May 4, 2015
Hebraic Living is majoring in the fundamentals of righteous living guided by the Holy Spirit:
Hebraic Living is not majoring in the minors of theology.
There is a natural interest and enthusiasm to share one’s new Scriptural knowledge with others because it is so easy and simple for you to understand. But... your reception of such knowledge is based upon a calling from God, which others probably may not have at this time. Be sure to be willing to share your story, however, when asked or placed in a position to stand up for your beliefs. Keep it short and simple unless people are interested and wish to ask you questions.
You Might be a Redneck Pharisee...IF:
You wish to convince others that you are right (of course God is on your side <smile>, whether it be the true church, calendar, His name, Sabbath observance, His holy days, Passover and Pentecost days of observance, dress, when a day begins, and the sins of others (also called gossip in the guise of sharing a someone else’s problem with others so that all can pray about it). But then there are 41,000 Christian denominations that think God is on their side—too!
Keep Your Eyes on Christ
Do you have your eyes on one another and their imperfections, or on Christ; or negative world events, rather than on the Kingdom of God?
Life Lessons
Acceptance. We cannot love others unless we first love ourselves.That means we accept ourselves for who we are today with the realization and goal that we better ourselves, with HIS help, to become that new man tomorrow. Forward to the Future! We also cannt love others more than that we love ourselves without feeling people owe us something and/or being someone we are not. Let's get real.
Active Participant. Life is challenging. We gain the maximum fulfillment in life by active participation and rubbing shoulders with people (so to speak), not by sitting on the sidelines for one hour in church each week. The Bride of Christ will be seen on their toes—not their tushes.
Brethren. We get to choose our friends, but not our physical and spiritual family. Living the faith is about extending one’s hand to help others. People can be emotionally lacking. Those who are emotionally needy need to recognize that another person being friendly to them does not mean immediate friendship.
Commonalities. Build upon commonalities with people in and out of the faith. Engage the opportunity to learn from others in other faiths. One can learn much from people one disagrees with—not only agrees—and not be diagreeable or argumentative.
Converting People / the Meaning of the Festivals. The festivals reveal that there is more than one harvest of people for the kingdom—not just one harvest—with profound implications for the hope and future and salvation of mankind.
Friendship. There are several types of friendships (e.g. best friends, good friends, neighbor friends, sports friends, etc). Save yourself some pain: do not make a mistake of calling someone a friend when he/she is only an acquaintance. At the most we can be best friends with no more than five people—the number of fingers on our hand. Most all friendships are built upon one's personal needs. Yes, it sounds selfish, but that is life. Recognize and accept it. By the way, it takes effort to be a friend.
Gender Differences. Yes, it is true <smile>. Men are from Mars and women are from Venus! Translation: men think differently from women. I have met older women in the faith who have been taught this, but their hearts have not registered it. If it is one thing that needs to be repeatedly stated and taught (I speak as a man) is that women need to tell their husbands their needs and desires. Men cannot read minds (e.g. if he loved me he would know this). Women also are inquisitive and wish to know the truth, sort of, only if it makes them feel good. Stop asking if you really want truth unless one is expecting to feel some pain as well.
Health. Good physical and mental health comes from regular exercise, a good diet and a positive outlook on life. It takes effort! Men with pot bellies and teaching about healing and health matters from the pulpit are a contradiction to me. I have heard many a woman say that they walk enough through their house to make up for any outdoor exercise. Yet these are the same women who have health issues. Be a positive life example to the next generation.
Life is Tough for All of Us. I once thought that life is easy for many people—and somewhere I was too dumb and left out of the equation of having an easy life. It took an evangelist to state that life was tough for everyone before I realized I was not alone. Wow.
Mentors. No one is ever too old to have a mentor. Our young people need positive role model mentors. Be willing to share yourself with others: young and old. By the way, if your church is composed from drama and divisions, do you think your children will wish to follow in your beliefs? Selah.
Smile. It takes effort to be positive in life. A smile communicates friendliness. Is that not what you feel when someone smiles at you?
Spouses. More strained marriages have occurred when a spouse wishes to convince and convert their mate. Instead, be the light though your changed life through the fruit of the Ruach HaKodesh. Investigate the Scriptural fruit as contrasted with the fruit of the flesh. Let go and let God. (See Red-Neck Pharisee above). Your spouse will see, hopefully, the changes in your lifestyle, will begin to put 2+2 together, and your marriage relationship will be strengthened.
Truth. May people are seeking truth yet are willing to tolerate the white lies and fibs in their everyday lives. Stop lying and one will find truth. Simple, isn’t it? That does not mean we need to be rude, blunt, and callous with people because the fruit of the Spirit indicates otherwise.
Unconditional Love. Except for babies and young children, there is no such thing. Even the Father places a condition on those wishing eternal life: accept His Son as your Savior.