Prison Weekly Oct. 2,2004

Sukkot For the week of October 2, 2004 / 17 Tishri 5765 Torah: Shemot / Exodus 33:12 - 34:26 & Bemidbar / Numbers 29:23-31 Haftarah: Ezekiel 38:18 - 39:16 How Well Do You Know God? Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." (Shemot / Exodus 33:3) When certain holidays occur over Shabbat (the Sabbath), the regular Torah readings are preempted. According to the set reading schedule, this week would have been the final portion of Devarim (Deuteronomy), but since it is the Festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles or Booths), we have special readings from the books of Shemot (Exodus) and Bemidbar (Numbers). I think it is God's timing that the passage from Shemot is being read this year. There is a message here that we need to hear, especially considering the events of these turbulent days. Moses had a most unique relationship with God. We read in this week's portion: The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Shemot / Exodus 33:11). Moses really knew God. He talked to God face to face as one talks to a friend. Moses' understanding of God did not come from careful study of ancient texts, or by discerning the truths hidden in dreams and cryptic visions. God just talked to him. And yet Moses wanted to know God better. Even though he already had such an intimate relationship with the Master of the Universe, he wanted to know him more. So he prayed, "Show me your glory" (Shemot / Exodus 33:18). God heard Moses' prayer and revealed himself to him in a most extraordinary way. Moses' desire to know God in greater and greater ways is a further demonstration that he knew him in the first place. When I love someone, I want to get to know them. Once I get to know them, I want to know them even more. If we love God, then it makes sense to want to know him more and more. If we are satisfied with our knowledge and experience of him, then I wonder how deep our relationship with him is in the first place. There is so much to God - he is infinite after all. A thousand lifetimes would not be enough to get to know him. Why then are so many of us content with the little bit of God that we know? Note what Moses asked for. He asked for God's glory. God's glory is the outward expression of God's nature and character. After receiving the Torah on the mountain, and after the people sinned by worshipping the golden calf, Moses wanted to see God's glory. He want to know him more. Knowing God is not about our busy-ness with religious activities or good deeds, it is about an intimate relationship with him. And knowing God is also about knowing him better and better. I wonder if Moses would have had this greater revelation of God had he not asked for it. I don't think so. I think that our knowledge and experience of God is dependant on ourselves more than we think. I mentioned above that I thought it was God's timing that we read this passage this week. As the cycle of the Torah ends for another year, we hear Moses' cry: "Show me your glory!" I believe that God wants us to know him as never before. In the midst of the fear and confusion of these days, we too need to cry out for a fresh revelation of God - one like we have never known until now. And as we cry out to know God better, I believe he will be glad to reveal himself to us. TorahBytes A Time to Rejoice "A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance" (Kohelet / Ecclesiastes 3:4). If we were to survey everyone who either reads or listens to this week's message, I am sure that we would discover that people are going through all sorts of life experiences. Some are having the time of their lives, while others are greatly burdened with grief. Maybe you have just lost a loved one, while others have just recently experienced the joy of a broken relationship restored. The news is filled daily with stories of loss and destruction from devastating storms and terrorist activities. You may have personally been affected by some of these things. Yet others are oblivious to it all due to a turn of events that might be their greatest dream come true. Most people's mental and emotional state is greatly influenced if not controlled by their circumstances. When things are going well, they are on top of the world, but in the face of adversity, they are fit to be tied. This is normal. It is not for me to confront someone who is going through difficulties and glibly exhort them with "don't worry, be happy." At the same time our lives are rarely composed of just one thing. I know both the good and the bad can be overwhelming to the point that it can seem that way, but most of the time, life is far more complex than that. This week begins the Jewish Festival of Sukkot (English: Tabernacles or Booths, beginning Wednesday evening, September 29 this year). Sukkot is the culmination of a series of holy days, beginning with Rosh Hashanah (English: New Year) and Yom Kippur (English: Day of Atonement). These first two holidays are highly reflective and at times quite somber. They give us the opportunity to take stock of our lives, both individually and corporately and seek to re-align them with God and his ways. Five days after Yom Kippur the week-long celebration of Sukkot begins. It is a time to thank God for his care and provision. Sukkot is part of the regular schedule of Jewish life as proscribed by God. It is not based on personal preferences or the quality of our circumstances. It is a time to give thanks and rejoice whatever frame of mind we are in or whatever is our current state of affairs. Sukkot reminds us that whatever is going on in our lives, there is always a reason to give thanks. No matter how much grief we must endure or terrible our lives might be, if we would stop and think about it, there are things to thank God for. Each major Jewish festival has a small book from the Bible associated with it. For Sukkot it is "Kohelet," which in English is entitled, "Ecclesiastes." Kohelet is a short philosophical treatise on the meaning of life. It is here that we find the famous words, part of which I quoted at the beginning, stating that there is a time for this and a time for that. Certainly our life experiences tell us that there is a time for sorrow and a time for joy. Sukkot reminds us that we should not allow our current situations to determine those times. Choosing to give thanks or to rejoice even when I don't feel like it, doesn't mean that I am denying my true feelings. If things are going very well for me, I can still choose to grieve over someone else's loss. Many people earlier this month took the time to remember the loss of the people who died in the September 11 tragedy. Some of those people I am sure were enjoying their honeymoon, or just received a clean bill of health after a long bout of cancer, or were happily welcoming their first child into the world. Yet they were still able to take the time to stop and grieve. In the same way, though of course more difficult emotionally, we can also take the time to rejoice whatever else is going on with us. There is no need to pretend that our difficulties are good and wonderful when they are not. Yet we need to acknowledge that even in the midst of bad situations, God is still good and is worthy of our thanks. Truah/TorahBytes SukkotFamiliy Parsha Sukkot 5765 One of the important lessons of Sukkot is tolerance - that it takes all of kinds of Jews to make a complete nation of Israel. On Sukkot we celebrate how, after God rescued us from slavery in Egypt, He protected us in the harsh desert with special clouds. We remember this miracle by building beautifully-decorated huts, where for one whole week we eat our meals and even sleep (weather permitting). lso we put together and wave special bundles made from four specific types of trees. Three of these - the etrog (citron), lulav (date-palm), and hadas (myrtle) - come from trees that produce either a sweet smell, a delicious tasting fruit, or both. These represent those Jews who study the Torah, do good deeds, or both. But the fourth branch is from the aravah (willow tree), which has neither a pleasant fragrance nor a fruit. This branch stands for the Jew who neither does good deeds nor studies Torah. Yet if we leave this branch out, the