Prison weekly April 2nd

Zav For the week of April 2, 2004 / 12 Nisan 5764 Torah: Vayikra / Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36 Haftarah: Jeremiah 7:21 - 8:3, 9:22-23 Replaced by Malachi 3:4-24 (English 3:4 – 4:6)Turning Our Hearts Toward Each Other See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse (Malachi 3:24 [English 4:6]). I would like to share with you something that someone shared with me a couple of weeks ago. Referring to the above verse, this person said that he believed that in the days ahead we would see a turning of fathers to children and vice versa in a way that perhaps we would not normally predict. One of the greatest tragedies in history is the great chasm that has existed between the Jewish People and Christianity. Divisions between peoples are always tragic, but this one is more so, because of the God-established ties between these two communities. I think there are many people in the world today that would be surprised to hear me refer to any kind of ties between these two groups. The past two thousands years speak of anything but a close relationship. In fact much of the self-understanding of Jews and Christians has been in that they are mutually exclusive. Personally, as I grew up I had no idea that Judaism and Christianity had anything to with each other at all. However, the reality is that Christianity is deeply rooted in Jewish life and beliefs. And it's not that the Christian faith started in Israel by a group of some misinformed ex-Jewish religious idealists, who broke away from their ancient heritage and started their own religion. The aspirations, understandings, and even customs of the early followers of Yeshua were Jewish through and through. And even though the Church in its development eventually took on more and more foreign customs, nothing can ever change that, in reality, it is deeply rooted in the heritage of the Jewish people and is destined to share a common future. So back to what this person said to me the other day. He said that the day was coming when the hearts of the children , that is Christians, will turn to the hearts of the fathers - the Jewish people. After all this time Christians will finally fully comprehend that they are the spiritual descendants of the Jews. They will understand that the rich biblical inheritance enjoyed by faithful followers of the Messiah who are members of the nations of the world has been passed down to them by Jewish spiritual parents. Interestingly, the passage quoted above mentions the hearts of the fathers turning to the children before the children's hearts to the fathers. While we cannot say for sure that the order is essential to what the prophet was saying, maybe it is. Just like it is a blessing for fathers to be appreciated by their children, especially if they have been estranged from each other, it would certainly be wonderful for Christians to acknowledge the precedence of the Jewish people in the outworking of God's plan of redemption. But in terms of the long term-benefits to everyone involved, it is essential that the fathers' hearts are turned to the children. Of course it is vital that all parties are reconciled to each other, but when fathers give loving attention to their children, it provides families with a long-term loving foundation on which relationships can truly be built. So I am looking forward to that day, when we as Jewish people will turn our hearts to the Gentile followers of Yeshua and embrace them as our spiritual offspring. When this turning of hearts becomes a reality, God's blessings will be upon us all as never before. If we focus on what is not God, no matter how much we determine otherwise, then those things will take over our lives. We cannot serve both God and idols. It's either one or the other. TorahBytes Starting Over...Again "For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel" (Shemot / Exodus 12:15). Passover this year begins the evening of April 5. Many Jewish households around the world follow the biblical directive to remove yeast and yeast products from their homes, and eat only matza (unleavened bread) for the duration of the festival. This custom is what Paul has in mind in his letter to the congregation in the ancient city of Corinth: "Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast - as you really are. For the Messiah, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). This congregation was tolerating the presence of some serious wrongs. They seemed to believe that their tolerance of those wrongs was to their credit. They failed to see how the whole congregation was being affected by these wrongs. Paul urged them to radically deal with the situation, so that the congregation could be free from the negative consequence of the evil working in their midst. Using the yeast analogy is interesting, because once yeast gets into a batch of dough, it cannot be removed. The whole batch becomes leavened as a result. When preparing our homes for Passover, whatever is leavened must be removed. Yet in the case of the congregation at Corinth, even though they had been adversely affected by the evil in their midst, there was still hope of restoration for them. They had the opportunity to start over again. That's one of the most wonderful benefits of knowing the Messiah. When Yeshua gave himself in fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice, he opened the way for us to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God. The effectiveness of what he did goes beyond a one-time spiritual experience on our part. As we live out our lives with him, we undergo a continual process of forgiveness and restoration. Whenever we find ourselves infected with all sorts of evil, the power of the Messiah is available to us individually and