HaShofar. Hooked on Truth. by Messianic Rabbi Michael Weygant ROSH PINAH

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1 Hooked on Truth by Messianic Rabbi Michael Weygant By all indications, increasing numbers of sabras (native Israelis) are seekers who are investigating the writings of the New Covenant and the life of Yeshua. As they do so, they may be confronted with some things they did not anticipate. For example, they may come to realize the New Covenant is a very Jewish book, written by Jewish people, who presented in its pages what could be aptly described as truth. The truth of GOD s word has an amazing potential to impact such seekers, especially when received personally, acted upon personally, adhered to personally and even expressed personally to others. (Romans 10:9, 10) GOD s truth can liberate all of us from Satan s web-work of lies and helps create within us a further love of the truth of GOD as found in His word. We become hooked on truth as we realize the truth is personified in Yeshua, our amazing Messiah (Ephesians 4:21), and no one is like unto Him! Yet, GOD s truth was not always in the forefront of ancient society especially during the days of Israel s shoftim (judges), the period of Israel s history immediately after the death of Joshua, the son of Nun. The Tanakh tells us the people had come to a place in life of disregarding the truth which resulted in them doing what was right in their own eyes. (Shoftim 17:6; 21:25) The consequences of sidelining GOD s truth were devastating. Enemies rose up within; enemies attacked from without. The Presence of the LORD was far from them. Unrighteous rulers oppressed them. They lost their spiritual moorings and their historical rootedness. An inability to receive the prophetic word a famine of the word of GOD - prevailed. At the same time, food resources dwindled, too. If only they had been hooked on truth! As with us today, it was by GOD s mercy, love and grace that they did not experience complete destruction. Abandoning or disregarding His truth often brings a cascading series of unpleasant consequences meant to deter us, whether a person or a nation, from continuing to disregard the standards of GOD s truth. Walking in His truth helps unlock His good plan and purpose for our lives. He delights to see His children walking signifies an ongoing action - in the truth! (3 Yochanan 4) Becoming hooked on truth as derived from Scripture and personified in Yeshua should be one of the main goals in the life of every messianic believer. The truth gives us understanding which helps us navigate the ups and downs of our lives. We can apply truth to all circumstances we face. The truth of Messiah is never outdated, never out of style, never out of season, never lacking value, and never lacks power. Indeed, the Good News message remains a message of inherent power, able to bring change to the heart and life of each person Israeli or not - who believes and receives Yeshua. (Romans 1:16, 17) The truth can guard us from folly since the truth of GOD s word will renew our minds, light the path of our feet and inform the words of our mouths. The truth of Messiah is likened to a sword wielded to dispel lies while affirming and upholding the righteous standard of GOD. As a well-known saying declares: Better to be slapped by the truth than to be kissed by lies. There are many reasons we should be hooked on truth but above them all may be this: those who would worship GOD must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (Yochanan 4:24) If we want to experience freedom, growth in the Spirit and a hope that does not fail, we will joyfully become hooked on truth, GOD s truth, which cannot be refuted and will never ever pass away. (Mattityahu 24:35) Michael Weygant, Messianic Rabbi HaShofar A Publication of ROSH PINAH Messianic Jewish Congregation WINTER 5777 ISSUE FEB 2018

2 My Testimony Kati Harper by Katalina Harper z l 2 A NOTE ABOUT THIS ARTICLE. The author is Kati Harper, a most remarkable woman whose sudden passing this past year is commemorated with a reprint of her testimony, written years ago for the HaShofar. Kati was a rare individual with a bigger than life personality and sense of humor. Her laughter could be heard from any corner of the room, and she had a command of whatever room she found herself in. Kati s love for her Savior was total and absolute. Many times she explained to her friends how He came to her when she was young and experiencing the oppression of the post World War II Communist occupation in her home town of Budapest, Hungary. She describes her overwhelming encounter with the Savior as a most incredible liquid love pouring through her. One can only imagine upon leaving the hold of this earth, Kati s spontaneous and joyous rush into her Savior s arms as He welcomed home His mighty front line prayer warrior. I Sue Thurston, editor was born into an aristocratic family in a beautiful villa in Budapest, Hungary. My dad, a surgeon and general physician, was greatly loved by his family, and