The Unrepentant Sinner

“Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of YHWH's judgment and the raging fire that will consume His enemies.”
Hebrews 10:26-27

If a person keeps on sinning after they have received the love of the Truth with belief upon Messiah Yahshua then that person has not truly converted but just went into the water [immersed] a "dry sinner" and came out as a "wet sinner."

We all make mistakes at times. We REPENT [obedience to YHWH'S Laws], get back up, and start over. We do not keep on sinning, quenching the Ruach Hakodesh/Holy Spirit, who has been given to us until the day of Redemption.

Because of His dwelling presence in our lives, we have the power to overcome sin, or the temptation to sin. The question is; are we allowing Him to work in our lives or are we allowing our carnal desires to take over?

📜 Romans 8:8 “So then those who are living the life in the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy Elohim, or be acceptable to Him."

📜 Romans 8:10 “But if Messiah lives in you, your natural body is dead by reason of sin and guilt; the Ruach/Spirit is alive because of the righteousness that He imputes in you."

📜 Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the dictates of the flesh, you will surely die. But if by the Spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live."

📜 Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of Elohim, these are sons of Elohim."

Inclusive of all of this, YHWH has given us a command to be set-apart/holy as He is set-apart/holy.

Without set-apartness, no man will see the Master, so we must stop making excuses for sin.

"Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.

He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.

No one who is born of Elohim will continue to sin, because His seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of Elohim." 1 John 3:6-9

There is a "mark" of distinction between the children of YHWH and the children of the devil.

Bemiḏbar (Numbers) 15:30-31 TS2009
But the being who does whatever defiantly, whether he is native or a stranger, he reviles יהוה, and that being shall be cut off from among his people.

Because he has despised the word of יהוה, and has broken His command, that being shall certainly be cut off, his crookedness is upon him.’ ”

Being defiant is showing a bold refusal to obey authority or resist challenges; proud and unyielding in the face of opposition; rebellious.

These are the characteristics of someone whose heart is hardened and refuses to submit to the Father’s ways. There is no forgiveness for the unrepentant sinner. There will come a time when the Ruach Hakodesh/Holy Spirit will withdraw from such a person [Psalm 51:11; 1 Samuel 16:14; Ezekiel 10:18-19].

Repent while there is still little time left.

~ Shalom
[@thegraftedones]

YHWH is Greater than the Giants We Face

YHWH is Greater than the Giants we Face

Yoḥanan Aleph (1 John) 4:4 TS2009

You are of Elohim, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Rest in the truth that our loving heavenly Father is with us and His love, undeserved favour, and goodness are always toward His people. Even though we may be facing a difficult situation and discouragement, remember that we are not without hope because we are not without Messiah Yahshua.

Mattithyahu (Matthew) 19:26 TS2009

And looking intently, [Yahshua] יהושע said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with Elohim all is possible.”

 [See also Mark 10:27]

YHWH is with us. He is for us and with Him all things are possible. No situation that we could ever face is beyond His ability to turn it around and transform it. Whatever the outcome, we have nothing to fear or worry about. Keep looking to YHWH and continue to trust and rely on His promises. HalleluYAH!

[@thegraftedones]

Even If

"The Elah [God] we serve is able to deliver us from the fire . . . . But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your elahin [gods]." Daniel 3:17–18

YHWH is able to give us strength and hope for each day - no matter the circumstance. 💪

Sometimes life deals us a tremendous blow. Other times the miraculous happens.

Three young men, captives in Babylon, stood in front of the fearsome king of that land and boldly proclaimed that under no circumstances would they worship the giant image of gold towering above them. Together they declared: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the Elah [God] we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know... we will not . . . worship the image” (Daniel 3:17–18).

These three men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—were hurled into the fiery furnace; and YHWH miraculously delivered them so that not a hair of their head was singed and their clothing was smoke-free (vv. 19–27). They had been prepared to die but their trust in YHWH was unwavering —“even if” He had not saved them.

Dani’ĕl (Daniel) 3:24-25 TS2009

[24] Then Sovereign Neḇuḵaḏnetstsar was amazed, and stood up in haste and spoke and said to his counsellors, “Did we not throw three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the sovereign, “Certainly, O sovereign.”

[25] He answered and said, “Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire. And they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of Elahin [gods].”

YHWH desires that we cling to Him—even if our loved one isn’t healed, even if we lose our job, even if we are persecuted. Sometimes YHWH rescues us from danger in this life, and sometimes He doesn’t. But the truth we can hold firmly is this: “The Elah [God] we serve is able.” He loves us and is with us in every fiery trial we face; every "even if."

Witchcraft is Which

Beloved of YHWH, when we think of witchcraft, we tend to think of spells, potions, and crystal balls. We picture black cats, broomsticks, and cauldrons.  But sorcery is not primari­ly about rituals and incantations.

In Exodus 22:18 — “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” —  

We have truly missed the very essence of what "witchcraft" is. Because of this lack of under­standing, we become subdued by Witchcraft in the assembly of YHWH.

Once your eyes open to this act of rebellion, you should not allow it to assemble among you.

Shemu’ĕl Aleph (1 Samuel) 15:23 TS2009 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of יהוה, He also does reject you as sovereign.”

The ROOT of all witchcraft — the very ESSENCE of what YHWH hates is this:

The exaltation of self-will above His will.

What is Witchcraft? Let’s begin with the Hebrew word itself.

Exodus 22:18 

ֶּהפָה לֹא תְחַיֵּׁמְכַש 

“Mekashephah lo techayeh” 

“You shall not allow a sorceress to live.” 

The word translated “witch” or “sorceress” is mekashephah.

Kashaph is the root pronounced kaw-SHAF.

According to Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary (#H3784): 

Kashaph — “properly, to whisper a spell; to enchant; to practice magic.” 

The Ancient Pictographic Hebrew: 

In ancient Hebrew, every letter was originally a PICTURE — a pictograph that carried meaning. 

The word כָּשַׁף (kashaph) is composed of three letters: 

1] KAPH - Picture of an OPEN PALM. To Bend, curve, tame or subdue, and most importantly, as one who has been BENT to anoth­er’s will.

The very FIRST letter of “witchcraft” carries the meaning of BENDING SOMEONE OR SOME­THING TO YOUR WILL.

2] SHIN - Picture of two FRONT TEETH. 

Sharp (cutting edge of teeth).

Press (function of teeth when chewing).

Destroy (what teeth do to food; force, pressure, and destruction).

3] PEY - Picture of a MOUTH.

Speak (function of the mouth).

Blow (breath proceeding from the mouth).

Edge (the lips at the edge of the mouth which speaks of words, declarations, and spoken commands).

Put It Together.

When you combine the three pictographs, you get a stun­ning revelation: 

KAPH + SHIN + PEY = 

👉🏼 “To BEND reality through FORCEFUL WORDS.” 

