The Torah Network

3 yrs

What are graven images? What exactly does the second commandment say?

Enjoy “The Ten Commandments” (Part 13). See link in the comments.

#tencommandments #cornerfringe #commandments #obedience #scripture #torah #biblestudy #yeshua #idolatry #gravenimages #christian #worship #secondcommandment #calluponthelord

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Let this be a stern reminder to us all, to not make plans for vengeance on those who may have done us harm, knowingly or unknowingly...

Deut 32:35 Vengeance is Mine, and repayment, At the time their foot slips; For near is the day of their calamity, And the matters prepared are hastening to them.’
Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, on your part, be at peace with all men.
19 Beloved, do not revenge yourselves, but give place to the wrath, for it has been written, “Vengeance is Mine, I shall repay,” says יהוה.

Love & Torah Part 42
https://youtu.be/IZXhhlXJ4BI

Related Teachings can be found here:
• INfocus: You’re Still Wrong https://youtu.be/V9SU20AM5B8
• INfocus: Your Feelings Are All Hanging Out https://youtu.be/R7kI06hK-dY
• INfocus: Do You Validate? https://youtu.be/0E9qOoj7NEk
• Forgiveness, Resolution, Reconciliation & Restoration https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
• INfocus: A Beautiful Mindset https://youtu.be/slUIGOmU_BI
• Infocus: Selfless vs Selfish https://youtu.be/iYrN9IRX8UU
• Developing the Character of Yeshua https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
• Infocus: Being Present in the Present https://youtu.be/BihWVXzPFOo
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#midweekmotivation #Torah #Yahweh #Yeshua #Elohim #Messiah #messianic #torahobservant #clevelandtn #mtoiworldwide #loveandtorah

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3 yrs

But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it.
Joshua 6:18

Bringing wickedness or even the harvest of wickedness into the camp will destroy the camp. God's way often doesn't make obvious sense in economic or practical terms, but it is still always more economically and practically beneficial whether we understand it or not. The real gold, silver, and bronze, though, is in the eternal rewards of a life lived in humble obedience.

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OUR ABILITIES

What are my YHVH-given Abilities?

Deep within the human spirit is a desire and a capability, to do wonderful things. Because we were made in the image of YHVH, we inherited from Him the desire to create, to accomplish and to make things happen. But YHVH wouldn’t give us these desires without the means to carry them out. These “means” are called abilities or talents. They are the gifts YHVH has given us to help us accomplish great things for Him and to help us enjoy life. How we use or misuse these abilities ultimately determines our quality of life; quality being defined not as comfort or the accumulation of things, but in terms of character, joy and lasting satisfaction. Our goal is to first discover our abilities, then exercise them and finally channel them toward good and not evil.

YHVH has given all of us certain abilities. Life is more fulfilling when we exercise those abilities.

YHVH has empowered each of us with special abilities; no one is left empty-handed. But how we use these abilities is up to us. Ephesians 4:11-12: “Now these are the gifts Moshiach gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip YHVH’s people to do His work and build up the church, the Body of Moshiach.” He gave these gifts “to equip YHVH’s people to do His work and build up the church”, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of YHVH’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in Adonai Elohim. YHVH wants us to use our abilities for His glory. Think about your special talents and abilities and the ways you could use them for YHVH’s work in the world. A talent must be used and polished or it will tarnish.

YHVH will help us in important areas where we lack ability:

If YHVH is asking you to do something, He will give you the ability or the extra resources to get the job done. Exodus 4:10-12: “But Moses pleaded with Adonai Elohim, ‘O Adonai, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though You have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled. Then Adonai Elohim asked Moses, ‘Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, YHVH Elohim? Now go! I will be with you as you speak and I will instruct you in what to say.’” Yeshua told us how to live until He comes. We must watch for Him and work diligently to obey His Commands. Such attitudes are especially important for leaders. Watchful and faithful leaders will be given increased opportunities and responsibilities. The more resources, talent and understanding we have, the more responsible we must be to use them effectively. We must not serve grudgingly, but willingly, lovingly and with joy.

How should we use our abilities?

We are responsible to use well what YHVH has given us. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 … Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important. Properly exercising our abilities will help us grow spiritually. Matthew 25:21 “… Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities…” We are responsible to develop these abilities, even the ones not considered “religious” and to use them for YHVH’s glory. We can become skilled through study, by watching others and through practice. Take note of the skills and abilities you have that could be used to help others in your church, workplace or community.

It is easy for me to be jealous of the abilities of others. How do I deal with that?

You may long for the speed of a horse, but you would not want to become a horse. Very often the abilities we want are found in a person we would not want to be like. Psalm 147:10 “He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might.” Too often we see someone with a particular gift and think that YHVH must love that person more than others. Remember that YHVH draws upon the unique talents of all His people. All these gifts are needed to complete His plan. Don’t be envious of the gifts others have. Instead, look for the gifts YHVH has given you and resolve to do the tasks He has uniquely qualified you to do.

I am very good at what I do. Is it wrong to feel good about that?

Rejoice in your YHVH-given abilities, but let that rejoicing be poured out as a thank offering to the YHVH who gave them. Without YHVH, our abilities are dreams without power, cups without water and engines without fuel. 2 Corinthians 3:5: “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from YHVH.”

I want to be a great musician. Why didn’t YHVH give me the ability to do that?

Our talents and abilities are gifts from YHVH. It is better to be thankful for the gifts we have and maximize them than to dream of gifts we do not have and feel that YHVH short-changed us. Romans 12:6: “…… YHVH has given us different gifts for doing certain things well……”

The number of abilities you have is not related to the degree of love YHVH has for you:

YHVH loves all believers wholly and unconditionally, so much so that he sent His own Son, Yeshua, to die in our place so that we could live forever with Him. Ephesians 3:18-20: “And may you have the power to understand, as all YHVH’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”

What if I never get to use my abilities?

What is keeping you from using your abilities? Is it your own lack of discipline or circumstances beyond your control? If it is truly circumstances beyond your control, then take comfort in the fact that YHVH still loves you and the suffering that is keeping you from reaching your potential will bring you a great reward in heaven. Hebrews 11:26: “He (Moses) thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Moshiach than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.” As the early church increased in size, so did their needs. The apostles focused on preaching and chose others to organize the distribution of food to the poor. Each person has a necessary part to play in the life of the church (see 1 Corinthians 12). Often, the needs you notice are the very ones you can have a part in meeting. If you are in a position of leadership and find yourself overwhelmed by responsibilities, determine your YHVH-given abilities and priorities and then find others to help. If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by YHVH in various areas of the church’s ministry. Offer these gifts in service to him.