Prophets

"And He has appointed some to be Apostles, Prophets..." [Eph. 4:11]
The Hebrew noun translated "seer" - ro'eh, means to be able to see into the spiritual realm and foresee future events. Also the spiritual reality, in contrast to the outward appearance of things. Another word for seer, hozeh, indicates the prophet received dreams, visions and revelations from YHVH to convey spiritual realities to God`s people.
Navi or nabi is the main Hebrew word for prophet, and literally means, "one who is called by God" - Yahweh. The Greek word prophetes means "one who speaks on behalf of another".
Basically a prophet is God`s spiritually mature spokesperson!
We are to TEST prophets and their prophecies. Whether it was in the Tanakh [O.T.], Deut. 13:1-5; 18:10-11; 18:20-22; and Jer. 23:9-27. Or now in the B' rit Chadashah [N.T.] 1 Cor. 14:29; 1 John 4:1.
The biggest difference between the O.T. & N.T. prophet is, God has diversified the position in the Tanakh [O.T.], into the 5 fold Ministry Leadership gifts/offices in the B' rit Chadashah [N.T.]
Some good study notes are found in "Life in the Spirit Study Bible", under "Articles", "The Prophet in the Old Testament"!

Statements of Faith:

1. The Bible. All scripture is inspired by God. 2 Tim 3:16
2. Salvation. Is a gift through faith. You cannot earn it or merit it. Eph 2:8-9
3. Jesus. Yeshua [Jesus] claimed to be God in the flesh. "Before Abraham was, I AM." John 8:58
He forgave sin, Luke 7:48. Accepted worship, Matt 14:33. Only way to God John 14:6, 8:24. Yeshua also said he was the Messiah.
4. Redemption. "Without shedding of blood, there is no remission or forgiveness of sin." Lev 17:11, Heb 9:22.
5. Propitiation. Jesus is our propitiation 1 John 2:2.
6. Eternal Punishment. Rev 20: 11-15.
7. Faith. Biblical faith is trusting and believing God, dedicating your life to Him, and obedient actions to His teachings. Hab 2:4, Jas 2:18.
8. Repentance or Teshuvah.
9. Trinity. There are 3 persons in the One True God. Co-equal, co-eternal. The common Hebrew word for God, Elohim is itself plural in form. Plural verbs are sometimes employed with the name Elohim, as in Gen 20:13. Plural pronouns are at times used by God when referring to Himself, as in Gen 1:26; 3:22. Eccl 12:1, "Creator" is a plural form. Is 54:5 "Maker" & "Husband" are plural forms. The word in the Sh' ma [Deut 6:4] - echad, allows for plurality or diversity within oneness. Gen 2:24.
For more information, http://jewsforjesus.org/ answers Jewish questions. Look under "Answers" at the top of their homepage.
10. Born-again Jn 3: 1-15 where you become a "new creation" [2 Cor 5 :17], which is supernatural regeneration at the moment of salvation/conversion. And is a prophetic fulfillment of Ezekiel 36: 24-28 "...and I will give them a new heart and spirit and put MY spirit within them..."!

Other Links:

http://johnankerberg.com/
A well respected Christian Apologetics ministry website!
http://letusreason.org/
A good resource for information on a variety of topics!
The Director is a Jewish Believer in Yeshua [Jesus]!
http://jewsforjesus.org/
A good website for questions Jewish people have about
Christianity!
http://persecution.com/
The Voice of the Martyrs - the persecuted church.
http://www.ministrywatch.com/
Financial Accountability Ministry.
http://www.trinityfi.org/
Watchdog Ministry.
http://www.watchman.org/
Apologetics Ministry.
http://www.lamblion.com/
With Dr. David Reagan, Bible Prophecy and Apologetics.
[I do not necessarily endorse the entire content of every site I link to. ]

17. PROPHETIC WORD FOR 2007 & ON

Calling the Body of Messiah to:
1. A Call to Holiness in Peoples` lives.
2. A Call to Biblical Purity. Stop interpretating and applying the bible, the Word of God, any way a person wants to! A Return to Sound Doctrine.
3. A Call to Repentance. Judgement FIRST starts at the House of God! Read ALL my other posts for a well rounded view. Like the prophet wannabees - false prophets on the elijahlist. Some, even quite a few, are proponents of the "Latter Rain" Heresy teachings. Go to http://www.letusreason.org/, and on his website, there`s a web search option. Type in "The New Order of the Latter Rain". And it will give you an outline of what the "latter rain" teachings are. Preaching & 'prophesying' what people want to hear! Read Jer. chapter 23 Ezek. chapter 13. In fact, do an in depth study of false prophets sometime, it`s very interesting! There are some very serious things - Sin that needs to be addressed in the Body of Messiah [Christ]. "Thus saith Yahweh, Judgement first starts at MY House, with My people who calls themselves by My name. NOT with the World and Unbelievers", and, "Turn your laughter into mourning, and your joy into sorrow saith Yahweh" Isn`t it interesting that Rev. chapters 2 & 3, God first talks about His judgements, concerning His people - believers, before talking about pouring out His Judgement on the Unbelieving World?! Think about it! We have too much of a Christian Culture of following people, personalities and personal spiritual experiences. So many remind me of being tv preacher celebrities or "movie stars". They don`t preach on Sin, Blatant Sin, in the Body of Messiah. For example: The Faith Movement / Faith Theology Heresies, the prophet wannabees - false prophets on the ElijahList [quite a few are proponents of the "latter rain" teachings heresy], the extravagent lavish lifestyles of some tv preachers, Lukewarm Christians, Divisiveness in the Body of Messiah, False Doctrine & Teaching, Pride & Stubborness, and so on. Part of the responsibility, also, of being a Christian "Leader", is speaking out against things that are not right, whether it`s within the church or without.
Is 30:10 "Who say to the seers, "Do not see," And to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us right things [don`t preach to us about sin in our lives]; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits. [Tell us what we want to hear - nice things! Not God`s truth!]"

