Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.
(John 4:14)

(LIVING WATER)
ISSUE: #137

MEM

(Messianic Email Message)
Psalms 119:97 - 104

Seeking The Truth
MEM Index
Article Index

And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb
(Rev 22:1)

For His Glory!

Message
In My Name Part One What is in a Name? John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (NAS unless indicated) What is in a name? When you hear a name, let us say a particular person’s name, does it bring to mind a picture of what you know about them? Does this picture accurately portray that individual? What did Yeshua (Jesus) mean to ask in His name? Does it mean to end your prayer "In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name"? ** ISBE** (International Study Bible Encyclopedia under ‘name’; edited for length Scriptures provided in original document) A "name" is that by which a person, place or thing is marked and known. In Scripture, names were generally descriptive of the person, of his position… so that: "the name" often came to stand for the person. "the name" also stands for fame, renown, reputation, character to speak or write "in the name" signified authority; to "call one's name" over a place or people indicated possession or ownership; to act "in the name" was to represent; to be called or known "by name" indicated special individual notice … The Divine Name: Old Testament "YHVH" (The tetragrammaton [Greek meaning "four letters"] commonly transliterated into Latin letters as YHWH; the alternative YHVH is also used. Wikipedia) The Tetragrammaton is mostly translated as "The LORD" in modern translations, in some cases Jehovah. The "name of God was therefore not a mere word, but the whole of" the Divine manifestation, the character of God as revealed in His relations to His people and in His dealings with them; i.e. a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth," (Ex 3:15) His "memorial Name". to be "called by" the name of YHVH is "to be his people"; it implies "protection," etc. to "call upon" the name of YHVH was "to worship him" as God; "to confess" His name, to "acknowledge him"; to love, trust, act in, etc., "the name," was to love, trust, etc., YHVH Himself. "the name" of God stands for "God himself"; to "forget his name" was "to depart from him"; "to minister, prophesy, or speak" in His name signified Divine appointment, inspiration, authority to take His name "in vain" was to swear falsely… ** In the New Testament "name*" (onoma) has frequently also the significance of denoting the "character,"* or "work" of the person, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for it is he that shall save". The "name" of God has the same relation to the character of God as in the Old Testament; it is manifested by Christ; the name of Jesus, as manifesting God, takes the place of the name of YHVH in the Old Testament; to Him is given "the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow .... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord [YHVH], to the glory of God the Father," Phil 2:9-10 "It is not the name Jesus, but the name of Jesus", i.e. the name "Lord," received by Jesus; The "name of Jesus" represented His "authority" and "power," e.g. working miracles in His name (Matt 7:22; Mark 9:39; Acts 4:7…) "name of Christ" is equivalent to "Christ himself"; "His manifestation" (John 20:31); therefore "to believe on his name" is to believe in Him as manifested in His life and work (John 1:12; John 2:23); "in the name of God" means sent by God, as representing Him, with Divine authority (Matt 21:9; Matt 23:39). "In his name," by His authority and as making it effectual (Lu 24:47) … "To name the name" of Christ was to belong to Him (2Ti 2:19) … "In the name of" means "as representing" … In Relation to Prayer: to pray or ask as His representatives on earth, in His mission and stead, in His spirit and with His aim; it implies union with Christ and abiding in Him… W. L. Walker **** For additional explanation see the separate section titled "The Name" (below). ** Now consider what has been explained above and apply it as you read through the following Scripture verses. It is not the letters and the pronouncing them that is as important as what that name represents; the fame and renown, the power, the authority, the character of our Creator and the work of Elohim. The name of God Exodus 3:13 Then Moses said to God, "Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I shall say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' Now they may say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?" 14 And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 15 And God, furthermore, said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'The LORD [YHVH], the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name** to all generations. 16 "Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, 'The LORD [YHVH], the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me… Ps 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD [YHVH], Who made heaven and earth. Note - which one name should we call Him? Isa 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isa 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Ps 111:9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name. Zech 14:9 And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one. To be called by His Name Isa 43:1 But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! Zech 10:12 "And I shall strengthen them in the LORD, And in His name they will walk," declares the LORD. Zech 13:9 "…They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, 'They are My people,' And they will say, 'The LORD [YHVH] is my God.'" Mal 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. New Testament Matt 1:21 "And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus [Jehovah is salvation], for it is He who will save His people from their sins." Matt 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which translated means, "God with us." Matt 21:9 …"Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord [YHVH]; Hosanna in the highest!" To Pray Matt 6:9 "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Barnes: [Hallowed be thy name. The word hallowed means, to render or pronounce holy. God's name is essentially holy; and the meaning of this petition is, "Let thy name be celebrated, and venerated, and esteemed as holy everywhere, and receive of all men proper honors."] In My Name Matt 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." Mark 16:17 "And these signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, John 10:25 … the works that I do in My Father's name, these bear witness of Me. John 17:11 "…Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, the name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are. 12 While I was with them, I was keeping them in Thy name which Thou hast given Me… John 20:31 but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. ** Power in the Name Acts 3:6 But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene -- walk!" Acts 3:16 "And on the basis of faith** in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. Acts 4:30 while Thou dost extend Thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Thy holy servant Jesus." 1Cor 6:11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. Jas 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? … let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; Therefore: Phil 2:9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 2Tim 2:19 … "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness." Rev 2:13 … and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith… Rev 19:13 … His name is called The Word of God. Rev 19:16 … He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Rev 22:4 … and His name shall be on their foreheads. And so may it be - His Name on our foreheads. Next MEM will be Part 2 of "In the Name" - The Names of Jesus Thy Kingdom come… Amen ( editing is done to shorten length - you are encouraged to read the full commentary where applicable)*

