Troubles are all a part of life; it’s something that no one can escape. If you are alive, then you have problems. So with that in mind, what can we do about it? Should problems just hit us as we passively take them or are there some action steps in dealing with these challenges?

To answer these questions let’s look at an example from Yahshua in Mark 4:35-41. The passage reads, “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, what manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

First consider where Yahshua and His disciples were. It reads that they passed over to the other side. The other side of what? We know that they were in a boat and their destination according to Mark 6:1 was the country of the Gadarenes, which is called Gadara. Therefore if you reference a map of the area, Yahshua and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee.  This is not surprising, since Yahshua used this sea many times during His ministry to travel to the various cities in the area.

Continuing on in the passage, a great storm came upon these men so much so that the disciples thought they were going to sink. Most of the disciples of Yahshua were fishermen. Simon Peter, Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother were all fishermen by trade.

Luke 8:22 says that Yahshua was in the boat with His disciples, so at least one of these men in the boat with Yahshua must have been a fisherman. Fishermen are used to dealing with the sea and the storms that come upon them, so this must have been a really huge storm for these men to panic under such conditions.
Fearing for their lives, they woke Yahshua from His sleep. Yahshua, waking ever so calmly, said, “Peace be still,” and the storm ceased. He then responded to His disciples by saying, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Yahshua could not understand why they were so afraid. He was with them, so they ought to have had faith that everything was going to work out okay. He rebuked them for their lack of faith and trust in Him.

Personal Storm
The disciples in these verses faced a literal storm, a physical danger. Now we may not face an actual storm like these men, yet I would say that we are all going through some metaphorical storm right now, represented by a trial or trouble we are having to weather. Perhaps it’s finances, relationships, health, job, or some other part of life troubling us.
Also, we all face the looming storm of evil that is attacking our freedoms and morality in this country. We have our own problems that we face daily, and then we have to feel the crushing weight of things seemingly getting worse day by day with violence and wickedness increasing while morality is decreasing.

These are serious issues that should not be downplayed, yet focusing so much on these is not the solution. Stressing too much on the storms we face can lead to a lack of faith. It did for the disciples and it can for us, too. We are not exempt from falling into this pattern.
It all comes down to what we focus our energy and thoughts upon. If we can change our focus then we can stop worrying so much about what hits us in life and more about trusting in Yahweh.

Realize Who Is in Your Boat
What can we do to keep our trust in Yahweh? We can remember who is in our boat. The disciples were in the boat with Yahshua, the son of Yahweh, who was given authority from Yahweh Himself. With one word Yahshua could have called a host of angels to His and the others’ aid. And even if one of these men had fallen out of the boat and drowned, Yahshua had the authority to bring him back from the dead.

Don’t forget what Yahweh can do, and what Yahshua can do through Yahweh His Father. Because this same Yahshua who was in this first century boat is the same One who is with us through the good and bad in our lives. We don’t need to go at our problems alone. We have a Heavenly Father and a Savior there for us. In Romans 8:35, 38-39, Paul spoke these words of the love of Yahweh and Yahshua toward us.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword…for I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Yahweh, which is in Messiah Yahshua our Master.”

When going through troubles, focus on His power, His Word, and His promises. The promises He made to us are throughout the Bible:
• Psalm 50:15 reads, “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

• Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of Yahweh emcampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”

• Psalm 103:17 tells us, “But the mercy of Yahweh is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.”
This is just scratching the surface of the promises He makes to us, which are true and sure. It can bring great comfort in knowing that Yahweh is there for all of us.

Trust and Believe
Looking back at the scene of Yahshua and His disciples in the boat, the second thing the disciples needed was trust and belief in Yahshua. If they would have looked at Him, seen Him for who He was, and then believed, they would not have panicked.

Thinking about the promises of Yahweh and what He can do are amazing, yet it is incomplete by itself. It must be combined with belief and trust that He can do these things and that He truly is the most powerful being in the universe.

Without this faith, this belief in Yahweh, it is impossible to please Yahweh, according to Hebrews 11:6. If we want to please Him, we must believe.
The Israelites coming out from Egypt were constantly plagued by unbelief. Despite the fact that they saw the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna falling from heaven, and many more miracles, they still lacked faith.

Hebrews 3:12, 16-19 speaks of unbelief: “Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living Elohim…for some, when they had heard did provoke, howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not. So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”
You see, it goes back to where our focus lies. The Israelites could not get past this and were always eager to complain about what they were going through. They could have looked to Yahweh for help, and for salvation, but instead were too caught up in their problems.

Now because you remember that Yahweh is with you and you believe that He can do all things, does this mean that you will not face any more troubles? Of course not. The Bible says that in the coming tribulation many saints will be killed for their convictions.

Life is filled with unfairness. It seems that those who do wrong get away with what they’ve done, while those who try to do what is right are continually beset with challenges. If you look at it just from where we are now and the perspective of this time, then yes, things can be drummed up as being quite bad at times.

Keep hope and keep your trust in Yahweh because though life may be challenging, Yahweh will set all things right in the Kingdom. If you keep your mind on the eternal, the life where things will last, then it is easier to handle the problems in this life.

