The Well Trodden Road: Recent Episodes
Derek and Rivkah Townsend
Return to the ancient ways (Jeremiah 6:16) with messages that proclaim the simple truth of the Scriptures, without the influence of man-made religious systems
This teaching on the 6th Commandment dives into the lives of Cain and Abel. The spirit of Cain is in the earth today, yet those of the Abel spirit are alive and well. As Elohim's chosen people, we were created to love and be loved. Where there is a lack of love for the household of Elohim, there will be evidence of lawlessness/disobedience. Like Cain, we must ask ourselves.. are we holding a grudge against love? How often do we murder our brothers and sisters through our lack of love for them? Is the offering I present to Father offered in faith or by dead works alone? What will it take to close the door to sin!
What does it mean to honor our parents? Listen in on this teaching as Derek shares the importance of preserving our parents dignity (Commandment 5) while at the same time not putting our family before Elohim (Commandment 1). How do we view family in these last days? Why did Father tell Ezekiel not to mourn for his wife (Ezekiel 24)? Listen in on the discussion and find out!
Speaking at a Camp Meeting at the PTC, Derek shares an introduction to the 7 Festivals of Yahuweh - The plan of salvation.
Listen, as we relook at Matthew 16 and the passage regarding denying oneself, taking up his cross and following Him. To deny oneself - what does that mean? This message is dedicated to a dear friend who just passed into glory. Tony - your testimony changed my life!
What does it truly mean to trust in Elohim (God)? What is the difference between trust and faith? Psalm 22:9-10 - a clinging security - that is our bond with our Creator!
Recorded from the Friday night Hebrew Heritage Bible study, this broadcast was a very special time in the presence of the Master. This is the 4th Commandment in our studies of the 10 Commandments - Exodus 20:8-11. The weekly day of rest is the thread that weaves the tapestry of the salvation plan for His family. Shabbat (from sunset on Friday evening to sunset on Saturday evening) is the key ingredient in the recipe of salvation. Without understand it, without adhering to it, the remaining seven festivals will unravel at the seams. The plan will have little value in the lives of those who expect salvation without obedience.
This message is a very personal message - one of care and affection and of love. When we love Elohim (God) with all of our heart, it is natural to never want to do anything that would bring His sweet Name down to the dust and trample upon it. This would be taking His name in vain. Let's explore Exodus 20:7 together...
Listen as Derek shares about Shavu'ot (Pentecost), along with fresh insight into the everlasting covenant beginning with Commandment #1. His love within us empowers us to love Him back with all of heart, soul, mind and strength.
Join us for an in-depth look at Exodus 34:6 and an anointed time of talking about the goodness of Yah!
Join us as we sit at the Master's feet and learn from Him of how to prepare for His coming kingdom!
Join us as we sit at the Master's feet and learn from Him of how to prepare for His coming kingdom!
In the beginning, the creation of the family stemmed from the desires of the heart of the Creator to have someone to fellowship with and who would rule and reign over His creation. As important as this initial creation was, as everything outside of Yahuweh must have a beginning point, the utmost importance and concern of the Creator is the continuation of the family that He created. The continuation of the family is the backbone, the theme of the entire plan of salvation. A proper balance of the family unit must be maintained for the survival of not only the present congregation (a collective unit of households,) but for future generations.
True restoration of His perfect will comes when the shame of unworthiness – even as Adam felt that day because He knew the fellowship with His Creator was broken - gives way to oneness with His Maker -- where Adam and Eve – Man and Woman -- can look at each other in unity again-- in the nakedness of purity – singing the same song – once again, standing in the presence of the Lamb – “PLACED” in that garden called Mount Zion – because THE Savior was sent in pursuit of us, on a mission of love.
A good brother and friend of ours asked, "why do you think Messiah said He only came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel?"
Messiah came to seek and to save the lost. Just as the shepherd leaves the 99 to go after the one lost sheep, so Messiah came to restore His family into one sheep fold; one stick in His hand (Ezekiel 37). But why? This is the greatest love story ever told--in the place we were called not His people, we are now called sons of the living Elohim! (Hosea 1).
One cannot reason with Love!
2 Kings 17 is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. The sins of Jeroboam had spread like a pandemic through all of the Northern Kingdom. This is the story of the exile of the House of Israel. What happened when the House of Israel was scattered among all the nations? Where are they today? Why was Messiah sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel? Listen, as we dive deeper into the greatest topic throughout all of Scripture...the restoration of the family of Elohim (God).
1 Kings 10-12 outline the great divide of the House of Jacob into two kingdoms - Israel and Judah (the Northern and Southern kingdoms). Listen, as we dive into how fear gripped the heart of Jeroboam that would eventually lead Israel into abandoning the truth of Elohim's ways. Is fear preventing the light of the truth of God's word from entering your heart? This is the year to dominate fear and receive His truth that makes us free!
Recorded live at the Prayer & Training Center, Derek shares about the Light of Encouragement as the dawning of Hanukkah is upon us. Encouraging ourselves in Yah allows the light of heaven to enter the dark circumstances on earth!
The most precious gift – having eyes to see – the greatest curse – never opening them
The most precious gift – having light – the greatest curse – never sharing with others
He is the light of the world as long as His people reflect it!
Come and celebrate the opening of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) and learn how the Festivals of Yahuweh (Deuteronomy 16:16) tie into the Abrahamic promises in Genesis 12:1-3.
Listen, as Derek shares about the Day of Atonement and it's significance to the days we are living!
Listen, as Derek shares about the Feast of Trumpets and it's significance to the days we are living!
During this time of Elul, it is time to leave the house of Ai and return to the house of Elohim (Beit-El). An introduction to the Abrahamic promises with a discussion on what it means to come to the altar!
A special message on Elul and the importance of keeping our garments clean - prepared to meet our Bridegroom!
As we have now entered into the month of Elul - it is high time for self examination and preparation for the soon coming King. Recorded on Friday, 8/21/2020, Derek speaks on the covenant of salvation we have entered into and what our responsibilities are to that covenant relationship.
It is a gift to see and to believe in the only One who is able to open our blind eyes to His majesty and light. Help us never to squander the beauty of sight as your children are called to reflect the light of Your glory.
Based upon Mark 4, what is Messiah's response to the disciples' question, 'do you not care if we perish?' It is a response of tender love yet sadness that they have not yet realized how much He really cared for them.
Following the traditions of men is a path that leads to death - an act of treason against the King. Following the Word of God is the path that leads to life - an act of submission to the King. Recorded at the Prayer & Training Center, Fort Worth, on the last great day of the feast of Sukkot (the 8th day), Derek and Rivkah share the link between the Sabbath and the Living Water. In John 7:37-38, Messiah said that out of your inner most being will flow rivers of living water. It is this same living water that flows from underneath the throne in Revelation 22:1 and Ezekiel 47:1-12 and brings life and peace wherever it flows. It is a joy and privilege to keep the Sabbath holy, on the 7th day of the week, when the King of Kings longs to speak to His precious bride. But is she too busy to spend time with Him, speaking her own words and doing her own things - Isaiah 58:13-14?) The Sabbath (Shabbat) is time to replenish, and a time to recognize that it is one of the most important of the 10 Commandments. We show our Savior how much He is loved by our obedience to keep that day holy. Join Derek and Rivkah as they share about the wonders of that 7th day, and what marvelous things keeping it has done for their own lives and marriage.
Click Here to Download the Study Notes: http://www.thewelltroddenroad.org/download/Revealing-the-Sabbath-from-Genesis-to-Revelation.pdf
Sukkot, or sometimes referred to as the Feast of Tabernacles, is the 7th and final festival of the feasts of Yahuweh. It is the time of entering into His rest with His family after the final disposition of His enemies. It is the most joyous time of the year. It is the time of the year of the ingathering of the fruits of the earth. It is the time of the Kingly Bridegroom dwelling with His bride and their children forever!
Nehemiah 8:13-18 reveals it as a time of great rejoicing; building booths out of the branches of the olive, palm, myrtle, and willow and the reading of Scripture. It is a time to remember His promise of bringing us through the wilderness and into the promised land! It is a time to look forward to our homecoming day.
Joel 2:18-27 describes it as a time of teaching, healing, restoration, gladness and rejoicing.
Leviticus 26:11-12, John 1:14 and Revelation 21:1-5 all show us how the Father longs to dwell in the midst of His people and be their Elohim (God).
John 7:37-38 shows us how Messiah, on that 8th great day of the Feast, calls the thirsty to come unto Him and drink of the Living water so that through their belief in Him, newness of life will burst forth as a river from within.
Revelation 22:1-4 paints a beautiful picture of the 8th day - a time of completion of the former things, the ending of the curse and the launching of new beginnings.
Join Derek and Rivkah as they share a beautiful message about this most joyous day, with insights into the deeper meaning of the true fulfillment of this great Festival.
Recorded at the Prayer & Training Center, Fort Worth, Texas
Click on the following link to download the study notes for this message: http://www.thewelltroddenroad.org/download/Sukkot-2019.docx
A Day of Affliction, Judgment, Decision, War, Separation and Family Restoration - Yes - This is a day unlike any other because it is the day of finalities - the day of the Yahuweh. In this special message, Derek and Rebecca share crucial insights and revelation into this most set-apart day of the year.
The absolute importance of this day for Elohim's chosen people is showing that we love truth more than we love ourselves and fleshly desires. It is a day to witness the true intentions of the Bridegroom come to fruition for His bride. It is our last opportunity to tell the Love of our life that we choose His ways over the deceptive ways of the serpent. It is this day, that we go back to the Garden and choose to obey the Creator rather than the lie of the serpent. It is this day, that the enemy of our souls is separated from us and we will enter into the time of peace as our King begins to reign over His kingdom.
Scripture References: Leviticus 16, 23, Joel 2, Revelation 19 and many more. Study notes are available here: www.thewelltroddenroad.org/study-library/articles-and-studies/
Join Derek and Rivkah as they share about Yom Teruah (The Day of Trumpets). In this message, recorded at the Prayer & Training Center, several questions are addressed.
1. When is Yom Teruah?
2. What is Yom Teruah?
3. How does Elohim want us to celebrate Yom Teruah?
The seventh month of our gathering together for the festivals of Yahuweh is all about endurance (Ethanim - 1 Kings 8:1-2). Will you endure to the end to see the 'completion of Elohim's covenant and worship with joy'? Will you be like the assembly of Philadelphia who will never let anyone take their crown (Revelation 3:11)?
On September 1, 2019, we entered into the timing of the 10 days of awe. Now is the time of T'shuvah (repentance). Now is the time to ensure that what you believe isn't based on head knowledge, but founded in knowing the nearness of the heart of the Master. We never really know a person until we have gone through much trials and tribulation with them.
Chag Sameach - Have a joyful fall festival season with full expectation of our soon coming deliverance!
Read Leviticus 23 and the book of Joel as a prerequisite to listening to this message!
Be sure and download the accompanying notes here: http://www.thewelltroddenroad.org/study-library/articles-and-studies/
Episode artwork attribution - Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org
Based upon Isaiah 30:15, Trials of Trust takes you front row center into the life of King Hezekiah during the time of the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. There was a season in the king's life where Yahuweh (The Lord) stepped back to see what was in the heart of Hezekiah. It would begin at this time, the greatest test that Hezekiah would ever experience - the decision to trust in man or the Elohim (God) of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
Verses: 1 Samuel 18:5, 9-15, 28-30
The study of David and Saul is a true study of spiritual warfare. Spiritual Warfare is the exercise of wisdom, for wisdom terrifies the enemy.
Learn how to use wisdom and know when to attack – Gideon’s army – ambush when the enemy sleeps (before he has a chance to work – defeat his agenda before it begins)
David had 2 opportunities to defeat Saul (once awake and once asleep), but chose the wisdom of Elohim over the wisdom of the world. What would have happened to David’s throne had he destroyed Saul himself?
Scriptures: James 1:17, Ephesians 3:15, 1 John 4:8, Genesis 1:26; 5:3; Exodus 25:40; Matthew 6:9-13, Deuteronomy 6:6-8; 20-25 and many others
Summary: Avinu (Our Father) – In the ancient Paleo language, Avinu means: “The first and powerful one of the house who gives life to his children with secure attachment.”
1. Why do so many believers tend to reduce the image of our heavenly Father to that of our earthly father as though they are one in the same?
2. Why is it that so we easily trust Him for salvation, that He loved us enough to send us His Son to die to take away our sins, yet we spend a lifetime making Him prove that He is not the same man as our earthly father?
Although these are some hard questions to tackle, to answer them we must first look into the heart of our heavenly Father. Only He knows how to maintain the perfect blend of ‘all powerful’ and ‘all compassionate.’ He is love and desires so much that through His Son, the reality of the heavenly pattern and perfection of a family would manifest itself into the earthly realm. This pattern, emanating from the image of the Creator Himself, is what the enemy is out to destroy – destruction of a family who through the shed blood of the Lamb, would once again bear the likeness and image of the one of who created it. No more shame, no more fear!
Scriptures: Psalm 133, John 17, Malachi 4:6, Revelation 3:14-22, Colossians 1-4 and many others
Summary: In these last days, it is crucial for the body of Messiah, as in Acts 4:32-37, to come together in unity, learning to combat against false teachings that seek to undermine the preeminence of our Messiah. The book of Colossians, written by Paul around 60 AD, was to be read to the Church of Laodicea (Chapter 4:16). It would be only 30 years later that the messenger of Revelation 3 would have to inform the Assembly at Laodicea of its lukewarm behavior. As history repeats itself, it is wise to learn from those who fell prey to a world system void of any dependency on a heavenly Provider.
In a world of mixture, people blurred to the difference between light and darkness, truth and deception, there is a remnant arising who have found the clarity of living as set-apart royalty unto the King, the Master Yahushua. Our battle cry is that we should proclaim the praises of Him Who is always good. In this message, Derek continues on the heels of Pastor Annmarie, as she spoke the week prior on our positions as sons of the King.