👉🏼 “To use SPOKEN DECLARATIONS to PRESS and SUBDUE something to YOUR WILL” 

👉🏼 “The MOUTH that DESTROYS in order to BEND things to the speaker’s desire” 

The witch — the mekashephah — is one who uses the pow­er of WORDS and DECLARATIONS to FORCE reality to BEND to HER will. She SPEAKS. She DECLARES. She COMMANDS. Not in alignment with YHWH's will, but in opposition to it. She whispers her spell — her WORDS — and expects cre­ation to BEND. 

The renowned Hebrew scholar Gesenius, in his Hebrew Lexicon, notes that "kashaph" in its original usage meant: 

“To pray, to offer prayers or worship — but in Hebrew, its usage is restricted only to the worship of idols.” 

The sorcerer is not just casting spells, the sorcerer is PRAYING TO A FALSE SOURCE to accomplish what YHWH has not ordained. The witch is engaged in WORSHIP, but worship of SELF, worship of DEMONS, worship of anything that will bend reality to HER desires. 

Witchcraft are prayers called "spells." It is a form of worship.

 Think about it. The witch PRAYS — but she calls it a “spell.” The witch WORSHIPS — but she worships the ge­neric god or goddess, one that she’s created that cares about her own will more than the Sovereign's eternal plan. The witch PETITIONS a spiritual power — but for HER purposes, not YHWH's. The witch makes DECLARATIONS — but declarations designed to BEND reality to HER desires. 

What is a "spell"? 

It is a PRAYER directed at the wrong source for the wrong purpose. 

What is an  "incantation"? 

It is WORSHIP offered to anything that will give the worshipper what she wants. 

The difference between a prayer and a spell is not the FORM — it is the HEART. 

🕯The prayer says: “Father, THY will be done. Align MY de­sires with YOUR purposes.” 

🕯The spell says: “Powers of the universe, bend reality to MY will. Give me what I want.” 

Both are worship. Both are petition. Both are spiritual dec­larations. But one SUBMITS to the Almighty YHWH. The other DE­MANDS from the universe, god or goddess, or anyone out there that will obey mankind's demands and prophesies. 

One aligns with the Creator. The other attempts to MANIP­ULATE creation. 

YHWH hates worship that runs contrary to His will. It is not that the witch does not believe in spiritual power. It is not that the witch does not pray. It is not that the witch does not worship. The witch believes, prays, and worships — but all of it is aimed at self-will rather than YHWH's will. And THAT is the abomination.

[Credit Excerpts: First Harvest Ministries]

Israel - The Olive Tree

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. " (Psalm 1:3)

The olive tree was an essential crop for Israel down through the ages, providing oil for cooking and for light, as well as for eating.

The olive tree does not drop its leaves each fall, as do other deciduous trees, remaining green always.

"But as for me, I am like a green olive tree
in the house of Elohim: I trust in the lovingkindness of Elohim for ever and ever."
(Psalm 52:8)

The olive tree does not begin to produce until it is about 40 years old, and remains bearing good fruit for 1,000 years or more. We want to emulate the olive tree-bearing fruit into old age.

The Sabbath Psalm, Psalm 92, speaks to our desire to be a productive member of True
Worship - like the patriarchs and prophets of old - still bearing fruits of righteousness for decades.

"They are planted in the house of Yahweh; they
shall flourish in the courts of our Elohim. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
they shall be full of sap and green:
To show that Yahweh is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness
in Him." (Psalm 92:13-15)

[Transcript credit: Assemblies of Yahweh]

True Love VS Obssessive Love

Love is patient. Love is kind. Love endures over time. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in Truth. It involves affection, respect, trust, and commitment to the other person's well-being. It acts in a way that benefits others, mirroring YHWH's love for us. 

On the other hand, having a strong and immediate attraction and idealization for someone are "feelings" of infatuation, not love. When you love someone, you put their needs before your own, even if it offers you no satisfaction whatsoever. And whatever overcomes you, to that, you are enslaved.

Colossians 3:5

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

When you prioritize yourself or another over YHWH, you are glorifying yourself, which in turn, becomes idolatry.

The Bible speaks against "obsessive love," where one person's desires consume them to the point of unhealthy behavior, like in Proverbs 6:25:

Mishlei (Pro) 6:23-26 CJB

[23] For the commandment is a lamp, TORAH is light, and reproofs that discipline are the way to LIFE. 

[24] They keep you from an evil woman, from a loose woman’s seductive tongue. 

[25] Don’t let your heart lust after her beauty or allow her glance to captivate you. 

[26] The price of a whore is a loaf of bread, but the adulteress is hunting for a precious life.

The Torah is a light to our feet in the way we should go. It keeps us from being deceived and lacking sense. It points out our sin and leads us in the right direction unto the narrow path. 

Psalm 119:36-37

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me LIFE in your ways.

So rather than letting your obssessive thoughts and impulsive actions consume you, focus on YHWH - He is your strength - and glorify Him only because the end result is an overwhelming satisfaction of peace within, joy, and eternal life.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your Elohim; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Shalom ❤️

Escaping the Sword

“Woe to you who are longing for the day of יהוה! What does the day of יהוה mean to you? It is darkness, and not light…”

Amos 5:20 TS2009

When referring to the Great Tribulation and the Day of YHWH, each event is described as a time of intense suffering:

• The Great Tribulation is associated with the coming persecution of believers where the Anti-Messiah [Anti-Christ] will be working on the scene to put their faith to the test. These believers are those who claim to know the Father and His Son but the Truth is not in them. They are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. They reject the Word that Messiah Yahshua came to bring – Torah. They reject and transgress the Father’s Laws and Commandments and have believed the lie rather than the Creator. Yahshua said of these people that He is going to spew them out of His mouth (Revelation 3:15-16)!

• The Day of YHWH will be a time of divine judgment and culmination of YHWH’s wrath upon the earth where He will execute His judgment on the unrepentant sinners. It will be a time of destruction for the wicked and restoration for the righteous. 

Will you be delivered?

“Seek good and not evil, so that you live. And let יהוה Elohim of hosts be with you, as you have spoken. Hate evil and love good, and set up right-ruling in the gate. It might be that יהוה Elohim of hosts shows favour to the remnant of Yosĕph.”

Amos‬ 5:14-15‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

If we seek good and hate that which is evil (transgression of YHWH’s Laws) then justice and righteousness will be a part of our lives. But many choose to do what is evil and will not repent.

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone called ‘a brother,’ if he is one who whores, or greedy of gain, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler – not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are inside? But Elohim judges those who are outside. And put away the wicked one from among you!”

Qorintiyim Aleph (1 Corinthians)‬ 5:11-13‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

Hidden within thousands of denominations are those indoctrinated by religion who are not grounded in sound biblical doctrine because by such teaching, it would require one to walk in complete submission with Almighty YHWH. It would mean that these pastoral leaders – those giving spiritual guidance - would risk losing their congregation, who fill their pockets for greedy gain, but instead, they accept and tolerate all kinds of sin and false teachings, while disguising their abominations behind the façade of what they call, “love.”

““Her priests have done violence to My teaching and they profane My set-apart matters. They have not distinguished between the set-apart and profane, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean. And they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, and I am profaned in their midst.”

 “Her leaders in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy lives, and to get greedy gain.”

