PrisonWeekly May 28th 2005

Be-hukkotai For the week of May 28, 2005 / 19 Iyar 5765 Torah: Vayikra / Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34 Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14 Self Reliance "This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD�But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.'" (Jeremiah 17:5,7) This week's Torah portion concludes the book of Leviticus. It is one of the passages that lists the blessings for obeying God and the curses for not obeying. I have a feeling that most people read passages like this as if it were something from a sport rule book, as in "Section 5, sub-section 2, point 'b' states: 'Anyone who chews gum while playing will be suspended indefinitely and will be subject to a fine no less than one thousand dollars to a maximum of five thousand dollars.'" This is not the spirit of the Torah. The Torah is God's directions to let us know how life really works. If we follow in his ways, life will go well. If not, we will suffer the consequences. God is not vindictive as if he is out to get us. Rather he longs for us to live good and productive lives. The problem is that we think we can live life on our own without God and his help. We don't realize how destructive self reliance is. This is the essence of what God says through Jeremiah in this week's related Haftarah reading: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:5) God, through Jeremiah, makes clear the negative results of a self-reliant life. Whatever it may look like in the short term, trusting in ourselves will eventually lead to a fruitless existence and to death, followed by an eternity without God and goodness. It doesn't help that our society has made self reliance such a high value. We are encouraged to make it on our own, to prove ourselves. Getting help, whether it be from God or another person, is viewed as weakness. But that is not how we were intended to live. Jeremiah also says, "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him." (Jeremiah 17:7) We were not created to be self reliant. God's intention was for us to live as his children. As part of God's family we are to live life, trusting in God, in his love, power, provision, and goodness. Placing our roots deep in him, we can then live fruitful lives which richly bless others. TorahBytes

Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34) Family Parsha Bechukotai 5765

There is a very special day in the Jewish calendar known as Lag B'Omer. (This year it's May 26th 2005, in the evening, until the 27th, in the evening.) That's when we celebrate the life and teachings of one of our greatest sages and mystics, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and also mark the day that God rescued us from a devastating plague that killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva's students. One of the main themes of the day is respect for others. Sometimes it's easier to remember to speak and act respectfully to strangers than to our own family and friends. This was the mistake, our sages teach, which led to the consequences that brought about the plague, and a lesson for all time - to respect everyone. In our story, a kid discovers that respect begins at home.

"WITH ALL DUE RESPECT"

Whoa! Ken caught himself at the last moment from falling as he tripped over the pile of toys, books and clothing on his bedroom floor. Why did the simple act of walking to his desk always have to feel like he was trekking through a jungle? He shook his head as he looked over at his brother, Randy, who shared the room with him, happily sprawled out on his unmade bed, munching on a candy bar, face buried in one of the many comic books that covered the bed like a pile of autumn leaves.Unlike Ken, who kept his side of the room very neat and organized, Randy seemed to feel that his things belonged wherever they happened to land."Randy c'mon," sighed Ken. "I must have asked you a million times to please pick up your stuff when you're done with it. I can hardly breathe in here!"The boy reluctantly lifted his nose out from the book. "What's your problem?" he asked, tossing the candy wrapper on the floor. "So what if the room is a little 'homey'? Anyway I think the maid is supposed to come tomorrow," he added sarcastically and dove back into his comic book.Ken, as usual, saw he wasn't going to get anywhere. They had had this argument so many times that it just wasn't worth the energy. He gathered up his schoolbooks and trudged off to the local library to do his homework. He just couldn't concentrate enough to study in a room as messy as this.A few hours later Ken returned home and couldn't believe his eyes. He could hardly recognize his room. All of his brother's things were perfectly put away, and Randy was just finishing up vacuuming the carpet, which was usually so covered with junk that Ken had almost forgotten it existed. "Hey, what's going on?" Randy turned around and switched off the roaring vacuum cleaner. "Oh, hi. Well I just got a call that Greg wanted to come by and visit with his cousin from out of town." "So?" "So, I figured I couldn't let a complete stranger walk in on a mess like this. It wouldn't be, you know, respectful." Ken didn't know whether to laugh or scream. "I can't believe you! Your own brother begs you every day to show him some respect by keeping the room neat, and you blow me off. Now some kid you don't even know, and will probably never see again, is coming over and you clean the room like it's an army barracks!" With that, Ken stomped downstairs as Randy thought about his words. He glanced around the now neat room, and had to admit it was much nicer and probably the mess did really get on his brother's nerves. But he had always just kind of figured that with good friends and family you could be more 'yourself', more ... laid back. That wasn't being disrespectful to them, was it? The next day Ken woke up for school and was surprised to see Randy's bed made. He never did that. If Ken didn't know better he would have thought his brother hadn't gone to sleep that night. Just then, Randy walked in after his shower and neatly hung his bathrobe in the closet instead of giving it his usual toss onto the floor. "Oh, is that out-of-town kid coming again today?" asked Ken. Randy turned around and smiled. "Nope, he left yesterday. I just decided to try to keep things a little more normal around here. After all, like you said, respect begins at home." Aish.com

