 “You have no other mighty ones against My face.” Shemoth (Exodus) 20:3 Most of us would consider other mighty ones (in other translations: gods) to be wooden or carved images. We come to this conclusion because we all know the ancients worshipped a pantheon of gods. From the sun and the moon to wooden, bronze and gold statues. It seemed to be endless and involved weather gods, agricultural gods, fertility gods, etc. Obviously, the carved images were not alive, nor did they have any spirit in them (Psalms 135:15-18), yet people made them gods. They gave these “gods” precedence, importance, and profound significance to the point where these objects directed their lives. Any blessings or curses in a person’s life would be attributed to these false gods. In attempts to evade curses, the people would even offer their own children as sacrifices to these “gods”. YHWH witnessed the danger of this self-destruction from the pagan/heathen nations that surrounded His chosen people. After all, most of these false gods stemmed from the fallen ones (angels) described in Genesis 6 and referenced in even more detail in 1 Enoch. If you are not familiar with this historical account, there are many articles, books, videos, etc. on this subject regarding the events that unfolded. The events which resulted in YHWH needing to clean the earth of this corruption (the great flood). It is an important topic on its own and I encourage you to research it. The key is that people made these multiple “gods” when there is clearly only One, the Creator of all. “Thus said YHWH, Sovereign of Yisra’el, …’I am the First and the Last, besides Me there is no Elohim.” Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 44:6 21 “Declare and bring near, let them even take counsel together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has declared it from that time? Is it not I, YHWH? And there is no mighty one besides Me, a righteous El and a Savior, there is none besides Me. 22 Turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am El, and there is none else.” Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 45:21,22 “And this is eternal life, that they should know You, the only true Elohim, and Yahushua Mashiach whom You have sent.” Yohanan (John) 17:3 You might notice in the above verses the title of “Elohim” as well as the description of “mighty ones” instead of using the term “God” or “gods”. It is because the word “God” or “gods” comes from pagan origin. “According to the Webster’s Twentieth Century Dictionary, Unabridged 1st Edition: ‘The word [God] is common in Teutonic tongues…It was applied to heathen deities and later, when Teutonic people were converted to Christianity, the word was elevated to the Christian sense.’ The word “god” was used by heathens to describe their pagan deities and was later applied to the Creator of the universe when the Teutonic people converted to Christianity. In other words, they brought some of their pagan concepts with them when they became Christians.” Names – by Todd D. Bennett To those who are new to this information, I have used the words “God” and “gods” Up to this point. However, because of its pagan origins, I prefer to use the proper title and descriptions. I want to stay “clean lipped” before My Father (Shemoth/Exodus 23:13). For this reason, I will use the proper title of “Elohim” instead of “God” when referring to YHWH and “mighty ones” when referring to false “gods”. Let’s examine a couple key words from the verses in Exodus regarding other mighty ones. “You have no other mighty ones against My face.” Shemoth (Exodus) 20:3 In other translations, the word “against” is also translated as “before”. Even further, it comes from the Hebrew word “al” which also means above, over, among. So, we are commanded to not place other mighty ones before, above, or even among YHWH. Knowing that His Ruach (Set Apart “Holy” Spirit) dwells within us, we should not create or allow false mighty ones in or around our lives, thus around Him. In other words, we should have nothing to do with them. Here is something else to consider, what makes a mighty one, a mighty one? 4 “You do not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of that which is in the shamayim (heavens) above, or which is in the earth beneath, or which is in the waters under the earth, 5 you do not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, YHWH your Elohim, am a jealous El, visiting the wickedness of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and guard My Commands.” Shemoth (Exodus) 20:4-6 The English word “make” is translated from the Hebrew word “asah” which means to advance, appoint, become, bring forth, follow, govern, and bring to pass. So, it is something of our own doing. We “make” or create something and give it power and priority in our own lives, thus turning it into a mighty one. Albeit most of us can say we have not physically carved some wooden image, placed it in our homes and worship it daily. However, I believe most would be shocked to know that we have grown up in a culture that continues to keep false mighty ones alive. These fallen messengers (angels) have continued to be worshipped throughout the ages in many different forms, names and traditions and have fooled the masses into revering them through cultures and religions. Please note, they are merely imitating and following their leader, ha’shatan (the adversary). Ha’shatan’s goal is to direct worship away from YHWH, the One and only Elohim, to himself. He will try to accomplish his objective through numerous forms. Let’s discuss just a few different ways the adversary alters and directs our worship from YHWH to him.  