Every person is given two divine accounts at birth. The
first account consists of your good deeds and the steps no matter how large or
small you take to fulfill your purpose. The second account are all the
activities, discussion (gossip), etc in which you willingly participated that
caused harm to yourself and others and deviated from God’s plan for your life.
Your sole and soul’s mission is to fulfill your purpose,
do mitzvot (acts of charity and kindness) daily whenever possible. Studying
Torah daily feeds and enlightens your soul, gives you intuitive wisdom, and connects
you to the divine Source of all creation.
It’s like having a built-in cheat-sheet. Everyone has
it, but thus far few have accessed it.
Those who do are considered geniuses and often become
very wealthy. When you meet them, you
may even ask how did this person become so successful? They really don’t seem
that smart. They tapped into to the treasure within, and you can too.
However, you must use your gifts, talents, wealth and
wisdom for the good of others which glorifies your Creator. That’s the
difference. Many use it for selfish gain and ultimately harm themselves and others.
They ultimately find themselves feeling miserable and unfulfilled.
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart and be
no more stiff-necked. Deuteronomy 10:16
On the flip side, there are many religious or spiritual people
who study all day but seem to find it difficult to finance their personal needs. They often get by on hand outs or the bare minimal. Why?
While it’s true that God provides; the Creator helps
those who help others. One must fill up one's spiritual "gas tank" or start one’s day with Torah reading/studying and then
go out into the world and spread light.
This does not necessarily mean evangelizing. It simply
means that studying Torah daily improves your character and judgement.
Therefore, wherever you go and whatever you do to fulfill your purpose, your
presence changes and elevates the atmosphere. That’s the Messianic Era.
Mashiach’s presence is already being felt spiritually and this is just the beginning. It
will heighten significantly when He is here. As more people choose to regularly study
Torah which feeds your soul (at least as often as you feed your body), they will discover and fulfill their God given purpose, and
connect to their true soul mate.
Seek ye out of the book of the Lord,
and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it
hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them. Isaiah 34:16
Planet earth is in the midst of a vast makeover. The
change will be palpable and welcomed by most. You will be grateful and much
more optimistic about your children’s future as you will see there is a true
and lasting ethical Rock for a solid foundation which means them good and not evil.
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. Jeremiah 29:11
Just do your work ethically. Ask God for help daily as
we all need it.
Others will eventually see it and take notice. You are
God’s “vessel of influence”.
We are all connected through our Creator. When you help
others, you serve God.
When you act selfishly, you feed the evil inclination (your ego). Your goal is to fill your godly account daily until it overflows. Never stop doing this. That's when life becomes sweet, fulfilling and prosperous.
May the LORD bless you and keep you for the day of
redemption.
I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD, and
they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me
with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:7
Thank GOD for everyone who has chosen
to do their part in studying and spreading Torah within the past year. Your voluntary
participation (or lack thereof in some places) impacts the weather and sets the
tone for the season and the year.
Some of you took the challenge to pray to Almighty God
and study Torah daily and have lowered or removed the “heat dome” from off your
region. You amped up your Torah study groups with your spouse, children, family, friends, synagogue, church, and chabad centers.
Some even studied alone. That too is powerful as Hashem (Almighty God) is your study Partner.
Many have actually changed the trajectory for their community and
region for the good. Others did not or tried alternative ineffective methods and
have continued to suffer from tumultuous weather patterns.
Many call it the “footprints of Moshiach”. It’s a
warning.
Wisdom is the principal thing;
therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs
4:7
Whatever your belief, it's happening. We get to be in partnership with
Almighty God if we so choose. Each person has freewill. However, this world was created with
certain “laws” in place that allow it to function smoothly.
Nature does not go against the laws of God even when
humans do. It (nature) eventually revolts as it attempts to restore harmony
(balance). We (society) are currently at a tipping point.
When we go against those laws and statues ordained by
Almighty God, in how we behave, treat our fellow persons, think inwardly towards our selves and project those thoughts unto others, do weird science, how
we produce our crops, or choose “alternative lifestyles”, it disrupts the environment and flow
of nature. (See Isaiah 65:2) Nature was created before humanity in order to serve us.
We are now seeing the almost immediate results of those choices.
We are designed to improve. We are designed to want to be better. That desire
comes from God. God wants us to come up.
This world is the closest thing we have to a “dress
rehearsal” for eternity. We practice here. We reap some of the benefits
now but we really experience the results in the world to come.Whatever we do here on earth has a rippling
effect beyond that what we can see today.
The Hebrew calendar year, 5784 is being celebrated on Shabbos. Women set the atmosphere on Shabbos.
The number four represents Dalet. Dalet represents a door, poor/humility, and lifting up.
Many people mistake the term poor for poverty but there is no poverty with God. Poor means humble thus the unleavened bread at Pesach (Passover). It means one who is not full of hubris. It is often associated with redemption.
The women left Egypt without letting the bread rise. The women were humble and prayerful, and faithful, even when the men doubted Moses and built the golden calf.
The women remained faithful and praised the LORD along with Miriam even (and especially) when certain men questioned what God was doing.
I don't have all the answers. But I do know the LORD rewards loyalty.
While it seemed unacknowledged at the time, the women are being rewarded even now as they once again activate their faith today and reap the rewards and prayers of the four matriarchs (Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah). Women are realizing their sisterhood organizations in their shuls can do charity and study Torah whereby it (studying torah) was prohibited by men for them to do so in times past for whatever reason (but not prohibited for them to do so by God).
You will recall the mention of a door when the Hebrews left the bondage of Egypt. They were told to use the blood of a lamb to paint on wither side of the door and the top. Most tell you they painted the Hand of God (Hei or Hey). But the letter Hei is comprised of the Hebrew letter dalet and yud (which together ultimately means the same thing as Hei).
Ironically while the letter Dalet is represented by the letter D and most refer to King David (DVD). It is precisely because his name begins and ends with the letter D (double) and connected by a VAV (nail) that it means Ephraim whose name means "doubly fruitful". Thereby it also refers to Joseph per Ezekiel 37:17-19. (see also magen David a.k.a Star of David)
You can't make these things up. How things unfold depends entirely upon how we prepare.
The number four also symbolizes the Tetragrammaton Name of God, YHVH. So, you know.
“For My thoughts are not your
thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are My ways higher than your ways, and My
thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
Pesach (Passover) represents a time when those who choose to cleave to God must humble themselves. The King goes into the field to see the people. He checks our homes (being) as to whether there is humility or pride.
There is so much irony to those "gay pride" parades. I can't even begin to tell you. But I think you can see.
But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he
understands and knows me— that I am the Lord,
showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight
in these things. This is the Lord’s declaration. Jeremiah
9:24
We can not be prideful as it is difficult to hear from God. We mentioned that there is a direct correlation between Pesach (Passover) and Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. You must choose to serve God by cleaving and trusting in the Almighty. When you cleave to God, the angel of Death passes you by. If you choose otherwise, the angel of death hovers over you. That can result in sickness,plagues, financial hardship or other inconveniences that eventually lead to a person's demise.
Contrastly, choosing God puts you on the path for better. The delay causes some to doubt that they are on the right track. But if you chose God, there is nothing to fear.
We can learn from the mistakes of the past and be patient. God can not fail. Sometimes it's just a test to be sure you are connected and trust the living God who has been there all the while. You just have to be humble, pray, and connect (and stay connected) through Torah. Reading the Tanak regularly can literally transform and align your life.
Seek out of the book of the Lord,
and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for My mouth it
hath commanded, and His Spirit it has gathered them.Isaiah 34:16
Of course, the alternative to doing good and becoming
better is to be stagnate and/or to continuously choose to do evil and inspire
others to do the same. That too has a repercussion.
God wants us to be more than we were last year. God wants each of us to be better. God knows your story.
“Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of
decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14
Do not compare yourself to anyone else. Don’t try to
follow what you “think” others are doing. You don’t always know what others are
doing “behind the scenes” or what they are thinking. Your thoughts and actions
are one to Almighty God. Your perpetual thoughts will eventually lead to some
sort of action for good or for evil.
There are no secret thoughts or hidden actions with
Almighty God who is ,was, and shall be.
God is omnipresent and omniscient.
We are simply given the “grace” of privacy. We cannot
hear the thoughts of others in this world but you will in the world to come. In
fact, that is the primary mode of communication.
However, association does matter. The proverb says he
(or she) who walks with the wise will become wise. Your collective energy does
matter.
He that walks with wise men shall be
wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20
Choose your friends and spouse wisely. They can help,
hinder or hurt your disposition significantly.
People who intentionally choose to do evil and
consciously choose to teach others to do the same will ultimately be destroyed.
They go against the laws of nature and disrupt the harmonious development of
others in this world and the world to come. Some call it karma, but really they
are literally destroying themselves from the root of creation. They are
disconnected from the Source so they simply shrivel up and die. It’s a choice.
"See, I set
before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands,
decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
17 But if your heart
turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to
other gods and worship them,18 I declare to you this
day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land
you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.. Deuteronomy 30:15-18
“A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish
woman tears it down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1
We all get multiple chances. Unlike man, God never gives up on us so easily. But like any good parent, there will be consequences for intentional and perpetual wrong doing.
If there is absolutely no desire to improve, well I can not say. That's God's business.
How about this? Choose life that you and your seed may live as per Deuteronomy 30:19
Seed time and harvest (sowing and reaping) are coming
closer. There was once a multi-generational delay. That time frame has shortened.
