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NISAN 6

For the Perfecting

 

“And He Himself gave some as emissaries, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as shepherds and teachers FOR THE PERFECTING of the set-apart ones …” (Eph 4:12-13, emphasis mine)

It is not my purpose, in this essay, to examine and define what each one of the five-fold ministries are; there are, literally, volumes written about each one of these ministry gifts, and no, not everything that is written is accurate. Rather, I wish to examine what is the purpose of these ministry gifts, what is their function, what are they to accomplish – what is their reason for being part of the body of Messiah. And contrary to what many have been taught, these ‘giftings’ are not for self-exaltation.

Many translations read – in our opening verses – ‘equipping’ instead of ‘perfecting,’ and both words are acceptable. When we have all the equipment that is needed, we are complete, lacking nothing. The same is true of the state of being perfect:  nothing can be done to improve that which is perfect and complete. And I would venture to say that none of us are there yet.

How do we reach this place of being fully equipped and perfect? We can only do so by submitting to those ‘anointed and appointed’ ministers that our Creator has placed in our lives, and by absorbing their teachings and instructions. Have we reached the place of completion yet? I know that I have not. If that is the case with all of us, then I would suggest that those who minister in these positions still have a very important function within the assembly of Messiah.

Or perhaps we have reached the place where we feel that we no longer need a certain teacher or minister. A phrase that has always been popular is the one where “the Ruach (the Spirit) is my teacher; I have no need for any other.”  Aaaaah, but one of the lessons to be learned here is how to live in a covenant community, submitting one to another – a lesson that can never be walked out in a ‘Lone Ranger’ setting.

As we approach this time of Passover/Unleavened Bread, it may be an ideal occasion to examine the relationships we have with those in leadership. Are we learning and gleaning all that they have to offer, or are we letting it go in one ear and out the other? Are we truly striving for perfection with what we are learning, or are we so callous as to believe we have already arrived? Are we studying to show ourselves approved (2Tim 2:15), or are we finding fault with everything that is being presented to us?

 

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Messiah, greets you, always wrestling for you in prayers, so that you stand perfect and complete in all the desire of Elohim.” (Col 4:12)

 

©2025

Your Daily Slice

 

NISAN 5

Quick to Forgive

 

“For You, my Lord, are good, and ready to forgive and full of mercy to all who call upon You.” (Ps 86:5 TLV)

 

The mother of my first husband was a very bitter, vindictive, unforgiving woman. When I met my future in-laws for the first time, the two of them had not spoken to each other in over a year, all the while residing within the same house. This sad state of affairs was all because the husband had said (or done) something that had made the wife angry. And from what I was told, this was not the first time she had imposed this type of punishment on her husband. When my then mother-in-law died, some years later, she was all but confined to a wheelchair from arthritis, and with other physical problems involved as well. Yet the things she held close to her heart were the many ‘grudges’ she held against people that had ‘done her wrong,’ and she took these grudges with her into the grave.

Bitterness and resentment are a cancer that will eat you alive, both physically and spiritually. Brethren, when it comes right down to the brass tacks, bitterness has its root in pride, and this is something our Elohim cannot tolerate in His kingdom. When we choose to constantly remember and rehearse past offenses, wrongs that were done, or a hurt suffered, we set ourselves up as judge, jury, and executioner of whoever did the wrong to us, and that is a position reserved for our Creator. Basically, we are pushing Elohim off His throne, saying “I will handle this one …”

Has someone done something to you as horrible as what people have done to the Father, in that they tortured and executed Yeshua, the Son of Elohim? Are we not continually, in our self-sovereignty, rejecting the love and care of our Elohim, believing that we can tend to ourselves better than He can? And yet, our Father chooses to have compassion on us, and forgive us. Are we so much better and bigger than our Elohim that we cannot (or will not) forgive another that is made in His image? Our Elohim knows the bondage of bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness; it is one of the reasons for our Messiah’s death, to free us from this bondage (see Acts 5:30-31; Acts 26:18). The key, however, to receiving our own forgiveness from the Father, is first to forgive and release others from what they have done.