The Coming Judgement, starting with the Household of God. The Greatest Sin, the ROOT Sin of the church today is, the sin of Pride & Stubborness. You can`t tell people nothing, when they think they have all the answers! Or especially, when confronted with sin, or they are just wrong! Invariably, it seems like people react at times either snotty & sarcastic, defensive & hostile, rationalize & justify, or are in complete denial. Remember, just having an improper attitude or motive can be sin before Yahweh. There is so much false teaching [and other things - sin] in the body of Messiah today, and very few people see anything wrong with it. It seems like churches just want to have a "Jesus Party". Preach stuff that "will make us feel good"! No one wants to listen to a message of sin & repentance, that the church itself needs to hear! Look up how many times the word rebuke for example, in a Strong`s concordance and how it it relates to Christians! Tell us about the blessings & benefits of God. But we don`t want to hear about the responsibilities & requirements of what it means to be a Christian! I wouldn`t be doing my job if I didn`t warn people about the coming judgement, starting with the Household of Faith. It`s already started, it`s already here, saith Yahweh. In Y`shua, Tom


Speaking of repentance, here is a "letter of repentance" to the Jewish people. There was an article in "Jewish Voice Today" ( a Messianic Jewish Ministry) - "Evangelical Christians from around the world have presented a "letter of repentance" to the Jewish people, expressing remorse for Christian persecution throughout history, during a ceremony at the Knesset (Israel`s parliament). It acknowledged crimes commited against the Jewish people throughout history in the name of Christianity. "We have sinned against God and against you." The letter continued, "May God grant you the ability to forgive us and may we be brothers and sisters again."
The event was the first in a series of celebrations due to be held in the 40th anniversary of the return of Jerusalem to the Jewish people."
As a Gentile believer and follower of Yeshua HaMashiach, I fully applaud that "letter of repentance" to the Jewish people. It`s long overdue! For me personally, I`ve always had a deep love for the Jewish people and the nation Israel. Israel is their homeland; given to them by God - Yahweh by covenant and promise. Blessings in Y`shua

CHRISTIAN TV ENTERTAINMENT?
"Son of man, your people are whispering behind your back. They talk about you in their houses and whisper about you at the doors, saying, 'Come on, let's have some fun! Let's go hear the prophet tell us what the LORD is saying!' So they come pretending to be sincere and sit before you listening. But they have no intention of doing what I tell them. They express love with their mouths, but their hearts seek only after money. You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don't do it! But when all these terrible things happen to them, as they certainly will, then they will know a prophet has been among them." [Ezekiel 33:30-33 NLT. Also read Is 30:10] They treated it as Entertainment! Because they wanted Entertainment! They didn`t want the true Word of God! It reminds me of believers today! We have tv preacher "movie stars"! How many of them preach on Sin in the Body of Messiah? Everything is always WONDERFUL! You Never see anyone Challenge and Question someone`s doctrine, teaching or lifestyle, if it`s biblically right or not. It makes me wonder... In Yeshua, Tom.

Shalom everyone. Is Yahweh concerned on how we treat His creation? The answer is unequivocally, yes. God the Creator is concerned on how we treat His creation. And get away from the 'disease' known as "Affluenza" [a money & materialistic oriented society & culture]. It`s a no-brainer. It`s just called good stewardship! Yahweh is concerned about other societal issues, such as caring for "the poor the orphans and the widows" and "loving justice and righteousness" [not having graft, greed and corruption]. To me this issue is just common sense. In the Garden of Eden, they were to "tend" the garden, basically act as caretakers! We, as a species, have raped this planet. Used, misused and abused what God has given us. There is nothing wrong with reduce, recycle and reuse. There is nothing wrong with treating this planet, His creation, with respect. As long people don`t make nature, His creation, a god, goddess, or a religion. I have always had a love, respect and appreciation for the beauty of His creation. Even in its fallen form, there is still a great deal of beauty to be seen. T

16. DENOMINATIONS & DISHARMONY

Denominations, by their nature and definition, show disunity, disharmony, dissension, division and discord within the Church. (There is only one Church - Ephesians 4:1-6, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. In fact the Greek word for "church" means "called out ones"! So if you are a Born-again Christian you`re part of the "church"!) Denominations are a human-made thing, not a God-made thing! A schism. It’s outright Sin and it’s negatively affecting and influencing the entire body!The Holy Spirit is not going to give contradictory points of view or interpretation on doctrine to 2 different people, groups of people or denominations. For a few examples: lady preachers in the Church, or not. Spiritual gifts are for today, or they are not. Someone(s) is actively promoting false doctrine and schism within the body! It’s outright Sin. Thus saith Yahweh, "Even the denominational and doctrinal differences are a symptom of the problem, not the root. Effect, not the cause. The root and cause is a proud and stubborn heart!" That’s why the Church is pretty much powerless. It’s divided against itself! (1 Corinthians 11:30.) God is calling the Entire Body of Y`shua to Repent. Thus saith Yahweh "Judgement first starts at MY House (the house of God), Not with the World and Unbelievers! ALSO read 1 Cor. 1; 10-15, and substitute denominational terms like, Baptist, Luthern, Pentecostal, And Church of Christ, for example, for the Names of Paul, Peter, Apollos, and Christ! We are doing EXACTLY what the church at Corinth was doing -Factions! Paul REBUKED them for doing this! In Y`shua, Tom .

15. PROPER BIBLE STUDY

1. Take your time - no rush. 2. Think about what you`re reading. 3. Pray God will show you what HE means. 4. Want to know the Truth! NOT reading into the Word your personal opinions or ideas. What you want the bible to say. Or, taking a verse and lifting it our of context to promote your own agenda - your own ideas. It`s not any ministry, or any denominations bible. It`s God`s Word. His Word.
1. Context of the passage. The ENTIRE passage surrounding the Verse.
2. Word useage and their meaning. The Greek or Hebrew words.
3. Cultural & historical context will shed light on the meaning of a passage. The Hebrew & Greek culture, it`s a different culture, time period, language, etc. The N.T. was written in the common Greek language, but with Jewish Religious thinking, theology, customs, beliefs and practices in mind. NOT with the Greek Worldview! Essentially, the N.T. is a Jewish document! Put yourself there when reading, think and pray for God to help you to understand. It will come alive to you! Read & Study the Entire N.T. If you just read "pieces" that`s all you will get. You have to read the everything to get the Total Picture! Just like if it were a jigsaw puzzle! [Read the O.T. too.] I would recommend 2 or 3 different study bibles. And 3 or 4 different translations. [And at least one word for word translation like NKJV.] Don`t gullibly accept everything a study bible or commentary says. A lot of times they`re right, but not always. Sometimes they are giving you their personal opinion or idea.
Doctrine, Teaching, Lifestyle. It all goes Together! If you don`t understand - "table it". Put it on the shelf for the time being. Learning is a lifelong process! It doesn`t happen immediately. Sometimes it has taken me months or years to fully understand something. Don`t take 1 scripture verse and make a doctrine out of it. You need at least 3 or More different passages. Look at what OTHER passages say about the topic you`re looking at! So many born-again believers are biblically illiterate! By doing so, people are opening themselves up to being spiritually vulnerable & possible spiritual deception [false doctrine and teaching], and tossed to & fro on the sea of life without guidance or direction. Finally, I personally don`t follow a denomination or particular ministry. I follow YHVH - Yeshua! I hope this helps people out there in Blogland! Blessings in Y`shua, Tom Workman

