Overcoming the Abominations of Man

After YHVH saw us polluted in our own blood, He demanded that we “live” and then he cleaned us up, covered us up, lifted us up and married us. (Ezekial 16:6-8) From what I can discern the marriage last about 500 years before we got rebellious.  Some have been rebellious ever since. We began breaking all aspects of the covenant.  When we married at Sinai, we said “I do” three times.

             Exodus 19:8  All the people answered as one, "Everything ADONAI has said, we will do." Moshe reported the words of the people to ADONAI.

Ex 24:3  Moshe came and told the people everything ADONAI had said, including all the rulings. The people answered with one voice: "We will obey every word ADONAI has spoken."

Ex.24:7  Then he took the book of the covenant and read it aloud, so that the people could hear; and they responded, "Everything that ADONAI has spoken, we will do and obey."

So what happened?  Well, YHVH got fed up!  He proffered the get he issued in Jer3:8 and declared the divorce as written in Hosea 1:9.  The only way any of this could have happened was for one party or the other of the covenant to not live up to the terms of the covenant.  The covenant He made with us is Torah!  Torah has not changed. So, logic tells me that we have changed! 

In Jer 31:31-33 YHVH gives us another opportunity.  He promises to make another covenant.  This covenant becomes more individualized and independent of the first covenant.  This covenant will be written on the hearts of each person who wants to be a Bride.  (Heb 8:7-13).

As I write this I am getting absolutely worked up because I have been reflecting for several weeks about what has this country done to infuriate our Father so very much.  So much that we can observe the slow destruction of land and resources.  He does not take away that which we believe we have created!  He takes away that which He has created!  It is all His.  We become very helpless and in despair when what we think we have created disappear as a result of “natural” consequences.  Then, bringing it closer to home, looking at my own community, I hear people expressing their fears that the abominable behaviors in some are influencing those who are good at heart.  The disgusting behavior is condoned because those who are fearful it may affect them or their loved-ones believe that people should have the freedom to do and say whatever they want.  But they are afraid it will influence they own kin.  They do not accept the tremendous magnitude of our Elohim.

Call it a judgmental statement or just an observation.  But as far as I am concerned, anyone who tells me that they are agonized for the disgusting behavioral practices in vogue today and in the same breath tell me they do not accept that there is a Creator of All, needs more help than I can offer.  These are the people who are not destined to be at the Wedding!  These are the people whose hearts are being passed by because they do not present themselves in a humble manner. Yahshua proposed to Israel and all Israel has to do is take the Cup of Redemption.  This is also called the Cup of Acceptance.  We do not have to wait for Pesach/Passover for this to happen.  We can offer with our hearts, via words from our mouth, a confession that we have been wrong, have turned to Yahshua, who will guide us to YHVH. If we truly believe with all our heart, mind, body and soul that Yahshua is the Messiah and the door to Salvation, as granted by YHVH, then we go and sin no more (Rom 10:9-10).  We profess the powers of our Father and walk away from the disgusting practices in vogue today.  Then, and only then, can we stop worrying ourselves how our family and friends are being influenced.  Then, and only then, will we have given up the notion that we have the power to overcome.  No one will overcome without permission from YHVH.

YHVH Bless you one and all, and

Bless YHVH

Pinchas a/k/a Frankly Speaking

Imitate Him

Over the years I have heard many talks, lectures and discussions concerning the power of the tongue.  The words we use leave our mouths and go into the ether, then  land in places we know not where.   We have no idea what affect they may or may not have on someone. The common denominator of these presentations has focused on the negativity of words that can affect someone in a less than appealing manner.  Some even have gone to great lengths to teach young people the demeaning aspects of making fun of or joking about another person.  In my opinion, this behavior is typical of the culture we live in.  Our culture is quick to correct the negative.  This is a good thing. We want to raise up good persons. BHC, when we focus more on the positive we may possibly eliminate, over time, the need to correct the negative.  To focus on the positive means that we must be as quick to recognize good deeds as we are to recognize negative ones.