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father shall also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither shall your Father forgive your trespasses.”  (Mat 6:14-15)

Once we choose to release all these negative harmful emotions to our Creator and ask Him for His healing touch in those raw areas, then we are well on our way to walking in shalom, His peace that surpasses all understanding (Phi 4:7). As we persevere in this walk – and it may not be easy – it will allow Elohim to act in our behalf, because now our heart is in right relationship with Him. In this case, I do know what I am talking about:  I had to learn to walk in forgiveness toward this mother-in-law, and her son, the one that I called ‘husband.’  My first husband was extremely abusive, even tried to kill me several times, but my Abba was faithful, and delivered my children and I out of the lion’s mouth. But first, I had to walk in the shalom that my Father gave to me before I was delivered.

“Be forebearing one to another, and be forgiving one to another, and if a man has concerning his neighbor a complaint, as the Messiah forgave you, thus also YOU FORGIVE.” (Col 3:13 HRVS, emphasis mine)

  

©2025

Your Daily Slice

 

NISAN 2

Real versus Counterfeit

 

“For false Messiahs and lying prophets will arise and will give signs and wonders and will deceive, if it is possible, even the chosen. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.”  (Mark 13:22-23 HRVS, emphasis mine)

 

End-time prophecies have become increasingly more common as the time for the return of our Messiah Yeshua draws closer. Amazingly, the mainstream Westernized Christian Church community has suddenly become over-populated with a rapid rise of those ‘called’ to the prophetic ministry. I am not here to dispute the ‘calling;’ however, it is Adonai our Elohim who sets up, and it is also Him who tears down (Job 34:24; Dan 2:21).

 

The Word of Elohim does, however, give us some very strict criteria for determining the validity of a prophet. Just like the combination on a bank safe, all three of these criteria must be simultaneously met and fulfilled in an individual – not even one of them can be omitted – or, like the combination for the safe in question, the prophet (and his/her prophecy) will be very wrong …

 

The first criterion which must be met is ‘fulfillment’ (see Deu 18:22). If the prophet prophesies an event in the future, and it fails to come to pass, it was not from our Elohim. Presumptuous prophecies are self-glorifying, and seldom bear fruit. ‘Presume’ is defined as “to venture without positive permission; to form confident or arrogant opinions”[1]. ‘Presuming’ to prophecy is dangerous ground …

 

However, it is possible for someone to give a prophecy, have it come to pass, and it not come from our Elohim. The scriptural reference for this is Deuteronomy 13:2-6, and should be carefully studied.

 

It is in those verses we find the remaining two criteria that a prophet appointed and anointed by Elohim will fulfill. Such a person will NEVER speak in the name of any other god except the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nor will a true, anointed, man/woman of Adonai our Elohim speak against keeping the commandments of Torah. Signs and wonders are not the true test or proof of prophecy, or of a prophet, for we can see that it is possible for them to be duplicated and fulfilled. Yeshua Himself said that we shall know them by their fruit (Mat 7:15-20).

 

All three of these criteria (1. the prophecy will come to pass; 2. the individual will always reflect a life of loving our Creator with everything in them, loving their neighbor as themselves, and of a lifestyle of keeping the commandments of Torah, and 3. the prophet does not ever speak in the name of any god but the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob)  - all of these MUST be fulfilled before the individual will pass the test, and can be accepted …

 

Increasingly, the smell of rotten fruit is lingering in the air. Upon my own extensive research, I discovered that the early, first century congregations had added a further ‘test’ for discerning between a true or false prophet. If a prophet, while prophesying, asked for food, money, or any kind of a gift, he/she was labeled a false prophet, and not of Elohim. Now, I wonder how this ‘test’ would separate the wheat from the tares in the modern, westernized church system?

 

A true prophet of Elohim will ALWAYS lead Adonai’s people back to the Torah covenant.

  

“But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.”  (1The 5:21 AMPC)

 

 ©2025

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[1] American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828

YOUR DAILY SLICE

 

ADAR 25

Maturity

 

“Therefore YOU shall be PERFECT, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”  (Mat 5:48 NKJV, emphasis mine)

The word translated as ‘perfect’ in the above verse (this final verse of Matthew chapter 5) is from the Greek word teleios (Strong’s G5046), and refers to that which is finished, complete, perfect. When applied to people, it signifies a total soundness, and includes the idea of being whole and mature.

