JOHN HALLER - "PARALLELS & GEOGRAPHY"

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 8

This chapter of Scripture really ministered to me this morning on so many levels. I pray you will find comfort in reading it also :-D

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 8

There is, therefore, no death sentence hanging over those who are in Mashiach Yeshua, for they walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. I have been set free from the law of sin and death by the law of the Spirit of life through Mashiach Yeshua. The Law was made powerless to save because it was made weak by our sinful nature, but Elohim sent His own Son, with a body like that of a sinful man, and, by being made a sacrifice for sin, He – in His own flesh – condemned sin. In that way the just requirement of The Law, through Him, was fulfilled for us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Those who walk according to the flesh set their minds on the things of flesh, and those who walk according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. But to set the mind on the flesh brings death, whereas to set the mind on the Spirit brings life and peace. The mind which is interested only in carnal things is enmity to Elohei. It does not obey Elohei’s Law, and, of course, cannot. Those who live after the flesh cannot possibly please Elohim.

But if the Ruach Ha’Kodesh truly dwells in you, then you are not carnal minded, but spiritual. No one is a Christian unless he/she has the Spirit of Mashiach in him/her. Then if Mashiach is in you, your spirit lives because of justification, even though your body must die because of sin. If the Spirit of Elohei Who raised up Yeshua from the dead dwells in you, Elohei, Who raised up Mashiach Yeshua from the dead, will also raise up your mortal bodies through that same Spirit who lives in you.

Brethren, we are by no means bound to follow the standards set by our fleshly natures. For you must die if you live after the ways of the flesh, but, on the other hand, if you live by the Spirit, the Ruach will put to death your carnal deeds and give you life!

For those who are led by the Ruach of Elohei are the sons of Elohim. The Spirit which you have received is not of slavery, which leads you back to a life of fear, but rather that of sonship, which enables you to cry out, “Abba! Abba!” Yes, the Ruach Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are Elohim’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs of Elohim, and joint-heirs with Mashiach. That is, if we have a share in His sufferings, then we shall also in the same way have a part in His glorification.

It seems to me that the sufferings of the present can in no way compare with the glory that is to be shown us in the future. Everything created seems to be waiting for the revelation of the sons of Elohim. The created world was subjected to failure, not because it wanted it that way, but because of Him Who subjected it thus. He did so in hope. His hope was that creation itself would be made free from its bondage of corruption and have a part in the glorious freedom of Elohim’s children.

We are conscious, somehow, that all nature has been groaning in agony together until now. Not only so, but we who enjoy a foretaste of the Ruach also groan within ourselves as we wait for the resurrection of our bodies, and for our sonship with Him. When we were saved we had this hope. And remember, that hope which is seen is not hope. Does anyone hope for what he/she sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, then we must wait for it in patience.

In like manner, the Ruach also helps us in our helplessness. We do not know, for instance, what to pray for as we ought; then the Ruach intercedes for us in ways beyond words. And Elohei, Who searches the hearts of men/women, knows what the Ruach has in mind, for He intercedes for the saints according to Elohei’s Will.

We are certain, however, that all things work together for the good of those who love Elohei. According to His purpose, they are the ones whom He calls. It was His plan that they should conform to the likeness of His Son, so that He might be the First-born among any brethren. He foreknew this, and predestined it. And those whom He predestined He also called. And those whom He called, He also justified. And those whom He justified, He also glorified.

What, then, shall we say about these things? Just this – if Elohim is for us, what does it matter who may be against us? For He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him for us all; then will He not also give us all things with Him? Who is going to bring charges against Elohei’s elect? It is Elohim, Himself, who justifies. Who is going to condemn? Mashiach, Who died for us, is there to intercede for us. Yes, and He was raised again and now sits at the right hand of Elohim. He pleads in our behalf.

Ah, who can separate us from Mashiach’s love? Can tribulation do it? Or distress? Or persecution? Or famine? Or nakedness … peril … sword? No! The Scripture does say, “For Your Name’s sake w are being put to death the livelong day; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered” (Psalm 44:22). And yet, despite all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. And as for me, I am certain that nothing in death or life, I the present or future, among angels or spiritual powers, or any height or depth, or any creature whatsoever will be able to separate us from Mashiach’s love, which is ours in Adonai Mashiach Yeshua.

**ROMANS 7: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-book-of-romans-chapter-7.html

A STRONG FOUNDATION

Last night while praying and seeking Elohei’s guidance in the days ahead, I specifically asked for wisdom and discernment because those things are what I will need the most while making decisions in the moment or for long term solutions.

