07/14/2006 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

In recent years there seems to be more and more talk of war. War on this and war on that.

And this week we have seen more war with the state of Israel warring against its enemies

While the world battles with one another in its search for peace and unity I would like to draw our attention to the true battle that believers in Yahweh will face daily

Ephesians 6:12 - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore take up the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

While some might seek a battle in the flesh to overcome their enemies, it is the spiritual battle that determines all things

The true war is spiritual

Because of this, we need to be sure that we are on Yahweh's side

For sometimes we see that there is certain war is in our midst which is not inspired or desired by Yahweh.

Warring between believers

Warring and strife between mother and father

Between child and child

And sometimes even between parents and children

Yes, even in homes of those who claim Yahweh as their Elohim

But brethren, these things ought not be

The following study will examine what strife is, the causes of it and how to avoid it.

Whenever strife is present, rebellion and/or selfishness and/or pride are usually there

Proverbs 16:32 - He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Whenever strife is present, rebellion and/or selfishness and/or pride are usually there

It is not easy to rule our spirit. Self control is at the heart of overcoming sin. But one who does rule his spirit is better and greater in strength than one who takes a city!

May Yahweh give such strength to those who seek it!

But exactly is strife?

According to Webster's Dictionary, Strife means "1. Exertion or contention with another; competition. 2. Contest; struggle; quarrel"

These definitions fit well with the Hebrew meanings of the word. But what does scripture say that strife is? Where can we find examples of strife in the scriptures?

We see one example of strife as far back as Abraham's day.

Genesis 13:6 - And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

Genesis 13:7 - And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

Here, in the midst of unbelievers there arose a quarrel between spiritual brethren

Abram and Lot were dwelling together in a land that could not support them. The herdsmen were apparently striving over who could get the better land for the livestock.

The strife arose because everyone was seeking their own best interest rather than the interest of others

What is great about this record is what Abraham did to resolve it:

Genesis 13:8 - And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.

I love Abraham's reasoning here "For we be brethren". It was more important to Abraham that there be not strife, than for him to seek increase

It was Abraham who took the initiative here. He desired above all things that there would be no strife among brethren, nor even among their herdsmen..even if it meant him taking the lesser part. Abraham put an end to the strife by allowing Lot to choose the land he wanted

Genesis 13:9 - Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Genesis 13:10 - And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before YAHWEH destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of YAHWEH, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

In this, I believe that Abraham was blessed. Yahushua said:

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of YAHWEH.

Isaac was also such a man.

Genesis 26:19 - And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

Genesis 26:20 - And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.

Rather than fight, Isaac dug another well

Genesis 26:21 - And they digged another well, and strove for that also:and he called the name of it Sitnah.

Yet again, rather than fight, Isaac dug another well

Genesis 26:22 - And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now YAHWEH hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

Abraham and Isaac both practiced something very important: Dying to the flesh!

And for it, they both were blessed

It is noteworthy that Jacob was also such a man

Rather than strive with Laban, he simply departed company

When Laban chased him down, he recounted his life of servitude:

Genesis 31:38 - This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

Genesis 31:39 - That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.

Genesis 31:40 - Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.

Genesis 31:41 - Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Genesis 31:42 - Except the Elohim of my father, the Elohim of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. Elohim hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

They eventually made a covenant of peace

But I believe it is a testimony of the children of Abraham following their father's footsteps

We ought to also leave such a legacy for our children, and indeed let such a light be among us as believers

It is true, however, that with some men can be difficult if not impossible to be at peace with

Proverbs 29:22 - An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Proverbs 15:18 - A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 30:33 - Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

For a person who is angry a lot, he is likely to have strife in his home and among the brothers he is in contact with.

Such a person needs the humility to admit his problem and the desire to overcome it.

But if they lack it, strife will follow them

Often times, they might feel justified their anger by calling it "righteous anger" such as when Yahushua overturned the tables of the moneychangers.

But "righteous anger" is indeed a rare thing and it is often used as an excuse to walk in the flesh

The real heart of it is often self interest/selfishness rather than righteous indignation

Proverbs 16:28 - A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Froward means 'perverse'. Some go around and sow strife wherever they go. Wherever they are, strife is soon to follow. Scripture calls them 'perverse'.

Yes, some just love to strive. They like the competition, the fire, the ability to make another look bad.

And thus make themselves look good

Proverbs 26:21 - As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Proverbs 28:25 - He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in YAHWEH shall be made fat.

