Monday, January 31, 2011

Walking on Water!

Walking on Water!

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And He said, come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (St Matthew 14:26-30)

As we enter into this portion of scripture, Jesus had just finished feeding the 5000. It was now time to go. Jesus instructed the disciple to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After Jesus dismissed the crowd, he did what he always did, he went seeking solitude. Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Just like Jesus, solitude or rather spending time alone with the Father should be an important priority in our lives. Spending time with God in prayer develops a vital relationship and equips us to meet life’s challenges and struggles. If we can develop the discipline of spending time alone with God, it will help us to grow spiritually and become more like Christ.

The disciples had left the shores of the Sea of Galilee near Bethsaida to go across the lake. Several hours after leaving the shore, they encountered a storm. High winds caused waves to beat against the boat. The disciples were in a full blown storm, a considerable distance from land. Some where around three in the morning, Jesus came walking on the water. When the disciples saw him, they were terrified, thinking he was a ghost. Jesus calmed them by saying “take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter spoke and said, “If it be you Lord, let me come”. Peter was in no way, shape or form trying to test Jesus, but he was instead, reacting to His words in faith. His spontaneous request led him to experience an unusual manifestation of God’s power. He too began walking on water. It was only when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus that he started to sink. He started looking at the wind and became afraid.

I am reminded of how so many times we are faced with storms in our lives. We just have a great encounter with Jesus…watching him work a miracle…paying a bill that we did not have the money to pay it with…healing a loved one dying of cancer…or delivering a family member that had been addicted to drugs, when suddenly we find ourselves sitting out on the water waiting for him to come to us. We may have never walked on water, but we have walked through tough situations. If we like Peter, focus on the waves of difficult circumstances around us without looking to Jesus for help, we too may despair and sink. If we are going maintain our faith when situations are difficult, we must keep our eyes on Jesus’ power rather than on our inadequacies. We must step out on the word of God, not in an attempt to test, but as a reaction in faith. This reaction will cause us to have an unusual manifestation of God’s power…something that would seem equivalent to walking on water!!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Israel's affliction increases.

Exodus 5

Israel's affliction increases.
INSIGHT
When troubles come upon us, instinctively the first question we ask is: "Why?" "Why me, why this, why now?" That is what Moses asked in verse 22. Yet, in retrospect, we see that the question was premature. We now know why-since hindsight is better than foresight. How long will it take the Lord to deliver us from our troubles? Usually just a little longer than we thought we could tolerate. We must remember the example of Moses when we are tempted to ask the Lord, "Why?"
PRAYER
Even in the midst of trials, we can praise the Lord, who hears us and cares for us:
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods. . . .
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
(Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7)

Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
In returning and rest I shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be my strength (based on Isaiah 30:15).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Others to see Christ in you
The fulfillment of the Great Commission
Your prayer list
Offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14).

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Actions for All

One of the families in the congregation I was privileged to serve had four children. Three followed in the ways of their parents while the fourth, a teenage son, did not. Although he was not behaving in a hostile manner, he declared himself an atheist and didn’t want the family imposing its values upon him.
He absented himself from family Sabbath meals, watching television in his room. He politely insisted that he had a brain to think out his own approach to life.
They consulted me. I advised them to spend two weeks agreeing with him that he alone could think through his own life philosophy. What is more, they were to acknowledge his right to his personal beliefs.
Once their son knew they respected his independent thinking, they should explain that there is a gigantic gulf between beliefs and actions. His beliefs were his, but while he lived under their roof, they would exert influence over his actions.
Needless to say, actions included speech. My congregants were concerned about their son influencing his siblings.
“But surely I have freedom of speech?” asked their son. “Constitutionally, yes”, they answered. But while they were thrilled to have him stay part of a united family, that meant voluntarily acquiescing to restraining his speech. Just as freedom of speech doesn’t translate into a right to a radio or TV forum, it also doesn’t include the right to say anything one wants in all settings.
Shortly afterwards, my congregants reported back to me that their son listened to their argument and accepted it. This brought welcome tranquility to their formerly troubled family.
These parents had often heard me say that the best way of gaining understanding into how the world really works was through the secrets of ancient Jewish wisdom. They wanted to know where in Scripture this permanent principle appeared.
When Moses presented the Israelites with the God-centric worldview of Sinai, they responded enthusiastically on three separate occasions. The first two times, they responded ‘together’ or in ‘one voice’.
1: And all the nation responded together and they said,
‘All that God has spoken we will do'.…
(Exodus 19:8)

2: And Moses came and told the nation all of God’s words
and all the rules, and the entire nation answered in one voice,
and they said, ‘All the words that God has spoken we will do.'
(Exodus 24:3)
Both these times focused on actions; doing. However, #3 is different.
3: And he (Moses) took the Book of the Covenant and
read it into the ears of the nation, and they said,
‘All that God has spoken, we will do and we will hear.’
(Exodus 24:7)
This time, in addition to action there was an element of hearing. Hearing implies internal understanding. In terms of our personal relationship with God, we each appreciate Him in our own way. For this reason, the verse does not mention that they responded in one voice.
All Israelites heard the words and understood the covenant in individual ways but they all agreed to a group code of conduct. In Hebrew that code is called HaLaCHaH.
People with different beliefs can live together in harmony as long as they agree on standards of behavior. That is a central theme in the Constitution of the United States of America. That is also how successful corporations and other organizations operate. Common belief within a group is wonderful and converts it into a crucible of creativity, but it is not essential. What is critical is a common code of conduct.
Parents can’t impose God on their children. They can serve as models and create an appealing environment in which faith can flourish. But like the children of Israel, each individual must forge his or her own faith relationship. However, demanding certain actions is necessary for both families and businesses to remain cohesive.
This principle is one of those used by my colleague, Noah Alper, in creating a successful business. As his faith grew, in a departure from his family’s atheism, his actions, both personal and in business, changed. He chronicles this journey providing applicable business lessons for all, in his book Business Mensch, which we are delighted to make available to you.

Make Worms, Not War?

Make Worms, Not War?Two points struck us as we read the fascinating story in the January 16 edition of The New York Times detailing the reputedly intricate arrangement between America and Israel to test and unleash a computer worm that appears to have seriously undermined Iran’s efforts at making a nuclear bomb.
The story quotes military and intelligence sources in making its claim that the secretive operation at Israel’s Dimona comlex “tested the effectiveness of the Stuxnet computer worm, a destructive program that appears to have wiped out roughly a fifth of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges and helped delay, though not destroy, Tehran’s ability to make its first nuclear arms.”
Our first reaction was to marvel at the ingenuity and chutzpah of this operation, the way it built upon cutting-edge, sophisticated technology, rather than the traditional tools of diplomacy or military action, to achieve a geopolitical gain. Joint economic sanctions against Iran’s dangerous regime seem to be doing their job, and credible military action must remain as a last, but viable, resort.
Nonetheless — if the story turns out to be accurate — there is something satisfying about recognizing the astonishing power of intelligence, rather than brute force, at work in this arena. The elaborate Stuxnet scheme may not have unfolded in the way the Times describes, and it may have untold future implications. But for now it appears that Iran’s nuclear development was dealt a blow without a blow being dealt, the onerous, unpredictable and entirely frightening prospect of war temporarily avoided.
The story also underscores a second point: Despite the public drama of statements and snubs, disagreements and delays, the relationship between America and Israel has been extraordinarily tight and trusting for this operation to have succeeded as the Times describes. While begun in the waning days of the Bush administration, the collaboration accelerated when President Obama took office, a pattern seen in other forms of military and defense cooperation between Jerusalem and Washington.
Yes, yes, yes. Iran is still a serious threat to America, Israel and any other nation that its autocratic regime deems a mortal enemy. But this tale of 21st-century subterfuge reminds us that the technological advances that give birth to modern-day weaponry also can unleash piercingly clever defenses — especially when developed between friends.