If we have been called out and chosen to be different than the world, then how should our behavior as royalty be? What is our duty as royalty? What is our response to those who persecute us because of our royal family nature? And what is our reward for enduring to the end as His royal sons and daughters?
Recorded on April 14th, 2019 at the Prayer and Training Center in Fort Worth, Texas, listen, as all of these questions are answered, learning what it means to be part of the end-time Philadelphian assembly as described in Revelation 3. To him that overcomes…our reward for a life of enduringly holding fast to the truth, is to live in His presence forever, never leaving His side again. To be home with Him always! (the notes to this message may be found on our website).
On this 1st Day of Unleavened Bread, we remember to put feet to the deliverance Messiah has wrought. The blood of the Lamb opens prison doors but we have the responsiblity to flee from that cage of slavery.
Rivkah and I enjoyed a beautiful Passover meal with the Prayer & Training Center last night and it was a joyous celebration for all.
We are on our way to the promised land. We need cheerleaders - those who have gone before us like Paul who cried out, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have guarded the belief" - 2 Timothy 4:7.
Hold on tight - a crown of righteousness awaits those loving His appearing -
longing for His return.
"This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you." - Exodus 12:2
Recorded at the Prayer & Training Center in Fort Worth, Texas, Rivkah shares the importance of living an unleavened life as she introduces the true meaning of Passover. So much has been lost in our understanding of the true, Biblical plan of salvation as outlined in the Feasts of Yahuweh (the Lord).
This plan has been prepared for us before the foundation of the world – made visible in the suffering and resurrection of our Messiah. This celebration has nothing to do with playing the religious role of the Jew, but is a celebration that we have been grafted back into the root of Messiah as the seed of Abraham! (Galatians 3:29, Romans 11)
Listen, as Rivkah brings us back into focus on the timing of this special season, to remember that we our not our own, but have been bought with a price by the precious blood of our Passover Lamb.
"This month shall be unto you the beginning of months:it shall be the first month of the year to you." - Exodus 12:2
We are a people of deliverance - therefore we must be a people of remembrance. We have stepped into the Passover season, a season of humility where the barley sheaves are bowed low and are waiting for their harvest. Today is the day we walked out of Egypt triumphantly - a people of deliverance who have come out of darkness and into the glorious light of our King!
We have been called to participate in the greatest rhythm of timing ever established - the rhythm of the newness of life. This life begins with the celebration of our Creator's timing, and the gathering together unto Him - His people who have been set-apart from the systems of this world by the blood of the Lamb. Messiah was bruised, crushed, crucified, buried and raised to life--for you--for me.
He is our Passover Lamb and our grain offering of lowly barley. He was not interested in His own glory but His Father's alone. He presented Himself on high for OUR acceptance before His Father, therefore we possess a living hope! Lest we forget our beloved suffering Servant and fall back into the hands of the dark kingdom, let us remember, with great fear, wonderment and awe, Messiah's work on the stake.
"For many – of whom I have often told you, and now say to you even weeping – walk as enemies of the stake of Messiah, their end is destruction, their mighty one is their stomach, and their esteem is in their shame – they mind the earthly for our citizenship is in the heavens, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Master Yahushua Messiah, who shall change our lowly body, to be conformed to His esteemed body, according to the working by which He is able even to bring all under His control." -- Philippians 3:18-21
What is the Master whispering to you this season? How will you come into sync with His timing?
Recorded at the Prayer & Training Center in Fort Worth, Texas (3/17/2019)
Be the beacon in a world of avalanching darkness. Truth is not hate! Speak the truth! Live it! We are hated for bearing the truth. Firm up your foundation! Good is broadcasted as evil and evil is exalted as good. The only witness worth having is one worth dying for. Listen, to this brief message of reality and encouragement. Shalom - the King is coming soon! Lift up your heads!
The Creator has every right to rule His own creation (Psalm 2).
Listen, as Derek pours out Father’s heart concerning the condition of the days in which we live. Recorded on January 27, 2019 at the Prayer and Training Center, Fort Worth, Texas, there were a few questions that were addressed that we all must face.
What are human rights in the eyes of the Creator? How do we grasp the recently passed abortion law in New York? What standard will the body of believers conform to? Are His children taking His Name in vain and not even realizing it? Are we ready to be hated for the sake of the Name and will we contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints?
It is time to make a settled intent (an act of trust) to go deep below the surface of chaos into the hiding place – like Messiah who rested in the bottom of the boat. We must not let the Word of Elohim slip through our hands. We must cling to life like never before!
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
Download the accompanying notes/presentation here:
http://www.thewelltroddenroad.org/study-library/articles-and-studies/
Listen as Derek shares powerful insights into the blessing given by Aaron the High Priest in Numbers chapter 6. This blessing comes from the heart of the Father Himself as He has given it to His people as a promise that He will provide for us and protect us through His Beloved Son. The blessing prepares us. The blessing is given to beautify us to stand once again in the presence of purity and light. It causes us to see our Father as our earthly provider and protector so that we can see Him as the heavenly provider and protector of our eternal beings.
What is our response to Him as He, Messiah the High Priest Himself, puts the Name of His Father upon us, His children, by His own blood?
At the end of this podcast, Jonathan Cahn sings the Aaronic Blessing. Here is the YouTube link from which that blessing was recorded from. The Aaronic Blessing
This podcast was recorded live from the Prayer and Training Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Yochanan (John) the beloved sat so close to Messiah at the dinner table that evening that he was able to rest his head upon His chest. He wanted to hear what was on His Master’s heart. It was revealed to John that Judas would be the one who would betray his Master.
Birthed from an intimate moment with Yahushua, this podcast reveals how crucial it is to have love for another.
“A renewed command I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all know that you are My taught ones, if you have love for one another.”—John 13:34-35
This commandment was given to the disciples just after Messiah revealed to John who would betray Him. Why would He give this commandment now, at this time? I believe that in the last days in which we are living, just as it was in the last day of Messiah before He was delivered up, we must have an undying love for one another. This is how the world knows who we are following as our Master but also how we know who among us is true to Him (or may have the potential to betray us.) For if they betray the Master, they betray us.
People talk about loving one another, but do they really? How do we truly know who is part of the family of Elohim (God) and who is a deceiver/betrayer? We love one another and our Master by how we guard and obey His commands. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16
Elohim (God) loved us so much that He gave us His Son so that now, the whosoever’s, have a choice to make. Do we choose Him who is life, or do we choose ourselves and the world which is death? There is a conditional statement in this verse. If we believe in Him, we will obey His commandments and when we obey His commandments, we show that we love Him and therefore show our love for others who also love and obey and believe in Him.
This is what family is about. If we see that someone who professes to be part of the family of Elohim, and has not love, we must encourage and admonish our brothers and sisters because this is our identification as family members. We must know what side we are on and who is on our side if we are to win this war!
Messiah, at the dinner that night around the table, revealed the one who did not have love for Him. In these last days, we must know who has love for our Savior and who does not. If we sit close enough to the Master’s heart, He will tell us who the deceivers are. It is most important that we stay tuned in to His heartbeat if we are to maintain the love and the bond of peace that is evident in the household of Elohim. Are you listening?