he loved G-d. My mother was a concert pianist, an artist and sculptor. All the beauty and comfort of the villa I remember as a six-year old girl was lost with the outbreak of World War II. We became victims of that war, hiding in the coal cellar of our condo under heavy bombing. Young Russian soldiers found us and tried to harm us, especially my mother, but my dad returned from giving first aid and forced the soldiers away. I could tell the horrors of war that I witnessed, but that would have no real value. The Communists took over Budapest and deposed our King. Russia invaded in 1947, and my father at gunpoint relinquished the keys to our home. The Communist regime opposed Christianity. We received word through the mail that we were being deported. The Communists imprisoned my uncle, and early one morning stole away my most precious dad. As a twelve-year old, my fellow students and I were forced into laborious fieldwork during our summer vacations. I became rebellious and started lying to my mother. One afternoon after working in the fields, I had a heavenly visitation, and I accepted Yeshua My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 into my heart. Money cannot buy, nor words explain the presence of the Lord. It is too beautiful for words. Yet because of my anger I let Satan s lies steal my knowledge of G-d s love to me. I started blaming G-d for the things that Satan caused. My father received amnesty when I was seventeen, and Budapest revolted against the Communist regime. I was shot at many times, but amazingly no bullets touched me. For ten years the Communist oppression was horrible -- neither freedom of speech, nor spiritual freedom. Even as a teenager I had to be very careful, making sure that I didn t say the wrong thing. When two thousand Soviet tanks charged into Budapest with horrifying noise we knew that to keep our freedom was hopeless, and my brother and I fled on a train. Very soon the police boarded, and we jumped off. We escaped on foot through the deep snow and ice as miracle after miracle occurred in our behalf. We were before a hit squad of Communist soldiers, but they could not pull the triggers to kill us, because our dad and mom were praying. Continued on page 3

3 My Testimony continued from page 2 In a minefield I saw the footsteps of the Lord imprinted through the snow, and we followed them safely through the mines to the border. At one time I wished to return to my country and to my loved ones, but G-d had different plans for my life. I came to this blessed land of America, the land of freedom that G-d shed his grace upon. I have been so glad that I did, because I found freedom of speech, and in 1969 I found spiritual freedom in Yeshua. I have made a total commitment to the Lord. He baptized me in the Ruach and I know he comes to me. He is alive and well. As it is says in the Bible: He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the only one under heaven whereby you can be saved and there is no other who died for our sins. He gave me peace of mind, hope, joy and eternal life. I have everything to look forward to because Yeshua made it possible for me. My precious mom and dad and brother have gone to be with my Lord. By a revelation I know my brother became a believer. Yeshua will never leave you nor forsake you. He is the only way to avoid Hell. Please do yourself a favor and seek after truth and righteousness and you will find Him. I love you and I want the best for you. Please hear me. I told you some things from my personal experience. Take heed and do not listen to the enemy of your soul. Satan is a liar and the Father of it. Yeshua said: Don t be afraid of those who can kill only your bodies, but can t touch your souls. Fear only G-d, who can destroy both soul and body in Hell. Yeshua spoke to me in a dream and said: Tell the people that I love them. Will you love Him? He is LOVE. Tell them I am coming soon. By Kati Harper, of blessed memory (z l) What window in life Do you look out? One of hopelessness And despair? Did heartache and trouble That came your way, Suddenly place you there? Does the pain that you re feeling Consume your every thought? And the cares of this life Make you feel entangled and caught? Does your future seem bleak, Hopeless and vain? And happiness and sunshine You can t seem to obtain? Well, my friend, just remember This window of despair That s got you so entangled Really can t keep you there. For my Father can move you To a window that s fair, With fragrance of roses filling the air. A window of sunshine With joy bells ringing, Little birds filling the air With their joyful singing. A window of gladness With laughter and cheer Pretty bouquets of hope That last the whole year. In this newsletter issue, we also recognize Dollie Canary, of blessed memory, a long time member of Rosh Pinah, whose earthly suffering ended this past year. She left us a poem she wrote expressing her love and admiration for her LORD. When we see Dollie again on the other side, she will not be the person who endures physical suffering in this life; but will have a new body, wearing new garments, a new smile, and living the promise of everlasting life. GOD makes all things new. Sue Thurston, editor z l For the Father s love will show you How much He really cares, And there s just no way you can go back To a window of despair by Dollie Canary z l 3

