Nathan’s Private Japanese Garden of Eden Tour

There is a saying, “Practice what you preach”. Well, on this channel, we talk a lot about Japanese style tree and shrub pruning, but we live it also. This video is the first ever debut of and your personal invitation to tour Nathan’s own private Japanese garden, which he has created from nothing in his own, somewhat eclectic, Pacific Northwest style over the past 30 years. When he started, the yard was a blank palette…well, not exactly. It was actually a non-landscaped, weed-infested garbage dump. Nathan hauled out a 30-yard dumpster load of old motorcycle and car parts parts, broken furniture, pallets, dead animals, and a lot of other junk besides, and then he got to work transforming it into what it is today. Like all Japanese gardens, this one has been a work in progress, and there is still more to be done. In the mean time, please allow me to share it with you as it currently is. Enjoy. — Nathan Lawrence, the Treevangelist

 

Why Is Fasting or “Afflicting the Soul” So Important?

Afflicting the soul is the path to spiritual greatness and many blessings and rewards!

The Bible teaches us that fasting or “afflicting the soul” is the key to intimacy with YHVH Elohim and to receiving spiritual power. This is something that YHVH commands his children to do at least once a year (on the high holy day of Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement), and more often if one is serious about their spiritual walk. 

But how is it possible that a simple activity such as going without food for a period of time could be so crucial to spiritual transcendence? In this brief study, we will find the surprising answer this important question. 

As we study this issue, let’s keep in mind that the ways of YHVH are often contrary to the ways of man. Yeshua taught us that to live we must die to ourselves; to become rich we must be givers; that the way down is the way up, that to be a great leader, we must become a servant; and in the case of afflicting the soul, to feed our spirit man we must sometimes starve our flesh and soul (that is, our mind, will and emotions) man. 

What Is Fasting?

The Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur is a day to afflict your souls (Lev 16:29 and 23:27) or literally “to humble ourselves.” The word afflict is the Hebrew word anah meaning “to oppress with the idea of humility or meekness in mind coupled with the idea of a suffering life rather than with one of worldly happiness and abundance” (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, vol. 2, p. 682). The Jewish Publications Study Bible (or JPS) translates the phrase afflict yourselves as “you shall practice self denial.”Although this verse does not specifically mention fasting as a component of Yom Kippur, Jewish understanding on the term afflict your souls is firm that this refers to fasting (The ArtScroll Tanach Series Vayikra/Leviticus Commentary, p. 404). With this view in mind, the pre-eminent nineteenth-century Orthodox Jewish sage, Samson Raphael Hirch in his Torah commentary translates afflict your souls as “starve your vital spirits” (The Penteteuch-Leviticus, p. 678). However and more importantly, there is a scriptural proof that afflicting one’s soul as means fasting (i.e., abstaining from food). That link is found in Isaiah 58, which some Bible commentators believe is a reference to Yom Kippur. In verses three and eight, the terms afflict [one’s] soul and fast are used synonymously. The word for fast is the Hebrew word tsuwm meaning “to abstain from food.”We also see the connection between fasting and afflicting the soul in Psalm 35:13 where David states, “I humbled/afflicted my soul with fasting.”

Additionally, the Jewish sages teach that Leviticus 23:27 suggests five afflictions that one must endure on Yom Kippur: no eating and drinking, no washing oneself, no anointing oneself, no wearing leather shoes, and no cohabitation. It is suggested that these five afflictions correspond to the five times the term soul/nephesh are found in this passage (i.e., verses once each in 27 and 29, twice in 30, and once in 32; see Baal HaTurim’s commentary on Lev 23:27). Although these suggested “afflictons” are not biblical commands, they nevertheless provide us with insights into what if means to afflict ones soul.

Christian commentators Keil and Delitzsch begin to connect the dots for us as to why fasting is tied to atonement. 

If the general atonement made on this day was not to pass into a dead formal service, the people must necessarily enter in spirit into the signification of the act of expiation [atonement], prepare their souls for it with penitential feelings, and manifest this penitential state by abstinence from the ordinary enjoyments of life. To afflict (bow, humble) the soul, by restraining the earthly appetites, which have their seat in the soul, is the early Mosaic expression for fasting (oum) … ‘By bowing his soul, the Israelite was to place himself in an inward relation to the sacrifice, whose soul was given for his soul; and by this state of mind, answering to the outward proceedings of the day, he was to appropriate the fruit of it to himself, namely, the reconciliation of his soul, which passed through the animal’s death’ (Baumgarten) (vol. 1, p. 591).

The Purpose of Fasting

The purpose of fasting is not to torture or punish oneself for the sins that one has committed during the past year. Rather, it is a time to deeply reflect on one’s need for atonement, and to appropriate to oneself through deep heart reflection on the sacrifice for one’s sins that YHVH has made for us through Yeshua the Messiah, to whom all the animal sacrifices of the ancient Levitical sacrificial system pointed. 

Furthermore, in sublimating the soul (the carnal mind, will and emotions) within each of us by afflicting it causes the spirit of man within to rise up. To have a deep and vital relationship with YHVH Elohim, the degradation of the soul with its earthly and carnal passions is necessary, since it is one’s personal spirit that most suffers as a result of the dominance and sin-bent tendencies of one’s soul. When the soul is “pushed down,” one’s personal spirit can rise up and connect to or commune more efficaciously with YHVH. It is the spirit in man, as activated by the Spirit of Elohim, which is man’s spiritual connecting link to his Creator (Rom 8:16; Job 32:8; 1 Cor 2:10–14; 1 John 2:20,27; 4:2–3; Prov 20:27). In brief, fasting helps us to transcend our physical natures and to focus without distraction upon YHVH. 

Of the Day of Atonement, Christian commentator, Matthew Henry says,

He that would do the work of [the] Day of Atonement in its day, as it should be done, had need lay aside the thoughts of everything else.… [T]hey must lay aside all their worldly business, that they might the more clearly and the more reverently hear that voice of joy and gladness.… They must mortify the body, and deny the appetites of it, in token of their sorrow for the sins they had committed, and mortifying of their indwelling corruptions. (Matthew Henry—A Commentary on the Whole Bible, p. 539, World Bible Publishers)

More on Afflicting the Soul

The biblical holy day of the Day of Trumpet (Shofar Blowing or Yom Teruah, which occurs just ten days prior to Yom Kippur, is the day of the awakening blast signifying the time for the righteous to awake from spiritual lethargy and lukewarmness and to be ready for the coming of Yeshua, our Bridegroom.

How do we awaken spiritually?

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Have a Joyous Yom Teruah/Day of Shouting or Shofar Blowing!

Here are some free resources to help you have a most meaningful and joyous Yom Teruah with understanding of YHVH Elohim’s divinely revealed Truth. What is the past, present and future significance of Yom Teruah and what does it have to do YHVH’s end time saints? Read Nathan’s teaching article on the subject at https://www.hoshanarabbah.org/pdfs/yom_teruah.pdf.

Check at the several videos teachings that Nathan has given on Yom Teruah when he was pastoring a local congregation at by see his playlist on The Biblical Feasts and the Sabbath at https://www.youtube.com/HoshanaRabbah or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk1gzbYEFuE&list=PL5EzE5DQnrHfWWbczzkRo6IOnglxhbRfM&index=12&t=591s.

 

Nitzavim Deuteronomy 29—The Saints R Israelites, Not Gentiles!

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is full of prophecies about the people of YHVH—i.e., Israel. He revealed his Truth to Israel, he made covenants with Israel that revealed His path to physical blessings and spiritual redemption or salvation through the promised Israelite Messiah. Those who are outside of Israel (i.e., the Gentiles) have no such blessings or covenants, for they are without God and without hope (Eph 2:12). The Bible is clear. ALL those who are IN Yeshua the Messiah, that is, who have a spiritual relationship with Him, are now the offspring of Abraham and are no longer are Gentiles (Gal 3:28–29). The fact is that Yeshua is coming back for one bride—an Israelite bride, NOT two brides—a Jewish bride and a Gentile bride. He is not a polygamist. Furthermore, there is no Gentile gate in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:12)—Gentiles WILL NOT be there—only redeemed Israelites who are in Messiah and part of the nation of Israel and within the covenant promises that YHVH made to of Israel. Learn about this and more in this video.

 

Congregation Elim Online Shabbat Fellowship Invite

Nathan Lawrence, along with co-leader Donna Nash (from North Carolina), is hosting a regular online Shabbat gathering via Zoom. If you are interested in joining the group, please send me a request at nathan@goodnewstree.com. 

This online gathering is only open to those who are serious about living in accordance with YHVH’s written Torah, and who are believers in and lovers of Yeshua the Messiah, the Living Torah. 

If you make a request to join the group, please share with Nathan your personal testimony of your salvation (how you came to faith in Yeshua the Messiah) and a statement about your basic biblically-based beliefs. Nathan may then ask you a few questions follow-up questions via email or by phone if clarifications are necessary. 

To date, we have a wonderfully geographically eclectic group of polite and respectful folks from all over the U.S. and some foreign countries as well. Nathan (and sometimes Donna) gives a Bible teaching, and there is plenty of questions and answers as well as discussions where folks share their edifying insights on various biblical topics as led by the Spirit of Elohim. We also pray for one another and sometimes even have a little praise and worship.

Shalom.

 

Daniel 2 and the New World Order

Daniel Chapter Two Overview

Photo Credit: http://www.davidegalliani.com/2014/10/il-regime-satanico-parte-ii-il-sogno-di.html

In this chapter, YHVH arranges circumstances for Daniel to be introduced to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, through the revelation and interpretation of dreams. A similar event occurred with Joseph to the Pharaoh of Egypt.

At the same time, Daniel is revealed to be a superior counselor to the king over his pagan advisors, magicians, astrologers, sorcerers and Chaldean priests.

Through Daniel’s interpretation of the king’s dream, a future history is revealed of the kingdoms that will rule in Europe and the Near East until the end of the age, when Yeshua will return and establish his world-ruling millennial kingdom. This historical overview begins the Neo-Babylonian kingdom and empire under Nebuchanezzar II and ends with what is revealed in the book of Revelation to be a world ruling geopolitical, economic and religious system which it refers to as Mystery Babylon the Great.

Daniel 2:1, In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. Shortly after arriving in Babylon, YHVH opened the door for Daniel’s divine mission. 

Daniel 2:2, Chaldeans. These were the “Levitical” priests of Babylon.

Daniel 2:28, In the latter days. The latter days of what? Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, the kingdom of Babylon or the latter days of as in the end times when Yeshua will return? As we proceed, we see that Daniel interpretation of the king’s dream, spans a period from that time until the second coming of Yeshua.

Daniel 2:31–35, A great image. The head of gold is Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian Empire. Daniel says this. The chest and arms of silver were the Persian Empire that succeeded Babylon and which Daniel records occurred. After that, are the belly and thighs of bronze which was the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. Following that were the two legs of iron and clay or the Roman Empire, which eventually subdivided into two empires: the eastern and western empires. Out of the remnants of this grow ten subdivisions, which will exist when Yeshua—the Stone that was cut without hands—will utterly destroy this system that had its roots in ancient Babylon and in the end times is referred to in the book of Revelation as Mystery Babylon the Great. After this, Yehsua will establish his millennial kingdom and will rule over all the earth (Rev 20:2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

Daniel 2:34, Struck the image. This event is recorded in Revelation chapter 18. How the destruction of the end times Babylon the Great occurs is recorded in Revelation 19 culminating in the commonly-called Battle of Armageddon, when King Yeshua and his heavenly army will destroy once and for all the military arm of this world ruling Satanic system (Rev 19:17–21).

Daniel 2:35, A great mountain. In biblical prophecy, a mountain is often a poetic Hebraism for a government.

Daniel 2:41, Toes. If the legs are the Roman Empire the western leg of which fell in A.D. 456 and the eastern leg of which fell in 1453 with the fall of Constantinople to the Muslims, then the ten toes must somehow originate out of the two legs of the Roman Empire. The western or Rome-based leg continued to rule as a  politico-religious entity under the Roman Catholic Church and it Holy Roman Empire exercising influence over Europe and its colonies for hundreds of years after the fall of Rome in the fifth century. Meanwhile, after 1453, Islam ruled most of the lands of the ancient Roman Empire in the east. 

Two Legs (one possible understanding of the metaphorical meaning). Until recently, the idea that somehow the “Christian” western leg of the old Roman Empire would in some way unite with the eastern Muslim leg of the old Roman Empire seemed impossible and ludicrous. However, this is no longer the case. West and east began coming together through their mutual economic interests in oil along with advent of the petrodollar. After that, the Roman Catholic Church has began making ecumenical overtures to Muslim world over the past few decades. Finally, with the hordes of Muslim refugees fleeing into Europe, it is projected that in some countries in a decades the demographics will switch to a Muslim majority as native European birth rates continue to decline steadily. Already, more and more Muslims are assuming the reigns of political leadership in various European countries (e.g. the current mayor of London).

In light of these recent developments, it is not surprising to see the two legs of the ancient Roman Empire cooperating, yet remaining separate (iron and clay). Each has its own goals of world domination, yet each is united in its hatred of Israel and the Jews, and of fundamental Christianity. The current pope, for example, has blatant Marxist leanings and is openly pushing a globalist, Antichrist agenda at many levels. Similarly, Islam is akin to Marxism in its fascistic approach to governance and its Antichrist beliefs. In fact, Islam more than any other religious system on earth best fits the John’s five criteria that define the spirit of Antichrist in his first and second epistles.

Two Legs (another possible understanding of the metaphorical meaning). The two legs are one single kingdom (vv. 40, 41, 42) with two subdivisions reprented y the two legs which are still one in that they are joined at the hip. The two legs are the two subdivisions of the ancient Roman Empire into east and west as described above. The one leg represents the West, most notably, Europe and North America and its traditional allies, while the other leg is East, most notably the Islamo-fascist countries along with Russia and China. Even though each leg appears to be separate, they are still connected at the hip (economically). In a sense, they represent the yin and yang of the New World Order by which the globalist exercise dominion over the earth through controlled opposition. Both sides are economically tied, so behind the scenes they need each other, while on the surface and in public view, they are in open opposition to and even, at times, at war with each other. It is a fragile alliance that is held together through a somewhat tennuous global technocracy.

Ten toes. This is likely the subdivision of the nations of the earth into ten semi-autonomous regions under the control of a world-ruling government, and which is something that the United Nations has publicly proposed in the past. 

Daniel 2:41–43, Iron mixed with ceramic clay…mingled with the seed of men. The understanding that has come to me as to the meaning of the enigmatic symbols of the iron and clay in Daniel 2:43 follows. If I am correct, the meaning of this prophetic passage written nearly 2,500 years ago will a have profound impact on our every day lives very soon.

This prophetic passage reads,

Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Dan 2:41–43)

Iron is an obvious metaphor for machines, technology and ultimately a global technocracy that will attempt to totally control all humans. Clay seems to be a less obvious metaphor for humanity who, we are told, the Creator made from the earth or clay. After all, the first man was named Adam, which is a Hebrew wordmeaning “red or ruddy” and is a cognate of the Hebrew word adama meaning “earth.” All humans innately yearn to be free and will resist being controlled or even superceded by robotic machines, technology and artificial intelligence. Let me explain.

The iron appears to be a symbol of machines (which are largely metallic in composition) that will be used not only to control, but in many cases, to replace man with a technocracy (a governmental system that involves controlling humans through technology) involving robots, artificial intelligence, biometric data tracking, the internet of things and transhumanism, which will be the globalists’ attempt to fascistically impose their will on the human population, through governmental control, for the purposes of the acquisition of total power and all of the earth’s wealth. The more machines replace or are melded generically with humans (to create a race of super humans, see Dan 2:42 cp. Gen 6:2–4), the fewer humans (or non-genetically engineered humans) will be needed to perform normal work-a-day tasks in the factories of the global puppet masters. Therefore, the reduction of the human population has been the long-proposed goal of the Malthusian-inspired globalists. What better way to do this then to force humans to take a pharmaceutical injection that ostensibly purports to be for the betterment of their health, but in reality and in many cases often maims or kills them—especially the weaker, less useful, members of the human species?

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