Prison weekly June 26th 2004

Family Parsha Chukat 5764 Torah Portion: Chukat Leviticus 19:1-22:1 by Nesanel Safran Life is so much better when we get along peacefully with the people around us, and it is worth going out of our way to do so. This week's Torah portion recounts the death of Moses' brother, Aaron, and how much the people loved him and missed him when he died. The reason for this great affection was that Aaron was a pursuer of peace, meaning he would go out of his way to try to build and maintain peaceful relationships. We can learn from Aaron's great character trait and make the extra effort to be at peace with everyone we know. In our story we meet a family who puts peace above principle."THE COLD WAR "It's funny how things can snowball. Just like a small snowball gets bigger and bigger the more it rolls, the smallest problem can grow into something huge if you let it. And while snow might be last thing on anyone's mind this time of year, last winter, a little bit of snow almost turned into a big avalanche.It had been a snowy winter, so I wasn't really surprised to wake up one morning and see another fresh six inches on the ground. Although the adults would sometimes grumble about how all the snow made it hard to get to work, and stores and stuff - we kids just loved it. This particular day, I was up and out of the house nice and early, shovel in hand to clear my share of the sidewalk in front of our attached two-family house. As usual, I did one half, and left over the other for Danny, the kid next door.Shoveling was the only not-so-fun part of snowstorms, but when everyone pitched in, it wasn't so bad. When I came back out later that day to play, I was surprised to see that Danny still hadn't shoveled out his half, and instead was out in the yard romping in the snow like he didn't have a care in the world."Hey, Danny! You waiting for the snow on the sidewalk to melt by itself?" I called out in a friendly voice, and pointed to the sidewalk. We got along well, so I expected him get the hint, laugh, and pick up the shovel. Boy was I surprised when he threw back at me a look colder than the icicles hanging off the roof, and said, "So finish your job."What in the world? It turned out that he wanted from now on that we should take turns doing the whole sidewalk, and of course the first turn was mine. He even claimed that I had agreed.Now you have to understand that we had been doing it the same way for years - nothing had changed. He and I both knew he was just trying to be lazy and weasel out of his job, period. Despite the freezing temperature, I started burning up. The kid had a real nerve. I certainly wasn't going to shovel his side.The truth is, it wasn't such a big sidewalk - the whole thing would have taken less than five minutes. But it was the principle of the thing. After a few more hot words, we gave each other the cold shoulder, and went our separate ways.I started playing in the yard, which suddenly seemed very small and crowded, since instead of running around freely as usual, I made sure to stay in my 'territory' in my side of the yard, and Danny was doing the same thing. After a little while I just went back inside; it was boring playing alone. Usually Danny and I would team up to build snow forts, have sled races, or just hang out together in one of our houses and have hot chocolate. We could be doing it again if he would only wake up and see I was right. But he didn't, and I certainly wasn't going to come to him. Back in the house I decided to work on my model rocket. I carefully took out all the parts and spread them out on the table. It would be a fun day after all. Then I discovered I had run out of glue. 'No problem,' I thought, 'I'll just run over to Danny and borrow...' My heart sank. I couldn't borrow anything from him anymore, now that we were 'at war.' If I wanted more glue, I'd have to trudge all the way down to the hardware store in the snow! This dumb fight of ours was starting to have a pretty high price. But what could I do? I was right, and he was wrong...I fought the wind and blowing snow, and finally got to the store. Thankfully it was open. Mr. Jacobs, the owner, seemed pretty surprised to see me. The store was empty, and I guess he hadn't seen too many customers on a day like that, so he struck up some light conversation."Hey peacemaker, what's new?" he called out.'Hey, What? How could he possibly know...'He saw my shocked look and explained. "Your name is Aaron, isn't it?"I nodded."Well don't you know your namesake, Aaron in the Torah, was famous for bending over backwards to make peace with people? Anyway, how can I help you on this snowy day?"Without knowing it, I think he already had. I blushed as I realized how differently I had been acting than my namesake. I quickly bought the glue, although I had the feeling I wasn't going to need it anymore, and rushed home. I had a plan and couldn't wait to put it in action.I got to our block and peeked around the corner. Great! Danny was nowhere to be seen. I quickly made a snowball, rolled it along the ground, and watched it get bigger and bigger...from now on things were going to start 'snowballing' in a different direction. A half hour later, I put down the shovel I had been using next to the huge snowman I just built, rubbed my hands together, and looked at my handiwork with pride. I was cold, but it would be worth it. I was sure that Danny would now get my message.I sat in my living room by the window and waited. Soon enough Danny came out, and I waited to see his reaction. At first he didn't see. Then his eyes widened and he started to laugh. I jumped outside and started to laugh with him. Just the three of us - Danny, me...and, next to the sidewalk that was now totally cleared off, the big snowman holding the shovel in one hand, and holding a sign in the other with the word 'PEACE?' written in big letters across the front.We worked it all out, and Danny even apologized. I really felt like Aaron, my original namesake, as I saw how easily being willing swallow some stubborn pride, and shovel a little snow, not only cleared the sidewalk, but cleared the air.Aish.com MB UPDATES:Acts 2:38 8Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yeshua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, All the feeding we do, all the warnings we do, everything we do, all things we pray lead to this....being added to the Kingdom with our names written in the book of life.. These are two of our members of Messiah's Branch or " Mom's girls" as we call them. We had a good Sabbath even though we only had a jam box to praise and worship with. maybe one of these days the Lord will send us people who have musical abilities ( like guitar, drums etc ) ..But we are always happy to praise the Lord anyway we can. Last months was good month for donations. This month has been not very good at all. We need to come up with the money for the mail out newsletter. This is a critical thing as most on that list do not donate until they receive the newsletter. And if we do not get this one out this months donations for next month will also be short. This has happened only a few times in the 109 th month history of the mail out newsletter. So please pray with us for this to happen. We also need support for gas and the Bills will be in again in a short. 