according to our calendar (right or wrong) this is seen as a new beginning throughout most of the world. So I'd like to take this space to offer blessings to each of you in the year ahead.

I know I haven't blogged much in the past month. There's no particular reason for that, either (lol). But I've been around and have still been enjoying, learning from and even commenting on some of your blogs. I so appreciate all of you. Your blogs challenge me, amuse me, bless me, edify me and give me an opportunity to get to know some downright awesome people all over the world.

I pray that all of you are able to put aside all of the worries and disappointments of 2007...that you are able to grow from your lessons in this past year and that you hold dear all of the good memories you created and participated in in this past year. May 2008 be a year of positive change, intense growth, expanded knowledge, gracious teaching and the year that you seek the Father as never before. May you and yours know His goodness, grace, mercy, love and favor all of 2008 and beyond.

I appreciate each and every one of you!

Have the happiest of new years,

Free

Self-evaluation

I snagged this off of An Help Meet For Him blog a few months ago and keep it handy to reflect upon when I need a reality check. They are actually the questions that members of John Wesley's Holy Club asked themselves daily:



1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am a better person than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?



2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?



3. Do I confidentially pass on what was told to me in confidence?



4. Can I be trusted?



5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habit?



6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?



7. Did the Bible live in me today?



8. Do I give Elohim time to speak to me everyday?



9. Am I enjoying prayer?



10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?



11. Do I pray about the money I spend?



12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?



13. Do I disobey Elohim in anything?



14. Do I insist in doing something in which my conscience is uneasy?



15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?



16. Am I jealous, impure, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?



17. How do I spend my spare time?



18. Am I proud?



19. Do I thank Elohim I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?



20. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, criticize, or resent? If so, what am I doing about it?



21. Do I grumble and complain constantly?



22. Is Messiah real to me today?



Periodically asking myself these questions has been a great exercise in helping me discover personal areas of necessary improvement and I'm passing them on in hopes that you too will reflect on them often that we may all grow better and stronger in Him.



Let's remember to pray for one another, that we will represent Him well at all times!



Indeed,



Free

We Should All Have Such Worries

I was catching up on a few more blogs and ran across one on The Gospel In China that really struck my heart. I hope you'll read it and glean from it too. I have felt the burden described by the author before and long to feel it more often as it's one that I most sincerely welcome.

~Free

Just Checking In After An Interesting Weekend

I'm not wild about going to the doctor. Nothing personal against the medical profession, I just prefer to look after my own body through proper diet, exercise, prayer, rest and treating whatever ails me with herbs and other natural remedies. Yesterday, however, I had to give in and make a trip to the Emergency Room.

Sabbath afternoon, I felt really, really tired and laid down for a nap before church. Couldn't lie on my left side, however, because of pain and pressure on that side of my face and head. I thought it was simply a headache coming on because I was tired and that it would clear up with a little nap. Well, 20 minutes or so later, I was up again and the pain was intensified. By this time, I'm thinking it's just a little sinus pressure and it will go away on its own. So Mr. Free and I head to church and I could barely sit still through the service as the pain was literally growing worse and worse by the second. I whispered to him that I needed to go to the hospital, but that I didn't want to go at that exact moment. I just didn't feel right running from church to the hospital. LOL Church was only an hour or so, but I swear it felt like 5 hours. I did my best to concentrate and pray over the pain, but it was difficult. I literally thought I was going to pass out as the entire left side of my face was aching something terrible and I had shooting pains deep in the inside of my ear. I cannot even describe to you how much it hurt!

Ok, so I get to the ER and why did the intake nurse immediately order an EKG?! Of course, I said my ear hurts, but I also said a lot of other stuff hurt and that I'd been having weird symptoms for days prior (I'd been smelling smoke that no one else could smell and have felt like a chemical of some sort was settled into the back of my throat...turns out it was all compliments of the residual effects of wildfires that had been raging around these parts a few weeks ago and was trapped in my sinus cavity...gross!). The nurse took all of this "odd" information to mean that I may be having a heart attack! See, this is part of the reason I don't do the Dr. thing too often. I went in with an ear/sinus issue and they were about to diagnose me with a heart condition. lol

So, after they scared the mess out of me with an EKG (which was fine, btw) and ushering me into the cardiology dept for further examination, I finally saw a real doctor. Although I'd told the 2 prior nurses that I suspected an ear infection, one (the one that ordered the EKG) didn't even bother to look inside of my ear and the second one looked inside, but said it looked perfectly fine. At last, a the very kind doctor assigned to me actually listened to my prognosis, took a real look inside (as opposed to one just to shut me up) and discovered I have a raging inner-ear infection which has been caused by an long-untreated sinus infection. She even asked me why I'd had an EKG to which I just looked at her like, "you're kidding, right?" I mean, it's not like I asked for one, lady. I was too grateful for her help and her bedside manner was impeccable, otherwise I may have been led to give her my mom's speech on how the medical profession is merely "practicing" medicine, and haven't quite gotten it right yet. lol

Though I don't like taking medications, ESPECIALLY antibiotics, I haven't the time or energy to research the best natural treatment for something so painful and so advanced on such short notice, so I've relented and am taking the meds as prescribed. Okay, not exactly as prescribed as I've only taken one of the pain pills and have decided that I don't need anymore. The pain has substantially subsided and those things knock me completely out. I literally slept from 1a Sunday morning until 8:30p Sunday night...only waking to take more meds...and that was off of just one pain pill (plus a decongestant which also makes me sleepy, but that the doctor says will work with the antibiotic to knock it completely out once and for all).

Anyway, it's 1:30a and I've just taken another round of meds. Not sure if I have anymore sleep left in me, lol, so I'm blogging and catching up on all of the blogs I've missed over the weekend.

Since I'm taking a little time off, I thought you might enjoy checking out a few entries that will surely bless you:

Better Than Love by Kerry at An Help Meet For Him blog

An Interesting Article on Christmas by EliYah

Also, a good discussion on Christmas on EliYah's forums

Lastly, an interesting take on new illegal immigration laws and how they may affect ministry efforts on Jim Wallis' blog, God's Politics, at BeliefNet.

Hope everyone has a blessed week and I'll be back soon.

~Free

Wisdom Served Daily

Psalm 131:1-3 My heart is not proud, O Yahweh, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in Yahweh both now and forevermore.

There are times when I spend hours or sometimes even days and weeks wondering about a situation. Not necessarily worrying (although I've had my share of those days too), but just trying to understand a thing, or trying to figure out how it will turn out.

I do the same thing sometimes even in Spiritual matters. I'll read and study and pray and discuss a matter until I'm exhausted (and sometimes even a little confused, overwhelmed with information and even frustrated), before I'll decide to just allow the Spirit which leads us into all truth to do just that. Now, of course, reading and studying and praying and discussing a matter is not a bad thing, but it can often become a solo effort...an effort to understand things by intellect rather than to be revealed in the Spirit. I'm speaking for FreeIndeed right now, so if this isn't your issue, don't trip. ;)

My point is that I endeavor to not become overly concerned with matters that are too lofty or too wonderful for me to yet comprehend, but to wait on Yahweh as a child who has been weaned from its mother's breast. I'm ready to receive heavier food, but have the patience in understanding that, as hungry and as ready as I may be (or think I am), sometimes I have to wait for the proper hour when I will be served. By the same token, Yahweh is not interested in starving me...quite the contrary! But He also doesn't want my appetite spoiled by trying to eat unhealthy snacks before mealtime (entertaining too many conflicting opinions from others on certain subjects). He knows when I'm ready to eat and He knows when the right time comes to give me understanding in a matter, so like that child, I don't wait while wailing away, but I wait in patience and confidence while He prepares my heart and mind to partake. Doesn't mean we can't diligently seek, just that we must be patient as everything is not known at once.

Enjoy what's left of Sabbath all...and be careful not to spoil your appetites, Yahweh is serving great wisdom daily and we will understand all by His will in His time.

~Free

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

A Judeo Christian Argument for Privatizing Marriage

Daniel A. Crane, Associate Professor of Law at Cardozo School of Law offers an excellent essay on A "Judeo-Christian" Argument for Privatizing Marriage HERE.

