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Where do you get all of this barry wisdom about God.?

You need to slow down your sillyness and make sure your mind is right along with God.

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what are you talking about ?



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The HEART of the issue is truly the issue of the HEART!
John 3:3;Mark 8:34-38;James 1:27

Posts: 3529 | From: Orange, Texas | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | 

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Originally posted by barrykind:
The EliYah Message
Fathers, Turn Your Hearts!
"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of EliYah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh." Luke 1:17


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Introduction

The following is a study on the role of Fathers in the home. For those of you who are not married, this study can still be beneficial for you if you ever plan on getting married. If your children are raised, there is a great need in the body for those who are willing to teach these things to the younger men and women.

I should mention that while the name of this web site is "eliyah.com" and this study is about the EliYah message, I do not claim to be "THE EliYah". I'm just a disciple of Yahushua who has sought to raise my own family in the way Yahweh desires. In my search, I encountered others who have written similar studies on the home. They have greatly influenced some of the points made in this study.

I should also mention that scriptures and points in this study represents the standard that Yahweh has of any family that seeks Him. My family and I continually seek to attain this standard but we do not count ourselves to have already attained it all. We simply desire to press on and take hold of the standard to which we are called (Phil 3:12) and share that standard with others. I hope it is a blessing to you; may Yahweh have mercy on us all.


An Opportunity

Imagine for a moment that Yahweh came to you in a vision and pointed out a particular man in your community to whom He was going to give permanent amnesia. All his past memories were to be permanently erased. In this vision, you were commissioned to care for this man and to teach him all he needs to know about the ways of Yahweh. You would be entrusted with this man's salvation, with how he views the world and how he views Yahweh. How seriously would you take this responsibility? Would you ignore it and find other things to do or would you pour your heart and soul into this effort? Assuredly I say to you, that if you are a Father you have been entrusted with this responsibility. But this isn't a man from the community that you are being entrusted with, it is your own children.

It is upon the men that Yahweh has laid the responsibility of leadership, guidance and direction. Yahweh will hold the men accountable for the outcome of the family


How Important it really is

For most people, family is the very core of existence. It is the testing ground. It is the place where we can become a hypocrite, or a light to all nations. Do you want to know the true character of a man and his wife? Observe their children and you will usually know. Children often mimic what they see going on at home. Many can appear righteous unto men, but who can still be found righteous in their home, behind closed doors?

How important is our family life to Yahweh? How important is it that we teach our children the ways of Yahweh? How important is it that we each fulfill the roles that Yahweh has given? Let's consider.

Although the modern arrangement or division of the Scriptures may not be inspired, it is certainly interesting that the very last word in the last "Old Testament" prophetic book is none other than "Curse". This chapter is a prophecy for the end times. Let us see what the source of this curse may be:

Malachi 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Yahweh of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Notice that we must fear Yahweh's name to inherit this promise.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith Yahweh of hosts.

But what defines who is wicked and who is not? Let's keep reading:

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

Remember the law of Moses? Yes, remember the law of Moses with all the statutes and judgments; even in the latter days. I tend to think that this is part of the EliYah message, to remember the law of Moses.

5 Behold, I will send you EliYah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh.

EliYah the prophet was the one who said:

1Kings 18:24 And call ye on the name of your elohim, and I will call on the name of Yahweh: and the Elohim that answereth by fire, let him be Elohim. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken

So we must also call upon the name of Yahweh. In fact, the name "EliYah" means "Yahweh is my Mighty One". I tend to think that this is another part of the EliYah message. But there is a third and much more clearly defined part of the EliYah message that we should pay very close attention to:

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

According to this scripture, a curse will fall upon the earth when it has fathers whose hearts are not turned to their children and children whose hearts are not turned to their fathers. So, although at least part of the EliYah message is "My Mighty One is Yahweh" and to remember the law of Moshe, the great duty of the EliYah message is turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers! I believe that this message is greatly lacking today.

According to statistics, in the United States of America, at least 4 out of 10 children will go to bed tonight without their father in the home. In most homes where the father is there, children are abandoned spiritually and emotionally. Children are a status symbol or a nuisance rather than a blessing. Children are something to be ignored rather than human beings who desperately need to be shown and taught the ways of eternal life.

O Fathers, where are you???

They are probably at work, with friends, playing with their toys or on the golf course. But what is Yahweh's expectation for Fathers? How important is the role of fathers in their children's life? What does Yahweh say?


The Role of Fathers

Yahweh's plan is for us to communicate His mighty works to our children. For this to be done, a Father must have his heart turned to his children. If it is, this will build a kingdom. The Father has the authority in the home because the Father has the responsibility.

As we read earlier, we should "Remember the law of Moshe". It should be evident to any student of the Torah (Law) that Yahweh demands Fathers to teach His ways to their children. In the Torah (law) of Yahweh, there is one thing that is commanded several times over. That is the command to teach our children the word of Yahweh:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 " Hear, O Israel: Yahweh Elohenu (our El), Yahweh is one! "You shall love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

In the famous "Sh'ma" passage, we see Yahweh's desire for us to teach His commandments diligently to our children and to "talk of them when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up". We are not only commanded by Yahweh to teach them to our children, but to teach them diligently to our children. We are not only to teach them, we are to talk of them all the day long. They are to be in in our hearts and in the hearts of our children. Not only is Yahweh "Echad" (ONE), He wants our families to be "Echad" with one another and with Him. It is written again:

Deuteronomy 11:18 " Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Again, we are to talk of them all the day long. But today, the question must be asked, "How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we rarely even talk to them at all? How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we are rarely ever home and we send them away to the government schools every day? How many Fathers are truly fulfilling this commandment?

Too often, the adults at various assemblies and meetings engage in high level conversations with one another about the scriptures while the children just sit there bored, squirming in their seats and getting into trouble because they have no clue what is going on or what anyone is even talking about. While some conversations may be above the capabilities of a child, too often it is because they don't know the scriptures. By the time they reach teen-age years, it is often too late because the prime age of influence and impressionability is long gone. At various gatherings, the teens should be with the adults. If they are taught properly, they will be learning and listening because they have a true interest in Yahweh's word just as the adults do. But too often, teens are out playing and learning the ways of other teens rather than learning the ways of Yahweh. Fathers need to wake up!

Deuteronomy 4:8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 " Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 "especially concerning the day you stood before Yahweh your Elohim in Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Notice that Yahweh wants us to teach them to our children and He also wants them to be taught to our grandchildren! Also notice in verse 10 that one of the intentions Yahweh had when giving His commandments in Horeb was that Israel teach them to their children.

Deuteronomy 6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which Yahweh sware unto thy fathers, 19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as Yahweh hath spoken. 20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Yahweh our Elohim hath commanded you? 21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand: 22 And Yahweh shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: 23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our Elohim, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before Yahweh our Elohim, as he hath commanded us.

Deuteronomy 32:46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

So Yahweh's expectation is that our children are diligently taught His ways. Consider also one of the purposes of the observances He commands:

Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 "that you shall say, 'It is the Passover sacrifice of Yahweh, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.' " So the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. 8 "And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what Yahweh did for me when I came up from Egypt.'

Exodus 13:14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 10:1 And Yahweh said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: 2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am Yahweh.

Leviticus 23:42-43 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am Yahweh your Elohim.

Deuteronomy 31:10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh thy Elohim in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your Elohim, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your Elohim, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Can we see again the expectation of Yahweh here? One of the reasons Yahweh has these feasts is so that our children will know and remember His law and His mighty works. Teaching children should therefore be a major focus of any feast we have. The children should not be ignored and sent off to play during the feasts. Nor should the parents expect others to do their job of teaching their children during the feasts while they find other things to do. While the world is successful in keeping their children tied to pagan holidays by appealing to their carnality via gifts & candies, we ought to find ways to tie the strings of our children's hearts to Yahweh by truly fulfilling their spiritual needs when we observe the true holy-days of Yahweh.

Of Abraham it was said:

Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Yahweh, to do justice and judgment; that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

We can also be known by Yahweh as that kind of a father! Within the Torah alone, there were at least 11 times where Yahweh gave a command, admonition or spoke about the need to teach our children His ways. This concept is repeated in the book of Psalms:

Psalm 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 That they may set their hope in Elohim, And not forget the works of Elohim, But keep His commandments; 8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to Elohim.

It is clearly Yahweh's expectation that we teach His ways to the next generation. Yahweh wants a righteous generation to be brought forth from our homes. Indeed, He has indicated that this is one of the purposes for marriage:

Malachi 2:13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because Yahweh has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks righteous offspring (In Hebrew literally, Seed of Elohim). Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. 16 "For Yahweh Elohim of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says Yahweh of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously."

So are we going to raise up a seed of Elohim or children of the devil? Will our children's works advance the kingdom of the devil or the kingdom of Yahweh? Indeed, Yahweh has placed a large part of this responsibility into the hands of the fathers. We have the greatest influence as to the outcome. We can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone to the paths of righteousness. If we are a stepping stone, great is our reward:

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

If we are a stumbling block, woe to us:

Matthew 18:5-7 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

The Proverb indeed says:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Contrary to popular opinion, this scripture does not say, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is grown up, he will abandon Yahweh and sow his wild oats, then come back to Yahweh and not depart" yet this is what many would have us believe!

Much of the book of proverbs is about a man who, in obedience to the scriptures is teaching the wisdom of Yahweh to his son. For example:

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a ***** is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

We see the strong desire in this father that his son would not be ensnared with wine and women. This father was committed to the idea that his child would not depart!

It is high time we raise up a righteous generation that fears Yahweh and keeps His commandments. It is high time that fathers forsake their toys and pursuits of worldly gain and instead focus on raising a righteous generation that will magnify the name of Yahweh! It is high time that Fathers have a vision of what it really means to be a man of Yahweh.

How important is it that our homes are in order and our children are taught Yahweh's ways? Unless one's home is right, they cannot be an effective leader:

Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of Yahweh?);

1Timothy 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of Yahweh, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

We have to be true believers at home, not just when others are watching. The requirements of a spiritual leader is that they have a righteous family with righteous children. Our family is the expression of ourselves and our life. If a man of Yahweh leads a family in righteousness, you can know you have one who is in righteous in his private life. See, our family gives us away. We cannot hide ourselves and what we are like. If Father or Mother are foolish or rebellious, then except by the grace of Yahweh so shall the children be.

Abraham and Eli were leaders. As we read earlier, Abraham had his house right:

Gene 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Eli the priest did not:

1Sam 2:11 Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to Yahweh before Eli the priest. 12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know Yahweh.

Eli apparently made the foolish decision to let his sons be corrupt:

1Sam 3:12 "In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 "For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.

Consider the differing end result of Abraham and Eli! Abraham and his descendants were exalted and blessed beyond measure, but Eli had his generations cut off and destroyed (1Sam 4:16). So let's ponder the question today, are we an Abraham or are we an Eli?

Can we begin to see how important it really is? You see, Yahweh would never have been the "Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" if Abraham hadn't done his job! Will it be said of us that Yahweh is the Elohim of our children and grandchildren? Yahweh is seeking righteous offspring; a Seed of Elohim to walk in His ways. Yahweh desires that His people produce children of righteousness, children of Yahweh.

Let's consider the scriptures which show the results of families who did not pass the truth of Yahweh onto the next generation:

Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know Yahweh nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals;12 and they forsook Yahweh Elohim of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked Yahweh to anger.

There were at least 7 times in approximately 335 years where the book of Judges records one generation that would serve Yahweh, and the next generation forsaking Him. Imagine for a moment the great blessings that might have been realized had only the first generation taught their children to "Know Yahweh"!

Judges 2:10-11 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not Yahweh, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. 11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served Baalim:

As a result of their failure, these rebellious children served false deities. Similar flip-flops are found in the books of First and Second Kings/Chronicles. There would be a generation that would finally repent and serve Yahweh, only to see the succeeding generation be exceedingly wicked.

Is there a way to stop this destructive cycle? What about our children’s generation? What about in the nations that we live in? In recent history there has been a spiraling increase in wickedness. Consider some of the statistics one can find about conditions in the United States:

At least half of all marriages end in divorce. Remarkably, studies show that the divorce rate among denominational Christian churches is equal or higher than that.

The Census Bureau states that in 1998, 58.7% of mothers with infants work outside the home. 61% of married women as a whole work outside the home compared to 6 percent in 1900 (US News & World Report, 12/18/00 pg 56).

According to CNN, Only 6.9 percent of men and 21 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 59 are virgins when getting married.

The birth rate in the U.S. in 1997 was 14.6 per 1,000 population. The world average was 22.6. The birth rate in the U.S. would be higher, but approximately 1 out of 4 babies are murdered by their own mother before they even have a chance to be born. Of those that are born, 1 out of 3 are born out of wedlock. A child conceived in the United States has a 75% chance of either being murdered in the womb or not having their biological father and mother in the home at age 18. Yet, 47% of this nation goes to church every week and 85% profess to be Christian.


What has gone wrong?

The bottom line is that the principles given in scripture for the roles of husbands, fathers, mothers and wives are not appreciated, nor are they followed. Instead, many have chosen to follow their own principles, the principles in psychology & self-help books, and principles given in self appointed marriage experts. Meanwhile, people are suffering along with their little children.

If only people would respect and appreciate the roles given to them by Yahweh! Yahweh, who created us from dust, surely knows the RIGHT way. But who will heed it? The people of this world have little or no vision or burning desire for righteousness within themselves, let alone for the next generation. But it need not be so for us. We need not be conformed to this world:

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim.

We see the sad state of affairs in this world. Many of us were raised in this age of rebelliousness, so what can we do? A most difficult sin to overcome is one that you cannot see. But I believe the word of Yahweh will make it very plain that few men in this age truly know what Yahweh desires our homes to be like.


Be filled with the Spirit

Yahweh is looking for homes that are filled with the Spirit. Let's examine the book of Ephesians where we see that this is a need in every believer's life and that it relates very much to our home life:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

We must understand "what the will of Yahweh is". What is the will of Yahweh? Surely the will of Yahweh is that rather than being filled with wine and/or the cares of this life, we need to be filled with the SPIRIT of Yahweh. This is a commandment and the will of Yahweh to "be filled with the Spirit". It isn't a one time experience, but a whole lifetime experience. We must be continually filled with the Spirit. If we are filled with the Spirit, the fruit will manifest itself.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Messiah's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

These fruits are not necessarily something that we just strive to attain, but they are the fruits of the Ruach HaKodesh or Holy Spirit that should already be in us. If we have repented and accepted Yahushua the Messiah and are walking in His ways, the blessing of Yahweh's Spirit can be upon us:

Acts 5:32 "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him."

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Notice that the Spirit is given to those who ask, and to those who obey Him. Let's continue reading the book of Ephesians and how it describes the life of one who has heeded the command to be "filled with the Spirit". These verses can paint a picture in our minds of how our homes can and should be like when we are all filled with the Spirit:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to Yahweh;

Does this not sound like a home that is filled with the Spirit? The joy and praise of Yahweh in the form of song is overflowing in such a place. The songs will be sung in the home with joy. But this isn't just a one time a day affair; it is a lifetime of joy, peace and walking in the Spirit.

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto Elohim and the Father in the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah;

When we are thankful for what we have been given in life, this makes it possible for the joy of Yahweh to grow in us. All of us should be thanking Yahweh. Husbands, wives, children praising and thanking and singing to Yahweh, loving Yahweh with all their heart. This is the kind of home we should be having!

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Elohim.

Every one of us should have a spirit of meekness, submission and humility. This means that sometimes the Father/Husband submits to his wife and children within the will of Yahweh. We ourselves know how many times Yahweh has submitted to our humble prayers when we were in need. Yahweh wants to fill our homes with His Spirit.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh.

This is truly a beautiful picture that is being drawn. A home where wives know the power of submission, submitting their heart to Yahweh without fear of consequence. You will find no strife or argument between Mother and Father in such a home because the wife is filled with the Spirit and submits herself to her husband, 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. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the assembly, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

The picture gets more and more beautiful as we read. This is the picture of a home where the husband loves his wife. He is tender and gentle with her as Messiah is to His assembly. He takes care of her needs, spiritually and physically. And she knows that he loves her, not because he says it once a day but because she senses it coming out of his heart by the way he expresses himself in his home. I know that Yahweh wants to bless such a home. I know this is the kind of home I want!

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Imagine a home where the husband leads his wife as Yahushua leads the assembly into absolute perfection, leading her as the Great Shepherd leads his sheep.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Master the assembly: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Messiah and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Such a beautiful picture! One of the Messiah and His assembly. Everyday, right here in our homes. What a great witness this can be for our children! They see the love of Messiah in the Father and the humble submission of the Assembly in the Mother. What a blessing for them to know it and see it every day!

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in Yahweh for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

To me, this sounds like a home that has taken to heart the command to be "filled with the Spirit". Children who obey and honor their father and mother, There is no conflict or disrespect because the Spirit filled children love Yahweh and have great faith in that promise of Yahweh that they will live long on the earth. They see the righteous example of the mother's submission to the father and the father's love and care for the mother. Through this they learn how to submit to Messiah and how much Yahweh loves and cares for them.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

A righteous father guides his children gently, not yelling or jerking them around with a harsh and frustrated spirit, but gently guiding and directing them by the Holy Spirit in the way they should go. He teaches, nurtures, loves and disciplines them.

So now have a completed picture, all of these things bringing together a home filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. Do we have a vision? Do we have a picture? Do we have a hope? We need it!

Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Every one of us needs this vision for our homes, brethren. Yahweh demands that we have such a home. His word says it, we need to do it! It is the will and command of Yahweh. Happy is the home where Yahweh is there!

Psalm 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

Have you ever seen a plant or a garden that wasn't well cared for? You will see the sad and sorry shape of that plant. The leaves are wilted and brown, the ground dried out, there are no fruits or flowers to speak of and the garden is obviously without life. But a plant that has been cultivated, watched over, and watered, fertilized and nurtured is vibrant and bearing fruit. We need to take good care of our garden. If strange children and their influences are choking out your sons, remove the strange children from their presence!

13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose Elohim is Yahweh.

Happy is the home where Yahweh is Elohim, and love fills every word and every action. We must have a home like that! But our vision and desire for it must be clear and strong. We must desire it, like Jacob who wanted the blessing from the angel and strove all night to receive it. We must desire it, like Yahushua wanted to redeem His people. Like David wanted to be delivered from his enemies. Like Hannah wanted a child. Like Abraham wanted a son, so must we desire and want a home like this. Be assured that Yahweh wants homes to be filled with the Spirit in every place, not just one in that assembly or two in another.. but ALL homes that call upon His name.

Without a home that is righteous and filled with the Spirit, there will not be a righteous, Spirit filled assembly! How can an assembly be righteous and filled with the Spirit of Yahweh when the homes are filled with anger, depression and strife? Home is the truth detector. Home is where the real character of a man and woman are revealed. This is reality, you cannot have a righteous and Spirit filled assembly without righteous, Spirit filled people within it! Do you want to know the true test of an assembly? Wait about 10-15 years and find out where the children are! We might lay claim to a great period of restoration in this age, but if in 10 years our children have gone the way of the world, what kind of restoration is that? What shame, what reproach on the name of Yahweh! We need a vision. There needs to be a vision for a torah-keeping home of righteousness.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

It is time that the people of Yahweh reach out into the world around us. Our witness is ruined by having broken homes, and rebellious children. One can lay claim to the keeping of the Torah/Word of Yahweh all they want, but unless they are heeding this guidance from Yahweh about our homes, they are not keeping the Torah at all.

Proverbs 11:29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Do we trouble our own house by ignoring it and chasing after a career or seeking out the scriptures only for ourselves? We will inherit nothing.

Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

We need to bring honor and glory to Yahweh's name by having a spirit filled home. What good is it if we seek the possessions of this world, and lose our children to it? What good is it, if we keep every feast day, every Sabbath, keep clean/unclean commands, and then our homes are a disaster? Yahweh said:

Isaiah 1:13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

Perhaps our hands aren't full of blood, perhaps our children aren't fatherless and our wives a widow. But is it so, spiritually? Are our children on the road to destruction? If they are young, it may not show up right away. But according to the Torah/Law of Yahweh, parents are held responsible for teaching and training their children in the ways of righteousness. Are our children spiritually fatherless? How much time is spent with our children in the Word? Do we fail to "talk of them" at all times? Are our wives spiritual widows? How much time do we spend in the Word with our wives?

Why is Yahweh so concerned about the fatherless and the widow? Is it only because their physical needs must be met? Are not the spiritual needs just as important, if not far more important? Considering all the scriptures where Yahweh is angry because the fatherless and widow are neglected, woe to the fathers who neglect the spiritual needs of their wife and children! All the Sabbaths, calling of assemblies, feast days can be a burden to Him because He cannot endure the neglect. He cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Yahweh is VERY concerned about the wives and children, shouldn't we be? If, in Isaiah 1:13-17, Yahweh cannot endure the offerings, Feast Days and Sabbaths of those who are neglecting the physical needs of what used to be another man's wife and children (fatherless and widow), how much more so if we neglect the spiritual needs of our own wives and children? Consider:

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Is it just the physical providing that Yahweh is concerned about? Surely, the spiritual is far more important. The first leads to physical death, the latter leads to spiritual death. So, are we worse than an unbeliever? Let it not be!

It is high time that fathers turn their hearts to their wives and children! No outreach ministry, feast/sabbath keeping or calling on the right name is going to save us if we fail to address the neglect in these areas. If Yahushua returns tomorrow and we find out that we didn't keep the feast at the right time or we made a mistake in our observances, we might be able to say "I desired the truth, but I was wrong, have mercy on me". We might then be able to observe it correctly under the direction of Messiah. But if Yahushua returns and says "Look, you didn't even provide for your own wife and children", there won't be any correcting brethren, the damage is done! Let it not be so among us. Fathers, turn your hearts!


Examples for us

Let's look at some examples of those who have the kind of home Yahweh is looking for. The house of Job is one:

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

It is written that Job was a man who was "perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil." Job had 7 sons and 3 daughters. How much care and concern did he have for the spiritual health of his children?

Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Elohim in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Job had such care and concern for his children, that he was concerned that they might have sinned in their hearts. His love and dedication to the lives of his children were part of what made Job such a just and upright man.

The house of Stephanas is another example:

1Cor 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

In this casual mention we see that the house of Stephanas had addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. They were the first fruits of Achaia and were held in reputation. Stephanas and his house were known to have addicted themselves to the work of Yahweh. They had set in their mind that they were going to minister (serve) the saints of Yahweh. There are few ways a family can knit together more strongly than by working together to minister to others. If only there were more who had a home like the home of Stephanas!

Another man who appeared to have the kind of home that Yahweh is looking for:

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

It looks like Philip had his house dedicated to Yahweh. He had 4 daughters who spoke in the power and anointing of Yahweh's Spirit. These are the fruits and results of a righteous home that is filled with the Holy Spirit, directed by a righteous and Spirit filled man. Brethren, we must have the anointing oil of the Spirit to do these things, along with our willing heart. We need a Master Builder in our house:

Psalm 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except Yahweh build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except Yahweh keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Yahweh must build the house! Unless the whole house is centered around Yahweh, it is built in vain. I do not speak of just having His name on our walls, and I don't mean His name only.. but HIM, YAHWEH.

You labor in vain if you build unless Yahweh is in your house. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the fruits of the Spirit therein. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the Fathers, Mothers and children all joyfully loving and fulfilling the commandments of Yahweh for each of them. A home full of people where there is no pretense. A home where Yahweh lives among them!

Surely Yahweh knows His own plan for all of our children. How can we set out for them to fill the plan for their lives unless Yahweh is there to show us the way? We need a co-laborer in our home. We need an Elohim in our home. Yes, joyful and blessed is the home where Yahweh lives!

But we must fear Yahweh. There is no conviction today that we must have this kind of home. But consider the will of Yahweh:

Psalm 128:1 "Blessed is every one who fears Yahweh, Who walks in His ways. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

A fruitful vine? Olive plants?

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears Yahweh. 5 Yahweh bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. 6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!".

If we will only fear Yahweh, we can have the home that Yahweh desires for us to have. Our wives can be as a vine, bearing good fruits within our house. Our children can be like the olive plants that make the anointing oil. Little olive plants, filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. If only we will fear Yahweh and walk in His ways. Do we desire to "see the good of (the new) Jerusalem", which is above? Do we desire to "see (our) children's children" there? Then fear Yahweh, walk in His ways and lead Your family there! Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears Yahweh.

To achieve it, we must be pure in heart and set the righteous example in our house. David was such a man:

Psalm 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Yahweh, I will sing praises. 2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

If we want to overcome some sin in our life, we must do it in our home first. Otherwise, we are just pretending. David believed in walking within his house with a perfect heart, setting nothing wicked before his eyes. Too many men today not only set wickedness before their eyes, they do it for entertainment. Countless hours are wasted away in front of the television sets and computers while their wives and children spiritually rot and starve to death. But David didn't want anything to do with beholding wickedness:

4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. 6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me. 7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. 8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of Yahweh.

Do we really hate the work of them that turn aside or do we love to watch them, learn about them and be entertained by them?

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him

The television ("Uncle Charlie") is probably the most deceitful thing in the house, which "worketh deceit" and "telleth lies". I say we don't really need it! There are other ways of getting the news. David ruled his house with the mindset of purity and fear of Yahweh. Thus he also ruled Israel with righteousness and integrity (1Kings 9:4). For that, Yahweh blessed this man after His own heart.


A vision

It seems that some fathers say in their heart about their children "I think they'll be all right, I think they'll make it".

"Make it?"

We need our vision to be much higher than that! We need to dedicate ourselves to raise spiritual leaders: men and women of Yahweh who will be an example and a light to all? Just as we want our Heavenly Father to be concerned about everything in our own lives, to guide us and lead us and protect us; Even so, we must follow our Heavenly Father's example toward our children.

We see the righteous examples given of homes that were pleasing in Yahweh's sight within the pages of scripture. How can we have a home like that? We need a vision. We need to see it in our own homes. We need to make plans to build a home for Yahweh. What house is built without a vision and plans? There is no doubt that Yahweh wants families that are a testimony to His righteousness, a testimony to community around them, and indeed the whole world.

To accomplish this, we need Husbands and Fathers who are willing to love Yahweh above all. A righteous Husband and Father does not compromise this in any way. Let's consider the attributes of such a man. He is:

A man after Yahweh's own heart.

A man who is willing to let Messiah live in him.

He is a man who loves His neighbor as himself.

A man who is thankful for the Messiah's work of love and his life shows it.

A man of great mercy, compassion and understanding yet without failing to stand for what is right.

A man who gives honor to his wife and respect to his children.

One who is dedicated to bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

One who does not fail to lead by example.

A man whose children are highly in love with the Heavenly Father because they see Yahweh in their earthly Father.

A man whose wife lovingly submits to him, knowing that he loves her.

A man whose children obey him because they love him and would not want to do anything to risk that relationship.

A man whose very life and family are a light unto all nations.

A man who teaches and keeps all of Yahweh's commandments, no matter what book or time they were written in.

One who keeps his tongue from evil and whose speech is as the oracles of Yahweh.

A man whose speech inspires others to walk before Yahweh blamelessly.

One whose every thought, word and deed manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

A man who takes captive every thought and brings it to total submission to Yahweh.

A man of prayer who prays for his family and with his family and who prays for others diligently and without fail.

A man who gives honor to his wife and shows true respect and care for his children.

A man who is a servant to others, meeting their needs in Yahweh.

A man who has spiritual discernment because he is so in tune with the Spirit of Yahweh.

A man, like Daniel, in whom nobody can find fault, unless it be with him and his Elohim.

A man who leads His family in all of these characteristics.

Perhaps this is a lofty goal that seems out of reach. But let's always remember:

Philippians 3:12 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah Yahushua. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, Elohim shall reveal even this unto you.

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with Elohim.

With Yahweh, we can do it. We can put the past behind us and be this kind of Father and Husband. We can be this man who builds a spiritual heritage not only for his children, but for his children's children. We can be this man who will see his children's children in the new Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)! Such a man will bring forth children who are bright lights for Yahweh, shining with Yahweh's light to all they come in contact with. Children who are a testimony to all.

A QUIVER FULL OF ARROWS

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of YAHWEH: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

How is it that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man? Why shall they speak with their enemies in the gate? Because a man who has a home of righteous children has the armor and strength to battle against the enemy, a united and strong front that nothing can destroy. A man of righteousness may be strong, but an entire home of righteousness? That's power!

We need arrows that will hit the mark against the enemy. Let's make arrows for Yahweh! I can tell you about one man who had a home like this and it completely turned my world upside down. I was going the wrong way, my children were headed for destruction and I had no vision and I had no realization of what a family could or should be like. I'm still in damage repair due to years of neglect, but all things are possible with Yahweh!

I have learned that we aren't raising children, we are raising adults. If you are raising children, you will have children when you are done. If you raise righteous adults, you will have righteous adults when you are done.

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

Are we raising foolish children or righteous adults? What kind of heritage are we leaving to our grandchildren?


Building generations of Righteousness

If we have children, we are laying a foundation for the generations to come. How many generations will the foundation we have laid bear fruit to righteousness? In truth, we are the foundation of the next generation. The next generation will grow up on you. What kind of foundation are you laying down? If our children are lost to the world, what kind of foundation is that? We want a foundation of righteousness that will last many generations.

