Shalom,

Psalm 66:20 Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His lovingkindness from me.

While I haven’t checked all 150 Psalms lately, I don’t recall ever seeing one that doesn’t end on a positive note.  Here, Psalm 66 is consistent.  God is always listening.  As Psalm 121:4 begins in Hebrew, “Hine, Lo Yanum, V’Lo Yishan,” meaning “behold, (God is the previously mentioned subject in verse 2) He does not slumber nor sleep.”  God will never turn away from our prayers because of His lovingkindness (“Chesed”).  He loves us perfectly by His grace.

David previously celebrated his victory over sin….  Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.  This is consistent with many other Scriptures….  Psalm 37:37 Notice the man of integrity and watch the upright—for the man of shalom has a future. 38 But transgressors will be destroyed altogether. The future of the wicked will be cut off.  

What David is saying here is that the hypocrite is not heard by God, but the one whose heart is in alignment with God’s righteous principles is always heard.  1John 5:14 Now this is the confidence we have before Him—that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have the requests we have asked from Him.

There is an interesting couplet in the Hebrew of Psalm 66, verse 20, “T’fi’la’ti V’Chas’do.”  The exact translation is “my prayer and His grace.”  What a combination!  As we sing on Yom Kippur, “Ki Ayn Banu Ma’asim,” meaning “for we have nothing in ourselves to make (our own righteousness).”  Every major king and prophet in the Bible knew this.  Daniel is a good example.  

Daniel 9:3 “So I set my face to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. 4a I prayed to Adonai my God and confessed, saying:… 5a ‘We have sinned… 17 So now, our God, listen to the prayers and petitions of Your servant, and cause Your face to shine upon Your devastated Sanctuary, for the sake of my Lord.18b We do not present our supplications before You because of our own righteousness, but because of Your great compassions.’”

God has set standards of righteousness for those who follow Him.  Those same standards apply to God, Himself.  Moses heard this from the Lord, and right now, you can hear it too.

Exodus 34:6 Then Adonai passed before him, and proclaimed, “Adonai, Adonai, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth, 7 showing mercy to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means leaving the guilty unpunished, but bringing the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, to the third and fourth generation.”

Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue     13-Oct-2026              2nd of Chesvan, 5787
Ge 7:17-8:14          Jos 10              Ps 10         Mt 8            (1 Pet 4)

Shavuah Tov,

Yeshua taught his disciples to pray, "Our Father... Hallowed be your Name" (Matthew 6:9–10). Often it is taught that these words represent a time of praise, readying us to enter God's presence. But they are much more than that. They are an impassioned plea for the hallowing, or "sanctifying," of God's Name that will occur when He reigns in glory on the earth. This is the pivotal and foundational petition of prayer.

The faithful Israelite was threatened by priestly apostasy and surrounded by heathen darkness. In the land of Israel the Jewish people were divided into various sects vying for religious supremacy. They were dominated, humiliated, and cruelly oppressed by Rome. Objects of scorn and discrimination at home and abroad, Israel groaned beneath this heathen yoke.

The Jewish people believed that God would restore Israel in the Messianic kingdom. In that kingdom, God's will would be fully expressed and his Name would be absolutely "hallowed."

God's Name

In the Psalms, we find that individuals often prayed with reference to God's Name (Psalm 25:11; 31:3; 79:9).

Eventually, "the Name" was seen as a synonym for God's person (Psalm 20:1; 44:5).

It is something "tangible," in which one can place one's faith, for “whoever calls upon the Name of Adonai will be delivered” (Joel 2:32).

God's Name and Israel

God's reputation is inextricably bound to his people's condition. Therefore, prayer for Israel's restoration ultimately was, and is, for the glory of God's Name.

The prophets saw the glory of God's Name as being tied to Israel's condition. Jeremiah prayed this way (Jeremiah 14:7, 21).

The Nations and the Name

In Psalm 79, we read that God's Name is ignored by the nations resulting in animosity towards Israel. This leads to God's wrath upon them. That wrath will be the means of restoration and blessing for Israel "for the glory of Thy Name" (Psalm 79:6–7, 9–10, 13).

