THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 10

This chapter has been used by many self-righteous and arrogantly ignorant  Christians to defame and smear Jews, as well as the nation of Israel.

In doing so, those use Scripture as a battering ram and a whip of malice are themselves becoming the very thing that Paul is making a point of pointing out …

NO WHERE in Scriptures does it ever say that Elohim rejects the Jews. N.o.w.h.e.r.e. It does, however, state that Elohim rejects those who do not acknowledge HIM and those that think doing good deeds and adhering to a rigid set of rules will gain them entrance into paradise without accepting the atoning blood of The Lamb which covers them with grace and sanctifies them by faith – and that is a warning to everyone: Jew or Gentile.

Do not attempt to read more into Scripture than there is written clearly. In doing so, many have erred from the straight and narrow and gone down that long and twisting road of heresy and perdition. Be sure always to read Scripture in context – that is why I post Scripture as it follows, by chapter and verse – to be understood correctly.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 10

Brethren, it is my heart’s desire and my prayer to Elohim for Israel, that they may be saved. That they have a zeal for Elohim, I know from experience, but they lack certain knowledge. They are densely ignorant about Elohim’s Way of justification and, while they try to earn justification in their own way, they will not submit to Elohim’s Way of becoming justified. The end of the struggle for justification by Law is Mashiach, and it comes to everyone who believes in Him.

Moshe does not say, concerning justification by law, that if a man does what The Law commands, he will live. But the way of getting justification by Faith is different. It speaks thus: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who shall go up to Heaven?’ – that is, to bring Mashiach down; or, ‘Who shall descend int o Hell?’ – this is, to bring Him back from the dead.” But what does it say? It says, “The Word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart.” That is The Word of Faith which we preach. “If you will say with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord, and believe in your heart that Elohei has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” For with the heart we believe to righteousness, and with the mouth we make confession to salvation. For it is said in Scripture, “No one who believes in Him shall be put to shame.”

In this there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile. They all have the same Lord, and He bestows His riches upon all who call on Him. And everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

But how can people call on Him in whim they have not believed? And how can they believe in One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent to do it? Scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!” (Isaiah 52:7).

Still, they have not all accepted the glad news, even as Isaiah said, “lord, who has believed our message?” So, faith comes by hearing a message, and the message must be from the Word of Mashiach. Now, I ask, have the people not heard? Yes, indeed they have. “Their voices were heard in the whole earth, and their words to the very ends of the inhabitable world” (Psalm 19:4). And again I ask, did not Israel understand? I will let Moshe answer first. He says, “I will let a people that is not a nation make you jealous, and I will let a foolish people make you angry” (Deuteronomy 32:21). And next, let Isaiah speak. He is very bold when he says, “I have been found by some who were not looking for me, and have made Myself known to some who were not seeking to know Me”; But about Israel, He says, “All day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate People!” (Isaiah 65:1 & 2).

**ROMANS 9: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-book-of-romans-chapter-9.html

VULTURES AND OTHER VOYEURS

Dealing with death is hard enough without having to suffer the indignities of hovering vultures and morbid curiosities of voyeurs.

Human vultures want to pick your life clean and leave nothing but bones in their wake, and the voyeurs want to pick your brain to satisfy their morbid curiosities about the death process itself. Trying to deal with the 2 are exhausting as the voyeurs always seem to show up while you are wearing yourself out beating back the vultures.

Admittedly, vultures are important in the process of clean-up and moving forward … I’m just not ready yet to have my life picked clean down to bare bones.

Voyeurs, on the other hand, are neither necessary – or welcome – during this personal time of heart-wrenching transition. Voyeurs are more annoying than the circling vultures. Vultures are willing to wait for their turn at you … voyeurs dishonestly shroud themselves with wrapping of goodwill and barge in uninvited with their judgmental morbid curiosities.

Vultures hover around the stench of death in various expected forms: funeral directors, Grief~Share Support Groups, Grief Counselors, ect. – all waiting to “help you though this most difficult time” and to strip your life bare of any remembrance at all of your previous life with “your dearly departed”. These vultures are viewed by many as a necessary interference into your life seriously turned upside down and shaken. I am not so sure I want to be stripped bare of remembrances. So I stand guard over the corpse of my previous life and beat the vultures back.