Holidays It amazes me how most religions seem to celebrate every holiday under the sun except the ones in Scripture. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I too was steeped in traditions of men and was fully immersed in the holiday “spirit” for most of my life. It is a common practice to go along with cultural traditions and religious traditions without questioning them. Most people do not step out of the paradigm of lies to seek His truth. It wasn’t until I experienced personal tragedies in my life that I was awakened (humbled) to search for His truth with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Through my studies, for example, I found that the pagan holiday of Easter replaced the Scriptural appointed time of Passover. The Passover (which we are commanded to honor and rehearse every year) is for the remembrance of the Covenant people being redeemed and separated (passed over) through the blood of a pure (unblemished) lamb on their doorposts, while also acknowledging our Messiah Yahushua as the Passover Lamb. His blood sacrifice atoned for our sins thus allowing us to escape the bondage of sin (which leads to death) and be redeemed to everlasting life with Him. It is no coincidence that He died on Passover day, considering the fact that He was our Passover Lamb. Sadly, Passover has been forgotten and replaced by the false holiday of Easter brought to us by Babylonian sun-worship. The title Easter comes from the name of the goddess Ishtar. “Every year, on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, a celebration was held. It was known as Ishtar’s (Easter) Sunday, and was celebrated with rabbits and eggs, since it was a fertility rite. Ishtar also proclaimed that because Tammuz [her son] was killed by a pig, that a pig (ham) must be eaten on that Sunday.” Pagan Holidays – Todd D. Bennett Furthermore, it was an ancient ritual where the priests of Ishtar would have sex with virgins on an altar. The following year, they would sacrifice those 3 month old babies on that altar during the “sunrise service” and dip eggs in the child’s blood. It is no coincidence that today (on the same sun-day as the ancient heathens) countless people dip eggs in coloring, decorate with rabbit décor (fertility animals) and celebrate “sunrise service”. Sadly, it seems acceptable in our culture to celebrate this stewed pot of abominations, when “we” (not YHWH) change the meaning to the resurrection of “Jesus.” After being educated on the roots of Easter, we can clearly see it has nothing to do with our Messiah nor His resurrection. Again, Yahushua was our Passover Lamb, and we are to be observing Passover (and on the correct date – the 14th day of the 1st Hebrew month - Leviticus 23:5), not pagan satanic Easter. - Torah Calendar 14“Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness? And what fellowship has light with darkness? 15And what agreement has Mashiach with Beliya’al? Or what part does a believer have with an unbeliever? 16And what union has the Mishkan [dwelling place] of Elohim with idols? For you are a Mishkan of the living Elohim, as YHWH has said, ‘I shall dwell in them and walk among them, and I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.’ 17Therefore, ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says YHWH, and do not touch what is unclean, and I shall receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Please note in verse 15, when asking what agreement has Messiah with Beliya’al - the term or Hebrew definition of Beliya’al means worthlessness, as an epithet of Satan. An epithet is a sobriquet or nickname of the adversary (Satan). So, Messiah has no agreement and should not be mixed with Beliya’al (Satan). Thus, we should not “mix and match” abominations with His set-apart (holy) instructions.  Okay, so it’s time to take a deep breath, get a cool glass of lemonade from the fridge, sit down, and brace yourself because… Christmas is no different. The December holiday that people love so much (that some start preparing for in July) also derives from and is steeped in pagan rituals. That is hard for many to swallow since through our traditions and culture it has been accepted and mislabeled as “family time” and a “joyous season”. How could this time of the year feel so good, yet in the eyes of YHWH, be so wrong? 