Friday, March 27, 2009

Journal Making

This is Hananyah's first handmade journal. She put sticky butterflies on the front because they match the butterfly fabric.
Pretty beads enhance the purple theme.
The elastic hold the journal together for a smooth look.




The binding is nice and tight.


This is Jedidyah's first handmade journal. He covered it with "Woody" fabric.




We put elastic around it from the back to keep the journal closed.

There are about 50 pages in his journal.



He is showing off his many blank pages that he can draw or write on.


OH, he has filled the first page with a picture of our house.
(Except we don't have a wood heater, yet :)



This is the back side of the journal.



We tied some brown twine around the binding of the book because it looks just like the rope on the fabric.




Monday, March 23, 2009

WIVES


Wives, Submit to Yahweh!


With this message I will be daring to step into territory that few ministers are willing to go. I know that as a result of this message, I will not be winning the popularity contest, but the alternative is to water down the truth. Watering down the truth isn't a characteristic I want to be responsible for on the day of judgment.

In this modern day, where the women's liberation movement has won the hearts of many, women have taken on responsibilities and duties that go beyond what Yahweh ever intended. Yahweh created men and women, each to fulfill a distinct purpose and role in life. For example, men cannot bear or nurse children and women do not have the physical strength to do some of the work that men can do. Let's examine the creation account to learn more about the will of Yahweh for woman:

Genesis 2:18 And Yahweh Elohim said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

We see that Yahweh concluded it was not good for man to be alone. Therefore, we could conclude that one of the purposes for creating woman was to be a companion. Secondly, we learn that Yahweh desired to make a suitable helper for Adam. Therefore, being a helper for Adam is one of the purposes Yahweh had for creating her. We read later that Yahweh created woman from man:

Genesis 2:21 And Yahweh Elohim caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which Yahweh Elohim had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

So woman was created and brought to Adam. In one moment, she did not exist. In the next moment, she was alive and was brought to Adam to be a help to him. Do you think that she had any problem getting in her place? But many women today have totally lost this concept. Many women have rebelled against the very thing they were created to do. Rather than being a 'helper' for their husbands, they are often an opponent and stumbling block to his success.

What needs to happen is a change in perspective. A completely different outlook. One that sets aside the way we are raised, the way society says things should be and looks solely to Yahweh and His word for instruction on the right perspective. As we previously discussed when we looked into the scriptural concepts of Motherhood and the role of women at home, we need to do so with understanding the will of Yahweh for wives and how they relate to their husbands.

A helper is one who serves another. It is not a lowly calling, for even Yahushua came to serve:

Matthew 20:28 - Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Her role is to serve and help her husband. Yet, scripture is quite clear that wives are to be the submissive partner in a marriage:

Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in Yahweh.

It is the correct and fitting thing to do. It is part of the duty and role of a wife. But how extensive is it to be? Is it just in the major decisions that are made or is it in every single little thing? Let's examine:

Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Messiah is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Messiah, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Submit, as unto Yahweh? In every thing? Yes, this is what the scriptures teach. A wife should be submissive to her husband as if she is submitting to Yahweh Himself. We know that Yahweh desires us to submit to His will in everything, even the small things. Even so, a wife should submit to her husband in everything, including the small things. Whether he says, "Let's do it this way" or "Please go and get my shoes", she should treat it as a command from Yahweh. It should be done cheerfully and without complaining or even a hint of displeasure. Perhaps this seems silly and trite to some, but we need to remember that our actions are not only on display before Yahweh, but also in front of our children. Because the relationship of the wife and husband is a mirror of the relationship of the assembly and the Messiah, she is setting the example to the children of how wonderful and blessed it is to be obedient to the Messiah when she is being obedient to her husband. If she has any hint of rebellion or resentment at what the husbands speaks, believes, requests or demands, she is teaching her children how to be rebellious by her example.

My children are not raised, therefore I am not an authority on child training. But those whom I have learned from who have successfully raised children tell me that half the battle is in the husband and wife having the right relationship. If the husband is cruel, harsh and easily angered, this is how the children will often view Yahweh. If the wife is proud, rebellious, treats her husband like he is a fool, they will have a far greater difficulty submitting to Yahweh properly, if they ever even have a desire to. Will our children say to themselves when they are raised, "Wow, I want to have a home like my Mother and Father did!" or will they say "Wow, am I ever glad to get out of that place!" ? Much of that hinges on the husband and wife's relationship. I believe that this is why some families seem to raise righteous and well balanced children with seemingly little effort, while other families that pour all of their energies into raising their children find them rebelling later in life. O, how important this is!

