Stumbling Stones

An overall view of Isa. 8.
The small and gentle stones should be more highly valued by us than the large and rapid rocks of all the nations, and we ought not to envy the great power of the ungodly.
This could be the just punishment of peoples’ distrust and lack of obedience; and we see in it a striking instance of the wicked greediness of men, who cannot be satisfied with the promise and assistance of G-d. One can be broken in pieces if you are thrown into dismay, not watching were you walk and whom you hang out with.
Our nation may throw us into war but G-d's will is going to be done, despite all the plans and preparations. We are tempted to give away to fear and panic in the midst of our troubles, it would be easy to let our heart or mind settle on conspiracies and threats but G-d says “do not fear for He is in control!”
The Father you shall hallow; let Him be your fear. Don't see yourself at the mercy of opposing armies; you are in G-d's hands. Worry about your place with the L-RD instead of your enemies!
Let G-d, and not the problem of the world be the object of your fear. The L-RD will be your sacred place, and your place of protection. He will keep you safe from your enemies, lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.
A stone of stumbling is but an occasion for those who trust Him, the L-RD will be as a resting place. But for those who don't, He will be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. Instead of finding protection from the L-RD, they will "trip" over Him, falling to destruction. Indeed, many among us shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken of sin and ruin, at whom they will take offence and stumble, so as to fall and be broken.
We know that Y’Shua is this stone of stumbling and a rock of offense (1 Peter 2:6-8). This is a strong statement of the deity of Y’Shua, because clearly in Isaiah 8:13-14, the L-RD of hosts is the stone, and clearly in 1 Peter 2:6-8, Y’Shua HaMashiach is the stone.
Waiting on the L-rd is not passive inactivity. It means to wait on the L-rd as a waiter would wait on a table. It means to be totally attentive to the L-rd, focused on His every move, and responsive to His every desire. At times it means inactivity, but even that is an "active inactivity," where we stand before the L-rd, totally focused on Him, waiting for what He wants next. We can battle against stumbling stones by setting your focus on the L-rd. Prepare for the coming attack from the world by waiting on the L-rd instead of your enemies. Waiting on the L-rd is connected with His word. We can wait on the L-rd by waiting on His word.
When you are in trouble, shouldn't you seek your G-d? If you can't rely on your G-d when you are in trouble, then what good is your G-d?
Go to G-d's Word! Law and testimony each refer to G-d's Word. We might say that law refers to God's holy commands, and testimony refers to His Glory. How it needs to be proclaimed to our pulpits today: To the law and to the testimony! Enough with your over-use of anecdotes and jokes! Enough with your emphasis on entertainment and sappy stories! Enough with your catering to itching ears! Enough with your hobbyhorses and pet peeves! To the law and to the testimony!
Let us remember, as ministers of the Gospel, what M'Cheyne beautifully said; 'Depend upon it,' said G-d, 'it is G-d's Word not man's comment upon G-d's Word, that saves souls;' and I have marked, that if ever we have a conversion at any time, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, the conversion is rather traceable to the text, or to some Scripture quoted in the sermon, than to any trite or original saying by the preacher. It is G-d's Word that breaks the fetters and sets the prisoner free, it is
G-d's Word instrumentally that saves souls, and therefore let us brings everything to the touchstone.
If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them: If there is a disagreement between G-d's word and the word of the messenger, it isn't hard to figure out who is wrong. The messenger is wrong. The word judges the messenger; the messenger doesn't judge the word.
The nations will be driven into darkness: When they forsake G-d's word and trust in mediums and wizards and the dead, they are courting darkness, not light!
Beware of stumbling stones weather they be personal or national.

The Name

[Isa. 7:14] Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
This is one of the most famous prophecies regarding the birth of Y’Shua the Messiah in the Bible. It also illustrates a principle of prophecy, that prophecy may have both a near fulfillment and a far fulfillment, G-d and man meeting in one person, and being a mediator between G-d and men.
It is characteristic of predictive prophecy that it often mingles different times together in one composite picture.
A sign - Of your deliverance. But how was this birth, which was not to happen 'till many ages after, a sign of their deliverance from present danger? This promised birth supposed the preservation of that city, and nation and tribe, in and of which the Messiah was to be born; and therefore there was no cause to fear that ruin which their enemies now threatened.
Notice in Isaiah the Messiah was to be named Immanuel.
The name Jesus in the KJV is not mentioned until the N.C. written by Jews living in Atlantic under Greek rule.
'Jesus' is a Greek Name.
Changed to English would have been 'Joshua'.
Changed to Hebrew would be 'Y'Shua'.
We have adopt to the Greek, not only in His name, but in their calendar and name of week-days.
But His name was to be Immanuel.
What else has satan mislead us to?

Whom Shall I Send?