Yehezqĕl (Ezekiel)‬ 22:26-27‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬

We are to put away the wicked man from among us, even the so-called, “ministers” who are leading the flock astray. These ministers have blasphemed and cast aside YHWH’s Laws as insignificant and have turned their ears from the Father’s Torah. They are leading many on the broad path with falsehood. And those who are not grounded in sound biblical doctrine are the ones who believe that YHWH will wink an eye and pardon them in their sins without any eternal consequences. 

“And for this reason Elohim will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

II Thessalonians‬ 2:11-12‬ ‬‬‬

What is Truth? 

“Your righteousness is righteousness forever, And Your Torah is truth.”

Psalm 119:142

If we are not walking in the Truth, in which the Holy Scriptures define as the Torah, we are then walking in lawlessness which is sin (1 John 3:4). Mend your ways before He judges. Pray that you may be counted worthy to escape what is to come (Luke 21:36), and that Great and Terrible day, lest you fall into the hands of an angry Elohim which awaits us if we fail to obey Him and keep His Commandments. 

“My shield is upon Elohim, Who saves the upright in heart.”

Tehillim (Psalm 7:10

YHWH saves those who are keeping His Commandments. But those who transgress shall not escape the sword!  

“Elohim is a righteous judge. And Ěl is enraged every day, If one does not repent! He sharpens His sword, He bends His bow and makes it ready, And He has prepared for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows hot for pursuers.”

Tehillim (Psalms)‬ 7:11-13‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

Many of those with high expectations of being whisked away in a Rapture will cower and fall away because they trusted in men instead of seeking YHWH and His Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:3; Proverbs 10:30). 

“Oh! For great is that day, there is none like it. And it is the time of Ya‛aqoḇ’s distress, but he shall be saved out of it.”

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah)‬ 30:7‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

Yahshua said that if the Master would not shorten the days for the sake of His chosen Elect, no flesh would be saved [preserved], for those days shall be tribulation (Mark 13:19), but the nations He will make a complete end. 

The Greek word, “thlipsis” is translated as affliction, from the Hebrew word, “tsar” meaning, great pressure.

“And you, do not fear, O Ya‛aqoḇ My servant,’ declares יהוה, ‘nor be discouraged, O Yisra’ĕl. For look, I am saving you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity. And Ya‛aqoḇ shall return, and have rest and be at ease, with no one to trouble him. For I am with you,’ declares יהוה, ‘to save you. Though I make a complete end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I do not make a complete end of you. But I shall reprove you in judgment, and by no means leave you unpunished.’”

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah)‬ 30:10-11‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

YHWH’s judgment will be upon the lukewarm for their waywardness and shall give them up to the sword. But if they return to YHWH with all their hearts and cry out to Him in their distress, He will hear their cry and deliver them. 

““In your distress, when all these words shall come upon you in the latter days, then you shall return to יהוה your Elohim and shall obey His voice. “For יהוה your Elohim is a compassionate Ěl, He does not forsake you, nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.”

Deḇarim (Deuteronomy)‬ 4:30-31‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

The faith of many during that time will be sifted like wheat, tried and tested, because they chose their own way, but for the set-apart ones who kept His Word - His chosen Elect - they will be kept from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world. It will be a time of such great distress like none other since the beginning of the world. It is possible that even unbelievers will come to repentance and believe upon Messiah Yahshua.

Strong's G5083 τηρέω tēréō, tay-reh'-o; from τερός terós To keep: to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon); to attend to carefully; take care of; observe; preserve.

““And I gave her time to repent of her whoring, and she did not repent. “See, I am throwing her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction, unless they repent of their works. “And I shall slay her children with death. And all the assemblies shall know that I am the One searching the kidneys and hearts. And I shall give to each one of you according to your works.”

Ḥazon (Revelation)‬ 2:21-23‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

Return to YHWH and walk in Truth while there is still time. Only the Church of Philadelphia, who remain faithful and true – those who keep the Commandments of YHWH and hold the testimony of Yahshua - will be protected during the hour of trial aka Great Tribulation [Jacob’s Trouble]. The rest of the assemblies will be tried in the furnace of affliction.

The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. 

Revelation 12:14 NIV

Believing Israel will have a place prepared by YHWH where she will be protected and nourished in the wilderness away from the presence of the serpent.

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to fight with the remnant of her seed, those guarding the commands of Elohim and possessing the witness of יהושע Messiah.”

Ḥazon (Revelation)‬ 12:17‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

The dragon, who is also called, “the devil,” wars against the "rest of her offspring," those who keep the Commandments of YHWH and possess the witness of Yahshua.

““Because you have guarded My Word of endurance, I also shall guard you from the hour of trial which shall come upon all the world, to try those who dwell on the earth.”

Ḥazon (Revelation)‬ 3:10‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬

Those who remain faithful servants that walk according to the Father’s will and obey His Commandments will overcome and reign forever with King Yahshua!

““To him who overcomes I shall give to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.” ’ ””

Ḥazon (Revelation)‬ 3:21-22‬ TS2009‬‬‬‬‬‬ 

Therefore, a remnant shall return, the remnant of Ya’aqob [Jacob], from among the nations who will escape the sword; those who stay faithful and true, who possess both faith and obedience to the Laws and Commandments of YHWH and endure until the very end. It will be them that return to Almighty YHWH, never again to lean upon him who struck them, but lean on the Set-Apart One of Israel in Truth (Isaiah 10:20-22).

““Yet I will leave a remnant, so that you may have some who escape the sword among the nations, when you are scattered through the countries.”

Ezekiel‬ 6:8‬ NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬

So, brothers and sisters, hold on to what you have and do not let anyone or anything take your crown! King Yahshua is returning soon! HalleluYAH!

(@thegraftedones)

Who is Wisdom

Who is Wisdom?

24 “For Wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and goeth through all things by reason of her pureness.

25 For she is the breath of the power of Elohim, and a pure influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her.” 

Wisdom of Solomon 7:24-25

According to the Wisdom of Solomon and his proverbs, Who is Wisdom?

22 “Yahweh possessed me at the beginning of His way,

Before His deeds of old.

23 I was set up ages ago, at the first, Before the earth ever was.

24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no springs heavy with water.” 

Proverbs 8:22-24

Proverbs 8 is not speaking of a woman. In Hebrew, the word, "Wisdom" is of feminine gender, but we do find an inspired description of Wisdom personified as YHWH's characteristics.

30 “Then I was beside Him, as a master workman;

And I was a daily delight,

Rejoicing always before Him,

31 Rejoicing in the world, His earth,

My delight is in the sons of men.” 

Proverbs 8:30

In verse 30, the expression, “master workman” is used referring to Wisdom being with YHWH. As a master workman, Wisdom actively worked with the Father during the creation of all things. There is no mention of a second elohim or co-creator except that it is simply a poetic personification.

This falls into place with the "in the beginning" Genesis account when YHWH spoke forth His Words of Wisdom into existence.

Strong's 3056 LOGOS: devine utterance; speech; message. It is the Word [LOGOS] spoken by YHWH to denote His decrees or commands.

