Title: Free Will; Our Freedom to Choose!
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IN THIS ISSUE:
1. EDITORIAL:
Unfolding a Rose!
A beloved
sister sent me this today, and I felt that it simply belonged here for you
to enjoy and ponder...
A young minister was walking with an older,
more seasoned,
minister in a garden one day,
and feeling a bit insecure about
what
Elohim's will will was for him, he was seeking guidance from the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush
and handed the young preacher a rosebud, telling him to open it without tearing off any petals.
The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher, and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to
do with his wanting to know the WILL OF OUR FATHER for his life and for his ministry.
Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact... It
wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so.
Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the
following poem:
UNFOLDING THE ROSE
Elohim's will will was for him, he was seeking guidance from the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush
and handed the young preacher a rosebud, telling him to open it without tearing off any petals.
The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher, and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to
do with his wanting to know the WILL OF OUR FATHER for his life and for his ministry.
Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact... It
wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so.
Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the
following poem:
UNFOLDING THE ROSE
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of Elohim's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I
Elohim opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of my Father's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of my day.
And I will look to him for guidance
Each step of this pilgrim's way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
May the unfolding of the rose of your life be ever so sweetly entrusted unto the hands of the One Whom we serve, that not one
petal will be damaged!!
A flower of Elohim's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I
Elohim opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of my Father's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of my day.
And I will look to him for guidance
Each step of this pilgrim's way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
May the unfolding of the rose of your life be ever so sweetly entrusted unto the hands of the One Whom we serve, that not one
petal will be damaged!!
2. FEATURE ARTICLE:
Free Will; our freedom to choose!
I awoke this morning, as I do most mornings, in prayer. Due to recent exchanges with some of the brethren though, my prayer
this morning was solidly centered on the matter of our freedom to choose; our freedom to choose between sin or purity, between
love or hate, between growth or stagnation, between faithfulness or faithlessness. In many ways, and from many different parts of
the Body, it is growing increasingly clear that this matter of choice is falling upon the breadth and width of the Body of Yahshua,
right now, and that all who proclaim to be of Him are entering into a valley of decision.
Through an exchange of letters with an associate recently, I know that my decision has been made, and that through a dream that
followed that exchange, that my choice was correct. I wholeheartedly pray that the words I am about to share with you today
will aid in guiding you toward the correct decision as well!
Perhaps the most striking single event in my spiritual walk recently, came through an exchange of letters with a brother, who
ultimately said that I was "bewitched", because I had the audacity to speak out against a series of teachings and statements that he
made, which basically failed to follow their own substance... It was furthermore stated that I was not as "enjoyable" as I once
was, because - for no other reason - I failed to agree with everything that was being said. As I slept later that night, following a
sincere prayer for guidance and encouragement from the only One I truly desire to please, I was given a very brief dream - and a
word - and in the fullness of this dream and word, I have tremendous peace!
In short, the dream was about the war that is taking place right now (and is about to intensify tremendously) in the hearts and
minds of every individual proclaiming to be a "Christian". The word that I was given was, simply, that there is an intense spiritual
battle taking place today for the souls of humanity, and that we must choose - right now - between following the teachings and
friendship of men, or the teachings, friendship and fellowship to be known only in Yahshua.
I have chosen to follow Yahshua!
Now that may seem to be an obvious statement to many of you, but let me tell you the fullness of this thought in my heart:
In choosing Yahshua, I am electing to stand alone in this world, if need be, against every foe of the Word of my King (although I
know that this need will not be, because the dream showed many victors coming out from the valley of decision). In standing
firmly in my choice for Yahshua, however, I am electing a path that dictates a willingness on my part to proclaim the fullness of
everything that He has taught me, and continues to teach me, as well as a willingness on my part to continue searching the height
and width and breadth and depth of His Word - to insure that I am continually following Him, and not some preconceived notion
of what I think He is saying.
This particular election was the cause of my being called "bewitched"! A monogram I will wear to my grave if, in the eyes of this
world, it simply means that I am following my Master and Messiah!
In choosing Yahshua, I am electing to take up the full armor of Elohim, and in so doing, to fight against every thought and every
teaching that defies the fullness of what our Master is declaring to us today. In making this particular election, I am also choosing
to defiantly stand against the wisdom of this world, and of this world's religious leaders, no matter what may be said or done to
entice or deter me. In other words - and to be very blunt - Babylon be damned!!!
While my dream showed many souls coming out of the valley victoriously, it also showed many myriads more who remained
defeated in the valley of religion and doubt. My decision for Yahshua dictates a willingness on my part to fight for those souls
remaining in the valley - and to fight against those souls who would enslave us all in their personal religious hypocrisy.
