Prison Weekly April 30th 2005

Leviticus/Vayikra - Kedoshim101

Kedoshim: Leviticus 19:1-20:27

Parashat Kedoshim can be found in Vayikra Chapters Yud-Tet and Chav (19 and 20). Without a doubt, Kedoshim is one of the most beautiful and richest sections of the entire Torah. It begins with Hashem making a profound declaration:

Speak unto all of the congregation of the children of Yisrael and say unto them: holy shall you be, for holy am I, God, your Lord.

Not only is God telling us that we each have the capacity to be holy, He goes beyond that. He commands us to be holy. This is a very important point with Judaism. Each person, woman or man, has the capability to be holy - to be pure, to reach a state of moral perfection. To paraphrase Rav Samuel Rafael Hirsch on this point, "The holiness to which you are to strive with all the force of your moral free will is, in its true absolute purity, an attribute of God Himself, and has God has given each of us His Breath, He participates with us in finding this freedom, and He continues to constantly provide strength and assistance for everything which is good. God is the source of our ability to realize holiness in ourselves."

One would have to assume that this declaration would be a tough act to follow. Not for God. With what does He follow? What else? Practical lessons in reaching that state of holiness.

3. Every man - Your father and mother shall you revere and My Sabbaths shall you observe -- I am Hashem, your God:

4. Do not turn to the idols, and molten gods shall you not make for yourselves -- I am Hashem, your God:

5. When you slaughter a feast peace-offering to Hashem, you shall slaughter it to find favor for yourselves:

6. On the day of your slaughter shall it be eaten and on the next day, and whatever remains until the third day shall be burned in fire:

7. But if it shall be eaten on the third day, it is rejected -- it shall not be accepted:

8. Each of those who eat it will bear his iniquity, for what is sacred to Hashem has he desecrated; and that soul will be cut off from its people:

9. When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not complete your reaping to the corner of your field, and the gleanings of your harvest you shall not take:

10. You shall not pick the undeveloped twigs of your vineyard; and the fallen fruit of your vineyard you shall not gather; for the poor and the proselyte shall you leave them -- I am Hashem, your God:

11. You shall not steal, you shall not deny falsely, and you shall not lie to one another:

12. You shall not swear falsely by My Name, thereby desecrating the Name of your God -- I am Hashem:

13. You shall not cheat your fellow and you shall not rob; you shall not withhold a worker's wage with you until morning:

14. You shall not curse the deaf, and you shall not place a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God -- I am Hashem:

15. You shall not commit a perversion of justice; you shall not favor the poor and you shall not honor the great; with righteousness shall you judge your fellow:

16. You shall not be a gossipmonger among your people, you shall not stand aside while your fellow's blood is shed -- I am Hashem:

17. You shall not hate your brother in your heart; you shall reprove your fellow and do not bear a sin because of him:

18. You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge against the members of your people; you shall love your fellow as yourself -- I am Hashem:

There are some very interesting examples to look at within these fifteen verses. Let's look at a couple and then I'll focus on one of my favorites. The third verse equates the respect for parents with keeping Shabbat. Why? Because our parents are the givers of life. It is said that it takes a partnership of three to create a human life - a man, a woman, and God. Take any of the three out of the equation and there is no new human life. Are all of the partners equal in the partnership? In many ways, yes. In other words, when we show the proper respect for two of the partners - even if that respect is only toward the fact that it was they who gave us our lives - then we are also showing respect for the Third Partner. Since it is suggested that Shabbat is one of the greatest gifts that God bestowed upon Klal Yisrael, then it would only makes sense to tie these two things into the same verse.

