Prison weekly March 27th

Vayikra For the week of March 27, 2004 / 5 Nisan 5764 Torah: Vayikra / Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26 Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21 - 44:23 The Effect of Idols All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame (Isaiah 44:9).God's reality is one of the recurring themes in the book of the prophet Isaiah. Idols are shown to be absolutely worthless compared to the knowing, seeing, and powerful God of Israel. God through Isaiah asserts that not only are the idols worthless, but those who make the idols are also worthless themselves. And as for those who defend idol worship, they are blind and ignorant.These are not just criticisms. It is not as if God were just saying that these people are incorrect in their regard for idols. He is saying something much deeper here. God says that idol makers are completely confused in their understanding of what is truly valuable in life. By giving themselves to the manufacture of these false objects of worship, they end up embracing a whole set of wrong values.Those who defend idols are called blind and ignorant. They are cut off from reality, unable to perceive what is true and right in life.This all reminded me of something that Yeshua spoke about centuries later. While he was not addressing idols per se, I think what he was talking about amounts to the same thing for us today. In the story of the seeds and four types of soil, the thorny soil prevented the seeds from flourishing. This represents people who receive Yeshua's teaching, but don't benefit from that teaching at all:The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature (Luke 8:14).What strikes me about this is that if we are caught up by "life's worries, riches and pleasures," then no matter how much exposure we might have to Yeshua and his word, it won't do us any good at all.I think most of us assume that we can mix our worries and our pursuits of riches and pleasure with faith in Yeshua. But he himself said that if we do that, then his teaching will not make any difference in our lives.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. Torah Bytes What God Puts Together "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Bereshit / Genesis 2:24). One of the most wonderful concepts in the Bible has to do with our privilege of working together with God. In the Bible we see that when God wanted something done on earth, he would give the task to a human being. While he had angels at his disposal, what we know of their work was to deliver messages to people, giving them directions from God. Throughout the Scriptures we see God making his plans and purposes known to people. Just because someone knew the will of God, didn't mean that they would necessarily do it. Some would obey, and some would not. Personally I don't think it is a good idea to go against God's will. King Solomon, who oversaw what was perhaps the greatest building project in the history of Israel, wrote, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain" (Tehilim / Psalms 127:1). In other words, it makes no sense to try to accomplish something that God is not himself involved in. If you don't believe in God, this may not make much sense, but if it is true (as I believe it is), whether you believe or not, you are right now involved in things that God may or may not be involved in. Those things that God doesn't like, in the long run, aren't going to do you or anybody else any good. One of the areas of life that the Scriptures make clear that God is involved with is the marriage relationship. From the early days of human existence men and women united in marriage. The first book of the Bible describes this uniting as becoming one flesh. Many years later, Yeshua commented on this passage, saying, "'Haven't you read,' he replied, 'that at the beginning the Creator "made them male and female," and said, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh"? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.'" (Matthew 19:4-6). Therefore when a man and a woman are united in marriage, this is not just a human decision and a cultural tradition. It is actually an act of God. While we are definitely involved in the process, there is a spiritual dynamic occurring whether we acknowledge it or not. Note that it is a man and a woman that God joins together. There is no hint that this special relationship can be experienced by anyone else. Some may attempt to create intimate unions between people other than a man and a woman. Certain societies may tolerate this, others encourage it. People may try to put together whatever they want, but if God is not in it, then a true union will never occur. Understanding God's involvement in marriage may help us to explain why marriage break ups are so devastating. No matter how easy our society makes divorce, souls are being torn apart. This should provide encouragement to people struggling in their marriage relationships. Since it is God who unites us, then he will provide us with what we need to stay united. If both parties desire to work things out God's way, they can then be assured of heaven's help. Truah/TorahBytes Parsha: Vayikra (Leviticus 1-5) Family Parsha Vayikra 5764 By: Nesanel Safran Everything we do, even if nobody sees us, is being watched and recorded by God. And our conscience, the part of us that makes us feel guilty if we did something we shouldn't have, is a positive thing. It is God's loving way of reminding us that He knows what we did, and knows that we'll feel better, and become better by coming clean and putting it right. This week's portion teaches us about some of the ways that in the times of the Tabernacle a person could do to put right the mistakes that he made, even those only he - and God - were aware of. Today, the way is to become aware of the fact that we're always 'on film,' and let that motivate us to try our best to act in a way that will make ourselves and God proud. In our story, a kid sees how her life changes once she realizes the camera's rolling. "THE MOVIE STAR" You'd think it was a different class. I had never seen everyone looking as good, and behaving as well. Everybody was tucked in and sitting up straight. The noisy kids in the back row, who usually spent the whole class whispering and giggling, were paying attention - as quiet as mice. Even Becky, the class clown, for once had put her antics on hold. What was the cause of this miraculous turnabout? It was all because of the woman standing quietly in the corner of the classroom, or I should say, because of the video camera she was pointing our way. They were making a movie of our school to show at the annual banquet, and everybody, from our parents to the principal, would be watching. Naturally, none of us wanted to be caught on film at any less than our very best. But soon enough the lunch bell rang, and everyone poured out of the classroom, relieved that the 'show' was finally over. "I bet you'd like it if the camerawoman was here all the time?" I quipped to Mrs. Mark, our teacher, on the way out. I thought she would just laugh, but instead she gave me a thoughtful look and said, "Tammy, we are always on camera, it's just that the camera is usually hidden." What? Were there hidden video monitors in the classrooms? She explained: "God is watching us all the time, and taking pictures of whatever we do. He's recording