Parasha Ke Teitzei & Sermon: "Who is Your God?"

Shalom and blessings; 

As difficult as it was, Netanyahu (the Likud Party) and Benny Gantz (the Blue and White Party) hammered out a compromise which for now postponed another election (Glory to God). It is about time these two men put God's country and His people first and their political aspirations second. There are far bigger fish to fry; with the Corona numbers hovering above a thousand every day, Hamas regularly floating incendiary balloons over the border causing countless fires, and launching rockets into our southern cities. Combine this with the military flare-ups on the Lebanon border which any day could erupt into a full-fledged war, add in the dire economic problems, and it all adds up to a lot to attend to before having to focus on an election. Netanyahu has been a great leader, but it is my opinion that his pride has gotten the best of him and like me; many Israelis are reconsidering their party affiliation. It would not surprise me that if another election were held we would see the Likud's lose seats in the Knesset. 

2 Kings 17:24-26 

24 "The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns. 25 When they first lived there, they did not worship the LORD; so He sent lions among them and they killed some of the people. 26 It was reported to the king of Assyria: "The people you deported and resettled in the towns of Samaria do not know what the god of that country requires. He has sent lions among them, which are killing them off, because the people do not know what He requires." 

What is wrong with us? Why do we attribute disasters and plagues to chance, contaminated food or other natural and human causes? If lions were to enter one of our cities and start killing people what would we attribute it to; drought, they are looking for food, rabies or some other physical cause or explanation? In this passage of Scripture when lions entered the towns of Samaria and started killing people, these pagans did not blame it on any physical or medical phenomena they immediately attributed the cause to the Lord: "He sent lions among them and they killed…" 

Mark 7:25-26 

25 "For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter."

Why did this Greek woman attribute her daughter's mental condition to demon possession? Why did she not attribute it to some other medically explainable mental condition? Look how far we have fallen, even pagans knew and yet we, Believers, are totally clueless. Nothing in this entire universe happens without God's knowledge and His approval, nothing. He uses lions, demons and even plagues to accomplish His will, whatever that may be. Maybe if we would recognize that and repent He would heal and restore. 

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen 

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Parasha Shoftim & Sermon: Avoiding Tragic Consequences

Shalom and blessings

Tuesday evening Ellen and I were sent scurrying to our safe room as the Red Alert siren sounded warning us of incoming missiles. This is nothing new for us and it does not cause us to panic, but as a matter of safety, because the rockets from Gaza do not have guidance systems, we take every precaution. Hamas just launches rockets indiscriminately hoping they will get past the Iron Dome and hoping that they will do damage no matter what or where they hit.  It has become a game with them, a method of getting the Israeli public to fear and turn on their government so that they will meet their demands. Israel of course always retaliates and Hamas knows that, but what we heard come out of Gaza this week really disgusted us.  The IDF has become so predictable to Hamas that before or right after they fire rockets, or send over incendiary balloons, knowing the targets the IAF will hit, they evacuate them in anticipation of Israel's response. I would not be a bit surprised if Hamas builds  observation towers, warehouses and the such especially for the IAF to bomb; like target practice – sick - but it seems like we fall for it because observation towers seem to be the IAF's favorite targets.

Covid-19 is still raging here. The numbers were so high, above 2000 each day, yet for some reason the government decided to reduce testing. Still daily infections are being reported in the high thousands every day. Miriam has been declared Coronavirus free and was released from the isolation hotel. Yaffa, however, is still in guarded condition and on a ventilator.  Please continue to keep her in prayer.

All is well with me and Ellen as we continue to minister to our groups in Kenya. Please keep the group in Nairobi in prayer as we have still not received the registration for our name change. We are also looking for a more suitable place to meet.

Hi Ellen here…Well here we are at another High Holy Season juncture without services and without fellowship.  Thank goodness we have each other!!!  I was thinking of Elul…from a woman's perspective.  Yes it is definitely a time of excelled evangelism but also love.  At times like these our Abba gives us an extra opportunity to tell those we love about Him because He is love.  He also gives us a way to come clean of all damaged relationships in our lives.  Each morning before being fully awake I ask Abba…show me…remind me…wake me.  I want to start each day with a clean slate and now we have a heavenly opportunity to start a new year with that same clean slate.  Abba is closer at these times and He wants to hear us.  Remember the sermons we have heard titled "The King is in the Field"?  Well look at your personal field and speak to Him…He is waiting…always listening…always faithful and always loving.