Low let's look at the 16^{th verse: You shall not be a gossipmonger among your people, you shall not stand aside while your fellow's blood is shed -- I am Hashem:}

Why would these two ideas be tied together? In Judaism, it is said that the tongue is such a dangerous weapon that it can be best likened to an arrow. One released, there is no way the arrow can be stopped. Second, it is said that to speak loshon hara (the evil tongue) is the equivalent of spilling a person's blood or of murder. Consider the damage done through gossip - lives can be destroyed, and bad feelings can give rise to anger and hatred. For what reason? Because we need to have something to talk about? Some time ago, I heard Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss give a talk on loshon hara and his ending words were, "Stop talking."

This past week, I received an email question from someone concerning the S'firah - time of counting the omer between Pesach and Shavuot - and had an opportunity to present the story of Rabbi Akiva and his 20,000 talmidim (students) that perished in the plague that ended on Lag b'Omer. It was Rabbi Akiva's contention that the plague was a warning to cease any further loshon hara (gossip and talebearing) or that something worse would happen. Of course, as is recorded in Mesechta Gittin (Tractate Gittin) and elsewhere, the loshon hara did not stop and something far worse happened. The Beit haMikdash (The Holy Temple in Jerusalem) was destroyed and a large part of the population of Judea was taken into slavery by the Romans and then dispersed throughout the far reaches of the Empire - creating the Gaulah (Diaspora) that we still living in today.

One more, verse 18, and then we'll look at my favorites: You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge against the members of your people; you shall love your fellow as yourself -- I am Hashem:

First, Rav Hirsch renders this a little differently. He says the Hebrew translates more accurately to, "Love thy neighbor's well-being as if it were your own." Personally, I like that a little better because it makes the point with far more clarity. Second, if we protect our neighbor's well being as we would our own, it only makes sense that we would avoid taking revenge or bearing grudges.

For your own enjoyment, perhaps you would like to look over the combinations found in the other verses above and think about how two concepts might be connected, and how they compliment and accent each other.

Onto verse 14,

You shall not curse the deaf, and you shall not place a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God -- I am Hashem:

There are multiple facets to these two commandments. Rav Hirsch points out that the correct way to read "You shall not curse the deaf" is as "You shall not curse any person, even the deaf." In other words, we should never wish anyone ill whether anyone, including the object of the curse, hears it or not. To wish others harm is the worst possible form of loshon hara. It was this that has brought destruction to Klal Yisrael (nation of Israel) time and time again. To observe this commandment is the epitome of accepting others as they are and to only wish good upon others as well as ourselves.

So what does it mean to not place a stumbling block before the blind? Simply put, it means to not put obstacles in people's paths - any obstacles. Some practical examples of putting stumbling blocks before the blind might be:

To leave your car unlocked thereby tempting the potential thief

To state something as being Halachah (Jewish law) when the listener may not yet be ready to comprehend the lesson

To leave money out where someone might take it

The entire point of this commandment is to, first of all, remind us of our obligation to think of others as well as ourselves in our speech and actions. More important, it is to consider the potential consequences of those thoughts and actions especially where other people are concerned.__________
The translations above are taken from the ArtScroll Stone Edition Chumashand from Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Chumash

Mission Updates:

Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, This was taken in our small kitchen area about one week ago. In The center is Kathy our main kitchen help and Sarina our needs minister. In the door is my sister and Ed. Right now they are making to-go-plates which are given after everyone is served. We gave out several food boxes yesterday. Mom sent 11 to the Mission for Sarina to give out! Theyre were badly needed. It was really warm yesterday so it was nota real large crowd. When we first oepned it was but after they had sandwiches many left to enjoy the weather. We gave out hand lotion, deoderant, and old spice after shave.....also some shampoo. There was bags also given along with clothing. Ed bought a fellow a pair of new work shoes! Well saints this computer is messing up. We are slowly putting back money to have our web master build a new computer that will have much less down time. Repairs still need to come for the laptop or a donated one. I really need a laptop badly. We can also use your old computers and moniters! news letter time is coming and I would like to get it right out. It has some very good information in it or rather will. We need to raise $325 for it. The mission needs are very great if everyon on PNS would donate a little something it would help greatly. I noticed we have added many new people to the PNS list. SO welcome. In case youa re wondering we also
use PN and the Mission updates to make the Saints aware of the needs of our Mission in WIchita to teh Poor and Homeless. For many we are their only life-line. We even had to get a fellow a wheel Chair yesterday. But really saints, please pray about becoming on of our supporters. WE need you help! It is a good thing to help the poor. We also need money for more Big print KJV Bibles we give out. Over a hundred many 120 at least or more have gotten these Bibles. These Bibles are leatherflex covers and red letter edtions...we get them for $10 a Bible at Sam's. What a great gift to a poor man or woman or child! If you are blessed by the radio progams or the archives
pray about supporting airtime! There are so many needy out there and the Church is not supposed to forget the poor. So again pray about anykind of gift. You can paypal or send it to our mailing address. let me know if you are sending something and I will will post what comes and is coming. Most of the time when one donates and I tell then others do. So pray about helping right now, Will you be the first to donate and get this fund rasing started? For those who doanted I will send a Cd of End time music..So send me your address. But pray about helping today..So agin who will start this off. Please take this to prayer and let the Holy Spirit Led you! he LORD bless thee and keep thee;The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;The LORD 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

Deuteronomy 15:7

- If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

Shalom In Yeshua our Messiah,Kathy made five dozen egg-n-cheese sandwiches Friday that was served with donuts and cookies, coffee, iced tea , ice water an different kinds of milk. I also sent them chocolate and vanilla pudding, dried fruit with mixed nuts, fire hot chee-toes, and cartons of chocolate and 2% milks that they could take with them. The two fellows who run the drink table ,set out the donuts and watch over the people didn't show up Friday so basicly the people pitched in and did the work themselves. I cooked and spiced ground round for kathy to make potatoe soup which was all eaten but a few butter bowls that went home with Kathy. We had chili dogs-n- chips for our Sabbath meal and for break we had hot apple pie an coffee. The children had cookies and pop cycles and we all had a fudge cycle. After services we had challa bread with cinnamon butter and
strawberry butter. There was a donation of 500 that came in the mail Friday to do the Newsletter and pay for a few trips in gas also was a donation for 130 that will pay the electric bill that came in Friday Pastor Dan told me he had it and I believe he said it was around 55 dollars. The newsletter will be mailed out this Friday. The Landlord pulled the carpet from the bathroom at the Mission and laid down a very nice lanolium the leak is still there but Pastor Dan said he could fix it himself now.I caught a chicken sale Friday morning and bought 100 pounds at thirty nine cents a pound I also got 11 pounds of ground beef for just under twelve dollars, 22 pounds of ground chuck for around twenty eight and 11 pounds of ground round for around eighteen. This is why I need to have money at all times in the food account so I can catch these sales first thing in the mornings. The ground meats
are not really sales but mark downs for the meats that have that day or the next day on them to be sold. I buy them then because it is very good beef and the people love the difference in the taste besides there is very little if any grease that comes out of the chuck and the round which makes them a whole lot healthier. Pray about your part in these works and be lead by Yahweh as to what He would have you do to help. Everything comes from Him and He needs willing vessels to supply all the Needs you just may be the vessel He chooses to use. This ministry is run solely by Faith that the Needs will be there when Needed an Yahweh has ALWAYS supplied these NEEDS. More on the Mission Next Update: Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch

Last Weeks Answer: Ephesians 5:1-16 KJV 1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Find This Passage:

1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. 2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. 3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country. 4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: 5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot
not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. 6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. 7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. 8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; 9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. 10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. 11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither
did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: 13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. 14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. 15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. 16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers
be returned: and afterward may ye go your way. 17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear. 18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. 19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. 20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear. 21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
22 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not. 23 So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them: 24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

solve this riddle I will send the answer next week :

Adam, God made out of dust
But thought it best to make me first,
So I was made before man
To answer God's most Holy plan.
A living being I became
And Adam gave to me my name.
I from his presence then withdrew
And more of Adam never knew.
I did my Maker's law obey
Nor ever went from it astray.
Thousands of miles I go in fear
But seldom on earth appear.
For purpose wise God did see,
He put a living soul in me.
A soul from me God did claim
And took from me the soul again.
So when from me the soul had fled
I was the same as when first made.
And without hands, or feet, or soul,
I travel on from pole to pole.
I labor hard by day, by night
To fallen man I give great light.
Thousands of people, young and old
Will by my death great light behold.
No right or wrong can I conceive
The scripture I cannot
believe.
Although my name therein is found
They are to me an empty sound.
No feat of death doth trouble me
Real happiness I'll never see.
To Heaven I shall never go
Or to Hell below.
Now when these lines you slowly read,
Go search your Bible with all speed
For that my name is written there
I do honestly to you declare.

Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch

Mark 9:23,10:27

Prison Weekly April 23rd 2005

Parshas Acharei Mos - Kedoshim (Leviticus 16-18)

Honorable Mentshen

This week the Torah tells us about loving every Jew. It adds a special verse exhorting us to be especially sensitive to a special type of Jew the convert. "When a proselyte dwells among you in your land, do not taunt him. The proselyte who dwells with you shall be like a native among you, and you shall love him like yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt -- I am Hashem, your G-d" (Leviticus 19:33-34) A person who converts has the status of a Jew. He is a full-fledged member of the community and every social, moral and ethical tenet applies to him. Though he may be exempt from particular laws concerning "kahal" (which would have implications in marital law), he is otherwise as equal as any Jew. And that's why this verse troubles me. After all, if the convert is a Jew, why do we need a special command telling us not to inflict any discomfort upon him? Hadn't the
Torah told us in verse 18, "Love your neighbor as yourself?" Why implore born-Jews to be nice to the newcomers through a series of commands that seem to use a moral approach: "You were once a stranger, so you know how it feels"? A convert is a Jew. And a Jew is a Jew is a Jew! All rules apply! When my grandfather Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky, of blessed memory, was dean of Mesivta Torah Voda�ath back in the 1950s, he developed a professional relationship with a psychotherapist who worked with some of the students. The doctor would often call Rabbi Kamenetzky to discuss his treatment of some of the students under his care. They also would have discussions on psychology and education. The doctor was a student of the famed psychotherapist, Dr. Sigmund Freud, and despite Freud�s attitude toward religion, this particular doctor was always respectful and never attributed any of the students�
problems to observance or religious commitment. Years later, when Rav Yaakov was informed that the doctor had passed away, he felt it incumbent to attend his funeral. He assumed it would not be the type of service he was used to, and even understood that he, a frocked and bearded sage, would appear out of place among a medical community of his distinguished colleagues, assimilated German and Austrian psychotherapists and mental health professionals. However, Rav Yaakov�s gratitude overruled his hesitation. When entering the Riverside Chapel, Rav Yaakov was shocked to see that a distinguished Rav, a friend of his, was performing the funeral and that scores of Torah observant Jews were participating. After the service which was done in total compliance with halacha, Rav Yaakov approached his friend who had officiated. How do you know the doctor? What connection do you have with him? "What
do you mean," answered the Rav. "Of course I knew him. The doctor davened in my shul three times a day!" My grandfather had never discussed religion with the man, he just respected him for his professionalism and abilities. The Torah tells us that even though there is a universal command to love every Jew as yourself, an additional concept applies specifically to a convert. We must be kind to him as part of the overall moral obligation of a nation that also endured the trauma of being strangers. In addition to loving Jews as their inherent birthright, it is also imperative to display love to them when our moral obligation demands it. The Torah is teaching us not only to act with affection as born Jews but as honorable mentshen. Good Shabbos �2002 Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

D'var Torah Parshas Acharei Mos-Kedoshim -Love Your Neighbor by Rabbi Chaim Dovid Green

This week's parshios are replete with moral directives. The Torah does not just involve itself in what we would consider "religious" and ceremonial matters. Indeed it gives us many commandments which govern how we are to live together. From those commandments we have a window into the attitudes which G-d wants us to have. The Torah states "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). Rabbi Akiva stated "this is a major tenet in the Torah." In a midrash we find the following parable of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Several people were sailing in a ship. One takes out a drill and begins drilling into the floor of the ship. "What are you doing?" the others ask excitedly. "Why should you care?" was the reply. "Aren't I drilling only under my place?" This parable illustrates for us how dependent we are on each other. The connection we have is a crucial connection. When one of the ties are
broken, and we begin going our own way and doing our own thing - like the man in the ship - we must know that we are not just affecting ourselves. We are really a singular unit which is referred to as "Klal Yisroel," the composite Jewish people. We are like a tree which is only the sum of all of its parts. We see that there are differing aspects of the tree, roots, leaves, branches, fruits, and seeds, etc., and we know that it depends on all of its parts for its sustenance and ultimate continuity. Any part which is severed becomes a non-entity because it can not survive independently. Before we received the Torah on Mount Sinai the following is stated: "And Yisroel (the Jewish nation) camped there etc." Hebrew verbs are conjugated in masculine, feminine, singular and plural. The commentaries make note of the fact that the word "and Yisroel _camped_" is written uncharacteristically in the
singular conjugation. This is because the Children of Israel had achieved a perfect unity at that time. It was because of that that they merited to receive the Torah. There are many laws in the Torah governing liability for damages, robbery and theft, etc. G-d intended that the laws we have should preserve unity. Without civil order, unity is compromised. When G-d gave Moshe and the Children of Israel the directive to build the Tabernacle, He said "Build me a sanctuary and I'll shall dwell among them. "The goal was to manifest His Presence on the Children of Israel as a whole. "I shall dwell among _them_ (as a whole). This is the meaning behind Rabbi Akiva's statement "Love your fellow as yourself; this is a major tenet in the Torah." It is a major tenet because it underscores the basic premise that its goal is to maintain unity. Unity is the first and prerequisite step to the
fulfillment of our destiny as Jews.G-d gave us a great gift - Torah. The Torah is the only way to achieve real unity. The reason is that it is G-d given. It is completely objective. Where there is subjectivity and self-interest is impossible to achieve unity. This is because there will always be others with a differing subjective approach to life. Unity is possible when everyone agrees that we will submit to a given set of rules. In our societies it is easy to see the need for this approach. We are only a nation through our Torah. Good Shabbos!

Mission Update:

Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, Praise His name. We did a get a food shipment in. It was radom things that will help but we still need to make an order from where we get our canned goods and need help to buy meat. So really pray about and take your time if and seek the Father if you are to support our efforts for His poor. The Mission need's help in all area's and if you are being blessed by radio we need your help there also.....By teh way we dropped Spirt1 broadcasts. The Lord will replace these broadcasts. We also need money for Big Print Bibles...they cost $10 per Bible. So many have bad eyes and these Bibles are getting the Word out......Pray about it.

Psalm 10:

Psa 10:1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

Psa 10:2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

Psa 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.

Psa 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Psa 10:5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.

Psa 10:6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.

Psa 10:7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.

Psa 10:8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.

Psa 10:9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

Psa 10:10 He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.

Psa 10:11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.

Psa 10:12 Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.

Psa 10:13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.

Psa 10:14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

Psa 10:15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.

Psa 10:16 The LORD is King forever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.