Proverbs
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be more desired than great riches… Proverbs 30:9 Lest I be full and deny Thee and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or lest I be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. Webster 1828 (edited for length) 10. In Scripture, the name of God signifies; - His titles His attributes His will or purpose His honor and glory His word, His grace His wisdom, power and goodness His worship or service God himself To take the name of God in vain, to swear falsely or profanely, or to use the name of God with levity or contempt. Exodus 20. ******** Yeshua, keep us from taking Your name in vain.

Saying(s)
"Each time you are honest and conduct yourself with honesty, a success force will drive you toward greater success. Each time you lie, even with a little white lie, there are strong forces pushing you toward failure." - Joseph Sugarman How do people perceive you? Does your name to them conjure up a good or a bad image? Theological wordbook of the Old Testament 2405 (shēm) *name. (edited)* The concept of personal names … often included existence, character, and reputation. The name chosen for a child was often descriptive of the parent’s wishes or expectations for the personality that was to mature. This is particularly evident in the renaming process, e.g. Jacob becoming Israel (Gen 35:10). ******** YHVH help us to resolve to live by Your moral standards given in Your Word, by Your Name.

Bible Quiz
Whose son was sick at Capernaum? Who wrote two books of the Bible that have only on chapter each? Where did Paul stay during the time he was in Rome? Who masqueraded as an angel of light? What did Noah build after coming out of the ark? Name the King’s cupbearer who was concerned about the walls of Jerusalem. Who said, "It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps… Rather, have it go back ten steps"?

Humility
In our pursuit of humility: (Lessons from humility and death to self.) "As the soul in pursuit and practice of humility follows in the steps of Jesus, its consciousness of the need of something more is awakened, its desire and hope is quickened, its faith strengthened, and it learns to look up and claim that true fullness of the Spirit of Jesus that can daily maintain His death to self and sin in its full power and make humility the all-pervading spirit of our life." Andrew Murray ****** Acts 2:38** And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ******** Yeshua, may we have the fullness of Your Spirit, which is in Your Name.

Prayer
Understanding the precepts of prayer. In the book of Job, Elihu (the mystery friend), tells of a mediator providing redemption through a gracious Elohim. Job 33:22 [NET] He draws near to the place of corruption, and his life to the messengers of death. 23 If there is an angel beside him, one mediator out of a thousand, to tell a person what constitutes his uprightness; 24 and if God is gracious to him and says, ‘Spare him from going down to the place of corruption, I have found a ransom for him,’ 25 then his flesh is restored like a youth’s; he returns to the days of his youthful vigor. Job 33:26 He entreats God, and God delights in him, he sees God’s face with rejoicing, and God restores to him his righteousness. 27 That person sings to others, saying: ‘I have sinned and falsified what is right, but I was not punished according to what I deserved. 28 He redeemed my life from going down to the place of corruption, and my life sees the light!’ Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." ******** YHVH, thank You for Yeshua our redeemer and High Priest Mediator.

