Happy Yom Teruah! Rosh Ha Shana!

Happy Yom Teruah! Last night (Sep was the start of The Feast of Yahweh known as day of Trumpets/Shouting -Leviticus 23:24. יום מאושר התרועה

I meant to get this post on Wednesday, but didn’t get home until sunset. But as many of you already know, sunset yesterday (Wednesday Sep was the first of Tishri and thereby the first day of Yom Teruah. This is the fifth of the seven feast of Yahweh. They are erroneously referred to as Jewish Feast, predominantly because they are only celebrated by Jews, but they are in fact Yahweh’s Feast.

I know many of you are anxiously looking for Yeshua to call us home during this time, that is after all the fulfillment of this Feast. However, the point of this Feast is not for us to be looking to escape the world. Adonai (the Lord) wants you in the world, that’s why you’re still here. If He wanted you home, you’d be home. Keep in mind that this Feast was established by Yahweh almost 3500 years ago. As recorded in Leviticus 23:23-25 – Yahweh (the LORD) spake unto Moses saying, speak unto the children of Israel, saying, in the seventh month (Tishri), and the first day of the month, show you have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets (shofar), and holy convocation. You shall do no servile work therein: but you shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh (LORD).

Over the centuries this Feast has grown to be considered the holiest time of the year and is often referred to as Rosh Hashanah (head of the year), or New Year’s Day. You’ll find that typically most Jews look at this as a very solemn time which proceeds the holiest day of all – Yom Kippur-The Day of Atonement. This is a time when atonement (forgiveness) from Yahweh is sought. Indeed for uncompleted Jews it is a solemn time. For Leviticus 17:11 states – For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

There is no temple in Jerusalem. There is no Cohen Gadol (High Priest) to offer sacrifice to atone for sins. So indeed it is a solemn time. But for a completed Jew, such as I, and many of you, as well as my goyim brother and sisters… it is a joyous day! It is indeed a time for blowing the shofar and shouting! For we have been atoned! Our debt has been paid!

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A Real Shepherd

In Mattityahu (Matthew) 28:18–19 Yeshua states the following; 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Teach all, means to make disciples. Make disciples of whom? Yeshua (Jesus). Regrettably, though this sounds harsh, during my nearly 20 years of being a follower of Messiah I've found this rarely happens. Sometimes purposely, sometimes not. Mankind tends to want to make disciples of themselves, their organization, institution, or denomination. But this blog is to give a shout out to one who does disciple others to become disciples of The Messiah, my first Shepherd. A man who had a greater influence on me than any Christian I've met. Pastor Jim Reid.

When Adonai Yeshua (the Lord Jesus) first saved me I didn't know where to go to church. I'd been raised Catholic, but I found there is much more to Elohim (God) than what I had learned there. I discovered that God loved me individually and wanted to have a personal, intimate loving relationship with me. So I started going to every church in town. I told the Lord that I would keep going to different churches until He told me where to stay. After four or five churches I visited Calvary First Assembly of God. Assembly of God meant nothing to me, nor even did the word Calvary yet for that matter. The first Sunday of went there, plain as day, I heard the Lord say "stay." And this is where I met my first Pastor, Pastor Jim.

Every single thing that Pastor Reid taught me, he told me where to look it up in Scripture. He also told me not to take his word for it, or any other person's word for it, but to search God's Word on my own and to ask God to reveal His Word and it's Truth. That's exactly what I did. Pastor Reid told me only God is perfect and incapable of making a mistake. Only God knows everything and always has my best at heart. Discipleship is extremely important to me, as you probably gathered from my website, and I know this largely due to my first Pastor. Pastor Reid taught me that although Yeshua (Jesus) commands all men to make disciples, He (Jesus) intended for us to make disciples of Adonai Yeshua (the Lord Jesus).