2 “Thus said YHWH, ‘Do not learn the way of the gentiles, and do not be frightened by the signs of the shamayim [heavens], for the gentiles are frightened by them. 3 For the prescribed customs of these people are worthless, for one cuts a tree from the forest, work for the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. 4 They adorn it with silver and gold, they fasten it with nails and hammers so that is does not topple.” Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 10:2-4 This verse alone was enough for me to cut Christmas out of my life. However, more confirmation came through learning the origins of Christmas and its pagan roots. “December 25 was deemed the birth date of Tammuz, and every other “christ” after him. Since this day was the shortest day of the year, it was associated with the “rebirth” of the sun. Therefore, from Babylon onward, every culture that worshipped the sun attributed December 25 as the birth date of their “sun god.” – Pagan Holidays - Todd D. Bennett The origins of Christmas can easily be found, even thru secular sources. Note that secular sources have no reason to justify their observance and participation of these pagan holidays. Unlike most Christian leaders who rationalize their behavior by twisting and adding to Scripture to warrant their participation in the unification of light and darkness. Why would they do this? After talking to pastors and preachers throughout the years, my conclusion was that they do not want to lose followers. They prefer to tell the masses what “their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3) so they don’t lose their business. 26 “Her kohenim [priests] have done violence to My Torah and they profane my qodesh [holy] matters. They have not distinguished between the qodesh and the profane, nor have they made known between the unclean and the clean. And they have hidden their eyes from My Shabbathoth, and I am profaned in their midst.” Ezekiel (Yehezqel) 22:26 It reminds me of Constantine and the creation of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic means universal and universal is defined as: involving all, used, or understood by all. Constantine was a politician and as with most politicians, they want to please all/everyone. Sadly, through my experience in talking with Christian leaders about the truth, they seem to fall in the same category. Most do not want to ruffle feathers, correct, rebuke, or teach truth when it is contrary to culture. Yet on the contrary, for those who embrace truth, the origins of Christmas cannot be ignored. Here is a brief example of the origins of Christmas from a secular source, Britannica online: “December 25 was the Christianizing of the dies solis invicti nati (“day of the birth of the unconquered sun”), a popular holiday in the Roman Empire that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, the casting away of winter and the heralding of the rebirth of spring and summer. Indeed, after December 25 had become widely accepted as the date of Jesus’ birth, Christian writers frequently made the connection between the rebirth of the sun and the birth of the Son. One of the difficulties with this view is that it suggests a nonchalant willingness on the part of the Christian church to appropriate a pagan festival when the early church was so intent on distinguishing itself categorically from pagan beliefs and practices.” - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas I feel it’s important to note how YHWH feels about mixing or synchronizing what is to be set-apart (holy) from what is evil (pagan practices). Remember, we are to be set-apart vessels having the Ruach (Spirit) dwelling in our bodily temples. We have already read the warning in the verse above (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) and there are many other verses throughout Scripture forbidding merging light with darkness (Deut/Debarim 6:14,15; Jeremiah/Yirmeyahu 7:8-10; Deut/Debarim 8:9; Leviticus/Wayyiqra 19:2, 20:7-8). I’d like to highlight a couple verses in Chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians as well: 20 “No, but what the gentiles offer they offer to demons and not to Elohim, and I do not wish you to become sharers with demons. 21 You are not able to drink the cup of the Master and the cup of demons, you are not able to partake of the table of the Master and of the table of demons. 22 Do we provoke the Master to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? – 1 Corinthians 10:20-22 Paul is clearly saying you cannot do both. This is not a new warning. Those who wrote the epistles and where in Covenant with YHWH knew the stories and instructions (Torah) in the Scriptures and that YHWH does not allow it. We too should take heed and learn the things which YHWH hates and embrace the things which He loves. “The celebration of Easter is a pagan tradition. It was adopted by Christianity in order to separate and distance themselves from the Yahudim. The same holds true with December 25, another ancient pagan celebration of the winter solstice. If Christians want to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, then they should be celebrating the Appointed Time of Yom Teruah. Again, Christianity has