In choosing Yahshua, I am electing to love those who hate me - knowing that they hated Him first! And, in this election, I am
choosing to be ridiculed without retaliation. (I will let Him retaliate for me).
In choosing Yahshua, I am electing to forego my personal pleasures and aspirations, in order to further His kingdom. In making
this particular election, I am also declaring to Him that I am His responsibility, and that my needs are now His! I know of no
other way to get the job done correctly. What this means to my job, I simply do not know right now. Whatever Yahshua wants
of me though, I am determined to walk the path of His will for me!
Through a recent letter from a most beloved sister, who is also being confronted with similar decisions, I was reminded of the
content of Letter #10, which speaks of our freedom to choose. In glancing at that letter once again, I am reminded of the fact
that we have been called out of Babylon, and that in the calling out, we are to unite only in Yahshua - for the glory of Yahshua. In
another letter received just this morning, Hollie Moody has had a dream that very powerfully parallels that which Yahshua has
given to me. I am praising Him for this confirmation - and for the power of His anointing in our lives.
A common strand that runs throughout The Letters, starting squarely in Letter #1, is the fact that we cannot compromise the truth
that we have been given in order to please or placate humanity - no matter who they proclaim themselves to be. According to
Ephesians 6:10 -18, we have been commanded to "Put On...Stand Firm...and Take Up" the full armor of Elohim - in this struggle
against the powers of this world. I do not believe that the fulfillment of this command, by the faithful disciples of Yahshua, will
ever be more essential than in the approaching days.
The time of decision has arrived for every profession "Christian", and only the faithful Disciples of Yahshua will hear His voice
clearly, and make the correct choice. May He have mercy on all who refuse to listen, choosing this world instead.
And may He be wondrously glorified and magnified through His faithful and obedient Mathetes...
I awoke this morning, as I do most mornings, in prayer. Due to recent exchanges with some of the brethren though, my prayer
this morning was solidly centered on the matter of our freedom to choose; our freedom to choose between sin or purity, between
love or hate, between growth or stagnation, between faithfulness or faithlessness. In many ways, and from many different parts of
the Body, it is growing increasingly clear that this matter of choice is falling upon the breadth and width of the Body of Yahshua,
right now, and that all who proclaim to be of Him are entering into a valley of decision.
Through an exchange of letters with an associate recently, I know that my decision has been made, and that through a dream that
followed that exchange, that my choice was correct. I wholeheartedly pray that the words I am about to share with you today
will aid in guiding you toward the correct decision as well!
Perhaps the most striking single event in my spiritual walk recently, came through an exchange of letters with a brother, who
ultimately said that I was "bewitched", because I had the audacity to speak out against a series of teachings and statements that he
made, which basically failed to follow their own substance... It was furthermore stated that I was not as "enjoyable" as I once
was, because - for no other reason - I failed to agree with everything that was being said. As I slept later that night, following a
sincere prayer for guidance and encouragement from the only One I truly desire to please, I was given a very brief dream - and a
word - and in the fullness of this dream and word, I have tremendous peace!
In short, the dream was about the war that is taking place right now (and is about to intensify tremendously) in the hearts and
minds of every individual proclaiming to be a "Christian". The word that I was given was, simply, that there is an intense spiritual
battle taking place today for the souls of humanity, and that we must choose - right now - between following the teachings and
friendship of men, or the teachings, friendship and fellowship to be known only in Yahshua.
I have chosen to follow Yahshua!
Now that may seem to be an obvious statement to many of you, but let me tell you the fullness of this thought in my heart:
In choosing Yahshua, I am electing to stand alone in this world, if need be, against every foe of the Word of my King (although I
know that this need will not be, because the dream showed many victors coming out from the valley of decision). In standing
firmly in my choice for Yahshua, however, I am electing a path that dictates a willingness on my part to proclaim the fullness of
everything that He has taught me, and continues to teach me, as well as a willingness on my part to continue searching the height
and width and breadth and depth of His Word - to insure that I am continually following Him, and not some preconceived notion
of what I think He is saying.
This particular election was the cause of my being called "bewitched"! A monogram I will wear to my grave if, in the eyes of this
world, it simply means that I am following my Master and Messiah!
In choosing Yahshua, I am electing to take up the full armor of Elohim, and in so doing, to fight against every thought and every
teaching that defies the fullness of what our Master is declaring to us today. In making this particular election, I am also choosing
to defiantly stand against the wisdom of this world, and of this world's religious leaders, no matter what may be said or done to
entice or deter me. In other words - and to be very blunt - Babylon be damned!!!
