The Hebron Shofar

Focusing On The "LITTLE" Picture

Isn't funny how performing certain activities can bring back precious memories of times gone by?

While working on a new janitorial contract one afternoon I thought of my mother and how she supervised us when we were doing our chores on Saturdays.

One day in particular, my brother and I were busy sweeping the living room, and dining room floors.
It was so easy for us to see the bigger pieces of paper or debris in the middle of the floors and right away we would sweep it up. "No problem, job well done right?"

Not so fast....Mom was always able to spot dust and very small particles of debris along the crevices of the baseboards, or far underneath the couch. We'd be so frustrated because it was just another speed-bump to hinder us from finally going outside to hang out with friends as we were promised.
It almost seemed as if she could just smell dirt anywhere!

Ahhh precious memories, how they linger...

That stroll down memory lane brought to mind my walk with Christ and my reaction / response to sins that we as believers commit on a regular basis. More importantly, it made me see how people grade sins of the flesh on different levels. For instance; just taking a little pocket-change from your moms purse without asking is not as bad as robbing a bank; or there's no real harm in telling a little white lie...even though we've been taught as children sitting on grandma's lap; "Thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor..." (Exodus 20:15-16)

Let's be clear about one thing; the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:23-"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

In the eyes of God "All Sin" is rated on the same level and is subjected to the same consequences.
We cannot separate or over-look one from the other; this one doesn't out-weigh that one they are all one in the same and all lead to the destruction of our souls. God see's and knows all; there is nothing that can be hid from Him.

One cannot close a blind eye to the couple who are shacking up and not see it as fornication, nor can one point a judgmental finger at homosexuality and simply breeze past those who are committing adultery. It is so easy to not see what we label as little sins when our attention is so focused on what we've determined as being outlandish and so wrong.

Truth of the matter is that God hates all manner of sin; the very scent of it leaves a stench in His nostrils... When we are so ready and willing to point out the shortcomings of others, it stands to reason that we've already overlooked our own faults and never recognize them as being major issues that will at some point lead to our spiritual demise.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:4-5..."...how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye. Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brothers eye..."

This is not accomplished by hurling accusations, but by living a life in which Christ can be revealed in us. It is foolish to think of ourselves as strong and big in the Lord when we can't see the little things that separate us from God.

Always remember; when we abide in the True Vine we can't be spoiled by the little foxes that come along. It is our responsibility to resist all the deeds of the flesh and walk in the Spirit. By doing so we not only sweep clean these body's which house our spirit man, but we also move one step closer to gaining eternal life.....exactly as promised.

(Reference Song of Solomon 2:15 and John 15:1)

"LIVING THE BLESSED LIFE"

I’m certain we all can agree that in this day and age; all of mankind is consumed by many issues in life… Our personal & financial status, our levels of education, mortgage and rent, marital status and marriage problems; political and racial issues just to name a few.

What boggles my mind is this; as children of the only true and living God we tend to allow each of these issues and more to dictate how we function in the Kingdom of God, even to the point of overlooking, forgetting, and neglecting the promises of God.

How is it that today’s Christian is so good at quoting scripture and cliches that we have difficulty living?

We say it loud and we say it proud…we can quote it well but fall very short when it comes to applying what we quote and truly representing each cliche…

To be Blessed is often defined in the mouths of every believer as gaining wealth and material things; but Blessed is often mis-understood because it is a word with so many different implications.

Psalms 1:1-3 describes the blessed person in this manner:

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

The first verse refers to association…It is a very known fact that who we associate with and listen to speaks volumes about who we are and what we become.

In reading this particular Psalm we find here that Godly wisdom declares the final outcome of two ways:

The way that sinners take and the way of the righteous.