To what extent does the husband have authority over his wife? Let's see what the Torah says:

Numbers 30:1 And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which Yahweh hath commanded. 2 If a man vow a vow unto Yahweh, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. 3 If a woman also vow a vow unto Yahweh, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth; 4 And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand. 5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and Yahweh shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her. 6 And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul; 7 And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand. 8 But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and Yahweh shall forgive her.

Here we see that the husband's authority even extends to the wife's speech. He can even annul a vow that she has spoken, make it to no effect in the eyes of Yahweh and Yahweh will accept it! His authority appears to be equal to that of a Father over his daughter. This may be difficult for many to accept, but it is true and it is right there in the word of Yahweh. This is so far from the way of the world today! Yet, there is nothing new under the sun:

Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

Sisters, it is time for a change in perspective. A perspective that is in unity with the word of Yahweh.

Don't let the enemy lie to you, there is freedom in the ways of Yahweh! To the world, all of our obedience looks like bondage, but we know how much it sets us free. It isn't bondage at all, it is the way of Yahweh! The ways of Yahweh are truth, light and love. It is the enemies of Yahweh that call it bondage:

1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of Elohim, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

It is rebellion that is in the heart of Satan. It is written:

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of Elohim: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Rebellion against Yahweh's authority is Satan's desire. He wanted to be exalted and in the position of the one to whom he had to submit. He wanted to be 'like the Most High'. The women who want to lead, and aspire to be like their husbands in matters of authority are not following Yahweh's leading, but rather the desire of Yahweh's enemy! This is very dangerous ground for a wife to tread. Eve (Chawwah) apparently had the same aspirations in the garden of Eden, to be like Elohim knowing good and evil. Satan fed her these aspirations:

Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For Elohim doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

She chose to eat the fruit, to be like the Most High. Women must be on guard against this form of Rebellion! There are many forms of it. One of them is contentiousness:

Proverbs 21:19 - It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Let it not be so among the sisters in the faith. If a woman should be submissive to her husband as unto Yahweh, then her contentiousness is also like contending with Yahweh:

Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

Yahweh has placed the husbands in the position of authority over the wives, not unlike Yahweh placed Moshe in the position of authority over the children of Israel. In every case that the children of Israel spoke against Moshe, Yahweh viewed it as murmuring against Him. Let's examine what took place to the children of Israel who spoke against one in authority over them:

Numbers 16:1 - Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: 2 - And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: 3 - And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and YAHWEH is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of YAHWEH? 4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:

And what did Yahweh later do with those that stood up against Moshe?

Numbers 16:31 - And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: 32 - And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. 33 - They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

You would think that people would repent at this event? But we read later that:

Numbers 16:41 - But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of YAHWEH.

There was seemingly no end to their rebellion. Yahweh expected that The children of Israel were to respect Moshe's authority as unto Yahweh and not murmur or complain against him. This does not mean that Moshe was Yahweh but it does mean that any authority that is from Yahweh is to be obeyed and respected as unto Yahweh:

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of Elohim: the powers that be are ordained of Elohim. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of Elohim: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

The principle of authority is the same. This does not mean that the husband is greater than the wife in any way, shape or form. It doesn't mean that he is her spiritual superior. In fact:

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Messiah Yahushua.

Some take this verse to the extreme, but surely this doesn't mean that men now need to find a way to bear and nurse children, since there is neither male nor female in the Messiah Yahushua! Every husband and every wife has a certain role to fulfill before Yahweh. A role that they were created to accomplish. This is where Yahweh has placed each, and there should be no grumbling and complaining by any spouse concerning what duty Yahweh has given us! We need to not only respect, but LOVE the calling we are given and love Yahweh's will for our lives. Enjoy the blessing of Yahweh!

Wives, you can be the crown of your husband or rottenness in his bones:

Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

It is all your choice. Your husband can only do so much:

Proverbs 27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

Therefore, the choice is yours to make. But I say, use discretion and fear Yahweh!

Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth Yahweh, she shall be praised.

It is Yahweh that we all should fear. But too often, a fear of circumstances, a fear that the wrong decision will be made, and a fear of what the future may hold controls her life and prevents her from trusting. But Yahweh says to be in subjection, even if a man doesn't obey the word:

1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Notice that it isn't the constant complaining or wearing down that makes needed changes in a husband's life, but the quiet, chaste conversation of the wife, coupled with a genuine fear of Yahweh. Righteous examples are more convincing than many words. Above all, take those things that disturb you to Yahweh who can bring about the changes you desire. When a thought against your husband enters your mind and you know it is a wrong thought, pray IMMEDIATELY that Yahweh will take the thought away and ask Him to take that thought captive and cast it far from you, never to return. It is the enemy:

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through Elohim to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of Elohim, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Messiah; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

This is relying on the strength of Yahweh to overcome. Rather than badgering your husband about the things you do not like, tell him how much you appreciate the things he does and let him know that you support him in whatever decisions he makes. Remember that any correction you provide him should be done in extreme humility. If he corrects himself due to your admonitions, any correcting he does will likely be (in his mind) just because you (the leader) told him to do it. It is good to avoid this situation and it's important that he has the freedom to hear from Yahweh. Therefore, take things to Yahweh in abundance. But if he asks you for advice, then speak. Many wives I know have great testimonies of what Yahweh does when she takes things to Him. He can do such a better job! How can a wife convince her husband to be obedient to the word if she is blaspheming the word of Yahweh while trying to convince Him?

Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of Elohim be not blasphemed.

We see that a disobedient wife who claims to love Yahweh brings about reproach on Yahweh's word. The best thing you can do to help your husband be a spiritual leader is to refrain from getting in the way! Many women desire that their husband be the kind of leader that Yahweh wants them to be, but they are the ones preventing that from becoming a reality. Wives can "support" their leader, but to "lead their husband to be a leader" is impossible because she is the one doing the leading!

Continuing in 1 Kepha/Peter:

1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Elohim of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in Elohim, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him master: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Sarah is given as an example of a submissive wife who adorned herself with a meek and quiet spirit. The holy women of old adorned themselves with humility and subjections to their own husbands. Do you desire to be a daughter of Sarah? You must do well and not fear. You must fear Yahweh, but you must not fear what will happen if you allow your husband to lead. It isn't about trusting in man, it's about trusting in Yahweh as verse 1Peter 3:5 said. Therefore:

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in Yahweh with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

This is what the holy women of old had as their adornment. The foolish women were not so, Job's wife was a woman who prompted her husband to do evil:

Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse Elohim, and die

The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the scriptures that predate the Masoretic Text has in this verse:

Job 2:9 And when much time had passed, his wife said to him, How long wilt thou hold out, saying, Behold, I wait yet a little while, expecting the hope of my deliverance? for, behold, thy memorial is abolished from the earth, even thy sons and daughters, the pangs and pains of my womb which I bore in vain with sorrows; and thou thyself sittest down to spend the nights in the open air among the corruption of worms, and I am a wanderer and a servant from place to place and house to house, waiting for the setting of the sun, that I may rest from my labours and my pangs which now beset me: but say some word against Yahweh, and die.

So the Septuagint records a more detailed description of what took place here. If this is true, she really did a sales pitch for forsaking Yahweh. Her mind was on the temporal things of this world rather than on believing and trusting in Yahweh. But Job refused to allow circumstances, whether good or evil, to allow him to forsake Yahweh. This is what needs to be done, trust Yahweh, acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths:

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in Yahweh with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Consider for a moment the great blessing in the home of a wife who heeds these words. She can truly be the gift from Yahweh to her husband that she was created to be:

Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from Yahweh.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

She can rest, knowing that she is in good hands, the hands of Yahweh. Because she is no longer in opposition to the authority Yahweh created, she can know and believe that Yahweh will take care of her. This is freedom. Freedom from worry because she is in Yahweh's hands. Freedom from strife in the home because she is no longer in opposition to her husband and her children follow that example of submission to authority. Freedom from having the weight of the world on her shoulders. I call on wives to enter in. Enter in this place of freedom where there is true shalom/peace and happiness. The place where Yahweh created a wife to be. The place of eternal life.