Heart of God
How does God feel about issues we face today? Words Not a single word God speaks is for naught. Every word is important. It is good that the Bible is written down so we can remember, can go back and reread to get it right, to share and to correct our life. We are not to read the Bible once or twice - but read it over and over again till it sinks in. It may never fully sink in in our life time. God wants us to be so fully familiar with His word that we recognize mistruth immediately and can point out scripture to show truth. Not to argue but to show truth. If we have to throw out half the bible to make a statement true, well then we should realize that the statement is highly suspect. God is truth. Is every word you speak important and true? But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matt 4:4 KJV) Material in this section is based on various prayer diaries.

Did you know:
Pass The Butter.... Please What is in a name? Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back. It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings.... DO YOU KNOW... The difference between Margarine and Butter? Both have the same amount of calories. Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine. Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study. Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods. Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and only because they are added! Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods. Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years. And now, for Margarine Very High in Trans fatty acids. Triples risk of coronary heart disease Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol) Increases the risk of cancers up to five times Lowers quality of breast milk Decreases immune response. Decreases insulin response. And here's the most disturbing fact... Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC... and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT These facts alone were enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance). Open a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things: * No flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it * it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not find a home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic.

Lighter Side
**************** Have a good day!

The Name
ISBE (edited) In Relation to Prayer: To pray in the name of Jesus, to ask anything in His name, according to His promises, "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do"; … is not merely to add to our prayers: "we ask all in the name of Jesus," etc., but to pray or ask as His representatives on earth, in His mission and stead, in His spirit and with His aim; it implies union with Christ and abiding in Him, He in us and we in Him. The meaning of the phrase is, "as being one with me even as I am revealed to you." W. L. Walker ** Ps 105:1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Isa 47:4 Our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel. Zech 10:12 "And I shall strengthen them in the LORD, And in His name they will walk," declares the LORD. Name in the New Testament: 172 verses: Name: Strong’s - Transliteration: Onoma - Phonetic: on'-om-ah - Definition: 2. the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one's rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc. From a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 - Definition: 1. to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel 2. to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of 4. to become acquainted with, to know Ezek 28:23 "… Then they will know that I am the LORD. **** TDNT** (edited) Ónoma [name, person], Historical Background. It is a common belief of antiquity that the name is not just a label but part of the personality of the one who bears it. New names are often given in puberty. The name carries will and power. About gods: The name works by its own power, for the deity is itself the name. The NT. ónoma as the Name of God or Jesus Christ. In the NT the name, person, and work of God are inseparably linked to those of Christ. This applies even to OT quotations or allusions, e.g., Mk. 11:9-10; Mt. 23:39; Acts 15:17. a. The name of God relates to revelation, and in this sense it is linked to "glory," thus expressing a specific approach and relationship. In Jn. 12:28 God glorifies his name in the life and work and then again in the death and resurrection of Jesus (cf. Jn. 17:6). b. The fullness of Christ’s being and work may be seen in his name. The divinely given name "Jesus" expresses his humanity and his mission (Mt. 1:21). It implies "God with us" (1:23). The exalted name he receives is that of Son (Heb. 1:4). He is also called Lord (Phil. 2:9-10), which denotes divine equality and is the name above all others. Hence Jesus is Lord of lords. Revealing the divine dominion, he is also King of kings (Rev. 19:16). The unity of nature and name may be seen in Rev. 19:13 and Jn. 1:1. He alone knows his name in the sense that he alone knows the fullness of his relationship with God (Rev. 19:12). Jesus acts in God’s name as the Christ (Jn. 10:24-25). His coming again completes his work (Mt. 23:39). His name, then, embraces the whole content of God’s saving acts (1 Cor. 6:11). Justification and sanctification in his name relate not to the mere pronouncing of the name but to baptism in the sense of Rom. 6:1ff. Forgiveness is in his name (Acts 10:43; cf. 1 Jn. 1:7; 2:12). Life