2 “My purpose is that their hearts joined together in love, may be encouraged. May they have all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, leading to a true knowledge of the mystery of Elohim – that is, Messiah, 

3 In Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.” Colossians 2:2-3

Messiah Yahshua is the embodiment of the Father’s Wisdom. 

22 ”And since Yehuḏim ask a sign, and Greeks seek wisdom,

23 yet we proclaim Messiah impaled, to the Yehuḏim a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishness,

24 but to those who are called – both Yehuḏim and Greeks – Messiah, the power of Elohim and the wisdom of Elohim.” 

1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Messiah is considered the Wisdom of YHWH in Corinthians because of what He accomplishes through Him.

30 “And of Him you are in Messiah יהושע, who became for us wisdom from Elohim, righteousness also, and set-apartness and redemption,

31 that, as it has been written, “He who boasts, let him boast in יהוה.”    

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

41”The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. 

42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” Matthew 12:41-42

Yahshua is the power and the Wisdom of YHWH and His name is called, "The Word of YHWH" [Rev 19:13].

Be Set Apart

What does it mean to be “set apart”? To be set apart is to obey the Word of YAH. When we obey His Commandments, including His Set-Apart 7th day Sabbath, which is the 4th Commandment, we are set apart. When we obey our Father's Torah, we show our love for Him and it sets us apart.

Let’s begin in Hebrews 12:14 [Apostolic writings – NT]:

“Pursue peace with all, and pursue apartness without which no one shall see the Master.”

This verse clearly tells us that without set-apartness, we will not see the Master.  Do you want to see the Master? We must be set apart from the rest of the world; we are in the world but we are not of the world for this is not our home and it is only temporary.

Isaiah 45:5 “I am יהוה, and there is none else – there is no Elohim besides Me.”

YAH is Set Apart and there is none else like Him. He is a holy Elohim and we are called to be holy as He is holy.

Isaiah 55:6 “Seek יהוה while He is to be found; call on Him while He is near.”

Isaiah 55:7 “Let the wrong forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to יהוה, who has compassion on him, and to our Elohim, for He pardons much.”

Scriptures say we are to forsake our way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; otherwise, we will run contrary to Almighty YAH. This means we are to forsake religious ways; we are to forsake doctrines of men and TESHUVAH – return to the Father in obedience. He is a loving and merciful Father and pardons much.

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares יהוה.”

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

We need to lean not on our own understanding and our own thoughts but lean on His by putting our trust in Him and walk in His ways.

Are we not called to be a peculiar, set-apart, and chosen people? Remember, Messiah is not returning for a foreign bride but for one that is spotless and set-apart. HalleluYAH!

[@thegraftedones]

The Ten Words

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35

YHWH’s laws are pure, eternal, just. (Psalm 19:9)

The Law is everlasting, which means FOREVER.

”These Words יהוה spoke to all your assembly, in the mountain from the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a loud voice, and He added no more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me.“

‭‭Deḇarim (Deuteronomy)‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬ ‭TS2009

The Ten Commandments are also called the “Ten Words.” They are the Father's Instructions for us to live a righteous and holy life.

Deḇarim (Deuteronomy) 5:31 TS2009

But you, stand here by Me, and let Me speak to you all the commands, and the laws, and the right-rulings which you are to teach them. And they shall do them in the land which I am giving them to possess.’

YHWH gave Mosheh the rest of the Torah commands to teach the children of Israel. We are to keep His Laws and Commandments, which also include the dietary laws. We are not to add or take away from His Word.

“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32

”“Do not add to the Word which I command you, and do not take away from it, so as to guard the commands of יהוה your Elohim which I am commanding you.“

‭‭Deḇarim (Deuteronomy)‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭TS2009‬‬

The Commandments are not impossible to keep and are not burdensome. The Law is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12).

Only those who see that “His commandments are not burdensome” will end up keeping them. 

Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path.

Psalm 119:105

David here is saying the Word or Law shine light in his life showing him how to walk and live.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 1:22 

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of Elohim and obey it.”

Luke 11:28 

What does it mean to “obey” the Word?  Obedience to the Father is the only answer, and you can only be obedient if you keep His Commandments.

”Let your light so shine before men, so that they see your good works and praise your Father who is in the heavens. 

Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to complete. For truly, I say to you, till the heaven and the earth pass away, one yod or one tittle shall by no means pass from the Torah till all be done. 

Whoever, then, breaks one of the least of these commands, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the reign of the heavens; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the reign of the heavens.“

‭‭Mattithyahu (Matthew)‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭19‬ ‭TS2009‬

Heaven and earth are still here… YHWH’s Law has not disappeared.

“For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalms 33:9

“My covenant will I not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.” Psalms 89:34

Guard the Commandments of YHWH and receive His blessings and favor. No good thing does YHWH withhold from those who walk uprightly.

“For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O YHWH, You surround him with favor as with a shield.” Psalms 5:12

[@thegraftedones]

Spiritual Adultery

YHWH keeps His covenant and mercy only with those who keep His commandments and they are the ones who love Him. Judgment comes for those who refuse to repent of their pagan witchcraft. And because they will not repent, they will suffer through tribulation.

Deḇarim (Deuteronomy) 7:9-10 TS2009

[9] “And you shall know that יהוה your Elohim, He is Elohim, the trustworthy Ěl guarding covenant and loving-commitment for a thousand generations with those who love Him, and those who guard His commands,

[10] but repaying those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He does not delay to do so with him who hates Him, He repays him to his face.” 

1 John 5:21 says, “Guard yourselves from idols.” YHWH hates idolatry. It is spiritual adultery. If we continue to follow the customs of the nations and not according to the way that YHWH our Elohim, wants to be worshipped then we will be given up to a strong delusion because we love the lie and not the truth.

Jeremiah 10:2-4

“Thus saith YAHWEH, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.” 

Deuteronomy 16:21 LSB

[21] “You shall not plant for yourself an Asherah of any kind of tree beside the altar of Yahweh your God, which you shall make for yourself. 

[22] And you shall not set up for yourself a sacred pillar which Yahweh your God hates.

Unrepentant sin leads to de*th. We must have a humble and contrite heart that trembles at the word of YHWH and only those doing His commandments will enter His kingdom. Those who participate in idolatry of any kind are breaking His commandments and will not enter.

Revelation 22:14-15

[14] “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

[15] For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” 

YHWH’s Word has been perverted and blasphemed. Many think those who rebuke are just prideful and arrogant but it is because they care for their soul that they warn by proclaiming the Truth in love. It is better to sound the alarm than for YHWH’s wrath to be upon them.

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” 

Revelation 18:4

Do not love the world. Anything of the world, like the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is at enmity with YHWH and His love is not in such a person. The world will pass away but he that does the will of YHWH will abide forever (1 John 2:15-17).

Remember that repentance has been given to the Gentiles as well. They must be grafted into the commonwealth of Israel and keep His covenant. 

Proverbs 4:27 NIV

Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

May He open our eyes to the error of our ways. Repent while there's still time! 