Genesis 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Great blessings were promised to Abraham because Yahweh knew that he could depend on Abraham. Because of Abraham’s commitment to his home, Yahweh became known as the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Will Yahweh depend on us to have our hearts turned to our children in similar manner? Or will Satan be depending on us to have our hearts turned away from our children, and toward other things? Of course, he knows if our hearts are distracted by other things he has the best chance at destroying them along with our grandchildren.

Did you know that if you had 2 children and 6 generations thereafter had 3 children, you would have influenced 1,458 children? Did you know that if you had 5 children and 6 generations thereafter had 5 children, you would have influenced 78,125 children?! Can we begin to see why the Torah repeats itself over and over with commandments that lift up the importance of raising a righteous generation? Can we begin to see why Yahweh will smite the earth with a curse unless somehow, some way the Father's hearts are turned to their children and the children's hearts are turned toward their Fathers (Malachi 4:6)?

Some might say, "Well, the Messiah will be here before 6 generations". To them I say, this was said 6 generations ago and look at the situation we are in today! Is that an excuse to neglect your children? Yahweh forbid! How many children must be thrown in the lake of fire before you will commit yourself? 78, 125? Five? One? Your own precious son or daughter?

But how many are willing to make the sacrifice, pay the price, change the priorities of their life for raising their children? If the generation before us had paid that price, there would be multitudes of good examples for us to look to. There isn't much today, but that can change:

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye Yahweh. Blessed is the man that feareth Yahweh, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

If we want our seed to be mighty upon the earth, we need fathers whose children know that he fears Yahweh, delights in His commandments and loves to pray, read the scriptures, discipline himself, and that he really loves Yahweh behind closed doors. It is true that our children are usually excited about the things we are excited about. If we are excited about Yahweh, our children will be too. If we are totally consumed with raising up righteous children, it can happen. We should want children that will be a mighty influence in this world for Yahweh. If you minister in their presence, the whole house can be a ministry to others. But who is willing to pay the price?

Most people today are too busy to raise up righteous children. Too busy to make arrows that hit the mark, too busy making money, chasing after the wind.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; Elohim is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Assuredly, you get what you pay for! Indeed, you reap what you sow. It may be 30 years, but you will get what you pay for. What you give will be returned to you. Cast your bread upon the waters and it shall return to you after many days. I have never heard a man on his death bed say "I wish I hadn't spent so much time and effort raising righteous children". Let's have a vision where we are on our death bed and all of our children and grandchildren are with us, praying to Yahweh together. If we can raise a generation of righteous children, we'll raise up a generation of people that will surpass all that we could have imagined. Fathers, it is time for repentance, a change of mind that brings about a change of action! It is needful to repent, if knowing that we are going the wrong way. We need to take this knowledge and make the change by turning our hearts to our children:

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy Elohim, I will also forget thy children.

Can you imagine the above words being spoken about your children? Imagine hearing that they would be destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, because of your own failure to teach them the knowledge of Yahweh. I cannot bear the thought!
Let's not forget that the law of Yahweh commands us to teach our children the ways of righteousness. Let's remember to teach them diligently and show them the way by our example and concern for their spiritual livelihood. Let's yield our heart and our life to Yahweh. Let's thirst for laying a foundation of righteousness for this next generation:

Isaiah 44:2 Thus saith Yahweh that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

We should be thirsty, we can't be satisfied where we are. Let's desire that Yahweh pours out His Spirit upon our seed, and His blessing upon our offspring. Look at the beautiful promise and illustration:

4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

What are these children saying?

5 One shall say, I am Yahweh's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto Yahweh, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Let's hunger and thirst before Yahweh to let this promise come to pass in our lives. We want them to say "I am Yahweh's". If we will only turn from any and all transgression, including the forsaking our children:

Isai 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Yahweh. 21 As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith Yahweh; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith Yahweh, from henceforth and for ever.

Yahweh will bless the seed, but we must turn to Yahweh fully. Isn't this what we want? As a testimony to Yahweh, the Gentiles will acknowledge that our children are the seed that Yahweh has blessed.

Isai 61:8 For I Yahweh love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh hath blessed.


A place of refuge, a walled city

Our Heavenly Father provides a place of refuge for us. What do we provide for our children?

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Fathers, our children do need a place of refuge in this wicked world. We must fear Yahweh to receive the blessings of arrows that hit the mark.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

We must have rule over our own spirit so that our household is guided under the authority of Yahweh. Too many homes are guided by threats, anger and intimidation.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Our homes should be like a walled city and place of refuge. Ancient cities of renown always had walls. Within the walls, one could find peace and protection. There would be at least one elder at the gates. The elders decided who would enter the city and who would not. If there were ever a breach in the wall, it was quickly repaired lest an enemy enter in. I once heard in a scripture study that our homes can also be likened unto a walled city. The father is the elder at the gate, deciding who and what influences will enter the home. Whether it be a person, a book, a magazine or anything that could potentially harm his home spiritually, the Father should be there to keep his wife and children from the subtle influences of sin. I believe that the Television is one of the most destructive things a person can have in their home. It is like a giant breach in the wall. It is almost impossible to guard ahead of time unless it is previewed it in some way. Television thrusts scenes and words upon you and your family, and the damage is often already done by the time you determine how wicked it really was. It is also a thief that robs a man's time when time is so short!

But what if the elder is not even at the gate of his walled city? What if he is out working and playing all hours of the day or night? What if he ships his children off to the world, outside those walls for 8 or more hours a day where they are a companion of fools and taught the ways of the world?

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Surely we wouldn't let a little child play in the street because we know about the risk of their physical death. Why then would we send them into the dangerous playground of this unbelieving generation where there is such a great risk of spiritual destruction? No! We must protect the children within our walled city and train their hands and minds for war until they are ready to do battle. YES, absolutely yes, this means that the children are schooled and taught at home. I do not believe that children of Yahweh should be raised in government schools. It is not the responsibility of the government to teach our children. It is not even the responsibility of the congregation to teach our children. The Torah says it is our own responsibility to teach our children.

If we really want to raise up a righteous generation in the midst of a crooked and perverse one, then we need to be together. I believe the best arrangement is usually that Mom, Dad and the children are normally all together in the same house throughout the course of a day. If we want to fulfill the vision, and heed the call, then men NEED to be with their families as much as possible. This practice of going off to work every day and children going off to school every day is so very often terribly destructive to homes and relationships! Fathers are strongly encouraged to do what it takes to work from home, even if it means having to lower your standard of living. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob didn't send their children out of the home to be with transgressors while they went out and worked for transgressors. I believe this is a good example for us. Because it is such an evil time, we must be very much on guard and watching over our nest.

Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

While the men are out, the spiritual forces of wickedness are often in. And too often, while the men are out, they too get caught up in the world’s lusts and wickedness. The home is left without an elder at the gate because the elder is doing other things. If our wives do an admirable job while we are away and we are overcoming, then maybe the need for this is not as great. But if you are concerned about how the house is running when you are gone and you see the ‘weaker vessel’ struggling, bear the burden and remember that we are the ones that Yahweh will hold accountable for the outcome. Yahweh didn't accept Adam's excuse in the Garden of Eden ("This woman you gave me..") and I don't see Him accepting it in the future. Because we are the ones accountable, I believe the best arrangement is for the Fathers to be working at home. Many who have successful homes agree.

Some might say "What about making a living?" Maybe we need to lower your standard of living if need be. Sell that house, get out of debt, sell that expensive car, do whatever it takes to be there with your children. When I cried out to Him, Yahweh enabled me to do just that. He can do it for anyone. Fathers, He wants to enable us to obey His command to talk of the precepts when we rise up, when we lie down, when we walk by the way or wherever we might be. For which is worse? Losing your career or losing your children to Satan's clutching power? Better to lose your big beautiful house than to lose the soul of your own children!

Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

I know one believer who lived in a bus with his family and had no running water or electricity. But he was home most of the time, his 6 year old had already read through all the scriptures twice and his 4 year old was half way through! Some might say this is extreme, but it underlines the question: What good will it do if we gain the whole world and meet all the financial wants, but then neglect the spiritual needs and let our children's soul be lost as a result? Maybe we need less than we think we need. We can be sure that Yahweh will provide our physical needs if we put Him first:

Matthew 6:32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of Yahweh and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Fathers, if we love our children the way we should, we need to not only be willing to give up our careers, houses and lands for their sake, but all of the worldly possessions that we have. Isn't this the example that Yahushua gave? Did He fail to withhold even His very life for our sakes?? Greater love has no man than this! We should be a wonderful living example of Yahushua to the world, and especially to our own children! This means dying to self and sacrificing anything that must be sacrificed to instill the ways of Yahweh to our children, and ultimately to our grandchildren.

Fathers, we must be burdened enough about it that we will not stop until we see it. We cannot sit back! As you read this, Satan is actively working to destroy your children. We must fulfill the vision. We must be strong. We must do the work. We must die to ourselves and let the Messiah live in us, doing the work in us. For the time has come and the time is now. Fathers, turn your hearts!!

Psalms 71:18 - Now also when I am old and gray headed, O Elohim, forsake me not; until I have shown your strength unto this generation, and your power to every one that is to come.

Rather than letting our children be strangers to the great gifts and works of Yahweh, let’s take the time every day and have some worship and scripture reading with our families. Pick a specific hour of the day where you will refuse to let anything distract you. We've personally found great benefit in having everyone spend one hour reading and studying the scriptures, then coming together for family worship, praise and scripture lesson for another hour. Then throughout the day, it is good to guide each conversation toward lessons in Yahweh’s word.

We must seek to have a spirit of love, joy and peace as we build the house, one lesson at a time, one experience at a time, that Yahweh might fashion in our children a beautiful home for His presence. Then it can be also said of them:

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of Elohim, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in Yahweh, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Elohim in the Spirit.

Therefore, let’s sanctify ourselves and dedicate ourselves to building a house that will not be destroyed in the whirlwinds of adult life.

Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

1Chronicles 28:10 - Take heed now; for YAHWEH hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

May Yahweh bless you as you do HIS work in the family He gives you!

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More and More you speak about God, but nobody has the desire to read it.

Maybe you should care more about our Christ and stop all your sillyness.!

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Posts: 3529 | From: Orange, Texas | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | 

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Originally posted by barrykind:
The EliYah Message
Fathers, Turn Your Hearts!
"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of EliYah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh." Luke 1:17


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Introduction

The following is a study on the role of Fathers in the home. For those of you who are not married, this study can still be beneficial for you if you ever plan on getting married. If your children are raised, there is a great need in the body for those who are willing to teach these things to the younger men and women.

I should mention that while the name of this web site is "eliyah.com" and this study is about the EliYah message, I do not claim to be "THE EliYah". I'm just a disciple of Yahushua who has sought to raise my own family in the way Yahweh desires. In my search, I encountered others who have written similar studies on the home. They have greatly influenced some of the points made in this study.

I should also mention that scriptures and points in this study represents the standard that Yahweh has of any family that seeks Him. My family and I continually seek to attain this standard but we do not count ourselves to have already attained it all. We simply desire to press on and take hold of the standard to which we are called (Phil 3:12) and share that standard with others. I hope it is a blessing to you; may Yahweh have mercy on us all.


An Opportunity

Imagine for a moment that Yahweh came to you in a vision and pointed out a particular man in your community to whom He was going to give permanent amnesia. All his past memories were to be permanently erased. In this vision, you were commissioned to care for this man and to teach him all he needs to know about the ways of Yahweh. You would be entrusted with this man's salvation, with how he views the world and how he views Yahweh. How seriously would you take this responsibility? Would you ignore it and find other things to do or would you pour your heart and soul into this effort? Assuredly I say to you, that if you are a Father you have been entrusted with this responsibility. But this isn't a man from the community that you are being entrusted with, it is your own children.

It is upon the men that Yahweh has laid the responsibility of leadership, guidance and direction. Yahweh will hold the men accountable for the outcome of the family


How Important it really is

For most people, family is the very core of existence. It is the testing ground. It is the place where we can become a hypocrite, or a light to all nations. Do you want to know the true character of a man and his wife? Observe their children and you will usually know. Children often mimic what they see going on at home. Many can appear righteous unto men, but who can still be found righteous in their home, behind closed doors?

How important is our family life to Yahweh? How important is it that we teach our children the ways of Yahweh? How important is it that we each fulfill the roles that Yahweh has given? Let's consider.

Although the modern arrangement or division of the Scriptures may not be inspired, it is certainly interesting that the very last word in the last "Old Testament" prophetic book is none other than "Curse". This chapter is a prophecy for the end times. Let us see what the source of this curse may be:

Malachi 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Yahweh of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Notice that we must fear Yahweh's name to inherit this promise.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith Yahweh of hosts.

But what defines who is wicked and who is not? Let's keep reading:

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

Remember the law of Moses? Yes, remember the law of Moses with all the statutes and judgments; even in the latter days. I tend to think that this is part of the EliYah message, to remember the law of Moses.

5 Behold, I will send you EliYah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh.

EliYah the prophet was the one who said:

1Kings 18:24 And call ye on the name of your elohim, and I will call on the name of Yahweh: and the Elohim that answereth by fire, let him be Elohim. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken

So we must also call upon the name of Yahweh. In fact, the name "EliYah" means "Yahweh is my Mighty One". I tend to think that this is another part of the EliYah message. But there is a third and much more clearly defined part of the EliYah message that we should pay very close attention to:

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

According to this scripture, a curse will fall upon the earth when it has fathers whose hearts are not turned to their children and children whose hearts are not turned to their fathers. So, although at least part of the EliYah message is "My Mighty One is Yahweh" and to remember the law of Moshe, the great duty of the EliYah message is turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers! I believe that this message is greatly lacking today.

According to statistics, in the United States of America, at least 4 out of 10 children will go to bed tonight without their father in the home. In most homes where the father is there, children are abandoned spiritually and emotionally. Children are a status symbol or a nuisance rather than a blessing. Children are something to be ignored rather than human beings who desperately need to be shown and taught the ways of eternal life.

O Fathers, where are you???

They are probably at work, with friends, playing with their toys or on the golf course. But what is Yahweh's expectation for Fathers? How important is the role of fathers in their children's life? What does Yahweh say?


The Role of Fathers

Yahweh's plan is for us to communicate His mighty works to our children. For this to be done, a Father must have his heart turned to his children. If it is, this will build a kingdom. The Father has the authority in the home because the Father has the responsibility.

As we read earlier, we should "Remember the law of Moshe". It should be evident to any student of the Torah (Law) that Yahweh demands Fathers to teach His ways to their children. In the Torah (law) of Yahweh, there is one thing that is commanded several times over. That is the command to teach our children the word of Yahweh:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 " Hear, O Israel: Yahweh Elohenu (our El), Yahweh is one! "You shall love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

In the famous "Sh'ma" passage, we see Yahweh's desire for us to teach His commandments diligently to our children and to "talk of them when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up". We are not only commanded by Yahweh to teach them to our children, but to teach them diligently to our children. We are not only to teach them, we are to talk of them all the day long. They are to be in in our hearts and in the hearts of our children. Not only is Yahweh "Echad" (ONE), He wants our families to be "Echad" with one another and with Him. It is written again:

Deuteronomy 11:18 " Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Again, we are to talk of them all the day long. But today, the question must be asked, "How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we rarely even talk to them at all? How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we are rarely ever home and we send them away to the government schools every day? How many Fathers are truly fulfilling this commandment?

Too often, the adults at various assemblies and meetings engage in high level conversations with one another about the scriptures while the children just sit there bored, squirming in their seats and getting into trouble because they have no clue what is going on or what anyone is even talking about. While some conversations may be above the capabilities of a child, too often it is because they don't know the scriptures. By the time they reach teen-age years, it is often too late because the prime age of influence and impressionability is long gone. At various gatherings, the teens should be with the adults. If they are taught properly, they will be learning and listening because they have a true interest in Yahweh's word just as the adults do. But too often, teens are out playing and learning the ways of other teens rather than learning the ways of Yahweh. Fathers need to wake up!

Deuteronomy 4:8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 " Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 "especially concerning the day you stood before Yahweh your Elohim in Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Notice that Yahweh wants us to teach them to our children and He also wants them to be taught to our grandchildren! Also notice in verse 10 that one of the intentions Yahweh had when giving His commandments in Horeb was that Israel teach them to their children.

Deuteronomy 6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which Yahweh sware unto thy fathers, 19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as Yahweh hath spoken. 20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Yahweh our Elohim hath commanded you? 21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand: 22 And Yahweh shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: 23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our Elohim, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before Yahweh our Elohim, as he hath commanded us.

Deuteronomy 32:46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

So Yahweh's expectation is that our children are diligently taught His ways. Consider also one of the purposes of the observances He commands:

Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 "that you shall say, 'It is the Passover sacrifice of Yahweh, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.' " So the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. 8 "And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what Yahweh did for me when I came up from Egypt.'

Exodus 13:14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 10:1 And Yahweh said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: 2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am Yahweh.

Leviticus 23:42-43 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am Yahweh your Elohim.

Deuteronomy 31:10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh thy Elohim in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your Elohim, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your Elohim, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Can we see again the expectation of Yahweh here? One of the reasons Yahweh has these feasts is so that our children will know and remember His law and His mighty works. Teaching children should therefore be a major focus of any feast we have. The children should not be ignored and sent off to play during the feasts. Nor should the parents expect others to do their job of teaching their children during the feasts while they find other things to do. While the world is successful in keeping their children tied to pagan holidays by appealing to their carnality via gifts & candies, we ought to find ways to tie the strings of our children's hearts to Yahweh by truly fulfilling their spiritual needs when we observe the true holy-days of Yahweh.

Of Abraham it was said:

Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Yahweh, to do justice and judgment; that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

We can also be known by Yahweh as that kind of a father! Within the Torah alone, there were at least 11 times where Yahweh gave a command, admonition or spoke about the need to teach our children His ways. This concept is repeated in the book of Psalms:

Psalm 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 That they may set their hope in Elohim, And not forget the works of Elohim, But keep His commandments; 8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to Elohim.

It is clearly Yahweh's expectation that we teach His ways to the next generation. Yahweh wants a righteous generation to be brought forth from our homes. Indeed, He has indicated that this is one of the purposes for marriage:

Malachi 2:13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because Yahweh has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks righteous offspring (In Hebrew literally, Seed of Elohim). Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. 16 "For Yahweh Elohim of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says Yahweh of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously."

So are we going to raise up a seed of Elohim or children of the devil? Will our children's works advance the kingdom of the devil or the kingdom of Yahweh? Indeed, Yahweh has placed a large part of this responsibility into the hands of the fathers. We have the greatest influence as to the outcome. We can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone to the paths of righteousness. If we are a stepping stone, great is our reward:

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

If we are a stumbling block, woe to us:

Matthew 18:5-7 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

The Proverb indeed says:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Contrary to popular opinion, this scripture does not say, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is grown up, he will abandon Yahweh and sow his wild oats, then come back to Yahweh and not depart" yet this is what many would have us believe!

Much of the book of proverbs is about a man who, in obedience to the scriptures is teaching the wisdom of Yahweh to his son. For example:

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a ***** is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

We see the strong desire in this father that his son would not be ensnared with wine and women. This father was committed to the idea that his child would not depart!

It is high time we raise up a righteous generation that fears Yahweh and keeps His commandments. It is high time that fathers forsake their toys and pursuits of worldly gain and instead focus on raising a righteous generation that will magnify the name of Yahweh! It is high time that Fathers have a vision of what it really means to be a man of Yahweh.

How important is it that our homes are in order and our children are taught Yahweh's ways? Unless one's home is right, they cannot be an effective leader:

Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of Yahweh?);

1Timothy 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of Yahweh, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

We have to be true believers at home, not just when others are watching. The requirements of a spiritual leader is that they have a righteous family with righteous children. Our family is the expression of ourselves and our life. If a man of Yahweh leads a family in righteousness, you can know you have one who is in righteous in his private life. See, our family gives us away. We cannot hide ourselves and what we are like. If Father or Mother are foolish or rebellious, then except by the grace of Yahweh so shall the children be.

Abraham and Eli were leaders. As we read earlier, Abraham had his house right:

Gene 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Eli the priest did not:

1Sam 2:11 Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to Yahweh before Eli the priest. 12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know Yahweh.

Eli apparently made the foolish decision to let his sons be corrupt:

1Sam 3:12 "In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 "For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.

Consider the differing end result of Abraham and Eli! Abraham and his descendants were exalted and blessed beyond measure, but Eli had his generations cut off and destroyed (1Sam 4:16). So let's ponder the question today, are we an Abraham or are we an Eli?

Can we begin to see how important it really is? You see, Yahweh would never have been the "Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" if Abraham hadn't done his job! Will it be said of us that Yahweh is the Elohim of our children and grandchildren? Yahweh is seeking righteous offspring; a Seed of Elohim to walk in His ways. Yahweh desires that His people produce children of righteousness, children of Yahweh.

Let's consider the scriptures which show the results of families who did not pass the truth of Yahweh onto the next generation:

Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know Yahweh nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals;12 and they forsook Yahweh Elohim of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked Yahweh to anger.

There were at least 7 times in approximately 335 years where the book of Judges records one generation that would serve Yahweh, and the next generation forsaking Him. Imagine for a moment the great blessings that might have been realized had only the first generation taught their children to "Know Yahweh"!

Judges 2:10-11 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not Yahweh, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. 11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served Baalim:

As a result of their failure, these rebellious children served false deities. Similar flip-flops are found in the books of First and Second Kings/Chronicles. There would be a generation that would finally repent and serve Yahweh, only to see the succeeding generation be exceedingly wicked.

Is there a way to stop this destructive cycle? What about our children’s generation? What about in the nations that we live in? In recent history there has been a spiraling increase in wickedness. Consider some of the statistics one can find about conditions in the United States:

At least half of all marriages end in divorce. Remarkably, studies show that the divorce rate among denominational Christian churches is equal or higher than that.

The Census Bureau states that in 1998, 58.7% of mothers with infants work outside the home. 61% of married women as a whole work outside the home compared to 6 percent in 1900 (US News & World Report, 12/18/00 pg 56).

According to CNN, Only 6.9 percent of men and 21 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 59 are virgins when getting married.

The birth rate in the U.S. in 1997 was 14.6 per 1,000 population. The world average was 22.6. The birth rate in the U.S. would be higher, but approximately 1 out of 4 babies are murdered by their own mother before they even have a chance to be born. Of those that are born, 1 out of 3 are born out of wedlock. A child conceived in the United States has a 75% chance of either being murdered in the womb or not having their biological father and mother in the home at age 18. Yet, 47% of this nation goes to church every week and 85% profess to be Christian.


What has gone wrong?

The bottom line is that the principles given in scripture for the roles of husbands, fathers, mothers and wives are not appreciated, nor are they followed. Instead, many have chosen to follow their own principles, the principles in psychology & self-help books, and principles given in self appointed marriage experts. Meanwhile, people are suffering along with their little children.

If only people would respect and appreciate the roles given to them by Yahweh! Yahweh, who created us from dust, surely knows the RIGHT way. But who will heed it? The people of this world have little or no vision or burning desire for righteousness within themselves, let alone for the next generation. But it need not be so for us. We need not be conformed to this world:

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim.

We see the sad state of affairs in this world. Many of us were raised in this age of rebelliousness, so what can we do? A most difficult sin to overcome is one that you cannot see. But I believe the word of Yahweh will make it very plain that few men in this age truly know what Yahweh desires our homes to be like.


Be filled with the Spirit

Yahweh is looking for homes that are filled with the Spirit. Let's examine the book of Ephesians where we see that this is a need in every believer's life and that it relates very much to our home life:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

We must understand "what the will of Yahweh is". What is the will of Yahweh? Surely the will of Yahweh is that rather than being filled with wine and/or the cares of this life, we need to be filled with the SPIRIT of Yahweh. This is a commandment and the will of Yahweh to "be filled with the Spirit". It isn't a one time experience, but a whole lifetime experience. We must be continually filled with the Spirit. If we are filled with the Spirit, the fruit will manifest itself.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Messiah's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

These fruits are not necessarily something that we just strive to attain, but they are the fruits of the Ruach HaKodesh or Holy Spirit that should already be in us. If we have repented and accepted Yahushua the Messiah and are walking in His ways, the blessing of Yahweh's Spirit can be upon us:

Acts 5:32 "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him."

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Notice that the Spirit is given to those who ask, and to those who obey Him. Let's continue reading the book of Ephesians and how it describes the life of one who has heeded the command to be "filled with the Spirit". These verses can paint a picture in our minds of how our homes can and should be like when we are all filled with the Spirit:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to Yahweh;

Does this not sound like a home that is filled with the Spirit? The joy and praise of Yahweh in the form of song is overflowing in such a place. The songs will be sung in the home with joy. But this isn't just a one time a day affair; it is a lifetime of joy, peace and walking in the Spirit.

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto Elohim and the Father in the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah;

When we are thankful for what we have been given in life, this makes it possible for the joy of Yahweh to grow in us. All of us should be thanking Yahweh. Husbands, wives, children praising and thanking and singing to Yahweh, loving Yahweh with all their heart. This is the kind of home we should be having!

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Elohim.

Every one of us should have a spirit of meekness, submission and humility. This means that sometimes the Father/Husband submits to his wife and children within the will of Yahweh. We ourselves know how many times Yahweh has submitted to our humble prayers when we were in need. Yahweh wants to fill our homes with His Spirit.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh.

This is truly a beautiful picture that is being drawn. A home where wives know the power of submission, submitting their heart to Yahweh without fear of consequence. You will find no strife or argument between Mother and Father in such a home because the wife is filled with the Spirit and submits herself to her husband, 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. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the assembly, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

The picture gets more and more beautiful as we read. This is the picture of a home where the husband loves his wife. He is tender and gentle with her as Messiah is to His assembly. He takes care of her needs, spiritually and physically. And she knows that he loves her, not because he says it once a day but because she senses it coming out of his heart by the way he expresses himself in his home. I know that Yahweh wants to bless such a home. I know this is the kind of home I want!

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Imagine a home where the husband leads his wife as Yahushua leads the assembly into absolute perfection, leading her as the Great Shepherd leads his sheep.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Master the assembly: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Messiah and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Such a beautiful picture! One of the Messiah and His assembly. Everyday, right here in our homes. What a great witness this can be for our children! They see the love of Messiah in the Father and the humble submission of the Assembly in the Mother. What a blessing for them to know it and see it every day!

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in Yahweh for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

To me, this sounds like a home that has taken to heart the command to be "filled with the Spirit". Children who obey and honor their father and mother, There is no conflict or disrespect because the Spirit filled children love Yahweh and have great faith in that promise of Yahweh that they will live long on the earth. They see the righteous example of the mother's submission to the father and the father's love and care for the mother. Through this they learn how to submit to Messiah and how much Yahweh loves and cares for them.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

A righteous father guides his children gently, not yelling or jerking them around with a harsh and frustrated spirit, but gently guiding and directing them by the Holy Spirit in the way they should go. He teaches, nurtures, loves and disciplines them.

So now have a completed picture, all of these things bringing together a home filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. Do we have a vision? Do we have a picture? Do we have a hope? We need it!

Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Every one of us needs this vision for our homes, brethren. Yahweh demands that we have such a home. His word says it, we need to do it! It is the will and command of Yahweh. Happy is the home where Yahweh is there!

Psalm 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

Have you ever seen a plant or a garden that wasn't well cared for? You will see the sad and sorry shape of that plant. The leaves are wilted and brown, the ground dried out, there are no fruits or flowers to speak of and the garden is obviously without life. But a plant that has been cultivated, watched over, and watered, fertilized and nurtured is vibrant and bearing fruit. We need to take good care of our garden. If strange children and their influences are choking out your sons, remove the strange children from their presence!

13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose Elohim is Yahweh.

Happy is the home where Yahweh is Elohim, and love fills every word and every action. We must have a home like that! But our vision and desire for it must be clear and strong. We must desire it, like Jacob who wanted the blessing from the angel and strove all night to receive it. We must desire it, like Yahushua wanted to redeem His people. Like David wanted to be delivered from his enemies. Like Hannah wanted a child. Like Abraham wanted a son, so must we desire and want a home like this. Be assured that Yahweh wants homes to be filled with the Spirit in every place, not just one in that assembly or two in another.. but ALL homes that call upon His name.

Without a home that is righteous and filled with the Spirit, there will not be a righteous, Spirit filled assembly! How can an assembly be righteous and filled with the Spirit of Yahweh when the homes are filled with anger, depression and strife? Home is the truth detector. Home is where the real character of a man and woman are revealed. This is reality, you cannot have a righteous and Spirit filled assembly without righteous, Spirit filled people within it! Do you want to know the true test of an assembly? Wait about 10-15 years and find out where the children are! We might lay claim to a great period of restoration in this age, but if in 10 years our children have gone the way of the world, what kind of restoration is that? What shame, what reproach on the name of Yahweh! We need a vision. There needs to be a vision for a torah-keeping home of righteousness.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

It is time that the people of Yahweh reach out into the world around us. Our witness is ruined by having broken homes, and rebellious children. One can lay claim to the keeping of the Torah/Word of Yahweh all they want, but unless they are heeding this guidance from Yahweh about our homes, they are not keeping the Torah at all.

Proverbs 11:29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Do we trouble our own house by ignoring it and chasing after a career or seeking out the scriptures only for ourselves? We will inherit nothing.

Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

We need to bring honor and glory to Yahweh's name by having a spirit filled home. What good is it if we seek the possessions of this world, and lose our children to it? What good is it, if we keep every feast day, every Sabbath, keep clean/unclean commands, and then our homes are a disaster? Yahweh said:

Isaiah 1:13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

Perhaps our hands aren't full of blood, perhaps our children aren't fatherless and our wives a widow. But is it so, spiritually? Are our children on the road to destruction? If they are young, it may not show up right away. But according to the Torah/Law of Yahweh, parents are held responsible for teaching and training their children in the ways of righteousness. Are our children spiritually fatherless? How much time is spent with our children in the Word? Do we fail to "talk of them" at all times? Are our wives spiritual widows? How much time do we spend in the Word with our wives?

Why is Yahweh so concerned about the fatherless and the widow? Is it only because their physical needs must be met? Are not the spiritual needs just as important, if not far more important? Considering all the scriptures where Yahweh is angry because the fatherless and widow are neglected, woe to the fathers who neglect the spiritual needs of their wife and children! All the Sabbaths, calling of assemblies, feast days can be a burden to Him because He cannot endure the neglect. He cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Yahweh is VERY concerned about the wives and children, shouldn't we be? If, in Isaiah 1:13-17, Yahweh cannot endure the offerings, Feast Days and Sabbaths of those who are neglecting the physical needs of what used to be another man's wife and children (fatherless and widow), how much more so if we neglect the spiritual needs of our own wives and children? Consider:

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Is it just the physical providing that Yahweh is concerned about? Surely, the spiritual is far more important. The first leads to physical death, the latter leads to spiritual death. So, are we worse than an unbeliever? Let it not be!

It is high time that fathers turn their hearts to their wives and children! No outreach ministry, feast/sabbath keeping or calling on the right name is going to save us if we fail to address the neglect in these areas. If Yahushua returns tomorrow and we find out that we didn't keep the feast at the right time or we made a mistake in our observances, we might be able to say "I desired the truth, but I was wrong, have mercy on me". We might then be able to observe it correctly under the direction of Messiah. But if Yahushua returns and says "Look, you didn't even provide for your own wife and children", there won't be any correcting brethren, the damage is done! Let it not be so among us. Fathers, turn your hearts!


Examples for us

Let's look at some examples of those who have the kind of home Yahweh is looking for. The house of Job is one:

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

It is written that Job was a man who was "perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil." Job had 7 sons and 3 daughters. How much care and concern did he have for the spiritual health of his children?

Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Elohim in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Job had such care and concern for his children, that he was concerned that they might have sinned in their hearts. His love and dedication to the lives of his children were part of what made Job such a just and upright man.

The house of Stephanas is another example:

1Cor 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

In this casual mention we see that the house of Stephanas had addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. They were the first fruits of Achaia and were held in reputation. Stephanas and his house were known to have addicted themselves to the work of Yahweh. They had set in their mind that they were going to minister (serve) the saints of Yahweh. There are few ways a family can knit together more strongly than by working together to minister to others. If only there were more who had a home like the home of Stephanas!

Another man who appeared to have the kind of home that Yahweh is looking for:

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

It looks like Philip had his house dedicated to Yahweh. He had 4 daughters who spoke in the power and anointing of Yahweh's Spirit. These are the fruits and results of a righteous home that is filled with the Holy Spirit, directed by a righteous and Spirit filled man. Brethren, we must have the anointing oil of the Spirit to do these things, along with our willing heart. We need a Master Builder in our house:

Psalm 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except Yahweh build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except Yahweh keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Yahweh must build the house! Unless the whole house is centered around Yahweh, it is built in vain. I do not speak of just having His name on our walls, and I don't mean His name only.. but HIM, YAHWEH.

You labor in vain if you build unless Yahweh is in your house. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the fruits of the Spirit therein. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the Fathers, Mothers and children all joyfully loving and fulfilling the commandments of Yahweh for each of them. A home full of people where there is no pretense. A home where Yahweh lives among them!

Surely Yahweh knows His own plan for all of our children. How can we set out for them to fill the plan for their lives unless Yahweh is there to show us the way? We need a co-laborer in our home. We need an Elohim in our home. Yes, joyful and blessed is the home where Yahweh lives!

But we must fear Yahweh. There is no conviction today that we must have this kind of home. But consider the will of Yahweh:

Psalm 128:1 "Blessed is every one who fears Yahweh, Who walks in His ways. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

A fruitful vine? Olive plants?

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears Yahweh. 5 Yahweh bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. 6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!".

If we will only fear Yahweh, we can have the home that Yahweh desires for us to have. Our wives can be as a vine, bearing good fruits within our house. Our children can be like the olive plants that make the anointing oil. Little olive plants, filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. If only we will fear Yahweh and walk in His ways. Do we desire to "see the good of (the new) Jerusalem", which is above? Do we desire to "see (our) children's children" there? Then fear Yahweh, walk in His ways and lead Your family there! Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears Yahweh.

To achieve it, we must be pure in heart and set the righteous example in our house. David was such a man:

Psalm 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Yahweh, I will sing praises. 2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

If we want to overcome some sin in our life, we must do it in our home first. Otherwise, we are just pretending. David believed in walking within his house with a perfect heart, setting nothing wicked before his eyes. Too many men today not only set wickedness before their eyes, they do it for entertainment. Countless hours are wasted away in front of the television sets and computers while their wives and children spiritually rot and starve to death. But David didn't want anything to do with beholding wickedness:

4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. 6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me. 7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. 8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of Yahweh.

Do we really hate the work of them that turn aside or do we love to watch them, learn about them and be entertained by them?

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him

The television ("Uncle Charlie") is probably the most deceitful thing in the house, which "worketh deceit" and "telleth lies". I say we don't really need it! There are other ways of getting the news. David ruled his house with the mindset of purity and fear of Yahweh. Thus he also ruled Israel with righteousness and integrity (1Kings 9:4). For that, Yahweh blessed this man after His own heart.


A vision

It seems that some fathers say in their heart about their children "I think they'll be all right, I think they'll make it".

"Make it?"

We need our vision to be much higher than that! We need to dedicate ourselves to raise spiritual leaders: men and women of Yahweh who will be an example and a light to all? Just as we want our Heavenly Father to be concerned about everything in our own lives, to guide us and lead us and protect us; Even so, we must follow our Heavenly Father's example toward our children.

We see the righteous examples given of homes that were pleasing in Yahweh's sight within the pages of scripture. How can we have a home like that? We need a vision. We need to see it in our own homes. We need to make plans to build a home for Yahweh. What house is built without a vision and plans? There is no doubt that Yahweh wants families that are a testimony to His righteousness, a testimony to community around them, and indeed the whole world.

To accomplish this, we need Husbands and Fathers who are willing to love Yahweh above all. A righteous Husband and Father does not compromise this in any way. Let's consider the attributes of such a man. He is:

A man after Yahweh's own heart.

A man who is willing to let Messiah live in him.

He is a man who loves His neighbor as himself.

A man who is thankful for the Messiah's work of love and his life shows it.

A man of great mercy, compassion and understanding yet without failing to stand for what is right.

A man who gives honor to his wife and respect to his children.

One who is dedicated to bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

One who does not fail to lead by example.

A man whose children are highly in love with the Heavenly Father because they see Yahweh in their earthly Father.

A man whose wife lovingly submits to him, knowing that he loves her.

A man whose children obey him because they love him and would not want to do anything to risk that relationship.

A man whose very life and family are a light unto all nations.

A man who teaches and keeps all of Yahweh's commandments, no matter what book or time they were written in.

One who keeps his tongue from evil and whose speech is as the oracles of Yahweh.

A man whose speech inspires others to walk before Yahweh blamelessly.

One whose every thought, word and deed manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

A man who takes captive every thought and brings it to total submission to Yahweh.

A man of prayer who prays for his family and with his family and who prays for others diligently and without fail.

A man who gives honor to his wife and shows true respect and care for his children.

A man who is a servant to others, meeting their needs in Yahweh.

A man who has spiritual discernment because he is so in tune with the Spirit of Yahweh.

A man, like Daniel, in whom nobody can find fault, unless it be with him and his Elohim.

A man who leads His family in all of these characteristics.

Perhaps this is a lofty goal that seems out of reach. But let's always remember:

Philippians 3:12 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah Yahushua. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, Elohim shall reveal even this unto you.

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with Elohim.

With Yahweh, we can do it. We can put the past behind us and be this kind of Father and Husband. We can be this man who builds a spiritual heritage not only for his children, but for his children's children. We can be this man who will see his children's children in the new Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)! Such a man will bring forth children who are bright lights for Yahweh, shining with Yahweh's light to all they come in contact with. Children who are a testimony to all.

A QUIVER FULL OF ARROWS

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of YAHWEH: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

How is it that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man? Why shall they speak with their enemies in the gate? Because a man who has a home of righteous children has the armor and strength to battle against the enemy, a united and strong front that nothing can destroy. A man of righteousness may be strong, but an entire home of righteousness? That's power!

We need arrows that will hit the mark against the enemy. Let's make arrows for Yahweh! I can tell you about one man who had a home like this and it completely turned my world upside down. I was going the wrong way, my children were headed for destruction and I had no vision and I had no realization of what a family could or should be like. I'm still in damage repair due to years of neglect, but all things are possible with Yahweh!

I have learned that we aren't raising children, we are raising adults. If you are raising children, you will have children when you are done. If you raise righteous adults, you will have righteous adults when you are done.

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

Are we raising foolish children or righteous adults? What kind of heritage are we leaving to our grandchildren?


Building generations of Righteousness

If we have children, we are laying a foundation for the generations to come. How many generations will the foundation we have laid bear fruit to righteousness? In truth, we are the foundation of the next generation. The next generation will grow up on you. What kind of foundation are you laying down? If our children are lost to the world, what kind of foundation is that? We want a foundation of righteousness that will last many generations.

Genesis 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Great blessings were promised to Abraham because Yahweh knew that he could depend on Abraham. Because of Abraham’s commitment to his home, Yahweh became known as the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Will Yahweh depend on us to have our hearts turned to our children in similar manner? Or will Satan be depending on us to have our hearts turned away from our children, and toward other things? Of course, he knows if our hearts are distracted by other things he has the best chance at destroying them along with our grandchildren.

Did you know that if you had 2 children and 6 generations thereafter had 3 children, you would have influenced 1,458 children? Did you know that if you had 5 children and 6 generations thereafter had 5 children, you would have influenced 78,125 children?! Can we begin to see why the Torah repeats itself over and over with commandments that lift up the importance of raising a righteous generation? Can we begin to see why Yahweh will smite the earth with a curse unless somehow, some way the Father's hearts are turned to their children and the children's hearts are turned toward their Fathers (Malachi 4:6)?

Some might say, "Well, the Messiah will be here before 6 generations". To them I say, this was said 6 generations ago and look at the situation we are in today! Is that an excuse to neglect your children? Yahweh forbid! How many children must be thrown in the lake of fire before you will commit yourself? 78, 125? Five? One? Your own precious son or daughter?

But how many are willing to make the sacrifice, pay the price, change the priorities of their life for raising their children? If the generation before us had paid that price, there would be multitudes of good examples for us to look to. There isn't much today, but that can change:

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye Yahweh. Blessed is the man that feareth Yahweh, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

If we want our seed to be mighty upon the earth, we need fathers whose children know that he fears Yahweh, delights in His commandments and loves to pray, read the scriptures, discipline himself, and that he really loves Yahweh behind closed doors. It is true that our children are usually excited about the things we are excited about. If we are excited about Yahweh, our children will be too. If we are totally consumed with raising up righteous children, it can happen. We should want children that will be a mighty influence in this world for Yahweh. If you minister in their presence, the whole house can be a ministry to others. But who is willing to pay the price?

Most people today are too busy to raise up righteous children. Too busy to make arrows that hit the mark, too busy making money, chasing after the wind.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; Elohim is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Assuredly, you get what you pay for! Indeed, you reap what you sow. It may be 30 years, but you will get what you pay for. What you give will be returned to you. Cast your bread upon the waters and it shall return to you after many days. I have never heard a man on his death bed say "I wish I hadn't spent so much time and effort raising righteous children". Let's have a vision where we are on our death bed and all of our children and grandchildren are with us, praying to Yahweh together. If we can raise a generation of righteous children, we'll raise up a generation of people that will surpass all that we could have imagined. Fathers, it is time for repentance, a change of mind that brings about a change of action! It is needful to repent, if knowing that we are going the wrong way. We need to take this knowledge and make the change by turning our hearts to our children:

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy Elohim, I will also forget thy children.

Can you imagine the above words being spoken about your children? Imagine hearing that they would be destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, because of your own failure to teach them the knowledge of Yahweh. I cannot bear the thought!
Let's not forget that the law of Yahweh commands us to teach our children the ways of righteousness. Let's remember to teach them diligently and show them the way by our example and concern for their spiritual livelihood. Let's yield our heart and our life to Yahweh. Let's thirst for laying a foundation of righteousness for this next generation:

Isaiah 44:2 Thus saith Yahweh that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

We should be thirsty, we can't be satisfied where we are. Let's desire that Yahweh pours out His Spirit upon our seed, and His blessing upon our offspring. Look at the beautiful promise and illustration:

4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

What are these children saying?

5 One shall say, I am Yahweh's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto Yahweh, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Let's hunger and thirst before Yahweh to let this promise come to pass in our lives. We want them to say "I am Yahweh's". If we will only turn from any and all transgression, including the forsaking our children:

Isai 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Yahweh. 21 As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith Yahweh; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith Yahweh, from henceforth and for ever.

Yahweh will bless the seed, but we must turn to Yahweh fully. Isn't this what we want? As a testimony to Yahweh, the Gentiles will acknowledge that our children are the seed that Yahweh has blessed.

Isai 61:8 For I Yahweh love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh hath blessed.


A place of refuge, a walled city

Our Heavenly Father provides a place of refuge for us. What do we provide for our children?

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Fathers, our children do need a place of refuge in this wicked world. We must fear Yahweh to receive the blessings of arrows that hit the mark.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

We must have rule over our own spirit so that our household is guided under the authority of Yahweh. Too many homes are guided by threats, anger and intimidation.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Our homes should be like a walled city and place of refuge. Ancient cities of renown always had walls. Within the walls, one could find peace and protection. There would be at least one elder at the gates. The elders decided who would enter the city and who would not. If there were ever a breach in the wall, it was quickly repaired lest an enemy enter in. I once heard in a scripture study that our homes can also be likened unto a walled city. The father is the elder at the gate, deciding who and what influences will enter the home. Whether it be a person, a book, a magazine or anything that could potentially harm his home spiritually, the Father should be there to keep his wife and children from the subtle influences of sin. I believe that the Television is one of the most destructive things a person can have in their home. It is like a giant breach in the wall. It is almost impossible to guard ahead of time unless it is previewed it in some way. Television thrusts scenes and words upon you and your family, and the damage is often already done by the time you determine how wicked it really was. It is also a thief that robs a man's time when time is so short!

But what if the elder is not even at the gate of his walled city? What if he is out working and playing all hours of the day or night? What if he ships his children off to the world, outside those walls for 8 or more hours a day where they are a companion of fools and taught the ways of the world?

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Surely we wouldn't let a little child play in the street because we know about the risk of their physical death. Why then would we send them into the dangerous playground of this unbelieving generation where there is such a great risk of spiritual destruction? No! We must protect the children within our walled city and train their hands and minds for war until they are ready to do battle. YES, absolutely yes, this means that the children are schooled and taught at home. I do not believe that children of Yahweh should be raised in government schools. It is not the responsibility of the government to teach our children. It is not even the responsibility of the congregation to teach our children. The Torah says it is our own responsibility to teach our children.

If we really want to raise up a righteous generation in the midst of a crooked and perverse one, then we need to be together. I believe the best arrangement is usually that Mom, Dad and the children are normally all together in the same house throughout the course of a day. If we want to fulfill the vision, and heed the call, then men NEED to be with their families as much as possible. This practice of going off to work every day and children going off to school every day is so very often terribly destructive to homes and relationships! Fathers are strongly encouraged to do what it takes to work from home, even if it means having to lower your standard of living. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob didn't send their children out of the home to be with transgressors while they went out and worked for transgressors. I believe this is a good example for us. Because it is such an evil time, we must be very much on guard and watching over our nest.

Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

While the men are out, the spiritual forces of wickedness are often in. And too often, while the men are out, they too get caught up in the world’s lusts and wickedness. The home is left without an elder at the gate because the elder is doing other things. If our wives do an admirable job while we are away and we are overcoming, then maybe the need for this is not as great. But if you are concerned about how the house is running when you are gone and you see the ‘weaker vessel’ struggling, bear the burden and remember that we are the ones that Yahweh will hold accountable for the outcome. Yahweh didn't accept Adam's excuse in the Garden of Eden ("This woman you gave me..") and I don't see Him accepting it in the future. Because we are the ones accountable, I believe the best arrangement is for the Fathers to be working at home. Many who have successful homes agree.

Some might say "What about making a living?" Maybe we need to lower your standard of living if need be. Sell that house, get out of debt, sell that expensive car, do whatever it takes to be there with your children. When I cried out to Him, Yahweh enabled me to do just that. He can do it for anyone. Fathers, He wants to enable us to obey His command to talk of the precepts when we rise up, when we lie down, when we walk by the way or wherever we might be. For which is worse? Losing your career or losing your children to Satan's clutching power? Better to lose your big beautiful house than to lose the soul of your own children!

Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

I know one believer who lived in a bus with his family and had no running water or electricity. But he was home most of the time, his 6 year old had already read through all the scriptures twice and his 4 year old was half way through! Some might say this is extreme, but it underlines the question: What good will it do if we gain the whole world and meet all the financial wants, but then neglect the spiritual needs and let our children's soul be lost as a result? Maybe we need less than we think we need. We can be sure that Yahweh will provide our physical needs if we put Him first:

Matthew 6:32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of Yahweh and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Fathers, if we love our children the way we should, we need to not only be willing to give up our careers, houses and lands for their sake, but all of the worldly possessions that we have. Isn't this the example that Yahushua gave? Did He fail to withhold even His very life for our sakes?? Greater love has no man than this! We should be a wonderful living example of Yahushua to the world, and especially to our own children! This means dying to self and sacrificing anything that must be sacrificed to instill the ways of Yahweh to our children, and ultimately to our grandchildren.

Fathers, we must be burdened enough about it that we will not stop until we see it. We cannot sit back! As you read this, Satan is actively working to destroy your children. We must fulfill the vision. We must be strong. We must do the work. We must die to ourselves and let the Messiah live in us, doing the work in us. For the time has come and the time is now. Fathers, turn your hearts!!

Psalms 71:18 - Now also when I am old and gray headed, O Elohim, forsake me not; until I have shown your strength unto this generation, and your power to every one that is to come.

Rather than letting our children be strangers to the great gifts and works of Yahweh, let’s take the time every day and have some worship and scripture reading with our families. Pick a specific hour of the day where you will refuse to let anything distract you. We've personally found great benefit in having everyone spend one hour reading and studying the scriptures, then coming together for family worship, praise and scripture lesson for another hour. Then throughout the day, it is good to guide each conversation toward lessons in Yahweh’s word.

We must seek to have a spirit of love, joy and peace as we build the house, one lesson at a time, one experience at a time, that Yahweh might fashion in our children a beautiful home for His presence. Then it can be also said of them:

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of Elohim, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in Yahweh, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Elohim in the Spirit.

Therefore, let’s sanctify ourselves and dedicate ourselves to building a house that will not be destroyed in the whirlwinds of adult life.

Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

1Chronicles 28:10 - Take heed now; for YAHWEH hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

May Yahweh bless you as you do HIS work in the family He gives you!

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Originally posted by barrykind:
The EliYah Message
Fathers, Turn Your Hearts!
"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of EliYah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh." Luke 1:17


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Introduction

The following is a study on the role of Fathers in the home. For those of you who are not married, this study can still be beneficial for you if you ever plan on getting married. If your children are raised, there is a great need in the body for those who are willing to teach these things to the younger men and women.

I should mention that while the name of this web site is "eliyah.com" and this study is about the EliYah message, I do not claim to be "THE EliYah". I'm just a disciple of Yahushua who has sought to raise my own family in the way Yahweh desires. In my search, I encountered others who have written similar studies on the home. They have greatly influenced some of the points made in this study.

I should also mention that scriptures and points in this study represents the standard that Yahweh has of any family that seeks Him. My family and I continually seek to attain this standard but we do not count ourselves to have already attained it all. We simply desire to press on and take hold of the standard to which we are called (Phil 3:12) and share that standard with others. I hope it is a blessing to you; may Yahweh have mercy on us all.


An Opportunity

Imagine for a moment that Yahweh came to you in a vision and pointed out a particular man in your community to whom He was going to give permanent amnesia. All his past memories were to be permanently erased. In this vision, you were commissioned to care for this man and to teach him all he needs to know about the ways of Yahweh. You would be entrusted with this man's salvation, with how he views the world and how he views Yahweh. How seriously would you take this responsibility? Would you ignore it and find other things to do or would you pour your heart and soul into this effort? Assuredly I say to you, that if you are a Father you have been entrusted with this responsibility. But this isn't a man from the community that you are being entrusted with, it is your own children.

It is upon the men that Yahweh has laid the responsibility of leadership, guidance and direction. Yahweh will hold the men accountable for the outcome of the family


How Important it really is

For most people, family is the very core of existence. It is the testing ground. It is the place where we can become a hypocrite, or a light to all nations. Do you want to know the true character of a man and his wife? Observe their children and you will usually know. Children often mimic what they see going on at home. Many can appear righteous unto men, but who can still be found righteous in their home, behind closed doors?

How important is our family life to Yahweh? How important is it that we teach our children the ways of Yahweh? How important is it that we each fulfill the roles that Yahweh has given? Let's consider.

Although the modern arrangement or division of the Scriptures may not be inspired, it is certainly interesting that the very last word in the last "Old Testament" prophetic book is none other than "Curse". This chapter is a prophecy for the end times. Let us see what the source of this curse may be:

Malachi 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Yahweh of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Notice that we must fear Yahweh's name to inherit this promise.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith Yahweh of hosts.

But what defines who is wicked and who is not? Let's keep reading:

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

Remember the law of Moses? Yes, remember the law of Moses with all the statutes and judgments; even in the latter days. I tend to think that this is part of the EliYah message, to remember the law of Moses.

5 Behold, I will send you EliYah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh.

EliYah the prophet was the one who said:

1Kings 18:24 And call ye on the name of your elohim, and I will call on the name of Yahweh: and the Elohim that answereth by fire, let him be Elohim. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken

So we must also call upon the name of Yahweh. In fact, the name "EliYah" means "Yahweh is my Mighty One". I tend to think that this is another part of the EliYah message. But there is a third and much more clearly defined part of the EliYah message that we should pay very close attention to:

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

According to this scripture, a curse will fall upon the earth when it has fathers whose hearts are not turned to their children and children whose hearts are not turned to their fathers. So, although at least part of the EliYah message is "My Mighty One is Yahweh" and to remember the law of Moshe, the great duty of the EliYah message is turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers! I believe that this message is greatly lacking today.

According to statistics, in the United States of America, at least 4 out of 10 children will go to bed tonight without their father in the home. In most homes where the father is there, children are abandoned spiritually and emotionally. Children are a status symbol or a nuisance rather than a blessing. Children are something to be ignored rather than human beings who desperately need to be shown and taught the ways of eternal life.

O Fathers, where are you???

They are probably at work, with friends, playing with their toys or on the golf course. But what is Yahweh's expectation for Fathers? How important is the role of fathers in their children's life? What does Yahweh say?


The Role of Fathers

Yahweh's plan is for us to communicate His mighty works to our children. For this to be done, a Father must have his heart turned to his children. If it is, this will build a kingdom. The Father has the authority in the home because the Father has the responsibility.

As we read earlier, we should "Remember the law of Moshe". It should be evident to any student of the Torah (Law) that Yahweh demands Fathers to teach His ways to their children. In the Torah (law) of Yahweh, there is one thing that is commanded several times over. That is the command to teach our children the word of Yahweh:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 " Hear, O Israel: Yahweh Elohenu (our El), Yahweh is one! "You shall love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

In the famous "Sh'ma" passage, we see Yahweh's desire for us to teach His commandments diligently to our children and to "talk of them when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up". We are not only commanded by Yahweh to teach them to our children, but to teach them diligently to our children. We are not only to teach them, we are to talk of them all the day long. They are to be in in our hearts and in the hearts of our children. Not only is Yahweh "Echad" (ONE), He wants our families to be "Echad" with one another and with Him. It is written again:

Deuteronomy 11:18 " Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Again, we are to talk of them all the day long. But today, the question must be asked, "How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we rarely even talk to them at all? How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we are rarely ever home and we send them away to the government schools every day? How many Fathers are truly fulfilling this commandment?

Too often, the adults at various assemblies and meetings engage in high level conversations with one another about the scriptures while the children just sit there bored, squirming in their seats and getting into trouble because they have no clue what is going on or what anyone is even talking about. While some conversations may be above the capabilities of a child, too often it is because they don't know the scriptures. By the time they reach teen-age years, it is often too late because the prime age of influence and impressionability is long gone. At various gatherings, the teens should be with the adults. If they are taught properly, they will be learning and listening because they have a true interest in Yahweh's word just as the adults do. But too often, teens are out playing and learning the ways of other teens rather than learning the ways of Yahweh. Fathers need to wake up!

Deuteronomy 4:8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 " Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 "especially concerning the day you stood before Yahweh your Elohim in Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Notice that Yahweh wants us to teach them to our children and He also wants them to be taught to our grandchildren! Also notice in verse 10 that one of the intentions Yahweh had when giving His commandments in Horeb was that Israel teach them to their children.

Deuteronomy 6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which Yahweh sware unto thy fathers, 19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as Yahweh hath spoken. 20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Yahweh our Elohim hath commanded you? 21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand: 22 And Yahweh shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: 23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our Elohim, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before Yahweh our Elohim, as he hath commanded us.

Deuteronomy 32:46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

So Yahweh's expectation is that our children are diligently taught His ways. Consider also one of the purposes of the observances He commands:

Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 "that you shall say, 'It is the Passover sacrifice of Yahweh, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.' " So the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. 8 "And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what Yahweh did for me when I came up from Egypt.'

Exodus 13:14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 10:1 And Yahweh said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: 2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am Yahweh.

Leviticus 23:42-43 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am Yahweh your Elohim.

Deuteronomy 31:10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh thy Elohim in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your Elohim, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your Elohim, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Can we see again the expectation of Yahweh here? One of the reasons Yahweh has these feasts is so that our children will know and remember His law and His mighty works. Teaching children should therefore be a major focus of any feast we have. The children should not be ignored and sent off to play during the feasts. Nor should the parents expect others to do their job of teaching their children during the feasts while they find other things to do. While the world is successful in keeping their children tied to pagan holidays by appealing to their carnality via gifts & candies, we ought to find ways to tie the strings of our children's hearts to Yahweh by truly fulfilling their spiritual needs when we observe the true holy-days of Yahweh.

Of Abraham it was said:

Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Yahweh, to do justice and judgment; that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

We can also be known by Yahweh as that kind of a father! Within the Torah alone, there were at least 11 times where Yahweh gave a command, admonition or spoke about the need to teach our children His ways. This concept is repeated in the book of Psalms:

Psalm 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 That they may set their hope in Elohim, And not forget the works of Elohim, But keep His commandments; 8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to Elohim.

It is clearly Yahweh's expectation that we teach His ways to the next generation. Yahweh wants a righteous generation to be brought forth from our homes. Indeed, He has indicated that this is one of the purposes for marriage:

Malachi 2:13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because Yahweh has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks righteous offspring (In Hebrew literally, Seed of Elohim). Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. 16 "For Yahweh Elohim of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says Yahweh of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously."

So are we going to raise up a seed of Elohim or children of the devil? Will our children's works advance the kingdom of the devil or the kingdom of Yahweh? Indeed, Yahweh has placed a large part of this responsibility into the hands of the fathers. We have the greatest influence as to the outcome. We can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone to the paths of righteousness. If we are a stepping stone, great is our reward:

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

If we are a stumbling block, woe to us:

Matthew 18:5-7 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

The Proverb indeed says:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Contrary to popular opinion, this scripture does not say, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is grown up, he will abandon Yahweh and sow his wild oats, then come back to Yahweh and not depart" yet this is what many would have us believe!

Much of the book of proverbs is about a man who, in obedience to the scriptures is teaching the wisdom of Yahweh to his son. For example:

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a ***** is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

We see the strong desire in this father that his son would not be ensnared with wine and women. This father was committed to the idea that his child would not depart!

It is high time we raise up a righteous generation that fears Yahweh and keeps His commandments. It is high time that fathers forsake their toys and pursuits of worldly gain and instead focus on raising a righteous generation that will magnify the name of Yahweh! It is high time that Fathers have a vision of what it really means to be a man of Yahweh.