While my dream showed many souls coming out of the valley victoriously, it also showed many myriads more who remained
defeated in the valley of religion and doubt. My decision for Yahshua dictates a willingness on my part to fight for those souls
remaining in the valley - and to fight against those souls who would enslave us all in their personal religious hypocrisy.
In choosing Yahshua, I am electing to love those who hate me - knowing that they hated Him first! And, in this election, I am
choosing to be ridiculed without retaliation. (I will let Him retaliate for me).
In choosing Yahshua, I am electing to forego my personal pleasures and aspirations, in order to further His kingdom. In making
this particular election, I am also declaring to Him that I am His responsibility, and that my needs are now His! I know of no
other way to get the job done correctly. What this means to my job, I simply do not know right now. Whatever Yahshua wants
of me though, I am determined to walk the path of His will for me!
Through a recent letter from a most beloved sister, who is also being confronted with similar decisions, I was reminded of the
content of Letter #10, which speaks of our freedom to choose. In glancing at that letter once again, I am reminded of the fact
that we have been called out of Babylon, and that in the calling out, we are to unite only in Yahshua - for the glory of Yahshua. In
another letter received just this morning, Hollie Moody has had a dream that very powerfully parallels that which Yahshua has
given to me. I am praising Him for this confirmation - and for the power of His anointing in our lives.
A common strand that runs throughout The Letters, starting squarely in Letter #1, is the fact that we cannot compromise the truth
that we have been given in order to please or placate humanity - no matter who they proclaim themselves to be. According to
Ephesians 6:10 -18, we have been commanded to "Put On...Stand Firm...and Take Up" the full armor of Elohim - in this struggle
against the powers of this world. I do not believe that the fulfillment of this command, by the faithful disciples of Yahshua, will
ever be more essential than in the approaching days.
The time of decision has arrived for every profession "Christian", and only the faithful Disciples of Yahshua will hear His voice
clearly, and make the correct choice. May He have mercy on all who refuse to listen, choosing this world instead.
And may He be wondrously glorified and magnified through His faithful and obedient Mathetes...
3. PRAYER REQUESTS:
We are praying
for Mary - who has had brain surgery for a cancerous tumor, and is
undergoing intensive chemotherapy right
now. She and Bud - both very long-term friends of mine - have experienced tremendous trials through this ordeal, but their faith
remains intact, and our Messiah is being glorified in and through their lives. Mary will be having an MRI and CT Scan soon, and
our prayer is that she will be in complete remission; that Satan will be bound from his attack, and that Mary's health will be
restored...
Jacque is having additional surgery - again for cancer - and is requesting our prayers...
Sherry and her husband Billy are both suffering from differing forms of cancer, and the prognosis in both cases is very poor. Our
primary concern here though, is that neither of them know Yahshua as their personal Messiah or Master. We are praying for
their salvation - and their health.
now. She and Bud - both very long-term friends of mine - have experienced tremendous trials through this ordeal, but their faith
remains intact, and our Messiah is being glorified in and through their lives. Mary will be having an MRI and CT Scan soon, and
our prayer is that she will be in complete remission; that Satan will be bound from his attack, and that Mary's health will be
restored...
Jacque is having additional surgery - again for cancer - and is requesting our prayers...
Sherry and her husband Billy are both suffering from differing forms of cancer, and the prognosis in both cases is very poor. Our
primary concern here though, is that neither of them know Yahshua as their personal Messiah or Master. We are praying for
their salvation - and their health.
4. A
SPECIAL HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENT: Paget's Disease, a new form of Breast
Cancer!
A New Form of
Breast Cancer, Paget's Disease has recently been identified as a new
and rare kind of breast cancer.
InjuryBoard.com has this to say of Paget's Disease of the nipple:
"Paget's Disease of the nipple is a form of breast cancer. It can easily go undetected as the condition often begins with minor
symptoms such as a sore nipple or nipple discharge. However, nearly half of all women with this cancer have a noticeable lump in
their affected breast. Paget's Disease is also the name of a chronic disorder that affects the skeletal system. Areas of bone grow
abnormally, enlarging and becoming soft."
A sister wrote recently telling of a friend who developed a rash on her breast, similar to that of young mothers who are nursing.
Because her mammogram had been clear, the doctor treated her with antibiotics for infections. After 2 rounds of treatment
though, the rash continued to get worse, so her doctor sent her for another mammogram - and this time it showed a mass. A
biopsy found a fast growing malignancy. Chemo was started in order to shrink the growth; then a mastectomy; then a full round of
Chemo; then radiation. After about 9 months of intense treatment, she was given a clean bill of health. After one year of living
each day to its fullest, the cancer returned to her liver area. She took 4 treatments and decided that she wanted quality of life - not
the affects of Chemo. After 5 great months, and just a few days of needing morphine, she slipped away saying she had done what
God had sent her into the world to do; and now it was her time to go.