4 by Sue Thurston 4 Yesteryear s Judge A Messenger for Today The book of Shoftim (Judges) is replete with unusual events of well-meaning and not so altruistic activities of a people who had become unaccountable to GOD. It was a lawless time and place, where anyone s judgment was right for him/her, much like the moral relativity many of our school children may now be learning. Some of the Judges (leaders) of Israel, including Deborah, Samson, and Samuel are well known today. Jephthah, the son of Gilead, and half brother to the rest of Gilead s sons was also a judge and is listed along side them in Hebrews 11:32. The sons disinherited Jephthah probably at inheritance time, and chased him away; so he fled to Tob. Being a mighty man of valor as was also Gideon, Jephthah apparently had a charisma and leadership style which drew a loyal following of men who went about with him. While described as vain men, the word references David s following of men at 1 Samuel 22:2: distressed, in debt and discontented. As the Ammonites were amassing against Israel near Gilead, the Children of Israel (COI) prayed to GOD for help. He told them, You cried out to me, and I delivered you out of their [the oppressor s] hand. Yet you have forsaken me, and served other gods; wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation Judges 10: The COI accepted that sort of and said, OK, do whatever you want with us, but please deliver us anyway. So they turned again to serve Him, for another season. The distressed Gileadites had no recourse, no fighters, no judge, and GOD had told them to handle it themselves; so they turned to an unlikely source, Jephthah, promising him their allegiance if he would lead the fight against the Ammonites. It was not out of love, but Jephthah returned home as a captain of his people, the Gileadites, and stepped up to deal with the Ammonites, beginning with diplomacy. He discovered the Ammonites position was a land dispute stemming from the 300 years previous battle brought against Israel by King Sihon of the Amorites. The Ammonites believed King Sihon s captured lands were theirs, and they wanted them back. A brief history lesson from Jephthah was rejected by the Ammonites, diplomacy ended, and the spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah Judges 13:29. He brought the battle to Ammon, capturing 20 additional cities, plains territories, and subduing the Ammonites before the COI. Indeed, this was a great victory. Bad news for Jephthah, reckless with people, feckless with GOD While this great victory was a welcome reprieve for Israel and the Gileadites, Jephthah did not fare so well. Did he not know that he already had the powerful arm of GOD with him, fighting on his side? He was a mighty and valiant man, but he thought if he made that one great vow, a strong personal stand, that he might edge his assurance of victory in battle forward a bit. He vowed to sacrifice the first thing that came out his door upon returning home and it cost him his beloved daughter and all his future posterity, as she was his only child. What dark days going forward for Jephthah, and what great price for the cost of his victory! I really believe Jephthah was as good a person as any of us; I could be wrong. He did not have the knowledge or wisdom through the word of GOD that benefits believers, although he did pray to GOD. He had not much instruction; yet GOD held up Jephthah and stood with him regardless. And while Judges sometimes puzzles us as we read in our snuggy, comfortable armchairs, the resemblance to us in our modern setting is undeniable. As a nation, we drift; God catches us with leaders who deliver us with reprieve from destruction, with peace for a season. Our great advantage and comfort is our friend and savior Yeshua our Messiah. We pray to Him, He is our defense, and we can rest in the knowledge that the battle is won. We are told to pray for our leaders and those who have rule over us. GOD sets rulers on the throne. Let s work with Him, and them, through prayer and obedience. And one more thing, Yeshua s victory is given to us as we walk by faith. If we do just that, walk by faith, we will also walk in the victory Yeshua has given us In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; Deuteronomy 12:8) Those days from The Book of Judges references an approximate 270 year period during the theocracy which began about 1499 BC (*all dates according to Beecher) with the burning bush, or the call of Moses, and lasting roughly 400 years until Samuel, who as both prophet and judge, oversaw the choosing of Saul, Israel s first king, at Gilgal, at 1102 BC. Interestingly, 1102 BC is also the birth year of David, Saul s successor king.

5 Purim... For Such a Time as This... join the celebration Purim Celebration March 6:30 Behold the Lamb of God sponsor someone to attend the Seder Buffet Dinner Soup / Salad Chicken / Salmon 2-Sides Dessert Plater Tea / Coffee TABLES OF 10 jxp jxp PESACH BEHOLD THE LAMB Submit payment with Form Due MARCH 10th PRINT - NAME ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP PHONE TOTAL TO GUARANTEE SEATING REQUESTS - SEND IN GROUP FORM (ALL Names and ALL Payment together) PLEASE SEAT WITH OR NEAR NO REFUNDS PLEASE CALL IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL: cell FOR CONFIRMATION: address: TOTAL TO BE SEATED AT THE TABLE: Adult (11 yrs & up) Student (with ID) Children (2-10 yrs) 0-1 Infants ROSH PINAH PASSOVER SEDER April 2, 2018 Monday, 6:30 pm UCO Nigh University Center 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK Google Maps - use Nigh University Center NOT the street address MUST BE PRE-PAID / NO REFUNDS CHECKS PAYABLE TO: ROSH PINAH MAIL TO: 2600 NW 55 PL Oklahoma City, OK CONFIRMATION NUMBER: PLEASES ARRIVE BY 6:15PM ADULTS: $36. (11 yrs & up) STUDENTS: $24. (with ID) CHILDREN: $18. (2-10 yrs) INFANTS: no charge (0-1 ) Adult Student Child Infant TOTAL AMOUNT: DATE CHECK # TOTAL PAYMENT: ROSH PINAH PASSOVER REGISTRATION 5

6 . Israel: Useful Israeli Sayings ouka Shalom n. Hello, goodbye, peace Shalom Aleichem peace be unto you. vccx Shabbaba adj. Great, groovy, cool. hjt Achi n. bro, saves face when vkjt you cannot remember someone s name. Achala n. The real thing. ikvt That was achla houmous. Achalan n. Hello. Ahalan, ahi ma koreh? vmmp (Hi, brother, what s happening?) Petzatza n. Literally an explosion but usually used to describe a pretty girl, or something great. vrue vn Ma Koreh? excl. What s happening? hbgh Ya ani adv. Like, as if. out,p vn Ma Pitom! excl. No way! vxtc vzht Eze Ba-sa adv. Downer. lrsv ;ux Sof Ha Derech excl. Great, out a sight. idkc Balagan n. A big mess. vkkth Ya-lah v. Move on. gdr er Rak Regah excl. Wait a minute. Usually used with hand signal, fingers together facing upwards.,ubkcx Savlanut n. Patience. vjhsp Fadeecha n. An embarrassing situation. hhc vkkth Yallah Bye! excl. Slang for goodbye. ROSH PINAH S MAY 27 JUNE 7 IT S ISRAEL S 70 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION...AND YOU ARE INVITED ISRAEL TOUR 2018 Deluxe Package from OKC For only $3,999. Still Time to Sign up! 6 TO JOIN OUR GROUP CALL: RABBI MICHAEL WEYGANT or CONTACT: REVE HANKS reveh@earthlink.net 10 NORWICH CT SHAWNEE, OK TRAVEL WITH REVELLE...Set your sights on Israel

7 Upcoming Events: March 3 PURIM 6:30 pm March 10 GUEST SPEAKER FROM ISRAEL March Annual Men s THE SULLIVANT RETREAT CENTER March 25 Women s SoS - Clean out the Leaven April 2 Passover UCO 6:30 pm Reservation Deadline - March 10 April 21 Israel Night - Music / Israeli Dancing / Snacks May 5 ROSH PINAH Worship Team Concert Singing Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs 6:30-8:30 pm May 26 SHAVUOT 6:30 pm May 27-June 7 ROSH PINAH Israel Tour Weekly: Shabbat 9:00 am Prayer Room open 10:40 am Shabbat Service & Shabbat School 2:00 pm S.E.T. Classes: Adult Shabbaton Children s Shabbaton Teen Class Hebrew Class Messianic Dance Tuesday 6:15 pm Prayer 6:30-7:15 Judaica Shop OPEN 7:30 pm Bible Study Rosh Pinah OFFICE HOURS: Mon thru Thurs: 10 am to 4 pm Friday: 10 am to 1 pm