Prison Weekly Sept 3rd 2005

Re'eh For the week of September 3, 2005 / 29 Av 5765 Torah: Devarim / Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17 Haftarah: Isaiah 54:11 - 55:5; 1 Samuel 20:18 & 42 Progress "You are not to do as we do here today, everyone as he sees fit, since you have not yet reached the resting place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving you." (Devarim / Deuteronomy 12:8,9) The story of the nation of Israel in the Torah is a story of progress. Abram (later named Abraham), is called from family and the familiar to follow God to a new life. Childless, yet God promises him that he would become a great nation. Through the intervention of God, he and his wife Sarah eventually in their old age had a child, named Isaac, and later a grandson, Jacob, who himself had twelve sons - progress indeed. The nation of Israel later begins to take form under oppression and hardship as slaves in Egypt until the day God sends Moses to demand their freedom. It took the dramatic and devastating power of God to effect the release of what had become a people numbering two million. More progress. They then began a journey of return back to the land God promised their ancestor Abraham centuries before. They would learn many lessons, making further progress - albeit slowly - before they were ready to enter the Promised Land. There is a view of life shared by many that believes in what has been termed "progress." I am not myself a philosopher or a historian, but it seems to me that with the rise of the industrial revolution of the eighteenth century, the motto of Western Society has been "Newer is better." Development and discovery are almost always viewed as progress; and progress is always good. I would agree that progress itself is a good thing. But how does one determine when progress has been achieved? Breakthroughs in science and technology are automatically embraced by many as progress. Those who show concern over certain forms of experimentation are viewed as standing in the way of progress. Whether or not something is truly progress is actually dependant upon one's moral framework. For example some people have a complete aversion to weaponry. They view guns and other weapons as intrinsically evil. Would a person like that view the development of lighter, cheaper, and more effective (or destructive) forms of weapons as progress? I don't think so. Another person who regards weaponry as a necessary (though perhaps tragic) reality of life, might welcome such developments and believe that progress has been made. Progress is not simply embracing our discoveries of new things, but in knowing how to respond to those discoveries. As Israel progressed in their national and spiritual development, it meant greater responsibility. For example, before Israel entered the Promised Land, there seemed to be a certain freedom with regard to how they worshipped. But that would change once they entered the Land. Their progress meant greater restriction. But this kind of restriction was not a bad thing. Their progress was from being slaves of Pharaoh to being servants of God. They were progressing from preparation to acquisition. This was a nation embracing their true identity and inheritance, while learning to live accordingly. Their new restrictions were the result of true progress. In our day there is a tendency to equate discovery and innovation with opportunity. Our lack of spiritual and moral foundations gives us no standards or guidelines by which to respond to the things before us. And so, in the name of progress, we exploit our opportunities rather than assuming our God-given responsibilities. Our belief that newer is better is used to justify the embracing of any and all results of not only scientific and technological discoveries, but of moral experimentation as well. What we think is progress may actually be regression. In order to experience true progress, we need to allow God's truth and wisdom to speak into the so-called advancements of our day. As we re-establish godly foundations, we will discover the true path of progress. TorahBytes Re'eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17) Family Parsha Re'eh 5765 What make a person respectable? Back in biblical times there was hardly anyone with less status than an indentured servant - someone who had to work without pay as a virtual slave to pay off his debts. Yet the Torah this week teaches us that the wealthy person who had such servants was required to treat them just as well as he treated himself. He had to give them the same high-quality food, drink, accommodations etc. If he ate caviar - they ate caviar! This is a lesson for all times that every human being, regardless of his position or 'status,' deserves respect. No one should be looked down upon. In our story, a kid gets a powerful lesson in what makes someone respectable. "FOOT-IN-MOUTH SOUP" "Maybe you ought to tie this chicken down onto the plate, because it's so undercooked I'm afraid it's going to jump up and run away!" said Dana with a sneer as she took her portion from the lady on the Camp Chautagua lunch line. Dana figured her parents paid good money to send her to this camp, so why not let the 'hired help' like the cook and the janitor have a piece of her mind when she felt they were slacking off. The middle-aged woman who cooked and served the food held her tongue as the Dana stormed off. Unfortunately, she had gotten