Thoughts on the Torah Portion (Yitro)...By Tommy

Shalom Y'all,

It is I, the T man with you again. It is my pleasure to share my thoughts on the Torah portion with you this week. How the time has seemed to fly since I last wrote.

The name of this Torah portion is Yitro which means Jethro. (Moses' father-in-law) and the passage can be found in: Exodus 18:1-20:26 Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-7 and in Matthew 6:1-8:1

First of all, I want to say, I hope that each and everyone of you will read this Torah portion on your own. There is so much that we can learn if we were to get into The Word more then we do (I speak to myself as I write this). The Scriptures are full from beginning to end of instruction on how we are to live our lives. 


It is up to us to decide whether we want to follow the perfect plan that YHVH our Creator has laid out for us ... or are we going to do it our own way and maybe throw in a little or a lot of Scripture here or there so that it looks like we are following Scripture, but in all reality we are taking the scriptures out of their context and making it sound a certain way so that we can justify how we live our life. 


The more I read the scriptures, the more clearly I see how it is the same book from beginning to end, from Genesis to Revelation. Nothing has changed, as far as the commandments of YHVH are concerned, nothing has been done away with. 


Even Yeshua said in Matthew 5:18-19 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches [them], he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

You might ask, Ok Tommy, what does this have to do with the Torah portion? And my answer is, in a way it does not have anything to do with it and yet on the other hand it has EVERYTHING to do with it. 


First things first, I did not have any of this planned. What I have written has poured out from my hands onto this keyboard. I had been praying about what to write and up until the time that I sat down to write, I had not gotten anything, however I knew that I was suppose to start writing and that YHVH would guide my hands and my thoughts. I give him praise that He is, because it is currently 1:20am as I write this and usually at this time of night I cannot think straight, much less put coherent words on a screen :) So back to how does what I have written tie in with the Torah portion.

In Exodus 19:3-6, we read: "Moses went up to God, and YHVH called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel: 'You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to Myself. 'Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel."

There are two things that jumped out at me when I read that. It says, "Speak unto the children of Israel". Who are we? Are we not the children of Israel? Through the blood of Yeshua the Messiah we have been brought in to the commonwealth of Israel (see Ephesians 2:12-13). If the scriptures are true (and I believe with my whole heart that they are), then does this not mean that YHVH is speaking to us here in chapter 19 of Exodus (not to mention all the other chapters in the Bible)? I believe He is. 


So now is where part two comes in. It says in verse 5, "Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;" In some translations it read "My commandments." So it looks like to me, that if we want to be part of YHVH's own possession, then we need to be living by the commandments that He has laid out for us.

I don't know about you, but personally I don't want to take any chance of not being part of YHVH's own possession. Does that mean that I am Mr. Perfect? By all means NO, because my flesh does not want to be part of YHVH's own possession and that is where we get to decide which road we are going to take. However that is another whole topic that I am not going to get into tonight, or more correctly this morning.

I hope and pray that this will bless each and everyone of you. Once again, this has been totally of the Father's doing, because I honestly did not have a clue of what I was going to write. There is so much more that I could share on this Torah portion; however it is now 2:00 am, so I am going to bring it to a close with one last encouragement ... to get into the Scriptures and read them for what they say, not what we want them to say.

Shabbat Shalom,

Tommy

Random Remembrances - Part One

... uh, I believe that is a jackal ...
On one of our first nights in Ezuz, Tommy and I decided to go for a walk. It was close to midnight and we started walking down the hill out of the community, in the direction of the Egyptian border. I was talking to Abba on Tommy's phone and all of the sudden we hear this really eerie sound. I said something to the extent of, "What was that?!" ... and Abba is on the other end of the phone thousands of miles away, asking, "What is what?!" We heard it several times and realized that it was most likely a nearby jackal. Have you ever heard a hyena? It wasn't quite the same type of sound but it was almost as creepy!

... trying to watch Anne of Green Gables with Naomi ...