Music:
Album: Born for Such a Time
Song: "Yeshua I Love You"
by: Lize Hadassah Wiid
https://www.hadassahsong.co.za/albums
"forming light and creating darkness, making peace and creating evil. I, Yahuweh (The Lord), do all these" - Isaiah 45:7
His servants stand before kings and His kings bring deliverance to His people...
A question was asked in a recent Friday Prayer Meeting concerning Judas Iscariot. Though he was a chosen disciple, why would Yahushua (Jesus) choose this follower if He already knew in the end he would be betrayed by him?
Every kingdom, every war, every king and every servant, whether good or evil, is used by the Creator of the universe as part of a master plan to deliver, separate, test, try and prove a family that will be loyal to Him to the end.
Throughout history, throughout all the wars and bloodshed - the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms, it all came down to one kiss...the kiss of betrayal. How does Elohim (God) use every resource, good or evil, light or dark, to orchestrate the grandest plan ever to bring about the redemption of mankind? Only He knows, for there is none like Him and none else can be compared to Him! Isaiah 45
Discover the unique pattern found throughout Scripture that shows the heart of a Father and how far He will go to have His family. What are the real purposes of the four beasts listed in Daniel chapter 7? Why does He call Nebuchadnezzar, the one who destroyed His city of Jerusalem, His servant? What roles do the kingdoms of this earth have in the final redemption of His people? Who is the Joel 2 army?
Please listen to this talk to find out more and how you can use this study to launch your own, more in-depth research.
Let the fulfillment of Isaiah 61 come to pass during this time of new beginnings and celebration!
https://vimeo.com/274061130
check out James Block - fast forward to 1:34:00 to hear the song on Isaiah 61
There is a shifting – a turbulence, a kind of ‘changing of the guard’ occurring right now. Do you sense it? Do you feel it? This podcast was recorded live from the Prayer and Training Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Listen, as Derek presents the Day of Atonement in a fascinating new light. We have entered into the period of endurance as 1 Kings 8:2 describes the 7th month. We have entered into the time of “loyalty under fire” where our commitment to the One who redeemed us from the grave will be put under extreme pressure in order to determine whether our Yes is truly Yes and our No is truly No.
If we do not uphold His decision to have mercy on us as sinners by living a forgiven lifestyle, we will in-turn mock His goodness, spit on the cross, fail to forgive others and earn back upon our own heads the debt that was once forgiven us.
When our life is over, what kind of Kingdom impact will we have made in the lives of other human beings? That all depends on how we respond today to the blood of our Savior Messiah. The Day of Atonement lies as the portal between time and eternity. There is no other way to reach the other side of peace and rest without first going through what Messiah called as ‘the days He must shorten if any flesh will remain alive.’
"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the wicked one." - John 17:15
We pray you are entering into this festival season with an attitude of awareness of where we are at in this late hour. This podcast is an encouragement to the remnant and body of our Messiah to begin to understand the nature of the times we are living. Too long has the last book of our Bible's been untouched by the greasy prints of our fingers. We are blessed if we read this book because it spells out our hope and our redemption. This hope lies in the very fabric of the appointed times of Yahuweh known as the Feasts of the Lord. Every single one of these feasts as outlined in Leviticus 23 points to our Messiah and the work of the stake (cross).
This message is a doorway to what will be shared in the coming weeks and months to understand the crucial decision that every believer in Messiah has to 'come out of Babylon'. Do not share in her sins. She will be rewarded for what she has done.
Make your identity know of Who you serve. By understanding the pathway of the festivals which leads to life, we will begin to see what the blood of Messiah truly accomplished. Without His blood, we have no victory...either in our testimony or in reaching others for the Kingdom. We are called to radically sit apart from this world! We are called to sit in heavenly places, not as a spoiled brat King's kid who does nothing for his/her reward, but to sit as set-apart ones unto our Father. Yes, my friends, He expects that kind of radical behavior (even in our work places)!
Prepare, prepare, prepare... Yom Kippur is coming and we must be dazzling white if we will see Him face to face and embrace Him for eternity.
At the Prayer and Training Center in Fort Worth, Derek and Rivkah talk briefly about the upcoming Fall Festivals - specifically about Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
We were born to house the life of the Creator within us. The possessor of life gave us His life. We were created as sons, clothed in glory, beauty and perfection. We looked like our Creator, we possessed His character and nature. We were well equipped to function as priests over all creation to rule over it and subdue it. We were in covenant relationship with Him. We walked humbly with Him and enjoyed loving-kindness.
until.....
Welcome to the month of Elul, the time for repentance and preparing our hearts for Messiah's return.
Listen to Derek as he speaks at the Prayer and Training Center in Fort Worth, Texas on this most exciting and most important subject. The information contained in this message is so valuable in understanding how to rise up in these last days and return to our calling as sons of Elohim. We have self-atoned long enough, trying to cover up the shame of losing His presence and gaining our own. It is time for the world to know that our Creator has the right to rule and govern our lives, and we need to be living examples of that right!
The increase in knowledge, per Daniel 12:4, without a love for the truth of Elohim's (God's) Word, (having the knowledge of good and evil) will lead us to abandon our relational love for others, God and even ourselves. The quality of the relationships in our lives is determined by who we depend upon (with child-likeness) to tell us the truth.
This podcast incorporated the article 'We Want to Know - The urge to have control over everything
versus child-like trust in a good God' by my good friend Andre H. Roosma of www.Hallelu-YaH.nl
The article can be found here: http://www.hallelu-yah.nl/we-want-to-know.html
An encouragement not to focus on the transition itself, but to realize, in the midst of our transition, His presence is with us.
Where can I go where Your Spirit is not? (Psalm 139).
Learning to trust Elohim (God) completely through every transition, believing He only wants our good. He is bringing His like-minded remnant together under the unification of His Spirit – to do exploits – and to usher in His return to set up His Kingdom and we will dwell forever in peace from our enemies!
At a small prayer breakfast, Derek speaks about how Jacob proved Elohim's trustworthiness and goodness
A brief recording of a revelation in the understanding of what Messiah meant in Matthew 16:19 and John 20:23. This podcast will serve as the foundation of a much larger study to come, both in written and audio format.
While the world keeps spinning in darkness, the Savior and King Yahushua (Jesus) is preparing for His return. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
A praise report testifying to the goodness of Father during this special time of Hanukkah
This is a special Yom Teruah message on the purpose of why Messiah said that loving your neighbor is the fulfillment of the law. Not only did He come to demonstrate how to love, but to remind us that the "Law" has not gone away because it is the basic instructions on how to love people and Elohim. As the Living Law (Torah) in the flesh, He did not come to erase His own written Words spoken through Moses. Love is nothing more than putting self to death in order to impart life to another.
Listen as Derek shares his heart on why we must embrace trials and temptation. We will never grow enough to overcome sin until we learn to take the right door of escape. We know that we have overcome sin in our lives when the thrill of winning the battle over temptation exceeds the thrill of the fulfillment of that temptation, because we have learned the tactic of fighting.
A brief talk on how our actions, and ways show to others who we are really loyal to - the kingdom of Light or the kingdom of darkness.