Pastor Reid, I cannot…Read the rest at www.intheredletters.com/blog

Seeds Reproduce

What do you call the fruits and vegetables at the grocery store? Produce. Where do they come from? Seeds. An apple comes from what type of seed? An apple seed of course. Oranges? Orange seeds. Lettuce? Lettuce seeds. Everything produces after it’s seed, rather it reproduces after it’s kind (Gen 1:11-12).

What does Elohim call the substance of man which reproduces after our kind (Gen 1:28)? Seed, from husband, planted in wife, which reproduces after our kind. Seed is also the term Elohim uses when referring to the result of our consummation, our children. So we see the seed of man reproduces mankind.

So what is one term for The Word of Yahweh (the LORD)? His seed, as stated by Yeshua in Luke 8:11 –Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of Yahweh(God). How do we get The Word, the Seed of Adonai (the Lord) into us so it may reproduce? Prayer (asking Yeshua into our hearts) and reading/meditating on His Word, The Bible/Scripture.

As stated in Phillipians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Psalm 119:¹¹Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 1:²But his delight is in the Torah (law) of Yahweh (the LORD); and in his Torah (law) doth he meditate day and night. ³And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

So if the Word of Yahweh is seed, what should it reproduce? In a word, Godliness. More specifically, the fruit of The Spirit - ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

There some seed which we haven’t discussed, the seed of HaSatan, the adversary. What are ....read the rest on my website www.intheredletters.com. Just click enter and then the blog button, latest blog is listed on top.

Just Had My Joy Stirred

How often do you see or hear something that so fills you with joy you can hardly sleep. Or makes you want to just shout it from the rooftops. Like falling in love with my beloved wife, I was always talking about her to my peers. And then when I met Messiah, talk about falling head over heals in love! Wow! I had to tell everybody. Well something I watched last night, rather this morning, stirred up those bubbly feelings of warm fuzziness.

I started watching this video from youtube early this morning, although I really needed to get to bed. Well five hours later I just had to get up, I couldn’t stop thinking about it and how excited I was. I still am obviously.

Maybe it has something to do with “to whom much is given, much is required.” Admittitly, I’ve been given much, as have we all, so I know Adonai (Lord/Master) requires much. What an awesome honor! El Echad atta papa, Daddy you are an Awesome God! Had to give Big Daddy a shout out, you know how it is. He’s so good.

So anyway, the video is mainly about the world, the government, Bilderbergs, Trilateral Commission, Counsel of Foreign Relations, the world banking system/economy, etcetera. Things most of us already know about, if we’re not living with our heads in the sand so to speak. I mean no insult if that applies to you, we’re all ignorant of something.

The video filled me with incredible excitement. Talk about having your joy stirred up. It’s so marvelous, so astoundingly breathtaking when you see the Words of Scripture (The Holy Bible) being lived out. I tell you, watching the video was like watching a picture Bible show. Incredible. I just can’t help but be overjoyed at it all. How many generations have waited for what we are blessed to observe? All of them.

I’m having different feelings inside of me as a result.

The king in me thinks of how to fight and protect my family. How to defend what I’m entrusted with. Psalm 82:3 comes to mind, Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Do I follow the Psalmist example? Do I follow King David’s example? Do I want to be like David? Is he my example to follow?

The priest in me is overjoyed with the fulfilling of Yahweh’s Word as it continues to come to life and it’s fulfillment on our planet. I rejoice to see His Kingdom coming and long for His Rulership over His earth.

As recorded by Z’kharyah (Zechariah) 12:8-9 In that day shall Yahweh (the LORD) defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as Elohim (God), as the angel of Yahweh (the LORD) before them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

The prophet in me causes my heart to ache for the residents of the world and to be used by Yeshua to draw those in darkness into His glorious Light. My heart goes out to the world, yet so longs for my King, The King. Yet I must allow Adonai, Yeshua (Lord/Master-Jesus) to use me to redirect them from the highway they are on. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt 7:13-14

Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not claiming any of those titles, merely my positional authority in my home.