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, Kathy made seven dozen egg sandwiches we had no cheese till right at three when we stop making sandwiches. There were no donuts but we servered bite size donuts and cinamon rolls from the freezer with coffee, ice tea and water through out the day. I made spahgetti and we served it with peaches and garlic toast for dinner along with a bottle of coke. Dan passed out tootsie rolls and noodles and he gave the children pudding. We had some donations come in a few clothes that went right back out, a couple blankets, four or five bags of hot rod car mags. from the 60 I think Dan said then the cheese man brought in cheese, crackers,noodles and toosie rolls.The cell phone bill is 48.00 the water is 38 both are due by the 27th. The newsletter still has not went out we need 200. to get it out plus 38 to mail the over seas. Please Pray about helping as we need more monthly supporters just pray about it. Blessings and Shalom More on the Mission next update Last weeks answers:What was Job's reaction upon learning that all his children and his animals had been killed?A.Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshipped And he said: Job 1:18-22 18 While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; 19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you." 20 Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshiped. 21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return; the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." 22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. Passage Found:Leviticus 23:23-32 23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. 25 Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. 29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. 30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. 31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath. Question:What group of people did Jesus say took away the key of knowledge and prevented people from entering the knowledge of God?a. Lawyers b. Scribes c. Pharisees Find This Passage: And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. 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

Do Not Print:
Answers:What group of people did Jesus say took away the key of knowledge and prevented people from entering the knowledge of God?a. Lawyers b. Scribes c. Phariseesa. Lawyers!A.Lawyers Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
Passage Found:Luke 11:1-4 1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Prison weekly June 19th 2004

Korah For the week of June 19, 2004 / 30 Sivan 5764 Torah: Bemidbar / Numbers 16:1 - 18:32 & 28:9-15
Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24 & 1 Samuel 20:18,42 Go to God They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, "You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD's assembly?" When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. Then he said to Korah and all his followers: "In the morning the LORD will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him." (Bemidbar / Numbers 16:3-5).Moses went through a lot. He didn't want this job in the first place. Sure – originally, years earlier he thought he would try to help his people and took matters into his own hands. But now that he was older and wiser, the desire to be the Great Deliverer had been purged from his soul. It was God's idea to send him back to Egypt, and although he resisted, God prevailed and Moses became a leader. I have heard it said that part of Moses’ time, being a shepherd in the wilderness, was to prepare him for leading the people through there. That is probably true, but not in the way some people think. It wasn't his knowledge of the wilderness itself that made him adequate for the job. It wasn't the day in and day out of sheep herding that taught him the necessary group dynamics of how to lead two million ex-slaves from bondage to conquest. The primary lesson he learned during those forty years prior to God's call was one of dependency upon God. Moses had gone from status in Pharaoh's palace to the life of a fugitive, running for his life. Cut off from everything he knew, at age forty he had to start life over so to speak, and work a menial job. This week's portion shows us how he dealt with the predicaments he faced. When challenged by Korah and those with him, the Torah says, "When Moses heard this, he fell facedown" (Bemidbar / Numbers 16:4). Then he spoke to them. Over and over again whether Moses was confronting Pharaoh, speaking to the leaders of Israel, or dealing with the people's grumbling, he looked to God. What a way to react to being confronted! He got on his face! I don't think this was his way of showing reverence to Korah, or that Moses was completely overwhelmed. This was Moses' leadership posture. He looked to God. Then he dealt with the situation. We don't find Moses finding guidance based on his vast learning acquired in Pharaoh's court, or from his own years of wilderness wanderings. Whenever he faced a situation he went to God, who gave him the wisdom he needed. Isn't this what we all should do? If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5). So the next time you are in a situation you cannot handle, maybe you should do what Moses did. No Shame - Part 2 "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long" (Tehillim / Psalms 32:3). Last week I mentioned how I had been struggling with shame in my own life. You may or may not have noticed that while I wrote about how a recent experience helped me with my feelings of shame, I never got into the details of it. Feelings of shame may arise due to our doing shameful acts, others telling us that we have done shameful acts – whether we really have or not, or both. The feelings and effects of shame are always the same: we want to cover up or we want to run away and hide. However we deal with it, we mustn't let others see us or associate us with that thing that we are shameful of. In my case I was dealing with the receiving of very heavy criticism. While I knew there was some truth in what was told me, I was still working through the content of the things said. I wasn't clear yet as to what was accurate, what things I needed to address, what was coming out of personality differences, what was based on misunderstanding, and so on. It was a bit of a revelation to me to discover that I was burdened by something beyond just the bare facts of the situation. I was doubting myself. I was angry and confused. As a result my first tendency was to run away and hide, so that I didn't have to deal with this at all. I didn't want anyone to think I was bad or incompetent. So instead of dealing with the situation head on, I wanted to cover it over. I wanted to run away. I was ashamed. I don't know about you, but I think for some of us receiving criticism is like having someone gazing at our nakedness. We feel exposed – so we want to protect ourselves by covering up. Notice that we can be in this state whether we have really done wrong or not. Shame is so destructive, because it prevents us from facing the truth, whatever that truth might be. Actually we never have to feel shame. God has provided the remedy. Just as God provided effective covering for Adam and Eve who desperately tried to cover their own shame with fig leaves, so God has provided us with adequate covering through the Messiah. According to the Psalm read earlier, David knew the agony of trying to hide his sin. But when he came to the place where he could openly admit his wrong, he was free: "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD' - and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (Tehillim / Psalms 32:5). We never need to hide. Even when we do serious wrong, the only way to experience true forgiveness and freedom from shame is to bring ourselves and our life situations into the open. If we would allow ourselves to see ourselves as we really are, and look to God to cover us, then we will be free from shame. Truah/TorahBytes Family Parsha Korach 5764 Torah Portion: Korach by Nesanel Safran Numbers 16-18 It's human nature to want to do things our way. We don't