Pride is often the root cause of strife. With it comes the desire to contend and put another down to make themselves look more righteous.

But in Yahweh's eyes, they are evil

Consider what it is like to live with strife:

Proverbs 17:1 - Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

I have witnessed the truth of this scripture

I have seen houses of peace, shalom and love.. yet they were very poor in worldly possessions

And I have seen houses of misery and strife where there was plenty of money to go around

Money does not bring happiness and peace, rather it often feeds selfishness

So what can we do to avoid strife?

Ever tried to stop an inrush of water?

Proverbs 17:14 - The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

It is very very difficult to stop it once it starts.

Men have built dams hundreds of feet high to stop inrushes of water

So what can be done to stop strife?

The Hebrew word for "Leave off" in the above verse has to do with "forsaking"

Cease from speaking, perhaps walk away.. run if need be.

Also, when 2 persons are yelling at each other it is usually a sign that both think the other is not listening to them

A listening ear will help. Repeat to the person what they just said so that they know you understood them clearly

Proverbs 20:3 - It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

So it is more honorable to cease from striving than to continue. Any fool can strive

Wise men with strong character will cease

It does take humility to stop and take a few more spiritual beatings from the one contending with you

But we must rule our spirit

Proverbs 16:32 - He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 25:28 - He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

So are we as one who takes a city, or one like a city without walls?

Does the enemy come directly into the city without walls and destroy anything he sees?

Or are the walls built with the spiritual armor, that no enemy may penetrate?

Self control / Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit

When we lack it, the enemy can come in and wreak destruction

Romans 11:12 - Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

Sometimes just being able to have understanding helps us to hold our peace and not despise another.

If there is someone that we are despising for one reason or another.. .think about what kind of mercy we will be needing from Father Yahweh on the day of judgment, and it will be easier to have mercy and longsuffering with them

Proverbs 11:12 - He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

If we desire mercy from Yahweh, let's be sure we are offering it in abundance toward others

Perhaps the other person is doing something wrong, but no matter how much you present your case.. they do not see it. Thus, frustration and anger well up inside

At that time, remember that perhaps Yahweh has been trying to show you something for years and you do not yet see it

If you want mercy from Yahweh, extend it to other persons

I know that most of us have also had things staring in our face.. yet unseen!

What if we are witnessing strife between others?

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of YAHWEH.

If there is strife among others, I think it not wise to join in unless you know that you can bring peace to them.

And it is wise to be careful who we are reproving

Proverbs 26:17 - He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Be careful or you may find yourself on the receiving end of a blemish as well

Proverbs 9:7 - He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

But if Yahweh should lead.. bring peace and you will inherit a blessing

For Yahweh's children bring peace.. our message is one of peace as well

For there is no peace unless there is peace between Yahweh and man

When there is peace between Yahweh and man, only then can there be true peace between men

When there is not peace between men, at least one of them is not at peace with Yahweh

We all need to be subject to the will of Yahweh in all things

United in the Shalom/peace of Yahweh

What about in our own homes? Why is there so much strife today, even in homes of "believers"?

In the home, a major cause of strife is lack of respect for Yahweh's authority:

1Peter 3:1 - Wives, likewise, [be] submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

1Peter 3:2 - when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

1Peter 3:3 - Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--

1Peter 3:4 - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of YAHWEH.

A woman with a gentle and quiet spirit is not likely to get into a fight with the one Yahweh has placed in authority over her.

Yahweh has indeed placed man in authority over his wife. For her to challenge that authority through strife is to rebel against Yahweh

Consider this..

How many would win a fight with their boss at work?

Would not the company owners see to it that the insubordinate one was fired?

For the owners placed the "boss" in that place of authority

Even the world has understanding. Even they realize there needs to be authority and order. Shouldn't we also?

Who can strive with Yahweh and overcome Him?

Perhaps some wives suppose that it is acceptable if the husband is not being obedient to the word, or if the husband has hurt her in some way

But we just read in 1Pet 3:1 that the husband is more likely to be won by righteous conduct than by his wife striving with him

Two wrongs do not make a right, and for her to have any moral authority to offer a correction, she must be obedient to Yahweh herself.

So what about the consequences?

What if the husband makes a foolish decision? Doesn't that affect the whole family?

It is true that when those who are in authority make foolish decisions, those who are under their authority will suffer

Foolish parents bring up suffering children

Adam and Eve sinned, we are their children.. bearing the brunt of their foolish mistake

Even the animals, who were under their authority, suffer to this day

And all the earth groans for redemption

But consequences are not an excuse for rebellion.

