Prison Weekly Sept 24 and Oct 1

Ki Tavo For the week of September 24, 2005 / 20 Elul 5765 Torah: Devarim / Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8 Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22 Belonging "Then Moses and the priests, who are Levites, said to all Israel, 'Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the LORD your God.'" (Devarim / Deuteronomy 27:9) Last week I commented on how our desire to find meaning in the midst of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina is evidence that human beings are not the product of cosmic chance as many claim. This is just one of many aspects of our existence that should encourage us to consider that our origins are of a far more meaningful source than that of accident. Another aspect of human experience is our need to belong. Every created thing, plant, animal, and human has a fundamental need to connect, to belong. Some creatures spend much of their existence fairly alone, while others are more communal. Humans are communal beings. While one may assert that our desire for community has been artificially imposed upon us, I don't think that explains the intensity of our drive to belong. Even though we live in a day where many cultures have become more and more individualistic, where people claim to value self-sufficiency and independence, most people are not content to live in isolation. And that's with technology presenting us with the opportunity to be more self-sufficient than any other time in history. We can gather and prepare our food ourselves (there are even self-serve checkouts in stores now), we can get to places on our own, we can entertain ourselves in isolation. Even the fulfillment of romantic desires has been somewhat removed from community in that it is possible to engage in such without facing the responsibility of having and caring for children. Yet how many people really want this kind of life? While there will always be some people who prefer to be loners (which is a lifestyle I am not criticizing by the way), they will always be few and far between. Most people want to belong. That is why we like to do all sorts of activities with others, even when we don't really need a group to effectively do those things. Most people would rather share the experience of watching television or movies rather than do so by themselves. Chores are also more enjoyable when we do them together, or even just having other people around when we do them. This is not to mention all the things in which we truly need others to do, which is why we have companies, teams, and families. Where does this desire to belong come from? The Torah teaches that it because we are the product of a Creator who himself is fundamentally relational. God's workings with the people of Israel through Moses was both based on and for the purpose of relationship. God entered into a relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He bound himself through his promises to them to establish a nation and care for them like a father. His goal in delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt (which was a bad, unhealthy form of belonging) was not one of simply relieving their misery, but rather a process of the development of a people who would belong to him. The special relationship between God and Israel was designed to be an example to the rest of the world of the kind of relationship we are all meant to have. It is only when we are in a right relationship with God that our sense of belonging can ever be truly satisfied. Having that right relationship with God - something that can only happen through the Messiah - is just the beginning of our experience of true belonging. God never intended that we would live isolated from others. He purposed that we should live as family or community. With God as our Father, other people - as they too come into right relationship with God - become our brothers and sisters. It is here - in the context of this family - that we discover the belonging we were created for. TorahBytes Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8) Family Parsha Ki Tavo 5765 We all know that it's wrong to stick out our foot and purposely trip someone as he's walking - especially if the person can't see where he's going. This week's Torah portion teaches us about another type of 'tripping' which is just as wrong, but very easy to overlook. That is tripping people up by misleading or giving them bad advice even when it seems like we might gain by doing so. In our story a kid faces the choice of advising someone to do what would be best for that person - or for himself. "HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER" Josh was carefully threading the thin nylon line through the thin wire loops of his fishing pole when he noticed his bunkmate, Bruce, all tangled up in his fishing line like a cat playing with a ball of yarn. Josh could barely hold himself back from laughing. "Bruce, it looks like you caught yourself before you had a chance to catch any fish!" "That's the problem," Bruce sighed. "I've never been fishing before and I have absolutely no idea of what to do. You look like you've been doing it all your life. Do you think you could maybe help me get started?" It was true - ever since Josh could remember, his dad had taken him out on fishing trips on lakes just like this one. That's why he figured he was a shoe-in to win the camp's biggest fish contest. "Really, you've never done it even once?" Josh asked. "Nope," shrugged Bruce. "The closest I had ever come to fishing before today was trying to scoop tuna out of a can. How do you turn this thing on anyways?" he asked shaking the fishing pole. "And aren't we supposed to tie worms onto it or something?" Josh took the kid's pole and within moments had it untangled, threaded and baited. "There you go, and good luck," he said, turning back to his own serious business of winning the contest and its prize of a big gift certificate from the camp store. He had expected Bruce to take off right away, but instead he hung around watching and questioning him about his every move. "Now tell me, where's the best place to catch fish?" "In the water, I'd suppose," answered Josh, beginning to get annoyed. No," laughed Bruce. "I mean is there a trick to it? You know, from which side of the boat or anything like that?" Josh tensed up. There was indeed a trick to it. His dad had taught him how to look at the boat shadow on the water and figure out where the most and biggest fish were sure to be. But that was going to be his private secret to winning the contest. And besides, having the annoying kid next to him all day asking him questions wouldn't leave him a moment's peace. Instead of telling him, Josh decided to just make something up. Bruce would never know the difference anyway, would he? "Best place? Well, you should just go over to the front of the boat, so you get first crack at the fish before anyone else does." "Gee, thanks for the tip, man," smiled Bruce, hurrying off to follow his 'expert advice.' Josh had settled in and cast his line - but in the real