Terry L. Newman,

Transcription

1 Terry L. Newman, Parashah 36 B'ha'alotkha (When you set up) B'ha'alotkha (When you set up) {Numbers 8:1 12:16} Haftorah: Z kharyah (Zechariah 2:14 4:7) B rit Hadashah suggested readings for Parashah John 19:31-37; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-2; John 3:5-6; John 6:61-65; 1 Corinthians 10:6-12; Romans 8:5-9 This week's portion is from Numbers 8:1 12:16 (Bold, Underlining and Italics added for emphasize) {NKJV-New King James Version, CJB-Complete Jewish Bible, TEV-Today's English Version} Our Prayer today, for understanding of G-d's word with His promises and requirements for us: Psalm 86:11,6 (NKJV) " 6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name." Making a quick return to remember, the book of Vayikra (Leviticus) was full of commandments. Commandments for loving G-d, instructions on how to draw near to Him, commandments for loving others, our relationships to others and the instructions for holiness. Instructions for what is common and uncommon, what is clean and unclean both spiritual and in the natural. Now as we progress in B midbar (Numbers), there are more instructions with censuses and specific detailed instructions for certain clans and their very specific duties in service to G-d. In short, we have been learning how G-d is a G-d of order through seeing His set and organization of the Nation of Israel. Going forward with this study, B midbar/numbers begins to give accounting of the actions, attitudes and attempts to serve G-d. There are accounts of those who met the challenges head on with faith and balance and accounts of giving into frustration and the flesh. We also see how G-d responds to the actions good and bad of the children of Israel. We will see some repetition of commands and the follow-up actions. G-d uses repetition for reinforcement and emphasizes of anything He finds a need to drive home the point. This we find in chapters 8 through 10. Instructions and commands for the Levites, the priests, and all those to serve Israel for G-d are repeated. It is very noteworthy how in chapter 9, G-d reinforces his instructions for Pesach or Passover. Two points are emphasized in this repeating of the instruction to observe Passover. First there was discussion over not being able to observe Pesach, Passover due to circumstances beyond a person s control (does not include for convenience). Through G-d s grace and love, He made an allowance and arrangements for the person(s). Numbers 9:10-12 (NKJV) 10 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'If anyone of you or your posterity is unclean because of a corpse, or is far away on a journey, he may still keep the LORD'S Passover. 11 On the fourteenth day of the second month, at twilight, they may keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 12 They shall leave none of it until morning, nor break one of its bones. According to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it. 1

2 G-d s Grace and Mercy do have a limit. Once G-d has set the markers or the caveats for His Grace and Mercy, He then sets the consequences for not following through with obedience: Numbers 9:13 (NKJV) 13 But the man who is clean and is not on a journey, and ceases to keep the Passover, that same person shall be cut off from among his people, because he did not bring the offering of the LORD at its appointed time; that man shall bear his sin. Numbers 9:13 (CJB) 13 But the person who is clean and not on a trip who fails to observe Pesach will be cut off from his people; because he did not bring the offering for Adonai at its designated time, that person will bear the consequences of his sin. Concerning the observance of Pesach, Passover, G-d did not exclude the foreigners and strangers with Israel; that is, the G-d-Fearers. However there are very specific criteria for the Non-Israelite to be able to participate and observe Pesach, Passover. Numbers 9:14 (NKJV) 14 And if a stranger dwells among you, and would keep the LORD'S Passover, he must do so according to the rite of the Passover and according to its ceremony; you shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger and the native of the land.' " Numbers 9:14 (CJB) 14 If a foreigner is staying with you and wants to observe Pesach for Adonai, he is to do it according to the regulations and rules of Pesach you are to have the same law for the foreigner as for the citizen of the land. Moving forward, we are finding the Children of Israel are again complaining bitterly and how this time G-d responds differently than He did previously. Numbers 11:1 (NKJV) 1 Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. 2