rejected the Appointed Times for a pagan celebration, thus establishing itself as a pagan religion. This religion, which often attempts to view itself as a replacement of Yisrael, calling itself “spiritual Yisrael,” has certainly followed the pattern of Yisrael by mixing, compromising and ultimately falling away from the commandments of YHWH in order to chase after other gods. As a result, we see that most nations considered to be “Christian” have actually followed suit with their pagan predecessors.” – Pagan Holidays - Todd D. Bennett It is important to be mindful of our actions and to choose the righteous path. Knowing the truth and then continuing to participate in these traditions and lies, “makes” (asah) these abominations into “mighty ones” in our lives. We choose these mighty ones above and before YHWH. These dark practices disguised as light, will become a snare to us and if we continue in the filth, our stubbornness and loyalty to our pagan culture will only lead to separation from the righteous One. The good news is that He has revealed His truth, for those who desire it. To distinguish what YHWH hates and what YHWH loves, thus clearly choosing whom we will serve. We can be brought out of the deception and lies perpetrated by the enemy (who deceives the entire world – Rev 12:9) and walk into the light of truth. 19 “O YHWH, my strength and my stronghold and my refuge, in the day of distress the gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth and say, ‘Our fathers have inherited only falsehood, futility, and there is no value in them.’ 20 Would a man make mighty ones for himself, which are not mighty ones? 21 Therefore see, I am causing them to know My hand and My might. And they shall know that My Name is YHWH!” Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) 16:19-21  The Everlasting Outward Sign 16 “And the children of Yisra’el shall guard the Sabbath, to perform the Sabbath throughout their generations as an everlasting Covenant. 17 Between Me and the children of Yisra’el it is a sign forever. For in six days YHWH made the shamayim and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” Exodus (Shemoth) 31:16,17 The observance of the Sabbath day (the 7th day of the week – Friday sunset to Sat sunset) is a perpetual sign throughout all generations between YHWH and those who belong to Him. It is never to be removed nor changed, according to His Word. I have written a detailed blog about the Sabbath day discussing what it is, when it is and why it is. "And Shall Call the Sabbath a Delight" Sadly, the enemy has also directed obedience and reverence away from this prescribed set-apart day by YHWH to sun-day. The day named after the sun… hmmm, wonder where that came from? Again, a basic study will reveal the history of the 7th day Sabbath being replaced with the 1st day of the week (named after the sun) by the Emperor Constantine and his Roman Empire. Growing up in Christianity I was taught that “sun-day” was “the Lord’s Day”. I believed that the Messiah was resurrected on that day of the week; thus, the day of rest is now changed to that day. I never felt the need to question it, yet as years passed, I realized through my studies that this was a huge iniquity against our righteous Elohim, and an outright lie. To think, the changing of the perpetual sign (a forever bond and outward sign between YHWH and His people) to a day not prescribed by the Most High (but to a different day named after the sun-god thus, honoring ha’Shatan) is appalling! These are direct assaults toward YHWH and to those who want to know and follow Him. It’s like snipping the lifeline that connects us to our Creator and instead connecting that lifeline to the great deceiver and his world of darkness. Again, with basic research you will find that our Messiah was not even resurrected on the 1st day of the week (sun-day) but rather on the Appointed weekly Sabbath, the 7th day of the week. - The Sabbath Resurrection We can see how deception is rampant in many forms of worship thus directing our reverence and obedience elsewhere. When we study to “show ourselves approved” and discover the lies vs. truth regarding the Sabbath Day, it will then make us decide which day we will choose to set aside and honor. Will we go with our cultural religion of sun-day observance, or will we choose to have no other mighty ones before Him? It is amazing to think that our traditions and cultures can be mighty ones! That many will choose these mighty ones, which are not mighty ones, but MAKE them mighty ones. They do not breathe nor have a spirit unless we choose them over YHWH, thus giving them priority and authority in our life rather than Elohim. 