Andrea L. Sims Ph.D. “Unfolding First Things” Part II of “Unfolding The Kingdom” Series

Art by Andrea

“Unfolding First Things”

Part II of “Unfolding The Kingdom” Series

 Andrea L. Sims Ph.D.

You might recall if you have read previous blogs of mine that I’m “unfolding” things (pah’thack in the Hebrew)—opening things up for you as they are opened up for me. Unfolding can also mean entrance, as in gaining new understanding (light, according to the Scriptures). I am learning as I go. And I write in what I call “Morning Pages” style – sharing my thoughts, questions, musings along the way. The topic for this blog is laid out for us by Messiah while teaching his disciples, beginning in Matthew chapter 5 and continuing into chapter 6. We pick his words up in verse 33: 

“But seek ye first

The Kingdom of Elohiym,

And his righteousness: and 

All these things shall be added unto you.”

Messiah instructs his followers to seek, first of all, Yah’s Kingdom (and the righteousness that accompanies it). He had previously explained to the crowds that enquired of him, what his purpose was: He stated very plainly that he “came to do the Father’s will” and “to finish his work”. That was his focus: to accomplish his Father’s work of proclaiming the Besorah or Good News of the Kingdom. It’s interesting that where there is a “first”, then, by necessity, there is a “last”:

And this Besorah of the Kingdom

must be preached

in all the world,

and then . . .

the end will come.

(Matt. 24:14)

During my research on The Kingdom, I have been stopped in my tracks, as they say, to just try and grasp the depth that is in the Scriptures and the corresponding implications for our lives. I had this nice little outline before I began writing and had it all organized in my mind as to how to proceed. But during my early morning times of reading and communing with Yah, my heart has been flooded with things not on my list! Now, at this moment, my desk is a mess with notes of all kinds and sizes mixed in with an earlier draft that went nowhere! My stomach is in knots on and off, and I find myself staring out the window of my office hoping and praying to get out on paper in a way that makes sense all that is whirling around in my mind. 

Art by Andrea

Searching out the things of Yah is just plain overwhelming—there’s so much and everything is connected to everything else. There is a literal understanding on one level, but then there are Scriptures that seem to contradict and/or confirm but with increasing complications to consider. And if you begin, as I have, to consider the implications of what I am finding, then it’s not hard to see why things come to a screeching halt. And that’s not even considering any revelation that Yah may graciously open up. I have to calm myself and fight against wanting/needing to see the “whole picture”—which, in the case of the Scriptures is impossible—to then be able to tackle the “parts” as I best I can. 

It was just yesterday (very early, like 2:30 a.m.) when it came to me that my longing for The Kingdom is really more about my longing . . .  for The King.

For, it seems, that in order for there to be a Kingdom, there must first be a King. By looking into the nature of the King, we can gain insight into the Kingdom, for the King establishes his dominion as a reflection of his person. That makes sense to me, at least. So, I turned to Hebrews, chapter 1 to begin to gather a description of the King we are referring to (Yahusha Ha’Mashiach, the Messiah):

Yah appointed Messiah to become heir of all things

because Messiah had been with Yah during creation.

Messiah is the brightness of Yah’s glory

and

the express image of Yah’s person.

Messiah is even now upholding all things

by the word of Yah’s power.

After Messiah had purged our sins by himself,

He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Yahuah Elohiym).

In John, chapter one, we find more about our King Messiah:

In the beginning was the Word,

and

The Word was with Elohiym, 

and

Elohiym was the Word. 

All things were made by him (Messiah). 

In him (Messiah, the King)

was life itself.

Then in John 14:9-11, Messiah tells his disciples the following about himself:

He that has seen me

has seen the Father.

The Father and I are one.

Art by Andrea

Messiah called it “the Kingdom of Heaven 

(Matt. 3:2, 4:17, 5:3)  

He said his Kingdom was not of this world

(John 18:36)

He also said it “was to come” (Matt. 6:10)

He preached “the Besorah (Good News) of The Kingdom 

(Matt. 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, Mark 1:14)

He gave instructions regarding The Kingdom 

(Matt. 6:33, Luke 12:31, Luke 9:2, 9:60, 11:2)

He said he wouldn’t celebrate the Passover until he did it with us

in The Kingdom

(Luke 22:16,18)

Messiah spoke after his resurrection, many things pertaining to The Kingdom

(Acts 1:3)

The focus of his teaching was/is The Kingdom

(Luke 9:11). 