KNOWING GOD`S WILL
Shalom everyone! I will list, and then go on to explain them. 1. Natural [or general] Revelation [Rom 1 :19-20; 2 :14-15]. God the creator has used His creation to teach me. For example: Seeing Beauty, Prayerful Quietness and Waiting on God! 2. The word of God, obviously! It surprises me how biblically illiterate many Christians are. They will read books ABOUT the bible, but not the word itself, or they read just "small pieces" here and there! By doing so, one is leaving themself open to being spiritually vulnerable and/or open to possible spiritual deception [false doctrine and teaching]. Such a person will be "tossed to and fro on the sea of life" without guidance or direction. In fact. Torah - " The Law" - really means Teachings or Instructions [although we are not under "The Law"]! 3. Spiritual gifts. Prophecy for example, "but if All prophesy and an unbeliever walks in, the secrets of their heart are laid bare, and they will be convicted by all and judged by all. And he will say God is really among you!" You also have Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, etc. 4. The Peace of the Ruach HaKodesh - Holy Spirit. I believe it`s Col 3: 15. "And the Peace of God will guard or rule your hearts". The Greek word for guard or rule, means "to act as an umpire"! When there is a peace Deep inside your spirit, That`s the Holy Spirit`s confirmation about something, even if the outward circumstances at times say otherwise! When you are Troubled deep inside your spirit, God is trying to tell you something is Wrong! I would also include in this "those who are led by the Ruach Elohim - [Spirit of God] are sons of God"! 5. Circumstances [God will sometimes 'close the door' on a situation if it`s not His will], even Suffering can teach you alot about yourself, how weak you really are, and what you and your faith is REALLY is made of! God definitely has your Undivided Attention [perhaps that`s His purpose]! Read Heb 12: 5-12. "God rebukes disciplines, even punishes those He loves!" James and Peter also make reference to "partaking of His sufferings", "don`t be surprised by the fiery trials you are going through, as something strange is happening...." and other passages as well [like Rom. 5: 3-5]. Suffering can "Teach" you Humility [like Paul`s "thorn in the flesh"], or to develop compassion in you for suffering people! 6. The Counsel from other believers! How about common sense too! 7. Practice. "They have their senses trained through reason of use..." This is just an abbreviated teaching. I hope it helps! In Y`shua, Tom Workman

14. PREACH TO THE PREACHERS

"Son of man, preach to the preachers, the shepherds of my people, saying, Thus saith Yahweh - so many of them have the sin of pride in their hearts! They love being in authority! They love being the authority!They have forgotten, I put them in authority to serve others." (Also read, Ezekiel 34:1-15 NLT) I`ve been saved almost 30 years. I`ve gone to different types of churches: Faith movement, old time Pentecostal holiness, regular Pentecostal, Evangelical Baptist and traditional. In my experience, the easiest sin for preachers to fall into is pride! Because it`s a sneaky, subtle sin. Don`t you dare question their interpretation, application, or how they run things. So many take things personally and get easily offended. What happened to "test all things... prove all things"? So many preachers have the attitude, "I`m in charge here, and what I say goes". What happened to Y`shua`s words? "You know that in this world, Kings are tyrants and officials lord over the people (flaunt their position and authority and act as tyrants) beneath them. But among you, it should be quite different. Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And, whoever wants to be first (have first place of honor), let him be your slave. Just as the son of man didn`t come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28) Preachers have a mistaken idea that their position and title somehow exempts them from Rebuke, Reproof or Correction. And some of these TV preachers are even worse when it comes to accountability in the body of Y`shua. TV preachers who think they are prophets when they are not! (My published editorial 3/11/06). In Y`shua, Shalom, Tom.

13. SPIRITUAL GIFTS & THE SERVICE

I have some tough questions for believers. Why is it the vast majority of Pentecostal/Charismatic preachers don`t follow the biblical outline in 1 Cor. chapter 14? When it comes to spiritual gifts and the service? 1 Cor.14:5 "I wish you ALL spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesy..." Verse 24 "But if ALL prophesy..." Verse 26 "How is it then brethern? Whenever you come together EVERYONE of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." Verse 31 "For you can ALL prophesy one by one..."Well now I have a prophetic word for preachers - "Thus saith Yahweh, 2 or 3 people are NOT to monopolize the spiritual gifts, the power of God, or the service. Too many of these preachers are on an ego-trip!"And people wonder why we don`t see the power of God oftentimes! The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) is being STIFLED and grieved! More people are supposed to participate in the service, during the service, than 2 or 3 people! Alot of preachers think that the church revolves around them somehow! It doesn`t. And it`s not supposed to.
And now the other perspective. People who don`t believe spiritual gifts are for today. Are you goung to say that millions of pentecostals and charismatics are deceived and wrong? Because either ther are or you are! Someone is promoting schism, false doctrine and division in the Body of Christ! Both points of view cannot be true at the same time! People who deny the gifts love to quote 1 Cor. 13:10 [out of context I might add]. Nowhere in that verse, or chapter even, does it say "when the perfect has come" is the bible, the word of God! You are reading something into that passage that is not there. It goes onto to explain what that "when that perfect has come..." in verse 12. "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I am known." That will only happen when we get to heaven - perfection! And how do you explain Rev 11, the 2 witnesses? If the gifts of the Holy Spirit went out with the 1st century church, then the 2 prophets just before Jesus` second coming is not possible! Why does any of this matter? Because it`s another example of denominational dissention and division in the Body of Christ. This is one, among other reasons, why the church is pretty much powerless. It`s divided against itself! Read 1 Cor. 1:10-15 and substitute denominational terms like Baptists, Church of Christ, Methodists and Pentecostals, for example, for the names of Paul, Peter, Apollos, and Christ! We`re doing EXACTLY what Paul rebuked the Corinthians for doing - pride and factions!