Mission Updates:Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, I will be working on the mail out newsletter this week. Praying the funds come in to get it done. Big concern right now is getting the air fixed on the ministry vehicle. I am sure that it will come. I am so glad gas has went down some it helps. You know that are trips a re roughly 60 miles one way top the Mission, form our drive to the Mission drive.We are praying for a way to at sometime soon buy our own building. Do we have the cash? No but the Lord does so we pray. We are in need of the Large print Bibles again. Remeber these go for $10 a Bible at sams. You know the people are also reading the book " The Day of the Lord is at Hand!" There was another case donated a month ago and they are reading it. I really need a tape copier so I can make tapes of the radio program for the people. If any of you want to send somethings to help them learn this is it. Tapes, walkman's cassette players, AA and AAA batteries, also do not forget the Bibles.. Anyway we can use always use your help. The PNS group has increased but we have really yet to gain any help from the new comers to the list. I pray they are all being blessed by the radio and the news artciles. Summer time and the donations go down for a few months. I pray this newsletter touches your heart as I would like to have a summer that I can concentrate on writting artciles, I plan on starting a book as I now feel led to do so. Also a summer where I can increase the out reach to the people. I want to be able to start a summer Bible study with the people, but I would have to have this speacial day funded! Pray about comitting to this specail day! Amen! I think we have a very short time frame left before the USA is hit again...Sooner than many think! More later just take it to prayer....you can donate online for the food acount or to us links are on this page. Pray about it pleaseas we need your help now! 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

Psalms 41:1 - Blessed is he that considereth the poor Shalom In Yeshua Our Messiah, Sarina made six dozen egg-n- cheese sandwiches Friday and I made some delious beef stew for dinner. She serverd dozens of donuts with coffee, ice tea and ice water throughout the day. The electric and gas bills both came in and together they are right around 100.00 due the first week of June. I was able to pick up 38 and a half pounds of ground round Friday morning for 105.00 this is very good meat. I bought some other things we were needing at the Mission so the food account is now down to 205.00. The newsletter is due to go out by next Tuesday I would love to be able to get it out this Friday that takes 200 to print and 111 to mail so pray about supporting the newsletter cost. The Radio is doing very well if you have not tuned in go to the website and listen to one of our programs there really great. The weather has warmed up and into the 90's now so pray about weather you should help get the ministry trucks air fixed. This is a must have the back set hold three people but noone can ride there while it's so hot because there are no windows that far back and it's like an oven just pray about it and be lead by the Father. We lost one of our helpers who has desided he no longer need the Lord but would rather be out there in the world doing everything we are commanded not to do so lift him up Yahweh knows who he is we pray he comes back to the light before it's to late. Thank you all who have helped us to do these works all we ask is that everyone pray about supporting and be lead by Yahweh to do His will. Have a very blessed week more on the Mission next update: Shalom sisterlinda
Last Weeks Answer: Luke 11:37-52^{37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. 39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. 40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? 41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. 44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. 45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. 46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. 49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. 52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.}

Find This Passage:And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

     Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch    

  Mark 9:23,10:27

Prision Weekly May 21st 2005

Be-Har For the week of May 21, 2005 / 12 Iyar 5765 Torah: Vayikra / Leviticus 25:1 - 26:2 Haftarah: Jeremiah 32:6-27 No Limits "Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 'I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?'" (Jeremiah 32:26,27) Five weeks ago, the TorahBytes message entitled, The Danger of Doubt, looked at the story of the prophet Elisha's prediction of a sudden transformation of Israel's dire economic situation (2 Melachim / 2 Kings 7). We saw how dangerous doubting God can be. When a certain officer heard Elisha's prophecy, he rejected it as impossible. As a result he didn't get to partake of the abundant and remarkable blessings which came. Upon further reflection, I found myself wondering about God's drastic response to the officer's unbelief. Who could blame him for having difficulty accepting the predicted miracle? Is all doubt that dangerous? Are there not several examples in the Bible of people who didn't immediately accept predictions of fantastic events, including Abraham, Moses, and others? Miracles by design are hard to accept. They are acts of God's power totally outside our normal understanding. That's why they are often described as "signs and wonders". If they don't challenge our normal way of thinking, if they are not difficult to accept, then either they are not really miracles, or we are not in touch with reality. As I looked more carefully at what the officer actually said I saw that his was not just a simple expression of doubt. He said, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" The officer was not just having difficulty with the prediction. He was saying that even if God got involved in the situation, it would not be good enough. God is very patient with our lack of faith. I am not at all claiming that unbelief in any form is acceptable, but God knows we are not quick to believe in him and his power. We read in the Scriptures how he takes time with people to assure them of his word and ability. But in this case the officer wasn't struggling. He outright rejected a most fundamental attribute of God - his omnipotence - which is a fancy way to refer to God's ability to do anything. Many years after Elisha, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah and said, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27) To deny God's ability is to deny God himself. Nothing is too hard for God. However else we may struggle in our faith, we must come to the place where we accept that his power is limitless. Once we get to that point, the door of our hearts is open to whatever he may want to do in our lives. I wonder how many of us cannot hear the great things God wants to do in us and through us, because we don't believe in his ability. Think of how we would pray and live differently if in our heart of hearts we knew God's power had no limits. TorahBytes

Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2) Family Parsha Behar 5765
It is so important not to embarrass other people, and unless we really think about it, it's possible to hurt people's feelings without even knowing it. This week's portion gives us a specific reminder to be extra careful not to hurt or embarrass people with our words.In our story, a kid finds a creative way to avoid embarrassing her friend.

"OFF THE RACK"

Beverly always had mixed feelings when she dropped off a bag of used clothing at The Depot, the local second-hand clothing store. This store sold the used clothing at very cheap prices for people who couldn't afford to buy their clothing at regular stores, giving it the not-so-nice nickname, 'the poor people's store.'On the one hand it felt good to clean out her overstuffed closet of so many outdated outfits that thankfully her family could afford. Yet somehow each outfit, even though she had hardly worn a lot of them, sort of felt like an old friend. It was a bit hard to say goodbye.'Well enough of this,' she thought as she was about to dump the bag into the drop-off box at the back of the store. Suddenly she heard a familiar voice from the other end of the story. She looked up, surprised to see her friend Liz walk in with her younger sister. 'Are they dropping off clothing too?'Beverly noticed that they came in empty-handed, and they were going up and down the racks like they were trying to pick out clothes.It didn't make sense. Why would a couple of well off kids like them be shopping in the 'poor people's store'?Suddenly it clicked. Beverly remembered hearing how Liz's dad had lost his job a while ago. Even though Liz had laughed it off at the time, she had also stopped coming with Bev and the gang when they would go off to the mall and stock up on the latest fashions.'Wow, things must be harder for them than I thought,' sighed Beverly. She watched from across the store, without being seen by the girls who were picking through the used clothing bins. Beverly was about to go over to them and say 'hi' when it dawned on her how embarrassed Liz would feel if she knew she had seen her. But what could she do? They were moving her way, and there was no other exit or way to get out of sight, short of jumping into the drop-off box!She braced for what was sure to be a very embarrassing encounter for her friend, when suddenly she got an idea.She quickly dug a few of the outfits from her drop-off bag and emptied the rest onto one of the tables. She held up one of the outfits in front of herself as if she was looking it over."Oh hi Liz!" Beverly said in her best, surprised voice. "Do you shop here too?"The two sisters looked at her and started to blush. "Um, well, you know we were just..." Liz started to mumble, but Beverly cut her off."Oh, I thought this was just my little secret. I don't know why more people don't shop here. I found some of the nicest things here at a really great price. Why waste money at the mall for no reason, right?"Beverly smiled brightly, and was happy to see Liz and her sister looking relieved and much more relaxed. "So what do you think of this outfit for me?" she asked, holding up one of her own outfits. "It looks practically brand new! I think I'm gonna take it. You know I saw a lot of nice stuff over there," she said pointing to the clothing she just brought. "I'm done shopping for now, but I bet there's some stuff that would be perfect for the two of you."With that, she grabbed her outfit and brought it to the sales counter, waving to the now smiling sisters. She paid for (her own) dress and left the store before the confused sales woman could ask any questions.The next morning, Beverly's mom noticed her heading out for school wearing the outfit. "Hey, didn't you drop off that one at The Depot?" she asked surprised."Well, Mom, I was going to, until I realized how I could do an even bigger act of kindness by keeping it instead." Aish.com

Mission Update:Leviticus 19:15 - Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

Shalom in Yeshua our Messiah,Kathy never showed up Friday so Sarina made the egg sandwiches and she made six dozen. They served dozens of donuts with a variety of milks, coffee, ice tea and ice water. We made chili served over macaroni for dinner and had frito chili pies for our Sabbath dinner. The children had chicken sandwiches and potato chips. The bills have started coming in again so pray about supporting these works. We did have another 130.00 dollar donation come to the food account so right now it's right at 400. The phone bill came it is 95 something and the electric and gas should be there this week. The water bill was 15 something and I paid it last week. The gas prices are coming down a little but are still at 1.99 a gal in most places. The air conditioner went out in the suburban so we need the funds to have it fixed,Dan isn't sure weather it just needs charged or what we will have to have someone look at it. The back is to hot to ride in so until it is fixed he can not use the back seat to haul the people meaning more trips and more gas.If any of you would like to help out at the Mission come in and speak to Pastor Dan or Sarina on either day we are open. Tuesday's or Friday's please be there by 1pm we could use some helpers there is lots to do. Thanks to everyone who supports these works pray about weather your to help or not and have a very Blessed week !More on the Mission next update:

