Shabbat Shuvah Sermon: "Choose Life"

Shalom Beloved of the Lord.

Normally I send you my Shabbat sermon link the week after I give it to our congregations in Kenya. This morning while in prayer, Ellen and I heard the Lord speak to our hearts to send out this message today. This is a 'day sensitive' sermon, which we believe the Lord led us to share with your. Receive it in the Spirit of the Lord and be blessed.

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Listen to sermon "Choose Life"

Parasha Ha'avinu & Sermon: "Elohim-Rosh Hashanah"

September 25, 2020 

Shalom and Blessings 

Trust that everyone enjoyed their Rosh Hashanah, we had an exceptional one. The congregations in Kenya used Zoom conference service for the first time. Members gathered at the home of our elder couple in Nairobi (Limuru) and at the home/congregation in Karatina, two hours north of Nairobi. Others that could not reach one or the other location and had Zoom access on their cell phones or had a computer, joined in from where they were. Ellen and I were able to lead complete with liturgy, praise and worship and the Torah service which was led by those in Limuru. This was a new experience for all of us and PRAISE GOD it was a beautiful, touching experience. God willing, we plan on doing it again for Yom Kippur. I know for many, you will be restricted by the difference in time zones, but if you would like to join us for Yom Kippur let us know and we will send you the link information, this time we will be using Skype. There was however, another highlight to our Rosh Hashanah. One of our members met a woman who was travelling in Kenya from the U.S., she is also a part-time resident of Israel, and brought her to the meeting. What a surprise for Ellen and me and the others as well, as we were able to share our Rosh Hashanah service with her. She was also blessed to know that there are Messianic Kenyans honoring this special appointment time with God as Messianic Believers. Needless to say we were all totally blessed. 

We are now one week into the lockdown and there is still confusion about what we can and cannot do. Ellen and I are doing our best to conform to the restrictions but they change so often it is hard to keep up with them. We are taking every precaution to stay safe and sanitized and we pray that you are doing the same. We have been told that more extreme measures are on their way as the daily contagion rate hits 7,000. 

Hi Ellen here…I would like to take a moment and speak with you concerning Shabbat Shuvah. Our Lord is so abounding in grace that HE gives us yet another opportunity to make Teshuvah…to return. Return to where and return from where??? God speaks to us very clearly in Hosea, the Haftarah, in that He will help us to return from sin to dwelling under the shadow of His wings. In Hosea, chapter 14 verse 5 He says… I will remedy their backsliding; I will love them freely, for My wrath has turned away from them." Shabbat Shuvah is just that, a Shabbat. The Lord desires that we rest in Him and return in His love…stop worrying, stop toiling and stop working towards repentance. Come to your Abba, confess and He forgives…never to remember your backsliding.

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 

Read Parasha

Listen to sermon "Elohim-Rosh Hashanah"

Water For Orphanage

September 21, 2020 

Shalom Mishpocha (Family) 

We have an urgent request. The orphanage in Migori, Kenya has a serious palatable water problem. Their wells have dried up and they cannot dig them any deeper having already hit bedrock. They need to drill a borehole to tap into a safe water supply for the children. Ellen and I personally paid for an engineer to secure the necessary permits and determine the best location to drill. The cost of this preliminary work was close to $2000.00 U.S. which we took care of, but there is an additional cost for the drilling - $75.00 U.S. per meter. The engineer estimated that they will have to drill down 180 meters so as to get a sufficient supply of fresh, clean, safe drinking water; something we all take for granted when we turn on the faucet in our homes. Ellen and I cannot receive donations, we are not a charitable organization and any money we collect becomes personal taxable income. However, we have worked out a way for you to send money for this worthy project direcly to the orphanage, if God places it upon your heart to help. We set up a PayPal account for the orphanage; however, you will need your own PayPal account to donate and pay into it. Opening a PayPal account is very quick and easy. Once you do so you can send your donations through your personal PayPal account to: 

mataraevans2019@gmail.com

The total cost of the project is approximately $17,000.00 U.S. We have already raised $6,000.00 U.S. and are now trusting God to work through the generosity of His children for the balance. We will be monitoring all the donations, ensuring they are used for the purpose sent, so once you donate let us know when you sent it and if in U.S. or CDN dollars. Sorry but no tax receipts can be issued. 