[Isa. 6:8-13] Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Whom shall I send is spoken after the manner of men; otherwise the L-rd knew whom to send, and whom He would send; and could easily qualify anyone He pleased, and send with such a message.
G-d wants to reach the world, and He wants to reach it through willing people. It isn't that G-d doesn't know who these people are. It is that G-d is waiting for ready hearts to reveal themselves.
Those that would assist others in their correspondence with G-d must not themselves be strangers to it; for how can we expect that G-d should speak by us if we never heard Him speaking to us, or that we should be accepted as the mouth of others to G-d if we never spoke to Him heartily for ourselves?
Have you been waiting for G-d to force you to serve Him? He looks for volunteers!
Who, implying that few would be willing to bear the self-denial which the delivering of such an unwelcome message to the Jews would require on the part of the messenger (compare 1 Chron. 29:5).
The Targum says: ``whom shall I send to prophesy? And who will go to teach?''
For us shows the change of the number, I and us, is very remarkable; and both being meant of one and the same L-rd, do sufficiently intimate a plurality of the persons in the Godhead.
Isaiah emphatically answered G-d's call. He did not hesitate.
He didn't even say, "Here I am, I will go." Isaiah would not go at all unless he knew he was sent by the L-RD. Many are quick to say, "Here I am, I will go" but never wait for the L-RD to send them.
Send me, for he who before thought himself undone, and unworthy to be employed in the service of G-d, now having a discovery and application of pardoning grace, freely offers himself to G-d: this shows the true nature and effect of an application of pardon; it gives a man freedom and boldness in the presence of G-d, and stimulates to a ready and cheerful obedience to His will, and engages him with the utmost alacrity in His service; so far is the doctrine of free and full pardon by the blood of the Messiah from being a licentious doctrine.
What created this kind of heart in Isaiah? First, he had a heart that had been in the presence of G-d. He had a heart that knew its own sinfulness. He had a heart that knew the need among the people, the need for G-d's word. He had a heart that had been touched by G-d's cleansing fire. And he had a heart that heard G-d's heart to reach the nations.
G-d takes Isaiah at his word, and here sends him on a strange errand--to foretell the ruin of his people and even to ripen them for that ruin--to preach that which, by their abuse of it, would be to them a savor of death unto death. And this was to be a type and figure of the state of the Jewish Believers in the days of the Messiah. These verses are quoted in part, or referred to, six times, in the New Testament, which intimates that in gospel time these spiritual judgments would be most frequently inflicted; and though they make the least noise, and come not with observation, yet they are of all judgments the most dreadful.
What preacher could be satisfied with a ministry that made the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes? Isaiah might not be satisfied with it. The people might not be satisfied with it. But G-d would be satisfied with it!
Tell by which is declared that for the malice of man G-d will not immediately take away His word, but He will cause it to be preached to their condemnation, when as they will not learn by it to obey His will, and be saved: by this He exhorts the ministers to do their duty, and answers to the wicked murmurers, that through their own malice their heart is hardened, (Acts 28:26; Romans 11:8).
The Hebrew idiom: "You certainly hear, but do not understand; you certainly see, but do not acknowledge." Seeing this is the case, make the heart of this people fat-declare it to be stupid and senseless; and remove from them the means of salvation, which they have so long abused.
Render them the more hardened by your warnings. The words are quoted in the indicative, "is waxed gross, not the imperative, "make fat"; G-d's word as to the future is as certain as if it were already fulfilled. To see with one's eyes will not convince a will that is opposed to the truth (compare John 11:45, 46; 12:10, 11). One must love divine things in order to understand them!
"Lo! I have given thee a charge this day over the nations, and over the kingdoms; to pluck up, and to pull down; to destroy, and to demolish; to build, and to plant." Jeremiah 1:10
The word of G-d can accomplish when it is received with open eyes, ears, and heart. It brings understanding to our heart, it makes us return, and it brings healing to our lives. If you are under the word of G-d and these things aren't happening to you, ask G-d to work with your eyes, ears, and heart!
Do you ever get tired and ask “how long? We are told only to preach the positive, but some people are assigned to tell the truth, which could be negative. So this is a logical question from anyone who is given such a difficult commission. "I have to preach to those who won't hear, and their rejection of my message will ultimately seal their doom? How long will I have to serve in that kind of ministry?"
G-d’s message is more important than the messenger’s comfort.
G-d always shows unchangeable severity towards sin, but covenant faithfulness in preserving a remnant.
Even the word of G-d oftentimes proves a means of hardening sinners. The prophet makes the heart of people fat, not only as he/she foretells it, passing this sentence upon them in G-d's name, and seals them under it, but as their preaching had a tendency to it, rocking some asleep in security (to whom it was a lovely song), and making others more outrageous, to whom it was such a reproach that they were not able to bear it. Some looked upon the word as a privilege, and their convictions were smothered by it (Jeremiah 7:4); others looked upon it as a aggravation, and their corruptions were exasperated by it.
When the word of G-d, especially the word of the gospel, had been thus abused by them, they shall be un-churched, and consequently undone. Spiritual judgments often bring temporal judgments along with them upon persons and places.
Are you willing to pay the price to say “Send me?” Willing to go where He says go? Do what He says do? Say what He says say?
We are to do as we are told and leave the results in His hands!

