Thank you, my friend, for your sincere and objective response to my last letter. I delight in knowing that your questions and doubts are being addressed. The fact that we have yet to see the Ekklesia function as a group, the way it was described, should never deter us from noticing that many individuals are working according to everything prescribed. Eventually, these individual pieces will connect, and the Body will be whole. Be encouraged by this truth, therefore, because I believe we are standing at the precipice of the most exciting time in history, and as children of Yahshuah, in whatever capacity, our labors shall contribute significantly to the work that must be done.

Your remarks about the spiritual gifts are insightful, Zeteo, and your questions about Elohim, and your search to understand the pain and suffering of life are appropriate too. Your thoughts clearly indicate that it is time for you to know about the nature of the Elohim whom I serve, and about His manner and purpose for administering discipline in our lives. Be objective in your response to these things as well, my friend, because an understanding of these matters is fundamental to anyone seeking to know about Him; seeking to know the Truth.

When the world speaks of Elohim [tc], countless images, names or phrases are used to imagine or describe whom or what people think Elohim is. If we can accept that Elohim has communicated with us, and if we can also accept that Elohim cannot lie, then we can turn to His Word and see what He might say about Himself. While we cannot see the Person of Elohim yet, He has certainly revealed His nature, or essence, to us, through Scripture. (Sadly, Yahshuah's visit was 2,000 years ago, and we have not seen enough of His representatives lately to fully recognize the light). As seekers therefore, our path of discovery must yield for us knowledge of the exact essence of Elohim, so that we can know with certainty whether any image, name or phrase, is in fact Elohim, or merely a deviate pretender striving for our attention. This knowledge is essential, because the actions of a spirit reveal the true nature of that spirit.

Elohim's nature permeates Scripture, Zeteo, but particular passages contain monumental clues into His very essence. 1 John 4:8, says that, "Elohim is love," 1 John 1:5 teaches that, "Elohim is light," and John 3:33 reveals that, "Elohim is true." The wisdom attainable from these and supporting passages, therefore, provide everything we need to know at this time of the nature of Elohim, and everything we need to know to expose the false elohim.

SPECIAL NOTE:
For a quick explanation of the NAMES used throughout The Letters, please click here... For an in depth accounting of these matters though, please read Letter #22.

Letter #4 continues here:

We begin then with the fact that, "Elohim is love." And in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the Ruach ha Qodesh tells us that, "Love [tc] is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

Sixteen attributes define who Elohim is, or is not, in relationship to the fact that, "Elohim is love". The definitions of love's attributes, therefore, will certainly provide any seeker with insight into the very essence of Elohim. I am going to describe these attributes for you, Zeteo, and include a definition of the primary Greek word for each phrase. As these words are outlined, however, consider what the opposite affect would be for each one, because every pretender, every false el, will evidence some act that stands in opposition to that which only the true Elohim can possess:

1. Love is patient. The Greek word used for patient, MAKROTHUMEO, means, long suffering. Here, we are simply being told that Elohim is not hasty in dispensing wrath or punishment. Of His patience, Peter wrote, "The Master is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Elohim's wrath, issued against Sodom and Gomorrah for example, was not done hastily. It was intended to cleanse the land from the blight of sin. It was also issued as an example. Even so, Elohim's patience is being displayed once again in these days, for us, because the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah pale in comparison to what this generation is doing. Elohim truly does not wish "for any to perish".

2. Love is kind. CHRESTEUOMAI, the Greek word we interpret as kind, means obliging or assisting. Elohim is assisting in that He will always help those who truly seek to find Him (See Matthew 7:7). Elohim's kindness is forever being displayed in His effort to reconcile the world to Himself. His kindness though, cannot be confused with the spirit of accommodation or relativism that now permeates society, because situational ethics are compromising, while Elohim is constant. Elohim will always be Who and What He is. Elohim cannot act unbecomingly, or in opposition to Himself.