is given in his name, i.e., by entry into his sphere of action or the sphere of his person (Jn. 20:31). As Peter says, salvation is only in his name (Acts 4:12). Those who enter into it are to do all things and to give thanks for all things in this name (2 Th. 1:12; Col. 3:17; Eph. 5:20). His name is the hope of all peoples, although it may mean judgment as well as salvation (Jn. 3:18). The Father sends the Spirit in the name of Jesus (Jn. 14:16). c. In Mt. 28:19 Father, Son, and Spirit come together and thus give fullness to the Father’s name. Baptism in this name means entering into fellowship with the Father through the Son and coming under the operation of the Spirit. d. The first petition of the Lord’s Prayer (Mt. 6:9) relates to the dawn of the kingdom and is thus a prayer, primarily that God will sanctify his own name in spite of all sin and opposition. The disciples of Jesus are to pray in the name of Jesus (Jn. 14:13-14), i.e., according to his will, on his commission, and with invocation of his name. e. Believing in His Name of Jesus is believing in him as the Christ, the Son of God (3:18). Belief arises through his acts of power (10:25). It confers a right relation to the Father (1:12). God commands it (1 Jn. 3:23). f. Believers in this name can act on its commission and in its power (Lk. 10:17). Even non-disciples find power in it (9:49). Works of mercy, too, are done in it (Mt. 18:5). It is the force in the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:6, 16). Paul drives out the spirit of soothsaying in the name (16:18). It is no magic formula but stands for Christ’s presence (9:34). Adjurations are used only by demons (Mk. 5:7) and the Jewish exorcists (Acts 19:13ff.). The name has power only where there is faith and obedience (cf. Mk. 9:38-39). This power is in answer to prayer (Acts 4:30; Jms. 5:14-15). g. The name of Jesus is the basis and theme of proclamation (Acts 8:12). Repentance is preached to the Gentiles in it (Lk. 24:47). Missionaries go out for it (3 Jn. 7). Saul persecutes it (Acts 26:9), but when converted, he proclaims it (9:27-28). He speaks on its commission (Rom. 1:5 etc.). h. Belief in the name leads to confession of it (Heb. 13:15), which is linked to suffering for it (Mk. 10:29; Jn. 15:21). The disciples are put to shame for it (Acts 5:41), and Paul and Barnabas risk their lives for it (15:26). The church at Pergamum holds fast to it (Rev. 2:13) and that at Philadelphia does not deny it (3:8). Reproach for the name means blessing (1 Pet. 4:14). Fulfilment for the church comes with reverence for the name (Rev. 11:18) and praise of it (15:4). Calling on it is salvation (Acts 2:17ff.), and it is named over believers, so that they are called Christians (11:26; Jms. 2:7). In the new creation the victors will bear the name of the Lamb with that of God and the new Jerusalem (Rev. 3:12). Investing with the new name marks entry into the new world order (cf. Is. 56:5). Unbelief is blaspheming the name (Rom. 2:24; 1 Tim. 6:1). 3. Other References. a. In the case of the beast, the name expresses ungodliness, for the beast usurps the names and titles of God (Rev. 13:1). The name or number is a mark denoting the beast’s sphere of power. In the case of the harlot, too, the name expresses ungodliness (17:1). Babylon violates the divine purity and majesty. The names Death, Hades, Abaddon, and Apollyon (6:8; 9:11) denote forces that are opposed to life as God’s true nature. Spirits have names. The name Legion suggests not only the nature and greatness of the spirit but also the fullness of the power … b. Jesus gives three disciples new names (Peter, James and John). The names of the apostles are the foundation stones of the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:14). Note here the link with the OT community (21:12). Jesus knows his own people by name (Jn. 10:3). These names are written in heaven (Lk. 10:20; cf. Rev. 3:5; Phil. 4:3). Christ promises those who overcome that he will not blot out their names (Rev. 3:5). The names stand because Jesus confesses them. With the white stones, the victors receive a new and secret name (2:17), which expresses a new nature and in exchangeable fellowship with Christ. [H. Bietenhard, V, 242-8] ****** Matt 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized… Acts 22:16 'And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' 1Cor 6:11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. His Name John 5:43 "I have come in My Father's name… Heb 1:4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Eph 1:21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things… Not so good names: Matt 24:5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. Mark 5:9 And He was asking him, "What is your name?" And he said to Him, "My name is Legion; for we are many." Rev 6:8 And I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. And authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth. Rev 8:11 and the name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter. Rev 9:11 They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon. Rev 13:17** and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. On Their Foreheads Rev 2:17 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.' Rev 3:5 'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. Rev 3:12 'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. Rev 14:1 And I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. 1John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