So which do I follow? Which is correct? One or all? Do I take up the sword like David? Tell me, why was David not allowed to build a Temple for Yahweh? Did it have something to do with blood on his hands, even though it was in obedience to Elohim? What’s the Temple of Yahweh now? We know that the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the goyim (gentiles). 1 Cor 3:16 tells us we are;

Know ye not that ye are the temple of Elohim (God), and that the Spirit of Elohim (God) dwelleth in you?

And why did Messiah tell us...click here to READ THE REST OF THE STORY on my website www.intheredletters.com, then just enter and click the blog button.

Don't Try, Just Do

Don't Try, Just Do

The last week or so Adonai (the Lord) has really been pointing out to me one of the reasons we (the Bride) have so many problems during our walk and a weak witness. We keep trying. That’s it, we keep trying. Where in Scripture does it tell us to try?

About a week ago a young adult Christian brother was talking to me regarding the appearance “feelings” between him and my little sister. He spoke about how girls don’t see things they way we guys to and misinterpret when a guy is “nice” to them and they think that means we (guys) have feelings for them. Needless to say his blaming my sister ticked me off. Thankfully I...

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Shabbot Shalom, have a peaceful day of rest

Life, Love, Truth...In The Red Letters

Conformed or Transformed?

Conformed or Transformed?

I’d like to take a refreshing look at a very familiar verse. Elohim (God) has really been speaking this to me the last few weeks, and for good reason (as all His reasons are of course). What really prompted Him was something I lied about to a group of other Believers, as well as some marital issues going on with a friend of mine and his wife.”

I was with a group of believers and everyone was talking about what they listen to on long drives when their all alone. After some of them answered I was surprised of the response of listening to secular music. I was sitting there thinking about answering truthfully and how my answer would affect their thoughts about me. I basically lied about listening to secular music, specifically jazz. I implied that I frequently listen to jazz. Although I do like jazz, I probably listen to it maybe two times a year and then only for about 20 minutes before my spirit says “worship Elyon (The Most High God). So truthfully, I mainly listen to Bible teaching/preaching podcast by a couple of my favorite teachers, Jack Hayford and Derek Prince, listed onintheredletters.com link’s page on the bottom left, and worship music. But I’d lied all the same. Funny how we do that, pretend to do or be something we’re not for other people, and for a variety of reasons. I’m not going to discuss the reasons here, no, mainly just the verse the Lord spoke into my spirit and how we (me) go one way or the other. So the question is; Are we Conformed or Transformed?

Rom 12:1 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God (Elohim), that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God (Elohim), which is your reasonable service. 2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Elohim).

So I’ve been thinking about myself, the Bride, and examples in Scripture and whether I’m Conforming or Transforming. I’ve either been all these, or am in one place or the other now. Where are you? Conformed (to the world and it’s way of thinking )? Or Transformed (to Elohim and His Way of thinking – having the Mind of Messiah 1Cor 2:16b)? As King David wrote in the first Psalm, vs 1-2, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Torah (Law) of Yahweh (the LORD); and in his Torah (Law) doth he meditate day and night. Torah (teaching or instruction, translated into English as Law); that which shows The Way to live and to please Yahweh (the LORD), and to fulfill it. We can not think wrong and live right, nor can we think right and live wrong (Gal 5:16). Our thinking determines the course of our lives (Gal 5:25).

I’ll briefly list some thoughts here, I hope to have them in more detail underDiscipleship on the main web page within the week. Then the entire verses listed below will visible for those who not have the time to look them up themselves.

C=Conformed Mind T=Transformed Mind

C-ask Yahweh (the LORD) why aren’t you working in my life?

T-stirs up his/her gift Elohim (God) has placed inside themselves. 2 Tim1:6

C-gets tired of waiting on the LORD (YHVH/Yahweh) and turns to their own ways. Exo 32:7-8 – golden calf.

