RR FREEDOM: GIVING THANKS, PAYING HONOR (Part 3) by Dr. Raymond Finney
Shavuah Tov,
I continue a series prompted by Veterans Day, which was observed on November 11, 2025. On this date, I hope you remembered our heroes, living and dead, who have served or are serving and protecting our nation. We are a free nation by God’s grace and the efforts of patriotic men and women who preserve our freedom and safety. You may refresh your memory of Part 1 in Shomair’s RR archives: https://syknox.org/blog/2025/10/30/rr-freedom-giving-thanks-paying-honor-part-1-by-dr-raymond-finney ; or, Part 2: https://syknox.org/blog/2025/11/21/rr-freedom-giving-thanks-paying-honor-part-2-by-raymond-finney ,
BE CONFIDENT, GOD’S SOLDIERS... LET GOD ARISE: Every Believer should be a soldier in God’s army for truth and freedom. As we celebrate veterans and other heroes who have arisen to protect us, we need to remember One who has arisen to provide our ultimate protection. Be emboldened by Psalm 68:2 (and following), which reminds us that God arises to protect us. He will arise to help us through future hard times (wars and rumors of wars, the Tribulation) and He will arise to reward Believers with the eternity of Heaven. (1 Corinthians 2:9: But as it is written, “Things no eye has seen and no ear has heard, that have not entered the heart of mankind— these things God has prepared for those who love Him.”) In this verse, the Apostle Paul’s reference to “it is written” is Isaiah 64:3. Paul Wilbur’s “Let God Arise” is a favorite Shomair worship song. Listen to this song: https://godinprints.org/media/music/play?song=let-god-arise-by-paul-wilbur&id=685c04f2a046e32c26cde56a .
The Apostle Paul reminds us that any army plus One will be victorious, if that One is God. (Romans 8:31b: …If God is for us, who can be against us?) The psalmist reinforces God’s victorious participation in our trials. (Psalm 118:6: The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?)
“LET GOD ARISE” IN LOVE, VICTORY, ETERNAL PEACE: The Revelation and other Bible books– including the words of Yeshua Himself– foretell of the worst time in world history as our age winds down. The anti-Messiah (Antichrist) will make Hitler seem like a choir boy, as he unleashes Satan’s pent-up hatred against Jews, Believers, and all created in Elohim’s image. BUT… For those who remain faithful during their tribulation, a loving God will redeem them to eternal peace and joy. (1 Peter 1:8-9: Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. And even though you don’t see Him now, you trust Him and are filled with a joy that is glorious beyond words, 9 receiving the outcome of your faith— the salvation of your souls.)
The Tanakh is concerned with HaMashiach prophesied; the B’rit Chadashah is concerned with HaMashiach revealed (prophecies of Yeshua fulfilled). The Bible has multiple Scriptures about peace. In fact, Yeshua is called the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:5, prophesying Yeshua HaMashiach: For to us a child is born, a son will be given to us, and the government will be upon His shoulder. His Name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God My Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace.)
Yeshua taught in the Beatitudes (Drash on the Mountain) about peace. (Read Matthew, chapter 5, including Matthew 5:9: [Yeshua said] “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”) Peacemakers live peaceful lives. They work to share peace and friendship with others and to cultivate peace between God and man. Can a Believer give to others what he/she does not possess or know? A Believer must strive to achieve peace within him-/her-self and, then, share that peace with others.
The ultimate failure of a person to achieve peace may be the killing of another. One of the Ten Commandments, incorrectly translated, seems to forbid the taking of life. This commandment and other Scriptures form the basis for a conscientious objector’s refusal to bear arms in the military. Look closely at this frequently misquoted commandment. The King James Version (KJV) seems clear. (Exodus 20:13 KJV: [And God spake] Thou shalt not kill.) This KJV verse is poorly translated. In this verse, the word rendered “kill” in KJV English comes from the Hebrew rasah (pronounced, raw-tsakh). In a proper translation, the Hebrew is better rendered “murder,” rather than “kill.” The Tree of Life Version (TLV) is correct. (Exodus 20:13 TLV: [Then God spoke] “Do not murder.”) God surely forgives any soldier, if he/she takes a life following orders of his/her nation in a just war. Did Allied troops sin in World War II, when they fought the Nazis to save Jews from extermination at the hands of a Satan-possessed Adolf Hitler? American jurisprudence follows the Ten Commandments in this matter. There are several ways a person may kill another. American laws distinguish whether a death is the result of accident, war, or premeditated murder. God’s laws (and America’s laws) distinguish murder from other types of killing.