As do I, Professor Crane realizes Civil Marriage as a completely separate institution than Religious Marriage and gives a very detailed explanation on the dangers involved with merging the two. He further believes that the Christian Right's attempts to legally define marriage through constitutional amendment will do far more to ruin the religious concept of marriage in the minds of people as well as the legal grounds for religious freedom, than it will do good.

At the onset of his essay, he gives a pretty lengthy history of marriage in both the Jewish and the Christian traditions including how, in the Jewish tradition, civil marriage is still viewed as irrelevant in contrast to the mainstream Christian practice of placing marriage, by definition and validity, in the hands of modern government.

Even if you disagree with thoughts of marriage being a private, religious institution ONLY, I think you'll find Prof. Crane's claims to be rather thought-provoking and a worthy read.

I'm just happy to not be alone in my opinion of legal marriage being TOTALLY different from biblical marriage (and did you know that C.S. Lewis had similar thoughts?). :)

Happy reading and Shabbat Shalom to all!

~Free

P.S. Here's a cleaner PDF version if you care to print it out:

A Judeo-Christian Argument For Privatizing Marriage by Daniel A. Crane

10 People To Pray For

Friend left such a good comment on the Loved An Enemy Lately post that I wanted to make sure no one misses the link provided. Click here and be sure to read the section on 10 People To Pray For.

Indeed,

Free

Loved An Enemy Lately?

When was the last time you showed love for one of your enemies?

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful".

Luke 6:35, 36

Plural Families

For those of you who don't know, "Plural Families" is the new PC term describing polygamous marriages. Like many of you, I've seen this topic discussed many times among internet groups of Believers and am at least loosely familiar with the varying perspectives on whether or not, as a practice, polygamy is biblical or should be legally allowed. What I'd like to know now is if you believe you could participate in a Plural Marriage?

Earlier today (or yesterday as I'm up late again), Oprah did an episode on plural families and it occured to me that it must be very difficult for men in these marriages to provide mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually for more than one wife. I know, normally the emphasis is on how great this must be for men at the expense of the emotions of the women involved, but today I had an opposite thought of how difficult a burden this must put on a husband (and I'm referring to families where women have chosen this lifestyle as opposed to those forced into it a la Warren Jeff's style).

Mr. Free didn't watch the show, but he passed through during a commercial and I asked him if, personal opinions and beliefs aside, he thought he could adequately meet the needs of more than one wife to which his answer was a fast and very firm, "no".

For this reason (among others), as a woman, I don't think I could be happy in a plural marriage. I have high expectations on being nurtured by my husband and I just don't see where one man could meet similar expectations with multiple wives. However, I have met women who feel otherwise (though I've yet to meet a woman actually living this way, some think they could handle it rather well).

So, what do you think? Do you believe you could manage to live happily ever after in a plural marriage?

~Free

Underground Church Spreading The Gospel in China

A while ago, Stephanie over at Sojourners In A Strange Land linked to an article on Preparing for the Underground Church by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand (once imprisoned and tortured for being a Christian minister in Romania. More of Pastor Wurmbrand's testimony HERE). Well, last week Mr. Free shared with me a blog detailing the goings on in an underground church in today's communist China. The Gospel In China blog is one that is sure to bless, fascinate and inspire you, so check it out.

Both of these courageous offerings should serve as reminders to us that we are Messiah's Ambassadors (as detailed in 2 Corinthians 5:20) and we have no excuse not to share the Good News daily with all we meet. If his Ambassadors in China and Romania (and other countries where being Christian is a criminal act) are willing to risk limb and life to do so, we who reside in countries where our religion and speech is protected by law have absolutely no excuse.

As with any other good news, we should be excited to tell others...we should be constantly spreading it to our neighbors, friends, co-workers and family...we shouldn't keep it to ourselves and rest in the comfort that we know the truth sent through Messiah into the world, but we should be bursting at the seams to share it with others.

Now go read and be inspired to act according to His will and purpose in your life.

In His Service,

Ambassador Free ;)

5 Things

Aside from good health/safety for loved ones or more money, what are 5 things that you want?

Your Thoughts?

Is marriage of heavenly or human origin?

Lunar Sabbath

Do you observe a Lunar Sabbath or a 7th Day (Saturday) Sabbath? And why do you observe the one that you do?

She's Gone

My Aunt Donna passed on this morning.

HalleluYah, Father's will has been done! She is not in any more pain...there is no more infection...no more surgeries...no more procedures...no more doctors...and no more suffering.

You may recall my last post entitled "Letting Go" where I was struggling with the anticipation of this day. Well, it's here and I'm fine. In fact, I'm good. I've spent the past couple of hours recalling all of the good memories and the precious lessons she taught me. She lived her life exactly as she pleased and I know she didn't want to linger on life support the way that she did. It's over now and I'm relieved.

Though I'm sorry that she had to suffer, I'm thankful that we were given nearly 4 months to adjust to life without her and the possibility that she may never be here with us, in the same way as usual, again. In fact, at 3a this morning, I especially thanked Him for this period of adjustment and told Him that I think we're ready now. A meeting was planned for today to decide whether it was time to stop life support or not. Our family was divided over what to do. Thankfully, the Father took that decision out of our hands. Oh, praise Him!

Now I pray for peace in my family and that we can all work together as we go through the final arrangements and help her friends find closure (my aunt was not only loved by family, but had a TON of friends who were very attached to her). Please pray with me that His peace and His wisdom prevails through the next several days...that He will heal every heart and fill it with joy and praise.


~Free

STUNNING!

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I've been listening to The Bible Experience recording of the New Testament for the past couple of days. I actually bought it as a gift for Mr. Free, but have all but taken it over. I listen to it while I'm cleaning, cooking, relaxing, etc. It's an amazing recording that helps to bring the Word alive and you'll almost feel like you're literally there with Messiah and the apostles as their lives unfold before you from Matthew through Revelation.

The Old Testament project is due to premiere next month. You may want to wait until then to buy the entire bible cd set or do like I did and purchase the NT now and the OT once its released (and I receive no compensation for saying this, lol). You'll definitely want this in your library, though.

Also makes an excellent gift whether someone's read the bible before or whether they're brand new to its wisdom...they will certainly appreciate this format.

Undiscovered Wives

Proverbs 18:22 KJV tells us that Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD, so why is it that so many single women these days are looking for a husband? And why aren’t single women concentrating on first being a wife? In today’s society that may sound odd, but since we live in this world, but are not of it, we’re already a strange people, right? As that scripture suggests, a man finds a wife, so doesn’t it stand to reason that a woman is not supposed to search for a husband, but rather be about the business of being a wife even before he finds her? In the story of the man who gave the great supper and invited many guests, one of the excuses of one of the guests for not attending was that …I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come (Luke 14:10 KJV). Though his refusal of the invitation was unacceptable to the host, that he married a wife further illustrates the point that the state of being a wife doesn’t start with marriage, but is a woman’s attribute even prior to meeting her husband.

It’s important to know that a married woman and wife are not necessarily synonymous. A woman is what we are by birth and, in our modern times, most are married by legal decree. We become real wives, however, through the development of our character. The Bible describes a wife as being a virtuous woman and in Proverbs 31:10 – 27 that point is further illustrated in that she is described as being trusted by her husband. She does good by him and does not seek to ever harm him. She is a willing and able worker who rises early to provide food for her household, is savvy in business, strong, knows how to turn a profit, works hard into the night, gives to the poor and serves her community by helping the needy. She handles her business well, despite her full plate, which apparently supports her husband in doing well in his business and she’s known especially for her strength and dignity. She is wise in speech and she teaches kindness through her example. She looks after her household and her family so well, in fact, that the word laziness can never be associated with her. Though I’ve paraphrased this scripture, today we would characterize this woman as being a superwoman, when in reality she’s just a good old-fashioned wife. Basically, this woman always seeks what’s best for her husband and family, works in and out of the home holding it all together, brings home the bacon and fries it up in a pan…early in the morning no less! She’s not sitting around waiting for her husband to take care of her. Actually, it really sounds like she’s taking care of him. Lest the gentlemen get any ideas here, it’s important to note that her husband is no slouch, is well known in their circle and is wise enough to be respected among the elders. So we know he is something to behold, but it sounds to me that he is all that he is because of the support he’s got in his background from his wife. Like the old adage goes, behind every good man is a good woman. In today’s description we’d say she’s got his back. A wife was a great gift in biblical times, suggesting that she was something special with attributes that not every woman possessed. Basically, she took it to another level. It’s because of this that a man found favour with Elohim. She was a help-mate. An asset and not a liability.