like to be told what to do. Yet, in many situations, the wisdom of leadership and authority is necessary and beneficial to keep things organized and guide everyone along the proper path. In this week's Torah portion, Korach and his followers staged a rebellion against Moses' and Aaron's wise and benevolent leadership. God made it very clear that they were wrong, and wants us to learn from their mistake to appreciate the importance and benefit of having leaders. Family Parsha Shlach In our story, some ball-playing kids learn the value of having a leader. "STRIKING OUT""Who made him king?" thought Larry angrily, as he pounded his fist into his baseball glove. "Who is he to boss us around?"The object of Larry's resentment was Robert Hall, captain of the Pinewood Eagles junior league baseball team. Larry didn't like the way Robert was always telling everyone - especially him - what to do. Robert always decided the batting order, Robert always told everyone what position to play. As far as Larry was concerned, all of this was unnecessary and unfair.Why did they even need a captain in the first place? Even though most of the team was younger than Robert, and he did have a lot of baseball experience, they weren't babies, and were certainly capable of working these things out for themselves. And while true, the team had been successful lately and was in fact riding a five-game winning streak, Larry was sure it was much more in spite of Robert, than because of him.He was lost in these thoughts when he heard someone shouting out his name. Robert again! "Hey Larry, move over to your left! The guy up at bat is a lefty, and he'll probably hit it that way."Grudgingly, Larry shifted over a few steps as he stewed over the 'king's' latest decree, and dreamed of convincing everyone to 'go on strike' against the captain, until he let them just do things the way he wanted to.It didn't take long for Larry's dream to come true, without him having to lift a finger, because right before the very next game, the guys got a message that Robert wouldn't be able to make it - he had been hit with the 24-hour flu that was going around. Larry felt bad that the guy was sick, but he was thrilled that now he and his teammates would finally be able to do it 'their way.'The team assembled as usual before the game to decide the batting order. Everyone stood around just looking at each other for a while, since they were used to Robert telling them what to do. Larry spoke up, "Hey guys, today we get to decide - remember.""All right!!" the boys shouted, excited about their new freedom. But smiles soon turned to frowns and then snarls as a big argument ensued. "Well, I should bat first, like usual," claimed Jerry."Why you? I'm a better hitter," countered Rick. Pretty soon nearly everyone had put in his two cents, and ten minutes later when the umpire called out "Play ball!" they still had no idea what they were doing. With no other choice they decided to just go in alphabetical order, and even that was not so simple since one of the kids who always spelled his name with a 'K' suddenly claimed the real spelling was with a 'C'!Things were no better when the Eagles ran out to take their positions in the field. Three kids were fighting over who should play shortstop and nobody was willing to play right field. "What's da matter guys? Forgot where you're goin'?" teased the opposing batter, laughing at the chaotic scene in front of his eyes.Larry cringed and shook his head. Maybe there was something to having a captain after all. Robert did seem to have a knack of knowing the best way to arrange things. As a last resort, the guys decided they would all just take turns, each guy playing a different position every inning. It was one long day on the playing field, and it was a disaster. They lost and lost big - 17 to 3.As they packed up their equipment, Larry decided he was going to call Robert to see how he was feeling and when he was coming back. He realized that the captain wasn't merely bossing them around, but guiding them wisely. One day of leaderless 'freedom' that turned out to be chaos was quite enough for him.Aish.com MB UPDATES:1 Corinthians 1:27 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, I had a woman email me and ask me. Why would God use someone almost homeless to help the homeless. And you say you are disabled but you look okay......does not your Church help you. I want to answer these on record one time. First We are a Church so the Church helps by tithing and volunteering...It is more like a family or Home church.....but I am a ordained non denominaiol Minister from several places...No big deal the Father Ordained me to preach the truth and warn the people and also care for them. I was hurt in a construction accident in 1985. At first it was just a Acute lumbar strain. Bad medical care and lack of treatment led to my condition getting very much worse. It led to degenitive disk disease. All my disks in my lumber are either torn, prolapsed ( Bulging) or about gone. This led to severe nerve damage in my lower back. The doctors say if I turn wrong I could be paralyzed. This almost happen two years ago. I have almost the same problems in my upper shoulders and neck. I have even been warned by a neurologist NOT to have my back adjusted or popped as it come harm me much worse. I have had many pain shots in my neck epidural and quartazone... Like Now I am about to go get shots again as I can hardly sit up after spending a day in Wichita. A trip to Wichita doing what I do takes one to two days to recover enough to do it again. When I am home on the computer I have to get up and down changing my back position all the time. Then add arthritis in my back, knee, feet, and hands just to name a few. I am in pain 90% of the time. Just different degrees. I can barley hold a tambourine during praise and worship.. I have a 5 to 10 pound weight limit according to my doctors. I have had three knee operations which also has left me with a weak leg. Then let's add my shoulder and foot that both had bone spurs removed by surgery which still hurt. Then I have a sleep disorder that I will not take sleeping pills for. I use these late hours to pray, read the Bible, study and work on the net. I can only sit up for short periods of time, this is one of the very main reasons I would like to have a laptop so when I have to lie down for hours I can still do the work that God placed me in. I have nerve damage in my feet so after standing a while they burn like fire. I know I am doing what God wants me to be. That is part of the Miracle of Messiah's Branch. Without Messiah I can do nothing. Besides it is normal for a saved man or woman to produce fruit otherwise they are broken off as a branch and cast into the fire. Messiah said this. Sure we are poor but not almost homeless. The Lord found us this house for back taxes so we own our own home. My wife works nights and that is what our family lives off of. I care for the children while she is at work...rather we all care for each other.. We are happy. My disability Check pays our tithes and over as we pay the mission rent most every month. So what should I do just give up because I cannot hold a regular job? God called me into his service. We do much more than just "feed the people". they get medical aid, prayers, clothing, and Bible study if they wish. Why do not more people help us? Ask Wichita? But no one in town Pastor's the homeless like I do.. If We can do all we do, then where are the Churches at? Why are people at my door waiting for me to get there? Because they need the help and the peace, the Shalom of the God that loves them. If all Churches did just a little of what we do in Wichita then there would be no hungry in Wichita nor people in need of clothing and basic needs but the Church the Body of Messiah is just not doing their job.....yes The Father called me to do the work I do. Why because I am willing as we should all be....The only person that gets glorified by the work done at MB is the Lord! It's all about him and not about us. I could do as the doctors advise and basically do nothing but I cannot go against the Father. When he wishes me to stop then I will and not before. We are working with people no one wants or rather if they do help them they treat them like sheep.....yes there are a few good places that help feed but that is all they do feed and leave... We do so much more...I hope this answers your questions. And yes we need your support and I need and amp badly by Friday! We have the radio paid the next three weeks! Gas always a need. Number one newsletter funds Amp or stereo with an accessory where I can plug a tape player and CD into Pray about supporting this work in anyway the Father wishes you to do if at all? 