Now, through Messiah, the remnants of the nations and the remnant of Israel praise the Name of Adonai (Romans 15:9–10).

This praise anticipates the time of the full revelation of Adonai’s Kingdom. Ultimately, all the nations will hallow his Name because God’s righteous acts will be revealed (Revelation 15:4).

Becoming Watchmen

How then should we pray for Israel? First, we must recognize that, apart from a remnant of born-again believers, Israel is under judicial blindness (John 12:38–40; Romans 11:7, 25; 2 Corinthians 3:14; 4:4).

The united remnants of Israel and the nations are to intercede on their behalf, because Israel’s own watchmen are blind (Isaiah 56:7, 10).

In King David's day, Israel was decimated by the judgment of God. The plague was halted due to costly intercession (2 Samuel 24:24–25).

In the same way that plague was stopped, Israel's judicial blindness can be lifted by costly intercession.

Who are these watchmen? They are men and women who have a burden for the glory of God, for the Name of God to be hallowed. They lay aside their comforts to "remind Adonai" day and night of his promises and covenants with the Jewish people. With Paul, they agonize in prayer for Israel's salvation (Rom. 10:1). They are the New Covenant priesthood drawn from all nations.

The content of this intercession is summed up in Psalm 122:6: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." They yearn for the end of bloodshed in Israel. But, even more, they beseech God for salvation, justice, and the worship of Messiah Yeshua to saturate the Jewish people. Only then will Jerusalem know true Biblical peace (shalom).

Seeking First the Kingdom

God's Name will not be fully hallowed "on earth as it is in heaven" until his kingdom is established over Israel and the nations. We who have tasted the goodness of that reign should pray for Israel's restoration. As Paul said, it will be "life from the dead" (Rom. 11:15).

These prayers will be answered. The Messiah returns to establish the full physical reality of the present Kingdom. The expectations of the prophets will be realized (Acts 3:19–21).


Every believer is part of this process as they intercede along the lines Yeshua outlined. However, they do not necessarily understand or desire the means of this prayer’s fulfillment. The Jewish people turn to God through the Messiah. The nations who are in opposition to the Jewish people will be judged. Adonai is going to deliver Israel. It will be life from the dead (Romans 11:12, 15).

Our Father in heaven,

for the sake of your Name restore the heart of Israel to your Son and to your purposes

that your Name may be sanctified in every way and in all the earth.

Let your kingdom come.

Send Messiah to rule from Jerusalem

that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.
 
Scriptures (TLV)

Matthew 6:9–10
9 “Therefore, pray in this way: ‘Our Father in heaven, sanctified be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Psalm 25:11
For Your Name’s sake, Adonai, pardon my guilt, for it is great.

Psalm 31:4 (31:3 in most English Bibles)
Since You are my rock and my fortress, You lead me and guide me for Your Name’s sake.

Psalm 79:9
Help us, God of our salvation— for the sake of the glory of Your Name. Deliver us, and atone for our sins— for Your name’s sake.

Psalm 20:2 (20:1 in most English Bibles)
May Adonai answer you in the day of trouble! May the Name of the God of Jacob set you up securely on high.

Psalm 44:6 (44:5 in most English Bibles)
Through You we push back our foes. Through Your Name we trample those rising up against us.

Joel 3:5 (2:32 in most English Bibles)
Then all who call on Adonai’s Name will escape, for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be rescue, as Adonai has said, among the survivors whom Adonai is calling.”

Jeremiah 14:7, 21
7 Though our iniquities testify against us, Adonai, act for Your Name’s sake. For our backslidings are many. We have sinned against You. … 21 Do not despise us, for Your Name’s sake. Do not dishonor Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us— do not break it!

