Worship

by Tricia Pollok

YHVH didn't name all the false gods of man that He knew would be worshiped today. The adversary leads us to believe that if you aren't literally calling on the name of Molech or Baal, you aren't worshiping false gods. It's not the literal name we speak or the bowing down to a physical image that determines whether or not we are worshiping a mighty one other than YHVH. An image and a name are not necessarily physical! If we are worshiping our God in the way the nations worship their gods, even if we physically "call" upon His Name, we actually aren't worshiping Him.

“When יהוה your Elohim does cut off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, guard yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire about their mighty ones, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their mighty ones? And let me do so too.’ “Do not do so to יהוה your Elohim, for every abomination which יהוה hates they have done to their mighty ones, for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their mighty ones. “All the words I am commanding you, guard to do it – do not add to it nor take away from it. Deuteronomy 12:29-32

His Name is defined by His desires, His Set-Apartness, how He defines Righteousness, how He defines love, His Sabbaths, His Cycles, His Instructions, His reputation, His very essence. We each have a physical name, but our NAME means MUCH more than what people call us!

We must worship Him His Way, and not our OWN way. Whose name and image is being worshiped when we make up our own unscriptural feast days and sabbaths? It's not the Messiah of Scripture, that's for sure!

YHVH didn't name all the idols of the earth because it's not a physical name that is the real problem. The adversary knows the Word intimately, do we not think he would "name" the idols he uses to deceive man differently than YHVH wrote in Scripture?

The delusion is GREAT! Come out of Babylon, and leave behind all of the false mighty ones that are false images of the TRUE Messiah!

"“And it shall be in that day,” declares יהוה of hosts, “that I cut off the names of the idols from the earth, and they shall be remembered no more, and I shall also remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the earth." Zechariah 13:2

Accuser of the Brethren

I was blessed to receive more than one "accusation" from similar sources in a relatively short time span . . .  I say blessed, because I knew that I knew the accusations were false, which; as I am not perfect, is not always the case.  This time the accusations were immediately preceded or followed by "outreach" of deeper communication or  a "would be strengthened" relationship.  Interestingly, the timing for sudden depth raised a huge red flag in all the situations.  HalleluYah!

As a rule, I try to go the extra mile, and definitely give others the benefit of the doubt, but this time in three different situations, it was simply different.  I'd already given all these folks far more than the second mile and their presumptuous authority far exceeded their level of integrity.  The Revelation tells us just who the accuser of the brethren is, and I'm not saying all these individuals are demon possessed, but I do know the accusations were not righteous judgment, and thankfully did not cause me to abandon my direction in an attempt to make peace with their confusion.  I actually had the proof to counter the false accusations, but . . . YaH had already warned me ahead of time, the accusations would be coming and gave perfect Instruction as to how to handle them.  Isaiah 50:7 is powerful!  For Adonai YHWH will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.  I am not always guiltless when accused, but in these situations I was.  Obviously, I had not met the expectations of the accusing parties, but I was not guilty of what they were accusing!

Although, the relationships appear to have changed, they really haven't.  The relationships were not good to begin with, and that fact is now known to all involved.  I learned that amazing fact, a few years ago in working on one of my books.  The words of Messiah regarding the second mile and turning the other cheek, were not instructions for dealing with a good or close relationship.  Once I've tried my best and someone has attacked my spiritual core, I no longer feel the need to work harder on that relationship.  As a matter of fact, when the accusations and name calling take place, with rejection; I stop taking the entire situation personally and that is my freedom.  My attention and effort are simply no longer required!  My effort will accomplish nothing and my attention could result in my own downfall, in the focus.

In making that last statement, the situation does not receive negative attention either, it is simply time to move on!  I don't discount the individuals, nor do I harbor a grudge or seek vengeance, I'm simply done.  In my heart I wish them well in their endeavors or in case they were under some sort of demonic influence or oppression, I pray for their deliverance, and that's all.  I don't ask what else I can do, and I don't offer concession.  No hard feelings, just done!

These past few accusations have been quite freeing.  I am at peace with not defending myself, standing on Isaiah 50:7.  My life is simply moving forward, I'm not looking to right or to the left, and certainly not back . . . and I refuse to justify any false accusation with a defense.  The spiritual accusations were the lowest I've ever heard.  They simply cannot get worse, so there is no reason, whatsoever; to engage and take the chance that my words could deserve a new accusation.

