Friday, April 29, 2016

Weekend Meditation-We Are The Second Exodus & The First Born! Now Passover



Exodus 12


We are walking in today: Weekend Meditation-We Are The Second Exodus & The First Born! Now Passover

Witness escape throughout the Bible: H6413 pĕleytah escape, deliverance, remnant
Deuteronomy 23:16; Jeremiah 39:18; Proverbs 11:21, 19:5

The Fourth Commandment Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the Sabbath day, to sanctify it .  Six days you shall work and accomplish all your work; the seventh day is Sabbath to the Lord , your God; you shall not do any work--you, your son, your daughter, your slave, your maidservant, your animal, and your convert within your gates--for in six day the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and He rested the seventh day.  Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.  
294. You shall eat Matzot on the first night of Passover --Exodus 12:18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.
295. You shall not possess or eat leaven during the seven days of Passover --Exodus 12:19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
296. An alienated person shall not eat the Passover offering --Exodus 12:43 And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof
297. A sojourner and a hired laborer shall not eat the Passover offering-- Exodus 12:45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof
298. You shall not break a bone in the Passover offering --Exodus12:46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
299. You shall not remove the Passover offering from the house to the outside --Exodus 12:46

300. An uncircumcised male shall not eat the Passover offering --Exodus 12:48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
301. You shall not eat chametz on Passover --Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
302. You shall eat Matzot for the seven days of Passover --Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
303. You shall not have chametz in your possession or leaven in your borders during Passover --Exodus 13:7
304. You shall tell the story of the Exodus on Passover --Exodus 13:8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.

Exodus 12:29-33
29 At midnight Adonai killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock. 30 Pharaoh got up in the night, he, all his servants and all the Egyptians; and there was horrendous wailing in Egypt; for there wasn’t a single house without someone dead in it. 31 He summoned Moshe and Aharon by night and said, “Up and leave my people, both you and the people of Isra’el; and go, serve Adonai as you said. 32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you said; and get out of here! But bless me, too.” 33 The Egyptians pressed to send the people out of the land quickly, because they said, “Otherwise we’ll all be dead!”

Passover/Pesach is an important, biblically derived Jewish festival. The Jewish people celebrate Passover as a celebration of their liberation by Yahweh from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses. It commemorates the story of the Exodus as described in the Hebrew Bible especially in the Book of Exodus, in which the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. According to standard biblical chronology, this event would have taken place in about 1300 BCE (AM 2450).

Passover is a spring festival which during the existence of the Jerusalem Temple was connected to the offering of the "first-fruits of the barley", barley being the first grain to ripen and to be harvested in the Land of Israel.

Strong's #1061
bikkurim: first fruits
Original Word: בִּכּוּרִים
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: bikkurim
Phonetic Spelling: (bik-koor')
Short Definition: fruits

The Hebrew term bikkurim and related terms for the "first fruits" derive from the same root asbekhor, "firstborn (see *Firstborn ). On the same general principle that the firstborn of man and beast belonged to the God of Israel and were to be devoted to Him, the first fruits, including the first grains to ripen each season, were to be brought as an offering to God. Every Israelite who possessed the means of agricultural productivity was under this obligation (Ex. 23:19; 34:26, Num. 15:17–21; 18:12–13; Deut. 26:1–11). A frequent synonym for bikkurim isreshit, "the first [fruits]."

Passover commences on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for either seven days (in Israel and for Reform Jews and other progressive Jews around the world who adhere to the Biblical commandment) or eight days for Orthodox, Hasidic, and most Conservative Jews (in the diaspora). In Judaism, a day commences at dusk and lasts until the following dusk, thus the first day of Passover only begins after dusk of the 14th of Nisan and ends at dusk of the 15th day of the month of Nisan. The rituals unique to the Passover celebrations commence with the Passover Seder when the 15th of Nisan has begun. In the Northern Hemisphere Passover takes place in spring as the Torah prescribes it: "in the month of [the] spring" (בחדש האביב Exodus 23:15). It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays.

In the narrative of the Exodus, the Bible tells that Yahweh helped the Children of Israel escape from their slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the ancient Egyptians before the Pharaoh would release his Israelite slaves; the tenth and worst of the plagues was the death of the Egyptians first-born.

The Israelites were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a slaughtered spring lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord knew to pass over the first-born in these homes, hence the English name of the holiday.

When the Pharaoh freed the Israelites, it is said that they left in such a hurry that they could not wait for bread dough to rise (leaven). In commemoration, for the duration of Passover, no leavened bread is eaten, for which reason Passover was called the feast of unleavened bread in the Torah or Old Testament. Thus Matzo (flat unleavened bread) is eaten during Passover and it is a tradition of the holiday.

Historically, together with Shavuot ("Pentecost") and Sukkot ("Tabernacles"), Passover is one of the three pilgrimage festivals (Shalosh Regalim) during which the entire population of the kingdom of Judah made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. Samaritans still make this pilgrimage to Mount Gerizim, but only men participate in public worship

Sedar meal
Preparing the items for the Seder plate requires some time. It is best to prepare all the Seder foods before the onset of the holiday, in order to avoid halachic questions.
Three matzot are placed on top of each other on a plate or napkin and then covered. (Some also have the custom to separate the matzot from each other with interleaved plates, napkins, or the like.)
The matzot are symbolic of the three castes of Jews: Priests, Levites, and Israelites. They also commemorate the three measures of fine flour that Abraham told Sarah to bake into matzah when they were visited by the three angels (Genesis 18:6).
On a practical level, three matzot are needed so that when we break the middle matzah, we are still left with two whole ones to pronounce the hamotzi blessing (as required on Shabbat and holidays).

On a cloth or plate placed above the three matzot, we place the following items, these special foods we eat on Passover are also food for thought. Every item on the Seder plate abounds in meaning and allusion:

The Shankbone
A piece of roasted meat represents the lamb that was the special Paschal sacrifice on the eve of the exodus from Egypt, and annually, on the afternoon before Passover, in the Holy Temple.

Since we can’t offer the Paschal sacrifice in the absence of the Holy Temple, we take care to use something that is relatively dissimilar to the actual offering. Accordingly, many communities have the custom to use a roasted chicken neck or the like

The Egg
A hard-boiled egg represents the holiday offering brought in the days of the Holy Temple. The meat of this animal constituted the main part of the Passover meal.

The Bitter Herbs
Bitter herbs (maror) remind us of the bitterness of the slavery of our forefathers in Egypt. Freshly grated horseradish, romaine lettuce, and endive are the most common choices

The Mixture
A mixture of apples, nuts and wine which resembles the mortar and brick made by the Jews when they toiled for Pharaoh

The Vegetable
A non-bitter root vegetable alludes to the backbreaking work of the Jews as slaves. The Hebrew letters of the word karpascan be arranged to spell “perech samech.”

Perech means backbreaking work, and samech is numerically equivalent to 60, referring to 60 myriads, equaling 600,000, which was the number of Jewish males over 20 years of age who were enslaved in Egypt

The Bitter Herbs (Lettuce)
The lettuce symbolizes the bitter enslavement of our fathers in Egypt. The leaves of romaine lettuce are not bitter, but the stem, when left to grow in the ground, turns hard and bitter.

So it was with our enslavement in Egypt. At first, the deceitful approach of Pharaoh was soft and sensible, and the work was done voluntarily and even for pay. Gradually, it evolved into forced and cruel labor.

http://yrm.org/keep_passover_righttime_critical.htm

Keeping in mind that the celebration of the Passover is a simplification of the freedom Yahweh gave to the children of Israel. From the Egyptian slavery bondage. As the death angel passed over the homes of the children of Israel and slaughtered the first born among the Egyptians. Yeshua is considered the first one born among the dead. Moses as being the first born from slavery and false doctrines of the Egyptians.

As the children of Israel, we're freed from the oppression of Egypt. So will the lost tribes of Israel return to the land promised?

