• Home
Torah For Women

Blog

The Name Game

4/7/2016

 
Picture
Here on Torah for Women you will often see the name Jesus or the word "God" appearing alone in the sentence, or in parenthesis following Yeshua (Jesus) and Yahweh (God) or Abba (father). There's a very good reason for this: one of our goals here is to share His teaching, Torah, with everyone that we can, everyone He brings to this site.  Jew and gentile, believer and non-believer, follower and seeker.  This includes those who identify as Messianic and Christian, no matter what sub-group, denomination, or doctrine you profess. We are here to deliver the truth to all that come and in terms they and you understand.

I am sure many of you have been there, at the beginning of your journey, hearing all the discussion about which name is correct and which ones are pagan or not.  Maybe you switched from Yeshua, to Yahushua, to YAHshua, to YEHshua, and back again.  From YHVH (yod hay vav hay) to Yehovah, to Yahweh.  Maybe you are even still looking for the correct pronunciations of Moshe (Moses), Shimon (Simon), Yakov (Jacob, also known as James), and Yochanan (John).  Then, what happens when suddenly the name of Jesus slips out of your mouth because you have used it for 30, 40, 50 years, and it is what you know, all you have known, and are used to using?

This is a legitimate internal struggle for some and sometimes a stressful time because they have a deep desire to please God in every aspect of their lives.  They have read the promises about saying His name, and they have a deep desire to not "get it wrong".  Some are almost fearful that He won't answer prayers or hear them if they say his name "incorrectly".

That is why you will see us use Yeshua (Jesus, sometimes even Christ), Yahweh (God), and Abba (Father) when we discuss topics or publish books.  Everyone, everywhere is at different levels of understanding and learning.  We cannot know their understanding just by starting a conversation with them for a few minutes or quickly chatting with them online, and we cannot know who we will reach with our teachings. 

In the Torah movement,  we have seen everything from individuals who are trying to teach people the basics and Hebrew names with loving kindness to pure inexcusable venom, insulting and hurting people until they are crushed.  I honestly cannot say I have seen it all because, sadly, I seem to be surprised each week by someone new that I meet who crosses a line into wickedness toward another believer. It pains me to see the whole thing play out.

As followers of Yahweh, we can either choose to be forceful and harsh, gentle and mild, or somewhere in between. Or we can choose to follow His spirit and teach the truth. His truth.  As Yeshua taught. We are keepers of His word, seekers of His truths ourselves, you know.  Weren't we once there, in that place, trying to discover, trying to figure things out?   

In daily life we come in contact with so many people, and we may find that we need to adapt the message for their comprehension.  I am not suggesting or even implying that we adapt it to compromise or soften His Truth, as so many in the churches are doing today. However, we must be ready to teach in "their language," just as you would teach someone in Chinese, French, or any other foreign language, while still holding firm to The Word. 

This was driven home to me the day we excitedly showed a video to a loved one who is not on the same Torah walk yet.  We could not wait to share the message we received from the program, but the creator of the video used names that she had never heard before.  He used all Hebrew names for the apostles, the books of the bible and the Hebrew name for Jesus. This might be fine and acceptable for a Jewish person that spoke Hebrew, but you could see on her face that she had no idea of whom he was speaking.  She became frustrated, and I don't believe the message we had hoped she would receive was the message she got. In fact, I am not sure she got much of a message at all.  What would have been the result, though, if the maker of the video had used names she recognized: Jesus, God, Moses, Paul, etc. Would she have heard the message in a way that would touch her heart?  I believe so.  I know some people want to use Hebrew when they speak or write for accuracy, but why do people use Hebrew when they are speaking to an audience that has no understanding of Hebrew? 

At TorahforWomen.com and our main ministry, Shofar Productions, ​we have been called to reach souls and touch lives for the kingdom. We take to heart the example of Ezra and the other priests "They read from the book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage." Nehemiah 8:8 NLT

If you find fault with this and feel a spirit of contention, then we challenge you to examine your attitude against the numerous scriptures that speak against stirring up strife, against pride, speaking evil, and spreading false statements. 