The psalmist develops three differences that set the righteous apart from the wicked:

(1) He refers to their “way” of life

(2) He speaks of their life condition they experience (“like a tree,” “like chaff,” )

(3) He climatically points to God’s judgment on their different ways:

It is very possible to be transformed by the company we keep whether it’s:

1. Gossip which equals back-biting which equals character
assassination

2. Lasciviousness, lewdness, which can lead us into
fornication and adultery

3.Drug dealing, drug and alcohol abuse, physical abuse
Thug-life, theft, murder which leads to prison life…etc.

You know the old saying…”Birds of a feather flock together”

This psalm reminds the reader that those of us who are seen as the people of God must be characterized by the fact that we delight in God’s revealed will and purpose; but for those who stubbornly choose the way of sinners there is no place in the Kingdom of God.

Take note that the godly behavior referenced in all of the Psalms is a faithful response to God’s written directives for life—which is the path that leads to blessedness.

The apostle James admonished us that if we are only hearers of the word and not doers we deceive only ourselves…

We must always remember that "Living The Blessed Life":

Demands that we as believers are courageous enough to not only stand against the wiles of the Devil, but against the ungodly mandates of this wicked culture, by standing on the word and promises of God

It means that the Word and Spirit of God dwells daily within our hearts so that we demonstrate His word even better than we can quote it

It also means that we keep our minds on the things of God, and live a life that brings glory and honor to Him

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Sub-con-scious:


1 adjective - existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness /a subconscious motive

2 noun - the mental activities just below the threshold of consciousness - that part of a person's mind which has ideas, feelings, etc., that the person is not aware of...


When I was an elementary school student I remember hearing many of our teachers say that "an idle mind is the Devil's workshop"..... for many years I didn't really understand the meaning of that statement. Never-the-less, as I grew older I would encounter dreams that felt so real and sometimes frightening, while other times I'd have thoughts that seemed to bring on anger and yet provide results that delivered an eerie satisfying relief.

On the other hand I've also had thoughts and dreams that were of a vial and wicked nature bringing with them a dual affect.

The one common denominator contained within each, is that they seemed to just spring up from nowhere... I call those times;

"The Suddenness's Of Life"

For instance, have you ever witnessed a friend or loved one having something that you desired for yourself but couldn't afford? All of a sudden you become overwhelmingly envious of that individual and begin to wish for evil to come against them?

Have you ever dreamed or thought of causing harm to someone that you're around everyday; perhaps a co-worker, classmate, or family member? Ever have that feeling of invincibility and thought you could commit wicked acts against another person and feel that once it's done you'll be relieved? Then all of a sudden you question where that idea originated?

6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. 8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
Proverbs 23:6-8

The mind that lacks a measure of concentration on Christ will almost, always slip into the darkness of idleness...having an idle mind is equivalent to starting a car with the idea of going somewhere, but instead just letting it sit in the driveway with the engine running; that car is simply wasting precious gasoline and ultimately the car will go no place....

In the same manner, when we neglect to protect our heart with the word of God, our mind is left defenseless against the tricks and suggestions of Satan. The real problem here is that the believer becomes so vulnerable to the wiles of the Devil, he/she never realizes they even have these feelings and urges lodged deep within the recesses their soul.

Only a continual washing by the water of the word of God can the modern day disciple avoid the pitfalls and snares laid down by a very cunning enemy.

Psalm 119:11 states: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee..."

Knowing that the word of God is also recognized as "The Sword of the Spirit" we understand that even in our sleep we are more than able to combat spiritual wickedness in high places.

"HOWEVER";

You must also apply preventive maintenance to your spirit-man by monitoring what you download into your thought process. Your mind is a computer that is fed data all day long, and the thoughts that you save to your mental hard drive will ultimately play out in your actions... actions which will be out of character for you.

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14

In order to win the battles that rage in our minds we must ensure that our thoughts while awake are always on the precepts and commandments found in Gods' word; then will we not only learn and know His heart, but we will secure our hearts and become more like Jesus.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:6-8

Remember: Keeping your mind stayed on Jesus, will bring you into perfect peace with the Father...

Simply Put....

"It's A Matter Of The Heart...In Your Mind"