I regularly meet single women who say that the main reason they want a husband is so that they can stay at home without the thought of having to earn money and deal with worldly matters, but Proverbs 19:14 KJV says that House and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. Webster defines prudent as being marked by wisdom or judiciousness and being shrewd in the management of practical affairs. This hardly sounds like a woman who hides from the handling of worldly matters. Again, a woman like this is a gift from Yahweh.

Now if we add to this description of a wife, how we’ve learned to love in I Corinthians 13:4 – 7 NRSV, we’ve got quite a tall order to fill. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. See, once we know how to be a wife, learning to be a loving wife is learning to reach even higher.

Most of my life I grew up thinking that love was a feeling, but when I discovered it’s true meaning, I discovered that it’s not a feeling, but a choice; A discipline, if you will. After all, do you know how hard it is to be patient and kind? The mere state of being patient, which is a virtue loved by Elohim, means that we’re supposed to calmly endure trials without complaint or gripe. Now if we incorporate this scripture into our lives, we’re taught to be patient and kind. For some of us that’s impossible. We can’t even begin to fathom enduring trials in a relationship and being kind to one another at the same time. Add to that the directives to not be rude, not insist on our own way, not be irritable or resentful and bear all things and most of us have to admit that we’re not ready for this kind of relationship. At the very best, we’ll have to be honest in that we’ve got some work to do. See, it doesn’t say when things are going good we’re supposed to act in this way. The scripture says that we’re supposed to be this way when things aren’t so good. Why else would we need to be directed to be patient, kind and sacrificial if this scripture were speaking to the good times?

Considering all of this, I’ve personally concluded that women need to be prepared for marriage before the wedding day. Before women pray for husbands, they need to work on being wives... pray on building their character, their strength to endure and their work ethic both in and out of the home, because being a wife is all about partnership and burden bearing and less about being sheltered or hiding behind a husband. You may be single, you may be without a husband, but that doesn’t mean that you’re not a wife. If you’re working with the attributes described as wifely, then you may be a yet undiscovered wife. Know that it doesn’t take a marriage or a husband to validate this, but the passion to want to live your life in this way and the patience to wait on Yahweh to lead your husband to you. Remember, you are to be found. And let us not forget Jacob in Genesis 29 and how he worked for Rachel, so the burden of preparation is not all on wives, but be mindful that any man “finding” you needs to be ready to work to earn you. Being a wife is a gift, yes, but the value of a gifts is in equal proportion to the value placed on the one giving it. In this case, a wife is a gift from Elohim and should be valued accordingly. Therefore, any man hoping for such a gift, must live righteously and show himself worthy of and capable of treasuring such a gift.

While waiting on him though, spend your time in the Word, continuing your education, strengthening your character, aligning yourself with the will of Elohim and allowing Him to mold and prepare you for the ministry of marriage ahead of you (yes, I said ministry). Practice patience and flexibility. Learn to love by the sacrificial example Messiah Yahushua presents to us. Remember, while we were covered in sin, He sacrificed His life, so that we may be forgiven and live eternally with Him. He didn’t expect us to be perfect, nor did He wait on us to be saved before He gave us the best of Himself. Love is not about how high you soar with it, but how low will you go. That must be based on a decision to love and not a feeling mistaken for love. When the feeling fades or gets blurry in the rough times, there’s got to be a solid determination fueling you to go on. Messiah did it for us. To what depths will you travel to assure that the one that you love is on the right path? How many nights will you pray? How many days will you fast? How many times will you bite your tongue and model Christ-like behavior even when you're offended?

Practice being a biblically-inspired virtuous woman. And virtuous women, though you may be single now, continue in your calling and know that you are all wives yet undiscovered.

Loving you all,

Free

An Interesting Conversation On Legal Marriage

A couple of months ago, I commented on an entry made by a fellow blogger, Matthew, about the necessity of a marriage license. You can read his original post and my comment HERE.

The following are a couple of emails that Matthew and I have shared since then:

Hello Free,

I apologize for just now being able to respond to the comment that you left on my web site, matthewhubbard.org in early August.

I did visit your blog and I did read various posts that you made and I was impressed by some of the religious logic that you placed into them, if a such thing exists. :)

First and foremost, thank you for visiting my website. I created it as a tool to vent about various things, and I am thankful that you found it. I hope that you will bookmark it because I will be updating regularly now.

Secondly, I would like to correct you. Marriage Licenses ARE required in the United States. The Government requires this due to laws of consent and incest. Getting “married” without the license to do so is completely unacceptable in the United States. I am a Christian and a former Youth Pastor. I know the Bible and I understand that marriage can have two different meanings as far as the Bible is concerned—but we as Christians make a huge mistake by taking the Bible literally. If we took it literally, we would still be stoning women for wearing pants and talking back to their husbands. While on this earth we must obey the laws of the land. And using your same logic, if there is a difference between Secular Marriage and Religious Marriage then advocates opposed to Same-Sex Marriage have no right to call “MARRIAGE” a religious ceremony.

Your thoughts?

Matt

MY REPLY:

Hi Matthew,

Thank you for getting back to me. I really enjoyed your site and have bookmarked it.

With regards to a marriage license being required for consent, I've looked at this issue over and over again and, yes, consent laws exist and a license will not be issued in cases where both parties are unable to consent. Nor will one be provided in certain cases of incest. I specify "certain" because I do know of several people who are married to their own cousins. I'm checking on how this works, though, and will let you know what I find. Anyway, what is illegal here is not marriage without a license, but the relationships, themselves, are what is actually illegal. Thus (when requested) a license will not be granted in these instances. Yes, licensing helps to regulate this, but the law is a consent one, not a licensing one. Does this make sense? Ditto for people who've been legally married before and haven't failed to properly dissolve a previous marriage. However, I'd have to say that even this system isn't full proof as I do know of one person who legally married 3 consecutive people and never divorced a single one. In fact, in just now writing this, it occurs to me that I actually know of 2 people who've done so. Go figure!

On the other hand, if 2 consenting, non-related adults who are not married to other people choose to enter into a marriage covenant without the government's permission, they aren't breaking a single law. Exceptions to this exist in the states of Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia where actual laws against this do exist. However, even in these states, the law is not enforced and critics of the law are working to have it repealed. There are several news stories on this very topic if you Google "anti-cohabitation laws".

I live in California where our government is not bound to automatically legally recognize marriages without licenses, but no "law of the land" is being broken by those who don't require legal recognition or validation and marry without a license anyway, as no such law against doing so actually exists.

As to your point on same sex marriages, I don't speak much on this on my blog because I don't support homosexuality and definitely don't support same-sex marriages, therefore I don't want my words to be used in support of either of these. However, looking at it from a legal point of view, there is nothing that I've found in my research which would preclude homosexuals being able to marry. Secular marriage is not a religious institution in any way, shape or form and it definitely is not a Christian institution. If it were, atheists, satanists, buddhists, agnostics or any other non-religious, non-Christian couples would all be denied marriage licenses. Yahweh Elohim (the Lord, God) is not mentioned anywhere on a marriage license or a marriage certificate and He does not exist in marriagae as far as the state is concerned. So, for the state to deny homosexuals marriage based on any sort of religious pretext is hypocritical at best. This is another reason why I steer clear of legal marriage as I'm almost positive that states will begin granting secular marriage licenses to homosexual couples very soon. They legally have to. To not do so is discriminatory and like slavery, a woman's right to vote, etc. it cannot stand for much longer.