Cause and Effect
Scribbles (By Michael Boldea Jr.) One Constant - One Variable If in any given equation there is one constant and one variable and the answer to the equation is different than the last time, we can readily conclude it is because the variable has changed. The constant never changes, and this is why it is a constant. The variable however changes, and this is why it is a variable. In the age old question of ‘why aren’t we seeing the power of God as the primary church did?’ there is also a constant and a variable. The constant in this particular equation is God. The word of God tells us He does not change. He is ever the same, yesterday, today, and forever, and in Him there is no shadow of turning. Now if God is the constant, and He remains perpetually the same, then the variable must be the other component of the equation, namely man. Michael Boldea Jr.

Consider
Drive so that your driver’s license expires before you do A man in not paid for having a head and hands, but for using them You have reached middle age when you have learned to take care of your health and intend to start any day now Be thankful for the spot you find at the end of the parking lot, because it means you are capable of walking Son, waste not time looking for four-leaf clovers when there are weeds in your garden A handful of common sense is worth a bushel of learning God made time, but man made haste

Bytes
The Tower of Babel And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them." (Genesis 11:6; ESV) I heard a radio interview with futurist and inventor Raymond Kurzweil. Kurzweil believes that technology has been advancing at a rate much quicker than most of us realize. It is not as if technology has simply been increasing in a linear fashion, but rather exponentially. An example he gives is "The computer I used as a student took up half a building; the computer I carry in my pocket today is a million times cheaper and a thousand times more powerful. That's a billion-fold increase." The main subject of the Kurzweil interview was the real possibility that in the near future technology will enable us to live forever. Listening to what he had to say brought what may seem impossible into the realm of the possible. Whether Kurzweil's predictions prove to be accurate, he may or may not realize that he agrees with God's assessment of human potential at the time of the building of the Tower of Babel: "nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them." The building of the tower at that time was a technological marvel purposefully designed to be an expression of human greatness and preservation. God stepped in to ruin this plan through the confusion of language. By breaking down the lines of communication, he significantly reduced the rate of progress. We were made to be one family. We were designed to be great and to do great things. But our moral condition inherited from our first parents would have destroyed us. So God in his compassion disrupted our plans and slowed down progress in order to give us the opportunity to be restored to him through the Messiah. In our day, we find ourselves living in the midst of incredible achievements in technology and if Kurzweil is correct, we will soon experience even more incredible leaps in progress beyond most of our wildest imaginations. The Tower of Babel is being built. It just took a lot longer than planned. It's not a literal tower, but it is designed to serve the same purpose of the original. Technological advancements apart from God seek to preserve, protect and unite human beings on our own terms. The more we progress in this way, the less we are aware of the emptiness and depravity of our lives. Our technological Tower of Babel is a fortress through which we attempt to shelter ourselves from the reality of human need that stems from our alienation from God. God's people need to see this technological Tower of Babel for what it is with its empty promises of happiness, greatness, and immortality. It is a sham that seeks to cover up who we really are without God. As we give ourselves to the understanding of God and his ways as revealed through the Scriptures, we may be called to disengage this exponential development of human achievement as we embrace the eternal life available to us through the Messiah. Unless we build our lives on God's foundation, we will crumble when the technological Tower of Babel falls. By Alan Gilman TorahBytes Communications *(This document may be edited for length)

Psalm Promise
Psalm 62:6-8 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. The Name of Elohim is defined by what He is to us - to the Psalmist He is: His strength His Salvation His stronghold - Rock - Refuge His glory The one we can trust ** Blessed be YHVH** (Genesis 14:20 And blessed be God Most High…)

Essence of Message
Micah 4:5 Though all the peoples walk Each in the name of his god, As for us, we will walk In the name of the LORD our God forever and ever. Philippians 2:9-10 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth,

Quiz Answers
1. A royal official - John 4:46 2. John - 2 John, 3 John 3. In his own rented house - Acts 18:1 4. Satan - Acts 10:24, 44 5. An alter to YHVH (the Lord) - 2 Kings 17:6-7 6. Nehemiah - Nehemiah 1:1-4, 11 7. Hezekiah - 2 Kings 20:10

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