3 What is so different this time? This is not the first time the children of Israel complained after G-d freed them from bondage, leading them out of Egypt! In Exodus (Sh mot) the children of Israel were only days out from Egypt, they were still adjusting to their new found freedom, their new relationship with G-d and the very circumstances or challenges they found themselves in. While during this time, they did complain and question G-d, it was, if you will, a rationale or legitimate complaint or concern. Take note, understand; to these complaints, G-d acted and responded with understanding, longsuffering and generosity born of His grace and love. Not that G-d did not think of the very circumstances causing the complaints, for, as we know G-d knows our hearts, desires and needs. Sometimes G-d wants us to see, recognize our dependence on Him, thus per se, requiring our supplication to Him for our legitimate concerns and needs. Let s take a quick look back to get the perspective: 1. Exodus 16:3-4 - Legitimate concerns of starvation G-d met this with the Manna 2. Exodus 15:23 Legitimate concerns of bitter and undrinkable water G-d instructed Moses on how to fix the water so it was drinkable 3. Exodus 17:2-6 Legitimate concerns of dying of thirst G-d gave them water Where we are at now, in Numbers 11:1, the children of Israel are in the second year in the second month (Numbers 10:11) out of Egypt well on their way to the Promised Land. Israel had accepted the covenant with G-d, the Torah, built and were worshiping at the Tabernacle, the presence of G-d was visibly with them 24 hours a day, every day and they had experienced first hand the miraculous redemptions, protections and provisions of G-d. We see there was no shortage of food, no lacking of water, in short no lack of any provision from G-d. The complaining was born of the flesh, the desire for the things left behind in Egypt with the bondage. The words were not just complaining, but disrespect and contemptuous talk for the provisions and covenant with G-d Almighty. Notice the use of free fish, a reference to food outside of the dietary laws, free of mitzvot (free from the law or commands): Numbers 11:4-6 (NKJV) 4 Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: "Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!" Are you beginning to see why G-d is burning with anger? Most, but not all of the people are starting to rebel not just against the covenant, but against G-d. 3

4 Even Moses at this time begins to complain, yet, his is a legitimate complaint and as before when there was a legitimate gripe, once it was broached with G-d, He responded with understanding, longsuffering and generosity born of His Grace and Love. Numbers 11:10-17 (CJB) 10 Moshe heard the people crying, family after family, each person at the entrance to his tent; the anger of Adonai flared up violently; and Moshe too was displeased. 11 Moshe asked Adonai, Why are you treating your servant so badly? Why haven t I found favor in your sight, so that you put the burden of this entire people on me? 12 Did I conceive this people? Was I their father, so that you tell me, Carry them in your arms, like a nurse carrying a baby, to the land you swore to their ancestors? 13 Where am I going to get meat to give to this entire people? because they keep bothering me with their crying and saying, Give us meat to eat! 14 I can t carry this entire people by myself alone it s too much for me! 15 If you are going to treat me this way, then just kill me outright! Please, if you have any mercy toward me! and don t let me go on being this miserable! 16 Adonai said to Moshe, Bring me seventy of the leaders of Isra el, people you recognize as leaders of the people and officers of theirs. Bring them to the tent of meeting, and have them stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit, which rests on you and put it on them. Then they will carry the burden of the people along with you, so that you won t carry it yourself alone. Moses was at his wits end dealing with the whining and disobedience of Israel. He was very frustrated and one could say from the wording in scripture, Moses unloaded on the Lord! As shown, G-d was already burning with anger at the situation and was fully aware of the place Moses was in. Have you ever heard the saying "Be careful what you pray for"? Good reason for that saying. Have 4

5 you ever thought about what we complain about and constantly annoy G-d Almighty with, could be the result of our own selfishness and rebellion against G-d's provisions for us? Do we compare what G-d does for us against what He has done for others or what we think we had before accepting Jesus Christ? Careful as your complaints even in prayer may be answered but not the way you expect! Numbers 11:18-20 (NKJV) 18 Then you shall say to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat; for you have wept in the hearing of the LORD, saying, "Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt." Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you shall eat. 19 You shall eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days, 20 but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have despised the LORD who is among you, and have wept before Him, saying, "Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?" ' " Numbers 11:30-34 (NKJV) 30 And Moses returned to the camp, both he and the elders of Israel. 31 Now a wind went out from the LORD, and it brought quail from the sea and left them fluttering near the camp, about a day's journey on this side and about a day's journey on the other side, all around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the ground. 32 And the people stayed up all that day, all night, and all the next day, and gathered the quail (he who gathered least gathered ten homers); and they spread them out for themselves all around the camp. 33 But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was aroused against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very great plague. 34 So he called the name of that place Kibroth Hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had yielded to craving. Get the idea and lesson here? 5

6 Haftarah - Prophets Z kharyah (Zechariah 2:14 4:7) This Haftorah contains a vision of the golden Temple Menorah, whose daily kindling is discussed in the opening of this week's Torah reading. Numbers 8:1-3 (NKJV) 1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 2 "Speak to Aaron, and say to him, 'When you arrange the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.' " 3 And Aaron did so; he arranged the lamps to face toward the front of the lampstand, as the LORD commanded Moses. Zechariah communicated this prophecy shortly before the building of the Second Temple. The Haftorah opens with a vivid depiction of the joy that will prevail when G-d will return to Jerusalem: Zechariah 2:10 (NKJV) 10 "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," says the LORD. Zechariah 2:10 (CJB) 10 Sing, daughter of Tziyon; rejoice! For, here, I am coming; and I will live among you, says Adonai. Zechariah then describes a scene in the Heavenly Court: Satan was seeking to incriminate Joshua, the first High Priest to serve in the Second Temple, because of the "soiled garments" (i.e. sins) he was wearing. Zechariah 3:1 (NKJV) 1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. Zechariah 3:1 (CJB) 1 He showed me Y hoshua the Cohen hagadol standing before the angel of Adonai, with the Accuser [Hebrew: Satan] standing at his right to accuse him. G-d Almighty, himself defends the High Priest: Zechariah 3:2-5 (NKJV) 2 And the LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?" 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. 4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, "Take away the filthy garments from him." And to him He said, "See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes." 5 And I said, "Let them put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by. Zechariah 3:2-5 (CJB) 2 Adonai said to the Accuser, May Adonai rebuke you, Accuser! Indeed, may Adonai, who has made Yerushalayim his choice, rebuke you! Isn t this man a burning stick snatched from the fire? 3 Y hoshua was clothed in garments covered with dung; and he was standing before the angel, 4 who said to those standing in front of him, Take those filthy garments off of him. Then to him he said, See, I am taking your guilt away. I will clothe you in fine robes. 5 I said, They should put a clean turban on his head. So they put a clean turban on his head and gave him fine robes to wear, while the angel of Adonai stood by. 6

7 Now, G-d Almighty proceeds to outline the rewards awaiting Joshua if he and his descendants follow G-d's ways, His instructions, His "Law". The ultimate reward is bringing of the Messiah, the Branch of David. Zechariah 3:6-8 (NKJV) 6 Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying, 7 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'If you will walk in My ways, And if you will keep My command, Then you shall also judge My house, And likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk Among these who stand here. 8 'Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, You and your companions who sit before you, For they are a wondrous sign; For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH. Zechariah then describes a vision of a golden seven-branched Menorah. Zechariah 4:1-4 (NKJV) 1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, "What do you see?" So I said, "I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left." 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, "What are these, my lord?" The angel interprets the meaning of this vision: Zechariah 4:5-7 (NKJV) 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, "Do you not know what these are?" And I said, "No, my lord." 6 So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts. 7 'Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of "Grace, grace to it!" ' " Of course we know this is also prophetic of the divinity and authority given to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach by G-d Almighty, the Father. B'rit Hadashah New Testament John 19:31-37; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-2; John 3:5-6; John 6:61-65; 1 Corinthians 10:6-12; Romans 8:5-9 Time to review and summarize this week s teaching and study: We are going to back track a little bit, but G-d uses repetition to emphasize His instructions, thus it is very important to take note and understand the Passover observance is G-d s and He commanded it. Because of the importance and relevance of this Observance of G-d, there are strict and demanding instructions concerning it. So much so, the Gentiles, the non-israelites, the foreigners, the strangers who were in the common wealth of Israel had to follow precisely the exact same requirements and instructions as did the nation of Israel. We see in verse 14 how G-d tells Israel the same Law or the same set of instructions are for the foreigner as for the native Israelite. G-d himself as we remember follows His own set Laws. We see this when the Messiah Yeshua, Jesus was given up in sacrifice for the salvation or all mankind for the regulations of atonement sacrifice was quoted in regards to his death. John 19:31-37 (NKJV) 31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not 7