12. EASTER ASTARTE ISHTAR

As a Christian, would you participate in a Wicca Samhain Festival? As a follower of Messiah, would you participate in "The Burning Man" festivities? As a Christian, would you participate in a pagan fertility rite? Webster`s dictionary defines Easter as "originally a pagan festival in honor of the Goddess of spring, Eastre held in April". And, "The word Easter is of Saxon origin, Eastra, the Goddess of Spring, in whose honor sacrifices were offered about Passover time each year." [The New Ungers Bible Dictionary].
YHVH in the Tanakh gave very strong warnings to his people not to adopt the beliefs, customs, and practices of the pagan nations around them.So, why are so many Christians, and so-called Christians, participating in rites that has its origins in pagan fertility goddess worship? (The rabbit and the egg were fertility symbols, for example.) God punished his people Israel for doing similar things! Either forsaking God`s commandments, and adopting pagan ways, or to commingle the worship of Yahweh with pagan beliefs and practices. For a few examples read II Kings 17:3-23 and Jeremiah 44:15-23.
YHVH is "the same yesterday, today, and forever". Originally, this holiday was called "Passover" [1 Cor 5:7] with Y`shua`s resurrection on the "Feast of Firstfruits" [1 Cor 15:20 & 23]! Remember Y`shua was a devout Jewish Rabbi 2,000 yrs. ago. He said " I haven`t come to destroy the Torah (Law), but to fulfill it!" (We`re not under the "Law" [Legalism], but the spirit and purpose of the Torah and the prophets still has possible biblical principles application to us today.) To commingle the worship of Yahweh with pagan beliefs and practices, is an Abomination (one of the stongest words in Hebrew, meaning - detestable, despicable, vile, repulsive).
For the past 1,800 years, the church has moved away from the Jewish Roots & Jewishness of our faith. That`s exactly how we ended up with bad theology, like "replacement theology", where the church replaced Israel, which 50% of the churches teach today, I`ve been told. Or, "dual covenant" theology [ ala John Hagee. Rev. Hagee has since issued an apology for his teaching error "In Defense of Israel". I hope it`s true.], where God deals with Jews and Gentiles differently when it comes to Jesus & salvation. Both are wrong! The N.C. was written with Jewish thinking, theology, customs, beliefs and practices in mind. Not with the Greek Worldview! Essentially, the N.C. is a Jewish Document! The N.C. refers back to the O.C. hundreds of times! We have the Old & New Covenants in our bible! Yahweh hasn`t changed! Same God! We are under the New Covenant relationship. Not under the Old Mosaic Law / Covenant, true. God hasn`t changed though. Same God! Then you have what you call the Indigenous People movement [ http://www.letusreason.org/ has more info. on this]. Where Christians try and "Christianize" or repackage pagan gods, beliefs and practices, to try and make Christianity more palatable for local people. That`s how Easter came about! The name of the pagan goddess Easter was not part of the first century church, in either, in doctrine, scripture or practice. This is not an issue of Legalism. This is an issue of Idolatry! I hope this helps clarify my position. Tom.

11. FALSE PROPHETS / PREACHERS

Jesus said "Beware of when people speak well of you, as their fathers did to the false prophets." What does that mean? 1. False Prophets tell people what they want to hear! Preach and 'prophesy' to people`s lusts, cravings, desires, and egos [pride ]. 2. Won`t Preach stuff that will upset people [generally ], sin in people`s lives. 3. Want to be well liked and feel important. That is where they get THEIR reward. They are on a "ego-trip". 4. 'Prophesy' their own opinions. "For they prophesy a vision of their own heart, Saith Yahweh, I didn`t command them. I didn`t authorize them or send them. They presume to speak for Me, in my Name." Just because someone CALLS themselves a Prophet, does not mean they ARE one! Just like every prophecy isn`t ALWAYS from God! We are told to "Judge". 1 Cor. 14:29. "Let 2 or 3 of the prophets speak, and the rest judge." That word "judge" in the Greek, means, "To discern, to decide [if it`s from God], to scrutinize." Also, "Don`t believe every spirit brethern, but TEST THE SPIRITS whether they are from God or not." A False Prophet will tell you what you WANT to hear, a True Prophet will tell you what you NEED to hear! Food For Thought! False prophets look and sound alot like True prophets. The Counterfeit Prophetic looks alot like the Authentic at times! Yeshua`s first words in talking about the end of days, just before His return were "Watch out. Don`t let anyone deceive you [by being spiritually gullible or foolish]. There will be many claiming to be Messiah [Christ]... and MANY false prophets doing signs and wonders..." [Mark 13:5 and verse 22] "Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, didn`t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons, and do many wonderful things? I will say to them, depart from me, you doers of evil and iniquity, I never knew you!" [Matt. 7: 21-23]
There`s 3 major things I look at with "Prophets". Perhaps there are more factors, but these are the top 3.
1. Doctrinally. Is what this prophet/person - teaching/preaching/prophecies line up with the Word of God? Or are they promoting their own "special" or "secret" revelations, previously not heard of, or taught, in Traditional, Historical, Christianity? A True Prophet will NOT be promoting Fase Doctrine! Do their prophecies not come to pass? Are they given to Coveteousness [which is a form of Idolotry]? Are they oftentimes promoting their own "spiritual experiences"? Instead of pointing people back to the Word of God, and to their relationship with El Shaddai?
2. Fruit. "...You will know them [false prophets] by their fruits" Are they producing "fruit of the Holy Spirit" [exhibiting Christlikeness]? Are they living the Christian Life? Are Christian morals/beliefs/teachings being reflected in their daily life? One possible warning sign of a false prophet, is, they get defensive, hostile, and act dictatorial when someone asks them questions. In other words, do they act like "How DARE you question me? I`m a prophet of God!"
3. Are they involved with the occult/new age practices? For example, tarot cards, foretunetelling [psychics], divination [Ouija boards], Yoga, Reiki, Wicca, horoscopes, mediums, etc. YHVH strongly condemns such practices in the Tanakh (O.T.) To all "The Jesus People" out there, Blessings in YHVH our Yeshuah!

10. THE END IS NOT YET...

IT`S THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS [BIRTH PANGS] Greetings in Y`shua! "Thus saith Yahweh, a word for ALL believers in this country U.S.A. and other developed countries - believers are in for a RUDE AWAKENING! God is going to allow trials, tribulations, hardships, difficulties, pain and persecution, to force His born-again children to grow up already!" [From approx. 2000/2001]
The Bride of Christ, generally speaking is, and has been, lukewarm for quite some time! To put it in today`s language what the lukewarm church was saying "We`re rich and need of nothing..." Is, "We`re not perfect perhaps Yahweh, but we`re fine the way we are, leave us alone!" What`s going to happen to believers if persecution, difficulties, hardships, trials & tribulations that happens in other countries, happens here? People are being MURDERED for their Faith, tortured, put in prison, [like in China for example], mutilated, beaten, sometimes beaten to death, sexual assaults, etc. Would Christians fall apart, or walk away from God? Food for Thought!