Judaica Shop OPEN: 1-4 pm Weekdays Tues Eve: 6:30-7:15 pm or call ahead for an appointment HaShofar Editor Sue Thurston Writers - Rabbi Michael Weygant, Sue Thurston, Kati Harper of Blessed Memory Graphics - Leslie Clymer Production - Mishpocha Volunteers Your Giving to Rosh Pinah is Needed and Appreciated! We re happy to offer you on our website the convenience of giving with PayPal. A DONATE button can be found on our website homepage: You can complete your payment with just a few clicks; the you receive from PayPal after you donate serves as your charitable tax receipt. Giving On-line Now Available Contribution Envelopes Help us... Dissolve our mortgage A return envelope has been included in this newsletter. Your contribution will help to offset the costs of copying and mailing the HaShofar. Please designate on the memo line how you want your gift used. Mortgage Retirement A History Lesson Rosh Pinah has always been a debt-free congregation... except for one thing: Our mortgage. The good news is our mortgage is now nearly 80% paid off! We request your help in making this year a banner year for vanquishing this mortgage debt. We can save much money on interest by paying off the mortgage quickly. Please consider giving a generous gift to Rosh Pinah now either by check or via PayPal on our website ( org) to help reduce or remove the mortgage debt. We welcome your generous help. Thank you. 7

8 ROSH PINAH is a Messianic Jewish Congregation of both Jewish and non- Jewish believers in Yeshua Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah. In the Hebrew, Rosh Pinah means Cornerstone and signifies that Yeshua the Messiah is the cornerstone of our faith. Our study and teaching is centered upon the Jewish scriptures, consisting of the Tenakh (Torah, Prophets, and Writings) and the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant). We study the scriptures from a Jewish perspective, recognizing that they were written and preserved by faithful Jewish men of GOD. Rosh Pinah worships on the Jewish Shabbat and we observe the Biblical Feasts and Holy Days of the LORD. Our worship service combines traditional Jewish Blessings, Messianic Jewish Worship and Praise, and Davidic Dancing. Above all, we emphasize in our congregational experience a living, vibrant and personal relationship with the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, through the Messiah Yeshua. Our heart s desire is to reach both Jew and Gentile with the Good News of the Messiah Yeshua, and to help the Christian Community to reclaim their rich Jewish Heritage. Upcoming Events: Subject to needful change LAKE HEFNER PARKWAY MARRIOTT HOTEL H INTEGRIS BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER NW HIGHWAY INDEPENDENCE AVE MAY AVE NW 50 ST NW 57 MILLER Linn ROSH PINAH HISTORIC ROUTE 66 VILLA 55 Place LIBRARY ON THE CORNER OF Linn Ave & 55 Place 2 blocks north of NW HWY on Linn Ave NW HIGHWAY NW 63 STREET PENN AVE PENN SQUARE MALL FEB 24 CHRISTOPHER SERVECOFFEE 7-9pm MAR 3 PURIM PLAY 6:30pm MAR ANNUAL MEN S RETREAT APR 2 PASSOVER SEDER - 6:30pm ROSH PINAH I 2600 NW 55 PLACE I OKLAHOMA CITY, OK I ISRAEL TOUR 2018 See INSIDE 2600 NW 55th Place / Oklahoma City, OK / To be Removed from HA SHOFAR Mailing List info@roshpinah.org REMOVE NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OKLAHOMA CITY, OK PERMIT NO