And today while waiting for the 10 a.m. ‘phone appointment’ from the Social Security Administration, I again sought Elohei’s guidance, mercy, and judgment on my behalf. I always turn to Scripture for comfort and encouragement before placing one foot in front of the other.

Elohim has given us a choice concerning the foundation on which we build our lives. We can follow our own desires and shroud ourselves in our feelings … or we can embrace His eternal principles revealed in the guidelines of Scripture and follow Yeshua’s example. I choose to embrace holy principles and follow in the footsteps of Yeshua.

And yes, it has cost me to make that choice.

Nevertheless, I place my feet on the solid rock, which is Mashiach Yeshua – and I stand: safe and secure; knowing that the rock on which I stand is a solid and sure foundation that will never be shaken or crumble under pressure. All other ground is quick sand that will slowly but surely suck me under and eventually smother me to death.

I acknowledge today – as I have since the day I was saved in the summer of 1968 – that Yeshua is my sure foundation. All my hope and security is in Him. Social Security is not my provider. Yahweh Yireh is my provider. Yahweh is Creator, and Yahweh is another name for Yeshua. Yireh means Adonai will provide. Yeshua is Lord (aka Adonai), therefore HE will provide for me. Adonai is the plural form of Adon, which means “Lord, Lord, LORD – master and owner”. Adonai equates the Triune Godhead, better known as Elohei.

Isaiah 33:2-6 – O Adonai, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble. The peoples flee the thunder of Your voice; the nations scatter when You rise. Your spoil will be gathered as if by locusts; like a swarm of locusts men will pounce on it. Adonai is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. There will be times of security for you – a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of Adonai is Zion’s treasure.

AFTERNOTE: Social Security was 5 minutes late on their “appointment phone consultation”, BUT YESHUA CAME THROUGH FOR ME! My monthly income will be pretty close to what Bob was receiving … if not MORE; so I am doing the happy dance right now :-D I can meet my monthly bills without sweating and dreading the payouts, and I have breathing room to take care of the things that need tending to after the bill collectors have been satisfied … like getting a plumber and plasterer in here to fix and repair what is falling apart because the previous owner of this house did nothing to the house at all (repair-wise) after they bought it 23 years ago, so things are starting to age, break down, and need replacing. I can do that now. A little at a time, with no serious financial strain ;-)

CROCHET BABY RIPPLE AFGHAN

This baby ripple afghan uses a simple dc stitch throughout. It works up fast and looks good when finished ;-)

Since I am making donation items for the local hospital – and some of those items being for babies and children, I try to make them fun and colorful. Being in the hospital is no fun for anyone, but for babies and children too young to understand what is happening to them, I thought a little color and fun yarn would be cheering and brighten their world up some.

I am posting the original pattern as originally written. But for my baby blanket, I chose to use worsted weight Bucilla yarn in Off White for color A, and offset that color by using up the 4 skeins of 2 oz. Bernat Dippity Dots yarn (Lavender, Turquoise, Pink & Yellow) that I had in my yarn stash to equate the ounces required in the original pattern for contrast colors. I like the outcome and I think the recipient will too :-D

CROCHET BABY RIPPLE AFGHAN

Finished afghan measures approximately 36” x 38”

Materials: Worsted Yarn – 8 ozs. (Color A), 4 ozs. (Color B), & 4 ozs. (Color C); Crochet Hook, size H (or size you need to obtain guage)

Gauge: 1 rpt of pattern (17 sts) = 4-1/2 inches

              4 rows = 3 inches

Pattern: With a, ch 140 for lower edge.

A Stripe: Row 1 (right side): Work 1 dc in 5^th ch from hook, 1 dc in ea of next 6 ch, 3 dc in next ch, 1 dc in ea of next 7 ch, *skp 2 ch, 1 dc in each next 7 dc, 3 dc in next st, 1 dc in ea of 7 ch*; rpt from * to * 6 more times, skp 1 ch, 1 dc in last ch. Ch 3, turn.

Row 2: Skp first 2 dc, working in back loop of ea dc work 1 dc in ea of next 7 dc, 3 dc in next dc – center of group of 3 dc – 1 dc in ea of 7 dc, *skp 2 dc, 1 dc in ea of 7 dc, 3 dc in next dc – center of group of 3 dc – , 1 dc in ea of 7 dc*; rpt from * to * 6 more times, skp 1 dc, work 1 dc in top of turning ch, working off last 2 loops of dc with color B to change color; fasten off color A. NOTE: Turning ch 3 counts as 1 dc.