Voyeurs show up in unexpected forms – family, friends, and acquaintances; all breathlessly curious about “those final moments” and wanting you to relive over and over again those moments you want to move on from. I am glad I was there for my husband when he took his last breath … but I do not want to describe it to anyone else in living color. I do not want to see it in my mind’s eye over and over again.

Now I understand that the voyeurs are curious … and they are probably dealing with end-of-life situations themselves and are searching for information, BUT I find it very insensitive and highly offensive that they would call me and inquire of a newly grieving widow the most intimate details of my husband’s final moments.

And then their morbid curiosities are always followed up with a stupid comment like, “At least he died loving you.”

I want to shout, “BUT HE DIED JUST THE SAME!” That he died loving me doesn’t make his death any less painful, or comforting to me. He is no longer here with me. THAT is my new reality. I KNOW he died loving me – he told me that every day for 44 years, and even while he was dying. But knowing he died loving me doesn’t help ease my heartache when my eyes yearn to see him and my ears strain to hear his voice: and I know that I will never see him again, or hear his voice. I do not want to relieve those final moments in the hospital to help prepare family or friends, or acquaintances for their end-of-life experiences. It is personal. It is not fodder for the morbidly curious.

Yes, I know where my husband is now. And I have joy knowing that. BUT I also miss him here. And I have sorrow knowing that I will never see, touch, or hear him again this side of Heaven. My husband’s physical death left unplanned changes in my present, and my future. My husband’s physical death significantly changed my financial situation. My husband’s death altered e.v.e.r.y.s.i.n.g.l.e.t.h.i.n.g. about my life. But voyeurs don’t want to hear about that part of death.

Voyeurs are generally self-indulgent people who think they own a corner on suffering and want to pick your brain on how you are dealing with your suffering. They aren’t calling so much to comfort you … but more to find a way to comfort themselves with your pain. I know – it sounds wacky. But voyeurs are wacky people who feed on drama trauma.

Death involves grief. Grief is trauma. Trauma can lead to drama if you let it.

Death is heartbreaking on a level that is indescribable. Yet, voyeurs hunger for a tantalizing description of your heartache.

There are no words to describe what it feels like to sit in a funeral home and make end of life arrangements for a person who was your whole world until an hour ago. But those are the words voyeurs call and fish for while you, yourself, are casting around for a life-line in the turbulent and choppy waters of widowhood.

I don’t want to hear that I am lucky my husband died loving me.

My heart hurts. My mind hurts.

I am in pain.

My pain is not on the same measurable scale as a voyeur’s pain because my pain isn’t imaginable – it is real. And I threw the pain scale out in December 2018. I am not measuring pain anymore. I am not comparing pain anymore.

When we measure things, we miss the opportunity to just love one another and support one another through life’s hardest moments. I don’t measure another person’s heartache because my sorrowing journey is different than anyone else’s. We are all unique and our chosen life course is unique. Our pain is unique. And the way we deal with that pain is unique.

I am sorry that our human lives involve pain as well as love.

I am sorry that our human lives take unexpected turns that lead to experiencing pain.

I refuse to compare miseries.

Life is difficult regardless of the road you chose to travel – but it won’t get any easier to travel if one becomes bitter, angry, or carries a grief scale.

Regardless of how death forever changed your present and your future, do not let it stop you from making the most of the moments you have been given to live out the rest of your life.

Grieve for what was and what will never be. Take time for yourself to grow in ways you never imagined you would have to grow; learn and evolve.

Part of personal growth evolution means that you let go of someone else’s silly statements, clueless opinions, and aimless comments made by people in the middle of their own unique storms.

Since the end of August 2018, I have experienced enough of life’s heartaches to know that I do not hold a corner on pain – nor do I want to own a piece of it. At some point in time everyone ends up there.

Regardless of your personal storm and the life circumstances that brought that storm to you, I sincerely hope you learn to dance in the rain and learn to fully live the life you have left.

We are all here for a reason; all of us.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 9

It is very troubling to me that the American Congress, Senate, and Supreme Court seats are filled with religiously pious anti-Israel showmen and political puppets/puppeteers. The evil demoncrat party is 100% staffed with anti-Christ, anti-American, and anti-Israel racist terrorists that have literally gone to the dogs racing at break-neck-speed on the shady and slippery highway to hell ever since muslim barak hussain obama’s tyrannous political/religious coup in 2000.