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

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Avoiding Tragic Consequences

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Parasha Re'eh & Sermon: Mind Reading

Shalom and Blessings 

Tuesday President Reuven Rivlin forcefully came out against the idea of new elections. He basically slammed both Netanyahu and Gantz saying that this would be the worst possible time to burden the country. He encouraged the two to work together to pass a budget and get on with running the country. In the meantime co-Prime Minister/Defense Minister Benny Gantz was operated on for a pre existing back injury and has been temporarily replaced by Michael Bitton. 

Monday Hamas fired eight missiles into the Mediterranean Sea supposedly as a warning to Israel. They are trying to intimidate us into making a sweetheart deal with them for their long list of demands and concessions. In the meantime they continue to send over incendiary balloons which have, as of now, sparked sixty fires. The IDF is being a little more aggressive of late and has retaliated with air strikes and tank shelling. No telling where this will go. 

The orphanage in Migori is doing well. Their most immediate need is food which, Praise God, our congregation Kol Chai is helping with. The camp had a problem with Jackals entering the compound at night and a child was confronted by one when he got up to go outside to the bathroom. The camp has since been enclosed by a fence with the financial support of Kol Chai. Both their wells went dry and they have to walk a distance to a stream to fetch water in containers and carry it back to the camp daily. We are now working with them to drill a borehole in the camp which would provide clean, safe water for the children. 

Ellen and I are doing well, Glory to God. Corona cases are still rising here but with wisdom and the protection of the Holy Spirit we feel safe. We send you blessings and thank you for your prayers, we are also praying for you. 

Hi Ellen here…During this time of partial isolation and precaution in our daily lives, Scripture has come alive. I am blessed to not have to go to a workplace so I am home A LOT! Jack and I eat really sensibly. Our wardrobe consists of easy and casual and as for my favorite article of clothing…shoes, there is not really much need for them at this time…so as I was reading Matthew 6.25-34 and I realized how amazing God is in His Word. We read Scripture all the time and we read through the Bible once a year and then there comes a time when the words come off the paper and we are living them. Please join me in seeking the kingdom of God first in our lives… 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?... 

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen 

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Parasha Ekev & Sermon: Forgetting the Past

Shalom and Blessings;

 

The chaos and confusion continues within our government. It is impossible for an outsider to form an opinion because every political party puts their own spin on what is happening and they are all playing the blame game. In the meantime the country and the people suffer. There are rumors that Netanyahu is going to force another election by not passing the budget, a claim that he is denying. However, a close friend of ours is a secretary for a member of the Knesset and also holds a portfolio; she said she was told by her boss to start preparing for an election before Rosh Hashanah. Holding an election now, which will cost into the millions of shekels, is a travesty and blight on Netanyahu when so many people are out of work, lost their businesses and in desperate need of government financial assistance. There is no way any sane, compassionate human being would do something so heartless and cruel. Please pray for our leaders.

 

Israel usually gets blamed for everything! As of this writing; however, we have not been blamed for the massive explosion at the port in Lebanon. Personally I think it was a God incident. Lebanon has been tolerating Hezbollah within the country, even voting them into the government. The warehouse stored explosive materials, most likely for Hezbollah for use against Israel; what was it that God said? "I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you." Join us in prayer for the people of Lebanon; for God to show them His Yeshua.

 

Thank you for praying; Miriam is still rehabilitating in isolation at the Corona hotel, Karin is completely recovered, Yaffa is still critical and on a ventilator but improving. Please continue to pray for her. Praise God Ellen and I are doing well, thank you for your prayers.

 

Ellen here…I am a bit stymied for something to write.  Seems like nothing is going on but on the contrary…right?  When Jack and I get up in the morning, even before we leave the bedroom we say this…YES LORD, YES LORD, YES LORD!  We want to serve Him all day and everyday but it seems without the cooperation of the present situation at this time…who are we going to speak with?  Well I turned around after writing this and there was Jack.  Married couples, I am speaking to you.  This is vital in a husband and wife team to serve and minister to each other before you attempt any other service. If there is a speed bump in your marriage you best level it out because anything you try will not be from on high but from your own initiative.  Remember God sees everything…Jeremiah 23.24 says "Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? Declares the Lord…"Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord…

 

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

 

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Parasha Va'etchanan & Sermon: Affliction is Good

Shalom and Blessings;

The protests here are now getting violent and bloody. Tuesday night five anti-Netanyahu protesters were attacked by a group of pro-Netanyahu protesters and the result was injuries and arrests; there seems to be no end or letup in sight. The protests and riots are taking place in Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem and Caesarea where Netanyahu has his private home. Our city, Ashkelon, thank God is quiet. The government has approved a payout of stimulus checks to all Israelis; singles will be receiving the equivalent of $220.00 U.S while a family with up to three children will be receiving the equivalent of $880.00 U.S. Netanyahu's justification for distributing the money this way, while the unemployed are standing in food lines for handouts, is that people will spend the money they receive on Israeli products and services and that will stimulate the economy to created jobs; we are praying he is right. Ellen and I have determined to do our part.

Since the Israeli air strike this week on Syria which killed a Hezbollah fighter, Hezbollah has attempted to infiltrate into Northern Israel to carry out a terror attack. By the grace of God they were detected by a female solider manning the surveillance cameras and then repelled. No one believes that Hezbollah wants to escalate the conflict into an all-out war, but no one is taking any chances either and our military has beefed up their presence along the Israel-Lebanon border.

My cold has improved but I am still experiencing congestion and excess mucus discharge. Please continue to pray that I will be totally healed. Miriam is out of the hospital and in a recovery hotel, Karin's symptoms did not develop into a serious case of Covid, however, Yafa has been placed on a ventilator, we have not heard about her since. Please keep her in prayer. 

Hi Ellen here…hoping you are all well, we are keeping you in our prayers.  Well it has been an eventful week as you read above…Yes, our friend Miriam is recovering nicely.  As she is now in a "corona" hotel her son Matan is in the north as part of the anti-terrorist attacks by Hezbollah…all calm now but Jack and I pray a hedge of protection for our IDF troops.  You know I was thinking, with all that is going on, as believers we are to be joyful…but I truly believe we can suffer from a bout, although a small one, of depression.  It came to me concerning Elijah…after receiving threats on his life from Jezebel he sat down and prayed in the desert feeling worn out and lonely…"I have had enough Lord…take my life, I am not better than my ancestors." 1Kings 19:4…Elijah seemed to have given up hope.  Although we strive not to get to the point of death…depression sometimes comes over us as a wave of sadness and hopelessness.

Let us purpose this week to turn our sadness into garments of praise and dwell only on the good things…remember to give thanks in ALL things, we love you Lord.

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

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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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 

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Matot - Masei & Sermon: "I Want You To Shema"

Shalom and Blessings

God is shaking the earth and Israel is right in the middle of it. Just about everything that can be shaken is being shaken. The government is in shambles and has no idea how to solve the economic problems the coronavirus has caused. There are almost daily protests on the streets of Jerusalem that start out peaceful but break into violent clashes with the police. Protesters attempted to overrun the police a few nights ago in front of the Prime Minister's residence in an effort to break down the door. Netanyahu's popularity is plummeting and confidence in our government is at one of its lowest points ever. God does not condone violence nor do I, but I cannot say that I blame people for being upset; they have no work, no income, their business are going bankrupt and the government is offering very little financial support. I only wish that they would realize that the One who sent this plague is the only One who can stop it and if they would call on the name of Yeshua it could all be over. I'm reminded of a passage of Scripture that describes the hearts of the people during the end times:

Revelation 16:10-11 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.

Save your people Lord Yeshua, redeem Israel from all her troubles!

 

Hi Ellen here…well you heard the news from Rabbi…in fact the headlines are "Barring a Miracle Israel is Headed for a Second Full Lockdown!"  By the time this is all over we will have to get used to another kind of "New Normal".  I was thinking about our history of "wandering Jews and seeing how we all had to get used to a new normal…Abraham and Sarah were told to leave their home and settle in a strange land, hence a new normal.  David had to live in caves to hide from his enemies, hence a new normal. The apostle Shaul was a devout Jew, a Pharisee of Pharisees and become a devout Believer in Yeshua, hence a new normal…Hang on everyone, we can do it because God strengthens us!!!

 

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

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Parasha Pinchas & Sermon: Soul, Spirit And Body

Shalom and Blessings; 

All of Israel's attention is turned towards the Covid-19 pandemic. The infection rate has not only surpassed what it was when the virus first started, it has almost doubled that rate. Just the other day Benny Gantz, the Minister of Defense and Co-Prime Minister went into quarantine after coming into contact with someone who was infected. The armed forces are also not exempt, as high ranking officers and servicemen had to be quarantined. 'Round and round we go, where it will stop nobody knows.' God help us! 