Seraphims

G-d sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.
The train was His royal and judicial robe; for He is represented as a judge and which the train of divine perfections fill. The train, the skirts of His robes, filled the Temple, the whole world (for it is all
G-d's Temple, and, as the heaven is His throne, so the earth is His footstool), it was filled with the manifestations of His glory. Shekinah Glory which is filled enriched, and beautified with the tokens of G-d's special presence.
Isa.6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
Seraphim - This word is nowhere else in the Bible applied to G-d's attendant majestic beings with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon G-d. Thus called from fire and burning, which this word properly signifies; to represent either their nature, which is bright and glorious, and pure; or their property, of fervent zeal for G-d's service and glory. The beings as flames of fire, that the immorality of that generation might be exhibited, which worthy of being was totally burnt up.
Wings - The three pairs of wings on each of the seraphim are believed to stand for reverence, humility, and speedy obedience to G-d's will. With two he cover his face (to show they are too lowly to look upon G-d), two wings to cover his feet (to hide this "humble" area of the body, so nothing even possibly deficient is seen in the Father’s presence). Two were made use of for flight; when they are sent on G-d's errands they fly swiftly (Daniel 9:21), more swiftly with their own wings than if they flew on the wings of the wind. This teaches us to do the work of God with cheerfulness and expedition.
The seraphim used four of their wings to express their humility, and used two of their wings to express their willingness and ability to serve G-d. This is the proper balance.
Thus they have four wings for adoration and two for active energy; four to conceal themselves, and two with which to occupy themselves in service; and we may learn from them that we shall serve G-d best when we are most deeply reverend and humbled in His presence. Worship must be in larger proportion than energy, adoration must exceed activity. As Mary at Y’Shua's feet was preferred to Martha and her much serving, so must sacred reverence take the first place, and energetic service follow in due course.
With Twain – in Strongs it means a combination (two, both, double, twice).
[3] And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
One - Father, Son, and Spirit, for all the three Persons appear in this vision V. 8.
They cried unto another - This denotes the publicness of their ministry, and their harmony and unity in it with zeal and fervency they cried aloud; and with unanimity they cried to another. They sang alternately, but in concert, and without the least jarring voice to interrupt the harmony. The formed upon the practice of alternate singing, which prevailed in the Jewish Church from the time of Moses, whose ode at the Red Sea was thus performed, (see Exodus 15:20,21) to that of Ezra, under whom the priests and Levites sung alternately. It was the same with that which is sung by the four living creatures, Revelation 4:8. Praising G-d always was, and will be to eternity, the work of heaven, and the constant employment of blessed spirits above, Psalms 84:4.
Two things the seraphim here give G-d the praise of:
1. His infinite perfections in Himself. G-d's power was spoken twice (Psalms 62:11), but His holiness thrice, Holy, holy, holy. They say it three times because there are Three Persons in the One G-d.
The particular pleasure they take in contemplating the holiness of G-d; this is a subject they love to dwell upon, to harp upon, and are loath to leave. Holiness, at its root, has the idea of apartness. It describes someone, or something, which is set apart from other people or things. An object can be holy if it is set apart for sacred service. A person is holy if they are set apart for G-d's will and purpose.
3. The superlative excellence of G-d's holiness, above that of the purest creatures. He is holy, thrice holy, infinitely holy, originally, perfectly, and eternally so. G-d's holiness is a part of everything He is and does. G-d's power is a holy power. G-d's love is a holy love. G-d's wisdom is a holy wisdom. Holiness is not an aspect of G-d's personality; it is one characteristic of His entire Being.
4. It may refer to the three person in the G-dhead, Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit (for it follows, verse 8, Who will go for us? Herein he was, and is, and will be, holy; his ways are equal.
This often repetition signifies that the angels cannot satisfy themselves in praising G-d, to teach us that in all our lives we should give ourselves to the continual praise of G-d.
His glory not only appears in the heavens but through all the world, and therefore all creatures are bound to praise Him.
The whole earth is full of his glory - the Hebrew more emphatically, the fullness of the whole earth is His glory (Ps 24:1; 72:19). The seraphim surrounding the throne of G-d could see this probably more clearly than Isaiah could. We are often blind to the obvious glory of G-d all around us.
[4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Post of the door - rather, foundations of the thresholds.
Voice of him - The seraphim are majestic beings, and their voice carries weight. When they speak, the door posts of G-d's throne room shake! The idea may be that Isaiah was watching from the door way, and when the seraphim cried out, he could feel the door posts shake.
The seraphim have one occupation: Their existence is given over to the praise and worship and honor of the L-RD G-d who is enthroned in heaven. What could we possibly do that is a higher calling than that? They sang so powerfully, the door posts were shaken! Shouldn't we sing with the same passion, the same heart, the same intensity? Do those angels have more to thank and praise
G-d for than we do?
Cried - There are voices in heaven sufficient to drown all the noises of the many waters in this lower world, Psalms 93:3,4. This violent concussion of the Temple was an indication of G-d's wrath and displeasure against the people for their sins; it was an earnest of the destruction of it and the city by the Babylonians first, and afterwards by the Romans; and it was designed to strike an awe upon us. Shall walls and posts tremble before G-d, and shall we not tremble?
House – Temple
Filled with smoke - This smoke reminds us of the pillar of cloud that represented the presence of G-d (Exodus 13:21-22), the smoke on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18), and the cloud of G-d's Shekinah glory that filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-12). A cloud of glory often marks the presence of the L-RD.
[5] Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Woe –What made Isaiah feel like he was coming apart? Two things. First, the sight and sound of the seraphim. Second, the vision of the L-rd G-D.
I am undone – to be silent because he was a man of polluted lips, and dwelt among a people of polluted lips, and was unworthy, either to join the seraphim in singing praises to G-d, or to be the messenger of G-d to His people.
All men, in the presence of G-d, must inevitably be overcome with a sense of wickedness and unworthiness; but that is a different thing altogether from being as wicked as are those in full rebellion against G-d. Confession of sin here as a conscious realization of the wickedness of all flesh in the sight of G-d, and not as an admission that he was just as wicked as the people generally were in that rebellious era.
G-d will never do anything with us till He has first of all undone us.
Unclean lips – instead of boasting of your excellence, and trusting in your might, or comforting yourself in your comparative innocence, you will also be dumb before Him, because you have been a man of unclean lips, and because you hast still an unclean heart.
By nature, our lips are full of flattery and false intent: With flattering lips and a double heart they speak (Psalm 12:2). By nature, our lips lie and are proud: Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous (Psalm 31:18). By nature, our lips deceive: Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit (Psalm 34:13). By nature, our lips are violent: Swords are in their lips (Psalm 59:7). By nature, our lips bring death to others: The poison of asps is under their lips (Psalm 140:3).
I have seen the King - not strictly Jehovah Himself (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16), but the symbol of His presence. Isaiah was a righteous, godly man by all outward appearance. Yet when he saw the enthroned King, the L-rd of hosts, he saw how sinful he was in comparison. Isaiah's life may have been as brilliant as a diamond. But when you lay a diamond against a perfectly black background, and have the right light upon it, you can see every flaw and imperfection - flaws that were invisible before. Even so, when Isaiah's righteous life lay against the background of G-d's perfection, it looked different.
L-rd - Hebrew, "JEHOVAH."
[6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
Flew - By G-d's command.
Unto me - The seraphim had been in the temple, Isaiah outside of it.
A coal - literally, "a hot stone," used, as in some countries in our days, to roast meat with, for example, the meat of the sacrifices. Fire was a symbol of purification, as it takes the dross out of metals (Mal. 3:2, 3). Both a token and an instrument of purification.
The tongs - These majestic beings, surrounding the throne of G-d, ministered to Isaiah. One flew to Isaiah with a live coal - which means the coal was still hot and burning. It was so hot that even an angel had to use the tongs from the altar.
The altar - Of burnt-offering, in the court of the priests before the temple. The fire on it was at first kindled by G-d (Lev. 9:24), and was kept continually burning.
[7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Laid it - So as only to touch my lips, and not to burn them; which G-d could easily effect.
Mouth . . . lips - The mouth was touched because it was the part to be used by the prophet when inaugurated. So "tongues of fire" rested on the disciples (Acts 2:3, 4) when they were being set apart to speak in various languages of Jesus.
Lo - This is a sign that I have pardoned and purged the uncleanness of thy lips.
Iniquity - conscious unworthiness of acting as G-d's messenger.
Purged - literally, "covered," that is, expiated, not by any physical effect of fire to cleanse from sin, but in relation to the altar sacrifices, of which Messiah, who here commissions Isaiah, was in His death to be the antitype: it is implied hereby that it is only by sacrifice sin can be pardoned.
This declares that man cannot render due obedience to G-d, till He has purged us.

