“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” 1Kings 3:9
The first sense that a baby develops in just 3 weeks after conception, is the sense of touch.
In fact, it is the pressure placed in the hands from touching the inside of the womb, that creates the tiny ridges that now appear on our fingers and toes.
Your fingerprints were formed from pressing against the inside of your mother’s womb.
You Really Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!
Our fingers captured a permanent memory of our life which began in the womb…
…and we carry the very connection to our mothers in our hands!
HOW PRECIOUS IS THAT!
I find that very beautiful. Our beginnings inside our mother’s womb, is recorded upon our bodies, from our fingers to our toes!
By the 17th week of pregnancy, our fingerprints become permanent.
Remember: Every jot and tittle of the Word is important in Hebrew. So, we can not overlook that our fingerprints becoming permanent in the 17th week, is significant of the importance that the numbers seven and ten hold in all of scripture.
On Yom Kippur, (the tenth day of the seventh month), I will tell you more about the supernatural significance of the numbers seven and ten in the Bible.
For now, just consider that your fingerprints are stamped with the numerical symbols of atonement; the seventh month and the tenth day. You have Hands to War and Fingers to Fight with (Psalm 18:34, 144:1), marked with the sign and symbol of atonement from the time you were in the womb.
Repentance places us back into right standing before GOD and we can return and stand before Him spiritually, with power in our hands to fight the battles of the LORD!
We don’t just have the ability to operate in the power of GOD because we know the verse of scripture.
We can operate in His Power, because we are sons and daughters of the Most High, consecrated and separated to Him, because we voluntarily set ourselves under the authority of His Word and seek to obey it. Not legalistically, but spiritually with love and heartfelt devotion.
That means we repent, because we do not want to grieve the Spirit of GOD.
(When the scripture speaks of repentance out of fear of the LORD, that is not meant in the scary sense. Even at the time, the translators translated the scripture that way, they had at their disposal a better way to communicate ‘fear’. They simply could have said, ‘reverence, or awe. They just did not choose to for political reasons, I am sure).
Nevertheless, we still know the truth.
So, it is not just head knowledge of the Word that allows you to move in the power of GOD. As my Pastor says, “It’s not because you can speak in tongues and say shonda!“
What activates your spiritual authority in the WORD, is repentance, love, humility, obedience, consecration, dedication, faithfulness, compassion…
That sounds like a lot, I know. But, if we have the humility and wisdom to repent before GOD and operate in Love, the rest will follow.
I suspect, our first sense to develop in the womb is the sense of touch, because of the connection and significance of how we have to learn how to use our hands in the Kingdom. We have to learn how to “handle” the things of GOD.
This is a huge topic and an entire lesson in protocol.
But it you look back at the previous lessons I have posted, all of them contain lessons and instruction on how we should handle the things of GOD.
“Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm”.
“If a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast” Lev. 5:2,3
Don’t go around touching every unclean thing in the world, and then take those same hands and think you can use them in the tabernacle of GOD, or lay them upon GOD’s people! -The people are Holy unto Him!
The Hebrew Scriptures, (Old Testament) contains practical and literal examples of what Jesus and the disciples were teaching in the New Testament.
What GOD says in the New Testament is enumerated in detail in the Hebrew Scriptures. The “New” Testament does an excellent job of summing up what was taught in the Hebrew Scriptures. We can refer to the “Old” Testament to ensure our understanding and reinforce our context.
“And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matt 8:3
“And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.” Matt 8:15
“Then touched he their eyes, saying, according to your faith, be it unto you.” Matt 9:29
The unclean cannot lay hands on the unclean and make them clean. Jesus, was showing us that only the clean could lay hands on the unclean and they would be healed.
The Shift from The Physical to The Spiritual
As we mature and develop, touching the things of GOD involves are hands and our mouths.
Babies do not begin touching, feeling, and trying to put everything in their hands into their mouths, after they arrive here. They begin doing this in the womb.
Even though we have grown physically, we are like babes, in that we continue to put everything that we handle with our hands, into our mouths…
These habits that we have learned in the physical, can plagued us in the spirit and stunt our spiritual growth if we are not paying attention. For this reason, we have to pay attention.
How do we handle the things of GOD?
What do we touch of GOD’s and then put in our mouths? i.e., “putting in our mouths” refers to, what we say about the Work of GOD or the people of GOD.
When a baby puts something in their mouths, it can be cute (safe) or dangerous. I venture to say, that when we do it, it can still be either safe, or dangerous.
Is there anything that belongs to GOD, that we are touching with our mouths?
Loshon Hara, speaking evil, gossiping, back biting are three of the easiest sins to fall into. Usually, it can begin as simple as talking too much.
There are those who work in the ministry and just will not resist the temptation to gossip. They nurture an impulse to repeat everything they hear. Particulary, what is said in confidence.
The torah teaches us that loshon hara damages, (defiles) 3 people.
The one who shared the gossip or spoke the evil
The one who listened to the gossip or spoke the evil
The one who was spoken evil of, or gossiped about.
We can not lay hands on others and speak evil at the same time, and expect miraculous results in the spirit realm. That is double-mindedness and there is no anointing on the double-minded.
We make our own hands and our own prayers powerless, through evil speaking. Not the enemy. We do it to ourselves.
The power in our hands began in the womb. We arrived with clean hands and a pure heart. I am a huge believer in saying that, “If all else fails, get a child to pray and lay hands on you.” Because there is no guile in them.
David was anointed to handle the things of GOD because he was quick to repent when he was in error. He knew what things he could handle for GOD and what he could not (building the tabernacle). He was mindful of his position and walked in his anointing.
David resisted the temptation to snip the garments of his adversaries (Saul in particular). He would not risk, grieving the spirit of GOD and losing his anointing. He was a man, who died to self in the areas of ambition.
He remained humble, teachable and submitted to GOD. David showed us that GOD ccan do miracles with a teachable spirit!
Never Forget: We restore the cleanness of our hands and the purity of our hearts, through the Power of Repentance. Do Not allow the Season of Elul to pass you by.
Amen.
Note to Self: “Suffer the little children to come unto Him.”
Scripture in the Public Domain provided by Biblegateway.com KJV
Cover Photo by: Rev. S. Madison
Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog All Rights Reserved.
Disclosure: I am of the belief that any and all teachings on scripture, especially those on prayer should receive prayer before passing them along to others. For this reason, I encourage everyone who reviews these teachings to saturate each one in prayer before sharing, distributing or reproducing them in any fashion.
Anything that we hope to learn and accomplish through the Word of GOD must be born out of a spirit of prayer.
Prayer is the root of all our spiritual training. Study without prayer is futile. GOD ask that we meditate on His Word day and night, because without a dedicated personal prayer life, we can do very little for GOD and Man.
May GOD always send you a confirming word so that you will know that these words are true.
GOD Bless You Always,
Students/Subscribers have permission to print and share this information provided you do not use any of the teachings for profit or monetary gain of any kind. Please do not alter the material in any way. These conditions are subject to the additional term of giving full credit to torahisteaching.blog or Rev. S. Madison. Just send me an email to advise of your use of this material: torahbythesea@gmail.com Thank You.
Sound waves must be converted into waves in the fluid
David, son of Jesse, Descendant of Abraham, Psalmist, Musician, Shepherd, Mighty Man of Valor, Builder, Master Torah Scholar, Prophetic Prayer Savant, Renaissance Man of Repentance and Obedience to GOD, Revolutionary Praise and Worship Warrior, King of Israel and Judah… Chosen of GOD…
That’s The Pedigree of David.