One of the definitions Mr. Webster uses for the word ‘therefore’ is “for that or this reason, referring to something previously stated.”^[1] Using this definition, we can surmise that the entire chapter five of Matthew leading up to this verse is the “something previously stated.” I also believe it to be correct if we were to take ALL the instructions given to us throughout this chapter as the means for us to reach maturity, or ‘perfection.’  However, we will never be successful in this endeavor if we only hear, but never obey.

The Torah walk is just that:  a walk, a way of life, it is the actions we DO. We are accountable for how we live our lives, for all we say, and all our conduct and behavior. We can no longer afford to act like young, spoiled children, throwing ‘temper-tantrums’ when we do not get our own way. As the Apostle Paul said, we know in what hour of history we stand (Rom 13:11), and we no longer may play trivial games with our Elohim. We need to clothe ourselves with Messiah Yeshua (Rom 13:14) and be the light that He has called us to be.

“Now may the God of shalom, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood of an everlasting covenant, our Lord Yeshua, MAKE YOU COMPLETE in every good thing to do His will, accomplishing in us WHAT IS PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT, through Messiah Yeshua. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”   (Heb 13:20-21, TLV, emphasis mine)

  

Abba Father, we thank You. We thank You that You are faithful to teach us, to perfect everything that concerns us. We know that we are Your workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua for good works, and that You will complete that which You began in us. Abba, help us to remain pliable on the potter’s wheel, as You continue to shape us into the image of the Beloved, of Your Son, of Yeshua. May we always remember that it is Your hand on the wheel, loving and caring, and always faithful. Amein.

©2025

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[1] American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828

Your Daily Slice

ADAR 23

Yea or Nay

 

 “Just let your 'Yes' be a simple 'Yes,' and your 'No' a simple 'No'; anything more than this HAS ITS ORIGIN IN EVIL.”  (Mat 5:37 CJB, emphasis mine)

When called upon in a court of law to give testimony, we are required, by law, to “solemnly swear, that what we are about to say is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”  For many years, this oath was taken while placing your hand upon the Word of God, the Bible, which many people still acknowledge as being the Word of Truth.

Noah Webster defines ‘swear’ as “to affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed; to promise upon oath; to give evidence on oath; as, to swear to the truth of a statement”^[1]. In situations such as a legal issue, we understand where ‘oath taking’ is necessary to protect the innocent, and there are laws to ensure that those who bear false witness are severely punished.

However, in this verse above, Elohim is calling us to be people of OUR word. The days of the ‘old-time western movies,’ where a man’s word was as good as his handshake, is a biblical principal. If it is necessary to add anything to my ‘yes,’ or to my ‘no,’ basically what I am saying is that I do not tell the truth unless I am adding these extra oaths to my yea’s and nay’s … an impression that is not Messiah-like. My (natural) Dad told me many years ago, that my integrity is only equal to the importance I place on honoring my word. If my word cannot be trusted, relied on, and depended upon, then neither can I. Strong words, there. And if I choose not to honor my word, then, in essence, I am lying.

“Therefore, stripping off falsehood, let everyone SPEAK TRUTH with his neighbor, because we are intimately related to each other as parts of a body.” (Eph 4:25 CJB, emphasis mine)

“DO NOT lie to each other, since you have PUT OFF the old man with his practices, and have PUT ON the new one who is renewed in knowledge according to the likeness of Him who created him ...”  (Col 3:9-10, emphasis mine)

 

©2025

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[1] American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828

Your Daily Slice

 

ADAR 22

Divorce

 “And it has been said, ‘Whoever PUTS AWAY his wife, let him give her a CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE.’ “But I say to you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the matter of whoring, makes her commit adultery. And whoever marries a woman who has been put away commits adultery.” (Mat 5:31-32, emphasis mine)

“When a man takes a wife and shall marry her, then it shall be, if she finds no favour in his eyes because he has found a matter of uncoveredness in her, and he shall write her a CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE, and put it in her hand, and SEND HER OUT of his house …” (Deu 24:1)

  

The institute of marriage was created in the Garden of Eden, pure and sinless, and it is from the Book of Genesis that we find the original instructions concerning marriage: 

  

“Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Gen 2:23-24 AMPC). 