best place - when he began to feel uneasy. Maybe it really wasn't right to have misled the kid like that. Okay, I don't have to give away my secret, but to purposely tell him where the fish were least likely to be isn't really cool. He tried to push those thoughts out of his mind, but they just wouldn't go. The fish must have felt his tension too, because he hadn't gotten anything close to a bite. After a few more minutes Josh reeled in his line and got up to go tell Bruce the truth. After all, he had relied on him for good advice, not bad. He walked over to the front of the boat and saw Bruce leaning over the railing like he was sick or something. As he got closer he saw that he wasn't sick, but pulling hard on his line. Had it gotten it stuck under the boat? "Hey Bruce, I got a confession to make..." he started to say, when he noticed his line jerking in a way that could only mean one thing - he had caught a fish, and a big one too! Josh ran over and grabbed onto the struggling kid's pole to help him reel it in. "Wow, what a whopper!" he said amazed, as the shining, flopping, and HUGE Big-Mouth Bass emerged from the water. They rushed to weigh it and then set it free. Josh had fished enough to know the kid had just put the contest in the bag. "Beginner's luck," said Bruce, smiling from ear to ear. "Thanks to your expert advice!" he added brightly. Josh's face turned white. He knew the real truth, that Bruce didn't catch that fish because of his good advice - but in spite of his misleading advice. Suddenly Josh got the strong feeling that Bruce's miraculous winning catch was a message to him, straight from heaven, that he should really try to help people who ask his advice and that he'd never find good for himself by withholding good from others. "You know what," Josh said, "come to think of it, you might do best to come over and do your fishing right next to me now. I'll teach you a few fishing tricks I know and ... just maybe I'll catch some of your 'luck' too." Aish.com Nizzavim For the week of October 1, 2005 / 27 Elul 5765 Torah: Devarim / Deuteronomy 29:9 - 30:20 Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9 Don't Take God for Granted "When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, 'I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way.' This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; his wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law." (Devarim / Deuteronomy 29:19-21) Moses, the greatest teacher of all time before the coming of the Messiah himself, had a great understanding of human nature. The many hardships he endured combined with his revelation of God, as well as his leading of the people of Israel for forty years, taught him so much. As he nears the end of his life he seeks to impress upon his people all that is necessary for them in the years ahead. He knew the dangers, he understood their struggles, and he knew God. His words were not just advice, they were God's own revelation. To ignore Moses' words would be to ignore God's own directions. The passage I quoted shows how Moses knew the tendency of people to take God for granted by claiming allegiance to him, yet doing as they pleased. He therefore provides a dire warning to those who would dare commit themselves to God with their mouths, yet refuse to live according to his ways. Such a person would be forever cursed. Sadly this approach to spirituality is very common. Many people think that verbal or formal allegiance to a particular religious group or creed is sufficient for success in this life and for a secure eternity. As the revelation of Scripture unfolds, the potential of such wrong thinking increases - not because the Bible ever encourages such a thing, but because of its continual emphasis on God's role in our salvation. Throughout the entire Bible we see that God is the one who initiates our redemption or salvation, which are different terms to describe God's restoration of our relationship to him. From his promise to the human race in the early chapters of Genesis, to his call and commission of Abraham, to his deliverance of the people of Israel through Moses, to the sacrificial atoning work of the Messiah Yeshua, it is God who takes the initiative to restore us to himself; it is God who provides the means through which we can truly know him; it is God who preserves and protects us; it is God who ensures our eternal destiny. However, God's role with regard to our spiritual well being was never intended as an excuse for taking him for granted. Far from it! All he has done for us is to be the basis of a response of faith and obedience on our part. Yet, this way of thinking is found in both Judaism and Christianity. In Judaism there are such concepts as the Jewish people are made right with God on the basis of the merits of the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Some think that there is eternal security provided to Jews solely on the basis of being a member of the community of Israel. Others think that fulfilling the rabbinic obligations surrounding Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is sufficient for the forgiveness of sins. But our Torah reading clearly negates any such notions. Commitment to the covenant of God must be reflected in a godly life. Right relationship with God is expressed in right living. Anything less is a mockery of his covenant. Moses' words are often rejected by Christians, claiming that they are part of an archaic Old Testament approach to spirituality. But Moses' warning is just as relevant to those who profess faith in the Messiah. Moses' understanding of this is clearly reiterated in the New Covenant writings. Over and over again we see how right standing with God is always reflected in right living. That there is a tendency to fall into the trap of taking God for granted is acknowledged in James' writings for example. He writes, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). Paul, who is often used to justify irresponsible behavior, continually ties godly living with faith in God. For example, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness" (Romans 6:18). For some reason some think that because of God's great love and mercy he will put up with our taking him for granted. But those who teach such things are only creating a false sense of security. The truth is that God's love is not to be treated this way. As we read in Hebrews, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" (Hebrews 12:28,29) Moses' warning not to take God for granted is as relevant today as it was in his own day. Perhaps this doesn't apply to you. Maybe you already knew that a life committed to God means living a godly life, but maybe you know someone who does need to hear this warning. Maybe you are the one to delivery this message. TorahBytes Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20) Family Parsha NItzavim 5765 In our story, a kid discovers that being a 'head' doesn't count as much as what you're heading. "HEADS WE WIN TAILS YOU LOSE" Danny tried to pay attention to what Zach, the president of his environmental