~Shalom.

Yahshua and the Cleansing Water

According to Scripture, the sprinkling of blood for the atonement of sins of the children of Israel was a foreshadow of what the Messiah accomplished when He shed his innocent blood for the cleansing of His brethren.
 
In Numbers 19, a red heifer was used for the sin offerings, one without spot or blemish just like Messiah was perfect and without sin. The ashes of the heifer were gathered up by a “clean” man and then mixed with living water to be sprinkled on those who were unclean. This was a cleansing from sin.
 
“He who touches the dead of any human being is unclean for seven days.”
Bemiḏbar (Numbers) 19:11 TS2009
 
When a person had been defiled by contact with the dead then it was required that the sprinkling of water be done on the third day and on the seventh day. “And on the seventh day, the unclean will wash his garments and wash himself.” By the end of the seventh day at sundown, he would be considered “clean” and could then enter the temple to worship YHWH.
 
Anyone who remained unclean by not obeying the instructions given by YHWH was to be cut off from among the assembly because he had defiled the set-apart place of YHWH.
 
“For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the defiled, sets apart for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of the Messiah, who through the everlasting Spirit offered Himself unblemished to Elohim, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living Elohim?”
Iḇ`rim (Hebrews) 9:13-14 TS2009
 
“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being set apart.”
Iḇ`rim (Hebrews) 10:14 TS2009
 
Messiah Yahshua, our high priest, was the ultimate sin offering once for all, who shed his blood on the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant which was in the heavens; thereby obtaining our everlasting redemption.
 
“For the saving Gift of Elohim has appeared to all men, instructing us to renounce wickedness and worldly lusts, and to live sensibly, righteously, and reverently in the present age, looking for the blessed expectation and esteemed appearance of the great Elohim and our Saviour יהושע Messiah, who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people, his own possession, ardent for good works.”
Titos (Titus) 2:11-14 TS2009
 
The saving Gift of Elohim is His Son, who instructs us to renounce lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people, his own possession, whom he has redeemed from the consequences of sin which brings death. Our good works is keeping the Commandments which bring life.
 
“let us draw near with a true heart in completeness of belief, having our hearts sprinkled from a wicked conscience and our bodies washed with clean water.”
Iḇ`rim (Hebrews) 10:22 TS2009
 
All have sinned; therefore, every human being has been defiled by sin and needs to be cleansed by water for uncleanliness.  Blood represents our sin, and water, our uncleanliness [see John 19:34]. Yahshua’s sacrifice provides blood for sin and water for uncleanliness.
 
““And I shall sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean – from all your filthiness and from all your idols I cleanse you. “And I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.
 
And I shall take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I shall give you a heart of flesh, and put My Spirit within you. And I shall cause you to walk in My laws and guard My right-rulings and shall do them.”
Yehezqĕl (Ezekiel) 36:25-27 TS2009
 
The Father desires to place His Set-Apart Spirit within the believer but He will not do so if our bodily temples are defiled (this can also be what we consume, like unclean food). It is only through the cleansing of Yahshua’s sacrifice that we will be made clean.
 
In conclusion, water immersion represents death, burial, and resurrection. It is in this instance [Luke 3:21] that the water cleansing takes place to give birth to a new heart with the empowerment of the Set-Apart Spirit who leads us unto sanctification and righteousness.
 
Just like Yahshua, who fully submitted to His Father’s will, we should likewise do so by fully putting our trust in the finished work and power of our Messiah. HalleluYAH!

Hidden Beauty

If you only judge what your natural eyes see, you will never see the beauty hidden within.

YHWH can help us see the inner beauty in others by looking past what our natural eyes see. The outer surface may or may not be appealing to some but deep within, there lies hidden beauty of the heart and a peaceable spirit.

Shemu’ĕl Aleph (1 Samuel) 16:7 TS2009
But יהוה said to Shemu’ĕl, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him, for not as man sees, for man looks at the eyes, but יהוה looks at the heart.”

When the Prophet Samuel went to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons to be the next king, Samuel saw the oldest son, Eliab, and was impressed by his appearance. The prophet thought he had found the right man, but YHWH rejected Eliab. He reminded Samuel that He does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but YHWH looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

So Samuel asked if there were more sons. The youngest boy wasn't present but caring for the family's sheep. This son, David,
was summoned and YHWH directed Samuel to anoint him.

Often, we look at people only on a surface level and don't always take the time to see their inner - sometimes hidden - beauty. We don't always value what YHWH values. But if we take the time to peer beneath the surface, we may find great treasure.

We should stop and think before criticizing and judging someone negatively based on outward appearance; for example, a person's tattoos may be a mark of his or her past, no longer that same person but now striving to walk as Messiah, growing in faith.

Kĕpha Aleph (1 Peter) 3:4 TS2009
but the hidden man of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a meek and peaceable spirit, which is of great value before Elohim.

Let us take the time to see beyond simply what our eyes can see in order to discover true and lasting beauty within.

The Blessing of Abraham

When we read Genesis 12:1, we learn that YHWH called Abraham out of his land from his relatives and father's house where they worshipped other mighty ones [Joshua 24:2]. 

Genesis 12:3 “And in you [Abraham], all the clans of the earth will be blessed.” 

YHWH promised Abraham to make him a great nation and to bless him and his descendants, so Abraham left as YHWH instructed and He multiplied his offspring and Abraham then became the “father of many nations.” 

Berĕshith (Genesis) 26:5 TS2009

because Aḇraham obeyed My voice and guarded My Charge: My commands, My laws, and My Torot.”

Abraham's belief was counted to him as righteousness because his faith worked together with his works. Abraham set the example of what a true believer is. Those who are of "belief" are sons and daughters of Abraham and heirs according to the promise.

Acts 2:39: “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all that are far off, as many as YHWH, our Elohim, shall call.”

According to Acts 1:4, Yahshua instructed His disciples to wait on the promise of the Father - the Ruach [Spirit] of YHWH - the blessing of Abraham. They would receive power when the Ruach would come upon them and be filled with YAH’s Set-Apart Spirit enabling them to perform mighty works and speak in other tongues [languages], which was spoken by the Prophet Joel [2:28].

In the last days, believers will also prophesy and dream dreams like the original Hebrew prophets and will receive the blessing of Abraham, but cursed is the one who does not continue in all that is written in the Torah, to do them.

Torah defines sin but does not have the power to make someone obey it; yet, the Ruach Hakodesh empowers us and equips us, as believers, to walk according to His will and to be witnesses to all the nations and proclaim the Good News message to all who will accept the invitation.

Acts 5:32 “And we are His witnesses to these matters, and so also is the Set-apart Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him.”

Our obedience cannot be apart from belief in Yahshua. It takes both faith and obedience to the Father’s commandments. When we obey, we receive the Spirit of Truth and the blessing of Abraham, and anointing just like Yahshua, to bring the Good News, to heal, and to help release and set the captives free.

1 Corinthians 12:7 “We are given the manifestation of the Spirit for profiting” or, for the benefit of others and for ministry. We receive wisdom through the Spirit and to another, knowledge, and other gifts, and works all these according to the same Spirit.