14 “And now, revere YHWH, serve Him in perfection and in truth, and put away the mighty ones which your fathers served beyond the river and in Mitsrayim, and serve YHWH! 15 And if it seems evil in your eyes to serve YHWH, choose for yourselves this day whom you are going to serve, whether the mighty ones which your fathers served that were beyond the river, or the mighty ones of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But I and my house, we serve YHWH!” Joshua (Yahushua) 24:14,15 Messiah “I have come in my Father’s Name and you do not receive Me, if another comes in his own name, him you would receive.” John (Yohanan) 5:43 Lately, you may have seen or heard the revealing of the true Name of the Messiah. This amazing revelation has spread rapidly and has been received wholeheartedly by some, while being rejected and even condemned by others. It’s a very sensitive topic for those who have ascribed to a certain name since childhood, believing that name is the “name above all names”. When many are revealed the true Name of the Messiah and shockingly discover that it is NOT the name which they had been fed for years through their religion, it can feel like a punch in the gut. Many are hesitant to stop calling on the false name and/or identifying the Messiah by that false name as they feel it is somewhat of a betrayal against Him. From the time when I was a young girl and asked “Jesus” into my heart, up until my early 30’s, I called upon, sang, witnessed and loved that name. I truly thought I was correctly addressing and giving esteem to the Messiah through that name. However, if we re-visit the idea of the enemy re-directing worship, we will surely discover that this same plot has been executed and has succeeded, sending countless well-meaning but unlearned believers down a path of destruction, through this false name. That statement might seem a bit dramatic as there are those who believe, it’s just a name. They believe they can call him one name, someone else can call him another name, but that we all are referring to the same Messiah. However, it truly goes so much deeper than just a false name. This false name carries with it:
So, it becomes so much more than a name. It is what the name represents, the identity and the doctrine that is attached to it. The true Hebrew Messiah, Yahushua came in the Name of His Father (John 5:43) which His Name means: Yah saves. His Name does not nor should not mean Zeus saves. Zeus does not save but destroys. Zeus is a mighty one (god) that should not be revered, honored or even mentioned. “And in all that I have said to you take heed. And make no mention of the name of other mighty ones, let it not be heard from your mouth.” Exodus (Shemoth) 23:13 This can be a very hard pill to swallow for those who have a loyalty to the religious custom of identifying the Messiah by this false name. Some feel they would be rejecting or denying the Messiah by dropping the name. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our mindset should be that we have been enlightened to the truth, we can now deny and reject the false name and the false doctrine it carries, and instead embrace and know the true Messiah. It should be a day of joy and gladness! When YHWH states “you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13), we should be joyous that He has revealed His wonderful truth to us! We then can honor Him and obey Him as He instructs. I highly suggest reviewing an important list of Scripture verses that accentuate the importance of both the Father and the Son’s Names – I have listed just 4 below, out of about 100 that I have found in my studies – Link to PDF “I am YHWH, that is My Name, and My esteem I do not give to another, or praise to idols.” Isaiah (Yeshayahu) 42:8 “And I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Qodesh Father, guard them in Your Name which you have given Me, so that they might be one, as We are.” John (Yohanan) 17:11 “So that the Name of our Adon [Master] Yahushua ha’Mashiach is esteemed in you, and you in Him…” 2 Thessalonians 1:12 “I know your works – see, I have put before you an open door, and no one is able to shut it – that you have little power yet have guarded My Word and have not denied My Name.” Rev 3:8 Let us then choose this day whom we will serve. The One true Elohim, YHWH and His Son Yahushua, or another mighty one. I encourage you to pray, to seek Him with all your heart, to humble yourself before Him and to not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). It is not just a name, as “there is only one Name given among men, in which we must be saved” (Act 4:12) so let’s make sure we do our best to get it right and rely on His Word and His Spirit to guide us. Self “All a man’s ways are right in his own eyes, but YHWH weighs the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2 “You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes.” Deut (Debarim) 12:8 As discussed to this point, it is evident that we can “make” mighty ones, which are not mighty ones. Things that we place before, above or around our Qadosh (set-apart / holy) Elohim can come in many different objects and forms, not just the wooden or gold images we read about in times past. Therefore, is it possible that “self” can become a mighty one? After all, a mighty one can also refer to an idol. Websters Dictionary defines Idol as: an image or other material object representing a deity; an image of a deity other than God; the deity itself; any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration or devotion. It took many waisted years of my life, full of countless plans of “my own” to fall apart before I understood that my life is not to serve me, but to serve Him.  