club, was saying in his speech, but his mind kept wandering. "In November the plan is to help clean up the nature preserve and then we..." He was proud and happy to be part of this dedicated group of kids who were really able to make an impact on the local environment. But it bothered him that he just had to do whatever the club's leaders decided. "...though last year we successfully completed five projects, this year we hope to do even more..." Why couldn't he be one of the leaders? Why couldn't he be the one to make the decisions for a change? Zach finished speaking and Danny and the other club members made their way back to class. All official school groups had permission to use half an afternoon of class time per week to meet or go on field projects. His group always took this time off seriously and made sure to use it well for their environmental awareness project. Danny was walking down the corridor when he heard someone calling his name. "Hey Danny, come here for a second." He turned to see Mitch and a few of his pals calling him over. He usually tried to keep away from those guys. They were a pretty wild bunch and into things he wanted to stay out of. What did they want from him? "Listen," said Mitch, "me and the guys decided that we wanna, uh, get more involved in the envir-o-ment and we also wanna start a club." Danny didn't get it. Public service seemed to be the last thing these guys were into. And why were they telling him about it? "Well good luck then guys. I've got to run to class." Danny smiled, hoping that would be the end of the conversation. But Mitch went on."To start our club, we need to get the principal's okay. So we were thinkin' if we had somebody like you with us, who's already been part of a club and everything, we would get approved real easy." Were they out of their minds? Why would he leave his club to join up with them? "Sorry guys." Danny said, shaking his head, "but there's no way I could switch, you know I..." "We would make you the club president," Mitch cut in. Danny went quiet. "Yeah, and vice-president too, if you want." snickered Ralph. This made things a little different, didn't it? Danny thought. True, they weren't the best students in the school, but if they wanted to make a club - and have him as their leader - maybe it would be okay after all. Mitch pulled a wrinkled piece of paper out of the pocket of his jacket. "Here's the form we need to start the club. It's all ready to go. You just sign your name - on the top line as president, of course, and we're in business." A little voice inside his head may have told Danny it wasn't a good idea, but if it did, it was easily drowned out by the big voice inside telling him how great it would be to finally become a club leader and not just a follower. He took the paper and signed it. Sure enough the new club, with Danny at its head, was approved. Mitch and the guys wasted no time trying to convince Danny to call for the first field project during school hours to be a clean-up for a local playground. He went along with it, figuring the guys would work harder if they were doing something they wanted to do. They arrived at the playground and Danny noticed some of the kids were carrying big sacks. Maybe they had brought along some tools to make the clean-up go smoother. "Okay, let's get to it," said Danny with a smile beneath his 'Club President' cap. "Uh, don't we just need a little five-minute snack first? You know, for, uh, energy," asked Mitch. In his old club, everyone started working right away, but since it was their first time out, Danny reluctantly agreed. The 'five-minute' snack turned out to be more like a 55 minute party. The guys pulled out sandwiches, chips and ice-cold drinks from their sacks. One kid pulled out a radio blaster and started playing loud music and another pulled out a Frisbee and a football. Danny thought he smelled cigarette smoke. Hey, we're supposed to be cleaning up, not partying!" Danny said to Mitch. "Yeah, no problem. You're the boss," he nodded, "But how can we clean up anything, if we don't mess it up a little first?" he added with a wink. Danny didn't know what to do. It was obvious that these guys had only come to skip some school and have a good time. Feeling like it was impossible to stop them, he even threw around the football a bit, though it made him feel really sleazy to be goofing off when he was supposed to be working. Things finally wound down when one of the guys looked at his watch and remembered they had to get back to the school building or they'd get in trouble. "Okay Mr. President, see you next week. Same time, same place!" smiled Mitch as they walked into the schoolyard. "Make that Mr. Ex-President," Danny said, flipping him his leader's cap. "You can take over. I'm going back to my old group." "But don't you wanna be club leader?" asked Ralph. "No thank you. I'd rather follow people going in the right direction than lead people, including myself, in the wrong one." Aish.com Mission Updates: Proverbs 29:25 25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Joshua 24:15 15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace,  Yesterday was a blessing. I baptized one man who has beenn coming to Sabbath Service for some weeks now. I try and make sure that they are really committed before doing so. I have seen some great changes in him.   I was preaching on the sidewalk and this guy\girl came and sat right in front of me to hear. You see this is a transvestite! First time for being there. It was distracting but I knew that was why it came and sat in front of me. Satan thinks he is funny trying to distract me with a demon. If the watever comes back I intend to have a conversation with Him\her/It?   Everyone wanted to know where the van was at. I told them it would be in Friday after inspection and getting it tagged. I got in a $200 donation yesterday and bought shocks and gas out of that ( I spent $72 on gas ). At least I pray enough money will be in by then. I have a $125 donation that paypal placed a hold on because it's a new account. So I am usure when that will be usable.   We got some money in the mail and the phone and newsletter will be done out of that. We also need something for the food account as I know it's very low.   We also need to come up with a portion of the rent money. And there is always gas......   Weather sure changed today. We need, blankets, hats, coats, gloves, sleeping bags, winter things etc. If you have some cold remedies send them, Tylenol, stuff for coughing the whole works as many are already coughing and having systoms of various kinds...............   But please pray about supporting what we do. If you are blessed by radio please donate to help that.......   Now you know we had John Moore tell us last year that in large terrorist attack or natural disaster the government would not be there....Well he is very right. You saw this in the last two hurricanes. Just like he said gangs roaming the streets, raping, killing, searching for food, etc....the program is below you should listen in.   