The Kingdom—

belongs to Yah (Matt. 6:13)

is at hand (Matt. 10:7)

suffers violence (Matt. 11:12)

was prepared for some from the beginning (Matt. 25:34)

has no end (Luke 11:20)

often is preached accompanied by healing and deliverance (Luke 10:9, 11:20)

is a gift from Yah (Luke 12:32)

has been preached ever since John the Baptist (Luke 16:16)

it comes not by observation (Luke 17:20) 

is within you (Luke 17:21)

was preached by Paul (Acts 19:8, 20:25, 28:23,31)

was preached by Philip (Acts 8:12)

is entered through much tribulation (Acts 14:22)

is not eat and drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Ruach (Spirit)

Romans 14:17

Is not in word but in power (I Cor. 4:20)

Will appear (2 Tim. 4:1)

Has a scepter of righteousness (Hebr. 1:8)

Encompasses all the kingdoms of this world at the end (Rev. 11:15)

Is accompanied by salvation, strength, and power (Rev. 12:10)

There are additional descriptions throughout the Scriptures of The Kingdom, some of which appear to be a mystery. (See Matt. 13:11, Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10). A glimpse into the mysteries of The Kingdom could also become a part of this series. I’m just not sure yet. 

We have seen, then, that Messiah’s focus was on The Kingdom. And in the Matthew chapter 24:14 passage, we see that this Besorah of the Kingdom must be preached in all the world before the end comes. That leaves me with some questions:

What exactly then, is the Besorah? Are there clues in both the Tanak (O.T) and in the N.T.?

Who is it that gains entrance into The Kingdom and what does that entrance look like?

What can we learn about The Kingdom from the Parables Messiah taught?

These things are whirling around in my head as I contemplate the remaining “unfoldings” in this series. But I also know that while I make my plans, Yah orders my steps because . . . as it is written . . . “For in his hand are both [me] and [my] words (Wisdom of Solomon 7:16). 

I’d love your thoughts so please share.

Scripture used in this blog:

https://www.cepher.net/shop.aspx?itemid=2406&prodid=97023&pagetitle=%d7%90%d7%aa-Cepher-Scriptures-Millennium-Edition

Fiery Faith Ministries Bonfire fundraiser

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Priestly blessing in Hebrew/art by Andrea

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The Second Exodus

 

The Greater Exodus

 What do Holocaust survivors, African Americans, and Native Americans, along with many other people groups have in common? Intergenerational trauma. Research from various universities and other privately funded studies have all arrived at the same outcome; Intergenerational trauma, which is also known as collective trauma. 

As we explore this topic, keep in mind some of the interactions Moshe and Aaron had with the Israelites fleeing Pharaoh along with their journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land. I would like you, the reader, to also keep in the back of your mind the possibility of a repeat of these behaviors and attitudes during the Greater Exodus.

WebMD Medically Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM on September 09, 2022 Written by Evan Starkman

What Is Intergenerational Trauma?

If you have ancestors or older relatives who went through a very distressing or oppressive event, their emotional and behavioral reactions could ripple through the generations of your family and affect you. This is called intergenerational trauma. You might also hear it called generational trauma, historical trauma, or multigenerational trauma.

It may stem from personal trauma, such as child or domestic abuse, or from trauma that a specific cultural, racial, or ethnic group endured. It’s been tied to major events like wars, slavery, the Holocaust, and colonial violence against Native Americans. It might even result from natural disasters like a flood, earthquake, or pandemic.

What Are the Long-Term Effects?

Intergenerational trauma could take a toll on your health in a number of ways. The reactions can be different for each generation, but they could include:

• Shame

• Anxiety and guilt

• Feeling helpless or vulnerable

• Low self-esteem

• Depression

• Higher chances of suicide

• High rates of heart disease

• Substance abuse

• Relationship troubles

• A hard time controlling aggressive feelings

• Extreme reactions to stress

• Damaged cultural identity (the sense of belonging to a larger group)

Still, many people have no obvious effects from trauma that past generations of their family went through.

What Causes Intergenerational Trauma?

The exact causes aren’t clear. But some experts think the original traumatic event could affect your relatives’ relationship skills, personal behavior, and attitudes and beliefs in ways that affect future generations of your family.

How your parents talk with you about the traumatic event (or fail to talk about it) and the way your family functions seem to play important roles in whether trauma gets passed down. For example, a parent’s experience of trauma might affect their parenting skills and play a role in their children’s behavior problems.

Researchers are also looking into the possible role of “epigenetic changes.” The idea is that your environment could cause changes that affect the way your genes work, and these changes could be passed on to younger generations.

Epigenetic changes can affect how your body reads a DNA sequence. But they’re reversible and don’t change DNA sequences like gene mutations do.

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Who Does Intergenerational Trauma Affect?

Most studies of intergenerational trauma have focused on descendants of people who endured a historical traumatic event. That includes:

• Holocaust survivors who survived concentration camps

• African American people who lived through years of slavery, segregation, or systemic racism

• Native Americans who endured colonial massacres or had their children taken from them and placed in boarding schools due to federal policies

• Japanese Americans who were forced to live in internment (detention) camps during World War II

• Veterans of the Vietnam War

Some experts say we need more research into transgenerational trauma among relatives of people with disabilities. Through history, some groups of disabled people have gone through trauma due to things like groundless biases, discrimination, forced sterilization or psychiatric treatment, and more.

It’s also thought that intergenerational trauma can also affect family members of people who’ve endured traumas such as:

• Murder or rape

• Natural disasters

• Physical, sexual, or mental abuse

• Substance abuse

• Abandonment or neglect

• Serious injury, illness, or untreated mental illness

• Poverty and food insecurity

How Is It Treated?

We need more research to figure out which treatments work best for taking charge of intergenerational trauma.

If you think you or a loved one might have symptoms, start by talking to your doctor. They may be able to treat mental health conditions or other medical problems that might be tied to intergenerational trauma.

They may also refer you to an experienced mental health professional (like a psychologist or a licensed therapist) who could help you:

• Trace your family’s history of trauma

• Manage anger, stress, or numbness that might be tied to your family history

• Discuss current-day traumas, like racism, that might be linked to the original trauma

• Practice self-care techniques like mindfulness and exercise

• Spot things that might trigger the effects of trauma for you and show you how to limit them

Choose a doctor or therapist who’s respectful of your culture, race, or ethnicity.

Depending on your background and your goals for treatment, you may be able to find a professional who helps you reconnect with your ancestors’ culture and traditions to help you work through the grief of old traumas. Some treatment methods involve traditional healing methods and ceremonial practices.

As we face these very stressful endtime events, it behooves us as individuals, families, and communities to begin discussing how this may manifest in our own lives that that of our families. Could it be that untreated trauma is the undercurrent of martial difficulties? How may it be impacting our communities?

Finding tools that heal, empowering us to overcome is crucial. Creating safe spaces for people to come and be a part of a safe community is also crucial. Shame does not heal in isolation; it heals in the safety of nonjudgmental embracing groups of others on this journey. 

As we read the account of the first Exodus, may we ask the Father what He would have us learn, preventing the same mistakes of our predecessors .

Where are we resistant to obey orders from someone He put in a leadership role? Where are we not trusting Him to provide? Where are we craving the leeks, the cucumbers, and the quail? Where are we dependent on something that can only be gotten from Egypt?

What relationships are we clinging to that are trauma bonds created by domestic abuse?

I wanted to share some resources with you. I encourage you, dear reader, to ask the Father to lead you in what He wants you to understand concerning this information.

Our next blog, we will explore this topic further.

antoldFebruary 24, 202

For a study on generational trauma and people groups:

https://www.colorado.edu/today/2023/01/26/holocaust-remembrance-day-how-trauma-persists

https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep22-01-01-005.pdf

For a study on the topic of the Four F's

, http://northstarcounselingcenter.com/trauma-and-stress-responses-the-four-4s

https://preachitteachit.org/articles/4-trauma-responses-and-how-you-heal-them/

https://www.gaftr.org/the-four-fs-of-trauma/

Videos on Trauma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vKX9rNFOT4

https://www.youtube.com/@TimFletcher

For a study on the topic of The Second Exodus:

https://images.app.goo.gl/qS2LuavVWdSM9iEQ8https://hoshanarabbah.org/blog/2014/04/19/the-second-exodus/

 

Photo by Leigh (Sewanee Mountain/Yom Teruah 2023)

Ancient Path of Obedience: A place at the table

Leigh Anne Caruthers

How do I make reservations?

Matthew 22:1  AND Yahusha answered and spoke unto them again

 by parables, and said,

Matthew 22:2  The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain king, 

which made a marriage for his son,

Matthew 22:3  And sent forth his servants to call them 

that were bidden to the wedding: 

and they would not come.