bundle is considered incomplete and we can't fulfill the mitzvah of shaking it. This teaches us that God wants the Jewish people to "bundle" themselves together and all get along. Even those among us who seem, like the willow, to have nothing going for them, are important and beloved by God. And while some people may be better at some things than others, it doesn't make them better people. Only all of us together can make the Jewish people complete. In our story, a brother and sister learn the value of counting people in. "BY INVITATION ONLY" It was one month and counting to the big day - Shimmy's Bar Mitzvah. The hall was rented. The caterer was hired. Shimmy, always a good student, had already learned by heart everything he had to say. There was only one thing missing - the invitations. It had taken ages for them to come back from the printer and now that they had arrived at last, the envelopes had to be addressed and fast. "Shimmy, your job is easy," said Shimmy's older sister Ruth. "Just tell me who you want to invite and I'll address the envelopes." Ruth loved the job because it let her show off her calligraphic skills. Shimmy shrugged. "No problem," he said, handing her a list of his classmates. "I want to invite everyone in my class, except for Randy." Ruth blinked. "Why don't you want to invite that one boy?" she asked, confused. "Did he do something to hurt you?" "Well, no," Shimmy answered. "It's just that he's ... you know, kinda weird. He dresses funny and just sits by himself and doesn't talk to anybody. Besides," he added nervously, as if to justify himself, "the last guy in the class who made a party didn't invite him either." Ruth put down the stack of envelopes she was holding and looked at her brother across the table. "Shimmy, think about what you're saying. Is it right that people are inviting the whole class and leaving one boy out, just because he's not so popular?" Shimmy looked down at the ground. He thought about his sister's words. "Would it be so bad to count him in?" she urged. Shimmy looked up at Ruth and said quietly, "You know, when I went to the party last week and Randy wasn't there, it really didn't seem right. He's part of the class, too. Let's invite him." Ruth smiled at Shimmy in approval and began her calligraphy. The invitations went out and the big night arrived. The Bar Mitzvah was a huge success. Even Uncle Abe had a good time. After the party, Shimmy was up late opening all his gifts and cards. He opened up one present and read the card. "Hey Ruth," he called out to his sister sitting on the couch across the room. "Come see this!" His sister put down the book she was reading and came over to take a look. "What is it?" she asked. "A big check from Aunt Lil?" "No," he laughed. "Something even better. Read this." He handed her a small card. It said: Dear Shimmy, Happy Bar Mitzvah. Thanks so much for inviting me. I didn't think anybody even knew I existed. Now I feel like I'm one of the guys... thanks to you.-- Randy Shimmy looked at his sister and said, "Thanks for helping me make the right decision. You never know what one little invitation can do." Aish.com Mission Updates:Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, We had a good Sabbath...the people in Florida I cannot say that for them. Again on a feast day, the Day of Atonement a Storm hit. In Fact the radio guest, a Pastor Could not be on the air with us this week as he live's in Palm Beach where the brunt of the storm hit.... These Storm Warnings are not just for Florida but this whole nation as a whole. You should listen to this program when it gets online...Hopefully by Mon or Tuesday.....In The meantime if you have not heard The last Benjamin Brauch's message you should.. ...."Sept 12, 2004 Feasts of the Lord & the closeness of the hour, with Benjamin Baruch" If you missed last week's program with the Author of " The Prophet Of Doom" it should get online by Monday or Tuesday.... Also Dumitru Duduman's warnings to the American Churches. With Michael Boldea is now online, good message from Michael......We had a month's radio come in so with airtime we are cool for another month.. I will have to look at the calendar to check and see what this pays us up to but I think this pays us up till November 21st. We really need coats, blankets, etc right now...bars of soap, razors, tooth brushes, things to make hygene kits are a must but we need cold weather things right now AND FOOD donations or donations to the food account....Listen to the program's and if you want Bro' Ben's music send a donation to cover costs and I will send a CD....My computer needs a tune up as it is not acting right and it is my main computer....We are looking for radio speakers..and or YOU to come forward with your dreams and visions... 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 Kathy made six dozen egg sandwiches served with dozens of donuts, coffee, gallons of ice tea and ice water. We also gave out a few dozen donuts to take home and took several dozen to the independent center. We made spaghetti, green beans and garlic toast for the dinner and everything was eaten.The brakes on the ministry van went out on the way home Friday. Please Pray that Pastor Dan an Daniel will be able to get what they need to fix them tomorrow. He needs the van for Tuesday to go care for and feed the people. Dan told me that a spring broke and the parts store had never heard of such a thing also one of the hubs needs to be replaced. If anyone can help please do.The electric, cell and water bills have been paid and the newsletter will go to print this week either on Tuesday or Friday. We should be able to get them mailed depending on what it takes to fix the brakes. The account is very low and I'm not sure the funds for the brakes are even there. We do need gas money and the food account is getting low. I haven't been able to get any meat sales and the dinners run anywhere from 9 to 20 a meal just for the meat. I have been having to pay 3.90 for ten pounds of chicken and 1.48 a pound for hamburger. The Mission Freezer has 10 pounds of chicken in it. I also have had to pay .59 to .99 cents a dozen for eggs , we use anywhere from 4 to 8 occasionally 10 dozen a day just for brunch.I would like to place an order for pasta, fruits, tomatoes, vegetables and canned potatoes if I can get the money up the supply is getting low. Last time we got 220 dollars worth and it's very well worth getting these are # 10 cans and they last us we only pay 15 cents a pound. I have never placed an order for the cans we got them from another ministry but now we can order direct and get what I need as long as the Pastor has it. There shouldn't be a problem with any of the things I mentioned as he told me before they are pretty basic an he gets them regularly. Please Pray about supporting these works all we ask is that you pray about helping then do as lead by Yahweh. We Know that He will supply all the needs and that He will never fail us but to supply He needs vessels and you just may be one He is counting on.Please pray for our 19 year old daughter who is Bi-polar we have reason to believe she stopped taking her meds. This is not good so I ask you all to please pray with me that Yahweh would find it with in His will to make her realize she needs them to keep herself stable functioning correctly. I am so upset that I want to keep blaming her when I know in my heart it is not her fault it is an illness so pray for me to find strength and wisdom on how and what I should do to Help her. I love her very much and see the destruction she is headed for but I am helpless she will not listen. Thanks everyone who supports us and all these outreaches more on the Mission next update:we love you Last weeks answer:Ecclesiastes 10:1-8 1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. 2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. 3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. 5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: 6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. 8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Find This Passage: Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. Shalom with 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.