The Battle Lines Are Drawn

Americans are up in arms and of course, divided on the subject of Syrian Refugees.  As I watch some of the professing Christians make posts, anticipating their persecution, I'm having trouble.  Supposedly, internet platforms and social media hosts have spoken out in support of Islam.  This news has ruffled more than a few American feathers, but in reality, the religious Americans claiming Biblical beliefs are so far from united, and so busy arguing with each other, how could they be persecuted as a group?  And how would they know who was actually persecuting them?

I've had many Christians come to my home, use my hospitality, only to disagree with me religiously.  Some have even said I'm legalistic and in danger of losing my salvation.  I've also hosted folks who claimed to be Christians searching for Torah truth, only for them down the road, to contact me denying Messiah, while claiming to embrace Torah.  Much of mainstream Judaism and Christianity have embraced the Gay Agenda, so will the Muslim persecution be because of their religion or gay rights?  In Muslim countries, gays are killed.  I still haven't figured out how the left wing plans to support both Islam and LGBT . . . Nor can I understand how the right wing can possibly pull their denominations together, except to unite on what they are against.  That doesn't sound like much of an actual direction . . .

Then there are the Torah observant believers all talking about unity, while actually appearing to disagree on most every detail.  The rabbis and teachers are abundant and everyone has correction to offer.  Oh, I almost forgot the percentage of those who call Paul a false apostle.  I can't omit the polygamists that are trying to gain traction.  Actually the term is supposed to be polygynists, as only men can have multiple wives, where polygamy is not gender specific.  I don't know how these polygynists justify teaching and leadership when the letter to Timothy clearly states a man with more than one wife is not to even be a deacon, much less a congregational leader.  

As a Torah observant follower of Messiah, I'd like to say this.  Finding fellowship is already nearly impossible.  I have enjoyed fellowship with those in traditional Judaism and learned a great deal.  I also enjoy some Christian fellowship, although I now know, many do not appreciate my fellowship . . . but to have full access beyond geography of "supposed" like minded/spirited folk, only to find continual debates, differences and accused error regularly posted is beyond disheartening.  I see now why so many question Paul's authenticity.  When he listed the gifts of the spirit, he failed to include the gift of criticism.  When he listed the fruits of the spirit, he clearly failed to mention the fruit of condescension.

I've been schooled by social media Torah teachers as to how to be a student.  I've been analyzed by amateur psychologists, and corrected by Christians with self-proclaimed titles.  I simply do not see how anyone can truly believe another religion is going to figure out what we believe when we can't agree on anything.

What if Ephesians 6:12 really isn't talking about a defeated devil that is neither ominpresent nor omniscent?  What if in Ephesians 6:12, principalities could be translated " religious ideology?"  Powers could be the various denominations, sects, and cults across all religions and political parties?  Rulers of darkness could be the staunch adherents of self exaltation. . . . atheism, hedonism, and narcissism come to mind . . .  What if spiritual wickedness in high places is nothing more than the powers that be introducing Torah rebellion, division on every level in every faction, causing the chaos that will lead the way to the outcry of the masses for a new world order with one leader; the false Messiah?

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Ephesians 6:12

Whether my "what ifs" are accurate or not, we do need to realize there is no answer outside of the Creator of the Universe, who can only be approached through His Son.  The Word of our Creator stands forever, so it's far past high time to stop teaching against full obedience to His Commandments, and realize our own interpretation is in fact doing what is right in our own eyes, which is rebellion.  It is completely possible that the Syrian "refugees" in America are exactly what Israel's enemies were in the Old Testament, punishment for rebellion against The Word.  The Word  is Torah and the Word in the flesh is Messiah.

 The Elohim of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.  II Samuel 22:3

Is Insurance the Antonym of Faith?

I simply cannot help but wonder how our Creator sees all of our methods of financial security and protection.  I realize we do have to insure "stuff" that could damage another person or another person's "stuff," due to the excess of laws and lawyers, but I'm talking about the acceptance that we need insurance and care for our bodies beyond what Adonai has promised.  I was speaking with someone recently, who was very vocal in their disdain of the Affordable Care Act along side Medicare.

For so many folks of faith to have such strong feelings against the current administration, perhaps it's time to realize this current administration could be the last "wake up call!"  Perhaps it's time to reevaluate just what it means to "come out from among them and be separate."  We've really mingled the promises of the Word with the wisdom of man for far too long.  Isaiah tells us the ways of our Creator are not our ways and Paul confirmed that with "the wisdom of man is but foolishness to Elohim."  So why do so many insist that our Creator needs so much help to keep us sheltered, safe, and healthy?  It crept in slowly and rather slithery . . . seemingly helpful.