3. Love is not jealous. It seems that a contradiction exists between James 4:5, which says that Elohim jealously desires the spirit dwelling in us, and 1 Corinthians 13, which tells us that love is not jealous. But this is not a contradiction. Where 1 Corinthians 13, ZELOO, talks of envy, lusting and forcefulness, the jealousy of James 4:5, speaks of desire. While Elohim desires us, 1 Corinthians 13 tells us He will not force Himself upon us. Elohim will not rape. His desire for us is never laden with lust or envy.

Today, the Humanists teach that humanity is genetically bent toward certain tendencies, and insist that we are without the will or the way to overcome sin. 1 Corinthians 13 partly exposes this fallacy, because here we learn that Elohim will not force His will upon us. Although He desires us, He will not impose Himself upon us. Elohim has given us a free will, and moment-by-moment we choose how we are going to react toward Him. And while Elohim is not forceful or lusting, neither is He negligent. We can choose to ignore Him, but He still provides the air we breathe, as well as the other basic necessities of life. He does this in the desire that we will return to Him of our own free will. While He desires the spirit abiding within us, He remains patient in His provision for us, in the hope that we will voluntarily repent and return to Him.

4. Love does not brag. Our difficulty in comprehending this statement is found in our natural tendency to bolster our image. PERPEREUOMAI, Greek for brag, speaks of puffing up, and here we are told that Elohim does not do this. The revelations to be found throughout Scripture about Elohim are astounding, but I am amazed by the fact that everything He says in His Word about Himself is true. Humility is the true estimate of oneself, and if Elohim cannot lie, then everything He says about Himself is true. Therefore, in all that Elohim says of Himself, He remains humble, because His estimate of Himself is absolutely true. We should find ourselves in awe!

The next step in this ladder is equally important though, because arrogance always seems to accompany power. With Elohim, however, this is not so. Elohim's humility is perfect, just as He is perfect.

5. Love is not arrogant. While in step with the fact that love does not brag, PHUSIOO, Greek for arrogant, is more concerned with conceit. Even if I have the capacity to accomplish a task, the manner in which I reveal that capacity speaks directly toward humility or conceit. When Elohim speaks of Himself, He does not do so pride fully. His revelations are done for our enlightenment and faith, so that we can know Him and confidently believe in and upon Him. Arrogance and pride stand in total opposition to the essence of Elohim though, and with these facts, identifying that which is false becomes an increasingly easier task.

6. Love does not act unbecomingly. ASCHEMONEO, the Greek word we interpret as unbecomingly, teaches that Elohim does not act in an ugly, indecent manner. Nothing about Elohim is evil, ugly or indecent. Elohim is holy. In His holiness, He desires that we, as His children, become holy too. Elohim's actions always lead toward right living, toward reconciliation and toward holiness. And the rudeness and crudeness we witness in the world today, decry an absolute lack of reverence toward Him.

7. Love does not seek its own. Simply, this verse speaks against anything that is self-serving. The word, ZETEO, as you know, means to seek, or a seeker, and the Greek word HEAUTON means own. Together, in this passage, they mean that Elohim never asks, "What's in it for me?" This is a far cry from what we hear today, especially when so many religious institutions are presenting a, "Name it and claim it" theology, which is wholly self-serving. The fact that love does not seek its own, however, also makes the identification of Elohim easier.

8. Love is not provoked. PARAXUNO, Greek for provoked, is directed toward impulsive indignation, or rousing to anger. Too many people get confused over Elohim's seemingly amiable nature, versus His contrasting wrath. The wrath of Elohim is as much a part of His essence as these other things, but PARAXUNO tells us that Elohim does not simply lose His temper. When the wrath of Elohim is poured out, it is a calculated, intentionally timed and intentionally directed assault. His actions are not random or irrationally motivated. Elohim is not whimsical in dispensing wrath or discipline.