Lord of the Living and the Dead

Lord of the Living and the Dead
Romans 14:7-12
In the New Testament, Lord is the most frequently used title for Jesus Christ. Although we rarely use this term in our daily lives, we are all quite familiar with another word: boss. That is basically what Lord means—one possessing authority, power, and control. The Word of God describes Jesus as the head of the church, the ruler over all creation, and the Lord of lords and King of kings (Col. 1:15-18; Rev. 3:14; 17:14).
The realm of Christ's reign covers everything that happens in heaven and on the earth. No one—not even those who deny His existence—can be free of His rule or outside His sphere of authority. Although Satan tries to convince us that liberty is found in doing what we want, true freedom is acquired only through submission to Christ's loving lordship.
Even death cannot release anyone from the authority of God's Son. He is Lord of both the living and the dead. All people must decide to either yield or rebel against Him, but they have the opportunity to make this choice only while they are still living. After death, they will acknowledge Christ's lordship through accountability to Him. If we have not bowed the knee to Jesus in life, we will be forced to bend it in the judgment.
Have you submitted to Christ's rule over your life? His authority causes anger or fear in individuals who have not yet yielded to Him, but those who have experienced His lovingkindness, trusted in His goodness, and surrendered to His authority take comfort in knowing Him as the Lord of their lives.

Aaron is appointed to help Moses.

Exodus 4

Aaron is appointed to help Moses.
INSIGHT
God does not need any one of us. He wants us and He would like to use us, but God does not need us. Take away one person, and the work of God is not diminished - it goes on. When God calls us to a ministry, it is for our benefit. If we are unwilling or impure, He can get the work done through someone else. We must realize that everything God asks of us is ultimately for our benefit-even serving Him. Moses is a good example of that fact.
PRAYER
Offer the Lord your praise for His goodness through the words of this psalm:
Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
(1 Chronicles 16:28-30)

Now pray this confession to the Lord_to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
You, even You, are He who blots out my transgressions for Your own sake;
And You will not remember my sins.
(based on Isaiah 43:25)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
(Romans 8:28-30)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Your development of an eternal perspective
Needs of work or school mates
Today's activities
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
May we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen (based on 2 Peter 3:18).

Friday, January 28, 2011

God calls Moses to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Exodus 3

God calls Moses to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt.
INSIGHT
The wisdom of Egypt was not adequate to equip Moses to serve God, so God took him out of the limelight-into solitude and obscurity. There Moses met God and learned to walk with Him. The pattern was the same for many of God's servants: Joseph, David, Daniel, Paul, and John. Occasionally it will appear as though we have been set aside. Properly used, that time will equip the Lord's servant for the next level of ministry. Be faithful. Without deserts, there are no deliverers.
PRAYER
Regardless of your circumstances, lift up your heart to God in praise.
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.
(Psalm 95:1-5)

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you come into His special presence:
Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin purged (Isaiah 6:7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
A heart filled with thanksgiving for the opportunity to worship the living God
Your pastor and worship leaders
The concerns of your heart
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
But now, O Lord,
You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand.
(Isaiah 64:8)

Faith Tested

Faith Tested
“And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” Daniel 6:23 (New International Version)
Daniel is an encouraging example of faith, wisdom, and endurance under difficulty and oppression. His life and prophecies affirm that God is in control and will have the final victory despite apparently dominant evil forces. Daniel was a young man of Judah’s royal family when the Babylonian army first attacked Jerusalem in 605 BC. Daniel was deported to Babylon with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as they were renamed). King Nebuchadnezzar trained these young men to serve and strengthen his growing empire. Daniel and his friends were the brightest and healthiest of the students, so they assumed important positions in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. Daniel’s court career lasted nearly seventy years. He quickly established a reputation for intelligence and absolute fidelity to God.
Under Darius the Mede, Daniel became one of only three administrators over Darius’ entire kingdom. God’s favor upon Daniel’s life drew many “haters,” especially in high places. His political enemies persuaded Darius to pass a decree forbidding worship of anyone but the king, under penalty of being cast into a lions’ den. Undeterred by the royal proclamation, Daniel went to his upper room, “with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel meant no disrespect to Darius, but His reverential fear of God took precedence over the fear of man. Because Daniel violated the law he was thrown into the lions’ den, but he was miraculously unharmed by the lions. Thereafter he was restored to his office.
Daniel’s experience in the lions’ den testifies of God’s ability to deliver you from the grip of life’s fiercest opponents. Your lion may be sickness; addiction; financial pressure; anxiety, depression, or mental oppression; interpersonal conflict in your home, church, or workplace; or emotional burdens caused by divorce or the loss of a family member. Daniel was delivered from the lion without one wound because he trusted in God. So too your trust in God will take you through every challenge, circumstance, and obstacle.
Daniel’s faithfulness to God got him in trouble, yet that same faith got him out of it. Your opponent may seem fierce, but it is not even a formidable opponent to the Living God. God will send an angel to shut your lion’s mouth! Proverbs 16:7 “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Trust God, and overwhelming victory is yours through Christ, who loves you!

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Be Blessed,
Katishia Gallishaw
Revival Time Internet Ministries

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Joseph's older brothers are tested.

Genesis 44

Joseph's older brothers are tested.
INSIGHT
Sometimes we get a second chance. When we do, it is important to seize the opportunity. Judah did. When his brothers plotted to kill Joseph, Judah intervened. But he still fell short of rescuing Joseph. Judah's second chance came when, from his perspective, Benjamin's life was in danger. Judah put his own life on the line. Perhaps this commitment was taken into account in the blessings he passed on to his sons, resulting in the Messiah coming through the tribe of Judah. Throughout life we are given second chances. We should take these chances and set things right.
PRAYER
Daily we have the second chance to offer praise to the God of grace:
You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the souls of His saints . . .
Light is sown for the righteous,
And gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name (Psalm 97:10-12).

Now pray this confession to the Lord:
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise (Psalm 51:14-15).

As you confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, voice your affirmation of God's Word:
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 3:23-24)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Health and strength to serve Him
His will to be done on earth
Today's activities
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort our hearts and establish us in every good word and work .
(based on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

INSIGHT

Genesis 39

Joseph resists the advances of Potiphar's wife.
INSIGHT
Mark Twain once wrote: "Always do right. It will gratify some and astonish the rest." While we smile at that, there are greater reasons for doing right. Joseph is a good example. When he resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife, Joseph set himself on the road to the throne of Egypt. Had he given in, Joseph would have set himself on the road to ruin. Always do right. There is more at stake than you might think.
PRAYER
We praise Christ Jesus for His wonderful works:
Lord, You have searched me and known me. . . .
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. . . .
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:1, 14, 17).

Now pray this confession to the Lord_to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression (Psalm 19:12-13).

As you confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, voice your affirmation of God's Word:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
A passion for moral excellence
Christian education institutions
Today's activities
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

Coming of age

GALILEE DIARY
Coming of age
by Marc J. Rosenstein
Discuss on Our BlogHow can a young man keep his way pure? By holding to Your word. I have turned to You with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commandments.
-Psalm 119:9-10
Recently a new Reform rabbi in a nearby town asked me if he could put up a poster at Shorashim advertising his congregation's bar/bat mitzvah program. Most Reform congregations in Israel function primarily on Friday night, and hold Shabbat morning services only when there is a bar/bat mitzvah. The bar/bat mitzvah families are often not long-time members; indeed, providing this service when people need it is a marketing tool for the synagogue. Some families, of course, come and go, but others end up staying involved. (Remember, synagogues in Israel have no religious school, as the public school provides most of the elements of Jewish education; thus, synagogues have no lever of requiring children to attend their school for a set number of years in order to qualify for bar/bat mitzvah). Thus, in many cases, the congregation at the bar/mitzvah service consists entirely of the invited guests. I asked him why he thought Shorashim members would be interested, and he suggested they might be looking for something "more meaningful." I told him we had no objection in principle, but that he shouldn't get his hopes up.
We do maybe a half-dozen "outside" bar/bat mitzvah services at Shorashim in a year, where a family from a nearby community without a synagogue (or without an egalitarian synagogue) asks to celebrate in the context of our Shabbat service. These are modest events: the child generally gives a "dvar Torah" on the Torah portion, reads part of the Torah reading, and chants the Haftarah. The family sponsors a modest Kiddush, and then goes off to its own celebration.
For Shorashim kids the event is of a different magnitude. The child prepares and participates (dvar Torah, Torah reading, Haftarah), and often other family members lead part of the service or read from the Torah. After the closing song, all the little kids who had been playing outside come sit on the floor in front, and a member of the community chosen by the family emcees "the program," which varies from event to event, but contains certain constant elements: The Shorashim Choir (whose membership is somewhat fluid, and which only performs at bar/bat mitzvahs) sings a medley of songs that have been modified to include references to the celebrant's biography and interests; all the age-mates of the bar/bat mitzvah kid perform a skit (coached by one of the parents) making affectionate fun of the celebrant's quirks and interests; usually the siblings do a similar presentation; the parents, and sometimes a grandparent or other relative, speak to and of the celebrant; in conclusion, the last child to celebrate a bar/bat mitzvah in the community comes forward to present the "bar/bat mitzvah scroll" to the fresh celebrant, who will sign it and keep it until s/he has to pass it on. After thirty years, this scroll of fake parchment has gotten pretty weighty. In most cases, we then adjourn to the patio and/or the social hall for a kiddush lunch, which begins with the celebrant blessing the challah that s/he baked as part of the preparation for the day under the supervision of a community member. The meal is organized, set up and cleaned up by members, though now that 150 people is a typical attendance, the main course is usually catered, with salads and desserts contributed by the members. Invited guests are generally in the minority.
The liturgy is pretty standard – no creative prayers. And unfortunately, two customs have waned over the years: the expectation that the child do a project to benefit the community, and an elaborate annual musical comedy involving all the moshav children, starring the year's bar/bat mitzvah class. But if the bar/bat mitzvah observance is supposed to be about initiation and welcoming of the maturing individual into the community, about celebrating the move from childhood to adulthood, I think our custom is pretty "meaningful." The question is whether we'll be able to sustain it as the community continues to grow.