If we can only learn one thing from the life of David, I strongly recommend that we, “Learn How to Pray like David Prayed!”
I call David a Prophetic Prayer Savant, because he holds the title for prayer in the scripture! David knew how to marshall the forces of Heaven on his behalf, and on behalf of the Children of Israel.
David’s prayers were based on his knowledge and understanding of the Word of GOD. All of his prayers were rooted in the Word, that is what makes them so phenomenal today!
I first learned this for myself when I felt the unction to pray seven Psalms a day, and then pray what I read out loud, over myself, others, the ministry, my Pastor…over all of us.
Amazing things happened.
I will be in prayer (with agreement) that the same happens to everyone who reads and prays these Psalms in faith along with me this Elul.
I am asking GOD to show You Great and Mighty things in the coming New Year, just because of who You are to Him.
May the LORD GOD of Heaven, Greet You During this New Year with Strategies, Remedies, Opportunities and Answers. LORD, Please Adorn them in Garments of Peace and make them Whole. Present them with Miracles Beyond Measure in the Secret Things they have need of, but have yet to ask of You out loud.
Amen
Psalm 51
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Psalm 7
1 O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute [chase, pursue] me, and deliver me:
2 Lest they [will] tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
3 O Lord my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
6 Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
8 The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
17 I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.
Psalm 39
39 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
One of the hardest things we have to do is keep silent before the wicked. However, when we restrain ourselves when provoked, we elevate and strengthen spiritually.
2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
dumb with silence [do-me-yaw] = I controlled my tongue, kept my composure
I did not lash out or lash back with my tongue.
held my peace [khaw-shaw] = I was still
3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.
David spoke to GOD about the situation instead trying to defend himself to others, or trying to explain, complain, or win.
David transformed the way he handled the pressures imposed upon him by Saul.
By today’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube standards of behavior, many who say they follow Christ, are not following Him in this. Many “believers” are lashing out, lashing back, etc.
Psalm 86
1 Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
6 Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
The above are a few examples of the prayers we can offer to GOD during the month of Elul. Elul is the time to search our hearts, look into our soul, get rid of all angst, all corrosive and corrupting thoughts of the past…
Don’t touch the dead thing…Don’t dig up any dead thing and drag it into your future.
Don’t rehearse the banned battle anymore inside your mind.
No rehashing the past, Let it all go!
Forgive and Repent.
…and may All GOD’s Goodness and Mercy follow you, overtake you, prepare the way for you and yours, into the New Year!
Judging oneself is an inescapable process of prayer.
Are You Praying Out of the Right Spirit?
The reason this is so very important, is that ‘being in the presence of GOD’, heals our own spirit, refines our character, delivers us, ministers to us, gives us insight into our own spirit, our own souls, our own thoughts, sanctifies us for His work.
More importantly, you need to understand this to your very core, because people have need of your prayers.
Praying over, or for another person, without being in prayer before the presence of GOD yourself, is tantamount to praying our of your own spirit, praying your own thoughts, your own will, your own ideas… and not His.
We don’t lay hands on another person to pray for them, without having first been in prayer before GOD ourselves. We don’t just walk into the sanctuary to attend a service, without first having spent time in prayer ourselves.
Prayer is our greatest responsibility as an intercessor, armour-bearer, disciple, teacher, apostle, evangelist, minister, pastor, prophet, believer.
Let the babes, (who deserve all the rights and privileges as a babe), be the bases while they can. It is time for us to cover them, the pastor, the leadership and the ministry so that their healing, revelation, breakthroughs, etc. can manifest speedily.
GOD Inhabits Our Praises… Psalm 22:3
There are enough of us to saturate the atmosphere so completely and thoroughly, that everyone present can get what they need from the anointing we draw down from Heaven by our worship alone!
It is time to get to work! No more sitting on the pew, waiting for OUR Word. We have had enough words. Let he babes get a Word!
Issue strength to our Pastors and leadership that helps them to stand in their place and position. Gird them up, so that they can flow in the anointing.
Fill the sanctuary up with praise and worship before we ever arrive on site.
I encourage you to issue strength to every area of our Church Leadership…
so that they can set aside all banned battles, all negativity, all strife, all envy, bitterness, all word curses, every vain imagination, all disunity, all evil speaking…
We are addicted to competition with each other. Secretly, (we deceive ourselves into thinking no one notices) we dislike and disrespect each other. Our mouths are forever busy, biting each other.
Have you seen this happen? We come in the church hateful and we hear a powerful message, and we leave the message as hateful as we came in. Never delivered, never healed, never set free…
Because we won’t let anything go. Long suffering is not understood in our bones.
Exodus 17 all over again. We are still quite the handful.
We refuse to labor in prayer. We won’t wait for GOD to provide strategies, for fear He will take too long.
We are fighting banned battles on social media. We need to be right, more than we need to fall on the mercy of GOD.
We want to be justified in the sight of man, more than we need justification before GOD.
We want to explain and defend ourselves, and our reputations, not make ourselves of no reputation.
This leads to dishonoring ourselves and GOD’s Word.
This has to stop. Some of us are as evil as the day is long, and we are running to service to service, with smiling faces, pretending to be whole.
Despite our current spiritual condition, with all of the above, all is not lost.
As Leadership…We have too much knowledge about this WORD, not to come up and out of this situation.
We know how to do it!
ELUL, is our time to stop all that.
ELUL is our time to repent.
ELUL is time for us to get better, and do better.
KEY: In Hebrew, the Emphasis is on the Verb.
Watch the verb in the Biblical Hebrew language, (in which the Bible was written), the emphasis is on the action.
So the question remains, “What are we prepared to do as leadership in the church?”
We are the closest to the Pastor. We are standing next to the pastor. People connect our behavior to our Pastors mantle. How do you make your Pastor look?
Are people connecting your behavior to their reputation?
Do we delude ourselves in thinking NO ONE EVER has seen our nature or character? our flaws or faults?
Have we been perfect in all our goings and comings? All of our doings?
When we stand accused, can we make ourselves of no reputation? Can we take the hit? It does not look like it.
Even those who do at times take the hit, have to announce to someone that they took the hit. It only counts as done unto GOD, if you don’t have to clang the symbol when you do it.
WHAT’S YOUR BODY COUNT?
How many people have we hurt? Chased out of the Church? As soon as they come in the front door, we chase them out of the back door!
How many Pastors have we ruined with our spiritual immaturity?
How many have we run from the pulpit? How many have struck the rock?
How much blood is on our hands? How many saints have you slain? None? One, Two?, Three? Fifty? Hundreds? Thousands?
Perhaps we should repent for not even knowing how many we have slain?
So afraid somebody is going to take your position next to the Pastor. Why are we so territorial? Why are we so insecure?
This is not the behavior of those that are walking in the anointing, and we misrepresent GOD, the Pastor, The Church as a Community, and every innocent bystander around.
No One In The Church Should Be Slaying The Saints of GOD.
That’s the enemy’s job.
Unless we are on a counter-intelligence mission for the enemy, this is not our job.
This ELUL, I’m praying for us as leadership.
We have to get our literal and spiritual minds back!
This behavior can cause so much confusion that the body cannot pray. We completely lose our voice and our position in prayer.
GOD does not want us to descend into the pit of the world’s behavior.
Who has the courage to sit themselves down? Who has the courage to say, I’m guilty of all of the above and I will sit myself down, until I am satisfied of my own repentance and my ability to serve.
People are depending upon our prayers. We need clean hands and a pure heart to flow in effectual prayer.
What are we prepared to do for our own soul, this ELUL?
What are we prepared to do for the souls of our leadership?
How are we prepared to edify, encourage, and support the souls of GOD’s People?
That the King May Suffer No Damage…
I care about our leadership. I care about how our lack of leadership and lack of self control affects the people. I care about how we impact the people of GOD. I care about the damage that we cause the Kingdom.
This WORD has the power to edify, build up and encourage. This WORD can restore, rectify, recover, resurrect, if we handle it properly.
We have the ability, the power to flow with GOD. We have the power through prayer, repentance, and love to do great things for GOD.
Pray, Because of Us…
I am praying for myself, for you, for everyone who has been hurt by our behavior, for everyone who las left the church, for everyone clinging to their church hurts, for everyone who loved the pastor but hated us, for everyone we offended, everyone we inadvertently offended, everyone we disregarded, for everyone we failed to acknowledge, for everyone who intentionally offended us, for everyone who unintentionally offended us, for everyone that disprespected us, for everyone who made us shed tears, for everyone that has shed tears because of us, for everyone that lied for us, for everyone that lied because of us, for every leader who has abandoned their post because of us, for every child who said they did not want to be like us, for everyone who abandoned GOD because of us, for everyone who missed their destiny because of us, for every one who grew weak and weary because of us, for everyone who would not defend the helpless because of us,
To all those who left the Church because of us… I want to share something with you that the Spirit of GOD shared with me, when I wanted to walk away….NO…RUN AWAY!
I am also guilty of thinking to give up, turn my back on GOD and His People, completely and thoroughly discouraged, watching people do the same things over and over again with not even the slightest remorse or awareness of their own behavior…frustrating others, draining the pastor, pulling everyone but GOD, out of the anointing…..
YES. I have been there and back. Wishing I was more righteous, (knowing I wasn’t), wondering why GOD even puts up with it all, wanting it all to just stop.
GOD must have been sick of me…
Actually, I know He was… because that’s the only time I get full scripture verses sounding in my head.
My mind shifted to 3 verses of scripture, as if they were part of the same conversation. The WORD of GOD in me, was giving me the resolution I needed to hear. (Which is why we need to be filled with the WORD).
“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish,but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
…when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
…when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
“Justice, Justice shall you pursue, so that you may live and take possession of the land…”
(Updated 8:40AM)
During the 1st Week of Elul, the torah portion under study is called Re’eh, which means ‘See‘.
I spent our 1st week presenting the Month of Elul to you as 1st time Students. Traditionally, we enter the Month of Elul focused on “Seeing”, so I thought it fitting to utilize the time “to see” what Elul is all about.
The usual course of progression is to study the torsh portion before the Sabbath comes.
In some ways, we are a week behind. Nevertheless, This week of September 7-13th, Justice will be our primary focus.
(I will post a teaching on Ki Tetze soon so that you can flow and pray with both teachings as you choose).
NOTE: Have you noticed how the dates are perfectly aligned with each other this year in the Month of Elul? This doesn’t happen this very often. (I just thought we should make note of it).
Torah portion is taken from Deut 16:18 through 21:9.
For anyone unfamiliar with this term (torah portions), it just means that each week a specific portion of the scriptures, are studied.
I will attach a Torah Portion Calendar so that you can take a look at it if you like. I think this is a beautiful custom. I like the idea of reading through the scriptures yearly, as a community of believers.
Spiritually, you always know how to sync up. In the Christian tradition I grew up in, this was not our custom. Our Pastors just went with the spirit on what to teach next.
What I found fascinating is that over time, as I increased in my knowledge of Christianity and my Jewish Heritage, I began to notice that some Pastors messages were synced up with the Biblical Calendar, — and they were completely unaware. I find that fascinating.
Pastors who flow with the Spirit of GOD, will always be on the same page!
In Parshat Shoftim: (Shoftim is the Hebrew word for ‘Judges’); Moses reminds the children of Israel of the rules for the Justice System, the Rules of Kingship and their relationship as a nation to their idolatrous neighbors, including the rules of warfare.
The key focus in this portion of scripture is his message, “Justice, justice shall you pursue, so that you may live and take possession of the land which God, your God, is giving you.”
Teachings Outlined in Parashat Shoftim:
The Judges must deal with issues that come before them unbiased…
Judges are required to interpret and apply the torah.
Consider/Process your decisions through the filter of torah.
Judges must be fair and meticulous in their investigations, i.e., never distort judgement.
Don’t take bribery.
A minimum of 2 witnesses to any crime are required for conviction and punishment.
Witnesses do not give testimony in front of each other.
Prohibitions outlined against idolatry and sorcery.
Guidelines are given to establish Cities of Refuge.
For those guilty of accidental murder.
Rules of Warfare are established
Offer terms for peace before attacking a city.
Zero tolerance policy against unscrupulous, wanton, gratuitous destruction.
Those Exempt From Battle:
The recently married, anyone who just built a home, or just planted a vineyard.
Anyone lacking courage are not required to serve in the military.
Procedures outlined for handling murders by an unknown assailant.
The Community is responsible for what they do, and also what they could have prevented.
God tells them that they will one day desire a King to rule over them, and that He will choose their King. The King will be held to the task of writing out in his own hand a duplicate of this teaching that GOD is giving now, and read it as long as he lives, so that he will not get prideful and lift himself up over his brethren.
God continues saying, that he will raise up a prophet from among them and put His Words in their mouth.
Shoftim begins by speaking to those who will be judges.
On the surface, we could content ourselves thinking that the torah is only speaking to the “official” judges of the nation. But, torah is speaking to the judge in all of us.
We learn the Word, to do the Word.
Justice is a purpose and responsibility to be shared by EVERYONE.
How we treat the weak, the broken, the down trodden, the widows, the orphans, etc. isa reflection of our core, as human beings.
There is an irreplaceable, undeniable joy that we each experience when we work along side GOD by lifting the burden and/or destroying the yoke off of another human being.
Helping another person because it is in our power to do so in honor of GOD’s Name is Phenomenal.
Some cry, “Where was GOD.” Others cry out, “Where are We?”
The qualities of “divinity” are in us, and as Jesus said, “greater works than these shall you do in My Name…” then we will exercise our authority in the spirit and speak from a Heavenly position and not from sea level.
Judges were appointed to protect the weak, the poor, the despised- through their words, prayers and actions.
Justice and compassion are paramount. We must cry out loud for justice with a passion.
Your words are spirit and life. Cry out against injustice with expectation that justice shall occur.
This week when we hear reports of injustice, say a prayer.
Take all reports of injustice into your prayer closet.
1 Samuel 15:22 “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
Note: In the above verse the word “obey” in Hebrew is “shama” which means to hear.
To hear (shama) in Hebrew, means more than just “hearing” what was said. It is not an, “in one ear and out the other” kind of hearing!
Shama means to hear AND obey, together. “I will do AND I will hear”, there is not one without the other.
In GOD’s Language (Hebrew), doing is more important than knowing. Hebrew is verboriented, rather than Noun oriented Language.
The emphasis is on Action.
Proverbs 21:3 “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
Hosea 6:6 “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Proverbs 15:8 “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.”
A Few Amazing Prayers For Justice:
Read these Psalms out loud, over someones situation, then pray them out loud.
Psalm 17, Psalm 28, and Psalm 109.
Psalm 28 provided below:
Psalm 28
1Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.
3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.
4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.
5 Because they regard not the works of theLord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall overthrow them, and not build them up.
6 Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
8 The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.
9 Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
teshuvah(repentance) is a VERY BIG word in the Hebrew Language of GOD.
(H7725) shuv (shuve); to turn back or return. teshuv; you shall turn back, you shall return
shuv (shuve) in Hebrew means to turn back/return. teshuvah is to return to GOD. teshuvah is a return to your original state of being.
(H8666) teshuvah; a return, an answer
Teshuvah is Transformation.
The Hebrew Letter Hei (H) added to a word takes it to a higher level…
teshuv+ the letter hei (H) at the end of the word teshuv; is a return to the revelation of GOD, which is what the letter hei represents (revelation).
Repentance is Returning to the Word of GOD.
By adding our understanding of the meaning of the Hebrew Letters to the words themselves, we can see that the concept of teshuvah can be understood at an even deeper level than ‘repentance‘ alone. Repentance (teshuvah), is returning to GOD’s Word.
We can ask for forgiveness, but without returning to the covenant, i.e., returning to GOD’s Word, without the desire to change, our repentance is incomplete.
Repentance then, is also about self improvement.
I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine…
Elul is spelled aleph (A) lamed (L) vav (V) lamed (L). The aleph is pronounced with an ‘eh’ sound.
The letters “aleph- lamed- vav- lamed” also form the acronym for Ani l‘dodi v‘l’dodi li, (ah-knee luh’doe-dee vuh’luh’doe-dee). Hebrew for, “Iam my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine.” Song of Songs 6:3
Solomon is writing on many levels. On one hand, he captures the very essence of the relationship we desire with GOD – unity. One the other he reminds us of how opposite we are from GOD.
Opposites Do Attract!
We are like that couple, that people point to and shake their head and ask, “How on earth did those two get together?” God is eternal, we’re not. God is love, we can be sometimes. GOD is All-Knowing, we’re not, GOD is All-Powerful, we wish we were! GOD loves the humble, we lean towards pride…
GOD sees past who we are today… and looks toward who we have the power to become!
Solomon reveals the very fabric of relationship with GOD is love and devotion, which is to be a reflection of who we are. Being with your bershart (your soulmate), should be like looking into a mirror, we should see a reflection of who we are in their eyes, in their soul.
When you look into the eyes of your beloved, what do you see?
Prayer is like looking into the eyes of GOD and seeing who you are.
Don’t look away.
Teshuvah Repairs The Father Fracture…
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, The LORD our GOD is one”. Deut 6:4
Sin breaks (fractures) our connection with GOD and creates distance that damages our relationship. Repentance restores our spiritual state and connection, making us one with GOD once more.
Repentance Can Not Be Accomplished Without Love.
If repentance is hard for you to do, or for anyone that you are ministering to, remind them that Moses’ prayers for the children of Israel came out of a place of love and compassion. He wanted to see their destiny fulfilled with his whole heart, his whole soul.
What are you prepared to do for your own soul?
Making Eye Contact With GOD.
People have a hard time looking each other in the eyes these days. We look at each other superficially, but we don’t actually see each other. Most often, we avoid the eyes altogether or take micro-glimpses at each other in passing.
In class, I give a very special homework assignment. I have assigned my students the task of looking into the eyes of their wife or husband, fiancé, special someone etc, even their children, to see just how long they can look into each other’s eyes, without looking away.
When is the last time you saw yourself in someone else eyes?
We have even performed this exercise with classmates. This part of the exercise results in students losing focus, laughing or breaking the connection abruptly. It’s a difficult process.
When Was the Last Time You Saw Your Reflection in Your Lover’s Eyes?
Lovers should be able to look into each other’s eyes and see their own reflection.
Mothers and Fathers should be able to look into their children’s eyes and see their own reflection, and their child should see theirs.
According to my students, this experiment is far more successful, parent to child.
You Can Not Wear a Mask Before GOD in Prayer…
When you love someone, you should be able to see into the window of their soul, nothing hidden, no cheating, no looking away.
Consider the low level of eye contact we actually share with one another in the natural.
I believe this difficulty carries over into the spirit/supernatural because many Christians have a very hard time spending time alone with GOD in prayer or meditation. Prayer is seeking the Face of GOD.
To Look Another Person In Their Eyes, is to Take A Look Into Their Spirit and that places us in a vulnerable position. Very few will be afforded this level of intimacy.
Raising the Level of Intimacy with GOD.
Spiritually speaking, what would the LORD see, if you allowed Him to look deeply into your eyes? Consider what that would feel like. If you allow Him to look, what would He see inside of your soul? What would you see?
Would He find His own reflection within you? His image and likeness?
Setting ourselves before GOD in prayer is allowing Him to look into the window of our soul. It’s giving Him total access to our character, our nature, our very being.
Prayer before GOD requires that we take off our masks, revealing our true self. It’s an act of self discovery and self disclosure. This is why, the type of prayer I am advocating can be so hard to press into.
It’s difficult but not impossible.
The reward? Is that you can honestly say to GOD, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” GOD becomes Elul.
GOD Does Not Pry.
Technically we know as Christians, that GOD has no problem looking into our soul. But don’t forget, GOD is a Gentleman. He is not going to get us in a headlock and force anything on us, He is not going to snoop on us, or ever force us into relationship.
Just because you give me access to your house and leave me there by myself, I assure you, I will not snoop through your closet, or search through all of your belongings, or read all of your mail, just because I have access and I could if I wanted to.
“Therefore if you, being evil, know to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father who is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those asking Him!” Luke 11:13
If I, being a sinner, know how to treat you right and respect you (give you good gifts), in front of you and behind your back, how much more will Our Father in Heaven?…
It’s a character issue.
When we were growing up, wasn’t it always better that we told on ourselves, than have our parents tell us what we did?
It’s not that they didn’t know (most of the time). They just wanted to see if we would come forth on our own. It’s a character issue.
Prayer is like a free will offering, an offering made out of love and heart felt devotion.
Since the beginning of these posts for the month of Elul, I have spoken about prayer extensively, because prayer is the source of your strength. It is the secret of your strength. Even as I write these post, I am praying for you and everyone you transmit this teaching to, to understand that if we take this opportunity during the month of Elul to build or rebuild our relationship with GOD, these 30 days can/will set the tone for the next 11 months.
You will take wisdom into 2020 (The 1st of Tishrei) like you have never seen before. These post are like a map of sorts on how to get there. This wisdom and spiritual insight that will be downloaded to you, will come directly from the Heavens. My job is to show you how to access it. The rest is up to you.
Many, many, many years ago, I came across an anecdote that went something like this… It was about a man who had a leak in his basement. He did everything he could to find and stop the leak but it was pointless. Finally, in desperation he called a plumber.
The plumber arrived, went down into the basement, took a hammer and tapped on an overhead pipe. He found the hole and plugged it and presented his bill for $2,000.
The home owner was slightly irritated. “All you did was tap on a pipe and plug a hole and you are charging me $2K. You weren’t even here 5 minutes!”
The plumber said, “I only charged you $5.00 for plugging the leak. It cost $1,995.00 to know where to tap.”
I’m showing you where to tap.
Amen
Cover Photo by: Rev. S. Madison
Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog All Rights Reserved.
Disclosure: I am of the belief that any and all teachings on scripture, especially those on prayer should receive prayer before passing them along to others. For this reason, I encourage everyone who reviews these teachings to saturate each one in prayer before sharing, distributing or reproducing them in any fashion.
Anything that we hope to learn and accomplish through the Word of GOD must be born out of a spirit of prayer.
Prayer is the root of all our spiritual training. Study without prayer is futile. GOD ask that we meditate on His Word day and night, because without a dedicated personal prayer life, we can do very little for GOD and Man.
May GOD always send you a confirming word so that you will know that these words are true.
GOD Bless You Always,
Students/Subscribers have permission to print and share this information provided you do not use any of the teachings for profit or monetary gain of any kind. Please do not alter the material in any way. These conditions are subject to the additional term of giving full credit to torahisteaching.blog or Rev. S. Madison. Just send me an email to advise of your use of this material: torahbythesea@gmail.com Thank You.
“The LORD is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness… not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Summary of Part 1 and Part 2 of this Teaching:
Below is an itemized list of what I hope I demonstrated to you in Part 1 and 2, of this teaching so far!
The Calendar of Heaven is Filled with Promise.
Elul prepares us for the Biblical New Year of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Feast of Tabernacles.
Elul is when we draw closer to GOD as a Community of Believers, The Faithful of GOD.
Elul is about looking into your own heart to see what you have locked inside, to cleanse the clutter out of our closets.
During Elul, you open yourself up to examination, to Yourself and GOD.
Unlike our secular calendar,the Biblical Calendar captures moments in time that GOD poured out very specific / special blessings over His People.
Elul is devoted to repentance and acknowledging GOD as sovereign to us.
Elul consist of 30 days in the year when the People of GOD, no matter what country they live in, or where they are located presently in the world, purpose in their heart to come together ‘spiritually’; one heart, one mind, and one spirit.
Whenever human beings come together for a singular purpose, as a community concerned about ‘a signular cause of any kind’, our history changes. The historical evidence is overwhleming for the truth in this.
Whenever human beings come together for a singular purpose, as a community filled with the intension of recognizing GOD, Honoring His Name, Acknowledging His Presence, being real before Him in prayer, repenting, judging ourselves and not others, etc., we change our worlds and the extended world around us.
During Elul, it is our strength as a nation of the people of GOD, that ushers in the blessing over all our lives!
It was in the Month of Elul that GOD renewed His Love for His People. Not only had they been forgiven, but GOD gave them the Second Set of Tablets, renewing His Covenant.
The 1st 40 days of Moses’ Prayer saved the lives of the Children of Israel (Gen 32)
The 2nd 40 days of Moses’ Prayer restored the love relationship between God and His People (Gen 34).
During Elul, we have an opportunity to reconnect with our Hebrew Heritage, with this same level of love and with the same level of forgiveness. We stir our hearts once more to return to GOD, remembering the incredible amount of times that GOD has returned to us, forgiven us, loved us – especially the times when we did not deserve it.
THE POWER THAT CREATED THIS PORTAL FOR FORGIVENESS, AND MERCY, AND FAVOR came from the Insight, the Courage, the love and compassion that Moses had for GODs People to Stand in the Gap.
Jesus Prayed For Us!
“Satan Desired to have you, to sift you like wheat! But, I Jesus prayed for You, that Your Faith Not Fail, and when you are converted (when you truly believe) GO AND STRENGTHEN YOUR BRETHREN.” Luke 22:31-32
Moses taught us many powerful lessons…
Like…Standing in the Gap and Strenthening Your Brethren Through the Power of Prayer.
Not settling for an ‘incomplete‘ salvation. Moses wanted to save the lives of Israel AND restore them back to GOD.
GOD respects and honors our intervention on behalf of mankind. Ezekiel may have done the best job in scripture of making this abundantly clear. ref. Ezek 22: 30
“And I sought for a man among them… that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.”
Noah didn’t intervene on behalf of mankind… as obedient as he was, he just built the boat as instructed, and prepared for the destruction. (He did not stand in the gap for mankind).
The false prophets noted in (Ezekiel 13:5)did absolutely nothing to repair the breach in the wall. Instead of standing in the gap, they simply denied that judgement was going to come.
Only one of Joseph’s brothers stood in the gap for him which saved his life, but Judah stopped short of delivering his brother ‘completely’. As a consequence, Joseph was sent into captivity. Note: Judah could have ‘completely‘ saved Joseph…but he didn’t. GODsMercy gave Judah a second chance to redeem his self through saving the life of Tamar. Judah recognized the signs of divine providence (I call this recognizing thatthe Ark is passing by…).
There was a moment when he could have saved one brothers life and restored his other brothers back to GOD, that they not commit this evil, but he didn’t.
It wasn’t until he was faced with the issues surrounding Tamar, that he realized what GOD was doing in his life, and he jumped at the chance for redemption; Judah elevated spiritually that day.
The Prophets of GOD Shoud Make Up the Hedge...
Moses Perceived the Importance of Standing in the Gap
Moses went into prayer and fasting for the lives of the people! (Ex 34, Deut 5:5).
David confirms that GOD is just looking for someone to stand in the gap... ref. Psalm 106:23. Timothy reminds us of this again, beginning in 1 Timothy 2:1.
Elul presents a perpetual opportunity for us to stand in the gap, as a nation, and as an individual.
Elul also offers us the opportunity to activate our Spiritual Gifts.
We pray becasue we desire a spiritual relationship with GOD. However, I would be remiss if I did not tell you that Elul positions us, through our dedication in prayer, to activate the prophectic anointing that lies dormant due to a constant lack of prayer.
Honoring the Calendar of GOD Places Us in Position for Increase and Abundant Blessing! (I’m speaking of spiritual increase not financial).
Honoring the Month of Elul in prayer, sets you in Prophetic Position with GOD.
Anyone who has ever said to themselves, “I know there is more to this Word of GOD”, or anyone that has wanted to rise up into a higher spiritual level, yet has not seen the tangible increase, You can attain the spiritual increase by setting yourself before GOD daily in prayer. (Breaking Beyond Your Own Personal Barrier in Prayer, i.e What ever level of time you spend in personal prayer time with GOD, increase it!).
(In the near future I intend to write a teaching series ‘Prayer Makes You Prophetic’).
We have to have a ongoing, prayer life, if we ever want to become anointed with the gift of prophecy, which we should desire.
Without a relationship with GOD, grounded in prayer, you can never be “a Prophet of GOD, or Prophetic.” Prophets have a prayer life.
This is why this is such an important point to make. GOD’s perfect will that He made clear through Paul, is when He asked that we “follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1
It is through the righteous, those with clean hands, clean heart, clean lips, sold out, obedient, steadfast, faithful, dedicated, submitted, people of GOD that His People can be saved, healed and delivered.
Remember What GOD told Abimelech in Gen 20:7…“Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die–you and all who belong to you.”
Moses did not have to be told by GOD to pray, or asked to pray. You don’t have to ask a prophet to pray for you. The prophet is in prayer while you are still talking, telling them all the reasons you need help, or prayer, or what ever it is you need.
The Prayer of a Prophet…
The Church should be in the business of raising up the prophets in every area of prophetic giftings.
Many of us are alive today, because the prophet prayed
God Works with Mankind by means of Prophetic Partnership.
“GOD, He delivers even the one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanest of your hands.” Job 22:30
“You have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the house of Israel, that it might stand int he battle in the day of the LORD” Ezekiel 13:5
“Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note! Search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon Jerusalem” Jeremiah 5:1
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
The righteous set themselves before GOD constantly, they keep their heart right through prayer, sacrifice and servanthood, they pray at all times, and their prayers availeth much!
Spend Time with The One You Love!
Dedicate as much time as you can to GOD in the Month of Elul. Go Overboard!
In the last post, I told you the story I recite to all my new students when I teach on the Supernatural Seasons of GOD.
I hope I reminded you of how we each behave when we meet “a person of interest.” We will stay up all night talking on the phone or in person, holding every moment precious, and they are!
GOD the Lover of Your Soul…
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus asks that we remember our first love (Rev 2:4). That is what I’m asking you to do, Remember when you fell in love with GOD and those all night prayer sessions?
If you can’t say that you completely did fall in love with Him, I hope these teachings encourage you to do just that.
GOD wants to spend time with you till the breaking of the dawn… at least some time.
We spend hours on the phone with friends, how much of that time could we give to GOD?
I’m trying to provoke you in this thought because, I really want you to find time for GOD during this Month of Elul. We have all desired at some point to get into a higher place in GOD. This is how you do it
This is NOT About becoming Jewish.… (Just in case there are any thoughts creeping in from anyone of that kind).
This is about abiding in a Love Relationship with GOD. .
Arranging Some Time with GOD.
If you met someone who was from another country and spoke another language, you would spend a considerable amount of time, making the effort to learn something about their language. It wouldn’t matter to you that they are from another culture, another time and space, or celebrated unfamiliar traditions.
For Christians, the Feast of the LORD are not a familiar tradition, to most of us. Spending time with GOD is like spending time on a date with someone from another culture.
God does things differently, His thoughts are different, His ways are different, His language is different. That’s the beauty of spending time with Him, we become different!
In the Presence fo GOD, we become “different”, peculiar, better people.
Abraham was different!
Abraham was from a nation of idolatrous people, with an idolatrous Father and an idolatrous family. But that did not stop him from looking for or finding, the One True God. And Abraham became the Father of Many Nations.
Job was not a Hebrew, but that did not keep him from seeking and finding GOD and serving only Him, and GOD gave him a legacy, and made his name great.
Ruth was a Moabites, and that did not stop her from turning toward GOD in saying to Ruth, “…Your GOD will be my GOD”. Ruth 1:16. GOD blessed her for it and memorialized her memory, gave her a legacy and memorialized her name.
Rahab was not a Hebrew, but she recognized the people of GOD and gave them shelter and GOD blessed her for it, and memorialized her memory, gave her a legacy and memorialized her name.
The 12 Apostles were going about their daily activities, and one day caught a glimpse of the Ark, passing by.
They perceived that the Word of GOD was right before them… and they did not let the Ark Pass them by.
My point is, it does not matter where you start, or from what perspective you hail from, GOD is not a respecter of persons, and we all become better under His Presence!
This Month GOD can be found. He is not a man that He should lie. Dedicate yourself to prayer this Elul, and once you capture sight of GOD, never let Him go!
Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog All Rights Reserved.
Disclosure: I am of the belief that any and all teachings on scripture, especially those on prayer should receive prayer before passing them along to others. For this reason, I encourage everyone who reviews these teachings to saturate each one in prayer before sharing, distributing or reproducing them in any fashion.
Anything that we hope to learn and accomplish through the Word of GOD must be born out of a spirit of prayer. Prayer is the root of all our spiritual training. Study without prayer is futile. Without prayer, we learn nothing and we accomplish nothing.
May GOD always send you a confirming word.
GOD Bless You,
(Revised September 7, 2019 2:49AM /typo’s removed)
Students/Subscribers have permission to print and share this information provided you do not use any of the teachings for profit or monetary gain of any kind. Please do not alter the material in any way. These conditions are subject to the additional term of giving full credit to torahisteaching.blog or Rev. S. Madison. Just send me an email to advise of your use of this material: torahbythesea@gmail.com Thank You.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
I Know The Plans I Have For You!
So many times we have thought of that verse in scripture, quoted it, taught on it, etc.
The Hebrew word for “thoughts” is ‘makh-ash-aw-baw’ which can be understood as, “plans, intentions, designs or purpose”.
“peace” in Hebrew is the word ‘shalom’ which is better understood as, ‘to make one whole’, or rather, ‘to be made whole’.
These plans and intentions GOD has for You are calendared.
Think of it in terms of GOD’s Perfect Will. He has placed us on His Calendar, is anticipating our arrival and participation. However, You have to show up.
In His Permissive Will, we can choose to show up or not. We can, like GOD, anticipate the appointment, keep the appointment and plan our next visit… or not!
Where the Word of A King is, There is Power. Ecclesiastes 8:4
The Word of GOD is embedded in His Biblical Calendar with the power to release such an anointing, that it will supernaturally saturate your days and your years “far more abundantly” than you can ask or think!
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
The Biblical Calendar Holds the Keys to the Plan!
Eve of Elul Sat, Aug 31st
MONTH OF ELUL. – The Month of Divine Favorand Mercy! (30 days of Prayer, spiritually setting yourself before GOD in prayer which allows you to see what’s in Your Own Heart, dealing with your character flaws and strengthening your virtues).
Search my heart and try my reins, and know my thoughts… See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (paraphrase Psalm 139:23)
MONTH OF ELUL Sun, SEP 1 thru Sun, SEP 29
EVE OF ROSH HASHANNA (GOD’s New Year’s Eve) SUN, SEPT 29. (a.k.a. 29th of Elul)
ROSH HASHANAH.(GOD’s NEW YEAR) (The 1st of Tishrei) Mon, Sept 30th
YOM KIPPUR Day of Atonement (10th of Tishrei) TUE, OCT 8TH
Eve of Sukkot (14th of Tishrei) Sun, OCT 13TH
SUKKOT Feast of Tabernacles (15th of Tishrei) Mon, OCT 14TH
Why is the Month of Elul so Important?
To understand the importance of the Biblical Calendar, we have to step our of our comfort zone a bit and place our Gregorian Calendar aside for a few minutes.
The significance of the Biblical Calendar is that it captures dates and timelines that are significant to GOD, including spiritual properties of the anointing that remain open and available that continue to provide us access today and throughout the generations.
That’s a very powerful statement, so allow me to support it with scripture.
Part 1 of this Post began with a teaching from the Prophet Isaiah. “Seek Hashem when He can be found, call upon Him when He is near” (Isaiah 55:6), and the question became, “When is Hashem near?”
The Rabbi’s tell us that Isaiah was directing our attention towards the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah (Sept 30th), and end with Yom Kippur (Oct 8th).
The Month of Elul marks the end of the year on the Biblical Calendar preceding the month of Tishrei, which is the start of a brand New year. In simple terms, Elul is to Tishrei, as December is to January.
GOD gives His People a jumpstart on the New Year!
In comparison to the Gregorian (secular) calendar, The New Year on the Biblical Calendar begins 3 months ahead of the rest of the world, a.k.a. Rosh Hashanah.
In spiritual preparation of the upcoming New Year, The children of GOD take the last month on the Biblical Calendar (Elul) to spiritually prepare themselves for their journey through the next 365 days of the year!
Elul is known as the Month of Favor and Mercy. It is a 29-30 day time frame in which we all have the opportunity to cleanse our selves spiritually, repent for our sins, ask forgiveness, judge our own souls, search our own hearts and look deep inside ourselves to investigate what it is we need to do better as a human being.
In Elul we re-orient ourselves back toward GOD. After all, teshuvah means repentance. It’s about returning to our place in GOD’s Presence.
How Did This Come To Be?
When the children of Israel committed the sin of the golden calf, GOD told Moses that He was going to consume them (Gen 32:10). Moses descended the mount and found what the people had done.
The sin of the golden calf occurred on the 17th of Tammuz. We know this because Moses had ascended the mountain for 40 days, after the day of Shavuot (Pentecost).
40 days after Shavuot puts us at the 17th of Tammuz when Moses came back down from the mountain and found the people in complete disobedience.
Moses did not want the people to be destroyed, so He ascended the mountain and prayed for GOD to forgive them.
40 days after the sin of the golden calf puts us at the end of the month of Av and the beginning of Elul.
GOD forgave the people but Moses was not satisfied.