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 we were very busy Kathy made 108 egg-n-cheese sandwiches that's 9 dozen. I had the privilege of serving them. I let them order double egg an cheese, double cheese, triple cheese,and it was a lot of fun. One fellow said "what is this burger king anyway you want it" and I replied "no this is Messiah's Branch any way ya want it, If we have it, it's yours" I made chicken stew for dinner not what I started out to make but Yahweh had it all under control and that's what we ended up with(long story). We served the stew along with peaches, hot rolls with butter and b-day cake I made there for Terry one of the under the bridge guys who turned 40 on Thursday. Everything was eaten except for a few peaches. We had a very beautiful wedding dress donated to Kathy Friday we also got a new glass punch bowl the week before. If any of you have anything that could help with this wedding and want to help please contact me.The wedding is set for Thursday July 1st @ 7:00 pm @ Messiah's Branch. Kathy's colors are purple and white.CMA brought in some noodles, individual apple sauce, fruit cups, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding and some velveta type cheese. We defrosted and cleaned out the freezer and Friend of man donated bread, bite size boxes of donuts, and cinnamon rolls which almost filled it up again. These are what we use when Winchells sell out and we don't get any donuts. Another person brought in five pounds of sliced cheese, two cases of noodles,and a box of cheese crackers.The newsletter still hasn't went out we're still waiting on the funds for it. What I had set aside for printing had to be used on other bills and gas for last Tuesday and Friday.(this money was donated to use as needed so the newsletter still has not been printed.) We did get the radio money I will be mailing the check for four more weeks tomorrow. The water bill came in for the Mission it's around 38 dollars. Ours at home also came it wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be with watering the garden it was 105 and no the well pump hasn't been fixed to work yet. Dan has someone workin on it I think he said it had to have a prime tank connected to the pump. Please pray for this ministry and all those who volunteer to make it all possible. All of us are very dirt poor people striving to make it payday to payday. But we are making it and Yahweh's work is getting done all the needs are being met amen. He will provide and He will not fail us or His Work. Just hold us up in prayer for wisdom, strength, guidance,and the ability to carry on. We all LOVE this work and PRAISE YAHWEH that HE HAS CHOSEN each one of us to do it. More on the Mission Next update Blessings & Shalom with much LOVE sisterlinda Last weeks answers:Question: What did Yahweh tell Moses to tell the people to do with their garments as a reminder of His commandments ? 37 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: 39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them ; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:40 That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.Passage Found:1Samuel 4:5-9 5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. 6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp. 7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. 8 Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. 9 Be strong and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.Question:What was Job's reaction upon learning that all his children and his animals had been killed?Find This Passage:And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath. 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

DO NOT PRINT :
Question:What was Job's reaction upon learning that all his children and his animals had been killed?
A.Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshipped And he said: Job 1:18-22 18 While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; 19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you." 20 Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshiped. 21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return; the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." 22 In all this Job
did not sin or charge God with wrong. Passage Found:Leviticus 23:23-32 23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. 25 Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. 29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. 30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. 31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

Prison weekly June 12th 2004

Shela Lecha For the week of June 12, 2004 / 23 Sivan 5764 Torah: Bemidbar / Numbers 13:1 - 15:41Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24 Healthy Fear I know that the Lord has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you (Joshua 2:9).Sometimes it is good to be afraid. It is the emotion of fear that reminds us to keep out of danger.When driving on the highway, we should be afraid to travel on the side of approaching traffic. This kind of healthy fear, doesn't mean that we are constantly filled with terror when we drive. Our fear of being in an accident quietly and effectively keeps us safe.This week's Haftarah illustrates another kind of healthly fear - fear of God. The residents of the city of Jericho heard about the exploits of the God of Israel. So when the people of Israel encamped by Jericho, they were afraid.This fear prompted Rahab to provide shelter to two of the Israelites who came to spy out the city. Her understanding of God prompted her to help them rather than hinder them. She knew that the only way to ensure her well-being and that of her family was to cooperate with what God was doing.Interestingly the other residents of Jericho were afraid too, but most of them still would have resisted him. I guess they were not afraid enough.As for Rahab her fear of God enableded her to trust God. Her fear led her to faith. Her fear of God helped her not to fear the situation.Some people have trouble understanding how faith in God can go together with fearing him, but as it says in the book of Proverbs:The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10).Fearing God is foundational in learning wisdom. This is not the same as living in dread of God, as if he were a great big meanie in the sky out to destroy unsuspecting humans without warning. God takes no pleasure in our suffering, he only wants our greatest good.At the same time God is not to be trifled with. The world is his creation, and humans were made to reflect and represent him. If we insist on doing as we please, ignoring him and his ways, then we will find ourselves driving on the