Bankruptcy

I read an article in Forbes about states which are in an economic "death spiral." It reminded me of why so many marriages and friendships are ruined. Call it Physics, call it Economics, Newton's 3rd Law, affairs of the heart; everything answers to the same laws of the universe; it's all the same!

We each have an emotional "bank account" and when two people are in a mutual relationship, they make "deposits" in each other's "account." When one begins to make less frequent deposits in their partner's account while the other person continues making regular deposits, one ends up with a depleted account. "Overdraft" notices are sent out, but go completely unresolved. Eventually the one left with the empty account feels they have no option but to file for bankruptcy/divorce/emotionally disengage/move on/etc...

Selfishness ruins many things; friendships, marriages, economics, states, countries, etc...

Popularity Contest

                                               Contributed by Carl Mefford

I find it incredibly regrettable that the Messianic/Hebrew Roots Movement (whatever you want to call it) has become such a popularity contest. Much like every church I have been involved with (previous to being called back to His Torah), there are now three groups of people: those within the clique, those sitting at the feet of those within the clique, and those attempting to contribute with what Elohim has given them while being beaten by those within the clique. This is all very sad to me.

Now, is our tact in sharing truth important? Of course it is! I've written about that topic in the past (as well as learning from my own mistakes in that regard). However, speaking a truthful message which the masses find distasteful is not equitable with poor tact, in and of itself. For example, I have been attacked in the past for respectfully discussing dietary law. Should I then, in response to the attack, run from those laws, apologize for them, and censor myself for the sake of those who strongly and spitefully disagree? Absolutely not! I would not beat specific individuals over the head on the topic, of course, but neither do I publicly run from the topic.

At the end of the day, I'm not concerned with acceptance, popularity, or praises; I'm concerned with accuracy, and acting upon His inspiration for me — no more and no less. My way may not be your way, but your way is not the only way. After all, tone and even righteous indignation, properly articulated, is wholly dependent upon situation and circumstance (just ask Elijah). We really need to stop sniping one another with demands that everyone conform to our own style and approach (which is often a nice way of saying 'shut up and listen to me'), and instead focus upon the goal for each of us: serving His purposes for us individually. If that purpose is to encourage, then encourage. If to inspire, then inspire. If it is to teach (even on topics you don't personally like), then teach. And if it is to rebuke, then rebuke — with meekness, not weakness. When we can each focus upon those roles without fear of slander and reprisal from our own mishpochah, then we will all be better for it, will we not? So please, just stop the slander, break up the clique mentality, and allow each of us to serve as we were individually called to do so. That would be great...

School News

I'm including three different articles from three different sources that would undoubtedly differ religiously and politically!

School Board wants homeschoolers to defend religious beliefs

Teacher Prevails

Conviction or Money  Thank you Franklin Graham and Alumni

Baby Formula

In reading an article about the latest findings of the CDC, regarding breastfeeding and vaccines, I thought I'd just take a peek at the well known alternative to the plan of our Creator.  I'm not saying you have to breastfeed to be a good mother, but there is no argument that breastmilk is natural and more uniquely suited to baby's needs.  If mama has a good diet, baby reaps the benefits.

As one can see with the following list of ingredients, replacing nature requires a great deal of chemistry! 

• Similac Advance Stage 2 Powder / 1.93-LB (873-g) SimplePac / 6 ct
• Similac Advance Stage 2 Powder / 2.51-LB (1.41-kg) can / 6 ct

Nonfat Milk, Lactose, Whey Protein Concentrate, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, Galactooligosaccharides. Less than 2% of the Following: C. Cohnii Oil, M. Alpina Oil, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Soy Lecithin, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Choline Bitartrate, Choline Chloride, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Salt, Taurine, m-Inositol, Zinc Sulfate, Mixed Tocopherols, d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Palmitate, Cupric Sulfate, Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin D3, Cyanocobalamin, Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, and Nucleotides (Adenosine 5’-Monophosphate, Cytidine 5’-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine 5’-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine 5’-Monophosphate). 
Contains milk ingredients.

Figuring the Dates

The debates that ensue around Torah Instruction always rattle me, because it seems debates ALWAYS ensue!  I want to be obedient.  I want to honor YHWH in all that I do.  I want to be like Messiah, yet when the debates begin, the very first thing I do, is doubt myself.  I'm getting better about not doubting my understanding, but by the same token I want to remain teachable.  I don't know everything, but I am rapidly approaching the place of being offended at many of the debates; as they seem to be the replacement for actually "doing something."  And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.  Luke 11:46 

According to my mathematical calculation, 1930 was the preparation year before Shemitah.  Before we debate the establishment of democratic Israel in 1948, let's remember that YHWH created all the world and the soil everywhere becomes depleted if it doesn't lie fallow, periodically.  We must also remember, even without an official nation state of Israel in 1930, we had Bibles in our language.  Romans 11 was very much a part of that Bible.  The fact that this coming year marks the 12th Shemitah since the warning/judgment of the Great Depression may be significant.  Twelve is a pretty big number in Scripture!  

The following is a paragraph from the article in Wikipedia:  Dust Bowl
>>The unusually wet period, which encouraged increased settlement and cultivation in the Great Plains, ended in 1930. This was the year in which an extended and severe drought began which caused crops to fail, leaving the plowed fields exposed to wind erosion. The fine soil of the Great Plains was easily eroded and carried east by strong continental winds.  Full Article

In looking at the promo for Jonathan Cahn's new release, "Mystery of Shemitah," my emphasis is not to focus on Wall Street, nor am I predicting the fall of America by attack, although economic collapse is entirely possible, and America certainly has enemies.  I've had a problem for several years now, with our discussion of the Great Depression and reverence for what is now coined, "The Greatest Generation."  I certainly mean no disrespect to any individuals, but to survive the warning or judgment of G-d without repentance does not make for greatness!  Rather than repenting and returning to agriculture as our Creator planned it, or just repenting for ignoring Scripture; this nation fled to the cities to make money, then entrusted that money to the very banks that failed and shuttered.  Leaving agriculture, dropping the gold standard and establishing social security didn't make us a better people, it just lowered the standard.

Twelve Shemitah cycles later, where are we?  We are no longer an agrarian nation.  With less than 2% of the population now farming does the rest of the 98% of the population have no responsibility regarding Shemitah?  I honestly do not have the answer, but I have a heaviness in my spirit that we are going to experience the judgment for our continued disregard of Torah.  An economic collapse or another war, will be a hardship or tragedy, but we've survived both, before.  The fear of the sword of our enemies is gaining prominence, and death by sword is definitely in prophecy.  Although that would be harrowing to face, death by sword is a single event that is over, once it is implemented.  A famine doesn't begin and end in a single day.  A famine, and the chaos that would accompany famine, is not something today's Americans have ever experienced.    

. . . And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger . . . the Revelation of Holy Scripture

A Sheriff With Experience

I remember following this case a few years ago.  This is another Goshen, which I'm sure caught my eye, and of course the subject matter is one near my own heart.  An Amish man was being harassed by FDA over his sale of raw milk.  Mind you there had been no complaints of health problems.  As the entire situation unfolded, Sheriff Brad Rogers took his oath of office, seriously, quite seriously.  He defended and protected the citizens of his county, even from the feds.

This same man, Sheriff Rogers, went to the Bundy ranch and wrote quite a letter, I first read the letter on his FB page, but I can't link that from here, so I've found another site which has apparently been able to make his letter public.  I am not promoting this particular news site, but the letter is a good read.  Sheriff Rogers did have some strong words of conviction for Sheriff Gillespie.
 http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2014/04/oathkeeper-sheriff-brad-rogers-elkhart-county-indiana-visits-discusses-bundyranch-2945570.html 

http://www.elkharttruth.com/news/politics/2014/04/21/Sheriff-Rogers-visits-Nevada-over.html

DANGER Approved!

This approval by the feds just boggles the mind.  It's already been explained that "snorting" is an instant buzz.  And "they say" not to do it.  Parents, please take note.  It's powder and it's powerful.  All the details are not yet released, but the promo indicates it will hit the shelves by fall.  The link below is the home page.

Please, parents, before school begins next year, have the facts!

http://www.palcohol.com/home.html