Prisonweekly Torah Sept. 25th Yom Kippur 5765

The complete reading for Yom Kippur is Leviticus 16:1-34 and Numbers 29:7-11.Getting Clean "On this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD , you will be clean from all your sins" (Vayikra / Leviticus 16:30) This Friday evening begins the most solemn day of the Jewish year. All over the world on Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) Jewish people gather to spend hours in reflection and prayer in hope that God would cleanse us from our sins committed over the past year. In the days of the Jewish temple, as long as the correct procedures were followed, cleansing from sin was assured. But Judaism, after the destruction of the Temple, which occurred about forty years after Yeshua the Messiah came, redefined itself and claimed that the synagogue rituals were a sufficient substitution for the sacrificial rites given by Moses. This contradicts both the Hebrew Bible and the New Covenant Writings regarding the necessity of sacrifice for the cleansing of sin. As foretold by the Hebrew Bible, the death and resurrection of Yeshua is the basis upon which this cleansing is granted. But why do we need cleansing? Why is forgiveness necessary? According to most people today there is no such thing as true guilt. Guilt is something imposed upon the human mind by people who have created arbitrary codes of conduct. What is right or wrong for one person is not necessarily right or wrong for someone else. This implies then that freedom is a state of mind. If we could only think of ourselves correctly, then we could live life to the fullest. This way of thinking exists even among some who claim to believe the Bible. Yeshua is often viewed as the one who came to free us - not from the guilt that comes from sin - but from the burden of rules and codes of conduct. While we need to be careful not to put upon ourselves obligations over and above that which God has given, let us not be fooled into thinking that true human freedom can be found in being released from any sense of moral or spiritual obligation. Any attempt to live without God-given guidelines will inevitably result in confusion and disaster. It is our failure to conform to God's standards that got the human family into trouble in the first place. One of the reasons for the giving of the Scriptures was to make us aware of this. Once aware of our failure we have the opportunity to participate in God's ultimate solution through Yeshua. Receiving God's cleansing in no way dismisses our need to live according to God's rules. Far from it, it is his cleansing that enables us to live godly lives. As we do so, we will continue to fail, since we are not yet made perfect. The good news is that what Yeshua did for us continues to cleanse us as we look to him for that cleansing. Truah/Torah Bytes Family Parsha Yom Kippur 5765 Torah Portion: Yom Kippur by Nesanel Safran Everyone makes mistakes - it's only human. A lot of times, we feel bad if we do something we shouldn't. But what is done is done. On Yom Kippur, God gives the Jewish people a special opportunity to erase our mistakes. "I know you make mistakes, my children," He tells us, "but if I see you're truly sorry and want to do better next time, I'll forgive you and give you another chance." The Jewish people fast on Yom Kippur. By not eating, we spend more time thinking about how we can improve ourselves, and also show God that we're willing to make sacrifices to do it. He sees that we're sorry and are going to do better from now on, and is happy to forgive us. In our story, a girl gets a second chance and learns about forgiveness. "THAT TAKES THE CAKE" Shoshi was on her way to deliver a cake her mother had baked for Mrs. Fried, a widow who lived down the block."Wow, that smells really good," thought Shoshi as she looked at the neatly wrapped gift. "Maybe I'll just take a tiny nibble," she said to herself as she lifted the corner off the package. They were her Mom's famous triple-chocolate brownies, fresh from the oven.Well, one nibble led to another until, by the time Shoshi got to Mrs. Fried's house, there wasn't anything left to deliver.Suddenly, Shoshi realized what she had done, and she felt awful. "How could I have done that?" she asked herself. "Mom trusted me to bring these to Mrs. Fried and I ate them instead! When Mom finds out, she'll never trust me again."Shoshi headed home. The closer she got, the more sorry she felt about it. As she passed by her friends on the way home, she could barely eke out a weak reply to their hearty greetings of "Shabbat Shalom."When Shoshi got home, she ran right upstairs to her room. But even her cozy chair and favorite books couldn't take her mind off what she had done.After a few minutes, she came downstairs and found her mother rocking the baby on the back porch. Shoshi stood up straight and cleared her throat to get her mother's attention."Oh, Shoshi," said her Mom with a smile. "I didn't hear you come in."Shoshi smiled back weakly and said, "Mom, I have something to confess."Her mother's eyes widened. "What is it, Shoshi?" she asked hesitantly."Well, Mom," the girl stammered, "the brownies you gave me to bring the neighbor ... I didn't ... I ate them ... I'm so sorry!" Tears were forming in Shoshi's eyes."Hmm..." said her Mom, with a slight frown. "I'm sorry that that happened. But I can see that you're very sorry." She thought a moment, then added, "Since you feel so bad about what happened, I'm going to give you another chance. Run quickly to the freezer; I just put an extra package of brownies in there. It's in aluminum foil. If you leave right now, I think you'll be able to bring them to Mrs. Fried before it gets dark outside. I think she'll really enjoy them." Shoshi looked at her mother and burst out, "Oh, Mom! Thanks so much for giving me a second chance. From now on you can count on me," she said, and meant it.Shoshi practically flew to Mrs. Fried's house with a smile on her face and feeling inside even sweeter than triple-chocolate brownies.The Pope’s Surprise Many years ago, a beloved Pope died and went to heaven. Saint Peter greeted him in a firm embrace. "Welcome your holiness, your dedication and unselfishness in serving your fellow man during your life has earned you great stature in heaven. You may pass through the gates without delay and are granted free access to all parts of heaven." St. Peter continued: "You are also granted an open-door policy and may, at your own discretion, meet with any heavenly leader including the Father, without prior appointment. Is there anything which your holiness desires?" "Well, yes," the Pope replied. "I have often pondered some of the mysteries which have puzzled and confounded theologians through the ages. Are there perhaps any transcripts which recorded the actual conversations between God and the prophets of old? I would love to see what was actually said, without the dimming of memories over time." St. Peter immediately ushered the Pope to the heavenly library and explained how to retrieve the various documents. The Pope was thrilled and settled down to review the history of humanity's relationship with God.Two years later, a scream of anguish pierced the quiet of the library. Immediately several of the saints and angels came running.They found the Pope pointing to a single word on a parchment, repeating over and over: There's an 'R'. There's an 'R.' There's an 'R'... It's CELIBRATE, not celibate!" OK guys you can Laugh now LOL Mission Updates: Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, Friday we were able to share the Love of Messiah with many. I know we fed many for Brunch and at the 4:30 meal! Amen. It amazes me how so much gets done by such a small ministry and small place. We are in great need of Blankets and