If a bad situation appears on the horizon as a result of a perceived bad decision by the husband, the wives can trust in Yahweh

1Peter 3:5 - For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in YAHWEH also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

1Peter 3:6 - as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him master, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

When Abraham told Sarah to tell everyone she was his sister, we find no record of her fighting, complaining or wearing down Abraham

One might even believe she had good reason to question it. Wouldn't it be degrading for a man to tell his wife to say "I'm his sister?"

Wouldn't that put her life in danger?

Well, there she was... about to be wed to Abimelech

Genesis 20:3 - But Elohim came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.

Yahweh delivered her

As Peter/Kepha said, Sarah is a good example

Do not fear the consequences..trust in Yahweh. He can bring deliverance and He knows how to lead

We see that Yahweh delivered Sarah, and their household was greatly blessed

Yahushua also knows what it is like to obey when obedience may cause suffering

Hebrews 5:87 -

Hebrews 5:8 - though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

Perhaps it is not until we suffer for our obedience that we really know what obedience is

There was and is no strife between Yahweh and Messiah

They are in total peace with one another

For Yahushua is submitted to His head, Yahweh

In a home where a wife is in submission to her husband, there can also be peace

In a home where the wife is humble & submissive, there is no strife

Thus, the cause of strife between a wife and husband is always the fault of the wife. For if she is in submission, there is no strife.

This being said, a husband can be terribly wicked and fight her even if she doesn't fight back

If a wife submits anyway, Yahweh can bring deliverance

For the husband does answer to Yahweh for his actions

The husband has a responsibility to create the best environment for peace to exist

The husband is responsible to Yahweh for loving his wife as Yahushua loves the assembly

Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as the Messiah also loved the assemblyand gave Himself for her,

Ephesians 5:26 - that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

Ephesians 5:27 - that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

The challenge to walk in the Messiah's steps is before us men. We cannot use our wives' behavior to excuse away the need to love them in this way. Yahushua loved us while we were yet sinners, did He not?

And not only did He love us, He loved us to the point of being tortured and giving His life for us

So no matter how we are treated, we must be as Yahushua who gave Himself completely to us-- while we were yet sinners

Romans 5:8 - But YAHWEH commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, the Messiah died for us.

The men bear great responsibility.. and we should solemnly consider the words here. We must lead our homes by walking in the Spirit, not with the flesh

Sometimes a person will be surrounded by strife-filled people

But there is a promise..

Psalms 31:20 - Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Even in the midst of strife, we can hide in the pavilion of Yahweh.. knowing that He knows and He sees all things

Interestingly, this word translated "pavilion" is "Sukkah" from which we get "Tabernacle"

Concerning those who claim to follow the truth, there will be some who preach the truth just so that they can always win an argument or lift themselves up.

Paul noted these types of men in his day:

Philippians 1:15 - Some indeed preach the Messiah even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

Philippians 1:16 - The one preach the Messiah of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

Philippians 1:17 - But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the glad tidings.

Philippians 1:18 - What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, the Messiah is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Some preach the truth, only so that they may contend or win an argument. They have the head knowledge, but not the right heart

They can successfully persuade men that they are right about something, but they are hearers and not doers

We must be hearers and doers!

James 1:22 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

It can be deceptive

One can think they have it made because they know some truths

But there is more to being a disciple of Yahushua than knowing

We must do what is right in the sight of Yahweh !

Nevertheless, even if we do there will typically be some who do not

But at least the truth is preached, regardless of the motivation. Yahushua warned of tares among the wheat.

Be not discouraged when we see the divisions. The divisions were there in Paul's day also:

1Corinthians 11:18 - For first of all, when ye come together in the assembly, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

1Corinthians 11:19 - For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

So there will be tares.. Yahushua said they wouldn't be pulled up until the end

Matthew 13:38 - The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

Matthew 13:39 - The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Matthew 13:40 - As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Matthew 13:41 - The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

"all things that offend"

Matthew 13:42 - And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:43 - Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Let's hear, and not be among those who offend

Let's hear, and not be among those doing iniquity

Causing offense is something that we need to be careful we are not doing

We are called to be lights in this world, not stumbling blocks

We are called to be men who bring peace and bear the burdens of the weak

Not sources of temptation and causes for stumbling

It is written for us:

Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Oh that all would only heed this scripture!