used to the girl's daily disrespectful comments. Dana had just gotten up from eating, leaving her tray for the janitor to take care of it, when she saw a friendly looking kid wearing a cool T-shirt and decided to strike up a conversation. "So what bunk are you in?" she asked. "Well," the kid, named Judy explained, "I don't actually live in any bunk. My parents are, um, part of the camp staff, so we all live in a bungalow on the camp's grounds." "Wow, that's really neat." Dana said. "So, you kind of have the best of both worlds, being at camp and being home at the same time." "Yeah, I guess so" said Judy with a smile. The two became fast friends and one day Judy got an idea. "Hey Dana, how would you like to join me and my family for dinner tonight at our bungalow?" she asked brightly. "Wow, thanks, I'd love to," Dana replied. "It'll be great to eat a normal home-cooked meal for a change instead of the garbage the camp tries to pass off for food!" Judy's face suddenly darkened. "Um, on second thought, maybe it might not be so good for you to come. I mean we eat much later than the campers do, not 'til 7:30, and I don't want you to have to..." "No way!" assured Dana. "It's worth waiting all night to eat something decent for a change. No matter how many times I tell the cook what I think of the food, she just doesn't seem to get it." Dana noticed that Judy's face looked really red; maybe she hadn't put on enough sunscreen at the pool. "Really Dana, come to think of it, maybe you won't be so ... um ... comfortable with my family..." "Don't worry," Dana waved her off. "It'll be just fine. See you tonight at 7:30. I've gotta run now to horseback riding, bye!" before Judy could answer, the girl was gone. That evening Dana put on her most 'formal' clothes and even bought a nice box of chocolates at the camp's canteen to bring along. On the way there she realized Judy had never actually told her what her parents' positions were at the camp. Perhaps they were the camp directors, or maybe even the owners. That would be neat. She found the address of bungalow Judy had told her. It was pretty small, but after all, it was only a summer place. Putting on her best smile, she rang the doorbell. Judy answered. Maybe that sunburn was worse than she thought because her friend was still beet-red. "Hey Judy! I made it. And here are some chocolates for your parents." She walked toward the couple standing back in the room. "Thank you so much. It was really so nice of you to ... uh ... uh..." Dana stopped in mid-sentence. It was the cook and the janitor! What were they doing here? Then it hit her like a ton of bricks and Dana turned red enough to make Judy look pale. They weren't just the cook and janitor, they were Judy's parents! After another awkward moment they all sat down to eat. Dana couldn't tell if the food was good or not because she was too embarrassed to taste anything except her own foot she had put in her mouth. Judy's mom and dad were actually very nice to her and Dana felt so bad about how she had treated them with so little respect. Well, after what felt like hours, the meal finally ended and Dana went back to her bunk. She and Judy were never quite as close again. Dana felt bad that her big mouth had lost her a friend, but was grateful she had learned a big lesson about how important it is to give everyone respect. Aish.com Katrina's message The Sourse is withheld by me Pastor Dan But I agree so vey much with this! I am looking for someone to speak with me about this tomorrow night on radio! 7 PM Central! Rebbe Nachman of Breslev teaches that we must constantly search for the Divine message in all the events of our lives, since Hashem also speaks to us by way of our environment. Katrina hit the coast of America just as the bulldozers were completing the destruction of Gush Katif. The Talmud teaches that Hashem administers the world according to the "ATFAT" principle, in other words, "a turn for a turn" (for an elaboration of the ATFAT principle, see Chapter Six of The Trail to Tranquility). And theirs is a link between the forced expulsion of 8500 people from their blood, sweat, and tear-soaked homes in Israeli Gaza and between the nearly 850,000 people who are forced to flee from their homes in Louisiana. (remember the 100 fold return principle in B�reishit 26). Sharon, at the prodding of the American government, has destroyed hallowed centers of prayer, Torah learning, and settlement in the Land of Israel. Hashem isn't wasting much time in showing His wrath. In fact, Katrina has chosen Ms. Rice's home state as a target; I humbly believe that the unfortunate people of Louisiana can blame Mr. Bush and Ms. Rice for their misfortune. This is a classic ATFAT situation: He who creates exiles in the Holy Land, will have a hundred-fold exiles in his own land. A bizarre turn of events - for weeks, the media was savoring over the confrontations between Jewish settlers and Jewish soldiers; now, similar pictures are pouring over the wire services from New Orleans. There is a photo, courtesy of Reuters, showing a National Guardsman holding back people seeking refuge in the Louisiana Superdome, Sunday afternoon. A coincidence? I don't believe in coincidences. Katrina, written in Hebrew, has a numerical equivalent of 374. Two relevant passages in Torah share the exact numerical equivalent of 374 also: "They have done you evil" (see Gen. 50:17), and "The sea upon land" (see Exodus 14:15). The