Men's clothing. The Father Love's us as He keeps his place going. the months go so fast! I will say this once only. The Feast of Tabernacles is coming on and we have a chance to be on a Sky Angel program which would reach many. The only way we could go on this ministry trip about 4 states away is if a $1000 come for this purpose. End of story...It is in His hands. Today's program was very good. Others should consider having this man Craig on. We do not see eye to eye on everything but he has much to offer....... Yes saints the bills are coming due and mom just got the electric bill for the Wichita Mission. newsletter needs to go to print Tuesday and mail on Wed. Pray for the work and say I am looking for an older Strongs concordance both in print and on CD for computer.......The program for today will be on-line in a few days. Also Replay on Thursday at 6 PM central on the American Voice Radio Network... So saints please pray about supporting this work of the Father's...We do need your help now...We also need radio air time donations.If you are blessed by what we are putting on the air then pray about supporting airtime.Donation requests do not apply to prisoners you will recieve freely We are just a Faith based ministry so it is only by the kind gifts from you the Father keeps us going! 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 made five dozen egg sandwiches and served them with dozens of donuts. We baked a turkey to serve with all of our Feast left overs. We had several people in and out through out the entire day. Many just come and eat sandwiches then leave before the dinner but we have new faces show up for dinner. Everything was really good and all of everything was eaten there were no go plates an nothing left for anyone to take home.The bills are starting to come in the Mission phone is 48 something and the electric is 105 something. The water bill was paid and the newsletters are coming due again. I believe we have the money to do them and they should go out sometime next week we do however still need bill money. Yom Kippur is this Friday at dark and it will also be the Sabbath so we have a double Sabbath from Dark Friday to dark Saturday. Our Rosh Hashanah Feast went very well and we all had a very enjoyable fellowship. Pray for the Mission and all the outreaches of this ministry just ask Yahweh if HE wants to use you to support any of the work. Radio is going well and many are ordering CD's and tapes. We are in need of tapes we get them from Kingdom tapes and they cost around a 100 bucks for a case of 100 Professional Premium Plus cassettes.All we ask is that you pray about helping. Have a Blessed week! Shalom More on the Mission next update lots of love to all sisterlinda Last weeks answer:Hebrews 12:3-9 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Find This Passage:Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.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

Prison Weekly Sept. 18th,2004

Ha'azinu For the week of September 18, 2004 / 3 Tishri 5765 Torah: Devarim / Deuteronomy 32:1-52 Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1-51 Replaced by Shuva: Hosea 14:2-10; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-17 God Is Perfect and Just I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he (Devarim / Deuteronomy 32:3,4).Near the end of his life, Moses sang a song to his people. His days on earth were just about over. What a life he had lived! Saved from death in the Nile River, he was raised in the household of Pharaoh. Years later in his desire to help his own people, he murdered an Egyptian. He then ran away as a fugitive and spent the next forty years in the wilderness as a shepherd. At God's command he reluctantly returned to Egypt to lead his people out of slavery and oppression.He spent the next forty years on an incredible journey. Following God's dramatic display of his wonders in Egypt, Moses saw God miraculously care and provide for his people. He spoke with God face to face and taught the people God's ways.And now in his final days, he sings. Moses sings to his people. After all he had seen and heard, after all that he experienced, he sings. One of the things that we hear him sing of is his assessment of God. After all he had gone through, after all he had seen and heard. After all the difficulties he faced, he sings about what he thinks of God:I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just (Devarim / Deuteronomy 32:3,4).God is perfect and just. This is not a religious statement. This is not the recitation of some ritualistic creed. Moses had nothing to prove. This is his honest assessment after living a most difficult life. Moses lived with the on-going tension between the reality of God and difficult human circumstances. He saw miracles and he saw death. He saw the good and he saw the bad. But as far as he was concerned, God was perfect and just.Last week was the third anniversary of the horrible attacks upon New York and Washington. September 11, 2001 caused many to rethink what life is all about. Is there really a God? If there is a God, what is he like? Each year during the high holy days, these kinds of questions are asked, but such events cause many to ask these questions more earnestly.How can God be perfect and just when things like this happen? Many voices out there are shouting at us, giving their so-called expert opinion, as they try to make sense out of these devastating and confusing events.But Moses isn't shouting. He doesn't need to. After his long and full life, he is singing. Listen:A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he (Devarim / Deuteronomy 32:4).We have a tendency to base our understanding of God upon life's circumstances. Through our analyzing and philosophizing we try to answer the most fundamental questions of life. Moses is telling us through his song that it can't be done. We don’t have ability to make such deductions.Moses' understanding of God was not based on his circumstances, but upon actually knowing God himself. He didn't just know about him, he personally knew him. So he sings. Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish New Year) begins this Wednesday evening. This is the time of year when we put aside our feeble attempts to figure everything out and renew our covenant with our Maker, our Savior, our God. It is a day to stop listening to the clamor and confusion of the signs of death and destruction around us and to come to grips with the reality of God himself. Can you hear Moses' singing? Torah Bytes Creation "God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sound of the shofar" (Tehilim / Psalms 47:5 [Hebrew: 47:6]). This Wednesday evening begins the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah means "New Year" and marks the beginning of the Jewish civil year. In the Bible the holiday is known as Yom Truah – the day of the blowing of the shofar - the ram's horn. I am not sure when Yom Truah took on the additional meaning of new year's day in Jewish society, but it seems that it had to do with this day being the anniversary of creation. I cannot find anything in the Scriptures that indicates the actual date of creation. It may be that it was because of the association with the shofars mentioned in Psalm 47, which I read, with the acknowledgment of God as King over all the earth. God as King is thought as stemming from his being earth's creator. Remembering God as creator is especially crucial, since this truth is continually assaulted these days. Recently I took my family to our city's "Museum of Nature." Throughout the exhibits exists the constant theme of our world being the product of billions of years of natural process. The story of life is told from the perspective that all that exists is of the natural realm and developed through interaction with itself over a very long period of time. Those of us who believe in creation claim to reject this notion. We say that the so-called natural world is the product of the design and activity of a supremely powerful and loving God. He who existed before the physical world came into being, caused all that we see, feel, and hear to be created out of nothing. Yet I wonder how much effect the constant barrage of evolutionary thinking has on us. In the society at large evolution is the Great Assumption. It has influenced education, morality, art, politics, economics, and so on. We daily interact with people who see the world this way, most often causing us to deal with life on their terms. Most of the time we do this without realizing it. Could it be that while asserting faith in God we often put our faith in natural process just like the most committed evolutionists? If God is the Creator, if the world is his creation, if we along with all living things are his creatures, then we are claiming to believe in a power more powerful than any so-called natural power that exists. But when we encounter problems in life how many of us put more faith in natural processes than we do in the God in whom we claim to believe. There have been those who believe in a creator God, who, after putting natural process in place, distanced himself from his creation, allowing it to then take care of itself. This belief is called Deism and has had far more influence in the foundation of Western society than many people are aware of. Too many people who claim belief in God are actually Deists, thinking that they can appease some spiritual need in their life, while at this same time denying God’s continued involvement within that which he himself has made. Maybe you have never thought of yourself as a Deist, but stop for a moment. Where is God in your life right now? Do you see him at work in your life or is he just a sentimental concept that warms your heart from time to time? As the shofar sounds this Rosh Hashanah, maybe it is time to once again remember that he truly is God our Creator. Truah/TorahBytes Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32) Family Parsha Ha'azinu 5765 It is natural to feel that the more we have the happier we will be. But the truth is that it doesn't always work that way. In fact, many times getting more than we really need can create new and difficult challenges. This week's Torah portion (32:15) warns the Jewish people to be careful when things get better for them and not to let it go to their heads so they end up with less instead of more. In our story, a couple of kids discover that sometimes more is less and less is more."PARADISE LOST"Mr. Goodman shook the real estate broker's hand, and with a big smile, turned to his family who were standing like soldiers in front of the nearby-parked minivan. "Well, it's official guys - welcome to our new home!"The Goodman twins just couldn't believe it. After living all their lives in a crowded two-bedroom condominium, they were really going to be moving into this big, beautiful palace of a house that stood before them. Why, the backyard alone was nearly the size of the whole condo play area, and their father was even talking about putting in a swimming pool!But the best part of the whole thing - both boys agreed - was that they were finally, for the first time in their lives, going to each have their own rooms. No more having to squeeze into one bedroom, no more bunk beds. No more having to step over each other to get to their stuff. It was going to be paradise!After spending one last night together in the same room, (with their parents too, at the local Day's Inn motel, since all their furniture was already packed into the moving van), the boys settled in to their new private rooms, and their crowded condo days began to fade into a distant dream.But the dream soon began to turn into a nightmare. The problems began the second night there, when Jamie snuggled up into his comfy new single bed, turning in early after a long and exciting day. He was just drifting off when he felt his room begin to shake. He tried pulling his pillow over his ear to block out the noise of blasting music, but it didn't help. Annoyed, he dragged himself out of bed.It took Stevie a while to realize that the banging on his door wasn't just part of the beat of the loud tunes he was cranking as he comfortably sat back, feet up on his own single bed. Finally he got up to investigate, and found his brother in pajamas, red-faced standing in front of his door."Hey, Stevie, turn it down, man! I'm trying to sleep. You know the rules, only headphones after nine o'clock.""You've got it wrong, buddy," retorted Stevie. "Those used to be the rules. Now we've got our own rooms, and I can listen to music as loud and as late as I want." He slammed the door, and Jamie had no choice but to go back to his room and try to make the best of it.Early the next morning, the scene repeated itself, but this time the sound blast was coming from the other side of the hall. Stevie looked at his clock and couldn't believe it. He groggily pulled himself out of bed, marched across the hall. What could Jamie be thinking of, blasting music so early? But he just got his own words from the night before thrown back in his face, together with a slammed door.One thing led to another, and soon the two brothers, who had always managed to get along pretty well, found themselves at war. They each dug themselves into their 'own territory', put locks on their doors, and mean looking signs warning each other to keep out, 'or else.' Whereas once they used to freely share between them, now every possession was jealously guarded, lest it fall into 'enemy hands.'Things went from bad to worse when their dad hit them with the news that because his new office was being renovated, he would have to work at home for a week, and the only place he could set up his temporary office was in one of their bedrooms, which meant they would have to go back to sharing a room in the meantime.The twins groaned. True, they had shared a room before, but that was back when they were friends. Now they were at war and it would be a disaster. But with no choice the boys grudgingly moved into one room, and prepared for the worst. After all if they couldn't get along in two rooms, how could they ever survive in one?Things were tense at first, but then a funny thing happened. Maybe because they were used to living together for so long, or maybe because without their private territory to retreat to, they had no choice but to get along, and things began to get better between them. First they started talking, then even laughing. Within a few days they were playing and sharing just like the good old days.After a week when their father's renovations were complete, he showed up with a mover to clear his stuff out, and let the boys know they could move back into separate rooms. As he walked out the boys looked at each other."That's great news, huh Stevie?" said Jamie unenthusiastically."Yeah, I guess it is," answered his brother flatly.That evening when their dad got home, he went upstairs to call the boys for dinner. Opening one of the bedroom doors, he was surprised to see it as empty as it had been when he moved out that morning. He went to the other room, and found the boys still packed in together, playing and laughing. "Hey, what's up guys?" he asked.Jamie looked at Stevie and Stevie back at Jamie, until he finally spoke up. "Well Dad, I know it sounds funny but if you don't mind, we like it better this way. For us, two rooms weren't enough room, and one room is just right."Instead of getting mad, their father smiled, and said, "I'm proud of your decision, boys, and that you've realized that just because you live in a big house, you don't have to have a big head." Aish.com Mission Updates:12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17These things I command you, that ye love one another. Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, Tonight just a little down wondering why I go on. You know the ministry we are in is a constant battle. To many I could gain support from we are set apart. A ex hardcore biker with strange religious Idea's. At least that is how so many look at us. Not like some of the Biker groups that are mainstream Christian that got saved but still ride their bikes and look like Bikers. No I am not downing them at all as many of these groups do much charity work. They set up aid stations at Biker events for first aid and prayers. Yes if I were mainstream Christian like these groups we could get much more support. But we are not. We are grafted into the early Church and must be called out of pagan things. We read use our King James Bibles and are put down for not using an easy reading version. Well what can I say, one of the "girls" in her forties has a learning disability but yet she is using the KJV Bible to learn to read and right...go figure....this same woman when preached acts jumped in a freezing river at 1:30 AM in the morning, almost being swept away to commit to the Lord you see the river is where we baptize for the most part....I look much like I did when I was in the Biker world, a lot more cleaned up but t-shirts jeans, boots etc. All are clothing functional to the lifestyle. Much of my clothing are seconds but that's okay. But I have had Christian's attack me over the way I look...the most recent said " Stop trying to appeal to hippies" ..I Do not know what his problem is I am doing the Lord's work, not going to church for one hour a week claiming to be a model Christian..but really doing His work. Like now I am in pain tonight dealing with my lower disk problems, ripped torn and prolapsed disks, degenitive disk disease, and about the same in my neck but with bone spurs. Burning pain from arthritis, hand cramps etc. But people look at me and say " well you look okay" say jump inside my body for minute. Not to mention the fact I am diabetic ' more than likely from a bad younger lifestyle" . Being diabetic is no fun, your blood sugar can jump one way or another in a moment, deal with that while you are trying to right or talk not easy. I had my blood sugar drop to about 60 something last week just before radio, great, I had a hard time as it take 30 minutes to adjust my sugar to a better level. I bet Michael , Dumtru's Duduman's grandson thought something was up....so why kill myself? Why go on? Why go through endless hours on the computer searching for news to send around the world in mail out newsletters and on the net for no pay or reward? Why drive 120 miles round trip twice a week to Wichita to help the poor? Walk out in the extreme cold and the extreme heat to care for people have already wrote off as losers or throw away people. Why the constant search for funds for a ministry that has no bottom? Why work in such a cramped space in Wichita, feeding out of a small room that used to be an office but is not even as big as that? Share one small bathroom with 40 or more people try that....Then Sabbath comes which I love and we go on till late into the night driving home 60 miles tired but very fulfilled...Worrying if the Van which needs work will make it another winter. No air but at least it has heat but needs some things to make it ready.... Why, why, why...Just why kill myself worrying about who will be on our next radio program and who will fund it? Why worry about warning the world? I am not interested in fame or money only to quietly raise my children and grandchildren, to see them happy and safe. Why go on doing the newsletter 113 months? Why... 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; It's for many reason's I go on. The Love of God in me I just can do nothing else. The Holy Spirit in me urges me to go on giving me strength, direction, and orders from the Lord. In my weakness He is very strong. I know my Lord he loves everyone and he wishes none to suffer, I am doing what he clearly put on my heart to do. Then I think about the poor in heart at the mission. Like the one who got up during watching the Passion of the Christ, went outside crying, I held him and told him the Lord knew he was a sinner and he was worthy through repentance, that He died on that cross for him. I hugged him with the Love of Messiah. A man most preachers would not even talk to, then underbridge Barry came in on the last of the program telling me he was dead in 6 months, colon cancer had been let too long go. I loved him and He wanted to see the Passion, but it was over and we were cleaning up. Mom overheard and said run it anyway...Yes pray for Barry. These are just normal stories I face everyday I am there. Yes this is why I do as I do because this is what Messiah did and still does through people willing to care to let the inside man, the Holy Spirit come out and do His work. He extends on not to just homeless and poor but the love and peace of our lord to everyone, do you not get it, that's what the Word Shalom Means, In his Perfect Peace about everything under His wings shall I abide..under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91..try it. Sharing His love with all, yes I am okay and not down anymore. By Faith I know I am doing what HE wishes and by Faith HE will provide all the needs and if he gives me a speaker this week fine if not HE will give me the program as it is HIS and not mine. I have included a picture of underbridge Barry, please pray for him in this his hour of need. Pray for all the people nights are getting cold. Many have no winter clothing, blankets, socks etc, the list goes on but one thing they can count on just go ask them, Pastor Dan and family is there to give all who need it the Lord's love and that we have an abundance of...do you? In Short I do these things because that is the Love of the Father in me and I Pastor Dan could do nothing else.......But I do wonder while I am out there just where are the other preachers or the rest of the Body of Messiah? The need to get out and minister in all ways is right now....I pray they wake up out of their slumber...so simple just love one another...as He does...My prayer for the Body of Messiah is that they wake up, love one another and realize just how bad things are, HE is warning this nation to repent and mighty things are coming very soon. Wake up I pray, repent I pray, and Love Him first before the Worldly things...Amen and Amen, even so Come Lord Yeshua Messiah and when you do you will find Messiah's Branch with their lamps all full, watching and waiting! Needed things Prayers Regular monthly supporters money for airtime gas money donations Clothing blankets coats backpacks food donations hats gloves medical supplies Army field surgeons kit Laptop for mission work, I need a medium to take information back and forth to the mission work needs done on van And of course MORE Bibles 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 Well Friday was a little different as we celebrated our first son turning fifteen. Kathy made five dozen egg-n-cheese sandwichesand there were no donuts so I believe they served sweets from the freezer throughout the day along with coffee, ice tea and ice water. For dinner we had donations of hamburger pizza's from two different Pizza Huts and a Papa John's. I made brownies as Daniel II doesn't like cake. When it was time to serve we let Daniel cut the brownies LOL they wouldn't cut hard as a brick. When I took them out of the oven that morning they were nice and soft and the knife came out clean they smelled really