Jeremiah 16:14-16
“‘Therefore,’ says Adonai, ‘the day will come when people will no longer swear, “As Adonai lives, who brought the people of Isra’el out of the land of Egypt,” but, “As Adonai lives, who brought the people of Isra’el out of the land to the north and out of all the countries where he drove them”; for I will bring them back to their own land, which I gave to their ancestors. “‘Look,’ says Adonai, ‘I will send for many fishermen, and they will fish for them. Afterward, I will send for many hunters; and they will hunt them from every mountain and hill and out of caves in the rocks. -CJB
To hear this again click here.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Teach Us To Numbers Our Days

Psalm 90

We are walking in today: Teach Us To Numbers Our Days

Witness number of days throughout the Bible:  H4557 micpar by count, in number, according to number (with prep), recounting, relation
Jeremiah 2:23, 3:16; Psalm 39:4-6; Job 14:5


Psalm 90:12
So teach us to count our days, so that we will become wise. - CJB

Each and every day is a thousand years to our God, Yahweh. As stated in verse 4 of Psalms 90. As well as

2 Peter 3:8
Moreover, dear friends, do not ignore this: with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day - CJB

Even in the beginning Yahweh shows us to count, in the book of Genesis day 1-7 accounts for Yahweh creating the known world and establishing His authority and man. As the keepers of his creation.

Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, in the likeness of ourselves; and let them rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the animals, and over all the earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the earth.” - CJB

Stating that the sun, moon and stars were to be observed for signs, seasons, days and years.

Genesis 1:14
God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to divide the day from the night; let them be for signs, seasons, days and years; - CJB

For a man to observe. What is it that we are to observe?

Leviticus 23:2-4
2 “Tell the people of Isra’el: ‘The designated times of Adonai which you are to proclaim as holy convocations are my designated times. 3 “‘Work is to be done on six days; but the seventh day is a Shabbat of complete rest, a holy convocation; you are not to do any kind of work; it is a Shabbat for Adonai, even in your homes. 4 “‘These are the designated times of Adonai, the holy convocations you are to proclaim at their designated times.

Declares that these are my Feast Days. That are designated by Yahweh to observe as a Holy assembly. A Holy Gathering designated to observe and not only to observe. But to count 7 full sabbaths up to 50 days during the observance.

Leviticus 23:15-16
15 “‘From the day after the day of rest — that is, from the day you bring the sheaf for waving — you are to count seven full weeks, 16 until the day after the seventh week; you are to count fifty days; and then you are to present a new grain offering to Adonai.

We are to count and number the days of the Omer leading up to Shavuot (Pentecost).

Shavuot: Shavuot in Ashkenazi usage, Shavuʿoth in Sephardi and Mizrahi Hebrew (Hebrew: שבועות, lit. "Weeks"), known as the Feast of Weeks in English and as Pentecost (Πεντηκοστή) in Ancient Greek, is often known as a Jewish holiday that occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan (may fall between 14 May-15 June). Shavuot has a double significance, it marks the all-important wheat harvest in the Land of Israel (Exodus 34:22); it commemorates the anniversary of the day Yahweh gave the Torah to the entire nation of Israel who were assembled at Mount Sinai.

This feast day is one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three Biblical pilgrimage festivals, where all males were to appear in Jerusalem for that feast day, to represent their families. Shavout, marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer, and it's start date is directly linked to that of Passover. The Torah mandates the seven-week Counting of the Omer, beginning on the second day of Passover, to be immediately followed by Shavuot. This counting of days and weeks is understood to express anticipation and desire for the giving of the Torah. On Passover, the people of Israel were freed from their enslavement to Pharaoh; on Shavuot they were given the Torah and became a nation committed to serving Yahweh. The word Shavuot means weeks, and the festival of Shavuot marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot.

The omer is an offering of barley and measurement that was commanded to be brought before the priests every year, by the children of Israel. As part of the gratitude of Yahweh's provisions and a typification of Yahweh as being the bread of life. As well as mankind characterized by the wheat and tares. Yeshua's parable told to his disciples.

John 6:35
Yeshua answered, “I am the bread which is life! Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever trusts in me will never be thirsty. - CJB

So each day counting up to the 50th day, leads up to Pentecost starting from the first day of counting the Omer. During the 7-week count each day has a connection to walking with Yahweh and bringing the omer offering made by fire to the priest.

Fire
#784. esh
Strong's Concordance
esh: a fire
Original Word: אֵשׁ
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: esh
Phonetic Spelling: (aysh)
Short Definition: fire
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
a fire
NASB Translation
blazing (1), burned* (1), burning (1), burning coals (1), fiery (1), fire (362), fires (2), flame (1), flaming (3), flashing (1), man (1).

#562. omer
Strong's Concordance
omer: promise, speech, thing, word
Original Word: אֹ֫מֶר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: omer
Phonetic Spelling: (o'-mer)
Short Definition: promise

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heap, the largest of dry measures, containing about 8 bushels or 1 quarter English = 10 ephahs

Ok so we have the count of the Omer, which is the offering made by fire, which is man. We are to count each day as a sacrifice of self--anything that is not of Yahweh as we consider the portion of Psalms 119 is read. Shows us what area that needs to be cleaned and healed in order to receive the blessings and promises of counting up to Pentecost (Shavuot). We will be discussing Shavuot in tomorrow's lesson, for the weekend meditations.

Now, what are we specifically counting?  Psalms 119 has sections that are marked off by the Hebrew aleph bet. Starting from aleph to the last letter tav, which is contained in the sections are prayers. These alepbet are the original language of the Hebrews and of the Bible, one of the world's most ancient letters and languages. The belief is that Yahweh created life by the announcement by the using of these letters. The other interesting fact is that the Aleph Tav has a numerical value, 22 letters that have a numerical value. Also, the Aleph Tav value changes after the 10th letter. Which is Yod valued at 10. From there all of the power goes by 10 so after Yod is Kaf=20 the 11th alephbet. So even though it's the 11th aleph bet it's valued at 20 and so forth to the 22nd and last aleph. Which is Tav equaling 400.

Particularly today which Omer we read is the Hey

Psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, Adonai, the way of your laws;keeping them will be its own reward for me. Give me understanding; then I will keep your Torah;I will observe it with all my heart. Guide me on the path of your mitzvot,for I take pleasure in it. Bend my heart toward your instructions and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things;with your ways, give me life. Fulfill your promise, which you made to your servant,which you made to those who fear you. Avert the disgrace which I dread,for your rulings are good. See how I long for your precepts;in your righteousness, give me life! - CJB

The fifth letter connecting the fifth day of creation. Animals are created to populate the Earth and man were given dominion over the Earth on the 5th day in the Book of Genesis.

Hey represents Yahweh's creative power. The breath out of His mouth. Hence, the pronunciation of Hey has either a strong Chay sound or a soft hushing sound. Hey also represents the five fingers, 5 dimensions and five dimensions of the spirit.

1. Instinct

2. Emotions

3. Mind

4. Bridge to transcendence= far better than what is usual

5. Ones

Hey also it is a part of Yahweh sacred name in Hebrew YHVH- I AM THAT I AM.

Since Hey is formed out of the alephbet Dalet and Yod, the 4th and 10th alephbet. It can be a picture of returning to Yahweh by means of the transforming power of the spirit.

Dalet=4th stands for brokenness

Yod=10 stands for a raised hands

Thus man's brokenness and his need to Teshuvah (turn 180 degrees) towards Yahweh and the power of Yahweh to transform.

So honing it in the counting and observing of the Omer--represents the journey we travel every day to become more like our Yahweh. By allowing the cleansing of our character flaws and the (leaven) things that is not of the fruit of His spirit. We walk in reflection each day comparing the sections of scriptures in Psalms 119 to our relationship with Yahweh and each other. As the disciples did in the book of Acts. As well as every character mentioned from Exodus to Revelation. We will continue theses Feast days forever.

Matthew 8:11
Moreover, I tell you that many will come from the east and from the west to take their places at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven with Avraham, Yitz’chak, and Ya‘akov. - CJB

During the Feast of Weeks 7 Sabbaths are to be counted up to Shavuot

Sabbath=1 week.
And that time is 1 sabbath of eating matzah. Unleavened bread.