  

The word translated ‘cleave’ (dâbaq, Strong’s H1692) literally paints a picture of being welded and cemented together in such a way that nothing can come between the two. And this is our Creator’s desire for marriage: first, that it would be carried out according to the guidelines of Torah, and second, that there would be no separation between the two individuals.

Marriage is to be a ‘covenant’ relationship, always directing us towards the relationship between us and our future Bridegroom, Messiah Yeshua. The word translated from the Hebrew into our word covenant is the word beriyt (Strong’s H1285). As with so much of the Hebrew language, a great deal is lost in translation, and this word means more than just a covenant, or an agreement. It also portrays a relationship between individuals, an established and CONTINUALLY growing relationship, nurtured, and cultivated. The covenant between our Elohim and Abraham is one example of this, and the marriage covenant between a husband and wife is another.

Elohim designed the marriage in such a way that there would be the shedding of blood in the initial act of intimacy, sealing the covenant, making it one that is unbreakable. We learn from Eph 5:25 that a husband is to love his wife with the same covenant commitment as our Messiah loves His body of believers, His Bride. Verses 28 and 29 of chapter 5 speak of the husband loving, caring, and cherishing his wife as he does his own body – normally, people do not inflict pain and torment on themselves, and would consequently not do so to their mates. Because of his caring love, the wife is then eager to obey and submit to the headship of her mate.

Because of the disobedience of Adam and Chavah (Eve), we know that sin – transgression of Elohim’s Torah - entered the Garden of Eden, and corrupted everything, including the marriage relationship. People’s hearts became totally selfish and self-centered, concentrating on personal fulfillment and gratification. Turning their desires inward and becoming self-seeking, mankind was now hard and cruel toward one another. Divorce, and remarriage, became permissible under Torah (Deu 24:1-4), though it was never Elohim’s original design. However, an understanding of exactly what Torah says concerning divorce is needed before we can understand what our Master Yeshua addressed throughout the Gospels.

In Deuteronomy chapter 24, there are two SEPARATE actions taken against the wife that has not found favor: the sending away, or dismissing, and then the issue of the certificate of divorce. Two different and distinct words are used in the Hebrew: Shlicha (Strong's H7971), which means to send away, dismiss, or release, and sefer k’ritot (Strong's H3748), which is the actual certificate of divorce. The reason the wife did not find favor is because of an ‘uncoveredness,’ for which the Hebrew word is ervah (Strong's H6172), literally translated as nakedness, but implying an uncleanness due to any and all illicit or illegal sexual activity. If the wife was merely ‘sent away’ (Shlicha), she was not legally divorced, and could not re-marry. Only with a corresponding “certificate of divorcement” (sefer k’ritot) would she be allowed to re-marry.

 We find the same separate actions in the passage from Matthew chapter 5. Our Master Yeshua was again emphasizing the need for both actions to take place, and not just the one, the ‘putting away.’  Apparently, at that time, the norm was for men to ‘put away’ (apoluō, Strong's G630) their wives, without the binding certificate (apostasion, Strong's G647), as evidenced in Mark 10:1-12. We find in verses 11 and 12 of this chapter, Yeshua confirming the reason for both actions to be taken:  the ‘putting away’ (apoluō) is not enough, it is not a legal release or divorce, and to re-marry without the “certificate of divorce” (apostasion) will constitute adultery (punishable by death).

In Matthew 5:31, Yeshua lists fornication (or whoring) as a reason for putting away and divorce. The Word found here in the Greek is the word porneia (Strong's G4202), from which we have our word ‘pornography’. Porneia involves all illicit sexual activity, all perversions, including homosexuality, bestiality, and every form of incest (see Rom 1:18 through 2:8). We can surmise that sexual abuse was well known during the days of our Messiah, even as it is today.