We have attached pictures and a short video of how they are collecting their water at present. 

May God Bless you in Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King. 

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Parasha Yom Teruah - Rosh Hashanah & Sermon: "A Common Denominator."

Shalom and Blessings; 

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW: In my September 4th update I briefly mentioned the peace agreement worked out with the United Arab Emirates. I said the following, referring to making peace with those that are occupying land given to Israel by God: "The recent peace agreement with the UAE I believe does not apply here because God never promised Israel any of their land; He will deal with them another time." I was wrong. God spoke with me in the early hour of Tuesday morning and reminded me of the following Scriptures: 

Deuteronomy {7:2} "and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy. {7:3} Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,"

Genesis {34:1} "Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. {34:2} When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and raped her. {34:3} His heart was drawn to Dinah, daughter of Jacob; he loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. {34:4} And Shechem said to his father Hamor, "Get me this girl as my wife." {34:9} Intermarry with us; give us your daughters and take our daughters for yourselves. {34:10} You can settle among us; the land is open to you. Live in it, trade in it, and acquire property in it." 

The religion of Islam allows for men to have multiple wives, the richer they are the more wives they can afford and have. With an influx of rich tourists and businessmen from UAE and now from Bahrain, vulnerable Israeli women could be easily impressed by the high life these people can offer them and thus be taken up by their wealth, resulting in us giving our daughters to marry their sons. We all remember how Midian caused Israel to sin by sending in their woman to fornicate with the Israeli men, it resulted in thousands dying in a plague. What in the natural looks good with these peace agreements could very well turn out to be a curse! 

I hate to say that I was right when I said two weeks ago, referring to Hamas and Israel: "Can cats and mice find common ground and make peace with each other?" Tuesday night Hamas broke their peace agreement and fired 15 rockets into Israel, reaching as far as Ashdod. A man in Ashdod who was distributing food to the poor for Rosh Hashanah was struck by shrapnel and now is in serious condition; please pray for Asher's healing and recovery and please pray for his family. 

Hi Ellen here…I have so many thoughts on so many levels but the goodness of the Lord spoke to my heart and this is what He said…Psalm 96: Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness. 

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

Rosh Hashanah blessings to you and your families! May this New Year 5781 be one of health, and growth into the fullness of the Holy Spirit!

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Read Parasha

Listen to sermon

Parasha Netzavim - Vayeilech & Sermon: "You’re In The Army Now"

Shalom and Blessings; 

Today is a day that has gone down in history. Today we remember the 3000 plus people who died in the terror attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City and the failed attack on the Pentagon which killed a plane load of people. Americans and the world thought this was the beginning of the apocalypse and tens of thousands turned to the Lord. 911 started a mini revival but sadly it did not last. Hearts were broken but pride was not and America and the world quickly fell into deeper sin and into the state we see it in now. 

Psalm 6:3 "My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long?"

Corona virus cases have soared here in Israel and we are facing the possibility of a one month nationwide lockdown. Conditions are very difficult now, with hunger, homelessness, protests and riots, so we dread the thought of what will happen if there is another national closure. These past months have been a tremendous strain on the Israeli economy with the budget billions of shekels in the red. Now there is talk of higher taxes, higher VAT (value added tax), and higher fees to be imposed upon a people who are already one of the highest taxed in the world. If there was ever a time for evangelism, this is it. Only God's intervention in the hearts of Israelis will turn things around. Pray for the salvation of the Jewish people. 

Come quickly Lord Yeshua, redeem us and redeem all Israel from our troubles. 