Yahweh’s Work for Good
No matter what happens or has happened to you, Yahweh does this for a reason. Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love Elohim, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

We must believe this to be true, that Yahweh works out the bad things for good to those that love Him. It doesn’t say that it will be easy, or that difficulties are fun, but everything will work out in some way whether it is in this life or in the life to come. But for this to happen we must love Yahweh, we must trust in Yahweh, and we must believe in Him fully with all our heart, soul, and mind.

Yahweh can do all things. He has allowed trials to come into your life, and He can make them go away. No matter what happens, we need to keep our faith in Him.
In the book, The Hiding Place, author Corrie ten Boom speaks about her imprisonment in Nazi concentration camps as she helped save many Jews from imprisonment and death. While she was in the camp, she and her sister, Besie, got moved to another building that was infested with fleas.
Corrie was frustrated with the situation, but her sister kept reminding her of the passage in 1Thessalonians 5:16 about rejoicing in everything. Corrie, though, could not find any way to be thankful for the fleas.

While in this new building Corrie and Besie started to speak about the Good News from the Bibles they had hidden from the guards, reaching many of the women and giving them hope. Typically the guards would not stand for such activity, especially one that was religious, yet these guards did not bother their meetings. They continued on, yet still wondered why they were given this strange treatment.

As time passed, Besie got sick and had to be moved to the camp hospital. Corrie, wanting to visit her sister, sneaked through the camp and into the hospital. Besie was overjoyed to see Corrie and had even more exciting news of her own. Besie had found out why the guards left them alone and gave them the freedom they had in that building. It was because of the fleas. The guards didn’t want to get the fleas on themselves and so they stayed away.
If that’s not a story of good coming from a terrible situation then what is?

Let’s use these lessons to guide our thoughts and actions and to keep our focus off of everything that is going wrong and to think on Him who can make things right.
Don’t ignore problems, just take action according to your belief and faith in Yahweh rather than reacting with fear and frustration

by Joel Wirl

Army of Yahweh

In 1Samuel 13 we are thrust into a battle scene in the land of Gibeah. King Saul, Jonathan, and their Israelite army of 4,000 men are fighting the Philistines. They strike a mighty blow to the Philistine garrison, which in turn incites the Philistine army to counter by sending about 36,000 soldiers to the battle.

Being massively outnumbered, most of the Israelite army flees from fear and hides in the mountains and caves, leaving only 600 men who stay by their king’s side. To make matters worse for the Israelite army, a group of spoilers from the Philistine army raid the Israelite camp and steal their weapons. The Philistines, not wanting their enemy to gain any advantage, remove the weaponsmiths from the land so the Israelites cannot make replacement swords or spears. The only weapons they have left are what King Saul and Jonathan have with them. The war effort is starting to look impossible for Israel.

In 1Samuel 14 Jonathan decides it is time to confront his adversaries. Perhaps he sees the lack of courage that afflicted the Israelite army, but for whatever the reason, he chooses to quietly sneak away to the enemy camp, unbeknownst to the others, taking only his armor bearer with him. Upon reaching the enemy camp, Jonathan tells his armor bearer, “Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Yahweh will work for us: for there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few,” 1Samuel 14:6.

Note what Jonathan said, “There is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few.” Although Jonathan was speaking of a military victory, it has much greater application. The Oxford Dictionary defines restraint as, “A measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits.”

This definition makes one think of someone under another’s power with limited decisions and actions, like being a slave to another. In the verse, though, Jonathan says that Yahweh has no restraint, which means that there is no entity with power enough to control Yahweh.

Is Yahweh’s power limited only to military victory? Of course not. If one has power in one area, but not another, then he or she is still limited. Therefore this applies to all things; Yahweh has no restraint on His power from anything.

Jonathan elaborates further by saying that Yahweh’s unlimited power is not held back by numbers. Jonathan proves this when he and his armor bearer attack the Philistines, killing twenty soldiers, thus causing confusion in the camp that leads to fighting among themselves.

This impetus spurs the rest of the Israelite army, and those who had gone into hiding, to fight hard against the Philistines, thus defeating them. All of this happened because of whom? Was it Jonathan and his armor bearer who did it? No, without Yahweh’s causing confusion in the camp and allowing the final victory, the initial attack would have been short lived. So why does Yahweh not want to save by many but rather chooses to save by few?

Gideon and His Few
In Judges 6 the Midianites had overtaken the land of Israel because the people had sinned. The Israelites were so greatly impoverished by their oppressors that they finally cried out to Yahweh to save them. Yahweh, in His infinite mercy instructed Gideon to attack the forces of the Midianites. Gideon reluctantly agreed and gathered a force of 32,000 soldiers to fight. The army camp, pitched beside the well of Harod, waited to attack the host of Midianites on the north side of the hill. Yahweh said to Gideon, “The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me,” Judges 7:2-3.