As an aside, newsman Tom Brokaw in a book published in 1998 coined the phrase, “America’s greatest generation.” This phrase referred to Americans born between 1901 and 1927. I was born in 1941, and my parents belonged to the greatest generation. The 1935-1945 decade is my favorite time period in American history. Why was this generation “the greatest?” This generation simultaneously faced– and overcame-- two major worldwide events– the Great Depression and World War II. Either of these events would overwhelm present Americans, and the two together would defeat our nation. We Americans do not have the strength of character to overcome the challenges of unprecedented depression and a brutal world war. America’s enemies must look at our weakened country in 2025 and wonder if (when?) they should attack. World War II veterans are part of the “greatest generation.” This generation dwindles in number daily. We have not thanked them enough for holding our country together, restoring the economy, and defeating the Axis Powers.
Islam remains a foe of Judeo-Christianity. I have read both the Judeo-Christian Bible and the Islamic Koran. A striking difference (in my opinion) is this: The Bible (especially the B’rit Chadashah) glorifies peace, whereas the Koran glorifies warfare. Today, we see this difference in the turmoil that has surrounded Israel and her neighbors. We see this difference in the numerous terrorists who arise from Islamic nations.
“LET GOD ARISE” AS A RIGHTEOUS WARRIOR. Even though the Bible is a Book of love and peace, it is also clear that evil people (followers of Satan) surround us and we have the right– no, we have the duty– to protect ourselves, our families, and the family of God. A small sample of bellicose Scriptures follows:
>> David thanked the Lord for preparing him for battle. (Psalm 144:1: Of David. Blessed be Adonai my Rock— who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.)
>> Qoheleth, or Qoheleth (the Preacher, Solomon?), pointed out that we need to distinguish peace from war and act accordingly. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8: For everything there is a season… a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.)
>> Paul warned evildoers to beware the sword of God’s servant. (Romans 13:4: … [the person following God’s authority] is God’s servant to you for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid— for he does not carry the sword for no reason; for he is God’s servant, an avenger who inflicts punishment on the evildoer.)
>> Ezekiel promised the Lord’s wrathful vengeance upon His enemies. (Ezekiel 25:17: [Adonai Elohim said] “I will execute severe vengeance upon them with furious punishments. So they will know that I am Adonai, when I lay My vengeance upon them.”)
>> The psalmist warned of the vulnerability of the wicked. (Psalm 1:4-6: The wicked [those who have not followed a virtuous life] are not so. For they are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand during the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For Adonai knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.)
>> Even Adonai may appear as a warrior. (Isaiah 42:13: Adonai goes out as a mighty one. He stirs up His zeal like a man of war. He will shout, yes, raise a war cry! He will prevail over His enemies.)
>> Adonai accompanies His warriors and will prevail. (Jeremiah 20:11: But Adonai is with me like a dreadful warrior. Therefore my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they are not insightful and not wise, they will be utterly shamed— an everlasting disgrace, never to be forgotten.)
>> Adonai is the One ready to do battle when necessary. (Exodus 15:3: [Moses sang] “Adonai is a warrior-- Adonai is His Name!”)
>> Believers must be ever-vigilant for the Evil One. (1 Peter 5:8: Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour.)
>> War and rumors of war are ever-present now and until the end of the age. (Matthew 24:6: [Yeshua said] “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must happen but it is not yet the end.”) Understand Yeshua’s warning-- wars “must happen.” Peace seemingly will be elusive in the future, regardless of diplomats’ best efforts.
>> Even to the end of the age, Yeshua is a Warrior against evil. (Revelation 19:11: Then I [John] saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The One [Yeshua] riding on it is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness.)
>> We have divine power (God’s love, salvation, wisdom, truth, commandments) in our struggles against evil. (Psalm 119:41-48: May Your lovingkindnesses come to me, Adonai— Your salvation according to Your word— 42 so I may answer the one taunting me, for I trust in Your word. 43 Never snatch out of my mouth a word of truth, for I hope in Your judgments. 44 So I may always keep Your Torah, forever and ever, 45 and walk about in freedom. For I have sought Your precepts. 46 I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and never be ashamed. 47 I delight in Your mitzvot, which I love. 48 I reach out my hands for Your mitzvot, which I love, and meditate on Your decrees.) [Translation of mitzvot = “commandments”]
Et cetera. So many more Scriptures exist that to list them all would be an exercise in copying the Bible. Suffice it to say that the Bible has much to say about war, peace, and the partnership of humans and God to fight Satan.