9. Love does not take into account a wrong suffered. Elohim is not motivated by the wrongs, KAKOS, He endures, because His motivation stems solely out of His love for His children. Judgment is not determined by our evil deeds, but on how we judge others in relationship to our deeds. KAKOS speaks of evil and wickedness, and although Elohim's wrath will come because of these things, His long suffering is evidenced by the patience He displays today.

10. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. ADIKIA speaks clearly of injustice and unrightness. The false teachers of our age are promoting a theology of tolerance; teaching forgiveness without repentance. Additionally, our legal systems are breaking down around us, because today - there is an absolute disregard for justice. It is imperative that we accept every sinner in the love of Elohim, but our acceptance must bespeak repentance and obedience. Elohim does not rejoice in the unrighteousness that has permeated society, and neither can we. Justice and rightness must resurface, at least in the hearts of those who would confess Yahshuah as Master and Messiah, and the word "REPENT" must echo throughout the land - not judgmentally - but in love, peace, compassion and kindness.

11. Love rejoices with the truth. The Greek word for truth, ALETHEIA, speaks of verity, reality; truth as evidenced in relation to the facts. Sin is sin. Righteousness is not unrighteous. Love and hate oppose each other. The truth revealed in the Word of Elohim is not meant to harm, but to enlighten and save. Elohim rejoices when truth is dispensed, and He rejoices with the truth. In contradiction to this fact, the world now holds sway to the notion that there is no absolute truth; that truth somehow is manipulative and situational. Clearly, in this fact alone, we see a difference between Elohim and the teachings of this world.

12. Love bears all things. The Greek word for bears, STEGO, speaks of a covering. STEGO covers the faults of others, and does not seek to expose them for harm. In subjecting His Son to the cross, Elohim covered the sins of humanity (for those who will accept His act) with His blood. Although Elohim exposes the sin of mankind, He does so only for good - for salvation and sanctification. Remember, Elohim allowed His Son to die on the cross, knowing the extent of our sin beforehand, and Elohim bears all things, in that, "We have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses" (Ephesians 1:7).

13. Love believes all things. PISTEUO, Greek for believes, means firmly persuaded, as opposed to perplexed or doubting. Our confusion or perplexity over situations surrounding us does not affect Elohim, and our faith in Elohim must be grounded on the fact that He is never perplexed. Elohim never doubts. Believing Elohim to be true, we too can exercise faith, and not be moved or swayed by situations. While the world is about to witness tremendous tribulation, our faith can remain firmly rooted, and we can have peace regardless of the situation. Because Elohim believes, we can believe with Him.

14. Love hopes all things. The Greek word for hope (s), ELPIZO, means to expect with desire, to trust or confide. If Elohim hopes all things, then He never despairs; He is never dismayed. Elohim's desire for His children to come to repentance is clear (James 4:5; Acts 17:30), but while He will not force Himself upon anyone, He still hopes. As the world appears to loose all hope, we can confidently cling to the fact that Elohim never looses hope. We can trust Him!

15. Love endures all things. HUPOMENO, Greek for endures, teaches that Elohim is persevering; He can bear-up under anything. The intent of HUPOMENO is that Elohim is not abandoning or forsaking. Unlike humanity, once Elohim sets His sight on something, or makes a promise, He will never abandon or forsake that promise or thing. For example, He has promised that He will never forsake or abandon those who put their trust in Him (Hebrews 13:5), and considering that Elohim cannot lie, His endurance is not only eternal, but also fundamental to our salvation.

16. Finally, we are told that, love never fails. As we consider the realities of what love is, we must comprehend that Elohim never stops acting in accordance with His essence. His patience, kindness, hopefulness and endurance for example, never cease, and His hatred for unrighteousness will never diminish. Elohim cannot change, therefore, love never fails. The love displayed and practiced in our society, has nothing in common with what Elohim tells us about love - about Himself. But because we no longer comprehend the meaning of love, we are willing to accept cheap imitations of the real thing. We must apply Elohim's Word, therefore, and use His definition as the plumb line. Once we apply His standard in discerning love, our eyes will be opened to that which is false, and we will once again recognize everything that stands in opposition to Him. In that knowledge, we will realize that true love never fails.

