Weekly Parasha: Parasha Deuteronomy & sermon: "We are a tool in God's toolbox"

July 24, 2020

Shalom and Blessings;

We are continuing to see coronavirus cases rising, there is now over 30,000 people infected with more than 430 deaths. Israelis are notorious for disregarding instructions and they insist on partying and even have large raves. The virus hit close to home when three of our friends were diagnosed positive. Two are in the hospital in stable but serious condition and one in under home quarantine; please pray for Miriam, Yafa and Karin. The situation is worse now than it was at the height of the first wave. Ellen and I are still taking every precaution, staying home as much as possible and not tempting God. The political situation has not changed much; confusion, accusations, finger pointing, chaos and rhetoric are the order of the day in our government. The social workers went on strike and then the nurses, thank God they are back to work now, but riots are still happening in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem nightly. I am sure that under the circumstances the Prime Ministers are doing the best they can, but 'too little to late.'

Kenya is beginning to open up, but still too soon for us to travel there. Although their numbers are low, they cannot be trusted. Testing is not like what it is in Israel. Also our flight always connects through Addis Ababa and Ethiopia is in worse shape than we are, so flights have not resumed between our countries.

Still no news on our new name registration for the congregation, we are anticipating it to happen any day now. Once our registration is confirmed we will be renting a new meeting location, with a western style bathroom, B'H (Praise the Lord). We will also be setting up channels for those wishing to financially support the congregation and our ministry efforts. Please keep the congregation and the membership in prayer.

Breaking News: I came down with what appears to be a cold. Please pray for Ellen and me.

Hi Ellen here…At this present time when shopping is no longer enjoyable; eating out at your favorite restaurant, no longer fun; visiting with friends and enjoying conversation and laughter is covered by a mask…what to do? Well I am praying a lot more and thinking of ways to better my relationship with HIM. Here are some questions for you and me: Do you love unconditionally? Would you lay your life down for a friend? Do you forgive and move on? Are you humble and meek as Yeshua? Are you full of HIS compassion and mercy? Are you displaying grace to others? Are you seeking the kingdom of God first? Are you displaying self-control? Do you use God given authority with love? Are you obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit? I don't know about you but I have a lot of work to do on myself this week…I'll check back with you next week and we can all compare notes. This new month is called Av. Av means Father…so let us all call out to our Father in heaven to help us to change.

A sideline…my friend sent this to me not long ago: Satan knows your name, but he calls you by your sin. God knows your sins, but call you by your name…Love you all, really!

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen