Titus 2:12-13

The passage in reference, Titus 2:12-13, states:

“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (NIV)

This passage has been the subject of theological discussion regarding the identity of "our great G-d and Savior, Jesus Christ," and its implications for understanding the nature of Yeshua (Jesus) in relation to Hashem (G-d).

Here are some considerations regarding the translation, context, and implications of this text:

1. Translation Variations:
- Understanding the Greek: The original Greek wording can be interpreted in different ways, particularly concerning whether “our great God and Savior” refers to one person (Yeshua) or two distinct persons (G-d the Father and Yeshua). The structure of the Greek could support both interpretations, which is why translations may vary.
- Translational Choices: Some translations phrase it in a way that emphasizes the oneness of "G-d and Savior" as referring to Yeshua, while others may imply a distinction between G-d (the Father) and Jesus. The translation decisions reflect theological perspectives of the translators and their understanding of the nature of G-d and Christ.

2. Context within the New Testament:
- Comparative Passages: It is indeed correct that direct references casting both Hashem and Yeshua in a singular role are not common throughout the New Testament. Most usages tend to respect the distinction between the Father and Son in other passages (e.g., John 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 8:6, and Matthew 28:19).
- Messianic Expectations: The New Testament communicates a Christology that emphasizes both the divinity of Yeshua and His distinct role as the Messiah. This distinction has significant implications for understanding His mission and identity, separate from that of G-d the Father.

3. Theological Implications:
- Understanding the Trinity: For those who adhere to Trinitarian doctrine, passages like Titus 2:13 are seen as affirmations of the divinity of Christ. However, Trinitarianism may not fully address the Jewish perspective that emphasizes a strict monotheism coexisting with a distinct Messiah.
- Jewish Context: In Jewish thought, while the Messiah is anticipated as a leader and redeemer, He is not regarded as divine in the same way that G-d is. Thus, interpreting this passage through a purely Jewish lens may lead to a different understanding of Yeshua’s identity as the Messiah without conflating Him with the divine essence of God.

4. Diverse Interpretations:
- Christian Perspectives: Within Christianity, interpretations may vary widely. Some may view Titus 2:13 as a clear claim to the divinity of Yeshua, while others may argue for a more nuanced reading that allows for a distinction between the persons of the G-dhead.
- Messianic and Jewish Views: Messianic believers and traditional Jews may emphasize the uniqueness of Yeshua's role without equating Him directly or essentially with G-d. This viewpoint maintains a focus on His mission as a human Messiah sent from G-d.

These observation highlights an important aspect of theological interpretation, particularly concerning passages that may appear to blur the lines between Hashem and Yeshua.

Understanding the translations, contexts, and cultural implications helps create a more nuanced understanding of Yeshua’s identity as the Messiah from both Jewish and Christian perspectives.

This comment reflects the richness of exploring biblical texts across different theological lenses and traditions. If you have further questions or would like to explore this or other topics in more depth, please feel free to share!

However, there is an important point regarding the context of the New Testament (NT)—specifically, its authorship, cultural background, and how this influences its interpretation.

Understanding that the NT was primarily written by Jews within a Jewish cultural and religious framework is crucial for appreciating its content and theology. Let’s dig into this further:

1. Jewish Authorship:
- Disciples and Early Christians: Most of the authors of the New Testament texts were Jewish (e.g., Matthew, John, Paul, Peter), and they operated within the context of Second Temple Judaism. This background informs their writings, as they sought to articulate the significance of Yeshua (Jesus) within the Jewish faith and scriptural tradition.
- Jewish Context of the Gospel Message: The life, teachings, and resurrection of Yeshua are presented against the backdrop of Jewish prophecy, law, and tradition. Various elements in the NT—such as references to the Hebrew Scriptures, the significance of the Temple, and the Jewish festivals—highlight this connection.

2. Cultural Influences:
- Hellenistic Environment: While the NT was written in Greek, the cultural milieu was not purely Hellenistic but rather a blended context influenced by Hellenism alongside Jewish traditions. This complexity means that while Greek language and some Hellenistic ideas are present, the foundational beliefs are distinctly Jewish.
- Countering Hellenism: The early believers (Messianic Jews and Gentiles) often sought to counter Hellenistic and Gnostic ideas, emphasizing monotheism and the uniqueness of G-d as understood in the Hebrew Scriptures. The NT writers aimed to show that Yeshua fulfilled the Jewish Messianic expectations rather than promoting a pantheistic or syncretistic worldview.

3. Theological Implications:
- Monotheism vs. Hellenistic Thought: Traditional Jewish belief in one G-d (Hashem) counteracts the more fluid and pantheistic views prevalent in some Hellenistic philosophies. This monotheistic foundation is essential for understanding the NT's portrayal of G-d and Yeshua. The early believers maintained a strict understanding of one G-d while affirming the divine nature of Yeshua (Jesus) in a way that aligned with their Jewish roots.
- Fulfillment of Jewish Prophecy: The authors of the New Testament intended to demonstrate that the events surrounding Yeshua were the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. This messianic lens is a fundamental aspect that must be considered when interpreting the NT texts.

4. Language and Semitic Influence:
- Greek as a Lingua Franca: Greek was the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean, making it accessible for spreading the message of Yeshua among diverse audiences. However, the ideas, idioms, and theological concepts still reflect a Semitic worldview that is often distinct from Hellenistic thought processes.
- Translation Nuances: In translations and interpretations, some nuances of Jewish thought can be lost if viewed solely through a Hellenistic lens. Understanding the original cultural context can provide deeper insight into the text's meaning.

This assertion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Jewish origins and cultural context of the New Testament writings. By appreciating that the NT was crafted by Jewish authors navigating a Hellenistic world, one can gain a deeper understanding of its theological assertions and the identity of Yeshua. This perspective supports the view that Yeshua’s role as the Messiah is rooted in Jewish tradition, fulfilling the hopes and expectations of the Jewish people.

Acknowledging these factors invites richer theological discussions and insights into how one interprets the New Testament today.

Reference:
JNTC - Jewish New Testament Commentary, David H. Stern, 2022

If you have additional thoughts, comments or different views feel free to share!

Hope this study brings enlightment and sacred moments to your life.

Blessings on your journey!

Kleber Siqueira

San Antonio, TX
Spring 2025

Parashat Tetzaveh: Our Heart Intentions

 

Shalom dear friends,

Parashat Tetzaveh opens with the commandment to light the eternal lamp in the Tent of Meeting, and continues with the preparations for the construction of the Tabernacle. It describes the priestly garments and their sanctification, and also touches upon the anointing oil, the incense, and the altar.