Unleavened bread= Yeshua the bread of life and honoring His sacrifice, getting rid of sins.

At the end of this week is Passover
Passover = Freedom from confusion, bondage, and covenant with Yahweh

7 weeks leading up to 50 days = Pentecost

Excited and in anticipation for following the examples that the disciples observed a few thousand years ago. Looking at the examples Yahweh shows in the Torah and Brit Hadashah (new covenant-new testament). As counting the omer leading up to Shavout, it was His voice from the fire on the mountain giving His Torah, His wisdom as seen with the fire of Mount Sinai and at Messiah's time it was the giving of His blessings and gifts by His Spirit like a mighty wind as seen through the cloven tongues of fire.

As well as the walk that Yeshua demonstrated as an example of everything that was written of Him in the Books of Moses fulfilled and we get to walk the same path! I pray that in learning how to number our days that our walk with Yeshua becomes simpler than as we continue on this journey. When we pay attention to the little things we began to number the His appointed time that He intended forever. This was set forth from the beginning, becomes our building blocks for eternity in Yahweh.  To hear this again click here.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Men Of Torah Day--The Power Is Found In The Instructions To Count

Exodus 32

We are walking in today:  Men Of Torah Day--The Power Is Found In The Instructions To Count

Witness measure throughout the Bible:  H4060 middah measure, measurement, stature, size, garment
Exodus 16:18; Proverbs 20:10; 2 Chronicles 12:7; Matthew 7:2; 2 Peter 1:2

Acts 2:41-42
So those who accepted what he said were immersed, and there were added to the group that day about three thousand people. They continued faithfully in the teaching of the emissaries, in fellowship, in breaking bread and in the prayers.- CJB

The power is found in the instructions to count. Since we have found that our Yahweh does things in cycles. Ecclesiastics 1:9 states nothing new is under the uun and all things are done in decency and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:40
but let all things be done in a proper and orderly way. - CJB

So we learn to count seasons, days and months--from one Feast Day and its season to the next as a perpetual regulation from generation to generation. The same Feast Days implemented some thousands of years ago. Given to Adam then to Moses than to Israel, this is the never changing except for the sacrifices of animals because the ultimate sacrifice, Yeshua paid it all. Cancelling the power of the laws of sin and death--that will be another lesson but not to be overlooked.

Due to all the feast days of Yahweh pointing to Him. Every part of the feast days is observed to the specific time of year since its establishment. The significance isn't just for selfish man-made traditions. That all point to everything other than what Yahweh established from the beginning. I repeat. All of Yahweh's feast days once again points back to Him and can be found not only in the scriptures, but they are to be observed as a sign of a covenant between the children of Yahweh or the children of many gods (The nations outside of Torah).

Hence counting the Omer

Leviticus 23:15:21
“‘From the day after the day of rest — that is, from the day you bring the sheaf for waving — you are to count seven full weeks, until the day after the seventh week; you are to count fifty days; and then you are to present a new grain offering to Adonai. You must bring bread from your homes for waving — two loaves made with one gallon of fine flour, baked with leaven — as firstfruits for Adonai. Along with the bread, present seven lambs without defect one year old, one young bull and two rams; these will be a burnt offering for Adonai, with their grain and drink offerings, an offering made by fire as a fragrant aroma for Adonai. Offer one male goat as a sin offering and two male lambs one year old as a sacrifice of peace offerings. The cohen will wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before Adonai, with the two lambs; these will be holy for Adonai for the cohen. On the same day, you are to call a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work; this is a permanent regulation through all your generations, no matter where you live. - CJB

Counting the wheat sacrifice for 50 days, 7 weeks plus 1 day. Were to be established to count up on to the harvest that Yahweh provided every year for His people. Leading up to Shavuot (Pentecost) this count begins after the biblical feast day Passover. Celebrating our freedom from bondage and Yahweh's protection. As the Hebrew slaves set free from Egypt, so are we likewise to celebrate Passover as commanded for our freedom from this current system of Egypt. The Redemption of the first born to cross over from pagan idolatry worship. As Abraham did when Yahweh called him from Chaldea. He crossed over from pagan worship into the Hebraic lifestyle. As did the children of Israel when they left Egypt and crossed over the Red Sea back into the Hebraic lifestyle.

So in like terms is the Lamb that is slain and the blood poured on the doorpost in the Old Testament. In the same way the crucifixion and beating of Yeshua--is the same typification. Yahweh uses as a cycle of examples that all point to His death Resurrection and Victory in our lives.

Colossians 1:14-18
It is through his Son that we have redemption — that is, our sins have been forgiven. He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is supreme over all creation, because in connection with him were created all things — in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, lordships, rulers or authorities — they have all been created through him and for him. He existed before all things, and he holds everything together. Also he is head of the Body, the Messianic Community — he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might hold first place in everything. - CJB

From the children of Israel, of old, all the way up to the present time. We are commanded every year to come to the holy place to present our offerings every year in thankfulness. The thankfulness of  the harvest of the  previous year to receive blessings for the next year to come.

So now as Yeshua and his disciples celebrated Passover. Then Yeshua completed the eternal cycle established by Yahweh slain for the redemption of the children of Israel and three days later being raised from the dead. So He Himself fulfilling the scriptures as being the Lamb that was sacrificed from before the foundations of the Earth.

Revelation 5:12
and they shouted out,“Worthy is the slaughtered Lamb to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise!” - CJB

-compared to-

Leviticus 23:15-21 
15 “ ‘From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. 17 From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the LORD. 18 Present with this bread seven male lambs, each a year old and without defect, one young bull and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 19 Then sacrifice one male goat for a sin offering and two lambs, each a year old, for a fellowship offering. 20 The priest is to wave the two lambs before the LORD as a wave offering, together with the bread of the firstfruits. They are a sacred offering to the LORD for the priest. 21 On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly and do no regular work. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.

Yeshua is the wheat offering. He told them before He left to tarry 50 days.

Acts 1:1-4,14
Dear Theophilos: In the first book, I wrote about everything Yeshua set out to do and teach, until the day when, after giving instructions through the Ruach HaKodesh to the emissaries whom he had chosen, he was taken up into heaven. After his death, he showed himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. During a period of forty days, they saw him, and he spoke with them about the Kingdom of God. At one of these gatherings, he instructed them not to leave Yerushalayim but to wait for “what the Father promised, which you heard about from me. These all devoted themselves single-mindedly to prayer, along with some women, including Miryam (Yeshua’s mother), and his brothers. - CJB

Luke 24:49
Now I am sending forth upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been equipped with power from above.” He led them out toward Beit-Anyah; then, raising his hands, he said a b’rakhah over them; and as he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. - CJB

So even after He was dead He was seen by His disciples celebrating the counting of the Omer after Passover.

Luke 24:25-32
He said to them, “Foolish people! So unwilling to put your trust in everything the prophets spoke! Didn’t the Messiah have to die like this before entering his glory?” Then, starting with Moshe and all the prophets, he explained to them the things that can be found throughout the Tanakh concerning himself. They approached the village where they were going. He made as if he were going on farther; but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us, for its almost evening, and it’s getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them. As he was reclining with them at the table, he took the matzah, made the b’rakhah, broke it and handed it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. But he became invisible to them. They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he spoke to us on the road, opening up the Tanakh to us?” -CJB

His death is the Passover of our sins. The instructions were given to the disciples to tarry 50 days and the instructions given in Leviticus 23:15-21 are identical. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) fell on the day of Shavuot (Pentecost). 50 days after Yeshua, redeeming us all with His blood. The Omer is counted 50 days before Shavout. The connection is powerful when the instructions are given to count. How much more instructions do we need other than to study the word of Almighty God Hebraiclly? Returning His word to it's original context and intent. There is so much meaning that is misunderstood and misinterpreted due to a Greek mindset approach.