This stream of thought grabbed me last evening and again this afternoon.  Yesterday I received a video of a fawn resting on the front porch of my son's home in San Antonio, TX that is only a few blocks from an interstate.  A couple of streets from a Home Depot.  This house is located in a big city but behind the house is a large preserve.  The preserve is blocked by a ten foot fence.  This baby deer found a haven on the small front porch.  I was moved.  The tenderness of the fawn was captivating.  This tenderness was matched by the kindness of the person who passed the video to me.   Receiving that moment of gentleness at a time when I was concerned about many events I am involved in this week, put a check in my Spirit.  I realized in just a couple of moments, that I have no problems.  Was this young baby deer alone without a Mama?  How will the people ensure safety for the fawn? And on and on and on.  Then I received word of a person I have grown close to being in hospital suddenly.  Now everything that was on my plate was not important.  Along with my wife, I go to the hospital and we show our love and concern.  What a blessing that little trip was. Went to see one person and ended up visiting with two persons, not counting the hug from a nurse whom I have not seen in several years. The discussions were at times very light and humorous and then there were the sustained moments of deep discussion about love, life, Torah and how blessed we all are who choose to grab hold of the hem of the garment and follow our Creator. 

This event had me doing some real soul searching.   Returning home, I observed that which I could see and also that which I could only see through faith.  I saw His miracles as I looked at the fish in the pond, the plants that survived the winter, the cats enjoying the sun and all that about me that He created.  I also observed the kind acts that have taken place in the last few hours.  The unwritten and visibly unseen; the love and caring of so many people; at the hospital, at the restaurant, on the sidewalk, everywhere!

Have you noticed that those who are grounded in the Word and are Torah compliant, are always quick to praise and very gentle when correcting?  Some may not even realize how Torah is being displayed in their lives.  A young man commented to me this afternoon that when he reads the Bible, the New Testament, he sees more and more the need to learn the Old Testament.  What a revelation.  Have you noticed those who are “in Torah” do not tell others how to live?  They share the events of their own lives and how they manage to always be happy and engulfed in shalom. They are always willing to reach out and encourage without bashing and chastising. 

This day I learned to focus more on the unspoken kindness of others; to conscientiously strive to see and accept the kindness of others; to fully believe that praising the positive will eliminate the need to correct the negative.  Within time, negative events may just dissipate into thin air.

One of the things on my plate last night--What am I going to write for a blog?   For this week I think my blog will be a hug to the one who showed me the calm, relaxed, and loving deer that was all alone on a porch.  The deer that prepared me for all the events of this day.  But, was the deer alone?  The deer that granted me peace.  Our Father is Awesome! 

Eph. 5:1,2

Shalom, be blessed

Pinchas a/k/a Frankly Speaking

Overt and Covert Commandments

The Ten Commandments were originally referred to as the Ten Words or Ten Statements.  The word commandment – according to Merriam-Webster, was first used in the English language in the thirteenth century.  The word ‘command’ was not known to be used until the fourteenth century.  So, for the sake of this writing, my working definition of ‘commandment’ is – that which is done in order to achieve a chosen goal whether written, spoken or implied.

All action is commanded.  Action is as simple as walking into a room.  Think about all the thoughts necessary to achieve the goal of entering a room.  When we enter a room we tell ourselves to turn on the light if dark, look out for the cat, if one is near, don’t trip on the rug, turn around to sit down, etc.  We follow commands from our self based upon years of learning what to do to enter a room.  Some people even tell themselves not to talk until they are in the room so as not to invade another person’s space. Based upon what we choose to do at each moment, a commandment must be obeyed.