Listen, as Derek prepares us to enter into the month of Elul, and the 40 days of repentance which culminates on the Day of Atonement. It is time to willingly and delightfully place our flesh upon the altar, and ensure that we are right before our Maker, and to also spur on our fellow brethren as we ALL look to our soon coming Messiah Who will only receive a 'whole' and spotless Bride.
A short talk on taking back the Dwelling Place that resides in You, not allowing the enemy to come in and rob from you any longer. The enemy crosses our path daily--lets crush the head of the serpent with the Spirit of the Living Yah!
After I listened to my own podcast, Father's Spirit dropped a bombshell revelation on me in how the walls of fear are torn down through our realization of our identiy. It is the parallel between Jacob's wrestling with the Angel and the circulating (wrestling) around the walls of Jericho. Elohim is after what your fear is protecting! It's time to bring those walls of fear down--NOW!
A message to all who desire to shut the back door of our lives to the enemy, and who are tired of being stabbed in the back because we have allowed him access to do so. This is a Spirit driven revelation of knowing who we are in Messiah, by the goodness of changing our identity through His precious blood.
The power behind the rule of Elohim is His identity. The power behind the rule of Messiah is His identity in His Father. The power behind the rule of the Bride of Messiah is her identity in Messiah. It's time to get our houses in order! It's time to start acting like children of Elohim and overcome the devil whose only desire is to destroy your life and the lives of your family!
It's time to MOVE!
A simple, yet powerful exhortation on how to be led by the Spirit and find the direction for your life which you have been seeking. We can DO ALL THINGS through Messiah Who gives us strength because He can trust us to be content in ALL THINGS (Philippians 4:11-13).
A short talk to encourage and to edify the children of Elohim to overcome, reminding us of who we are in Messiah.
A brief overview in understanding the power given to us in Ephesians 6 to clothe ourselves with Messiah, to war against the enemy, and what each of the elements of the armor of Elohim represent. (Use this as a springboard for your own studies)
Through his own personal challenges, Derek speaks about what it is like to walk through the rocky trenches with the Spirit, while at the same time, resisting the Devil who is waiting to take advantage at the first sign of stumbling. What does it truly mean to resist the devil? Withholding what he desires the most from us...
Listen, as Rivkah encourages us to firmly plant ourselves by the streams of living waters, while girding ourselves with the whole armor of Elohim, so as to be prepared when the drought of evil comes and when the heat bears down hard--knowing then full well we will produce abundant fruit in that day.
A special reading of 1 Corinthians 13 - As the endless waves break upon the shores, so is His great love towards His precious children.
In conclusion, the establishment of the boundaries of Torah (Law) were never meant to justify anyone, but to show us our position; whether inside or outside of the borders of the Kingdom, set by the Word of Elohim (Messiah Yahushua)
A continuation in understanding that the "Law" (Torah) that once condemed us, is the same "Law" we now live under unto eternal life through Messiah's work of redemption on the stake!
A fireside chat on the controversial topic of whether "New Testament" believers are under the "Old Testament" law or not under it. What did Messiah Yahushua (Jesus) really set us free from?
A simple Shabbat chat about the powerful unity that is derived from being echad (one), for the purpose of executing the will of Elohim in the earth!
A powerful and anointed message for the day of Shavu'ot (Pentecost) - 2017. The journey from Sinai to Zion is nearly over--are you prepared to finish your course?
A brief and emotional revelation I had while driving in the car of how I can know Him...
Listen as Derek shares from a hearts desire to prepare those who will go on to see the glory and esteem of the King of Kings!
...episode artwork attribution: Nancy Cunningham/Rachael Coate/Basic Training Bible Ministries
This evening, while finishing up a Jonathan and Melissa Helser worship video, Rivkah and I began talking about if people could only tap into the power and authority given to us by Messiah, what kind of collateral damage we could do to the kingdom of darkness. In the pressure is off video, Melissa kept singing over and over, “Our song is victory, because His song is victory”.
Join us in our living room this evening, as we sit discussing how we can overcome the enemy’s tactics of fear through using the weapons of our warfare—the Word of Elohim. Yahuweh has given Rivkah a special message for someone listening—perhaps…all of us.
A message of awakening – it is time to hear the sound of the shofar and act. The kingdom of darkness is advancing and the battle is raging. How much ground will Elohim (God's) people allow the enemy?
In preparation for Passover 2017, Derek shares his thoughts and heart in response to an email from a dear brother. Listen as Derek discusses insights into Messiah Yahushua being our Menorah in whom we have been created to be vessels of honor to contain the anointed power of the oil of His Father’s Spirit. We are mediators of the gospel-priests wearing the full armor of Elohim to go forth as mediators, serving Elohim on behalf of His people– bringing them back to Him. Elohim. The “Law” was given to His people – not for the world. But we are commanded to go into all the world to find those would become His people – thus for the law to govern them. We are on a rescue mission. It is not a Mission Impossible, for all things are possible with Him.
The Spirit is given so that we are no longer deceived by the darkness of falsehood, so that we will forever perceive the light of His truth. The flames of fire that burn in our Saviors eyes, have been given to us who have received His Father’s Spirit. Why? So that our eyes are opened to who the real liar is—the one who said, ‘hath Elohim said?’ Deception comes when our light goes out.
As the time of Unleavened Bread draws near, we must examine ourselves, as well as the borders of our family – the body of Messiah, to ensure that no leaven of unforgiveness exists. Deception comes where there is division. And where there is division, there is the leaven of unforgiveness.
The armor we wear of the priestly garments, must be without blemish. The armor we put on everyday IS the protection while in battle for the souls of this world. The battle to ensure the Gospel reaches every inch of this planet is not fought in flesh and blood, but in the spirit realm. And if we are to carry forth the great commission, we must be armed with what will bring victory for our King—the souls of men.
Are we in this war to achieve a comfortable life or are we in it as a rescue mission to snatch others from the fires of hell? We are given these garments to help us do our job in rescuing those in darkness–not so that we might live a life of ease. The priest serves the people and presents them sanctified and set apart unto Elohim. This is why we wear the whole armor of Elohim.
In my walk, as a believer in Messiah and His whole Word from Genesis to Revelation, it is amazing to me of how many times, and in a variety of ways, that I hear how people are so excited to be “free” from that ole’ cursed Law. “The Law was nailed to the cross,” they say.
What is not understood is the misconception that the Law (Torah) is our enemy and not sin. This is the classic work and theme of the demonic—diverting the blame from itself, onto the Creator. It’s a classic work of Satan to divide the mean ole wicked “God” of the Old Testament, from the “good fairy” Son of the New Testament.
Why should we “shoot the messenger” when all the Law (the Torah) does is point us to the ugliness of our sin—for our own eternal good? We want to love a loving “God” but we have problems with Him when He shows us our dirty sins! We want to love Him when He blesses us and we want to nail His Son to the ‘cross’ when He shows us our sin. Pharisaical hypocrites we are at times. We want full access to the benefits of the ‘tree of life’ without desiring to access the Way and the Truth TO the tree of life. We want life on our own terms—our own way—without submitting to the only One who has access to that life.