It is a National shame and a societal moral disgrace that a great deal of double-talking Americans claiming to speak as Christians, while actually not having any relationship at all with Elohei, or any clear understanding at all of Scripture – or what it means to BE a Christian, have been so hoodwinked and self-hypnotized that they continue to place these wicked morons in seats of governmental power.

As I have stated numerous times before, one cannot be a Christian and be a politician … it is like mixing oil and water: it does not blend and always results in a slimy mess.

It is also glaringly obvious that many people claiming to be Christians do NOT KNOW their Bible! So let today’s study be a refresher course, and maybe – just maybe an eye-opener also to prod them back onto the straight and narrow.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS ~Chapter 9

I am telling the truth in Christ, and am not lying. In this my conscience bears me witness in The Ruach. I have great sorrow and the pain in my heart is unceasing. Indeed, I could even wish that I myself might be sentenced to separation from Mashiach if that would help my brethren, my own blood relatives. They are Israelites, Elohei’s Chosen People. Elohim gave them the glory, the covenants, The Law, the Temple service, and the promises. The patriarchs are of their race, and even Mashiach – according to the flesh – and He is God over all, blessed be forever. Amen.

It is not, however, that the Word of God has failed. Not all the descendants of Israel are true Israelites. And not all the descendants of Abraham are considered the children of Abraham, for the promise was, “Through Isaac shall your posterity be called.” This means that not those who are natural descendants are thereby counted as Elohim’s children, but only the children of the promise are counted. Such a promise was the word, “About this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son” (Genesis 17:18-21).

And again, a promise came to Rebecca when she was to have twins by our father Isaac. The children were not yet born and they had as yet not done anything either good or bad. And yet Elohim had made an election and wanted His purpose to stand. It was not based on their works, but on His own choice. He said to her, “The elder shall serve the younger.” Scripture also put it this way, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau” (Malachi 1:2).

Now, what shall we conclude? That Elohim is unjust? That cannot be! For He said to Moshe, “I will have mercy on anyone I choose to show mercy, and I will take pity on anyone I want to pity.” Elohim’s mercy, then, is not on account of man’s will or his readiness, but is a matter of Elohim’s choice. Just so, Scripture tells that he spoke to Pharaoh, “I have raised you to high position for the reason that I want to show My power in dealing with you, so that My Name may be made known throughout the world.” So He shows mercy to whomever He chooses, and He hardens the heart of anyone He chooses.

And now you ask, ‘Why does He still find fault?’ Who of us, by resisting, can change His purpose? But, sir, who are you to find fault with Elohim? Shall that which is made say to its maker, ‘Why did you make me so?’ Certainly the potter has the right to make 2 different objects out of the same lump of clay, the 1 for distinguished service and the other for menial use. At times, Elohim is willing to show His wrath and make His power known, yet He endures long and patiently with the objects of wrath who are fit for destruction. He does this in order to make clear to those who are the objects of His mercy, how rich is the glory that he has already prepared for them. Yes, even we are objects of His mercy, Jews and Gentiles alike, as many as He has called.

In Hosea He says, “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and she who was not loved will be called ‘Beloved’! And in the place where it was said, ‘You are not My People’, they will be called ‘Sons of the living God’” (Hosea 1:10 & 2:23). Isaiah cries out about Israel, “Though the number of Israel is as the sand of the sea, yet only a remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out His orders on the earth, concluding each matter with justice and efficiency” (Isaiah 10:22, 23). Isaiah had also said earlier, “If the Lord of Hosts had not left us offspring we would have become like Sodom; we would have fared like Gomorrah” (Isaiah 1:9).

What shall we conclude? That the Gentiles, though not seeking justification, obtained justification; that is, they attained justification by faith. But Israel, on the other hand, though seeking justification through The Law, did not obtain justification. Why not? Because they tried to obtain it by the works of The Law and not by faith. They stumbled over the stone of stumbling. This is foretold in Scripture, “See! I pace in Zion a stone of stumbling, a rock of offense. But everyone who believe on Him shall not be put to shame” (Psalm 118:22 & Isaiah 8:14).

**ROMANS 8: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-book-of-romans-chapter-8.html

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: