Are you prepared to die? Most of us live unprepared for death. We say we want to go to Heaven to be with the L-RD, but we don’t want to die. Or some may think by default, we will all be in Heaven someday…even if we have to endure purgatory for a while. But is that what the Scriptures suggest?
Since my son, Aaron passed away, I have been consumed with his death and those of my loved ones, Heaven and my own pending death. As a believer, we say we want the L-RD to come and we want to be with the L-RD, but do we really? Do we really want to leave this life on earth and be with Him or is this just religious babble? Do we really want to go to Heaven and live with the Creator and enjoy the plans He has for us that love Him, and if so what are we doing about it?
I can confess to you that prior to my son’s death, especially when I was younger, I cringed at the thought of being raptured/dying and leaving my children or not having the opportunity to accomplish my dreams, goals or see them grow. I worried about my kids’ salvation or them being stuck on this planet; and all the other things that weigh down a mother’s heart. So even if I said, L-RD please come, honestly, I am not sure I truly meant it at the time in the depths of my heart.
However, since my son has passed, and I am living in my golden years, I am consumed with Heaven. Even prior to his death, I read numerous stories about NDE’s (near death experiences) which I found intriguing as well as comforting. Yet, there has been a shifting that has occurred in my soul that I cannot logically describe or really understand myself. So many things I thought were important seem so insignificant. I see the Creator in nature and others more than ever before, and long to be with Him. And though I love my husband, family and friends desperately, they cannot comfort, heal or save me from my grief or ultimate terminal disease called death.
I admit I am frail and weak. The weakness and frailty I have walked in has caused much grief and pain. This is something I truly regret. However, G-D in his provision has provided me (all of us) with a way for redemption…Yeshua. Yeshua has provided redemption for everyone. Being a believer in Yeshua first begins with faith in what He did on the Cross for our salvation in this life and the life to come. Then the rest is growing in Him. When we have pledged our allegiance to Him, this is our preparation for death.
Growing and trusting is working out our salvation. Being a believer is work…not works to get redeemed, but works (following His commandments) because we are redeemed. We are only redeemed/saved by His Grace. As we grow in faith and live out our faith in Yeshua, we will experience love, joy, shalom, be an example for others, as well as suffer various disappointments and challenges. But, irrespective of our condition as we journey through life, if we love and trust the L-RD, HE promises to never forsake us or leave us.
As human beings we all have a fatal and inoperable disease, called death. We can’t run or hide when the time comes for us to exit this earth. So the question remains, are you prepared to die?
Over three months since Aaron’s passing and it still seems surreal and yet, final on this side of Heaven. So much has happened since his death and so many blessings have happened that I can’t name them all. Most people have been very kind, loving and generous, and for that I am extremely grateful! Yet, there have been some negative comments as well, which have stained my soul very deeply.
As a mother, we do the best we can with what we know and what we have. Most of us love our children desperately and attempt to provide for them beyond what we were given as children. This provision goes way beyond just material things, but emotional, spiritual nurturing and protection. However, as our children grow, they take their upbringing and their life experiences and become the adults they choose to be. We are all like this. We do the best we can to live this life, especially if we love the L-RD.
Aaron loved kayaking Photo by Jamie H on Pexels.com
We should be careful in our criticism of others. I often face this challenge. It is even more important with criticism of deceased ones who can’t defend themselves. Criticism is seeped in negative, evil, vile, and biased judgment of others. This observation may be based on gossip, disdain, or limited observations. Even if the criticism is accurate, we place ourselves in a position to be criticized and condemned by our Savior when we choose to condemn, criticize and convict others. Normally, what we recognize in others are the very traits we possess…good or bad.
Remember that scripture in Matthew 7:3-5?
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
The caveat to this Scripture…we will never see clearly because we are all flawed as human beings. Let us be mindful of our criticism of others and seek the L-RD’s guidance in counseling or relating to others. Consider some of the biblical great characters in the Bible. They were all flawed and failed, and needed the L-RD just like each of us.
As humans, we often find ourselves with negative thoughts about others, even ourselves. This is not good. I’m thinking that we ought to focus on seeing the best in ourselves and each other. We ought to focus on working out our salvation. I’m thinking we ought to focus on the blessings. I believe we should let the dead rest. We should think about the good and happy memories we shared while they were living. I’m also thinking that negative commentary about one’s deceased loved one causes additional hurt. It cruelly adds pain to a grieving mother. It also hurts anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Like mama use to say, if you can’t say something nice then shut the h**l up!
Needless to say, I loved my son beyond what words I share or actions I take. His presence is gone from this place, and it saddens me. I have lost contact with him for now. His absence is a gaping hole in my life. It is also a gaping hole in the life of others who loved him very much. I am also distraught that his teenage son will have to navigate this life without his dad. Yet, I am grateful that my grandson has a wonderful mom and other loving family members to support him. They are his ram in the bush.
Today, I am rambling and musing. Today, my heart cries loudly within. I truly miss my son! It was not my will or desire for my son to die at this time…but not my will but the L-RD’s!Death is the stranger we all must meet and there is no way we can avoid it. I wish we had more time together. I am eternally grateful for the time I had with my son, Aaron. Thank you L-RD!
Thank you ABBA for the gift of Aaron…for You give life, and You take it away. Thank you for the love you show us through others and your answers to our prayers. Thank you for all of your blessings. Thank you for our enemies, because they inadvertently point us back to you as our only daily and eternal hope. Thank you for the gift of Yeshua – my faith and hope for eternal salvation. Thank you for the hope to see my son Aaron again. I have only lost contact with him for now!
To say that life has been challenging would be a tremendous understatement! My emotions are all over the place…up, down, sad, excited, thrilled, overwhelmed, annoyed, ecstatic, depressed…all at once with many other emotions as well. I am not sure if I am navigating or just getting by; or if I am being pushed or led and/or all of the above.
If you have read any of my previous posts, you know that my youngest adult son, Aaron died on October 19, 2024 – suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. He dropped and died walking with his fiancee early that morning at a local park. To say, my heart was broken and devastated fails to speak to my dismay.
However, in my grief then and now, the hand ofABBA is very evident and provides the comfort I need to continue on the path of healing. Writing to you, helps as well, though I may never hear words of condolences. I miss him every day and think of him all throughout the day, and oftentimes mask my grief behind smiles to keep others around me comfortable.
I have noticed that sometimes people are uncomfortable with a grieving mom and I truly understand. I am uncomfortable as a grieving mom, but this is my burden to bear as Yeshua heals my heart, one beat at a time.
On the flip side, I was recently married to a wonderful man who has proven his love and commitment to me over and over again. I couldn’t ask for a better husband and devoted companion. We have shared troubled histories, but we have found true love in each other.
Briefly, we met about a year ago, and got engaged about 6 months into the relationship. He is well liked by my family, friends, my Rabbi and folks from my worship community. He is my dream come true as I have struggled to believe that G-D would bless me with a wonderful man given my history. I am grateful and look forward to an adventurous and happy life in the sunset years of our lives.
So, in addition to my deep sadness over the loss of my son, I am extremely happy to be with my b’sheirt (soulmate) in a loving relationship.
So my dilemma …. I am so very happy and so very sad. Most days these feelings are compartmentalized, but other days one extreme overrides the other and feelings of guilt on both ends attempts to raise its guilty head.
Yeah, so I’m human and the struggle is real! But, G-D, creator of the Universe through Yeshua the anchor of my soul, is my steadfast path to healing and salvation one heart beat at a time!
Today, November 28, 2024 is my first Thanksgiving Holiday living in a different country and not spending it with family, especially my son, Aaron. Aaron suddenly passed away a little over a month ago at the time of this writing and there have been major changes in my life. To say that his death has been a major shift in my entire being is a tragic understatement. I am experiencing so many emotions all at once that many moments throughout the day I do not recognize myself, feel G-D or even care about the things and events around me.
Yet, on the other hand, planned before he died, I am engaged and living in Europe. I am elated about my new life’s adventure and realize this is the path G-D has for me, but I am very sad about my son’s passing and life’s journey without him. Very sad and very happy all at once…go figure!
My son was so many things; very intelligent, complex, deep-thinker, athletic, fearless, creative and bold. However, like all of us, he wasn’t perfect, but he worked on being his best self. He had a relationship with ABBA and I learned many things from Him. I cherish his memory and again, I am grateful to have served as his mom.
His sudden death took all of us by surprise. Yet, I had a knowing when I moved back to GA and purchased a home large enough for him and his family to live with me. Since, his death, I have disposed of all of my things and put my home up for sale without thought or regret.
There are so many things I would like to share with you, but for now, the most important thoughts I have are centered around how grateful I am to have been his mom and a couple of blessings that were realized after his death.
First of all, he indicated on his driver’s license that he wanted to be an organ donor. I had no idea, and as I toiled with honoring his wishes, I was counseled that his desires were an act of kindness. Aaron had been a recipient from an organ donor as a baby and in his death he could give back. I chose to honor his wishes.
Our family had been estranged for a few years and in his death there was reconciliation, harmony and joy. People stepped up in many ways to provide comfort, support, financial gifts, help and more. All the love shown during my son’s passing was very much appreciated.
So even during my pain of grief, I can be grateful for the time G-D allowed Aaron to grace my/our lives and I can rejoice in the memories we shared. So much more…but for now, Shalom.
In Him,
Dee
Too well loved to be forgotten… My beloved son, Aaron Nathanael Thompson – June 15, 1989 to October 19, 2024
Currently, I am reading a book called Chofetz Chaim. I have only read the first few pages and, yet, I am overwhelmed and blessed by the profundity of the laws of proper speech according to some Rabbis in order to please HaShem and live at peace with others.
As a believer in Yeshua, for the last year or so, I have been working on proper G-DLY speech and what that sounds like. Most of us realize that gossip, criticism, and negative speech is harmful to both ourselves and to the hearers of our words as well as violates Torah. However, there is a much deeper issue according to the Torah commentaries and the authors of this particular book.
Many know the story of Miriam who was struck with leprosy due to evil speech about her brother Moses. Traditionally in Christian circles, her condition has been named leprosy but is really a different condition based on Judaic thought. This in-depth analysis of biblical leprosy is not the focus of this blog. I just want to highlight the overall theme.
Musing: One of the most amazing things in this book is the idea of the creation of the tongue…partially hidden and partially revealed. The tongue though not seen is heard…just like the heart is not seen, but what comes out of the heart is displayed and/or heard. Further, out of the heart comes rivers of life and/or death depending on the individual speaking.
LaShon Hara or evil speech has planted seeds of destruction in marriages, relationships, and every human interaction we can think of. The twisted tongue if not aligned with G-D’s good pleasure will kill, lie, and destroy. And, why? Because as human beings we are inclined to judge and criticize others though we are much more deserving of criticism and judgement. We are all guilty of evil speech (even complaining) and unless we are actively aware of this and allow the Spirit of G-D to transform us, we speak evil constantly of others … even unaware.
If we could envision that each person has a drop of the image of G-D planted within them, then evil, derogatory, damaging speech would be eliminated at least some of the time. We would use our words to build up others instead of tear each other down in order to falsely build ourselves up. What a better world we might live in if people did not complain, criticize, humiliate, demonize, belittle, shame, curse, etc., etc. each other! Can you imagine?
As believers in HaShem, it is our responsibility to live according to His Torah (teachings) and be the light and salt of this world as commanded by our Savior Yeshua. Our speech, whether good or bad, reflects our heart’s condition. All manner of wickedness is bound in our hearts and profusely expounds daily in our lives unless we allow ourselves to be controlled by G-D’s Holy Spirit in order to demonstrate the abundant life He has bestowed upon us.
Is this easy? You know the answer. But all things are possible for those of us who love the L-RD and seek to be His eyes, arms and feet in this earthly realm. And, when we fail, as we will, we can run to Him for forgiveness and continue to allow Him to grow and transform us. We can grow away from the negativity that has been ingrained in us and become beacons of light in order to honor our King Yeshua.
How about it? Join the movement of love according to G-D’s directive. Each moment consider your speech. Is it beneficial and glorying HaShem? Are you building up the community in which you live and serve? Or is your speech part of the problem which proliferates in our contemporary culture of divisiveness? You choose…a twisted tongue of evil or an edifying tongue of blessings?
Musings,
Dr. Dee
PRAYER:
Dear ABBA,
Help us to speak words of life as you create clean and pure hearts within us that pant after you. Help others to hear your love as we speak wherever we find ourselves, and help us to model our speech after our Master Yeshua. Please transform us and be pleased with our serve. To YOU be all the glory! Amen
Recently, I read an article titled Why are all the good husbands already taken? The article was pretty interesting and thought worthy for all the single ladies out there who might be asking themselves the same question.
As the article stated there is a dating paradox: Why are all the good guys taken? Why are my friend’s husbands such amazing people and the guys a lot of us meet/date all seem to be missing something? What is that something?
According to the article, all the good guys are not taken. Being in love, loving someone and being loved by someone brings the best out in us. Have you ever noticed that especially in the beginning of a relationship? The individuals have a certain glow and even look better. I have noticed this glow or radiance in men who are loved and giving love. Their countenance is beautifully transformed. So, according to the article a guy in a loving relationship does have something that available guys do not have… and that is someone to love.
G-D created us to be in loving and harmonious relationships with each other, but especially our spouses. G-D stated in Genesis, it is not good for man to be alone. (Gen. 2:18) Therefore until our hearts are massaged by true love, first by G-D and then a loving mate, it can appear as if all the good husbands or men are taken. The human soul is meant to open up and connect with someone else. And, yet the human soul has to desire to live and love another.
Loving someone brings out the best in us. We feel alive, more vivid and our personalities blossom. It feels amazing to be loved and in a relationship that is mutually satisfying. In a loving relationship, especially a g-dly one, we feel free, more confident, content, beautiful and complete. On most days, the world seems wonderful and our marriage is our home. Remember, a harmonious, g-dly, loving relationship is the focus of this blog.
Obviously, we can share love with family and friends, even our enemies; but until we find that special someone, we are incomplete. When a biological male and a biological woman come together in the wisdom of the Creator, it is then they can begin the process of reflecting the image of G-D to each other and those around them. It is imperative to remember that we are created in the image of G-D. Loving each other is a form of loving Him.
Remember, you can’t shop for a vehicle in someone else’s garage or shop for a dining set in someone else’s dining room. Nor can you expect someone to allow you to use their debit card to pay your monthly bills and expenses. (Exodus 20:17) And, you can’t compare the guys you date to your friend’s husbands, i.e., g-dly husbands.
Instead, be your best self and recognize some single men are incomplete without someone to love, just like you might feel incomplete without someone to love. In the meantime, set your standards high and stick to them; and live life to the fullest as you wait and desire a mate. Give your loneliness to the L-RD and prayerfully, your wait won’t be too long.
We normally think of blood being thicker than water, especially when it comes to family. We hear the adage that family is the most important investment; they are the main ones we can depend on though we know this is not always the case. In Proverbs 18:24 it teaches that Some “friends” pretend to be friends, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother. (CJB) Another translation: Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family. (GW)
This Scripture emphasizes the devastation of a fake friend and the profundity of being the type of friend that exemplifies stick-to-it-ness. This brief blog attempts to look at the latter portion of Proverbs 18:24 in relation to those we call “friends”. We all have folks in our lives we consider friends. What is your definition of a friend? Let’s consider…
Some of us have virtual friends…FaceBook, Instagram, SnapChat, Twitter or whatever other social media platforms you might find entertaining and/or fulfilling. Some of our friends are work-buddies, gym-buddies, synagogue-buddies, church-buddies, bar-buddies, shopping-buddies, neighbor-buddies, and the list goes on. Some people have folks around them as the Scripture suggests that just want to be with others for the sake of stroking their egotistical cravings and/or maybe to receive some tangible rewards. However, what is a true friend? I described types of friends, but what are the characteristics of a true friend? This Scripture brings up jarring points. One, some friends just want to destroy others or are not true friends…posers; and two, there is a loving friend who is more loyal than family.
He has called us to be fishers of men.
How many people can stand and say, I have a friend who is more loyal than my family, my mom, my dad, my sister, my brother? Who can truly say this about any human being, other than Messiah, Himself? I know folks who claim this to be true. They have people in their lives who are closer and more loyal than their “blood” family members or their spouses for that matter. And, though I find this commentary astonishing and disheartening, I am not surprised. Assuming this statement is true, practically speaking as believers we are called to be friends to others. Therefore, what should our response include?
Obviously, as followers of Messiah, we live the best we can to be loyal family members as well as loyal friends. There is no competition between the two. We can be loving moms, dads, sisters, brothers, etc. and at the same time be loving friends to those we love who are not related to us by blood. Call me crazy, but I am a staunch believer that our hearts are big enough to love a lot of folks at various times in our lives, and then all at once, and into the future. There is room to love all, not necessarily loyal to all for obvious reasons, but the ability to love and care for others, and then to be the friend you want others to be to you…this is a worthy possible feat. This is the biblical principle of the golden rule.
I just finished reading the letter to the Colossians and it is one of the richest letters in the Bible which exhorts us to practice our faith. The depth of this letter from Shaul to the Messianic Community in Colosse is beyond this blog. However, the following verses summarize the practical application of our faith, the kind of friend/person we should be and more.
Colossians 1:9–11 — G-D’S WORD Translation (GW)
9 For this reason we have not stopped praying for you since the day we heard about you. We ask ⸤G-D⸥ to fill you with the knowledge of his will through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight. 10 We ask this so that you will live the kind of lives that prove you belong to the L-RD. Then you will want to please him in every way as you grow in producing every kind of good work by this knowledge about G-D. 11 We ask him to strengthen you by his glorious might with all the power you need to patiently endure everything with joy.
The richness of these verses are slathered with practical application on how we should live as a friend, family member and/or responsible g-dly person. We should be praying, filled with the knowledge of His will, live lives pleasing to the Father in order to prove we belong to Him and strengthened by Him to endure with joy all that this life has for us. Our lives must be bathed in Him so that we can be a true and righteous friend. In addition, as we allow ourselves to be filled with His Will, we fulfill the commandment to love others as we love ourselves practicing forgiveness, honesty, bearing great fruit, exemplifying who we are in Messiah as G-D’s Holy Spirit directs.
So, let me challenge you (me as well), as 2023 is fast approaching to examine yourself, your loyalties to others and your growth in the Messiah. Ask yourself, where are your commitments to your friends on the Richter scale so to speak? What harmony and g-dly-gifts do you bring to the table of being a fantastic friend? Are you an example of a possible worthy feat? Are you the friend you would want someone else to be to you? Can folks see and hear G-D’s heart emanating from you?
Figure it out, do what is required to show your heart to those you claim you love; but more importantly, be the example of who you claim to serve. Do it unto the glory of G-D and be that loyal friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister.
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the fall colors, crisp cool breeze and the roar of burning wood crackling in the fireplace. I enjoy gatherings with family, friends and the laughter we share. The beauty of this season is a blessing; but, today, I miss my mom.
Thanksgiving was always about spending time with family and friends. As a kid, we had huge traditional turkey meals, laughter and fun! Thanksgiving was a time when we expressed how grateful we were for all the L-RD had done for us; and it was time to relish in those blessings and squash family squabbles. Yet, as time went on, holidays with family and friends changed. Life experiences either interfered or destroyed some of the precious times as the years progressed.
As I am writing this blog, my heart is heavy because I am not only missing my mom, but other members of my family who have passed from this life. And, honestly, I am just lonely for them. I spent a good part of this morning just reminiscing about some of our times together both wonderful and not so wonderful. Last year this time, I was with my mom while she was in hospice and though it wasn’t a traditional Thanksgiving, she was still on this side of heaven and we chatted and laughed together. Sometimes, I just wish I could talk to her.
Yet, even in my sadness today, I am extremely grateful for all ABBA has done for me and my family through Yeshua. He has done more for me than I deserve, and I am humbled by His great love. And, though I do not have any family in the state I am currently living in, I have friends who care about me and that helps tremendously when I am feeling down like today. But more importantly, I do not weep as someone without hope. And, I am grateful for the comfort of the L-RD.
Anyway, the point of this blog, love folks while you can. Hold on to the people who matter. Make time for each other and tell folks how much you love and care for them while they are in your midst. Don’t assume folks know how much you love and appreciate them. You know what they say about assuming.
Let me encourage you…get over yourself and let stupidity and bitterness go. Get over differences because soon and very soon they… and then you will be gone. Enjoy your family and friends like never before as if this is your last day together.
Human beings are animals, not like dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc., instead, we are uniquely and wonderfully made in the image of the living G-D. All of G-D’s creation was made with His wisdom, His creativity and His unique incomparable touches which are visible for all to see and embrace. However, humans have not only been made through His wisdom, but have been created to house and acquire a portion (a very small portion) of His wisdom, knowledge and understanding in addition to all of the other cognitive properties we possess. Animals are not on the same level as human beings and though they should be treated responsibly, to hoist an animal over another human and/or a relationship is a violation of G-D’s design.
We have been so beautifully created by the Master Creator. Many of us fail to embrace our beauty within the framework G-D has designed to intensify our relationship with Him. He has created us to be vessels of His love, wisdom and understanding. He has created us to be His “tangible” presence in the lives of others. He has created us to worship and adore Him. If we love G-D, we love others and treat both accordingly as the Word directs in Deuteronomy 6:1-9.
We have been taught that our emotions, wisdom, cognitive abilities and understanding are seated in our brains. But, is this really the case? We have also been taught that the brain controls the mind? Hum, does it? Who or what is truly working within us? Is it self only or a combination of good, evil inclinations, the illumination of G-D’s spirit or the disastrous influences of the evil one and the world? Or are we a cosmological array of atoms evolved from some anonymous collaborative litter floundering through this thing we call living? Are we a hunk of dirt with a spirit or are we a spirit housed in clay traveling through life?
I personally believe we have been created and we are wonderfully designed by an uncaused cause who loves us, desires to fellowship and make Himself known to us. I personally believe that though human effort is involved, wisdom and understanding are gifts from G-D and housed in our hearts. I do believe that it is the mind that controls the brain. (A blog for another day.) I believe we have been specially designed to demonstrate who we love and to love others accordingly. And, yes we have a propensity for evil and oftentimes we struggle between doing what is righteous instead of succumbing to that which is evil.
I did a word study on the word heartand I was surprised to learn that of those who have had heart transplants, a significant percentage report not feeling like themselves with different preferences; and some have even said they have felt like another person was living inside of them. These reports have befuddled medical doctors. Huh? Like near death experiences are these accounts true? Can we believe these accounts since they are the words of the recipients. If the heart is the seat of wisdom, understanding or the lack thereof, as well as emotions, is it conceivable that the organ for pumping blood can also be a spiritual/invisibleworking entity person specific? If we are truly spiritual beings having a human experience, then why wouldn’t this be true? But, I digress…
Estes Park, CO
According to the Bible, wisdom is a gift. (Job 38:36, James 1:5) According to the Bible, understanding is a gift. (Daniel 2:21) and G-D has put wisdom in the innermost being of humans and given understanding to the mind of human beings. (Job 38:36) Further, though wisdom and understanding may be bestowed on us to some degree in our inner beings, we should pray for wisdom and understanding in order to be G-DLY led in all manners of life. (Psalm 119:34)
One of the greatest biblical figures was asked by G-D what he wanted, which was almost like a “wish” from G-D. This particular biblical figure asked for wisdom. King Solomon who asked for wisdom so that he might serve the people of G-D, in order for him to discern good and evil. (1 King 3:9) WOW, what a humble leader to look to G-D in order to serve/govern G-D’s people. Did you get that? King Solomon realized his leadership was over G-D’s people [not subjects of his kingdom] and thus he desired to serve G-D by serving G-D’s people justly. Amazingly awesome!
The wisdom of this world is lunacy and contradictory to the purposes of G-D’s will for those who are called by His name. The depth of G-D’s love alludes us and we oftentimes walk circumvent to the dictates of G-D’s instructions. Instead, we clutch onto our narcissistic impulses and the world’s values in self-idolatry, again counterproductive to G-D’s desire for His beloved. We serve a passionately loving G-D whose patience seems endless and gracious. We are bestowed with an abundance of love, grace and mercy each day from our Father and L-RD. Once we get a glimpse of His love, we ought to do better according to His will in all areas of our lives by obeying His commandments.
Wisdom and understanding are gifts from G-D to humans in order for us to use our free will to serve and love Him, and consequently serve and love others. But in all of our knowledge, we need His wisdom and His understanding in order to serve Him in ways that are pleasing to Him. Our idea of good may not line up with HIS idea of good. And, since He is G-D, we might consider learning and applying behaviors which exemplify His will.
Knowledge without wisdom/understanding can be obtained as a cognitive process. We are created to understand basic and/or complex information; and we have a choice for our proceeding actions. Animals can not think analytically, express, evaluate, synthesize and respond accordingly using free will as G-D has proposed for humans. But wisdom, complete understanding and the practical application of “good” over evil is one of the ways we are set apart from the beast of the air and land. The test for the application of G-DLY wisdom, understanding and knowledge is obedience to our Creator, ABBA through our helper, the Rauch HaKodesh (Breath of G-D) according to His Torah.
My point, we do not in my opinion truly get how wonderfully and uniquely we have been created in G-D’s image. We do not fully comprehend how much He loves us and desires to be the priority in our lives, thus why Yeshua came. Yet, conversely, we do not understand the harshness of His wrath at our denial of Him and all He has to offer. Our Father is both loving and just. My tiny glimmers of His love are my hope in this life and the life to come. He is Echad, One, the TRUE living G-D who has provided access to Himself through the love, mercy and authority of Yeshua (Jesus).
Belief in the creation of human beings, our uniqueness and being wonderfully made, as well as living in an aesthetically pleasing environment nullifies the notion that we exploded from a pile of matter. Look around at the beauty and complexity of nature and then consider the beauty and complexity of others and then yourself…we have been undeniably uniquely and wonderfully made. Imagine a world if we truly believed each one of us is uniquely and wonderfully made.
We all make choices each moment of each day. Our choices range from minor to major and consequently, the consequences of those choices are realized whether positive or negative. However, many times when we are in the midst of decision considerations, we may not look far enough into the “future” in an attempt to make a wise decision.
This past Shabbat, I was listening to one of my favorite Rabbi’s, and he mentioned how many of us have regrets regarding our relationships with our children and wish we would have done things differently even as an honorable parent. And, though this may be the case, we have to repent from our errors and move on. Wallowing in self-pity and shame is contrary to G-D’s design of repentance and forgiveness. We have to forgive ourselves and as well as others. I was speaking to a friend on the same subject, and he mentioned that he has thoughts about things he could have done differently, and he was/is a very involved parent with both of his children.
Choices – life or death
Anyway, what about other choices? Marital choices, living accommodations, career choices, friendships, dining pleasures, worship communities and more. All of our choices whether demanding or miniscule equals consequences, positive or negative. This is both a natural and a biblical dictate.
So how do we make wise decisions? The older we get supposedly the wiser we get, goes the saying. However, I have found as a believer in Yeshua, the older I get the more I need His wisdom and guidance; and the less I can or need to lean on my own understanding. I am clear on the choices I have made, and my current consequences remind me of the lack of wisdom and knowledge I thought I possessed, and as well as the converse. There are many positive and wonderful consequences in my life, as well as not so much.
What do I mean? Examples:
Marriage and family have always been very important to me. Initially, in my naïveté, I thought of marriage in fairy-tale manner. But, as the years have passed and failed relationships have cruelly demonstrated, marriages that are not based in covenant with G-D at the helm, struggle at best or self-destruct. Why? The choices couples make will either strengthen or destroy their marriage, their children, family and/or friends. Strengthened marriages full of love, joy, companionship, understanding, friendship are many times beacons of hope and pleasure for the onlookers, as well as those privileged to thrive in those familial relationships. The converse, unfortunately, is true.
Marriages which wreak of strife, bitterness, dishonesty, selfishness, sarcasm, and resentment are on a fast track to futility and ultimately death (divorce). Who suffers? The marital partners, children, friends, family and others. And, once an individual is standing in the midst of middle or senior years, the consequences of life choices may prove contrary to their hoped desires.
Unfortunately, like my momma used to say, many folks today have a lack of staying-power. They quit when the going gets tough in their marriages, careers, diets or whatever it might be, because the heat of the struggle weakens or demolishes their resolve. We lack the desire or spiritual-muscle to depend on G-D to help us do our part and have the faith that He will do His part. And, those who do not have a relationship with ABBA usually depend on their own devices, which most times proves inadequate.
So again, all of our decisions matter!
Where is our hope and resolve with our past, present and future decisions? Our hope is in the L-RD! Our hope is in the L-RD! We hear this all the time in Christendom. However, what does that mean? What does it look like?
Each person has to answer that question for themselves as they examine their life and take stock of their beliefs, their relationship with the Master, Yeshua, and the practical application of their faith as the Bible instructs. Each person must reconcile their status as a sinner with ABBA according to His plan of salvation in His Word.
I believe this is a process and part of working out our salvation in Yeshua under the direction of His Holy Spirit beyond the verbal acknowledgement of our belief in Him. The basic tenets of our faith must be our foundation, our hope in His coming Kingdom, the presence of His Kingdom on earth and the light of His Kingdom living within us. Further, we must accept and put our faith in His redemptive efforts on the cross and His resurrection. Your celebration of your belief in Yeshua must be based on the Word of G-D and not man’s traditions; as well as we ought to fellowship with our community of siblings in the faith.
We all, myself included, have made decisions which have put us exactly in the place we find ourselves in this current moment. To deny that we did not play a role in our own current circumstances regardless of the positivity or negativity is to deny a basic fundamental truth. We are our consequences as a rule. Remember the rule, not the exception. To think we have innocently moved along in this life is a fallacy worth repentance.
Let’s consider a few examples based on our choices and potential consequences. Fill in the blank per your understanding.
Negative Choices:
Treating others with contempt … [fill in the blank].
Refusing to provide for self/family … [fill in the blank].
Excessive intake of alcohol … [fill in the blank].
Experimental or drug addiction … [fill in the blank].
Consistent poor food choices … [fill in the blank].
Lying, stealing … [fill in the blank].
Sex prior to marriage and/or without protection … [fill in the blank].
Marriage outside of G-D’s design … [fill in the blank].
Divorce … [fill in the blank].
Lack of education … [fill in the blank].
A life devoid of a relationship with Yeshua as Savior … [fill in the blank].
Positive Choices:
Prayer each day and throughout … [fill in the blank].
Loving G-D according to the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9) … [fill in the blank].
Reading G-D’s Word each day … [fill in the blank].
Emulating the Master Yeshua … [fill in the blank].
Living faith via practical application … [fill in the blank].
Obeying G-D’s teachings … [fill in the blank].
Repenting of offenses to G-D and others …. [fill in the blank].
Exercising self-control … [fill in the blank].
Education (life learner) … [fill in the blank].
Treating others with love, kindness and respect … [fill in the blank].
Loving and praying for adversaries … [fill in the blank].
Strong work ethnic … [fill in the blank].
Fighting the good fight of faith … [fill in the blank].
Staying power and responsibility … [fill in the blank].
Obviously, either list above is exhaustive. However, regardless of what or who you believe in, we are all passing through this life. Every single one of us is going to leave planet earth by way of the death locomotive. Your money, status, moma, papa, kids, husband, wife, etc., cannot hold us when the death angel arrives. You, me, all of us will have to answer to the stranger of death. What case will your life choices present to the ultimate Judge?
Surely the ONE who has created all things can guide us as we wrestle with decisions.
Therefore, while we have today, let us embrace the love of our Heavenly Father through our Savior Yeshua, and repent of our pasts believing and living as new creations in Him. Let us ask for wisdom, guidance and insights on the decisions we make in every area of our lives. Let us seek the counsel of ABBA before making rash decisions, because we are incapable of fully understanding the consequences of our choices. We have just a little while on earth and infinite years in eternity. Let us be encouraged to trust and believe in our Blessed Hope who holds our today and our tomorrow.
Be the consequence of your commitment to ABBA, so others will see the best of who you are in Him and be drawn to Him. One of our goals as believers is to live our faith as His hands, His feet and His voice. Seek G-D and He will help you work out your salvation in reconciliation with Him in all areas of your life. Finally, remember to pray for one another including guidance in decision making. James 5:16
We are the commodities of our choices.
Musings,
Dr. Dee
Note: If you find value in my musings, please feel free to share. Thank you for stopping by today and engaging in my contemplations! May G-D richly bless and keep you!