T-refuses to let go of Adonai (the Lord) until He receives a blessing, no matter the cost. Gen 32:24-26 – Jacob wrestling with Adonai (the Lord).

C-thinks they have enough of God already “stored up.” Lk 12:19

T-keeps digging into the limitless knowledge and presence of the eternal limitless El (God) Isa 55:9.

C-seeks counsel from young friends like King Rehoboam, which encourage you to be selfish and foolish in your decisions. 1Kgs 12:9-11 – led to the division of the Kingdom of an entire nation, Israel.

T-seeks wise Godly counsel from those more knowledgeable and experienced than themselves, as Moses received from his father in law Jethro Exo 18:19-24.

C-braggs, is pridefull. Gen 37:5 Joseph bragging about the dreams Elohim was giving him.

T-keeps some things to themselves and treasures them. Lk 2:19 Miryam (Mary) – Yeshua’s (Jesus’) momma.

C-whines about the situation they are in.

T-Praises Elohim for their situation, even if the’ve been betrayed by those closest to them. Gen 50:20 – Joseph speaking to his brothers after years of slavery and imprisonment.

C-are glad they’re not like others, sinners, those worse than themselves. Lk 18:11-12 – the Pharisee (GK-pharisaios, presbyteros/Elder).

T-knows he/she must call on Elohim for His mercy, that they’d not receive what they deserve, but would receive what they don’t. Lk 18:13 the publican.

C-the more I see the more I want. Pro 27:20

T-are content with what they have. Heb 13:5

C-fears man and mans opinion of them. Jno 9:22 the healed blind mans parents, fearing being kicked out of the Synagogue (Church) for speaking Truth.

T-Fears (reverently) El Hay (the Living God), and chooses rather to obey Him. Acts 5:29 Kefa (Peter) after being imprisoned by the religious “leaders” for speaking Truth.

C-doubt if and/or when Messiah is going to return. 2Kefa/Pet 3:4 – Peter writing to Christians, about Christians in the last days.

T-not only are expecting Messiahs return, but are anxiously awaiting it. 2 Tim 4:8 – Paul stating we have crowns waiting to be placed on our heads.

C-is a lustful, adulteress murdering mind.

T-acknowledges their sin and repents – turns about face (180), back to God and away from their sinful desires. Lk 13:3, Acts 3:19, 17:30.

C-wants Adonai (the Lord) to judge and punish. Jonah 1:3, running from his duty to obey Yahweh (the LORD) in telling Nineveh to repent, lest they be destroyed.

T-includes themselves in their nations sins and ask Elohim (God) for mercy. Dan 9:3-19 – Daniel begging to Yahweh Eloheynu (the LORD our God) for mercy for his and his peoples sins.

C-have bought into the modern day lie that there is more than one way to Heaven/God. Matt 7:13 broad is the way that leads to the hot lake.

T-knows Yeshua (Jesus) and He ALONE is THE ONLY WAY to Heaven/God. Matt 7:14 – narrow is the way, Jno 14:6 – Yeshua states plainly that He is THE ONLY WAY!

C-questions just what it is that God has said (mainly from not knowing Him, His Word, and His Voice). Gen 3:1 – the serpent (HaSatan-the adversary) asking Eve “hath Elohim said…?”

T-knows the Shepherds voice (Jno 10:27) and call out to him “Here am I, send me.” Isa 6:8.

C- wants a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist or some other medical professional to deliver/heal them.

T-seeks Yeshua for healing and deliverance. Interesting note; we have no examples in Scripture of anyone being healed by any doctor, but multitudes being healed by Ad0nai (the Lord). Also interesting note; In Exodus 15:26 Elohim (God) states “I am Yahweh (the LORD) that healeth thee.” The same word “healeth” is the modern hebrew word for Doctor. Somewhere we exchanged Him for man. Too bad

C-only sees with their physical eyes and looks at the visible world around them.

