4. You shall not make a graven image for yourself, or any likeness in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth; 

5. you shall not bow to them, and you shall not serve them; for I am YAHWEH your Elohim, a jealous El, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons, on the third and on the fourth generation, to those that hate Me;

Exodus 20:4-5 (HRB)

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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.

Definition of Jealous:

1. Intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness
2. Fiercely protective or vigilant of one’s rights or possessions
3. Feeling or showing suspicion of someone’s unfaithfulness in a relationship
4. Feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages

There’s a considerable amount of misunderstanding surrounding YAWHEH’s statement about Himself, the creator of the Heavens and Earth, being a jealous El. The confusion occurs when people are fooled into thinking or believing that YAHWEH is jealous or envious of what they have and wishing He had it. However, this understanding needs to be changed as it is not accurate. YAHWEH’s jealousy does not resemble flawed human jealousy, which usually stems from a place of envy, greed, and covetousness. YAHWEH is the creator and owner of everything (Colossians 1:15-17) and is the one that provides “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17). As such, it would not be reasonable for Him to feel envy towards anything we might possess.

Oprah Winfrey’s Account of a Jealous El

(See minutes 5:17 – 7:30)

Oprah Winfrey shared a story about a charismatic minister who preached about YAHWEH being omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and jealous. She recounted how she sat listening to this great minister and couldn’t help but wonder to herself, ““God” is jealous of me?” Her thoughts left her unsettled, stating, “something about that didn’t feel right in my spirit.” Oprah began to explain that the words “The Lord thy “God” is a Jealous God” was her awakening that moved her to search for and explore something more than doctrine. 

Righteous Doctrine

I firmly believe that individuals must reject and walk away from manufactured doctrine and instead prioritize the teachings of the Bible (Colossians 2:8). It is imperative to follow only those doctrines that align with Scripture or, even better, allow the word of YAHWEH to guide your beliefs. The word of YAHWEH should dictate your doctrine instead of the doctrine dictating your beliefs. Man-made doctrines are often associated with cherry-picking Scriptures to detach them from the surrounding context to change their true meaning. Therefore, we must prioritize the whole truth of Scripture over any manufactured beliefs and truly embrace the wisdom and guidance the Bible provides (2 Timothy 3:16).

Continued: Oprah Winfrey’s Account of a Jealous El

Oprah’s exploration for spiritual enlightenment outside of the doctrine she was currently in took a demonic turn that led her away from righteous doctrine. She continued her story and dropped a bombshell by quoting Eckhart Tolle, which indicated that she did not move away from doctrine but instead chose another man’s doctrine or philosophy. She moved away from the belief in YAHWEH and His son Yahshua and moved more to a belief in self and the multiple ways to “Heaven” ideology. Regrettably, her misunderstanding of Scripture and mischaracterizations of YAHWEH led her astray from the path of righteousness. Her new beliefs are a cause for concern as she is now leading many others down the same road, further distancing them from YAHWEH and Yahshua.

Even now, she and other celebrities like Steve Harvey continue to promote the false idea (doctrine) that there are multiple paths to “God” and eternal life through self-belief or any of the numerous religions in the world. A study by the Pew Research Center indicates that a shocking 58% of American Christians believe other religions can lead to eternal life. Contrary to that belief is the truth found in (John 14:6 and Acts 4:12), which proves that there is only one way to YAHWEH, and that is through His Son Yahshua. See the: “What is Sin” Series Parts 1-6 to understand the only way.

What Does: “I Am Yahweh Your Elohim, a Jealous El” Mean? 

With strange gods they moved Him (YAHWEH) to jealousy; and with idols they provoked Him to anger. 

Deuteronomy 32:16 (HRB)

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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.

First, it is crucial to recognize and acknowledge that we belong to YAHWEH. He created us and placed us on His Earth as His possession. Unfortunately, Adam introduced sin and death to humanity, which created a separation between humanity and YAHWEH. Thankfully, as a demonstration of His love for us, YAHWEH sent His only begotten son (John 3:16), Yahshua, to pay for our sins and allow us to be reconciled with Him. Through Yahshua’s sacrifice, we can once again become the possessions of YAHWEH.

Jealous is defined as “intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness” and “fiercely protective or vigilant of one’s rights or possessions.” When this definition is applied to the word Jealous in the Scripture, and we accept that we are His possession, it allows us to understand more clearly the intentions of YAHWEH. I am YAHWEH, your Elohim, and I will not tolerate rivalry or unfaithfulness. I am fiercely protective and vigilant of YOU, my possession. Exodus 20:4-5 illustrates the righteous jealousy that YAHWEH has for us, His possession, not jealousy of us.