Ellen and I are taking particular precautions due to my vulnerability. We do not venture out unnecessarily and we protect ourselves when we do go out. In some cases, like when we have to go to the hospital, we change our clothes and shower when we get home. It has been very difficult, we feel isolated but God has given us a balcony overlooking the Sea and every night He paints a beautiful sunset sky for us. 

One thing this time has done for us is that we are able to pray more, study the Word more, listen to various teachings more, and share the Word more. We have also learned how to do extreme spiritual warfare and we take on the devil at least twice a day, firing missiles of prayer at him, his demons and principalities of evil; not one has missed its target. 

Hi Ellen here…Yes we are on that isolation merry go round once more. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have the highest numbers of infections; our little city of Ashkelon is faring well but that does not mean it could change. We continue to pray for people's hearts and minds to be transformed so that rebellion is not center stage but obedience and compliance with the directives would prevail. 

There has been something on my mind this week other than Covid. When Jack and I visit the hospital for tests and checkups I am moved by the children…my first concern is for my husband of course, but the Lord has him in the palm of His right hand! We see children in wheelchairs with no hair on their heads; children pulling along IV poles with multiple bags of medicine and feeding tubes in their tiny noses…we see children who have not had an opportunity to be just that, children! They have had to grow up into accepting adulthood in the blink of their beautiful big eyes. It has just moved me to thank the Lord even more for allowing us to have lived a full life…Please let us pray for the little children in hospitals everywhere. 

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

THIS WEEK'S SERMON LINK: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kifguijylm7coco/Soul%2C%20Spirit%20And%20Body.m4a?dl=0

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen 

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Parashot Chukat - Balak & Sermon: "Test of Fire"

Shalom and Blessings

 

Last week in my update, I made a typographical error (probably more than one, but I'm only confessing one). I reported that on the 26^th I was three months cancer free. Actually I have been three YEARS, and now six days cancer free, Praise God! I have other good news; my Video Fluoroscopy was very encouraging. Not only will I not need a PEG (feeding tube), but Ellen no longer has to puree my food. I can now eat my food chopped, which will make it a lot more appealing to me. I am not sure it will lighten Ellen's load, however, so please keep us both in prayer. I did have an aspiration problem with liquids though, and have been limited to carefully drinking only clear, purified water. Ellen and I have placed a miracle healing request in God's Prayer Request Inbox and we are anticipating an answer any day, PTL! Please join us in that prayer.

 

Ever since the government relaxed restrictions, Covid-19 infections have rocked to a level above the previous high. New restrictions have been put into place, but we are not expecting a return to total lockdown, the economy could not sustain that. Already the tourist industry has been decimated with thousands out of work, plus countless employees of the shops, hotels and restaurants that depend on tourists have fired staff.

 

The honeymoon is over between Benny Gantz and Bibi Netanyahu and every day it appears more like the annexation of portions of the West Bank is on life support. Guess the 10 spies won out again. It will be interesting to see what God does next. Bibi's bribery and corruption case is almost garnishing more news interest than Covid-19. Sadly he is looking more and more guilty with each passing day. A wealthy friend, who is a witness in his case, gave him 2.5 million dollars towards his defense, however, the Attorney General held it up because, as long as he is Prime Minister it would be an illegal gift; which means he would have to resign to receive it. Kind of a catch twenty two; resign if you are found guilty; resign if you want to defend yourself! 

 

Hi Ellen here…not much to report on other than THANK YOU LORD!!!  Jack's visit to the hospital was tense at first but then came the relief of God's will in our lives.  As Jack was going through yet another rigorous test I sat in the waiting area praying, praising and thanking our ALMIGHTY for what was transpiring in the other room…my spirit lit up and was impressed by the fact that HE does not do anything half way.   To clarify my experience I can share this…I know without out a doubt that my God is healing my husband incrementally and is preparing Jack and I to be able to receive the manifestation of HIS whole and miraculous healing so as to glorify HIS holy name.  I would ask you if there is something you are praying for and have not received…check yourself out and ask HIM if you are ready to receive what HE has for you!  Blessings…please pray for Arnie, Donna, Gill, Greg, Joe, Rosemary, Rivkah, Yoni and Hadar for healing in Messiah Yeshua

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

 

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Parasha Korach & Sermon: "What are you doing here?"