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:^{37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. 39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. 40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? 41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. 44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. 45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. 46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. 49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. 52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.}

Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch Mark 9:23,10:27

     Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch    

  Mark 9:23,10:27

Prison Weekly May 14th 2005

Emor For the week of May 14, 2005 / 5 Iyar 5765 Torah: Vayikra / Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23 Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15-31 Harsh "Then Moses spoke to the Israelites, and they took the blasphemer outside the camp and stoned him. The Israelites did as the LORD commanded Moses." (Vayikra / Leviticus 24:23). If you have never read the Bible, you may think it is just a book of rules and regulations. While it contains many clear directives about life, it is far more than a book of rules. More than anything, it is a book which claims to reveal reality. We live in a world full of contradictory opinions and philosophies. You may not be philosophical yourself, but guarantied you have bought into some way of thinking that informs your lifestyle. If at any time you
decide that you are not going to simply accept your current way of life, you will discover how confusing the world is today. The Bible speaks into that confusion, offering a stable anchor that can give you security in the midst of life's storms. It is tragic that even among people who claim to believe the Bible, there are so many who neglect its pages. Saying we believe something and truly allowing it to influence us are two very different things. I mentioned last week how God's hesitancy to react to our actions can give us the impression that it doesn't really matter what we do with our lives. We saw how it was the role of the prophet to help connect people with the implications of their lifestyles. This purpose is shared by the Bible as a whole. Through the Scriptures God has revealed the reality of life. Several times through the years of my doing TorahBytes, I have mentioned how
there are certain biblical stories or truths that I don't really like. I could say the same thing about life even without knowing the Bible. I don't like the fact that life includes pain, disappointment, misunderstandings, and so on. Many of you, like me, have likely wished that life was very different from what it is. While there are philosophies that attempt to deny the reality of life's negatives, it is impossible to truly escape them. We are far better off when we face these things head on. In this week's parsha (Torah portion), we read about someone who cursed God. It appears that this was far more serious than what we would call swearing: He "blasphemed the Name with a curse." (Vayikra / Leviticus 24:11), whatever that means. But whatever he actually did, God directed the people to execute him. This is another case of a Bible passage that makes me uncomfortable. God's decision here is pretty harsh. Now we can respond to this in one of two ways. We could discuss the rightness of what was done, or we could see this for what it is. While I don't think God has mandated us in our own day to deal with blasphemers this way, it would do us well to accept that there are things that people do that bring upon them this sort of harsh treatment. The entire Bible is clear that God is a God of judgement. It matters how we live. If we neglect God's warnings, we will perish. God is love. He desires that we turn to him, so that we could live forever. He is very patient. He doesn't force himself upon us, but waits for us to come to him. He is forgiving. There is nothing we can do that is beyond his willingness to cleanse us from every sin. But to neglect his offer of acceptance through his Son, Yeshua, or to claim to follow him, while continually choosing our own way, will lead us to
an end similar to that of the blasphemer in this week's portion. Sound harsh? Maybe so. But let's get real and do something about it. TorahBytes</FONT></P><B><FONT face=Georgia color=#800000>
<P><FONT size=3>Emor</FONT></B></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <FONT color=#808080>(Leviticus 21-24)</FONT> <B>Family Parsha Emor 5765</B> This time of year, the 49 days between the Passover and Shavuot holidays, is called the 'Period of the Counting of the Omer' (<I>Sefirat Ha-Omer</I> in Hebrew). Each of these days, Jews around the world mark the period by verbally counting off the number of days that have passed, counting up as we get closer to Shavuot, the day we received the Torah. This period is a special time for personal growth and for feeling closer to God as it connects Passover and all the miracles God did for us when He took us out of slavery in Egypt to Shavuot and God's giving us the great and precious Torah. During this time period, people work on improving themselves each day, putting in the effort to prepare ourselves for receiving the Torah. By doing this we
can feel even closer to God than we could by passively witnessing a miracle, since we enjoy something more if we put in an effort to acquire it. It's not too late to start, and if we do, by the time Shavuot arrives we'll be really ready to receive the Torah and the pleasure of all of its wisdom for living.</FONT></P><I>
<P><FONT size=3>Our story is about a kid who experiences first hand the sweetness putting in the effort to grow.</FONT></P></I><B>
<P align=center><FONT size=3>"TAKING HOLD OF THE WHEEL"</FONT></P></B>
<P><FONT size=3>It had been a great vacation for the entire Levy family. Mom and Dad loved having some time out from their busy city schedule to enjoy the quiet, refreshing mountain air, and the Levy kids loved the non-stop program of sports and activities that the hotel offered. Each late afternoon the kids would race to the activity room to see what surprise would be posted on the board for the next day. TOMMORROW: GUIDED BIKE TRIP TO GOLDEN LAKE said the sign that day. "Sounds good!" said Brad Levy to his brothers Jerry and Mike. "Let's run over to the equipment room and get our bikes now." They got there and started going through the shiny rows of bikes. But while Brad and Jerry were getting more excited, young Mike was getting more nervous. "Hey, don't any of these bikes come with training wheels?" he asked the man in charge hopefully. The man shook his head. "Sorry son, all out."
"Oh no! How am I going to go on the bike trip if I can't get a bike with training wheels?" "Maybe you can take one without them?" Brad suggested. "I'm sure you could do it if you really tried." Mike just bit his lip and shook his head. True, his parents and brothers had been coaxing him and trying to teach him to ride without training wheels for a while now, but he just felt like he wasn't ready. Even though most kids his age were riding already, he liked the safe and easy feeling of coasting along on the training wheels. At home, it wasn't an issue but now he's going to lose out... "Well, I guess you'll just have to stay here watching the grass grow while we take the trip tomorrow," Brad said when he realized Mike wasn't going to budge. He and Jerry checked out the two nicest bikes and sped off, leaving Mike to take the long walk back to their cottage alone. <I>It's so unfair!</I> Mike