The Connection Between Yeshua & Parashat Tetzaveh
Essentially, every topic in Parashat Tetzaveh connects to one or more of Yeshua’s teachings. Delving deeper into the Word of God, with the help of such connections, ultimately leads us to apply His Word to our lives. One example of such a connection is the commandment to light the Eternal Lamp, which resonates with Yeshua Who is called “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), and Who also calls on us-as His disciples-to shine His light through our choices.

Anointing Oil
Of course, the description of the anointing oil is also significant to us as believers, because the word ‘Messiah’ means ‘Anointed One’ [with oil]. The original meaning of the word Messiah refers to a ritual for appointing someone to an important and central role, like a High Priest or a king. This is why the Scriptures refer to priests as ‘the anointed one’.

Similarly, kings such as Saul, David, and Solomon were also anointed for their royal position. This is why David calls Saul, ‘the Lord’s anointed’ (1 Samuel 24:6), and refuses to harm him.

On an interesting side note, the Mount of Olives is also known as the ‘Mount of Anointment’, as the foot of this hill once served as the location for the olive groves that produced the olive oil with which Israel’s kings and priests were anointed. One of these olive groves is the well known Gethsemane, where Yeshua prayed before being betrayed by Judas Iscariot.

According to Judaism, the title Messiah is also given to the most central figure Who will appear at some point in history to redeem the entire world, bring completion to the Torah, and bring world peace. This Messiah has many names in Judaism, such as: ‘Messiah, Son of David.’

As believers, we recognize the identity of the Messiah—the One Who redeems the entire world by granting atonement to everyone, through His name: Yeshua Son of David, Son of Abraham. He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

The Altar
Besides the topic of light, Parashat Tetzaveh also touches upon the interesting and important topic of the altar. If you’ve traveled the Land of Israel before, you might’ve noticed different-sized altars at different archeological sites.

Yeshua also mentions the word ‘altar’ in several contexts, including in a social setting between two people. Yeshua teaches that, if something stands between someone else and ourselves, we should leave our offering at the altar, and reconcile first (with the one we sinned against - or in case the other person sinned against us, read Matthew 5).

Then in Matthew 23, in the context of truthfulness and false oaths, Yeshua wonders what’s more important: the altar or the offering? “And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.”  (Matthew 23:18-20)

If we take a moment to read the Torah Portion in light of Yeshua’s words, the following verse stands out: “Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.” (Exodus 29:37) Here, the spirit of Yeshua’s words touches our integrity and honesty. Essentially, Messiah demands us to prioritize those qualities. Our ‘yes’ should be a true ‘yes.’ Building trust between people begins with us, and with the words we utter.

Altars Across Israel
As mentioned a few paragraphs before, altars from different periods (and sizes) have been found at archaeological excavation sites throughout Israel. Some were used for idolatry, while others were for the worship of the God of Israel.

If you’d wish to see an example of an altar, I’d highly recommend a visit to the Tel Beer Sheva National Park, which is slightly east of the modern city of Be’er Sheva (or: Beer Sheba). This UNESCO World Heritage Site happens to be an important Biblical site, as it played a central role in the lives of our patriarchs-Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It’s also the national park where we plan to take our youth on their next field trip.

The Horned Altar
Tel Beer Sheva National Park has many points of interest, including a large horned altar. During the First Temple period, this altar was active and used for offering sacrifices. However, later on, this altar was dismantled.

During excavations at the site, horned stones were found in a wall of one of the storehouses. Archaeologists managed to reconstruct the altar from the various stones found there.
Today, the altar is displayed at the Israel Museum, and a reconstruction is displayed at the entrance to the national park.

King Hezekiah’s Reforms
This horned altar was dismantled as part of King Hezekiah’s religious reforms (8th century BCE). Before Hezekiah and during the reign of most Kings of Judah and Israel—even including the First Temple period—sacrifices and offerings continued to be made at various sites across the land—mostly to the God of Israel, but not exclusively.

One of the sides of the horned altar at Tel Beer Sheva, is engraved with what appears to be a snake, which some scholars connect to the bronze serpent that Moses cast toward the end of the Book of Numbers (Chapter 21).

Similarly, King Hezekiah’s reforms also refer back to Moses' bronze serpent: “In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. (...) And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan).” (2 Kings 18:1-4)

These verses show that King Hezekiah not only purified the Temple and renewed the worship of God, but also demanded the destruction of the high places, temples, altars, and monuments. It’s exciting to see the archaeological evidence of Hezekiah’s reforms and the destruction of local temples that were found at several sites, including: Bethel, Lachish, and Arad.

It’s just amazing that we’re able to travel the Land of Israel, and see the Bible coming to life.

Priestly Garments
Another major topic in Parashat Tetzaveh, is the priestly garments, which includes a robe, trousers, a turban, and an ephod that connects to two shoulder pieces which are set with onyx stones that are engraved with the names of the Tribes of Israel. We also read about the breastpiece with precious stones that are set in gold filigree. A variety of colors and materials are described, that include blue, purple, gold, and crimson red.

Everything was handcrafted by artists who were directly inspired by God Who filled the craftsmen with the spirit of wisdom, so that they could fulfill the commandment: “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.” (Exodus 28:2)

Shabbat Clothing
Perhaps you’re familiar with the term ‘Shabbat clothing’, but what’s behind the idea? Does God really care about what we wear? In a certain way, yes He does.

Parashat Tetzaveh explains that when we visit the House of God, we should be clean and dressed with suitable, elegant clothing. Dressing appropriately helps us to behave accordingly, and it even has the tendency to affect how others treat us, too.

Priestly Clothing
If we take a closer look at the detailed description of the priestly garments, we notice that the breastplate was crafted with precious materials (including gold), and set with twelve precious stones representing each of the 12 Tribes of Israel.

Beyond the materials, its placement is particularly significant: “They shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the Lord. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly.” (Exodus 28:29-30)

The breastplate is meant to be placed on the heart, for remembrance and judgment. As believers, the location of the heart is very important, as it connects to the two greatest and most important commandments in the Torah: to love God "with all your heart" and your neighbor as yourself.

The issue of the heart also connects to the divine promise spoken by prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel, that God's law would be written on our hearts. Notice how the heart is at the core of Yeshua’s teachings, too.

The idea that the breastplate covers the heart for judgment, reminds of Yeshua’s The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9). There, Yeshua describes a man who’s confident in his own righteousness, and believes that he follows God’s will correctly.

In the same Parable, Yeshua also describes a tax collector who knows he’s in the wrong and doesn’t live according to God's will. As a result, he’s ashamed to approach, and even to look up to heaven: “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’”

This parable of Yeshua illustrates-among other things-the need to pray and stand before God with humility. And yet, above all, Yeshua encourages self-examination and repentance.
The tax collector beat his chest, and Yeshua connects this act to the priest who carries the Tribes of Israel on his heart—for judgment.

For judgment and forgiveness, for judgment and mercy.

 

The Jerusalem Prayer List – February 9, 2024

 

Netivyah Bible Instruction Ministry

The Jerusalem Prayer List – February 9, 2024
by Joseph Shulam 

Israel is still at war in Gaza with Hamas and on the North border with Lebanon with Hezbollah, an Iranian Proxy with radical anti-Israel views and a desire to delete Israel from this Earth. The place of Jewish Disciples of Yeshua in Israel is going through a major change and challenge.  There is a significant number of Israeli soldiers who come from the ranks of the Messianic Congregations throughout Israel. There have been a few soldiers who have died and a few who are severely wounded in this horrible war.  It is definitely a sad and painful loss when any Israeli soldier is killed or injured, but on the other hand, these victims of the war cement our place and our participation as one people with one national loyalty to all of the people of Israel.  

What is important is also the massive participation of Jewish Disciples of Yeshua, who have supplied a significant amount of tactical equipment like helmets, ceramic bulletproof vests, and warm clothing for our soldiers on top of the snow-covered Mount Hermon.  Advanced and essential tactical equipment like special drones with night vision and other technologies have been provided to our men on the battlefields to save lives.  This very practical participation in the war and care for the welfare of our men on the battlefield changes the attitude and perception of the Israeli public toward Jewish Disciples of Yeshua.  

The value and importance of the contributions, participation, and sacrificial giving of brothers from Asia to South America, North America, Europe, and the South Pacific – i.e., worldwide- is incredible.  I would like to bless every brother and sister who has given and taken place in the supply and support and love gifts for all Israeli military men and women who received a blessing from you.  The value is not only the “now” blessings you have given to the men and women on the battlefields in Gaza and the North.  God bless all of you, dear brothers and sisters worldwide.  Please keep praying for Israel and for the men and women on the battlefields and for the home front, the women and children who are at home and have to contend with life and children alone.  Pray for the thousands of wounded soldiers and their recovery.  Pray for the doctors and nurses caring for thousands of young men and women. 

 Also, pray for Marcia and me. I have pancreatic cancer in the early stage 1.  Also, two lymph nodes are malignant in the lungs.  It is a significant and very challenging situation for Marcia and me because I must take care of Marcia, and in Israel, we don’t have family here.  

 The Torah portion of this Shabbat, February 9th, 2024, is Mishpatim (Judgments or Rules) from Exodus 21:1-24:18. 

The reading from the Prophets (The Haftarah in Hebrew) is from Isaiah 66:1-24.  This text is essential because it describes the worship scene of the last days of history. To make it easy, it is in New Jerusalem.  Gentiles, Jews, and men of all races will serve and worship.  From the New Testament, the reading will be from the Gospel of Mark 9:40 -50.  It is a short reading but has significance.  

 I will start my commentary for this Shabbat with the reading from the New Testament: Mark 9:40-50.  I will start a few verses earlier to put us in the context: 

 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” “Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched — where “Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched — where “Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire — where “Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’  “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves and have peace with one another.” (Mark 9:37-50 NKJV)

 The beginning of discussion between Yeshua and His disciples starts on the road to Capernaum. The disciples of Yeshua began to argue among themselves about who is the greatest.  I could confess that this virus of argument “who is the best” – “who is the greatest” is a very human problem, but it is especially an Israeli tendency.  Yeshua brings a different paradigm based on a different standard: Yeshua gives a major paradigm shift in this discussion.

Yeshua reverses the issue and turns it upside down: 

“If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”  

According to Yeshua’s statement, being last means being “a servant of all!”  

Yeshua reverses the desire to be great in a community or a fraternity of men like His disciples. One of the final events before Yeshua was arrested and crucified was a dramatic demonstration of the principle he was trying to teach his disciples.  On the evening of Passover, Yeshua washes the feet of his disciples.  They object to it, but he says that if he can’t wash their feet, they can’t be his disciples. Yeshua is demonstrating that He performed as a  servant for all the Apostles.  This act of “serving” all his disciples is based on the verse from Genesis:

 And the Lord said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; One people shall be stronger than the other, And the older shall serve the younger.”. (Genesis 25:23 NKJV). 

The typical paradigm of GREATNESS is that the least (the youngest) shall serve the older (strongest – most important – the leader…). This paradigm is not so simple to implement because it is contrary to the norm in all human civilizations from the very dawn of history.  Having the “Great” leaders serving their workers is unnatural.  You don’t often hear of a General in the Army polishing the shoes of the privates and sergeant in his brigade. You don’t hear of the company’s CEO volunteering to cut the grass for the janitor who works there because he is sick.

 Most Jewish and Christian religious leaders generally ignore this teaching of Yeshua. The demand is generally the opposite, and the “BOSS” is because most Christians are part of an exclusive and sectarian church denominational hierarchal structure. Yeshua’s statement and the demands of His Apostles are very bombastic and counter social norms. My statement is harsh and strong, but it is not a condemnation. It involves all leaders, especially Jewish, Muslim, and Christian leaders, in their organizations and denominations. 

 Let me give you a straightforward commentary on what Yeshua is saying. The discussion among the Apostles is a discussion of greatness. Following the tour of Galilee in which Yeshua (Jesus) issues a second warning about His approaching death and resurrection (9:30–32), He returns with the disciples to Capernaum (9:33a), the home village of at least four of his apostles, Peter, John and his brother, and Jacob = (James).  Capernaum was the home base for the Apostles, and Yeshua was there for many months. Yeshua performed miracles, healings, and teaching in this Galilean village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.  Yeshua demonstrated his humility and power in Capernaum at the same time. The word used for the work of Yeshua in Capernaum is the Greek word diakonia = service! Yeshua even healed Peter’s mother-in-law.  I am sure Peter’s wife was pleased that her mother was healed.  

 This selfless act of Diakonia (service) offers an ironic and unflattering counterpoint to the self-aggrandizing tendencies of Peter and the other disciples.  Yeshua countered the human tendency to want to be considered “great” and “worthy” even when the service is not the desire to be considered “great” and “wonderful.”  After Yeshua gave this new idea, a new paradigm of greatness, He said to His disciples and us even today and now!

 “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” (Mark 9:35-37 NKJV). 

 My private question is this: “Joseph, can you take seriously Yeshua’s teachings on this issue of “who is great in the Kingdom of God?” And start to practice it more, and don’t seek the rewards and approval or medals and awards from the men around you!  I have to ask myself this question more often and remember Yeshua’s washing His disciples’ feet and teaching us to take out our coats and give them to those who need them more!  

 The Torah portion is also full of essential laws and rulings, as they say in Hebrew, “Iron Sheep and Goats,” immovable and compromising rules often forgotten and ignored by all leaders.  Especially “when that proverbial liquid goes to our heads!”  We all need a good wife who, when it goes to our heads, immediately steps in to remind us of who we are and how much we have to come down from our imagination of grandeur to the base reality of our limitations and weaknesses! And get up, put on an apron, and wash dishes and floors.

 Don’t forget, and please go through the prayer list below and at least remind some angel in heaven to look and help and heal our brothers and sisters worldwide.  It can be just two words, but start serving this world-encompassing list of sick and needy brothers and sisters around the world.  

 The WAR in GAZA and the North is still raging, and there is no peace or return for the nearly 130 hostages that are going through hell in the miles of dark and humid tunnels under Gaza! Please pray for Israel and stand with Israel and help Netivyah Israel and Netivyah International help those men and women on the battlefield of this war of light against the darkness!

The Jerusalem Prayer List🙏 - 10/22/2023

 

Netivyah Bible Instruction Ministry 

The Jerusalem Prayer List – October 22, 2023

by Joseph Shulam 

Out of Zion

Dear Brothers and Sisters around the world,

Israel is being attacked today from Gaza, including rockets being shot toward Jerusalem and the surrounding hills, including Mevasseret Zion where we live. Rockets were shot toward Israel from as far as Yemen, that is by the Houties a part of Iran’s long arm in the Middle East.

Now the arena has spread from Lebanon and Syria in the North, Gaza in the South and Yemen from the far South, with Iran orchestrating and threatening Israel.

This is a red-light district now and Israel needs help and the most important help has to come from God and from Heaven. Please lift up your voices and open up your generosity.

Netivyah is at the tip of the sword as far as Jewish Disciples of Yeshua in the Land of Israel and the help to the Israeli Defense Forces with much needed gear and other supplies including hot meals for our soldiers in the very front lines.

Our congregation just had the Korean brothers and sisters cook a typical Korean Meal and took it to the front lines and the soldiers expressed a gratitude and enjoyed every bit of the spicy Korean food.

I can’t stress the seriousness of this time and this situation. It might sound dramatic and panicky, but it is not. Israel’s existence is being threatened from some five Arab countries and from all four winds of the earth. The abilities and the arsenal of these countries is at least four times
bigger than little old Israel.

Especially Iran has an army that is at least 3 times the size of Israel and a huge arsenal of long and medium range rockets with very big war heads.

Israel and we, the Jewish Disciples of Yeshua, need your prayers and your practical and financial support. You all know that we have very seldom and very rarely have asked for financial help. Now we need your help so that we can help our soldiers in the front lines.

It is not only a physical help. On the contrary, the major help is not the physical, but the physical help with tactical materials that they need and with other materials that will make their lives in the battlefield easier and less stressful.

The change in the attitude toward the Jewish Disciples of Yeshua in this land and the good witness of our soldiers in the front lines is a change of the Consciousness; not only toward us, the Jewish Disciples of Yeshua and our brothers from Netivyah and the Roeh Israel Congregation that come from Korea, Japan, Holland, Finland, Papua, Switzerland, Germany, the USA, and South America.

The international nature of our congregation in Jerusalem will spread good news with a global scope with every good deed thatwe do for our soldiers in the front lines.

Please contribute so that we can continue to bless and provide much needed gear for our soldiers.
 

Please click on the donate button or read more:

                     
                                    

                                    

Especially pray and pray and knock knock knock on Heaven’s door as the prophet Isaiah
says to the nations:

“For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; For the LORD delights
in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice
over you.” (Isaiah 62:1-5 NKJV)

By the way, our brothers and sisters in the United States that need tax credit for your charitable contributions can contribute to the Netivyah USA account and get the tax credit. I know that this helps and the credit that you get will bless not only the Lord’s work in Israel and round the world, but also give you an added blessing. You can do this through the Netivyah.org web page and just choose the “Netivyah USA “button. I know that this is just a little added benefit for the American citizens that need that IRS credit.
                                   

Scan the barcode to donate
to Netivyah USA:

 

In the darkness of war, and the very bitter hate that the enemies of Israel have against us, the biblical parallel is with the Amalek. The Hamas and those who finance them have proven more than one time that they are Amalek. This is what the Word of God commands Israel already during the exodus from Egypt:

“Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. Therefore, it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of
Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget." (Deut. 25:17-19 New King James Version)

The behavior of the Hamas leader and their terrorists and their beastly and beyond beastly behavior has proven that they are not only descendants of the Amalek but that they are the Amalek. Or should I say the reincarnation of their long-passed ancestors from the same roots of the Amalek. [1] I am sad to say again that our most bitter and cruel enemies throughout our history have been from among our own ethnic roots, our kind of not-so-distant relatives. Isaiah the prophet already said this in the 8 th Century B.C.

I have a very high respect and deep friendship with many Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians. I deeply respect Palestinian Muslim friends and confess that I trust them more than I trust some of my so called “messianic Jewish brothers” or some Christian missionaries.

I know for sure that many Palestinians both Christians and Muslims are also ashamed and embarrassed by what these demonized and heated creatures drugged with hate did to innocent human beings and to innocent girls and women and little children.

Only the Devil himself can be the architect of such horrible and demonic behavior and only our Lord Jesus Christ can change such twisted souls as those who raped mothers in front their children and then shoot or cut the throat of their fathers and mothers and took the children as hostages. Such behavior could only be compared to what the Nazis did to Jews during World War II.

We all know that as the darkness of human behavior grows, even a little light has the power to dispel it and allow people to see the goodness that exists in human beings. Yes, what happened in Gaza just a few short days ago is a product of racism and hate, and envy and brainwashing by the Hamas leadership that uses the people of Gaza as human shields to be cannon fodder for their own private enrichment while the common people suffer.

The Torah portion that is being read in the synagogues this Shabbat is the portion called Noah.

The reading is from Genesis 6:9 – 11:32. The Haftarah,reading from the prophets is from
Isaiah 54:1 -55:5, and the reading from the New Testament is from Luke 17:20-27.

The most significant verse in the Torah portion of Noah and may be especially in these days, the most important verse in the whole Bible for our days:

“And the LORD was sorry (Repented) that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:6-8 NKJV)

I have a hard time imagining how it is possible for God, the Creator of all and the father of all mankind, could have regretted, repented, sorry, that HE has made man on this earth.

I sometimes, especially when I am sick and have to stay at home, take up a brush and do some very amateurish painting. I have hanging on my walls my paintings; some are good and some are not so good; but they are my babies. I have never thought that I will destroy even one of my not so good and not so successful works of art.

Here we have the creator of the Universe repenting, regretting, being sorry that He created man! This is one of the saddest texts in the whole Bible. But I am so happy that this “But” exists in the Word of God, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” There you have it dear brothers. The power of one semi-righteous man, and his family; Noah who made God think twice before destroying the world. The power of one righteous and just and obedient individual that saved the fate of humanity and was able by his dedication and obedience to preserve the human race as we know it from Genesis till now!

This is probably my greatest teaching – the power of one individual to change the world. If I would not believe in this BIBLICAL TRUTH, I would not have dedicated my life to teach the Word of God all around the world, and to make disciples from both Jews and Arabs, white and black, from Finland and from China, all the way to Brazil and Bulgaria.

It is this one short verse that has, over and over and over, renewed my faith in my own self, and in other individuals: that have changed my understanding of God and of man alike.

I just want to mention of a few of these individuals. Ernest Stewart, Ralph Henley, Bill Long, W.B.West (with whom I had the privilege of spending a few weeks in Israel, but from whom I learned what it means to be committed to the restoration of the First Century Church!).
Dr. John McRay and His family, and
Moshe Ben-Maier and his wife Ahuva. And from Joseph Vactor, who was as different as a person
can be, but as great a disciple of Yeshua and as much as an Orthodox Jew can take the Good
News seriously.

There are some more Holy men and women that have a great influence on me, but no one like Noah who found grace in the eyes of the Lord when the rest of humanity didn’t care! [2]

Please don’t forget to stand with Israel these days, don’t forget to pray for Israel and for us personally, these days. Don’t forget to help us help our men in the front lines during this harsh time.

Don’t give up and keep holding our hands up in praise and gratitude like Joshua and Hur held the hands of Moses to keep the battle against Amalek.
 

---

 

               
 

---

 

Pray for faithful brothers and sisters in Israel.

Please pray for the list of the sick and especially pray for our dear sister Lea Kurkey.

Please pray for Israel. In the last 48 hours Israel entered into the city of Gennin – a terrorist hothouse.  More than 18 Jews were killed in the last two months by terrorists that came out of the city of Gennin.  

As I am writing this prayer list – I am also watching television and seeing the operation that the Israeli Military is conducting in this nest of snakes called Gennin.  Praise the Lord that from the several thousand Israeli soldiers no one has been killed or wounded in the last 48 hours.  
 
We need to pray that this continues to be the case.  We need to pray for the World to understand and see that Israel is dealing with people that at least their leadership, is not interested in peace. They are radical Islamists who are only driven by hate for Israel and for Jews and peace is the last thing on their minds.  
 
Our government was holding back for months from opening this Pandora’s box and getting rid of the terrorists that are not only killing Jews and terrorizing the peaceful Israeli population, but also preventing their own people from working in Israel in good paying jobs provides honorable living for their families. 
 
I hate that our boys, the men of our congregation, still serve in the Army and most of them in reserves have to fight and use weapons and do war in order to protect the civilian population of Israel from terrorism driven by hate and blindness. 
 
Please pray for the Middle East and for the world to see and understand what the reality is here in this part of the world.  The land that provided King David, and the prophets and Yeshua the Messiah – wants peace with our neighbors.
But they don’t want the hand that is stretched out in peace. They want to kill all the Jews and take their land, that is flourishing and being a blessing for all the world, and make it a dump like their own place in Gaza and in the Arab countries. 

In Jerusalem pray for the following brothers and sisters who are in need of divine grace and the gentle touch of the hand of God for healing and strength.

Ilana Ahijervie, a dear sister who is 98 years old and suffering from memory problems.

Sarit, a sister born in Jerusalem, over 88 years old, lives alone. Has no close family, and suffers from several old-age illnesses.

Yehuda Hochman, a dear older brother living in the Negev desert with some illness that needs healing.

Please keep praying for Marcia Shulam my wife. Pray that Marcia’s memory will stop weakening, and that her arthritis be healed and stop being active, and her strength to return to where she can take more care of herself. 
 
Please pray for people in the prayer list: as you can see, we pray for people in every continent, because we have brothers and sisters around the world, and our interest is not only for ourselves, but for God’s people in the north and south, east and west, even in the far islands of the oceans. There is power in the prayers of those people who have a global interest for God’s Light to come from Zion and reach the darkest corners of God’s Earth. 

Your prayers for Alexander and Sarah, and Andrew, who were raised as believers and have left their faith behind, have been answered, the Divine Shepherd guided these members of the same family gently back to the fold, please keep praying for their general and spiritual welfare!

Pray for Adam R. Adam has lost much of his hearing as a result of a virus. Pray for Adam and his family of 8 children.

Pray for Adam’s father and mother, Barry and Dalia. They too have some health problems and challenges.

Pray for Miriam and for Hannah her daughter. Miriam is a dear sister and has lost her husband recently.

Pray for Daniel S. and his children.

Our dear leader in the Ro’eh Israel congregation, Gary, and his health, and for his wife Melanie and their family.

Pray for Um Mahmud Abu-Eid and Jimmy Abu-Eid and all of the family. This is a dear family of old friends that needs healing and wisdom for the children and for their work.

Please pray for the Romero family who live deep in the Negev desert. It is hot there and they are far from our congregation and we miss them.

Please pray for Shannon’s father, Michael McGoff, Michael had heart surgery and we need to pray for his full recovery.

Pray for brothers and sisters in the U.K.

We bless our dear sister Celestine with health and blessings from Heaven for her life and her family. We pray for the Lord to be her comfort and provide sister Celestine all her physical and her spiritual and her social needs with His grace.

Pray for Deborah Isaiah. I pray for the Lord to find Deborah Isaiah and lead her to a blessed life and family and a solution to her problems.

I pray healing for Aries Franklin Mayers Sr., and Tony Black.

Pray for our dear brother Dennis D’Costa and his family, as they find their way and have a clear vision of what and where God wants them to live and serve and grow their family. Lord open the right doors for Dennis D’Costa and his family.

Australia

A dear friend from Hong Kong, Bonnie, asked that we pray for her brother who lives in Australia. Bonnie’s brother’s name is Ray Chen. Please mention the name Ray Chen and ask God to show this man the grace of God and God’s powerful healing of body and soul and restoration of faith and life of holiness and sanctity.

In Finland we have some precious and dear brothers and sisters that need our prayers:

 

Pray for Keijo and Salme, our dear partners and fellow workers in God’s flock. Both Keijo and Salme have some challenging heart issues.

Sipra, our dear sister in Nokia who is a widow with some health issues.

Satu-Maria, Sinni Tuuli, Anne Mirjami, our dear sisters, and all our other brothers and sisters in Finland who need our prayers: Eva H., Patty, Andrea, Julia and Victor, and Aaron Tani, and Hillel.

Please don’t forget to pray for the health of Kari Antilles in Finland. He is a dear brother and supporter in prayer for Netivyah for many years.

Brazil

Pray for the congregations related to Netivyah in Brazil, to have the strength and stamina to face the challenges in front of them with courage and strength of faithfulness to the Lord, and to the vision of the restoration of the church and Israel.

Pray for the millions of victims of the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisition who have been forced to convert to the Catholic church, and now want to return home to the land of Israel and to the faith of our fathers.

Pray for the state of Israel to open the doors for these lost Jews to be able to return and fulfill God’s promises to the prophet Ovadyah:

“But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, And there shall be holiness; The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. The house of Jacob shall be a fire, And the house of Joseph a flame; But the house of Esau shall be stubble; They shall kindle them and devour them, And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau, For the Lord has spoken. The South shall possess the mountains of Esau, And the Lowland shall possess Philistia. They shall possess the fields of Ephraim And the fields of Samaria. Benjamin shall possess Gilead. And the captives of this host of the children of Israel Shall possess the land of the Canaanites As far as Zarephath. The captives of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad Shall possess the cities of the South. Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion To judge the mountains of Esau, And the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” — Obadiah 1:17-21 [NKJV]

Pray for a dear young man, Paulo, from Curitiba, Brazil, who is seriously needing our prayers for sanity and mental health.

Pray for Rita Sassai, from Vitória, ES.

Please pray for a dear sister with the name: Claudia Rita Souze Arau.  She has cancer and needs God’s healing hands to touch her with healing. 

Fatima Maria Docarmo Guimararaes - pray for her health and her granddaughters twin babies.

Pray for Livia Schnell Nothen, she has some issues with her physical health and a growth in her adrenal gland. And other health issues.

Guilherme Antonio Nothen Becker, who is suffering from back problems.

Aratuza de Oliveira his wife. Pray for this 3-year-old child that has serious problems with his eyes and ask the Lord to give healing to his eyes. This child’s name is Caique de Oliveira Becker.

Please pray for a dear sister in Brazil that is named: Aratuza de Oliveira.

Pray for Bernardo Antonio Nothen Becker. Bernardo is addicted to gambling and playing poker. This caused deep sorrow to his family.

Please pray for Bruno Henrique Cardoso jr. for his studies and his health. 
 

Fernanda Nothen Becker, our dear sister has problems with her job that cause her pressure and challenges. Pray for the social situation in Fernanda’s work to turn and her suffering to turn into joy and friendship.

A 70-year-old Pastor Paulo C. Pereira Braga Dias, He is the father of a dear sister in Brazil, and suffers from diabetes.

Pray for Roberto Morias, a dear brother who is going through heart surgery and an angiogram.

In Asia we have several brothers and sisters who need our prayers.

Pray for Pastor Barnabas in Korea, who is in a coma.

Please pray for a dear 71-year-old sister called Bee Kim.  She lost consciousness on February 26, 2023. She has not regained her consciousness after a massive stroke.

Pray for pastor T.J. in Taiwan.

Brothers and sisters in China

Pray for Joe Choe’s and his mother Sarah

Pray for Deborah Ruth a dear sister from China

Pray for sister Reiko Ishiida and Elder Takeo and his wife Tomoko from Tokyo, and for Daisuke Sensei in Osaka. Dr. Yuizawa, and Pastor Yushida and his family.

Pray for Sister Yoko Nagumo in Japan.

In India, Pastor Isaac, from Chennai, needs our prayers. Pastor Isaac is suffering from kidney problems and has to have dialysis several times per week.

Tony Tam and his wife Luisa and son Marco need special prayer for their situation.

Pray for the Cohen family in Hong Kong and for the leadership and congregation of 611 in Hong Kong.

We continue to pray for Zhou Wenrian, Abe family, Toru San, Yumi Ohara and her family. Deborah Ruth, Ayla and Daniel and their daughter. Dr. Song, and his wife Sister Harriet Kim.

Please pray for Ruby K. from Hong Kong. Ruby has gone through a very complicated surgery for multiple cancers in her body. The surgery was very long, and Ruby is back home now recovering. Please lift Ruby K. and ask the Lord to heal and deliver Ruby from Hong Kong.

Pray for family and friends and dear brothers and sisters in the United States of America.

Dear Friends and brothers and sisters,  Ruby Little is and was one of the biggest women in her lifetime! She was the mythogical secretary of Dr. J.P. Sanders as the dean of Pepperdine University and continued to be his secretary as the president of Columbia Christian College in Portland, Oragon. Moved to Jerusalem and was the secretary of Netivyah during the very difficult years of the formation of the pioneering ministry and movement that encompasses the whole world. Without Ruby I have serious doubts that Netivyah would have reached the wide spread international ministry that it is today. Ruby was a quiet person but had enough iron in her to contend with the South Pacific railroad.  Her wisdom and her strength both served and motivated others around her to serve. God bless her and use her talents in heaven!  I am sure that even in heaven Ruby will not just seat under a palm tree and count the birds that fly overhead!   God bless Ruby Little’s soul eternally!   Ruby you are a real big sister to so many people that you served and encouraged!



Please pray for the daughter of Bill Colwell, who is very sick with cancer.

Please pray for my family in the United States: Barry my son and his wife Beth, and for Joey my grandson. Pray for their divine protection and health.

Pray for Danah my daughter's health issues. I pray for the Lord to give Danah wisdom and peace and calm in life and in her work.

Pray for Noaam my granddaughter. She is working two jobs now and needs good health and wisdom to make the right choices and plans for life, education, immigration to Israel, and just general protection from all harm.

Pray for David Young the preacher in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who is back to preaching after recovering from medical issues. Please keep David in your prayers.

Aaron Hook, Nancy Hook’s oldest son, needs our prayers for wisdom and healing from past issues of life.