As for the Christian opposition to homosexual marriage, again I don't speak on this much publicly, but it's equally hypocritical, in my opinion. I don't know many Christians who publicly protest homosexuals dating, having sex or living together. Sure, they don't like gays doing so, but they take a live and let live approach most of the time and certainly don't push for laws prohibiting these. If one advocates that homosexuals cannot legally marry because it's wrong, then it's also logical to believe that they shouldn't be able to date, have sex, live together, show affection publicly, adopt children, etc. and that actual laws should exist against this. After all, if it's wrong, it's wrong across the board, right? So my personal thoughts are if you'll allow it to exist in society at large in these ways, why then protest a government document that purposely doesn't legally even recognize our Elohim (God) as the head of marriage in the first place (the state only recognizes itself as the head of marriage which is another problem I have with secular marriage). Personally, while I do see homosexual lifestyle as wrong (because the bible says so), I see it as wrong across the board. But if I haven't protested it at its core as a social practice which is legally protected, why now protest its legality in secular marriage? Will not allowing gays to marry stop homosexuality? Will it stop them from being able to live together? Fornicate? Raise children or do any of the things that married people do?

I could go on and on with this topic all day, but I'm sure you have better things to do. lol I don't know how much you read on my blog, but if you'd like to read more I highly recommend the following links:

http://www.lawfulpath.com/ref/secularmarriage.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_view_of_marriage (which I believe is the closest to the original intent)

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Family/Marriage/marriage_license.htm

http://sedm.org/ItemInfo/Ebooks/SovChristianMarriage/SovChristianMarriage.htm

http://www.mercyseat.net/BROCHURES/marriagelicense.htm (NOTE: I don't agree with Pastor Trewhalla on much, but I believe he's on the right track here)

Lastly, as for taking the bible literally, I feel you to a certain extent. We cannot stone our lazy children any more than we can stone women or anyone else. However, marriage was instituted in Genesis and hasn't changed one iota since then. Never was any power to ordain or legalize marriage given to men (officiants) or governments. Government can't rule over that which it didn't create without the permission of those willing to put certain, pre-existing institutions in their hands. Our government did not create marriage...marriage existed eons before our current government ever did...and some of us don't choose to give the government permission to preside over our marriages. For us, we believe we are quite capable of entering into this highly personal covenant ourselves and letting the Most High be our head in this regard.

In parting, I'm completely open to learning of any laws which exist (outside of the 7 states I mentioned before) which are applicable to consensual adults (who aren't already married to others or who aren't related) marrying without a license. In fact I've been looking for these laws, so if you can give me their reference numbers (either federal or state), I'd sincerely appreciate it. Also, I'm interested in any scriptures which give government power over marriage, specifically. Or, for that matter, any scriptures in which a marriage ceremony is performed or where any man is given the power to pronounce two people "husband and wife" are also appreciated. I'm familiar with scriptures stating we must obey government, but my studies say that we must obey A.) when government's laws do not conflict with Yahweh's laws and B.) when government creates ordinances (regarding to the institutions they've created, which doesn't apply to marriage since government didn't create it...but did create their own, separate version void of any religion which not all choose to partake of).

I'm also going to post your question (anonymously, unless you don't mind being identified) on my blog along with my reply.

Thanks, Matthew, and I look forward to any additional thoughts you wish to share.

Have a blessed one In Him,

Free

P.S. I just received info on my question about married cousins. In certain Middle-Eastern cultures they are married outside of the country, because it's not legal to do so here. They are then granted recognition here because the U.S. doesn't know they're related. Many don't have the same last name and, for those who do, it's assumed that it's a common last name like Smith or Jones and is never questioned. Now, I don't advocate this...it's pretty much lying and IS breaking the law...but it happens and these marriages are legally recognized.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks, Matthew, for your permission to post our conversation, along with your name. ;)

Respect,

Free

Can Translation Go Too Far?

So what are we advocating? "Let’s wallow in sin, so more grace may pour forth"? Hell, no!

-Romans 6:1 (Cotton Patch New Testament Version)

You'll see, above, that I've posted a scripture from the Cotton Patch NT Version written by Clarence Jordon in the hopes that readers in Southern states would more easily identify with its language and places (Corinth is Atlanta, Rome is Washington, etc.). When you have time, please take a look at some of his writings and share your thoughts.

Is this version, with all of its changes, offensive to you? Can translations go too far?

Or, does it not matter to you if people are willing to read it and learn the biblical lessons behind it?

~Free

A Sabbath Treat

This Sabbath, treat yourself to an extraordinary message offered through EliYah at EliYah.com:

"...Let's not waste our time in things that do not profit. Remember that any works that are not eternal are waste and void...they WILL NOT profit us in Yahweh's kingdom..."

Read the rest of the message on spiritual growth here:

http://www.eliyah.com/transcripts/09282007.html

It is sure to bless you as it has me.

Shabbat Shalom!

-Free

/end
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

There's Room For You Here

A neat and easy way to share the Gospel online. Pass it on:

There's Room For You Here

~Free

FREE BURMA!!!

Wife or Mother?

I'm reading a magazine and just came across an interesting question:

Do you consider yourself a wife or a mother first? (Guys, is it husband or father first?)

-Free


Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Dirty Religion

It's after 2a and I'm in bed blogging on my Blackberry, so forgive me ahead of time for any errors.

I'm just lying here thinking about the deception that masquerades as religion these days. I don't want to list the individual names of folk involved in this deception, nor the MAJOR denominations out there who all claim to be true, yet (from what I can tell) are doing nothing more than controlling their congregants and leading them away from the truth.

I don't assume to know all there is to know about Elohim or even the bible, but I know manipulation when I see it and I trust that, while some of what's being put forth is truth, the method of control in the groups I'm speaking of is all lies.

I've spent the last couple of hours before hitting the sack reading a debate between members of a certain religious group and former members of this same group. The stories shared by the ex-members were almost identical to stories I've heard from former members in other places too, so I tend to believe there's some truth to what they say woke them up and drew them out. Anyway, I'm not up blogging on my mobile to get into the individual tellings. What has me troubled is how many people feel they must have a relationship with Yahweh "through" an organization! It breaks my heart to see people so self-conscious of doing everything the organization tells them to do (or not do) in order to be in Yahweh's good graces.

This also leads me to pray for men. No, not mankind only, but specifically for men. For husbands and fathers to assume the proper role as priests in their homes...for men to study their bibles and instruct and lead their households as they should. To pray over and with their families. There's nothing wrong with being a part of an assembly or church (of course), but far too many are falling into the clutches of false prophets and charlatan churches simply because they have no leadership at home. No one has taught them to pray, to study or been there to answer questions or doubts.

This, of course, isn't saying that the Holy Spirit won't lead people to truth. And I'm not saying that it takes a "man" to teach it to women and children who are capable of praying and studying themselves. But I only wish that men...heads of households.. would be in position, armed and ready with the truth, to rescue their households from the lies that are leading so many young people astray. That they will be more involved in the Spiritual training of their home and not merely leave it up to mothers to teach and lead in these matters. We all know families where mom is the one who teaches the children to pray and herds them off to church each week as dad isn't into that sort of thing. This is what I'm talking about. While the enemy is attacking families with Spiritual falsehoods, many men are in the background paying no mind because their energy is focused on the world and Spiritual matters they haven't the time for. Many are missing in action while the enemy circles.

And, of course, I understand that a lot of men are equally taken in by false prophets and organizations, but I seriously believe its a whole lot harder for them to get their hands on a sincere, prayerful, bible studying/believing man than it is for them to mislead one who isn't in this category.

Messiah showed us how we can have relationship with the Father. He instilled in us that the Father loves us and He paid for our sins with His own life so that we wouldn't be held in bondage, controlled by guilt, judged by men and made to feel we have to run from Elohim. Yet so many man-made, tradition-filled, condemning church organizations preach everything but His goodness, grace and mercy!

I could rant on this all night, but this keyboard's too small, my fingers are tired and my eyelids are heavy. Instead I'll just pray that we all honor Him with our hearts and with our relationship...a relationship through His Son and not a 501(c)3 corporation!
-Free

Pope Peter???

The following questions are in no way meant as an attack against the Apostle Peter. However, I do have questions pertaining to the authority of Peter and, specifically, was he the first "Pope"?