Tribulation is coming, but Yeshua has overcome the world. (John 16:33: [Yeshua said] “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!”) We may feel we must win the battle of good (God’s way) against evil (Satan’s way), but Yeshua won the battle for us, when He was crucified for the sins of the world. Adonai promised that the Messiah would defeat the Serpent (Satan) in the Adamic Covenant (Genesis 3:16-19). Until we meet again in a couple of weeks to share the privilege of studying God’s Word together, Shalom and Maranatha.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun7-Dec-202517th of Kislev, 5786
Ge 37:1-111 Sa 17Ps 60-61Mk 11(1 Co 8)
I continue a series prompted by Veterans Day, which was observed on November 11, 2025. On this date, I hope you remembered our heroes, living and dead, who have served or are serving and protecting our nation. We are a free nation by God’s grace and the efforts of patriotic men and women who preserve our freedom and safety. You may refresh your memory of Part 1 in Shomair’s RR archives: https://syknox.org/blog/2025/10/30/rr-freedom-giving-thanks-paying-honor-part-1-by-dr-raymond-finney ; or, Part 2: https://syknox.org/blog/2025/11/21/rr-freedom-giving-thanks-paying-honor-part-2-by-raymond-finney ,
BE CONFIDENT, GOD’S SOLDIERS... LET GOD ARISE: Every Believer should be a soldier in God’s army for truth and freedom. As we celebrate veterans and other heroes who have arisen to protect us, we need to remember One who has arisen to provide our ultimate protection. Be emboldened by Psalm 68:2 (and following), which reminds us that God arises to protect us. He will arise to help us through future hard times (wars and rumors of wars, the Tribulation) and He will arise to reward Believers with the eternity of Heaven. (1 Corinthians 2:9: But as it is written, “Things no eye has seen and no ear has heard, that have not entered the heart of mankind— these things God has prepared for those who love Him.”) In this verse, the Apostle Paul’s reference to “it is written” is Isaiah 64:3. Paul Wilbur’s “Let God Arise” is a favorite Shomair worship song. Listen to this song: https://godinprints.org/media/music/play?song=let-god-arise-by-paul-wilbur&id=685c04f2a046e32c26cde56a .
The Apostle Paul reminds us that any army plus One will be victorious, if that One is God. (Romans 8:31b: …If God is for us, who can be against us?) The psalmist reinforces God’s victorious participation in our trials. (Psalm 118:6: The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?)
“LET GOD ARISE” IN LOVE, VICTORY, ETERNAL PEACE: The Revelation and other Bible books– including the words of Yeshua Himself– foretell of the worst time in world history as our age winds down. The anti-Messiah (Antichrist) will make Hitler seem like a choir boy, as he unleashes Satan’s pent-up hatred against Jews, Believers, and all created in Elohim’s image. BUT… For those who remain faithful during their tribulation, a loving God will redeem them to eternal peace and joy. (1 Peter 1:8-9: Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. And even though you don’t see Him now, you trust Him and are filled with a joy that is glorious beyond words, 9 receiving the outcome of your faith— the salvation of your souls.)
The Tanakh is concerned with HaMashiach prophesied; the B’rit Chadashah is concerned with HaMashiach revealed (prophecies of Yeshua fulfilled). The Bible has multiple Scriptures about peace. In fact, Yeshua is called the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:5, prophesying Yeshua HaMashiach: For to us a child is born, a son will be given to us, and the government will be upon His shoulder. His Name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God My Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace.)
Yeshua taught in the Beatitudes (Drash on the Mountain) about peace. (Read Matthew, chapter 5, including Matthew 5:9: [Yeshua said] “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”) Peacemakers live peaceful lives. They work to share peace and friendship with others and to cultivate peace between God and man. Can a Believer give to others what he/she does not possess or know? A Believer must strive to achieve peace within him-/her-self and, then, share that peace with others.