It was a new DVD and it would not play on my laptop. We asked Anchel (the Mexican man that was volunteering there) if we could try it on his computer and it didn't work there either, but we did receive a message in Spanish.  None of us understood Spanish except Anchel ... and he did not know enough English to tell us what the message was saying! We kept ejecting and inserting the disc, trying to make it work and then Tommy got a bright idea :)  He pulled up Google Translate (on my computer) and told Anchel to type in the Spanish words. The message was translated ... to the effect that the disc was damaged and could not be played. The funny part was when we were started playing around with Google Translate, translating English words into Hebrew and Spanish and vice versa ... and someone clicked on the volume icon to hear the translation. The accents were so hilarious that Naomi and I nearly fell over laughing. Tommy was laughing because we were laughing and Anchel couldn't understand what we were saying, but he joined in anyway. It was a fun night.

... yep, those were drug runners ...
We were on a walk again - this one was in the daytime. We had walked to the Egyptian border and back. As we were approaching Ezuz, there were two vehicles that came out of the desert and into the oasis - one was a fairly nice Mercedes SUV. There were two Arab men in each. Tommy and I weren't sure what to think, but we walked on - keeping an eye to make sure they weren't following us. When we mentioned the incident to a soldier friend of ours who had been stationed near the border, he said, "Oh yeah, those were definitely drug runners."

Arab in keffiyeh + Mercedes SUV + near the Egyptian border =  ............ 

well, let's just say I was glad we didn't meet those guys on one of our night walks :)

This was taken shortly after we saw the drug runners.

... piano accompaniment ...

There was a family staying the Hirshfeld's one weekend - they were from a settlement near Hevron. After Shabbat, the wife started playing the guitar, singing Psalms in Hebrew. It was beautiful! I was thrilled to not only be able to understand some of the passages she was singing, but also to be able to heard most of what she was playing by ear and join her on the piano :)

... "well, life in the Negev can be kinda loud, with fighter jets flying below the clouds" ...
(If you know the song and have been in the Negev, you're welcome to finish the verse, 'cause I can't figure out the rest of it! As a matter of fact, if you haven't been in the Negev but you have songwriter's imagination, let me know what you come up with!) Anyway, it was a regular thing for noisy air force jets to fly over the area while practicing. Every so often we would see flares. It was kind of neat ... it wasn't something that we regularly experience here in the hills and hollers of Tennessee :)



... Tommy, the impromptu IDF mechanic ... 
It was on another one of our walks (nighttime again! We tried to walk nearly every night on the road that circled through and partially around Ezuz - about a two miles, I think) ... we saw two vehicles coming toward us and one was being towed by the other. As they passed us, we realized that the vehicles were IDF hummers, heading toward Ezuz. Tommy started wondering what was wrong with the one, mechanic that he is :)  We walked on a little further and discovered an area in the road that was wet. Tommy bent over to inspect it and promptly announced that it was transmission fluid. We continued our walk back toward Ezuz and Tommy expressed his plan to offer his services if necessary. Before we got back to the community, the hummers had left.

... "that's not modest" ... 
There were several times when the neighbor girls would visit Naomi and there would be discussions about modest clothing ... specifically - that their clothing wasn't modest! I couldn't understand all of the Hebrew, but at times Naomi would turn to me and ask me in English if I agreed with whatever point she was trying to make. I would agree and she would turn back to the neighbor girl and tell her what I said. It was amusing to see the expressions :)

(more coming later ... or sooner, depending on when I get a round tuit!)

Thoughts On The Torah Portion (B'Shelach) ... by Hannah

I'm sorry about the lack of a post last week ... there was some miscommunication about who was going to write it and it did not get done at all!

The Torah this week is Exodus 13:17–17:16 and the Haftarah is Judges 4:4–5:31.

This portion has so much in it - especially the Haftarah! The story of Deborah and Barak and Yael is quite an exciting one. I think it is also one that is often misunderstood or misconstrued (specifically, Deborah's part) and I'd love to share more of my thoughts on that, but for now I'm going to stick with the Exodus passage.

Of course, this is a very exciting portion too with so much happening, but one of the main things that stood out to me is this:

Think about all the incredible miracles that Israel experienced ... the ten plagues in Egypt ... crossing the Red Sea ... Pharaoh and his chariots being destroyed ... the bitter water made sweet ... quail and manna for the people to eat ... a victorious battle with Amalek, due to Moses's hands being raised all day long ...

But what keeps happening? The children of Israel reacted over and over again in fear, grumbling and complaining. For some reason, when I read the story of the exodus and events that took place shortly thereafter, I can't imagine having doubts. I mean, if I saw YHWH divide the sea right in front of my eyes and bring water out of a rock that was hit with a stick, it seems that I could trust Him for anything. But is that really the case? If I were a part of the children of Israel, how would I have responded?