Oct. 24, 2004 Terrorism; What the government is not telling you! with John "J.R." Moore JRLIBERTY@webtv.net     Well please pray about supporting what the Lord is doing in Wichita, may ............      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 2 Corinthians 8:9 - For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.   Shalom In Yeshua Our Messiah I have been away from the computer for over a week now and I am sorry that I did not let you all know what has been going on in the ministry. I have been off-line since last Sun-day and have not had any time to do any posting. Some of you who are on Pastor Dan's news service and/or mission updates may already know what has been going on.  Two weeks ago we received a call from a family in Henderson WV who ask us if we had use for a 1989 chevy conversion van. They bought it new in 89 with only 40 miles on it at that time. They kept it in a garage and had only driven it 54,104 miles. We had no way to go get it but told them we would put it in prayer and if Yahweh wanted us to have it He would send the funding to come after it. I spoke with her on a Thursday about finding out for me the cost to get a temporary tag to get it back to Kansas. I told her as I hung up there was no hurry an that it would be a few weeks before we would have the funding to come after it then joking said but watch Yahweh send the funds tomorrow. That night Pastor Dan received an email asking what it would cost to go after the van. I replied with an estimated amount and the following evening at Sabbath service the money was here to go. Sarina, Josiah, Bootsie and I left for West Virginia on Wednesday the second day of Tabernacles to go after the van. The trip was a nice one and we got back home early Sabbath morning. Everyone at the Mission yesterday made a point to tell me how much I was missed and they are very excited about seeing the van. I will go Friday morning to have the inspection and tag it so we will be driving it to the Mission on Friday. Kathy is no longer with us she slipped back into the world a few weeks ago please pray she will find her way back to Yahweh before it is to late. Last Tuesday we made no sandwiches because it was the First day of the Feast of Tabernacles and a Sabbath. We served bean soup and corn bread at 2:30 that Sarina and I made on Monday and we just reheated. We closed at 3:30 so we could attend the Prophecy Club in Topeka with a couple of gentlemen who brought a car load of donations to the homeless that day from Iowa.  The following is a letter they sent to Pastor Dan when they returned home the following day. Dear Pastor Dan, Linda, Sarina, Josiah, and all at Messiahs Branch:     Greetings in the most worthy and precious name of our mighty Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ!  I pray this e-mail finds you all well, and walking in faith while serving in Spirit and Truth.  I know you are in faith and serving by the Spirit in Truth!!  Praise, glory and honor to Jesus Christ!     I dropped brother name withheld off in With held around 4pm this afternoon and arrived home in BLANK about an hour later.  Our visit with you nearly wiped us out.  We were both so ravaged by the wonderfully beautiful time in the Spirit we shared with you all that our poor and decrepid flesh nearly perished, praise God.     I just want to thank you ALL for the joyous blessings we partook in.  Thank you so very much for receiving us so warmly.  We had blessed fellowship ( although too brief, and not at all sufficient for the glorying we desired to give to our Lord ), great food ( wow, I hope to eat so well again this side of heaven,) and departed with tears of joy and longing to remain in your company.  It is rare to find such wonderful servants amongst our bretheren.  You all work so hard and with such love and joy that I can only pray all ministers could enjoy.  I know you all love the men you minister to.  It is manifested in the Spirit and demonstrated by the beauty in your smiles.  Truly you are blessed by such a wonderful ministry.      I also express my thanks and love for the men I met at the mission.  Although, I did not personally meet everyone, I nevertheless am thankful for each soul that was present.  I pray all those people will someday obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and share eternity with us.  My only regret in our visit is that it was too short, and that I did not get to bring my beautiful wife ( the word of prophecy, was well received by both she and I.  It is already obeyed.) and daughter.  If you will receive us, we would like to visit again soon, with all our families, hoping to meet all the Catlin children as well.     Again, I thank you all for the love you share with us, the mission attendees, and all of it, as it is done for the love of God and the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  See you soon, if not here, then in Glory. Yours eternally in service to Jesus Christ our Lord, NAME WITH HELD BY PASTOR DAN   We did not have the time to build our Sukka before we left so after the Sabbath an resting from our trip we all put together a beautiful Sukka and had our Feast dinner. As we drove the county roads gathering wild flowers and different pretty branches to decorate with someone had the nerve to call 911 and reported that we were out chopping down marijuana. The officer came to the house and as Pastor Dan showed him what we were doing they had to laugh that someone would do such a thing.   Yesterday was the last day of The Feast of Tabernacles so Monday I made tuna salad for sandwiches (I made 106) and turkey casserole for dinner. I heated some peas, carrots and potatoes to serve with the casserole and bread-n-butter. I also had to heat six cans of beef stew, three big cans of vegetable beef and one can of ravioli.   We received 600 in the mail today so the newsletter will be going out Friday. I will also be paying the phone bill and gas bill but that will leave no gas money. We ask you all to pray about supporting these works and just be lead to do Yahweh's will. The food account is very low and I am needing postage for the prison weekly. Thank you all who have supported in one way or another may Yahweh Bless and Keep you in safety.   I am now off of medical leave as of today and my doctor advised me to resign and file for temporary disability. What happened to me was very wrong and I leave it up to my father to deal with the person who has caused it.   I will close for now and tell you more on the mission next update:  Passage Answer For Sept 17th :Ezekiel 20:18-26 18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: 19 I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. 21 Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. 22 Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth. 23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; 24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. 25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; 26 And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD. The Truth Will Set You FREE Mark 9:23,10:27   Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch

   

Prison Weekly Sept 17th,2005

Ki Teze For the week of September 17, 2005 / 13 Elul 5765 Torah: Devarim / Deuteronomy 21:10 - 25:19 Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1-10 Peace in the Midst of the Storm "In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,' says the LORD your Redeemer. 'To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:8-10). I understand that these words spoken by the prophet Isaiah over 2600 years ago, were specifically spoken to the people of Israel, but they are just as pertinent today, not only to Israel�s descendants, but to all who desire to belong to Israel's God. So many people have been affected by the disaster that befell the American South through the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina. It is in our nature to try to understand such a horrible event. The cry to know "why" reveals our conviction that life has meaning. Even though so many people today claim to believe that the world came into being by chance and chance alone, few would dare to say that the devastation of New Orleans and so many other communities in that area was simply the universe bungling about randomly. The ongoing laments over life and community, not to mention the cultural legacies (good or bad), which have been ruined or lost, reveal our true perspective that life is rich in profound meaning. Among the social commentators are those who try to tell us what God was or is doing in the midst of these things. Did he cause the hurricane? Did he destroy New Orleans? What about those who survived? Was that God? Perhaps there are those out there to whom God has spoken, offering his own version of the story. Maybe so, but whatever anyone claims, there are some things about God and events such as these that we can be certain about, for he has revealed them in the Scriptures. The Bible teaches us that God loves us. His prime motive in relating to people is love. Even when he is harsh with people at times, it is with the hope of bringing us to everlasting goodness. Our tendency to choose our own way is destructive. This grieves God, who longs for us to be restored to the kind of relationship with him for which he designed us. Because of our neglect of our Creator, the creation that we have been given charge of is out of sorts. God intended that we would live in harmony with the creation, but instead we have been at odds with it. Disasters such as Hurricane Katrina are more common than we care to admit. All over the world people are dying or being displaced because, in a general sense, we are not in step with God. Whatever the specific meaning is of this event or the typhoons hitting Asia or the Tsunami of last year, or the threats of SARs and AIDs, 9/11 or 7/7, the world is under the judgment of God. But at the same time, God longs for us to be restored to him. His heart is not for destruction, but restoration. Through what he has done in the Messiah, Yeshua, we can know his peace, his protection, his love, his provision, his salvation. Even in the midst of a world seemingly out of control, because of God's love, we can rest secure in him. TorahBytes

Ki Tetzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19) Family Parshs Ki Tetzei 5765 Despite all the harsh treatment and brutal slavery that the Egyptians put the Jewish people through, in this week's Torah portion God instructs the people not to shun the Egyptians, but rather have a sense of appreciation for what they did for us by once hosting us in a time of need. We can learn from here to focus on the good in others and to be careful not to let bad feelings stop us from showing appreciation where it is due. In this story a kid finds a unique way to get her friends to appreciate what they didn't know they had.