Dietary Laws Barnabas

From Barnabas chapter 9 tells us how all were designed for a spiritual signification.
1. But why did Moses say ‘you shall not eat of the swine, neither the eagle nor the hawk; not the crow; nor any fish that has not a scale upon him? The answer, that in the spiritual sense, he comprehended three doctrines, that were to be gathered from thence.
3. Now the sow he forbade them to eat; meaning thus much; you shall not join yourself to such persons as are like unto swine; who whilst they live in pleasure, forget their G-d; but when any want pinches them, then they know the L-rd; as the sow when she is full knows not her master; but when she is hungry she makes a noise; and being again fed, is silent.
4. Neither, says, he shall you not eat the eagle, nor the hawk, nor the kite, nor the crow; that is you shall not keep company with such kind of men as know not how by their labor and sweat to get themselves food: but injuriously ravish away the things of others; and watch how to lay snares for them; when at the same time they appear to live in perfect innocence.
5. So these birds alone seek not food for themselves, but sitting idle seek how they may eat of the flesh others have provide; being destructive through their wickedness.
6. You shall eat the lamprey, nor the polypus, nor the cuttle fish; that is, you shall not be such men, by using to converse with them; who are altogether wicked and adjudged to death. For so those fishes are alone accursed, and wallow in the mire, nor swim as other fishes, but tumble in the dirt at the bottom of the deep.
7. Neither shall you eat of the hare. To what end? To signify this to us; You shall not be an adulterer; nor liken yourself to such persons. For the hare every year multiplies the places of its conception; and so many years as it lives, so many it has.
8. Neither shall you eat of the hyena; that is, again, be not an adultery, nor a corruptor of others; neither be like to such. Because that creature every year changes its kind, and it sometimes male and sometimes female.
9. For which cause also he justly hated the weasel; to the end that they should not be like such persons who with their mouths commit wickedness by reason of their uncleanness; nor join themselves with those impure women, who with their mouths commit wickedness. Because the animal conceives with its mouth.
10. Moses, therefore, speaking as concerning meats, delivered indeed three great precepts to them in the spiritual signification of those commands. But they according to the desires of the flesh, understood him as if he had only meant it of meats.
11, And therefore David took aright the knowledge of his three-fold command, saying in like manner.
12. Blessed is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly; as the fishes before mentioned in the bottom of the deep in darkness.
13. Nor stood in the way of sinners, as they who seem to fear the L-rd, but yet sin, as the sow.
14. And hath not sat in the seat of the scorners; as those birds who sit and watch that they may devour.
15. Here you have the Law concerning meat perfectly set forth, and according to the true knowledge of it.
18. In short, with those who know that to meditate is a work of pleasure, and therefore exercise themselves in the word of the L-rd.
19. But why might they eat those that clave the hoof? Because the righteous lives in this present world; but his expectation is fixed upon the other. See, brethren, how admirably Moses commanded these things.
20. But how should we thus know all this, and understand it? We, therefore, understanding alright Commandments, speak as the L-rd would have us. Wherefore he has circumcised our ears and our hearts, that we might know these things.
The signification of which is this: that we go down into the water (baptism) full of sin and pollutions; but come up again, bringing forth fruit; having in our hearts the fear and hope which is in Y’Suha, by the spirit. And whosoever shall eat of them shall live forever.