Of His essence, we are also told that, "Elohim is light" (1 John 1:5). The entire passage says, "And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that Elohim is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Yahshuah His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:5-10).

Sin is darkness, but Elohim is light. Unrighteousness abides in the darkness, but "In Him there is no darkness at all." Elohim wants us to know that His essence is pure of all unrighteousness, evil and sin. He also wants us to know that we too can walk this same path, because, "The blood of Yahshuah His Son cleanses us from all sin". This passage is also significant, in that it offers us an insightful look into Elohim's love. He says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Seeing as Elohim is light, as His children, the light must abide in us as well. Elohim has provided the light for us.

Another thing that makes every passage we read significant, is the fact that, "Elohim is true" (John 3:33). Where love rejoices with the truth (ALETHEIA), the word we interpret as true in John 3:33 is ALETHES, and ALETHES speaks solely of one who cannot lie. Rejoicing with the truth is not the same as being the truth, but because Elohim is true, we can understand why He rejoices when He hears the truth spoken.

The fact that Elohim is love, light and truth, should paint a very clear picture for us of His true nature, and in this knowledge, we should also be able to understand what He desires for us, because He has openly stated that we, "Are to grow up in all aspects into Him" (Ephesians 4:15). Believing on Yahshuah ha Mashiach, and accepting Him as Master and Messiah, means that we are His children. Even though each person possesses a unique personality, and we each appear somewhat different, the basic nature remains the same between parent and child. So it is meant to be with the children of Elohim.

As I consider what I have written so far, dear friend, I see that I have given you some very basic facts about Elohim. But the Elohim I know is much more than these basic truth's. While it is true that Elohim is love, love must occasionally turn a cold shoulder in order to accomplish an essential task. And yet, Elohim is also warm, kind and merciful. Although His discipline is firm, I always know that He loves me. No, I do not receive everything I seek. Frankly, the past fifteen years have been void of affirmative answers to many prayers - on a personal level. Yet even in these lean times, I know that Elohim amply provides, day-to-day. Although I cannot explain why things are as they are, I know that the Elohim whom I serve cares for me every day, and every day I am reminded of the fact that He loves me. And it is He who loves you.

Has not Elohim displayed every attribute of love toward you? Has He not amply provided for your needs? The Elohim of all creation is love, truth and light, but because we have been in the darkness for so long, we close our eyes to the brilliance of His presence. In the darkness of our ignorance of Him, we recognize Him as cold and hard, but in the light of truth, Elohim is truly wonderful - His love is never ending.

Another reality that we must face about Elohim though (and this one causes many people to become disillusioned with Him), is that His caring for us includes discipline [tc]. Who of us does not want everything to be easy? Who of us would not like for everything to be given to us? Who of us truly enjoys being disciplined? Not many, to be sure! Nevertheless, the fact remains that every walk with Elohim will require discipline, and we cannot shy away from this integral part of our relationship with Him. Why? Because Elohim's discipline of us is one of the basic proofs of our salvation. Just as we must discipline our own children, Elohim disciplines His children. Where we may administer discipline whimsically though, Elohim always administers discipline fairly and individually. His discipline always has a purpose, and if we permit it, accept it and remain faithful to Him throughout His discipline, it is through this discipline that we become like our Messiah in this life. It is through His discipline that we become useful to Him.

You must know these things, dear friend, because if you accept Him and His teachings into your heart, you will surely experience His hand of instruction in your life. I did not want you to become disillusioned with the Elohim who cares so deeply for you.

Scripturally speaking, discipline is either physical or spiritual, and physical discipline falls into two categories as well: The first type of physical discipline deals with punishment, as in spanking, and the second involves training, as for athletes. Whether physical or spiritual though, Elohim's Word offers clear instructions in both areas, and Satan has twisted their importance in our society. We place physical beauty well above spiritual maturity (Distortion), and wonder why Elohim does not work through our lives as He did two thousand years ago.