our every word too. If people would only realize it, they would act a lot differently." I never quite thought of it that way, and deep down I knew she was right. But soon enough the thought slipped out of my head as I joined the rest of the kids in the cafeteria. "Oh no," I thought looking at the huge line. I was really hungry, and it was going to take forever to get through. Just then, I heard someone whisper my name. "Psst, Tammy! Come cut in behind me. Quick, while nobody's looking." It was my friend Amy. "Great." I slipped into the line, and sure enough no one noticed. There was a strict rule that nobody was allowed to cut into line or save places for anyone else. It made sense - if not, people would always be pushing and fighting. But still, if you could get away with it - why not? We started to chat. "That was some class today, huh Tammy?" she said. "It's hard to be on camera. I couldn't wait to get out of there and be myself again." I nodded and smiled, but something inside didn't feel right. I thought about the teacher's words, "We're always on camera..." Did that mean I had just been videoed sneaking into line? That certainly wasn't a movie I'd want anybody to see. We moved forward, and I felt a little guilty as I thought about the 'hidden camera' still running. "Why so quiet, Tam?" asked my friend. "Anyway, did you hear what Jan did yesterday? You know she..." I perked up my ears. Amy always had the juiciest gossip. But then I thought, "...and He's recording our every word too..." Was this gossip session also going to be part of the tape? I squirmed. How could I explain to my friend that the video camera was still running? "You're never going to believe what she did..." I had to act fast. "You know what Amy, I realize I forgot something," I mumbled as I pulled myself out of line. Amy protested. "But Tammy, can't it wait a few minutes? We're almost at the front of the line and you haven't even heard the story yet." "Sorry - gotta go!" I zoomed out and went straight to the back of the line where I really belonged. You know, the wait didn't even seem so long. In fact, I enjoyed every minute of it as I felt the camera rolling, and making the kind of film that someday, both God and I would enjoy seeing. Aish.com I do not agree with Yahweh having a camera and taping us however Yahweh is watching our every move unless we repent and make things right He is recording everything and we will have to answer to Him judgement day. MB Updates:Greetings Saints In His Perfect Peace, Yesterday and today my boys and I started getting the ground ready for the garden we feed the homeless out of. We are going to have to use the cowboy ( round rock well in the ground ) for water. You see Florence keeps upping the water bill as that is the only way they say they have to rasie money. Small town 500 house. Right now noraml use with trash close to $90 I think mom said. So we must get a pump for teh well. We had $50 come by mail towards this and we need to raise another $50 for the pump. Then plants run about $50 with odds and ends. I could be wrong mom does this buying most generally.... We had some good reports on the radio Program. This week I will speak with Richard about his Book 'Too Long in the Sun" I encourage you to listen in as it is so close to Passover and Easter....I suggest you goto his site and check out the inforamtion there. I suggest you get the CD The Tall Tale of Easter... and the Must read book TOO LONG IN THE SUN! Your life will be changed by the Book. Wake your friendsHere above are some links for the program...Sunday 6 PM central.....Do not miss this program. Tomorrow is a wonderful day as I get to go and serve the People! We are trying to plan Passover. I will be praching about Passover the next two weeks. I am praying the tapes come out so I can offer them to you for a donation to cover costs. We did just get our Cassettes in today Amen. Did I tell you I found out that the brake problem is the rotor and caliper on the driver's side. I also badly need to replace the eletric motor in the driver's door for teh window. I cannot roll it down so it is very hot for me to drive like this. The Air works if it gets recharged... We are now trying to raise money for passover and for gas the rest of teh month. Needs Summer clothing underwear socks...summer, jeans mens and womens ,small to extra large,summer sandles women..... Blankets,Computer for Mission or someone to upgrade this very old laptop we have. or just a laptop... Bibles....Ministry VHS tapes to show to homelessGAS IT HAS WENT UP THE NEED IS GREATER! 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,I Pray that your all well and in His Word. Friday was a good day of course they all seem to be as we do the Work that Yahweh has chosen us to do with exceeding gladness. Kathy made 5 dozen egg sandwiches as we were out of cheese at the time they were made. The man who brings in several different items every Tuesday and Friday brought in cheese crackers,ramen noodles and tootsie rolls as she was finishing up the sandwiches then he left and came back with cheese. Kathy,Bootsie(Linda II) and I made cows in a blanket (beef dawgs in biscuits)over 100 I believe it was 110 to be exact. They were really good we served them with BBQ chips and everyone loved them. Donuts were served throughout the day along with hot coffee,ice water and ice Tea.The bills are all paid at the present but will be coming in the next few weeks as the rent and everything else becomes due again. We really could use some help on the rent as we have had an extra expense added to our family budget and we pay the Mission rent out of Dan's disability. I have faith that my Father will provide as He always has but for you to know the needs we must tell you amen.We could also use some extra funding just for the Passover Seder as it comes the first week of the month when the rent and the newsletter are both due. We need the funds to print and mail the newsletter on time so if nothing else send us some stamps every little bit helps. There is NO GIFT to small or to big just pray about doing your part then do as your lead amen. This coming Friday is our kitchen helpers birthday and it would be a nice surprise for her if a few of you would mail her a card directly to the Mission. Mail them to Kathy Cook 803 west Maple Wichita Kansas 67213. More on the Mission next update Stay warm and Stay In His Word Blessings & Shalom Last weeks answers:QuestionWhat did Yahweh say would be a sign between Him and His people forever ? A. keeping His Sabbath Exodus 31:16-17 16Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.Passage Found In:John 5:25-29 25:Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26: For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27: And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29: And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.This Weeks Question:What was upon the tabernacle by day and night ? Find This Passage: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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.As 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. 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. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 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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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.