"ROCKING THE BOAT"

Carrie was beginning to feel like it was a lost cause. She had gone up to three kids already and her wallet was still as light as when she started. She saw her friend Debbie bent over her open foot-locker. Okay, one more try, she thought. "Hi Debbie, what's up?" she said with her best smile. "Oh, hi Carrie," she answered back brightly. "I know camp isn't over for a couple more days, but I figured why save packing for the last minute? Hey, do you want this econo-sized bottle of conditioner? I hardly made a dent in it." "No thanks, I have plenty at home too," Carrie said. "Listen, as you know, we all chipped in to buy appreciation presents for the counselors, right?" "Yeah, so?" "Well we forgot someone." "Really? Who?" Carrie cleared her throat. "Um, Susan, the swimming instructor. I was thinking if we each just..." Debbie cut her off. "A gift - for HER? Forget it! I'm sorry but after a whole summer of being yelled and treated like a baby, I think giving her nothing is just about what she deserves." The girl turned around and went back to her packing. Carrie sighed. She felt it just wasn't right to leave out one of the counselors, but nobody else seemed to agree. At least it was boating day today - her favorite activity. Carrie and her bunkmates grabbed the special picnic lunch they had made to celebrate the end of a great summer together and ran down to the lake. The kids rowed out to the island in the middle of the small lake, tied their boat and started to eat and reminisce. Even from there they could hear the shrill sound of Susan's whistle on the beach at the far end of the pond. "Well thankfully that's one sound we won't be hearing again," laughed Debbie as she bit into a nectarine. "Yeah, and you want to give that whistle-happy tyrant a gift?" added Alexis, looking Carrie's way. "But why not?" asked Carrie. "She's one of the counselors too." "Because it's called an 'appreciation gift,' and nobody can think of one thing about her to appreciate!" All the kids cracked up at Alexis' sarcastic comment - except for Carrie, who suddenly got an idea. She stood up, walked quickly over to where the row-boat was docked, and began to untie it. "Hey, what're you doing?" Debbie asked. "It's not time to go. We just got here." Debbie's face turned white as Carrie gave the untied boat a kick, sending it off bobbing like a duck in the water. "Are you nuts?!" cried Alexis. "I can't believe you just did that. Now we're all stuck out here!" No we're not," Carrie smiled. "And do you know why not? Because any of us can jump in and swim out to get the boat." "But what kind of a stunt..." "I'm not finished," Carrie said. "Do you know why we can swim out and get it? Because..." "Because Susan taught us how to swim," Debbie interjected, finishing her sentence with her head lowered. "That's right!" Carrie responded. "Imagine how we'd be feeling now if we couldn't swim? Now don't you think teaching us something as important as swimming deserves a little appreciation - whistle or no whistle?" The kids nodded silently as Carrie jumped into the water and swam out 20 feet to get the boat. When they got back to the bunk everyone chipped in for the gift, thanks to Carrie, and her dedication to showing appreciation where it was due. Aish.com

Mission Updates:Luke 14:13 - But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: Shalom in Yeshua Our Messiah,

Friday Kathy and I made 7 1/2 dozen egg-n-cheese sandwhiches we served with boxes of sweets (no donuts) coffee, ice tea and ice water. I made beefy mac and sliced canned potatoes with bread-n-butter for dinner. We also had ice cream cones and brownies in honor of Daniel II's 16th birthday the 10th, I made the children homemade hamburger pizza,The newsletter went out Friday and most of the bills were paid I still have the water that is 31.90, storage elec. 45.43, Sams Cub dues 35.00 and stamps for the prison weekly. I recieved 200 for the food account so it is ok for now. Pleas pray about being a vessel to these works.Friday we had a very good Sabbath service and someone donated a sixty cup perkulater coffee pot to the Mission it is beautiful I can not wait to use it tomorrow.Thanks to all who help these works we love you all I will write more on the Mission Next Update Shalom sisterlinda.