Corrupt by Choice

Isa. 5: 3-7 This section of Isaiah is a masterpiece. First, Isaiah concealed the identity of the vineyard and the One who planted; and then, when He explained what happened, He asked His hearers to "Judge" between the owner and the vineyard. It is easy to know what the judgment of the people was certain to be in that situation. Next, notice the dramatic shift to the first person on the part of the prophet. Why? Isaiah was G-d's mouthpiece here and was speaking for G-d Himself. Notice the promise to "command the clouds". Only G-d could do that. At that point, no doubt, the more discerning of Isaiah's hearers had begun to understand; but then the prophet hit them squarely with the full, literal, unvarnished truth. G-d indeed had planted the vineyard which was composed of Israel and Judah. He would now remove all of the protection from His people and cause them to be overrun and destroyed. Furthermore, He restated their guilt in some of the most dramatic words in the Bible, utilizing the device of paronomasia. The Hebrew here uses pairs of words to contrast what G-d looked for and what He received. These words, similar, and almost identical in sound have radically different meanings.
"G-d looked for justice (mishpat] in Hebrew) but received bloodshed, or oppression, (mispah] in Hebrew). G-d looked for righteousness (tsedakah] in Hebrew) but received a cry (seakah] in Hebrew). This play upon the contrasting meanings of similar words is called paronomasia, and will be noted often in this prophecy. Of course, much of the force of such contrasts is lost in translation from one language to another.
The ground was carefully prepared (dug it up and cleared out its stones). It was planted with good stock (planted it with the choicest vine). It was protected (a tower in its midst). Provision was made for the fruit to be processed (made a winepress in it).
With all these advantages, it is not surprising that He expected it to bring forth good grapes. What else would be expected? In the story, there was nothing left undone by the owner of the vineyard. He did all he could do. In the same way, G-d cannot be blamed at all for the wild grapes people brought forth. G-d did all He could do, apart from making men robots, acting apart from or against their wills.
We are dealing here with something worse than unfruitfulness. The New Testament also speaks of a faith that brings forth fruit, but the fruit is dead works, which pollute the air like a cadaver. The wolfs-bane, or wild vine (2 Kings 4:39), does bear beautiful berries, but they are bitter, foul-smelling and poisonous in nature. This is a precise description of the self-willed and false religion of the unfaithful covenant people.
Wild grapes mean that the vineyard produced just what you would expect it to produce if nothing had been done to it. All the love, care, time, work, and investment resulted had no result.
Has it been so with us? Have we rewarded the Well beloved thus ungratefully for all His pains? Have we given Him hardness of heart, instead of repentance; unbelief, instead of faith; indifference, instead of love; idleness, instead of holy industry; impurity, instead of holiness?
Vine-dressers use to dig up and open the earth about the roots of the vines. The vineyard will receive nothing from the L-rd. The vineyard resisted and protested the "pruning" and "digging" and "watering" the owner did. So now, the owner says, "Fine. No more pruning or digging or watering. You will see for yourself if that is better."
Many discouraged children of G-d wish the L-rd would stop pruning, stop digging, and stop watering. Those things may be hard, but it is even worse when the L-rd stops doing them!
The parable is partly dropped and Jehovah, is implied to be the Owner: for He alone, not an ordinary husbandman (Matt. 21:43; Lk. 17:22; Matt. 21:43.), could give such a "command."
No rain - I will deprive you of all My blessings.
Judgment and righteousness are true fruit of the fear of G-d and therefore in the cruel oppression there is no religion.
When errors and corruptions, vice and immorality, go without check or control, no testimony borne against them, (no one speaking up) no rebuke given them or restraint put upon them, the vineyard is un-pruned, is not dressed, or ridded; and then it will soon be like the vineyard of the man void of understanding, all grown over with thorns.
G-d in a way of righteous judgment, denies His grace to those that have long received it in vain. The sum of all is that those who would not bring forth good fruit should bring forth none. The curse of barrenness is the punishment of the sin of barrenness, as Mark 11:14.
The departure of G-d's Spirit from those persons who have long resisted Him and striven against Him and the removal of His gospel from those places that have been long a reproach to it, while it has been an honor to them. It is no loss to G-d to lay His vineyard waste.
He looked for judgment and righteousness that the people should be honest in all their dealings and the magistrates should strictly administer justice.
It is very sad with a soul when instead of the grapes of humility, meekness, patience, love, and contempt of the world, which G-d looks for, there are the wild grapes of pride, passion, discontent, malice, and contempt of G-d instead of the grapes of praying and praising, the wild grapes of cursing and swearing, which are a great offence to G-d.
Since the Father made us with “free will”, we can choose to be as the good grapes bearing much fruit or we can choose to be corrupt. There are too many corrupt societies; maybe it is the sign of the times.
Remember who owns the vineyard; He will one day come as fire (judgment).
Choose wisely for we will be held accountable!

Church of God Doctrines

The Apocrypha and the lost books of the Bible lost me a position or was it just the excuse? I was going to the Church of God and the pastor kept telling me I was getting old and needed a church family so I tried to get involved. There are nice people that were going there. They got flooded with babies, and lack enough 'teachers'. So I volunteered, thinking maybe it was time to put out what
G-d had deposited in me. My hearts compassion is having everyone love G-d's Word.
I think my gifting is making the Book come alive and give it understanding.
The pastor had rules and conditions that one must jump through before he gives a answer; I started jumping through all his hoops. Knowing one cannot be too careful in whom they learn Scripture from. (2 Tim. 2:15.)
When it came down to D-day, I was pulled aside and the pastor said he had called his supervisor to look at my blog. Does that seem strange to you? Does he call his supervisor to check out all his people? It was going to be only a small group teaching.
His supervisor did not like the fact that I had some 'Apocrypha writings in there and science research topics'. He said it was 'against their doctrines', so the answer was 'no' because they do not believe in extra writings.
Believe what? That they never existed? Here is a list of some mention in the King James Bible - and there is also a list for the New Covenant.
I have never taught on any of them, but I do rabbit trails as G-d leads me. I will be lucky to get the Scriptures done before I pass on to Glory Land. The Apocrypha was one of the college courses I had taken and found interesting, but my calling is to research the Scriptures.
The lesson I learn is that G-d used me to challenge one of His servants. My prayer is he will take 'this issue' to prayer and see what G-d says. I will continue to keep my nose to the books! G-d has set me aside for a reason. G-d lead me to having a blog as a way of releasing what was deposited and teaching who-so-ever cares to read it.