We insure our homes . . . but not really.  What is insured is the mortgage.  In case the house was damaged, the loan would be covered.  Then was added "contents insurance."  Not only was the mortgage insured, but the "stuff" could be replaced.  Now since, our Creator doesn't bless debt, insurance seems like a good safety net, but what if we actually lived according to our Creator's plan?  What if we lived within our means?  I'm not saying a mortgage is sin, but most mortgages these days are for houses well beyond excessive!  There is also the concept to consider that any weather related insurance might not be necessary, if we honored our Creator.

 As for car insurance, most states require that to license a vehicle.  I've read there are ways around it, but to be honest, I feel it's simpler to just pay the minimal requirement.  I know Adonai protects His children, but I'm well aware there are many on the road who are not children of G-d.  For me, it's simpler to pay insurance every six months, than to keep track of changing laws that govern those who prefer to not pay for auto insurance.

Moving right along to life insurance.  That marketing concept is a misnomer.  I've yet to see anyone pay enough premiums to maintain their life, and of course, unlike houses and cars, life cannot be replaced.  Life insurance could actually be better termed, "income insurance," for beneficiaries, or burial insurance for next of kin.  There is no insurance and no amount of money to guarantee life!  Basically this "product," yes insurance is now a product . . . Life insurance is marketed to provide for a family in the untimely death of the breadwinner, cover funeral costs, and it's really come to replace inheritance, or pay off the medical bills, which brings me to the next insurance that has pervaded our existence.

 Health insurance, insures high cost coverage, or used to . . . Now it seems to have been redesigned to determine who receives health care coverage.  The health insurance industry now determines who receives health care, where, and to what extent.  Obviously health care has been a controlling power for some time and the pharmaceutical industry is the biggest money maker in the economy, I believe, so it only makes sense the government would collude with the insurance industry.  We have so many promises of health and healing in Scripture, I'm just not sure how modern health care and insurance ever made it's way into inclusion in a life of faith.  Why are we willing to pay such high premiums, and huge out of pocket expenses, to manage our symptoms, when we could be healed and made whole?

We should really give serious consideration to how our Heavenly Father may view all of our "extras."  Do we really need the huge houses and so much stuff?  He is our provider, or offers to be.  The hamster wheel existence really does seem contraindicated in Scripture.  Our entire existence seems to have become beyond what anyone can actually pay for themselves.  When did we move away from simple funerals and inheritances?  Nobody should be worth more dead than alive!  The G-d of Scripture is the g-d of the living.  As for health care, perhaps if we actually returned to the dietary and rest Instructions, we'd find our "need" for health care to be greatly diminished.

Torah Instructions and Messiah's death and resurrection should be all the insurance we need.  
If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  II Chronicles 7:14

The Telling Condition of the Heartland

This is nothing against the folks in Kansas, but I grew up there, and I always, ALWAYS wanted to leave.  The first time I saw the "Wizard of Oz" at the age of three, I couldn't understand why Dorothy wanted to get back to Kansas.  I left Kansas before I was 21, but it still evokes a visceral response in me, all these years later.  I knew it had to do with something spiritual, but couldn't put my finger on it, beyond my own family and household . . . that's a topic for another blog . . . or book.  Now, here I am thinking I'm safely across the state line, even south of the east state line and Missouri seems to be losing it's ever loving mind, rapidly!  I believe I've stumbled upon the problems in both states and it's actually bigger than the state level, as these states are in the heart of the nation.  Oklahoma isn't doing well, either . . . The heartland is failing and the Bible belt has buckled.  Now, back to the problem with Kansas, and it truly is spiritual.

Recently a promo for Washburn University came in the mail.  This promo proudly displayed the School Mascot, inviting a student to consider becoming an Ichabod!  It seems a gentleman by the name of Ichabod Washburn was a founder in this school, located in Topeka, the capital city of Kansas.  I'm guessing Mr. Washburn's parents were not terribly familiar with Scripture, it also crossed my mind as to how the Westboro Baptist Church became so prominent in that very same city.  The term "Ichabod" is a name found in Scripture, I Samuel 4:21, to be precise.  And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of G-d was taken . . .  Ichabod literally means "no glory!"  Ichabod Washburn was named for his father, who died while Ichabod Jr. was still an infant.  I'm certainly not saying either of the men brought any evil or ill intent, but I am saying meanings of names are important and in the history of these folks, religion was important.  Surely someone should have seen the Biblical meaning . . .  The name "Ichabod" should have stood as a Scriptural warning.

I've already posted about Oklahoma's mess of a black Sabbath, a satanic mass, in the Capital City, as well as removing the Ten Commandments in the dark of night . . . Clearly not a good plan for the city with one of the largest acts of domestic terrorism in this nation's history, outside of the genocide of the Native Americans.  I love this part of the country, but I believe the rest of the country was counting on the heartland to remain truer to the ideals of this nation, or at least the perceived ideals.  Now, on to the state in which I've taken refuge . . .