Furthermore, to fully understand the meaning of Exodus 20:4-5, it’s essential to read it in context. Exodus 20:4-5 gives the second commandment, specifically addressing the act of creating, worshiping, and serving idols. YAHWEH is concerned with His possession falling prey to idols. The Bible makes it clear that there is only one El, and no others exist (See Scriptures at the bottom). Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), and that we were redeemed with a great sacrifice. Therefore, it’s not appropriate to offer up this sacred temple to idols.

So says YAHWEH, the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, YAHWEH of Hosts: I am the First, and I am the Last; and there is no Elohim except Me.

Isaiah 44:6 (HRB)

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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.

Human Example of Righteous Jealousy

When a man and woman come together in a marriage, they become bonded to each other by the covenant agreement they made with each other. Any interference with this union can trigger righteous jealousy. For instance, if a man’s wife is pursued by another man and she responds positively, it will and should cause the husband to experience righteous jealousy as she is his partner and belongs to him. Similarly, suppose a child decides to spend more time with another family instead of their own. In that case, it can lead to a sense of righteous jealousy from the parents and possibly their siblings.

Why? Because your spouse and children belong to you. This is why YAHWEH repeatedly calls us His bride and His children in the Bible (See Scriptures at the bottom). We rightfully belong to Him for three reasons: 

1. He created and loved us
2. He purchased us with the blood of his Son Yahshua
3. Covenant agreement (we are His bride). 

Conclusion

We must stop playing the harlot with idols and return to YAHWEH.

There is Only One EL and One Way to Him.

Deuteronomy 4:35,39, Deuteronomy 6:4, Deuteronomy 32:39, 2 Samuel 7:22, 1 Kings 8:60, 2 KINGS 5:15, 2 Kings 19:15, 1 Chronicles 17:20, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 18:31, Psalm 86:10, Isaiah 37:16,20, Isaiah43:10,11, Isaiah44:6,8, Isaiah 45:21, Isaiah 46:9, Hosea 13:4, Joel 2:27, Zechariah 14:9, Mark 12:29-34, John 17:3, Romans 3:30, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, Galatians 3:20, Ephesians 4:6, 1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 2:5, James 2:19 

We are His Bride.

Ezekiel 16:8-14, Jeremiah 31:32, Ezekiel 16:59-60, Isaiah 54:5, Hosea 2:7, Joel 1:8, Jeremiah 2:2, Ezekiel 16:43, Hosea 2:15, Jeremiah 3:20, Jeremiah 2:32, Ezekiel 16:32-34, Hosea 1:2, Hosea 9:1, Hosea 2:2, Isaiah 50:1, Jeremiah 3:6-10, Jeremiah 3:12-14, Hosea 3:1-3, Isaiah 54:6-8, Hosea 2:14, Isaiah 62:4-5, Jeremiah 31:31-33, Ezekiel 16:62, Hosea 2:16, Ephesians 5:25-33, John 3:29, Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19-20, Luke 5:34-35, Matthew 22:2, Matthew 25:1-13, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 22:17.

By: David Edwards

The post I Am YAHWEH Your Elohim, a Jealous El appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

2. For I testify to them that they have zeal to Elohim, but not according to knowledge. 

3. For being ignorant of the righteousness of Elohim, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to the righteousness of Elohim.

Romans 10:2-3 (HRB)

A few months ago, a friend shared a head-scratching video with me asking for my thoughts on the topic. The video featured a charismatic preacher/pastor who irrationally claimed that men with facial hair or beards were prideful, not anointed, and not true believers. I found his statements and rant absurd, and honestly, it left me feeling quite puzzled and taken aback. It begs the question, if YAHWEH created us with facial hair, why would he condemn us to the Lake of Fire for having it? Nonetheless, what shocked me even more was the congregation’s cheering and enthusiastic support of the pastor’s interpretation of biblical Scripture, which he ironically didn’t even provide in the clip I saw.

Unfortunately, my knowledge of this preacher is limited; therefore, I cannot determine his true intentions from this one message. Consequently, that leaves a few options to categorize this preacher’s message. At best, he misunderstood and misinterpreted some Scriptures and would benefit from prayer and guidance from YAHWEH. YAHWEH can open our minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Alternatively, he may have genuine zeal to follow YAHWEH but have been misguided by the false doctrine he was taught, resulting in the prioritization of flawed false teachings over the word of YAHWEH. At worst, he is a false teacher working for the father of lies and needs stern rebuking. Since he is this passionate and wrong about beards, I am concerned about what else he is teaching and its accuracy. 