Shalom and Blessings

The buzz here is still the annexation of parts of the West Bank. It amazes me how the nations of the world balk when other nations try to meddle in their affairs, but no one seems to mind meddling in Israel's affairs. Whether annexation will be good or bad for Israel, in my opinion, is not up for discussion. Judea and Samaria were given to Israel by the God of heaven and earth, this is His land and not ours, and therefore, no matter how things may look in the natural it does not have any relevance, God works in the supernatural. Last week we studied in Parasha Shelach Lecha. The children of Israel refused to accept that God had given them the land of Canaan and so they saw the inhabitants as giants and themselves as grasshoppers. In the supernatural, however, the battle was the Lord's and not theirs. With all the opposition and treats Israel is facing from around the world, there is a good chance history will repeat itself!

The 26^th I will be three months cancer free and God gets all the Glory; He has healed me!!! The 24^th I had my quarterly ENT check-up and we were encouraged by the result. The Dr. said; "everything looks very good." With that observation he extended the time between visits to every four months; PRAISE GOD!!!

Swallowing has not been an issue, since we have been following the Swallow Clinic's instructions and Ellen has been pureeing my food. We are both confident that I will not need a feeding tube, which we believe will be confirmed after the Video Fluroscopy appointment next week. What an awesome God we serve. Please keep us in prayer.

 

Hi Ellen here…Great news about our Rabbi but he forgot to tell how he Lord has opened the door for him… the "fluoroscopy" was scheduled for July 14^th and that seemed eons away!  God is faithful as He opened the door for this coming Tuesday…June 30^th.  We will be updating you next week hallelujah!  The Lord is so gracious as He is strengthening Jack and me in the area of endurance.  A few weeks ago I spoke on waiting but endurance goes deeper. In Philippians 4.13 it says "you can do hard things"…enduring through time, doctors' appointments, false diagnosis and BAD word descriptions can shake a person's world but with Messiah in us all things are possible…thank God!

 

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

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Parasha Shelach Lecha

Shalom and Blessing;

It's been awhile since I shared about Kenya. Kenya is still in lockdown and the government has restricted travel between cities. They are also reluctant to allow places of worship to reopen. That has not deterred us, however. Our members are in daily contact with each other over WhatsApp and Ellen is posting daily Scripture verses for strengthening and encouraging our members. We have provided a digital copy of our Shabbat Siddur so that all can hold services in their homes on Shabbat. I send both a weekly commentary of the Torah portion as well as an audio sermon each week, both of which I share with you all. I also share a mid-week short teaching. Few of our members have computers, air time on cell phones can be expensive and Wi-Fi is very sporadic, if it's even available, so services over Zoom is not an option. Last week the congregation in Karatina celebrated two Bar Mitzvahs, Yochanan and Victor. Ellen and I sent a video greeting to the boys over WhatsApp and I sent them a special Bar Mitzvah audio/video sermon over YouTube; please pray for the boys and their families. The pictures we received back were such a blessing. Our new congregation's name registration is in process (Etz Chaim), hopefully it will be registered soon. We so appreciate your love, concern and desire to financially support the Messianic Believers in Kenya, in time that will come.

The orphanage in Migori is doing well although food is always an issue. God however, made a way and came to the rescue. All the teaching material that we provide for the congregations in Nairobi and Karatina we have also provided to Migori and we are in regular contact with each other over WhatsApp. Please keep this precious home and shelter in your prayers especially the directors and leaders Evans and Millicent; they work so hard and unselfishly.    

Hi Ellen here…On a lighter side of all this…Even though the LAW here continues concerning the wearing of masks…not many do!  The interesting phenomenon is the face mask has become the chin support.  Although this does not offer any protection I am rather enjoying this new accessory as it covers a multitude of chins.  On a more serious side…infections are rising and more schools have been closed.  We now live on a fourteen day schedule of quarantine and no quarantine; we are not able to travel and food shopping has become a paranoid experience.  In all this there is still HOPE…my life Scripture is so beautiful and I recite it multiple times a day.  Get your Bible and read along with me…Jeremiah 29:11-13:  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " HE is all we need…blessings in Yeshua!

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

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Parasha Beha'alotecha

Shalom and Blessings

This has been an interesting week for us. I shared two weeks ago about the diagnosis I received from the swallowing clinic and their un-encouraging report. Well I'm happy to say that God has intervened and answered all our prayers. Last Friday I received a call from the technician at the clinic and this is what she told me; "Jack, we may have been too hasty in diagnosing your condition. What we saw, the water and bits of food going down your windpipe, may have been exaggerated by the video tube we had down your throat. We want you to have a non-invasive Video Fluoroscopy so as to properly evaluate what and how much of what you swallow goes into your lungs. If the results are positive a PEG may not be necessary." What an awesome God we serve!! Ellen and I have been praying for this exact thing. Oh yes by the way, we have already changed the way my food is prepared and the results have been very encouraging. Please continue to pray. God is doing a miraculous work, and we will keep you posted.