Perhaps there would be no strife at all among brethren!!

When Yahushua comes it will all end

The best that we can do is not participate in another's quest for an argument, but to humble ourselves and walk away or at least say "Let us not strive, for we are brethren!!"

Romans 13:13 - Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Romans 13:14 - But put ye on Yahushua the Messiah, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

If we as people of Yahweh desire the meat of the word, we may never get it unless we put away strife!

1Corinthians 3:2 - I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

1Corinthians 3:3 - For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Beware of some who would strive at every turn and hurl insults, for how can they be a true teacher of the word from Yahweh?

For it doesn't really matter "who" is right in any kind of debate

It only matters "what" is right!

If the focus is on "who" is right, the flesh is ever present

Let's be sure that we are bearing His name in righteousness

We must be careful what we say

All the world watches (and Yahweh too) to see the love for one another that Yahushuaa said would be evident among His disciples.

John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

We must always remember that all that we write and say is written down for judgment!

Matthew 12:36 - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Do we realize the importance of those words spoken by Yahushua?

If others see us in sin and strife, it is how they view Yahweh and His people.

Those who bear and proclaim His name must walk in righteousness!! When we do not.. people will say "This is the people of Yahweh" and will associate His wonderful name with unrighteousness.

It ought not be so!!

We are talking about the Name of the most powerful being in the Universe!

We are in a time of searching, my brethren

It isn't quite like it was in the days of the apostles

They had the truth, and were trying to protect it

We lack the truth, and are desperately seeking to attain it

We can kill each other with our words in the process.. or we can bear with one another in love, considering one another better than ourselves, praying for one another, bearing one another's burdens

I pray that our searching for the truth can be without vain strife and animosity toward one another. Who owns all the truth?

Certainly not I.

Who has had all their sin revealed to them?

We are all growing. We must be longsuffering with one another, lest we tear one another to pieces

In the days of the kings, it was the enemies of Yahweh's armies whom Yahweh often through into confusion, causing them to fight one another

We are all growing. We must be longsuffering with one another

Matthew 7:1 - Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:2 - For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Matthew 7:3 - And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Matthew 7:4 - Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

Matthew 7:5 - Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

We are all growing. We must be longsuffering with one another

Too often, strife is nothing more than brethren hitting each other with the 2 X 4's in their eyes

What horrible things Yahweh must see!

Yahweh wants to lead the humble, the ones who depart from carnal strife!

But if we personally berate another for his lack of understanding in our own eyes then surely we are acting as if WE are the wise ones and the OTHER is the fool.

Is this humility?

When Yahushua spoke to certain disciple, he said:

John 21:16 - He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Rabbi; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:17 - He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Kepha was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Rabbi, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Yahushua saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

What did Yahushua mean?

We are the sheep of His pasture. His sheep hear His voice. But a stranger's voice they will not hear.

If we have something to share from the Spirit of Yahweh how will it be presented?

If we have something to share from the Spirit of Yahweh how will it be presented?

His people are sheep, hungry for His word...needing to be fed. Not intimidated into submission with harsh words and idle threats that usually produces STRIFE.. this is a stranger's voice

How does Yahushua lead His sheep?

Isaiah 40:11 - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

David was a great man of Yahweh

What made him great?

Psalms 18:35 - Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

It was Yahweh's gentleness

We need to beware of the Pharisee's legacy:

Matthew 23:4 - For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

If we are chosen to feed His sheep, how will we treat them? Will we..like Him..gather them with our arms gently lead them or will we smite them with our words? Will we provoke the flesh by intimidating them with threats and condemnation or provoke them to love?

James 3:7 - For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

James 3:8 - But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:9 - With it we bless YAHWEH our Father and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of YAHWEH.

James 3:10 - Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

James 3:11 - Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

James 3:12 - Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

James 3:13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct [that] his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

Note the wise and understanding ones

James 3:14 - But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

James 3:15 - This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

James 3:16 - For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

Selfishness is the root of a lot of strife

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Beautiful fruits

James 3:18 - Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

If we sow the seed, it must be sown in peace

Then we will be one who makes peace

James 4:1 - Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

Wars and fights often come from selfishness and pride

But if we have Yahweh's wisdom, let it be shared in the meekness of wisdom

I encourage all the brothers and sisters to have discretion and understanding toward one another, and toward those who do not yet know Yahweh

Proverbs 19:11 - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

We need to be longsuffering! The one we serve sure is!