thought to himself. <I>Why didn't they have a bike I could ride?</I> He stood there looking at the bikes longingly. "Feel free to give it a try, son." <I>Huh? </I>It was the equipment man. "I'm closing up in an hour. Until then you're welcome to try out any of the bikes." Mike was about to explain, but the man turned to help some more kids who showed up. It seemed like no one was going to miss out on this great trip - except for him. <I>What's the point of even trying?</I> He turned to leave, but then changed his mind. Mike figured he really had nothing to lose. He picked out a bike about the same size of his bike back home and sat down on the seat. He looked around to make sure no one was watching and then pushed off with his feet. He glided about two yards before he lost his balance and fell. "No problem, son!" It was the equipment man. "Just keep trying and you'll be riding in no
time. If you need any pointers, just ask." "Uh thanks." Mike wasn't sure he agreed, but he sat back up to try it again... The next morning Brad and Jerry got ready to ride their bikes to the entrance of the hotel grounds from where the trip was leaving. It was perfect biking weather. "Too bad Mike's going to miss this," said Jerry as he strapped on his helmet. All of the sudden they heard the ring of a bicycle bell. "Hey aren't you guys gonna wait for me?" It was Mike and he was riding without training wheels! "Great! Let's go!" Brad yelled. And the three brothers rode off together, the older boys making sure to stick close to Mike. But after a few moments they saw Mike was doing just fine on his own. Aish.com </FONT></P><B>
<P><FONT size=3>Mission Updates</FONT></B><FONT size=3>:2 Timothy 3:13 </FONT><SUP><FONT size=3>13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned <I>them</I>; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture <I>is</I> given by inspiration of God, and <I>is</I> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.<FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>Leviticus 19:9</FONT> 9And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the
gleanings of thy harvest. 10And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather <I>every</I> grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I <I>am</I> the LORD your God. <FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace,</FONT> <FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>The Word tells us that all scripture is .."</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face">profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>...In Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy he points this out even saying.."</FONT>that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures"<FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>...So first thing I notice about this is that Timothy HAD to be a Jew who is now a believer in Messiah. Just how can I tell? Easy he had the Holy
Scriptures from a child. Now the only scripture that they had at that time was the Torah, the Prophets and the writings ( Psalms, Proverbs ). From youth Jews read their weekly Torah portions. Going through the Torah in a year, then starting over. These are the Holy Scriptures Paul is speaking of. These are still for use today or Paul after Messiah went to Heaven would not have said so to Timothy.....And notice he says all...</FONT> <FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>Okay having said that we can see we should also learn from the Torah. yes most of the Church will say it's not needed, but how can it be not needed for us when the "Scriptures" are referred to all though the NT? If you have not read it you should and you will open new light on the NT for you. Now lets talk about the word poor. Do a search in the KJV Bible and you will find it comes up 205 times. Paul was told as
part of his ministry to forget not the poor by James, Peter, and John, Paul was headed to the heathen ( the gentiles ) while they were going on to preach to the Jews. But this was to be a critical part of His ministry. </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face">"Galatians 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we <I>should go</I> unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10Only <I>they would</I> that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do"</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>...And later we find Paul saying in </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face">"1 Corinthians 13:33And though I bestow all my goods to feed <I>the poor</I>, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me
nothing"</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>... We should note that right now he is speaking of Love. look up the word charity in a Strong's Con. and you will find it means love...but back to the poor. Paul by now is saying that he gives all to the poor. So lets start back with what I am trying to say. Taught all through the scriptures we are to care for the poor. We are to love our neighbors as our selves. Would you deny yourself of daily provisions?</FONT> <FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>We are to not glean our fields ( we are to leave the corners of our fields uncut for the poor and the stranger ). Some of you by now are saying well Pastor Dan I am not a farmer. But this same thing applies to your jobs, sure we are to give to the storehouse of God our first 10 percent, but we are also to leave for the poor. Throughout the Torah it is taught to care
for the poor or a brother who has financial need. My point is that all Christians are to make some sort of provision to care for those in need. It's all the way though the whole Bible which is just one large book not Old and New. So my question to you is are you gleaning your own fields? Are you not taking a portion for the poor? It is taught all are responsible for them..</FONT> <FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>And listen to what James had to say about it.....For one He taught.. </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face">James 2:5 5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6But ye have despised the poor</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>....the poor were heirs to the Kingdom! In fact I will let James end this matter....</FONT><FONT
face="Baskerville Old Face">James 2:8 8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one <I>point</I>, he is guilty of all. 11For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. 14What <I>doth it</I> profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16And one of you say unto
them, Depart in peace, be <I>ye</I> warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what <I>doth it</I> profit? 17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24Ye see then how that by works a man is