Hi Ellen here…I too have a solemn word which is motivated by love, the love that our Savior has for us. This is the countdown of the month of Elul as Jack has taught on and mentions each morning as the shofar is blown. The Lord has impressed upon my heart to give an alarm to all. Yes the month of Elul is all about retrospection and spiritual detox but most importantly about forgiveness…unforgiveness…self-forgiveness…this is so important! If you are praying and repenting, if you are standing in the gap for someone and even if you are praising but still harbor unforgiveness in your heart, if you are tithing and volunteering with unforgiveness in your heart, it's as if you are doing it all for nothing. Remember in Matthew 6.14-6.15 "…Forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Please hear this alarm and FORGIVE before Elul is over…before the return of our great KING. 

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 

Read Parasha

Listen to sermon: "You’re In The Army Now"

Parasha Ki Tavo & Sermon "Tushuvah"

Shalom and blessings; 

Can cats and mice find common ground and make peace with each other? I think we all know the answer to that question! Tuesday, Hamas and Israel agreed to end border hostilities after Israel agreed to allow Qatar to flood the enclave with massive amounts of money. Can money buy peace, can it by happiness? We all know that answer as well! Many times the ancient kings of Judah and Israel hired and paid for the help of a neighboring country to neutralize an enemy instead of turning to God and the results were disastrous, I think we can expect the same here. 

Gaza is part of the land God promised to Israel. He said that if we did not drive out the pagan inhabitants of the land they would be thorns in our flesh and pricks in our eyes. And so it is and so it will be, agreements or no agreements, because that is the way God said it will be. The Sinai Peninsula now occupied by Egypt and the part of the Jordan Valley occupied by Jordan (land for peace) will not bring peace in the long run. Pagans are occupying God's Promise Land and when we made peace with them we made peace with their gods; "You shall have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3). Be prayed up and look up because disaster is coming. The recent peace agreement with the UAE I believe does not apply here because God never promised Israel any of their land; He will deal with them another time. 

Hi Ellen here…well on a lighter and more feminine side I return to the subject of clothing. Women like clothing and always want to be looking their best. Last time we spoke about this I said our wardrobe had taken a very casual look and now with soaring temperatures here in Israel…light and airy…but there is a wardrobe that is given to us as believers in Yeshua free of charge…white as snow…protective and long lasting! Let us look! In Yeshayahu (Isaiah) we see that our Lord has given us a breastplate of righteousness, a helmet of salvation, garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped in a cloak of divine passion (59.17). Also in Yeshayahu (61.10) He clothed us in garments of salvation and arrayed us in robes of righteousness…Let us not forget the sandals of peace and the belt of truth in Ephesians 6…is not this wonderful, is not this exciting. We are adorned by our God in gorgeous clothing and wrapped in His salvation. Bless you all! 

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen 

Read Parasha

Listen to sermon: Tushuvah

Unsubscribe? Reply to this e-mail with the word "unsubscribe" as the Subject 

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 

Read Parasha

Listen to Sermon: "Who is Your God?"

Unsubscribe? Reply to this e-mail with the word "unsubscribe" as the Subject

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

Read Parasha

Avoiding Tragic Consequences

Unsubscribe? Reply to this e-mail with the word "unsubscribe" as the Subject

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 

Read Parasha

Listen to Sermon: Mind Reading

Unsubscribe? Reply to this e-mail with the word "unsubscribe" as the Subject 

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

 

Read Parasha

Sermon: Forgetting the Past

 

  

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/

Read Parasha

Listen to Sermon: Affliction is Good

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Unsubscribe? Reply to this e-mail with the word "unsubscribe" as the Subject

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 

Read Parasha

Listen to sermon: "We are a tool in God's toolbox"

Unsubscribe? Reply to this e-mail with the word "unsubscribe" as the Subject

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

Read Parasha

Listen to sermon:"I Want You To Shema" 

Unsubscribe? Reply to this e-mail with the word "unsubscribe" as the Subject