PLEASE be alert to anything that is abnormal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as possible.
Paget's Disease - The Paget Foundation:
"This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and areola. It first appears as a rash, which
later develops into a lesion with a crusty outer edge. Occasionally, the nipple may itch, or be sore, but other than that, there are
no other significant signs..."
In the case cited above, the whole thing started as a single red pimple on the aureole. One of the biggest problems with Paget's
disease of the nipple, however, is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or
infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care.
The symptoms include:
1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your nipple causing it to itch and burn.
2. A sore on your nipple that will not heal.
3. Usually only one nipple is affected.
Correct Diagnosis is obtained only through a physical exam and a mammogram of both breasts. And, this should be done
immediately upon discovery of anything abnormal.
Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect
cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a biopsy of your sore to confirm what is going on.
Prayerfully, this warning will help alert our sisters to yet another danger that the evil one is throwing their way. May our Master
and Messiah be glorified in and through every victory that He permits.
InjuryBoard.com has this to say of Paget's Disease of the nipple:
"Paget's Disease of the nipple is a form of breast cancer. It can easily go undetected as the condition often begins with minor
symptoms such as a sore nipple or nipple discharge. However, nearly half of all women with this cancer have a noticeable lump in
their affected breast. Paget's Disease is also the name of a chronic disorder that affects the skeletal system. Areas of bone grow
abnormally, enlarging and becoming soft."
A sister wrote recently telling of a friend who developed a rash on her breast, similar to that of young mothers who are nursing.
Because her mammogram had been clear, the doctor treated her with antibiotics for infections. After 2 rounds of treatment
though, the rash continued to get worse, so her doctor sent her for another mammogram - and this time it showed a mass. A
biopsy found a fast growing malignancy. Chemo was started in order to shrink the growth; then a mastectomy; then a full round of
Chemo; then radiation. After about 9 months of intense treatment, she was given a clean bill of health. After one year of living
each day to its fullest, the cancer returned to her liver area. She took 4 treatments and decided that she wanted quality of life - not
the affects of Chemo. After 5 great months, and just a few days of needing morphine, she slipped away saying she had done what
God had sent her into the world to do; and now it was her time to go.
PLEASE be alert to anything that is abnormal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as possible.
Paget's Disease - The Paget Foundation:
"This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and areola. It first appears as a rash, which
later develops into a lesion with a crusty outer edge. Occasionally, the nipple may itch, or be sore, but other than that, there are
no other significant signs..."
In the case cited above, the whole thing started as a single red pimple on the aureole. One of the biggest problems with Paget's
disease of the nipple, however, is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or
infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care.
The symptoms include:
1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your nipple causing it to itch and burn.
2. A sore on your nipple that will not heal.
3. Usually only one nipple is affected.
Correct Diagnosis is obtained only through a physical exam and a mammogram of both breasts. And, this should be done
immediately upon discovery of anything abnormal.
Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect
cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a biopsy of your sore to confirm what is going on.
Prayerfully, this warning will help alert our sisters to yet another danger that the evil one is throwing their way. May our Master
and Messiah be glorified in and through every victory that He permits.
5. CONTACT: larry
vosen
If you have any questions about the Bible, Elohim
(God), Yahshua
Mashiach (Jesus Christ), The Qodesh
Ruach (the Holy Spirit),
the Gospel, Faith or any pressing spiritual matter, please feel free to contact me. While I may not possess the answers personally,
I know Who Does! Every effort will be made to answer your questions in a timely and Scripturally supported manner.
Do you have a prayer request? Please share your needs with us... We will post your needs in our "Prayer Request" sections, so
that we can approach the Throne of Elohim in a united front on your behalf.
We can be reached via email at: Contact larry
the Gospel, Faith or any pressing spiritual matter, please feel free to contact me. While I may not possess the answers personally,
I know Who Does! Every effort will be made to answer your questions in a timely and Scripturally supported manner.
Do you have a prayer request? Please share your needs with us... We will post your needs in our "Prayer Request" sections, so
that we can approach the Throne of Elohim in a united front on your behalf.
We can be reached via email at: Contact larry
Or, please feel free to mail your
thoughts
or requests to:
Larry Vosen
2600 E. Seltice Way, #203
Post Falls, ID 83854
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Thank You, and may Elohim bless you and your ministry - for the praise of His glory and your eternal joy!