In conclusion, I realize that there are many other areas that are worthy of consideration when examining the roles of Fathers, husbands, mothers and wives, but the things I have shared are some of the most common areas where people fall short in the home. One thing is certain: we need to get beyond the blame game, wives blaming their husbands and husbands blaming their wives. There is plenty of blame to go around for failures in the home. Therefore, I have a challenge, that none of us read this message thinking about how our spouses need to change in this area or that. Let's ponder the things written herein with the thoughts of things that WE need to change. Once we have made the change, it will create the best environment for the other one to change. None of us will be able to stand before Yahweh and blame the other for any failure in their role. Adam tried it and it didn't work at all. Men will not be able to stand before Yahweh and say "I didn't honor and care for her like I should because she did this and that". Women will not be able to stand before Yahweh and say "I didn't submit to my husband because he did this and that". Yahweh will examine each of our works in light of His word. He will judge whether it was good or evil and each one of us will need to answer for it.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear Elohim, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For Elohim shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

With Yahweh's strength, a mighty work can be done. Let's not forget the vision, the desire to bring our children up in righteousness. But, let's rely on His strength, for only then can we do it.

Psalm 109:26 Help me, O Yahweh my Elohim: O save me according to thy mercy: 27 That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, Yahweh, hast done it.



Now read: Children, Turn Your Hearts!

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Mothers and the Role of Women at Home


Mothers, Love Your Role!



Building and Tearing down

Mothers, you have seen the vision about how important it is for Fathers to turn their hearts to their children. You have seen the great importance Yahweh places on building generations of righteousness. If you desire it in your home, I must say that you can be the greatest single help to your husband (besides Yahweh) or you can be the greatest stumbling block to making it a reality. How can you best help your husband bring it into a reality? You have a very important role and without it, the home will most likely fail:

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

In this scripture, we see the difference between a wise woman and a foolish woman. Surely, you want to be the wise woman that builds her house rather than the foolish woman that "plucketh it down with her hands". Scripture is full of admonitions toward women and examples of how a wise woman conducts herself.

Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Let's examine the characteristics of a foolish woman. First:

Proverbs 9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

What does it mean to be "clamorous"? The BDB Lexicon defines this word as:

1993 hm'h' hamah {haw-maw'}
Meaning: 1) to murmur, growl, roar, cry aloud, mourn, rage, sound, make noise, tumult, be clamorous, be disquieted, be loud, be moved, be troubled, be in an uproar 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to growl 1a2) to murmur (fig. of a soul in prayer) 1a3) to roar 1a4) to be in a stir, be in a commotion 1a5) to be boisterous, be turbulent

The above characteristics are present in a foolish woman. In context, the foolish and simple woman in Proverbs 9 is a harlot. She is loud, boisterous, murmuring and noisy. Her spirit is disquieted and she is obviously unsatisfied.

Proverbs 7:11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

This is in great contrast to the will of Yahweh:

1pet 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Elohim of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in Elohim, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Scripture is worthy of instruction for our lives. Occasionally, a scripture will repeat something twice. When it does, I like to take notice. When it is repeated three times, I really like to take notice. However, there is one thing that is repeated in Proverbs five times. Yes, five times in the book of Proverbs we find the same concept repeated.

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house

Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

Proverbs 27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

Five times within 8 chapters we see the same exact concept repeated. Why is it repeated so often? Many look at these verses and just chuckle a bit and move on. But I do not believe that the purpose for these proverbs was to create humor, but rather to admonish and instruct. It is obvious that the role of a woman in a home is not to contend or brawl. Doing so feeds the desire of a man to go elsewhere. Perhaps it isn't in the wilderness or on the corner of a rooftop, but it is probably at work or with his friends or anywhere but that house! Is it any wonder so many men are not home with their families? Surely, it is their fault alone but so often their foolish wives feed this destructive cycle with their contentions and brawling.

As a woman of the home, and wife to the man, she has great influence over the decisions her husband makes. Many are the examples of the women who brought down their house with their influence. Starting with Adam:

Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Genesis 3:12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

In the Torah, Yahweh knew the potential of a foolish woman:

Deuteronomy 7:1 When Yahweh thy Elohim shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; 2 And when Yahweh thy Elohim shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: 3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of Yahweh be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other Elohim: for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous Elohim: 15 Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; 16 And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.