The parables spoken by Yahusha during his 3 years of Ministry on this earth provide very subtle  pearls of wisdom concerning what we should be pursuing. A heads up of what is important to Yahuah. I love the parable about the Wedding Feast. I get excited thinking about the Wedding Feast when Yahusha returns and we are gathered with Him. I am also sad that so many in the parable chose worldly things over responding to the invitation. It makes you think doesn't it? 

Mat 24:37  But as the days of Noach were, 

so shall also the coming of the Son of A’dam be.

Mat 24:38  For as in the days that were before the flood 

they were eating and drinking, marrying 

and giving in marriage, until the day that Noach entered into the ark,

Mat 24:39  And knew not until the flood came, 

and took them all away; 

so shall also the coming of the Son of A’dam be.

History repeats itself. I look around and all I see is a world that is a reflection of the days of Noach (Noah). I found myself reflecting on the Wedding Feast parable as I went through the difficult process of removing scales from my eyes so that I may see what the Father was trying to show me.  Looking back now I see it as a spiritual detox that I went through. Removing what was watering down my Ruach and replacing it with the true nourishment of Yahuah brought to us by Yahusha Ha'Mashiach. What invitations was I missing out on? How do I make reservations for the Wedding Feast with the Bridegroom?! 

Photo by Leigh (Sukkot 2023)

My sheep hear my voice

What does it mean to hear the voice of the Shepherd? Hearing the voice of the Shepherd involves reading the word of Yahuah. The word Of Yahuah became flesh and walked on the earth to be crucified, die, and be resurrected to the right hand of Yahuah, our Yahusha Ha'Mashiach. Our Good Shepherd lived obedient to the Father and his commandments without fault. He is the word made flesh. When this realization really seeps into your soul you realize that to deny the Torah is to deny Yahusha. This will cause an immediate removal of the carpet from under your feet! At that point the process of analyzing what else has been missed, changed, hidden, glossed over, watered down, or as I've heard it explained "christianized," begins. For me, I prayed and asked Yahuah, "what have I missed". The answer.....a lot! I wanted to hear the Shepherd's voice in fullness and I prayed for that connection. The Ruach led me to the 7 Moedim (Appointed Times) of Yahuah in scripture. "Hear MY voice," calls the Shepherd. Not the voice of the world. 

Rev 18:3  For all nations have drunk of the wine 

of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth 

have committed fornication with her, 

and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich

 through the abundance of her delicacies.

Rev 18:4  And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, 

Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, 

and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Rev 18:5  For her sins have reached unto heaven, 

and Elohiym has remembered her iniquities.

Come out of her my people

To understand who "her" is on this walk is paramount to remove scales from your eyes. In Revelation 18:2 we read that "Babel" the great is fallen and become a habitation for devils. Come out of Babel. To understand the wickedness of Babel we have to look into the history. The ancient Babylonians worshiped numerous gods. Some of these gods were Madruk/Bel/Lord (the national god of Babylon), Ishtar, Shamash, Ea, and Enlil. So it is safe to say it was a melting pot of many different gods they worshiped and ways that they were worshiped. Without going into all of the adaptations of pagan Babylonian celebrations, I urge you to investigate for yourself the "traditions of man" such as Christmas and Easter and come out of her. It is safe to say that any "tradition of man" should be removed from our lives. It is a difficult process. Many will not understand and may even turn against you. Love them anyway. Pray for them and know that you have asked Yahuah to open your eyes. Others may not be there yet. However, do not compromise your walk for the comfort of others. Love them and pray for them. Speak with kindness and meekness but do not compromise what Yahuah has asked of you. The road out of Babylon is littered with constant discouragement intended to make you stop and return. Just keep walking in the footsteps of Yahusha Ha'Mashiach that leads to the Kingdom of Yahuah. 

Photo by Leigh (Sewanee Mountain/Yom Teruah 2023)

Sound the Shofar and return to the Feasts of Yahuah

Once the shock wore off after researching all the "traditions of man" and we rid our house of the decorations associated, Yahuah led us to research the 7 Moedim or Appointed times of our Father. Now there is much debate over not being "in the land" or there is no temple, so I urge you to read your scripture and pray fervently to Yahuah concerning what His will and way is for you in your life. For me and my house, He led us to participate in his appointed times as described in scripture.

Passover is the First Feast of the Seven. It was called Passover because the angel of death passed over every home in Egypt that obediently placed the blood of a lamb on its doorposts. That same night began the first day, of the seven day Feast of Unleavened Bread. On the Third day was the Feast of First Fruits, which began the 49 day count down until The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost). Were these Feast days done away with? On the eve of Pesach we read that Yahusha asks us to remember.  