24 Lost books of the Old Covenant:

1. Book of Wars (Num. 21:14).
2. Book of Jasher (Josh. 10:13; 2 Sam. 1:18). On line: http://www.bibleufo.com/anomlostbooks6.htm#Jasher
3. Book of Nathan (1 Chron. 29:29; 2 Chron. 9:29).
4. Book of Samuel the Seer (1 Chron. 29:29)
5. Book of Gad (1 Chron. 29:29).
6. Acts of Solomon (1 Kgs. 11:41).
7. Prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chron. 9:29).
8. Vision of Iddo (2 Chron. 9:29).
9. Iddo Genealogies (2 Chron. 12:15).
10. Story of prophet Iddo (2 Chron. 13:22)
11. Chronicles of the kings of Judah (1 Kgs. 15:19).
12. Chronicles of the kings of Israel (1 Kgs. 15:31).
13. Prophecy of Jonah (2 Kgs. 14:25).
14. Book of Shemaiah (2 Chron. 12:15).
15. Book of Jehu (2 Chron. 20:34).
16. Acts of Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:22).
17. Lamentations for Josiah (2 Chron. 35:15).
18. Sayings of the Seers (2 Chron. 33:19). On line:
http://www.topical-bible-studies.org/04-0018.htm
19. The manner of the Kingdom (1 Sam. 10:25)
20. Book of the Covenant (Ex. 24:7)
21. Epistle to Corinth (1 Cor. 5:9).
On line: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.toc.html
22. Acts of Uziah (2 Chron. 26:22).
23. The Annals of King David (1 Chron. 27:24).
24. Book of Enoch (Jude 1:14). On line: http://www.bibleufo.com/anomlostbooks6.htm