1. Did Peter know he was the first Pope, because in 1 Peter 5:1 he refers to himself as an elder?

2. Did he ever refer to himself as Pope? Did anyone else in scripture ever address him as such?

3. How many churches did Peter establish vs. the number of churches established by Paul?

4. Was Paul establishing churches under Peter's authority?

5. Why did Paul publicly check Peter in Antioch about eating with Gentiles until the Jews arrived, at which time Peter then withdrew from the Gentiles out of fear of the opinion of the Jews (see Galatians 2:11-14)? As Pope, would Peter have acted in this way? And would Paul have publicly admonished him in such a way?

6. In scripture, what ties does Peter have to Rome? Was Peter the founder of the early Church in Rome?

7. Why didn't Paul address Peter in any of his letters to churches, especially in Rome?

8. Matthew 23:9 "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." The title of Pope comes from the Greek word "Papas" which originally meant "Father". Popes are also often referred to as the "Holy Father". In vs. 8 of this same scripture, Messiah advises the apostles against being called by lofty titles because "all ye are brethren". Does, then, calling Peter a Pope, line up with this scripture?

9. Why doesn't scripture identify Peter (instead of James) as head of the Jerusalem Council mentioned in Acts 15?

10. How many epistles did Peter write? Or, put another way: Why are the majority of the epistles attributed to Paul if Peter was actually the Pope or head of the early churches?

Please, when answering any of the above questions, include scripture in your explanations. While I don't mind entertaining opinions or even outside sources, the only explanations I can accept as valid truth are those that are aligned with scripture.

Thanks!

~Free

A Great Sabbath Study

I found a simple, yet very thorough Sabbath study online. I'm posting a link directly to an article on Anti-Sabbath arguments (rebutting them, of course), but please be sure to visit all of the links at the end of the article, especially if you're new to the whole idea of obeying the Sabbath commandment.

Enjoy:

Anti-Sabbath Arguments by Steve Wohlberg of White Horse Media

~Free

I Accept This Award In His Honor

The one thing that I never expected would happen has happened.

And I couldn't be happier.

This little ol' blog has been awarded the Mathetes Award for excellence in discipleship from none other than one of my most favorite fellow bloggers, Isaiah (aka Sicarii) over at Joie de Vivre!!!

It's at this same time...and with great pleasure...that I'd like to also congratulate Isaiah as a previous recipient of this award as well! He TRULY is deserving of this as his blog is always fresh, powerful, thought-provoking and FULL of the Word of the Most High Elohim. I always have a blessed time reading what Isaiah shares there.

The Mathetes Award was created by Dan King of Management By God and is one that I truly treasure as Mathete is the Greek word for "disciple". How cool is that?! Sometimes I don't feel like much of one, but this distinction reminds me that it's not at all about me (or what I feel), but about following His teachings, His commandments and sharing what He's put on my heart.

Perhaps the best part of this whole celebration is that, with this recognition also comes responsibility. So it is now my privilege to pass this award to the following bloggers:

1. Musings Of A Mountain Mama by Stephanie

2. Making Home by Jess

3. An Helpmeet for Him by Kerry Leise

4. Trinitarian Don by Donald McConnell

5. Clothesline Alley by Mrs. Brigham

I cannot thank Isaiah enough for extending this award to me, not only because it encourages me and gives honor to Him who inspires me, but, by the very rules of this award, it also gives me an opportunity to acknowledge the 5 bloggers above from whom I've learned quite a bit. Our Father has used each of these bloggers to stretch my mind and touch my heart in very profound ways.

As you visit all of the Mathetes Award winners, I hope you will be as blessed by all of them as Elohim makes His presence known on every one.

Peace Beloved,

~Free

P.S. Should you know a blogger you are inspired to bestow this award on, please feel free. Just remember to do so according to Dan King's rules and do let us know who you've shared it with, so that we can congratulate them too. :) ~F.

Legal Marriage, From Your Point Of View

I've already shared my thoughts on marriage, both legally and biblically. The following list of questions are to survey your opinion on marriage. It's not mandatory that you have an answer for every question, but hopefully you will carefully consider each one. Whether you're planning on marrying soon, whether you've been married for years, whether you're divorced or whether you never intend to marry, your opinion is welcome here. Even if you don't choose to answer them out loud here, at the very least, I hope these questions will cause you to pause and think about the ways in which you view the process of becoming married. And, if you're planning on legally marrying soon, my greatest hope is that you will do so with the full knowledge of what the paperwork you'll file means and the purpose it all serves.

Ready?

Here we go:

1. What is a marriage license?

2. How did marriage licenses originate in the United States and why?

3. If you're planning marriage soon, why are you applying for a marriage license (or if you've already been married, why did you apply for one)?

4. Does having a marriage certificate affect any children you and your spouse have together? If so, how?

5. Do you know what Parens Patriae means? Please briefly define it in your own words.

6. Does your state recognize Elohim (God) in your marriage (i.e. is He mentioned anywhere on the license or on the certificate)?

7. Do you believe you need a marriage license in order to be married according to Elohim's (God's) definition of marriage (See Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:31 for His definition)?

8. How do a man and a woman become "one flesh"? (Specifically, what is the process?)

9. Did Yahushua (Jesus) ever perform a wedding ceremony? Did any priests ever perform a wedding ceremony in the bible?

10. Who has the power to pronounce you and your spouse "husband and wife"?

11. Who gave this person the authority to pronounce you "married"? If you believe Elohim (God) gave this person authority over pronouncing marriage, please cite where this appears in the bible. (or, if it's just your opinion, that's fine too, but please be specific)

12. When Yahushua (Jesus) turned water into wine, was Yahushua at a wedding or was He at a wedding celebration? Is there a difference?

13. Is an example of wedding vows in the bible? If your answer is yes, please cite the book, chapter and verse where they appear.

14. What does your bible say about divorce?

15. Does your state allow divorce?

16. What does your bible say about remarriage?

17. Does your state allow remarriage? If so, how many times is a person allowed to remarry?

18. What does your bible say about adultery?

19. How does your state deal with adultery?

20. In your opinion, is your state governing marriage in the same way that the bible does?

21. If two people are married in a church, but without a marriage license, will your state recognize this couple as married?

22. If two people are married with a license, but without mention of Elohim (God) in their ceremony (Or if they're complete atheists), will your state recognize this couple as married?

23. How was a covenant (marriage or otherwise) made in the bible?

24. How did Adam, Abram (Abraham), Isaac, Jacob or any other biblical persons marry their spouses?

25. Romans 13:1 says "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of Elohim: the powers that be are ordained of Elohim." Do you believe the government is always right? Or, to phrase this another way, do you believe that the United States Government has ever enforced ungodly laws?

26. If ever the government oversteps its boundaries or ever seeks to replace Elohim (God) as ultimate authority, do you believe you should follow their direction without question or protest?

27. Are there instances in the bible where Elohim's people did not follow the government's laws or traditions of their day (please cite them if you can)?

28. Were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego wrong for not following the king's orders?

29. Were early Christians wrong for spreading the gospel despite orders by the ruling authorities to cease doing so?

30. Is there a law which states two people must marry?

31. Is there a law which states two people must marry with a marriage license?

32. If people were to marry without a license, would they be breaking a law (and please state exactly which law they'd be breaking if you believe this) or would they be infringing upon a man-made tradition? Or both?

33. Who created marriage?

34. Who is the ultimate head of marriage?

35. Which existed first, marriage or your state?

36. How and when was your state given authority over marriage?

37. Do you believe in prenuptial agreements? Why or why not?

38. In your opinion, does a marriage license offer any added security to a marriage, especially in the event of divorce? If so, what security does it add?

39. For you, is marriage a biblical covenant or a legal contract or both?

40. In your opinion, when two atheists marry legally, do you believe they are recognized by Our Father as married? Why or why not?

41. Assuming your state recognizes or allows gay marriages (or will do so in the future), do you (or will you) acknowledge and respect gay couples with legal marriage certificates as being married? Why or why not?

42. Do you have the right to accept or reject two people as being married? Does your state have that right? Why or why not? And, if so, to what extent? (can they deny rights and benefits to marriages they protest?)

