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.

• The Law of YAHWEH is truth (Psalms 119:142)
• The Law of YAHWEH is good, holy, and just (Romans 7:12)
• The Law of YAHWEH is perfect, sure, right, and pure (Psalms 19:7-9)
• The Law of YAHWEH is not burdensome (1 John 5:3)
• The Law of YAHWEH is a light (Proverbs 6:23)
• The Law of YAHWEH is spiritual (Romans 7:14)
• The Law of YAHWEH is constant (Matthew 5:18)

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.

Definition of TRUTH

1. The quality or state of being true.
2. That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.
3. Accurate or exact.

How do we walk in the truth of YAHWEH?

King Solomon provides us with the answer in Proverbs 3:1-6. He says, “My son, Do not forget my Torah, but let your heart guard and keep my commandments, for they shall add length of days and long life and peace to you. Mercy and truth will not forsake you, tie them on your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of Elohim and man. Trust in YAHWEH with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear YAHWEH and depart from evil.”

Teach me your ways, O YAHWEH, and I will walk and live your TRUTH; Direct my heart to fear your name [with awe-inspired reverence and submission wonder]. 

Psalms 86:11 (AMP)

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.

In these scriptures, Solomon advises his son to remember the truth, which is the law of YAHWEH, and to allow his heart to guard and keep the commandments. Through his YAHWEH-given wisdom, Solomon recognizes that the mind and heart are the battlegrounds where life’s internal struggles occur. The mind controls our thinking, actions, decisions, and rationale, while the heart governs our emotions and feelings. Both the mind and heart are in constant conflict with each other.

Solomon couples the two together because he knows they must work in oneness for success. The Torah must be kept in the remembrance of our minds, not as a mental exercise but as something studied, learned, and thought about often. Through the emotion or feeling of love and loyalty, the heart is to guard and keep the Torah and commandments. This is why Yahshua said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments,” indicating that the emotion of love for Yahshua would make you keep the commandments which is an action that the mind governs.

Examples:

• Loyalty and Love for your wife or husband would keep you from committing adultery.
• Love for your neighbor would keep you from stealing their property.
• Loyalty and Love for your family and friends would keep you from lying to them.

Solomon continues by saying we should tie mercy and YAHWEH‘s truth around our necks and write them on our hearts. Instructing his son to bind or merge his life with YAHWEH’s mercy and truth, making it the controlling part of who he is and folding it into his very nature. Again pointing to the heart, but this time the heart is getting instructions written on it to keep it in check from all the other feelings and emotions. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” there is nothing better to keep your heart than the truth of YAHWEH. But wait, YAHWEH does not leave us to write his Torah on our hearts alone. He gives a promise in Hebrews 8:10 and Jeremiah 31:33 “I will put My Torah in their inward parts, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.” Lastly, he says to not trust in our own understanding or to be wise in our own eyes, but to trust in YAHWEH with your whole heart. Once the heart has His truth written on it and its love and loyalty guard His truth, you can remove your thoughts, understandings, and ideas and trust YAHWEH completely.

The importance of YAHWEH‘s truth cannot be overstated, as it is the very foundation upon which we build our lives. As stated in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of YAHWEH.” Can we tie YAHWEH’s truth around our necks or write them on the tablets of our hearts if we don’t know it? Can you trust in YAHWEH with all your heart or live by His word(s) if you don’t know Him, His Word(s), His ways, and His truth? The simple answers are no and no, and you are more likely to put your trust in other people (family, friends, pastors, politicians, scientists), things (drugs, alcohol, idols, ideas), or yourself. Without His Truth, you will be led astray by the false teachings of others or your own misguided beliefs, ultimately leading you down a path of confusion and uncertainty. Therefore, it is paramount that we strive to understand and internalize Yahweh’s truth, binding it to our necks and writing it on our hearts, so that we may live according to His divine plan.

How do we become truth followers?

As Bible Believing Believers, it is essential to make a habit of immersing ourselves in YAH‘s Word every day. By reading, studying, and meditating on His Truth, Law, and precepts, we can engrave them deeply into our hearts and minds. This consistent practice allows us to keep YAHWEH’s teachings at the center of our thoughts, guiding our actions both consciously and subconsciously. Ultimately, this enables us to walk in His truth and live a life that honors Him.

Consider approaching Bible study as you would studying for a test, as we are currently being tested in life. If your goal is to pass an important test successfully, it is imperative to have a solid game plan in place. This means carving out dedicated study time, setting specific goals to work towards, utilizing helpful visual aids, reviewing challenging areas, and even joining a study group for added support. Throughout your preparation, you’ll keep track of a ton of information – from facts and equations to historical dates and quotes. You may even think about it day and night, even in your dreams. 

However, what happens after the test? Do you reinforce the learned knowledge with continued study or stop? Hermann Ebbinghaus, the creator of “the forgetting curve” observed that without conscientious efforts to reinforce lessons, students forget about 56 percent of what they learn within one hour, 66 percent within one day, and 75 percent within six days. If we want to walk in the truth of YAHWEH, we must, with conscientious effort, STUDY His word fervently and do what it says. We must be prayerful when studying, asking the Father to reveal His truth and the true intent of His word. If we don’t study the word regularly, our minds will forget the information, and Satan will steal the rest.