The just shall live by faith

The Lifestyle of Faith

“… The just shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11

Faith is the lifestyle of the believer. Faith is the persuasion in a just persons mind that the word of God is true based on God’s authority and truthfulness. Now, the more we hear God’s word, the more our faith increases (Romans 10:17). As our faith increases, faith’s components are also strengthened which are these: love, belief, loyalty, obedience, trust and confidence. So then our lifestyle of faith is a lifestyle of love; a lifestyle of belief; a lifestyle of loyalty; a lifestyle of obedience; a lifestyle of trust; and a lifestyle of confidence.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him.” The same is with faith’s component of love. Without love it is impossible to live a lifestyle that pleases God, because if you love Him you will keep his commandments (John 14:15). As it is with faith’s component of love, the same is with faith’s component of belief. Without belief, without accepting God’s word is truth,it is impossible to please God, because “he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

As it is with faith’s component of love, and faith’s component of belief, the same is with faith’s component of loyalty. Without being loyal or faithful, it is impossible to please God, as it is written, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Loyalty is having or showing continuing allegiance. Loyalty is to be faithful to one’s leader; faithful to one’s oath, commitments or obligations. We are to be loyal and faithful to God even as He is loyal to us, even as He is faithful to us – “…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

God’s word has a lot to say about being faithful –“Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me” (Psalm 101:6).

“A faithful man shall abound with blessings:” (Proverb 28:20).

“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator”(1 Peter 4:19).

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). God is doing His part, we need to do our part. (To be continued)

Send this message to a Friend, and go take charge of the day!


Be Blessed,
Pastor Carl Edward Yates
Revival Time Internet Ministries

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

End Game

Thought Tools
End Game
January 19, 201114th day of Shvat, 5771Volume IV Issue #3


Forward to a Friend


Only half-jokingly, on both my KSFO radio show and the TCT Television show that Susan and I host, I often say, “You need a rabbi to reveal how the world REALLY works.” I have been privileged to learn from many great rabbis who took that responsibility seriously.
Without knowing the Torah’s timeless truths about the realities of life it is easy to blunder. What is more, it is easy to be baffled as to why one is blundering. How we would like the world to work isn’t always how it does work. For instance, here is one question I am frequently asked:
“Rabbi, I have come up with many great business ideas. Yet none of my dreams come to fruition. Why have I never had the luck to to carry my ideas forward? I don’t understand a God who gives me these ideas and doesn’t let them benefit me.”
That is similar to asking why so many great fortunes are made by people other than the inventors upon whose ideas those fortunes are based. Before the Civil War Charles Goodyear came up with the vulcanization process which made tires possible, but he died penniless. Four decades later, Frank Seiberling founded the very profitable Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Bill Gates did not invent the modern computer operating system, but he profited immensely by brilliantly implementing the idea. Similarly, Steve Jobs didn’t invent the graphic interface with its windows and icons which put Apple on the map.
Thinking up business ideas or conceiving of intriguing inventions is a start but that is only the beginning. Indeed, one is often better off expanding or improving an existing idea rather than coming up with something quite new.
Ancient Jewish wisdom conveys this vital point with an incongruous verse at the end of the book of Joshua.
The Children of Israel buried the bones of Joseph,
which they had brought up from Egypt, in Shechem…
and it became a heritage for the children of Joseph.
(Joshua 24:32)
But wait! Did the Children of Israel actually bring the bones of Joseph up out of Egypt?
No. It was Moses who remembered Joseph’s request and carried his bones for forty years through the desert.
And Moses took the
bones of Joseph with him…
(Exodus 13:19)
Moses started the job, but he died before arriving in Israel. Thus it was the Children of Israel who buried Joseph and it was they who were given the credit at the end of the Book of Joshua.
They buried him, not in the Cave of Machpelah where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been laid to rest, but in the vicinity of Shechem-the very place where his brothers kidnapped and sold him. (Genesis 37:12-28) This was to demonstrate that they were closing the circle that had begun so many years ago in exactly that place.
He who finishes or greatly advances the job often gets the credit and most of the reward. While Moses wasn’t able to finish the task of burying Joseph’s bones because of death, many of us start projects with great enthusiasm but lose steam as we encounter obstacles and time goes by. This is true in both matters of money and marriage. It is exciting to think of business ideas but wisely implementing them takes perseverance. Until someone pays you for the goods or services you have delivered, you make no money.
Similarly, a man can date many women but until he proposes to one, gets accepted and gets married, none of the benefits accrue. Even getting married is really a beginning, as staying married and thriving in that marriage is the real goal. That is a lifelong project, but oh, what a payoff!
In her book, I Only Want to Get Married Once: Dating Secrets for Getting it Right the First Time, Chana Levitan shares timeless truths to make sure you invest energy in those relationships that will be worthy of a lifetime effort. For our part, we started by finding and purchasing her book, but our job won’t be done until you absorb the information. To make that easier, the price is reduced this week to only $10.00.
(Clash of Destiny remains on sale through Wednesday night

Walking with God

Walking with God
Genesis 6
Once we receive Jesus as Savior, His Spirit indwells us permanently. Yet there is a difference between having salvation and actually walking with the Lord. Being saved involves the forgiveness of sin and the blessing of an eternal security, while walking with God is a privilege that we live out day to day.
To understand this idea more fully, let's consider the example of Noah, a man Genesis 6:9 identifies as one who followed the Lord in this way—that is, he lived by faith. Surely he did not understand God's direction to build an ark. After all, there had never even been any rain—let alone a cataclysmic deluge. Until the flood, mist would rise from the ground to nourish vegetation. But because the Almighty spoke, Noah believed and obeyed.
For us, walking by faith need not mean something as monumental as saving wildlife from destruction. Instead, it's likely to involve something more commonplace, like living with godly priorities, spending time in the Word, or holding to God's values in a world that belittles them. In fact, it is frequently when there is no crisis or quandary to motivate us that our true character is revealed. When we are faithful with the simple, mundane things, our heavenly Father will entrust us with more.
Believing God and acting accordingly is an important aspect of following Him. Do you have such trust that you obey even when His directions are difficult or confusing? Ask Him to increase your faith, and renew your commitment to follow wherever He leads.

Joseph resists the advances of Potiphar's wife.

Genesis 39

Joseph resists the advances of Potiphar's wife.
INSIGHT
Mark Twain once wrote: "Always do right. It will gratify some and astonish the rest." While we smile at that, there are greater reasons for doing right. Joseph is a good example. When he resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife, Joseph set himself on the road to the throne of Egypt. Had he given in, Joseph would have set himself on the road to ruin. Always do right. There is more at stake than you might think.
PRAYER
We praise Christ Jesus for His wonderful works:
Lord, You have searched me and known me. . . .
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. . . .
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:1, 14, 17).

Now pray this confession to the Lord_to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression (Psalm 19:12-13).