Yahweh knew that if Israel had won the victory, they would have attributed their success to themselves and not to Yahweh. So Yahweh had Gideon release from the army all who were too fearful to fight, leaving 10,000 soldiers, which was still too many for Yahweh. The soldiers would probably be even more arrogant in victory because the fewer they were, the more amazing they would think their own skills would be.

Yahweh told Gideon to take his men to a body of water for a test. Those who bowed down to drink would be excluded from fighting, but those who lapped the water would stay. Those who were chosen to stay were only 300 men.

These men were probably the best of the best but even with their skill level, it would have been nearly impossible to beat the entire Midian army with only 300 soldiers. Their enemy was described as being a multitude like the sand of the sea. Yet only 300 was enough for Yahweh.

Yahweh gave Gideon and his 300 the victory. Yahweh would rather save by a few than by many because “by many” puts the glory on the group.

When it’s few facing impossible odds it is hard to not recognize that Yahweh gives the victory. It puts the glory where it belongs, on Yahweh and not us. When you go up against an army with only 300 men and win, it is hard to conclude anything other than divine intervention. Our greatest human strength cannot come close to even His weakness, which is none. He too has an army. And although we may not be able to see it, it is there.

Elisha and the Angels
In 2Kings 6 we find the Syrians battling Israel. Elisha the prophet was assisting the Israelite army. Each time the Syrians would plot an assault, Elisha would warn Israel and thwart the attack. The king of Syria became troubled when Israel always knew his battle plans.

He first wondered if it was a conspiracy within his own ranks, but after inquiry it was made known to him that Elisha the prophet was prophesying to Israel what the Syrian army was about to do.

In 2Kings 6:13-16 we see that the king of Syria had plans to kidnap Elisha, “And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of Elohim was risen early, and gone forth, behold an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! How shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Yahweh, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see, And Yahweh opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

Note his statement, “For they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” We may not be able to see the angelic forces as Elisha and the young man did, but they are there nonetheless. Yahweh’s army fights for those who believe and trust in Him.

Yahweh worked with Jonathan and Gideon to bring about a victory for good, and He wants to do the same for us. He wants us to fight for Him in the battles we all face, and He wants us to realize that it will be won by His strength and not just our own.

Fighting Our Own Battles
We may not have to face an enemy in armed combat as the Israelites did, but we too fight a battle against the moral decline of this nation and much of the world. You just have to watch a small portion of the news to see this trend.

Immorality is becoming legalized, much of the education system is teaching obedience to a system rather than to Yahweh, the love that man once had for his fellow man is growing cold and stale, happiness is based on entertainment rather than living a righteous life – these are the trends of the culture.

We also see the teachers of morality, the churches and religious centers, are many times not preaching the message of repentance from sin, but rather watered down and smooth messages that don’t convict a person to turn from his or her wicked practices and back to Yahweh in obedience to Him. Nature dislikes a vacuum, and it is the same with our minds. Our minds will fill with something, whether good or bad. Correct biblical principles are needed to transform the mind and heart.

Much of the religious scene is changing in the world. The former Archbishop of Canterbury warned that Christianity in England is one generation away from extinction.

And yet as the tide of Christianity seems to be ebbing, we see the strong tide of Islam crashing through the world. This is a scary thought for those who understand that what is taught in the Islamic faith is Sharia law, which is a law of no toleration but rather domination.

We are in a battle for truth. Bible truth is now considered an archaic ideal, replaced by worldly values that inevitably lead to destruction. We fight a battle not only to keep discovering truth ourselves but also to help others learn. It is up to us, with Yahweh’s supreme help, to do it.

Our Mission
Jonathan and the Israelites won the victory because Jonathan knew that numbers mean little to Yahweh in getting things done. Gideon and his army won the victory because they trusted in Yahweh’s power and strength rather than their own. Elisha did not panic when he saw the enemy surrounding him because he knew that good is greater than evil. We must realize the same because much is at stake.

Malachi 4:6 and Matthew 24:14 speak of a restoration back to the truth in the end times. The restoration is of people turning back to Yahweh and away from sin. If this is the end times that we live in now, if this truly is the period spoken of in prophecy, then the time is now to stand for truth. To stand up and live a life of righteousness. To be the example Yahweh wants us to be to the world.

Prophecies spoken of in the Bible will come to pass. As much as our culture wants to deny the Bible and what it teaches, it will not stop the inevitable. The question we must ask ourselves is whether we will just go along with what the world is teaching, to just be like everyone else, or will we be a force for good? We can make a difference, because if Yahweh is with us who can be against us? It is by Yahweh that the victory will be won in our time, but we must still do our part.

The enemy is strong, and seems to be invading all aspects of our culture. What can we do about it? What can we do to fight back against such overwhelming odds? We can do what is right. We can shine our light to a world filled with darkness. We can worship Yahweh rather than man or institutions. We can make a difference. It is always better to do something than nothing at all.

Our acts of kindness, choosing Sabbath rest rather than working, consistent prayer, and other acts may seem small and insignificant. Even small deeds of righteousness, however, impact the world. As the Syrian army was unable to see the angelic host, we may not see the instant benefits of doing a good deed, but they are there.