Luke 44:44-49
Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. You are witnesses of these things. Now I am sending forth upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been equipped with power from above.” - CJB

This comes from the unchanging instruction given regarding determining the exact day of Pentecost which was first given some 1,500 years before His disciples would participate in its fulfillment of reality at Pentecost. Can you imagine what would have happened on this day which is known in Hebrew as Shavuot if the disciples had not counted the 49 days? No wonder Yahweh instructed that seven Sabbaths are to be counted day by day.

They would have all missed the giving of the fire of His Spirit on the day Yahweh spoke the covenant of the Ten Commandments. Why? His word is unchanging, Yahweh, who changes not, means what He says when He says it!

There are great parallels to the account of the book of Acts and Exodus:

· Yahweh came down to Mount Sinai and the Holy Spirit came down on the Disciples.

· Yahweh came down in fire at Sinai and the Ruach HaKadesh came down as fire on the Disciples.

· Yahweh came down in fire at Sinai and there was sound of lightning and thunder on Sinai and there was a sound of rushing wind on the Disciples.

· Yahweh spoke the Ten Commandments and the Disciples spoke in languages or tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

When Yahweh speaks we need to listen and do what He asks or we will miss His blessing. Yahweh instructs us to count the days up to Shavuot.

"And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath... Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord." Leviticus 23:15-16

Yahweh told Moses that He will make His people a set apart (holy) people called out to be a priest to all nations, He keeps His eternal promises.  Is there any doubt, look to the scritpures, all is fulfilled and yet so many are waiting for the begin while His purposes stand and are being completed in those who seek and obey His instructions as they are being taught and understanding opened in His great mercy and grace.  Fiveamprayer get a hold of this one!  We are to count!  He is our daily portion--measure our days as we count up to expectation--Shavout!  To hear this again click here.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

We Are Commanded To Count--His Continuous Cycle Of Appointed Times!

Leviticus 23

We are walking in today:  We Are Commanded To Count--His Continuous Cycle Of Appointed Times!

Witness count throughout the Bible:  H3699 kacac to estimate, reckon, compute
Genesis 15:6; Exodus 12:4; Psalms 139:17-18

Leviticus 23:9-14
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf a he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the Lord. And the meat offering thereof shall be two-tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the Lord for a sweet savor: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of a hin. And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. - KJV

Deuteronomy 26:1-10
And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein; That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to place his name there. And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the Lord thy God, that I am come unto the country which the Lord sware unto our fathers for to give us. And the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the Lord thy God. And thou shalt speak and say before the Lord thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous: And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage: And when we cried unto the Lord God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression: And the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders: And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey. And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O Lord, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God: -KJV

A little recap of this lesson study in "We Are Commanded To Count." Yahweh's feast days are Everlasting--as well as passing on of the observance of His feast days from generation to generation. As a Perpetual commandment, that has never been done away with! Contrary to popular belief, that the Old Testament principles was not nullified by the crucifixion stake of Yeshua.

Leviticus 23:1-4 as well as the entire book. In each end section of the declaration of Feast Days. The command to keep the feast days is as stated: " this is a permanent regulation throughout all your generations no matter where you live." Verses 14, 21 and  44 collectively. With the command, by Yahweh sealed the appointed times designated to the people of Israel.

Israel in the flesh or in the spirit?
Yahweh has a people and His people look like this in the spirit.

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. -

His people has His name as in the same of one's own household. To bare one's name is to belong to that household. Same thoughts, same goals and on one accord. His people seek his face. What is the face of Yahweh? His Torah, His word. Yeshua is the word made flesh.

John 14:5-9
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. -

Yeshua stated My sheep hear My voice. The word of Yahweh never changes nor does He for they are one. Yet man is in constant growth. Thus, HaSatan wreaks havoc because of man's lust for knowledge other than what Yahweh intended for man to receive. Other than standing on the infallible word of Yahweh. Perpetually followed by the Hebrews within the Nations as well as all Jews.

Now into the lesson. Why do we count?? Because we are commanded to count!!

According to Random House Dictionary (2010) the definition of a "cycle" is:
1. any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats or is repeated.
2. a round of years or a recurring period of time, esp. one in which certain events or phenomena repeat themselves in the same order and at the same intervals.

Like the laws of physics Yahweh's word does not change. Physics defines a "cycle" as:

a.) a sequence of changing states that, upon completion, produces a final state identical to the original one.
b.) one of a succession of periodically recurring events.
c.) a complete alteration in which a phenomenon attains a maximum and minimum value, returning to a final value equal to the original one.

The Scriptures constantly give us visible and physical symbols of our Creator's invisible spiritual truths that we can relate to from Yahweh’s creation. The offering of the first fruits of the spring barley harvest represents the promise of Yahweh for eternal life and it leads to the Day of Shavuot or Pentecost and the first wheat harvest.

First fruits are held in the spring of every year at the beginning of the grain harvest season. Yahweh gave it to Moses some 5 or 6 thousands of years ago. Passed down from generation to generation of Hebrews. First Fruits is representative of the eternal cycle of the appointed time of thanksgiving for God’s provision and salvation. It is and will be. The fulfillment of the reality of the promise of our restoration to the original relationship that Yahweh intended for us. As the wheat representing the first fruits followers of the Torah. While the tares representing those who turn away from the Torah. The Redemption of the first fruit as mentioned in the wheat and tares parable.

Matthew 13:24-30

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Yeshua's resurrection is represented by the barley harvest of the grain of First Fruits. We read in His word about the coming harvest, it is the harvest of wheat. His followers and believers are represented by the fall wheat harvest of grain. Regretfully, there are unbelievers, those that reject God and judgment will occur because sin can not survive in God's presence. This is represented in Scripture by the pulling out of the "tares" the weeds.

The picture of the harvest in the Bible is amazing. Incredibly, both barley and wheat contain the eight essential amino acids that are regarded as essential for human life! They are phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, methionine, leucine, and lysine.

In all of the Scripture, the number eight (8) signifies a new beginning and eternity. According to BibleStudy.org "It is 7 plus 1. Hence, it is the number specially associated with Resurrection and Regeneration, and the beginning of a new era or order."

Numbers are important in Scripture, so are the pure metals. In Scripture fifty (50) equates with "deliverance" and silver represents "redemption". Have you ever noticed this?

Leviticus 27:16
And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD [some part] of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed [shall be valued] at fifty shekels of silver.

Even the most obscure verses of the Bible alludes to Messiah! Truly, Yahweh's word is amazing--every word has a meaning and purpose!!

For example, the three symbols of the First Fruit offerings are:

1) a burnt offering = the crucifixion death,

2) a meal/grain offering = Messiah's body given as the unleavened bread of life, and

3) a drink offering = Messiah's life blood given as a covering and atonement for sin. But unlike the burnt sacrifice of a lamb or heifer, The Messiah lives as the First Fruits of eternal life. He has victory over death through His resurrection. By His own words we know:

Revelation 1:18
I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Here's another interesting example. Just after His resurrection on the third day following Passover which is called First Fruits, we see some unusual instruction that is tied to Leviticus 23.

John 20:17
"Yeshua saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God."

Many have read the story of the road to Emmaus and it's worth repeating. Following Passover, after walking a few miles outside of Jerusalem, two disciples who had not yet heard of the resurrection yet. Yeshua whom they did not recognize in the physical glory and form of His resurrected body until He interpreted the ancient Scriptures for them. They only recognized Him after He related how He is hidden within the stories, words, and symbols of the Torah. The five scrolls penned by Moses that so many today call the Old Testament...the very Word and Bible Yeshua always read and taught from. This "Word", the Scriptures are the bread of life. It is not "old," and there's no mold!!

It just so happens that the two disciples understood the Word when they entered a home to have a meal, and with the giving of the bread and meat, they understood who He was as their eyes were opened to the truth which is in the stories and symbols of the Scriptures.

All Scripture is full from the front cover to the back, of Yahweh's eternal spiritual truths. Truth from Almighty Yahweh is just that, true and He does not change!! The Creator describes Himself as the One that was, is and will be!