8 remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." 37 And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." As we have learned before, the principle spoken of in the New Testament concerning the grafting in of the Gentiles was not new and had been in place, starting with the Torah. As then, today there is the option for those grafted into the common wealth (the covenant) of Israel through the sacrificial death of the Messiah, Yeshua to observe the festivals of G-d. All scripture confirms these are the Feasts or Festivals of G-d and not called the feasts or festivals of Israel. The Gentile, non-jew, the G-d-Fearer who is grafted in to the common wealth (the covenant) of Israel then and now has the same opportunity to fully worship by observing His feasts as commanded by G-d Almighty, Himself. Doing so one receives the same blessings as did and as does Israel. G-d does not give poetic license nor permission for the Gentiles, the non-jew, the G-d-fearer, the grafted in believer to take G-d s feasts and do as they want with them, converting them to other celebrations or even taking great liberties with the feasts. Since there were and are severe consequences for disobedience, including the observance of the Feasts of G-d for Israel, how much more so might there be for the grafted in Believer, G-d-Fearer who is disobedient to His instructions and commands. On another note, as seen in this teaching it is human to feel frustration and not always understand G- d's way. We should find comfort in what we have learned, as we ourselves reach the point of being at our wits end with something. Almighty G-d knows and feels our pain also. He can even at times identify with our challenges and struggles, much as a parent hurts and feels for a child who is truly working through a problem. It is perfectly okay to approach G-d Almighty with our problems and frustrations. As a matter of fact, there are times when we NEED to air our frustrations to G-d Almighty before He will give us relief. A word of caution though, when we approach G-d with our frustrations and complaints, be very careful not to challenge or accuse G-d of being purposefully uncaring or purposefully ignoring us. This is what the rabble rousers of Israel did and suffered G-d s burning anger and judgment for it. Look how this account and example is sited in exhortation mainly to the Jewish believers, so they would not repeat the mistakes of the past: Hebrews 3:1-19 (CJB) 1 Therefore, brothers whom God has set apart, who share in the call from heaven, think carefully about Yeshua, whom we acknowledge publicly as God s emissary and as cohen gadol. 2 He was faithful to God, who appointed him; just as Moshe was faithful in all God s house. 3 But Yeshua deserves more honor than Moshe, just as the builder of the house deserves more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but the one who built everything is God. 5 Also, Moshe was faithful in all God s house, as a servant giving witness to things God would divulge later. We have learned, the Torah was more than just a set of regulations; it was a foreshadowing of 8

9 things to come, especially the pinnacle of G-d s plan for redemption of mankind, including the Jews through Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus Christ the Messiah! Continuing: 6 But the Messiah, as Son, was faithful over God s house. And we are that house of his, provided we hold firmly to the courage and confidence inspired by what we hope for. 7 Therefore, as the Ruach HaKodesh says, Today, if you hear God s voice, 8 don t harden your hearts, as you did in the Bitter Quarrel on that day in the Wilderness when you put God to the test. 9 Yes, your fathers put me to the test; they challenged me, and they saw my work for forty years! 10 Therefore, I was disgusted with that generation I said, Their hearts are always going astray, they have not understood how I do things ; 11 in my anger, I swore that they would not enter my rest. 12 Watch out, brothers, so that there will not be in any one of you an evil heart lacking trust, which could lead you to apostatize from the living God! 13 Instead, keep exhorting each other every day, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you will become hardened by the deceit of sin. 14 For we have become sharers in the Messiah, provided, however, that we hold firmly to the conviction we began with, right through until the goal is reached. 15 Now where it says, Today, if you hear God s voice, don t harden your hearts, as you did in the Bitter Quarrel, 16 who were the people who, after they heard, quarreled so bitterly? All those whom Moshe brought out of Egypt. 17 And with whom was God disgusted for forty years? Those who sinned yes, they fell dead in the Wilderness! 18 And to whom was it that he swore that they would not enter his rest? Those who were disobedient. 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of lack of trust. That is a very pointed exhortation and warning. But what happens if we fall into that void of lacking trust, trust in our hearts, no matter what our words are? The consequences are pointed also: Hebrews 4:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4:1-2 (CJB) 1 Therefore, let us be terrified of the possibility that, even though the promise of entering his rest remains, any one of you might be judged to have fallen short of it; 2 for Good News has also been proclaimed to us, just as it was to them. But the message they heard didn t do them any good, because those who heard it did not combine it with trust. Keeping that in mind, let s go back to what Yeshua taught the Pharisee Nichodemus who professed Yeshua to be the Son of G-d, the Messiah. John 3:5-6 (CJB) 5 Yeshua answered, Yes, indeed, I tell you that unless a person is born from water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. 6 What is born from the flesh is flesh, and what is born from the Spirit is spirit. Further Yeshua addressed the disciples in a similar manner concerning this trust and the choice of G- d as to who will make it to His kingdom, this time referencing himself: John 6:61-65 (NKJV) 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." 9