What about other forms of abuse: physical, mental, verbal, emotional? Abuse of ANY form is wrong. It is a violation to abuse someone who is made in the image of our Creator. For so many years, the westernized church system has preached a doctrine that because “God hates divorce” (Mal 2:16), women (and even men!!!) must stay married, regardless of the abusive situation they are in. I do not believe this is correct. Though the ideal marriage would be between two Torah observant individuals, it is unfortunate that most marriages never start that way. However, even in these instances where forms of abuse are prevalent within a marriage, divorce should always be the last option – but it is a VALID option.

Divorce is not the "unforgivable sin".  Yes, our Elohim hates divorce, for the trauma, pain, destruction, and strife that it generates, but to “blanket-ly” say that God hates all divorce is not correct. Abraham was told in no uncertain terms to ‘put away’ Hagar, the slave woman (mother of Ishmael) with whom he had a covenant relationship (see Gen 21:10-14). In Ezra chapter 10, Elohim, through Ezra the priest, instructed the people of Israel to ‘put away’ all the foreign wives that they had taken to themselves during the time of the captivity – the reason for this ‘putting away’ being, these wives were pagan and worshipped idols instead of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We CANNOT be unequally yoked (2Cor 6:14).

There are men and women, brothers, and sisters, who have been divorced, perhaps for the wrong reasons, and are living under terrible guilt and condemnation. This guilt is not from our Abba Father. Run to Abba; crawl up into His lap and repent of whatever wrong you did. There is still healing for all the pain and trauma available, and deliverance from all the bondage and damage that has been done. Love covers, His grace and favor know no limits, and His mercies are new every morning …

  

“If, then, the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”  (John 8:36)

 

©2025

Your Daily Slice

 

ADAR 21

Restitution

 

“So if when you are offering your gift at the altar you there remember that your brother has ANY [grievance] against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come back and present your gift.” (Mat 5:23-24 AMPC)

In our opening verse, Messiah Yeshua is reinforcing the principle of restitution, reparation, and restoration – known as tikkun – strongly commanded throughout Torah (see Ex 21:33-36; Ex 22; Lev 6:2-7). Bear in mind that Israel was an agricultural society not only at the time Torah was written, but also in the time of our Messiah. Livestock, vineyards, and fields of grain were of great value; in other words, if my cattle demolished my neighbor’s wheat field, I could not bring my gift to the altar until I made restitution for the damage my cattle did. My sacrifice or gift would not be accepted, which meant I would not receive atonement or forgiveness until such time as reparation and restoration were accomplished.

The Westernized Church System has interpreted our opening verse as having to deal with being offended, and while there has certainly been an offense committed, that is not the main focal point of this verse. We need to acknowledge the fact that our sacrifices, gifts, and offerings will NOT be recognized without there first being restitution and restoration made to and with the one who is offended.

How does this relate in our 21^st century environment? What about those who are faithful ‘tithers,’ religiously giving their 10% while lying on their expense reports and/or timecards. And there are those who are more than willing to write out large checks to help with a building fund, while calling in to work for a ‘bogus’ sick day, only to spend it skiing because the powder was fresh. Let’s dig a little deeper:  what of those who find it easy to give to their favorite Israeli charity, as well as faithfully keep Shabbat, yet all the while bad-mouthing the neighbor down the street. In all three of these examples, restitution and reparation need to be made, to the employer that was, essentially robbed, and to the neighbor that was not 'loved as ourselves.'

Yeshua said, in our opening verse, “any grievance,” for ANY reason. ‘Grievance’ is defined as “a wrong considered as grounds for a complaint”^[1]. Having said that, I would suggest that we should diligently examine any complaints that others might have of us, and, when possible, attempt to make amends, even for what might have been perceived incorrectly.  Misunderstandings do happen; however, it is our responsibility to make peace with the one who is offended.

 

“Do all matters without grumblings and disputings, in order that you be BLAMELESS AND FAULTLESS, children of Elohim without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Phi 2:14-15, emphasis mine)

 

©2025

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[1] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/grievance