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.

Day of the Sounding

Wednesday evening is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah or the Day of the sounding of the shofar.  It is one of the Biblical Holy Days or appointed times according to Leviticus 23:23-25 and Numbers 29:1-6.  I like to call it the Annual Commemoration of the Second Coming of Jesus.  Many have taught that we should be prepared as if He is to return at any time and while I think that is a good idea, it is also beneficial to have a specific day to commemorate that great and terrible day.  Revelation 11:15 records the sounding of the 7^th Shofar (trumpet) and the following chapters and versus detail His return.  Rosh Hashanah is the 1^st day of the 7^th month on the Biblical calendar (1^st Tishrei).  The 7^th shofar announces the coming of King Jesus!  At the same time the shofar is meant to wake us up from our slumber as it also symbolizes repentance.  Now is the time to repent and to come into a right relational covenant with the King of all Kings. 

May grace come and may this world pass away.  Hoshanah to the G-d of David! Everyone who is holy, let him come.  Everyone who is not, let him repent.  May He come soon and in our days. Amen         

May you be inscribed for a sweet new year

 

3 Years in Israel!

 After much prayer and consultation, we have decided to pursue the 3-year doctoral degree in Jerusalem!  Because of our student-visa, we have the amazing opportunity to be able to live in the Holy Land for 3 years.  Be praying for us as we are still emotionally digesting the reality of being gone for so long.  We are thankful we get to stay longer than a year or so.  Being there for three years means deeper relationships and more opportunities to minister and learn.  Because of the school semesters we will be leaving in February.  Assuming we are able to raise enough support…

As you may have guessed, 3 years also means that we need to raise a lot more money.  As for raising support, we have just added the ability to receive tax-deductible donations online to make it easier for people to partner with us.  When you click on our “Donate Now” button on the right hand side of the screen it takes you to our webpage at Tikkun International and allows you to donate electronically to “Remember Jerusalem”. 

We are so thankful for all the financial support we have received and appreciate your continued prayers for this big life transition; we also need prayer as we consider selling our house.  We experience the L-rd working and moving and wait with anticipation as February is only 5 months away! 

All Eyes on Jerusalem

What a mess.  The United Nations is completely out of control.  The Palestinian Authority through their upcoming unilateral declaration of statehood at the United Nations is attempting to ignore the previously binding United Nations resolutions that require negotiations between the Arab world and Israel with regard to any specific border issues.  Not surprisingly, the Palestinian Arab Leadership is attempting to declare indefensible borders for the nation of Israel with the possible blessing of the General Assembly of the United Nations without any input/negotiation with Israel.  Why is this not surprising?  Because to this day, the representatives of the Palestinian Arabs do not recognize the existence of the state of Israel.  Can you imagine the world pressuring the United States to negotiate the specifics of a border with Mexico when Mexico was adamant that the United States did not exist?  Maybe, just maybe Israel sees the writing on the wall that the Arab world does not want the Jewish nation to exist!  If that is true, what a great strategy by the Palestinian Arabs to ignore negotiations with Israel and declare borders that will lead to the ultimate destruction of Israel.  And if that seems “extreme” let’s remember our history and that the surrounding Arab nations attempted to achieve that destruction in 1948, 1967, and 1973.  History teaches us that we don't learn from what history teaches us.  Here is a quick 5 minute video to help explain the situation.  Now is the time to pray for the peace of Jerusalem!  Psalm 122:6           

Be Aware, Take Action

Thanks to The Shofar for spreading the news around about the Palestinian Statehood issue. There is a good link on there to sign up that you opppose this movement, and it urges our leaders to stand with Israel. The US has said that they will oppose the Palestinian resolution for statehood at the Security Council and at the General Election, but it never hurts to let those in charge know what you want. I will let your convictions guide you, but if you believe that Israel is the apple of G-d's eye, as He says over and over, then you should be praying and taking whatever action possible to oppose this move of the "Palestinians". The vote is on September 20th, so shake a leg. Get more information at http://shofarsofar.tumblr.com/ and Christians United for Israel. Blessings on you all.

Road to Israel Update

We just heard some big news from the University of Holy Land in Jerusalem – I (Tom) have been accepted into their Doctoral Program!  This is surprising and emotional on many levels.  First of all, to stay in Israel beyond 3 months you must have a special visa.  Dan Juster recommended this school as a way to be able to stay in Israel by obtaining a student visa.  Although I obviously applied to the doctoral program, I did not really think I would be accepted.  So we have a lot to pray about.  We were planning on staying around a year and a half in Israel and trying to also complete a Master’s Degree.  Now we have the option of staying 3 years and completing the doctoral program while also connecting with Tikkun in Israel.  It’s a lot more money to stay that long but it is also a great opportunity.  The extra time would allow us to develop deeper relationships with the Messianic Jewish community and ministries in Israel which is an important aspect of why we are going to Israel.  It would also obviously help our Hebrew language learning by being there longer.  At the same time, it would take us away from our friends and family for longer than we had anticipated.  Please pray the L-rd will speak to us about this big decision and that we will have confirmations of His will.