I have the mock-ups of the first 11oz mugs that we are going to start selling to raise some funds for TTN.
Should the design be on both sides of the cup or the actual verse written out on the other side?
What are your thoughts?

DEVOTIONAL
Who do you trust?

Maybe it’s a dream you’re holding onto, or a promise you’ve been given. Maybe you’re waiting on a person to change, or a situation to shift. Maybe you’re waiting for a prayer to be answered, hope to arrive, joy to replace sorrow, or clarity and hope to replace confusion and chaos.

It can be difficult in the midst of pain, loss, and suffering to patiently cling to the One who promises to come through for us.

Isaiah was a prophet to the leaders of Judah during a time of national corruption and spiritual destitution. He foretold of his people being dragged away into exile because they were trusting in idols, political rulers, and other momentary things.

But Isaiah also reminded the people that God was sovereign, God would bring them out of exile, and God would one day send a savior to rescue them forever.

Isaiah didn’t live to see all his prophecies fulfilled—but he held onto the hope that he prophesied about, and his words to the people of Israel can continue to encourage us today…

Trust in the Lord even when circumstances don’t make sense.
Trust in the Lord even when you’re suffering.
Trust in the Lord even when your heart is breaking.
Come what may, trust in the Lord.

Seasons may shift, situations may change, people may abandon, desert, or betray you—but the one who remains constant throughout history is the God over history. The Lord is unchanging and immovable. Nothing can stand against Him or overcome Him.

He knows what it’s like to suffer because He suffered for us. And so we can trust God because He keeps His promises—and He has promised to fight for us, never leave us, make a way for us, love us, protect us, and remain faithful to us.

Since God is our salvation, we can trust Him and not be afraid.

So come what may, let’s choose today to trust in the Lord.

"A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back."

Pr 26

7.15.23 Shabbat Service
Time of the End
https://fb.watch/lQwqXa5NIZ/

THIS WEEK
Devarim דְּבָרִים
Words
Torah : Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22
Prophets : Isaiah 1:1-27
Gospel : Matthew 24:1-22

Portion Outline
Torah
Deuteronomy 1:1 Events at Horeb Recalled
Deuteronomy 1:9 Appointment of Tribal Leaders
Deuteronomy 1:19 Israel's Refusal to Enter the Land
Deuteronomy 1:34 The Penalty for Israel's Rebellion
Deuteronomy 1:46 The Desert Years
Deuteronomy 2:26 Defeat of King Sihon
Deuteronomy 3:1 Defeat of King Og

Prophets
Isaiah 1:1 Introduction
Isaiah 1:2 The Wickedness of Judah
Isaiah 1:21 The Degenerate City

What do you base your tithe on?

Thought for Today: Monday July 17:

YHVH loves us; not because we are lovable but because He is love and not because He needs to receive, but because He delights to give.

BIBLE STUDY LESSON 04

SERIES V --- JOURNEYS FOR YESHUA

THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL

THE COUNCIL IN JERUSALEM

From Acts 15:1-34

After their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch for some time. While they ministered there, some men from Judea came and taught that a person must be circumcised in order to become a follower in Moshiach. This led to considerable discussion, and even argument, between these men and Paul and Barnabas. When it became apparent that the issue would not be resolved in Antioch, the believers arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some other church leaders to discuss this with the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. The entire church at Antioch joined together in sending these people on their way. On the way to Jerusalem, they stopped at Phoenicia and Samaria, where they told the believers how Gentiles were also following Yeshua. This made the believers very happy. When the delegates arrived in Jerusalem, they were warmly welcomed by the church, including the apostles and elders. Paul and Barnabas gave a report concerning their work, and how Gentiles were following Yeshua. Some of the believers present, who had previously been Pharisees, insisted that these Gentile believers [must be circumcised and must also observe the Law of Moses.] They were arguing that the Gentile believers must first observe Jewish customs in order to follow Yeshua. A meeting of the apostles and elders was called to discuss this matter. After a long debate, Peter stood up to speak. [Brothers, you know that long ago YHVH chose me to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles,] he said. [He wanted them to hear the Good News and believe. He showed them that He was accepting them, as He had accepted us, by giving Ruach HaKodesh. Thus, He cleansed their hearts by faith just as He cleansed ours by faith. There was no difference! Now would you tell YHVH He was wrong by burdening the Gentiles with the Law which neither we nor our ancestors could bear? Aren’t we all saved through the grace which Yeshua gives?] No one else had any further discussion, except Barnabas and Paul, who told the wonderful things which YHVH had done for the Gentiles through them. When they had finished, James stood up. [Listen to my words, my brothers,] he said. [Peter has been telling you how YHVH first caused Gentiles to follow Him. Actually, the prophets told about this many years earlier. For example, Amos said, ‘Adonai promised to renew His agreement with David someday, including even the Gentiles among those who seek Him. Adonai Who promises this has known these things from the beginning.’ Therefore, I believe that we should not require Gentile converts to follow Jewish practices or Laws, except that they, of course, should not eat meat sacrificed to idols, practice fornication, or eat meat of strangled animals from which the blood has not been drained. These things have been preached and read from the Law of Moses in our synagogues everywhere for hundreds of years.] The entire church at Jerusalem, including the apostles and elders, decided to send delegates back to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The delegates included Judas, also known as Barsabbas, and Silas. They took with them the following letter: [The brothers here in Jerusalem, including apostles and elders, greet you Gentile brothers in Antioch in Syria, and in Cilicia. We have learned that some unauthorized people have come to you from Jerusalem, troubling you with doubts about your salvation. With complete agreement, we thought it well to send some of our own appointed delegates with Paul and Barnabas, men who have risked their lives for Yeshua Moshiach, to tell you personally what we have decided. We believe Ruach HaKodesh would not burden you with any but the essential rules, that is, to avoid food offered to idols, to refuse to eat meat of strangled animals from which the blood is not drained, and to keep sexually pure. You will do well to keep these. Farewell.] When the delegates arrived in Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, they called a meeting of the believers and gave them the message. The church was filled with joy as it was read. Judas and Silas, both excellent speakers, preached long sermons to encourage and strengthen the believers. After a number of days, the delegates from Jerusalem returned home, while Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, helping those who taught and preached the Word of YHVH.

COMMENTARY

JEWISH CUSTOMS FROM THE LAW OF MOSES

Religious Jews cherish YHVH’s Law as their most precious possession. They think of it as a blessing, not a burden. They believe that the Commandments of YHVH are a sign of His great love for Israel. In their daily prayers they thank YHVH for the gift of Torah [the Hebrew word for Law]. [We will rejoice in the words of Your Torah and Your Commandments forever] they pray. [And may You never take away Your love from us.] The Law is also a badge of honour that sets the Jewish people apart from others. Their devotion to YHVH is shown in many visible ways that identify them as children of Israel. In Old Testament times these outward signs of obedience protected them from following foreign gods. Observant modern Jews continue to keep many of the customs of their ancestors. In the Book of Numbers, YHVH Commanded the Israelites to wear fringes on their clothes as a constant reminder of His Commandments. In ancient times, the men attached these fringes to their outer garments. But over the centuries, they adopted the [Arba Kanforth] {four corners}. This square garment has a hole cut in the centre for the head and a tassel attached to each corner. Religious Jewish men and boys today still wear the Arba Kanforth under their shirts. Tassels are also attached to the four corners of the Jewish prayer shawl. This flat rectangular cloth is called a [Tallit.] Most are made of white wool or silk with blue stripes across each end. Jewish men wear the Tallit over their shoulders and sometimes over their head during prayer. In addition to the Talith, Jewish men wear [Tefillin] while they pray. Two small black boxes, they contain miniature parchment scrolls. These are printed with the Commandment to wear the words of the Law as a [sign upon your hand and a frontlet between your eyes.] The first cube is attached to the upper left arm and its long leather strap is wound in a spiral seven times below the elbow. The second cube is fastened on the forehead with a knot at the back of the neck. The loose ends of the strap hang down in front. Like the fringes on the corners of his garments, the Tefillin are visible signs of the worshiping Jew’s devotion to the Law of YHVH. Jewish men keep their heads covered, indoors and out. They either wear a hat or a small cap called a [yarmulke.] {Also called kippot} it is a sign of respect to YHVH, and YHVH is everywhere. The [Mezuzah] on the doorpost of a Jewish home is another reminder of YHVH’s Commandments. Everyone who comes in or goes out of the house pauses to touch this rectangular box on the doorjamb. Like Tefillin, the Mezuzah holds a miniature parchment scroll printed with these words from the Bible, [And these words which I Command you this day shall be in your heart. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.] Keeping the Shabbat as a day of rest is another important Jewish custom. The whole family puts away work and dresses in their best. When the Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday, it is greeted with lighted candles and a special blessing. All work is forbidden, but Jews do not consider it a wasted day. Much of the time is devoted to prayer and worship in the synagogue. When the Shabbat ends at sunset on Saturday, a blessing is recited separating the holy day from the following week. Other Jewish customs are observed throughout the week as well as on the Shabbat. Many Jewish families still keep the Old Testament food Laws. They do not eat any meat that is considered unclean -- not {kosher} -- in YHVH’s eyes. Even the meat that is permitted must be carefully prepared. Milk and meat cannot be cooked together or served at the same time. Separate sets of dishes are reserved for each.

"If thou wilt not obey the voice of Yahweh thy God, to keep and to do all his commandments, and his ordinances, which I command thee this day, then all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee."

De 28

I'm shocked at how off the rails people can get when they reject Yeshua.

One moment they are claiming how they are true students of Torah and listen to what it says, and then the next they are telling me how they will be attending a local mosque.

Same people believe that I am a polytheistic for believing in Yeshua. Zero self awareness. Blindness and hypocrisy like I've never seen before.