Quite frankly, I honestly ask the question: “Tell Me Exactly What Part of the Law are You So Happy to be Freed from?”
It was the Law’s condemnation of us that was nailed to the stake, not the Law (Torah) itself. What people forget when they say that the Law was nailed to the stake, is that the Law is the Torah. And the Torah is the Word. And the Word is Messiah. Messiah is the Living Word—the Living Torah!
So if Messiah was nailed to the stake, then the Torah’s condemnation against us was nailed to the stake. The Torah’s demand for my righteousness to achieve right standing with an all Consuming Fire, through the weakness of my flesh, is what was nailed to the stake. I can do nothing on my own! To achieve this is something that could never be achieved without a Helper. My inability to meet His righteous standards for eternal life was nailed to the stake.
So if Messiah is the Word, and the Word is the Torah and the Torah is the Law: Then when Messiah was resurrected then also the Torah was resurrected.
So, people with this idea that the “Law” is dead because it was nailed to the stake, forget the fact that it was also buried and was resurrected. Why? So that through Messiah’s own righteousness, we are now able to keep the wholeness of the letter of the “Law” – save the sacrifices. Messiah’s death paid our debt to the sin of disobedience. Messiah’s resurrection enabled Him to send His Father’s Spirit to help us obey what He has always commanded from the very beginning: To love Him with all that we are, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. For in this is life eternal.
The requirements of the “Law” never stopped – only our inability to do them stopped!
It was the Pharisees that said to the common people—“without us, you can do nothing”. It was Messiah who said to the Pharisees (and to all who think of themselves as self-sufficient)—“without Me, you can do nothing”. No wonder they were so angry at Him. Messiah, as does the Torah, exposes our sins and we don’t always want to look at what makes us shameful in front of others.
For the Hot—they are blameless and have no sin. For the Cold, their sin is unhidden—right out in the open. But for the Lukewarm—their sin is hidden. It is why they will be spewed out of Messiah’s mouth, because what was concealed inside, will be made to come out into the open. It’s the one thing that makes Him nauseous—hidden sins. Messiah came to expose the hidden intent of the heart of man. That is His nature!
David, in Psalm 19:12, writes: “Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Without the Torah—without Messiah, who CAN understand his/her error? Cleanse us from our hidden
This word of caution addresses the flippant use of the phrase, "that's not a salvation issue". In our zeal ‘in attempting to be at peace" with our fellow brethren, are we avoiding confrontations of various differences of beliefs and issues because it's ‘not a salvation issue?' Be not deceived…
No matter how hopeless the situation may be, or how long you may have waited for a resurrection of what seems to be long dead–He came–Messiah Yahushua is never late. He sees your tears, and weeps with you. Hold on…the Resurrection and the Life is coming!
Music
"You Came (Lazarus)"
From the album ‘Beautiful Surrender' by
Jonathan David & Melissa Helser
In this Shabbat exhortation, I want to share with you the key to not being deceived in these last days. To love the truth is to love who Messiah created you to be–a new creation. The greatest sin is to forget who we are in Him and this will open up a direct portal for the enemy to come in and bring deception.
We are human beings who are compelled to identify with what will bring us the greatest joy and satisfaction–oftentimes the things that are detrimental to us. And when we first believed in Messiah, the greatest joy and satisfaction was that though we failed Him by our dirty sins, He still reached out and rescued us regardless. But if we forget the work of Messiah in our lives through His redemption, the compelling nature within us to seek identification of what will bring us joy and satisfaction will no longer be the Good News by which we were saved, but will be replaced by the falsehood that says we are "OK" just as we are and we do not need to change.
A loss of remembering what Elohim has done for us, is a direct invitation for the lawless one to come and steal our soul for the sacrifice to his god Lucifer (2 Thessalonians 2). Shabbat is the day we remember that our useless acts to attain right standing with Elohim are just that–useless. Shabbat is our day of ceasing from the mindless works of the flesh and accepting who He has created us to be–overcomers who rest not in our abilities, but in Him alone.
Concerned for the body of Messiah,
Derek
By the death of Messiah Yahushua, our Savior, we have been released from the commandment of death in order to marry Another–the One who was raised from the dead to produce fruits of life unto Elohim (Romans 7:4 paraphrased).
I am always intrigued by what I have difficulty in understanding. Sha'ul's (Paul's) writings, especially Romans 4-8, have been attacked by Sha'ul haters, even before the ink of his pen finished drying on the parchment in which the letters were written. The Spirit seems to always teach me into the depths of the layers contained within Sha'ul's writings. What a precious, humble man he was!
As a man who also is difficult to understand and relate to, I find myself fond of the writings of Sha'ul because of the passion contained within his heart to see people set free from living a life of religiosity to the letter, in the appearance of goodness, to living a life of the goodness of the Spirit as evidence of the new life born within.
In this podcast, I want to share a little bit of understanding in which I scribbled down on a piece of paper this morning–the understanding that we have been released from the power of trying to attain righteousness through the inabilities of fleshy standards, and empowered to live in overcoming victory through the Spirit who sealed us unto our coming Bridegroom.
Daily finding joy in His sweet Name,
Derek
Listen to the words of Messiah, the Light of the World, recorded against the backdrop of a new inspiring instrumental.
"Night is coming, and so AM I!"
Touching briefly on John 9, it is imperative that we continue working while it is day, for night is coming! For those in 1 Thessalonians 5 who say "peace and safety"…they have already stopped working yet night has not come. How shall they answer to Him? Their destruction comes suddenly. Lets be about our Abba's business!
A meditative reading of Psalm 9 to the background of "The El of Abraham" .
Background Music:
"The El of Abraham"
by Derek Townsend
Listen as Derek expounds on the "love chapter" of 1 Corinthians 13. Love is not a gushy feeling, with as many up's and down's as a wild rollercoaster. No! Love is the power of sustainment and all that will remain when everything else around us collapses. It is the identifying mark of our loyalty as a disciple of the Master, and our weapon of unification that will prevent the darkest forces of Lucifer from breaking through our lines. We are known to the Ancient of Days by the love we exhibit to others. Will He recognize us or will He say to us, ‘depart from Me…I never knew you?"
Background Music
Almost in F Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Join Derek at the foothills of Mount Gilboa, at Harod Spring, where Gideon's 300 were handpicked by Yahuweh Himself. This is a clear sounding message of the shofar, to gather and prepare the people for the final battle soon to rage–a battle whom no man's arm will be able to deliver…save the Master General Yahuweh!
Garden Music Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
As believers in Messiah Yahushua, we are all called to overcome and to let our lights shine in the darkness. That means we stand out from the darkness. Kepha (Peter) became our example of how ‘not' to share in the sufferings of the Light of Truth when he denied knowing the Master Yahushua three times. What a dear and precious brother, who became so broken for what he had done. How many people out there who ‘profess' to know their Savior, yet by their actions they deny Him multiple times a day?
Gross darkness is covering the earth and this short exhortation podcast is just that–an exhortation to overcome that darkness.