wrong side of the highway so to speak.But we don't need to live in dread of God. In fact, like Rahab, if we have a healthly fear of him, we will find ourselves able to rest in his love and protection. Torah Bytes No Shame "The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame" (Bereshit / Genesis 2:25). I have studied the Scriptures for many years. There are parts I think I understand and parts that I know I don't understand. Then there are those parts that I have read many times and that I feel I should understand – statements that appear on the surface to be clear and straitforward – and yet they make me tilt my head and say, "I don't get it. Why don't I understand this?" The verse I quoted is an example of this. Adam and Eve were naked and felt no shame. Maybe it's clear to you, but until just the other day, it made me wonder. Why would they feel shame? It wasn't wrong to be naked. They didn't know any other way. No other creature in the world wears clothes. They had not done anything wrong, at least not yet. So they were not ashamed. Why even mention it? It seems to be that the author of the story is making a point here. But what is it? I would guess that most people at some level experience shame in their lives. Some months ago, I became aware of shame in myself at a deep level. Yet still I did not understand what I was feeling ashamed about. As a follower of Yeshua the Messiah I knew that one of the many benefits of knowing him was freedom from shame. It was not easy to accept that I was carrying something that I thought I should not be struggling with. Being able to give a name to what I was feeling helped, but it did not autmotically bring to me the freedom I needed. Until the other day. I spent last week teaching a Bible course to people from several different nations in the world. One of these nations was deeply affected by World War II. I was told that their nation still carries the shame of what happened. Hearing the word "shame" caught my attention, because of what I have already mentioned. I desired to gain an understanding as to how the dynamic of shame was working among them. Maybe this would help me find freedom from shame myself. It did. I saw how the past moral failures of this people group was something over which they felt deep, deep regret. Understandably they don't want to define themselves according to their past sins. Also understandably they would rather see themselves as not having this ugly stain in their hsitory. Who would? There are various ways to deal with wrongs – some helpful, others not. One of the ways individuals and groups deal with the wrongs of the past is to hide them. That's shame. Whether we try to forget about the past or pretend that the things did not happen, we don't want others to see us associated with them in any way. So we cover them up. We hide them. Before they sinned Adam and Eve had no concept of right and wrong. They were completely free. They literally had nothing to hide, until they disobeyed God. Once they sinned, they felt completely exposed. They felt their lives were at risk, so they covered their bodies and hid. Adam said to God, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid" (Bereshit / Genesis 3:10). One of the tragic things about shame is that it causes us to behave in a way that is completely opposite to what we actually need to do to find our freedom. Because of what God has done for us in Yeshua, we have the opportunity to be free from shame. But for that to happen we need to expose our wrongs, bringing them out into the open where they can be truly dealt with. One of the reasons we feel shame is that we cannot accept that we have actually done what we have done. If our shame is a result of the behavior of others, it is because we cannot accept that someone we are associated with did whatever they did. Once we allow the shameful acts of the past to be properly exposed, God is more than able to remove our shame. To come to that place requires radical honesty and the willingness to accept God's perspective of our lives. Family Parsha Shlach 5764 Torah Portion: Shlach by Nesanel Safran Numbers 13-15 There is a fine line between fact and opinion. Many times, what at first seems to be an objective 'fact' is really just someone's subjective opinion. In this week's Torah portion, the Jewish people in the desert sent a group of scouts on a fact-finding mission to the Land of Israel. When they returned and reported what they found, they distorted the facts for their own vested interests, and made the report sound very negative. This made the people panic unnecessarily, which caused a great tragedy. One lesson here is to learn not to simply take things we hear at face value, but to realize there is always more than one way to look at things, and before we believe something negative, we should consider what might be really motivating the person to say what he is saying. In our story, a kid learns 'facts' can often mean different things to different people. "JUST THE FACTS"One great thing my school does is let you sign up for interesting, optional courses. It was sign-up day and I was rushing to sign up for the cooking course. I figured it was about time I learned how to do more than boil water. On the way, I ran into my friend, Jackie.Jackie is a year older than me, and she kind of always treats me as a younger sister, always giving me advice that I never really asked for. "Where you off to in such a hurry, Deb?" she asked with a smile.When I told her about my plans, she rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Boy are you lucky you ran into me!"I was?"Do yourself a favor, and don't touch that class with a ten foot pole!""Why not?" I asked."I made the mistake of taking that course last year. I'll tell you the facts and let you decide. First of all, Mrs. Rodgers, the instructor, runs the kitchen like a sergeant, and if you don't follow her recipes down to the letter, she gets really mad. Of course, I made sure to improve a few things when she wasn't looking. Now her strictness would be bad enough if at least the recipes were decent tasting, but everything we had to make tasted terrible. I ended up throwing most of the stuff I made into the garbage. Trust me," she laughed, "take anything but that awful cooking class!"Well that put a serious damper on my plans. The facts seemed to speak for themselves, and it looked like I'd have to make another choice. I headed over to the sign-up sheets posted outside the office, and looked over all the choices. Funny, the cooking-class list seemed pretty full. I felt bad for all those kids who hadn't gotten the 'inside facts' like I had.I stood dumbfounded in front of the board - I really didn't know what course to choose now - when I noticed my friend, Lara, and her older, sister, Liz, come over to sign up. "You're lucky! There are still a couple of spots open for Mrs. Rodger's cooking class ... it usually fills up right away!" Liz said excitedly as Lara quickly signed her name on the list."Wait a minute, Lara," I said. "Maybe you should think twice about that class...""What's there to think about?" her big sister cut in. "It's just about the best class in the whole school. I took it myself last year." Now I was really confused. "But I heard the teacher was very strict about following the recipes?" "Sure, but with good reason," countered Liz. "Mrs. Rodgers used to be a professional chef at one of the most famous kosher restaurants in the country. At the beginning of the semester she explained that her recipes weren't just recipes, but carefully prepared lesson plans in how to cook. She asked us to follow them precisely so we would learn all the techniques we need to know when we do our own cooking in the