Those who truly desire to serve Yahweh with all their mind, heart and soul must not lose heart. We have a mission to spread the good news of the Kingdom to the world, to help people come to the truth. And it doesn’t matter how small in number His followers are because with Yahweh, He is more than enough.

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Succeeding as a Believer

Most would agree that the trends we’re seeing in the world today are troubling. Radical Islam is on the rise, and Bible believers are being persecuted throughout this world. Many western and democratic countries are passing laws, including the United States, restricting freedom of religion. In addition, traditional marriage and values are under attack, along with many other unfavorable developments.
What we’re witnessing today will only get worse with time. It’s entirely possible that these current trends will usher in the Tribulation and the Second Coming of our Savior, Yahshua the Messiah.
For this reason, now is not the time to be spiritually asleep or negligent with our faith. It’s more important than ever before that we strengthen our faith and devotion. Even though many are facing different challenges and trials, few know the meaning of true persecution.
If and when this day comes to our time, as believers we must be strong and courageous. To achieve such discipline, we will be reviewing the following lessons:
• First and foremost, we need to know and understand the One we worship;
• We must be strong in faith and courage;
• We must be willing to make a distinction in our behavior and worship; and,
• We must keep life in perspective and always maintain proper balance. Each of these points is crucial to remain strong and overcome as a believer. They will provide us the strength and character to persevere.

Discover Yahweh’s Splendor
To begin with, let’s consider the greatness and immensity of the One we worship. The Old Testament in 1Chronicles 29:11-13 provides a glimpse of Yahweh’s splendor: “Thine, O Yahweh, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Yahweh, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our Elohim, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”
Our Father Yahweh is above all! He is the greatest and all power, glory, and majesty on earth and in the heavens belongs to Him. Possibly the best illustration of our Father’s awesome power is this universe.
For thousands of years man has looked to the heavens to understand Yahweh’s creation. Today we have massive telescopes, but even with these we comprehend only a small fraction of what this universe offers. Its complexity is far beyond man’s comprehension.
Consider the following: it’s believed the number of atoms in the universe is somewhere around 10 to the 78th power. This is 10 with 78 zeros after it. Such a number is beyond our grasp.
The believed diameter of the known universe is 93 billion light years. A light year is the distance light travels in a year. In miles, this number is 5.87849981 x 10 to the 12th power. It’s estimated that the Milky Way galaxy contains 200-400 billion stars. Overall, it’s believed that this universe contains around 100 billion galaxies.
This should give all reason to pause and consider the greatness of our Father in heaven. It’s important we realize that all of this came into existence through the power of our Creator, Almighty Yahweh. If He can design and create such a vast universe, surely He’s capable of seeing His people through life’s problems.
Saying that, it’s important also to realize that sometimes it’s His will that we suffer. The Apostle Paul had a “thorn in his flesh” and prayed three times that Yahweh would remove it. Yahweh never did and Paul soon realized that he was made strong through that thorn or weakness.
The fact remains, though, our Father in heaven is bigger than anything in this universe; He is in control of the smallest atom to the largest galaxy.
Even though this world can be a chaotic place, as long as we remember that we serve an awesome El, nothing should discourage us or pull us away from the faith. There’s nothing beyond His power or control – He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.

Obedience Brings Blessings
Another way of succeeding as a believer is by obeying our Father in heaven. Deuteronomy 30 says that we’re blessed when we follow His commandments. “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love Yahweh thy Elohim, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and Yahweh thy Elohim shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it,” verses 15-16.
As believers, it’s imperative to understand that there are consequences for how we live. If we live a life of righteousness after Yahweh’s commandments, we’ll be blessed and prosperous in this life and more importantly, in the life to come. However, if we choose to rebel and ignore His Word, we will not find life, but death.
Yahweh’s commandments are for the good of mankind. As our Creator, He’s established a natural order in this universe and His commandments are the guide to achieving success in this order.
For example, He’s given commandments regulating our diet. He tells us to avoid things such as shellfish and swine, which medical science is now finding are a detriment to human health.
Dr. Rex Russell in his book, What the Bible says About Healthy Eating, says, “One reason for [Yahweh’s] rule forbidding pork is that the digestive system of a pig is completely different from that of a cow. It is similar to ours, in that the stomach is very acidic. Pigs are gluttonous, never knowing when to stop eating. Their stomach acids become diluted because of the volume of food, allowing all kinds of vermin to pass through this protective barrier. Parasites, bacteria, viruses and toxins can pass into the pig’s flesh because of overeating. These toxins and infectious agents can be passed on to humans when they eat a pig’s flesh,” pp. 76-77.
As Yahweh designed, these meats are a detriment to man’s health. So in this case when we obey Him, we’re more likely to maintain better health.
Yahweh also established marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman, Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:6. If you consider the impact of divorce that we’re seeing in this nation, whether that be single parent homes or broken families, there should be no wonder why He says what He does.
Based on data from the 2010 census, one-third or a total of 15 million children are without a father in the home. Statistics have shown that a child suffers emotionally and socially without the influence of a father. Consider the following statistics:
● 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes – 5 times the average (U.S. Dept. of Health/Census).
● 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.
● 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
● 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average (Justice & Behavior, Vol. 14, p. 403-26).
● 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – nine times the average (National Principals Association Report, thefatherlessgeneration.wordpress.com).
Everything our Heavenly Father says in His Word is for our good. The problem is most people are simply too stubborn to listen. It’s amazing, though, how many of these same people will ask, “Why are these things happening?” Even though the truth is obvious to the sincere seeker, they’re blind to it.
Acts 5:32 provides another benefit for obedience. It reads, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Elohim hath given to them that obey him.”
The Bible declares that the ruach ha qodesh, i.e., Holy Spirit, is given to those who follow Yahweh’s Word. Now, what benefits do we find through our Father’s Spirit? It brings us into deeper truths and helps us change from whom we are today into how we should be based on Yahweh’s will. It also gives us wisdom to rightly apply our Father’s Word. Finally, it offers encouragement and strength in times of need and trouble.

Blessings Through Faith
Succeeding as a believer also demands faith. Before we explore why faith is important, let’s first understand the meaning of faith. Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The author of Hebrews tells us that faith is believing or having a conviction in something that can’t be seen. In this case, it’s a conviction for our Heavenly Father, Yahweh, who Scripture says is invisible and immortal.
Verse 6 goes on to explain why this characteristic is so important: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to Elohim must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
We can’t please Yahweh without faith. We must believe in Him and His promises, including His promise of everlasting life in His Kingdom. If we don’t believe in these promises, then our faith is not genuine and not pleasing to the One we worship.
Because faith is a belief and conviction in our Creator, it should be obvious why it’s essential in remaining strong as a believer. Without the promise of the resurrection and His Kingdom, what would be the motivation to follow Him? Yahweh has promised all this and much more in His Word; all we must do is believe and follow Him.

Have Courage to Overcome
Another important attribute in succeeding as a believer is courage. John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.” In essence, courage is responding even in those moments when we’re afraid. In other words, courage is not allowing fear to control our response.
In the first chapter of Joshua, Yahweh commands the Israelite leader to remain strong and courageous: “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for Yahweh thy Elohim is with thee whithersoever thou goest,” 1:7-9.
Yahweh told Joshua to obey His commandments so that he would have success. As confirmed in Deuteronomy, when we follow His commandments we’re going to be blessed.
Second, Yahweh tells Joshua to be strong and of good courage and not to be afraid. There’s a connection between faith and courage. To achieve either one we must believe in Yahweh and in His promises. If we have a deep faith in our Heavenly Father then even death should not concern us. The Bible promises that for those who lose their lives for His sake will find them in the life to come.
Like faith, courage requires that we are resolute in our conviction of Yahweh and willing to do whatever is necessary to remain true to Him. If we allow fear to control us, then we may never achieve the goal of everlasting life.
Yahweh gave this key message to Joshua, the son of Nun. This man had the task of not only leading a nation, but doing so during a time of conquest. He was going to war for the nation of Israel and for Almighty Yahweh. Yahweh knew that this would require strength and courage like never before. He would risk everything to obey the One he worshiped.
If indeed Yahshua’s coming is closer than what many realize, we as believers will require this same level of courage and faith as this time approaches.
Yahshua in His Olivet Prophecy stated that the Great Tribulation would be the worst time this world has ever and will ever see. Nothing will rival the sin, depravity, and the persecution that this world will experience prior to Yahshua’s coming. The challenges that we go through today are nothing compared to the tribulation we might see in the days to come. Joshua showed courage and strength against nations and peoples greater than he. Can we do the same?

Show a Difference
Another key in succeeding as a believer is to show a distinction. Paul conveys this message in 2Corinthians 6: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Messiah with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of Elohim with idols? for ye are the temple of the living Elohim,” verses 14-16a.
The Apostle Paul asks, “What concord has Messiah with Belial?” The word “Belial” here is a euphemism for Satan the devil. There is no greater contrast than that between Yahshua the Messiah and the Evil One.
We don’t have to look hard to see sin in the world today. In the last few decades we’ve seen a lot of change in this nation. Many no longer know what is morally right in this day and age. The concept of absolute morality has been thrown out the window. Today’s belief in diversity and political correctness has replaced biblical standards.
It seems that everything we read in the Bible regarding immorality is happening today, including the acceptance of sodomy and a complete disregard for Yahweh’s commanded standards.
As we find in the fifth chapter of Isaiah, they now call evil good and good evil. We may very well be witnessing the final collapse of biblical values in this nation. This is why it’s so important that we make a distinction between us and this world.
Just because we live in the world doesn’t mean that we live like the world. We must show a difference in what we watch, what we listen to, how we behave, and most importantly, how we worship! We will not be found worthy if we don’t come out of this world.

