B'resheet

In the beginning G-d...

And so begins another cycle of reading through the first five books of the Bible, the Torah. Every week Jews read and study a prescribed section of the Torah and come together to discuss it on Sabbath, as well as throughout the week. While we as gentile followers of Jesus are still fairly new to this we can tell you that every year we find ourselves reading something new, or have new questions or different light bulbs go on as we continue to study. The L-rd speaks through His word, even if you think you already know what it says.

This year is the first year that we have Gospel portions to go along with the Torah portion. Knowing the words of our Rabbi Yeshua effects how we live and respond to one another. We can't study it enough. If we read the Book from beginning to end then we see the connections G-d laid out to show us how infinite and amazing He is.

For instance: We all know that Genesis 1:1 says, In the beginning G-d. And then John 1:1 says, In the beginning was the Word. This reminds me of Deuteronomy 30:14 (which we read not too long ago):...the word is very close to you -- in your mouth, even in your heart; therefore you can do it! Then because there is continuity in scripture (as Tom loves to point out) we turn to Revelation 19:13 and read: He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the name by which He is called is, "THE WORD OF G-D".

There are many things that can be said about these passages, and perhaps Tom will make an appearance commenting on these things, but for me it's the simplicity of Scripture. In the beginning, G-d. In the meantime, G-d. In the future, G-d. Who was and is and is to come.

As you study Genesis 1 what stands out to you? Perhaps it's the first time you've really read it, or maybe it's just been a long time. Doesn't matter, it's still there for you to pick up and read. We'd love for you to join in, so we've posted the portions for each week on the left sidebar. You might not make it through every week, but I'm sure the L-rd will bless whatever time you give Him. May His Word bring refreshment to you as we enter these chilly times of Autumn and Winter.

At the beginning of David Stern's translation (The Complete Jewish Bible) is this blessing:

Praised are You, ADONAI our G-d, King of the universe,

Who gives the Torah of truth and the Good News of salvation to His people Israel

and to all the peoples through His Son Yeshua the Messiah, our L-rd.

Amen.

Continual Confirmation

From Leah:
I spend most days thinking about what it's going to be like for us in Israel. I am not a city girl; I like my yard, my large kitchen, my car. And in a few months all of that will change. Through the last 10 months the L-rd has continued to redirect my heart. Every time Tom suggests something about Israel (for starters going there) I take it to the L-rd and ask Him to help me. You see, I trust my husband. He is wise and loving, he cares very deeply for me and wants to change the world. But while he jumps, I stand on the ground and ask, Do I have to? But even though I move slower than him, I do move.

So when we found out about Tom getting into the Doctoral program the question came up about selling the house. I did not want to sell. Keeping it meant coming home, but for Tom it meant stress and uncertainty. As I was telling a good friend about the situation, and our opposing viewpoints, he said something that I couldn't escape. "Well, I guess that means the decision hasn't been made and you both need to keep praying about it." I thought that meant Tom would eventually see my way and decide to keep the house. But then I prayed and realized we should sell. And though at times it seems like I'm constantly laying down my own way the L-rd encourages me, and the Holy Spirit tweaks my heart so I'm excited about the next step. And He makes a way so it's not as overwhelming. Which means that we already have a prospective buyer, but can use any prayers that things will go smoothly.

A few weeks ago an acquaintance shared something very powerful with us. She did not know our plans for moving to Jerusalem. She said that while she was praying for us she felt like we were supposed to move to Israel and minister hope to the secular Jews there. The L-rd even gave her Isaiah 61:1-3. She kept this to herself because directional words require much prayer, confirmation and good timing. She told us about this only after she heard us talking about our move with some other people. After she shared Tom showed her his belt buckle, the one I had made for him, with the scripture reference of Isaiah 61 on it. This is the passage the L-rd gave Tom years ago as part of his calling to teach.

Everything she spoke resonated with us -- our move to Israel, the Isaiah passage for Tom, and for me personally the desire to communicate hope to secular Jews in the Land. I hold tightly to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died. This is the hope of our calling.

I am grateful the L-rd works in my life and my heart and that He speaks to me personally. But when someone hears from the L-rd on my behalf it is also powerful. Having continual confirmation helps us to move forward when things seem overwhelming or uncertain. And it reminds us that He is in control and will speak when we wait and listen.

We are grateful for all of your prayers and time spent in intercession; it changes our lives. And yours, we hope.