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1 KINGS 3:15-4:1
In this scripture portion, we see Solomon lifting up“burnt-offerings” and “peace-offerings.” He also had “dreams.” In his dream, YHVH asked him what he wished for, “For wisdom, an understanding heart to judge this people,” and YHVH thus granted him what he wished for.
This should be a guide for us when we wish for things. I think the best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ. As we see. God gave Solomon that and more.
” Burnt-offerings” symbolize our sinful nature, and the “peace-offerings” speak of our happiness and joy because of our salvation experience. Today, these offerings are “offered up” in “prayer and thanksgiving.” The prayers of confession of sin are always heard, and so are the prayers of praise and thanksgiving, because we know we have been forgiven.
As this year is coming to a close, we need to think about our "wishes." Let's not dwell on so-called "New Year's Resolutions," they all get broken anyhow. However, we can ask the LORD to grant us our wishes, as long as they are "Christ-centered". As Solomon wished for "discernment" and "wisdom" in governing the people of Israel (because he was their king) maybe we can wish for wisdom and discernment in governing our households, our children, and relationships with our family members. We can also ask for a deeper understanding of God's Word and how to implement what we learn in our daily lives. Spiritual maturity, fewer "anger issues." (don't get upset too much) Yeah, that's for me.
More patience. More spirit of a "servant" since Yeshua/Jesus came to "serve" and not to be "served."
Should we wish for material things? Sure, why not? ALL THINGS belong to the LORD, and He can give whatever to whomever according to His perfect will. Yet, He already knows how we will use those things. For self-gratification and self-pride, or to bless others. Paul had the right idea; with food and raiment, I shall be content.
MATT 16: 1-17:27
The “leaven” of the Pharisees is non-the less “unbelief” as Yeshua said, this reminds us when He was visiting the temple during this same time of Hanukkah, and the Jews came around him and said; “tell us plainly if you are the Messiah or not!” yet He rebukes them saying “I have already told you and you do not believe!” He had already given signs through his miracles of healing, raising of the dead; how much more proof did they need? What does “leaven” do in bread? It “puffs up the bread,” and that is what pride does, it “puffs up” and person, and sometimes, stubborn pride brings on unbelief.
He told those unbelieving Jews, "You are not of my sheep, because my sheep hear my voice." Peter exhibits his faith when he said, “You are the Messiah, the Living God.” Faith is “believing what we cannot see,” yet Peter sees Yeshua and sees the miracles, and so he believes, yet Yeshua says later on after the resurrection, “You have believed because you see, blessed are those who do not see yet BELIEVE!
1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5
Rav Shaul (The Apostle Paul) is speaking to the local believers of Corinth. I was in Corinth in 1999. He is stating very simply that he witnessed about Yeshua very plainly, without fancy words, without an intense religious vocabulary, just simply, “Yeshua died on the cross, was crucified for our transgressions, for our sins, He gave up his life.”
We can tell others about Yeshua, not by force but by invitation. Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice. Yet also, we need to warn others of the judgment to come. Many look at God as a "God of Love and Peace," not a God of "judgment and wrath." Yet we need to show both sides of the coin. We need to allow the Spirit of God to work on the person. It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers. Not our work, but HIS work.
Happy New Year to all.
In this scripture portion, we see Solomon lifting up“burnt-offerings” and “peace-offerings.” He also had “dreams.” In his dream, YHVH asked him what he wished for, “For wisdom, an understanding heart to judge this people,” and YHVH thus granted him what he wished for.
This should be a guide for us when we wish for things. I think the best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ. As we see. God gave Solomon that and more.
” Burnt-offerings” symbolize our sinful nature, and the “peace-offerings” speak of our happiness and joy because of our salvation experience. Today, these offerings are “offered up” in “prayer and thanksgiving.” The prayers of confession of sin are always heard, and so are the prayers of praise and thanksgiving, because we know we have been forgiven.
As this year is coming to a close, we need to think about our "wishes." Let's not dwell on so-called "New Year's Resolutions," they all get broken anyhow. However, we can ask the LORD to grant us our wishes, as long as they are "Christ-centered". As Solomon wished for "discernment" and "wisdom" in governing the people of Israel (because he was their king) maybe we can wish for wisdom and discernment in governing our households, our children, and relationships with our family members. We can also ask for a deeper understanding of God's Word and how to implement what we learn in our daily lives. Spiritual maturity, fewer "anger issues." (don't get upset too much) Yeah, that's for me.
More patience. More spirit of a "servant" since Yeshua/Jesus came to "serve" and not to be "served."
Should we wish for material things? Sure, why not? ALL THINGS belong to the LORD, and He can give whatever to whomever according to His perfect will. Yet, He already knows how we will use those things. For self-gratification and self-pride, or to bless others. Paul had the right idea; with food and raiment, I shall be content.
MATT 16: 1-17:27
The “leaven” of the Pharisees is non-the less “unbelief” as Yeshua said, this reminds us when He was visiting the temple during this same time of Hanukkah, and the Jews came around him and said; “tell us plainly if you are the Messiah or not!” yet He rebukes them saying “I have already told you and you do not believe!” He had already given signs through his miracles of healing, raising of the dead; how much more proof did they need? What does “leaven” do in bread? It “puffs up the bread,” and that is what pride does, it “puffs up” and person, and sometimes, stubborn pride brings on unbelief.
He told those unbelieving Jews, "You are not of my sheep, because my sheep hear my voice." Peter exhibits his faith when he said, “You are the Messiah, the Living God.” Faith is “believing what we cannot see,” yet Peter sees Yeshua and sees the miracles, and so he believes, yet Yeshua says later on after the resurrection, “You have believed because you see, blessed are those who do not see yet BELIEVE!
1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5
Rav Shaul (The Apostle Paul) is speaking to the local believers of Corinth. I was in Corinth in 1999. He is stating very simply that he witnessed about Yeshua very plainly, without fancy words, without an intense religious vocabulary, just simply, “Yeshua died on the cross, was crucified for our transgressions, for our sins, He gave up his life.”
We can tell others about Yeshua, not by force but by invitation. Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice. Yet also, we need to warn others of the judgment to come. Many look at God as a "God of Love and Peace," not a God of "judgment and wrath." Yet we need to show both sides of the coin. We need to allow the Spirit of God to work on the person. It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers. Not our work, but HIS work.
Happy New Year to all.