Psalms 145:8 - YAHWEH is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Are we like Yahushua?

Yahushua takes the beatings and spittings of the enemy for our sakes and then says "Father forgive them".

Do we then receive one small ounce of disrespect from a brother or a family member and then lash out like we have been slain?

Are we forgetting "The weightier matters of the law?"

Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

As Yahushua said...judgement, MERCY and faith are the weightier matters of the law. These we must do, without leaving the others undone.

These are characteristics of Yahushua and we must walk like He walked.

Ephesians 4:1 - I, therefore, the prisoner of Yahushua, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Ephesians 4:2 - with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Ephesians 4:3 - endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

When we lack lowliness, gentleness and longsuffering. When we fail to bear with one another in love..then do we truly love our brother as we should? Are we loving our brother as Yahushua loved us? This was His commandment:

John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

We must love one another as Yahushua loved us. The world won't know that we are His disciples because of how smart we are or how wise and versed we are in scripture. The world won't know that we are His disciples because of how well we know the Torah or how many college degrees we have in theology and doctrine.

The world will know that we are His disciples by our love for one another. Will the visitor find love among us?

They will know we are His disciples if we are doers of the word, and not hearers only

If we lack this (and I speak for myself also)..we are all treading on very very dangerous ground!!

1John 3:10 - In this the children of YAHWEH and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of YAHWEH, nor is he who does not love his brother.

1John 4:20 - If someone says, "I love YAHWEH," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love YAHWEH whom he has not seen?

And for those who might say that the other is your enemy and not your brother then I call on you to "Love your enemies" as Yahushua commanded also.

Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:45 - That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 5:46 - For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

Matthew 5:47 - And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Matthew 5:48 - Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Brethren, this is all about being perfect and blameless before Yahweh. We need to love one another in such a way that it sets a very high standard, far above what is seen in the world

For if we cannot love our brother, how can we love our enemy?

And again if we cannot love our brother whom we have seen, how can we love Yahweh whom we have not seen?

Let's be wise men who cease from striving:

Titus 3:9 - But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

There are plenty of "foolish questions" that there really isn't an answer for in scripture

And people fight over them all the time

But not us

Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of YAHWEH, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

If we are humble, we will recognize our limits

Job's three friends tried to give an answer for things that they knew nothing about

Let's be humble enough to admit we just don't know certain things right now

Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as the Messiah forgave you, so also do ye.

Forbearing, forgiveness, humbleness of mind, longsuffering, holy and beloved

Ingredients for Shalom (peace)

For if Yahweh can move a mountain with His Spirit, then He surely doesn't need our red-faced yelling and screaming to accomplish His will and defeat any perceived enemy of His.

Strife is a work of the FLESH. Not a fruit of the SPIRIT

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of Elohim.

Note that hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies and envyings are all related to fighting/strife

They "which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh!", strong words indeed. Yahweh help us!

Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:23 - gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Is the fruit of the Spirit among us or the works of the flesh?

I pray that all of us would begin to see the importance of having the fruits of the Spirit in every place.

At work, in forums, chat rooms and especially in our own homes.

Surely if we sow to the Spirit of the Spirit we'll reap LIFE (Forever!)

So let's sow to the Spirit!

Galatians 6:8 - For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6:8 - For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Let's keep in mind that it is Yahweh's Spirit that convicts one of sin.

It is Yahweh's Spirit that should speak through us...Yahweh's Spirit does not need our fleshly anger to accomplish conviction in the life of any person, whether it be an unbeliever, believer or a member of our own family.

James 1:19 - So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

James 1:20 - for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of YAHWEH.

May Yahweh lead us all to the unity of faith that Yahushua prayed for.

When we are slow to speak...

swift to hear..

slow to wrath...

longsuffering....

kind and humble..

having a spirit that is willing to be reproved....

willing to hear ..

and willing to make Shalom...

When we enjoy correction, and seek it as one would seek excellent oil...

When we humbly and gently correct another by the Spirit of Yahweh whether it be to our fellow brother or sister in the faith or our own children or spouses...

THAT'S walking in the Spirit of Yahweh, and we WILL reap life

Just as homes of strife become assemblies of strife, which affects everyone

Homes of peace will eventually bear assemblies of peace

And when we all have peace, we will be peacemakers

It all starts at home, and in our hearts

May Yahweh convict our hearts bring us to the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace..

uniting every one of us..

not in error, but in truth that leads to everlasting life.

May Yahweh bless you and have mercy on us all!