Here Are the Biblical Facts Related to This Topic:

• Beards were common, well-maintained, and not to be worn like the pagans.
  • Leviticus 19:27 and Leviticus 21:5

• Not having a beard was shameful for some.
  • 2 Samuel 10:3-5 —  Remain in Jericho until your beard grows

• Instances of Beards
  • David (1 Samuel 21:13)
  • Aaron (Psalm 133:2)
  • Ezekiel (Ezekiel 5:1)
    • Ezekiel finished this final act of defilement by shaving his head and beard, which was a pagan ritual for the dead (Ezekiel 27:31, Isaiah 22:12) which the Torah forbade (Deuteronomy 14:1). This whole process was extremely humiliating and disqualifying from serving Elohim Leviticus 21:5 Isaiah 7:20 (Study note from HRB)
  • Ezra (Ezra 9:3)
• The Bible does not say that Beards will keep you from eternal life with YAHWEH.

Caught Up By Their Words

In today’s world, there is a growing fascination with charismatic speakers, including biblical teachers, preachers, and pastors. Christians have become unable and unwilling to accept the true meaning of Biblical Scripture because the personality of Mr. or Mrs. Charismatic mesmerizes them with falsehoods. So much so that if their pastor teaches falsehoods and you show them the truth in the Scripture, they would rather their pastor’s version over the word of YAHWEH.

This fascination is not limited to faith speakers, as the charisma of business tycoons, social media influencers, motivational speakers, and politicians also mesmerized people. Many of us have witnessed this phenomenon of people mindlessly following what politicians say, accepting their every word without question or investigation. Even when someone presents evidence that the politician is lying, they still exhibit blind loyalty. We’ve also witnessed similar responses from individuals when social media influencers or business tycoons like Elon Musk make unfounded claims without supporting evidence. People alter their lives as a result, and sometimes, even the stock market fluctuates due to these claims.

Listening to the Voice of Yahshua Instead of Man

Scriptures of Yahshua talking to the people.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

John 10:27 (HRB)

43 Why do you not know My speech? It is because you are not able to hear My Word. 

44 You are of the Devil as father, and the lusts of your father you desire to do. That one was a murderer from the beginning, and he has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own, because he is a liar, and the father of it. 

45 And because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. 

46 Who of you rebukes Me concerning sin? But if I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? 

47 The one who is of Elohim hears the Words of Elohim; for this reason you do not hear, because you are not of Elohim.

John 8:43-47 (HRB)

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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.

Christianity emphasizes the significance of having and maintaining a personal relationship with Yahshua and YAHWEH. However, numerous Christians fail to devote time to reading the love letters (Bible) YAHWEH gifted to humanity; some neglect to even talk to Him regularly through prayer. For these reasons, the voice of YAHWEH is unknown to them, and they are left relying on the words of these charismatic speakers.

Question?

How long do you expect a marriage or personal relationship to last if you neglect to understand your spouse’s wants, needs, and desires (studying and reading the Bible) and rarely talk to them (praying)?

Answer!

Not long, and I’m tempted to say that there is no marriage or personal relationship going on here! Maintaining a personal relationship, whether with a spouse or with Yahshua and YAHWEH, demands effort and regular communication. Neglecting your spouse’s wants, needs, and desires or failing to communicate regularly with them will lead to the dissolution of the relationship. The same applies to your relationship with Yahshua and YAHWEH. If you do not take the time to read and study His Word, to understand His wants, needs, and desires for you, and if you do not engage in prayer and conversation with Him, then a personal relationship cannot exist. If you believe otherwise, you are mistaken.

Your relationship with Yahshua and YAHWEH will be damaged and possibly end not because they didn’t want a personal relationship with you but because you were not interested in them. Instead, you were interested in charismatic preachers, pastors, and politicians and their words, rather than Yahshua and YAHWEH and their words. Remember, Yahweh said He would never leave us, but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t leave and walk away from him. (Deuteronomy 31:8, Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, Joshua 1:5, Joshua 1:9, Matthew 28:20, Genesis 28:15, Psalms 94:14)

Conclusion

It is extremely dangerous to become overly invested in the words and actions of individuals by getting caught up in their intoxicating theatrical performance and gold-dripped words rather than the actual word of YAHWEH. Listening to and accepting whatever these people say without checking it against scriptures, facts, or research is also dangerous. Evaluating information based on its source and evidence is essential, rather than blindly believing everything you hear. By having a personal relationship with Yahshua and YAHWEH, which includes reading and studying the Word and praying, we can know Him, His words, His voice, and His speech. This will enable us to reject charismatic individuals’ false teachings, doctrines, and lies. We will also be able to respectfully and intelligently share information with pastors, preachers, and fellow believers in hopes of shining a light on the truth.

Please review the “How Is Your Study Life” series for info about reading and studying the Bible. You are also welcome to order a copy of Journal Thy Journey: A Chronological Reading Plan for the Bible. This journal is a great companion for your Bible study. It will help you study the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and help you develop a consistent study habit.

By: David Edwards

The post Who Have You Been Listening To? appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.