How important is it that our homes are in order and our children are taught Yahweh's ways? Unless one's home is right, they cannot be an effective leader:

Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of Yahweh?);

1Timothy 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of Yahweh, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

We have to be true believers at home, not just when others are watching. The requirements of a spiritual leader is that they have a righteous family with righteous children. Our family is the expression of ourselves and our life. If a man of Yahweh leads a family in righteousness, you can know you have one who is in righteous in his private life. See, our family gives us away. We cannot hide ourselves and what we are like. If Father or Mother are foolish or rebellious, then except by the grace of Yahweh so shall the children be.

Abraham and Eli were leaders. As we read earlier, Abraham had his house right:

Gene 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Eli the priest did not:

1Sam 2:11 Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to Yahweh before Eli the priest. 12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know Yahweh.

Eli apparently made the foolish decision to let his sons be corrupt:

1Sam 3:12 "In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 "For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.

Consider the differing end result of Abraham and Eli! Abraham and his descendants were exalted and blessed beyond measure, but Eli had his generations cut off and destroyed (1Sam 4:16). So let's ponder the question today, are we an Abraham or are we an Eli?

Can we begin to see how important it really is? You see, Yahweh would never have been the "Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" if Abraham hadn't done his job! Will it be said of us that Yahweh is the Elohim of our children and grandchildren? Yahweh is seeking righteous offspring; a Seed of Elohim to walk in His ways. Yahweh desires that His people produce children of righteousness, children of Yahweh.

Let's consider the scriptures which show the results of families who did not pass the truth of Yahweh onto the next generation:

Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know Yahweh nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals;12 and they forsook Yahweh Elohim of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked Yahweh to anger.

There were at least 7 times in approximately 335 years where the book of Judges records one generation that would serve Yahweh, and the next generation forsaking Him. Imagine for a moment the great blessings that might have been realized had only the first generation taught their children to "Know Yahweh"!

Judges 2:10-11 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not Yahweh, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. 11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served Baalim:

As a result of their failure, these rebellious children served false deities. Similar flip-flops are found in the books of First and Second Kings/Chronicles. There would be a generation that would finally repent and serve Yahweh, only to see the succeeding generation be exceedingly wicked.

Is there a way to stop this destructive cycle? What about our children’s generation? What about in the nations that we live in? In recent history there has been a spiraling increase in wickedness. Consider some of the statistics one can find about conditions in the United States:

At least half of all marriages end in divorce. Remarkably, studies show that the divorce rate among denominational Christian churches is equal or higher than that.

The Census Bureau states that in 1998, 58.7% of mothers with infants work outside the home. 61% of married women as a whole work outside the home compared to 6 percent in 1900 (US News & World Report, 12/18/00 pg 56).

According to CNN, Only 6.9 percent of men and 21 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 59 are virgins when getting married.

The birth rate in the U.S. in 1997 was 14.6 per 1,000 population. The world average was 22.6. The birth rate in the U.S. would be higher, but approximately 1 out of 4 babies are murdered by their own mother before they even have a chance to be born. Of those that are born, 1 out of 3 are born out of wedlock. A child conceived in the United States has a 75% chance of either being murdered in the womb or not having their biological father and mother in the home at age 18. Yet, 47% of this nation goes to church every week and 85% profess to be Christian.


What has gone wrong?

The bottom line is that the principles given in scripture for the roles of husbands, fathers, mothers and wives are not appreciated, nor are they followed. Instead, many have chosen to follow their own principles, the principles in psychology & self-help books, and principles given in self appointed marriage experts. Meanwhile, people are suffering along with their little children.

If only people would respect and appreciate the roles given to them by Yahweh! Yahweh, who created us from dust, surely knows the RIGHT way. But who will heed it? The people of this world have little or no vision or burning desire for righteousness within themselves, let alone for the next generation. But it need not be so for us. We need not be conformed to this world:

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim.

We see the sad state of affairs in this world. Many of us were raised in this age of rebelliousness, so what can we do? A most difficult sin to overcome is one that you cannot see. But I believe the word of Yahweh will make it very plain that few men in this age truly know what Yahweh desires our homes to be like.


Be filled with the Spirit

Yahweh is looking for homes that are filled with the Spirit. Let's examine the book of Ephesians where we see that this is a need in every believer's life and that it relates very much to our home life:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

We must understand "what the will of Yahweh is". What is the will of Yahweh? Surely the will of Yahweh is that rather than being filled with wine and/or the cares of this life, we need to be filled with the SPIRIT of Yahweh. This is a commandment and the will of Yahweh to "be filled with the Spirit". It isn't a one time experience, but a whole lifetime experience. We must be continually filled with the Spirit. If we are filled with the Spirit, the fruit will manifest itself.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Messiah's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

These fruits are not necessarily something that we just strive to attain, but they are the fruits of the Ruach HaKodesh or Holy Spirit that should already be in us. If we have repented and accepted Yahushua the Messiah and are walking in His ways, the blessing of Yahweh's Spirit can be upon us:

Acts 5:32 "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him."

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Notice that the Spirit is given to those who ask, and to those who obey Him. Let's continue reading the book of Ephesians and how it describes the life of one who has heeded the command to be "filled with the Spirit". These verses can paint a picture in our minds of how our homes can and should be like when we are all filled with the Spirit:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to Yahweh;

Does this not sound like a home that is filled with the Spirit? The joy and praise of Yahweh in the form of song is overflowing in such a place. The songs will be sung in the home with joy. But this isn't just a one time a day affair; it is a lifetime of joy, peace and walking in the Spirit.

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto Elohim and the Father in the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah;

When we are thankful for what we have been given in life, this makes it possible for the joy of Yahweh to grow in us. All of us should be thanking Yahweh. Husbands, wives, children praising and thanking and singing to Yahweh, loving Yahweh with all their heart. This is the kind of home we should be having!

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Elohim.

Every one of us should have a spirit of meekness, submission and humility. This means that sometimes the Father/Husband submits to his wife and children within the will of Yahweh. We ourselves know how many times Yahweh has submitted to our humble prayers when we were in need. Yahweh wants to fill our homes with His Spirit.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh.

This is truly a beautiful picture that is being drawn. A home where wives know the power of submission, submitting their heart to Yahweh without fear of consequence. You will find no strife or argument between Mother and Father in such a home because the wife is filled with the Spirit and submits herself to her husband, 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. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the assembly, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

The picture gets more and more beautiful as we read. This is the picture of a home where the husband loves his wife. He is tender and gentle with her as Messiah is to His assembly. He takes care of her needs, spiritually and physically. And she knows that he loves her, not because he says it once a day but because she senses it coming out of his heart by the way he expresses himself in his home. I know that Yahweh wants to bless such a home. I know this is the kind of home I want!

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Imagine a home where the husband leads his wife as Yahushua leads the assembly into absolute perfection, leading her as the Great Shepherd leads his sheep.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Master the assembly: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Messiah and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Such a beautiful picture! One of the Messiah and His assembly. Everyday, right here in our homes. What a great witness this can be for our children! They see the love of Messiah in the Father and the humble submission of the Assembly in the Mother. What a blessing for them to know it and see it every day!

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in Yahweh for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

To me, this sounds like a home that has taken to heart the command to be "filled with the Spirit". Children who obey and honor their father and mother, There is no conflict or disrespect because the Spirit filled children love Yahweh and have great faith in that promise of Yahweh that they will live long on the earth. They see the righteous example of the mother's submission to the father and the father's love and care for the mother. Through this they learn how to submit to Messiah and how much Yahweh loves and cares for them.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

A righteous father guides his children gently, not yelling or jerking them around with a harsh and frustrated spirit, but gently guiding and directing them by the Holy Spirit in the way they should go. He teaches, nurtures, loves and disciplines them.

So now have a completed picture, all of these things bringing together a home filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. Do we have a vision? Do we have a picture? Do we have a hope? We need it!

Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Every one of us needs this vision for our homes, brethren. Yahweh demands that we have such a home. His word says it, we need to do it! It is the will and command of Yahweh. Happy is the home where Yahweh is there!

Psalm 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

Have you ever seen a plant or a garden that wasn't well cared for? You will see the sad and sorry shape of that plant. The leaves are wilted and brown, the ground dried out, there are no fruits or flowers to speak of and the garden is obviously without life. But a plant that has been cultivated, watched over, and watered, fertilized and nurtured is vibrant and bearing fruit. We need to take good care of our garden. If strange children and their influences are choking out your sons, remove the strange children from their presence!

13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose Elohim is Yahweh.

Happy is the home where Yahweh is Elohim, and love fills every word and every action. We must have a home like that! But our vision and desire for it must be clear and strong. We must desire it, like Jacob who wanted the blessing from the angel and strove all night to receive it. We must desire it, like Yahushua wanted to redeem His people. Like David wanted to be delivered from his enemies. Like Hannah wanted a child. Like Abraham wanted a son, so must we desire and want a home like this. Be assured that Yahweh wants homes to be filled with the Spirit in every place, not just one in that assembly or two in another.. but ALL homes that call upon His name.

Without a home that is righteous and filled with the Spirit, there will not be a righteous, Spirit filled assembly! How can an assembly be righteous and filled with the Spirit of Yahweh when the homes are filled with anger, depression and strife? Home is the truth detector. Home is where the real character of a man and woman are revealed. This is reality, you cannot have a righteous and Spirit filled assembly without righteous, Spirit filled people within it! Do you want to know the true test of an assembly? Wait about 10-15 years and find out where the children are! We might lay claim to a great period of restoration in this age, but if in 10 years our children have gone the way of the world, what kind of restoration is that? What shame, what reproach on the name of Yahweh! We need a vision. There needs to be a vision for a torah-keeping home of righteousness.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

It is time that the people of Yahweh reach out into the world around us. Our witness is ruined by having broken homes, and rebellious children. One can lay claim to the keeping of the Torah/Word of Yahweh all they want, but unless they are heeding this guidance from Yahweh about our homes, they are not keeping the Torah at all.

Proverbs 11:29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Do we trouble our own house by ignoring it and chasing after a career or seeking out the scriptures only for ourselves? We will inherit nothing.

Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

We need to bring honor and glory to Yahweh's name by having a spirit filled home. What good is it if we seek the possessions of this world, and lose our children to it? What good is it, if we keep every feast day, every Sabbath, keep clean/unclean commands, and then our homes are a disaster? Yahweh said:

Isaiah 1:13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

Perhaps our hands aren't full of blood, perhaps our children aren't fatherless and our wives a widow. But is it so, spiritually? Are our children on the road to destruction? If they are young, it may not show up right away. But according to the Torah/Law of Yahweh, parents are held responsible for teaching and training their children in the ways of righteousness. Are our children spiritually fatherless? How much time is spent with our children in the Word? Do we fail to "talk of them" at all times? Are our wives spiritual widows? How much time do we spend in the Word with our wives?

Why is Yahweh so concerned about the fatherless and the widow? Is it only because their physical needs must be met? Are not the spiritual needs just as important, if not far more important? Considering all the scriptures where Yahweh is angry because the fatherless and widow are neglected, woe to the fathers who neglect the spiritual needs of their wife and children! All the Sabbaths, calling of assemblies, feast days can be a burden to Him because He cannot endure the neglect. He cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Yahweh is VERY concerned about the wives and children, shouldn't we be? If, in Isaiah 1:13-17, Yahweh cannot endure the offerings, Feast Days and Sabbaths of those who are neglecting the physical needs of what used to be another man's wife and children (fatherless and widow), how much more so if we neglect the spiritual needs of our own wives and children? Consider:

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Is it just the physical providing that Yahweh is concerned about? Surely, the spiritual is far more important. The first leads to physical death, the latter leads to spiritual death. So, are we worse than an unbeliever? Let it not be!

It is high time that fathers turn their hearts to their wives and children! No outreach ministry, feast/sabbath keeping or calling on the right name is going to save us if we fail to address the neglect in these areas. If Yahushua returns tomorrow and we find out that we didn't keep the feast at the right time or we made a mistake in our observances, we might be able to say "I desired the truth, but I was wrong, have mercy on me". We might then be able to observe it correctly under the direction of Messiah. But if Yahushua returns and says "Look, you didn't even provide for your own wife and children", there won't be any correcting brethren, the damage is done! Let it not be so among us. Fathers, turn your hearts!


Examples for us

Let's look at some examples of those who have the kind of home Yahweh is looking for. The house of Job is one:

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

It is written that Job was a man who was "perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil." Job had 7 sons and 3 daughters. How much care and concern did he have for the spiritual health of his children?

Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Elohim in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Job had such care and concern for his children, that he was concerned that they might have sinned in their hearts. His love and dedication to the lives of his children were part of what made Job such a just and upright man.

The house of Stephanas is another example:

1Cor 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

In this casual mention we see that the house of Stephanas had addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. They were the first fruits of Achaia and were held in reputation. Stephanas and his house were known to have addicted themselves to the work of Yahweh. They had set in their mind that they were going to minister (serve) the saints of Yahweh. There are few ways a family can knit together more strongly than by working together to minister to others. If only there were more who had a home like the home of Stephanas!

Another man who appeared to have the kind of home that Yahweh is looking for:

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

It looks like Philip had his house dedicated to Yahweh. He had 4 daughters who spoke in the power and anointing of Yahweh's Spirit. These are the fruits and results of a righteous home that is filled with the Holy Spirit, directed by a righteous and Spirit filled man. Brethren, we must have the anointing oil of the Spirit to do these things, along with our willing heart. We need a Master Builder in our house:

Psalm 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except Yahweh build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except Yahweh keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Yahweh must build the house! Unless the whole house is centered around Yahweh, it is built in vain. I do not speak of just having His name on our walls, and I don't mean His name only.. but HIM, YAHWEH.

You labor in vain if you build unless Yahweh is in your house. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the fruits of the Spirit therein. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the Fathers, Mothers and children all joyfully loving and fulfilling the commandments of Yahweh for each of them. A home full of people where there is no pretense. A home where Yahweh lives among them!

Surely Yahweh knows His own plan for all of our children. How can we set out for them to fill the plan for their lives unless Yahweh is there to show us the way? We need a co-laborer in our home. We need an Elohim in our home. Yes, joyful and blessed is the home where Yahweh lives!

But we must fear Yahweh. There is no conviction today that we must have this kind of home. But consider the will of Yahweh:

Psalm 128:1 "Blessed is every one who fears Yahweh, Who walks in His ways. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

A fruitful vine? Olive plants?

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears Yahweh. 5 Yahweh bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. 6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!".

If we will only fear Yahweh, we can have the home that Yahweh desires for us to have. Our wives can be as a vine, bearing good fruits within our house. Our children can be like the olive plants that make the anointing oil. Little olive plants, filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. If only we will fear Yahweh and walk in His ways. Do we desire to "see the good of (the new) Jerusalem", which is above? Do we desire to "see (our) children's children" there? Then fear Yahweh, walk in His ways and lead Your family there! Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears Yahweh.

To achieve it, we must be pure in heart and set the righteous example in our house. David was such a man:

Psalm 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Yahweh, I will sing praises. 2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

If we want to overcome some sin in our life, we must do it in our home first. Otherwise, we are just pretending. David believed in walking within his house with a perfect heart, setting nothing wicked before his eyes. Too many men today not only set wickedness before their eyes, they do it for entertainment. Countless hours are wasted away in front of the television sets and computers while their wives and children spiritually rot and starve to death. But David didn't want anything to do with beholding wickedness:

4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. 6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me. 7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. 8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of Yahweh.

Do we really hate the work of them that turn aside or do we love to watch them, learn about them and be entertained by them?

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him

The television ("Uncle Charlie") is probably the most deceitful thing in the house, which "worketh deceit" and "telleth lies". I say we don't really need it! There are other ways of getting the news. David ruled his house with the mindset of purity and fear of Yahweh. Thus he also ruled Israel with righteousness and integrity (1Kings 9:4). For that, Yahweh blessed this man after His own heart.


A vision

It seems that some fathers say in their heart about their children "I think they'll be all right, I think they'll make it".

"Make it?"

We need our vision to be much higher than that! We need to dedicate ourselves to raise spiritual leaders: men and women of Yahweh who will be an example and a light to all? Just as we want our Heavenly Father to be concerned about everything in our own lives, to guide us and lead us and protect us; Even so, we must follow our Heavenly Father's example toward our children.

We see the righteous examples given of homes that were pleasing in Yahweh's sight within the pages of scripture. How can we have a home like that? We need a vision. We need to see it in our own homes. We need to make plans to build a home for Yahweh. What house is built without a vision and plans? There is no doubt that Yahweh wants families that are a testimony to His righteousness, a testimony to community around them, and indeed the whole world.

To accomplish this, we need Husbands and Fathers who are willing to love Yahweh above all. A righteous Husband and Father does not compromise this in any way. Let's consider the attributes of such a man. He is:

A man after Yahweh's own heart.

A man who is willing to let Messiah live in him.

He is a man who loves His neighbor as himself.

A man who is thankful for the Messiah's work of love and his life shows it.

A man of great mercy, compassion and understanding yet without failing to stand for what is right.

A man who gives honor to his wife and respect to his children.

One who is dedicated to bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

One who does not fail to lead by example.

A man whose children are highly in love with the Heavenly Father because they see Yahweh in their earthly Father.

A man whose wife lovingly submits to him, knowing that he loves her.

A man whose children obey him because they love him and would not want to do anything to risk that relationship.

A man whose very life and family are a light unto all nations.

A man who teaches and keeps all of Yahweh's commandments, no matter what book or time they were written in.

One who keeps his tongue from evil and whose speech is as the oracles of Yahweh.

A man whose speech inspires others to walk before Yahweh blamelessly.

One whose every thought, word and deed manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

A man who takes captive every thought and brings it to total submission to Yahweh.

A man of prayer who prays for his family and with his family and who prays for others diligently and without fail.

A man who gives honor to his wife and shows true respect and care for his children.

A man who is a servant to others, meeting their needs in Yahweh.

A man who has spiritual discernment because he is so in tune with the Spirit of Yahweh.

A man, like Daniel, in whom nobody can find fault, unless it be with him and his Elohim.

A man who leads His family in all of these characteristics.

Perhaps this is a lofty goal that seems out of reach. But let's always remember:

Philippians 3:12 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah Yahushua. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, Elohim shall reveal even this unto you.

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with Elohim.

With Yahweh, we can do it. We can put the past behind us and be this kind of Father and Husband. We can be this man who builds a spiritual heritage not only for his children, but for his children's children. We can be this man who will see his children's children in the new Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)! Such a man will bring forth children who are bright lights for Yahweh, shining with Yahweh's light to all they come in contact with. Children who are a testimony to all.

A QUIVER FULL OF ARROWS

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of YAHWEH: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

How is it that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man? Why shall they speak with their enemies in the gate? Because a man who has a home of righteous children has the armor and strength to battle against the enemy, a united and strong front that nothing can destroy. A man of righteousness may be strong, but an entire home of righteousness? That's power!

We need arrows that will hit the mark against the enemy. Let's make arrows for Yahweh! I can tell you about one man who had a home like this and it completely turned my world upside down. I was going the wrong way, my children were headed for destruction and I had no vision and I had no realization of what a family could or should be like. I'm still in damage repair due to years of neglect, but all things are possible with Yahweh!

I have learned that we aren't raising children, we are raising adults. If you are raising children, you will have children when you are done. If you raise righteous adults, you will have righteous adults when you are done.

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

Are we raising foolish children or righteous adults? What kind of heritage are we leaving to our grandchildren?


Building generations of Righteousness

If we have children, we are laying a foundation for the generations to come. How many generations will the foundation we have laid bear fruit to righteousness? In truth, we are the foundation of the next generation. The next generation will grow up on you. What kind of foundation are you laying down? If our children are lost to the world, what kind of foundation is that? We want a foundation of righteousness that will last many generations.

Genesis 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Great blessings were promised to Abraham because Yahweh knew that he could depend on Abraham. Because of Abraham’s commitment to his home, Yahweh became known as the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Will Yahweh depend on us to have our hearts turned to our children in similar manner? Or will Satan be depending on us to have our hearts turned away from our children, and toward other things? Of course, he knows if our hearts are distracted by other things he has the best chance at destroying them along with our grandchildren.

Did you know that if you had 2 children and 6 generations thereafter had 3 children, you would have influenced 1,458 children? Did you know that if you had 5 children and 6 generations thereafter had 5 children, you would have influenced 78,125 children?! Can we begin to see why the Torah repeats itself over and over with commandments that lift up the importance of raising a righteous generation? Can we begin to see why Yahweh will smite the earth with a curse unless somehow, some way the Father's hearts are turned to their children and the children's hearts are turned toward their Fathers (Malachi 4:6)?

Some might say, "Well, the Messiah will be here before 6 generations". To them I say, this was said 6 generations ago and look at the situation we are in today! Is that an excuse to neglect your children? Yahweh forbid! How many children must be thrown in the lake of fire before you will commit yourself? 78, 125? Five? One? Your own precious son or daughter?

But how many are willing to make the sacrifice, pay the price, change the priorities of their life for raising their children? If the generation before us had paid that price, there would be multitudes of good examples for us to look to. There isn't much today, but that can change:

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye Yahweh. Blessed is the man that feareth Yahweh, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

If we want our seed to be mighty upon the earth, we need fathers whose children know that he fears Yahweh, delights in His commandments and loves to pray, read the scriptures, discipline himself, and that he really loves Yahweh behind closed doors. It is true that our children are usually excited about the things we are excited about. If we are excited about Yahweh, our children will be too. If we are totally consumed with raising up righteous children, it can happen. We should want children that will be a mighty influence in this world for Yahweh. If you minister in their presence, the whole house can be a ministry to others. But who is willing to pay the price?

Most people today are too busy to raise up righteous children. Too busy to make arrows that hit the mark, too busy making money, chasing after the wind.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; Elohim is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Assuredly, you get what you pay for! Indeed, you reap what you sow. It may be 30 years, but you will get what you pay for. What you give will be returned to you. Cast your bread upon the waters and it shall return to you after many days. I have never heard a man on his death bed say "I wish I hadn't spent so much time and effort raising righteous children". Let's have a vision where we are on our death bed and all of our children and grandchildren are with us, praying to Yahweh together. If we can raise a generation of righteous children, we'll raise up a generation of people that will surpass all that we could have imagined. Fathers, it is time for repentance, a change of mind that brings about a change of action! It is needful to repent, if knowing that we are going the wrong way. We need to take this knowledge and make the change by turning our hearts to our children:

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy Elohim, I will also forget thy children.

Can you imagine the above words being spoken about your children? Imagine hearing that they would be destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, because of your own failure to teach them the knowledge of Yahweh. I cannot bear the thought!
Let's not forget that the law of Yahweh commands us to teach our children the ways of righteousness. Let's remember to teach them diligently and show them the way by our example and concern for their spiritual livelihood. Let's yield our heart and our life to Yahweh. Let's thirst for laying a foundation of righteousness for this next generation:

Isaiah 44:2 Thus saith Yahweh that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

We should be thirsty, we can't be satisfied where we are. Let's desire that Yahweh pours out His Spirit upon our seed, and His blessing upon our offspring. Look at the beautiful promise and illustration:

4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

What are these children saying?

5 One shall say, I am Yahweh's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto Yahweh, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Let's hunger and thirst before Yahweh to let this promise come to pass in our lives. We want them to say "I am Yahweh's". If we will only turn from any and all transgression, including the forsaking our children:

Isai 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Yahweh. 21 As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith Yahweh; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith Yahweh, from henceforth and for ever.

Yahweh will bless the seed, but we must turn to Yahweh fully. Isn't this what we want? As a testimony to Yahweh, the Gentiles will acknowledge that our children are the seed that Yahweh has blessed.

Isai 61:8 For I Yahweh love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh hath blessed.


A place of refuge, a walled city

Our Heavenly Father provides a place of refuge for us. What do we provide for our children?

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Fathers, our children do need a place of refuge in this wicked world. We must fear Yahweh to receive the blessings of arrows that hit the mark.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

We must have rule over our own spirit so that our household is guided under the authority of Yahweh. Too many homes are guided by threats, anger and intimidation.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Our homes should be like a walled city and place of refuge. Ancient cities of renown always had walls. Within the walls, one could find peace and protection. There would be at least one elder at the gates. The elders decided who would enter the city and who would not. If there were ever a breach in the wall, it was quickly repaired lest an enemy enter in. I once heard in a scripture study that our homes can also be likened unto a walled city. The father is the elder at the gate, deciding who and what influences will enter the home. Whether it be a person, a book, a magazine or anything that could potentially harm his home spiritually, the Father should be there to keep his wife and children from the subtle influences of sin. I believe that the Television is one of the most destructive things a person can have in their home. It is like a giant breach in the wall. It is almost impossible to guard ahead of time unless it is previewed it in some way. Television thrusts scenes and words upon you and your family, and the damage is often already done by the time you determine how wicked it really was. It is also a thief that robs a man's time when time is so short!

But what if the elder is not even at the gate of his walled city? What if he is out working and playing all hours of the day or night? What if he ships his children off to the world, outside those walls for 8 or more hours a day where they are a companion of fools and taught the ways of the world?

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Surely we wouldn't let a little child play in the street because we know about the risk of their physical death. Why then would we send them into the dangerous playground of this unbelieving generation where there is such a great risk of spiritual destruction? No! We must protect the children within our walled city and train their hands and minds for war until they are ready to do battle. YES, absolutely yes, this means that the children are schooled and taught at home. I do not believe that children of Yahweh should be raised in government schools. It is not the responsibility of the government to teach our children. It is not even the responsibility of the congregation to teach our children. The Torah says it is our own responsibility to teach our children.

If we really want to raise up a righteous generation in the midst of a crooked and perverse one, then we need to be together. I believe the best arrangement is usually that Mom, Dad and the children are normally all together in the same house throughout the course of a day. If we want to fulfill the vision, and heed the call, then men NEED to be with their families as much as possible. This practice of going off to work every day and children going off to school every day is so very often terribly destructive to homes and relationships! Fathers are strongly encouraged to do what it takes to work from home, even if it means having to lower your standard of living. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob didn't send their children out of the home to be with transgressors while they went out and worked for transgressors. I believe this is a good example for us. Because it is such an evil time, we must be very much on guard and watching over our nest.

Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

While the men are out, the spiritual forces of wickedness are often in. And too often, while the men are out, they too get caught up in the world’s lusts and wickedness. The home is left without an elder at the gate because the elder is doing other things. If our wives do an admirable job while we are away and we are overcoming, then maybe the need for this is not as great. But if you are concerned about how the house is running when you are gone and you see the ‘weaker vessel’ struggling, bear the burden and remember that we are the ones that Yahweh will hold accountable for the outcome. Yahweh didn't accept Adam's excuse in the Garden of Eden ("This woman you gave me..") and I don't see Him accepting it in the future. Because we are the ones accountable, I believe the best arrangement is for the Fathers to be working at home. Many who have successful homes agree.

Some might say "What about making a living?" Maybe we need to lower your standard of living if need be. Sell that house, get out of debt, sell that expensive car, do whatever it takes to be there with your children. When I cried out to Him, Yahweh enabled me to do just that. He can do it for anyone. Fathers, He wants to enable us to obey His command to talk of the precepts when we rise up, when we lie down, when we walk by the way or wherever we might be. For which is worse? Losing your career or losing your children to Satan's clutching power? Better to lose your big beautiful house than to lose the soul of your own children!

Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

I know one believer who lived in a bus with his family and had no running water or electricity. But he was home most of the time, his 6 year old had already read through all the scriptures twice and his 4 year old was half way through! Some might say this is extreme, but it underlines the question: What good will it do if we gain the whole world and meet all the financial wants, but then neglect the spiritual needs and let our children's soul be lost as a result? Maybe we need less than we think we need. We can be sure that Yahweh will provide our physical needs if we put Him first:

Matthew 6:32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of Yahweh and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Fathers, if we love our children the way we should, we need to not only be willing to give up our careers, houses and lands for their sake, but all of the worldly possessions that we have. Isn't this the example that Yahushua gave? Did He fail to withhold even His very life for our sakes?? Greater love has no man than this! We should be a wonderful living example of Yahushua to the world, and especially to our own children! This means dying to self and sacrificing anything that must be sacrificed to instill the ways of Yahweh to our children, and ultimately to our grandchildren.

Fathers, we must be burdened enough about it that we will not stop until we see it. We cannot sit back! As you read this, Satan is actively working to destroy your children. We must fulfill the vision. We must be strong. We must do the work. We must die to ourselves and let the Messiah live in us, doing the work in us. For the time has come and the time is now. Fathers, turn your hearts!!

Psalms 71:18 - Now also when I am old and gray headed, O Elohim, forsake me not; until I have shown your strength unto this generation, and your power to every one that is to come.

Rather than letting our children be strangers to the great gifts and works of Yahweh, let’s take the time every day and have some worship and scripture reading with our families. Pick a specific hour of the day where you will refuse to let anything distract you. We've personally found great benefit in having everyone spend one hour reading and studying the scriptures, then coming together for family worship, praise and scripture lesson for another hour. Then throughout the day, it is good to guide each conversation toward lessons in Yahweh’s word.

We must seek to have a spirit of love, joy and peace as we build the house, one lesson at a time, one experience at a time, that Yahweh might fashion in our children a beautiful home for His presence. Then it can be also said of them:

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of Elohim, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in Yahweh, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Elohim in the Spirit.

Therefore, let’s sanctify ourselves and dedicate ourselves to building a house that will not be destroyed in the whirlwinds of adult life.

Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

1Chronicles 28:10 - Take heed now; for YAHWEH hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

May Yahweh bless you as you do HIS work in the family He gives you!

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Originally posted by barrykind:
The EliYah Message
Fathers, Turn Your Hearts!
"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of EliYah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh." Luke 1:17


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Introduction

The following is a study on the role of Fathers in the home. For those of you who are not married, this study can still be beneficial for you if you ever plan on getting married. If your children are raised, there is a great need in the body for those who are willing to teach these things to the younger men and women.

I should mention that while the name of this web site is "eliyah.com" and this study is about the EliYah message, I do not claim to be "THE EliYah". I'm just a disciple of Yahushua who has sought to raise my own family in the way Yahweh desires. In my search, I encountered others who have written similar studies on the home. They have greatly influenced some of the points made in this study.

I should also mention that scriptures and points in this study represents the standard that Yahweh has of any family that seeks Him. My family and I continually seek to attain this standard but we do not count ourselves to have already attained it all. We simply desire to press on and take hold of the standard to which we are called (Phil 3:12) and share that standard with others. I hope it is a blessing to you; may Yahweh have mercy on us all.


An Opportunity

Imagine for a moment that Yahweh came to you in a vision and pointed out a particular man in your community to whom He was going to give permanent amnesia. All his past memories were to be permanently erased. In this vision, you were commissioned to care for this man and to teach him all he needs to know about the ways of Yahweh. You would be entrusted with this man's salvation, with how he views the world and how he views Yahweh. How seriously would you take this responsibility? Would you ignore it and find other things to do or would you pour your heart and soul into this effort? Assuredly I say to you, that if you are a Father you have been entrusted with this responsibility. But this isn't a man from the community that you are being entrusted with, it is your own children.

It is upon the men that Yahweh has laid the responsibility of leadership, guidance and direction. Yahweh will hold the men accountable for the outcome of the family


How Important it really is

For most people, family is the very core of existence. It is the testing ground. It is the place where we can become a hypocrite, or a light to all nations. Do you want to know the true character of a man and his wife? Observe their children and you will usually know. Children often mimic what they see going on at home. Many can appear righteous unto men, but who can still be found righteous in their home, behind closed doors?

How important is our family life to Yahweh? How important is it that we teach our children the ways of Yahweh? How important is it that we each fulfill the roles that Yahweh has given? Let's consider.

Although the modern arrangement or division of the Scriptures may not be inspired, it is certainly interesting that the very last word in the last "Old Testament" prophetic book is none other than "Curse". This chapter is a prophecy for the end times. Let us see what the source of this curse may be:

Malachi 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Yahweh of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Notice that we must fear Yahweh's name to inherit this promise.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith Yahweh of hosts.

But what defines who is wicked and who is not? Let's keep reading:

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

Remember the law of Moses? Yes, remember the law of Moses with all the statutes and judgments; even in the latter days. I tend to think that this is part of the EliYah message, to remember the law of Moses.

5 Behold, I will send you EliYah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh.

EliYah the prophet was the one who said:

1Kings 18:24 And call ye on the name of your elohim, and I will call on the name of Yahweh: and the Elohim that answereth by fire, let him be Elohim. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken

So we must also call upon the name of Yahweh. In fact, the name "EliYah" means "Yahweh is my Mighty One". I tend to think that this is another part of the EliYah message. But there is a third and much more clearly defined part of the EliYah message that we should pay very close attention to:

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

According to this scripture, a curse will fall upon the earth when it has fathers whose hearts are not turned to their children and children whose hearts are not turned to their fathers. So, although at least part of the EliYah message is "My Mighty One is Yahweh" and to remember the law of Moshe, the great duty of the EliYah message is turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers! I believe that this message is greatly lacking today.

According to statistics, in the United States of America, at least 4 out of 10 children will go to bed tonight without their father in the home. In most homes where the father is there, children are abandoned spiritually and emotionally. Children are a status symbol or a nuisance rather than a blessing. Children are something to be ignored rather than human beings who desperately need to be shown and taught the ways of eternal life.

O Fathers, where are you???

They are probably at work, with friends, playing with their toys or on the golf course. But what is Yahweh's expectation for Fathers? How important is the role of fathers in their children's life? What does Yahweh say?


The Role of Fathers

Yahweh's plan is for us to communicate His mighty works to our children. For this to be done, a Father must have his heart turned to his children. If it is, this will build a kingdom. The Father has the authority in the home because the Father has the responsibility.

As we read earlier, we should "Remember the law of Moshe". It should be evident to any student of the Torah (Law) that Yahweh demands Fathers to teach His ways to their children. In the Torah (law) of Yahweh, there is one thing that is commanded several times over. That is the command to teach our children the word of Yahweh:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 " Hear, O Israel: Yahweh Elohenu (our El), Yahweh is one! "You shall love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

In the famous "Sh'ma" passage, we see Yahweh's desire for us to teach His commandments diligently to our children and to "talk of them when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up". We are not only commanded by Yahweh to teach them to our children, but to teach them diligently to our children. We are not only to teach them, we are to talk of them all the day long. They are to be in in our hearts and in the hearts of our children. Not only is Yahweh "Echad" (ONE), He wants our families to be "Echad" with one another and with Him. It is written again:

Deuteronomy 11:18 " Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Again, we are to talk of them all the day long. But today, the question must be asked, "How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we rarely even talk to them at all? How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we are rarely ever home and we send them away to the government schools every day? How many Fathers are truly fulfilling this commandment?

Too often, the adults at various assemblies and meetings engage in high level conversations with one another about the scriptures while the children just sit there bored, squirming in their seats and getting into trouble because they have no clue what is going on or what anyone is even talking about. While some conversations may be above the capabilities of a child, too often it is because they don't know the scriptures. By the time they reach teen-age years, it is often too late because the prime age of influence and impressionability is long gone. At various gatherings, the teens should be with the adults. If they are taught properly, they will be learning and listening because they have a true interest in Yahweh's word just as the adults do. But too often, teens are out playing and learning the ways of other teens rather than learning the ways of Yahweh. Fathers need to wake up!

Deuteronomy 4:8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 " Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 "especially concerning the day you stood before Yahweh your Elohim in Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Notice that Yahweh wants us to teach them to our children and He also wants them to be taught to our grandchildren! Also notice in verse 10 that one of the intentions Yahweh had when giving His commandments in Horeb was that Israel teach them to their children.

Deuteronomy 6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which Yahweh sware unto thy fathers, 19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as Yahweh hath spoken. 20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Yahweh our Elohim hath commanded you? 21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand: 22 And Yahweh shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: 23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our Elohim, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before Yahweh our Elohim, as he hath commanded us.

Deuteronomy 32:46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

So Yahweh's expectation is that our children are diligently taught His ways. Consider also one of the purposes of the observances He commands:

Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 "that you shall say, 'It is the Passover sacrifice of Yahweh, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.' " So the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. 8 "And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what Yahweh did for me when I came up from Egypt.'

Exodus 13:14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 10:1 And Yahweh said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: 2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am Yahweh.

Leviticus 23:42-43 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am Yahweh your Elohim.

Deuteronomy 31:10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh thy Elohim in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your Elohim, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your Elohim, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Can we see again the expectation of Yahweh here? One of the reasons Yahweh has these feasts is so that our children will know and remember His law and His mighty works. Teaching children should therefore be a major focus of any feast we have. The children should not be ignored and sent off to play during the feasts. Nor should the parents expect others to do their job of teaching their children during the feasts while they find other things to do. While the world is successful in keeping their children tied to pagan holidays by appealing to their carnality via gifts & candies, we ought to find ways to tie the strings of our children's hearts to Yahweh by truly fulfilling their spiritual needs when we observe the true holy-days of Yahweh.

Of Abraham it was said:

Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Yahweh, to do justice and judgment; that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

We can also be known by Yahweh as that kind of a father! Within the Torah alone, there were at least 11 times where Yahweh gave a command, admonition or spoke about the need to teach our children His ways. This concept is repeated in the book of Psalms:

Psalm 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 That they may set their hope in Elohim, And not forget the works of Elohim, But keep His commandments; 8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to Elohim.

It is clearly Yahweh's expectation that we teach His ways to the next generation. Yahweh wants a righteous generation to be brought forth from our homes. Indeed, He has indicated that this is one of the purposes for marriage:

Malachi 2:13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because Yahweh has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks righteous offspring (In Hebrew literally, Seed of Elohim). Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. 16 "For Yahweh Elohim of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says Yahweh of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously."

So are we going to raise up a seed of Elohim or children of the devil? Will our children's works advance the kingdom of the devil or the kingdom of Yahweh? Indeed, Yahweh has placed a large part of this responsibility into the hands of the fathers. We have the greatest influence as to the outcome. We can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone to the paths of righteousness. If we are a stepping stone, great is our reward:

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

If we are a stumbling block, woe to us:

Matthew 18:5-7 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

The Proverb indeed says:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Contrary to popular opinion, this scripture does not say, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is grown up, he will abandon Yahweh and sow his wild oats, then come back to Yahweh and not depart" yet this is what many would have us believe!

Much of the book of proverbs is about a man who, in obedience to the scriptures is teaching the wisdom of Yahweh to his son. For example:

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a ***** is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

We see the strong desire in this father that his son would not be ensnared with wine and women. This father was committed to the idea that his child would not depart!

It is high time we raise up a righteous generation that fears Yahweh and keeps His commandments. It is high time that fathers forsake their toys and pursuits of worldly gain and instead focus on raising a righteous generation that will magnify the name of Yahweh! It is high time that Fathers have a vision of what it really means to be a man of Yahweh.

How important is it that our homes are in order and our children are taught Yahweh's ways? Unless one's home is right, they cannot be an effective leader:

Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of Yahweh?);

1Timothy 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of Yahweh, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

We have to be true believers at home, not just when others are watching. The requirements of a spiritual leader is that they have a righteous family with righteous children. Our family is the expression of ourselves and our life. If a man of Yahweh leads a family in righteousness, you can know you have one who is in righteous in his private life. See, our family gives us away. We cannot hide ourselves and what we are like. If Father or Mother are foolish or rebellious, then except by the grace of Yahweh so shall the children be.

Abraham and Eli were leaders. As we read earlier, Abraham had his house right:

Gene 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Eli the priest did not:

1Sam 2:11 Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to Yahweh before Eli the priest. 12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know Yahweh.

Eli apparently made the foolish decision to let his sons be corrupt:

1Sam 3:12 "In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 "For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.

Consider the differing end result of Abraham and Eli! Abraham and his descendants were exalted and blessed beyond measure, but Eli had his generations cut off and destroyed (1Sam 4:16). So let's ponder the question today, are we an Abraham or are we an Eli?

Can we begin to see how important it really is? You see, Yahweh would never have been the "Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" if Abraham hadn't done his job! Will it be said of us that Yahweh is the Elohim of our children and grandchildren? Yahweh is seeking righteous offspring; a Seed of Elohim to walk in His ways. Yahweh desires that His people produce children of righteousness, children of Yahweh.

Let's consider the scriptures which show the results of families who did not pass the truth of Yahweh onto the next generation:

Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know Yahweh nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals;12 and they forsook Yahweh Elohim of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked Yahweh to anger.

There were at least 7 times in approximately 335 years where the book of Judges records one generation that would serve Yahweh, and the next generation forsaking Him. Imagine for a moment the great blessings that might have been realized had only the first generation taught their children to "Know Yahweh"!

Judges 2:10-11 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not Yahweh, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. 11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served Baalim:

As a result of their failure, these rebellious children served false deities. Similar flip-flops are found in the books of First and Second Kings/Chronicles. There would be a generation that would finally repent and serve Yahweh, only to see the succeeding generation be exceedingly wicked.

Is there a way to stop this destructive cycle? What about our children’s generation? What about in the nations that we live in? In recent history there has been a spiraling increase in wickedness. Consider some of the statistics one can find about conditions in the United States:

At least half of all marriages end in divorce. Remarkably, studies show that the divorce rate among denominational Christian churches is equal or higher than that.

The Census Bureau states that in 1998, 58.7% of mothers with infants work outside the home. 61% of married women as a whole work outside the home compared to 6 percent in 1900 (US News & World Report, 12/18/00 pg 56).

According to CNN, Only 6.9 percent of men and 21 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 59 are virgins when getting married.

The birth rate in the U.S. in 1997 was 14.6 per 1,000 population. The world average was 22.6. The birth rate in the U.S. would be higher, but approximately 1 out of 4 babies are murdered by their own mother before they even have a chance to be born. Of those that are born, 1 out of 3 are born out of wedlock. A child conceived in the United States has a 75% chance of either being murdered in the womb or not having their biological father and mother in the home at age 18. Yet, 47% of this nation goes to church every week and 85% profess to be Christian.


What has gone wrong?

The bottom line is that the principles given in scripture for the roles of husbands, fathers, mothers and wives are not appreciated, nor are they followed. Instead, many have chosen to follow their own principles, the principles in psychology & self-help books, and principles given in self appointed marriage experts. Meanwhile, people are suffering along with their little children.

If only people would respect and appreciate the roles given to them by Yahweh! Yahweh, who created us from dust, surely knows the RIGHT way. But who will heed it? The people of this world have little or no vision or burning desire for righteousness within themselves, let alone for the next generation. But it need not be so for us. We need not be conformed to this world:

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim.

We see the sad state of affairs in this world. Many of us were raised in this age of rebelliousness, so what can we do? A most difficult sin to overcome is one that you cannot see. But I believe the word of Yahweh will make it very plain that few men in this age truly know what Yahweh desires our homes to be like.


Be filled with the Spirit

Yahweh is looking for homes that are filled with the Spirit. Let's examine the book of Ephesians where we see that this is a need in every believer's life and that it relates very much to our home life:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

We must understand "what the will of Yahweh is". What is the will of Yahweh? Surely the will of Yahweh is that rather than being filled with wine and/or the cares of this life, we need to be filled with the SPIRIT of Yahweh. This is a commandment and the will of Yahweh to "be filled with the Spirit". It isn't a one time experience, but a whole lifetime experience. We must be continually filled with the Spirit. If we are filled with the Spirit, the fruit will manifest itself.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Messiah's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

These fruits are not necessarily something that we just strive to attain, but they are the fruits of the Ruach HaKodesh or Holy Spirit that should already be in us. If we have repented and accepted Yahushua the Messiah and are walking in His ways, the blessing of Yahweh's Spirit can be upon us:

Acts 5:32 "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him."

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Notice that the Spirit is given to those who ask, and to those who obey Him. Let's continue reading the book of Ephesians and how it describes the life of one who has heeded the command to be "filled with the Spirit". These verses can paint a picture in our minds of how our homes can and should be like when we are all filled with the Spirit:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to Yahweh;

Does this not sound like a home that is filled with the Spirit? The joy and praise of Yahweh in the form of song is overflowing in such a place. The songs will be sung in the home with joy. But this isn't just a one time a day affair; it is a lifetime of joy, peace and walking in the Spirit.

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto Elohim and the Father in the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah;

When we are thankful for what we have been given in life, this makes it possible for the joy of Yahweh to grow in us. All of us should be thanking Yahweh. Husbands, wives, children praising and thanking and singing to Yahweh, loving Yahweh with all their heart. This is the kind of home we should be having!

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Elohim.

Every one of us should have a spirit of meekness, submission and humility. This means that sometimes the Father/Husband submits to his wife and children within the will of Yahweh. We ourselves know how many times Yahweh has submitted to our humble prayers when we were in need. Yahweh wants to fill our homes with His Spirit.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh.

This is truly a beautiful picture that is being drawn. A home where wives know the power of submission, submitting their heart to Yahweh without fear of consequence. You will find no strife or argument between Mother and Father in such a home because the wife is filled with the Spirit and submits herself to her husband, 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. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the assembly, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

The picture gets more and more beautiful as we read. This is the picture of a home where the husband loves his wife. He is tender and gentle with her as Messiah is to His assembly. He takes care of her needs, spiritually and physically. And she knows that he loves her, not because he says it once a day but because she senses it coming out of his heart by the way he expresses himself in his home. I know that Yahweh wants to bless such a home. I know this is the kind of home I want!

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Imagine a home where the husband leads his wife as Yahushua leads the assembly into absolute perfection, leading her as the Great Shepherd leads his sheep.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Master the assembly: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Messiah and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Such a beautiful picture! One of the Messiah and His assembly. Everyday, right here in our homes. What a great witness this can be for our children! They see the love of Messiah in the Father and the humble submission of the Assembly in the Mother. What a blessing for them to know it and see it every day!

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in Yahweh for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

To me, this sounds like a home that has taken to heart the command to be "filled with the Spirit". Children who obey and honor their father and mother, There is no conflict or disrespect because the Spirit filled children love Yahweh and have great faith in that promise of Yahweh that they will live long on the earth. They see the righteous example of the mother's submission to the father and the father's love and care for the mother. Through this they learn how to submit to Messiah and how much Yahweh loves and cares for them.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

A righteous father guides his children gently, not yelling or jerking them around with a harsh and frustrated spirit, but gently guiding and directing them by the Holy Spirit in the way they should go. He teaches, nurtures, loves and disciplines them.

So now have a completed picture, all of these things bringing together a home filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. Do we have a vision? Do we have a picture? Do we have a hope? We need it!

Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Every one of us needs this vision for our homes, brethren. Yahweh demands that we have such a home. His word says it, we need to do it! It is the will and command of Yahweh. Happy is the home where Yahweh is there!

Psalm 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

Have you ever seen a plant or a garden that wasn't well cared for? You will see the sad and sorry shape of that plant. The leaves are wilted and brown, the ground dried out, there are no fruits or flowers to speak of and the garden is obviously without life. But a plant that has been cultivated, watched over, and watered, fertilized and nurtured is vibrant and bearing fruit. We need to take good care of our garden. If strange children and their influences are choking out your sons, remove the strange children from their presence!

13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose Elohim is Yahweh.

Happy is the home where Yahweh is Elohim, and love fills every word and every action. We must have a home like that! But our vision and desire for it must be clear and strong. We must desire it, like Jacob who wanted the blessing from the angel and strove all night to receive it. We must desire it, like Yahushua wanted to redeem His people. Like David wanted to be delivered from his enemies. Like Hannah wanted a child. Like Abraham wanted a son, so must we desire and want a home like this. Be assured that Yahweh wants homes to be filled with the Spirit in every place, not just one in that assembly or two in another.. but ALL homes that call upon His name.

Without a home that is righteous and filled with the Spirit, there will not be a righteous, Spirit filled assembly! How can an assembly be righteous and filled with the Spirit of Yahweh when the homes are filled with anger, depression and strife? Home is the truth detector. Home is where the real character of a man and woman are revealed. This is reality, you cannot have a righteous and Spirit filled assembly without righteous, Spirit filled people within it! Do you want to know the true test of an assembly? Wait about 10-15 years and find out where the children are! We might lay claim to a great period of restoration in this age, but if in 10 years our children have gone the way of the world, what kind of restoration is that? What shame, what reproach on the name of Yahweh! We need a vision. There needs to be a vision for a torah-keeping home of righteousness.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

It is time that the people of Yahweh reach out into the world around us. Our witness is ruined by having broken homes, and rebellious children. One can lay claim to the keeping of the Torah/Word of Yahweh all they want, but unless they are heeding this guidance from Yahweh about our homes, they are not keeping the Torah at all.

Proverbs 11:29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Do we trouble our own house by ignoring it and chasing after a career or seeking out the scriptures only for ourselves? We will inherit nothing.

Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

We need to bring honor and glory to Yahweh's name by having a spirit filled home. What good is it if we seek the possessions of this world, and lose our children to it? What good is it, if we keep every feast day, every Sabbath, keep clean/unclean commands, and then our homes are a disaster? Yahweh said:

Isaiah 1:13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

Perhaps our hands aren't full of blood, perhaps our children aren't fatherless and our wives a widow. But is it so, spiritually? Are our children on the road to destruction? If they are young, it may not show up right away. But according to the Torah/Law of Yahweh, parents are held responsible for teaching and training their children in the ways of righteousness. Are our children spiritually fatherless? How much time is spent with our children in the Word? Do we fail to "talk of them" at all times? Are our wives spiritual widows? How much time do we spend in the Word with our wives?

Why is Yahweh so concerned about the fatherless and the widow? Is it only because their physical needs must be met? Are not the spiritual needs just as important, if not far more important? Considering all the scriptures where Yahweh is angry because the fatherless and widow are neglected, woe to the fathers who neglect the spiritual needs of their wife and children! All the Sabbaths, calling of assemblies, feast days can be a burden to Him because He cannot endure the neglect. He cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Yahweh is VERY concerned about the wives and children, shouldn't we be? If, in Isaiah 1:13-17, Yahweh cannot endure the offerings, Feast Days and Sabbaths of those who are neglecting the physical needs of what used to be another man's wife and children (fatherless and widow), how much more so if we neglect the spiritual needs of our own wives and children? Consider:

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Is it just the physical providing that Yahweh is concerned about? Surely, the spiritual is far more important. The first leads to physical death, the latter leads to spiritual death. So, are we worse than an unbeliever? Let it not be!

It is high time that fathers turn their hearts to their wives and children! No outreach ministry, feast/sabbath keeping or calling on the right name is going to save us if we fail to address the neglect in these areas. If Yahushua returns tomorrow and we find out that we didn't keep the feast at the right time or we made a mistake in our observances, we might be able to say "I desired the truth, but I was wrong, have mercy on me". We might then be able to observe it correctly under the direction of Messiah. But if Yahushua returns and says "Look, you didn't even provide for your own wife and children", there won't be any correcting brethren, the damage is done! Let it not be so among us. Fathers, turn your hearts!


Examples for us

Let's look at some examples of those who have the kind of home Yahweh is looking for. The house of Job is one:

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

It is written that Job was a man who was "perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil." Job had 7 sons and 3 daughters. How much care and concern did he have for the spiritual health of his children?

Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Elohim in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Job had such care and concern for his children, that he was concerned that they might have sinned in their hearts. His love and dedication to the lives of his children were part of what made Job such a just and upright man.

The house of Stephanas is another example:

1Cor 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

In this casual mention we see that the house of Stephanas had addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. They were the first fruits of Achaia and were held in reputation. Stephanas and his house were known to have addicted themselves to the work of Yahweh. They had set in their mind that they were going to minister (serve) the saints of Yahweh. There are few ways a family can knit together more strongly than by working together to minister to others. If only there were more who had a home like the home of Stephanas!

Another man who appeared to have the kind of home that Yahweh is looking for:

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

It looks like Philip had his house dedicated to Yahweh. He had 4 daughters who spoke in the power and anointing of Yahweh's Spirit. These are the fruits and results of a righteous home that is filled with the Holy Spirit, directed by a righteous and Spirit filled man. Brethren, we must have the anointing oil of the Spirit to do these things, along with our willing heart. We need a Master Builder in our house:

Psalm 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except Yahweh build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except Yahweh keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Yahweh must build the house! Unless the whole house is centered around Yahweh, it is built in vain. I do not speak of just having His name on our walls, and I don't mean His name only.. but HIM, YAHWEH.

You labor in vain if you build unless Yahweh is in your house. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the fruits of the Spirit therein. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the Fathers, Mothers and children all joyfully loving and fulfilling the commandments of Yahweh for each of them. A home full of people where there is no pretense. A home where Yahweh lives among them!

Surely Yahweh knows His own plan for all of our children. How can we set out for them to fill the plan for their lives unless Yahweh is there to show us the way? We need a co-laborer in our home. We need an Elohim in our home. Yes, joyful and blessed is the home where Yahweh lives!

But we must fear Yahweh. There is no conviction today that we must have this kind of home. But consider the will of Yahweh:

Psalm 128:1 "Blessed is every one who fears Yahweh, Who walks in His ways. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

A fruitful vine? Olive plants?

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears Yahweh. 5 Yahweh bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. 6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!".

If we will only fear Yahweh, we can have the home that Yahweh desires for us to have. Our wives can be as a vine, bearing good fruits within our house. Our children can be like the olive plants that make the anointing oil. Little olive plants, filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. If only we will fear Yahweh and walk in His ways. Do we desire to "see the good of (the new) Jerusalem", which is above? Do we desire to "see (our) children's children" there? Then fear Yahweh, walk in His ways and lead Your family there! Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears Yahweh.

To achieve it, we must be pure in heart and set the righteous example in our house. David was such a man:

Psalm 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Yahweh, I will sing praises. 2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

If we want to overcome some sin in our life, we must do it in our home first. Otherwise, we are just pretending. David believed in walking within his house with a perfect heart, setting nothing wicked before his eyes. Too many men today not only set wickedness before their eyes, they do it for entertainment. Countless hours are wasted away in front of the television sets and computers while their wives and children spiritually rot and starve to death. But David didn't want anything to do with beholding wickedness:

4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. 6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me. 7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. 8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of Yahweh.

Do we really hate the work of them that turn aside or do we love to watch them, learn about them and be entertained by them?

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him

The television ("Uncle Charlie") is probably the most deceitful thing in the house, which "worketh deceit" and "telleth lies". I say we don't really need it! There are other ways of getting the news. David ruled his house with the mindset of purity and fear of Yahweh. Thus he also ruled Israel with righteousness and integrity (1Kings 9:4). For that, Yahweh blessed this man after His own heart.


A vision

It seems that some fathers say in their heart about their children "I think they'll be all right, I think they'll make it".

"Make it?"

We need our vision to be much higher than that! We need to dedicate ourselves to raise spiritual leaders: men and women of Yahweh who will be an example and a light to all? Just as we want our Heavenly Father to be concerned about everything in our own lives, to guide us and lead us and protect us; Even so, we must follow our Heavenly Father's example toward our children.

We see the righteous examples given of homes that were pleasing in Yahweh's sight within the pages of scripture. How can we have a home like that? We need a vision. We need to see it in our own homes. We need to make plans to build a home for Yahweh. What house is built without a vision and plans? There is no doubt that Yahweh wants families that are a testimony to His righteousness, a testimony to community around them, and indeed the whole world.

To accomplish this, we need Husbands and Fathers who are willing to love Yahweh above all. A righteous Husband and Father does not compromise this in any way. Let's consider the attributes of such a man. He is:

A man after Yahweh's own heart.

A man who is willing to let Messiah live in him.

He is a man who loves His neighbor as himself.

A man who is thankful for the Messiah's work of love and his life shows it.

A man of great mercy, compassion and understanding yet without failing to stand for what is right.

A man who gives honor to his wife and respect to his children.

One who is dedicated to bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

One who does not fail to lead by example.

A man whose children are highly in love with the Heavenly Father because they see Yahweh in their earthly Father.

A man whose wife lovingly submits to him, knowing that he loves her.

A man whose children obey him because they love him and would not want to do anything to risk that relationship.

A man whose very life and family are a light unto all nations.

A man who teaches and keeps all of Yahweh's commandments, no matter what book or time they were written in.

One who keeps his tongue from evil and whose speech is as the oracles of Yahweh.

A man whose speech inspires others to walk before Yahweh blamelessly.

One whose every thought, word and deed manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

A man who takes captive every thought and brings it to total submission to Yahweh.

A man of prayer who prays for his family and with his family and who prays for others diligently and without fail.

A man who gives honor to his wife and shows true respect and care for his children.

A man who is a servant to others, meeting their needs in Yahweh.

A man who has spiritual discernment because he is so in tune with the Spirit of Yahweh.

A man, like Daniel, in whom nobody can find fault, unless it be with him and his Elohim.

A man who leads His family in all of these characteristics.

Perhaps this is a lofty goal that seems out of reach. But let's always remember:

Philippians 3:12 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah Yahushua. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, Elohim shall reveal even this unto you.

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with Elohim.

With Yahweh, we can do it. We can put the past behind us and be this kind of Father and Husband. We can be this man who builds a spiritual heritage not only for his children, but for his children's children. We can be this man who will see his children's children in the new Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)! Such a man will bring forth children who are bright lights for Yahweh, shining with Yahweh's light to all they come in contact with. Children who are a testimony to all.

A QUIVER FULL OF ARROWS

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of YAHWEH: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

How is it that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man? Why shall they speak with their enemies in the gate? Because a man who has a home of righteous children has the armor and strength to battle against the enemy, a united and strong front that nothing can destroy. A man of righteousness may be strong, but an entire home of righteousness? That's power!

We need arrows that will hit the mark against the enemy. Let's make arrows for Yahweh! I can tell you about one man who had a home like this and it completely turned my world upside down. I was going the wrong way, my children were headed for destruction and I had no vision and I had no realization of what a family could or should be like. I'm still in damage repair due to years of neglect, but all things are possible with Yahweh!

I have learned that we aren't raising children, we are raising adults. If you are raising children, you will have children when you are done. If you raise righteous adults, you will have righteous adults when you are done.

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

Are we raising foolish children or righteous adults? What kind of heritage are we leaving to our grandchildren?


Building generations of Righteousness

If we have children, we are laying a foundation for the generations to come. How many generations will the foundation we have laid bear fruit to righteousness? In truth, we are the foundation of the next generation. The next generation will grow up on you. What kind of foundation are you laying down? If our children are lost to the world, what kind of foundation is that? We want a foundation of righteousness that will last many generations.

Genesis 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Great blessings were promised to Abraham because Yahweh knew that he could depend on Abraham. Because of Abraham’s commitment to his home, Yahweh became known as the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Will Yahweh depend on us to have our hearts turned to our children in similar manner? Or will Satan be depending on us to have our hearts turned away from our children, and toward other things? Of course, he knows if our hearts are distracted by other things he has the best chance at destroying them along with our grandchildren.