As you confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, voice your affirmation of God's Word:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
A passion for moral excellence
Christian education institutions
Today's activities
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
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Devo Magazine

The just shall live by faith

The Lifestyle of Faith

“… The just shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11

The lifestyle of the just person is a lifestyle of faith. Faith is the persuasion in a just persons mind that the word of God is true based on God’s authority and truthfulness. Now, the more we hear God’s word, the more our faith increases (Romans 10:17). As our faith increases, faith’s components are also strengthened which are these: love, belief, loyalty, obedience, trust and confidence. So then our lifestyle of faith is a lifestyle of love; a lifestyle of belief; a lifestyle of loyalty; a lifestyle of obedience; a lifestyle of trust; and a lifestyle of confidence.

It is written in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him.” The same is with faith’s component of love. Without love it is impossible to live a lifestyle that pleases God, because if you love Him you will keep his commandments (John 14:15).

As it is with faith’s component of love, the same is with faith’s component of belief. Without belief it is impossible to please God, because “he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). To believe means “to accept as truth.” In John 17:17, Jesus prayed this prayer over his disciples, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” God’s word is truth and when we come to accept His word as truth and live in that truth only then will we be able to live a life of power - “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). We will then be able to walk as Sons of God in the power and glory of God – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John1:12).

God’s word says in 2 Thessalonians 2:13, “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:” In Mark 9:23, “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” In Mark 11:23 and 24, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” In Mark 16:17, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;.” As for me, I say, “Lord, I believe. I accept your word as truth. I accept your words only as the only reality for my life.” (To be continued).

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Be Blessed,
Pastor Carl Edward Yates
Revival Time Internet Ministries

Monday, January 17, 2011

A Passionate Faith

A Passionate Faith
romans 6:5-14
Paul served the Lord enthusiastically. The apostle's zeal was motivated by three things: gratitude for the amazing but undeserved gift of salvation; conviction that the gospel message was true; and realization that through the cross, sin's power over him had been broken.
Before salvation, we were slaves to sin and unable to break free. But now, having been united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:5-6), we have received the power to say no to temptation and can choose God's way instead. Paul knew his old selfish nature had been crucified with Christ; sin no longer had control over him. This knowledge fueled his passion to follow Jesus and live for Him (Gal. 2:20).
Guided by his commission from Christ, Paul expressed his zeal through obedience to the Lord's direction. Our heavenly Father wants us to focus our passion on carrying out His plan (Matt. 28:19-20).
Like Paul, we are called to live a crucified life—one in which we make the Lord first in our thinking, attitudes, and actions. Such a life includes learning how to walk by faith and stand firm against temptation. While we are unable to do this in our own strength, we can through the Holy Spirit. He empowers us to let go of our self-centered ways and replace them with godly ones.
Paul's faith and commitment to the Lord were an integral part of his thinking, conversation, and work. His passionate faith kept him moving forward, even in times of great adversity. The apostle knew that salvation brought forgiveness of the past and a way to live victoriously in the future.

Be One with “The One”

Be One with “The One”
Dan Levin
Take yourself back. Stand in that holy place. Be one of the myriad of Israelites assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai, preparing to encounter God, to meet God face-to-face, to see God’s Presence, to hear God’s Voice. Imagine what it would be to confront the Ultimate, to be a part of a union between heaven and earth, between eternity and now, between infinite God and finite humanity.
At the beginning of this week’s Torah portion, we find the Israelites at a rather dark hour. They had nearly revolted against their leader when water became scarce, losing faith in him and in the God who brought them out from Egypt. They cannot make decisions for themselves, cope with their freedom, or look to each other for advice and support. Each and every one saw himself/herself as alone against the world; Moses too sees himself alone—separated from his wife and children.
So Moses’s father-in-law Jethro (Hebrew, Yitro) brings Moses’s family together and gives his son-in-law some very good advice. Instead of Moses handling all the people’s disputes himself, Jethro tells Moses to appoint chiefs and establish a hierarchy of others who can help make the decisions—give power to the people—trust them. Show them that you are not the only conduit to God, but that they themselves can seek God too.
And in the next chapter, something is different. The people have rallied together and act as a unit. From the many is born a oneness. The Israelites who once saw themselves only as a collection of individuals suddenly learn to be a community. In Exodus 19:2, the text tells us twice that the Israelites make camp. The first time is related in the plural: vayachanu bamidbar, “they . . . encamped in the wilderness.” The second time is different; the plural is made singular: vayichan Yisrael, “Israel encamped.”
Nobel Laureate S.Y. Agnon, in his masterwork Present at Sinai, quotes the M’chilta d’Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in reflecting on this verse: “When they journeyed they were divided, and when they encamped they were divided; whereas here it says ‘they encamped (Vayichan) there’ [in the singular, implying that] they had been given to feel a shared kindliness (Hanayah), so that they could love one another and thus be able to receive the Torah,” (S.Y. Agnon, Present at Sinai [Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1994], p. 52).
And when Israel is one, something happens that never happened before—God decides to appear before all the Children of Israel—to greet this people. The mountain, the place, the time: all are basically unimportant. What is important is not where the people are physically, but where they are spiritually.
Think of the power to be found in just a single bond of love we might share with just one other, a force at once overwhelming and transformative. But imagine that power to be multiplied. Imagine what it would mean for an entire people to be held together by a vast, interwoven web and network of love. That is precisely what the Torah seeks to describe in the parashah read on this Shabbat. This extraordinary sense of unity of purpose, of synchronicity and understanding, is something unfamiliar to Moses.
God has a message for Moses—a message God says must be related to “the house of Jacob” and “the children of Israel” (19:3). The midrash in the M’chilta d’Rabbi Yishmaelnotes that the entire community was to be addressed, both the women and the men (Agnon, ibid.) And yet in verse 7, Moses summons only the elders and puts before them all that God had commanded him. But somehow, the people know that Moses has it wrong. They know that the divisions they needed before would only hamper their ability to cleave to God now. And so this vast multitude answers Moses in unison: “ ‘All that the Eternal has spoken we will do!’ ” (19:8). The rebuke is loving and clear. The people will follow God and Moses needs to be one of them.
This condition of unity is so important that God threatens death to anyone who may break away (19:12). It is only through this vast web of relation that God can appear to them all together as one. It is only the sustained commitment to love and unity—a commitment they must hold for three days of preparation—that will enable this awesome moment of meeting. For them to meet their God who is One, the people must become one themselves.
And what comes from that incredible moment of meeting is the Torah, the Ten Commandments: the notion that we should honor our father and mother; keep the Sabbath; refuse to murder, steal, or covet. Each of these separate admonitions rests on the same foundation—that holiness is to be found in loving our neighbor as ourselves. And if we seek to make our way back to that awesome encounter our people shared with God, then we will endeavor to reach out with our hearts and souls with love, and seek to repair all the brokenness that keeps us apart. A relationship with God is built through weaving a web of relation with each other.
Rabbi Dan Levin is the senior rabbi at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, Florida

Jacob's son, Joseph, is sold by his brothers.

Genesis 37

Jacob's son, Joseph, is sold by his brothers.
INSIGHT
Feeling loved is one of life's greatest needs. When we do not feel loved, we often will go to great lengths to try to earn love or retaliate against those who keep us from being loved. Joseph's brothers contemplated murder but instead kidnapped Joseph to get rid of him. His brothers thought of him as a threat-all because Jacob displayed his preference for Joseph. Jacob's preferential treatment of Joseph in no way condones the actions of the brothers, but it points out to us as Christians that we should love all men as Christ would. When individuals feel that love, it makes it easier for them to love others in return.
PRAYER
Praise our Lord that He can enable us to avoid showing partiality, so that we can love as He loves (James 2:1):
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him (Psalm 34:8-9).

Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight-
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge (Psalm 51:4).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
(1 Corinthians 2:9)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Wisdom in decision making
The needs of your friends
Your prayer list
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
The Lord bless us and keep us;
The Lord make His face shine upon us,
And be gracious to us;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon us,
And give us peace
(based on Numbers 6:24-26).

The Lifestyle of Faith

The Lifestyle of Faith

“… The just shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11

The lifestyle of the just or righteous person is a lifestyle of faith. Faith is the persuasion in the just or righteous persons mind that the word of God is true based on God’s authority and truthfulness and then proceeds to live accordingly. Abraham had this testimony, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4;20, 21). The just or righteous person is one who does that which is expected by the one who sets the rules and regulations whereby the just must live. In this case God is the one who sets the rules. Not only does He give us life, in setting the rules, He teaches us how to live. And we are to actively pursue a lifestyle that is governed by every word that proceeds from His mouth (Matthew 4:4).

God has a word or a promise concerning every area of our lives. The word of God is our infallible authority. “The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever” (1 Peter 1: 24, 25). The word God is our guide for life. “When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” (Proverb 6:22, 23). The word of God is our stability, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverb 18:10), the word of God is our strength, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:1, 2).

Now, the more we hear God’s word, the more we do the one thing that is needful (Luke 10:42) and sit at the feet of Jesus, listening at His words; the more our faith increases, as it is written, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). As our faith increases, faith’s components are also strengthened which are these: love, belief, loyalty, obedience, trust and confidence. So then our lifestyle of faith is a lifestyle of love; a lifestyle of belief; a lifestyle of loyalty; a lifestyle of obedience; a lifestyle of trust; and a lifestyle of confidence.

It is written in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him.” The same with faith’s component of love. Without love it is impossible to live a lifestyle that pleases God, because if you love Him you will keep his commandments (John 14:15). Love is a commanded lifestyle. We are to love God and those who are good to us and also those who are our enemies. “…not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments” (2 John 1:5, 6). “which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself “ (Matthew 22:36-39). (To be continued)

Send this message to a Friend, and go take charge of the day!


Be Blessed,
Pastor Carl Edward Yates
Revival Time Internet Ministries

Sunday, January 16, 2011

“Be…” (Part 4)

“Be…” (Part 4)

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28)

The fourth blessing within the blessing components that God spoke to man is to subdue. Subdue simply means to go after it with force. I heard somebody say that God had pre-vision, so He made provision. When God pronounced this 4th blessing, I want to believe that He knew there would come a day when the enemy would come in and steal from man, that which belonged to him. He knew that the enemy would use circumstances to steal your peace. He knew the enemy would use situations and people to steal your joy. So when He saw it coming (pre-vision), He said “Be.” God wants you to exist in going after what the enemy has taken. Apostle Paul said in Philippians chapter 3 verse 12 in the b clause: “…but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” In other words Apostle Paul was saying that I am going after that which has been after me. What has been after you? Fruitfulness…multiplication…a time of replenish. All of these were blessings that were pronounced on my life. I am existing in the five-fold blessing of God!!

All this is mine because God promised. “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” I do understand however, that the enemy is not trying give back what belongs to me. He is fighting hard to keep me from being fruitful and from multiplying. He doesn’t like the fact that there is a replenishing, or a refreshing in my life. He doesn’t want me to receive not one more thing, so we are having a tussle. I used to hear the old folks sing a phrase that said “me and the Devil, we had a tussle and I won. Me and the Devil we don’t agree, I hate the Devil and I know he hates me.”

“…Subdue it…” St. Matthew 11:12 says: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” What is the it in your life? What is it that you need to subdue or go after with force? Is it your children…a new job…or even a new attitude? When reading this scripture in context in St Matthew 11:12, we find it to mean that to enter God’s kingdom takes courage. I dare to step further…receiving anything from God requires courage, unwavering faith, determination, and endurance, knowing that growing opposition is level at anyone who dares to follow Jesus.

If you are ever going to “Be” in the place to receive the five-fold blessing, it is going to require that you stand up to the enemy and tell him “no, he can’t have what belongs to you.” If it is to be, it is up to me! I will be fruitful, and multiply. I will replenish, and I will subdue…I will “Be…”

Send this message to a Friend, and go take charge of the day!


Be Blessed,
Pastor Rebecca Roman
Revival Time Internet Ministries

Thursday, January 13, 2011

An Exercise in Casting Cares.

An Exercise in Casting Cares
Psalm 55:16-22
God's shoulders are wide enough to carry your burdens. He is sovereign over the universe, so He is certainly capable of working out problems and meeting needs. Today I want to give you an exercise that will help make casting your cares a practical act.
First, write on a piece of paper the things that cause your anxiety. Once you start writing, you may discover a list of items that cheat you out of peace.
Next, pray each issue into God's care. Recall Psalm 18:35, which promises that He upholds believers in His loving grasp.
Finally, as you pray, visualize placing the situation into God's omnipotent hands. For example, a woman may imagine handing over to the Lord what she owes, while saying, "Father, I give You my financial anxiety. I know that You will show me how to get out of debt. You are more than sufficient to handle it, and I trust You to guide me."
Some people may protest this suggestion, because humanistic and pseudo-spiritual movements also use a method they refer to as "visualizing." Don't let anyone steal what is rightfully yours. God creates word pictures throughout the Bible. This exercise merely creates a mental snapshot of the Lord doing exactly what He says He will do (Ps. 55:22; Matt. 6:25-26).
When you have transferred all of your worries to God's hands, wad up that paper in your fist, and then destroy it. In this way, you symbolize the transaction that just took place. Your cares are no longer yours. Every one of them belongs to the Lord. Walk away in perfect peace.

Abraham and Sarah rejoice in the birth of the son of promise.

Genesis 21

Abraham and Sarah rejoice in the birth of the son of promise.
INSIGHT
Perhaps we do not celebrate enough - often enough or grandly enough. Perhaps we do not make enough out of the good things God does for us. Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. Certainly that was a cultural event. It would seem odd to celebrate the same event today. Yet there are other things we could celebrate within our culture, but we don't. When was the last time you made a big deal out of something important? Perhaps a high school or college graduation. A successful music recital. Climbing a mountain, or running a marathon. God has created us with emotions that make life a richer experience for us. Perhaps we should celebrate more-in both quantity and quality.
PRAYER
Celebrate your personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by giving Him your praise:
I will go in the strength of the Lord God;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works (Psalm 71:16-17).

Now pray this confession to the Lord:
Lord, You are near to those who have a broken heart,
And save such as have a contrite spirit
(based on Psalm 34:18).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
The Lord's leading in your life
Opportunities to share your faith
The concerns of your heart
Offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen
(Ephesians 3:20-21)

And the Lord said to Abram

And the Lord said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” Thus began Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, and our thirst for sovereignty. We were sidetracked by our sojourn in Egypt. Redemption began anew, in last week’s Parashah, Bo. This week in B’shalach we arrive at a great obstacle in our effort to return to Israel; our need to cross the Red Sea (or the Reed Sea, as our recent scholars have taught us.)

We were protected, as well as led to the shore, by a pillar of fire and clouds. Moses stood at the shores of the sea, stretched out his arm, and the waters parted. The rabbis identify another human figure in the story, a character who does not appear in the text itself, but who is mentioned in the Midrash. This is Nachshon ben Aminadav, a leader of the tribe of Judah. According to the Midrash, Nachshon walks into the sea up to his nostrils before it recedes. He is a leader, a man of action, a chalutz (pioneer) ready, willing and able to take Jewish destiny into Jewish hands. Nachshon is a leader from the people. Often we need one of the people, a peer, someone closer to us, to lead us into the unknown. Nachson exemplified the one who took the chance, who complemented the more dramatic leadership of Moses with action that made the difference and ultimately led to all the people walking through the sea.
A more modern “Operation Nachshon (Na'hshon April 3-8, 1948)” was a military operation of the Haganah in the Israel War of Independence. The operation involved about 1,500 troops taken from the Givati and Alexandroni brigade and some others, including Gadna youth cadets. The objective of the operation was to clear the road to Jerusalem of enemy-occupied strong points from the vicinity of Ramleh and particularly from Bab El Wad to the Qastel. Although initially successful in the end the operation failed when the roads were blocked which led to the building of the Burma Road to liberate Jerusalem.
A “nachson” of our generation has left us. Debbie Friedman, my friend since our youth, led us with her heart, expressed through her music. She shared her soul on all things Jewish. In Lechi Lach, she gave us a modern way to sing our Zionism.

Lechi lach to a land that I will show you
Lech li-cha to a place you do not know
Lechi lach on your journey I will bless you
And you shall be a blessing, you shall be a blessing
You shall be a blessing lechi lach

Hear Debbie teach us all Zionism as she sings.
Today, Israel is physically well established. Her army is strong and her economy is thriving. The Jewish nature of the state, however, is yet unsecured and our Zionism continues. We are committed, as Reform Jews, to continuing our efforts to build an inclusive, democratic Israeli society for all Jews and all Israelis. We, American and Israeli Reform Jews together and in partnership, must be like Nachshon. Whatever lies ahead of us, we must continue to walk forward knowing that our course is clear, our cause is correct, and that our actions are for the common good of all Jews. Our Zionism now is to participate in the building of a healthy spiritual Israel. Our Zionism is one of action. Be a Nachson.

Rabbi Daniel R. Allen, Executive Director of ARZA, has served as the CEO of the American Friends of Magen David Adom and the United Israel Appeal. Allen is considered a leading expert on Israel and American Jewish Philanthropy.

“Be…” (Part 3)

“Be…” (Part 3)

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28)

I used to hear people say: “When E.F Hutton speaks, everybody listens.” In all actuality, I have no clue what E.F Hutton ever said that left an impact on my life. But I listened when the Jesus said in St. Matthew chapter 4 verse 4 “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” When God speaks to me, I listen. When God spoke through my Pastor on December 31, 2010 about the theme for 2011, using this scripture text, I listened. When this woman of God called me on January 6, I listened. When God spoke creation into existence, creation listened. God spoke to light, light listened. When He spoke to sky & water…sky & water listened. When He spoke to land & sea, vegetation, the sun, the moon and the stars, they all listened. Now God is speaking to you through this daily devotion, are you listening?

God has already told us to “Be.” He said: “Be fruitful and multiply. God continues to add to what He has said. He is now saying that the third way he wants you to be blessed is in the arena of replenishing. To replenish means to fill a void that had been previously empty. Life can empty you out, leaving you depleted, weary, and fatigued. So much so that you wonder do you have anything left to give. Your prayer life is depleted…your ability to study the Word of God is depleted…your desire for ministry is depleted. There is nothing you can do about what has passed and that is now empty, but Acts 3:19 says: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Repent and tell God you are sorry so that when the blessing of replenish will come, you will be ready to receive.

When God fills those voids (replenish), you begin to feel brand new! There will come a praise out you that previously seemed lost. Psalms 96:1 says: “O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.” You will remember Lamentations 3:21-23 “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope (replenished). It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. You come to a place of replenish when you remember who you are. “Therefore if any man be (exist) in Christ, he is a new creature…” Because we are (be…exist…abide) in Christ we should exist in the refreshing presence of the Lord.

There is a cliché that says: “Today is the 1st day of the rest of your life” We are in a New Year, this being the first month of the New Year. Today you can start to be all that God has destined you to be. It is time to exist…remain…obtain…be in a place of replenish, where every void is filled!!

Send this message to a Friend, and go take charge of the day!


Be Blessed,
Pastor Rebecca Roman
Revival Time Internet Ministries

Bringing Down the House

Bringing Down the House
January 12, 2011 7th day of Shvat, 5771Volume IV Issue #3


Forward to a Friend

What do Danny Kaye, Barbra Streisand, Jerry Seinfeld, Goldie Hawn, Kirk Douglas, and Bette Midler all share? Along with a disproportionately large number of other entertainers, they are of Jewish background.
There is something else which most Jewish comedians, actors and singers share: they are rarely religious. They have little connection with God or with His Torah. Could there be something spiritual about the desire to entertain which lingers even after the nurturing springs of Jewish faith have largely dried up?
One of the roles entertainment plays is distracting us from silent contemplation. This can occasionally be painful but it nearly always stimulates growth. Like alcohol and cocaine, the plug-in-drug of entertainment helps take our mind off serious thoughts.
But this fails to explain why people possessing remnants of special spiritual sensitivity are drawn more to entertainment than, say, agriculture. It isn’t enough to say acting pays better than farming or that it offers more applause and adulation. Most of today’s big names endured many grueling years of rejection and poor pay yet stuck at their craft. What lies at the core of their commitment to their work?
Ancient Jewish wisdom offers a clue in the life of a great Jewish judge—Samson. But, in common with so many personalities today, his life deteriorated in the wake of some really bad decisions. He ended his life as an entertainer.
When their hearts became merry, they said,
‘Call Samson and let him entertain us’…
(Judges 16:25)
Recognizing that death was near, Samson prayed for one more chance to attack the Philistines:
My Lord, remember me and strengthen me just this time,
Oh God, and I will be avenged a revenge
from the Philistines for one of my two eyes.
(Judges 16:28)

“For one of my two eyes?” Huh?

Very few English translations get it right. Most say, “…that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” But though I understand and sympathize with why the translators made that change, they are plain wrong.

Here is what the Hebrew looks like.


Reading the six words one-by-one (right to left) we have [and I will be avenged]; [a revenge of]; [one]; [from the two of]; [my eyes]; [from the Philistines.]
Notice that beneath the third word, meaning one, (yes, still from the right) you see a curved line with a dot inside it. These curves and dots add meaning to the verse. By facing towards the next word, the curve reveals the unmistakable intent to join the two Hebrew words: ‘one' and 'from the two of’.
The strange language in the Hebrew verse above expresses Samson’s intent. He is acknowledging the aptness of being punished through the loss of those eyes since it is through those eyes that he previously emphasized body over soul and yielded to inappropriate women. Nevertheless, he pleads that he might have gained enough merit from enduring the Philistine torture when they put out his eyes, to have his strength restored one more time.
However, his language shows that he now places his soul above his body. Rather than using up the cosmic credit from both lost eyes, he prays to be able to retain credit from one eye for the World to Come.
Samson knew the Blueprint, strayed from it, and ends his life after returning to it.
We all possess a deep although sometimes subconscious desire for a blueprint that makes utter sense of the reality in which we live. It is enormously satisfying both to gain such a worldview and to share it. This is why parents enjoy teaching their children.
Entertainment is satisfying because provides people with an encompassing picture of life, even though it is overwhelmingly false. Often, it is the opposite of a true and comprehensive matrix of reality. For an in-depth look into life-affirming versus soul-killing laughter, see my audio CD set, Clash of Destiny: Decoding the Secrets of Israel and Islam. It also delves into another alternative view of reality – that of Islam. It is a great avenue to understanding how the world REALLY works and is available online this week for $5 off the regular price.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

All Our Anxiety

All Our Anxiety
1 Peter 5:6-7
Isn't it interesting that Satan prowling like a roaring lion is mentioned in a passage dealing with anxious thoughts? Worry can feel like an attack—we get torn up on the inside by fears, frustration, and helplessness. Anxiety is a tormenting emotion, and the Devil wields it very well.
We don't have to live with worry, because the Lord closes the mouths of lions that threaten His followers (Dan. 6:22). Peter described how to keep clear of anxiety's jaws. First, we humble ourselves before God. What causes worry is a sense of helplessness in a given situation, so the best response is yielding yourself to God—submitting to Him with the confidence that He has the power to control your life. Another thing that builds trust is the realization that God is always engineering circumstances for your good and His glory (Rom 8:28).
Remember, prayer is a declaration of dependence. When we humble ourselves, we're kneeling before an omnipotent God. Nothing is a challenge for His power, which brings us to the second step of casting cares upon Him: the simple exercise of telling the Lord your troubles and then trusting Him to deal with them. He assumes responsibility for meeting believers' needs (Matt. 6:31-32). Your part is to prioritize obeying Him and living a righteous life (v. 33).
There's one more step: Resist Satan by remaining firm in faith. In other words, don't snatch those concerns out of God's hands to worry over them anew. When the Devil's ways make you tremble with anxiety, reject His lie and affirm that the Lord is adequate to handle the situation.

The birth of Isaac is promised.

Genesis 18

The birth of Isaac is promised.
INSIGHT
Don't you love hospitality? Isn't it a pleasant experience to enter someone's home and feel welcome? Hospitality is the mark of an open and giving heart. The secret to hospitality is love. If you love your guests and go out of your way to make them feel loved, you will be an exceptional host or hostess. Hospitality is such an important Christian character trait that elders in the church must be "hospitable" (1 Timothy 3:2). Abraham was a man given to hospitality. Likewise, hospitality should be a trait in our own lives.
PRAYER
In full confidence in the character of God, offer your praise to Him through these psalms:
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful (Psalm 33:1).

But I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And Your salvation all the day,
For I do not know their limits (Psalm 71:14-15).