9. TV PREACHERS

I have some questions perhaps you can help me with. I don`t believe the financial statements of TV ministries are an accurate portrayal of where the money goes. For example, what is the personal wealth and annual salary of people like Pat Robertson, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, T.J.Jakes, and Others? What are their annual "business or personal expenses" charged to the ministry? Any "perks" that people are not aware of? How about income from their book sales? Are they using the ministry as their personal ATM machine like Benny Hinn is supposedly doing? How about possible "nepotism"? A preacher friend of mine told me that recently, Creflo Dollar was boasting he gave a $1 million dollar check to another ministry! And that he rides around in his personal JETS! It`s an outrage! Some of these tv preachers live an extravagent lavish lifestyle! Ministers of the Gospel are "not to be given to Coveteousness" [which is a form of Idolatry Col 3:5]. We don`t have Men And Women of God, we have TV Preacher Celebrities/Movie Stars! No one preaches on Sin in the Body of Christ anymore! Christianity is Big Business in this Country! It reminds me of what Jesus said on one occasion, "My Father`s House will be called a house of prayer but you have turned it into a den of thieves...", when he turned the moneychangers tables over in the temple. On another note, I watched as Kenneth Copeland said, "We are at the same spiritual level as God" and "We are gods" [believers]. BLASPHEMY! IT`S NOT RIGHT! YHVH said in the Tanakh [O.T.], "You shall have no other gods besides me" [with me or an addition to me]. Jesus himself told Copeland the following prophecy: "Don’t be disturbed when people put you down and speak harshly and roughly of you. They spoke that way of Me, should they not speak that way of you? The more you get to be like Me, the more they’re going to think that way of you. They crucified Me for claiming that I was God. But I didn’t claim I was God; I just claimed I walked with Him and that He was in Me. Hallelujah." (Kenneth Copeland, Take Time to Pray, Believer’s Voice of Victory February 1987) When are those in the Body of Christ going to stand up and say, Enough is Enough already? Does a minister have to claim to be God in the flesh, before Christians are outraged and do something? Copeland is a half step away from that! By not saying anything, doing anything, we are "enabling" these people. We`re just as guilty - passive participants! It`s about time that we in the Body of Christ stood up and sometimes ask tough questions of these TV Preachers, and ministers in general? With all the comments, I need to clarify some things. THERE`S NOTHING wrong withing asking questions of a preacher`s doctrine, teaching, interpretation, or application of the word of God. THERE`S NOTHING with asking a minister questions about their lifestyle you feel might be inappropriate. As long as you do it in a respectful way, THERE`S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT! [Acts 17:11; 2 Tim.2:25; 3:16; 4:2; Ezek. 33: 7-9; 34: 1-15] BOYS and GIRLS WAKE UP! You`re giving preachers WAY too much power to over You! They are here to SERVE US! They are fellow SERVANTS in the Body of Christ! My God if you are afraid just to ask questions of these ministers, I feel sorry for you! They are ACCOUNTABLE to US - The Body of Messiah! Let`s use common sense too, when it comes to Spiritual Things! [A good read on the Faith Movement / Faith Theology is "Christianity in Crisis" by, Hank Hanegraaff.]

8. PROPHETIC ODDS & ENDS

Either you are God appointed or Self appointed. And if you are a Self appointed Prophet, then you are a False Prophet. It doesn`t make any difference how much desire you have for that position. It`s Entirely up to YHVH to give that position to someone or not.Anyone thinks of themself, or calls themself a prophet, you need to take that person SERIOUSLY. To find out if it`s True or not. By allowing a person to possibly give False prophecies, and not dealing with it. You`re possibly placing the entire local body of believers under God`s Judgement! Some people are playing with Fire. God`s Holiness Fire! And if person plays long enough, you will get burned!Speaking of false prophecies, that is to say they are not from God. I`d like to give an example of an older man I witnessed doing this. Giving exhortations and treating them as if they were prophecies. This is what the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) told me word for word. You can judge for yourself. "If a person wants to give an exhortation from their soul, or say something to encourage people, that`s fine. Just Don`t say 'Thus Saith the Lord'. Because it`s not a prophecy from Me. An exhortation from a person`s soul or feelings is not a prophecy from Me - God! That`s what False Prophets do, 'prophesy' their own personal thoughts, feelings, and opinions." Prophecy is not "normal" preaching a minister would do for example. True prophecy is a Supernatural Utterance from God what HE wants to say through a human vessel! He may use that person`s thought processes and language, but it`s still what HE wants to say! Finally giving prophecies is a Byproduct of my relationship with Yahweh. MY primary focus is God Himself. His thoughts, feelings, Him personally. So many people get wrapped up in the position and title of 'prophet'. Instead of focusing on the purpose and function of being a Man of God! With them it`s EGO talking. A true man of God would not act like that! As for 1 Cor. 14:3 ...prophecy for edification, exhortation and comfort. First of all, you don`t focus on ONE verse out of entire bible and make a doctrine out of it. You need to find at least 3 or more different passages to make a doctrine. Then all prophecy would include ALL the prophecies given by all the Old and New Covenant Prophets. Some were Strong! This verse deals with the manifestation of prophecy. The office of prophet, is broader in its scope & function.
"Shall we only accept Good things from Yahweh? Shall we only accept good things from Yahweh? [Positive, feel good prophecies?] And not the Other? His Discipline, Correction, even Rebuke if and when necessary? [Heb.12:5-11, Rev. 3:14-21] Shall we only accept Good things from Yahweh?"
There will be no Substance/Spiritual Growth or Maturity to a local church that only wants to hear positive, feel good prophecies.Some people say "I don`t like the prophecy, therefore it`s not from God." Or, "The message upsets me therefore it`s not from God!" That`s NOT proper spiritual biblical discernment. Going on your personal, subjective thoughts and feelings! So how can you tell if a prophecy is from God? Scripturally and Spiritually! 1. Scripturally it will line up with the word of God. 2.If it is a message from God, the Holy Spirit`s presence, power will be in it, and there will His peace deep inside you. There will be spiritual life and power to the words, to the message. If not, He will not bear witness to it. "My words they are Spirit and they are Life." There`s the Manifestation of prophecy 1 Cor. 12:10, where God can use anybody to give a message. There`s the Gift of prophecy Rom. 12:6, where God uses that person on a regular basis. Then there`s the Ministry Office of prophet Eph. 4:11. Just because a person gives a message, doesn`t mean they have the gift of prophecy. And if a person has the Gift of prophecy, doesn`t mean they have Ministry Office of prophet. 1 Cor. 12:29. Different Greek words and passages! Also, this is what the Holy Spirit told me, "Yes there is a distinction. The biggest difference between the Gift of prophecy [someone who gives prophecies from time to time in the church], and the Ministry Office of prophet is, the Office of prophet is a FULL time position of Authority, a Full time position of Leadership in the Body of Christ!"
Some wrongly teach "attitude is more important than accuracy". And they misquote Acts 21:4, which is actually a "Word of Knowledge" NOT a [false] Prophecy from the Holy Spirit! Read the language Carefully. The disciples just infered that. God will forgive someone giving false prophecies if they repent and acknowledge it as sin. But to teach someone can be right only 15%, or 35% of the time, or whatever [less than 100%], is NOT biblical. If you`re not sure it`s a prophecy from God, JUST DON`T SAY IT! And for those who think they can on demand give prophetic words to anyone, anywhere, anyplace, anytime. Better read 1 Cor. 12:11 and 2 Pet. 1:21. WE are Subject to God, the Holy Spirit is not subject to us! This also applies to gifts of healing, gift of miracles, whatever! What about 1 Cor. 14:32? "The spirits of the prophets, are subject to the prophets." Read it in the NLT version. "Remember people that prophesy are in control of their spirit and can wait their turn." Finally, we are told to "judge" prophecies/prophets. Read 1 Cor. 14:29; 1 Jn. 4:1.

7. "THE HEALING ROOMS"

Here`s just a few of the many examples of the anti-biblical teachings and practices of the founder John G. Lake, taken from John G. Lake, His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith, Kenneth Copeland Publications."The power of God, the Holy Ghost, is the Spirit of Dominion. It makes one a god." And, "...we do not want disease, we want to be gods..." "I want you to hear what Jesus said about himself, God was in Christ, wasn`t He? An incarnation. God is in you, an incarnation, if you were born again. You are incarnate." "For God`s purpose through Jesus Christ is to deify the nature of men, and thus forever make them like unto...Thus he becomes the Son of God, a Saviour and Redeemer forever."[Necromancy]- "She arose from her chair, her eyes quite shut, and came in my direction. I got up and moved to my chair. She walked right around and came to me. She slipped her fingers down, gave me a little chuck just like my late wife would have done, and said, 'Jack, my Jack, God is with you all the time. Go right on. But my baby, my Teddy, I am so lonesome for him, but you pray so hard, so hard, you pray so hard." [According to Lake, this was his deceased wife talking to him.] "Listen, it is not dragging spirits up, and isn`t dragging some spirits down. There is nothing about calling spirits down from God in the Word; only about calling them out of depths." [Better read Deut. 18: 9-12!][Assimilated Sin Nature] "I rose from that chair with one of the most tremendous passions in my nature, one of the most terrible conditions of sensuousness in me. It was days before I felt that I got back again where I was pure and holy in the sight of God...I received the vileness of that person in my nature. It seemed my soul was soiled for days in consequence.""The Christian, the child of God, the Christ-man, who has committed his body as well as his soul to God, ought not to be a subject for healing." [Christ-man, are we equal to Jesus Christ now?]"This new science is known as pneumatology: the science of spirit..." [This is Metaphysics, trying to combine science and religion.] "It is not necessary for the soul desiring Christ`s touch or blessing to have any knowledge of the scientific process by which healing or salvation is accomplished." [Salvation is scientifically accomplished?]The bottom line is John G. Lakes was a false prophet. I know there are many well meaning born again believers out there involved in The Healing Rooms, but you need to get out. "If the tree is evil, the frut will also be evil". "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many wonderful, miraculous, signs in your name? I will say to them depart from me you doers of evil and inequity!"

6. A "GOSPEL OF MONEY"?

Shalom everyone! I`m DEEPLY offended at some of these TV Preachers preaching a "Gospel of Greed of Money and Materialism". People like Tilton and Murdock for example, and Others. How often do hear any of these people Preach a Salvation Message? Or Repentance? And then how often do you hear them preach about Money and Materialism, and their personal wealth and possessions? What happened to Y`shua`s word "You Cannot Serve God and Mammon. Either you will love the one, and hate the other"? Mr. Murdock, 2007 Labor day, on Daystar said, "Your faith can create any kind of future you want". This is not biblical faith. Biblical faith is believing & trusting God and obedient actions to His teachings, God is not your "sugardaddy in the sky"!
"Give to Get"! Send us a "seed offering" for your healing. Send us a "firstfruits offering" so God can bless you! So many times they Link sending in Money to their ministry to get healing, blessing, the anointing, miracles, etc. I don`t see Jesus saying to anyone 'give me money' to get a healing, a miracle, whatever.
It`s interesting that Apostles Paul & Peter doesn`t talk about tithes. They talk about "gifts" or [freewill] "offerings"! Preachers talk about Abraham and his tithe. His tithe was a one time deal and he gave from the spoils of war! It was not 10% of all his possesions! [There is a reference in the book of Hebrews that says that!] The scripture reference in Malachai is just reiterating the Mosaic covenant! [Bible scholars tell us tithes, were actually a form of 'religious taxation' and more like 20%!] Jacob`s tithe was a one time event as well. Also, an important point most people miss is Yahweh made provisions [exceptions] for poor people, and those in extreme poverty, in giving of gifts & offerings. They weren`t required to give the "Full" tithe/offering! People need to study the Word of God for themselves.
For example, "30,60, 100 fold" [Luke 8:11-15]. Jesus TOLD us the "seed", for the "Sower and the Seed", is THE WORD OF GOD! It has nothing to do with Money! Money is not even mentioned in the passage. It has to do with producing fruit of the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit] or Christlikeness in the "soil" - peoples` lives! As for the "100 fold" heresy - "give a dollar and you will get a hundredfold in return!" - false teaching [Mark 10:28-30]. Again it has nothing to do with Money. Money is not even mentioned in the passage. What the passage is talking about is, if you have "LEFT brothers, sisters, family, lands..." [like missionaries do for example], for the preaching of the Gospel, God will reward you in other ways. In Deut 28, Blessings is the RESULT of Obedience. Benefits & Blessings of God should not be an end in itself - what you can get from God! Some preachers are perverting the meaning of God`s Word. Oral Roberts started this "seed-faith" theology false teaching with his false 'vision' of Jesus. Your giving should be out of a motive of wanting to be a Blessing to others, NOT "to get something" from God!
Christians may oftentimes be successful in their earthly endeavors, but God has not promised this to us. In fact, many of the greatest men and women of faith were total failures in the world's eyes (cf. Heb. 11:35-40). Worldly success may be a byproduct of obedience to God, but it should never be our primary goal.
We are told that "though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Cor. 8:9).
How do the "Money Preachers" explain Rom. 15:26; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; and Gal. 2:10? The believers at Jerusalem were notoriously poor! Did the Jewish Apostles and believers misunderstand Jesus` teachings?! Hey! Oftentimes believers in other countries are in poverty because of persecution! Not because of lack of faith or misunderstanding God`s Word! Finally, we don`t have Men or Women of God, we have instead, TV preacher celebrities/movie stars! How many TV preachers preach on sin in the Body of Messiah?