We are now able to see the results of our thoughts and
actions more immediately so we can see the results and hopefully choose a
better option whenever necessary. At the very least (which is also the max), we
ask for help from our Creator. “Lord help me” is still and will always be the
most powerful prayer we can use. Use it daily. Teach it to your children.
*Also, please note I have only seen Moshiach as a man. And that will likely be the case when He does arrive for the Messianic era. However, Shekina is a feminine Spirit. And the Source of all Creation uses male and female energy as One being.
There is no confusion. God is not transgender. God is above gender.
We are not God. The closest we (humanity) come is when a married man and woman come together intimately allowing God to pro-create. I hope that helps.
Have a beautiful year. Continue to study and teach
Torah. Let your blessing (bracha) flow.
This day I call the
heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life
and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children
may liveand that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore
to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Since our last post, perhaps you now better understand
that some new habits were unwittingly acquired by the Hebrews during their
sojourn through Egypt which were hard for them to break. There are also some
new and better habits that were and have been difficult for them (and some of
us) to acquire. But these are necessary new and better habits for our survival
and well-being. You’ve even learned how your connection to GOD (or lack thereof)
impacts climate change.
Some of you have even asked yourselves why Moses changed
Hosea’s name to Joshua before he and the eleven other chosen captains of their
respective tribes surveyed the “Promised Land”. (Numbers 13:16) That question often arises. But
few explore it. I will.
The name Hosea means “salvation” in Hebrew. The name
Joshua means “Yah saves”.
See the difference? Moses did.
Moses could foresee Joshua’s leadership abilities. But great leadership requires humility.
And now, Israel,
what does the Lord your God
ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him,
to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul,and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own
good?Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Great prophets ordained by God can see into the future
and take the path that leads to the best possible end results no matter how
long it takes. They can foresee obstacles and try to avoid them when possible, except
as it pertains to one’s long term development and better outcome.
Though we don’t see it in Joshua’s outer leadership. His
“hidden ego” says something different. GOD shows us a glimpse of the meeting in Zechariah Chapter 3.
Joshua is encouraged (or reminded) that the
living LORD GOD Almighty is the only true Saviour and Redeemer, and there is no
God besides Him. But Moses also sees another man coming down the line; “Jesus” whose
name also means Joshua who will need reminding too.
That was Joshua’s (post Moses) era. This is Caleb’s.
You
don’t hear about Caleb as much because Caleb wholly cleaves to God. Caleb connects
rather than leads. There is only Almighty GOD.
The Hebrews coming out of Egypt not only saw great
miracles, but they heard the Voice of God. When you hear it, you never forget
it. GOD “invited” the Hebrews to listen
and follow the Voice of GOD directly. But they refused. They were not yet
mature enough.
It was and always is a matter of the "heart". It's true and meaningful heart connection to God that is required. (Leviticus 26:41, Jeremiah 9:26, Ezekiel 44:7, Deuteronomy 10:16) When we make other organizations or people our gods, there is no space for the humble yet all powerful God to flow in our lives.
In modern society, we will learn (if not already) that even
technology was created for the Creator of the Universe. The main goal is to
facilitate the spread of truthful knowledge of God in the earth. Each person
must come to know the Creator for him or herself. It’s personal.
There is a certain space within every person that only God can fill. Some call it purpose. I call it the soul. In reality they are one. Find and nourish it, and everything starts to click.
Some call it the still small Voice. You can access it more easily during Shabbat. (the Voice of Shekina - the Holy Spirit).
The
Hebrews were fed the word of God through Moses. The goal was for them to learn the
Laws of God and study the scrolls (scriptures) directly for themselves. The goal is the
same today.
Our readers have demonstrated that they are able to “cleave
to” the living God by studying the scriptures on their own or in a study group
daily. It’s a new and yet powerful habit for many. It’s especially so if you have small
children. It’s a habit that will do you and them good for life. Literally.
Rather than going against the grain (it's never intentional but often necessary- like squeezing in the Book of Haggai🤗), we will flow with
the current parashat reading in most synagogues this month which is the Book of
Deuteronomy (Devarim).The Book of Deuteronomy
contains the Laws of God.
Moses is giving a summary, and some say loving rebuke of
his experience and lessons with the Hebrews before his departure from a stiff
necked (stubborn) generation. I see it as Moses’ closing remarks to Almighty God.
As in, please remember what I have tried to teach your people when you bring me
before your throne for my own review (judgment).
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.Deuteronomy 10:16
Many teachers can relate to Moses to some degree. At
some point, every good teacher must let go.
Every student must be tested to see if he or she has learned
and can progress to the next level or not. You want everyone to pass the test.
In school, many will. In this divine test many do not even though it is an open
book test. But with the desire to learn or be better, many do move forward at
their own pace... eventually.