In 1 Corinthians 10:1-12, we read about the different ways in which the children of Israel sinned and verse 11-12 say, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

We need to learn from the example of Israel in the wilderness. Hebrews 3:8-12 says, "Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God."

It is a scary thing to have a hard heart. Look at what happened to the Egyptians because of Pharaoh's hard heart. I do not want to harden my heart against YHWH in any way, but to always be pliable so that I can be molded into His image.

YHWH works in miraculous ways! (Kinda reminds of the line in that old movie Sergeant York ... "the Lord sure does move in mysterious ways!") Have you experienced His hand in a supernatural way? I know that our family has and besides that, we can read so many Scriptural accounts of His incredible power. So why do we worry about little things? Look at the way He cared for the children of Israel, keeping them safe from their enemies and providing for their needs. If we serve the God who could divide the sea to allow hundreds of thousands of people to cross on dry land, and then brought it back together to destroy their enemies ... why can't we trust Him in the itty-bitty, nitty-gritty, every day details of life?!

When we look at the experiences of the children of Israel, I think there is a tendency to think, "Look at everything YHWH did for them and they still didn't trust and believe Him!" In Hebrews 3 and 1 Corinthians 10, we are being encouraged to examine ourselves. After all, we serve the same God and He cares for us just as He cared for them. He is our provider and protector ... are we fully trusting and believing Him?

Let me close with two verses ...

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

May YHWH bless all of you as you continue this journey of trusting, believing and following His incredible and wonderful plan for your life!

Thought on the Torah Portion... by Sarah

Shalom everyone!  This is Sarah and I hope that you all had a good week and are enjoying Shabbat now.  The name of this week's Torah portion is: Va'era... וארא... meaning "I Appeared". This portion can be found in Exodus 6:2-9:35; Ezekiel 28:25-29:21; and Matthew 12:1-14.

When I agreed to my "big siblings" plan of writing something about the Torah portion, I had no idea that my turn would fall on this portion.  Why did this have to be the one I have to write about? There is so much in this portion and I know that I will not be able to give it full justice, but I will try my best.

Exodus 6:2 - 9:35 is a very exciting portion, it's the history of the first Passover.  It talks about the genealogy of Moses and Aaron and how YHWH commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh and to tell him to let His people go.  You read about Moses doubting himself and YHWH telling him to have Aaron speak for him, Aaron's rod turning into a snake and then the 10 plagues.

Here are a couple things that stood out to me as I read over that section. 

First, all throughout that portion it is all about YHWH saying, "I will do this" and "I will do that", "For I  have commanded you".  It was all about YHWH telling Moses and Aaron what to do.  There was never a record of YHWH saying (in that portion), "Hey Moses, I am having a hard time thinking of another plague to put on the Egyptians, do you have any ideas?"  No, YHWH was the one that made everything happen. YHWH is in control of you and me just as He was with Moses and Aaron, so I pray that we may hear His voice clearly and let Him work through us just as Moses and Aaron let Him work though Him.

Second, whenever I read this portion it has always been interesting to me how YHWH would harden Pharaoh's heart after each plague.  Why did He not just turn the water into blood and call it good? It reminds me of the portion in Psalms that we read at Passover time, "It would have been enough". It does not say that Pharaoh hardened his heart, it says that YHWH hardened his heart, so it would have been enough ... BUT!!! YHWH wanted to show the people His signs and wonders (Exodus 7:3).  YHWH is awesome!  Look around you, look outside ...  YHWH is amazing.

I know that there is SO much more that we can glean and learn from that story, but I've got to go so please read it through yourself and find out YHWH's wonders for yourself.

Shabbat Shalom... have a wonderful week and YHWH bless you.  ~Sarah

Thoughts on the Torah Portion...By Tommy

Shalom Y'all,

It is my pleasure to write to you this week. I hope and pray that you all are doing well. The name of this week's Torah portion is Shemot, meaning "names" and is found in: Exodus 1:1-6:1 Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23 and Luke 5:12-39.