justified, and not by faith only. 25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent <I>them</I> out another way? 26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>.Saints as I was in with the poor in Wichita on Tuesday again I wondered just where all the real believer's were. People who not only read the scripture but those who are called doer's of the Word. We cannot just pick and chose which part of the Holy Bible to follow as we are told all is good for us. In fact the scriptures referred to for this are the ones mainly ignored. You cannot do that period. Even if you say you follow the NT and help not the poor then you are not keeping it as it says the same thing and also points back to the Torah or " Holy Scriptures " There were no
others written yet...My heart just cries for these people. Some of the poor that come are the very worst of the worst as that is who we are supposed to reach the "Lost Sheep" right, the sinners? But there are saved poor among them just as there were saved poor in Paul's day </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face">"Romans 15:25 6For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem."</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080> So I watched as hungry people almost fought over a few bags of potatoes chips...can you see that chips, willing to fight over them. My heart was so heavy but that's how little enjoyment some of these people get.We really need your help RIGHT now. The poor have many needs and I have not gas even, The Trips are 120 miles round trip plus all the driving. We need help to provide things for
them. Will you not search your hearts and give something? We also need badly funds to buy large print KJV Bibles for them. We can get them at $10 a Bible at Sam's. If you do not wish to help us with the poor then do so your self. Messiah says we are to love our neighbors as thyself and that starts right in your own home......Have a great Sabbath and forget not the poor..................................</FONT>Matthew 22:3636Master, which <I>is</I> the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, <FONT color=#ff0000>Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.</FONT> 38<FONT color=#ff0000>This is the first and great commandment.</FONT> 39<FONT color=#ff0000>And the second <I>is</I> like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.</FONT> 40<FONT color=#ff0000>On these two commandments hang all the law and the
prophets.</FONT> <FONT face="Baskerville Old Face">Luke 18:18</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19And Jesus said unto him, </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#ff0000>Why callest thou me good? none <I>is</I> good, save one, <I>that is</I>, God.</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080> 20</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#ff0000>Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080> 21And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#ff0000>Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast,
and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080> 23And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#ff0000>How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080> 25</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#ff0000>For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle�s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.</FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080> 26And they that heard <I>it</I> said, Who then can be saved? 27And he said, </FONT><FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#ff0000>The things which are impossible with men are possible with God </FONT><FONT
face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>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</FONT> <FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>In Yeshua's Name,</FONT> <FONT face="Baskerville Old Face" color=#000080>Bro. Dan, Pastor of Messiah's Branch</P></FONT></FONT><B><FONT color=#000080>
<P><FONT size=3>Psalms 72:12</FONT></B></FONT><FONT size=3> - For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the <B>poor</B> also, and him that hath no helper. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=3>Shalom In Yeshua our Messiah!Kathy made four dozen egg sandwiches Friday and Then her and Sarina made 80 cows in the blankets and BBQ beans that we served with potatoe chips and diet cola for dinner.We ate our Sabbath with the people Friday because we went to the Parade before we had service.They also served many dozen donuts with coffee ice tea, ice water and milks.The bills are paid for now and the food account is ok I even went and bought things to make up ten food boxes that averaged around fifteen dollars a piece but are very nice products that will last those who get them at least a week or more. We have been doing our Bible study for a year this week the first lesson in our notebooks is dates May 15th 2004 wow time goes so fast. Today is Tuesday an I had them make beanie beef winnies , mac -n- cheese and bisquits for the dinner. I'm not sure how many sandwhiches
they made but by past experience it was probley between five and seven dozen. I'm headed out to plant the garden so I tell ya all more on the Mission Next Update:</FONT></P><B><FONT face=Arial>
<P><FONT size=3>Last Weeks Answer</FONT></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>:<I><FONT color=#808080>Isaiah 29:13-24 KJV</I></FONT></FONT></FONT><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=3>:</FONT></B></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. 15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? 16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the
potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? 17 Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? 18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. 19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20 For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: 21 That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought. 22 Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob,
Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. 23 But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. 24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. </FONT></P><B>
<P><FONT size=3>Find This Passage:</FONT></B><FONT size=3>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.</FONT></P>
<P align=center></SUP><FONT color=#3300ff><EM><STRONG> <A href="http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001" target=_blank></A><A href="http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001" target=_blank><IMG alt=Flowers src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_14_21.gif" border=0></A> Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch <A href="http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41441US" target=_blank><IMG alt="Butterfly 3" src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_7_205.gif" border=0></A><A href="http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001" target=_blank></A> </STRONG></EM></FONT></P>
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<P align=center><FONT color=#3300ff><EM><STRONG> <A href="http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001" target=_blank><IMG alt="Lion 2" src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_12_2.gif" border=0></A> Mark 9:23,10:27 </STRONG></EM></FONT></P></DIV></div></html>