Regarding the spanking aspect of physical discipline, Elohim says, "Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you beat him with the rod, he will not die, you shall beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from Sheol" (Proverbs 23:13-14). In contrast to the teachings of Elohim, Satan has manipulated society so thoroughly, and distorted our thinking so completely, that life itself holds little value today. Physical abuse: child, spousal and parental, is rampant throughout the world. Pain is routinely administered without thought or regard, while at the same time, parents refuse to spank an errant child. Pain is generally administered without purpose or goal, while the instructional discipline prescribed by Elohim is withheld.

Newspaper headlines around the world decry the outright evil permeating the ranks of our youth. Sadly, the distortions we witness today are grounded in the psychological teachings that have influenced our society within the last three generations. Children killing children! Children killing adults! Children committing suicide at alarming rates! Children completely void of conscience or discipline! Children; five, seven, nine years old, involved in sex, drugs, gangs and guns. Why?

The lack of proper discipline in a child's life has distorted the thinking of three generations of society. So thoroughly have parents been confused (and the truth distorted), that they refuse to administer a physical spanking - against the advise of Elohim - and society is now paying the price. Although the affects are numerous, the cause of our societal dilemma is easily identified. The primary failure of humanity today is a disdain for Elohim's Word, Elohim's love and Elohim's discipline. Elohim says, "spank", the psychologists say, "don't spank", and we fail by choosing man over Elohim. The children of this age are troubled because loving discipline, administered firmly, consistently and faithfully, is essential to a child's development, but Elohim has been abandoned for self. Humanism has ascended humility, and mankind is lost in pride.

If a child cannot depend upon their parents for instruction in the matters of faith, morality, purity, honesty and love, where can they go? The instructional and political institutions of our age are morally bankrupt and monetarily corrupt, and are not trustworthy to teach the basics of education, let alone the realities of life. Sadly too is the fact that our spiritual senses are so dulled, we cannot discern between those spiritual leaders who are walking in faith, or those whose interests lie only in tickling our ears while they line their pockets. Without proper discipline in the home, a child is left to seek guidance on the street corners, and we now see where that has taken us.

Spiritually, Yahshuah covers the husband, who covers the wife, and together they cover the child. The breakup of the family, another of Satan's areas of intense labor, has shattered that covering. Many children are left without the protection, teaching and discipline in the home necessary for proper growth. And without these essential requirements being met, society is left with the murder and mayhem being witnessed throughout the world. There is no place for civil authority, because loving authority is no longer being witnessed or taught in the home. Elohim knows how to raise children, how did we ever think we could know better?

It is also true that we look at things differently than Elohim regarding physical training. Elohim says, "Discipline yourselves for the purpose of reverence; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but reverence is profitable for all things, since it holds the promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Where bodily discipline has some value, the emphasis must be on the spiritual, because spending time in prayer, studying the Word of Elohim, and knowing the power of His Ruach, far exceeds the strength gained in a gym.

Spiritual discipline, therefore, has one purpose: To be like Elohim (Ephesians 4:15). We exist to glorify Him, and He is glorified when we magnify Him. We magnify Him by being like Him.

Hebrews, chapter twelve, is an outpouring of Elohim's Word on the topic of discipline, and all who would seek Him must study this passage carefully, because when we voluntarily accept Him into our lives, we do so in the knowledge that we are surrendering our lives to Him. That surrendering includes obedience! When we accept Him as Master and Messiah, we place ourselves in His hands. Hands, which will in fact discipline us for our own good. We must know these things.