Psalm 79:6–7, 9–10, 13
6 Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, on the kingdoms that do not call on Your name. 7 For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his country. … 9 Help us, God of our salvation— for the sake of the glory of Your Name. Deliver us, and atone for our sins— for Your name’s sake. 10 Why should the nations say: “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, let it be known among the nations that You avenge the shed blood of Your servants. … 13 So we, Your people, the flock of Your pasture, will praise You forever. From generation to generation we will recount Your praise.

Romans 15:9–10
9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy. As it is written, “For this reason I will give You praise among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Your name.” 10 And again it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”

Revelation 15:4
Who shall not fear and glorify Your name, O Lord? For You alone are Holy. All the nations shall come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed!”

John 12:38–40
38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said, “Adonai, who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of Adonai been revealed?” 39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah also said, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they might not see with their eyes nor understand with their hearts and turn back, and I would heal them.”

Romans 11:7, 25
7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained; but the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened— … 25 For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be ignorant of this mystery—lest you be wise in your own eyes—that a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;

2 Corinthians 3:14
But their minds were hardened. For up to this very day the same veil remains unlifted at the reading of the ancient covenant, since in Messiah it is passing away.

2 Corinthians 4:4
In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so they might not see the light of the Good News of the glory of Messiah, who is the image of God.

Isaiah 56:7, 10
7 these I will bring to My holy mountain, and let them rejoice in My House of Prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar. For My House will be called a House of Prayer for all nations.” … 10 His watchmen are all blind. All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, dreamers lying down, lovers of slumber,

2 Samuel 24:24–25
24 But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you at a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to Adonai my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for 50 shekels of silver. 25 Then David built there an altar to Adonai, and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. So Adonai was moved by prayer of entreaty for the land, and restrained the plague from Israel.

Romans 10:1
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for Israel is for their salvation.

Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem— “May those who love you be at peace!

Romans 11:15
For if their rejection leads to the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Acts 3:19–21
19 Repent, therefore, and return—so your sins might be blotted out, 20 so times of relief might come from the presence of Adonai and He might send Yeshua, the Messiah appointed for you. 21 Heaven must receive Him, until the time of the restoration of all the things that God spoke about long ago through the mouth of His holy prophets.

Romans 11:12
Now if their transgression leads to riches for the world, and their loss riches for the Gentiles, then how much more their fullness!

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version. Copyright © 2014, 2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun      11-Oct-2026              30th of Tishrei, 5787 Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan (Day 1)
            Ge 6:9-22                   Jos 8                Ps 8                 Mt 6                (1 Pet 2)

Shalom,

Psalm 66:17 I cried out to Him with my mouth, and exaltation was on my tongue. 18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. 19 But surely God has heard. He has listened to my voice in prayer.

First, let’s emphasize that this is for you.  In the previous verse, you are specifically included… Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God.  Welcome to the “club.”  This is the club of God fearers.

Rabbi Trail: The old slogan of the Israel Tourism Authority was “No one belongs here more than you.”  (Today it has changed to “I am Israel,” I like the old one.)

When I moved to Israel years ago, every day I would meet native Israelis who could immediately tell I was not one of them.  Somewhere in the conversation that followed, every one of them would say something like, “Welcome to the club.”  What club is that?  The “club” of the people who are the most hated people on earth.  

There is a difference in their minds between being born into that club (without a choice) and choosing to join.  When you choose to join, you put a target on your back and invite the judgment of the entire world.  

Today, I’m inviting you to join the club.  Will you stand with God’s ancient people, Israel, as a “Gur?”  In modern Hebrew a “Gur” is a puppy, but biblically speaking it means, “To sojourn among a people other than your own.”  Abraham was a “Gur” in Canaan.  

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he migrated to the land of promise as if it were foreign, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob—fellow heirs of the same promise.  

And, as long as we’re on the subject of “fellow heirs…”  Romans 8:16 The Ruach Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.  17  And if children, also heirs—heirs of God and joint-heirs with Messiah—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

So stand tall with the chosen people, as a witness to God’s faithfulness, and know that God has your back.  This is a noble and worthwhile calling.  End RT.