​​
"I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4 WEB



NLT - Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996' 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015, by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
​
For More on The Name Click Here

My Prayer and Inspiration Book

4/6/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture

Peter, James, John, Paul, Moses, David. There are countless examples in scripture of people recording things. Everything from every day items and genealogy to seriously important prophetic words for those in the future. Dreams, visions, or revelations have all been written for people to read and study today as they work toward a better relationship with Yahweh. Today we call these records “The Bible”, Torah or “scripture” and look to them for the words of Yahweh, for teachings, guidance, comfort, and strength.

We can see so many examples of people either feeling it is important to make records, or being told directly by Yahweh to do so. Examples of this can be found in Exodus 24:4 when “Moses wrote all the words of the Lord”, and we see the Ten Commandments being written, then they were to be stored in the Ark. 1 Chronicles gives another example of how certain Levites were appointed to make records, and in Revelation 1:19 John is point blank told to write the things he has seen, things that are happening and things that are to come. It is very obvious that Yahweh feels that his words of counsel and direction need to be remembered and recorded.

If His ancient words were important then, how important are the things he speaks to your heart now? Personally, I have found they are very important in my life. Not long ago, He impressed upon me to get a journal and record all that he shares with me, in dreams or in prayer time with Him. What a blessing it has been to follow his instruction in this matter!

Before writing things down, I would know that he had blessed me, but I could not always recall them.  Sometimes I would forget important details that I should have remembered.  When trying to share a testimony with others, I would have to rack my brain to find examples of when He has comforted, strengthened, or blessed me. I also would have moments of frustration thinking Yahweh had not blessed me, and maybe even feeling a little left out or not sure he has been with me in a trial. Now, with my journal, I can call upon my records and remind myself or share testimony with others of times when Yahweh has been truly loving to me.

What should you write down? How about recording your dreams? Daniel, Habakkuk, and Joseph all had dreams. The dreams are written in the Bible for us to study and learn from. When you awake in the middle of the night and have one of those dreams that feels so very real, or that has touched your spirit in a way that is different than your “normal” dreams, write down what you remember before it is washed away in your sleepiness. If you can, record as many details as possible. Places, scenery, as well as the people there, whether someone you know or strangers. Sometimes you may find there is a pattern that will reveal something to you about lessons you need to learn in the Torah or improvements you can work on in your character or changes to make in life.

“For God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed; Then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction.” Job 33:14-16 WEB

When you pray and you have that burning feeling that an idea needs to be written down? Write it down! During prayer time I have been truly inspired with topics to write on, have been led to find scriptures I could not recall when I needed them for teaching or for self-study, and was encouraged to study a specific topic for personal edification or for someone in need. Whenever I get an inspiration for teaching, or even personal revelation, I always enjoy taking the time to compare it with scriptures to validate it, then I study it as much as I can. I have grown so very much in His ways and His word by writing down and following His inspirations for me.

Often I take the time to go back and read what was recorded in the past. I try to do this at least every few weeks to see what has come to fruition, what needs to be worked on, what blessings He has worked in my life. I write it all down, too, no holds barred. The positive AND the negative, because I know I am not perfect and may need some refining; and sometimes he rebukes my attitude or my lack of study. I need to hear that just as often as I hear the good things. When I do go back over these pages, I can see how much I have grown, where I still need to work on myself, and can be lifted up by the evidence of the power of Yahweh in my life. These are the times that drive home that our Abba is a loving and gracious father! Psalm 86:15 KJV “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

I also like to make notes of changes that have happened or blessings fulfilled, often in an ink of a different colour, so that I can see what is new in life. This always helps in those low moments, too, when you feel as though you are questioning His presence. When you see all the wonderful moments where His hand has corrected, protected, guided, or directed, it gives you courage and strength knowing He has your back. Psalm 121:1-3 WEB “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber.”