Now pray this confession to the Lord:
I return to the Lord, my God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm
(based on Joel 2:13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Greater commitment to the Lord
The work of specific Christian ministries
Today's activities
Offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

A Social Justice Perspective

Tu BiSh’vat: A Social Justice Perspective
Going Back to the Basics
Naomi Abelson

Once again I find myself awkwardly stalled in the dairy aisle, staring at egg carton displays. “Cage free!” “Organic!” “Free-range!” “Certified humane!” The selection is overwhelming. Who knew that choosing breakfast could be so challenging?
As always, there are customers who sweep past me, grabbing a carton and hurrying along. But there always seem to be one or two others who, like me, take pause. Together, we laugh about our shared state of bewilderment and admiration for society’s new food vocabulary and the seemingly endless ethical food choices we are asked to make.
Of course, these choices aren’t limited to the grocery store. Upscale restaurants have turned their menus into novellas. Dinner is no longer simply a matter of choosing between the chicken and the fish, but is now an ethical choice. Shall I choose chicken raised locally on a farm in the Hudson Valley even if it’s not hormone-free? Or order the wild salmon fresh-caught but transported from Alaska? Fast food chains have jumped on board as well: Starbucks, Chipotle and even McDonald’s use their environmentally conscience food choices as a marketing pitch – appealing to socially responsible adults the way Happy Meal prizes appeal to their kids.
The overarching message from today’s nouveau food movements seems to be: eat what’s good for you and good for the earth. But, how “new” is this message, really? Is it innovative, modern and edgy? Or, is it simply reverting back to the basics – to the concepts of environmental stewardship and ethical eating that has always been prevalent in our Jewish tradition?
We will soon celebrate the holiday of Tu BiSh’vat (January 19-20, 2011). What began as a minor agriculture holiday to honor the beginning of the spring planting season has today grown into a Jewish Earth Day: we give thanks for the beauty of creation and acknowledge our responsibility to care for the earth. As it states in Ecclesiastes 1:4, “One generation goes, another comes, but the earth remains the same forever.”
Tu BiSh’vat also reminds us to honor the change of seasons. During the Tu BiSh’vat seder, we acknowledge (and often consume) the seven species, or classic foods associated with the land of Israel, “a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey.” (Deuteronomy 8:8) We do this to educate and reflect on our relationship with nature. But this celebration is also a call to action, asking us to examine our ecological footprint and make positive changes.
The lessons of Tu BiSh’vat are the same lessons at the core of the “new” food movement. Ethical eating has become mainstream. From the New York Times best seller list to the White House garden, from Michelin-star restaurants to fast food chains and from the Today Show to our synagogues. We are being challenged by society and our Jewish traditions to deepen our sense of personal responsibility, make ethical food choices and to leave a healthy, sustainable planet for the next generation.

So the question remains: how do we transform the lesson of Tu BiSh’vat – our responsibility to care for the earth and honor the foods of the season – into something that is relevant to us at each meal with which we are blessed?

Here are three easy ways to take action:
1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the issues. Don’t know where to start? Try Michael Pollan’s Omnivore’s Dilemma, the Grist Favorite Food Books of 2010 or Hazon’s The Jew and the Carrot blog.
2. Make the Commitment: URJ’s Just Table, Green Table Biennial Initiative asks each of us to take action, one step at a time. Try cutting down on the amount of red meat you consume or making more environmentally conscience food choices when grocery shopping.
3. Involve your Congregation: Start a food justice program in your congregation using resources available on our website or take part in our upcoming webinar, Community Supported Agriculture 102 on January 25, 2011.
As we celebrate the new year of the trees and the new secular calendar year, let’s take an active role in this new/old food movement by making conscience, ethical food choices as a way of honoring our faith, bodies and the earth.
Naomi Abelson is the Union for Reform Judaism’s Social Action Specialist and typically buys certified humane, organic eggs.

“Be…” (Part 2)

“Be…” (Part 2)

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28)

The last thing God did on the sixth day was to create man. After God created man, He then spoke to man. He called man “them” meaning He spoke to male and female. He blessed them (male and female), and the said to them (maleand female): “Be…” The word “Be” simply means: exist. What was God saying? He was saying that He has created male and female to exist (be) fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue, and have dominion.

God pronounced a blessing on man. Not just any blessing, but a five-fold blessing. What is a five-fold blessing? A five-fold blessing is one blessing consisting of 5 components. When God spoke to them (Adam & Eve), He said “Be” fruitful” (meaning to abide in productivity, and multiply). God wanted them to be fruitful or productive and (meaning: in addition to being fruitful) multiply. To multiply means to increase in number. I heard Apostle Paul say in the book of 1st Corinthians 3:6, “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” The blessing of Genesis 1:28 calls for us to “Be” fruitful and multiply which means as we exist, move, abide and breath in productivity, it must be followed by increase. We also have to exist (be) in increase…move (be) in increase…abide (be) in increase…We must multiply.

Again during creation, God kept adding on things. First God made the light. He then added on sky & water. He kept adding until all was complete. On day six, He added man. On day six He spoke to man. I had a woman of God call me on the 6th day of January of this year. The date was 1-6-11. She spoke to me for 1 hour 1 minute and 16 seconds, that’s 1116. It occurred to me as I was writing this devotion that this was the 6th day after which God gave this man of God the theme for the year with this scripture that this woman of God spoke prophetically into my life. She spoke to me, everything God told her to speak into my life. What did she speak? She spoke fruitfulness…that God is going to cause me to be in my field of ministry. She spoke multiply (increase)…how God is getting ready to bless my finances. She spoke replenish…The places I had been drained, God was going to refresh and fill me up again. She spoke subdue…my overcoming some attacks that had come from the enemy, and she spoke dominion…that I would now walk in the authority of anointing that God has given me.

Psalms chapter 115 and verse 14 says: “The Lord shall increase (multiply) you more and more, you and your children.” 3rd John verse 2 says: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” It is time to step out of wants and desire, and step into “Be.”

Send this message to a Friend, and go take charge of the day!


Be Blessed,
Pastor Rebecca Roman
Revival Time Internet Ministries

Monday, January 10, 2011

Our Love Life

Our Love Life
Matthew 7:7-11
God's love is without limit, but that doesn't mean His children have no boundaries. While the world argues that Christianity's rules stifle the individual, any good parent will attest that setting limits is part of caring for one's kids. And so is continuing to love them when they break the rules.

This may bring two questions to mind:

• Why does the Lord have so many rules?
Scriptural principles are designed to protect us and bring peace. But God does not force obedience. The Bible neither says nor implies that we have to live up to the Ten Commandments or the Sermon on the Mount in order to be loved. God's children discover that following those rules is the path to joy, security, and a sense of well-being. In contrast, disobedience brings heartache and suffering into one's life.
• What happens when I sin?
Our obedience is not required for God to love us. He cares for even the most evil and murderous man, which means that no one is able to sin beyond the Lord's redemptive grace. He will always forgive. But do not fall for the opposite error either. Grace is not a license to sin. God allows us to experience the consequences of wrongdoing. That's what a loving parent does to be sure a child learns the value of doing right.
God loves without condition. To show His great care, He gave solid principles on which people are to build their lives. His affection is in no way diminished toward those who ignore biblical rules, but His heart is grieved by their defiance. He delights in believers who seek and follow His will (1 Thess. 4:1).

God confirms His covenant with Abraham.

Genesis 15

God confirms His covenant with Abraham.
INSIGHT
"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (James 2:23). Faith is central to the Christian experience. In fact, without faith, there is no Christian experience. Why is faith so important? Because we cannot make ourselves righteous - any more than a cracked window can make itself uncracked. We have sinned and only God can make us righteous. Faith then is the only thing we can do - and even our faith is a gracious gift of God!
PRAYER
Celebrate your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by offering Him this psalm of praise:
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together (Psalm 34:1-3).