corporately to be restored to a state of purity. But in order to experience God's restoration power, we must remove the infectious yeast from our midst. Just like how at Passover, yeast has to be removed from our homes, we must do our part in dealing with those things that are not good in our lives. The wonderful thing is that as we do this, and as we allow God to work in our lives, we know we can start over...again Truah?TorahBytes Parsha: Tzav (Leviticus 6-8) Family Parsha Tzav 5764 By: Nesanel Safran We can't see them but a person's thoughts are very powerful. In fact, the way we think about the things in our lives is the main thing that determines whether we're going to be happy or not. In this week's Torah portion, we learn that in the times of the Tabernacle, even if one of the Kohanim, a Jewish priest, would complete one of his complicated tasks perfectly, if he didn't think the proper thoughts at the time, he would have to do it all over again. We can learn to become aware of our thoughts and to use them properly to make ourselves a happy life. In our story, a boy discovers how the right kind of thinking can turn everything around. "SNOW BLIND" Danny Sharp was delighted to wake up and see the white blanket of snow covering the ground. He loved these late season surprise snowstorms that gave him a day off from school and another chance to sled down the rolling hills that surrounded his neighborhood. According to the weather report, there was even going to be another storm by tomorrow. He was just dragging his old but reliable Flexible Flyer sled across the road when he ran into his good buddy, Ron, trudging along the snowy sidewalk, shovel slung over his shoulder. "Hey Ron, how's it going? Wanna come sledding with me?" asked Danny with a friendly smile. But Ron just gave him back a frown, and shook his head with a look on his face that seemed colder than the chilly breeze. "Who has time to go sledding? I've still got a ton of work to do. I've done two driveways already, and still have another three to go." Danny nodded as he remembered that his friend worked shoveling out neighbors' driveways on these snowy days to save up money for a special racing bike he wanted. Ron continued. "This wet spring snow weighs a ton. No wonder all the neighbors hired me. Boy does it makes my muscles ache. I'm on my way now to old Mr. Klinger's house. Do you know how long his driveway is? And if it won't take me long enough to do, his wife always makes me stop in the middle to eat or drink something - I'll be there forever." Danny felt bad for his upset friend. Trying to cheer him up, he made a snowball and playfully lobbed it in his direction. Ron ducked out of the way, and half-heartedly tossed back a big wet snowball that plunked Danny right between the eyes. "Okay, you win," Danny laughed as he took a handkerchief out of pocket to wipe the snow off his glasses. "Sorry about that," Ron said. "I didn't mean to mess up your glasses." "That's okay - they needed cleaning anyway." He held out the cloth to his friend. "Here, why don't you clean off your glasses while we're at it?" Ron looked puzzled. "What are you talking about, Dan? I think the snow's gotten to your brain. I don't even wear glasses." "Oh yes you do," he answered. "Everyone does. The way we think about things are our 'glasses' to the world. I learned in my Torah class the other day that a person's thoughts have more to do with his happiness than anything else does. If we try to think of how things are good - we'll feel good. If we think they're bad - we'll feel bad. I'm sorry you're having such a hard day. So maybe if you cleaned your thought-glasses and tried to see things differently, you'd feel better." But Ron just scoffed. "Glasses or no glasses, thoughts or no thoughts, nothing's gonna change. I'm having a rotten day and that's it. I'll see you later, I've got to get back to my slavery," he said as he trudged on. Sure enough, that night, as predicted, another half a foot of snow fell in the area, and again Danny headed out for the hills with his sled. He had hardly gotten out the door when he heard some happy whistling. He looked up to see his friend, Ron, nearly skipping down the sidewalk, smiling ear to ear. Maybe he had taken the day off and could join him sledding. "Want to come along, Ron?" he asked. "Who has time?" the boy answered cheerfully. "I'm too busy earning my racing bike. I've made a ton of money already today, and when I finish the three more driveways on my list, I'll have almost all I need to get the bike! Not only that, but I'm getting a great workout. Because the snow's so heavy, I get to really stretch my muscles, so by biking season, I'll be in tip-top shape. Now I'm on my way to Mr. Klinger's house. He has a big long driveway, which means plenty of cash. But more than that, I know I'm really helping them out - they're older people, and could never do it themselves. Mrs. Klinger is so nice, too. She makes sure I take care of myself and drink enough, and always has something delicious waiting for me to eat, to keep up my strength. I'd love to join you, but I'm having too good a time to stop." Danny was amazed. Was this the same kid he spoke to just a day before? "Wow Ron, it looks like you're having a much better day than yesterday." Ron blushed. "Yeah, I hate to admit it Danny, but you were right. I tried to think about things differently - and it worked! I guess I really did need a new pair of 'glasses' after all to see what was right in front of my eyes the whole time." Aish.com MB UPDATES:Greetings Saints In His Perfect Peace, Just in from caring for the people today. I had someone bring a woman in who had been hearing about Pastor Dan for years. She is not homeless just poor. She told me when she was young she saw her