I challenge you to take the time and make the effort to run to the store and grab yourself a simple journal to make your own records of His words to you. It need not be a big, expensive, leather bound journal, a simple pad of paper will do. Just make it your own and fill it with His love shown to you in inspirations and record the expressions of faith for your life. Each week on Shabbat you can take your journal, review your inspirations and compare them to the scriptures. You will see how visible He is in your life. Blessings and shalom!


Blessings and Shalom.
2 Comments
    NOTE: Comments may be closed on most posts. In lieu of comments we asked that you use our contact form, or contact us by social media.

    Partner with our work with a donation of $10 or more to help spread our message of truth and hope for all women. Thank you.

    Picture

    Lead Author (Bio)

    Yehudit (Judith)
    ​ 
    CEO and founding partner of a recruiting firm.
    **
    Former real estate agent
    **
    Former Captain and
    Deputy Commander of a
    U.S. Air Force-AUX squadron
    **
    Served as educator and board member of an educational academy.
    **
    Co-Founder and joint partner of an international Messianic ministry.
    **
    Host of an international Messianic radio program 
    **
     Author of several books.
    **
    Judith has studied at:
    Tel Aviv University
    University of Pennsylvania
    And currently working toward a Master of Theology
    *** 
    ​Judi is a a true disciple of Yeshua following his teachings and the instructions of his apostles. She is able to connect the root of these teachings to the heritage of her Hungarian-Jewish family. 
      
    ***
    She views the
    TorahforWomen.com websites as a ministry that has the potential to change lives in women and families for generations. She does not take her calling lightly, but sees herself as a steward of Yahweh's truth. With that stewardship comes  accountability to Yahweh to cut through the error seen online and only deliver facts as clearly affirmed by scripture. 


    Picture

    Associate Author

    Jim, (Judi's husband), has Sephardi Jewish ancestry and is a minister and head of Shofar Productions. Jim was a denominational pastor, hospital chaplain, and former director of a non-profit community organization. 

    He has studied at: 
    - Park University
    - Berean School of the Bible/Global University
    - World Harvest Bible Training Center
    - UCMI
    - And currently involved in advanced studies into New and Old Testament Textual Criticism and Archaeology. 

    Jim  has also served in the U.S. Army as an Intel Analyst, a commander in the Civil Air
    Patrol and leader of search and rescue teams. 


    Jim often writes articles and books and will join Judith in writing for the TorahforWomen.com website. Judi feels it's important that a man's view point be included on the site for balance and perspective. Jim has researched  many of the issues about women and has shattered the error of traditional doctrines with scriptural evidence. Like Judi, Jim also has a passion for truth and the teachings of Yahweh.

    Archives

    October 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016

    RSS Feed

Services

Blog

Podcasts
​
Videos

Products Page

Biblical Diet



Ministry

About

Main Ministry Page
​

Statement of Faith


Info

Contact

Terms of Use

Privacy
​

DMCA




© COPYRIGHT 2015. TorahforWomen.com
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.

Compensation Disclosure: We participate in affiliate programs and are compensated. Therefore, if any reviews are given on this site they should not be considered unbiased reviews or an unbiased endorsement. Your purchase helps support our work so we will actively market and suggest products we are compensated for. We do are best to find trusted companies to affiliate with, but you are required to do your own due-diligence with any product or service prior to purchasing. We are not responsible for third-party actions, inaction, promises, guarantees, delivery, payment processing, or handling of your information, or after-sale service or support.  Use of this site is your agreement to all the terms posted here or linked.
Scripture use: Whenever possible we will use the following Public Domain versions; the King James (KJV), Youngs Literal Translation (YLT), or World English Bible (WEB) versions. However, for greater clarity we may use other copyright versions of the scriptures by permission or under fair use. Click Here to see copyright information and statements for each version.
  • Home