Prison Weekly May 7th

Shavuot is coming up soon on Sunday May 15, 2005, the 50th day of the counting of the Omer.

Kedoshim For the week of May 7, 2005 / 28 Nisan 5765 Torah: Vayikra / Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27 Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15 The Danger of Denial "For I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will reach the ground. All the sinners among my people will die by the sword, all those who say, 'Disaster will not overtake or meet us.'" (Amos 9:9,10) The biblical prophets were people called by God to speak his word. Often what they said had a predictive element as they foretold events in the near or distant future. Yet they did not always predict the future. In fact most of the time they simply reminded the people of God's will for their lives. The prophets tried to help the people understand the implications of their lifestyles. God doesn't usually respond to our attitudes and actions with immediate signals of approval or disapproval. While there are some examples of God's taking immediate action in response to something somebody did, his dealings with human kind are usually only realized over a period of time. This lack of immediate response on God's part contributes to the common impression that God, if he exists at all, doesn't really get involved in our affairs. Because the benefits or consequences of our lifestyles are not clearly evident to us, many, if not most people, live any way they wish. If we stopped to think about it, we would know that many things in life operate on the principle of long- term cause and effect. There are few things in life that are like games and sporting events, in which results are evident within a relatively short period of time. A good play results in a point. An infraction of the rules means a penalty of some kind. But most of life doesn't work this way. For example, planting and harvesting take a considerable amount of time. The good or bad results of decisions made at planting time are not known until a long time afterwards. Once it is harvest time, it is too late. Right decisions have to be made at planting. Ensuring good crops requires a commitment to good farming practices right through the growing process. Our lives are the same. We often look at our immediate situation to gauge our condition. My guess is that if people dropped dead after smoking only one cigarette, they wouldn't smoke. But because young people have great difficulty connecting pictures of cancerous lungs with themselves, they don't believe that smoking will ever lead to that kind of result. The biblical prophets had the difficult task of trying to help people understand that their way of life was intimately connected to their future, whether or not that connection was readily perceived. Our neglect of God's ways will result in negative consequences. Denying that fact only draws us deeper into the pit of destruction. In the passage quoted earlier, it sounds as if the sinners are equated with those who deny the coming destruction. Of course they are. For it is those who cannot see their doom that will never experience the needed change of heart. As in Amos' day a shaking is coming, if it is not already here. Many of us are drunk with denial. We live in a fantasy world of pleasure and busy-ness. Yet our denial will never protect us from the reality of the consequences of neglecting God and his ways. TorahBytes

Kedoshim (Leviticus 19-20) Family Parsha Kedoshim 5765

We know that lying is wrong and we want to tell the truth. But we might not realize how easy it is to 'forget the truth' and let slip a 'little white lie' when it seems more comfortable or convenient. When God tells us in this week's portion not to lie to each other, He also means those 'little' lies, even when it's not convenient. The Torah wants to help us be truthful through and through. In our story, a kid finds out the truth about lying.