Never Lose Perspective
Another key in succeeding as a believer is keeping a right perspective. In Psalm 103:15 we find a fact about life that is true for all people. It reads, “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.”
David compares the life of man to a flower in the field. For some, 70 or 80 years seems like a long time. Truth be told, man’s life goes by very quickly. Before we know it, we’re at the end of our days and there’s no way to get that time back. There’s no way to rewind the clock or to redo what we did.
For this reason we must keep in mind that this life is not the only life. While this life is short and transitory, the life to come is forever.
How many decisions do we make every day with this thought in mind? Many people are so caught up in the day-to-day that they completely forget about why we’re here and what’s most important.
Is it more important that we work to excess to get ahead, or spend time with our families? Is it more important that we take a vacation or attend Yahweh’s appointed Feasts? Is it more important that we buy that big screen TV or support our Father’s work through our tithes and offerings?
Life is all about setting priorities and keeping perspective on what’s most important. Yahweh remembers what we put first in our lives. Before we know it our days will be over and the record of our lives will be established for all eternity.
What should the believer be focused on? Solomon, in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes, provides one answer. He says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear Elohim, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For Elohim shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil,” 12:13-14.
How does Solomon define the whole of man? Obey the commandments and fear our Heavenly Father. To be found worthy as a believer we must obey Yahweh and always remember to show Him fear and reverence. If we do these things, not only will we overcome this world, but we’ll find blessings in this life and in the life to come.

Maintain Proper Balance
Now the last key in succeeding as a believer is maintaining balance. In the Old Testament, Solomon prayed for divine wisdom. Because his heart was right, we know that Yahweh blessed this man with incredible wisdom. The Bible says that he had more wisdom than all those in the east and in Egypt.
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:16 speaks about balance. In the New International Version it reads, “Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise – why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool – why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears [Elohim] will avoid all [extremes].”
The word “overrighteous” here likely refers to self-righteousness. What are some of the attributes of a person who is self-righteous? To name a few: arrogance, a lack of compassion, a sense of entitlement, an unwillingness to admit wrong. The online Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines this word as, “convinced of one’s own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others.”
In essence, this is why our Savior reprimanded the scribes and Pharisees in the New Testament. These people had the written law down to a science, but through their self-righteousness they lost that which was most important. They forgot about things like love, mercy, and faith, and because of that Yahshua chastised them for their hypocrisy.
As believers, it’s not only our actions by which we’ll be judged, but the motives behind our actions. As believers we can physically do all the right things and yet in the end fall short. We must ensure that our life is balanced according to our Father’s Word.
Solomon closes here by saying that the man who fears Yahweh will avoid all extremes. In other words, we should not venture to the right or left, but remain on that narrow path. While we are to obey, we must not be pharisaical in that obedience. It’s all about striking a balance in our walk as believers.
This world is becoming worse by the day. We’re seeing an increase in crime, sin, and immorality. If we’re going to succeed as believers and please Yahweh, then we need to be resolute in our faith and devotion. If we find something in our Father’s Word that we’re not doing now, we must make that change. It’s about serving Him, following Him, obeying Him, and making Him the center of our lives.
As Yahshua told the Laodicean assembly – be either hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Going part-way as disciples of Yahshua will never be enough. Either we’re all in or we’re all out. Yahweh will not accept half-hearted commitment. He has big plans for His people and He wants only those with total dedication who will one day rule in His Kingdom.

by: Randy Folliard

The Fall of America

A June 2, 2015, Gallup Poll reported that most Americans are pessimistic regarding the moral trend of this nation. It stated, “Most Americans (72 percent) continue to believe the state of moral values in the U.S. is ‘getting worse.’ “Large majorities have said the state of moral values in the U.S. is declining since Gallup started asking this question annually in 2002.”
It’s not hard to see why so many are less than optimistic today about the moral direction of this once great nation. To make matters worse, the Supreme Court on June 26 possibly placed the last nail in the coffin when they legalized homosexual (sodomite) marriage in all 50 states.
Amazingly, what the Supreme Court now defines as marriage, the Supreme Creator defines as an abomination, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with woman-kind: it is abomination,” Leviticus 18:22. This word “abomination” comes from the Hebrew tow’ ebah and refers to “something disgusting (morally), i.e., an abhorrence,” Strong’s Concordance.
Clearly this ruling is the most radical shift in the last 30 years of this nation and perhaps second only to the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion. When we as a country change the definition of marriage, we change the very foundation of our culture, and tell Yahweh we no longer need Him.