Think about it, if either the law of physics, which were spoken into existence by Yahweh at creation were to change or if the instruction of God were to change, then the heavens, the earth and life itself would cease to exist. That is why Yeshua (Jesus) told all of us plainly about the truth of the Scriptures He taught from. The perfect One said:

"For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the Torah till all is fulfilled." Matthew 5:18

The "Jot" is representative of the letter "Yod", which is the smallest letter of the Hebrew alephbet. The "tittle" is the small decorative spur or point on the upper edge of the yod.

The meaning of this passage is very clear and straightforward: Not even the smallest Hebrew letter or even its decorative corner will ever disappear from God's own "spoken" Word until all is fulfilled. The point is: nothing changes with Yahweh...so we need to keep counting His appointed times!  To hear this again click here.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Yahweh's Instructions Never Change!! You, Fiveamprayer Shall Count!!

Leviticus 23

We are walking in today:  Yahweh's Instructions Never Change!! You, Fiveamprayer Shall Count!!

Witness omer throughout the Bible: H6016 omer a dry measure of 1/10 ephah (about 2 litres), sheaf
Exodus 16:16, 16:18, 16:26, 16:36

Leviticus 23:15-16
“‘From the day after the day of rest — that is, from the day you bring the sheaf for waving — you are to count seven full weeks, until the day after the seventh week; you are to count fifty days, and then you are to present a new grain offering to Adonai. -CJB

As we Hebrews present ourselves to Yahweh on His holy Feast Days. The intimacy to learning who our creator is, should become more intensified. This is a counting up to expectation of the fellowship and nothing like a visitation when you are counting down. It is His appointed times, that Yahweh promises to dwell with his people even more so than any other time.  He has set all of this times on His calendar and they show up in the cycle that He established from the beginning! The original and only feast day or appointed times that any followers of Yeshua have been ordained and established for a perpetual convocation.

per·pet·u·al
pərˈpeCH(əw)əl/
adjective
1. Never ending or changing.
"deep caves in perpetual darkness"
synonyms: everlasting, never-ending, eternal, permanent,unending, endless, without end, lasting, long-lasting, constant, abiding, enduring,perennial, timeless, ageless, deathless,undying, immortal; More

2. Occurring repeatedly; so frequent as to seem endless and uninterrupted.
"their perpetual money worries"
synonyms: interminable, incessant, ceaseless, endless,without respite, relentless, unrelenting,persistent, continual, continuous, nonstop,never-ending, recurrent, repeated,unremitting, sustained, around/round-the-clock, chronic, unabating; informal-eternal
"her mother's perpetual nagging"

con·vo·ca·tion
känvəˈkāSH(ə)n/
noun
1. A large formal assembly of people.
2. The action of calling people together for a large formal assembly.
per·pet·u·al

Where in not only his dwelling is promised, but blessings for the season are guaranteed to follow.

Leviticus 23:2
“Tell the people of Isra’el: ‘The designated times of Adonai which you are to proclaim as holy convocations are my designated times. “‘These are the designated times of Adonai, the holy convocations you are to proclaim at their designated times. - CJB

Yahweh is in rhythm of all things and all things happen in His rhythm. Time flows and continues because Yahweh commanded it. Seasons change to summer, winter, spring, and fall. The body flows in rhythm as well. We breathe and the heartbeats and circulates blood. Some of us speak a song in-rhythm, but think we can't carry a tune?

Yahweh operates in rhythm with the feast days as we count up, we are never to count down to due to being in expectation. The system of this world is completely out of sync with the one and true Yahweh. As in New Year's the system of this world counts down. We of the Hebraic mindset, count up. We have His instructions before us but fail to trust in His revelation of truth. Now is the time to see His teaching and instructions the way Yahweh intended for His words to be followed period. Due to man's lust for knowledge other than the simplicity of Yahweh's instructions, the manual implemented from before anything begin. We try to add our own thoughts of legalism and leaven of the Pharisees, so to speak. Therein we miss the Fourth Man in the fire. What I'm simply saying is we are to follow the feast days of Yahweh. We are not to be so religious about the enactments and setups of the feast days. Remember what and who the feast days are about. Unlike the pagan holidays that allude to Jesus, but become men's subjection to deceptive paganistic practices that have no scriptural truth. Having nothing to do at all with Yeshua, but to the lower nature of the flesh of man's downfall--leading to greed, lust, and rebellion.
While the Feast of unleavened bread points to Yeshua being the bread of life. That we can eat as a reminder of who Yeshua is.

1. Our Redeemer
Isaiah 43:14
Thus saith the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake, I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. - KJV

2. Our sin offering
Hebrews 10:10
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. - KJV

Passover counts again the redemption of the firstborn, the covering of sins, the acceptance into the kingdom of Yahweh, and the destruction of bondage--physically mentally and spiritually. The counting of the Omer is another instruction from Yahweh. The counting up to the time from Passover to Shavout, the appointed Feast of Weeks. It is called The Feast of Weeks because in Leviticus 23:15-16 God tells us to count seven weekly Sabbaths from the first Sabbath following Passover Day and on the 50th day of counting it is the appointed day of Shavuot (Pentecost).

It represents a Jubilee and it is the counting of seven weeks, then on the 50th day of counting, the day after the 7th weekly Sabbath, the special Holy Day is celebrated as the day of the giving of the Spirit, the Torah of fire from Mount Sinai and The Spirit at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem 50 days after Messiah's resurrection. That First Fruits resurrection is a key to the count.

After all, there is a reason they were instructed to stay in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4) and there is a reason they knew so easily that our Savior ascended on the 40th day after His First Fruits day resurrection... I do not think it was just because they were counting down the days since the resurrection, it was because they were counting the Omer just as Yahweh had instructed at Sinai 1,500 years earlier. They were counting--counting the (Sefirat HaOmer) days up to Shavuot!!!

To whom also, he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Acts 1:3-4

After all, there is a reason they were instructed to stay in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4) and there is a reason they knew so easily that our Savior ascended on the 40th day after His First Fruits day resurrection... I do not think it was just because they were counting down the days since the resurrection, it was because they were counting the Omer just as God had instructed at Sinai 1,500 years earlier. They were counting -- counting the (Sefirat HaOmer) days up to Shavuot!!!

Just count all the way to the 50th day and it will be God's Shavuot -- Pentecost Day!!

It is the holy day count from the death of the Passover lamb and the first born sons of Egypt to the giving of the Ten Commandments near the mountain of Sinai in the wilderness. It is the count from the crucifixion day to the giving of the anointing of God's Holy Spirit to the Disciples at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. On the count up to Shavuot (Pentecost) God shows us that He gives all of us a second chance at salvation through Messiah's resurrection which is represented by the great wheat harvest of mankind.

During the “Counting of the Omer”, we all “get to” count up to the Feast of Shavuot and with each day we are actually participating in the growing expectation and anticipation of what THE BIG DAY many call Pentecost actually represents.

That is why the Bible tells us the Omer counting is an unchanging, eternal instruction. It is an appointment and teaching directly from Almighty God. In our so called modern day, we need to take a step back and re-read the Bible with the Omer Count in mind. When we do we realize that it was early the 1st day of the Omer count that Jesus appeared in the garden to Mary.

That day He also taught the meaning of the Torah at the end of the road to Emmaus. Then on the next day of counting, Jesus appeared in the upper room to the witnesses on the 2nd day of the Omer count when He appeared to the remaining Disciples.  As we return to our Hebraic roots we find that all that Yeshua did while walking in the flesh on the Earth was according to the directions given by Yahweh on the Sinai mount to Moses, all of the days scheduled by His mighty hand to be remembered and practiced eternally!  To hear this teaching again click here.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Weekend Meditation--It's Time To Remove All The Leaven From Your Life

Exodus 12

We are walking in today:  Weekend Meditation--It's Time To Remove All The Leaven From Your Life

Witness remove throughout the Bible:  remove h5265 naca`to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart
Joshua 7:13; Psalm 119:22; Proverbs 25:4-5

The Fourth Commandment Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the Sabbath day, to sanctify it .  Six days you shall work and accomplish all your work; the seventh day is Sabbath to the Lord , your God; you shall not do any work--you, your son, your daughter, your slave, your maidservant, your animal, and your convert within your gates--for in six day the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and He rested the seventh day.  Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.  


284. You shall observe the New Moon and the beginning of the months-- Exodus 12:2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. 
285. You shall slaughter the Passover lamb at night on the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan-- Exodus 12:6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
286. You shall eat the roasted Passover lamb at night on the 15th Nisan --Exodus 12:8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
287.  You shall not eat the Passover partially roasted or cooked in water --Exodus 12:19 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. 
288. You shall not leave any of the Passover lamb until morning --Exodus 12:10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
289. You shall nullify the leaven from your homes on the day before Passover --Exodus 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
290. You shall observe a holy convocation on the first day of Passover --Exodus 12:16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
291. You shall not do any work on the first day of Passover --Exodus 12:16 
292. You shall observe a holy convocation on the seventh day of Passover --Exodus 12:16
293. You shall not do any work on the seventh day of Passover --Exodus 12:16

Exodus 12:15-20
15 “‘For seven days you are to eat matzah — on the first day remove the leaven from your houses. For whoever eats hametz [leavened bread] from the first to the seventh day is to be cut off from Isra’el. 16 On the first and seventh days, you are to have an assembly set aside for God. On these days no work is to be done, except what each must do to prepare his food; you may do only that. 17 You are to observe the festival of matzah, for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. Therefore, you are to observe this day from generation to generation by a perpetual regulation. 18 From the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month until the evening of the twenty-first day, you are to eat matzah. 19 During those seven days, no leaven is to be found in your houses. Whoever eats food with hametz in it is to be cut off from the community of Isra’el — it doesn’t matter whether he is a foreigner or a citizen of the land. 20 Eat nothing with hametz in it. Wherever you live, eat matzah.’”

The Feast of Passover, first fruits, and unleavened bread are celebrated in the month of Nissan on the Jewish calendar. That would be the month of April this year.

Leading up to the Passover, the Feast of unleavened bread is a time of contemplation. Physically and spiritually removing any leaven.

leav·en
ˈlevən/
noun
1. a substance, typically yeast, that is added to the dough to make it ferment and rise.
2. a pervasive influence that modifies something or transforms it for the better.
"they acted as an intellectual leaven to the warriors who dominated the city"

Spiritually:
Leaven is anything that should not be a part of our spirituality--it is that which brings death and decay. Leaven can be compared to anything that stands between us and YHVH. It hinders our intimacy with Him. It is for this reason that we are to examine ourselves, as we clean out the leaven in our homes, for any spiritual leaven in our own lives. This is to be our preparation for this appointed time. Removing anything that leaven resembles. When we remove leaven from our souls it is the Ruach HaKodesh that does the sanctification. We as a symbol of the spiritual removal of corruption and bad influences from our homes.

Deuteronomy 16:3

Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread the bread of affliction for you came out of the land of Egypt and haste that all the days of your life you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt.

The unleavened bread is in connection to Yeshua. The unleavened bread is the picture of his holiness and sinlessness. His life and sacrifice was unleavened without the taint of the curse of death and therefore He was considered a lamb without spot or blemish for the ultimate Passover sacrifice.

1 Peter 1:19
on the contrary, it was the costly bloody sacrificial death of the Messiah, as of a lamb without defect or spot. - CJB

Yeshua did not suffer the natural process of corruption which was the promise given to Adam and Eve to return to dust. As the second Adam, his death killed the power of death by putting away sin for the sacrifice of himself. Calling himself the bread of heaven mentioned in Exodus as the manner that was provided. He is the ultimate sacrifice atonement for our iniquities and transgressions.

Yahweh’s appointed times are cycles of righteousness! He uses each of His appointed times to teach us about Him and about becoming righteous. Celebrating Yahweh’s appointed times as he intended for us to do, causes transformation in our lives. This transformation is a process and with the feasts being cyclical, it is constantly being built upon. This is the process of sanctification. This is how we are to ready ourselves to live our lives to honor Yahweh here on earth, but it is also part of our salvation.

These feast days are not just the feast days unto the Jews, but they are instructions given by Yahweh Himself. The lies and deceptions that have been told that the law has been done away with and these are the feast days of the Jews--is half truth. For Yeshua has said, I have not come to do away with the law but to fulfill the law.

ful·fill
verb
1. bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted).
"he wouldn't be able to fulfill his ambition to visit Naples"
synonyms:  achieve, attain, realize, realize, make happen, succeed in, bring to completion, bring to fruition, satisfy
"he fulfilled his ambition to travel the world"
2. carry out (a task, duty, or role) as required, pledged, or expected.
"some officials were dismissed because they could not fulfill their duties

Matthew 5:17-19
“Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall in any wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Whosoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. - CJB

Yahweh said that these are His appointed times.Yahweh then continues to give a summary of all His appointed times.

Leviticus 23:1–2
1 YHVH spoke again to Moses, saying, 2“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘YHVH’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

Leviticus 23:44
So Moses declared to the sons of Israel the appointed times of YHVH.

These feasts are for every believer, not only for the Jewish people. Yeshua also kept all these appointed times and so should we. So, now that we have determined that these appointed times are for all believers.

So as we begin the Feast of Unleavened Bread, look forward to the old you being renewed through the Ruach HaKodesh. Allow reflection of anything that hinders your relationship with Yahweh to come to the surface. Confront and deal with it.
Examine the strips and holes the patterns of the Matzoh.  The holes representing Yeshua being pierced in the side. While the stripes or brownish patterns, are His stripes where He was beaten for you and me.  To hear this again click here.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

The Protégé Must Adapt To The Mentors Environment

Genesis 41

We are walking in today:  The Protégé Must Adapt To The Mentors Environment

Teaching from the book:  Principles Of The Protege: Discover The Pathway To Success, by Dr. Francisco I.Victa III

Witness rush throughout the Bible:  H7582 sha'ah crash, make a din or crash, crash into ruins, be in ruins, be desolated
Proverbs 19:2, 21:5, 23:5, 28:20-22; 1 Samuel 14:31-33

Genesis 41:39-41
39 So Pharaoh said to Yosef, “Since God has shown you all this — there is no one as discerning and wise as you — you will be in charge of my household; all my people will be ruled by what you say. Only when I rule from my throne will I be greater than you.” Pharaoh said to Yosef, “Here, I place you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” -CJB

In an unlikely couple of situations, we find Joseph who also experienced difficulties in his early life as well. Joseph was almost murdered by his own step brothers, sold into slavery, almost raped by his master's wife, who then lied on him saying he tried to rape her, was thrown in prison for almost the rest of his life. All this as a Hebrew boy up until his early thirties. Sounds like some familial issues to me!!!! Yahweh gave Joseph a dream well before any of these lessons had to be taught. What lessons? It's apparent that the boy had a jacked up life for sure, but Yahweh gave young Joseph a dream of wheat in bundles--that he told his family. Joseph's bundle stood upright and his brothers bundles gathering around his and prostrated before his bundle. who prostrates before anyone but unto a king?

The lesson prepared Joseph for what Yahweh's dream that he gave Joseph. For Joseph would use this gift of dream interpretation to save the known world from famine. Through the storing of 20% of wheat for the 7-year famine that was to come. This advanced Egypt to further greatness economically, while saving his own Hebrew Nation all at once.

(Had a dream about wheat and wheat saved his life) Look at Yahweh!!!!!

Joseph adapted to the conditions of his mentors (master or teacher) environment. He displayed honor to every situation he went through. Pharaoh was approached in protocol. Joseph sold and presented himself in excellence in both appearance and apparel. Joseph chose his words that were pronounced to Pharaoh carefully and respectfully. When he was summoned, to interpret his dream. Then Pharaoh promoted Joseph to second in command of his entire kingdom, even Pharaoh stated this himself about Joseph "there is none higher in command until I sit on my throne". Faithfulness, steadfastness, unmovable and full of character. Yahweh honored Joseph because through his lessons (test) Joseph showed honor. Throughout it all he endured.