Now that you've come to the end of this survey, read what one person discovered about marriage licenses in their state. Please do not accept as truth anyone's opinion on this topic. Instead, I encourage all of you to investigate, on your own, what marriage is, its history and all that a marriage license entails. You are also invited to share that information here as it is discovered. Thanks for your time and your opinions!

~Free

One Marriage License Please

The following is a touching story. Personally, I think too much emphasis is being put on a marriage license or on being legally recognized, but I do commend this gentleman for his efforts at keeping his promise:

(copied from http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/203409.html)

Posted on Thu, Aug. 16, 2007

Widower vows fight for marriage license

By MAX B. BAKER
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Charles Toole feels like he married Beverly Simon twice before she died.

The first time, Toole and Simon privately exchanged vows shortly after falling in love. The second time, their pastor performed the rites of holy matrimony in their bedroom a week before her death.

For many, that would be enough.

But Toole recently asked a judge to force the state to formally recognize their union by giving him the marriage license they always wanted but were denied by state law.

"This is not a matter of law; it is a matter of the heart," Toole said, tears forming in his eyes. "It is a matter of a promise I made, and come hell or high water, I'm going to fulfill that promise."

The Tarrant County clerk denied their marriage license. State law generally requires the bride or groom to appear to get the license.

At the time, Simon, 68 -- diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of adult leukemia -- was confined to home hospice care. Toole, 63, his own health failing, was afraid to leave her side.

"Bless her heart, I promised her that she would not leave this world under someone else's name," Toole said.

Personal John Wayne

When Toole and Simon met about six years ago, she was a widow not interested in having anyone else in her life.

Toole -- a tall former cop with sweeping white hair, a deep, gravelly voice and a penchant for cigars -- was a furniture salesman with multiple marriages behind him.

"Her friends weren't crazy about us getting together," Toole remembered. "I was a shark in the waters. ... When I met Beverly, looking back, I was an arrogant SOB."

Toole met Simon when she came to the Room Store looking for a headboard. They talked for about 15 minutes. He asked her out for a cup of coffee after. She called a week later, and they promised to take it slow.

But Simon knew. After their first evening together, she apparently looked into his eyes and told him she had "found her spot."

About two months later, Toole and Simon moved in together. Believers in marriage, they privately exchanged wedding vows and commemorated the day by signing a big blue Bible. That was on Nov. 17, 2001.

They wanted to get married formally, but Simon was concerned about losing the insurance coverage from her late husband's estate.

Mike Westfall, a former neighbor, had known Simon for years and was surprised by her whirlwind courtship with Toole.

"She trusted him with all she had emotionally and financially. ... When Beverly was in better health, they were like two peas in a pod. They did everything together, and they were the best of friends," he said.

The Rev. Murray Richey, Simon's pastor at John Knox Presbyterian Church and a friend for 27 years, said that while Toole is a gruff-talking bulldog of a cop, he appeared to be searching for something inside himself when he met Simon.

"He just brightened up her life, and she beamed when she was with him," he said.

Estranged from her children, Simon and Toole built a life around each other and their dog, Asia, a longhaired Chihuahua. Simon was Toole's "Bunny." He was her personal John Wayne.

"We celebrated each other, primarily. We didn't build a fence around ourselves, but we knew when push came to shove, there were two things we could depend upon: the good Lord and ourselves," Toole said.

In worsening health

Two years ago, Simon's health started to break down.

"The medical bills were just tremendous," Toole said. "Had we gotten married legally, she would have lost her insurance coverage, and, if you put a pencil to it, it would have been more than $1 million."

After visiting doctors across the state, Simon was diagnosed with adult-onset leukemia. This year, she began checking in and out of the hospital. In March, when her death was imminent, she was released for home hospice care.

Meanwhile, Toole's diabetes became so acute that doctors were pressuring him to go into the hospital to deal with clogged arteries in his leg. But he refused to leave Simon's bedside.

Remembering their conversations on the porch about how there was a cloud over their marriage, even though the law considered them a common-law couple, Toole decided it was time to tie the knot.

Toole, who works for attorney James Bearden as a private investigator, said he asked Bearden about getting a marriage license.

Bearden sent someone to apply for the license. Texas is one of only four states to allow third parties to apply for a marriage license, but that provision applies only when the couple are separated by military service or imprisoned.

Tarrant County Clerk Suzanne Henderson said her staff was simply following the law. "We try to abide by the law and treat all people fairly," she said.

Knowing Simon was near death, drifting in and out of consciousness, Toole asked Richey to come marry them anyway. On March 25, Toole and Simon were married at their home. "She could not say 'I do,' but I believe she heard me," Richey said.

One week later, on Palm Sunday, while wrapped in her husband's arms, Simon died.

'His mission in life'

Nicknamed "Bulldog" by Simon's nurses, Toole would not let go of the idea of getting a marriage license.

In late July, while recuperating from surgery on his leg, Toole told Bearden to file a lawsuit seeking to recognize Richey's marriage ceremony as official. Toole wants the clerk to issue a license and to change Simon's name to Beverly Simon Toole.

Bearden said there isn't any financial motivation for Toole. Simon willed her belongings to him in 2002. "Old Charlie told her he would try to do this, and it is his mission in life to have it as a sanctified marriage," Bearden said.

Toole likes to compare the love he and Simon had to the famous O. Henry story about the young couple who are poor but want to give each other special gifts for Christmas. To buy a chain for his gold watch, she cuts off her beautiful long hair. But he sells his watch to buy her a set of silver combs for her hair.

"When I buried her, I had silver combs placed in her hair and two in her hands. I took one of them from her hand, and it's in the jewelry box now," Toole said.

"I've never broken a promise to her, and she's never broken one to me, and it ain't going to start now."

Proxy marriage

Texas law requires that the bride or the groom appear at the county clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. If both applicants are absent but still want a license, they must provide an affidavit showing that:

-- The applicants are on active duty as members of the federal or state armed forces.

-- The couple are confined in a correctional facility.

Marriage fraud ring

Until 2005, two individuals could get a marriage license in Texas without appearing at the county clerk's office.

A "marriage license ring" changed all that. Through the ring, one woman was allowed to get married 150 times without ever getting a divorce, as part of an effort to help illegal immigrants stay in the country, said state Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham.

Kolkhorst sponsored the legislation at the request of the state's clerks. She called Toole's situation unfortunate.

"I think this is an extreme situation, and you can't write the perfect law," she said.

Curbside service

Tarrant County Clerk Suzanne Henderson said her office tries to work with people in similar situations. While she said she does not believe state law allows clerks to issue licenses off-site, Henderson said her office has offered curbside service.

"Sometimes couples in nursing homes want to get married, and they will drive down here and we'll meet them at the curb," Henderson said. "Somebody could have loaded up one of them, and we could have helped them."

Source: Texas Family Code

Letting Go

Letting go is quite possibly the hardest thing for me to do. I didn't know this until just recently, but it really is an issue with me.

My Aunt Donna is in the hospital and, unless she receives a miracle from above, she will die. She's been on life support for 2 months, is unable to talk, unable to move and her entire body is swollen to about 3 times its normal size as she has multiple infections. Her kidneys have also stopped working and dialysis cannot be done as her blood pressure drops dangerously low each time an attempt is made. In short, medically, they've given up.

To watch someone you love suffer leaves you feeling helpless and completely out of control.

I know Elohim is in complete control, I just have no idea what His will is for this situation. Last night I tried to describe my feelings to Mr. Free and all I could tell him is that it's almost like someone telling you that they are going to punch you in your stomach as hard as they can, but that they're not going to tell you when. They also might change their mind and not punch you at all, but they're not going to tell you this. So, basically, you're left wondering day and night, night and day, "is it coming now?" "Am I about to have the wind knocked out of me? Or am I going to be spared the pain for a while longer?" With every moment, no matter what I'm doing, I'm thinking about her and I'm wondering if this is the hour when I'll get that phone call that she's gone.

Then I feel totally selfish. Here she is suffering like I've never seen another human being do and I'm actually praying for her not to die. Although I'm praying for her to also be healed, I'm focusing so much on what I want until I'm probably not seeing what's best for her. A healing would be great, but with a severe blood infection, 5 different other infections, seizures, possible brain damage, kidney damage, paralysis, etc., even if she were to be healed, I'm sure it would be a long, arduous process and perhaps the Father wants to spare her of her pain and suffering and call her home. Ultimately, of course, I pray for His will to be done...and I know it will be, I just want to know what it is!