The news buzz here is centered mainly on the West Bank annexation plan. Jordan has made threats of pulling out of the peace agreement they have with Israel if Netanyahu goes through with the plan. This has prompted the government to send Benny Gantz to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah. No one is sure what good that will do, but it is certainly worth a try.

Things are still heating up along the Israel Lebanon border. Hezbollah continues to build up their forces and Israel has started military exercises in the area. This has prompted the Secretary General of UNIFIL to ask for increased monitoring capabilities and maneuverability along the demilitarized zone between the two countries. Only time will tell what God next has in mind. One thing for sure like Isaiah prophesied: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me," Says the Lord. (Isa. 45:17)

Hi Ellen here….As you have read above God is very busy in our lives and I am sure in yours as well!  Yes we have been visiting our wonderful hospital. "SHEBA," and becoming more acquainted with all the different departments …please pray for ALL the staff there, thank you.  Our first appointment at the swallow clinic was truly an experience…we had to wait a very long time for our triage interview …but God always has a plan. A nurse in training was sent up to view all that was planned for Jack. God sent "Achmed", a Palestinian Israeli intern nurse. We struck up a conversation and I believe the heavens opened to show us the hate in this young man's heart for who he called "occupiers". Of course we spoke kindly with him…I asked him if he would only see the beauty in all things instead of the hate. He said yes but you could see how unavailable his spirit was. He told us he wasn't religious but that he was definitely a Muslim and I saw him as an angry young man. What came to mind was that when someone is not willing to come under authority then an authority will come over them. Please pray for arrows of deliverance to enter Achmed's heart and that he will be saved from his present authority and receive Yeshua as Lord and savior…hallelujah!!!

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Parasha Naso & Sermon: Shavuot - Two Stories

Shalom & Blessings; 

With all that is taking place in the United States amid the violent riots and clashes with police, one might think that Israel is devoid of racism and prejudice. Forgetting about the Arab Israeli prejudices and distrust for each other, which is always looming over this country, one would think, seeing that this country is 70% Jewish there would be no hatred or prejudice among the Jews living here. That sadly, is the farthest thing from the truth. There are two classes of Jews in this country. Yes, Israel has a class system! There are the Middle Eastern Jews, most predominantly from Morocco, Libya, and Tunisia who are known as Sephardic Jews and there are the Eastern European Jews, predominantly from Eastern European countries who are known as Ashkenazi Jews. Although we live together in peace, there is definitely no harmony between us and there always exists an undertone of negative remarks about each other in public life and in the marketplace. Then there is the overt anger and contempt between another two groups; the ultra-orthodox and the secular Israelis, and I think I can include the moderate orthodox into the mix. These groups have no love for each other and the venting of their feelings for each other is most often played out in the political arena. You would think that would be enough, but there is yet one more group who receive the brunt of all Israeli prejudice and that is the Ethiopian Jews. I guess you can categorize them as Israel's equivalent to the American blacks. They sadly are subject to a disproportionate amount of police brutality, racism, housing prejudice and employment prejudice. Yes, Israel can be painted with the same brush of shame as every country in the world. Only salvation through Yeshua The Messiah can erase this hatred and turn it into LOVE. 

I think it is naïve for anyone to believe that man can solve all the problems on earth. We are witnessing these days what I believe to be one of the greatest deceptions of Satan. The world is blaming President Trump for the unrest and riots taking place across the America, expressing that he is inciting hatred. Hatred has existed on earth since the fall of Adam and Eve and Satan's reign on earth. For hundreds of years if not thousands, man has thought that he could bring peace and justice to the earth. Yet today we are further away from peace and justice than we have ever been. The only solution to human conflict is the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth led by Yeshua the Messiah. So Ellen and I are committed to praying for the soon return of Yeshua to establish His Kingdom and finally bring peace and justice to the earth. Please join with us in this prayer. 

Hi Ellen here…Remember we told you about Shelanu…the 24/7 Messianic television station procured by God TV? Well despite threats to shut it down it is still with us, praise God. The programing is full of witness, joy, history and best of all…the Word of God, both in English and in Hebrew. Please pray with us for the continuance, anointing and God's protection to be on Shelanu! May many people be drawn to Yeshua through this ministry! We Love you and are praying for you… 

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: 

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Listen to sermon: Shavuot - Two Stories