future. Of course, some kids in the class didn't listen. They thought they knew better and just threw things together in whatever way they wanted, and, as you can imagine, their stuff usually flopped. Debby, if I were you, I'd sign up right away too. You won't regret it!" Well, this certainly put things in a new light. What Liz said made sense, especially when I realized that it was just like Jackie's personality to want to do everything her own way, and get really mad at anyone who wouldn't let her. It seemed that the 'facts' she told me was really her opinion. She was certainly entitled to her own opinion, but that didn't mean I had to agree with it.I signed up for the cooking class - the last spot on the list. And you know what? It turned out to be great class. Aish.com MB UpDates: Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, After the Radio tonight I took two of our Group over to Marion lake and baptized them. It was a good program. Friday was busy with new faces. Poor older very clean cut looking people. It was not the noraml crowd and they came late. I have Had $60 for the radio and another $40 came in for radio. So I need $90 to mail them a Check this week. Pray about it. Next week chat with us. The call for the radio is an 800 number. Mom and I will answer question's or just call and say hi! We are basically going to be speaking of and about our work with the poor, the people who come for service or rather our Family because that is how Messiah's Branch is, all treated as Family and with special love. We are also going to talk about how close we feel to his return! Join us next Sunday at 6PM. Also Friday I had to go to the hospital and anoint a NEW baby...Then In the same hospital I went and prayed for an old friend who is still in then world. He Could live or die up to him. Pray for is salvation then healing will follow. Please pray about supporting the Wichita Mission and we NEED radio money right now as well as gas! 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 (HE IS SO GOOD AMEN) Friday was a busy day for all of us at Messiah's Branch. Kathy made 5 dozen egg -N- cheese sandwiches there were no donuts but we had some sweet rolls we served from outta the freezer. We had many new people come Friday among them were small children. We had a family with three small children then a single dad with his two small children come in to eat. We made many pounds of spagetti and sauce thinking we would have a bunch left over but the people just kept coming in. When we fed @ 4:30 we only had 12 people but they kept coming in after that till about 7pm and we feed all but a half bucket of sauce that was left which Kathy took home to help them feed their family till their stamps come in on Sunday. We fed 37 plates and 18 to-go plates of spaghetti, garlic toast and peaches. I ran errands picking up donations and taking one of my girls to work (we need a baby bed by November) She also needs a washer and dryer. I was able to get her a very nice dinning table with four chairs Friday this made her very happy. Daniel spent six hours doing repairs on the clothing minis tress's car and managed to get her back on the road. We brought the Bronco home because it did not sale from the add's but if any of you know of someone in the market for a nice 1992 Ford Bronco 4x4 let us know it is still for sale. Daniel II really wants to get rid of it and get him a nice car. We are asking $4000. and it's very nice, clean good shape with a rebuilt transmission that only has less than 150 miles on it and a 12,000 mile guarantee which the shop owner will transfer to the new owner.We had a couple bring in three boxes of women's clothing a box of shoes,a box of carrying bags (like back packs) and a suit case full of women's pants. A very nice suit case that I kept for us.They also made a 50 dollar donation toward the food account to help out with the eggs I was going after. Aldi's has them on sale for 59 cents a dozen so I went and picked up 40 dozen. We could use paper cups, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, sugar and tea If you want to help with these items you can drop them by the Mission on Tuesday's or Friday's and see this wonderful work being done while your there. The wedding is coming along I picked up a brand new glass punch bowl Friday someone from freecycle@yahoo.com donated and someone else may be donating a 600 dollar wedding dress. This is Richard and Kathy's wedding and I really want it to be super nice for them. (Richard just found out he may have colon cancer) Wedding is set for July 1st they are already married but never had a wedding I am trusting Yahweh to provide for this because none of us have any extra money. Grandma is making the cake and Randa (bankers wife) is making the bouquets. Her colors are purple and white so if you have anything we can use to prepare this wedding PLEASE let me know. FLOWERS are needed and all the decorations to decorate the Mission.All the bills except the internet 19.95 due this Wednesday have been paid. The printing for the newsletter is in but no money to mail it that will cost 111.00 plus 38 for the over seas I would like to see it go out Wednesday. Pastor Dan will print it Tuesday. WE have no gas money. The last was spent Friday picking up donations, taking the people and picking them up then gas to get home so we need gas funds now even for Tuesday. The Radio is due and there is only 100 of the 190 needed to pay for another four weeks it is due to be sent this week so Pray about this saints I believe it's a good thing. I need postage for the prison weekly I mail each Tuesday also and that list is growing we are getting His Word into the Prisons Praise Yahweh. We also need the funds for an ink cartridge for the printer.All we ask is that you pray about helping in His work then do as He leads you. Blessings & Shalom More on the Mission next update Last weeks answers:What did the angel tell John when he fell down to worship him? A. do it not.....worship God Revalation 22:8-10 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Passage Found In:1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy. Question: What did Yahweh tell Moses to tell the people to do with their garments as a reminder of His commandments? Find this Passage: And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp. And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. Be strong and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.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



DO NOT PRINT
Question: What did Yahweh tell Moses to tell the people to do with their garments as a reminder of His commandments ? 37 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: 39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them ; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:40 That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. Find this Passage:1Samuel 4:5-9 5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. 6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp. 7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. 8 Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. 9 Be strong and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

Prison weekly June 5th