Missouri has been known as the political Bellwether state.  > In the United States, Missouri was often referred to as the Missouri bellwether as it produced the same outcome as the national results in the presidential election 96.2% of the time for the century between 1904 and 2004, only missing 1956. It did not match the national result in 2008 or 2012.<  Since politics is what we consider to lead this country, it may be noteworthy to see the trend dating farther back than our short term memory.  Back when politicians were actually leaders, Missouri led the way.  Now, in retrospect, let's consider the definition of bellwether.

   The term is derived from the Middle English bellewether and refers to the practice of placing a bell around the neck of a castrated ram (a wether) leading his flock of sheep. The movements of the flock could be noted by hearing the bell before the flock was in sight.    This definition seems to say a great deal about our direction, as well as those in the lead.  Could it be, America has lacked leadership of vigor, stamina, and integrity for longer than we realized?  I'm not into conspiracies, per se, but obviously the lead castrated ram didn't make that choice, nor accomplish that feat, on his own.  No critter outside of the human species, chooses to be castrated.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  II Chronicles 7:14

. . .  Whosoever curseth his G-d shall bear his sin.  Leviticus 24:15

Perversion Across the Land

Finding the right words for this has been a struggle, in that it is such a vast and sadly complicated topic, yet seemingly based upon a single selfish foundation.  Love has been redefined for a very long time.  I'm not sure the true meaning wasn't lost shortly after the warning to the church at Ephesus in the Revelation.  There is a perverse definition of love that is truly devastating for many, as narcissism is clearly on the rise.  Narcissism is the psychological label for what Scripture calls "lovers of self."  It is rampant across this nation in both sexes and it is the precise opposite of the meaning of "love" by our Creator.  In relationships involving a "lover of self," they love no other person, as they love themselves.  They are incapable of a loving relationship, of being anyone's soul mate.

Lovers of self, do often find a partner, but they are unconcerned with the feelings of the other, and ultimately, the giving partner, in order to emotionally survive either gets away or goes into "survivor mode."  Even early on, these relationships are very, very one sided in the give and take, but it generally goes unnoticed as narcissists seek a giving person.  The giver, gives and gives, attempting to show love and hoping for it to be returned, but the love is never mutually expressed or displayed.

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he mentioned . . . in the end of days, men(human beings) would be lovers of themselves.    

Perversion is being celebrated on many levels.  Regardless of the label, every perverse definition of real love is a form of "self exaltation" in which one individual or minority insists that they must be accommodated above and beyond what they are willing to do in accommodating others.  I had a theory that homosexuality was simply finding someone as close to one's self as possible.  So far, that theory has not been disproven, which would account for the "style of the partner" as well as the number of partners.  I have also raised the thought that the high amount of soy in the diet, especially baby formula may indeed be contributing to the feminization of young men.  My theory on lesbianism is a bit different, in that it appears to be based upon hurt or disappointment in men, so the "love for another woman" is actually rooted in a negative emotion, of some sort of emotional self preservation.  I truly believe there is a spiritual answer to address the issues that are much deeper than a demonstration of sexual attraction and activity.   With that being said, I'll move along to the latest trend of transgenderism.

Transgenderism is not only perversion, it is a blatant denial of reality, and those promoting this cause are ready to make everyone's life miserable if their delusion is not accommodated, even applauded.  Transgender folks seem to want more than "equal rights."  Fighting over use of the bathroom in schools is absolutely ludicrous.  Bathrooms should be anatomically correct.   Those who insist upon special accommodations, should accept the special accommodations of a private facility.  Why not just have three bathrooms; men's, women's, and transgender?  It is not, I repeat, it is not discrimination to label bathrooms according to anatomy.  Bathrooms according to anatomy is based upon science, very basic science!   I'm just saddened and sickened at the parents who encourage their very young children in this denial of reality.  When I was three, I wanted to be invisible.  That desire did not make it a reality, not at all.  While the world applauds Bruce Jenner, calling him a woman; they'd have me committed if I insisted everyone pretend they can't see me.  The person on the cover of Vanity Fair is no more a woman, than the framed "image of nothing" is a self-portrait.