Did you know that if you had 2 children and 6 generations thereafter had 3 children, you would have influenced 1,458 children? Did you know that if you had 5 children and 6 generations thereafter had 5 children, you would have influenced 78,125 children?! Can we begin to see why the Torah repeats itself over and over with commandments that lift up the importance of raising a righteous generation? Can we begin to see why Yahweh will smite the earth with a curse unless somehow, some way the Father's hearts are turned to their children and the children's hearts are turned toward their Fathers (Malachi 4:6)?

Some might say, "Well, the Messiah will be here before 6 generations". To them I say, this was said 6 generations ago and look at the situation we are in today! Is that an excuse to neglect your children? Yahweh forbid! How many children must be thrown in the lake of fire before you will commit yourself? 78, 125? Five? One? Your own precious son or daughter?

But how many are willing to make the sacrifice, pay the price, change the priorities of their life for raising their children? If the generation before us had paid that price, there would be multitudes of good examples for us to look to. There isn't much today, but that can change:

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye Yahweh. Blessed is the man that feareth Yahweh, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

If we want our seed to be mighty upon the earth, we need fathers whose children know that he fears Yahweh, delights in His commandments and loves to pray, read the scriptures, discipline himself, and that he really loves Yahweh behind closed doors. It is true that our children are usually excited about the things we are excited about. If we are excited about Yahweh, our children will be too. If we are totally consumed with raising up righteous children, it can happen. We should want children that will be a mighty influence in this world for Yahweh. If you minister in their presence, the whole house can be a ministry to others. But who is willing to pay the price?

Most people today are too busy to raise up righteous children. Too busy to make arrows that hit the mark, too busy making money, chasing after the wind.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; Elohim is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Assuredly, you get what you pay for! Indeed, you reap what you sow. It may be 30 years, but you will get what you pay for. What you give will be returned to you. Cast your bread upon the waters and it shall return to you after many days. I have never heard a man on his death bed say "I wish I hadn't spent so much time and effort raising righteous children". Let's have a vision where we are on our death bed and all of our children and grandchildren are with us, praying to Yahweh together. If we can raise a generation of righteous children, we'll raise up a generation of people that will surpass all that we could have imagined. Fathers, it is time for repentance, a change of mind that brings about a change of action! It is needful to repent, if knowing that we are going the wrong way. We need to take this knowledge and make the change by turning our hearts to our children:

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy Elohim, I will also forget thy children.

Can you imagine the above words being spoken about your children? Imagine hearing that they would be destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, because of your own failure to teach them the knowledge of Yahweh. I cannot bear the thought!
Let's not forget that the law of Yahweh commands us to teach our children the ways of righteousness. Let's remember to teach them diligently and show them the way by our example and concern for their spiritual livelihood. Let's yield our heart and our life to Yahweh. Let's thirst for laying a foundation of righteousness for this next generation:

Isaiah 44:2 Thus saith Yahweh that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

We should be thirsty, we can't be satisfied where we are. Let's desire that Yahweh pours out His Spirit upon our seed, and His blessing upon our offspring. Look at the beautiful promise and illustration:

4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

What are these children saying?

5 One shall say, I am Yahweh's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto Yahweh, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Let's hunger and thirst before Yahweh to let this promise come to pass in our lives. We want them to say "I am Yahweh's". If we will only turn from any and all transgression, including the forsaking our children:

Isai 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Yahweh. 21 As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith Yahweh; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith Yahweh, from henceforth and for ever.

Yahweh will bless the seed, but we must turn to Yahweh fully. Isn't this what we want? As a testimony to Yahweh, the Gentiles will acknowledge that our children are the seed that Yahweh has blessed.

Isai 61:8 For I Yahweh love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh hath blessed.


A place of refuge, a walled city

Our Heavenly Father provides a place of refuge for us. What do we provide for our children?

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Fathers, our children do need a place of refuge in this wicked world. We must fear Yahweh to receive the blessings of arrows that hit the mark.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

We must have rule over our own spirit so that our household is guided under the authority of Yahweh. Too many homes are guided by threats, anger and intimidation.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Our homes should be like a walled city and place of refuge. Ancient cities of renown always had walls. Within the walls, one could find peace and protection. There would be at least one elder at the gates. The elders decided who would enter the city and who would not. If there were ever a breach in the wall, it was quickly repaired lest an enemy enter in. I once heard in a scripture study that our homes can also be likened unto a walled city. The father is the elder at the gate, deciding who and what influences will enter the home. Whether it be a person, a book, a magazine or anything that could potentially harm his home spiritually, the Father should be there to keep his wife and children from the subtle influences of sin. I believe that the Television is one of the most destructive things a person can have in their home. It is like a giant breach in the wall. It is almost impossible to guard ahead of time unless it is previewed it in some way. Television thrusts scenes and words upon you and your family, and the damage is often already done by the time you determine how wicked it really was. It is also a thief that robs a man's time when time is so short!

But what if the elder is not even at the gate of his walled city? What if he is out working and playing all hours of the day or night? What if he ships his children off to the world, outside those walls for 8 or more hours a day where they are a companion of fools and taught the ways of the world?

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Surely we wouldn't let a little child play in the street because we know about the risk of their physical death. Why then would we send them into the dangerous playground of this unbelieving generation where there is such a great risk of spiritual destruction? No! We must protect the children within our walled city and train their hands and minds for war until they are ready to do battle. YES, absolutely yes, this means that the children are schooled and taught at home. I do not believe that children of Yahweh should be raised in government schools. It is not the responsibility of the government to teach our children. It is not even the responsibility of the congregation to teach our children. The Torah says it is our own responsibility to teach our children.

If we really want to raise up a righteous generation in the midst of a crooked and perverse one, then we need to be together. I believe the best arrangement is usually that Mom, Dad and the children are normally all together in the same house throughout the course of a day. If we want to fulfill the vision, and heed the call, then men NEED to be with their families as much as possible. This practice of going off to work every day and children going off to school every day is so very often terribly destructive to homes and relationships! Fathers are strongly encouraged to do what it takes to work from home, even if it means having to lower your standard of living. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob didn't send their children out of the home to be with transgressors while they went out and worked for transgressors. I believe this is a good example for us. Because it is such an evil time, we must be very much on guard and watching over our nest.

Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

While the men are out, the spiritual forces of wickedness are often in. And too often, while the men are out, they too get caught up in the world’s lusts and wickedness. The home is left without an elder at the gate because the elder is doing other things. If our wives do an admirable job while we are away and we are overcoming, then maybe the need for this is not as great. But if you are concerned about how the house is running when you are gone and you see the ‘weaker vessel’ struggling, bear the burden and remember that we are the ones that Yahweh will hold accountable for the outcome. Yahweh didn't accept Adam's excuse in the Garden of Eden ("This woman you gave me..") and I don't see Him accepting it in the future. Because we are the ones accountable, I believe the best arrangement is for the Fathers to be working at home. Many who have successful homes agree.

Some might say "What about making a living?" Maybe we need to lower your standard of living if need be. Sell that house, get out of debt, sell that expensive car, do whatever it takes to be there with your children. When I cried out to Him, Yahweh enabled me to do just that. He can do it for anyone. Fathers, He wants to enable us to obey His command to talk of the precepts when we rise up, when we lie down, when we walk by the way or wherever we might be. For which is worse? Losing your career or losing your children to Satan's clutching power? Better to lose your big beautiful house than to lose the soul of your own children!

Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

I know one believer who lived in a bus with his family and had no running water or electricity. But he was home most of the time, his 6 year old had already read through all the scriptures twice and his 4 year old was half way through! Some might say this is extreme, but it underlines the question: What good will it do if we gain the whole world and meet all the financial wants, but then neglect the spiritual needs and let our children's soul be lost as a result? Maybe we need less than we think we need. We can be sure that Yahweh will provide our physical needs if we put Him first:

Matthew 6:32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of Yahweh and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Fathers, if we love our children the way we should, we need to not only be willing to give up our careers, houses and lands for their sake, but all of the worldly possessions that we have. Isn't this the example that Yahushua gave? Did He fail to withhold even His very life for our sakes?? Greater love has no man than this! We should be a wonderful living example of Yahushua to the world, and especially to our own children! This means dying to self and sacrificing anything that must be sacrificed to instill the ways of Yahweh to our children, and ultimately to our grandchildren.

Fathers, we must be burdened enough about it that we will not stop until we see it. We cannot sit back! As you read this, Satan is actively working to destroy your children. We must fulfill the vision. We must be strong. We must do the work. We must die to ourselves and let the Messiah live in us, doing the work in us. For the time has come and the time is now. Fathers, turn your hearts!!

Psalms 71:18 - Now also when I am old and gray headed, O Elohim, forsake me not; until I have shown your strength unto this generation, and your power to every one that is to come.

Rather than letting our children be strangers to the great gifts and works of Yahweh, let’s take the time every day and have some worship and scripture reading with our families. Pick a specific hour of the day where you will refuse to let anything distract you. We've personally found great benefit in having everyone spend one hour reading and studying the scriptures, then coming together for family worship, praise and scripture lesson for another hour. Then throughout the day, it is good to guide each conversation toward lessons in Yahweh’s word.

We must seek to have a spirit of love, joy and peace as we build the house, one lesson at a time, one experience at a time, that Yahweh might fashion in our children a beautiful home for His presence. Then it can be also said of them:

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of Elohim, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in Yahweh, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Elohim in the Spirit.

Therefore, let’s sanctify ourselves and dedicate ourselves to building a house that will not be destroyed in the whirlwinds of adult life.

Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

1Chronicles 28:10 - Take heed now; for YAHWEH hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

May Yahweh bless you as you do HIS work in the family He gives you!

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posted                         

quote:

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Originally posted by barrykind:
The EliYah Message
Fathers, Turn Your Hearts!
"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of EliYah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh." Luke 1:17


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Introduction

The following is a study on the role of Fathers in the home. For those of you who are not married, this study can still be beneficial for you if you ever plan on getting married. If your children are raised, there is a great need in the body for those who are willing to teach these things to the younger men and women.

I should mention that while the name of this web site is "eliyah.com" and this study is about the EliYah message, I do not claim to be "THE EliYah". I'm just a disciple of Yahushua who has sought to raise my own family in the way Yahweh desires. In my search, I encountered others who have written similar studies on the home. They have greatly influenced some of the points made in this study.

I should also mention that scriptures and points in this study represents the standard that Yahweh has of any family that seeks Him. My family and I continually seek to attain this standard but we do not count ourselves to have already attained it all. We simply desire to press on and take hold of the standard to which we are called (Phil 3:12) and share that standard with others. I hope it is a blessing to you; may Yahweh have mercy on us all.



An Opportunity

Imagine for a moment that Yahweh came to you in a vision and pointed out a particular man in your community to whom He was going to give permanent amnesia. All his past memories were to be permanently erased. In this vision, you were commissioned to care for this man and to teach him all he needs to know about the ways of Yahweh. You would be entrusted with this man's salvation, with how he views the world and how he views Yahweh. How seriously would you take this responsibility? Would you ignore it and find other things to do or would you pour your heart and soul into this effort? Assuredly I say to you, that if you are a Father you have been entrusted with this responsibility. But this isn't a man from the community that you are being entrusted with, it is your own children.

It is upon the men that Yahweh has laid the responsibility of leadership, guidance and direction. Yahweh will hold the men accountable for the outcome of the family



How Important it really is

For most people, family is the very core of existence. It is the testing ground. It is the place where we can become a hypocrite, or a light to all nations. Do you want to know the true character of a man and his wife? Observe their children and you will usually know. Children often mimic what they see going on at home. Many can appear righteous unto men, but who can still be found righteous in their home, behind closed doors?

How important is our family life to Yahweh? How important is it that we teach our children the ways of Yahweh? How important is it that we each fulfill the roles that Yahweh has given? Let's consider.

Although the modern arrangement or division of the Scriptures may not be inspired, it is certainly interesting that the very last word in the last "Old Testament" prophetic book is none other than "Curse". This chapter is a prophecy for the end times. Let us see what the source of this curse may be:

Malachi 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Yahweh of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Notice that we must fear Yahweh's name to inherit this promise.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith Yahweh of hosts.

But what defines who is wicked and who is not? Let's keep reading:

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

Remember the law of Moses? Yes, remember the law of Moses with all the statutes and judgments; even in the latter days. I tend to think that this is part of the EliYah message, to remember the law of Moses.

5 Behold, I will send you EliYah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh.

EliYah the prophet was the one who said:

1Kings 18:24 And call ye on the name of your elohim, and I will call on the name of Yahweh: and the Elohim that answereth by fire, let him be Elohim. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken

So we must also call upon the name of Yahweh. In fact, the name "EliYah" means "Yahweh is my Mighty One". I tend to think that this is another part of the EliYah message. But there is a third and much more clearly defined part of the EliYah message that we should pay very close attention to:

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

According to this scripture, a curse will fall upon the earth when it has fathers whose hearts are not turned to their children and children whose hearts are not turned to their fathers. So, although at least part of the EliYah message is "My Mighty One is Yahweh" and to remember the law of Moshe, the great duty of the EliYah message is turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers! I believe that this message is greatly lacking today.

According to statistics, in the United States of America, at least 4 out of 10 children will go to bed tonight without their father in the home. In most homes where the father is there, children are abandoned spiritually and emotionally. Children are a status symbol or a nuisance rather than a blessing. Children are something to be ignored rather than human beings who desperately need to be shown and taught the ways of eternal life.

O Fathers, where are you???

They are probably at work, with friends, playing with their toys or on the golf course. But what is Yahweh's expectation for Fathers? How important is the role of fathers in their children's life? What does Yahweh say?



The Role of Fathers

Yahweh's plan is for us to communicate His mighty works to our children. For this to be done, a Father must have his heart turned to his children. If it is, this will build a kingdom. The Father has the authority in the home because the Father has the responsibility.

As we read earlier, we should "Remember the law of Moshe". It should be evident to any student of the Torah (Law) that Yahweh demands Fathers to teach His ways to their children. In the Torah (law) of Yahweh, there is one thing that is commanded several times over. That is the command to teach our children the word of Yahweh:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 " Hear, O Israel: Yahweh Elohenu (our El), Yahweh is one! "You shall love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

In the famous "Sh'ma" passage, we see Yahweh's desire for us to teach His commandments diligently to our children and to "talk of them when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up". We are not only commanded by Yahweh to teach them to our children, but to teach them diligently to our children. We are not only to teach them, we are to talk of them all the day long. They are to be in in our hearts and in the hearts of our children. Not only is Yahweh "Echad" (ONE), He wants our families to be "Echad" with one another and with Him. It is written again:

Deuteronomy 11:18 " Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Again, we are to talk of them all the day long. But today, the question must be asked, "How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we rarely even talk to them at all? How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we are rarely ever home and we send them away to the government schools every day? How many Fathers are truly fulfilling this commandment?

Too often, the adults at various assemblies and meetings engage in high level conversations with one another about the scriptures while the children just sit there bored, squirming in their seats and getting into trouble because they have no clue what is going on or what anyone is even talking about. While some conversations may be above the capabilities of a child, too often it is because they don't know the scriptures. By the time they reach teen-age years, it is often too late because the prime age of influence and impressionability is long gone. At various gatherings, the teens should be with the adults. If they are taught properly, they will be learning and listening because they have a true interest in Yahweh's word just as the adults do. But too often, teens are out playing and learning the ways of other teens rather than learning the ways of Yahweh. Fathers need to wake up!

Deuteronomy 4:8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 " Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 "especially concerning the day you stood before Yahweh your Elohim in Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Notice that Yahweh wants us to teach them to our children and He also wants them to be taught to our grandchildren! Also notice in verse 10 that one of the intentions Yahweh had when giving His commandments in Horeb was that Israel teach them to their children.

Deuteronomy 6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which Yahweh sware unto thy fathers, 19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as Yahweh hath spoken. 20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Yahweh our Elohim hath commanded you? 21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand: 22 And Yahweh shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: 23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our Elohim, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before Yahweh our Elohim, as he hath commanded us.

Deuteronomy 32:46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

So Yahweh's expectation is that our children are diligently taught His ways. Consider also one of the purposes of the observances He commands:

Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 "that you shall say, 'It is the Passover sacrifice of Yahweh, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.' " So the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. 8 "And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what Yahweh did for me when I came up from Egypt.'

Exodus 13:14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 10:1 And Yahweh said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: 2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am Yahweh.

Leviticus 23:42-43 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am Yahweh your Elohim.

Deuteronomy 31:10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh thy Elohim in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your Elohim, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your Elohim, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Can we see again the expectation of Yahweh here? One of the reasons Yahweh has these feasts is so that our children will know and remember His law and His mighty works. Teaching children should therefore be a major focus of any feast we have. The children should not be ignored and sent off to play during the feasts. Nor should the parents expect others to do their job of teaching their children during the feasts while they find other things to do. While the world is successful in keeping their children tied to pagan holidays by appealing to their carnality via gifts & candies, we ought to find ways to tie the strings of our children's hearts to Yahweh by truly fulfilling their spiritual needs when we observe the true holy-days of Yahweh.

Of Abraham it was said:

Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Yahweh, to do justice and judgment; that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

We can also be known by Yahweh as that kind of a father! Within the Torah alone, there were at least 11 times where Yahweh gave a command, admonition or spoke about the need to teach our children His ways. This concept is repeated in the book of Psalms:

Psalm 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 That they may set their hope in Elohim, And not forget the works of Elohim, But keep His commandments; 8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to Elohim.

It is clearly Yahweh's expectation that we teach His ways to the next generation. Yahweh wants a righteous generation to be brought forth from our homes. Indeed, He has indicated that this is one of the purposes for marriage:

Malachi 2:13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because Yahweh has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks righteous offspring (In Hebrew literally, Seed of Elohim). Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. 16 "For Yahweh Elohim of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says Yahweh of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously."

So are we going to raise up a seed of Elohim or children of the devil? Will our children's works advance the kingdom of the devil or the kingdom of Yahweh? Indeed, Yahweh has placed a large part of this responsibility into the hands of the fathers. We have the greatest influence as to the outcome. We can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone to the paths of righteousness. If we are a stepping stone, great is our reward:

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

If we are a stumbling block, woe to us:

Matthew 18:5-7 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

The Proverb indeed says:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Contrary to popular opinion, this scripture does not say, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is grown up, he will abandon Yahweh and sow his wild oats, then come back to Yahweh and not depart" yet this is what many would have us believe!

Much of the book of proverbs is about a man who, in obedience to the scriptures is teaching the wisdom of Yahweh to his son. For example:

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a ***** is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

We see the strong desire in this father that his son would not be ensnared with wine and women. This father was committed to the idea that his child would not depart!

It is high time we raise up a righteous generation that fears Yahweh and keeps His commandments. It is high time that fathers forsake their toys and pursuits of worldly gain and instead focus on raising a righteous generation that will magnify the name of Yahweh! It is high time that Fathers have a vision of what it really means to be a man of Yahweh.

How important is it that our homes are in order and our children are taught Yahweh's ways? Unless one's home is right, they cannot be an effective leader:

Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of Yahweh?);

1Timothy 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of Yahweh, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

We have to be true believers at home, not just when others are watching. The requirements of a spiritual leader is that they have a righteous family with righteous children. Our family is the expression of ourselves and our life. If a man of Yahweh leads a family in righteousness, you can know you have one who is in righteous in his private life. See, our family gives us away. We cannot hide ourselves and what we are like. If Father or Mother are foolish or rebellious, then except by the grace of Yahweh so shall the children be.

Abraham and Eli were leaders. As we read earlier, Abraham had his house right:

Gene 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Eli the priest did not:

1Sam 2:11 Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to Yahweh before Eli the priest. 12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know Yahweh.

Eli apparently made the foolish decision to let his sons be corrupt:

1Sam 3:12 "In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 "For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.

Consider the differing end result of Abraham and Eli! Abraham and his descendants were exalted and blessed beyond measure, but Eli had his generations cut off and destroyed (1Sam 4:16). So let's ponder the question today, are we an Abraham or are we an Eli?

Can we begin to see how important it really is? You see, Yahweh would never have been the "Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" if Abraham hadn't done his job! Will it be said of us that Yahweh is the Elohim of our children and grandchildren? Yahweh is seeking righteous offspring; a Seed of Elohim to walk in His ways. Yahweh desires that His people produce children of righteousness, children of Yahweh.

Let's consider the scriptures which show the results of families who did not pass the truth of Yahweh onto the next generation:

Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know Yahweh nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals;12 and they forsook Yahweh Elohim of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked Yahweh to anger.

There were at least 7 times in approximately 335 years where the book of Judges records one generation that would serve Yahweh, and the next generation forsaking Him. Imagine for a moment the great blessings that might have been realized had only the first generation taught their children to "Know Yahweh"!

Judges 2:10-11 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not Yahweh, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. 11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served Baalim:

As a result of their failure, these rebellious children served false deities. Similar flip-flops are found in the books of First and Second Kings/Chronicles. There would be a generation that would finally repent and serve Yahweh, only to see the succeeding generation be exceedingly wicked.

Is there a way to stop this destructive cycle? What about our children’s generation? What about in the nations that we live in? In recent history there has been a spiraling increase in wickedness. Consider some of the statistics one can find about conditions in the United States:

At least half of all marriages end in divorce. Remarkably, studies show that the divorce rate among denominational Christian churches is equal or higher than that.

The Census Bureau states that in 1998, 58.7% of mothers with infants work outside the home. 61% of married women as a whole work outside the home compared to 6 percent in 1900 (US News & World Report, 12/18/00 pg 56).

According to CNN, Only 6.9 percent of men and 21 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 59 are virgins when getting married.

The birth rate in the U.S. in 1997 was 14.6 per 1,000 population. The world average was 22.6. The birth rate in the U.S. would be higher, but approximately 1 out of 4 babies are murdered by their own mother before they even have a chance to be born. Of those that are born, 1 out of 3 are born out of wedlock. A child conceived in the United States has a 75% chance of either being murdered in the womb or not having their biological father and mother in the home at age 18. Yet, 47% of this nation goes to church every week and 85% profess to be Christian.


What has gone wrong?

The bottom line is that the principles given in scripture for the roles of husbands, fathers, mothers and wives are not appreciated, nor are they followed. Instead, many have chosen to follow their own principles, the principles in psychology & self-help books, and principles given in self appointed marriage experts. Meanwhile, people are suffering along with their little children.

If only people would respect and appreciate the roles given to them by Yahweh! Yahweh, who created us from dust, surely knows the RIGHT way. But who will heed it? The people of this world have little or no vision or burning desire for righteousness within themselves, let alone for the next generation. But it need not be so for us. We need not be conformed to this world:

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim.

We see the sad state of affairs in this world. Many of us were raised in this age of rebelliousness, so what can we do? A most difficult sin to overcome is one that you cannot see. But I believe the word of Yahweh will make it very plain that few men in this age truly know what Yahweh desires our homes to be like.



Be filled with the Spirit

Yahweh is looking for homes that are filled with the Spirit. Let's examine the book of Ephesians where we see that this is a need in every believer's life and that it relates very much to our home life:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

We must understand "what the will of Yahweh is". What is the will of Yahweh? Surely the will of Yahweh is that rather than being filled with wine and/or the cares of this life, we need to be filled with the SPIRIT of Yahweh. This is a commandment and the will of Yahweh to "be filled with the Spirit". It isn't a one time experience, but a whole lifetime experience. We must be continually filled with the Spirit. If we are filled with the Spirit, the fruit will manifest itself.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Messiah's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

These fruits are not necessarily something that we just strive to attain, but they are the fruits of the Ruach HaKodesh or Holy Spirit that should already be in us. If we have repented and accepted Yahushua the Messiah and are walking in His ways, the blessing of Yahweh's Spirit can be upon us:

Acts 5:32 "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him."

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Notice that the Spirit is given to those who ask, and to those who obey Him. Let's continue reading the book of Ephesians and how it describes the life of one who has heeded the command to be "filled with the Spirit". These verses can paint a picture in our minds of how our homes can and should be like when we are all filled with the Spirit:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to Yahweh;

Does this not sound like a home that is filled with the Spirit? The joy and praise of Yahweh in the form of song is overflowing in such a place. The songs will be sung in the home with joy. But this isn't just a one time a day affair; it is a lifetime of joy, peace and walking in the Spirit.

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto Elohim and the Father in the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah;

When we are thankful for what we have been given in life, this makes it possible for the joy of Yahweh to grow in us. All of us should be thanking Yahweh. Husbands, wives, children praising and thanking and singing to Yahweh, loving Yahweh with all their heart. This is the kind of home we should be having!

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Elohim.

Every one of us should have a spirit of meekness, submission and humility. This means that sometimes the Father/Husband submits to his wife and children within the will of Yahweh. We ourselves know how many times Yahweh has submitted to our humble prayers when we were in need. Yahweh wants to fill our homes with His Spirit.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh.

This is truly a beautiful picture that is being drawn. A home where wives know the power of submission, submitting their heart to Yahweh without fear of consequence. You will find no strife or argument between Mother and Father in such a home because the wife is filled with the Spirit and submits herself to her husband, 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. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the assembly, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

The picture gets more and more beautiful as we read. This is the picture of a home where the husband loves his wife. He is tender and gentle with her as Messiah is to His assembly. He takes care of her needs, spiritually and physically. And she knows that he loves her, not because he says it once a day but because she senses it coming out of his heart by the way he expresses himself in his home. I know that Yahweh wants to bless such a home. I know this is the kind of home I want!

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Imagine a home where the husband leads his wife as Yahushua leads the assembly into absolute perfection, leading her as the Great Shepherd leads his sheep.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Master the assembly: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Messiah and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Such a beautiful picture! One of the Messiah and His assembly. Everyday, right here in our homes. What a great witness this can be for our children! They see the love of Messiah in the Father and the humble submission of the Assembly in the Mother. What a blessing for them to know it and see it every day!

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in Yahweh for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

To me, this sounds like a home that has taken to heart the command to be "filled with the Spirit". Children who obey and honor their father and mother, There is no conflict or disrespect because the Spirit filled children love Yahweh and have great faith in that promise of Yahweh that they will live long on the earth. They see the righteous example of the mother's submission to the father and the father's love and care for the mother. Through this they learn how to submit to Messiah and how much Yahweh loves and cares for them.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

A righteous father guides his children gently, not yelling or jerking them around with a harsh and frustrated spirit, but gently guiding and directing them by the Holy Spirit in the way they should go. He teaches, nurtures, loves and disciplines them.

So now have a completed picture, all of these things bringing together a home filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. Do we have a vision? Do we have a picture? Do we have a hope? We need it!

Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Every one of us needs this vision for our homes, brethren. Yahweh demands that we have such a home. His word says it, we need to do it! It is the will and command of Yahweh. Happy is the home where Yahweh is there!

Psalm 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

Have you ever seen a plant or a garden that wasn't well cared for? You will see the sad and sorry shape of that plant. The leaves are wilted and brown, the ground dried out, there are no fruits or flowers to speak of and the garden is obviously without life. But a plant that has been cultivated, watched over, and watered, fertilized and nurtured is vibrant and bearing fruit. We need to take good care of our garden. If strange children and their influences are choking out your sons, remove the strange children from their presence!

13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose Elohim is Yahweh.

Happy is the home where Yahweh is Elohim, and love fills every word and every action. We must have a home like that! But our vision and desire for it must be clear and strong. We must desire it, like Jacob who wanted the blessing from the angel and strove all night to receive it. We must desire it, like Yahushua wanted to redeem His people. Like David wanted to be delivered from his enemies. Like Hannah wanted a child. Like Abraham wanted a son, so must we desire and want a home like this. Be assured that Yahweh wants homes to be filled with the Spirit in every place, not just one in that assembly or two in another.. but ALL homes that call upon His name.

Without a home that is righteous and filled with the Spirit, there will not be a righteous, Spirit filled assembly! How can an assembly be righteous and filled with the Spirit of Yahweh when the homes are filled with anger, depression and strife? Home is the truth detector. Home is where the real character of a man and woman are revealed. This is reality, you cannot have a righteous and Spirit filled assembly without righteous, Spirit filled people within it! Do you want to know the true test of an assembly? Wait about 10-15 years and find out where the children are! We might lay claim to a great period of restoration in this age, but if in 10 years our children have gone the way of the world, what kind of restoration is that? What shame, what reproach on the name of Yahweh! We need a vision. There needs to be a vision for a torah-keeping home of righteousness.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

It is time that the people of Yahweh reach out into the world around us. Our witness is ruined by having broken homes, and rebellious children. One can lay claim to the keeping of the Torah/Word of Yahweh all they want, but unless they are heeding this guidance from Yahweh about our homes, they are not keeping the Torah at all.

Proverbs 11:29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Do we trouble our own house by ignoring it and chasing after a career or seeking out the scriptures only for ourselves? We will inherit nothing.

Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

We need to bring honor and glory to Yahweh's name by having a spirit filled home. What good is it if we seek the possessions of this world, and lose our children to it? What good is it, if we keep every feast day, every Sabbath, keep clean/unclean commands, and then our homes are a disaster? Yahweh said:

Isaiah 1:13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

Perhaps our hands aren't full of blood, perhaps our children aren't fatherless and our wives a widow. But is it so, spiritually? Are our children on the road to destruction? If they are young, it may not show up right away. But according to the Torah/Law of Yahweh, parents are held responsible for teaching and training their children in the ways of righteousness. Are our children spiritually fatherless? How much time is spent with our children in the Word? Do we fail to "talk of them" at all times? Are our wives spiritual widows? How much time do we spend in the Word with our wives?

Why is Yahweh so concerned about the fatherless and the widow? Is it only because their physical needs must be met? Are not the spiritual needs just as important, if not far more important? Considering all the scriptures where Yahweh is angry because the fatherless and widow are neglected, woe to the fathers who neglect the spiritual needs of their wife and children! All the Sabbaths, calling of assemblies, feast days can be a burden to Him because He cannot endure the neglect. He cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Yahweh is VERY concerned about the wives and children, shouldn't we be? If, in Isaiah 1:13-17, Yahweh cannot endure the offerings, Feast Days and Sabbaths of those who are neglecting the physical needs of what used to be another man's wife and children (fatherless and widow), how much more so if we neglect the spiritual needs of our own wives and children? Consider:

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Is it just the physical providing that Yahweh is concerned about? Surely, the spiritual is far more important. The first leads to physical death, the latter leads to spiritual death. So, are we worse than an unbeliever? Let it not be!

It is high time that fathers turn their hearts to their wives and children! No outreach ministry, feast/sabbath keeping or calling on the right name is going to save us if we fail to address the neglect in these areas. If Yahushua returns tomorrow and we find out that we didn't keep the feast at the right time or we made a mistake in our observances, we might be able to say "I desired the truth, but I was wrong, have mercy on me". We might then be able to observe it correctly under the direction of Messiah. But if Yahushua returns and says "Look, you didn't even provide for your own wife and children", there won't be any correcting brethren, the damage is done! Let it not be so among us. Fathers, turn your hearts!



Examples for us

Let's look at some examples of those who have the kind of home Yahweh is looking for. The house of Job is one:

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

It is written that Job was a man who was "perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil." Job had 7 sons and 3 daughters. How much care and concern did he have for the spiritual health of his children?

Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Elohim in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Job had such care and concern for his children, that he was concerned that they might have sinned in their hearts. His love and dedication to the lives of his children were part of what made Job such a just and upright man.

The house of Stephanas is another example:

1Cor 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

In this casual mention we see that the house of Stephanas had addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. They were the first fruits of Achaia and were held in reputation. Stephanas and his house were known to have addicted themselves to the work of Yahweh. They had set in their mind that they were going to minister (serve) the saints of Yahweh. There are few ways a family can knit together more strongly than by working together to minister to others. If only there were more who had a home like the home of Stephanas!

Another man who appeared to have the kind of home that Yahweh is looking for:

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

It looks like Philip had his house dedicated to Yahweh. He had 4 daughters who spoke in the power and anointing of Yahweh's Spirit. These are the fruits and results of a righteous home that is filled with the Holy Spirit, directed by a righteous and Spirit filled man. Brethren, we must have the anointing oil of the Spirit to do these things, along with our willing heart. We need a Master Builder in our house:

Psalm 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except Yahweh build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except Yahweh keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Yahweh must build the house! Unless the whole house is centered around Yahweh, it is built in vain. I do not speak of just having His name on our walls, and I don't mean His name only.. but HIM, YAHWEH.

You labor in vain if you build unless Yahweh is in your house. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the fruits of the Spirit therein. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the Fathers, Mothers and children all joyfully loving and fulfilling the commandments of Yahweh for each of them. A home full of people where there is no pretense. A home where Yahweh lives among them!

Surely Yahweh knows His own plan for all of our children. How can we set out for them to fill the plan for their lives unless Yahweh is there to show us the way? We need a co-laborer in our home. We need an Elohim in our home. Yes, joyful and blessed is the home where Yahweh lives!

But we must fear Yahweh. There is no conviction today that we must have this kind of home. But consider the will of Yahweh:

Psalm 128:1 "Blessed is every one who fears Yahweh, Who walks in His ways. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

A fruitful vine? Olive plants?

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears Yahweh. 5 Yahweh bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. 6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!".

If we will only fear Yahweh, we can have the home that Yahweh desires for us to have. Our wives can be as a vine, bearing good fruits within our house. Our children can be like the olive plants that make the anointing oil. Little olive plants, filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. If only we will fear Yahweh and walk in His ways. Do we desire to "see the good of (the new) Jerusalem", which is above? Do we desire to "see (our) children's children" there? Then fear Yahweh, walk in His ways and lead Your family there! Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears Yahweh.

To achieve it, we must be pure in heart and set the righteous example in our house. David was such a man:

Psalm 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Yahweh, I will sing praises. 2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

If we want to overcome some sin in our life, we must do it in our home first. Otherwise, we are just pretending. David believed in walking within his house with a perfect heart, setting nothing wicked before his eyes. Too many men today not only set wickedness before their eyes, they do it for entertainment. Countless hours are wasted away in front of the television sets and computers while their wives and children spiritually rot and starve to death. But David didn't want anything to do with beholding wickedness:

4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. 6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me. 7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. 8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of Yahweh.

Do we really hate the work of them that turn aside or do we love to watch them, learn about them and be entertained by them?

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him

The television ("Uncle Charlie") is probably the most deceitful thing in the house, which "worketh deceit" and "telleth lies". I say we don't really need it! There are other ways of getting the news. David ruled his house with the mindset of purity and fear of Yahweh. Thus he also ruled Israel with righteousness and integrity (1Kings 9:4). For that, Yahweh blessed this man after His own heart.



A vision

It seems that some fathers say in their heart about their children "I think they'll be all right, I think they'll make it".

"Make it?"

We need our vision to be much higher than that! We need to dedicate ourselves to raise spiritual leaders: men and women of Yahweh who will be an example and a light to all? Just as we want our Heavenly Father to be concerned about everything in our own lives, to guide us and lead us and protect us; Even so, we must follow our Heavenly Father's example toward our children.

We see the righteous examples given of homes that were pleasing in Yahweh's sight within the pages of scripture. How can we have a home like that? We need a vision. We need to see it in our own homes. We need to make plans to build a home for Yahweh. What house is built without a vision and plans? There is no doubt that Yahweh wants families that are a testimony to His righteousness, a testimony to community around them, and indeed the whole world.

To accomplish this, we need Husbands and Fathers who are willing to love Yahweh above all. A righteous Husband and Father does not compromise this in any way. Let's consider the attributes of such a man. He is:

A man after Yahweh's own heart.

A man who is willing to let Messiah live in him.

He is a man who loves His neighbor as himself.

A man who is thankful for the Messiah's work of love and his life shows it.

A man of great mercy, compassion and understanding yet without failing to stand for what is right.

A man who gives honor to his wife and respect to his children.

One who is dedicated to bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

One who does not fail to lead by example.

A man whose children are highly in love with the Heavenly Father because they see Yahweh in their earthly Father.

A man whose wife lovingly submits to him, knowing that he loves her.

A man whose children obey him because they love him and would not want to do anything to risk that relationship.

A man whose very life and family are a light unto all nations.

A man who teaches and keeps all of Yahweh's commandments, no matter what book or time they were written in.

One who keeps his tongue from evil and whose speech is as the oracles of Yahweh.

A man whose speech inspires others to walk before Yahweh blamelessly.

One whose every thought, word and deed manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

A man who takes captive every thought and brings it to total submission to Yahweh.

A man of prayer who prays for his family and with his family and who prays for others diligently and without fail.

A man who gives honor to his wife and shows true respect and care for his children.

A man who is a servant to others, meeting their needs in Yahweh.

A man who has spiritual discernment because he is so in tune with the Spirit of Yahweh.

A man, like Daniel, in whom nobody can find fault, unless it be with him and his Elohim.

A man who leads His family in all of these characteristics.

Perhaps this is a lofty goal that seems out of reach. But let's always remember:

Philippians 3:12 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah Yahushua. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, Elohim shall reveal even this unto you.

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with Elohim.

With Yahweh, we can do it. We can put the past behind us and be this kind of Father and Husband. We can be this man who builds a spiritual heritage not only for his children, but for his children's children. We can be this man who will see his children's children in the new Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)! Such a man will bring forth children who are bright lights for Yahweh, shining with Yahweh's light to all they come in contact with. Children who are a testimony to all.

A QUIVER FULL OF ARROWS

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of YAHWEH: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

How is it that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man? Why shall they speak with their enemies in the gate? Because a man who has a home of righteous children has the armor and strength to battle against the enemy, a united and strong front that nothing can destroy. A man of righteousness may be strong, but an entire home of righteousness? That's power!

We need arrows that will hit the mark against the enemy. Let's make arrows for Yahweh! I can tell you about one man who had a home like this and it completely turned my world upside down. I was going the wrong way, my children were headed for destruction and I had no vision and I had no realization of what a family could or should be like. I'm still in damage repair due to years of neglect, but all things are possible with Yahweh!

I have learned that we aren't raising children, we are raising adults. If you are raising children, you will have children when you are done. If you raise righteous adults, you will have righteous adults when you are done.

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

Are we raising foolish children or righteous adults? What kind of heritage are we leaving to our grandchildren?



Building generations of Righteousness

If we have children, we are laying a foundation for the generations to come. How many generations will the foundation we have laid bear fruit to righteousness? In truth, we are the foundation of the next generation. The next generation will grow up on you. What kind of foundation are you laying down? If our children are lost to the world, what kind of foundation is that? We want a foundation of righteousness that will last many generations.

Genesis 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Great blessings were promised to Abraham because Yahweh knew that he could depend on Abraham. Because of Abraham’s commitment to his home, Yahweh became known as the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Will Yahweh depend on us to have our hearts turned to our children in similar manner? Or will Satan be depending on us to have our hearts turned away from our children, and toward other things? Of course, he knows if our hearts are distracted by other things he has the best chance at destroying them along with our grandchildren.

Did you know that if you had 2 children and 6 generations thereafter had 3 children, you would have influenced 1,458 children? Did you know that if you had 5 children and 6 generations thereafter had 5 children, you would have influenced 78,125 children?! Can we begin to see why the Torah repeats itself over and over with commandments that lift up the importance of raising a righteous generation? Can we begin to see why Yahweh will smite the earth with a curse unless somehow, some way the Father's hearts are turned to their children and the children's hearts are turned toward their Fathers (Malachi 4:6)?

Some might say, "Well, the Messiah will be here before 6 generations". To them I say, this was said 6 generations ago and look at the situation we are in today! Is that an excuse to neglect your children? Yahweh forbid! How many children must be thrown in the lake of fire before you will commit yourself? 78, 125? Five? One? Your own precious son or daughter?

But how many are willing to make the sacrifice, pay the price, change the priorities of their life for raising their children? If the generation before us had paid that price, there would be multitudes of good examples for us to look to. There isn't much today, but that can change:

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye Yahweh. Blessed is the man that feareth Yahweh, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

If we want our seed to be mighty upon the earth, we need fathers whose children know that he fears Yahweh, delights in His commandments and loves to pray, read the scriptures, discipline himself, and that he really loves Yahweh behind closed doors. It is true that our children are usually excited about the things we are excited about. If we are excited about Yahweh, our children will be too. If we are totally consumed with raising up righteous children, it can happen. We should want children that will be a mighty influence in this world for Yahweh. If you minister in their presence, the whole house can be a ministry to others. But who is willing to pay the price?

Most people today are too busy to raise up righteous children. Too busy to make arrows that hit the mark, too busy making money, chasing after the wind.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; Elohim is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Assuredly, you get what you pay for! Indeed, you reap what you sow. It may be 30 years, but you will get what you pay for. What you give will be returned to you. Cast your bread upon the waters and it shall return to you after many days. I have never heard a man on his death bed say "I wish I hadn't spent so much time and effort raising righteous children". Let's have a vision where we are on our death bed and all of our children and grandchildren are with us, praying to Yahweh together. If we can raise a generation of righteous children, we'll raise up a generation of people that will surpass all that we could have imagined. Fathers, it is time for repentance, a change of mind that brings about a change of action! It is needful to repent, if knowing that we are going the wrong way. We need to take this knowledge and make the change by turning our hearts to our children:

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy Elohim, I will also forget thy children.

Can you imagine the above words being spoken about your children? Imagine hearing that they would be destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, because of your own failure to teach them the knowledge of Yahweh. I cannot bear the thought!
Let's not forget that the law of Yahweh commands us to teach our children the ways of righteousness. Let's remember to teach them diligently and show them the way by our example and concern for their spiritual livelihood. Let's yield our heart and our life to Yahweh. Let's thirst for laying a foundation of righteousness for this next generation:

Isaiah 44:2 Thus saith Yahweh that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

We should be thirsty, we can't be satisfied where we are. Let's desire that Yahweh pours out His Spirit upon our seed, and His blessing upon our offspring. Look at the beautiful promise and illustration:

4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

What are these children saying?

5 One shall say, I am Yahweh's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto Yahweh, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Let's hunger and thirst before Yahweh to let this promise come to pass in our lives. We want them to say "I am Yahweh's". If we will only turn from any and all transgression, including the forsaking our children:

Isai 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Yahweh. 21 As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith Yahweh; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith Yahweh, from henceforth and for ever.

Yahweh will bless the seed, but we must turn to Yahweh fully. Isn't this what we want? As a testimony to Yahweh, the Gentiles will acknowledge that our children are the seed that Yahweh has blessed.

Isai 61:8 For I Yahweh love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh hath blessed.



A place of refuge, a walled city

Our Heavenly Father provides a place of refuge for us. What do we provide for our children?

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Fathers, our children do need a place of refuge in this wicked world. We must fear Yahweh to receive the blessings of arrows that hit the mark.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

We must have rule over our own spirit so that our household is guided under the authority of Yahweh. Too many homes are guided by threats, anger and intimidation.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Our homes should be like a walled city and place of refuge. Ancient cities of renown always had walls. Within the walls, one could find peace and protection. There would be at least one elder at the gates. The elders decided who would enter the city and who would not. If there were ever a breach in the wall, it was quickly repaired lest an enemy enter in. I once heard in a scripture study that our homes can also be likened unto a walled city. The father is the elder at the gate, deciding who and what influences will enter the home. Whether it be a person, a book, a magazine or anything that could potentially harm his home spiritually, the Father should be there to keep his wife and children from the subtle influences of sin. I believe that the Television is one of the most destructive things a person can have in their home. It is like a giant breach in the wall. It is almost impossible to guard ahead of time unless it is previewed it in some way. Television thrusts scenes and words upon you and your family, and the damage is often already done by the time you determine how wicked it really was. It is also a thief that robs a man's time when time is so short!

But what if the elder is not even at the gate of his walled city? What if he is out working and playing all hours of the day or night? What if he ships his children off to the world, outside those walls for 8 or more hours a day where they are a companion of fools and taught the ways of the world?

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Surely we wouldn't let a little child play in the street because we know about the risk of their physical death. Why then would we send them into the dangerous playground of this unbelieving generation where there is such a great risk of spiritual destruction? No! We must protect the children within our walled city and train their hands and minds for war until they are ready to do battle. YES, absolutely yes, this means that the children are schooled and taught at home. I do not believe that children of Yahweh should be raised in government schools. It is not the responsibility of the government to teach our children. It is not even the responsibility of the congregation to teach our children. The Torah says it is our own responsibility to teach our children.

If we really want to raise up a righteous generation in the midst of a crooked and perverse one, then we need to be together. I believe the best arrangement is usually that Mom, Dad and the children are normally all together in the same house throughout the course of a day. If we want to fulfill the vision, and heed the call, then men NEED to be with their families as much as possible. This practice of going off to work every day and children going off to school every day is so very often terribly destructive to homes and relationships! Fathers are strongly encouraged to do what it takes to work from home, even if it means having to lower your standard of living. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob didn't send their children out of the home to be with transgressors while they went out and worked for transgressors. I believe this is a good example for us. Because it is such an evil time, we must be very much on guard and watching over our nest.

Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

While the men are out, the spiritual forces of wickedness are often in. And too often, while the men are out, they too get caught up in the world’s lusts and wickedness. The home is left without an elder at the gate because the elder is doing other things. If our wives do an admirable job while we are away and we are overcoming, then maybe the need for this is not as great. But if you are concerned about how the house is running when you are gone and you see the ‘weaker vessel’ struggling, bear the burden and remember that we are the ones that Yahweh will hold accountable for the outcome. Yahweh didn't accept Adam's excuse in the Garden of Eden ("This woman you gave me..") and I don't see Him accepting it in the future. Because we are the ones accountable, I believe the best arrangement is for the Fathers to be working at home. Many who have successful homes agree.

Some might say "What about making a living?" Maybe we need to lower your standard of living if need be. Sell that house, get out of debt, sell that expensive car, do whatever it takes to be there with your children. When I cried out to Him, Yahweh enabled me to do just that. He can do it for anyone. Fathers, He wants to enable us to obey His command to talk of the precepts when we rise up, when we lie down, when we walk by the way or wherever we might be. For which is worse? Losing your career or losing your children to Satan's clutching power? Better to lose your big beautiful house than to lose the soul of your own children!

Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

I know one believer who lived in a bus with his family and had no running water or electricity. But he was home most of the time, his 6 year old had already read through all the scriptures twice and his 4 year old was half way through! Some might say this is extreme, but it underlines the question: What good will it do if we gain the whole world and meet all the financial wants, but then neglect the spiritual needs and let our children's soul be lost as a result? Maybe we need less than we think we need. We can be sure that Yahweh will provide our physical needs if we put Him first:

Matthew 6:32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of Yahweh and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Fathers, if we love our children the way we should, we need to not only be willing to give up our careers, houses and lands for their sake, but all of the worldly possessions that we have. Isn't this the example that Yahushua gave? Did He fail to withhold even His very life for our sakes?? Greater love has no man than this! We should be a wonderful living example of Yahushua to the world, and especially to our own children! This means dying to self and sacrificing anything that must be sacrificed to instill the ways of Yahweh to our children, and ultimately to our grandchildren.

Fathers, we must be burdened enough about it that we will not stop until we see it. We cannot sit back! As you read this, Satan is actively working to destroy your children. We must fulfill the vision. We must be strong. We must do the work. We must die to ourselves and let the Messiah live in us, doing the work in us. For the time has come and the time is now. Fathers, turn your hearts!!

Psalms 71:18 - Now also when I am old and gray headed, O Elohim, forsake me not; until I have shown your strength unto this generation, and your power to every one that is to come.

Rather than letting our children be strangers to the great gifts and works of Yahweh, let’s take the time every day and have some worship and scripture reading with our families. Pick a specific hour of the day where you will refuse to let anything distract you. We've personally found great benefit in having everyone spend one hour reading and studying the scriptures, then coming together for family worship, praise and scripture lesson for another hour. Then throughout the day, it is good to guide each conversation toward lessons in Yahweh’s word.

We must seek to have a spirit of love, joy and peace as we build the house, one lesson at a time, one experience at a time, that Yahweh might fashion in our children a beautiful home for His presence. Then it can be also said of them:

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of Elohim, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in Yahweh, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Elohim in the Spirit.

Therefore, let’s sanctify ourselves and dedicate ourselves to building a house that will not be destroyed in the whirlwinds of adult life.

Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

1Chronicles 28:10 - Take heed now; for YAHWEH hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

May Yahweh bless you as you do HIS work in the family He gives you!

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posted                         

quote:

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Originally posted by barrykind:
The EliYah Message
Fathers, Turn Your Hearts!
"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of EliYah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh." Luke 1:17


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Introduction

The following is a study on the role of Fathers in the home. For those of you who are not married, this study can still be beneficial for you if you ever plan on getting married. If your children are raised, there is a great need in the body for those who are willing to teach these things to the younger men and women.

I should mention that while the name of this web site is "eliyah.com" and this study is about the EliYah message, I do not claim to be "THE EliYah". I'm just a disciple of Yahushua who has sought to raise my own family in the way Yahweh desires. In my search, I encountered others who have written similar studies on the home. They have greatly influenced some of the points made in this study.

I should also mention that scriptures and points in this study represents the standard that Yahweh has of any family that seeks Him. My family and I continually seek to attain this standard but we do not count ourselves to have already attained it all. We simply desire to press on and take hold of the standard to which we are called (Phil 3:12) and share that standard with others. I hope it is a blessing to you; may Yahweh have mercy on us all.



An Opportunity

Imagine for a moment that Yahweh came to you in a vision and pointed out a particular man in your community to whom He was going to give permanent amnesia. All his past memories were to be permanently erased. In this vision, you were commissioned to care for this man and to teach him all he needs to know about the ways of Yahweh. You would be entrusted with this man's salvation, with how he views the world and how he views Yahweh. How seriously would you take this responsibility? Would you ignore it and find other things to do or would you pour your heart and soul into this effort? Assuredly I say to you, that if you are a Father you have been entrusted with this responsibility. But this isn't a man from the community that you are being entrusted with, it is your own children.

It is upon the men that Yahweh has laid the responsibility of leadership, guidance and direction. Yahweh will hold the men accountable for the outcome of the family



How Important it really is

For most people, family is the very core of existence. It is the testing ground. It is the place where we can become a hypocrite, or a light to all nations. Do you want to know the true character of a man and his wife? Observe their children and you will usually know. Children often mimic what they see going on at home. Many can appear righteous unto men, but who can still be found righteous in their home, behind closed doors?

How important is our family life to Yahweh? How important is it that we teach our children the ways of Yahweh? How important is it that we each fulfill the roles that Yahweh has given? Let's consider.

Although the modern arrangement or division of the Scriptures may not be inspired, it is certainly interesting that the very last word in the last "Old Testament" prophetic book is none other than "Curse". This chapter is a prophecy for the end times. Let us see what the source of this curse may be:

Malachi 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Yahweh of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Notice that we must fear Yahweh's name to inherit this promise.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith Yahweh of hosts.

But what defines who is wicked and who is not? Let's keep reading:

4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

Remember the law of Moses? Yes, remember the law of Moses with all the statutes and judgments; even in the latter days. I tend to think that this is part of the EliYah message, to remember the law of Moses.

5 Behold, I will send you EliYah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh.

EliYah the prophet was the one who said:

1Kings 18:24 And call ye on the name of your elohim, and I will call on the name of Yahweh: and the Elohim that answereth by fire, let him be Elohim. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken

So we must also call upon the name of Yahweh. In fact, the name "EliYah" means "Yahweh is my Mighty One". I tend to think that this is another part of the EliYah message. But there is a third and much more clearly defined part of the EliYah message that we should pay very close attention to:

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

According to this scripture, a curse will fall upon the earth when it has fathers whose hearts are not turned to their children and children whose hearts are not turned to their fathers. So, although at least part of the EliYah message is "My Mighty One is Yahweh" and to remember the law of Moshe, the great duty of the EliYah message is turning the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers! I believe that this message is greatly lacking today.

According to statistics, in the United States of America, at least 4 out of 10 children will go to bed tonight without their father in the home. In most homes where the father is there, children are abandoned spiritually and emotionally. Children are a status symbol or a nuisance rather than a blessing. Children are something to be ignored rather than human beings who desperately need to be shown and taught the ways of eternal life.

O Fathers, where are you???

They are probably at work, with friends, playing with their toys or on the golf course. But what is Yahweh's expectation for Fathers? How important is the role of fathers in their children's life? What does Yahweh say?



The Role of Fathers

Yahweh's plan is for us to communicate His mighty works to our children. For this to be done, a Father must have his heart turned to his children. If it is, this will build a kingdom. The Father has the authority in the home because the Father has the responsibility.

As we read earlier, we should "Remember the law of Moshe". It should be evident to any student of the Torah (Law) that Yahweh demands Fathers to teach His ways to their children. In the Torah (law) of Yahweh, there is one thing that is commanded several times over. That is the command to teach our children the word of Yahweh:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 " Hear, O Israel: Yahweh Elohenu (our El), Yahweh is one! "You shall love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

In the famous "Sh'ma" passage, we see Yahweh's desire for us to teach His commandments diligently to our children and to "talk of them when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up". We are not only commanded by Yahweh to teach them to our children, but to teach them diligently to our children. We are not only to teach them, we are to talk of them all the day long. They are to be in in our hearts and in the hearts of our children. Not only is Yahweh "Echad" (ONE), He wants our families to be "Echad" with one another and with Him. It is written again:

Deuteronomy 11:18 " Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Again, we are to talk of them all the day long. But today, the question must be asked, "How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we rarely even talk to them at all? How can we talk of them to our children when sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up if we are rarely ever home and we send them away to the government schools every day? How many Fathers are truly fulfilling this commandment?

Too often, the adults at various assemblies and meetings engage in high level conversations with one another about the scriptures while the children just sit there bored, squirming in their seats and getting into trouble because they have no clue what is going on or what anyone is even talking about. While some conversations may be above the capabilities of a child, too often it is because they don't know the scriptures. By the time they reach teen-age years, it is often too late because the prime age of influence and impressionability is long gone. At various gatherings, the teens should be with the adults. If they are taught properly, they will be learning and listening because they have a true interest in Yahweh's word just as the adults do. But too often, teens are out playing and learning the ways of other teens rather than learning the ways of Yahweh. Fathers need to wake up!

Deuteronomy 4:8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 " Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 "especially concerning the day you stood before Yahweh your Elohim in Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Notice that Yahweh wants us to teach them to our children and He also wants them to be taught to our grandchildren! Also notice in verse 10 that one of the intentions Yahweh had when giving His commandments in Horeb was that Israel teach them to their children.

Deuteronomy 6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which Yahweh sware unto thy fathers, 19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as Yahweh hath spoken. 20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Yahweh our Elohim hath commanded you? 21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand: 22 And Yahweh shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: 23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our Elohim, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before Yahweh our Elohim, as he hath commanded us.

Deuteronomy 32:46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

So Yahweh's expectation is that our children are diligently taught His ways. Consider also one of the purposes of the observances He commands:

Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 "that you shall say, 'It is the Passover sacrifice of Yahweh, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.' " So the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. 8 "And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what Yahweh did for me when I came up from Egypt.'

Exodus 13:14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 10:1 And Yahweh said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: 2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am Yahweh.

Leviticus 23:42-43 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am Yahweh your Elohim.

Deuteronomy 31:10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh thy Elohim in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your Elohim, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your Elohim, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Can we see again the expectation of Yahweh here? One of the reasons Yahweh has these feasts is so that our children will know and remember His law and His mighty works. Teaching children should therefore be a major focus of any feast we have. The children should not be ignored and sent off to play during the feasts. Nor should the parents expect others to do their job of teaching their children during the feasts while they find other things to do. While the world is successful in keeping their children tied to pagan holidays by appealing to their carnality via gifts & candies, we ought to find ways to tie the strings of our children's hearts to Yahweh by truly fulfilling their spiritual needs when we observe the true holy-days of Yahweh.

Of Abraham it was said:

Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Yahweh, to do justice and judgment; that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

We can also be known by Yahweh as that kind of a father! Within the Torah alone, there were at least 11 times where Yahweh gave a command, admonition or spoke about the need to teach our children His ways. This concept is repeated in the book of Psalms:

Psalm 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 That they may set their hope in Elohim, And not forget the works of Elohim, But keep His commandments; 8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to Elohim.

It is clearly Yahweh's expectation that we teach His ways to the next generation. Yahweh wants a righteous generation to be brought forth from our homes. Indeed, He has indicated that this is one of the purposes for marriage:

Malachi 2:13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because Yahweh has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks righteous offspring (In Hebrew literally, Seed of Elohim). Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. 16 "For Yahweh Elohim of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says Yahweh of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously."

So are we going to raise up a seed of Elohim or children of the devil? Will our children's works advance the kingdom of the devil or the kingdom of Yahweh? Indeed, Yahweh has placed a large part of this responsibility into the hands of the fathers. We have the greatest influence as to the outcome. We can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone to the paths of righteousness. If we are a stepping stone, great is our reward:

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

If we are a stumbling block, woe to us:

Matthew 18:5-7 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

The Proverb indeed says:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Contrary to popular opinion, this scripture does not say, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is grown up, he will abandon Yahweh and sow his wild oats, then come back to Yahweh and not depart" yet this is what many would have us believe!

Much of the book of proverbs is about a man who, in obedience to the scriptures is teaching the wisdom of Yahweh to his son. For example:

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a ***** is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

We see the strong desire in this father that his son would not be ensnared with wine and women. This father was committed to the idea that his child would not depart!

It is high time we raise up a righteous generation that fears Yahweh and keeps His commandments. It is high time that fathers forsake their toys and pursuits of worldly gain and instead focus on raising a righteous generation that will magnify the name of Yahweh! It is high time that Fathers have a vision of what it really means to be a man of Yahweh.

How important is it that our homes are in order and our children are taught Yahweh's ways? Unless one's home is right, they cannot be an effective leader:

Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of Yahweh?);

1Timothy 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of Yahweh, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

We have to be true believers at home, not just when others are watching. The requirements of a spiritual leader is that they have a righteous family with righteous children. Our family is the expression of ourselves and our life. If a man of Yahweh leads a family in righteousness, you can know you have one who is in righteous in his private life. See, our family gives us away. We cannot hide ourselves and what we are like. If Father or Mother are foolish or rebellious, then except by the grace of Yahweh so shall the children be.

