Our desire is for all to Seek the truth.

Pilate asked: …"What is truth?"… in question to Yeshua’s (Jesus’) statement:

John 18:37-38 Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

So when Pilot asked, "What is truth?" it was a fair question. If we all had the truth would we not all be of one accord? Especially when it comes to YHVH’s (the LORD’s) Word.

Ps 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.

Ps 119:151 You are near, O LORD, And all Your commandments are truth.

Ps 119:160 The sum of Your word is truth…

John 17:17 "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

225 (Strong’s) AV-truth, truly, true

2a1) that candour of mind which is free from affection, pretence, simulation, falsehood, deceit

Easton’s Bible Dictionary "Truth":

Used in various senses in Scripture.

4. Our Lord says of himself, "I am the way, and the truth" John 14:6

TRUTH: from ISBE ( International Standard Bible Encyclopedia). These statements have been greatly reduced from the original; we recommended one read it in its entirety. Emphasis mine.

1. Aspects of Truth:

(1) Ontological

(2) Logical

(3) Moral

(4) Religious

2. Standards of Truth:

3. Special Features in Biblical Writings:

(1) Yeshua as the truth of God becomes the standard and test for truth …

(2) …something to be realized and done, rather than something to be learned or known.

(3) the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth because His function is to guide into all truth

(4) The sum of Your word is truth… Ps 119:160

Psalm 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being…

John 4:24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

John 8:44 "…the devil… does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him…

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life…

John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth…

Are you ‘seeking the truth’ that you might know and do the will of the Elohim? YHVH will bless those that seek Him with their whole heart.

Proverbs 8:17 "I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.

Here in Proverbs it is wisdom that is calling out that we seek and find the truth.

"Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed."

When we look at the physical, humanly, we can only count on what we see. Abraham had a hard time at first understanding YHVH’s promise of a Seed that all the world would be blessed through. That One Seed has and will bring salvation (eternal life) to the many; only God can count the multitudes, from that Seed, that are called the "Sons of God’.

1. What physical problem did the man have who was let down through the roof to get to Yeshua (Jesus)?
2. Who wrote First and Second Timothy?
3. The ark of YHVH (the LORD) was in what enemy hands for seven months?
4. Tertullus said that Paul was a ringleader of what sect?
5. What did Esau sell to Jacob?
6. Name a learned man, born in Alexandria, who had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
7. Who said, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved"?

In our pursuit of humility:

"If we see a lack of humility in the disciples, and a contrast between Christ and men is brought out more clearly, it will help us to appreciate the mighty change that Pentecost brought and prove how real our participation can be in the triumph of Christ’s humility over the pride Satan breathed into humankind." Andrew Murray

The disciples had a struggle grasping the truth Yeshua presented to them during His earthy ministry. We also can see the reality of the power of pride in our being that is in opposition to the humility of Yeshua. We must be active participants in desiring the power of Yeshua’s humility, which He desires to impart to us by His Spirit of truth.

Starting in 1941, an increasing number of British airmen found themselves as the involuntary guests of the Third Reich, and the crown was casting about for ways and means to facilitate their escape.

Now obviously, one of the most helpful aids to that end is a useful and accurate map, one showing not only where stuff was, but also showing the locations of 'safe houses' where a POW on-the-lam could go for food and shelter.   Paper maps had some real drawbacks -- they make a lot of noise when you open and fold them, they wear out rapidly, and if they get wet, they turn into mush.

Someone in MI-5 (similar to America's OSS) got the idea of printing escape maps on silk. It's durable, can be scrunched-up into tiny wads, and unfolded as many times as needed, and makes no noise whatsoever..

At that time, there was only one manufacturer in Great Britain that had perfected the technology of printing on silk, and that was John Waddington, Ltd.   When approached by the government, the firm was only too happy to do its bit for the war effort.

By pure coincidence, Waddington was also the U.K. Licensee for the popular American board game, Monopoly. As it happened, 'games and pastimes' was a category of item qualified for insertion into 'CARE packages', dispatched by the International Red Cross, to prisoners of war.