I have heard people say, there is no test. I assure you;
there is. That’s how we grow!
It’s also the very reason most Jews have not seen Moshiach.
They keep repeating the sins of their fathers in a ritualistic manner. If it’s
not in the written Torah, question it.
Want to read it with fresh eyes? Read it with your children. Be the student.
Everything is written there for a reason. Some things got lost
in the oral translations and commentaries.
You start to ask, “why do I believe that to be so?” “Let
me seek out the answer for myself.”
The Tanach (Old Testament Bible) is a living book. It is
a Book of Instruction (Torah). The Torah is a Divine Teacher. Society will eventually need to return to its pure language (pre-Babylon early Hebrew) to reap the full benefits of Torah and so many other hidden secrets.
Unlike man, you can read the Tanakh as many times as you need
for your own personal comprehension. Ask as many questions as necessary for you
to understand. It will not grow tired of you. You will only get wiser, but
never wiser than the Creator of all that is, was or shall be (YHVH) . I think
we’ve all learned that by now.
In the first exodus, Moses went down into Egypt and asked
Pharoah to “let my people go” so they could go serve the living GOD.
During this modern-day exodus, those who will can finally “let go of Pharoah”
and cleave to the living GOD. It was always in our hands to do so.
Who or what is your "Pharaoh"? Is it gambling, drugs, porn, credit card debt, a cruel boss, a job that does not fulfill your God given purpose, an adulterous affair, lying, stealing, cheating? You get the idea.
It takes many forms. But it's the same serpent. Let it go. Stop embracing it.
It starts off small. It almost seems "helpful" at first. Then it's like a monster that's out of control. Let it go.
Rather than asking God for help, Adam and Eve tried to conceal their error in judgment. Rather than leaving after the famine, the Hebrews felt "indebted" to the Pharaoh for "saving" them from potential starvation.
Let it go. Leave your Pharaoh. (Isaiah Chapter 31) Trust God.
In reality, the story of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt has occurred many times in many various forms. They should have asked God what to do.
Sarah prayed. Therefore, Pharaoh could not shackle her when Abraham told him she was his sister.
Rebecca prayed. Therefore Pharaoh could not shackle her when Isaac told Pharaoh she was "his sister."
Abraham and Isaac both experienced temporary economic crises. Their most valuable assets were their beautiful wives. But GOD is better than that.
They prayed. God made a way. They left with more than they had when they first came. So it is today.
Who or what is your Pharaoh? You must first make up your mind that you are done with it.
"LORD help me." It's a short sweet and powerful effective prayer.
Society in general is already watching the decline of the old “super
powers (nations)” based on false gods (mostly old white men who want to rule
the world). And we are witnessing the rise of the inevitable Messianic Era.
The Messianic Era was already preordained by GOD in the beginning.
The Messianic era only awaited Messiah and humankind to acknowledge their
divine own connection for their survival and an abundant and meaningful life. (See
Jeremiah 17:7-8)
As you read your daily bible portions, you build your
city above (super consciousness). GOD actually builds your city, but you
participate by being in connection daily.
You transform from constant doing to being in a constant
state of calm awareness and trust that everything works out for the good. Your
partnership is with GOD in everything you do.
God connects your spiritual house above and your vessel on
earth below (Hebrew letter VAV – the nail – picture star of David) until you
begin to see the fruit of your own orchard. It becomes your surroundings.
If you like it, keep it. Nurture it. If it’s not good, change it with God’s help.
It eventually becomes your home in the world to come. The
actual work is done here on earth.
The well-done divine dwellings also provide a goodly vessel
for the Creator to dwell peacefully amongst interconnected peoples on earth.
You’re on earth but living at a higher level.
There is no cheating. There are no short cuts.
Some people just comprehend faster than others. You
still have free will.
You have a living Book of Instruction (Torah). Your
wellness (health, wealth, relationships, business, finance etc.) depends on how
well you apply it in your daily life.
We can foresee the inevitable end of certain industries
(plastics, coal, certain areas of science and technologies etc.) as it pertains
to the long-term negative impact on people and planet. Those industries, arts,
sciences and businesses etc. in alignment with GOD will flourish. They will
have a positive impact on people and planet.
Soon you will apply what you learn to all your decision
making. You are an active participant in your own destiny. That is one of the
rare luxuries of this planet we call earth.
"Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time." Deuteronomy4:40
Today's suggested reading is the Book of Deuteronomy.
However long it takes for you. You can certainly read at least 1-3 chapters per
day. Right? You’ve got all month. But read daily. (I started to give you
portions, but then I wrote this post and decided that would be wrong.)
Mazel, Bracha and sweet Shalom,
LeTicia
Shema Yisrael. Adonai Eluheinu. Adonai echad.
Hear O’ Israel. The LORD our GOD is one LORD.
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