Join me, as I take my early morning walk while welcoming the beauty of another day–another sunrise that simply means, "life is continuing."
We are because He is
He was before we were
We will be because He is to come
(Revelation 1:4, 8)
Shabbat Shalom, with rest and joy!
Derek
Background Music
Organic Meditations Three Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
This very special revelation was birthed early on the morning of Yom Kippur. It is not the voice of opinion speaking, but one of great humility, as His breakers have washed over me, bringing me to a place of restful understanding of the true meaning of what it means to ‘afflict your beings'.
For until we, as Jonah, cry out to be thrown into the sea to be swallowed up in self-examination for all of the things we have done to try and separate ourselves from Elohim's great love, will we be able to experience true reconciliation with Him.
Until we allow Him to overwhelm our own strength with the mighty breakers of His strength, and allow Him to take us to the very depths of our own worthless vanities–we will never be qualified to be vomited out of them.
For when we find ourselves crying out to Him from within the belly of our own selfishness, recognizing it was by our own hand that we have found ourselves in this deep and smelly place, will we then realize that because of our willingness to afflict ourselves by jumping off the very thing that was leading us away from Him, will we then find ourselves within the womb and belly of His great mercy and loving-kindness!
We will never be raised to life until our own affliction makes us realize that we cannot be dependent upon our own lives for salvation but only upon the One who has already provided everything we will ever need to live victorious forever–our Savior and King–Messiah Yahushua!
Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and breakers passed over me. (Psalm 42:7)
You have put me in the lowest pit, In dark places, in the depths. Your wrath has rested heavily upon me, And You have afflicted me with all Your breakers. Selah. (Psalm 88:6-7)
For You threw me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me. All Your breakers and Your waves passed over me. (Jonah 2:3)
Listen, as Derek shares a special Yom Kippur Message (with intimate insights into 2 Corinthians 10), and calls to attention the subtle reasonings of the mind which so often challenge the authority and truth of the word of Elohim. If our flesh is submitted to what the Creator says is true, the enemy has no leverage to use our flesh against us as a mouthpiece to spew his lies through. It is time to understand what it means to overcome, and it begins with afflicting our greatest enemy–the flesh.
Background Music
Peace of Mind Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
A quick note: Our podcast is now hosted on Stitcher–an online radio streaming service providing the ability to listen via desktop or on mobile devices with the Stitcher app for both Android and IOS. Here is a link to our podcast show on Stitcher (also available via our podcast page) | The Well Trodden Road Podcast
In this intimate podcast, on a rainy Shabbat morning, I share my hearts desire to become once again–perfected in the image of perfect love–the image of my Creator.
Background Music
"Relaxing Piano Music" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Shabbat Shalom,
Carefully listen to this special–short–word, from the City of David…the source of where it all began!
Blessings from the Land,
Derek
Join Derek and Rivkah, as they were recently asked to speak at a local, small church congregation in the country, about why every believer in Messiah Yahushua should be involved with, and praying for the peace of the apple of Yahuweh's eye–Israel. This teaching lays the foundational truth for the understanding of why Israel has NOT been replaced by the "church!" Romans 11 is the pin that pricks the "balloon" of "replacement theology," as that erroneous doctrine still continues to run strong and rampant throughout much of the westernized nations.
Join Ray and Derek on the air as Derek shares his testimony of the reconciliation between he and his dad–the same testimony he shared at his dad's ‘homecoming celebration' on April 14, 2016.
If you would like the transcript of the audio reading of this story, please
A brief message on remembering the joy of Shavuot–the eternal pledge of our Bridegroom's soon appearance to receive the reward of His suffering
Peace of Mind Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Listen, as deep calls unto deep in this beautiful, yet moving narration of Psalm 42
Background Music
Water Lily Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Join Rivkah in this refreshing rendition of Psalm 98
Background Music by:
White Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Listen, as Rivkah shares from her heart, an encouraging revelation from Numbers 14–given at a very significant time in our lives. What we truly believe and expect in our heart, will become the fruit that we ultimately partake of. We must determine within ourselves to endure through any trial–no matter the suffering–no matter if we are "stoned" for the sake of truth, so that in the end, we will receive the crown of life – James 1:12.
A call for unity for all aviv barley search teams, whether Messianic, Jew, or Karaite, to come together and standardize a process for determining a uniform definition of "aviv barley", based upon the Scriptural requirements necessary to proclaim the month of aviv.
An agreeable process for determining the beginning of the Biblical year MUST be established for all who desire to celebrate the appointed times of the Creator…as close to the ancient ways as possible.
This call for unity stems from the 2016 aviv barley search, resulting in differing reports which has caused much confusion and perhaps, a fractured unity between many of the Messianic and Karaite communities throughout the Diaspora.
A call for unity for all aviv barley search teams, whether Messianic, Jew, or Karaite, to come together and standardize a process for determining a uniform definition of "aviv barley", based upon the Scriptural requirements necessary to proclaim the month of aviv.
An agreeable process for determining the beginning of the Biblical year MUST be established for all who desire to celebrate the appointed times of the Creator…as close to the ancient ways as possible.
This call for unity stems from the 2016 aviv barley search, resulting in differing reports which has caused much confusion and perhaps, a fractured unity between many of the Messianic and Karaite communities throughout the Diaspora.
Thank You for the sunrise this morning, Abba. It means that life is continuing. It means that I have another chance to make You smile today. As long as I have breath in me, I am not defeated. You have not abandoned me to the grave, thus I will not abandon others to the grave. Compassion and forgiveness, You have poured out upon me—therefore, I will spill it out upon others. Let me not harbor what You have freely given to me. If I hold Your sweetness inside, how will others taste and see that You are good?
Oh, forgive me Abba. I have put You in a cage to make You perform—to dance to the tune of my manipulative music. I have struck at You with the whip of my words saying, “dance; move; do something!” Oh, how I’ve judged You because You have not done my desire. You have not conformed to my will nor my image. I have brought You lower than my prideful head held high. Yet, now I realize that it is I who have allowed myself to be caged.
Forgive me if I have ascribed to You wrong-doing. Forgive me for blaming You for the mess I have created for myself. If I really knew You were for me, I would not be against me. If I have failed You, it is because I did not know You. To know You is life eternal. Life eternal is knowing You! Forgive me for not allowing You to be who You already said You were. You are the I AM, and I am not the I AM.
You have loved me with an everlasting love—why do I show others such limited love? Why can I not give back to You in the same proportion to what I have received from You? It’s fear Father. I fear as Ananias and Sapphira did. I fear giving up, because it is too easy to keep back a portion of my life in case of a “rainy day.” Forgive me for ‘saving' my life, as somehow in doing so, I feel I have lost it.
I am so sorry Abba, for I have held onto something that belongs to You—my will. If only I knew to give up my desire for Your desire, my desires I would have. I have allowed the enemy to misinterpret Your goodness towards me, as a ploy to get me to abandon my need for You. Forgive me. I will only listen to Your Words through the funnel of Your Word, and I will not allow the enemy to usurp what You have told me is truth.