T-sees not only with the physical, but sees also the spiritual. I heard a story onFocus On The Family (bottom right of links page), in which a witch doctor in the Rain Forest not only knew who Yahweh is, but told the missionary “I know who you serve, the enemy, the One who sits on that Throne that has the river flowing out of it.” He not only knows who El Hay (Living God) is, but has seen His Throne. We should be jealous, and more seeking in our relationship with Adonai.

C-man/woman flirts with others (whether we’re already married or not).

T-keeps himself/herself clean and shuns all appearance of evil (1Ths 5:22). When the former NBA basketball player David “The Admiral” Robinson (a follower of Messiah/Christ) of the San Antonio Spurs was asked why he was so rude to female fans his response was incredible. He stated, “if someone is going to get their feelings hurt, it’s not going to be my wife. That’s transformed!

C-Thinks their parents owe them something or that when they doing something for their parents it’s a “gift.” Mark 7:11

T-Honors their Father and Mother, not because they are right, but because Elohim is and has promised blessings for it. Eph 6:1-2.

C-sins and doubt the rain (judgement) is coming. The Flood

T-Builds an Ark (is prepared-obeys the voice of Adonai).

C-laughs when Adonai promises the impossible. Gen 18:12 Sara laughed when she heard she was going to be a mother, since she was 90 years old, well past conception age.

T-says “be it unto me according to thy word.” Miryam (Mary) when told that although she was a virgin she was to give birth to a child. Luk 1:38

C-senses no urgency, or even slight obedience, to the Great Commission. Matt 28:19 How many times do we not share the Gospel with others? Maybe we just don’t think it’s “Good News.”

T-not only senses the urgency, but even if they don’t realize the Great Commission wasn’t a request to some, but a Command to all.

C-is lazy, looks, lust, deceives, and even kills if necessary to get what he/she wants. 2Sam 11:2-4, 8, 15, 17. David not going to war, lusting after anothers wife, deceives her husband, then murders him.

T-confesses/admits his sin and repents and ask for something he doesn’t have, a clean heart. Psalm 51:10 King David’s Psalm of repentance. In Hebrew David isn’t asking Elohim to clean/renew his heart. He was asking Elohim to create something out of nothing (like Gen 1:1) and place it inside of him – a clean heart.

C-wants their spouse to be Godly towards them, wants their own needs met.

T-esteems the other above themselves (Phillipians 2:3) and seeks to meet the needs of the other. If everyone sought to meet the needs of another, who’s needs wouldn’t be met? No ones!

C-wants justice when wrong is done to them, ie eye for eye, tooth for tooth.

T-loves their enemies – Matt 5:44, Rom 12:20

C-feels they deserve respect, and therefore demands and/or expects it.

T-knows the only way to be greatest is to be least. Luke 22:26 – Yeshua telling His Talmidim (disciples) not to be like the goyim (gentiles). If you’re a gentile follower of Yeshua, guess what, you’ve been grafted in – spiritually. Rom 2:29

He (the enemy) is not named HaSatan (the adversary) for nothing. The title devil also desribes him well – diabolos: one who cast himself between two in order to separate them (Spiros Zohhiates Th.D – Hebrew Greek Study Bible lexicon).

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim (God), that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Elohim (God), which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim (God).

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Leviticus 11:45 For I am Yahweh (the LORD) that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim (God): ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

1Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Papa, make us the men and women, boys and girls, husbands and wife’s, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, The Bride of Messiah, that You want us to be.

Transform us. Transform me.

Honored Father!

I'm an honored father. Honored to be the father on one of our Fathers daughters. My eldest daughter, now 19, displayed her spiritual maturity a couple of weeks ago, I'd like to share the story with you.

I love my daughters, both of them. I pray for them, their husbands (to be), their marriages, their children and grandchildren. I've spent countless nights without sleeping thinking about and praying about them, my eldest in particular. As a father, following the Father of Lights, I've taught my daughters about Adonai (the Lord), His Word, living for Him, honoring Him, and most importantly - Knowing Him in a personal intimate way. That said, here's what happened.