Woe Unto Them

Woe unto them occurs in 21 verses in Scripture. Check six of them located in Isaiah 5and see what the Father is trying to tell us.
Verse 8 Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
The world and the flesh are the two great enemies that we are in danger of being overpowered by; yet we are in no danger if we do not ourselves yield to them.
Woe - the first was against covetousness.
Join house to house - takes it to be expressive of crying and groaning, on account of future punishments; and he observes, that as there are twenty two blessings pronounced in the book of Psalms, on those that keep the Law, so there are twenty two woes pronounced by Isaiah upon the wicked.
Lay field to field - the sin of covetousness is exposed and condemned in these words; not that it is unlawful in itself for a man that has a house or field of his own to purchase another that is next unto it; but when he is insatiable, and not content with his houses and lands, but is always coveting more, this is his sin, and especially if he seeks to get them by fraud or force.
Till there be no place - for others to dwell in and possess, city, or field; till they have got all the houses in the town or city, and all the pieces of ground in the field, in their own possession.
Alone - If they could succeed, they would be placed alone in the midst of the earth, would monopolize possessions and preferment's, and engross all profits and employments to themselves. Not that it is a sin for those who have a house and a field, of they have wherewithal, to purchase another. That they alone may be the lords and owners, and all others only their tenants and servants.
Verse 11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Woe - the second woe against intemperance.
Rise up early in the morning - To rise up early in the morning is healthful, and to rise to do business is commendable; but to spend the day in drunkenness and intemperance is very criminal, which is here meant.
They may follow - strong drink; not only drink it, but follow on to drink; diligently seek after it, where the best is to be had; go from house to house till they have found it; closely follow the drinking of it, till inebriated with it.
Strong drink - in the Greek of both Testaments, rendered by us by the general term strong drink meant properly palm wine, or date wine, which was and is still much in use in the Eastern countries. Judea was famous for the abundance and excellence of its palm trees; and consequently had plenty of this wine. In Hebrew likewise the wine has its name from its remarkably inebriating quality.
That continue until night - drinking all day till evening at their pots, with their drinking companions, even all the day till night comes, the twilight either of the evening or of the morning.
Till wine inflame them - their bodies with heat, and their souls with lust.
Verse 18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
Woe - Third woe against obstinate perseverance in sin, as if they wished to provoke divine judgments.
That draw - That is not only drawn to sin by the allurements of the world; but are active and illustrious in drawing sin to themselves.
Iniquity - An evil inclination is at first like a fine hair-string, but the finishing like a cart-rope. Wickedness increasing from small beginnings, till it arrives to a great magnitude. An evil inclination is at the beginning like a fine hair-string, but at the finishing like a thick cart-rope. By a long progression in iniquity, and a continued accumulation of sin, men arrive at length to the highest degree of wickedness; bidding open defiance to
G-d, and scoffing at his threatened judgments.
Cords of vanity - the prophet seems to refer to idol sacrifices. The victims they offered were splendidly decked out for the sacrifice. Their horns and hoofs were often gilded, and their heads dressed out with fillets and garlands. The cords of vanity may refer to the silken strings by which they were led to the altar, some of which were unusually thick. The offering for iniquity was adorned with fillets and garlands; the sin-offering with silken cords, like unto cart-ropes. Pride, in their acts of humiliation, had the upper hand.
Sin - added to sin, and one sin drawing on another, till the whole comes to an enormous length and magnitude; compared to the work of a rope-maker still increasing and lengthening his rope, with the continued addition of new materials.
Cart rope - As a long cable lengthened beyond its natural measure.
Verse 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe - Fourth woe against those who confound the distinctions of right and wrong.
Call evil good, and good evil - that call evil men good, and good men evil.
Put darkness for light, and light for darkness - as if the perversion of these things was not merely through ignorance and mistake, but purposely and willfully against light and knowledge; so people acted when they preferred the darkness of their rites and ceremonies, and human traditions, before the light of the glorious Gospel of Y'Shua.
Bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter - sweet shall be the words of the Law to them that do them; but bitterness ("rebellion") shall come to the wicked; and they shall know, that in the end sin is bitter to them that commit it.
Verse 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe - Fifth Woe against those who were so "wise in their own eyes" as to think they knew better than the prophet, and therefore rejected his warnings.
Wise in their own eyes - And yet betray such stupidity, as to call things by their wrong names; and make such a perverse judgment of them, as before described.
Prudent in their own sight - being wise above what was written; leaving the word of G-d, and following the traditions of the elders.
Verse 22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Woe - Sixth Woe against corrupt judges, who, "mighty" in drinking "wine" (a boast still not uncommon), if not in defending their country, obtain the means of self-indulgence by taking bribes ("reward"). The two verses 22-23 are closely joined.
Mighty to drink wine - That can bear a great deal, and not be overcome and intoxicated with it but woe their strength was weakened.
Men of strength - That can bear a great deal, and not be overcome and intoxicated with it but to drink wine; by which their strength was weakened.
To mingle - To drink: the antecedent being put for the consequent: for they mingled it in order to drinking.
Mingle strong drink - not with water, but spices to make it intoxicating (Prov. 9:2, 5; SOS 8:2). Some men show not their strength in combating their enemies, but in drunkenness and debauchery.
Sins described which will bring judgments upon a people: and this perhaps is not only a charge drawn up against the particular articles of that charge, but is rather intended for warning to all people, in all ages, to take heed of these sins, as destructive both to particular persons and to communities, and exposing men to
G-d's wrath and His righteous judgments. Those are here said to be in a woeful condition, has time improved or do we fit into that era?
We are by long custom and confirmed habits so hardened in sin that we cannot get clear of it. Those that sin through infirmity are drawn away by sin; those that sin presumptuously draw iniquity to them, in spite of the oppositions of Providence and the checks of conscience. Some by sin understand the punishment of sin: they pull G-d's judgments upon their own heads as it were, with cart-ropes.
Whose who glory in it as a great accomplishment that they are able to bear a great deal of strong liquor without being overcome by it, who are mighty to drink wine, and use their strength and vigor, not in the service of their country, but in the service of their lusts. Let drunkards know from this scripture that,
1. They ungratefully abuse their bodily strength, which G-d has given them for good purposes, and by degrees cannot but weaken it.
2. It will not excuse them from the guilt of drunkenness that they can drink hard and yet keep their feet.
3. Those who boast of their drinking down others glory in their shame.
4. How light so ever men make of their drunkenness, it is a sin that will certainly lay them open to the wrath and curse of G-d.
The judgments described, which these sins would bring upon them. Let not those expect to live easily who live thus wickedly; for the righteous G-d will take vengeance! One errs in vision, and stumbles in judgment when drinking and go counter to all rules of fairness. Is it worth it all to satisfy the flesh?

Lukewarm

Truly My ways are My ways and My thoughts are to be your thoughts!
Too many of My people do as the world thinks then they wonder why things don't go right for them.
I called you out to be separated from the world. Many need to get off the rail of the fence and make a decision whom they choose to follow.
I ask you to become holy and you will then see the lame walk and the dead rise!
You will be bless My children, if you walk in My ways and separate yourselves.
This is not the time to be playing church My people, get in or get out of the Spirit's way.
Wolfs clothing will be made visible for I am separating the wolfs from My lambs.
Watch whom you run with, for you are guilty by association.
Place yourself with one that will speak out My word, for My word brings life!
Walk in holiness and righteousness.
I see your heart, lay it open and I will do the operation.
I will cut out all the wrong done if you will let Me change a heart of stone into one that is apply able. I will write My word in such a heart.
Speak to thy self, speak to your soul, speak My words of life.
Do what you say and receive it.
Believe what you say, for My promises are true.
The things of the world will soon be fading away, as you speak daily My words.
I don't want to be your all in all - I want to be your everything!
See My word written in Eph. 4:22-24, 29, 31-32:
And that ye put on the new man, which after G-d is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as G-d for Y'Shua's sake hath forgiven you."I love you when you were even in your mother's womb.
I love you with a everlasting love!

Peope of Valor

Wake up people of valor!
Heaven is not as far away as you may think.
If you have invited Y'Shua into your heart, then you have heavenly in you.
All you have to do is bring the inside out.
Then you live in heavenly surroundings.
Create your own atmosphere!
Don't look to the right nor to the left.
Don't look up and don't look down.
Look within to the One you invited in.
Allow Him to be your guide and your strength!
Joel 3: "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision, for the day of the L-rd is near in the valley of decision."
This month you will run into two people, your physical self and your spiritual self.
Which one will you embrace?
The word for the month is MUCH.
If you have been faithful in the little things, G-d is going to give you MUCH.
MUCH is in the horizon!
MUCH more fruit!
MUCH more gifting that has been lying dormant inside of you!
MUCH is in the horizon!
Stay steadfast for MUCH more is headed your way.
Reach high in your praising and receive MUCH more to glorify His Kingdom!
Wake up people of valor, for the harvest is ripe.
This is not the time to slumber. Don't let the fruit fall to the ground to spoil.
Faith without works is dead.
He needs warriors that are ready to reap in and raise up the harvest.
Wake up, I say wake up!