YHWH will reveal Himself to those walking in His will. Wisdom and other gifts come from the Ruach for the benefit of others and for ministry, which glorifies our Father in Heaven.

Luke 11:13 “If you then, being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father from Heaven give the Set-Apart Spirit to those asking Him!”

The blessing of Abraham is available to believers of all nations.

Galatiyim (Galatians) 3:29 TS2009

And if you are of Messiah, then you are seed of Aḇraham, and heirs according to promise.

Therefore, all nations, through Abraham and his seed, will be blessed. HalleluYAH!

Deborah - A Great Leader of YHWH

In the book of Judges, Deborah is portrayed to be a woman of great courage and wisdom who ruled underneath the palms. She lived around 1150 BCE, about a century or so after the Hebrews entered Canaan.

Deborah was a judge, warrior, poet, and prophetess as well as singer and songwriter and was said to hear YHWH/God’s voice and share His Word with others. Her position as a prophetess meant she was involved in spiritual guidance, which included leading worship.

She settled disagreements but also under her military leadership, she was called to defend Israel against the forces of King Jabin of Canaan who ruled from Hazor. 

Fearless and obedient to YHWH, Deborah led the Israelites to victory and out of bondage. 

Victory Against All Odds:

Deborah’s confidence in YHWH’s plan encouraged Barak, Israel’s military commander, to lead the troops into battle.

Against all odds, and with YHWH’s intervention, the Israelite army, under Barak’s command and inspired by Deborah’s faith, achieved a miraculous victory over Sisera’s forces.

The Song of Deborah, a victory hymn found in Judges 5, celebrates this triumph and acknowledges YHWH’s hand in their victory.

Many biblical scholars believe that Deborah was a wife, as well.  However, in Hebrew, the same word is used for “woman” and “wife,” so it is unknown, with certainty, if Deborah was a “woman of Lappidoth” (a place) or the “wife of Lappidoth” (a person).

We can learn so much from Deborah’s achievements but there are three lessons we can all learn from:

1. Be Obedient 

If YHWH is telling you to do something or go somewhere, despite your fears, listen to His call.  He has plans that we cannot begin to understand, and hearts and lives may be changed by our obedience.

2. Be Courageous

The old saying "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called"  applies here.  Doing something out of your comfort zone to glorify Him can be terrifying, but faith was never promised to be easy.  Be bold. Be courageous - for His glory.

3. Stand True

Never waiver in your faith. We may not always know what the road ahead will look like, but we only need to remember that YHWH will faithfully guide us and lead the way.

Women, unlike many of the things we have been taught, had places of leadership in Biblical times. 

Deborah's story in the Bible serves as an example of a woman who played a key leadership role during a crucial period in Israel's history and is remembered for her wisdom, prophetic insight, and courage in times of crisis.

[Article excerpts]

Watchful Care

Before heading out for school in the morning, a mother asks her child, “Did you brush your teeth?” The child then gives her that “look” of guilt. She asks the child again, kindly reminding him of the importance of telling the truth.

Unmoved by his mother's gentle admonishment, he half-jokingly tells her 

that what she really needs is a security camera in the bathroom. Then she could check for herself if he had brushed his teeth and he wouldn't be tempted to lie.

While the presence of a security 

camera may help remind us to follow the

rules, there are still places we can go unnoticed or ways we can avoid being seen. Although we may evade or trick a security camera, we fool ourselves if we think we are ever outside the gaze of YHWH.

YHWH asks:

“Am I an Elohim close by,” declares יהוה, “and not an Elohim afar off? 

“If anyone is hidden in secret places, would I not see him?” declares יהוה. “Do I not fill the heavens and earth?” declares יהוה.

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 23:23-24 TS2009

There is both an encouragement and

a warning in His question.

The warning is that we cannot hide from YHWH. We can't outrun or fool Him. Everything we do is visible to Him.

The encouragement is that there is no place on earth or in the heavens where we are outside the watchful care of our

Heavenly Father. Even when we feel alone, YHWH is with us. 

No matter where we go today, may the awareness of the truth encourage us to choose obedience to His Word and receive comfort because He watches over us.

📜 Yoḥanan (John) 17:17 TS2009

Set them apart in Your truth – Your Word is truth. [See also Psa. 151; 160]

What is Truth?

📜 Tehillim (Psalms) 119:142 TS2009

Your righteousness is righteousness forever, And Your Torah is truth.

There is nowhere we can go that is outside of YHWH's loving gaze. Knowing that He sees us, it helps us to trust Him and honor Him with our words and actions.

Remember that we are never outside the watchful care of our Heavenly Father. HalleluYAH!

By: Edith Sapaugh

[@thegraftedones]

Confidence in YHWH

Are vou fearful because YHWH appears to be moving you in an unexpected direction? Is the unknown causing you to waver on the path of obedience? Take heart as you face obstacles and walk in confidence with YHWH. 

Walk as King David did, declaring, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me." (Psalm 23:4)

Though you might not know where YHWH's will is taking you, you can trust Him to watch over you and be there with you. Though life may take some unexpected turns, they are not unexpected to YHWH. He knows your situation and why, and all He calls you to do is to trust Him.

Yeshayah (Isaiah) 26:3-4 TS2009

[3] “The one steadfast of mind You guard in perfect peace, for he trusts in You. 

[4] “Trust in יהוה forever, for in Yah, יהוה, is a rock of ages.

As long as you allow the Father to lead and guide you, you have nothing to fear. Follow Him and know that you are never safer than you are with Him. 

~ Shalom

By:Edith Sapaugh

[@TheGraftedOnes]

The Mysteries of YHWH Revealed

We see from Scripture that YHWH REVEALS the MYSTERIES of Heaven IF we OBEY Him and diligently SEEK Him. Many have received the spirit of error rather than the SPIRIT of TRUTH; thus, it is important that we test the spirits and we do this by studying the word of Elohim and showing ourselves approved.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he called Satan, “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the SONS of DISOBEDIENCE.” (Ephesians 2:2)

“The mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His set-apart ones.” 

Colossians 1:26

The MYSTERIES of YHWH are spiritual truths known only by revelation. YHWH REVEALS His mysteries to those who are OBEDIENT to His will and some of Elohim’s MYSTERIES are yet to be REVEALED.  But it is given unto you to know the MYSTERIES of the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 13:11)

“For to us Elohim REVEALED them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of Elohim.” 

1 Corinthians 2:10

“You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn't know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made KNOWN to you.” 

John 15:14-15

“And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who OBEY Him.” 

Acts 5:32

“It is He who REVEALS the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness,

And the light dwells with Him.” 

Daniel 2:22

“The SECRET things belong to YHWH our Elohim, but the things REVEALED belong to us and to our sons forever, to do all the words of this TORAH.” 

Deuteronomy 29:29

This point was also highlighted when His disciples asked, “Why do You speak to them [the multitudes] in parables?” (Matthew 13:10) He told them, “Because it has been given to you to know the MYSTERIES of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (v. 11)  

He simply told them that the truth about the Kingdom of Elohim was NOT for the MULTITUDES to understand. He continued, “Therefore, I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do NOT see, and hearing they do NOT hear, nor do they understand” (v. 13). 