Over the last year to year and a half, my eldest daughter had gotten extremely disrespectful to me and my wife. She'd grown increasingly manipulative, causing much contention between my wife and I. She was also very selfish and rebellious. I've lost many nights of sleep praying about what to do. She plans on attending a Bible College this fall but her behavior was anything but Christlike. My sweet perfect loving respectful beloved daughter was driving me bonkers. She lives in our guest house, so as to try to give her more freedom and teach her independance. After all, she will be gone someday and this I know is the best for both parent and child. While living here she only has four things she needs to do. 1. Pay her small rent which mainly covers her electricity usage. 2. Keep the house clean, not spotless but not a dump. 3. Make time for fellowship with other believers, to include a weekly Bible study as a family. 4. Honor, as in respect, her father and mother. Well, one out of four isn't bad. Or is it? I knew what was causing the majority of her problem, she was not fellowshipping. Not with believers, her family, or most importantly - Elohim (God). She hadn't been to church for about three months. Almost anytime we had to do our weekly family Bible study she managed to get out of it with other plans. She was spiritually starving herself to death and the effects were obvious, not only in her but in how it affected the whole family. I prayed and prayed, as I have been for the last year and a half, "Papa, what do I do?" I'd thought about kicking her out, but being that I already worried about her I didn't want to worry even more. At least here I knew she was safe. I thought if only we can hang on until she gets to Bible College. I know she was thinking the same thing. The problem is, when we, as followers of Messiah, keep ourselves away from Him and fellowship with other believers we become weak.

After laying awake in prayer all night I came to a decision, she had to move out. It was time for her to be on her own. After all, her behavior showed that is what she wanted, to be completely independent. I decided it was time to help her do just that. I was rather surprised what happened to me later that morning. I had this un-explainable inner peace. God peace. I hadn't felt such peace for a long time. I was very thankful to Elohim (God) for His peace. As His word states in Phillipians 4:7 - And the shalom of Elohim (peace of God), which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). Indeed, the peace I felt did pass all understanding. Odd how Elohim can give us such inner peace, even when we have to do or say something which we don't want to do because of fear. Hey, it just hit me, 1 Yochanan-John- 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. Todah Abba. That explains the peace. It was time to talk with my beloved about it, and then inform my daughter of my decision.

Know I know it's hard being a teenager, I remember my own teen years. Stuck between being not a child anymore, yet not really an adult either. I think Adonai may have made the teen years as such so children would have a desire to leave home on their own, and as parents we would want them to go. But being an adult I also know that life isn't as easy as you think it is when you're a teenager. Rather, it's not easy at all. Neither was what I was going to tell my eldest, but she had to go. I knew she was just toying with sin, trying to just get close to the flames without getting burnt until she got to school. Then everything would be back to Jesus Jesus Happy Happy. I've done that, you always get burnt. As I heard one preacher say, "sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay." Indeed it will, every time.