Spiritual Faith to Bondage
Alexander Fraser Tytler lived from 1747 to 1813. He was a Scottish advocate, judge, writer and historian who served as Professor of Universal History, and Greek and Roman Antiquities at the University of Edinburgh.
As a historian he understood govern-ments. He stated the following in reference to democracies, “A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”
Does this sound familiar with our nation? This is in fact the strategy of most politicians today. Our current national debt is over $18 trillion and we continue to increase government spending and programs. Shockingly, much of the populace supports this out-of-control spending so long as it benefits them. According to many economists, this fiscal trend is unsustainable; at some point we’re going to hit rock bottom, as we’re seeing in nations like Greece.
Tytler is also credited with the following observation: “The average age of the world’s greatest civilisations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith; From spiritual faith to great courage; From courage to liberty; From liberty to abundance; From abundance to selfishness; From selfishness to complacency; From complacency to apathy; From apathy to dependence; From dependence back into bondage.”
This man had incredible insight on the rise and fall of nations. Where do you suppose America falls in this progression? Based on current trends, many would agree we are somewhere between apathy and dependence.
The majority of the people in America are indifferent to what’s occurring, and more than half are now dependent in some way on government welfare. According to Tytler’s theory, bondage follows dependence.
It’s not difficult to see that the policies of our current government are increasingly more oppressive. As time goes on, those who openly speak out against certain sins, including sodomite marriage, will likely face retribution.
As believers, it’s important that we follow the Word of our Heavenly Father above all else. As we find in Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, we look to a greater kingdom, one not ruled by the opinions and ever-changing morality of man, but by our Savior, Yahshua the Messiah.

Who’s Really to Blame?
As much as we would like to blame our politicians for the monstrous straits we’re in, the majority of blame belongs elsewhere. Before we pinpoint where, consider the following quotation from Alexis de Tocqueville. He was a French political thinker and historian who lived between 1805 and 1859.
He wrote in Democracy in America, “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there …in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there…in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there…in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
What an amazing observation! This man realized that the greatness of America was to be found in the church and the message of our Father’s Word and not in its riches or political structure.
Back in the day, most ministers understood and taught morality. They understood principles like sin, repentance, and the virtue of living a righteous life. Where do we hear these same concerns from the pulpits today? Sadly, we don’t. Many are too busy competing for cash and numbers; they’re too concerned with fitting in with the trends of this world and putting a Starbucks in their own vestibules.
The blame for the state of our union is placed at the feet of the ministers in this nation. Many have abandoned morality and biblical principles for numbers and greed; in doing so they’ve allowed the culture to fall, possibly beyond the point of return.

Ignorance Is Not Bliss
The Apostle Peter tells us that this re-bellion is not because of ignorance, but choice. He says, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of Elohim the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water,” 2Peter 3:3-5.
When will these events happen? Peter attests that they are reserved for the last days. If we’re not in those days, we’re likely very close. He confirms that we’re going to see scoffers. This is from the Greek empaiktes and refers to “a derider, i.e. (by implication) a false teacher” (Strong’s).
Describing many people in our culture, he goes on to say that these scoffers will walk after their own lusts. They’d rather do it their way instead of Yahweh’s way; doing it their way allows them to pursue selfish wants unhindered by our Father’s Word.
We also see that these scoffers will question the return of Yahshua the Messiah, asking, where is His coming? How many people in this nation really believe in the return or Second Coming of our Savior? According to a 2013 poll by the Pew Research Center, only 47 percent of Christians believe that the Messiah will “definitely” return. Even more alarming is the fact that 52 percent of Christians either say that He will not return or are unsure.
Peter closes this passage by saying these scoffers “willingly are ignorant.” This phrase comes from the Greek thelo lanthano and refers to those who choose or prefer not to know the truth. How many do you know who simply choose to ignore what they know to be right? Deep down most people know that what we’re seeing in our world is very wrong, but they simply choose to ignore it.

And the Cycle Continues
Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes verified that events have a way of repeating themselves. Even though much of the prophecies in Isaiah are directed at Judah, it’s almost as if these same passages were written for America. It’s true that many prophecies in the Word are dual in nature. We find one such prophecy in the first chapter of Isaiah: “The ox knoweth his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken Yahweh, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward…Hear the word of Yahweh, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our Elohim, ye people of Gomorrah…And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood,” verses 3-4, 10, 15.
Here Isaiah describes the nation of Judah before its fall to the Babylonians. Does any of this sound familiar? As a people, we too have forgotten our Heavenly Father. There’s no better proof of this than the recent decision by the Supreme Court changing the definition of marriage.
It’s ironic that Isaiah compares Judah to Sodom and Gomorrah. As time goes on, we too are looking increasingly more like these deplorable cities. Sadly, there are many people, including some who claim to believe in the Bible, who try to justify homosexuality or sodomy. These people are “willingly ignorant.”
Even though Judah was guilty of horrible sin, Yahweh still offered her an opportunity to repent (see verse 18). We know historically that Judah never accepted this offer and as a result was taken captive by the Babylonians. As a nation, will we repeat Judah’s mistake or find it within ourselves to humbly repent and turn back to our Heavenly Father?
Consider the level of change this type of action would require. Political correctness would need to be thrown out. Sins like abortion and homosexuality could not be culturally accepted. The biblical family union would need to be restored. Without some sort of divine awakening the chances of all this happening are slim to none.
As believers it’s important that we never lose hope. If not for us, for our children and their children after them.
What happens when a nation becomes incorrigible in her sin? As Isaiah prophesied, Yahweh will not hear their prayers. Sin matters. Sin has consequences. When we refuse to honor and acknowledge our Heavenly Father, He in turn will refuse to bless and acknowledge us. If we’re going to reap His blessings we must be willing to follow Him.
Woe Unto the Wicked
In Isaiah 3:8-12 the son of Amoz prophesied that Judah had no remorse for her sin. “For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against Yahweh, to provoke the eyes of his glory. The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.”
Just as Judah did many years ago, we as a culture parade our sins. There’s nothing more abhorrent than the current sodomite parades and other shows of public immorality. The people who partake in these events are proud of their sin. Instead of hiding or being discreet, they make it as visible and deplorable as possible.
As Isaiah says, “Woe unto the wicked.” Those who engage in this behavior not only harm themselves, but society as well. The tragic consequence of all this is the family. As Isaiah prophesies, children are their oppressors and women rule over them.
Many families are in disarray today. Consider the following: people living together out of wedlock; a divorce rate at 50 percent, single parent homes with multiple children; and kids killing kids.
Many of these problems are the result of absentee fathers and diminishing of his function. In today’s culture it’s common for the father to be viewed as nothing more than a babbling buffoon incapable of leading his family.
Our Heavenly Father defines fathers as the head of the family. Fathers bring strength and stability to the family. When the father is absent his significance is weakened, families suffer. As we learn from wise Solomon, there’s nothing new under the sun; what has been will be again.
As Isaiah prophesied in the fifth chapter, people no longer understand common notions of biblical morality. “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter,” verse 20.
Do we see in our nation where good is considered bad and bad is considered good? A person who speaks against fornication is ridiculed as old-fashioned and narrow-minded. A person who speaks against homosexuality is considered intolerant and hateful. A person who speaks out against abortion is judged uncompassionate and anti women. A person who speaks out against radical Islam is called racist and an Islamophobe.
What we read in Isaiah is happening right now in this nation. Many today don’t know the difference between right and wrong, moral and immoral. The belief in absolute morality has all but vanished.