There is another perversion in this land, as well.  That is marriages, legal marriages in which one or both spouses withhold their affection from the other.  There may be no adultery involved, and rather than unfaithful, the marriages are simply faithLESS without intimacy.  Marriages in which the wife has no respect for the husband or the husband provides no covering for the wife.  In all the marriage, divorce, and redefinition by our society and our government, perversion has also entered the hterosexual marriage bed.  Of course, when a man and a woman marry, it's only "natural" to expect the love to be mutual, and the intimacy to be protected.  Sadly, in many situations, that is simply not the case.  Others often have priority over a spouse, which erodes the bond, and cruelty is cloaked as honesty, which brings us full circle back to the first paragraph.  Wherefore Elohim also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  Who changed the truth of Elohim into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  Romans 1:24-25

Unless our society gets back to the true meaning of love, perversion will continue to gain momentum in every aspect of our culture.  Narcissism may be a fairly new term, but "lovers of self" has centuries of history, and it is the foundation of every false love and perverse relationship our society now exalts.
 So Elohim created man in his own image, in the image of Elohim created he him; male and female created he them.  Genesis 1:27 

When a Word or Warning Doesn't Come to Pass . . . Immediately

Should we truly be so quick to pronounce someone to be a false prophet?  Obviously, if it's against the Word, of course; but for those sounding the call to repentance, what is false about that?  As I read the book of Jonah today, I had to wonder if Jonathan Cahn wasn't feeling the same way Jonah was in chapter 4.  I was sorry to see him get wrapped up with Jim Bakker, as Bakker's reputation is clearly propheteering for profit.  The message for America to repent, however; cannot be labeled false and is actually long overdue!  As I read the 3rd chapter of Jonah, he did tell them the city would fall and although we don't have an exact date, the number of days was spoken, and yet . . . Nineveh didn't fall . . . They repented.  From the depiction of Jonah's personality and all he'd already been through, I can't help but think there may have been a few naysayers just waiting for the 40 days to come and go without an event.  But there was an event, a huge event of repentance.

Weave into the story now, and I'm not suggesting any removal of context, but just some realities that are stated in Scripture, Genesis 18 to be specific.  In the conversation between El Shaddai and Abraham concerning Sodom and Gomorrah, it is stated quite clearly that the cities would be spared if only ten righteous could be found.  Between America's greed and celebration of perversion, I'd say we compare closely to Sodom and Gomorrah.  Now, as to all those who were waiting in judgment for Jonathan Cahn to be proven wrong, how do they know there weren't enough people praying intercession on behalf of this nation to stave off the fire and brimstone?  Or simply, the time of wrath has not yet been delivered?  I don't necessarily agree with everything Jonathan Cahn has said and written, but the call to repentance is clear and in 100% alignment with Holy Scripture.

While we are discussing the coming to pass of the word of warning or even be so bold as to say a modern day prophet, let me add this.  Everything written in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel has not yet come to pass, either.  The Revelation is still in the very early chapters of fulfillment, but dare anyone call Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, or John; false?  Yah forbid!  I am well aware of what Deuteronomy says about a person who gives inaccurate information in the Name of YHWH, but seriously, we are not a Torah observant nation.  Come, judgment day, we only have to get up, when our name is called.  Obviously we should take note of missed dates and massive sales, but we truly don't know whose prayer of intercession may have moved Abba's heart for a few more days of mercy.  On another note, this may actually be another method of sifting.  Adonai sees our hearts.  He knows who sits and waits for error and He knows who kneels in intercession.

As one who did pray intercession, even though I announced Operation Jade Helm 15 and the demise of the First Amendment, I'm still very thankful we are not being stopped at every corner to show our "papers."  Even though I believe the surveillance and invasion of privacy is an outrage, I'm also thankful there has been no overt attack on American soil.  I don't believe TSA or NSA has prevented that, I believe it has been the hand of YHWH in response to His people seeking Him.  Here's just a little something to think about . . .

The latest raging debate and division is the determination of the Shemitah.  Jonathan Cahn said it was this year, another author says 2016.  I've experienced some loss of fellowship in the division, myself, but since I'm not in the land of Israel, I'm just not willing to jump on the band wagon of a Johnny Come Lately.  I've seen a very clear pattern of global effect throughout most of last century and this one, so this past year seemed reasonable in my understanding.  Besides, it just made sense to observe this same year as Israel, since they've held the records for years.  Obviously with the differences, we can't all be right . . . Actually we can all disagree and still all be wrong!  But waiting to call each other false is a scary judgmental place to be in these last days.  John died and many more generations now have, without seeing the prophecy of the Revelation come to pass.

I believe there are still many things to occur before Messiah returns, but the momentum seems to be accelerating, so I won't be placing a time frame or date based upon current events.  I do know, we are seeing the Bible fulfilled right before us.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.  ~  words of Messiah