B Stripe: Row 3: With B, work as for row 2 to within 2 dc of end; skp next dc, 1 dc in top of turning ch, do not change color.

Row 4: Work as for row 2, working off last 2 loops of last dc with color C instead of B to change color; fasten off B.

C Stripe: Row 5: With C, work as for row 2 to within 2 dc of end; skp next dc, 1 dc in top of turning ch, do not change color.

Row 6: Work as for row 2, working ff last 2 loops of last dc with color A; fasten off C.

Continue pattern as established above, continuing work as follows – *2 rows A, 2 rows C, 2 rows B, 2 rows A, 2 rows B, 2 rows C*; rpt between * to * twice more; then work 2 rows A, 2 rows C, 2 rows B, 2 rows A: 25 stripes in all. Fasten off and weave in loose ends.

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After the afghan was finished, I started working on stretchy knit rib baby hats to be donated also. I will post the pattern for the baby hat when I have completed them. These knit hats are little … but they take time to make 1 hat … lots of straight work time. Now that I am a widow, I have lots of time; but for young mothers and women that work a 9 to 5 job, time is of the essence, so plan your day accordingly when you decided to work 1 up:

MASTER TOILET DOMINATED THE DAY

This morning Merry came by to help me reopen Bob’s Cremains Box and retrieve 2 teaspoons of cremains to put in my little Urn; so now when I kiss it goodnight, his essence is actually IN it, and I am comforted. I was very upset 2 days ago when when I opened my little Urn and saw that there was no ash in it: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/02/i-dont-know-how-much-more-i-can-stand.html).

Then Alex came up from Salem around noon today to fix the leaking master bathroom toilet – it started acting up since January and BIL Kerry did come and then (http://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/01/it-comes-in-threes.html): but that was only half the issue, because of course, nothing in this house ever makes itself completely known all at once - it kind of drags things out and keeps the frustration boiling; the master toilet has been kicking on and off throughout the day and night, leaking water and being a noisy nuisance; so Alex came up to help alleviate this half of the ongoing master toilet issue. But the darn thing dominate the entire day and again the problem was not able to be fixed completely; we drove into town to get the pieces needed to fix the problem and spent 4 hours after we got back home trying to locate the water shut off valve, which we never did find. We searched all the exterior under-house access panels to no avail: there are 3 of them … one under the front porch – I pulled all wintered-over-geraniums out so he could crawl in there and take a good look:

He searched the one at the rear of the house under the carport, and one under the back door porch under the carport ….

Alex crawled into them all with his Spotlight flashlight and could not see the water shut off valve anywhere, so we are assuming it is somewhere in the middle under the house which would be a pretty stupid place to have it because they are supposed to be fairly close for easy access in case of a burst waterline situation. But for whatever reason, this one is hiding. Back inside the house, Alex did fix the noisy leaking issue, but the shut off application knob on the waterline that comes up through the floor and feeds into the toilet tank has a 20+ plastic knob on it, and it is stripped and starting to leak water – not good for the floor or the baseboard. Very frustrating because we can't stop the leaking onto the floor until someone can crawl under the house to locate that stupid water shut off valve. So I am going to have to call a plumber and get one out here to crawl under the house and find the shut off valve it so we can shut the water off to fix the leaking. Not looking forward to that expense :-(

I am way past ready for things to start settling down around here.

After Alex packed up his tools and left, I ate dinner and finished up the double crochet ripple afghan I started Thursday afternoon. I had some skeins of Bernat Dippity Dot yarn, so I decided to use that to make a fun, colorful little afghan for the hospital donation foundation. It turned out real nice. I will post the pattern later on, after I type it up:

And around 8 p.m. this evening, I started work on a stretchy rib baby hospital hat also destined for the local hospital donation foundation when it is finished. It has been a while since I knitted in the round but I think it will turn out pretty well. I should have it done tomorrow …

                                                                             

I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH MORE I CAN STAND

I am not going to survive Bob's graduation.

Honest to God.

My heart just had a serious workout and my mind went full tilt while I wailed like a wild woman - anyone walking past the house would have heard me and probably called the booby hatch for an immediate pickup.

I don't know what prompted me to look inside my tiny Urn this morning, but I picked it up, unscrewed the lid and looked inside ... NO ASH! It was empty.I have been kissing an empty Urn every night before I go to sleep, thinking I was kissing my husband.

I know it sounds wacky.

But that is what I have decided to do every night to get through the nights without him beside me in the bed.