While many false teachers want you to believe that the child of Elohim must speak in tongues in order to prove the baptism and indwelling of the Ruach ha Qodesh, that teaching directly contradicts the Word of Elohim (1 Corinthians 12:28-30). Discipline, truth, the fruit of the Ruach and works, are the four primary areas that prove His presence in our lives. And discipline, administered from the hand of Elohim, is essential (Hebrews 12:7-8), because without it, there is no legitimacy to our claim as children of Elohim. With it, however, we are blessed (Psalms 94:12-13).

The discipline administered by our Father will be directed to the areas of our lives that are lacking or weak, or that we refuse to surrender to Him. In His love, compassion and mercy, Elohim instructs and corrects us, but we are not to reject His lessons (Proverbs 3:11-12), because the results will be poverty and shame (Proverbs 13:18). Strangely, and remarkably, there is happiness in being reproved by Elohim, because His reproof confirms our legitimacy as His children (Hebrews 12:8-11), and assures us, in a constant stream of intercourse with Him, that He loves us.

The most gratifying moments of my life have been those times of intimate communion with Him where, after being reproved, He has touched, healed and restored me, and expressed His love of me. Scripture tells us that Elohim's thoughts of us (individually) are more numerous than the sand (Psalms 139:17-18), and that His desire is for us (Song of Solomon 7:10). Without spiritual discipline, however, we would end up in ruin, like Satan, instead of sitting at the right hand of Yahshuah.

Elohim's children must constantly strive for enabling and instruction - the goal being love, purity, a good conscience and sincerity of faith (1 Timothy 1:5). We must also remember though, that Satan desires our destruction, and would have us believe that Elohim can or will abandon us in our times of trouble. As long as we remain faithful though, Elohim will never abandon us (Hebrews 13:5), nor will He allow any temptation to overtake us without providing an avenue of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Every child of Elohim must know how much they are loved by their Messiah, must abide in an unshakable faith, and must believe at all times that Elohim is working to perform a purpose for their good (Romans 8:28). And this comes not in anger, but in love.

I believe there is a basic spiritual law of increasing discipline, that applies toward our relationship with our Father, in regard to sin and repentance. This law of increasing discipline teaches that Elohim's administration of discipline to His children is directly related to our humility before Him, or the hardness of our heart regarding sin.

The first situation in the law of increasing discipline is when a disciple discovers a sin in their life, sincerely and humbly confesses that sin in a spirit of true repentance (Repentance, meaning to have a change of heart), desires to never commit the sin again and seeks Elohim's aid in overcoming whatever it may be. Without any discernible intercession on Elohim's part, the disciple acknowledges a sin, confesses it and seeks to change. The Master, in this instance, forgives and enables very gently.

Elohim says, "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion" (Proverbs 28:13). Elohim's compassion for us is clearly displayed in the Gospel of Luke where, while He was hanging on the cross, we are told the following occurred: "And one of the criminals who were there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, `Are You not the Mashiach? Save Yourself and us!' But the other answered, and rebuking him said, `Do you not even fear Elohim, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.' And he was saying, `Yahshuah, remember me when you come in Your kingdom!' And He said to him, `Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise'" (Luke 23:39-43). Confession and forgiveness... Acknowledging that he was dead in his sin, the second criminal sought - and received forgiveness. It really does not get much better than that!

The second situation in the law of increasing discipline involves sinning and, failing to acknowledge the act as sin, choosing to deny it and hide it instead. Under this circumstance, Elohim will thrust His child down a trail meant to enlighten them to their error and bring them to repentance. The severity of discipline naturally increases in these instances though, and the trail that He chooses for us is, more often than not, unpleasant.

A perfect example of denial and hiding is found in 2 Samuel 11 and 12, and it involves King David.

David lusted for Bathsheba, and had intercourse with her - knowing that she was married. Upon learning that she had conceived, David then had her husband killed to further hide his sin. After sufficient time had passed without a confession by David, Elohim sent the prophet Nathan to confront David. The confrontation is classic. Nathan presented a parable of David's own sin to the King, and David was so enraged against the supposed perpetrator of the deed, that he declared the man deserving of death. (By his judgment, David sealed his own punishment, but Elohim had other plans for him.) It was not until Nathan declared, "You are the man!" that David finally confessed, "I have sinned against YAHUAH." This method of exposure is extremely painful, and the punishment David received was severe - including the death of the child born in the illicit affair.