Last Weeks Answer:Philippians 1:12-30 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Find This Passage:^{18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: 19 I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. 21 Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. 22 Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth. 23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; 24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. 25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; 26 And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.}

 

THE Truth will set you FREE Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch

 

 

Prison Weekly Sept 10th,2005

 New Moon Report September 2005 Seventh Biblical Month On Monday September 5, 2005 the New Moon of the Seventh Biblical Month was sighted from Israel marking Yom Teruah, the Day of Shouting (Trumpets). The moon was seen from Jerusalem by Terry Fehr at 19:05 followed by Ray Dow, Carmen Fehr, Dina Marcus, Avi Marcus, Nehemia Gordon, Ferenc Illesy, Pam Dow, Neria Haroeh, and Ron Aboodi. The moon was also seen from another part of Jerusalem by Devorah Gordon at 19:15. The moon was seen from Tzur Hadasa by Lee Ware at 19:05 followed by Roberto Umana and 7 other people. Yom Teruah Sameach!Happy Day of Shouting (Trumpets)!Nehemia Gordon Jerusalem, Land of Israel
Shofetim For the week of September 10, 2005 / 6 Elul 5765 Torah: Devarim / Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9 Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12 - 52:12

 No Exceptions

"When [the king] takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel." (Devarim / Deuteronomy 17:18-20) The Torah, in anticipating the eventual establishment of kings for Israel, provides regulations for them. Among these laws are that the king should make a personal copy of the Torah, he is to read it on a consistent basis, and he is to make sure he carefully follows it. That he should do what the Torah says should go without saying, since the Torah says that the people of Israel were to follows its directives. Isn't it redundant then to dictate to kings specifically that they should do what they read they should do. Aren't kings people too? Of course kings are people, but as leaders, God knew that they would have a tendency to think of themselves as in a different category of person, and perhaps think that their status somehow permits them to make exceptions for themselves. That is why when the Torah says that a king should "follow carefully all the words of this law" it also says that he should "...not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left." This is actually a very revolutionary concept - that a king should not elevate himself over his brothers. Even that the Torah specifically refers to the king's people - not as subjects - but as brothers, emphasizes that while the king has a unique function as a leader of his people, he is always to be thought of as one of them. He is never to think of himself as apart from the community. His special role does not make him better than anyone else. Therefore he too must fully follow God's directives. Failure to do this is one of the reasons why leaders get into trouble. Because of their level of responsibility and the privileges that come with those responsibilities, it is easy to think that they are better than the rest of us, and should be treated as such. As a result, they are tempted to skirt around the rules that apply to the rest of us, thinking that trouble will not result from their moral, spiritual, or civil mismanagement. But it is not just the leaders themselves who are to blame for this. Often it is the people they lead that place leaders on a different plane from ourselves. We want our leaders to be superhuman. We want them to be God like. We want to believe that they do not share the same weaknesses and tendencies of the rest of us. So we create images of our leaders that are greater than who they really are, placing them on high pedestals, off of which they inevitably fall. This is the very thing which Yeshua taught us to guard against when he said, "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Messiah." (Matthew 23:8-11) And yet we still do it. We exalt our leaders by using deferential titles, instead of understanding that their roles among us are simply functional. Truly the roles of leaders are of utmost importance, but they themselves are never to be regarded as better than anyone else in the community. We are all the same before God and must submit to the same standards. If anything, leaders must be extra careful to follow God's standards because of the special role they play. Realizing that leaders are people just like the rest of us is a most important step in becoming the community God wants us to be. TorahBytes

Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9) Family Parsha Shoftim 5765 When a guard is protecting an object from being damaged, lost or stolen, it's a sure sign that it's valuable. There is nothing we have that is more valuable than our hearts and minds; shouldn't we guard them too?This week's portion instructs us to appoint judges and officers at the gates of our cities to protect them and maintain justice. Our sages teach that we can also learn from this to carefully guard what we allow to pass through the 'gates' of our bodies - our eyes, ears, etc. - and start to take control of what we allow to influence our precious hearts and minds.In our story some people grapple with what to let past their gates.

"PRIVATE SCREENING"