He went on to explain that this was a fulfillment of prophecy and that it was NOT the time for the MULTITUDES to understand (vv. 14–15). He then closed the conversation by telling them, “But blessed are your eyes for they SEE, and your ears for they HEAR; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it” (vv. 16–17).

Paul, referring specifically to Israel, said, “Israel has not attained the goal for which she is striving but the elect (the chosen) have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written: ‘YHWH has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that should NOT see and ears that they should NOT hear, to this very day.’” (Romans 11:7–8) 

Yet, we also see in Scripture that Elohim is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9) and that Elohim “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

“Those who ACCEPT my commandments and OBEY them are the ones who LOVE me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and REVEAL myself to each of them.” John 14:21

So it’s pretty self-explanatory; those who do the Father’s WILL and OBEY His commandments, it is THEM who the Father will REVEAL His Spirit of Truth.

“Elohim is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth.”

John 4:24

In Jeremiah 29:13, Elohim says, "You will seek Me and FIND Me when you SEEK Me with ALL your heart." 

HalleluYAH!

By: Edith Sapaugh

[@thegraftedones]

Yahshua is the Door

Yahshua is the door…

““Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter through the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up by another way, that one is a thief and a robber.”

“But he who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep. “The doorkeeper opens for him, and the sheep hear his voice. And he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

“And when he has brought out his own sheep, he goes before them. And the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.”

“And they shall by no means follow a stranger, but shall flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.””

‭‭Yoḥanan (John)‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭TS2009‬

As “sheep” we depend on the Shepherd and we gladly follow Him because He is our protector. 

Trying to follow our own way or follow another shepherd that is unknown to us will only lead us in the wrong direction resulting in severe consequences. But the Spirit leads the Way unto Truth and Life everlasting.

We are called to be disciples by being obedient and to learn how to recognize His voice, to go where He wants us to go, and to serve and imitate Him so that we can be a light to others and to share His Good News message to all who will hear it unto the ends of the earth.

The shepherd is always there to guide us; to guide us to the narrow gate that leads to Life. HalleluYAH!

[@thegraftedones]

Spending Time with YHWH

He [Daniel] prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his Elah [God]. ~Daniel 6:10 TS2009

For the believer, taking time each day in YHWH'S Word and in prayer is indispensable. Each day, we need to wait upon YHWH, His presence, and His love to be revealed.

Asking for forgiveness of sins or even to surrender to YHWH is only the beginning. We must understand that we have no power on our own to maintain our spiritual life. We need to receive new grace daily through repentance and  fellowship with our Heavenly Father. This cannot be obtained by a hasty prayer or a superficial reading of a few verses from YHWH’S Word. We must take time to come into His presence, to fill our weakness and our need, and to wait on Him through His Ruach Hakodesh/Holy Spirit to renew our hearts and be strengthened in Him throughout the day.

It should be our aim to help our brothers and sisters in Messiah Yahshua see the absolute necessity of spending time with our Heavenly Father YHWH in prayer and in His Word. By putting our faith and trust in Him wholeheartedly, we receive the joy and power of His Set-Apart Spirit in our daily lives.

"Heavenly Father, as I come into Your presence, I desire to know more of You. Teach me to wait quietly, with expectation that You will reveal Your love to me. I surrender all to You, in Yahshua's Mighty Name. Amein."

By: Edith Sapaugh

[@thegraftedones]

Will You be Found Worthy on the Last Day

Will you be found worthy on the Last Day?

“The one who rejects Me and doesn’t receive My words has a judge; the Word [Torah] I spoke will judge him on the Last Day.” 

John 12:48

Do we not all, as followers of Messiah יהושע, desire to inherit the Kingdom of Elohim? A holy Kingdom which will be inhabited by a holy and peculiar people. Should we not spend a great deal of time getting prepared, trained, and shaped to present ourselves to YAH according to the glory which He has called us?

“For not knowing the righteousness of Elohim, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not subject themselves [did not obey] to the righteousness of Elohim.” Romans 10:3

Imagine your whole life being a disobedient sinner, never turning to YAH in repentance. Now, you lay on your deathbed realizing that up until that moment, you’ve only lived to please yourself. You never took the time to get to know Father or His Son. and your only option is to plead for mercy and forgiveness that He may let you live. 

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 

1 John 2:3

Do you know Him? Now is the acceptable time; now is the day for salvation!

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” – that is, the word of belief which we are proclaiming:

That if you confess with your mouth the Master יהושע and believe in your heart that Elohim has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, and so is saved.” 

Romans 10:8-10

Notice the verse above states, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness…” Righteousness is walking in obedience to YAH’s Law being made morally right or justifiable. Placing your faith in Messiah יהושע produces good works of righteousness in us that we may be perfected in Him.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My Father in the heavens.

Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your Name?’ And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!’ 

Matthew 7:21-23

If Messiah יהושע tells those who have been prophesying in His Name, casting out demons in His Name, and performing miracles in His Name to depart from Him because He doesn’t know them, how much more so will a sinner enter the Kingdom of Elohim, whose deeds were continually wicked?

Knowing Him is keeping His Commandments (John 14:15) and by keeping them shows that we love Him.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed [obeyed]? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without one proclaiming? And how shall they proclaim if they are not sent? As it has been written, ‘How pleasant are the feet of those who bring the Good News of peace, who bring the Good News of the good!’

However, not all obeyed the Good News. For Yeshayahu (Isaiah) says, “יהוה, who has believed our report?”

So then belief [faith and obedience] comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Elohim.” Romans 10:14-17

If your intention is to confess your sins on your deathbed and say, “I’ll just repent right before I die,” don’t think that’s going to suffice with YAH. He knows your heart, which scripture says is, “deceitful and so desperately wicked who can know it.” He tests the mind, the inmost being, to give every man according to the fruit of his deeds (Jeremiah 17:9).

You are not promised tomorrow. Life is but a vapor. Scripture says that without “holiness” no one will see Elohim. A faith that does not work is dead, and according to James 2:22, faith is perfected and brought to completion.

“But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of wrath is coming, when Elohim’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to his works. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that Elohim offers. But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth [Torah; Psalm 119:142] and instead live lives of wickedness.” Romans 2:5-8

We must realize that deciding to wait until the last day to repent does not guarantee our salvation. If anything is certain about the future, there is a judgment according to works for all who live and die. No one gets a “free pass” into the Kingdom. Pray always that you are counted worthy and work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 

~ Shalom.

[@thegraftedones]

Wait Upon YHWH

When we think our prayers aren't being

answered, we tend to get discouraged and cry out, “Abba Father, why aren't You helping me?"

Yet, our prayers are answered in His own perfect timing.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7). 

However, sometimes we don't see the answer for a while, or YHWH may say, “no” because He has a different and better plan.