For I am more than an overcomer, because You chose to love me first. And I will stay an overcomer because I will not lose my First Love again! I am above, and not beneath. I am the head, and not the tail. I am blessed. My basket is full, and I am fruitful in all that I do. Why am I all of these things? Because I have chosen Your Word and have diligently obeyed it. You have set me on high, because I have known Your Name. All that I have, You have given to me. I have received because You first loved me, thus I give back to You the fruit of my life.
I once sought my own way, yet You weighed my heart. I was found wanting, and nothing I could do to add to my worth could ever balance my life. Oh, thank You, Bright and Morning Star, for coming to balance my life. For my unrighteousness could never achieve equality with Your righteousness. You showed me if only I would humble my arrogant heart, and repent for the excesses in my life, that You would come and bear my burdensome load.
You made a way into my life, because through my brokenness, I cleared the way for Your life. You never gave up on me, so how can I give up on You? Make me see clearly that the real enemy I face is not the ‘countenance' of the One who loved me before I knew my own name. Oh, the lies of men, the religious interpretations of Your Words, the abusive words of my loved ones—these things are not an excuse to shake my fist in Your face, and say, “You did these things to me!” Reveal the hidden so that I know who my real enemy is.
Throw open the flap of the door of my tent, and allow the Son to beam through on the inside. Then, I will see clearly in order to clean up the filth of my dwelling. For I know You are returning soon. Forgive me for placing a
Isaiah 53:11 (from the King James Bible)
“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
From The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible (from The Great Isaiah Scroll of Qumran) verse 11 translates as follows:
“Of the suffering of his soul he will see light and he will find satisfaction. And through his knowledge his servant, the righteous one will make many righteous, and he will bear their iniquities” (The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible, by Abegg, Flint and Ulrich, p. 360; Harper Collins Publishers, New York, N.Y.:1999).
Note (he will see light) is missing in the Masoretic text (The text of which many translations of the ‘Old Testament’ is based.
Lets look at what the Septuagint (LXX) translation of this verse says:
“The Lord also is pleased to take away from the travail of his soul, to shew him light, and to form him with understanding; to justify the just one who serves many well; and he shall bear their sins.”
Reading here from the common text project
A rendering similar to ‘he will see light' is recommended where MT has ‘he will see.' The word אור ‘light' is attested in three Qumran scrolls, 1QIsaa, 1QIsab, and 4QIsad, and ‘light' (φῶς) is likewise found in the Septuagint. The Qumran evidence is particularly significant, since 1QIsab differs from MT in relatively few places, so few that it exemplifies the proto-MT or early rabbinic text. Thus we have agreement between proto-MT and the Hebrew behind the Septuagint, not to mention the other two scrolls. If we accept יראה אור ‘he will see light' as original, an explanation of why some manuscripts lack the word אור suggests itself. Due to the visual similarity of יראה and אור, a scribe could have written יראה then glanced back to the wrong place in the exemplar, mistaking אור for the word just copied, and thus omitted אור by accident.
What is this telling us?
Of the suffering of his soul he will see light and he will find satisfaction
By His Father's Spirit, Messiah Yahushua came out of the darkness of the grave and into the marvelous light of His Father's esteem. Messiah is our example in EVERY way. Messiah is the Passover Lamb, and as Moses led the children of Israel out of the darkness of Egypt, and into the light of a new Master, he is also typified in Yahushua as He lead us out of the dark grave of Egypt and into the light of His Kingdom.
The death of Messiah the Lamb of Elohim, caused the angel of death to Passover us, and the resurrection of Messiah allowed us to Passover into the kingdom of light and in a properly restored order and fellowship with His Father.
Leviticus 23:10 “Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, and you shall say to them, ‘When you come into the land which I give you, and shall reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the first-fruits of your harvest to the priest.
Exodus 23:19a says, “Bring the first of the first-fruits of your land into the House of Yahuweh your Elohim.”
First is reshiyth – (Genesis – Bereshith) According to the TWOT it means first, beginning, choicest, first/best of a group. e primary meaning is first or beginning of a series.
First-fruits is bikkurim meaning (per Strong’s): the first-fruits of the crop. From bakar: to bear new fruit, to constitute as first-born. A primitive root; properly, to burst the womb
What is waved by the priest is an omer (sheaf) (1/10) of an ephah of the first of the first-fruits (of the barley)
Colossians 1:9-20 ISR
The joy of Yahuweh is my strength.. He gives me living waters and I thirst no more
Joy is the sustaining force through calamity and adversity. Our distinguishing mark that His image is imprinted within. The world understands it not.
It is a strength in the face of fear and terror. Our mark of separation from a world in darkness. It is the flickering that dances on the flames of His eternal light within us.
It is the sound proof barrier that surrounds us, protecting us from the raging hate of the enemy. He cannot touch the Joy within us. The joy of being rescued is like no other. For He that rescues will also sustain.
Joy is not self-manufactured but a response to Him who gave it all, and nothing I can do can repay. You cannot repay an invitation to enter into fellowship with the Creator of the universe, but simply accept it.
And through this enduring fellowship with Him, we learn that happiness is only temporary–a revolving door which leads us round and round, in and out–circumnavigating trials without ever moving past them. Yet, joy is the elevator that takes us high above our circumstances, seeing them from a vantage point that keeps our perspective of knowing that we sit with the Master in heavenly places.
Joy takes us beyond the trial while in the midst of trial. For we see Another standing with us in the flames.
Joy sees through to the other side, releasing an unmovable, unshakable determination to reach the shore, despite the hell and fury that pounds against our will to survive.
His joy is His "go". His joy is His might! — His joy in us is to "go" in His "might"
We can go forward out of darkness because of His joy within–driving us onward to complete that which He has called and commanded us to do.
Find His joy! For in doing so, you will defeat the enemy, be sustained through every trial, shed the shackles that bind, and see the hope that lies beyond the impossible.
Find joy today in this…
He shall swallow up death forever, and the Master Yahuweh shall wipe away tears from all faces, and take away the reproach of His people from all the earth. For Yahuweh has spoken.
Isaiah 25:8
This is a teaching (in outline form) on the power of binding and loosing as taught by Messiah in Matthew 18. This was first introduced at a camp meeting in Canada in November, 2015. So often we have been taught that binding and loosing pertains only to spiritual warfare, however this powerful weapon is also to be used in bringing about unity within the assembly of Elohim. Yahuweh's set-apart remnant and family cannot afford division, for this is one of the highest goals of the enemy — to divide Yahuweh's people. The greatest threat to the Kingdom of Elohim is division that will spread like wildfire if not contained and snuffed out by repentance, humility and reconciliation. If Yahuweh does not find the evidence of brotherly love amongst His family, found only through the nature of Messiah Yahushua His Son, He has nothing left but to destroy the earth. (Malachi 4)
Join us in a lively, yet sobering midrash on the topic of compromise. What you will hear is not a tone of criticism, but of passionate grief over those who compromise for the sake of being liked and/or accepted by the world–while teaching others to do the same. To compromise Yahuweh’s standard of righteousness–His Word–is to reject all that He is…the Breath of Life. Who do you serve? Who is your master? With whom is your loyalty? Do you desire to please men more than you desire to please Elohim (God)?