Be-Ha'alotcha For the week of June 5, 2004 / 16 Sivan 5764 Torah: Bemidbar / Numbers 8:1 - 12:16 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7 Originally published the week of June 21, 2003 / 21 Sivan 5763 Unpredictable Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out (Bemidbar / Numbers 9:22,23). The wilderness journey of the people of Israel was one of learning to respond to the word of God. This included receiving his instructions at Mt. Sinai as well as discovering the ways of God in the midst of their day-to-day life experiences. Each step of the journey was directed by God. God guided the people by means of a pillar of fire and cloud. This cloud normally hovered over their place of worship, but when it moved, the people were to pack up and head out to the next place to which God would lead them. The people were given no warning as to when the cloud would begin to move. Also how long the cloud would remain in one place was not known. That means that the people would sometimes camp in a location for a day or two, and other times for much longer. Large groups of people moving from one place to another was not uncommon in that part of the world. Nomadic tribes moved around according to their needs. But that is not what was happening with Israel. Nomads usually have some indication as to when a current location would no longer suit them. They would also likely know well in advance where they were going next. Israel on the other hand had to live each day not knowing if they would be staying or going. Then once they set out to a new location, they would not have known where their next stop would be. Israel needed to learn as the people of God to look only to him for guidance . He was in charge of where they lived and how long they would live there. This prevented them from ever developing a sense of routine or predictability. We tend to think that our lives tomorrow are linked to our experiences today. We develop routines which become the framework of our daily plans. We actually predict what we think will happen based on our current situations. We find security in these predictions. This was a security not available to the people of Israel, since they never knew when they would have to get up and go. If we stopped to think about it, we don't actually know what a day will bring. When we go to bed at night we presume that tomorrow will go as planned, but, in fact, we have no control over our circumstances. Yet we still take comfort in our predictions. I find that we often resist God's leading because we think we can predict how God will lead us based on what he did for us yesterday. We are more concerned to preserve our current situation than we are diligent to discern how God may be leading us. We find it easier to interpret God's will via our circumstances than to hear what he is saying to us each day. Unpredictability is uncomfortable, but if we are going to truly know God, then we need to follow him, rather than figuring out life on our own. TorahBytes Thinking Faith "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Mishlei / Proverbs 3:5,6). Years ago we used to have a plaque in our dining room with these above words from the Book of Proverbs. My wife and I have preferred not to display much in the way of religious items, but this was a gift from some friends, and we really liked what it said. One of our reasons for not displaying many religious items has been for the sake of certain ones of our family and friends, who have not shared our beliefs. While we are very happy to share our faith with others, we didn't think it was helpful for them to be confronted with religious objects. This plaque was one of very few exceptions. We had thought that this particular plaque would not be offensive, and so we were surprised one day when one of our close relatives, who had been to our house many times, took great exception to it. What bothered him was how he understood these verses. To him they were saying that believers in God were not to think. I was shocked to hear this. First because I knew that faith and thinking are not contrary to one another, and second that I had never thought about these verses in this way. But once I heard our relative's perspective, I could see why he thought they were teaching this. To my relative these words were saying that we should not pay any attention to our own thoughts and opinions, but only do what God says. Since God and religion are completely intertwined in the mind of my relative, doing what God says actually means doing what the religion dictates. I once met a man with whom I was discussing foundational matters of faith. He said to me that when he was very young, he had asked his religious teacher similar questions. The teacher's response was, "Shut up or I'll kill you." I don't for a second believe that the young student's life was in danger. What his teacher was trying to do (consciously or unconsciously) was create an emotional response in the student, so that he would never forget what his community would allow him to think and what he would not be allowed to think. The student quickly learned that to contemplate certain matters would result in complete rejection from the community. The resulting fear forced him to conform to the status quo. I have no doubt that my relative must have experienced something similar to this when he was young, and wanted no part of it. So when he saw our plaque, he was reminded of this, and flatly rejected what he thought it meant. A careful look at these verses reveals something very different from what these two people had been led to believe. Our minds are not themselves in opposition to matters of faith. At the same time we need to be careful that our understanding of life and situations should not be our main guide. Just like an athlete relates to his coach or an apprentice to the craftsman, we need to remember that God is more experienced and wiser than we are. He sees life from an eternal, infinite perspective, while we see things according to our relatively narrow viewpoint. That doesn't mean we should not grapple to understand what is right and true. It only means that as we grow up, we need to do so with a humble, teachable attitude. We also need to learn that our understanding will never be sufficient to deal with life effectively. No matter how much we learn, no matter how skilled we become, we need to rely on God. For it is he who holds the whole universe in his hands. Truah/TorahBytes Family Parsha Be'halot'cha 5764 by Nesanel Safran There are different kinds of wanting. Sometimes a person wants something because he understands that he needs it for a real purpose. Other times a person wants something just for the sake of wanting it, even though the object has no real purpose. This second kind of wanting is called impulsive cravings, or ta'avah in Hebrew. In this week's portion, even though the people had more than enough good food to eat as they made their way through the desert, they craved different food and ended up letting their cravings get out of control with unhappy consequences. Wanting things is okay within reason, but simply following one's impulsive desires not only doesn't make a person happy, but often causes him to lose out on the things he really wants much more.In our story, a boy learns how to get what he really wants."SLIP-SLIDING AWAY""All right!!!" Alex shouted, as he waved the open envelope back and forth."What's up Al? You won the lottery or something?" asked his big sister Leah."Next best thing," he laughed. "Grandma's birthday money!"Alex and Leah could always count on a generous gift from their Grandma Sarah, but this time, she really outdid herself. "You'd better send her a BIG thank you note," Leah said as she leaned her head in to peek at just how big a windfall her brother received."Yeah, for sure, but first things first. I'm off to Wide World of Sports. Now I can finally get those DLX professional hockey skates I've been wanting."Before Leah could blink, Alex was out the door with an ear-to-ear smile, and a fistful of money.The boy could already feel himself sliding across the ice rink on his new skates. Sure they cost a lot, but they were worth it. He was part of an after school league, and these skates would really improve his performance during the games.He had almost got to the sporting goods store, when a sign he had never seen before caught his eye. GIANT SUPER SAVINGS - EVERYTHING IN THE STORE - 99 CENTS!He was about to pass by, when a thought crossed his mind. 