Abraham and Eli were leaders. As we read earlier, Abraham had his house right:

Gene 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Eli the priest did not:

1Sam 2:11 Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to Yahweh before Eli the priest. 12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know Yahweh.

Eli apparently made the foolish decision to let his sons be corrupt:

1Sam 3:12 "In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 "For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.

Consider the differing end result of Abraham and Eli! Abraham and his descendants were exalted and blessed beyond measure, but Eli had his generations cut off and destroyed (1Sam 4:16). So let's ponder the question today, are we an Abraham or are we an Eli?

Can we begin to see how important it really is? You see, Yahweh would never have been the "Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" if Abraham hadn't done his job! Will it be said of us that Yahweh is the Elohim of our children and grandchildren? Yahweh is seeking righteous offspring; a Seed of Elohim to walk in His ways. Yahweh desires that His people produce children of righteousness, children of Yahweh.

Let's consider the scriptures which show the results of families who did not pass the truth of Yahweh onto the next generation:

Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know Yahweh nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals;12 and they forsook Yahweh Elohim of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked Yahweh to anger.

There were at least 7 times in approximately 335 years where the book of Judges records one generation that would serve Yahweh, and the next generation forsaking Him. Imagine for a moment the great blessings that might have been realized had only the first generation taught their children to "Know Yahweh"!

Judges 2:10-11 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not Yahweh, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. 11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served Baalim:

As a result of their failure, these rebellious children served false deities. Similar flip-flops are found in the books of First and Second Kings/Chronicles. There would be a generation that would finally repent and serve Yahweh, only to see the succeeding generation be exceedingly wicked.

Is there a way to stop this destructive cycle? What about our children’s generation? What about in the nations that we live in? In recent history there has been a spiraling increase in wickedness. Consider some of the statistics one can find about conditions in the United States:

At least half of all marriages end in divorce. Remarkably, studies show that the divorce rate among denominational Christian churches is equal or higher than that.

The Census Bureau states that in 1998, 58.7% of mothers with infants work outside the home. 61% of married women as a whole work outside the home compared to 6 percent in 1900 (US News & World Report, 12/18/00 pg 56).

According to CNN, Only 6.9 percent of men and 21 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 59 are virgins when getting married.

The birth rate in the U.S. in 1997 was 14.6 per 1,000 population. The world average was 22.6. The birth rate in the U.S. would be higher, but approximately 1 out of 4 babies are murdered by their own mother before they even have a chance to be born. Of those that are born, 1 out of 3 are born out of wedlock. A child conceived in the United States has a 75% chance of either being murdered in the womb or not having their biological father and mother in the home at age 18. Yet, 47% of this nation goes to church every week and 85% profess to be Christian.


What has gone wrong?

The bottom line is that the principles given in scripture for the roles of husbands, fathers, mothers and wives are not appreciated, nor are they followed. Instead, many have chosen to follow their own principles, the principles in psychology & self-help books, and principles given in self appointed marriage experts. Meanwhile, people are suffering along with their little children.

If only people would respect and appreciate the roles given to them by Yahweh! Yahweh, who created us from dust, surely knows the RIGHT way. But who will heed it? The people of this world have little or no vision or burning desire for righteousness within themselves, let alone for the next generation. But it need not be so for us. We need not be conformed to this world:

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim.

We see the sad state of affairs in this world. Many of us were raised in this age of rebelliousness, so what can we do? A most difficult sin to overcome is one that you cannot see. But I believe the word of Yahweh will make it very plain that few men in this age truly know what Yahweh desires our homes to be like.



Be filled with the Spirit

Yahweh is looking for homes that are filled with the Spirit. Let's examine the book of Ephesians where we see that this is a need in every believer's life and that it relates very much to our home life:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

We must understand "what the will of Yahweh is". What is the will of Yahweh? Surely the will of Yahweh is that rather than being filled with wine and/or the cares of this life, we need to be filled with the SPIRIT of Yahweh. This is a commandment and the will of Yahweh to "be filled with the Spirit". It isn't a one time experience, but a whole lifetime experience. We must be continually filled with the Spirit. If we are filled with the Spirit, the fruit will manifest itself.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Messiah's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

These fruits are not necessarily something that we just strive to attain, but they are the fruits of the Ruach HaKodesh or Holy Spirit that should already be in us. If we have repented and accepted Yahushua the Messiah and are walking in His ways, the blessing of Yahweh's Spirit can be upon us:

Acts 5:32 "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him."

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Notice that the Spirit is given to those who ask, and to those who obey Him. Let's continue reading the book of Ephesians and how it describes the life of one who has heeded the command to be "filled with the Spirit". These verses can paint a picture in our minds of how our homes can and should be like when we are all filled with the Spirit:

Ephe 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of Yahweh is 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to Yahweh;

Does this not sound like a home that is filled with the Spirit? The joy and praise of Yahweh in the form of song is overflowing in such a place. The songs will be sung in the home with joy. But this isn't just a one time a day affair; it is a lifetime of joy, peace and walking in the Spirit.

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto Elohim and the Father in the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah;

When we are thankful for what we have been given in life, this makes it possible for the joy of Yahweh to grow in us. All of us should be thanking Yahweh. Husbands, wives, children praising and thanking and singing to Yahweh, loving Yahweh with all their heart. This is the kind of home we should be having!

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Elohim.

Every one of us should have a spirit of meekness, submission and humility. This means that sometimes the Father/Husband submits to his wife and children within the will of Yahweh. We ourselves know how many times Yahweh has submitted to our humble prayers when we were in need. Yahweh wants to fill our homes with His Spirit.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh.

This is truly a beautiful picture that is being drawn. A home where wives know the power of submission, submitting their heart to Yahweh without fear of consequence. You will find no strife or argument between Mother and Father in such a home because the wife is filled with the Spirit and submits herself to her husband, 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. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Messiah also loved the assembly, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

The picture gets more and more beautiful as we read. This is the picture of a home where the husband loves his wife. He is tender and gentle with her as Messiah is to His assembly. He takes care of her needs, spiritually and physically. And she knows that he loves her, not because he says it once a day but because she senses it coming out of his heart by the way he expresses himself in his home. I know that Yahweh wants to bless such a home. I know this is the kind of home I want!

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Imagine a home where the husband leads his wife as Yahushua leads the assembly into absolute perfection, leading her as the Great Shepherd leads his sheep.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Master the assembly: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Messiah and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Such a beautiful picture! One of the Messiah and His assembly. Everyday, right here in our homes. What a great witness this can be for our children! They see the love of Messiah in the Father and the humble submission of the Assembly in the Mother. What a blessing for them to know it and see it every day!

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in Yahweh for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

To me, this sounds like a home that has taken to heart the command to be "filled with the Spirit". Children who obey and honor their father and mother, There is no conflict or disrespect because the Spirit filled children love Yahweh and have great faith in that promise of Yahweh that they will live long on the earth. They see the righteous example of the mother's submission to the father and the father's love and care for the mother. Through this they learn how to submit to Messiah and how much Yahweh loves and cares for them.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

A righteous father guides his children gently, not yelling or jerking them around with a harsh and frustrated spirit, but gently guiding and directing them by the Holy Spirit in the way they should go. He teaches, nurtures, loves and disciplines them.

So now have a completed picture, all of these things bringing together a home filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. Do we have a vision? Do we have a picture? Do we have a hope? We need it!

Proverbs 29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Every one of us needs this vision for our homes, brethren. Yahweh demands that we have such a home. His word says it, we need to do it! It is the will and command of Yahweh. Happy is the home where Yahweh is there!

Psalm 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

Have you ever seen a plant or a garden that wasn't well cared for? You will see the sad and sorry shape of that plant. The leaves are wilted and brown, the ground dried out, there are no fruits or flowers to speak of and the garden is obviously without life. But a plant that has been cultivated, watched over, and watered, fertilized and nurtured is vibrant and bearing fruit. We need to take good care of our garden. If strange children and their influences are choking out your sons, remove the strange children from their presence!

13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose Elohim is Yahweh.

Happy is the home where Yahweh is Elohim, and love fills every word and every action. We must have a home like that! But our vision and desire for it must be clear and strong. We must desire it, like Jacob who wanted the blessing from the angel and strove all night to receive it. We must desire it, like Yahushua wanted to redeem His people. Like David wanted to be delivered from his enemies. Like Hannah wanted a child. Like Abraham wanted a son, so must we desire and want a home like this. Be assured that Yahweh wants homes to be filled with the Spirit in every place, not just one in that assembly or two in another.. but ALL homes that call upon His name.

Without a home that is righteous and filled with the Spirit, there will not be a righteous, Spirit filled assembly! How can an assembly be righteous and filled with the Spirit of Yahweh when the homes are filled with anger, depression and strife? Home is the truth detector. Home is where the real character of a man and woman are revealed. This is reality, you cannot have a righteous and Spirit filled assembly without righteous, Spirit filled people within it! Do you want to know the true test of an assembly? Wait about 10-15 years and find out where the children are! We might lay claim to a great period of restoration in this age, but if in 10 years our children have gone the way of the world, what kind of restoration is that? What shame, what reproach on the name of Yahweh! We need a vision. There needs to be a vision for a torah-keeping home of righteousness.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

It is time that the people of Yahweh reach out into the world around us. Our witness is ruined by having broken homes, and rebellious children. One can lay claim to the keeping of the Torah/Word of Yahweh all they want, but unless they are heeding this guidance from Yahweh about our homes, they are not keeping the Torah at all.

Proverbs 11:29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Do we trouble our own house by ignoring it and chasing after a career or seeking out the scriptures only for ourselves? We will inherit nothing.

Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

We need to bring honor and glory to Yahweh's name by having a spirit filled home. What good is it if we seek the possessions of this world, and lose our children to it? What good is it, if we keep every feast day, every Sabbath, keep clean/unclean commands, and then our homes are a disaster? Yahweh said:

Isaiah 1:13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

Perhaps our hands aren't full of blood, perhaps our children aren't fatherless and our wives a widow. But is it so, spiritually? Are our children on the road to destruction? If they are young, it may not show up right away. But according to the Torah/Law of Yahweh, parents are held responsible for teaching and training their children in the ways of righteousness. Are our children spiritually fatherless? How much time is spent with our children in the Word? Do we fail to "talk of them" at all times? Are our wives spiritual widows? How much time do we spend in the Word with our wives?

Why is Yahweh so concerned about the fatherless and the widow? Is it only because their physical needs must be met? Are not the spiritual needs just as important, if not far more important? Considering all the scriptures where Yahweh is angry because the fatherless and widow are neglected, woe to the fathers who neglect the spiritual needs of their wife and children! All the Sabbaths, calling of assemblies, feast days can be a burden to Him because He cannot endure the neglect. He cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Yahweh is VERY concerned about the wives and children, shouldn't we be? If, in Isaiah 1:13-17, Yahweh cannot endure the offerings, Feast Days and Sabbaths of those who are neglecting the physical needs of what used to be another man's wife and children (fatherless and widow), how much more so if we neglect the spiritual needs of our own wives and children? Consider:

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Is it just the physical providing that Yahweh is concerned about? Surely, the spiritual is far more important. The first leads to physical death, the latter leads to spiritual death. So, are we worse than an unbeliever? Let it not be!

It is high time that fathers turn their hearts to their wives and children! No outreach ministry, feast/sabbath keeping or calling on the right name is going to save us if we fail to address the neglect in these areas. If Yahushua returns tomorrow and we find out that we didn't keep the feast at the right time or we made a mistake in our observances, we might be able to say "I desired the truth, but I was wrong, have mercy on me". We might then be able to observe it correctly under the direction of Messiah. But if Yahushua returns and says "Look, you didn't even provide for your own wife and children", there won't be any correcting brethren, the damage is done! Let it not be so among us. Fathers, turn your hearts!



Examples for us

Let's look at some examples of those who have the kind of home Yahweh is looking for. The house of Job is one:

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

It is written that Job was a man who was "perfect and upright, and one that feared Elohim, and eschewed evil." Job had 7 sons and 3 daughters. How much care and concern did he have for the spiritual health of his children?

Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed Elohim in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Job had such care and concern for his children, that he was concerned that they might have sinned in their hearts. His love and dedication to the lives of his children were part of what made Job such a just and upright man.

The house of Stephanas is another example:

1Cor 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

In this casual mention we see that the house of Stephanas had addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. They were the first fruits of Achaia and were held in reputation. Stephanas and his house were known to have addicted themselves to the work of Yahweh. They had set in their mind that they were going to minister (serve) the saints of Yahweh. There are few ways a family can knit together more strongly than by working together to minister to others. If only there were more who had a home like the home of Stephanas!

Another man who appeared to have the kind of home that Yahweh is looking for:

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

It looks like Philip had his house dedicated to Yahweh. He had 4 daughters who spoke in the power and anointing of Yahweh's Spirit. These are the fruits and results of a righteous home that is filled with the Holy Spirit, directed by a righteous and Spirit filled man. Brethren, we must have the anointing oil of the Spirit to do these things, along with our willing heart. We need a Master Builder in our house:

Psalm 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except Yahweh build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except Yahweh keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Yahweh must build the house! Unless the whole house is centered around Yahweh, it is built in vain. I do not speak of just having His name on our walls, and I don't mean His name only.. but HIM, YAHWEH.

You labor in vain if you build unless Yahweh is in your house. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the fruits of the Spirit therein. A home where the Spirit of Yahweh is there will have the Fathers, Mothers and children all joyfully loving and fulfilling the commandments of Yahweh for each of them. A home full of people where there is no pretense. A home where Yahweh lives among them!

Surely Yahweh knows His own plan for all of our children. How can we set out for them to fill the plan for their lives unless Yahweh is there to show us the way? We need a co-laborer in our home. We need an Elohim in our home. Yes, joyful and blessed is the home where Yahweh lives!

But we must fear Yahweh. There is no conviction today that we must have this kind of home. But consider the will of Yahweh:

Psalm 128:1 "Blessed is every one who fears Yahweh, Who walks in His ways. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

A fruitful vine? Olive plants?

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears Yahweh. 5 Yahweh bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. 6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!".

If we will only fear Yahweh, we can have the home that Yahweh desires for us to have. Our wives can be as a vine, bearing good fruits within our house. Our children can be like the olive plants that make the anointing oil. Little olive plants, filled with the Spirit of Yahweh. If only we will fear Yahweh and walk in His ways. Do we desire to "see the good of (the new) Jerusalem", which is above? Do we desire to "see (our) children's children" there? Then fear Yahweh, walk in His ways and lead Your family there! Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears Yahweh.

To achieve it, we must be pure in heart and set the righteous example in our house. David was such a man:

Psalm 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Yahweh, I will sing praises. 2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

If we want to overcome some sin in our life, we must do it in our home first. Otherwise, we are just pretending. David believed in walking within his house with a perfect heart, setting nothing wicked before his eyes. Too many men today not only set wickedness before their eyes, they do it for entertainment. Countless hours are wasted away in front of the television sets and computers while their wives and children spiritually rot and starve to death. But David didn't want anything to do with beholding wickedness:

4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. 6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me. 7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. 8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of Yahweh.

Do we really hate the work of them that turn aside or do we love to watch them, learn about them and be entertained by them?

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him

The television ("Uncle Charlie") is probably the most deceitful thing in the house, which "worketh deceit" and "telleth lies". I say we don't really need it! There are other ways of getting the news. David ruled his house with the mindset of purity and fear of Yahweh. Thus he also ruled Israel with righteousness and integrity (1Kings 9:4). For that, Yahweh blessed this man after His own heart.



A vision

It seems that some fathers say in their heart about their children "I think they'll be all right, I think they'll make it".

"Make it?"

We need our vision to be much higher than that! We need to dedicate ourselves to raise spiritual leaders: men and women of Yahweh who will be an example and a light to all? Just as we want our Heavenly Father to be concerned about everything in our own lives, to guide us and lead us and protect us; Even so, we must follow our Heavenly Father's example toward our children.

We see the righteous examples given of homes that were pleasing in Yahweh's sight within the pages of scripture. How can we have a home like that? We need a vision. We need to see it in our own homes. We need to make plans to build a home for Yahweh. What house is built without a vision and plans? There is no doubt that Yahweh wants families that are a testimony to His righteousness, a testimony to community around them, and indeed the whole world.

To accomplish this, we need Husbands and Fathers who are willing to love Yahweh above all. A righteous Husband and Father does not compromise this in any way. Let's consider the attributes of such a man. He is:

A man after Yahweh's own heart.

A man who is willing to let Messiah live in him.

He is a man who loves His neighbor as himself.

A man who is thankful for the Messiah's work of love and his life shows it.

A man of great mercy, compassion and understanding yet without failing to stand for what is right.

A man who gives honor to his wife and respect to his children.

One who is dedicated to bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of Yahweh.

One who does not fail to lead by example.

A man whose children are highly in love with the Heavenly Father because they see Yahweh in their earthly Father.

A man whose wife lovingly submits to him, knowing that he loves her.

A man whose children obey him because they love him and would not want to do anything to risk that relationship.

A man whose very life and family are a light unto all nations.

A man who teaches and keeps all of Yahweh's commandments, no matter what book or time they were written in.

One who keeps his tongue from evil and whose speech is as the oracles of Yahweh.

A man whose speech inspires others to walk before Yahweh blamelessly.

One whose every thought, word and deed manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

A man who takes captive every thought and brings it to total submission to Yahweh.

A man of prayer who prays for his family and with his family and who prays for others diligently and without fail.

A man who gives honor to his wife and shows true respect and care for his children.

A man who is a servant to others, meeting their needs in Yahweh.

A man who has spiritual discernment because he is so in tune with the Spirit of Yahweh.

A man, like Daniel, in whom nobody can find fault, unless it be with him and his Elohim.

A man who leads His family in all of these characteristics.

Perhaps this is a lofty goal that seems out of reach. But let's always remember:

Philippians 3:12 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah Yahushua. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, Elohim shall reveal even this unto you.

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with Elohim.

With Yahweh, we can do it. We can put the past behind us and be this kind of Father and Husband. We can be this man who builds a spiritual heritage not only for his children, but for his children's children. We can be this man who will see his children's children in the new Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)! Such a man will bring forth children who are bright lights for Yahweh, shining with Yahweh's light to all they come in contact with. Children who are a testimony to all.

A QUIVER FULL OF ARROWS

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of YAHWEH: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

How is it that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man? Why shall they speak with their enemies in the gate? Because a man who has a home of righteous children has the armor and strength to battle against the enemy, a united and strong front that nothing can destroy. A man of righteousness may be strong, but an entire home of righteousness? That's power!

We need arrows that will hit the mark against the enemy. Let's make arrows for Yahweh! I can tell you about one man who had a home like this and it completely turned my world upside down. I was going the wrong way, my children were headed for destruction and I had no vision and I had no realization of what a family could or should be like. I'm still in damage repair due to years of neglect, but all things are possible with Yahweh!

I have learned that we aren't raising children, we are raising adults. If you are raising children, you will have children when you are done. If you raise righteous adults, you will have righteous adults when you are done.

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

Are we raising foolish children or righteous adults? What kind of heritage are we leaving to our grandchildren?



Building generations of Righteousness

If we have children, we are laying a foundation for the generations to come. How many generations will the foundation we have laid bear fruit to righteousness? In truth, we are the foundation of the next generation. The next generation will grow up on you. What kind of foundation are you laying down? If our children are lost to the world, what kind of foundation is that? We want a foundation of righteousness that will last many generations.

Genesis 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice, that Yahweh may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Great blessings were promised to Abraham because Yahweh knew that he could depend on Abraham. Because of Abraham’s commitment to his home, Yahweh became known as the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Will Yahweh depend on us to have our hearts turned to our children in similar manner? Or will Satan be depending on us to have our hearts turned away from our children, and toward other things? Of course, he knows if our hearts are distracted by other things he has the best chance at destroying them along with our grandchildren.

Did you know that if you had 2 children and 6 generations thereafter had 3 children, you would have influenced 1,458 children? Did you know that if you had 5 children and 6 generations thereafter had 5 children, you would have influenced 78,125 children?! Can we begin to see why the Torah repeats itself over and over with commandments that lift up the importance of raising a righteous generation? Can we begin to see why Yahweh will smite the earth with a curse unless somehow, some way the Father's hearts are turned to their children and the children's hearts are turned toward their Fathers (Malachi 4:6)?

Some might say, "Well, the Messiah will be here before 6 generations". To them I say, this was said 6 generations ago and look at the situation we are in today! Is that an excuse to neglect your children? Yahweh forbid! How many children must be thrown in the lake of fire before you will commit yourself? 78, 125? Five? One? Your own precious son or daughter?

But how many are willing to make the sacrifice, pay the price, change the priorities of their life for raising their children? If the generation before us had paid that price, there would be multitudes of good examples for us to look to. There isn't much today, but that can change:

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye Yahweh. Blessed is the man that feareth Yahweh, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

If we want our seed to be mighty upon the earth, we need fathers whose children know that he fears Yahweh, delights in His commandments and loves to pray, read the scriptures, discipline himself, and that he really loves Yahweh behind closed doors. It is true that our children are usually excited about the things we are excited about. If we are excited about Yahweh, our children will be too. If we are totally consumed with raising up righteous children, it can happen. We should want children that will be a mighty influence in this world for Yahweh. If you minister in their presence, the whole house can be a ministry to others. But who is willing to pay the price?

Most people today are too busy to raise up righteous children. Too busy to make arrows that hit the mark, too busy making money, chasing after the wind.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; Elohim is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Assuredly, you get what you pay for! Indeed, you reap what you sow. It may be 30 years, but you will get what you pay for. What you give will be returned to you. Cast your bread upon the waters and it shall return to you after many days. I have never heard a man on his death bed say "I wish I hadn't spent so much time and effort raising righteous children". Let's have a vision where we are on our death bed and all of our children and grandchildren are with us, praying to Yahweh together. If we can raise a generation of righteous children, we'll raise up a generation of people that will surpass all that we could have imagined. Fathers, it is time for repentance, a change of mind that brings about a change of action! It is needful to repent, if knowing that we are going the wrong way. We need to take this knowledge and make the change by turning our hearts to our children:

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy Elohim, I will also forget thy children.

Can you imagine the above words being spoken about your children? Imagine hearing that they would be destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, because of your own failure to teach them the knowledge of Yahweh. I cannot bear the thought!
Let's not forget that the law of Yahweh commands us to teach our children the ways of righteousness. Let's remember to teach them diligently and show them the way by our example and concern for their spiritual livelihood. Let's yield our heart and our life to Yahweh. Let's thirst for laying a foundation of righteousness for this next generation:

Isaiah 44:2 Thus saith Yahweh that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

We should be thirsty, we can't be satisfied where we are. Let's desire that Yahweh pours out His Spirit upon our seed, and His blessing upon our offspring. Look at the beautiful promise and illustration:

4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

What are these children saying?

5 One shall say, I am Yahweh's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto Yahweh, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Let's hunger and thirst before Yahweh to let this promise come to pass in our lives. We want them to say "I am Yahweh's". If we will only turn from any and all transgression, including the forsaking our children:

Isai 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Yahweh. 21 As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith Yahweh; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith Yahweh, from henceforth and for ever.

Yahweh will bless the seed, but we must turn to Yahweh fully. Isn't this what we want? As a testimony to Yahweh, the Gentiles will acknowledge that our children are the seed that Yahweh has blessed.

Isai 61:8 For I Yahweh love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh hath blessed.



A place of refuge, a walled city

Our Heavenly Father provides a place of refuge for us. What do we provide for our children?

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Fathers, our children do need a place of refuge in this wicked world. We must fear Yahweh to receive the blessings of arrows that hit the mark.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

We must have rule over our own spirit so that our household is guided under the authority of Yahweh. Too many homes are guided by threats, anger and intimidation.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Our homes should be like a walled city and place of refuge. Ancient cities of renown always had walls. Within the walls, one could find peace and protection. There would be at least one elder at the gates. The elders decided who would enter the city and who would not. If there were ever a breach in the wall, it was quickly repaired lest an enemy enter in. I once heard in a scripture study that our homes can also be likened unto a walled city. The father is the elder at the gate, deciding who and what influences will enter the home. Whether it be a person, a book, a magazine or anything that could potentially harm his home spiritually, the Father should be there to keep his wife and children from the subtle influences of sin. I believe that the Television is one of the most destructive things a person can have in their home. It is like a giant breach in the wall. It is almost impossible to guard ahead of time unless it is previewed it in some way. Television thrusts scenes and words upon you and your family, and the damage is often already done by the time you determine how wicked it really was. It is also a thief that robs a man's time when time is so short!

But what if the elder is not even at the gate of his walled city? What if he is out working and playing all hours of the day or night? What if he ships his children off to the world, outside those walls for 8 or more hours a day where they are a companion of fools and taught the ways of the world?

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Surely we wouldn't let a little child play in the street because we know about the risk of their physical death. Why then would we send them into the dangerous playground of this unbelieving generation where there is such a great risk of spiritual destruction? No! We must protect the children within our walled city and train their hands and minds for war until they are ready to do battle. YES, absolutely yes, this means that the children are schooled and taught at home. I do not believe that children of Yahweh should be raised in government schools. It is not the responsibility of the government to teach our children. It is not even the responsibility of the congregation to teach our children. The Torah says it is our own responsibility to teach our children.

If we really want to raise up a righteous generation in the midst of a crooked and perverse one, then we need to be together. I believe the best arrangement is usually that Mom, Dad and the children are normally all together in the same house throughout the course of a day. If we want to fulfill the vision, and heed the call, then men NEED to be with their families as much as possible. This practice of going off to work every day and children going off to school every day is so very often terribly destructive to homes and relationships! Fathers are strongly encouraged to do what it takes to work from home, even if it means having to lower your standard of living. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob didn't send their children out of the home to be with transgressors while they went out and worked for transgressors. I believe this is a good example for us. Because it is such an evil time, we must be very much on guard and watching over our nest.

Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

While the men are out, the spiritual forces of wickedness are often in. And too often, while the men are out, they too get caught up in the world’s lusts and wickedness. The home is left without an elder at the gate because the elder is doing other things. If our wives do an admirable job while we are away and we are overcoming, then maybe the need for this is not as great. But if you are concerned about how the house is running when you are gone and you see the ‘weaker vessel’ struggling, bear the burden and remember that we are the ones that Yahweh will hold accountable for the outcome. Yahweh didn't accept Adam's excuse in the Garden of Eden ("This woman you gave me..") and I don't see Him accepting it in the future. Because we are the ones accountable, I believe the best arrangement is for the Fathers to be working at home. Many who have successful homes agree.

Some might say "What about making a living?" Maybe we need to lower your standard of living if need be. Sell that house, get out of debt, sell that expensive car, do whatever it takes to be there with your children. When I cried out to Him, Yahweh enabled me to do just that. He can do it for anyone. Fathers, He wants to enable us to obey His command to talk of the precepts when we rise up, when we lie down, when we walk by the way or wherever we might be. For which is worse? Losing your career or losing your children to Satan's clutching power? Better to lose your big beautiful house than to lose the soul of your own children!

Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

I know one believer who lived in a bus with his family and had no running water or electricity. But he was home most of the time, his 6 year old had already read through all the scriptures twice and his 4 year old was half way through! Some might say this is extreme, but it underlines the question: What good will it do if we gain the whole world and meet all the financial wants, but then neglect the spiritual needs and let our children's soul be lost as a result? Maybe we need less than we think we need. We can be sure that Yahweh will provide our physical needs if we put Him first:

Matthew 6:32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of Yahweh and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Fathers, if we love our children the way we should, we need to not only be willing to give up our careers, houses and lands for their sake, but all of the worldly possessions that we have. Isn't this the example that Yahushua gave? Did He fail to withhold even His very life for our sakes?? Greater love has no man than this! We should be a wonderful living example of Yahushua to the world, and especially to our own children! This means dying to self and sacrificing anything that must be sacrificed to instill the ways of Yahweh to our children, and ultimately to our grandchildren.

Fathers, we must be burdened enough about it that we will not stop until we see it. We cannot sit back! As you read this, Satan is actively working to destroy your children. We must fulfill the vision. We must be strong. We must do the work. We must die to ourselves and let the Messiah live in us, doing the work in us. For the time has come and the time is now. Fathers, turn your hearts!!

Psalms 71:18 - Now also when I am old and gray headed, O Elohim, forsake me not; until I have shown your strength unto this generation, and your power to every one that is to come.

Rather than letting our children be strangers to the great gifts and works of Yahweh, let’s take the time every day and have some worship and scripture reading with our families. Pick a specific hour of the day where you will refuse to let anything distract you. We've personally found great benefit in having everyone spend one hour reading and studying the scriptures, then coming together for family worship, praise and scripture lesson for another hour. Then throughout the day, it is good to guide each conversation toward lessons in Yahweh’s word.

We must seek to have a spirit of love, joy and peace as we build the house, one lesson at a time, one experience at a time, that Yahweh might fashion in our children a beautiful home for His presence. Then it can be also said of them:

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of Elohim, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in Yahweh, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Elohim in the Spirit.

Therefore, let’s sanctify ourselves and dedicate ourselves to building a house that will not be destroyed in the whirlwinds of adult life.

Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

1Chronicles 28:10 - Take heed now; for YAHWEH hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

May Yahweh bless you as you do HIS work in the family He gives you!

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