So, is it possible to deify ourselves? To make (asah) ourselves the priority? Interestingly, the deifying of self, started long ago. Let’s look at the master of self-deification: 12 “How you have fallen from the shamayim, O Helel son of the morning! You have been cut down to the ground, you who laid low the gentiles! 13 For you have said in your heart, ‘Let me go up to the shamayim, 14 let me raise my throne above the stars of El, and let me sit in the mount of meeting on the sides of the north; let me go up above the heights of the clouds, let me be like the Most High.’ 15 But you are brought down to the grave, to the sides of the pit. Isaiah 14:12-15 Ha’Shatan had desired to elevate himself. He wanted to be esteemed and worshipped just as YHWH. Sadly, today’s society has also followed the same pattern of self-worship. In my field of business, I was steeped for many years in the principles of personal growth, self-achievement, and materialistic successes. I truly believed the doctrines of self-help, to the point where years later I also taught them. As the years passed, my life’s circumstances led me to gradually step away from that influence of those ideologies and I quickly discovered that personal growth, self-achievement, and material success were an intentional misdirection of our life’s purpose. As I slowly died to self and allowed YHWH to rule and reign in my life, the worldly blinders were removed, and I could clearly see His plan for not only me, but also for all humanity. Achieving a purposeful life has been defined by our society as – self-gratification, fame, fortune, etc. We can clearly see the subject of “self” dominating most books stores, podcasts, seminars, talk shows and even church sermons. The foundations and purpose of today’s churches are not about learning and living Torah but are better defined as self-help and personal growth weekly seminars. Where did this come from? How has “self” been raised to such a high level of priority? At a glance it all sounds wonderful and harmless. Why shouldn’t we build up our self-esteem? After all, the need to “build up” could be the response to what was first broken down or attacked. Could the need to elevate self-esteem come from the mistreatment of the cold-hearted in society who only want to discourage, abuse, neglect, and ridicule? That is surely plausible, and in some cases “personal growth” is essential in the healing of the abuse. However, can it go too far? Could we be overlooking the true Healer and elevating ourselves rather than Him? Could we be trying to heal without Him? There is no better personal growth training than to learn directly from the One who created us. He is the Creator of all things, including the very bodies we inhabit. There is no better example, leader or teacher to help us live our lives to the fullest, than YHWH. In fact, His Son Messiah Yahushua is the leading example of perfection. He was sent to show the world how to live a perfect life by teaching and walking in the light, the heavenly Father’s instructions, the Torah. Here are a handful of popular self-esteem phrases that I believe should be tweaked… I want to emphasize that I am not saying to hate yourself. We are His creation, made in His image and we are precious in His sight. My point is that our society has replaced our Father and King (Who should be our first love, Who we should desire to make happy and Who we should be seeking daily for direction and guidance) with ourselves. We should not be the captain of our own ship, He should be. We do not know best, He does. We need to stop and not allow “self” to become a deity. We are not wiser than the One who created us. We need to follow His instructions (Torah) with faith, love and humility. Feelings can deceive but His Word is righteous and true. "Why do you call Me ‘Master, Master’, and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46 Yahushua lived Torah, taught Torah and said “Follow Me” – so let’s do what He says. I always embraced the words in Matthew, "Thy will be done" and during struggles in my life, I’d lean on the fact that whatever is His will, I will accept. Sadly, though when someone would ask me, “What is His will?” I wouldn’t have an answer. I’d reply with “Whatever He wants.” Well, what does He want? That seems to be a great hidden mystery in Christianity. No one can seem to figure out what His will is because it’s not been taught nor searched out. This is the result of not embracing the teachings of the “Old Testament” as if it is “old” news and no longer applies. This notion is absolutely false, as it is impossible to understand the “New Testament” without first understanding the books before it. Even the simple titles of “Old” and “New” are not only false, but mislead people to believe the “old” is now irrelevant and the “new” has replaced it. This deception then continues to the identity of the chosen people. Many believe the “old” was Yisrael (Israel) and the “new” is Christianity. This idea is founded on lies and has caused much confusion. There are not two groups of His chosen. Yahushua stated “I was not sent, except to the lost sheep of the house of Yisra’el” Matthew 15:24. We must be grafted into that house (vine) to be in Covenant with Him. And we are in Covenant with Him when we live by His instructions through the blood of Yahushua Messiah (Rev 12:17 & 14:12). It is not until we peel off the layers of deception and identify YHWH’s inheritance, that the Scriptures will truly reveal His purpose, plan and redemption of His true people and identify who they are. So, it seems there needs to be a paradigm shift in our society. Many will need to decide if they want to belong to the assembly, His Covenant people. If they do, then it’s important to take the action steps necessary, starting with the heart. We need to have a heart to love Him, to please Him and to live for Him. We need to take inventory of our wants, desires, and dreams to see if they line up with His. If they are in contradiction to His will, yet we continue in them… we are then living for ourselves rather than for Him thus, making ourselves a mighty one. 5 “Trust in YHWH with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 know Him in all your ways, and He makes all your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; revere YHWH and turn away from evil.” Proverbs (Mishle) 3:5-7 “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and clever in their own sight!” Isaiah (Yeshayahu) 4:21 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs (Mishle) 14:12 “And delight yourself in YHWH and let Him give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms (Tehillim) 37:4 24 …” If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake, and follow Me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life shall lose it, and who loses his life for My sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited if he gains all the world, and loses his own life? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Ben of Adam is going to come in the esteem of His Father with His messengers, and then He shall reward each according to his works.” Matthew (Mattithyahu) 16:24-27 I truly hope that this blog has helped the reader to recognize that “other mighty ones” can include much more than wooden images. It can include anything that we make priority over YHWH. The examples discussed are by no means all that can be listed. The key is to examine our lives, our priorities and to make sure we do not allow anything to block our lifeline to Him. I would like to conclude with a couple eye-opening chapters in Ezekiel. We can learn a lot from these passages in Scripture. Romans 15:4 explains “For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have the expectation.” When the author of Romans says “Scriptures” he is referring to only the Torah, prophets, and writings (known as the “Old Testament”). He is not referring to the “New Testament” as the gospels and letters had not been written and compiled into a canon at that point. It was only the Torah, prophets and writings that were written on scrolls and were considered Scriptures. Remember, the word “Torah” refers to the first 5 books of the Scriptures. It is not a separate book. Some confusion has taken place as those who are unfamiliar with the use of the word “Torah” have possibly confused it with the separate pharisaic book of Judaism called the “Talmud”. The Torah is Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Some use the word “Torah” to refer to the entire “Old Testament”. But for certain, it does not refer to any separate book of Judaism. I recommend – The Scriptures by Todd D Bennett for further study. Once we have properly identified those in Covenant with YHWH as Yisra’el, we need to embrace the examples and stories of His people in the past to better understand the desires of our Heavenly Father and the prophecies regarding His people that are yet to come. YHWH does not change (Malachi 3:6). His desires do not change, His instructions do not change, His love does not change, nor do His wonderful promises to those who obey Him. 1 “And some of the elders of Yisra’el came to me and sat before me. 2 And the word of YHWH came to me saying, 3 “Son of man, these men have put up their idols in their hearts and have put the stumbling-block of their wickedness before their face. Should I let them inquire of Me at all? 4 “Therefore speak to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus said the Adon YHWH, “Everyone of the house of Yisra’el who puts the stumbling-block of his wickedness before his face, and shall come to the nabi [prophet] – I YHWH shall answer him who comes, according to his many idols, 5 in order to lay hold of the house of Yisra’el by their heart, for they have become estranged from Me by their idols, all of them.” ‘ 6 “Therefore say to the house of Yisra’el, ‘Thus said Adon YHWH “Repent, and turn back from your idols, and turn back your faces from all your abominations. 