There are overt commandments and covert commandments.  The overt ones are quite simple.  Thou shalt (whatever)… you will (whatever)…. Do this (whatever) ….Remember (whatever)…etc.  Overt commands seem to come from external sources.  The covert ones are more demanding.  They demand that we stop and think (Selah) about that which we are in preparation to do.  They are the commandments not spoken but you know they exist because they give us a choice.  Covert commands come from internal sources.  We are either talking to ourselves, or we may be hearing the Ruach speaking directly to us.  Some people have told me they have heard the Word of YHVH speaking loud and clear.  The action to follow overt commands is truly up to us. We can choose to do anything we want to do dependent upon our choice for overall outcome.  He gives us this freedom.  Should we choose to not follow His ways, then we just stop doing what He says is necessary to follow Him.  Let me see if I can get this ‘thought’ simplified.

It all started when the universe was formed and YHVH put man in a position of responsibility.  Man was ‘offered’ an opportunity of a lifetime.  He could just sit back, relax, enjoy the beauty and be a loving, caring friend within YHVH’s creation.  To measure the strength of man’s desire to do this, we were given the trait (some say attribute) of choice.  Choice is simply looking at what we may want and studying the polar opposite to be sure.  See, you could say there are no ‘commandments’, only steps to follow dependent upon our ‘choice’.   The most blatant example I can come up with is the Scriptural Eating Plan. Call it YHVH’s diet.  Nowhere can I find that we are told "Thou shalt eat."  Yeah, I said I cannot find where we are told that we MUST eat Period.  But, However, Comma, (I love But, However, Comma, statements…the Bible is full of them and so was the Navy)  … BHC, should we choose to eat, He gives us an outline of the best of the best that will assure us a sustained life as He has created it.  The choice is ours.  Do what he suggests, that is, do what He commands, or do what we believe is best and create within ourselves all kinds of discomfort.  Do you see now that there are no absolute commandments?  That there are only choices and then steps to achieve the goal?  Yes, I read the same as you do: He “commanded” us…  but read it as it is presented…we are only commanded, told what is necessary, in order to achieve our set goals in life.  When our goal is the same as His goal then why reinvent the wheel?  He did all the work, just get on board and enjoy the ride.  Not all things we are commanded to do are written out in specific form to make sure we thoroughly understand. He gives us credit for being able to think a little bit.  He commanded, if you want to use that word, that we keep the Feasts.  He even told us which ones. But did he tell us each and every step necessary in order to keep the Feasts?  Check this out! This coming Sukkot, keep a journal on each and everything you do to keep His Feast. At the end of Sukkot, read your journal, and then read the Bible and it’s instructions for tabernacling with Him.  Who used the most words? Sometimes we just have to be aware of the COVERT commandments.  I believe they are the ones He trusts that we will be able to know and do for ourselves. Our Father does not waste. He has a very focused and succinct dialog. Reading Torah proves this.  I also believe He expects us to take an active role in following Him. In other words, don’t just read about it or see it advertised on T.V., get out there and do it!

The covert or unwritten commandments are also the ones that keep us in conflict with one another.  These are sometimes referred to as the minutiae.  This could be because we are unable to know for certain what a person thinks or believes.  Do we actually believe that just because we see things a certain way that everyone should see the same? Even though the word ‘minutiae’ is used in The Word, I believe that everything that affects us is a big deal.  Nothing is small.  There is no such thing as minor surgery. Anesthesia is anesthesia and a knife is a knife (call it scalpel if you must)  BHC, we must exercise our ability to think and rationalize with our ability to see the log as well as the speck.  Some people can have a flat tire on their way to an important engagement and just change the tire, wash their hands and carry on. No big deal!  While for others this would be a most horrendous experience. They would not even make it to what was at one time an important engagement.  When we let the obstacles become more important than the goals, we have sacrificed our ability to focus on YHVH.   This scores one for the Adversary and none for our endeavors.

So what am I saying?  I am not saying anything…only recounting what I have read in the “Overt, Covert Guide to Happiness” ; aka Bible.   Don’t get too caught up in the minutiae.  Don’t look too hard for each and every action you take to be spelled out in Torah.  Don’t fail to read the white of the page along with the black.  Don’t let yourself become mentally shattered when you discover that what you do to achieve the steps necessary to reach your chosen goal, are also steps that the enemy uses to destroy your goal.