The ultimate failure of a person to achieve peace may be the killing of another. One of the Ten Commandments, incorrectly translated, seems to forbid the taking of life. This commandment and other Scriptures form the basis for a conscientious objector’s refusal to bear arms in the military. Look closely at this frequently misquoted commandment. The King James Version (KJV) seems clear. (Exodus 20:13 KJV: [And God spake] Thou shalt not kill.) This KJV verse is poorly translated. In this verse, the word rendered “kill” in KJV English comes from the Hebrew rasah (pronounced, raw-tsakh). In a proper translation, the Hebrew is better rendered “murder,” rather than “kill.” The Tree of Life Version (TLV) is correct. (Exodus 20:13 TLV: [Then God spoke] “Do not murder.”) God surely forgives any soldier, if he/she takes a life following orders of his/her nation in a just war. Did Allied troops sin in World War II, when they fought the Nazis to save Jews from extermination at the hands of a Satan-possessed Adolf Hitler? American jurisprudence follows the Ten Commandments in this matter. There are several ways a person may kill another. American laws distinguish whether a death is the result of accident, war, or premeditated murder. God’s laws (and America’s laws) distinguish murder from other types of killing.
As an aside, newsman Tom Brokaw in a book published in 1998 coined the phrase, “America’s greatest generation.” This phrase referred to Americans born between 1901 and 1927. I was born in 1941, and my parents belonged to the greatest generation. The 1935-1945 decade is my favorite time period in American history. Why was this generation “the greatest?” This generation simultaneously faced– and overcame-- two major worldwide events– the Great Depression and World War II. Either of these events would overwhelm present Americans, and the two together would defeat our nation. We Americans do not have the strength of character to overcome the challenges of unprecedented depression and a brutal world war. America’s enemies must look at our weakened country in 2025 and wonder if (when?) they should attack. World War II veterans are part of the “greatest generation.” This generation dwindles in number daily. We have not thanked them enough for holding our country together, restoring the economy, and defeating the Axis Powers.
Islam remains a foe of Judeo-Christianity. I have read both the Judeo-Christian Bible and the Islamic Koran. A striking difference (in my opinion) is this: The Bible (especially the B’rit Chadashah) glorifies peace, whereas the Koran glorifies warfare. Today, we see this difference in the turmoil that has surrounded Israel and her neighbors. We see this difference in the numerous terrorists who arise from Islamic nations.
“LET GOD ARISE” AS A RIGHTEOUS WARRIOR. Even though the Bible is a Book of love and peace, it is also clear that evil people (followers of Satan) surround us and we have the right– no, we have the duty– to protect ourselves, our families, and the family of God. A small sample of bellicose Scriptures follows:
>> David thanked the Lord for preparing him for battle. (Psalm 144:1: Of David. Blessed be Adonai my Rock— who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.)
>> Qoheleth, or Qoheleth (the Preacher, Solomon?), pointed out that we need to distinguish peace from war and act accordingly. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8: For everything there is a season… a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.)
>> Paul warned evildoers to beware the sword of God’s servant. (Romans 13:4: … [the person following God’s authority] is God’s servant to you for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid— for he does not carry the sword for no reason; for he is God’s servant, an avenger who inflicts punishment on the evildoer.)
>> Ezekiel promised the Lord’s wrathful vengeance upon His enemies. (Ezekiel 25:17: [Adonai Elohim said] “I will execute severe vengeance upon them with furious punishments. So they will know that I am Adonai, when I lay My vengeance upon them.”)
>> The psalmist warned of the vulnerability of the wicked. (Psalm 1:4-6: The wicked [those who have not followed a virtuous life] are not so. For they are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand during the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For Adonai knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.)
>> Even Adonai may appear as a warrior. (Isaiah 42:13: Adonai goes out as a mighty one. He stirs up His zeal like a man of war. He will shout, yes, raise a war cry! He will prevail over His enemies.)
>> Adonai accompanies His warriors and will prevail. (Jeremiah 20:11: But Adonai is with me like a dreadful warrior. Therefore my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they are not insightful and not wise, they will be utterly shamed— an everlasting disgrace, never to be forgotten.)
>> Adonai is the One ready to do battle when necessary. (Exodus 15:3: [Moses sang] “Adonai is a warrior-- Adonai is His Name!”)
>> Believers must be ever-vigilant for the Evil One. (1 Peter 5:8: Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour.)
>> War and rumors of war are ever-present now and until the end of the age. (Matthew 24:6: [Yeshua said] “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must happen but it is not yet the end.”) Understand Yeshua’s warning-- wars “must happen.” Peace seemingly will be elusive in the future, regardless of diplomats’ best efforts.