good. I thought back to when I was making them and didn't remember adding the water. LOL well my spirit knew in advance that I would mess them up because I went by Wal-Mart on the way home and bought another batchfor home but because of Sabbath coming I sent them along with pastor Dan. Needless to say April and Bootsie made them for Daniel after we fed. We served Pizza with peaches and apricots and Richard made kool-aide. At service break we all had brownies(ones you could eat) and chocolate ice cream that Sister Sarina brought. We had a very good service Pastor Dan taught us about the High Holy days. Remember Rosh Hashanah begins at dark this Wednesday the 15th. The water bill came in 20 something and I am able to pay it. Sams renewal was paid as was the storage electric I also have mailed out all the overseas newsletters. There are no bills as of today Praise Yeshua. The Radio program is doing really well an Pastor Dan can barely keep up with all the Cd an tape request so the Word is getting out amen.Remember to hold us up in prayer as the enemy is trying his best to pull us down. The Lord is in control an we will not be moved. I pray you all a Very Happy New Year May His Face Shine Upon you all and bring you HIS PERFECT SHALOM!more next update sisterlinda Messiah's Branch Answer To last weeks Passage:1 Corinthians 12:7-147 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. Find this Passage: For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? with love sisterlinda Messiah's Branch
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

Prison Weekly Sept. 11,2004

Nizzavim & Va-yelekh For the week of September 11, 2004 / 25 Elul 5764 Torah: Devarim / Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30 Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9 Fear and Discouragement Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Devarim / Deuteronomy 31:7,8). When I read this week's parsha, I was struck by Moses' words to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous." It was not the meaning of the words that struck me, it was the fact they would be shortly spoken to him again. In the first chapter of the Book of Joshua these same words are spoken to him four more times. It doesn't take a scholar to figure out why he needed to hear these words repeated again and again. Joshua was going to be facing very difficult and frightening tasks in the days and years ahead. He needed to be assured of God's help and presence. He needed to be brave. He needed to resist discouragement. Another reason why I especially noticed these words is that they have been given to me on several occasions. From time to time people in my life have sensed that these were words that God was speaking to me. But as I read this passage a few days ago, I realized that I had not yet really received them. Whenever I would hear these words, I would quickly dismiss them as just nice words to share with someone, with no great importance to myself at that time. But the fact is fear and discouragement are things that I struggle with on a regular basis. If anyone needs to hear words like these, it is me. Yet something has prevented me from allowing them to touch my heart. I think my problem has been my unwillingness to accept responsibility for fear and discouragement. I have been waiting for God to miraculously take away my heart struggles. My desire for peace and contentment has been the subject of so much of my praying. Yet fear and discouragement visit me relentlessly. I have wondered why God has not seen fit to relieve me of this. The answer is in this passage. Not being afraid or discouraged were things that Joshua had to do. God did not say to him, "Follow me, and I will take away your fear." Therefore my not being afraid or discouraged are things that I am expected to do. I need to activate my will and be brave. Thankfully it is not as if Joshua was given no basis for this instruction. God promised to be with him forever. He had no reason to be afraid. Still it was up to him whether he was going to live according to God's promise or to ignore it. It is the same for all true followers of the God of Israel. Through Yeshua the Messiah, God has promised to be with us forever. Now it is up to us whether or not we will take him at his word and resist fear and discouragement, or live as if he doesn't care about us at all. TorahBytes September 6, 2004 Liberty "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners" (Isaiah 61:1). Last Thursday evening President Bush accepted the nomination for president from the Republican party. A key theme through his speech was that of liberty. Near his close, using biblical imagery he said, "To everything we know there is a season - a time for sadness, a time for struggle, a time for rebuilding. And now we have reached a time for hope. This young century will be liberty's century." Under the shadow of the approaching of another anniversary of that tragic September day when the United States (and the world) endured one of the saddest single days in history, Bush chose a most optimistic tone. More than simply optimistic, he predicted that liberty will triumph in this century. I cannot say for sure what he meant. I don't know what liberty means to the American president. Is he saying that no one will need to fear terrorism? Perhaps he is referring to the spread of American style democracy, free enterprise, and individual freedoms. Is there something of his own religious convictions poking through these words? It is difficult to say for sure. That he can have this level of optimism is quite striking. Cynics would respond by saying that this is no more than election rhetoric designed to stir the emotions, nothing more. Maybe so. But why does this kind of talk arouse the emotions? Is it not because many of us wish for the very thing he claims is on its way: liberty? Freedom from oppression is not only a desire of humans. It is actually the plan of the God of the Universe. From the day we, through our first parents, turned our backs on him, he has purposed to free us from the consequences of our rebellion. According to the prophet Isaiah quoted above, freedom from oppression is part of the mandate of the Messiah. All creation is destined for liberty. Whether or not it will happen in this century is God's business, but it will happen. The day will come when creation will flourish in absolute freedom. While the fullness of our destiny is yet to come, we need not wait for a future cataclysmic event to taste its reality. The Messiah's mandate of liberty can be experienced in many ways right now. When Yeshua came two thousand years ago, he didn't just bring hope and expectation to people, he released them from bondage. As people encountered him, he broke the chains that bound them. He healed disease, he restored vision and hearing, he fed the hungry, he cast out demons. He even brought the dead back to life. These acts were not just tokens to prove that he was someone special. While these acts of power did authenticate who he was to some extent, they were the evidence that the God of Heaven was extending his mercy to his people. The promise of liberty was being fulfilled. In all this, people were also being led into the quality of life that had been lost at the beginning. Through Yeshua people's hearts were being set free, so that we can truly live as God's children. As we look at the lives of his followers we see this same mission of liberty at work. As they proclaimed the truth of the Messiah, they continued to demonstrate the reality of God in power and as a result lives were being set free. As President Bush proclaimed, this can be liberty's century, that is if we would let God through Yeshua set us free. Truah/TorahBytes Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31) Family