Anyway; when I saw the tiny Urn was empty, I went cold with shock, then I stared wailing thinking Merry and I had missed that little packet of cremains when we did the transfer February 14th, putting his cremains in his Cremains Box and filling each kids' & grandkids' tiny Urns, and a packet had been thrown in the trash with the rest of the packing refuse.

I was beside myself with shock, grief, guilt, and panic. Shock because my Urn was empty/grief because Bob is gone and I miss his presence more than I can put into words - and now I didn't even have any cremains ash to hang onto/guilt because I am still in a fog mentally and was not careful to make sure things got done carefully February 14th/and panic because it was possible 1 little packet had been trashed!

I was a wet faced, heart-thumping mess standing in the bedroom trying not to fly apart and mentally kicking myself.

When I finally calmed down and got a grip on my emotions, I called the funeral home and asked if they would look back in their records and tell me how many packets I had requested be set aside for the kids' and grandkids'. They checked and I as told I had asked for a count of 6.

IMMEDIATE RELIEF! Thank You, Yeshua!

I had asked for 6 little packets to be set aside ... Merry and I had filled 6 little Urns; but I been shipped 7 little Urns - confusion laid to rest. Guilt alleviated. Panic settled down. I started breathing easy again. I don't know why I was shipped 7 little Urns because we only have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren, and I never intended to keep any cremains ash for myself. But I am glad now that I have the little Urn, which will be filled and later buried with my cremains in my Cremains Box when my time comes to be placed with Bob in Eden Valley. When Merry can get away and come over again, she will help me fill my little urn FOR SURE THIS TIME - reopening Bob's Cremains Box and removing 1 Tablespoon for me.

I am glad I opened my little Urn this morning and peeked inside. Even with the emotional upheaval; it would have been tragic to have found this out later on ... AFTER Bob's cremains had been laid in Eden Valley.

Please Elohiem! I don’t know how much more I can stand; and keep standing.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 7

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 7

“Do you know, brethren – I am speaking to those who know something of the Law – that The Law rules a man’s actions only during his lifetime? Thus, by the Law, a married woman is bound to her husband while he is alive. Then, if the husband dies, The Law sets her free from him. Accordingly, if she married another man while her husband is still living, she would be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, The Law sets her free and she would not be an adulteress if she married some other man.

My brethren, your situation is quite similar. Through the body of Mashiach, you are no longer under The Law, so that you may now belong to Another; yes, to Him Who was raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for Elohim. On the other hand, while we were living worldly lives, our sinful passions – aroused by what is sin under The Law – were operating in our bodies to bring a harvest of death. But now we are released from The Law, and having died to what held us in its grip, so we are free to serve Elohim in newness of spirit, and not in the old way according to the letter of The Law.

Now what shall we say? That The Law is sin? Not at all! But it was The Law that made clear my knowledge of sin. For example, I should not have been aware of covetousness if The Law had not said, ‘You shall not covet’. The Law gave sin occasion to express itself, and in my own case, it stimulated all sorts of covetousness. But without The Law, sin is lifeless.

There was a time when I, too, did not have The Law, and I was, so to speak, ‘alive’. Then The Law came to me and sin came to life – and I ‘died’. The very commandment which was intended to bring life, actually proved to be a sentence unto death to me. The commandment gave sin a chance, and sin deceived me and caused my death.

Again I say, The Law is holy – each commandment of it is holy and just and good. Was it this good thing that brought death to me? No, indeed! It was sin that did it, and the purpose was that sin might be recognized as sin. It brought death to me through something that was good, and thus through the good commandment sin becomes exceedingly sinful. We know that The Law is spiritual; it is I who is sensual, sold to the slavery of sin.

Therefore I am no master of what I do. I do things that I do not want to do. In fact, I do the very things that I hate to do. I acknowledge that The Law is right by the fact that I do what I do not want to do. It is not really I, myself, who am doing this, but sin that holds sway over me. For I know that in me – that is, in my flesh – there dwells nothing good. I sometimes want to do what is right, but do not have the power. Instead of doing the good that I want to do, I do the evil that I do not want to do.

But since I do not do what I want to do, it is sin that dwells in me that does it, and not I. This, then, is what I find. The Law works this way: when I want to do right, evil is present with me. In my inmost self I delight in the Law of Elohei. But in my body I see another law, one that conflicts with the Law of my mind, one that makes me a slave to the law of sin which is in my body.

What a miserable man I am! Who can free me from my own sinful body? I thank Elohim that it has been done through Adonai Yeshua Ha’Mashiach! Of myself, with my mind I am a servant of The Law of Elohei; but in my flesh I am slave to the law of sin.

**ROMANS 6: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-book-of-romans-chapter-6.html