>> Even to the end of the age, Yeshua is a Warrior against evil. (Revelation 19:11: Then I [John] saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The One [Yeshua] riding on it is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness.)
>> We have divine power (God’s love, salvation, wisdom, truth, commandments) in our struggles against evil. (Psalm 119:41-48: May Your lovingkindnesses come to me, Adonai— Your salvation according to Your word— 42 so I may answer the one taunting me, for I trust in Your word. 43 Never snatch out of my mouth a word of truth, for I hope in Your judgments. 44 So I may always keep Your Torah, forever and ever, 45 and walk about in freedom. For I have sought Your precepts. 46 I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and never be ashamed. 47 I delight in Your mitzvot, which I love. 48 I reach out my hands for Your mitzvot, which I love, and meditate on Your decrees.) [Translation of mitzvot = “commandments”]
Et cetera. So many more Scriptures exist that to list them all would be an exercise in copying the Bible. Suffice it to say that the Bible has much to say about war, peace, and the partnership of humans and God to fight Satan.
Tribulation is coming, but Yeshua has overcome the world. (John 16:33: [Yeshua said] “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!”) We may feel we must win the battle of good (God’s way) against evil (Satan’s way), but Yeshua won the battle for us, when He was crucified for the sins of the world. Adonai promised that the Messiah would defeat the Serpent (Satan) in the Adamic Covenant (Genesis 3:16-19). Until we meet again in a couple of weeks to share the privilege of studying God’s Word together, Shalom and Maranatha.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun7-Dec-202517th of Kislev, 5786
Ge 37:1-111 Sa 17Ps 60-61Mk 11(1 Co 8)
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RR Psalm 30:6 Part 5RR Psalm 30:7 Part 6RR Psalm 30:8 Part 7RR - Psalm 30:9-11 Part 8RR Psalm 30:12,13 Part 9RR Favor (Chen/Charis) in Proverbs By David HarwoodRR Psalm 31:1,2 Part 1RR Psalm 31:3 Part 2RR Psalm 31:4 Part 3RR Psalm 31:5 Part 4RR Psalm 31:6 Part 5RR Psalm 31:7 Part 6RR Kohelet By David HarwoodRR “Taking Our Thoughts Captive – Part 2” By Jerry MillerRR Psalm 31:8 Part 7RR Psalm 31:8 Part 8RR Psalm 31:9 Part 9RR - Psalm 31:10 Part 10RR Psalm 31:11 Part 11Zechariah and Favor By David HarwoodRR - Psalm 31:12-14 Part 12RR Shalom SpecialRR Psalm 31:15 Part 13RR Psalm 31:16,17 Part 14RR Psalm 31:18 Part 15RR Psalm 31:19,20 Part 16RR Adonai-Tzva’ot and End-Time Favor By David HarwoodRR Psalm 31:21 Part 17RR Psalm 31:22 Part 18RR Psalm 31:23 Part 19
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RR Psalm 31:24 Part 20RR Psalm 31:25 Part 21RR Psalm 32:1 Part 1Rabbi’s Reflections - Favor and Luke By David HarwoodRR Taking Thoughts Captive Part 3 by Jerry MillerRR Psalm 32:2 Part 2RR Psalm 32:3,4 Part 3RR Psalm 32:5 Part 4RR Psalm 32:5 Part 5RR Psalm 32:6 Part 6Some Nuances of Charis By David HarwoodRR Psalm 32:7 Part 7RR Psalm 32:8 Part 8RR Psalm 32:8 Part 9RR Psalm 32:9 Part 10RR Psalm 32:10 Part 11RR Psalm 32:11 Part 12RR Psalm 33:1 Part 1RR Psalm 33:2,3 Part 2RR Psalm 33:4,5 Part 3RR Psalm 33:6,7 Part 4RR Psalm 33:8,9,10 Part 5Favor In Acts 1 by David HarwoodRR Psalm 33:11,12 Part 6RR Psalm 33:13,14 Part 7RR Psalm 33:15,16 Part 8RR Psalm 33:17,18,19 Part 9RR Psalm 33:20,21 Part 10RR Psalm 33:22 Part 11RR “Endurance for the Race” by Jerry MillerRR Favor in Acts 2: Stephen by David Harwood