former passage may be an indication as to the spiritual cause of Katrina, while the latter passagedescribes the physical manifestation. Mr. Bush and Ms. Rice, you must to repent, to ask Hashem's forgiveness for destroying a flourishing part of Israel, a place where 8500 people responded to the call of Hashem to "occupy the Land". Cancel all your demands for further territorial concessions in Israel. If by your initiative more Jews are rendered homeless, G-d forbid, I shudder to think of what could happen. Please take Katrina very seriously, for she is a no-nonsense messenger from The Almighty GOD. The Mission Update:Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, I was just watching the local news and my heart was mixed with saddness and joy. To see the people in Wichita come forward to help the homeless victims of the hurricane. While I listened to the news there were stories of everysort. Looting was out of control and I just heard street gangs armed with guns romaed the street to rob people of their last belongings. Not enough police or guradsmen to control this, it is total chaos. But saints their is a time coming when this picture will be most of our great nation. Unless of course we chnage the path we are on and repent. We must stop enforcing the Jews to be pulled from their land. The only thing itwill gain is another terrorist state and right inside of Israel. Wake up America this is notwhat God intened for our nation. Back to Wichita. While I watch the things go to help these homeless I just wonder what God thinks about it all. If the People of Wichita made this kind of effort for the homeless there....well you can see where i am coming from. A few months down the road Homeless from the storm will start getting out into the USA and lets see how they are treated when they show in towns like Wichita. I pray the Lord would change their hearts as I see people in pain and agony every day I'm in town. So I pray Lord for give them...... Saints we really need your help this month, right now. Rent is coming due in Wichita tomorrow and yes I will pay all but $65 of the rent out of my disability check ( social security ) But we have no other funds. the food is doing okay but I need a miracle to get the Bills paid and just to have gas. Will you please not forget this ministry and the poor we help. We must raise some funds will you please help? 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 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: Friday Kathy made ten dozen egg-n-cheese sandwiches we served with dozens of donuts coffee, ice tea an ice water, For dinner I made home made soft tacos there were no seconds or go plates we fed 50 plates with two each. I made one man who came late two egg sandwiches and gave him one of my tacos while he waited for me to make them.The bills are still not paid and the internet has come in at 49.95. The newsletter is due to go out Friday but there is only 100 in for that, 200 more is needed. The rent is also due Thursday it is 440 so we still need 65 for rent. Gas is 2.59 a gal and with Hurricane Katrina it could go to 3.00 by Friday. We need personal hygene items, sleeping bags, blankets, mens clothing, and postage for the prison weekly. The food account is down to 300 now I have stocked the freezer with ground round and ground chuck enough for eight meals.Tomorrow I am making bean soup with roast beef and granma is making us her special cornbread.Please pray about weather your to support these works and be lead by Yahweh. Thank you all who do support these works we are so Thankful we have been choosen vessels to do them. Make sure you tune into Messiah's Branch Thursday nights on American Voice Radio. I will write more on the Mission next update have a very Blessed Week Shalom Last Weeks Answer:1 Kings 1:38-2:4 38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon. 39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon. 40 And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them. 41 And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar? 42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings. 43 And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king. 44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule: 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard. 46 And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom. 47 And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed. 48 And also thus said the king, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it. 49 And all the guests that were with Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way. 50 And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. 51 And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, Adonijah feareth king Solomon: for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me today that he will not slay his servant with the sword. 52 And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die. 53 So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house. 1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, 2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; 3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: 4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. Find This Passage:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch THE Truth will set you FREE Mark 9:23,10:27

My 43rd birthday is this Sabbath,Daniel II turns 16 on the 10th and Granma turns 70 on the 15th.