'In a store like that I could go wild with all the money Grandma gave me. Why should I just get one thing, when I could fill up a whole shopping cart!' Before he knew it, he was following his feet into the huge, colorfully laid out store. His original plan to buy skates faded further and further away as Alex marveled at the aisles jam-packed with what seemed like everything under the sun - the candy aisle alone seemed a mile long - and best of all it was all for bargain prices!Alex enthusiastically grabbed one of the oversize shopping carts, and began his safari through the jungle of unbelievable bargains, hungrily pulling down items off the shelves like they were delicious fruit from a tree. 'This is really great,' he thought as he filled his cart with games, books, and tapes he never heard of before, with enough pens to write an encyclopedia, enough digital watches to set one to every time zone in the world, and enough candy to - well, create business for every dentist in the state.'Well this is probably all I can afford,' figured Alex as he got ready to bring the stuff up to the check out. But when he did a rough count of how much all the items were going to cost, he was surprised to find out he hadn't spent nearly half of what he could.So he took his half-full cart and began round two. Talking key chains, soap that smelled like pizza, three different color shoe polish (boy would Leah laugh, neither of them would remember the last time he polished his shoes in any color.) For some reason he didn't feel quite as excited as when the shopping spree began. But he pushed the feeling aside. Why shouldn't he be happy? After all, he was getting so much more than he had planned. The boy trooped on, undaunted, scooping up as many bargains as he could. He took a fish bowl even though he didn't have any fish, a flashing dog collar for a dog he didn't yet own. 'Maybe I'll get one some day.' Alex trudged on and on, strangely feeling relieved as the cart finally filled up, signaling a light at the end of the tunnel.He got in line to pay and the people in front of him were also packed with stuff. But despite their great bargains, nobody really looked so happy, at least not as happy as they did when they first walked into the store.Finally Alex's turn came. He looked into the shopping cart and shook his head. Sure it was a lot of stuff, but he had to admit to himself that out of all of it, there wasn't really anything he actually needed - or even really wanted for that matter. Certainly not nearly as much as the pro skates he had had his heart set on for months."Yes son, pile 'er up on the counter. You're next," said the lady at the cash register with a bored half-smile.Alex began to unload his bargains and his heart sunk. 'What am I doing?' he thought to himself. He had gotten caught up in the 'thrill of the chase,' but now thinking it over, he realized it was a big mistake."Well?" asked the lady to the hesitating boy."Um, I'm sorry," he said, "but I think I changed my mind. Don't worry, I'll put everything back."As he pushed the cart away, he was surprised when the cashier, rather than getting mad, actually looked up and smiled at him. "Good for you," she said with a wink. "People just come here to buy for the sake of buying. Between you and me, it's all re ally a bunch of junk, isn't it?"Alex carefully put all the stuff back, feeling his heart growing lighter along with the shopping cart. He'd go and get his skates after all, something he really wanted and needed - and something he almost let slide away.Aish.com MB UPDATES: Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, We found this site called of all things a Blog. We asked you to comment about how to use it. Butso far it seems we must keep posting all to the PNS. I will also post parts of the stories with links here also as it is so easy. I will also post mission updates and other things here. Yes there will be somecontecnt that is only posted here so you need to have a look daily. it has a way I can post Audio files by calling in on the phone. I am going to see how big afile can be posted Audio here so I might be able to post sermons and or short Bible lessons? Let me know what you would like to hear? We got a $250 dontion on-line a few days ago for mission needs. I am going to pay the Mission eletric out of it for one. Mom also got an on-line donation of the same amount to the food account. Tuesday we were packed. We ran out of chicken and noodles so we served some donated BB Beans and chicken franks to late comers. A girl I took to the hospital a few weeks back whom had Numonia is back and well. She asked if she could do some comuity service and Kathy overheard her and said " Pastor Dan, I can use her in the Kitchen" I laugh when they call the very smal office area a kitchen but I guess that is what it is used for now. I go outside to council with people. Makes it hard in bad weather. Or I go to the van.... Say it was nice having the window go down. I am praying for a way to get the air conditioner charged... Anyway we served over 50 plates of hot food at the 4:30 PM meal. kathy also made dozens of egg sandwiches for brunch, plus the all day coffee, tea and sweet rolls...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 forgot to write my update Sunday night so here it is better late than never. Kathy made egg & cheese sandwiches as I ran errands with Pastor Dan to get the supplies for stocking the mission. I was able to get stocked up on cleaning supplies, napkins, serving plates and mustard, ketsup, mayo and eggs. We still need Tissue and cups. The bills are stil unpaid except the electric which I will pay today and the printing and mailing cost for the newsletter is still not in. We have 75 of the 350 needed to get it out. The internet is due on the 9th so if you can help Please do. I am not sure what Dan has left for gas but that is an ongoing need no matter what. We are able to cut down a little now that school is out we will only be taking the ministry van. I made beef-n-noodles,mashed potatoes, buttered corn and bread-n-butter for the dinner and it was served with a cold bottle of coke. The end of that will be this week we have enough for today and Friday. I was also able to place a food order for seven cases of tomatoes 24 cans in a case mixed Rotale,diced and stewed. Twenty number ten cans mixed of peaches and pears. a case of tortilla chips and a case of dehydrated peppers. This leaves the food account right at 80 dollars. Please pray for the Mission we need clothing (mens) bad all the clothing has been given out and all there is left is the winter coats. Pray about helping and do as Yahweh leads we love you all Have a wonderful day More on the Mission next update. Last weeks Answers: What did Yahweh say would happen to anyone who tells a lie? A. HE said they will be thrown in the pit Revalation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Passage: 2 Corinthians 2:5-5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Question: What did the angel tell John when he fell down to worship him? Find this Passage: For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.



DO NOT PRINT

Question: What did the angel tell John when he fell down to worship him? A. do it not.....worship God Revalation 22:8-10 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Find this Passage:1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy.




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