7 “For anyone of the house of Yisra’el or of the strangers who sojourn in Yisra’el, who separates himself from Me and puts the stumbling-block of his wickedness before his face and shall come to a nabi to inquire of him concerning Me, I YHWH shall answer him Myself. 8 “And I shall turn My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I shall cut him off from the midst of My people. And you shall know that I am YHWH.” Ezekiel (Yehezqel) 14:1-8  7 ”And I said to them, ‘Each one of you, throw away the abominations which are before his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with idols of Mitsrayim! I am YHWH your Elohim.’8 ”But they rebelled against Me, and would not obey Me. All of them did not throw away the abominations which were before their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Mitsrayim. So I resolved to pour out My wrath on them to complete My displeasure against them in the midst of the land of Mitsrayim.9 ”But I acted for My Name’s sake, that I should not be profaned before the eyes of the gentiles among whom they were – before whose eyes I had made Myself known to them, to bring them out of the land of Mitsrayim.10 ”So I took them out of the land of Mitsrayim, and I brought them into the wilderness. 11 ”And I gave them My Laws and showed them My Right-Rulings, ‘which. If a man does, he shall live by them.’12 ”And I also gave them My Shabbathoth, to be a sign between them and Me, to know that I am YHWH who makes them qadosh [holy]. 13 ”But the house of Yisra’el rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not walk in My Laws, and they rejected My Right-Rulings, which, if a man does, he shall live by them. And they greatly profaned My Shabbathoth. Then I said I would pour out My wrath on them in the wilderness, to consume them.14 ”But I acted for My Name’s sake, not to profane it before the gentiles, before whose eyes I had brought them out. 15 ”And I myself also lifted My hand in an oath to them in the wilderness, not to bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, the splendour of all lands, 16 because they rejected My Right-Rulings and did not walk in My Laws, and they profaned My Shabbathoth. For their heart went after their idols.17 ”And My eye pardoned them, from destroying them. And I did not make an end of them in the wilderness. 18 ”And I said to their children in the wilderness, ‘Do not walk in the laws of your fathers, nor observe their rulings, nor defile yourselves with their idols.19 ”I am YHWH your Elohim, Walk in My Laws, and guard My Right Rulings, and do them. 20 ”And qadosh My Shabbathoth, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, to know that I am YHWH your Elohim.’ Ezekiel 20:7-20
Both chapters are profound and worth reading many times. In fact, I encourage everyone to read the Torah regularly along with the Prophet writings. There is a lot to learn from history as well the personality of YHWH, what He hates and what He loves. I have a Covenant brother on Facebook who said it beautifully… “I encourage people to read Torah (Genesis-Deuteronomy) regularly. Why? Because “The Law of YHWH is perfect, inclining the soul to repentance.” (Psalm 19:7) Further, I’ve never met anyone who has taken up the challenge to read through Torah who has regretted it. In fact, most say that the experience is ‘life changing.’ The Torah reading cycle has recently reinitiated and is a thoughtful corporate practice. Millions around the world participate. Reading, meditating, and prayerfully discussing Torah is transformative. I would encourage you also to take up the challenge and see what you become.” LINK – Torah portion May we all rid ourselves of any mighty ones, idols and stumbling-blocks that have kept us estranged from Him. Let us ask YHWH to clean our hearts of anything that displeases Him – any tradition, any false name or deity, and any desires of self-prioritizing. May we put our trust and our lives in His hands, knowing He will bless us in this life and the one to come more than we could ever bless ourselves. 2 “In My Father’s house are many staying places. And if not, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I shall come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you might be too. 4 “And where I go you know, and the way you know.” John (Yohanan) 14:2-4 21 “He who possesses My Commands and guards them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I shall love him and manifest Myself to him.” John (Yohanan) 14:21 27 “Peace I leave with you – My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John (Yohanan) 14:27 5 “Trust in YHWH with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 Know Him in all your ways, and He will make your pathways straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; revere YHWH and turn away from evil. 8 It is healing to your navel and moistening to your bones.” Proverbs (Mishle) 3:5-8 Comments are closed.
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