Access to a mentor is not given to everybody. We all should practice the examples Yeshua displayed. For He had distinctive kinds of relationships. Everyone does not have access to the holiest of holies. Same for the inner court, but everyone can be in the outer court. Furthermore out of all the relationships and the people healed. Only the Passover seder meal (last supper) will celebrate with the 12 Talmidim (disciples). No Lazarus, no Nicodemus just His faithful few. Everyone does not deserve access to your inner life.

The Protocol of Accessing a Mentor

Let’s look at a few keys on how to access a mentor. Access is given to those who:

1.) Pursue – Rarely will a mentor pursue a protégé. Pursuit is the responsibility of a protégé. A protégé unwilling to pursue a mentor has no right to a mentor’s time and wisdom. Great mentors are worth pursuing. Elisha pursued Elijah. Ruth pursued Naomi. Peter pursued Jesus.

2.) Adapt – The responsibility to adapt is on the shoulders of the one pursuing. Protégés will have to adapt their schedule, their desires, their plans, and even their intentions to successfully pursue the mentor. Adapting and adjusting will be the lifestyle of the successful protégé. He cannot be rigid and expect the mentor to adapt to him. Adaptation should never be the burden of those being pursued.

Remember, when you come into the presence of the mentor, you are coming into an atmosphere you didn’t create.

*Never try to change an atmosphere you didn’t create.*

That is not proper protocol. You either chose to leave or adapt to the environment you entered. If the mentor desires you to help him change something, he will ask you. You should make a request. But never expect a mentor’s environment to adapt to you; you adapt to the mentor’s environment. This is proper protocol.

Genesis 41:14
“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.”

3.) Wait – There is a balance between pursuing a mentor and smothering a mentor. There is a difference between seeking and sabotaging. Proper protocol requires that a protégé wait for an invitation before accessing a mentor.

4.) Support – Great mentors may be surrounded by many people, but that does not necessarily mean they have much support. Leaders are always looking for support. They need people who will catch the vision and run with it. Protégés who support their mentor will be given greater access.

5.) Act – Albert Einstein said, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look around and do nothing.” Access to mentors is given to those who act. Become a protégé who is quick to act on behalf of your mentor. Action will lead to greater access. Protocol helps you to honor the right people. If everybody has the same amount of access to a mentor, there would be no such thing as a protégé. Access is a treasured gift.

6.) Respect – Access will not be given to the disrespectful. We always attract towards us what we respect. If we respect time, our time will be redeemed and worthwhile. If we respect money, it will be drawn to us. If you respect people, people will be around you. But whatever you disrespect will move away from you. Mentors value respect. The protocol of respect can promote a protégé quicker than intelligence and ability. Disrespect, however, is deadly.

2 Kings 2:23-24
“And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. 24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she-bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.”

***The AWC Commentary explains this event saying “The offense of this instance lies in the fact that these were called "little children." But the Hebrew word “NAAR”, which was translated "children" here, was also used of Joseph when he was 39 years old (Genesis 41:12) and the princes of Ahab who led his battle in 1 Kings 20:14 . It was simply specifying young men. I'm sure they were accountable for their actions, and very probably, this wasn't the first time they had mocked God. The statement of these youths, "Go up, thou bald head," was more than just an insult to a physical feature of Elisha. "Go up" was a mockery of Elijah being translated. They didn't believe Elijah was translated, and they were saying if Elijah was really translated, then let's see you go up into heaven. The statement about the bald head was probably a reference to Elijah, Elisha's covering, being gone. They were making reference to Elisha's claim that Elijah was gone. They didn't believe it and ridiculed him. Therefore, these were not innocent little children who were judged unjustly. They were old enough to know what they were doing. They ridiculed God and Elisha and deserved the punishment given.”***

The Tragedy of Dishonor

1) Dishonor is the failure to recognize and appreciate the gift God has placed in your midst.
2) All failure can be traced to dishonoring a significant relationship in your life.
3) All success can be traced to honoring a significant relationship in your life.
4) The seasons of your life begin to change for the better when you choose to honor your mentor.
5) Disrespect is the virus that dwells in an atmosphere of dishonor.

The way you approach your mentor. The way you speak to your mentor. Everything leading up to learning to adapt to your Mentor’s environment. Honoring in everything you do towards your mentor. In spite of your environment or circumstances. Know that Yahweh has a plan. To teach you how to walk like Him or the mentors He designed to create change in your life.  To hear this again click here.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Men Of Torah Day--Men Of Honor

Deuteronomy 14

We are walking in today:  Men Of Torah Day--Men Of Honor

Teaching from the book:  Principles Of The Protege: Discovering The Pathway To Success, by Francisco I. Victa III

Witness honor & in order throughout the Bible:  H3519 kabowd glory, honour, glorious, abundance & G5010 taxis due or right order, orderly condition
1 Corinthians 14:40; 2 Timothy 2:20-22

Deuteronomy 14:2,29
2 because you are a people set apart as holy for Adonai your God. Adonai your God has chosen you to be his own unique treasure out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. -CJB
29 because you are a people set apart as holy for Adonai your God. Adonai your God has chosen you to be his own unique treasure out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. Then the Levi, because he has no share or inheritance like yours, along with the foreigner, the orphan and the widow living in your towns, will come, eat and be satisfied — so that Adonai your God will bless you in everything your hands produce. - CJB

As a protege as we are learning how to walk in protocol towards our mentors. Giving double honor to the mentor that labors in the word of YHVH. Esteeming them for the labor and wisdom they bestowed from walking with the Father and willing to teach His ways. We have several examples of how to walk as a protege and honor one's mentor. Yeshua shows this to His talmidim, step by step how to walk as men of Yahweh. Fiveamprayer, Yahweh is walking us towards understanding the scriptures--the Tanakh and His kingdom.

Here are some practical ways to show honor to your mentor:

Address them as “Pastor,” “Sir,” “Mr.,” or “Mrs.” Never address them in a casual manner. Never speak to them like you would speak to a peer or a “buddy.”

Stand when they enter a room or a meeting. Do not sit until they are seated. Greet them with a firm handshake or an appropriate embrace. When they come to speak a Word to your congregation, cheer their arrival.

When a mentor is teaching or preaching, listen attentively. Show your interest in what they are saying. Don’t seek to sit in the back of the church or meeting room, but seek to sit upfront. Refrain from getting up while they are speaking without first being dismissed. Avoid chatting with others, texting on your cell phone, or nodding off to sleep while they are speaking. Such actions are dishonorable.

Come to a meeting with your mentor on time. Don’t be late and casually dressed. How would your employer respond if you came late to work every morning?

Recognize your mentor’s special occasions such as a birthday, anniversaries, holidays, and special achievements. Be prepared for these occasions to give a financial gift or a special, significant present. Find out what they like. It would be better to give no gift at all than a cheap gift that was not thought out in advance. Your goal is to show your love and make them feel appreciated.

Look for ways to serve your mentor without being asked. Do they need work done around their house? Do they need someone to help lift the burden of administration? Don’t underestimate the small acts of service. Carry their briefcase and open their door. Seek to do your service to them with excellence and high standards.

Represent your mentor with excellence. Honor them by interacting with others as a good representative.
When your mentor makes a request, make sure the job gets done promptly. If you cannot do it, delegate the task to someone who can. Don’t let your mentor’s requests go unfinished and neglected. Show yourself to be reliable, loyal, and faithful to your mentor.

Sow financial seeds and gifts into your mentor frequently and liberally. Double honor is a powerful principle. But to get the most benefit from this principle, we must understand what Paul is specifically talking about in 1 Timothy 5:17-18. Paul says, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

1 Timothy 5:17-18 (AMP)
17 Let the elders who perform the duties of their office well be considered doubly worthy of honor [and of adequate financial support], especially those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain, and again, the laborer is worthy of his hire.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
(NLT)
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”

Church leaders who do their job well deserve to be paid twice as much, especially is they work hard at preaching and teaching!!!!