The people will live, but living without the Presence of GOD was pointless. Going backward into a chronologically unprofitable existence, i.e., living their lives under the sun. This was unacceptable to Moses. He wanted the people to live under the heavens.
Moses knew that without atonement, GOD would no longer dwell in the presence of the people.
Without spiritual atonement, the children of Israel could not return to a love relationship with GOD.
So, Moses returns to the mountain for another 40 days to pray for their complete atonement. (Rosh Chodesh Elul through Yom Kippur)
Israel repents as a nation.
GOD accepts the prayers and repentance (teshuvah) of the people and renews His bond of love between them.
GOD continues to dwell among among the children of Israel!
Elul is considered the most auspicious time of the year to offer repentance to GOD, because He accepted the prayers and repentance of the nation in this month.
The prayers of Moses created a penitent heart inside the people of GOD that has never been forgotten, or taken for granted or held in light esteem.
For thousands of years, a memorial has been set over the Month of Elul for prayer and repentance. It is a time of getting ourselves right with GOD. A time when our prayers carry the strength of our unity and love.
Let’s face it…
When we act in unity and love, our prayers become irresistible to GOD. Elul signifies acceptance of our prayers, we are blessed by GOD’s forgiveness and more importantly, GOD dwells among His people, restoring us with His Love!
The cycle of forgiveness and coming back into right relationship as one people, with one heart, one mind and one spirit, cycles back every year at Elul.
Because the Months on the Biblical Calendar have been kept alive through faithfulness, dedication and the remembrance of the people for what GOD and His Prophet Moses did for them, when they did not deserve it most, GOD’s anointing rest upon this month for favor and mercy!
Whenever we take the initiative to set aside our traditional worldly calendar and embrace the Calendar of GOD…(that He spoke of repeatedly all throughout the Hebrew Scriptures), then we step into miraculous moments of destiny.
We have just spent Labor Day, September 2, 2019 recognizing and celebrating the social and economic achievements of our labors as a nation. Labor Day is our everlasting memorial and tribute to the contribution American workers have made to the prosperity, well being and strength of our country.
We have spent a lot of time, years, recognizing every event on the secular calendar. For the most part, recognizing only 2 major, yet questionably “Biblical” Holidays on the same calendar.
GOD has a Calendar filled with Days of Destiny, designated to celebrate our relationship with Him.
GOD’s Calendar is accessbile to everyone! It has been right there on the pages of scripture the whole time!
We have always been invited by GOD, but most of us never knew it.
Step into Your Month of Favor and Mercy.
As we repent as a community of the Faithful, we have access to housands of years, anointed with the prayers of the saints, that have been tread out each year on the threshing floor.
A place for the Seed of Abraham has been prepared for us to partake of the blessings of GOD.
Show Up This Season For Your Appointment!
Part 3 of this Post will include the following topics of discussion:
Shifting Your Days from Chronos to Kairos
EMBRACINGThe Supernatural Seasons of GOD.
Show Up For Your Appointment!
How to Proclaim the Month of Elul
How do you want to start off this New Year?
Wisdom Is Better than Strength
Ecclesiastes 9
9:13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:
15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
18Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
All Photos, Including Cover Photo by: Rev. S. Madison
Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog All Rights Reserved.
Disclosure: I am of the belief that any and all teachings on scripture, especially those on prayer should receive prayer before passing them along to others. For this reason, I encourage everyone who reviews these teachings to saturate each one in prayer before sharing, distributing or reproducing them in any fashion.
Anything that we hope to learn and accomplish through the Word of GOD must be born out of a spirit of prayer. Prayer is the root of all our spiritual training. Study without prayer is futile. Without prayer, we learn nothing and we accomplish nothing.
May GOD always send you a confirming word.
GOD Bless You,
Students/Subscribers have permission to print and share this information provided you do not use any of the teachings for profit or monetary gain of any kind. Please do not alter the material in any way. These conditions are subject to the additional term of giving full credit to torahisteaching.blog or Rev. S. Madison. Just send me an email to advise of your use of this material: torahbythesea@gmail.com Thank You.
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12
Before Jesus ministered, after he ministered, before He spoke into the lives of anyone, After He spoke into the lives of the people, Jesus spent time in the presence of GOD in prayer.
His ministry bore the sign and the signature of prayer unceasing.
“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it (prayer, praise & worship) and to keep it (guard and protect the anointing).” Gen 2:15
(Ref: Adam was not in Agriculture).
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.“ Genesis 2:7
We learned earlier of the deeper prophetic meaning of this verse which reveals to us that…“Man became a Speaking Spirit”
Mankind’s utmost power is the ability to communicate, and his first communication was expressed between himself and GOD.
Mankind has an intrinsic need to communicate with his creator. If that is not the case, why do we spend an enormous amount of time, energy, conversation and thought centered around such questions: as:
Whether or not there is a GOD?
How was the universe created?
Is there a First Mover of the universe?
Are we alone in the universe?
We have an insatiable need to understand the beginnings of everything, especially ourselves.
Our spirit needs some time to talk with the Spirit of GOD.
Mankind is Created to Speak with GOD, spirit to Spirit
Communication is the substance of relationships and all of our relationships are spiritual. From the relationships that bless us, to the ones that vex us, our communication connects or divides us spiritually.
GOD breathe life into man and man became a speaking spirit, created to communicate. First to GOD and then to each other, into the world and everything in it.
Like us, relationships are also created with the breath of life. All relationships are founded upon and sustained by communication. Someone must say something.
What we say, when, why, how we say it… our speech defines us, our world and others. Life and death reside in the power of our tongues.
We edify, build up and encourage, or we tear down, damage and destroy, by the very breath of our speech.
What we speak into our own existence and into the lives of others, has power, momentum, substance, and weight.
When directed toward GOD with intention, contemplation and focus, speech is elevated to the level of prayer.
…andPrayer is more than just talk.
We have the power to change the circumstances of a situation by what we speak about it.
Prayer is a lot like gravity. It pulls everything around it towards its center, even light.
Gravity is one of the forces in the universe that is the most difficult to explain scientifically.
The Power of Prayer is a force in the universe that exist, despite any difficulty the church may have in explaining it spiritually.
Prayer is a spiritual element and can only be understood in spiritual terms.
Prayer affects space and time; past, present and future.
Prayer is our mechanism in which we speak to GOD. It has no fixed place. Prayer penetrates all realms and dimensions.
Prayer is what naturally emerges from a relationship with GOD.
The greater the communication the stronger the relationship. The weaker the communication, the weaker the relationship.
One of the most critical signs that a relationship is in trouble is when communication is compromised. Lack of communication precedes loss of communication, which is the pre-eminent sign of distress in any relationship.
Once communication ceases, the relationship suffers a death. Anyone who has ever suffered a damaged relationship, understands first hand, the spiritual death experienced from severed or severing communication.
The only way we can breathe life into the relationship again, is by finding a way back to communication.
Somewhere and at some point, we broke off communication with GOD.
Mankind was created to communicate with GOD through prayer, and prayer is how we find our way back to GOD.
Even though our spirit, created to communicate with GOD first (avodah), we have eliminated and/or substituted family, friends, loved ones, even nature itself, in place of direct communication with GOD.
Prayer and Praying are 2 Different Things.
Speak to any veteran of prayer and they will confirm that “prayer” is much more than a 5, 10, or 15 minute prayer session. There are many levels of prayer.