Parsha Nitzavim-Vayelech 5764 Who hasn't, at one time or another, said or done something we wish we hadn't? But that's no reason to get down on ourselves. In fact the Torah teaches that no matter what we've done wrong, we can always pick ourselves up and get back on track. These weeks before and during the High Holidays are special times when God gives us an extra spiritual boost to be able to pick ourselves up from whatever has knocked us down, and set our lives on a more positive course. Let's take advantage of the opportunity and make the coming New Year a great one. Happy New Year! In our story, a kid falls down and bounces back to new heights."PASSING THE TEST" It all started at the beginning of last semester when Mr. Korn, our science teacher, announced that we'd be having our first test the following day. I don't know why, but I panicked. As I looked over my notes the night before, I decided the only way I'd ace the test was with a little 'help.' So I taped some of the formulas and stuff onto the inside of my eyeglass case, and during the test each time I needed to 'see things a little clearer,' I'd flip open the case and pretend to take out or put away my glasses. It worked like a charm. I got my 'A', my dad was thrilled, and that was the end of it. But it wasn't. Maybe some kids could just forget about something like this, but I couldn't look myself in the eye. I had never cheated before, and had even put down people who did, and now I was one of them. My schoolwork started to take a big time nose-dive - especially in science class. I just couldn't pay attention to what the teacher was saying, and whenever he called on me, I felt like crawling under my desk. I was sure he knew I was a cheat, and was about to announce it to the whole class. One day I just couldn't take it anymore, so after school I went up to the teacher and spilled my guts. I told him the whole story about how I had cheated - he seemed surprised, maybe he really hadn't known - and how bad I felt about it. I even did something I had never done in front of anyone - I started to cry. I had expected Mr. Korn to blow up, or expel me or something, and I was happy when all he did was make me take the test over again with a ten point penalty. So the year cruised along, and though I still felt like a cheater inside, at least I had confessed my crime. Now the next big test was coming up, and you can bet I studied my pants off. I wanted to get another 'A' but this time a real one. Mr, Korn passed out the tests, and I started writing like everyone else. Then I heard the teacher call out my name, and my heart almost stopped. I looked up and saw him signal me to come up to his desk. I felt myself turning red with shame, but a cheater like me deserved it, didn't he? "Andy," he said, as I cringed. I figured he was going to warn me not to cheat again, or maybe even have me sit next to him to make sure I didn't. "I left my copy of the science textbook in the teacher's room and I can't step out of the class now to get it. Could I trouble you to please go get it for me?" I was sure I hadn't heard him right. Get the textbook? Me? Didn't he realize all the answers to the test were in that book? "Um, Mr. Korn, are sure you want me to get it?" "Yes I specifically asked you to get it, because I need someone I can trust not to look at the answers." "But, Mr. Korn," I whispered, Don't you remember...?" It was like he read my thoughts because he whispered back with a smile, "I remember everything, especially how bad you felt about it, and how you were brave enough to admit what you did and take the consequences. That's why I know that if there's anyone in this class I can trust not to cheat, it's you. And it's time you knew it too. Now with Rosh Hashana, the New Year, coming up, it's time to make a new start, and put your past mistake behind you." Wow. I ran to the teacher's room, grabbed the book and brought it right back, not even looking at the cover. "Thanks Andy," the teacher said with a wink. "I knew you could do it." When I finished the test, I felt like a new person. My pen felt somehow lighter, as I, the former cheater, had passed more tests than one. Aish.com Mission Updates:Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, We had a very busy day today. I was asked for prayers for healing by one woman and when others saw they also wanted Prayers...Normal...Mom Made Chicken stew this morning after getting home from work. Everyone loved it! It was really good. I did get a break today as it was free bus ride in Wichita day so many took the bus instead of making me give them a ride. Saved us gas money. Mom called me and told me we had the money to mail out the next newsletter ( it will go out Friday ) and money for another 4 weeks of radio....So it looks like we are going into this month okay...It's in his hand. I also got a donation of $5 on pay pal. This was all this person said they could afford. It is not the size of the gift that matters to the Lord but what is in the heart of the giver.....Just ask the Lord if he wishes you to help this ministry or the poor where you are at! The FATHER bless thee and keep thee;The FATHER make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;The FATHER lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee shalom. (peace)Bemidbar (Numbers) 6:24-26 In Yeshua's Name, Bro. Dan, Pastor of Messiah's Branch Shalom In Yeshua Our Messiah,Friday was a big surprise as I walked in the door everyone screamed Happy Birthday sisterlinda. My girls bought me a beautiful cake full of roses that said Happy Birthday sisterlinda and it was delishous. I recieved hugs from everyone for me that was the best part of the whole day. Kathy made five dozen egg-n- cheese sandwiches that they served with donuts, coffee, ice tea and ice water.For dinner we made some very good goulash that was full of fresh garden peppers we served with bread-n-butter and cake every bit was eaten. September newsletter went out Friday and this month is the month I mail the over seas now I need 38 dollars so I can get them out . The Mission bills are coming in the storage elec. is 30.00 and the Sams membership is due for another year, it's 35. Nothing else has come in as of yet. I do need stamps for the Prison weekly mailings. We need sugar for the Mission now that all the bottled pop is gone we go through over a 4lb bag every day we are open. We also need cups,toliet paper and paper towels. We need gas money for the trips over and back now that school has started we have to take both vans on Friday's. Dan needs gas for the trip tomorrow and we need it for both vans Friday. I have a tire that is sperating and I have tire protection on it but can not afford to have it replaced so if anyone can help with that please specify that is what you want the money to go for and prayerfully I can get it replaced before it completely falls apart. Granma's Birthday is the 15th this month so if any of you can afford 87 cents to send her a card it would mean so much to me. You can pick up a card at the dollar store for 50 cents and a stamp is 37 cents then all ya have ta do is sign it and mail it. This would be so uplifting for her to recieve acknowledgement of her birthday from people she doesn't even know and to know that we all love her very much. She will be 69 this year and Her address is 136 s Washington Burns Kansas 66840.Rosh Hashannah begins at dark on the 15th also this is the Feast of trumpets a High Holy day more on it next week! Have a Blessed Week sisterlinda/Messiah's Branch Last weeks answers:Acts 15:1-12 1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Find this Passage: But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.
Blessings & Shalom 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