10 Much of what we are learning about in B'midbar (Numbers) will not be about how the Israelites are adjusting to wilderness life, but rather how they are yearning for the life they had in Egypt where civilization was highly advanced and much more predictable. As we consider the possibility of the prophesied 2nd Exodus occurring in our lifetime, the words of the prophet Isaiah come to mind: Isaiah 46:10 (NKJV) 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,' What are the promises that we can cling to? Will G-d Almighty tell us ahead of time what we need to know? Will we repeat the mistakes of the patriarchs of faith in the past? Again Isaiah gives us answers: Isaiah 42:9 (NKJV) 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:9 (CJB) 9 See how the former predictions come true; and now new things do I declare before they sprout I tell you about them. Isaiah 48:6 (NKJV) 6 "You have heard; See all this. And will you not declare it? I have made you hear new things from this time, Even hidden things, and you did not know them. Isaiah 48:6 (CJB) 6 You have heard and seen all this, so why won t you admit it? Now I am announcing new things to you, secret things you have not known, The Word of G-d Almighty is our assurance. It is our job, however, to follow His commandments as He continues to open our eyes to understand them. We must do this without complaining or questioning His authority. In this week s Parashah, we will see many of the last minute instructions given to the Israelites before they leave Mt. Sinai and head for the Promised Land. Sadly, they were not able to uncompromisingly follow the One who had redeemed them from Egypt and betrothed them at Mt. Sinai. Will we study their experiences and learn from their mistakes? 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 (NKJV) 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. As we close, look at the Apostle Paul s correction, teaching and exhortation to the congregation at Rome, in light of today s Torah teaching: Romans 8:5-9 (CJB) 5 For those who identify with their old nature set their minds on the things of the old nature, but those who identify with the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 Having one s mind controlled by the old nature is death, but having one s mind controlled by the Spirit is life and shalom. 7 For the mind controlled by the old nature is hostile to God, because it does not submit itself to God s Torah indeed, it cannot. 8 Thus, those who identify with their old nature cannot please God. 9 But you, you do not identify with your old nature but with the Spirit provided the Spirit of God is living inside you, for anyone who doesn t have the Spirit of the Messiah doesn t belong to him. 10

11 Closing: IF YOU TALK THE TALK, YOU MUST WALK THE WALK IN ORDER TO BELONG TO MESSIAH. IN ORDER TO DO THAT, YOU MUST BE IN THE WORD, SO THE WORD AND THE SPIRIT WILL BE IN YOU!! I would like to close with a quote from the Messianic Torah Devotional by Kevin Geoffrey: Reprinted from Messianic Torah Devotional 2008 by Kevin Geoffrey. Published by Perfect Word Messianic Publishing, Phoenix, AZ. Distributed by Perfect Word Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Father, forgive me for all the times I have spoken to You like an ungrateful, spoiled brat! As I dump my frustrations out on You, Lord, may I never presume that you share them, too. I praise You, Abba, for Your loving, yet firm hand of care and correction. Thank You, O G-d, for giving me everything I ask for especially when I m really asking for it! I bless Your Name, ADONAI, because even though no one could blame You for giving up on me, You have never once left me alone and according to Your promise, You never, ever will Baruch HaShem ה"ב YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE WORD, FOR THE WORD TO BE IN YOU! Shabbat Shalom, G-d Bless and Keep you! Terry L. Newman,