Lift for blessing and healing Jonathan B. and his wife Aviva and their new baby, his mother, and his brother Daniel. Pray for these very important men of God: Rabbi Salt, his family, and Rabbi Hasselblad. They are both older and need protection and blessings.

Pray a blessing for a dear sister Angela Isby and her situation. Pray for Tiz H. and Lion H.

Also pray for Ilana Avramov who is married to my cousin Nissim and lives in New York City. Ilana has fallen and in now in rehab learning how to walk again. We pray for her full recovery. She and Nissim both need our prayers. 

Joseph Mock, a young man in his 30s, a dear brother that was named after me, has leukemia in an advanced stage. He is in the hospital and needs our urgent prayers. Joseph Mock is the son of Steve Mock, who is also one of the faithful disciples of Yeshua who became a believer in the early years of Netivyah. 

Steve Mock - His cognitive condition has declined, and we ask for the grace of God and His Healing and strength.   Steve and Josie’s son Joseph that is named after Joseph Shulam – has received a wonderful and glorious report.  After the last bone marrow transplant the report is that the doctors didn’t find any leukemia his body!  Praise the Lord!

Pray for three women of God in Canada who need healing, Lynda, Sandy and Joanne.

I am asking a special prayer for a dear brother and friend who is now doing a greatly important work in a very dangerous and precarious part of the world. Just mention DadyLion in your prayers, and ask for divine protection and angelic accompaniment for this man of God. 
 

Please pray for Netivyah and for the good work that Netivyah is doing in Israel and around the world.

We need more workers because of the challenges and needs and opportunities to bless the King Yeshua and His Kingdom down here on Earth and bless the poor people of Jerusalem visit here do what they can and produce more materials, books, and magazines.

We ask you to join us in prayer that the right young people, talented and anointed by the Spirit of God will come and work with us, and the provision to pay the Netivyah workers a fair and just payment.

I pray that the Lord will inspire and motivate brothers and sisters and ministries who can help with this to visit here do what they can to make it possible for us to double or more than double, the number of people and families that we serve.

Please go to the YouTube Channel of Netivyah Bible Instruction Ministry and see and hear wonderful teachings.

I wish all of you, who stand with Israel and who pray for Jerusalem, the best of the Lord’s blessings and the fulfillment of all His promises to His faithful children.

Those who hear God and do His will are the ones who are called wise! Those who only hear His word and don’t do it are called foolish!

Let us all strive to be wise and never foolish! The best is yet to come!

May the Lord God of Israel and the grace of Yeshua our Messiah, King, Teacher, Rabbi, and Lord be with you all!

Joseph Shulam

 

---

These days, there are so many different ways to stay connected with those we care about.

            

---

                        

 

A Lista de Oração de Jerusalém – 13 de outubro de 2023

Netivyah Bible Instruction Ministry 

The Jerusalem Prayer List – October 13, 2023

por Joseph Shulam 

Por favor, ore ao Senhor Deus de Israel e a Yeshua, que está sentado à Sua direita, para dar seu apoio e perdoar nossa nação e sua liderança por seus pecados e erros e mostrar misericórdia ao povo de Israel.

A leitura da Torá neste próximo Shabat é provavelmente o texto mais importante de toda a Bíblia. Estamos começando este Shabat para ler a Torá desde o início e de fato entre a porção da Torá e a Haftarah (a porção dos profetas). A leitura será de Gênesis 1:1 a Gênesis 6:8; desde a criação do mundo até o dilúvio de Noé.

Desde a Humanidade estando no Jardim do Éden, no espaço perfeito e na presença do Senhor e em comunicação direta com o próprio Criador, até à decisão de destruir a humanidade e salvar apenas 8 almas para repovoar este mundo.

O dilúvio de Noé foi uma espécie de Deus apertando o botão de reinicialização do Seu computador. Algo muito básico deu errado quando Deus diz que lamenta ter criado os homens: Este é provavelmente um dos textos mais tristes da Bíblia. Deus, o artista, o designer, a escultura que fez o homem e a mulher tem que se arrepender de ter criado os seres humanos e apertar o botão de reiniciar salvando apenas 8 almas das multidões que se esqueceram de quem é o pai de todos e o que Ele exige de nós, humanos.

Havia muito poucas leis e exigências que Deus fez no capítulo 9 de Gênesis. Estas são as mesmas quatro leis que foram ordenadas aos gentios pelos apóstolos no livro de Atos, capítulo 15; quando os apóstolos e líderes da igreja se reuniram em Jerusalém para decidir o que fazer com os irmãos e irmãs não-judeus que aceitaram, acreditaram e se juntaram à comunidade dos santos.

Os apóstolos decidiram exatamente sobre estas quatro leis que foram dadas a toda a humanidade muito antes de Deus escolher Abraão. Os humanos puderam guardar essas poucas, saudáveis e sábias leis que Deus lhes deu, e eles corromperam a carne de sua humanidade a tal ponto que Deus disse:

“E o Senhor se arrependeu de ter feito o homem na terra, e ficou triste em seu coração. 7Então o Senhor disse: “Destruirei da face da terra o homem que criei, tanto o homem como o animal, os répteis e as aves do céu, porque estou arrependido de tê-los feito”. (Gênesis 6:6-7)

Vou manter esta lição curta e não continuar a elaborar este texto tão triste, forte e difícil – provavelmente algumas das palavras mais tristes de Deus.

Pablo Picasso, o grande pintor, talvez o maior pintor do século XX, não fez com que cada quadro que pintou fosse bom o suficiente para ser exibido ou vendido. Algumas das obras de Picasso não saíram como ele as imaginou, mas eram seus bebês, seu trabalho prático, suas criações: ele não as destruiu.

Ele não os jogou no lixo. Ele os levou para uma sala especial e privada em sua casa e os apreciou em particular. Após a sua morte, a filha de Picasso vendeu estas pinturas por milhões de dólares. Eram criações autênticas de Pablo Picasso.

Deus não fez o que Picasso fez. Ele, o criador, apertou o botão de reset e deixou apenas 8 almas para recomeçar. Oito almas que estavam dispostas a fazer algo fora da caixa, algo que nunca foi feito antes, algo que nunca mais aconteceu. Sim, o mundo nunca será destruído pela água, mas será destruído pelo fogo ou por qualquer outra coisa.

As lições que devemos aprender da porção da Torá chamada Gênesis são estas; 1) Somos criados. Sim, cada um de nós foi criado por Deus. Deus é o único que dá vida a nós como humanos e à mosca e à abelha e ao leão e ao hipopótamo. Sim, também aos pássaros de todos os tipos e cores, e às flores do campo e às árvores da floresta.

2) Somos convidados no mundo de Deus; turistas, peregrinos e estrangeiros. A única marca positiva que deixaremos neste mundo são as nossas famílias e as nossas boas ações, as coisas que fizemos pelos outros, não as coisas que fizemos por nós mesmos.

3) Cada um de nós recebe vários talentos; alguns recebem 10 e outros 5 e alguns, como a maioria de nós, recebem 1 talento. Esses talentos não são apenas para serem guardados em segurança no banco. Eles são dados para que possamos crescer, desenvolver e multiplicar os talentos e dons que Deus nos deu. Recebemos vida para usá-la e abençoar outros com ela; seja família, vizinhos ou apenas outros peregrinos e estranhos.

4) Esta vida é o nosso campo de treinamento – é o campo de testes para nos preparar para a eternidade; estar na terra onde as almas dos homens nunca morrem. Para quem passa na prova da vida e na exibição do divino que há em nós. Isso deve ser usado para abençoar nossas famílias e nossos vizinhos e qualquer pessoa que nos dê a oportunidade de fazer algo bom e benéfico com os talentos que Deus nos deu originalmente.

O maior desafio e o maior pecado que poderíamos cometer é desperdiçar nossos dons e bênçãos e não usá-los para mostrar honra e glória ao nosso Pai Celestial pelo que Ele nos deu. Para aproveitar as oportunidades que Ele colocou diante de nós para fazer

Convido você a visitar nosso site, Facebook, canal no Youtube para desfrutar de mais ensinamentos:

Para visitar o nosso Website: Click Here

                                                                 

Para visitar o nosso Canal do YouTube: Click here

                                                               

Para visitar o Facebook: Click here

                                                                  
 

Provocando ondas

"No qual temos ousadia e acesso com confiança, pela nossa fé n'Êle" (Efésios 3:12).

Eu ouvi que, se a neblina impede que o marinheiro de um barco pequeno veja a boia que marca seu percurso, ele gira rapidamente seu barco em pequenos círculos sabendo que as ondas que ele provoca balançará a boia que estiver mais próxima. Então ele para, escuta e repete o procedimento até ouvir o tilintar da boia. Provocando ondas, ele encontra o seu percurso. Muitas vezes o ato de "provocar ondas" implica em correr riscos. O barco que permanece no porto nunca enfrenta perigos, mas, também nunca chega a lugar algum. (The Christophers)

Em nossa caminhada neste mundo, é possível que tenhamos de "provocar ondas" para atingir algum objetivo. Nesse ato de "provocar ondas", podemos enfrentar perigos, podemos contentar e desagradar pessoas, podemos alcançar admiração ou críticas. Temos de estar preparados para tudo e, com perseverança e determinação, confiar que seremos vencedores.

Há pessoas que preferem não se arriscar, que se acomodam em sua insegurança, que se omitem quando alguma coisa depende de ousadia e coragem. Não experimentam decepções, mas, ao mesmo tempo, não saboreiam momentos de conquistas e vitórias.

A nossa vida não pode ficar limitada à covardia. Já houve quem dissesse que o medo de perder impede que uma pessoa vença. Somos filhos de Deus e o Senhor nos conclamou a ter coragem e crer que Ele estaria a nosso lado nas lutas e batalhas. Se temos sonhos, lutemos bravamente por eles. Se queremos chegar a algum lugar, sigamos em frente e contemos com a direção de Deus. Se tememos a neblina que nos obstrui a visão da boia da vitória, façamos o barco de nossa vida girar até atingirmos nossos propósitos. Só não podemos ficar inertes, conformados, sem fé e esperança, ignorando que o nosso Deus é poderoso para cumprir

Suas promessas e nos conduzir em segurança.

Você está pronto a, se necessário, provocar ondas ou prefere ficar parado no porto da desilusão?

Pr. Paulo Roberto Barbosa

---

Lembre-se de que sonhos sem riscos produzem conquistas sem méritos. (Augusto Cury)

Os nossos maiores problemas não estão nos obstáculos do caminho, mas na escolha da direção errada. (Augusto Cury)

Às vezes, quando tudo dá errado acontecem coisas tão maravilhosas que jamais teriam acontecido se tudo tivesse dado certo.

Onde quer que você veja um negócio de sucesso, pode acreditar que ali houve, um dia, uma decisão corajosa. (Peter Drucker)


Há um ditado popular muito conhecido: “Quem não arrisca, não petisca”.

Pode ser muito popular, mas guarda em si mesmo uma verdade incontestável: para que algo aconteça temos que agir e agir, muitas vezes, com ousadia e coragem.

No artigo acima ("Provocando ondas") alguns dos que nos leem podem raciocinar que nem sempre devemos arriscar.

Consideraríamos correta essa análise se o ato fosse realizado com imprudência, com imaturidade e com possibilidade sérias de danos físicos à integridade e à saúde.

Não é o caso em tela. Idealizamos uma possibilidade real de êxito e uma concorrência a que culmine com sucesso a empreitada.

Nada fazer pode provocar, sim, letargia, preguiça, acomodação e, porque não, sinais de covardia.

Grandes feitos na história da humanidade foram precedidos de inúmeras tentativas e possibilidades reais de fracasso. Graças à tenacidade de homens e mulheres determinados a conseguirem atingir o alvo de sua busca, hoje dispomos de equipamentos, procedimentos e ideias que fizeram valer a pena o esforço, a persistência desses valorosos empreendedores.

Nunca é demais acrescentar que nem sempre pela força e empenho nossos alcançamos sucesso. Por vezes necessitamos de “algo mais” que nos induza a prosseguir adiante. Temos à disposição a mente e a força do Criador de tudo. Sua ajuda é inestimável quando fracassam as nossas tentativas. Entre aqueles a quem nos referimos linhas acima também não poucos provaram dessa experiência e lograram resultado favorável.

Incentivo a que em próxima oportunidade que divisar à sua frente não hesite em recorrer a Deus, simultaneamente à sua resolução em seguir adiante. A companhia divina far-lhe-á bem e o seu íntimo ser-lhe-á grato pelo auxílio a que recorrerá. Comente esse fato nestes dias de lazer que se aproximam com os seus familiares e com amigos. Certamente momentos alegres se seguirão.

Um feliz e apreciável descanso é o que lhe desejamos, sempre sob os olhares paternais e amorosos de nosso amado e querido Senhor e Salvador Jesus Cristo.

Clênio Falcão Lins Caldas