"Hey Benny, that big revolving door was tricky," laughed Marc. "I almost walked out of the building before I even walked in!" He and his friend were on their way to visit Randy, a kid they had met that summer at camp, who lived in a fancy condominium. Suddenly, they bumped straight into a pair of legs that seemed as thick as tree-trunks. "And where exactly do you boys think you're going?" They looked up at the tall man in his crisp red uniform. Were they being arrested or something? Before they could get anything out of their frightened mouths, they heard the familiar sound of their friend's voice. "It's okay Jim," Randy said, "they're here to visit me." immediately the tall man's stern look melted into a smile. "Oh, then that's different. Have a nice day," he said with a tip of his cap. "Whoa. What was that all about?" Marc asked as they went upin the polished glass elevator. "Don't sweat it. He's just the doorman. He guards the building to make sure nobody trespasses who doesn't belong. Anyway, I'm really glad you guys made it. Come on in," Randy said, leading them into the spacious penthouse suite. After some cold drinks and catching up, the boys noticed the huge TV hanging like a movie screen on the living room wall. Randy gave them a wink, grabbed the remote control off the shelf and switched it on. "Hey, good timing. Crime-Talk is on," he said with a smile. Benny and Marc squirmed. Neither boy's parents let them watch the show that featured interviews at the scenes of violent crimes. "Let's tell him to turn it off," whispered Marc. But Benny, who was staring so intently into the big screen that he hardly heard him, just brushed him off with a flick of his hand. A commercial came on right away and Randy went into the kitchen to get some snacks. Marc nudged his friend again. "I mean it. Either this show goes, or we do." "Oh, come on" said Benny. "What's the big deal? I know plenty of kids who watch it, and anyway it'll be over in just half an hour." "I don't care," Marc said. "I am not into it, and more important, I don't want it to get into me.""What do you mean?" "Everything we see and hear has an effect on us. Our eyes, ears - all our senses are the gates of our bodies and mind, and I'm not willing to let this violent junk into mine." "Come off it, you're overreacting. It's just a TV show! You can do whatever you want, but I'm sticking around." Just then Randy came back in. Marc made a quick excuse about something unexpected coming up and started heading out. He hoped his exit wouldn't make a big scene but he had nothing to worry about - Benny and Randy had their eyes glued to the screen and just gave him a halfhearted wave as he left. "Short visit?" the doorman remarked as Marc left the building. "Have a nice day, kid." Marc went home wondering if he had done the right thing. The next morning Marc sat at the playground waiting for Benny to show up for their daily, late-summer game of basketball. He looked at his watch. Benny was never late for their morning game. Twenty minutes passed and just as Marc was ready to give up and go home, his friend showed up. Benny looked really tired and not like his usual himself. He could barely dribble the ball. "Hey, what's going on?" Marc asked. At first Benny was quiet, then he shook his head and said, "Man, were you ever right." "Right about what?" "That Crime-Talk show was bad news. I saw some pretty sick stuff that kept me up all night, and I still can't shake some of those pictures out of my head." "Please don't describe them to me." "I wish I was smart enough to put up my guard to stop that junk from trespassing into my head." Aish.com

Mission Update:Proverbs 19:17 - He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Shalom In Yeshua our Messiah, Friday Kathy and I made six dozen egg sandwiches Tuesday we made eleven dozen. We served donuts with coffee, ice tea and ice water through out the day. For dinner I made spahgetti garlic toast and fresh garden cucumbers. Sarina made a yellow and chocolate cake in honor of Lynda an my birthdays on the 3rd.The newsletter needs to go out we still need 211 for that. The rent was paid but with the price we paid in gas 3.09 a gal that's all we were able to pay. All the bills are in and none have been paid water 21.?? , gas 38.??, electric 118.??, internet 49.95, phones 138.??, storage ele 45.??, we need gas for this week both the truck and car on Friday. I need postage for the prison weekly it has ninteen now. Please just pray about helping these works and be lead by our Father to do His will. Thanks to everyone who helps with suppling the needs and the funding to complete these works you will be greatly blessed we need you to help in what every way possible for you. I will write more on the Mission next update: We Love you all sisterlinda Matthew 5:3 ^{3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Greetings Saints in His Perfect Peace, Well I knew it would happen. Wichita is bringing 1,800 people from New Orleans in. They are going to house them right down town, next to the Library where the homeless hang out. They have gotten then cots with air Mattresses, clothing vouchers, and taking care of their medical needs. The Mayor got on TV and said we should help them they are our neighbors.........Yes it's great to help them, Amen. But the other side of the story is this. We have people the city is trying to force to leave or go to the Shelter that forces religion on them. They call them stinky and even the children attack the homeless. So many of them are life time residents of Wichita. Lost jobs after 9/11 and this is how they are treated. Today they could not understand stand how the city could help these homeless and not them? Why they asked with a broken heart. So you can guess how my day went. Mom tells me the food account is empty, we have no other funds. We need help now. I was able to put $18 in gas, which did not fill the tank. Soon the refugees from the hurricane will come wondering in the door as we are blocks away...unless of course the city keeps them locked up...which I would not put past them. Anyway pray about helping if you can. We still need the newsletter to go out and that should bring relief if we can get it out by Friday. It is $300.....anyway The Lord will provide.........may the 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 Today Kathy an I made seven dozen egg sandwiches and I made hamburgers and mac-n- cheese for dinner we had no donuts so Sarina bought some sweets and cookies. So many are broken hearted over they way the city of Wichita has tossed them to the curb and refuse to provide them basic needs and SHELTER. YET They can build a new shelter for homeless pets but none for the poor in their own community an yet they can house others from afar. Yahweh see's all an I am in faith that HE WILL PROVIDE for the POOR , homeless and lost of Wichita Kansas an I pray He will continue to use me in the process Amen & Amen.}

 ^{We Love you all Shalom sisterlinda THE Truth will set you FREE}

Last weeks Answer: James 3:1-12 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.

Find This Passage: 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

THE Truth will set you FREE Shalom sisterlinda Messiah's Branch