Under the strictest of secrecy, in a securely guarded and inaccessible old workshop on the grounds of Waddington's, a group of sworn-to-secrecy employees began mass-producing escape maps, keyed to each region of Germany or Italy where Allied POW camps were located (Red Cross packages were delivered to prisoners in accordance with that same regional system).

When processed, these maps could be folded into such tiny dots that they would actually fit inside a Monopoly playing piece.

As long as they were at it, the clever workmen at Waddington's also managed to add:

1. A playing token, containing a small magnetic compass

2. A two-part metal file that could easily be screwed together

3. Useful amounts of genuine high-denomination German, Italian, and French currency, hidden within the piles of Monopoly money! British and American air crews were advised, before taking off on their first mission, how to identify a 'rigged' Monopoly set -- by means of a tiny red dot, one cleverly rigged to look like an ordinary printing glitch, located in the corner of the Free Parking square.

Of the estimated 35,000 Allied POWS who successfully escaped, an estimated one-third were aided in their flight by the rigged Monopoly sets. Everyone who did so was sworn to secrecy indefinitely, since the British Government might want to use this highly successful ruse in still another, future war.

The story wasn't de-classified until 2007, when the surviving craftsmen from Waddington's, as well as the firm itself, were finally honored in a public ceremony. Anyway, it's always nice when you can play that 'Get Out of Jail Free' card.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE, THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:

1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.

2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.

3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.

4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.

5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.

6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.

8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE, THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.

2) Wrinkles don't hurt.

3) Families are like fudge . . .mostly sweet, with a few nuts.

4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.

6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the joy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD

1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.

3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while

you're down there.

4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a

rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody

bothers to ask you the questions.

6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.

7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

Fully becoming the body of Yeshua

I attended a large feast of tabernacles (Sukkot) celebration in 2004 and it was for me a first real glimpse of what the "body" mentioned in scripture might be like.

There were several hundred attendees in a primitive campground for 8 days, all camped together in close quarters. In order to be able to keep things running smoothly people had to work together. Many shared in the responsibilities and worked together as a unit. From cooking meals, to washing dishes, to cleaning the portable showers and toilets, among several other tasks. My wife got quite sick at that time, but how people responded was amazing. It seemed someone was there to offer help and prayers and advice at every turn. The Spirit was moving in the camp. I found wisdom to many questions from someone, somewhere in the camp. We could feel the unity and one accord spoken of in the scriptures.

Why does there seem to be so much disunity and discord in the body today? It doesn't take much to get under someone's skin and create division and strife. Part of the reason for this I feel is our lack of understanding or perhaps forgetting of what the body of Yeshua truly represents, and the role we play in it.

The body, as we should know, is made up of many members (individuals), these members work together, performing different yet necessary functions as part of the body. But what keeps the body together, what unifies it and gives it direction? That is Yeshua! Yeshua is the head of the body, just like the brain of our own physical bodies. [Eph 5:23] [Col 1:18] Yeshua, being the head, is the essence of the body. [1 Cor 12:27] He mustn't be separated from the body or you end up with a corpse. [Mat 23:27]

We run into problems if we stop taking direction from our head (Yeshua) and start following others, or perhaps ourselves. This is very easy to do, especially if we haven't died to self by becoming a living sacrifice for Yeshua's use. [Rom 12:1] We need to seriously think about this and examine ourselves. [2 Cor 13:5] Is our heart still wrapped up in the things of this world? [Rom 12:2] Do we have any prized possessions or hidden idols that we find difficult to let go of? I recently saw the movie "Fireproof" which I highly recommend. In this movie the main male character was saving up for an expensive boat which caused much contention with his wife as her parents were in need. This would be an example of something I am talking about here.