mother's leg grow back in front of her eyes when a preacher prayed for her. At any among the poor I am widely heard of. I have people drop in off and on just to see if I am a real person. I most generally say oh, oh but they say no it's all good what I heard, I just had to see for myself. The Building is very small someday the Father will bless us with more room as he see's fit. Right now I think part of it is how much He does with such a small place that shows His Glory......My heart just breaks for the poor. I know what it's like for them. How can anyone understand but a real Pastor how you can really feel their pain? I hurt with them. We are like a Rock that they know is there for sure for them. Well we have been regular since Nov 2000 in this building and before that in the park. Right now unless we cure certain van problems the van will mushroom into a major problem. Pray for it.This week radio will be about The Pagan practices in the Church or rather lies they have been handed. Richard can prove everything in his Book TOO LONG IN THE SUN.....The next week we will see what the Father puts on my heart to do. Yes I am always looking for guest speakers...... Pray about supporting this work of the Father's we could use the help.We have one fellow who lives in the street and takes a literal bath in our one little rest room twice a week. He ties it up sometimes for an hour or more and this creates a problem as people are waiting to use the rest room and the women need in to get water or do dishes. Now I just laugh, I told David heh after almost 4 years he has squatters rights don't he... We just love them..Brother David who has been coming since the first. We love him and he is in Sabbath service most everyweek... Pray he finds his way out of the street, He is one of the nicest people you would ever meet! The FATHER bless thee and keep thee;The FATHER make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;The FATHER lift up his countenance upon thee,and give thee shalom. (peace)Bemidbar (Numbers) 6:24-26 In Yeshua's Name, Bro. Dan, Pastor of Messiah's Branch Shalom in Yeshua our Messiah,Friday was Kathy's birthday so I let her have a break from all the work. This was hard for her but she did manage to do nothing but visit and play with the children all day. I made 67 plus grill cheese to be honest I really lost count. But I know I used two boxes of velveta type cheese and 7 loafs of bread. We served donuts through out the day along with hot coffee, iced tea and ice water. I made shepards pie for dinner which is ground hamburger mixed with corn and greenbeans then topped with fresh mashed potatoes(you can use instant I did not) and baked until potatoes brown. I also made a double sheet cake as it was also Randa's (the bankers wife) b-day. It was choclate frosted then strawberry and frosted again some said it was very rich but it was sure good. We also served bread -n- butter and a bottle of coke for dinner.Sabbath service was very plesent I praise Yeshua that we had all the chairs full around the tables as Dan started teaching us about Passover. He will continue this teaching this Sabbath and then will teach it all again at the Passover Seder on Monday evening. Bob and Willi made it this week and I was so very glad to see them and know that they are doing fine. We were also blessed to have two other teens present besides our son which is such a blessing for me to see them receiving His Word and not out running the streets, if only we could get more teens into His Word. We recieved a donation that allowed us to purchase a 27" TV an a new cd player for the mission,the passover wine, a chain saw, some gas and a few other items that was needed. Then we also received the money for the well pump from two other sources. Right now we need gas as it takes up most of the money weekly just to make the trips over and back. It is around 40-45 on Tuesday or more depending on how much running Dan has to do and weather the wind is blowing or not.When the wind is blowing that big van doubles the use of gas. Then 65-70 on Friday cause we have to take both vans. We also need the funds 190.00 for the newsletter to go to print which needs to go Friday and the Mission electric 68.00 and help with the rent. All the other bills are paid but will come due again in a few weeks. Yahweh is in control and will not fail to supply these needs amen. Thank you all who support these works by allowing our Father to use you as vessels to supply the finances needed. For it all comes from Yahweh but He must have His people to complete the work. Please pray about helping as the need is so great and continues on daily. We Love you all and Pray you a Very restful Passover filled with His Perfect Shalom more on the Mission work next week Blessings & Shalom Last weeks answers:Question:What was upon the tabernacle by day and night ?A. the cloud of the LORD by day and fire by night, Exodus 40:38 38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.Passage Found In:Galatians 1:6-126 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8:But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have reached unto you, let him be accursed. 9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Question:What did Yeshua say would become of those who desired to be first? Find this Passage:There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

with much love sisterlinda & Mark 9:23,10:27 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible


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What did Yeshua say would become of those who desired to be first? A. They would be last and servant to all.Mark 9:35 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.Passage Found In Romans 8:1-10 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.