In Exodus we read about Moses being born and then it covers 80 years of his life up until the time that YHVH tells him to go back to Egypt to lead a thriving yet enslaved nation to freedom in the Promised Land - Eretz Yisrael (The Land of Israel). In Isaiah we read about a prophesy of what is going to happen in the end and a warning to us, those who may not be Jewish, but through the blood of Yeshua our Messiah we are now part of Israel (AKA Ephraimites. See Ephesians 2:12-13). And in Luke we read about Yeshua performing miracles and having different discussions with the Pharisees.

That is about all of the background that I'm gonna give you, I hope that each and everyone of you all will read it for yourself. However I will share a couple things that stood out to me in this Torah portion. So here I go ...

The first thing that stood out to me was how much we can see a picture of Yeshua in Moses. I mean, in his very birth, you can see it ... he had to be hid so that Pharaoh would not kill him. There are so many more examples but I will let you do your home work and find them for yourself. Another thing that stood out to me was the two midwives and how YHVH took care of them even when the circumstances made it look like they were going to die if they did not obey Pharaoh. However YHVH made a way and not only did they not die, but the nation of Israel continued to grow. I have often wondered if I were in a place similar to that, what I'd do. After reading this account I don't think that I'd let any ruler make me do something against the will of YHVH, even if it meant death.

Those are a couple of the different things that YHVH pointed out to me in this portion, I pray that they bless you as they did me.

Shabbat Shalom, Tommy

Thoughts on the Torah Portion ... by Hannah

Shalom Y'all!

We've come up with an idea that we're going to try out ... some of us children are going to take turns sharing our thoughts about the weekly Torah, Haftarah and Brit Chadasha portions. It's my turn this week and I think Tommy will take a turn next week, so here goes ...

In the Torah (Genesis 47:28-50:26), we read about Israel (Jacob) and his death and in the Haftarah (1Kings 2:1-12), we read about King David just before his death. In Genesis 49:10, Israel prophesies that "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Part of this prophecy is fulfilled through David's kingship, as he is a descendant of Judah and of course it is also fulfilled in Yeshua - the King of kings, who was also a descendant of Judah. In the Brit Chadasha (Luke 4:31-5:11), we read about several of the many miracles that Yeshua performed - examples of the power that YHWH gave to Him ... and ultimately the Kingly authority that He held (and holds!).

I think the one verse that stood out to me more than any of the others, was when Joseph was speaking to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, and said; "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." It is very similar to Romans 8:28, where we read; "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

When the enemy tries to harm us (often using other people in the process), remember that YHWH will work it all out for the best. Sometimes we do not understand how difficult situations are working out of the best. In the story of Joseph, we get to see the end results. I'm sure that Joseph did not understand "the good" that YHWH was bringing to pass, throughout those years of being kidnapped, sold, falsely accused, imprisoned and forgotten ... but once it was all over, he could see YHWH's plans and purposes. May we always remember this in every difficult situation that we face and always "praise Him in the storm"!

Sukkot 2011 - Part 3

This is the last Sukkot photo post ... I will see about posting videos at some point.

October 19th:

We had a communal breakfast and the neat thing about it was that the men cooked everything! Here is a picture of Tracy T, David B, and Abba - all cooking omelets!

It was pretty cool and rainy that day.                                    

That evening we had a Thanksgiving meal and a talent show ... but I do not have any pictures of the latter.

October 20th:

Emily B, Lydia and Toby D.

Tommy and Peyton B.

Emily B shooting a airsoft gun into the lake.

Samuel shooting the airsoft gun.

And Lydia shot the gun too.

Tommy and Nathan B ... driving his Land Rover into the water. He did not go any deeper than what is shown in the picture, because he did not want to mess it up!

Our family taking a walk on the dam.

Abba and Mama.

Us children.

October 21st:

Good 'ol BoBo.

Daisy.

Tommy and Sam packing up the canoes.

Abba and Sam fishing :)

Abba - casting one more time before we left.

Here are photos of everyone except Sarah... she was sick and did not feel like having her picture taken.

Lydia.

Samuel.

Abigail.

Ruthie.

 Tommy.

Hannah.

Abba and Mama.

On our way home we stopped by an old amusement park. 

Lydia.

Lydia again.

Abigail and Daisy :)

Ruthie.

We saw this while stopping at Kroger on the way home. The figure on this side is a mannequin ... the real person is driving in the other part!