While you should take the time to read these two chapters of 2 Samuel, I want to point out 2 Samuel 12:14, because of the light directed here on the affect of sin in the spiritual battle. Here we are clearly shown that sin gives occasion to the enemies of Elohim, to blaspheme Him. Our actions have spiritual ramifications that not only affect our relationship with Elohim, but also cause Him grief and pain as well (Ephesians 4:30).

The last situation in the law of increasing discipline occurs when Elohim's child repeatedly strays down a known path of error, even after having been enlightened by the Word of Elohim, by the Ruach of Elohim, or by other disciples (Galatians 6:1-5). Refusal to repent of a known sin, by a child of Elohim, invites a truly harsh response from the Father.

In the Book of Daniel, Elohim gives us an example of this truth in His handling of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (Daniel 4). Nebuchadnezzar was told through a dream, and the proper interpretation, that his pride was going to cause him trouble. He ignored the warning. In His handling of Nebuchadnezzar though, Elohim brought the king to repentance and faith, which are exactly His motives in dealing with us.

We must never confuse punishment with tribulation though, Zeteo, because tribulation and suffering are interwoven throughout the fabric of life, and nobody is immune. They are a part of life because of sin in general. All too often, however, we judge and accuse our suffering brethren, when we need to offer love and compassion instead. People often ask, "Why did this happen", or "why did that occur?" And as Elohim's children we must be prepared with answers of real life faith. Unlike Job's comforters though, words like, "You must have sin in your life", or "Elohim is angry with you", or any other such judgment, must not cross our lips. We can never presume to know why Elohim permits things to happen in one person's life, while others appear to walk unscathed. Unless we know with certainty that sin exists, we can never presume that someone's tribulation is caused by sin. Judgmentalism must cease for us. Elohim is a faithful El, who loved us enough to die for us. His wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment are infinite, while we cannot see beyond any given moment. We must learn to trust Him explicitly, whatever our situation, and confidently approach our times of discipline and tribulation with a heart prepared to glorify Him. Is this easy? No, I know it is not! In Him, however, we can endure all things.

If we are being disciplined, Elohim will insure that we know why. Otherwise, we can stand firm against the attacks of Satan, as did Job, and our eternal reward will be great. If we are proud, and knowingly confess that failing to Elohim in truth and sincerity, He will acknowledge the meekness of our confession and gently guide us to greater levels of humility. If we display an arrogant attitude about any area of our life, however, and ignore Him as His Ruach speaks to us about that arrogance, His dealings with us will be swift and harsh... In a love that is tough and enduring.

Spiritual discipline though, like life, is a process. Elohim does not expect perfection from us. He expects faithful obedience and growth. As we maintain our faithfulness, abiding in His Word, Elohim will show us those areas in our lives that need correction. If we receive His reproach and repent, He will compassionately forgive us. If we deny our sin and hide, however, He will handle us sternly and powerfully. He is our Master and our Messiah. We cannot enjoy the salvation of Yahshuah ha Mashiach, without also enjoying the training and discipline of His Mastership; training and discipline that are necessary to inherit His kingdom. Without His discipline we are illegitimate, but with it we can grow to become like our Master. We can attain a likeness with Him, which truly glorifies Him!

Whether we speak about the training we receive from Elohim, or the disciplines we use in our daily worship, prayer, study or works, the effectiveness we enjoy is solely contingent upon our openness to the guidance and leadership of the His Ruach ha Qodesh. The fact that He abides within us though, or the fact that we are forgiven by Him, can never foster a spirit of superiority within us. If we consider the nature of Elohim once again, we can see the exact essence that the Ruach ha Qodesh is going to represent to us, within us and through us - if we permit.