So important was Yahweh's command not to take on such wives, that the people of Yahweh had to put them away in the books of Nehemiah and Ezra.

Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. 11 Now therefore make confession unto Yahweh Elohim of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives. 12 Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.

Solomon knew the potential very well:

1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his Elohim, as was the heart of David his father.

As did Ahab:

1 Kings 21:25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

Can we begin to see the influence and importance of a woman's role in the home? She is extremely important to the outcome of the home. She can tear it down with her hands, or she can build it up. Job's wife made an attempt to tear down what was left of their home:

Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse Elohim, and die. 10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of Elohim , and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Job warned her of speaking as a foolish woman speaks. It is true that a woman's speech has much influence on the home. Note that the examples of women who tore down their homes did so with their speech. Delilah was one:

Judges 16:15 And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. 16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; 17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto Elohim from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

From contention to clamor to the wearing down of a man with words, a foolish woman has been the destruction of many a man. Proverbs speaks much warning of avoiding a 'strange woman' and 'foolish woman' that would draw a man's heart away through lust and adultery. All throughout scripture, women were used as powerful tools of the devil or powerful blessings from Yahweh. Women have the choice to be one or the other.

Let's now talk about the blessings! In the same way a woman can tear down a house with her words, so can she build it up:

1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

See! A woman's influence can not just turn a man's heart away from Yahweh, but can turn his heart to Yahweh! But, be certain it is not done through nagging and persuading. It is done through chaste conversation and fear. More on this later :)

The blessing of motherhood

If only the women of this generation could see the great blessings of motherhood! But so often the role of a mother is insulted and considered bland, boring and of low skill. But to Yahweh, it is all-important:

1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Saved in childbearing? What could this mean? Some understand it to mean that women are saved in childbearing because it was through the birth of Messiah that we are all saved. This may be, but the text doesn't necessarily say that a woman is saved because she has borne children, but that childbearing is the role that a saved woman functions in, rather than being in a role of authority and teaching men.

Many are the examples of women in scripture that considered childbearing to be of great importance. Rachel was one:

Genesis 30:1 And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. 2 And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in Elohim's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?

"Give me children or else I die"! So important was the role of bearing children, that there was a great enmity in Jacob's home because Leah was bearing children and Rachel was barren.

1Samuel 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of Yahweh. 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto Yahweh, and wept sore. 11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Yahweh of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto Yahweh all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Yahweh heard Hannah, knowing that she had vowed to give this child to Him. This child became Samuel, a great prophet and priest of Yahweh. Samuel was the one who replaced Eli, the wicked priest who had his generations cut off because he did not restrain the evil deeds of his children (See the "Fathers, Turn Your Hearts!" study).

Deuteronomy 7:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that Yahweh thy Elohim shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: 13 And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 14 Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.

All throughout scripture, Yahweh's opening of a barren womb was considered to be a great blessing. Yahweh did so with many women in scripture:

  • Sarah, who bore Isaac
  • Rebekah, who bore Jacob and Esau
  • Rachel, who bore Joseph and Benjamin
  • Manoah's wife, who bore Samson
  • Hannah, who bore Samuel
  • Elisabeth, who bore John the Baptist

There we see a list of great men of scripture. The women who bore these men were no doubt thankful and appreciated the role of motherhood. If you are a mother with children, praise Yahweh of heaven along with Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Manoah's wife, Hannah and Elisabeth for the blessing He has poured out on you! It is high time that we lift up the blessing and importance of motherhood! So important is the role of motherhood, that one is not even considered a widow unless she has brought up children:

1 Timothy 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Messiah, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the assembly be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Therefore, we again see the importance of childbearing. I have had some women say things to me something like, "What do I have? I can't go out and be used by Yahweh to bring others to Messiah like my husband. I'm stuck at home with these kids". Such is the attitude of many women today, but it ought not be so! Mothers, you not only have great influence on your husband, you also have great influence on the righteousness of your children. As mentioned in the "Fathers, Turn Your Hearts!" study, if you had 2 children and 6 generations thereafter had 2 children, you would have influenced 252 children. If you had 5 children and 6 generations thereafter had 5 children, you would have influenced 97,655 children! You have hundreds, if not thousands of people that you influence every day of your life. With every bit of time you spend with your children, with every conversation, every bit of care and every action, you potentially are also (in a sense) doing so with many many others. And not only with your children's children, but also consider the ones that they may influence and bring to righteousness. What a shame it would be, if a woman would receive the great blessing of having children, only to see her tear down her house with contentions and brawling and clamor and straying from the faith in Yahweh and the role that Yahweh created her to be in! A wise woman will bring forth wise children:

Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Why is it that the mother is brought to shame? She obviously is responsible for spending the greatest amount of time with the children. If her child is left to himself, his foolishness will bring his mother to shame. His foolishness isn't driven away by his mother. The great potential that a mother has to influence her children is typified in the example of Timothy, whose mother and grandmother were commended:

2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from Elohim the Father and Messiah Yahushua our Master. 3 I thank Elohim, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of Elohim which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

His mother and grandmother are commended for their genuine faith. From a child, Timothy was taught the Holy Scriptures:

2 Timothy 3:14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Messiah Yahushua.

Although Timothy was a young man (1Tim 4:12), he was used by Yahweh in a mighty way throughout scripture. Paul considered Timothy his "own son in the faith" and is mentioned many times in scripture. For example:

1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in Yahweh, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Messiah, as I teach every where in every church.

Letters to Timothy make up 2 books in the scriptures that we read. What great fruit was borne out of the dedication of his mother and grandmother! Their example should be an inspiration for all mothers to raise a son such as this.

It is sad that so many mothers today are looking for substitutes to fill their role. Too often, mothers today use the television or day care centers to babysit their children while they go off and do other things like chasing careers and chattering with friends or relatives. We see mothers using cow or vegetable-based milk substitutes to feed their children rather than the milk that Yahweh created children to drink. Is it any wonder there is a lack of bonding between mother and child in this day and age? Rather than providing healthy and wholesome meals for her household, many mothers slap together cheap and ready-made meals. And in spite of the modern day servants, in the form of washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves and the like, many modern day mothers complain about the lack of time. Yet, she usually finds the time to watch her TV programs, talk on the phone with friends/relatives or waste her life away with other foolish and unprofitable things. It ought not be so!

This is not to say that motherhood is easy, because it isn't! It is a tough job that takes hard work, diligence and virtuous character.

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

A virtuous woman is rare. But it is a worthy goal to be attained. Let's examine her characteristics:

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

First, we see that her husband trusts her. She is in a right relationship with her husband. This is an important foundation. We will discuss more of this in the next study

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

We see that the virtuous woman is a worker. She is not a lazy woman. She "worketh willingly with her hands" to run the household. We see that her focus is the home. She is not focused on a career, being a busybody or wasting her time.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Notice that she rises while it is yet night to provide for her household, and her candle "goeth not out by night". She obviously puts the needs of others before her own needs, even the need of sleep. Because "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her", she is trusted to make wise purchasing decisions for her household.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Notice that not only are the needs of her household met, she is able to provide for the needs of other households. She is literally overflowing with an abundance of blessings for her house and with this abundance, helps the poor and needy. What a blessed home!

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Not only does her house have clothing, her house is clothed well and she is able to sell clothing to others for profit.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Her clothing is her character, and her adorning is her works. As we read earlier, this kind of adornment is the will of Yahweh:

1Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Elohim of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in Elohim, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

Continuing in Proverbs:

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

We see that her conversation is not like the clamorous voice of a fool, but the wise voice of kindness. Kindness is the law on her lips.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

We see that she is not a woman of idleness, but a faithful worker that cares for the needs of her household. Idleness is the enemy of a virtuous woman.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth Yahweh, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

HalleluYah, we see what this virtuous woman reaps for her labors, kindnesses and a true fear of Yahweh. Her children call her blessed and her husband praises her. Her own fruits and works praise her. We see by this example the high degree of love and care that this woman has for her household. This is in stark contrast to the career women of today. Mothers, learn to love your role as a keeper of the house and mother to your children!