5. DREAMS & VISIONS

Yes, God does give believers dreams and visions for today - Acts chapter 2. What concerns me is I`ve watched as 2 different people 2 different days on the "Joni" show on Daystar talk about "dream interpretation". God does NOT give every believer dreams and visions all the time. Just like spiritual gifts 1 Cor. 12:29. Look in the bible, did every believer in the N.T. get dreams and visions all the time? No. You have to distinguish between 'human dreams' [which are not supernatural revelations from God], and Dreams [which are night visions, that happen when you are sleeping], and Visions from God. What concerns me is you`re getting into that area known as "New Age" and the Occult. Dream interpretation has been around for thousands of years in the occult. The danger is, a person could start putting their trust and faith in their own personal spiritual experiences ['voice' of the Holy Spirit, human dreams, etc.], and open themselves up to possible Spiritual Deception. Instead of putting their trust and faith in YHVH. Put your Faith in God, if he wants to give you a dream [night vision] or vision, that`s entirely up to Him! I`ve had only 3 visions in my entire Christian walk. And I`ve been saved for 30 yrs! And supposed to be His mouthpiece! My 'human dreams' are very vivid and in color. But they were not supernatural revelations from God. The purpose of 'human dreams', which everyone has, is, to try and deal with issues in one`s life. That`s how God created the human psyche [soulish realm]. You just know when you get a dream or vision from God, [it will line up with biblical teachings and principles], it`s just too real. You just KNOW. If you`re not 100% positive, it probably was not from God. Blessings in Y`shua, Tom.

4. THE RAPTURE

"Thus saith Yahweh, believers ARE going through the tribulation period." Why pre-trib is wrong. 1. The large part of 2000 yrs. of Historical Christianity has taught we ARE going through the 7 yr. tribulation period. 2. Pre-trib teaches there are 2 second comings - before and after! Thare`s only one! 3. People say tribulation deals with the Unbelieving World and Israel. We`ve been "grafted into Israel". So spiritually we are Part of Israel, the blessings, the promises, etc. 4. The pre-trib interpretation, has its origins [the last 200 yrs. with John Darby] and taught primarily in THIS country! 5. Other believers have suffered down through history, why not us? 6. Some say, "God will snatch out believers, they won`t go through God`s Judgement". Yet there ARE believers in the tribulation - "They were beheaded for their testimony" and "given white robes" [Rev. 6:9; 7:9; 20:4]. Read 1 Thess. 5: 9-10 in the Amplified version "...[He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] Salvation..." Why doesn`t Paul use the Greek word for 'rapture' [rapture is from a latin word] as in 1 Thess. 4:17, if he meant that? Instead he uses a word for Salvation, not rapture or "caught up". As for Rev. 3:10, was for the church then and, "...will keep [or guard] you." It doesn`t say God will "snatch them out"! 7. Alot of the judgements are people doing things to other people, or because of the result of human misconduct. 8. Like in Egypt, God poured out His judgement, and Israel was protected. 9. Read Matt. chapter 24, Jesus` discourse "They that endure till the end will be saved", "For the sake of the elect [chosen ones] those days will be shortened", & "I will gather my elect from the 4 corners of the earth, and of heaven...". 10. You`re giving believers false hope with pre-trib. 11. In the N.T., "The Last Trump" prophetically is the "The Feast of Sukkot or Ingathering", not "The Feast of Trumpets". The "rapture" is at the second coming of Jesus Christ! 12. The Greek term for Apostasy "a falling away" or "a departing from" used in 2 Thess. 2:3, is the exact term also used in Acts 21:21; 1 Tim 4:1 and Heb 3:12, means, an open rebellion or religious revolt against God! 13. "In 1 Thess 4:17 Paul uses a Greek technical term apantesis, for "meet", which is used in Greek literature outside the bible to speak of citizens going out of a city to meet an arriving magistrate, then to return to the city with him." [Systematic Theology, 1994 edition, by Wayne Grudem, p. 1134 footnote, with other similar quotes, at the bottom of page] 14. In 2 Thess 2: 1-3, "...and our gathering to Himself...", verse 3 "...that Day will not come UNLESS [or until] the great apostasy [spiritual rebellion or open revolt] happens... and the son of perdition is revealed..." If you read the Word at face value it gives the very clear impression we ARE going through it! Don`t read into the Word your personal interpretation, or what you want the Word to say. Finally, Persecution and Tribulation are the only things that will separate the truly dedicated believers, from the wishy washy false believers. And force Lukewarm Christians to grow up!