Strengthen your faith, my friend, and prepare your heart, because your search is about to yield a tremendous harvest in the discovery of Elohim. Be forewarned as well, however, "Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain" (Ecclesiastes 1:18).

I pray for the next period in which we can sit face-to-face and discuss the glory of Elohim. Until then, however, I remain faithfully yours in Yahshuah our Messiah.

larry vosen

Topical Concordance:

Discipleship:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 31:6; 2 Chronicles 15:2, 16:9; Ezra 7:10; Job 8:5-7, 11:13-19, 22:21-30; Psalms 119; Proverbs (all); Ecclesiastes 1:18; Isaiah 14:12-17; 50-51, 55:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 17:5-8; Ezra 28:11-19; Zephaniah 2:3.

New Testament: Matthew 5:11-12; 8:18-27, 10:24-42, 13:52, 16:24-26, 28:18-20; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 6:40, 10:1-20, 12:33, 14:26-35, 18:18-30; John 3:3,5,30, 8:31-32, 13:5-17, 13:31-35, 14:12-27, 15, 16, 17; Acts 7:2-53; 8:5-40, 11:26, 13:52, 14:9-19, 18:9-10, 28:22; Romans 8:31-32; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, 10:3-4; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10, 4:15, 6:12; Philippians 3:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21; Timothy 2:24-26, 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:8, 13:5-6; James 4:3-4; 1 John 2:27, 3:9-11, 4:1; Revelation 2:7,11,17,26-28, 3:3,12,21, 5:14, 12:11, 14:9-16, 18:4.

Discipline:
Old Testament: 2 Samuel 11 & 12(12:14); Job 2:10, 5:17; Psalms 50:16-17, 66:8-12, 94:12-13, 119, 139:17-18; Proverbs (all) - But see: 3:11-12, 13:18, 19:27, 22:6,15, 23:13-14, 28:13; SS7:10; Isaiah 55:8; Jeremiah 10:24; Daniel 4.

New Testament: Matthew 9:10-17, 18:8-9; Mark 2:21-22; Luke 23:39-43; John 15:1-6; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13, 12:28-30; Galatians 6:1-5; Ephesians 4:15; 1 Timothy 1:5, 4:7-11; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 12:7-13; 2 Peter 1:5-11; 2 John 1:9; Revelation 3:11,19.

Elohim:
Old Testament: Genesis 1:1, 4:1-15, 16:16, 17:1, 21:22, 24:3, 31:5, 38:9-10; Exodus 20:5, 34:14; Numbers 16:22, 23:19; Deuteronomy 3:20-22, 4:24-39, 6:4, 6:15-16, 7:9, 7:21, 13:3, 33:2-3; 2 Chronicles 6:18, 6:30, 16:11; Ezra 1:1; Job 38(all); Psalms 1:6, 5:4, 6:2-9, 7:1, 8(all), 10:16, 11:7, 18:30, 23:1, 24:7-10, 29:4-9, 31:5, 33:5, 33:13-14, 44:20-21, 46:10-11, 63(all), 75:7, 89(all), 94:8-11, 99(all), 103:8, 145:8, 147:8; Isaiah 30:18, 42:5, 43:8-13, 44:6, 44:24; Ezekiel 18:4; Hosea 7(all), Amos 4:13; Jonah 4:5-11; Nahum 1:2-7; Habakkuk 3(all).

New Testament: John 3:16 ff, 3:33; Acts 10:34, 17:24-29; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Colossians 1:6, 1 Timothy 6:13-16; Hebrews 6:10-18, 12:29; 1John 1:5, 3:20, 4:8, 5:7.

Love:
Old Testament: Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms (all); Proverbs (all).

New Testament: Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-33; Luke 6:31-35; John 13:34, 15:12; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 16:13-14; Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians 5:2,25-27; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 John 4:7-8; 1 Peter 4:8.