Which brings me back to the letting go point. Not only do I need to prepare to possibly let her go, but this is truly a test in surrendering all to Him. Just recently, on Sicarii's Blog we'd discussed surrendering to Him. In fact, I'm in the middle of a chapter in an online book about surrendering to Him and it was the topic of discussion in church this past weekend. Someone's trying to tell me something and I really do have to listen. I can't be in control. I want to, but I can't. He is in total control and, while I thought I'd gotten pretty good at surrendering to Him, this most recent trial is teaching me that I still need growth in this area. I'm crying at the drop of a pin and I'm constantly thinking about her. I want to let go, but I need His help...

...and your prayers.

Always in Him,

Free

7 Days (More on the Sabbath)

I had a thought this morning. Popular teachings claim that Elohim created the world in 6 days and then rested on the 7th, but actually, wasn't the world created in 7 days? I mean, the 7th day is included in the creation account. It is a special day created for man (remember, "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath"-- Mark 2:27), so instead of learning of it as some archaic law under an old covenant, why aren't we taught that it is a day created, like all the others, but sanctified specifically for rest? It has a special place from the very beginning of the world and still does now.

Yet, another reason why I'm pleased to observe it.

~Free

DIVORCE: The Enemy's Plan Of Attack On Our Children

Yesterday, a young person that I mentor called me up asking if we could get together as they needed to talk. Within a few hours we were sitting across the table from one another as they poured their heart out regarding their father having just left the home. My mentee had brought along a younger sibling and it was painfully obvious that these children were confused and hurting over their parent's threats of divorce and their father's earlier departure.

Undoubtedly, the enemy was pleased.

With family being the cornerstone of society and marriage being a component which assists in guarding us against questionable paternity and sexual immorality, his strategy is obvious. Destroy the family and children are then open game. I've read many studies which have indicated, over and over again, that children from broken homes struggle more with poor academic achievement, truancy, gang affiliation, drug and alcohol abuse and even incarceration. This is not to say that every child from divorced parents goes this route only that the chances of them doing so are believed to increase as a result of divorce and being raised in a single-parent (often female-headed) household. The enemy's strategy is surely to divide and conquer. Divide the parents and conquer our children.

I'm aware that many don't believe in remaining together for the sake of children. Even many psychologists now say that doing so is not a good idea as such homes are often tumultuous battlegrounds creating environments psychologically harmful to children. But what about not just staying together, but working it out for the sake of the children? How about realizing the harmful effects of an unhappy home and of divorce and agreeing, together, that for the children's sake you will do any and everything to recreate a happy marriage and remain together forever (because even adult children are scarred by divorce)?

This morning, I woke up to the headline that Shaquille and Shaunie O'Neal are divorcing. They have six minor children. That is a total of eight lives that are affected and six of them are (I'll bet) being given no choice in the matter!

Divorce is the enemy's plan. We have got to find ways to thwart his intentions and make marriages work. If we don't, it is our children who pay the highest price. And, if he can attack people at an early enough stage, he has a better chance of affecting the rest of their lives. In his plan of destruction, the younger (and weaker) the better.

I don't pretend to know the answer to everyone's marital woes, but I do know that the answers are all within the Word of Elohim. I know that if anyone seeks His will first, He will never tell two to divorce. This past weekend, my cousin Wes told me that he is divorcing Macy. He said he prayed about it and that this was his answer. Obviously, he's been deceived. I can see Elohim telling them to get off of drugs. I can see Elohim telling him to honor his wife. I can see Elohim telling him to repent and to forgive his wife at the same time, but I cannot see Elohim, who hates divorce, telling one who calls upon Him to abandon his covenant. That is contrary to everything He teaches about marriage in the scriptures.

This is another reason why I say that legal marriage is nothing even related to biblical marriage. With legal marriage, divorce (and remarriage) is perfectly acceptable (and as many times as you wish to do so...legally). With legal marriage, no reason has to even be given for divorce in contrast to the bible which ONLY allows it in cases of adultery (if forgiveness can't be found) and, even then, neither should be allowed to remarry. In legal marriage, no biblical standard is held or enforced. Legal marriage is an entirely different institution from what Elohim gave us at creation.

Divorce, however, has always been an attack strategy of the enemy and it has always been perfectly permissible by the State. When will we see the parallels?

And to think that Christians are willingly participating in this strategy daily as though it's perfectly normal and acceptable literally makes my heart weep.

Call me unrealistic, idealistic, legalistic, judgmental or even plain crazy, but it is what it is...wrong! Don't take my word for it, take His. And even if you disagree, I hope you'll at least remember to pray for the children on the enemies radar which are under attack.

Shalom,

Free

Where Is Your Pride?

I read this some time ago and refer to it often. Thought I'd share it with all of you. If you're interested in the entire sermon where I originally read it, you may view it in its entirety (HERE) or listen to an audio of it (HERE under the Dying Of Yahushua...In Us).

When you are forgotten or neglected or purposely set at naught and you do not sting and hurt at the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for the Messiah...that is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself but take it all in patient, loving silence...that is dying to self

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance, when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensitivity, and endure it as Yahushua endured it...that is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of Yahweh..that is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or to record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown...that is dying to self.

I Keep Sabbath Because...

I keep Sabbath for a few reasons. One, I am commanded to do so via the 4th commandment (more on that in a bit) and, two, YHWH Himself rested on the 7th day, blessed this day and sanctified it:

Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Even aside from the commandment, if the Most High can rest on this day (as did His Son Messiah Yahushua), I have to believe it's a good thing for me to do too.

Exodus 20:11 also tells us that He hallowed this day, meaning He made it holy, sacred and intended for it to be consecrated. The 7th day is actually, literally a holy day (with or without our observance)!

Many Christians don't believe that Sabbath keeping is required by scripture. Yet, in Exodus 31:16 we are taught that the Sabbath is a "perpetual covenant", "perpetual" as in to continue forever. Nowhere in the over 100 times Sabbath is mentioned in scripture does it say it's meant to be a temporary observance. It is also a covenant, a Divine alliance or pledge (see Strong's #01285), not some sort of burdensome task meant to weigh us down.

Sabbath, for me at least, truly is a gift that I treasure observing. I actually look forward to it and Isaiah 58:12-14 tells us that when we delight in turning away from our own pleasures and gladly keep the Sabbath, we are blessed! Who doesn't want a day of total rest, rejuvenation and focus on the Eternal One? When framed this way, in looking back to when I used to resist Sabbath observance, I'm hard pressed to figure out why. The only conclusion I've been able to recognize is that I resisted because it was different. I went to church on Sunday and didn't want to give up my Saturday's doing something that wasn't popular with my peers. I also didn't want to admit that my mother, a Sabbath observing Jew, was correct about there being a difference between a 7th day Sabbath and Sunday church fellowship. When challenged, I can be VERY stubborn at times, even to my own detriment. I'm working on this, but feel free to pray for me still, lol.

Many who justify not keeping Sabbath also contend that the Sabbath covenant was only for the children of Israel, but if we believe that we have been grafted (so to speak) into the children of YHWH via the sacrifice of Messiah, then it stands to reason that we inherit this "perpetual covenant" also. In Leviticus 16:31, we're told that this statute is forever and in Ezekiel 20:20, we're commanded to keep His Sabbath as it is a sign that He is YHWH our Elohim. Since He is absolutely and without a doubt my Elohim, I hold this covenant very dear. I may not have been born by human blood as a child of Israel, but the blood of Messiah has definitely brought me into His family! This scripture pretty much says it all, though:

Isaiah 56:1-7:

Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Even so-called strangers who keep the Sabbath are involved in His covenant!

As mentioned earlier, I also have a direct order to keep the Sabbath via the 4th commandment (Exodus 20 vs. 8). YHWH repeats this directive many, many times throughout the bible and it is expressly commanded that we remember and keep HOLY the Sabbath. That many go to church on Sunday is fine. That the early Christians worshiped on Sundays is fine (but they STILL kept Sabbath!). We are free to worship and go to church every single day of the week...and this is always a good thing. However, this doesn't mean that we are to forget to keep the Sabbath holy, nor does it mean that the Sabbath was ever changed or abolished!

Currently, there is a push to take the 10 Commandments out of government buildings wherever they may be displayed. Many Christians are in an uproar over the mere suggestion. However, many of these same Christians will endlessly debate that the 4th Commandment no longer applies or never applied to Christians at all. I've always been curious as to how many who take this stance would be in favor of a compromise by displaying only 9 commandments and eliminating the 4th one from public display entirely. Hmmm...

And if we don't have to keep the 4th commandment, why keep all of the others?

Another common objection, is that a lot of the scriptures where we are told to keep the Sabbath, and certainly the original ones, are from the Old Testament. Most Christians, especially, believe that we are under a new covenant since we follow Messiah. Well, consider that Paul said that all scripture is good for doctrine, reproof and instruction in righteousness (I'm paraphrasing from 1 Timothy 3:16 here). When Paul said "all" scripture, he wasn't referring to the New Testament as it had yet to exist. Therefore, he is indeed referring to Torah. Looking at it this way, we can clearly see Paul was saying that Torah is inspired by YHWH, Torah is good for doctrine, Torah is good for reproof and Torah is good for instruction in righteousness. I know that's not a popular idea among today's Christians, but in the early days of Christianity, this was a given. This is the scripture that Messiah, Paul, Peter, James and all of the other disciples and early Christians both taught and learned from. Torah is the scripture they reverenced, not the New Testament. This is not to say that the New Testament portion is not good. Obviously, it is our record of Messiah, His teachings and all of His works. As well, it is our record of the early roots of our faith post (non-Messianic) Judaism. Of course, it is good! But we cannot afford to throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater here. Torah is still inspired and good for instruction, doctrine and reproof AND the 4th commandment is repeatedly required of us all throughout Torah and even into the New Testament!

(NOTE: Many have misunderstood Paul's position on the Law, including myself at one time. This article helps to explain why this is.)

It bears repeating, too, that in the many scriptures which command us to keep Sabbath, NEVER does it say we are to keep it until Messiah abolishes it and NEVER did Messiah say that it was abolished. In fact, every time a time limit is attached to Sabbath keeping, it says it's a forever deal! We also see that Messiah kept it as did His disciples and the early Christians. Again, that some of them assembled on Sunday doesn't mean that they forsake the Sabbath covenant...they also worshiped on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, etc. as they met in one another's homes for daily fellowship. Despite all of the other days, they still kept Sabbath holy, however. Again, it was never a question of whether or not it had been abolished, as the first Christians understood this was law and they kept it, without challenge, period.

Before I go on, I also want to make it clear that Sabbath is not about what day you go to church. Sabbath is about resting from your daily activities and placing your entire day's focus on the Most High. I want to make this clear, because many believe that because certain early Christians eventually began to assemble on Sundays, that Sabbath was abolished or changed to Sunday. Assembling can be a Sabbath activity, but it is not what defines Sabbath.

Repeatedly, I've heard non-Sabbath keeping Christians accuse those who do keep Sabbath of being legalists and comparing them to the Pharisees that Messiah often condemned. Let's think about this though. When Messiah chastised the Pharisees, was He chastising them for keeping the Law or was He chastising them for having the appearance of lawfulness, while their hearts and actions towards others were filled with evilness? Let's not misunderstand the difference. Those who keep the law with honorable intentions are not legalists, rather they simply seek to obey what YHWH has commanded them to do. The pharisees were straight out hypocrites with far less than honorable intentions and didn't seek to please YHWH as much as they sought prestige among and the honor of men as they oppressed others to attain both. Can you see the difference? The Law is perfect, right and clean (See Psalm 19:7-10), but the pharisees misused it and that is what Messiah condemned them for. Think about it, would our Messiah, the very Son of the Most High encourage people to transgress the Law of His Father? Would the Most High actually punish anyone or call them a "legalist" because they sought to relish and keep His Law? While the Law doesn't save us (make NO mistake about that...ONLY Messiah saves!), the Law does help us live moral, upright lives. It helps us to coexist more peaceably and to focus more on His will than the will of an evil world. Seeking to abide by it is pleasing to the Father and I hardly think He labels us as a legalist for doing so!

Birthdays are non-biblical, as are anniversaries, national and state holidays, yet we keep each of those and even look forward to doing so. Yet, with a delightful day of rest and focus on our Father...a day He made holy and a day where He rested, we say it is no longer relevant or necessary to do so. Let's remember that Yahushua said:

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew 5:18)

Did I miss heaven and earth passing? No? I didn't think so. LOL Yahushua clearly states that He didn't come to destroy the Law (which includes the Sabbath), but He came to fulfil it (as in perform it. See Strongs 4137).

Here are a few more New Testament scriptures which help us understand the importance of the Sabbath:

Matthew 12 and Mark 2 and 3 Yahushua teaches against a legalist judgment with an impure heart, NOT against Sabbath keeping. (In Mark 2:22, specifically, He also says that Sabbath was made FOR man...note He didn't say for Israelites, but for MAN. YHWH made if FOR me and I'm happy to accept it, lol).

Matthew 24:20 Sabbath will be being kept at the end of this age. Why would Yahushua say this if it were going to be abolished after His death???

Matthew 28:1 shows us that Yahushua's followers were still keeping Sabbath after His death. They wouldn't even visit the sepulchre until AFTER Sabbath. Wouldn't they have known if it was abolished? Wouldn't they have arrived at the sepulchre sooner, rather than wait until this holy day had ended? Luke 23:56 even says they kept it according to the commandment! Were they legalists too? Was Yahushua a legalists since He kept it as evidenced in Matthew 12, Mark 1, 2, 3, 6, Luke 4, 6, 13 and 14 and John 5? He even said He was Lord of the Sabbath, yet He kept it...why? Because it's good! It's holy! It's made FOR us as in for our benefit! There's nothing bad about it, but everything good in keeping it. It is rest and it is dedication to Him and I can find no reason NOT to do it.

Colossians 2:16-17 tells us that Sabbath days (and feasts) "are" a shadow of things to come. Paul didn't say they "were" a shadow, but that they "are" a shadow. Sounds like they were currently still in effect at the time of his writing.

So, for me, Sabbath is a good thing. It's not a burden and it's no longer something I seek to avoid. I've found it a joy and, yes, there are times when I don't keep it perfectly. I'm still a work in progress, but it gives me something to look forward to, something to strive for and I so cherish the peace that a good Sabbath day does bring me. On days when I fall short, I know I'm forgiven because of Yahushua, so even then, I'm tuned into appreciating Him more and more.

Sometimes I don't feel like I particularly need the rest. I mean, I don't work and I have no real pressures or stress to deal with. But, then, I can't imagine Elohim or Yahushua needed it either, lol. I think it's less about a physical rest, but more about a rest in Him...as in turning our focus away from everything (even things we might like to do, but have little to do with His glory). Yahushua is our rest and Sabbath helps me tune out everything, but Him. On that day, I don't chit chat on the phone (unless it's a Spiritual conversation), I don't watch much television (only Spiritual programming, no news or non-religious documentaries, etc.). I don't cook or clean, but my whole day is focused on learning or teaching others about Him.

I also am blessed in that I'm able to attend a Christian, pentecostal church who offers services on Sabbath and on Sundays! Now, Mr. Free doesn't have the same Sabbath convictions as me (yet, lol), so we used to go to this same church on Sundays. Now, however, we've taken to attending on Sabbath, so we haven't had to change churches and we're both at ease where we are.

There's so much more I could post on the topic, but it's getting late and really I just wanted to share a little of my pov. I know many will disagree with my opinions, but this is a personal choice. I don't seek to judge anyone who doesn't observe Sabbath, but to share why it is a joy and an honor for me to do so.

I may write more later. In fact, I'm sure I will as I'm constantly learning and experiencing more from my Sabbath observance. But, hopefully, you've gained some insight into my thoughts and, hopefully, you can respect them.

Yahweh's blessings and revelation to all!

~Free

P.S. It's late...I'll proofread and edit later. ;)