Why is the pastor get paid so much and driving around in that nice car??  Because it's scriptural and we are to honor those who labour in the word over us. Protégés are responsible to financially provide for their spiritual mentors. This is what is meant by “double honor.” It is a shame on protégés and church members who drive fancy cars, live in big, beautiful homes, go on fancy vacations, and have children who go to great Christian schools while their mentor and pastor drives a beat up car, lives in a rented or undesirable home, can’t afford a proper education for his children, and never has the means to go on a family vacation! Protégés and church members are instructed by Yahweh’s word to give the “double honor” to their mentor/pastor before giving to the poor or helping the needy. If we would do what Yahweh says to do first and give the double honor, than we would have plenty to help the poor and needy! This is the original system set up from the beginning!

Deuteronomy 14:26-29 (KJV)
26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, 27 And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. 28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay [it] up within thy gates: 29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

If protégés will honor their mentors, Yahweh will honor them (I Samuel 2:30).
This honor will also include financial blessing:

Proverbs 3:9-12 (KJV)
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

First of all, Adonai doesn’t need money. Heaven doesn’t run by American currency! Elohim’s Word is teaching us to financially honor the mentors He sends into our lives. Our financial giving is to:

1) provide for the mentor who ministers to us,
2) provide for the ministry’s needs, and
3) to help the poor, the widows, and the outsiders.

Such a blessing to be taught how to bless our mentors. Scriptural as the words teach us the blessing of honoring.  To hear this again click here.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

The Principles Of The Protege: Honor Part 2

1 Timothy 5

We are walking in today:  The Principles Of The Protege:  Honor Part 2

Teaching from the book The Principles Of The Protege:  Discovering The Pathway To Success, by Dr. Francisco I. Victa III

Witness honor throughout the Bible:  H1921 hadar to honour, adorn, glorify, be high, to honour, pay honour
Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 25:6; Lamentations 5:12

1 Timothy 5:17-18
The leaders who lead well should be considered worthy of double honor, especially those working hard at communicating the Word and at teaching. For the Tanakh says, “You are not to muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain,” in other words, “The worker deserves his wages.” - CJB

Deuteronomy 25:4
“You are not to muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain. -CJB

Yesterday we left off with the principal of protocol, the right way to walk with leadership. Understanding that there is a protocol in a protégé actions towards honoring leadership that brings blessings and progress when adhered to. When these rules of engagement (protocol) are enacted. We left off with number 32 of the 65 ways of honoring leadership. Verifying one as a legal kingdom position:  honor, which is backed up scriptures throughout the Bible.

*Side note*
legal position simply means applying the the 613 principles under the 10 commandments.  These are our legal standards of the promises of Yahweh.  Given to for his children to live by.

It is these princples, statues, mandates given by Yahweh that has taught us to use as His protégés. Verses respect that we learned in the teaching of man alone instead of true leadership from heaven. This is a weakining and incorrect understanding of honor to substitute it for respect--the system of this world teaches. In a kingdom, the king is to be honored which draws a picture of practices, approach and position which respect does not fully encompass.  Yahweh has been teaching mentorship and protégé style of learning, since the beginning of man. Starting with Adam in the garden with Yahweh in the cool of the day they walked and spoke with each other. Yahweh as the Mentor and Adam as His protégé, made in His image and likeness.

Genesis 1:27

So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. - CJB

The fact that we learned through discussion in midrash, that as we learn to honor Yahweh and His teachings and instructions. They teach us to honor one another as His children.  This governs our actions in the kingdom that we would walk in the lifestyle that Yeshua displayed when He walked the earth.

1 John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar. For if a person does not love his brother, whom he has seen, then he cannot love God, whom he has not seen. Yes, this is the command we have from him: whoever loves God must love his brother too. - CJB

Here are the remainder of Kingdom protocol for honor:

33) Honor can be given out of obligation and not from the heart. (Isaiah 29:13)
34) Honor is displayed by setting aside time for someone else’s pleasure. (Isaiah 58:13)
35) Honor of another can prevent pride in yourself.  (Daniel 4:3) 
36) Honor is demonstrated by giving one’s best and offering the most excellent. (Malachi 1:6-7) 
37) Honor can be lost by lack of recognition due to familiarity. (Matthew 13:57)
38) Honor given to parents prevents destruction and pain in life. (Mark 7:10)
39) Honor given to parents is rewarded and not just demanded. (Mark 10:19)
40) Honor given to a representative is equivalent to honoring the master. (John 5:23)
41) Honor given by many people can be deceptive. (John 5:41)
42) Honor can be given from men but not from God. (John 5:44)
43) Honor can be misplaced and given in the wrong direction. (John 8:49)
44) Honor given to one’s self may be worthless. (John 8:54)
45) Honor can be given from God to man. (John 12:26)
46) Honor sought for in the right way is not ungodly . (Romans 4:7)
47) Honor is to be bestowed on those who do right. (Romans 2:10)
48) Honor is when you prefer another before yourself . (Romans 12:10)
49) Honor should be given to those who deserve it. (Romans 13:7)
50) Honor should be given to those who are in an obscure position but still worthy. (1 Corinthians 12:24)
51) Honor, though deserved, will not be given by everyone. (2 Corinthians 6:8) 
52) Honor is the dignity you give to your life . (1 Thessalonians 4:4) 
53) Honor is helping those who cannot help themselves. (1 Timothy 5:3)
54) Honor is to be given in excess, and lavishly, to mentors who feed your faith. (1 Timothy 5:17)
55) Honor given to an authority prevents the Gospel from being blasphemed. (1 Timothy 6:1)
56) Honor is when a high price-tag is placed on a person, place and thing. (2 Timothy 2:20-21)
57) Honor was originally given by God to man . (Hebrews 2:7) others
58) Honor comes to those who have made a sacrifice for . (Hebrews 2:9)
59) Honor should be given to the creators of a thing more than the thing. (Hebrews 3:3)
60) Honor comes with the calling to be a minister. (Hebrews 5:4)
61) Honor is given to those who have come through trials and yet, overcome. (1 Peter 1:7)
62) Honor is a lifestyle. (1 Peter 2:17)
63) Honor is to be given to wives from their husbands . (1 Peter 3:7)
64) Honor is to be given to obedient sons from their fathers. (2 Peter 1:17)
65) Honor is the atmosphere of heaven.  (Revelation 4:9, 4:11, 5:12-13, 7:12, 19:1,7; 21:24, 26)

From Genesis to Revelation,  line upon line, precept upon precept. We have a great witness to how the kingdom of YHVH works for us as if we claim to be His citizens. Now we can plainly see as bright as day how honor is so important to learn and practice towards everyone. Even to the point of walking away from a fool. By honoring the precious words of life that comes from your mouth.

1 Timothy 5:17-18 (KJV)
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the labourer is worthy of his reward.

Deuteronomy 25 in its entirety gives a whole perspective on honoring each other, but particularly verse 4 gives the same instructions. Which Paul repeats here in speaking to his protégé Timothy. Do not muzzle the ox. If the ox worked hard and accomplished it's task that the owner may prosper. Why would you not feed it and take care of its needs? The same as the honoring of great mentors and leaders. Double honor is commanded to be placed on them.
Verse 17 of 1 Timothy 5, there is a great honor and privilege to even have great leaders sent by Yahweh to advance you in the kingdom.

Honor will be given to mentors when we realize that we are a part of the kingdom of God. In a kingdom there is appointed authority and rank. When we honor our mentor, we are ultimately honoring Yeshua. By honoring Yeshua, we honor the Father. When you value your mentor, you are showing value to Yahweh. We are not to think ourselves better nor greater than our mentors. But esteem them to the highest.

1 Samuel 2:30 (KJV)
Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Matthew 10:40-41
(KJV)
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

We are instructed, “Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work”.

A protégé who believes that his mentor can be easily replaced is blind to the gift God has brought to his life. This kind of protégé will make the fatal mistake of treating his mentor no differently than he treats his peers.  To hear this again click here.