So, after talking with Amy she and I sat down with our daughter to tell her. This is what I told her, as well as I remember. All day the story of Cain and Abel, concerning their bringing sacrifices to Yahweh (the LORD). Cain was mad because Yahweh did not have respect on his offering of the fruit of the ground. Cain was very angry and had a sad countenance and Yahweh asked him why he was so mad with the long sad face. Yahweh told him that if he (Cain) did what was right he would be accepted of Him, but if he chose not to then sin lieth at the door and desires you but you must master sin. (Gen 4:3-7) We know from the next verse that Cain chose to allow sin to master him instead of him mastering it. The choice is ours. Yeshua (Jesus) broke the curse of sin and has restored the choice to us. You are legally an adult now. You can do what you want to do. Elohim (God) has given us all free will, to choose. He won't make you obey and neither will I. I can't make you be respectful of your mother and I. I can't make you go to church. I can't make you do Bible study with us. I can't make you pray. I can't make you read your Bible on your own. These choices are yours and you've chose not to do them. However, we discussed these when we agreed to let you move into the guest house. I understand now about the story of the momma bird kicking the baby bird out of the nest. It's apparently your time to fly, to be on your own. I love you, you're always welcome here but you need to experience life on you own right now. I'll always worry about you, I've learned that will never end no matter how old you get. That's just part of being a parent. But I can't watch you undo everything Adonai (the Lord) has done through your mother and I. I'll always pray for you but you must choose to follow Yahweh (the LORD), His Word, His Way and your own. The choice is up. I can't make you be a Christian and Elohim (God) won't make you. I want Elohim to bless you but He can't when you won't obey Him and His Word. He won't contradict His Word, He can't. His love is unconditional. His blessings are not.

She said she was expecting it and thought it would probably be better for her little sister if she moved out. She said she had thought about moving out but knew she wouldn't do it unless we made her do it. I knew she was upset, though not nearly as upset as my wife and youngest daughter were. I felt rather odd afterwards, the rest of the night, and throughout the next day - I still had this incredible peace. I didn't want my baby to leave. Although often I can't wait, generally I dread the thought. But I know, only Adonai (the Master) can truly protect her, body, soul and spirit.

I spoke with a few friends about the whole matter, men, husbands and fathers themselves. I was surprised that they told me the same thing. They said they knew it was very hard and they were proud of me. They stated they knew it was a very hard decision, as sometimes things which Elohim commands us as fathers to are. They were encouraged to see another father obey The Father. Todah Abba for the encouragement, you never leave us without confirmation, comfort and encouragement for standing upon You.

Throughout that next day Elohim continued to remind me how He always gives me "an out." You know, the whole 2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. No matter my choice, obedience or rebellion, He always gives me an out, always. His mercy is new every moment of every day, all we have to do is choose - His Way.

I shared this with my eldest later that day. I wanted her to know, she had an out just as Abba always gives all His children, the choice was hers. Now comes the "Honored Father" part of all this.

She asked me later that day if she could stay. She apologized for being so disrespectful to me and for being so selfish. She said that after our previous talk she was really afraid and seriously cried out to Elohim. She remembered being at the camp this summer where she plans on attending Bible College. Adonai (the Lord) told her of how He wanted to bless her life and use her to bring Him honor and glory. But, He told her it was dependent upon her treatment and submission to her earthly father, me. I'd forgotten as well that she'd shared that with me when we were driving home from the airport upon her return. She said she knew the devil was trying to ruin all of the plans Elohim had for her and her life, and that he'd succeed if she left home before it was time. She said she would make a serious effort to be respectful of me and her mother and make time for fellowship, prayer and reading Abba's Word.

So, I am indeed an honored father. I'm honored our Father has entrusted me with his daughter. A daughter who listens to The Father, hers and mine. It takes spiritual maturity to suck up your pride, humble yourself, and obey Yahweh (the LORD). We followers of Yeshua say it, but how often do we do it? As Yeshua himself stated - And why call ye me, Adonai, Adonai (Lord, Lord), and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46) As well as verse 44 of the same chapter - For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

We are indeed known by our fruit. Yahweh, help us to bear much fruit for you by your planting, watering and growing the fruit of Your Word Yeshua in us and through us. In my beloved daughter of Elyon (Most High God), bear much fruit. So if you know her, pray for her. Yeshua has huge plans for her. I know, he almost took me out of the way (as in from earth) for considering getting in His way of them. HaSatan (the adversary - the devil) seeks to hinder her. Pray she won't let him. Pray she walks in the Spirit, obedient to The Word and masters sin. His power is in her to to it, as it's been made available to us all.

The choice is hers. The choice is mine. The choice is yours. The choice is ours. Choose!

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