Let's now examine other characteristics of a righteous woman. The older women were expected to teach the younger women these characteristics:

Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

In this sentence we see the need for a woman to be sober. The Greek word here (#4994, from #4998) carries a meaning of being temperate and self controlled. Therefore, she is in control of herself and her emotions. We also see that she should love her husband and children. One would think that this should be obvious, but apparently it isn't! It was something that the older women needed to teach the younger women how to do. A woman's love for her husband and children will feed her desire to care for them to the level that the virtuous woman did in Proverbs 31.

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of Elohim be not blasphemed.

The Greek word for "discreet" in this verse is related to the one translated "sober" in the previous verse. There is a real emphasis on teaching the younger women to have a sound and self controlled mind. Friberg's Lexicon has:

"strictly, having a sound or healthy mind; as having ability to curb desires and impulses so as to produce a measured and orderly life self-controlled, sensible."

Being chaste is another thing that needed to be taught. The meaning behind this is purity. The same word is translated "pure" here:

1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Being a "keeper at home" was also to be taught. Let's examine the various lexicons on this:

Thayer's:

"3626 oivkouro,j oikouros {oy-koo-ros'} Meaning: 1) caring for the house, working at home 1a) the (watch or) keeper of the house 1b) keeping at home and taking care of household affairs 1c) a domestic"

Friberg:

"of one preoccupied w. domestic affairs working at home, domestic subst. homemaker (TI 2.5)."

UBS Greek Dictionary:

"devoted to home duties"

Louw-Nida Lexicon:

" homemaker...one who works in the home - 'one who takes care of the home, homemaker."

They all agree, it means that a woman should be taking care of the house. This is in line with Proverbs 31 and other scriptures that we have examined to this point.

The women were also taught to be good and obedient to their husbands. To be good is obvious, to be obedient to their husbands is an issue we will address in the next study.

1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

This is yet another scripture uplifting the role of motherhood and the keeping of the home. In both verses, and in the scripture previously discussed, we see the concern raised that reproach is brought upon a home where a woman is not fulfilling these roles. If these things convict you, take away the reproach! It is time that women appreciate and love what Yahweh has called them to do. If this is what Yahweh has created women to do, then I have no doubt that this is where a woman is happiest. Yahweh created fish to swim in the water, animals to roam on land and birds to fly through the air. All of Yahweh's creation is happiest when it is where it was created to be. The same is true for men and women. Yahweh did not create women to be mighty leaders among men, but to care for the home and for the children. This is where she is happiest.

Jeremiah 8:7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of Yahweh.

Therefore, let's cast off the foolish influences of modern society and let's walk in the will of Yahweh for men and women. As we have seen, motherhood is a crucial part of a spirit filled home of righteousness. Without her, all the efforts of her husband can be in vain. There is much more to say in the next study when we discuss the role of wives. It is difficult to separate the role of wife and mother because they are so intricately mixed. A woman being the wife Yahweh desires her to be has much to do with whether she is building up her house or tearing it down with her hands. Consider the scriptures given about being a true mother to your children and keeper of the home. The right road is narrow and difficult, but surely Yahweh can bless the work of your hands and will be your help. Trust in Him as you walk in His ways. He will bring it to pass. May Yahweh bless you as You do so!



Now read "Wives, Submit to Yahweh!"

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Our Shabbot Table

Our Shabbot meal begins at sundown on Sabbath.
Alot of people prefer to use their best dishes for the meal.
However, because Sabbath is our rest day, we don't want to have tons of dishes left over after Sabbath. So, we use paper plates for most of our meals during Sabbath.
We enjoy it just as much and we are left with little clean-up.
Here is a picture of our usual table before setting out the food.

(Above: Before sundown)

(Above: After sundown)
I strive to make sure to have dinner prepared before sundown
in order to stop all forms of work for Sabbath.
I am blessed to have a husband that shares the same convictions
to keep Yahweh's laws.
Most, if not all, lights go out before sundown and the lanterns and candles
are lit. Before the meal, Jeff blesses Hananyah and Jedidyah and then me.
He prays over the food and we enjoy a peaceful meal together.
We many nights we enjoy our meal with other brothers and sister.


Some would call us "bound."
I would beg the differ. Our decision to follow the law
(by the guiding of the Father) has been extremely FREEING!!
Our home is peaceful, joyous, and very blessed.
What more could you want for your family.
Open your heart and mind and get into your Word and see what the Father has for you.
Blessings,
Amanda