Now pray this confession to the Lord_to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
I turn to You, Lord, with all my heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.
I rend my heart, and not my garments
(based on Joel 2:12-13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
(1 Timothy 2:5-6)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Renewal of your mind
Needs of your extended family
Your prayer list

Offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us complete in every good work to do His will, working in us what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen

(based on Hebrews 13:20-21)

Real Angel Food

Real Angel Food
Dan Levin
I love to sing. A large piece of what moves me in prayer is the music. There are times when I love to sit back and hear a beautiful piece of music; but most of the time in our synagogue, we try to inspire the congregation to sing with us. It isn’t easy. Asking people to sing is often like pulling teeth.
People tend to feel more open to singing when they are absolutely comfortable. It’s scary to sing in public. We sing when everything in life is good, when we are overcome with joy, and often, when we are swept up in the energy of everyone singing around us.
The Israelites experience this joy in our portion this week. Having experienced the extraordinary deliverance by God through the parted waters of the sea, knowing that the enemy that has enslaved them for centuries is finally vanquished, they erupt in song and dance. But the midrash tells us that when the angels too broke into song, God scolded them: “My creatures are drowning in the sea, and you would sing songs to me?” (Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 39b). All is not right in God’s world; it is no time for song.
The melody of song is soon replaced by the cacophony of grumbling. The Israelites gather against Moses and Aaron as food becomes scarce. In their hunger, they forget their past, and lament they no longer have their fill of bread. In response to the grumbling, God provides manna, “bread . . . from the sky” (Exodus 16:4). Each shall gather according to his or her need and find relief from hunger.
From the ecstatic joy of their miraculous deliverance, the Israelites quickly return to the reality of life in the wilderness. They have needs and wants, thirst that needs to be slaked, hungers that need to be satisfied. But even more than food and water, what do we truly need to be satisfied?
The Chasidic teacher known as the S’fat Emet was one of the last great masters of Polish Chasidism. In his commentary on this week’s portion, he cites a passage from Proverbs: “Go, eat My food and drink of the wine I have poured” (Proverbs 9:5). Looking to this week’s portion, he understands that when God sent down the manna, it was, as the text says, “lechem min-hashamayim, (literally, ‘food from heaven’).”1
The midrash in Tanna D’Vei Eliyahu states that when Abraham served a meal to the three angels who visited him, they ate of Abraham’s food even though as angels they had no need to eat. Thus they repaid his kindness by sending their food for Abraham’s descendants to eat. But if angels have no need of food, then what was it they sent for the Israelites to eat?
Thus the S’fat Emet teaches us that it was Torah that God fed the Israelites to sustain them on their journey, for the angels find their hunger is for divine wisdom, and it is Torah that satisfies their need. Therefore, when God feeds the Israelites “food from heaven,” it is not simply food for their bellies, but also food for their souls.
But there is a famous adage taught by Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah: “Where there is no bread [literally, flour], there will be no Torah.”2 In order for us truly to be free, to be able to journey through the wilderness and make it to the Promised Land, then we need physical as well as spiritual sustenance. One is not enough.
If God had simply wanted the Israelites to be relieved from their physical hunger, then God could have easily provided the Israelites with mortal food. For example, in Numbers 11:32, when the Israelites complain of hunger, God provides quail for them to eat. Clearly, in giving manna for the Israelites to eat, God is trying to teach something more.
In order for the Israelites to truly be satisfied, they need food for their bodies and food for their souls. Thus the S’fat Emet teaches that it is customary for us to enjoy two loaves of challah on each Shabbat. One loaf is to represent our physical sustenance, as our blessing reminds us: hamotzi lechem min haaretz, “who brings forth bread from the earth.” The second loaf represents our spiritual sustenance: lechem min-hashamayim, “food from heaven.”
When we are privileged to have our fill of both physical and spiritual nourishment, food from the earth and Torah from heaven, then we will celebrate Shabbat and life with complete joy, the kind of joy where both we and the angels can sing together.
1. The Language of Truth: The Torah Commentary of the Sefat Emet, Arthur Green tr., ed. (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1998), p. 103
2. Pirke Avot, 3:17, ed. and trans. by Leonard Kravitz and Kerry M. Olitzky (New York: UAHC Press, 1993), p. 47
Rabbi Dan Levin is the senior rabbi at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, Florida.

“Be…” (Part 1)

“Be…” (Part 1)

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28)

We have started a new year. 2010 is gone, and 2011 is now upon us. This year the Lord has laid it on the heart of our Pastor to use as a theme “2011: The Year of the 5-Fold Blessing.” Originally when I read this scripture, I thought it meant that I would receive 5 blessings. After further study, I came to realize that it was really five blessings wrapped up in one. The five fold blessing is a blessing which contains five…count them five components. The scripture says “Be fruitful...” “multiply…” “replenish…, “subdue…“have dominion…. This is a well rounded blessing. It is like having a well rounded meal. A well rounded or nutritious meal contains the five…count them five basic food groups. The five basic food groups are: meat, bread/grain, vegetable, fruit, and dairy. As long as your meal contains these five components, you will grow up healthy.

In this 1st chapter of Genesis, God made the light, sky & water, land & seas, vegetation, sun, moon, stars, and said that it was “good.” Then God made man saw that His work was good. (Verses 1-25) God made man, in “His own image” and “likeness.” He created both male and female. (Verse 26-27) Whenever God created anything, He said it was “good”, but when He created man (male & female), He said it was “very good,” God caused something very good to come into existence. After God created man, it was then he spoke to man. He called man “them”. He blessed them, and the said to them: “Be…” The word “Be” simply means: exist. What was God saying? He was saying that He has created man to exist (be) fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue, and have dominion.

This year, I want to have the five-fold blessing, because I want to grow up in the Lord…healthy! As you look ahead to this New Year, what is it you want to “Be”? To “Be” something means you want to exist in that thing!! You want to be living in a particular thing! You want to be present in a particular thing or place. The scripture says “Be fruitful…to be fruitful means to abide, breath, continue, endure, move, and remain in productivity. In 2010, I fell short of my goal. I did not exist in productivity. I prayed…I sought the Lord…I read His word, but still…I did not move in productivity. I have no resolution for 2011, instead I have decided that if God has told me that I must breath…exist in the five-fold blessing of Genesis 1:28, I will simply obey God.

My sister…my brother don’t spend time trying to figure it out what God wants you to be. Just simply “Be” what He declares in His word for you to be. “Be” ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1st Corinthians 15:58). “Be” ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22) And finally, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and “Be” ye holy… (Leviticus 20:7). It is time to “Be…exist…be living in all that God has for you… “Be” fruitful!!!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

God establishes a unilateral covenant with Abraham.

Genesis 12

God establishes a unilateral covenant with Abraham.
INSIGHT
The opposite of obedience is unbelief; the essence of obedience is belief. If you truly believe God is totally good and all powerful, if you truly believe He always acts for His children's benefit, you will obey whatever He asks of you. It is when you doubt these truths that obedience to the Lord becomes difficult. The New Testament tells us: "Abraham believed God" (James 2:23). Therefore, he obeyed when God said, "Get out of your country" (Genesis 12:1). Are you struggling with obedience in an area of your life? Perhaps there is something in the Scriptures you do not truly believe. Search your life, and in the tradition of the disciples, ask the Lord to increase your faith (Luke 17:5).
PRAYER
In faith and obedience, offer to the Lord the praise of your lips:
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who only does wondrous things!
And blessed be His glorious name forever!
And let the whole earth be filled with His glory (Psalm 72:18-19).

Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Greater love for the lost
The work of missions in Africa
The concerns of your heart
Offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.
The Lord lifts up the humble;
He casts the wicked down to the ground (Psalm 147:5-6).

The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me (Psalm 42:8).

Saturday, January 8, 2011

God Is Our Loving Father

God Is Our Loving Father
Luke 15:11-24
Humanity tends to project its own faulty habits onto God. This is especially true regarding the nature of His love. We think we must barter, plead, or try hard to earn the Lord's favor. But as the prodigal son learned, the Father's love is unconditional.
The wayward son expected his father's love to be diminished. Therefore, he went home hoping for a place among the family servants. Imagine the boy's delight when Dad greeted him with a hug and a celebration. His actions certainly didn't merit an outpouring of affection, but Jesus' parable is all about a Father who doesn't give people what they deserve.

A love based on conduct would keep people guessing, Have I done enough? Instead, God cares for you simply because you're you, and He expects nothing in return. Consider the prodigal's life after his homecoming party. He didn't move into the servants' quarters and get to work. He was reinstated to his place as the second son of a wealthy man, with all of the privilege that entails. In the same way, believers are the Lord's cherished children (2 Cor. 6:18). When God looks at His loved ones, He doesn't focus upon past failures, faults, or sin. He sees the heirs to His kingdom—men and women who love Him and desire to spend eternity in His presence.
No matter how far we may wander from the Lord's perfect will for our lives, we are always welcome back. The Bible teaches that God's love cannot be lost, regardless of sin or poor decisions (though we may have to live with the consequences). Our Father's arms are always open.