Another big issue can be pride, do we think too highly of ourselves? [Rom 12:3] Do we spend energy boasting and seeking recognition for ourselves? Are we gossiping or speaking negatively about others? This is destructive to the body. We shouldn't be comparing amongst ourselves as we all have different jobs, yet we are all interconnected and dependent on one another whether we realize it or not, just as the different parts of a physical body. [Rom 12:4-5] Why not be content with our position in the body and not concern ourselves as it is YHVH's doing as to our calling. [1 Cor 12:18]

What will it take to accomplish this unity, this oneness and peace in the body? I think there are two main ingredients needed. First, we all need to desire this unity with our whole heart and attitude. [Mat 6:33] This verse on the kingdom may at first not seem to fit, but would we not define His kingdom as being peace and unity and oneness for all beings? Is this not our ultimate goal? Secondly, we need His Spirit to fill our body. [1 Cor 6:19] If we accomplish the first part, I believe YHVH will be faithful with the second.

There are some things we need to do to accomplish this unity, it can be a difficult task, but we need to get along with each other and to forgive. Read the following scriptures for some fundamental instructions about this matter.

Eph 4:2-3 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Col 3:12-17 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Cor 12:25-26 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

When things are going well for us and we are healthy it is easy to feel independent and to not need others. But let's not forget that this could change in an instant. This is the time we should be using to help others in need. Some day we may be in dire need and we know not whom YHVH might send to our aid.

This being said, at the same time I believe we can't ignore blatant sin in the body and those refusing to repent and turn away. [Pro 8:13] Blind acceptance is not the answer. If there is sin in the body, it is like a cancer that grows and spreads and weakens the body. Eventually killing it. I believe these scriptures in Matthew are in reference to the spiritual body we have been talking about.

Mat 18:7-9 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Another thing is becoming apparent to me lately. It seems we as a body are still not holy and zealous towards YHVH in unity. There is one thing that naturally draws out the best (and worst) in people and that is hardships. We should expect troubling times ahead for the body because it has been prophesied in the scriptures. YHVH knows what we need and wants us to be purified. [Tit 2:14] A trial by fire is needed to purify many of us. We will be forced to depend on each other and to share… or perish. This can be a painful process if we are not already learning these lessons. We might need to learn to be like those in the book of Acts just to survive.

Act 2:44-46 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Act 4:32-34 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Isa 41:6 They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

From this point on, and when things get more difficult, let's hold fast to our faith and encourage one another with the things that YHVH has already done for us. Also, let's not be like our ancestors in the wilderness, remember… DO NOT MURMUR! [1 Cor 10:10]

The good news is that we know the end of the story from the Bible. Yeshua's prayer will be fulfilled, there will be unity in the body… do you desire to be a member?

Joh 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Written by a fellow member.

Plant three rows of peas:

Peace of mind

Peace of heart

Peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:

Squash gossip

Squash indifference

Squash grumbling

Squash selfishness

Plant four rows of lettuce:

Lettuce be faithful

Lettuce be kind

Lettuce be patient

Lettuce really love one another

No garden without turnips:

Turnip for meetings

Turnip for service

Turnip to help one another

Water freely with patience and Cultivate with love. There is much

fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow.

To conclude our garden, we must have thyme:

Thyme for each other

Thyme for family

Thyme for friends

Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat; the score was tied zero to zero; and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs.

They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was "Love." Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails.

The next batter was named "Faith" who also got a single because Faith works with Love.

The next batter up was named "Godly Wisdom." Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass. Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked. . . because Godly Wisdom never swings at what Satan throws.

The bases were loaded. The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped "Grace."

Bob said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking they had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head, and sent him crashing to the ground; then continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team had won.

The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he didn't know why. The Lord explained, "If your love, faith, and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself.

Love, Faith and Wisdom get you on base, but only My Grace can get you home."

1. He was paralyzed - Luke 5:18, 24

2. Paul - 1Timothy 1:1 and 2Timothy 1:1

3. Philistine territory - 1Samuel 6:1

4. The Nazarenes - Acts 24:1-5

5. His birthright - Genesis 25:29-34

6. Apollos - Acts 18:24

7. Peter - Acts 4:12