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Showing posts from November, 2024

For Young Children: The Story of Jesus: A Journey of Love and Hope

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A long time ago, in a little town called Bethlehem, a special baby was born. This baby was named Jesus – (Yeshua in Hebrew), and even though he came into the world in a simple manger, he was meant to do amazing things. People believed that he would bring love and hope to everyone. No one knows the true date He was born, but most people celebrate His Birthday on December 25th. Many believe He was born in the spring, and some in Autumn sometime in September or October.. As Jesus grew up, he did wonderful things. He helped people who were sick, turned water into wine at a wedding, and even fed thousands of hungry people with just a few loaves of bread and some fish. Imagine how incredible it must have been to be there and see him share and care for everyone around him! Jesus taught people to be kind, to love one another, and to treat everyone fairly. There were times when he faced challenges. Some people didn’t understand him and didn’t like the changes he was teaching. But Jesus kept...

Navigating School Challenges with Faith and Courage

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    Imagine waking up each morning, feeling the warmth of knowing you are loved deeply by Jesus. This love is unconditional; it's not based on your performance, your grades, or your social status. It's about who you are in Him. God, in His infinite wisdom and creativity, made you a unique individual, with a purpose and gifts that no one else possesses. You are a living reflection of His divine design, a masterpiece shaped by His hands. In His eyes, you are already perfect, not because of what you achieve, but because He created you to reflect His love in the world. At your young age, it is crucial to grasp the concept that your worth does not come from how others view you, nor from your academic performance or how many "friends" you have. In the eyes of the Creator, you are valuable because you exist, and because you are loved by Adonai, God Almighty. His love is not fleeting or conditional; it is constant, unchanging, and all-encompassing. The Scriptures remind us o...

FOR THE YOUTH OF TODAY – a short message to them

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Life is filled with moments where we have to start over—be it due to mistakes, challenges, or the natural changes that come with growing up. Each new phase can feel overwhelming or confusing, but remember that every new beginning is a chance to learn and grow. Just like how the seasons change, so do we, bringing unique beauty and opportunities to each stage of our lives. As you approach graduation from middle or high school, consider how this time marks a significant transition not only in your education but also in your relationship with Yeshua (Jesus) and Adonai (Lord). These relationships will serve as your guiding light. Just as Moses experienced dramatic beginnings filled with struggles, he became a great leader through faith and perseverance. Your trials are opportunities to lean on these spiritual connections, inviting guidance into your life as you navigate new responsibilities and exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Leaving school means stepping into a world brimming with...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: A Biblical Perspective on YouTube and the Pursuit of Truth

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  I was on youtube this morning, just checking the news, and other videos. Then I went to MY "channel".  Mind you now, I don't do videos, and I just started posting little tags on the "community" part, which I just found out won't even be available to the publick unless I give google all my private information! Well, it goes without saying that I will not follow through on that, no matter what anyone says!  Anyway, I started really thinking... and came up with the following message for all.  Enjoy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In today’s digital world, platforms like YouTube have become places where people can share their ideas, creativity, and stories. For many "creators", making videos is more than just posting online—it’s a way to express themselves, share their experiences, and connect with others. However, it’s not always easy. Creators pour their heart and soul into their work, but sometimes the views, likes, and comments they hope for just don’t come. ...

THE UNHEEDED CALL

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Matthew 11:16-17 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. In this passage, Jesus uses a simple but powerful metaphor to address how people were responding—or failing to respond—to the messages He and John the Baptist were sharing. The verses read, “We have piped unto you, and you have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and you have not lamented.” At first, this might sound like an odd or confusing statement, but it’s a very insightful way of communicating how disconnected the people were from what was being offered to them. To understand what Jesus is saying, we need to break down the metaphor. When Jesus says, “We have piped unto you,” He’s referring to playing music, which, in that time, was a common part of celebrations, as it is today. Music was central to weddings, festivals, and oth...

Unity in Diversity, Embracing All Shades of Humanity Through Faith

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The idea of skin shades and their significance can be deeply rooted in Biblical teachings, which emphasize the unity of humanity amidst our differences. According to the book of Genesis, humans were created in the image of God, which suggests that every person, regardless of their skin tone or background, reflects a part of God's essence. This foundational belief encourages us to appreciate the beauty and diversity within humanity, as we all originate from a common source. When we look at one another, we should see not just our physical differences, but also the inherent dignity and worth that come from being created in God's image. As we explore the various skin shades found across the globe, it becomes clear that these differences are influenced by a mix of geographical, environmental, and genetic factors. After the time of Noah, his descendants spread out across the earth and settled in different regions, adapting to diverse climates and lifestyles. This journey led to ...

TRADITION IS SO DUMB!