"I DIDN'T 'REAL-LIES'"

To tell you the truth, I always thought of myself as a truthful person - and I am - but what happened the other day gave me a bit of a shock and made me realize there's more to telling the truth than meets the eye. I was about to head off to the mall to return a broken CD player I had gotten for my bat mitzvah last week. I wanted to look up the store hours to make sure they were going to be open when I got there, so I asked my sister, Wendy, if I could take a quick peek at the ad they had in the newspaper she was reading. "Sure, Vickie." I glanced at the headlines and read about another politician caught lying. "Lying is disgusting!" I said. "You're right, but it's also one of the hardest things not to do. Almost everybody trips up on things they don't even realize." I probably should have just kept my mouth closed, but instead I piped up. "Well I, for one, do NOT lie." Wendy and I have always been a little competitive, so I wasn't surprised when she challenged me and said, "I'll bet you a week's worth of clearing the table that you can't even go 24 hours without saying something not true. Pay close attention to your day, and let's see how you do!" "It's a bet!" I said, figuring I had just saved myself a week of dish clearing. I rushed out to catch my bus to the mall. I made it to the bus stop just in time, and jumped on the bus. I opened up my wallet to buy a ticket. "Child or adult?" the driver asked. On our bus line, kids under 12 could get tickets for half price. Now even though I was 'officially' twelve already, being a little on the petite side, I could easily pass for ten and knew the driver wouldn't even blink if I asked for the cheaper ticket. I was about to say 'child' then I remembered my bet with Wendy. But this wasn't really a lie, was it? I mean just one measly week ago I was under 12, and I even knew about a kid who was 14 and still riding on the children's discount. Still, I had to admit it wasn't true... The driver was looking at me impatiently. "Um, adult," I said, and grudgingly peeled an extra dollar out of my wallet. I got to the electronics store at the mall, and the salesperson greeted me with a cheery smile. I wondered if she'd still be smiling after she found out I hadn't come to spend money, but to take some back. "How can we help you today?" she asked. I took out the CD player and explained that it didn't work and I wanted my money back. "No problem," she said, still smiling. She took out a return form and started filling it out. Name... Address... She got to a line called 'defect description.' "Now this was defective from when you got it, right?" she asked. Actually, it was defective from the time I dropped it in the sink, but I knew that if I told her that, not only wouldn't I get my money back, but it would probably even void the warranty. I started to fidget. I mean a bus ticket was one thing, but this was a lot of money. I knew these big chain stores took things back all the time. They expected things like this and weren't going to go bankrupt from my one little CD player. "Um, yeah, that's right," I nodded. She handed me the cash and wished me a nice day. I was halfway out the mall when my stomach hurt. No matter how I wanted to justify it, the truth was that I, 'the kid who never lied,' had just lied. I could have easily just kept going. After all, I had blown the bet, so at least I could keep the money, right? Wrong. I knew there was no way I could keep both the money, and my self-respect. I went back into the store. "Forgot something, honey?" asked the salesperson. I took out the money. This was going to hurt. "Well, um, I forgot that the player I returned really only broke after I bought it, and was maybe even my fault..." It wasn't as bad as I thought. The salesperson didn't get mad. In fact, she complimented me on my honesty and even let me exchange the broken player for a new one. I got back on the bus, bought a ticket - adult, happy to be telling the truth. Wendy was clearing dishes from lunch when I walked in. "Well, how did it go?" she asked. "Let me clear the table," I said, rolling up my sleeves and grabbing the plate from her hand. "Wendy, I can honestly say that it's harder to be honest than I thought." Aish.com
Mission Update:Psalms 10:2 - The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.Shalom In Yeshua our Messiah,Friday was not to busy Kathy made five dozen egg -n- cheese sandwiches and niether of us had to cook dinner Granma made her famous chicken pot pies. We served dozens of donuts and gave out gals of milk throughout the day. At dinner we served fruit cocktail and cottage cheese the cottage cheese came in with the people who donate the milk it was a blessing and went well with our meal.We had a 1000 donation come in that paid some raido time,high speed internet,some of the hardware for the new computer for the ministry and 200 into the food accout. There were some other donations that came in so I was able to pay the 65 difference in the rent we now have the water,electric and gas for the mission. We hung the curtains Friday but were short four curtains so if anyone has some long white drapes we need four. The six we hung are a pretty blue and we decided together we would get white as those are the Israel flag colors. please pray about supporting these works we Thank all those who are allowing themselves to be vessels for Yahweh's work we love you all stay in His Word More on the Mission next update Shalom sisterlinda RIDDLE ANSWER:A WHALE
Last Weeks Answer:Joshua 2:1-24 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.
Find This Passage:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. 15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? 16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? 17 Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? 18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. 19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20 For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: 21 That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought. 22 Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. 23 But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. 24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch Mark 9:23,10:27