11/09/2007 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

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 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.

It is the spiritual battle that determines all things

For this reason, 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 a mother and father.

Warring between siblings

And sometimes even between parents and children

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

Strife going on within the walls of a home is more common than many are willing to admit.

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.

There is a spiritual battle in our midst, but when the battle turns into fleshly anger.. the angry one is on the wrong side of the battle.

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!

What 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 the herdsmen were 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 monetary 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.

Genesis 13:11 - Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

Lot chose the better land for riches, but if we read on we see that it was a wicked land

Isaac was like his father, Abraham:

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 still 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.

Isaac's eyes were on Yahweh.. Yahweh made room for him in the land

Abraham and Isaac both practiced something very important: Keeping their eyes on the spiritual things and not letting the flesh to rule them!

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, have the desire to stop, and seek the healing and counsel 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 control them, or make themselves look more righteous.

But in Yahweh's eyes, this is 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.

There are houses of peace, shalom and love.. yet are very poor in worldly possessions

And there are 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 gets moving. 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."

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 back to the person what you heard them say so that they know you understood them clearly.

A caring heart will also help, especially if a wife is striving with her husband. If the husband communicates love and care in the midst of strife, that will often solve the root problem.

At one time we were at odds with Yahushua, but He cared for us a loved us when we did not show love to Him.

If we only love those who love us, what good is that?

Aren't we called to walk a higher road?

Aren't we called to be willing to suffer and walk the Yahushua walk?

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.

Finding ways like this to cease from strife is honorable:

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

It is more honorable to humble ourselves and cease from striving, than to continue. Any fool can strive

Wise men with strong character will learn how to cease

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

But we are called to be willing to suffer

1Peter 2:21 - For to this you were called, because the Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

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 full armor of Yahweh, that no enemy may penetrate?

Self control / Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit.

When we have Yahushua dwelling within us, and we are focused on keeping Him on the throne of our hearts, no matter what the circumstances are... we can overcome

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

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

Yahushua understood that the ones who were seeking to destroy him did not know what they were doing:

Luke 23:34 - Then said Yahushua, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

He was able to love them rather than being bitter toward them. He had understanding and was able to hold his peace

We need to be merciful:

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, it's good to remember the possibility that Yahweh has been trying to show you something for years and you do not yet see it.

Can you extend the same mercy to another that Yahweh extends to all of us daily? We are not a finished product, are we?

If you want mercy from Yahweh, extend it to others.

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 are certain that you can bring peace to them.

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.

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.

If there is strife in our lives, let's ask ourselves if we are the one who is truly at peace with Yahweh

And let's allow the fruits of His Spirit to continually manifest, not the works of our flesh.. that we might remain at peace with Yahweh

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

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 Himself.

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 that in order for there to be success, there needs to be authority and order. Shouldn't we also?

Who can strive with Yahweh and overcome Him?

Is any woman greater than He?

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 it is not a valid excuse.

The husband is more likely to be won by righteous conduct than by his wife striving with him. If she is trying to change him, she is taking the position of leadership over him. That position belongs to Yahweh and should never be usurped.

1Corinthians 11:3 - But I would have you know, that the head of every man is the Messiah; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of the Messiah is YAHWEH.

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.

If a bad situation appears on the horizon as a result of a perceived bad decision by the husband, or if the wife would just desire that her husband change his mind on something, she can make a humble appeal and there is nothing wrong with reverently expressing a different opinion.

Moses and other holy men of old made appeals to Yahweh in a reverent way and many times Yahweh heard them. We also ask Yahweh to do things, but we do reverently accept His will for our lives and want His will to be done.

A wife can do the same with her husband, but always accept the final decisions of the husband without argument.

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?"

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 5:8 - 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 at all!

While it is true that husband can tempt a wife to strive against him by failing to love and care for her, the actual 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 come to her aid because He respects the fact that she is trusting in him, and bring deliverance

The husband WILL answer to Yahweh for his actions

So what about the husband, what can he do to be sure he is not a stumbling block and offense to his wife, tempting her to rise up against him?

While the husband isn't ultimately responsible for the strife, he has a responsibility to create the best environment for peace to exist.

Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as the Messiah also loved the assembly and 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, no matter when/where/why or how our wives may fail to submit to us or support us.

Any failure for a husband to love, nourish and care for his wife is his fault and his fault alone.

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

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

We all, like Yahushua, must be willing to bear the hurts and pains and stripes that anyone (including our spouses) may inflict on us, as Yahushua did.

Having the responsibility to love our wives as Yahushua loved the assembly is indeed a tall order!

We should solemnly consider the words here and walk it out. We must lead our homes by walking in the Spirit, not with the flesh!

Sometimes a person, especially a child in a home full of strife, 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 (Heb. Sukkah) of Yahweh.. knowing that He knows and He sees all things.

What about strife between believer and unbeliever?

It should never come to the flesh!

Paul noted these types of men in his day:

Philippians 1:14 - And many of the brethren in the Master, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

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.

But 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 truth.

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.

When such things take place, the ones who are approved are made known.. for they maintain the fruits of Yahweh's Spirit

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

Matthew 13:27 - So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

Matthew 13:28 - He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

Matthew 13:29 - But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

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" Brethren, let's be sure we are not among those who are causing others to stumble!

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

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

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

We are called to be men who bring peace to our families and to all we come in contact with, bearing the burdens of the weak

1Peter 3:7 - Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the favor of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

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 seek what is right in the eyes of Yahweh and set the "who" mentality aside.

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 Yahushua 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 knows 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.

(throw)

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 attack, berate or insult 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?

Proverbs 3:7 - Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear YAHWEH, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 26:12 - Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

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 a word of correction to our family members, brethren or others.. do they hear the Shepherd's voice?

His people are sheep, hungry for His word...needing to be fed.

Not intimidated into submission with harsh words, idle threats that only produces strife. This is a stranger's voice

How does Yahushua lead His sheep?

Isaiah 40:1 - Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your Elohim.

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.

Our gentleness can make others great also. Building up, edifying and exhorting with humility and grace.

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.

Meekness of wisdom

The wise 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.

But...

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 of Yahweh's word, and we want it to bear fruit, it must be sown in peace... not strife.

Spiritually abusing someone isn't going to make seed grow. We can scream at that seed all day long...

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.

We can scream at that seed all day long...

1Corinthians 3:6 - I have planted, Apollos watered; but YAHWEH gave the increase.

Yahweh has to give the increase.. we can't "make" it happen.

We are not the Holy Spirit

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?

The flesh doesn't want to suffer, it wants pleasure all the time.

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.

They will know we are His disciples if we are doers of the word, and not hearers only... loving one another as He loved!

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.

A failure to love our brother is very serious.

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?

How much more so our family members?

Are they not included?

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.

It's time to walk in the image of Elohim and become His children.

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

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 let it not be so with 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 evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

Galatians 5:20 - idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

Galatians 5:21 - envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of YAHWEH.

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. May Yahweh have mercy on us and 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.

Are the fruits 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 6:9 - 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.

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 ..

willing to care, and to love...

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 when led to do so 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 an assembly of people who promote and propagate peace

And when we all have peace, we will be peacemakers..

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

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!