The account of Yahshua and the paralyzed man is a powerful reminder of the potency of faith in action or living out one’s faith. Luke 5:18-20, 24-26, Mark 2:2-5, 9-12, and Matthew 9:2, 6-8 tell of the same historical event. Today we will look at the event shared in the book of Luke. 

18. And, behold, men carrying on a cot a man who was paralyzed. And they sought to bring him in, and to lay him before Him. 

19. And not finding a way through which they might bring him in through the crowd, going up on the housetop, they let him down through the tiles with the cot, into the midst, in front of Yahshua. 

20. And SEEING THEIR FAITH, He said to him, Man, your sins have been forgiven you.

24. But that you may know that the Son of Man has the authority on the earth to forgive sins, He said to the paralytic, I say to you, Rise up, and take your cot and go to your house. 

25. And rising up at once before them, taking up that on which he was lying, he went to his house glorifying YAHWEH. 

26. And amazement seized all, and they glorified Elohim, and were filled with fear, saying, We saw wonderful things today.

Luke 5:18-20, 24-26 

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Yahshua’s reputation for teaching and healing had spread far and wide, attracting large crowds wherever he went. One day Yahshua was in a house surrounded by people outside and overflowing within. On this same day, some men brought their paralyzed friend on a cot, hoping to get him healed by Yahshua. The sheer size of the crowd could have easily deterred the man’s friends, yet they refused to be discouraged. The men being persistent, navigated through the immense multitude to the house. However, upon arriving at the house, they discover Yahshua is inaccessible due to the massive amount of people inside. 

Still, the man’s friends unwavering dedication and determination pushed past the impossibility. They ingeniously devised a plan to get their ailing friend to Yahshua and acted on it. The men climbed up the side of the house, got on the roof, and began ripping tiles off the roof, creating a hole. Once the hole was big enough for the cot to fit, they pulled their friend up to the rooftop and lowered him down to Yahshua. 

After the men lower their paralyzed friend to Yahshua, the Bible presents something interesting about faith. It says that Yahshua SEEING THEIR FAITH (Emunah and Pistis) forgave the man’s sins and later healed him. This event sheds light on what the Apostle Yaʿaqov (James brother of Yahshua) suggested when he said in James 2:18, “I WILL SHOW YOU MY FAITH BY MY DEEDS (actions, behaviors, labor, and works).” Their actions also serve as a reminder that faith without action is dead or empty. James 2:17 eloquently articulates this point, stating that “faith, if it does not have deeds, is dead being by itself.” Let us all be encouraged by the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends and strive to take purposeful steps in our own lives, demonstrating our unwavering belief.

14. My brothers, what is the gain if anyone says he has faith, but he does not have deeds? Is the faith able to restore life to him? 

17. So also faith, if it does not have deeds, is dead being by itself. 

18. But someone will say, You have faith, and I have deeds. Show me your faith apart from your deeds, and I WILL SHOW YOU MY FAITH BY MY DEEDS.

James 2:14, 17-18

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

These men demonstrated their strong faith in Yahshua through their actions, which were apparent to Him and others. They were determined to bring their friend to Yahshua without regard for who was watching or who was being offended, even if it meant damaging the homeowner’s roof. While I do not support damaging someone else’s property, I do believe in living out one’s faith regardless of who may be offended.

Heroes of Faith

Hebrews 11 outlines a few historical people in the Bible who were faith heroes. When reading the chapter, you will see they all had behaviors, deeds, works, and actions motivated by Emunah, which showed Pistis (full persuasion).