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Tradition can sometimes mess with our faith. We all have practices, habits, or rituals that we hold on to, but the question is: Are these things actually bringing us closer to God, or have they just become things we do out of habit? Jesus challenges us on this very issue in the Gospels, especially when it comes to the Pharisees and their focus on tradition over true worship. He calls them out in Mark 7, saying, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:6-7). This is a huge red flag: Just because we’re going through the motions doesn’t mean we’re connecting with God. Jesus isn’t saying traditions are bad in themselves, but He’s pointing out that if traditions become the focus and we forget what they’re supposed to point us to, we’ve missed the whole point. When we get caught up in doing things just because they’re familiar or because that’s the way we’ve always done it, w...

Why Judas?

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  In the grand story of Christian faith, the figure of Judas Iscariot stands out as a cautionary tale, woven with betrayal and the twists of free will. He’s the guy we often side-eye and talk about in hushed tones, but his life actually gives us deep insights into true belief, the balance between divine sovereignty and human choice, and the vulnerability of the human heart. So, let’s take a look at what the Bible says about Judas and see what we can learn for our own faith journey, with a little wink to the heavens. The Bible mentions Judas Iscariot more than you might think—especially in the Gospels. And though he’s mainly remembered as the guy who betrayed Jesus, his life is filled with lessons about belief, disillusionment, and human nature. You might think of him as the villain, but his story speaks to all of us. Judas was called by Jesus to be one of the twelve disciples, a position of incredible honor. In Matthew 10:1-4, we are told that Jesus gave them power over unclean...

In the Midst of Chaos, God’s Plan Cannot Be Thwarted (Part 3 of the Chaos series)

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 (This is actually part 3 of In the Midst of Chaos) It’s not your imagination. The world really does feel like it’s unraveling. One glance at the headlines, a scroll through the news, or even just standing in line at the grocery store and overhearing folks talk—it all carries the same undertone: confusion, division, and a kind of spiritual fatigue that makes the soul ache. People are worn down. Morality is being rewritten, like a student scribbling on top of their own failing test paper, hoping no one will notice. Even Washington, D.C.—which was once lifted high as a beacon of democracy—now feels like a symbol of chaos, corruption, and contradiction. But this isn't new. It’s just that the curtain has been pulled back a little further, and we’re seeing the spiritual battle that's always been there, only now with a sharper edge. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” That’s what Paul told the Corinthians, and it’s still true today (1 Corinthians 3:19). What the...

WHEN GOD LAUGHED

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Yes, God Laughed! Life is unpredictable, filled with unexpected twists and turns. But what if the challenges we face are imbued with a sense of divine humor? In this chapter, we’ll explore how laughter and joy often accompany new beginnings, supported by Scripture and biblical examples that showcase God’s playful involvement in our lives. Genesis 18:10-15 In the story of Abraham and Sarah, God promises them a son despite their advanced age. Sarah overhears the promise and laughs at the impossibility of it. When God confronts her about her laughter, He replies, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” This story highlights how God offers hope in circumstances that seem ludicrous or extreme. God’s laughter is not one of mockery but rather a gentle reminder of His sovereignty and power. The unexpected promise brings a sense of joy, showing that our human limitations can never contain God’s infinite possibilities. Psalm 126:2 “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were l...

TWO THINGS THAT HAVE ENTERTAINED AND ENTANGLED

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  Ah, gluttony and winebibbing— two things that have entertained and entangled humans since the dawn of time. If you’ve ever found yourself eyeing that last slice of pie or debating just how many grape juice packets you need for your soirée, welcome to the club. The Scriptures have quite a bit to say about these indulgences, so let’s delve into the divine guidance while keeping our hearts light and our spirits buoyant. You see, there was this wise guy named Solomon—king, poet, and a guy who really knew how to throw a party. In the Book of Proverbs, he drops some gems about indulgence and excess. He says in Proverbs 23:20-21, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." You could say he had a way of putting the kibosh on things that get out of hand, like that time you thought it was a good idea to challenge your friends to a snack-eating contest. But wait, it’s not all ...

DEALING WITH LONELINESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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As the holidays approach, it’s all too easy for feelings of loneliness to sneak in, especially when the world seems to sparkle with joy and connection. Festive lights twinkle, stores are filled with cheerful shoppers, and yet, for some, the season can amplify that sense of solitude. But fear not! Yeshua has a treasure trove of comforting words and wisdom that remind us we’re never truly alone. After all, He is Immanuel—God with us—even in our quietest and loneliest moments. Remember in John 14:18 when Yeshua said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you”? It’s as if He’s offering the best holiday invitation ever! In a world that can feel like a grand family reunion where you’re the only one not invited, He’s gently assuring us that we are part of the biggest family get-together in history—God’s family! That’s right—your seat at the table is prepped, and no one is allowed to pull the “Sorry, it’s a full house” card on you! Now, let’s not forget the delightful truth that...