Reprobate Mind
What is the cause of this twisted understanding? Paul in the first chapter of Romans explains why this is and its connection to homosexuality. “For this cause Elohim gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain Elohim in their knowledge, Elohim gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient…knowing the judgment of Elohim, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them,” verses 26-28, 32.
How can anyone read this passage and still justify same-gender unions? Whether it’s men with men or women with women, Paul defines their behavior as vile and against nature. Our Heavenly Father created marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. Anything outside of this is against what He established in the beginning at creation.
To understand the depth of our Father’s disgust for homosexuality, consider the meaning of the word “vile.” it comes from the Greek atimia and means, “disgrace.” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines this word as, “dishonor and ignominy.”
The Bible condemns homosexuality as an abomination. It’s one of the worst sins a nation can allow and now we’ve changed the very definition of marriage to include this debauchery. How is it possible that we as nation have strayed so far from our Father’s Word?
Paul says that when we refuse to acknowledge Yahweh that he will give us up to a reprobate mind. The word “reprobate” comes from the Greek adokimos and means, “unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally),” Strong’s.
Similarly, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words states, “…(a) of things, Heb 6:8, ‘rejected,’ of land that bears thorns and thistles; (b) of persons, Rom 1:28, of a ‘reprobate mind,’ a mind of which [Yahweh] cannot approve, and which must be rejected by Him, the effect of refusing ‘to have [Elohim] in their knowledge’;…in 2Tim 3:8 of those ‘reprobate concerning the faith,’ i.e., men whose moral sense is perverted and whose minds are beclouded with their own speculations; in Titus 1:16, of the defiled, who are ‘unto every good work reprobate,’ i.e., if they are put to the test in regard to any good work (in contrast to their profession).”
As seen above, the word “reprobate” refers to a person who’s been rejected and unapproved because of sin and perversion. Even though Paul wrote Romans in reference to what was happening in his own day, it’s also prophetic of ours. All that we find in this epistle is happening right now in this nation.
It’s amazing just how much support there is for gay rights and gay marriage in this country. Most people are simply oblivious to the impact we will suffer as a nation because of this sin and others like it.

Is Repentance Possible?
Considering everything that’s occurring and the state of our union, is it possible for this nation to repent? Absolutely. We find a promise in 1Kings 8:33: “When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.”
If we as a nation would fall down and repent, our Heavenly Father would heal the land. Understand, though, that repentance is not merely a verbal confession of our remorse. It’s a complete forsaking of our sin and a return to Yahweh. If the populace of this nation would sincerely repent and change their ways, we would see a change like never before. For this to happen, though, we would need to fall down in sackcloth and ashes and realize what we’ve done.
If this doesn’t occur, what are we as believers to do? We are to hold firm and make our own election sure. For some, there will be persecution and for others there will be protection. There are many examples in the Bible and throughout history where good people had to suffer.
As Yahweh told Joshua, though, as believers we must obey Him and be of good courage. We must never back down, we must never compromise what we know to be right; and we must never forsake the One we worship.
Yahshua the Messiah said that if we lose our life for His sake, we would find it.
It’s important to remember that no matter what happens in this life, we have a greater life to come. If we believe in the resurrection and the promise of everlasting life in our Father’s Kingdom then nothing now should make us lose hope.

by Randy Folliard