• Vs. 4 Abel offered
• Vs. 5 Enoch pleased
• Vs. 7 Noah built an ark
• Vs. 8 Abraham went
• Vs. 9 Abraham stayed (yes, sometimes staying is an act of faith)
• Vs. 11 Sarah received (she was open to receiving)
• Vs. 17 Abraham offered up
• Vs. 20 Isaac blessed
• Vs. 21 Jacob blessed and worshiped
• Vs. 22 Joseph gave instructions
• Vs. 25 Moses chose
• Vs. 27 – 29 Moses left, endured, instituted, and crossed
• Vs. 30 Israelites encircled the walls of Jericho
• Vs. 31 Rahab received
• Vs. 32 – 35 Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets who by faith:
  • Overcame kingdoms
  • Worked out righteousness
  • Obtained promises
  • Stopped the mouths of lions
  • Quenched the power of fire
  • Escaped the mouths of the sword
  • Acquired power from weakness
  • Became strong in war
  • Made armies of foreigners to yield
  • Restored to women, their sons
  • Raised people from the dead

Heroes of Faith that Were Persecuted

Living out your faith for all to see can become complicated, especially for those living in countries where it’s illegal to be a believer, pray, or have a Bible. However, Matthew 5:10 promises, “Blessed are they who have been persecuted (victimized, oppressed, afflicted, tortured, murdered) for righteousness’s sake! For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.“

Hebrews 11, verses 35 – 38 outline other fully persuaded people that didn’t gain victory on earth. These folks were persecuted for living out their faith in the ways listed below:

• Beaten to death
• Received trial of mocking
• Scourged (whipped)
• Chained and Imprisoned
• Stoned to death
• Sawed in two
• Murdered by sword
• Were given sheepskins and goatskins to wear while being made destitute (without the basic necessities of life)
• Afflicted
• Ill-treated
• Stephen is an excellent example of this found in Acts 6-7.
• Yahshua is the ultimate example of this (To sin or not to sin, that is the question.

Are you Fully Persuaded for YAH?

Life as a Bible Believing Believer (BBB) has some locked-in requirements set by YAHWEH that automatically set you apart and may even lead to persecution. Spreading the good news and keeping the Sabbath are two examples that are sure to make you stand out. To truly live out your faith, it’s crucial to love Yahshua and obey His commandments (John 14:15). So, are you willing to persevere through persecution for the sake of your faith (persuasion), as exemplified in Hebrew 11:35-38? Would you eagerly preach the good news of salvation like Stephen when faced with certain death? Can you follow in the footsteps of Yahshua and deny yourself even to the torture stake Matthew 16:24? If you answered no to these questions, you may not be as persuaded as you thought. 

Gauge yourself:

• If you tell your friends, associates, or someone you work with that you are a Believer, would they agree that you are? 
• If you look at yourself in the mirror, would you say you are a Believer according to the Bible?
• Does your deeds, works, actions, behavior, and speech magnify your faith, and does it cause others to glorify YAHWEH?

By David Edwards

The post Who are you offending? Part 4 – Faith in Action appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

It is evident worldwide that many Christians have diluted the Word of YAHWEH or deviated from the original teachings of the Bible, which originated with the Israelites or Hebrews (Deut. 14:2 and Deut. 7:6). There are many noticeable biblical deviations when referencing living out one’s faith. However, today let’s look at the mindset of Faith. 

Definition of Faith

1. Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
2. Strong belief in a god or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
3. Places the action upon the subject rather than its object, as in faith in YAHWEH.

Definition of Emunah (Faith in Hebrew)

1. Action-oriented involving active support.
2. innate conviction, a perception of truth that transcends, rather than evades, reason
3. Places the action upon the object, as in support YAHWEH.

Explaining the Concept of Faith and Action.

Allowing your faith to be defined in your life by words alone, internalized thoughts, feelings, or the notion that all you need to do is believe, is flawed doctrine. Faith was always meant to function as emunah. Emunah is not actionless faith, it’s faith completed by works, actions, or deeds.

Example: Imagine you have faith that the light in the room will turn on if you flip the power switch, but you never get up and flip the switch. Your Faith remains in your head as knowledge of a possibility, a feeling, or a belief that something is plausible. Whereas emunah does not remain an intellectual concept in your head, you act on it because you have a belief in the light turning on.

The Apostle Yaʿaqov (James), brother of Yahshua (Galatians 1:18-19), profoundly understood how a believer in YAHWEH should conduct themselves. The Apostle firmly believed that true believers, including himself, ought to exemplify their faith through their actions ( behavior, works, or deeds). Displaying your faith to the world is not for show, and it can not and will not obtain salvation for you. Salvation can only come from Yahshua. However, living out your faith displays irrefutable evidence to the world that you are indeed a devout follower of YAHWEH and Yahshua Ha-Mashiach. In Matthew 16:24, Yahshua told His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and let him bear his torture stake, and let him follow Me.” This is what we must do, deny ourselves daily and determine to obey his will, which will cause us to display our faith and obedience. This type of faith shows an unwavering conviction and unrelenting dedication to the teachings of YAHWEH.

14. My brothers, what is the gain if anyone says he has faith, but he does not have deeds? Is the faith able to restore life to him? 

17. So also faith, if it does not have deeds, is dead being by itself. 

18. But someone will say, You have faith, and I have deeds. Show me your faith apart from your deeds, and I WILL SHOW YOU MY FAITH BY MY DEEDS.

James 2:14, 17-18

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Apostle Yaʿaqov Perspective on Faith and Deeds

Apostle Yaʿaqov offers a clear and concise explanation of the often misunderstood connection between faith and deeds in James 2:14, James 2:17-18. To gain a deeper understanding of this concept, we will approach the Scriptures with the same level of analysis as a Berean. It’s essential to take note of the Greek word for faith, which is “Pistis,” a term that embodies the notions of persuasion and conviction. When individuals are thoroughly or fully persuaded of something, they are unwavering in their beliefs, even when faced with opposing evidence. The Greek word for deeds is “Ergon,” a term that encapsulates one’s actions, deeds, and works. Essentially, the scriptures convey that faith and deeds are closely intertwined. If there is no tangible evidence of one’s persuasion (faith) displayed through their behavior, works, or deeds, then their faith is either dead or insincere. In other words, if an individual’s faith is genuinely alive and authentic, then it will be reflected in their actions and words, not merely in their spoken beliefs. True faith will result in good deeds, actions, works, and the manifestation of the fruit of the spirit.

Where did the Apostle Yaʿaqov get this thinking or perspective? Perhaps from his big brother Yahshua. In John 14:11, Yahshua said, “Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; BUT IF NOT, believe Me because of the works themselves. Yahshua is telling the people to believe in Him, but if they can not take His word for it, believe because of the deeds or works He was doing. Therefore presenting as conformation that works, actions, or deeds are used as proof.

Abraham’s Pistis and Emunah on Display

Lastly, Romans 4:20-22 says, But he (Abraham) did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of YAHWEH, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to YAHWEH, being FULLY PERSUADED that YAHWEH had the power to do what He had promised. Therefore his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with YAHWEH).   

1. YAHWEH told Abraham to leave his land, family, and everything he knew and go to a land He would show him. Abraham showed unwavering trust and belief in YAHWEH as he departed into uncharted territory with his family. He demonstrated his faith through his actions without any doubts or hesitation. This was a profound act of faith. (Genesis 12:1-5)
2. YAHWEH tested Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his one and only son to Him. With no hesitation, Abraham took his son Issac up to be sacrificed (Genesis 22:1-19). Abraham’s faith was in the promise YAHWEH made to him in Genesis 15:5 that his descendants would be as the count of the stars in the sky.

Let’s all understand faith like the Apostle Ya’aqov and be fully persuaded like Abraham, demonstrating our faith through our actions.

By David Edwards

The post Pt.3 Who are you offending? – Faith, Deeds, and Actions appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

Definition of FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real)

1. An unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger and accompanied by increased autonomic activity.

Definition of Ashamed

1. Embarrassed or guilty because of one’s actions, characteristics, or associations.
2. Reluctant to do something through fear of embarrassment or humiliation.

16. Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

22. And you will be hated by ALL on account of My name (Yahshua – YAHWEH is Salvation), but the one enduring to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 10:16 and Matthew 10:22 (HRB)

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Many believers struggle with the fear of offending others with their faith in YAHWEH and Yahshua and being hated for it. This fear causes numerous believers to constantly worry or be overly concerned with how others perceive them. Fear leads to anxiety, and anxiety produces more fear. Unfortunately, for most, this combination is lethal and paralyzing. This combination can prevent you from expressing your faith and cause you to feel isolated from others who do not share your beliefs.

Being trapped in this fear hinders believers’ ability to embrace and live out their faith and beliefs. YAHWEH has charged each believer to live a set-apart life (1 Peter 1:15-16) and to spread the good news of salvation to the world (Mark 16:15). Therefore, as believers, this type of FEAR is incompatible with our faith. It is important to remember that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, and sharing your faith respectfully and without fear is perfectly acceptable. By embracing and practicing your faith openly and being true to yourself, you can find comfort and strength in your faith and may even inspire others to join you as a BBB (Bible Believing Believer). Remember, it was Yahshua who sent us out among wolves, so we need to be wise in our movements around them.

Speaking Your Faith

7. For YAHWEH did not give a spirit of cowardice (fear) to us, but of power and of love and of good discipline. 

8. Then do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Master, nor of me, His prisoner. But suffer hardship with the good news, according to the power of Elohim, 

2 Timothy 1:7-8

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

When YAHWEH places it upon your heart to share your faith or testimony with another person, it’s essential to have faith that YAHWEH will provide you with the strength, love, and fortitude you need to do so effectively. Sometimes, feelings of cowardice or nervousness may arise, and you might become ashamed, but it’s crucial to recognize that these emotions are coming from yourself or Ha-Satan, rather than from YAHWEH. So instead, trust in His guidance and believe in the power, love, and good discipline YAHWEH placed in you to spread His message confidently. Remember that YAHWEH is always with you, supporting and empowering you every step of the way.

In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul emphasizes to Timothy that he must not allow himself to feel ashamed of the testimony of Yahshua. Paul knew that the plan of YAHWEH for salvation through Yahshua seemed foolish and unconventional to many and that following a crucified Master and proclaiming Him as savior was not popular. Despite this knowledge and the challenges and persecutions that would come with it, Paul understood that this was the only way for lives to be transformed and souls redeemed. So, Paul never wavered in living out his faith and urged Timothy, and now us through the living word of YAHWEH, to do the same. It is imperative that we rid ourselves of any feelings of shame or embarrassment towards Yahshua so that we can openly and freely share the good news with others. When we feel ashamed of something, we tend to conceal it, distance ourselves from it, or even try to mask it to avoid negative attention or criticism. In order to truly embody the teachings of Yahshua, we must let go of any shame or fear and embrace our faith with confidence, conviction, and certainty.

My wife and I recently purchased a flip phone for our teenage daughter to use in case of emergencies and for us to reach her. However, to our surprise, she acted like it was the worst thing ever. My daughter felt ashamed and embarrassed to have it with her and petrified of the social woes she would face if she used it in public. She would turn the ringer down or off and hide far away from her friends when talking on it, fearing that someone would see her using it. Unfortunately, my daughter’s embarrassment never faded but grew into disobedience. She started intentionally leaving the phone at home and pretending not to know its whereabouts. As with my daughter, being ashamed will increase if not dealt with and will override your sense of obedience to YAHWEH. You don’t want to get to the point where you are so ashamed of the good news of Yahshua that you fall into disobedience.

We mustn’t allow shame to fester and hinder us from sharing the good news. As faithful followers, it’s our obligation to spread the message of salvation with pride and openness to all who are willing to receive it. It’s a responsibility we must fulfill without any hesitation. It’s essential to keep in mind that we all deserve the love and redemption that comes with accepting the good news. 

Living Out Your Faith

32. Then everyone who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in Heaven. 

33. But whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny him before My Father in Heaven.

Matthew 10:32-33

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

We become somewhat useless and powerless when we don’t let go of the fear, ashamedness, and anxiety of living out our faith. How are people to know who you are and what you stand for if you are not living or willing to live by the scriptures, hiding who you are, scared to be a witness, scared to tell your testimony, and afraid to live in obedience to the word of YAHWEH for the risks or fear of offending others. We’re not supposed to blend in, fade into the background, or be indistinguishable from the world. We are 1 Peter 2:9 – “an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy people…that you should proclaim the praises of Him (YAHWEH) who called you out of darkness to His precious light.” Believers are set apart and meant to be different from others. We are to be a light to the world, illuminating the message and the ways of YAHWEH and the Messiah Yahshua through our lives for all to see. (Matthew 5:14).

Matthew 10:32-33 tells us that if we confess Yahshua before men, he will confess us to YAHWEH the Father in heaven. However, if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before YAHWEH the Father in heaven. This means that those who dissociate themselves from YAHWEH and Yahshua for the sake of family, relationships, friendships, wealth, popularity, or freedom(s) will be rejected by the Father. In other words, you refused association with Yahshua on earth through disobedience, therefore you will not be able to or be allowed to claim association with Him in eternity.

The World Lives Out it’s Faith

The world surely lives out its faith in self and the devil and flaunts it proudly with no shame for all to see. A smoker/vaper will blow smoke in your presence, the drunkard will drink and get drunk in your presence, the LGBTQ+ will take over a whole community and have a parade in your presence, and people will use foul language and tell nasty jokes in your presence, etc… But in the meantime, you are scared/ashamed to open your Bible in public, you close your Bible app when someone gets close, you feel awkward about sharing the good news of salvation, you rush through blessing your food, and you are afraid to use the personal name of our Father, “YAHWEH” etc. To add insult to injury, you sometimes join the world (James 4:4) by calling yourself a casual smoker, social or stress drinker, part-time cusser, little white liar, etc. But you never invite them to do or observe the things of YAHWEH.  

I encourage everyone to live out their faith in YAHWEH. May YAHWEH bless you. 

Scripture of encouragement to live out your faith.

1 Peter 3 13-18 with a focus on (15-16).

Acts 10:42

Matthew 5:16

Acts 1:8

1 Peter 3:15

Acts 22:15

Isaiah 43:10

Matthew 28:19

2 Timothy 2:1-3

Proverbs 14:25

By David Edwards

The post Pt.2 – Who Are YOU Offending? (Hiding in Fear) appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

Definition of Offending

1. Cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful
2. Be displeasing to
3. Break a commonly accepted rule or principle

Sent into the World to live out our Faith

16. Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

22. And you will be hated by ALL on account of My name (Yahshua – YAHWEH is Salvation), but the one enduring to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 10:16 and Matthew 10:22 (HRB)

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

It is of utmost importance for us as believers in YAHWEH the Father and Yahshua the Son, our Messiah, to share the message of salvation and abide by the teachings of Scripture(s). However, it is disheartening to note that our dedication to living out our faith will sometimes result in unfavorable perceptions and treatment from others. Such negative reactions can range from mild disapproval to intense hostility, leading to various forms of persecution, unfair treatment, and being labeled as narrow-minded, inferior, or weak. Despite these challenges, we must remain unwavering in our beliefs and strive to exemplify the love and compassion of our Savior.

The question is, Why? Why are BBBs (Bible Believing Believers) treated negatively and persecuted? The simple answer is that we live out our faith in  YAHWEH with conviction or let your light shine for  YAHWEH and Yahshua, which contradicts the lifestyle and choices of most people. But let’s see what the Bible says about it!

Placing Stumbling Blocks

7. Then, it is to you who believe, that this honor is given. But to disobeying ones, He is the “Stone which those building rejected; this One became the Head of the Corner.”

8. He is a stone of STUMBLING and a rock of OFFENSE. And they stumble at it, because they believe not the word: for which they were appointed.

1 Peter 2:7-8 (HRB)

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

When you live out a faith, which tells you to live a holy set apart life (1 Peter 1:15-16), separated from the world and worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and James 4:4), you are illuminating Yahshua to a lawless people. Yahshua is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. Your presence alone brings many a sense of unwanted shame and often inflicts a silent rebuke. Your life was built with Yahshua as the cornerstone and the things of YAHWEH as the other stone. Their cornerstone and the stones of their entire building are of their own sinful choosing. 

• You built your life on YAHWEH and His Word through Yahshua, the cornerstone.
  • They rejected Yahshua and built their life on their own stone(s). 
• Your stones say Yahshua is the only way to YAHWEH. (John 14:6)
  • Their stones say to worship whatever god you please because there are many ways to G_o_d.
• Your stones say one man and one woman until death do they part. (Genesis 2:24)
  • Their stones say same-sex marriage, polygamy, fornication, and bestiality. 
• Your stones say no lying or bearing false witness. (Exodus 20:16)
  • Their stones say sometimes you need to lie. 
• Your stones say no killing. (Exodus 20:13)
  • Their stones say abortion is a right.
• Your stones say YAHWEH created everything. (Colossians 1:16)
  •  Their stones say everything created came out of nothing in a big bang. 0+0 = something.

You are a constant reminder of Yahshua and a different way of life they don’t believe in. Yahshua is the “stone of STUMBLING and a rock of OFFENCE.” The more you live with Yahshua as your foundational cornerstone, the more you will stick out. The ways and reasoning of this world will never align with your beliefs. Because of that, you will be offending with the rock of offense and placing Yahshua, the stone of stumbling, along their path.

Non-believers will hate you because they reject YAHWEH, His Word, and Yahshua. Believers will treat you less than and say that you are holier than thou, doing too much, or call you a legalistic. Remember, the people of YAHWEH rejected Yahshua, hated Him, and later killed Him for simply living out the will of his Father in full. When you live out your faith to the full, you are following the steps of Yahshua, and being hated is a part of it, even if it comes from people who say they believe.

The animosity coming from believers stems from believers that are unaware of Bible truths because they refuse to open the Bible, read it, study it, and believe it in its entirety. Many Christians and I was one of them, kept the Bible closed until church time and mainly depended on the words of the Pastor or whatever preacher delivered the sermon. This behavior leads to complacency, foolishness, blindness, and at worst, destruction. For info on how to study, please review the “How is your Study Life?” Pts 1, 2, 3, and 4.

The Light of the World

14. You are the light of the world. It is not possible to hide a city that is built on a mountain. 

15. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under the bushel, but on the lamp stand; and it shines for all those in the house. 

16. So let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father in Heaven. 

Matthew 5:14-16 (HRB)

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

When you truly live out your faith in Yahshua, it is very evident to non-believers and believers that you are different. The Bible says that we are the light of the world and a city that sits high on a mountain. When your light shines, it provides light for quite a distance and touches and influences many people in many ways. This light should not be hidden or ignored but instead spread. Your light should be prominent and noticeable, like a lone house at night with lights during a multiple-day power outage in the summer. 

The purpose of letting our light shine or living out your faith is to allow others to witness and glorify our Heavenly Father and to inquire how they, too, can receive the same forgiveness, salvation, joy, and peace you have. However, as mentioned earlier, it is essential to acknowledge that our light may also serve as a stumbling block for some as they struggle to come to terms with their own beliefs and values. As such, it is crucial to approach our faith with humility, compassion, and love, always striving to lead by example and inspire others to follow in our footsteps.

Questions to consider before next week’s food for thought!

• Do you fear upsetting people more than you fear offending YAHWEH?
• Are you more worried and concerned about how others perceive you than how YAHWEH sees you? 
• How do you balance your desire for social acceptance with your commitment to YAHWEH?
• In what ways do societal expectations and norms influence your decision-making?
• How do you seek guidance and discernment in making difficult choices that may not align with popular opinions?
• How can we cultivate a culture of authenticity and vulnerability in a world that often values image over substance?

By David Edwards

The post Who are YOU Offending? Part 1 appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.