3. FAITH MOVEMENT HERESIES

Here`s just a few examples of heresies of such people as: Copeland, Hagin, Frederick K.C. Price, Hinn, Jerry Savelle, Morris Cerullo, Creflo Dollar and Paul Crouch [TBN]. Hinn teaches others to repeat, 'Within me is a God-Man.' Say it again. 'Within me is a God-Man.' [Congregation repeats.] Now, let's say even better than that. Let's say, 'I AM A GOD-MAN.' …This spirit man within me is a God-Man. …Say 'I'm born-of-heaven-God-Man. I'm a God-Man. I'm a sample of Jesus. I'm a super being Say it! Say it!" (Praise the Lord, TBN, Dec 6 1990). “When you say I am a Christian, you are saying ‘I am messiah in Hebrew. ‘I am a little messiah walking earth.” “You know what your last name is? Jehovah! So I’m Benny Jehovah! "Are you ready for some real revelation knowledge... you are God" ("Our Position In Christ", tape # AO31190-1) "Though we are not Almighty God Himself, nevertheless, we are now divine." (Benny Hinn, TBN, 12/1/90) "Pray to yourself, because I'm in your self and you're in Myself. We are one Spirit, saith the Lord." & "...And I say this with all respect so that it don't upset you too bad, but I say it anyway. When I read in the Bible where He says I AM, I just smile and say, 'Yes, I AM too.'" (Believer's Voice of Victory Broadcast, 7/9/1987). I watched as Kenneth Copeland [Hagin and Creflo Dollar also has said, Dollar uses the term "God Class"], "We are at the same spiritual level as God" and "We are gods" [believers]. BLASPHEMY! IT`S NOT RIGHT! YHVH said in the Tanakh [O.T.], "You shall have no other gods besides me" [with me or an addition to me]. Jesus himself told Copeland the following prophecy: "Don’t be disturbed when people put you down and speak harshly and roughly of you. They spoke that way of Me, should they not speak that way of you? The more you get to be like Me, the more they’re going to think that way of you. They crucified Me for claiming that I was God. But I didn’t claim I was God; I just claimed I walked with Him and that He was in Me. Hallelujah." (Kenneth Copeland, Take Time to Pray, Believer’s Voice of Victory February 1987) ”Adam was as much like God as you can get, just the same as Jesus when he came to earth, ...Adam in the Garden of Eden was God manifested in the flesh” “Every Christian is a god” “You don't have a god in you; you are one.” [Copeland is a False Prophet.] "God is a faith being, and spoke faith filled words." "Have Faith in your Faith". "Faith is a force, and words are containers of that force" [your faith gives you personal power and you can speak things into existence as God did.] "Satan conquered Jesus on the Cross." [Copleland] "You`re not looking at Morris Cerullo- you`re looking at God. You`re looking at Jesus." [Morris Cerullo] "God created the World by the power of His word, we can create the world around us by the power of our words." [Creflo Dollar] Hagin said, "Every man who has been born again is an incarnation and Christianity is a miracle. The believer is as much an incarnation as was Jesus of Nazareth." A few faith teachers have also taught Jesus`s blood alone does not atone. His physical death wasn`t enough, He had to die spiritually as well and descend and be tormented in Hell. A good source of information is http://www.letusreason.org/ . Also one of my gripes of the Faith Movement has been it`s not balanced. It`s lopsided and one-sided. They like to preach every believer is entitled to perfect Health and Wealth. The Word of God ia also replete with scriptures on Trials and Tribulations, suffering, sacrifice, persecution, hardships, difficulties, etc.Anyways I just scratched the surface here. For a more in depth look read "The Facts on The Faith Movement" - http://www.johnankerberg.org/ & "Christianity In Crisis" by Hank Hanegraaff. It`s well documented, and gives the proper biblical answers to these heresies! Hank took over for Dr. Walter Martin who wrote the classic "Kingdom of the Cults".
By Defending Heretical teachers & their teachings, a person is partaking oftheir Sin, Hypocrisy, & Judgement Saith Yahweh.

2. LUKEWARM PEOPLE?

1.Wrapped up with self. Self-absorbed. 2. "Content to be Complacent" Saith Yahweh. Apathy. Indifference. Little concern for others. 3. Content to read about, talk about, and do bible studies the rest of their lives about the power of God, for example. Instead of having a burning desire and passion to walk in the power, presence and person of God - Yahweh. 4. Come to church to get their "little blessing", and then go home! 5. Denominations, division, discord, disharmony, disunity, dissention in the Body of Messiah. And no one sees anything wrong with it. 6. Proud. Instead of saying "we`re rich and need of nothing". They say "We`re just fine the way we are Yahweh, leave us alone!" 7. Little or no Outreach Ministry. 8. Little or no fellowship and support for hurting/struggling Christians. 9. Because of Pride, little or no Soul Searching. 10. Another name for lukewarmness is wishy washy and half heartedness. 11. Apathy and Indifference to unrighteousness in peoples` lives [the society and culture]. 12. Feeble prayer life. 13. Church is a social club! 14. Lack of witnessing.
Also, oftentimes Lukewarm Christians are backslidden, date, or worse yet, marry unbelievers, divorce, involved with porn, getting drunk, walk around with resentment and hard feelings [which is an unforgiving attitude], have worldy values, any number of things... Food For Thought! In YHVH our Yeshuah, Tom.

1. PRAYER QUIET TIME

There`s a time to talk to God in prayer, and there`s a time to be quiet and listen! People may not realize this, but, just being Quiet, [with a prayerful posture of the heart, and your mind on God], is, and can be, a form of praying. That`s when I get a deeper of revelation/understanding of spiritual things, and of Yahweh, is when I`m quiet! "Be still, and Know the I am God" & "Your strength lies in Quietness and Trust"! I have taught a class named quiet time, for different churches, and community education. The importance of quietness in your prayer life, and its benefits in your daily life. I start out by saying, if you want a deeper, more spiritual walk with Yahweh our Elohim, quiet time is the "doorway" you have to walk through. You won`t get it any other way! Even Y`shua often practiced quiet time and solitude in His prayer life! How much more so us?!
1. Relaxes and Calms. Too much stress doesn`t allow us to Relax and Recharge! Stress is a poison and toxin, over a prolonged period of time, to our emotional & physical well being! Reflection. REST in God`s presence, and practice the presence of El Shaddai! 2. Increases listening "power", and patience. Content just to be quiet. Also disciplines the tongue! 3. Helps control the tongue - [like fasting shows alot of food is unnecessary]! 4. HEAR God`s voice better! 5. Focus and Concentrate better! 6. Creates fertile ground for reflection and mental contemplation! 7. Silence is Real! Helps you stay in touch with what`s real. 8. Increase Awareness and Observation. Pickup on subtle nuances in life, others and self. 9. Quietness is a tool for repentance! Alot of people have little or no self-awareness. They continue to repeat wrong behaviour over and over! 10. Truth - Teller! Most people get VERY uneasy when alone, in quietness for a long period of time. You come face to face with who you REALLY are, and what`s going on inside you! Tranquility - to have it on the inside, you have to surround yourself with it on the outside! Internal "noise" and clutter, clouds your perception, and ability to see things clearly. [A good read is "Spiritual Disciplines For The Christian Life" Chapter 10 by, Donald Whitney.] In Y`shua, Shalom, Tom W.