Aug 26/Elul 9

Shabbat Shalom! Here are this Sabbath’s Torah readings:

• Deuteronomy 24:14-25:19
• Isaiah 54:1-10
• Romans 8:18-30

In today’s reading of the New Testament, we are told to hold hope in our coming salvation and not in the things on earth. While here on earth, there will be suffering, but joy comes when we leave our fleshly bodies and join our Savior Yeshua (Jesus). Also, we can look to the Holy Spirit to give us strength in our weaknesses and intercede for us to Yah (God) our Father. As long as we continue to love Yah and Yeshua and we obey the commandments, we will be considered righteous.

Shalom

"Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose; because those whom he knew in advance, he also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers; and those whom he thus determined in advance, he also called; and those whom he called, he also caused to be considered righteous; and those whom he caused to be considered righteous he also glorified!"

- Romans 8:28‭-‬30 CJB

Aug 19/Elul 2

Shabbat Shalom! Here are this Sabbath’s Torah readings:

• Deuteronomy 20:10-21:9
• Isaiah 51:12-52:12
• 2 Thessalonians 1

In today’s New Testament reading we read that though we may be facing persecution for being followers of Yah (God) and Yeshua (Jesus) we will be brought into the glory of Yah and our persecutors will face the wrath of Yah. Today, persecution is growing against those who stick to the truth of Yah’s Word and share it, but we must remain strong until the return of Yeshua. Keep to the Commandments and Laws given by Yah in the Torah, continue to keep His Feasts, and keep trusting in Him not falling for the false doctrines that come out falsely saying they are Yah’s Word when they are not. Like the wrath of Yah went ahead of the Israelites in Deuteronomy, it will be with us in the end, punishing those who were against His Word and treated us harshly. Our reward for being faithful will be everlasting life in Heaven with our Lord and Savior.

Shalom

"In this way, the name of our Lord Yeshua will be glorified in you, and you in him, in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah."

- 2 Thessalonians 1:12 CJB 

Aug 12/Av 25

Shabbat Shalom! Here are this Sabbath’s Torah readings:

• Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17
• Isaiah 54:11-55:5
• Revelation 21:9-27

In Deuteronomy’s reading this Shabbat we learn about some of the Feasts that Yah (God) gave His people to keep to honor Him. Are these Feasts only for those of the Old Testament and Jews today? The short answer is no, Yeshua (Jesus) said that we are to obey the Laws and the Prophets. You can learn more of this from my past blog Jesus and The Torah.

In Revelation we read about what New Jerusalem will look like, the place that those whose names are written in the Book of Life will live for eternity. Those whose names are there are ones who have put their faith in Yeshua and Yah and kept the Laws of the Torah and the Prophets. We must also share our faith with others so that they can learn about the free gift from Yeshua and spend eternity with Him. I pray you all have a blessed Shabbat.

Shalom

"Nothing impure may enter it, nor anyone who does shameful things or lies; the only ones who may enter are those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life."

- Revelation of Yeshua to Yochanan (Revelation) 21:27 CJB

Isaiah 54:17

""No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” declares the Lord."

- Isaiah 54:17 NIV

Trust in God and follow His Will and nothing the enemy tries to do will ultimately harm you. There may still be trials but hold steady into God and the enemy will not prevail. I pray we all can hold to this truth and rely fully on God.

God Bless

Isaiah 9:2

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." 

- Isaiah 9:2 NIV

Jesus is the Light being referred to here. At the time this verse was written Isaiah was prophesying His coming. The world was in darkness blanketed by their sin. Jesus came to light the way to everlasting light and freedom from our sins. When we are away from Jesus and we don’t have a relationship with Him it’s like we are walking in the dark not being able to see where we are going. Sin can cloud our judgment and lead us deeper into that darkness. I pray that we can keep our eyes and life focused on Jesus and walk in His Light.

God Bless

Isaiah 6:8

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”"

- Isaiah 6:8 NIV

Have you ever heard God asking who should I send somewhere? In the past I’ve heard from God similar sayings. Most of the time I’ve stepped up and helped, though I know that I’ve been hesitant and not stepped up all the time. When God asks us to do something or go somewhere we should be willing to say yes every time. I pray that you and I will have the courage to say yes and go where God wants us to go.

God Bless

Support Each Other

Have you ever supported someone only to have a time come when you needed support and they were no where to be seen? Sadly this has happened to me several times throughout my life. When it did the emotions that I felt were abandonment, sadness, and anger. One thing that you and I need to remember and keep in the fore front of our mind when this happens is this:

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." 

- Isaiah 41:10 NKJV 

"Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life."

- Psalm 54:4 NKJV 

No matter if we have someone here on earth helping us or not God will always be with us. You can look to Him and know that He will be there to help you. He cares so much that He will never leave your side.

God Bless

Thought Of The Day: 01/14/21

With the weather seeming like it was autumn or spring lately here in Minnesota winter has finally decided to come back. This storm has made me think about the storms in our life, the kind that can shake our way of life and possibly our faith. When something big or devastating happens in your life do you look to God or do you hide away?

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.”
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- Psalms‬ ‭121:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior,”
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- Isaiah‬ ‭43:2-3‬a NKJV‬‬

God says that He will be with us always. We just need to lift our eyes and hands to Him praying and praising. Trust in Him always. Even though it may not seem like it at times He is always there caring for us. I pray that we can all know this and look to God for our strength each day.

Watch “Praise You In This Storm” by Casting Crowns

God Bless