Living Torah

At first glance, we can look at the commandments and wonder what how they can possibly speak to our lives today. What if we not only look at the words, but the essence of the words? Opens a door for a whole new life and walk.

What is the difference between justice and righteousness? Which are we to pursue? Just what are we fearful of in this life? In light of eternity, what really matters?

“Consider Your ways!” Those may be the words of the prophet Haggai, but they provide a great backdrop to the teachings of Moshe this week. Are we prepared to be peculiar in the eyes of the world so as to be unique in the eyes of our Creator?

The first few words of “Because” paint a beautiful picture of our lives and our destination. Whose voice are we focused on today? Remember back to the days of record albums and when the needle got stuck in a groove? Kick all a person wants, my needle is not moving from this groove!

Moshe pleaded to go into the land. Why did he plead? Was it just about seeing the sites or a longing for something greater? What should his desire bring forth in our lives? The “Shema”. Why are these words so special?

With the turn of a page, we enter into the final words of Moshe. What insights have we learned regarding this man that may help us in our own lives? Just who is he talking to? What is the purpose of his words to a people who were to young to remember what he was talking about?

The Hebrews stand on the bank of stepping into the promises of Yah. Two tribes will come up short. Yes, they will be living in the “Biblical borders”, but not in the “today borders.”  Why should Yah force a people into a place they don’t want to go? Am I speaking of then or now? Yes!

We take a closer look at the situation that lead to Pinchas coming forward. The meaning of his name gives not only a great insight into his life and calling, but also how we should be leading our own lives. Moshe is given the death sentence. His response is one that challenges me to my core.

The Torah portion of Balam always takes me back to memories of a simpler life. Popsicles orange juice cans and flannel graph were the items of the day. A talking donkey was the star performer. But, what about the battle that was going on then? What about the battle that continues to this day? Yah will prevail through a people who refuse to let their guard down. 

Would we want our lives defined only by our mistakes? Please bear with me as I pay tribute to a man who helped form my life, Jimmie Swaggart. His recent death causes me to look at those in Scripture, like Moshe and David, who failed. The consequences were great for them, but we should not define them by their failures, lest we also be tempted. 

What was Korah actually rebelling against? What is the true sin of Korah? Is his sin being repeated today and if so, how can we keep from entering into it? In the end, we are the ones responsible for our outcome.

A brief report on camp leads us to the Torah portion and current events. Indifference to The Land is the same sin as rejecting of The Land. In the end, did the 10 reject The Land or did The Land reject them?

A special guest joins me from a report on camp. Are we still moving forward or become a bit stagnate? Bit shorter teaching this week as so much is happening in the mountains of North Carolina!

Is there really a place of significance to those who feel they have been cast out or divorced from Yah? The answer is found in the name Gershon. Each of us have a part in his Kingdom and He desires to put His name on us to prove it.

The Book of Numbers. The uncharted territory of exile. Our journey in and through exile is a test. Our outcome will be our final grade. It will also be an answer to Yeshua’s question found in the Book of Luke.

How can a person say they love God, but have no interest in the things and people He loves? Is lip service enough? How about a very simple challenge to dream based upon a few verses which speak of our future?

Living to a higher standard is what Yah calls us to, but people are not always on board. Some will even be offended by your desire. The Festivals again? How do we approach this chapter? Is it with awe or familiarity?

The Protocal of Awe! The path to intimacy with Yah has to be within the boundaries and protocol He has set in Scripture. When we follow His path we become a people worthy of not only entering into our destination, but remaining in our destination.  

Not only do we turn to “That Torah portion”, but this year we have “Those Torah portions” together as one. After all, the message is always one. What is the message? The Father loves us enough to discipling us! What will our response be? Will we focus on the rotten fruit or deal with the root?

The first word of this Torah portion can be passed over so quickly, but sets the stage for all that is written after it.  Why was the offering specific to the eighth day? What is the strange fire and how does that lead into Chapter 11? It is not only important to do, but to know why we do.

“When You Order” The words seem almost sterile at first glance. The actual beauty of these words lead to an amazing revelation which speaks not only to our very being, but also to our daily lives. Have you ever considered the emptiness of the word, thanks or the words, thank you?

Passover. We are told in Scripture to tell the story of the events of this amazing day. Is the story only about Egypt though? What if the story begins in the Garden and leads throughout history into the Millennium? How can we sum up this story in one word?

The book of “Leviticus” is very much understood. Maybe the reason is because it is taught that it is written for a small group of people, but in fact it is written for a large group of people. How are we doing at laying into our offerings unto Yah?

In the work of preparation for a place for Yah to dwell, each person has equal status and equal stake. The choice we are given is in the attitude in which we bring our status and stake. Just how much “golden calf” are we holding onto in our lives? 

“Give an order” seems like pretty direct language, but it raises a question we should all ask, does our Creator have a right to give us an order and how do we respond when He does. Breastplates, offerings, oil and incense. How do these items speak into our lives today?