Surface Level of prayer; Essential, developmental, powerful,
Meditation (i.e., reflection, study, practicing the presence of GOD)
Reflective level of prayer on teachings, scriptures, purpose, destiny, decisions…
Contemplation (i.e., awareness of the divine, coming to know GOD at the highest personal levels).
i.e., being with GOD, dwelling with the presence of GOD, heightens spiritual strength, power, spiritual beauty, insight, vision, wisdom, understanding, joy… Benefits.
Vocal prayer is what I am referring to as “praying”. Contemplation is what I am referring to as “prayer”.
Why?
Due to the vast majority of church’s which do not teach prayer as a life-style, the body of Christ is not accustomed to using the terms, “vocal prayer” or “contemplative”. In addition to this, we tend to think of all prayer as the same.
All Prayer is Not the Same
For this reason, I am distinguishing the terms by referring to vocal prayer as ‘praying‘, and contemplation as prayer.
Contemplative prayer undergirds all stages and levels of prayer and requires the highest level of focus. Technically speaking, you have to train and discipline your spirit/flesh at this level of prayer.
Contemplative prayer demands that you master the ability to shut out all distractions, every vain imagination, submit your thoughts, ideas, every conversation in your head, focus, address and deal with your own character flaws, limitations and baggage, and deliver your spirit before the throne of GOD.
This takes more than 5, 10 or 15 minutes of praying. In the beginning, it can take up to 60 minutes or more, to get past your own obstacle course—in order for prayer to begin.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High…Ps 91, Matt 6:6, Acts 17:11, Ps 119:114
Prayer requires effort, struggle. It is not a tip toe through the tulips. Contemplative prayer requires that you battle your way past self, and press toward the Presence of GOD.
Attempts at this level of prayer are met with distractions, wandering thoughts, sleepiness, worldly demands, impatience, and any other conceivable device aimed toward dismantling your prayer life.
The reward is relationship.
Think of it like this…
Praying, as I have defined it above, is like having an acquaintance with GOD based upon an introduction from a third party.
Many Christians pray without having a deeper relationship with GOD. This is where we begin, but it does not have to be where we end.
Praying, takes place on prayer lines, fulfilling prayer commitments, praying before and after service, praying on the prayer lines, praying for others, etc.
Praying for others becomes far more effective, and should take place after spending time alone with GOD. This is the model set for us by Christ and the disciples.
Who wants to be in danger of praying out of their own spirit, rather than the spirit of GOD?
Who wants to be in danger of praying their own will, rather than the will of GOD?
Many times we have asked ourselves, what to pray?
The only way to know the answers to this question, is to spend time in the Presence of GOD.
Surface Level of Prayer; Essential, Developmental, Powerful,
Prayers in The Holy Place
Meditation (i.e., reflection, study, practicing the Presence of GOD)
Reflective level of prayer on teachings, scriptures, purpose, destiny, decisions…
Trains your spirit for solitude with GOD.
Prayer in TheHoly of Holies
Contemplation (i.e., Awareness of the Divine, coming to know GOD at the highest personal levels).
i.e., being with GOD, dwelling with the Presence of GOD, heightens spiritual strength, power, spiritual beauty, insight, vision, wisdom, understanding, joy… Benefits.
Ability to emerge from Prayer having insight into your day, a sensitivity to the will of GOD, getting yourself in sync with the Spirit.
A Few Examples (a.k.a. Spiritual Evidence) of acheving this level of prayer are:
Shifting the atmosphere in places you enter into for calm, peace, harmony…
Knowing the spirits you are dealing with in your encounters.
Seeing beyond the person and into the spirit.
Not being easily provoked.
Being slow to speak, slow to anger, increased self control.
Judgmentalness under submission, increased self awareness.
Mastering your own tongue.
Complete strangers coming up to you and unburdening themselves, with spiritual questions or dilemmas–and having the answer they need to know.
Preparation for difficult encounters that would have otherwise taken you out of the spirit.
Multiple Levels of Character Refinement.
Increase in spiritual strength, fortitude, greater insight…
Falling in Love with Contemplative Prayer
Deeper Realtionship with GOD.
Praying for and with others should come out of this place.The place of saturating yourself in prayer.
Kingdom Relationship is established through prayer.
Before and after ministry, before and after any miracles, Jesus prayed.
We cannot substitute service for prayer.
There is no such thing as faithfulness, dedication, servanthood, etc., without first being steadfast, unceasing, fervent in prayer. Without prayer there is no way to become effectual in your kingdom assignments.
Jesus demonstrated the power of a devoted prayer life.
Saturated in the garments of prayer, praise and worship (avodah), Jesus saved, healed and delivered multitudes, then and now.
This requires much more than a part-time, some-time, inconsistent prayer life..
JESUS LIVED AND TAUGHT PRAYER AS A LIFESTYLE
Matthew 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Matthew 26:42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Matthew 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
Mark 14:32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
Mark 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
Mark 14:39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Luke 22:32 but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
John 17:9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Your Prayer Life equips The LORD’s Disciples to hit the mark.
…AND JESUS GAVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS FOLLOWERS TO PRAY
Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matthew 6:5
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 6:6
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:7
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Matthew 9:38 pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
Luke 6:28 bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 19:46
saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
The ministry of Christ is distinguished by His prayer life.
We are sanctified by prayer. Prayer purifies our soul and transforms the spirit.
Prayer is how we stay connected to GOD. Our priorities are to stay connected to GOD first, as Jesus did, and then serve.
The flesh never wants to pray, let alone observe and submit to a prayer lifestyle. Nevertheless, our spirits require prayer to thrive, and remain healthy and strong. Prayer heals our spirit, keeps our souls connected to GOD and fills us with the power of GOD.
There is no way to obtain or operate within the mind of Christ without a prayer life.
We accepted the ministry, we desire the miracles, but far too often claiming to be the body of Christ, we neglect the critical need for a Contemplative Prayer-Life.
And yet we see that the disciples remained steadfast in the example that Jesus set.
CHRIST’sDISCIPLES WERE COMMITTED AND SUBMITTED TO PRAYER.
Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 1:24
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 3:1
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 6:4
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Acts 6:6
whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
Acts 8:15
who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Acts 8:24
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Acts 9:11
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
Acts 9:40
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Acts 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
This teaching is dedicated tomy students. Diligently pursue and be filled with the presence of GOD daily and may your ministries always be distinguished by your dedication and consecration to your prayer life.
Covered in the Light of Prayer, photo by: Mads Schmidt, Unsplash.com
Woman in Prayer, photo by: Olivia Snow, Unsplash.com
Little Child reading a book, photo by: Samantha Sophia, Unsplash.com
Statue in Prayer, photo by: Scott Rodgerson, Unsplash.com
Archers, photo by: Alex Guillaume, Unsplash.com
Woman in Prayer, photo by: Olivia Snow, Unsplash.com
Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog All Rights Reserved.
NEW Disclosure Added: I am of the belief that any and all teachings on scripture, especially those on prayer should receive prayer before passing them along to others. For this reason, I encourage everyone who reviews these teachings to saturate each one in prayer before sharing, distributing or reproducing them in any fashion.
Anything that we hope to learn and accomplish through the Word of GOD must be born out of a spirit of prayer. Prayer is the root of all our spiritual training. Study without prayer is futile. Without prayer, we learn nothing and we accomplish nothing.
Prayerlessness makes a pretense of piety.
May GOD always send you a confirming word to every message I write,
GOD Bless You,
Students/Subscribers have permission to print and share this information provided you do not use any of the teachings for profit or monetary gain of any kind. Please do not alter the material in any way. These conditions are subject to the additional term of giving full credit to torahisteaching.blog or Rev. S. Madison. Just send me an email to advise of your use of this material: torahbythesea@gmail.com Thank You.
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