So we are exhorted to ask. But our request must be…

. in faith (Matthew 21:22),

. without selfish motives (James 4:3)

. according to the will of YHWH (1 John

5:14-15).

Another reason why our prayers are not answered is because of disobedience. 

Mishlĕ (Proverbs) 28:9 TS2009. He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, Even his prayer is an abomination.

When we disobey and transgress the Father’s Torah, it is sin, as stated in 1 John 3:4. But our obedience brings blessings and not curses (Deuteronomy 28:2). 

Sometimes we can be impatient while waiting for YHWH to answer our prayers. But as we wait, we must believe He will build our faith, purify our hearts, and show us His will.

~ Shalom

[@TheGraftedOnes]

The Falling Away

“Let no man deceive you in any way, because the falling away is to come first, and the man of lawlessness is to be revealed, the son of destruction."         

2 Thessalonians 2:3

"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." 

1 Timothy 4:1

The mystery of lawlessness has been taking place for 2000 years and will intensify in these last days; in fact, it is all around us. People's hearts are waxing cold.

"The falling away" is abandoning the true teachings of Yahshua, which for many in religion who profess to be believers in "Jesus," have fallen away from the biblical standard (Torah). They attend church and over time, they have allowed themselves to be shaped by culture and have embraced false doctrines and traditions of men that are rooted in paganism, which YHWH forbids (Deuteronomy 12:29-31). They have twisted and perverted the word of YHWH Elohim.

Why is this important? Because when the man of lawlessness is revealed, he will come out of an environment of lawlessness. Since he will blend right into the culture of religious denominations that have fallen away from the scriptural and moral standards of the bible then he will fit right in with the rest of the world. By condoning lawlessness, it allows the enemy to rise and become THE LAW.

Yahshua never said to follow religion; Judaism, Christianity, etc. He said, "Follow Me." We are to walk in the ways of how Yahshua lived, not according to the traditions and doctrines of men.

By: Edith Sapaugh

Spiritual Battles

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” - Ephesians 6:12-13

The Bible describes unseen spiritual battles. All this is happening behind the scenes in the spiritual world, but it has great influence over the physical world. HaSatan and the demons are invisible to us, and he is a master of camouflage. He is able to convince unbelievers that he doesn’t exist, and he is able to sway society and suggest wrong thoughts to us without our even realizing he is there.

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6:13: “Therefore take up the whole armor of YHWH, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

When we put on this whole armor of YHWH, we will be prepared for HaSatan’s attempts to attack us with pride, envy, lust for forbidden pleasures, itching ears, disappointment, discouragement, doubt or division—or any other deceitful works he may use.

Apostle Paul wrote: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in YHWH and in the power of His might.”

Armor of YHWH:

1. Belt of Truth

2. Breastplate of Righteousness 

3. Gospel of Peace

4. Shield of Faith

5. Helmet of Salvation 

6. Sword of the Spirit 

Remember to stay in the Word because YHWH’s Truth [Psalm 119:142] is your defense. Be ready for battle, pray without ceasing, and fight the good fight of faith. True faith and love always prevail! ❤️🗡💯

By: Edith Sapaugh

The Goal of the Torah is Messiah

Some may have a zeal for Elohim but it is not based on His understanding but their own. They have not submitted themselves wholeheartedly to His way to be made righteous.

Romiyim (Romans) 10:4 TS2009

"For Messiah is the goal of the ‘Torah unto righteousness’ to everyone who believes."

Torah is to take "aim."

Messiah is the "goal" of the Torah.

Sin is to "miss the mark."

Righteousness is in the Torah. The person who does the things of the Torah lives by them and will attain life.

Romiyim (Romans) 10:5 TS2009

"For Mosheh writes about the righteousness which is of the Torah, “The man who does these shall live by them.”

When we put our trust in YHWH, we believe and obey His word and continue toward deliverance. The problem is that not everyone is paying attention and obeying it.  

"So trust comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through a Word proclaimed about the Messiah." Romans 10:17

What is the "Word" proclaimed about the Messiah? Torah!

For the righteousness of belief means the Word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart. But how can someone proclaim Him UNLESS they are HEARING and DOING the will of the Father? 

“As it has been written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those announcing Good News of peace, who bring the Good News of the good!’” Romans 10:15

By: Edith Sapaugh

Did the Church Replace Israel?

In Christian doctrine, replacement theology, also known as "supersessionism," is broadly accepted in the Christian Church in which they believe they have superseded Israel. They also believe this refers only to the Jewish people, assuming their role as YAH's covenanted people; thus, asserting that the New Covenant through "Jesus Christ" has replaced the Mosaic Covenant.

First of all, there is confusion on their part as to who "Israel" is. There are two houses; Judah and Ephraim. Let's begin with the House of Judah, who is from the Southern Kingdom.

Under the House of Judah, according to Scripture, are the Tribes of Judah, Benjamin, some Levites and Priests. There is a misunderstanding that Judah makes up all the tribes of Israel but they are one tribe only, being the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. When they were taken into captivity, their rule was under Babylon. Some returned back to the land and some did not and are still dispersed into the nations just like their brothers of the Northern Kingdom.

The other ten tribes make up the Northern Kingdom which is the House of Joseph/Ephraim. Their rule was under the Assyrian captivity and have assimilated into the Gentile nations and have yet to return back to the land. In fact, they have lost their identity to this day.

In the Bible, it has always been about one chosen nation of set-apart and peculiar people whom YAH calls His people; a remnant only and He calls them "Israel." The so called "Church" does not replace them but can join with them and become one as the body of Messiah Yahshua.

According to Romans 11, Apostle Paul states that those who are of belief can be grafted into the natural branches as wild branches. But do not boast or be arrogant against the natural branches because YAH warns that He will not spare you either.

Yahshua said He only came for the Lost Sheep of Israel. 

Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

When Yahshua sent His disciples to preach the good news of the kingdom, He expressly told them, "Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:5-6).

YAH deals with both houses differently until they are one again in His Hand as Ezekiel 37 prophecy says:

Verse 19: Say to them, "Thus says YHWH Elohim, 'Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand.'"

It is clear that the twelve tribes of Israel and all their grafted-in companions will be regathered at this time, for the only way into the Holy City will be through twelve gates only named after the twelve tribes of Israel. There is no “Gentile Gate” (Revelation 21:12)

There is one covenant and one law for both the natural-born citizen and the sojourner who lives among them, not a separate one for only "Jews."

Numbers 15:16 WEBUS
[16] One law and one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you.’”

You can either be one in covenant with the children of Israel or not be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven in the New Jerusalem.

Despite them being driven out of the land for their disobedience, YAH will have compassion on Jacob and will once again "choose" Israel.

Yeshayah (Isaiah) 14:1 TS2009
[1] Because יהוה has compassion on Ya‛aqoḇ, and shall again choose Yisra’ĕl, and give them rest in their own land. And the strangers shall join them, and they shall cling to the house of Ya‛aqoḇ.

Romans 11:25-26 WEBUS
[25] For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,
[26] and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, “There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

May those still lost in religion be awakened to the Truth in these last days before the final harvest. 

By: Edith Sapaugh