Luke 22:19  And he took the bread, and gave thanks, 

and broke it, and gave unto them, saying, 

This is my body which is given for you: 

this do in remembrance of me.

Yahusha kept the Father's commandments. He was the word made flesh so it is without a need to explain that he participated in all of the Appointed days/Feasts of Yahuah. If we follow in His footsteps, we will keep the Feasts He did. The Feast he is asking us to return to. If we want to be invited to the Wedding Feast of the Bridegroom, we need to participate in the Feasts set by Yahuah and flee from the pagan traditions of man. The final 3 Appointed times are : 

Leviticus 23:24  Speak unto the children of Yashar’el, saying, 

In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, 

shall ye have a Shabbath, a memorial of blowing of shofars, 

a holy assembly. 

 Leviticus 23:27  Also on the tenth day of this seventh month 

is Yom Kippuriym (Day of atonement): 

it shall be a holy assembly unto you; 

and ye shall afflict your souls, 

and offer an offering made by fire unto Yahuah.

Leviticus 23:34  Speak unto the children of Yashar’el, saying, 

The fifteenth day of this seventh month 

shall be the Feast of Cukkoth (Booths) 

for seven days unto Yahuah.

So,  here are the invitations from the Father to celebrate with him the Feasts that He has established as a perpetual covenant between Him and us. Will we accept and attend? Or are we busy with the temptations and distractions of the world? I pray we heed the call of Yahuah to return to Him and His appointed times so that we may find ourselves worthy to be invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. 

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Rev 19:6  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, 

and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, 

saying, Halleluyah: for Yahuah Elohiym Tseva’oth reigns.

Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: 

for the marriage of the Lamb is come, 

and his woman has made herself ready.

Rev 19:8  And to her was granted that she should be 

arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: 

for the fine linen is the righteousness of the qodeshiym.

Rev 19:9  And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they 

which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

And he said unto me, These are the true words of Elohiym.

Rev 19:10  And I fell at his feet to worship him. 

And he said unto me, See you do it not: 

I am your fellowservant, 

and of your brethren that have the testimony of Yahusha: 

worship Elohiym: for the testimony 

of Yahusha is the Ruach of Prophecy.

I pray this has been a blessing to you. Leave me a comment and let me know what your thoughts are. Time is short. Share this message out! 

Photo by Leigh

Scripture taken from Cepher.

https://www.cepher.net/shop.aspx?itemid=2406&prodid=97023&pagetitle=%d7%90%d7%aa-Cepher-
Scriptures-Millennium-Edition

Fiery Faith Ministries has been called to step out in Faith, following the will of Yahuah (YHVH)  and to become a non-profit organization. It has been a long and tedious 5 months but we have made it ! Praise Yahuah! 

First, we are working to initiate a Widow's fund that prayerfully will help ease the financial burden experienced through the loss of spouse by member's within the Fiery Faith Ministries community that spans the world. 

Also in the works, a Prisoner fund that will be focused on life post incarceration. This is a work in progress. 

Finally, Hope's Child Charity,  designed to assist young single 1st time pregnant mothers with the initial financial costs of choosing life and bringing their beautiful Yah chosen baby into the world (providing financial assistance towards housing, clothing, food, diapers, parenting classes, counseling).  Our goal is to help  these young 1st time mom's to be able to obtain resources needed to assist them getting started to raise a happy, healthy family with all the tools needed to be successful! This is huge on our hearts! We would love to give life a chance and in that give hope to a young mother struggling with this decision. 

The word "Hope" in Hebrew Is Tiqvah and can mean literally "a cord". In the book of Joshua we see Rahab tie the scarlet cord from the window as a sign that would protect her and her family. This type of cord would have been 3 braided into one strong rope. I see this 3 braided cord as Yahuah, Yahusha, and the Ruach Ha'Qodesh. Halleluyah! Hope is something here that is tangible and can be held onto. A life line! This is the hope we want to give! A life line that could make the difference between life and death. 

We are just starting the research and grant writing process for Hope's Child. 

Please pray with us as we step out in faith following the will and way of Yahuah brought through Yahusha Ha'Mashiach. 

Please help us reach our goals by donating to our Fundraiser designed to help offset the costs incurred during the start up of the Non-Profit process. Join us in prayer for the will and way of Yahuah to be in every step we take. Please share this information out there!  

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