Fall Season

The fall season is upon us if you stand sill for a moment you can feel G-l's presents all around you. The soft blowing wind is raining down all the beautiful colored leaves, what a marvelous display of colors, He has made!
Aren’t we a mixture of beautiful colors also? We sometimes go through different seasons too, We sometimes go through different seasons too, were we may fall but we still can be used in different territory or ways.
Liken onto the fall leaves that can be gathered up to make decoration. Some leaves get turned over and over until they die to themselves and get used as compose to nourish the ground. All things in G-d's nature have a purpose for each season they pass through.
The sky and the waters are filled with His geese as they gather together, discussing their flight to warmer weather. Have you ever noticed their V shaped in fight? What organization! The leader takes the blunt of the wind, shielding those that following him. When he grows tired he will drop in the back of the line, allowing another to take the lead. Looks like all will get a change on leading the flock to better ground.
Do you think it is like our so-called training and equipping of the saints?
One can't do it by themselves so we need to be developing more leaders. Even Moses had to learn that lesson.
As I sit quietly by the lakeshore, I am surrounded with all sizes and colors of rocks. They come in all shapes and forms. I can imagine the day when they too will sing their praises to our Heavenly Father.
Waves of restoration are rolling in.
There is a change in the weather; the wind of the Spirit is overtaking all that are acceptable in its path.
New beginnings are coming upon G-d's people!
Get ready for the change!
Old things that were holding you down will be removed. This has to be done to make room for the right things and people to come into your life. When times are tough, the right people well be put in place that will encourage you to stand up and go the distance,.
New anointing are being poured out.
More of His gifting is being distributed.
The creative G-d is hearing your prayers.
Your part is to flow with G-d's wind, allowing His breath to bring in the changes needed in your life.
Just let go and let G-d!
You need to develop good skills in discernment and filter all things through the Father.

Ten Test of Abraham

Sent me on a seach to find just what the ten test were, from Jewish writings:
1. A severe test was Abram had to oppose his father Terach and take a stand against the idolatrous culture of his day.
A test of making a stand.
2. Jewish traditions says Nimrod organized the construction of the Tower of Babel in Abram’s day. Abram refused to worship him; he was arrested and thrown into a fiery furnace for three days. Abram survived this ordeal, but when his brother Haran was likewise tested, he was burned alive. “Ur Kasdim” means ‘fire of kasdim.’
A test of having only one G-d.
3. Leaving his homeland and travel as a penitent to an unknown place in Gen. 12:1
It was a test of faith and surrendering for a 75-year-old man.
4. Taught Abraham to depend on G-d for material needs. Tested with famine in Gen. 12:10, after G-d had promised him blessing and prosperity. This he failed.
5. Dealing with Sarai’s abductions by Pharaoh in Gen. 12:14-15. Then again taught Abraham to depend on G-d for personal safety, but he failed. Abram became a victim of government-sponsored injustice in Gen. 20:2.
This he failed because he told a half-truth and said she was his sister. A test of truth.
6. He had to rescue Lot from an invading army testing his loyalty. He pasted this, and proved his concern for his family. Gen. 14:12-16. Tested Abraham's ability to depend on G-d despite stress and division in his family. He passed this test and revealed the value of an unselfish spirit.
7. The dreadful Vision. After Abram was made party to the ‘Covenant between the Parts,’ he experienced the dreadful vision of his descendants being subjugated for 400 years in Gen. 15:1-21.
8. Taught him to wait for his baby, Isaac, to be born. Sadly, he didn't pass this and G-d punished him for it. Gen. 16. Abraham's willingness to remain strong against the tempting pleas of loved ones. He would always give into his wife whenever she wanted to disobey the L-rd. But, he failed.
9. Painful circumcision at the age of 99. At Abram’s advanced age, he was commanded to circumcise himself and his son Ishmael in Gen. 17:10. He failed because he did not do it when he was first told to.
10. The last test that I know of was the hardest. It was a test of obedience. He was tested in how well he could put G-d first. He had to go to Mt. Moriah and sacrifice his only son. He passed and the G-d rewarded both him and Isaac for their willingness to obey.
Abraham is without question one of the outstanding individuals of the Old Testament. God spoke to him personally, actually visited him in his home and even considered him a friend. And Abraham loved God. He obeyed him, served him, and was even willing to sacrifice his son to prove his faith.
A life spent learning to obey G-d is like a journey, with a stating point, a route and a destination. Your journey may not be as eventful as Abraham’s, but you can be sure there will be tests and trials, ups and downs, successes and failures along the way. We can all be encouraged by these examples from the life of the father of the faithful.
Found from the KJV:
1. Test of separation from the past. Gen. 12:1
2. Test of G-d’s presents 12:7
3. Test of faith 12:11
4. Test of commitment comes with sacrifice 13:4
5. Test of trusting 15:4
6. Test for spiritual strength 17:10
7. Test of knowing the mind of G-d 18:23
8. Test of unity with ones mate 21:12
9. Test of trusting G-d’s promises 21:13
10. Test of obedience 22:1