Read this next statement very carefully:

We do not have to do everything that is written in Torah;   BHC; everything we do must align with Torah if our choice is to follow YHVH through Yahshua our Messiah.

While on that note:  This Shavuot was a very exciting and delightful Feast.  With all the bar/bat mitzvot, the renewal of wedding vows, the singing, dancing, praising, praying, wave offering to YHVH our Elohim.  I had a grand time and am so blessed that our Heavenly Father permitted me to read the covert commandments.  Otherwise I would have only been able to participate by observing the Shabbat and the Wave offering.  Yet, everything we did this day was aligned with Torah.  Most of us actively  sacrificed ourselves to Him, and renewed our commitment to live our lives His Way, not ours.  This is where true Shalom comes from.  We must be able to relax, enjoy, and stay focused on Him. 

Shalom and with lots of love….

Pinchas  a/k/a Frankly Speaking

The Maccabeans and Memorial Day

This past week most of us took notice of the Memorial Day celebrations throughout the country. Some of us even know what it  is all about.  This is a time for joy and sadness for me. I play John Philip Sousa loud; and tear up when the flag is honored. This year was a bit more emotional than in the past.  This year I focused on what the Maccabeans must have gone through as I was watching videos and reading documents that have been unearthed by my youngest son concerning the death of my younger brother forty-three years ago on a field in Viet Nam.

Similar to the goal of the Maccabeans, who were fighting for freedom to assemble and worship, forty-three years ago men were fighting to break the yoke of tyranny so others could have freedom and worship in their own choice.  Also, similar to the tactics in the Maccabean revolt, the guerrilla tactics in Viet Nam were no different. This leads to brutal and ruthless killings.  I reference forty-three years ago, although the Viet Nam campaign was much broader, because this was the turning point.  This was Tet 68.  Just as in the turning point in the Maccabean revolt, where families rose up against each other, in 1968 this country rose up against it’s own defenders.

When we talk about Memorial Day, we generally focus on the brave military and supportive civilians who sacrificed to keep us free to worship as we choose.  We generally don’t talk about the infighting.  Over the years, I have found that many who do not realize the extent of what the celebration is about, have not experienced first hand knowledge.  This is a blessing for them. I have met a few children of servicemen who never knew their father.  I have met many people who knew members in their family served, but that is the extent of it.  And I have met people such as I, who have served, whose family has served, and members of the family have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  And I have found that we are a very quiet bunch when it comes to talking about any part of it.  So, is it no wonder that the details of the Maccabeans go unnoticed?  All they wanted was freedom of worship and to live in peace.  They did not go any further than necessary to achieve that goal.  Let us not ever forget their great achievement.  We are able to speak openly about our beliefs.  We are urged to let others do the same.  And from the Maccabees comes a long succession of Armies that have kept the hope alive.  In this era, we can easily refer back to what has been called the First and Second World War, the Korean Conflict, the Viet Nam Conflict, Desert Storm I and II, Iraq, Pakistan, and now countless others that the names slip by me.  (I do not focus on war).

I will admit to you, while I was watching videos and reading documents that have just surfaced this week concerning my brother, I have cried with deep regret and also with much joy.

The love of freedom is best expressed to me by a Jewish lady named Solomonia.  She stood fast along with her seven sons, Habim, Antonin, Guriah, Eleazar, Eusebon, Hadim and Marcellus who were very obedient.  (Macc. 2,4)  History says they were not of the Maccabees, but they believed in what the Maccabees stood for.  Through her love for her sons, and their love and obedience for their mother, they became the martyrs that turned the tide.  We have freedom to worship today.

Throughout history we can find individuals that stood firm and have enabled us to continue to talk about freedom.  But rarely do we find those willing to share the details.  It is not necessary.  That is what Memorial Day is all about.

Matthew 11:28

Be blessed. Shalom,
Pinchas a/k/a Frankly Speaking