Psa 10:17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

Psa 10:18 To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

The LORD bless thee and keep thee;The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;The LORD 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 seven dozen egg-cheese sandwhiches and they served dozens of donuts with coffee, ice tea, ice water and a variety of milks. We had a donation of some childrens clothes and a few stuffed animals that also came in. We made some really good chicken noodle soup that we served with greens n buttered toast for dinner. Sabbath meal was the soup and hambugers, for break donuts an coffee. Right now all the bills that have come in are paid, we still need your support for these works as you know there are always never ending needs. Yahweh will supply the needs as He always has and always will. We just ask you to pray about supporting these works and allow Him to guide you in which area He wants you to be a vessel. The shipment arrived Saturday afternoon there are clothes, blankets, Bibles, shampoos, lotions, after shave, diaper bags
that will be given out for the people to use to carry their things in. There are several items that will be used for special treats on Friday's which are candy, cookies, snack size bags of chips, peanut butter crackers, restraunt size packs of graham crackers, individual chocolate and vanilla pudding, chocolate milk an 2% milk in cartons packaged with a shelf life dated to Aug.2005 (they won't be around that long I guarantee) We were also blessed with sereval boxes of rice-n-soy dinners (survival type food),two big boxes of powdered milk,chocolate cake mixes, brownie mixes, two cases of tomatoes, a few big boxes of 2 pound bags of macironi (I really needed these), afew cases of mac-n-cheese, a case of 12 jars of marinara sauce, a couple cases of 2 pound bags of spaghetti, four cases of tuna and 4-5 cases of samon, there were a few cases of corn, greenbeans, peas, and aspargus,a couple
cases of peaches,two cases of cooking oil, a big bag of rice, a couple boxes of mixed items 4 cans of grease, 6 large jars of olives,4 small jars of garlic stuffed olives, some lintel mixes, hot coco, a variety of instant drink mixes, 6 cases of beef stew, 4 cases of progresso vegtable soup, 33 big cans of campbells soups and a case of hot sauce. I think that's about it I will make twelve food boxes to send to Sarina at the Mission the rest will be used to feed the people. Thank you all who are supporting the Mission the people really need our help. We have new faces every week and some that have been coming since day one. Please hold us up in prayer at the eveil runs rampant across our Nation. Yahweh is in CONTROL and we must serve Him till He sends His Son to deliver us out of these end times. We love you all Stay In HIS WORD More on the Mission next update: love sisterlinda family & Messiah's Branch

Last Weeks Answer :Daniel 1:1-21 KJV

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them
a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your
faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge
and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

Find This Passage:

^{1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in
the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.}

Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch

Mark 9:23,10:27

Prison Weekly April 16th 2005

Mezora For the week of April 16, 2005 / 7 Nisan 5765 Torah: Vayikra / Leviticus 14:1 - 15:33 Haftarah: 2 Melachim / 2 Kings 7:3-20 The Danger of Doubt "It happened as the man of God had said to the king..." (2 Melachim / 2 Kings 7:18) This week's Haftarah contains a story which shows us how the circumstances of life can suddenly and dramatically change � in this case for the better. I think we are more familiar with sudden negative changes both in our personal lives and in world events, but unexpected good things do also take place. This story begins with the people of Israel in a grave situation. What we call Israel today in those days was split into two kingdoms. The Northern Kingdom was called, "Israel", the southern kingdom, "Judah." The army of the kingdom of Aram had laid siege upon Samaria, the capital city of Israel.
This resulted in great famine in the city to the extent that some people were practicing cannibalism. As the story goes we read about four men of Samaria who had leprosy. Realizing their desperate situation, they decided to surrender to the Arameans. They figured that they had nothing to lose. Perhaps the Arameans would let them live, but if not, they were probably going to die soon anyway. As it turned out, when they arrived at the Aramean camp, they found no one there. What had happened was that God had frightened the Arameans by causing them to hear sounds, which made them think they were being attacked. Not only did they leave, they also left behind all their provisions in the camp. After the four men helped themselves to these provisions for a while, they let the city know what happened. The people of Samaria also rushed out to help themselves. The amount left behind by the Arameans
was sufficient to completely transform the economic situation of Samaria. There's more to this story than just these events. As we read at the end of the previous chapter, prior to the four men discovering that sudden departure of the Arameans, the king and one of his officers went to confront Elisha the prophet. It appeared he wanted to blame the man of God for the predicament they were in. Without referring to the specific details, Elisha predicted the soon-to-come economic turn around. When the officer rejected any possibility of such a thing, Elisha then also predicted that while the officer would indeed witness this, he would not himself partake of it. It happened just as Elisha said. When the people rushed out of the city to go after the goods, the officer was trampled. His reaction to Elisha's prediction resulted in his failure to participate in the good turn of events. This story
underscores that we need to respond to what God says to us with believing hearts. It is so much easier for us to expect tragedy, than a sudden positive turn of events. This is not about just having a positive outlook. This is about discerning what God says in the midst of great difficulty and choosing to accept his determinations instead of being ruled by appearances, no matter how terrible they might be. TorahBytes

Metzora (Leviticus 14-15) Family Parsha Metzora 5765 Different things are expected from different people. In this week's Torah portion, we learn about how a certain offering requirement in the Tabernacle would vary depending on the giver's ability to give. A poor person would have to give less, a rich person more. The point is that God wants us to always try to do our best according to our abilities. Nothing more - and nothing less. In our story a couple of kids get a big lesson from a tiny ant.

"LIFE'S A PICNIC"

Rebecca Feldman spread out the bright, red-checkered tablecloth on the ground and plunked down the cooler full of fresh made sandwiches and other goodies. She and her brother, Gary, had decided to take advantage of the beautiful early spring afternoon by going on a picnic in the woods behind their house. "What'll it be - cheese or peanut butter and jelly?" Rebecca asked. Gary didn't say anything. He just sat there rubbing his hand through the grass distractedly. "Hellloo! Anybody home in there?" "Huh?" Gary sputtered. "I'm asking you what kind of sandwich you want." "Oh sorry, Becky. Doesn't make a difference, whatever kind is fine." "Hey, what's with you? Whenever we go on picnics you usually dive into the cooler before I can even put it down, and today you're Mr. Gloom and Doom," she said as she set out the sandwiches and drinks, carefully checking the tablecloth for
ants first. Gary sighed. "Well I'm mad about the math mid-term test I brought home today." Rebecca shook her head. "You, the family brain, mad about a test? What happened? Did you only get a 99 instead of a 100 or something? Hey, these ants are everywhere, but at least they like my sandwiches." "Very funny," Gary said. "No, what's bothering me is that yesterday when Davy brought home his test from school, Mom and Dad made such a big thing out of it. Dad even said he was going to buy him a present. Now I bring home a test with the exact same grade - B+ - and all they said to me was 'very nice,' and acted like it was no big deal. It's not fair!" Rebecca crossed her arms and shook her head. "Come on Gary! How can you compare your test to Davy's?" "Why not?" "Because Davy studied like crazy for that test. I even got up in the middle of the night once last week to get a
drink and saw Davy still sitting at his desk with his math book! Between you and me, Gary, did you even take your math book out of you book bag once to study for that test?" "Of course I did!" Gary protested. "Really?" Becky said while giving him one of her x-ray vision stares. "Okay, I admit it was on the bus ride to school on the day of the test, but still..." The girl laughed, "So what do you expect? Let's face it, nobody in the family is the math whiz you are. Davy worked really hard to get his grade, and you just coasted by. Of course Mom and Dad are going to make a bigger deal about his accomplishment." She handed him a cup. "You want some ice-tea?" "No thank you, I'm not thirsty. And by the way, you're not being fair either. Is it my problem if the test was easier for me than it was for Davy? A B+ is a B+, and if we got the same grade, we deserve the same credit." Gary
suddenly stopped talking and his eyes grew wide. "Hey Becky, take a look at that ant!" he said pointing excitedly. "I've seen more than enough today already, thank you." "No really, look. That one over there is dragging a whole blade of grass behind him. It must be ten times his size!" Rebecca shrugged, plucked up a piece of grass from the ground and waved it in front of Gary's face. "So what? I can also pick up a blade of grass. Why aren't you getting goo-goo eyed over me?" "Are you serious? That ant is tiny. For him, lifting a piece of grass is a big deal. For you it's nothing.""But a blade of grass is a blade of grass. Is it my problem that I'm bigger than the ant?" Rebecca smiled and threw the piece of grass at her brother like a spear. Gary quickly ducked to the side and laughed. "Okay, okay ... I get your point. Davy should get more credit for working so hard to pass his test."
"Great! Now if you don't mind, can we please eat our sandwiches before these ants drag them away too?" Aish.com

Mission Update:Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, You know it hurts my heart to see people ready to come out of the street, get into the word, change their lives, work, but no place to put them......They have to come out of where they are at in order to get away from the various temptations of the World. It would be nice to have a house to put the ones up in you know want to change. Friday was good everyone welcomed me back, meaning I missed Tuesday because my back went out completely on me. I was in terrible pain most of the week. The Others opened for us when I was home. Mom drove food over for them. But they said it was not the same without me being there and picking on them among other things. Well gas is better in this
Suburban that was donated to us from WI. But gas prices are way up! I really need some people to sponsor gas or donate for gas for the trips. I will say that this ministry vehicle is the best we have had and it makes the trips so much easier......Gas again we need gas donations badly. Big Print Bibles are another great need along with medical supplies. Mom needs donations to the food account badly. We need meat and other things.Saints pray about supporting this ministry as we need your help. Are you blessed by radio? Then Please support that so we can stay on the Air! Every little bit helps.Friday Ed one of our helpers did a 30 minute TV progam about what we do for the poor and how he helps. It was channel 49.....It will air sometime within the next two weeks. We do need your prayers and support now.....Thanks The LORD bless thee and keep thee;The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;The LORD 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 six dozen egg-n-cheese sandwiches Friday and they served dozens of donuts with coffee,ice tea, ice water and a varity of milks. Kathy put together the chili I sent and made thin spahgetti to serve with the chili and buttered tortillas. The storage electric came in Saturday it is 27 something I believe I may be off by a few bucks one way or the other. Internet is 19.95 and the Mission water bill was there Friday 31.07 which is over doubled what it has been in the past due to a water leak the Landlord has yet to get fixed. We had some clothes come in as well as a few end tables Sarina was going to work on getting them hung up and sorted Sunday some of the clothes went right back out Friday. We NEED men's clothing of all sorts and sizes mainly lg, xlg and xxlg. We still have no food for food boxes and we have people asking for help
with food to get them through the month. Consider going through your cupboards and sorting out those canned goods you have that will never be eaten and are just collecting dust. BRING them to the Mission these people will eat them and you will be blessed for your part in supplying the needs of these poor people. We had a very nice sabbath meal of corn beef and cabbage with bread-n-butter it was really good, I made the children chicken tenders, tator tots and mini beef corndogs, we had fudge bars an donuts for break. Please pray about supporting the Mission and the other works of this ministry. Both accounts are very low Pastor Dan will need funds for his trip over this Tuesday (Friday gas was 2.25 a gallon. The food account is right at 25 so it needs to be built up so I can order that 300 pounds of canned soups for the food boxes and be able to purchase items I come across when on sale.
Thank you everyone who has helped in making these works easier to operate by allowing yourself to be a vessel of support to Yahweh's works. We love you all and pray you have a VERY BLESSED week Shalom More on the Mission Next Update: sisterlinda Messiah's Branch

Last Week Answer: Galatians 3:15-22 KJV

15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the
promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Find This Passage:1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision
of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking
than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all
learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

Shalom sisterlinda & Messiah's Branch Mark 9:23,10:23