This book of the Torah shall not depart out of your mouth, and you shall meditate on it by day and by night, so that you shall be on guard to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall prosper your way, and then you shall act wisely.

Joshua 1:8 (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.

For more info on how to study the Bible check out: How is your Study Life? Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4.

By David Edwards

The post Can You Handle the Truth? appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

And these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the Word with all readiness, daily examining the Scriptures if these things are so.

Acts: 17:11 (HRB)

And study to present yourself approved to Elohim, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 (HRB)

Reading and studying the word of YAHWEH is essential in equipping ourselves with the whole armor of YAHWEH (Ephesians 6:11). The fact that we are behind enemy lines should prompt us to stay ready daily by reading and studying the word of YAHWEH versus having to get ready only after the launch of an attack. When Adam willingly sinned in the garden (Gen 3:6), he abdicated his position and domain over the earth to Satan, leaving it under the Devil’s regime, hence placing us behind enemy lines or making Satan the god or prince of this world (John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11, 2Cor 4:4, Eph 6:12). 

“to those whose eyes have been blinded by the god of this world [Satan], because they did not believe, lest the light of the glorious good news of the Messiah, who is the image of YAHWEH, should shine on them.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 (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.

Satan is not a fairy tale or a figment of our imagination but a real and vicious enemy of humanity that aims to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). Believers and non-believers alike worldwide regularly fall prey to Satan’s tricks, schemes, and attacks, unaware of the spiritual warfare that is taking place and how much ground they have given up in their lives to the Devil (Ephesians 6:12). One of his favorite battlefields is the human mind which can be distracted and is prone to internal influences (fears, abilities, ethnicity, etc.) and external influences (culture, friends, media, etc.). One of his primary campaigns on the battlefield of the mind is to cut off the lines of communication between you and YAHWEH. He wants to stop you from reading and studying the word of YAHWEH. Have you fallen prey to his deceptions? If you are not sure, review the list below to see if you have said, believed, or thought any of the following when it comes to reading and studying the Bible:

• I don’t have the time.
• I don’t understand the Bible.
• I can not get past Genesis.
• It’s boring.
• The Bible is for a particular race of people.
• Why do I need to read the Bible? I already have life figured out.
• The Bible is full of errors.
• I already know everything in the Bible.
• The Bible doesn’t work for me; it goes against my current lifestyle.
• The Bible is outdated.
• It’s the pastor’s, minister’s, priest’s, or preacher’s job to study the Bible and teach me, not mine.
• The denomination you belong to tells you not to read the Bible and that they will interpret it for you. (If this is you, you might need to reevaluate the denomination or congregation you have attached yourself to).
• It’s just a book of stories and ideas, nothing special.
• I’ve been meaning to.
• I’m not sure it’s real.
• If people see me reading the Bible, what will they think of me?

Most people will find themselves on the list. If your exact reason is not displayed and you are not reading and studying the word, examine yourself to find out why not.

We are at WAR

When at war, a military’s lines of communication are everything and, therefore, heavily guarded. If the lines are lost, defeat is almost certain to follow because of their profound importance to the operation. The lines of communication are not limited to transmissions via radio or encrypted network systems. They also include the network of roads and depots used to resupply the military, send messengers, and send reinforcements.   

Loss lines of Communication:

• Loss of communications over radio transmissions and encrypted computer systems means the military loses command leadership, knowledge of the overall situation, and can easily be attacked or surprised by enemies.
• Loss of supply means the military has lost the ability to supply the fighting forces with ammunition, gas, food, water, or anything else needed to continue fighting and maintain high morale.
• Loss of reinforcement must be avoided at all costs as it could result in multiple casualties and be the fatal blow that loses the war. Imagine losing soldiers with no hope of reinforcements. You will undoubtedly find yourself outnumbered, overran, and forced to surrender or worst.

Just like a military can not afford to lose its lines of communication, neither can we. Though YAHWEH speaks in many different ways, He communicates most through His word, so we must read and study it daily. This line of communication must be guarded and protected daily. YAHWEH is capable of opening our minds to understand His words as He did for the disciple in (Luke 24:45) “Then He [thoroughly] opened up their minds to understand the Scriptures.” 

Reading and studying His Word will allow us to remain:

• Connected to our source (John 15: 4, 5, 6, 7)
  • “Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burnt in a fire. Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.“
• Connected to our supplier (Matthew 6:33 HRB) 
  • “But seek first the kingdom of YAHWEH and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 
• Connected to our reinforcement (Psalms 9, 10, 11, 12 HRB)
  • “Because You, O YAHWEH, are My refuge; You make the Most High Your habitation, no evil shall happen to You, nor shall any plague come near Your tent. For He shall give His cherubs charge over You, to keep You in all Your ways. They shall bear You up in their hands, that You not dash Your foot on a stone.“

By David Edwards

The post How is your Study Life? Pt. 1 appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.