In our subject verses, the club of God fearers are calling out loud (so that God will hear).  Wait, a moment ago, in verse 16 we were invited to listen, but immediately, we’re asking God to listen to us.  Interesting, but there is something in between with which we must dealt.  Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.  We cry out, “oh God, cleanse my heart.”

Psalm 51:12(10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

It is so easy to get right with God, because He is perfect and His love is perfect.  We get right with God based on His perfection, not on ours (hint, we don’t have any).  Let us repent, invite God to cleanse us of all unrighteousness, and trust that He hears us when we call upon His name.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon    12-Oct-2026              1st of Cheshvan, 5787
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan (Day 2)
Ge 7:1-16           Jos 9                Ps 9            Mt 7            (1 Pet 3)

Shabbat Shalom,
 
We are starting our Torah reading schedule once again. Our first portion is B’reisheet – In the Beginning Genesis 1-6:8. The name Genesis comes from the Septuagint, an early Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. Genesis translates to “Origins” which is a fair understanding of B’reisheet.
 
The name for this portion comes from Genesis 1:1 In the beginning (B’reisheet) God created the heavens and the earth.
 
Contained in this reading are the creation story, the fall of man when Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the story of Cain and Abel, the genealogy from Adam to Noah, and the descent of mankind into near complete corruption.
 
Let’s start with the beginning. In Hebrew Genesis 1:1 reads: B’reisheet bara Elohim et ha’shamayim v’et ha’eretz. Literally – In the beginning created Elohim the heavens and the earth.
 
The second word, bara, means “created.” Bara, in its various forms, appears 55 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. Yet bara never takes a human subject. Humans asah (make or do) or yatzar (form), only God can bara. Humans cannot create anything from nothing. Everything we form or make uses materials that God created. Just a random thought.
 
What I really want to discuss is night and day. In Genesis 1 the phrase “There was evening and there was morning” is repeated after stating what God had just finished creating.
 
We western thinkers consider the new day to begin either at midnight or at dawn. The phrase “A new day is dawning” comes to mind. We think of night following day. But that’s not how the Bible sees it. The Bible sees day following night.
 
Let’s analyze the first day. Verse 2 Now the earth was chaos and waste, darkness (night/evening) was on the surface of the deep… verse 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (morning/day). Verse 5 There was evening and there was morning, the first day.
 
When a baby is born, he or she comes from darkness (the womb) into the light of the world. Yeshua talked about spiritual rebirth with Nicodemus.
 
John 3:4-5 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus said to him. He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” Yeshua answered, “Amen, amen I tell you, unless one is born of water and of spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
 
When someone is baptized, probably the most common statement used is a variation of: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Buried with Yeshua in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life.” (Matthew 28:19 and Romans 6:3-4).
 
Yeshua was born, like us, from the dark womb to the light of the world. He was baptized into the darkness of the water and raised into the light of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh when John baptized him. And he has already done us one better, he went into the darkness of death and was raised physically into the newness (light) of life.
 
Because of Yeshua’s sacrifice, we now look forward to the day of his return when we all will be physically raised to eternal life (light), when there will be no more darkness.
 
Revelation 22:3-5 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in the city, and his servants shall serve him. They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. Night shall be no more, and people will have no need for lamplight – for ADONAI-Elohim will shine on them. And they shall reign forever and ever.
 
The Parshah ends with a warning and a promise.
 
Genesis 6:5-8 Then ADONAI saw that the wickedness of humankind was great on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their heart was only on evil all the time…So ADONAI said, “I will wipe out humankind, whom I have created, from the face of the ground…because I regret that I made them.” But Noah found favor in ADONAI’s eyes.
 
We don’t know what exactly society was up to that was so wicked that God sent the flood waters, but when we look at our world today it is hard to believe that it must have somehow been worse.
 
We are indeed at a point in history that Isaiah warned us about in 5:20
 
Oy to those who call evil good and good evil; who present darkness as light and light as darkness…
 
In Genesis 15:16 God tells Abraham that it will be a while (like 430 years a while) before his descendants will inherit the Promised Land because “the sins of the Amorites are not yet complete.” Apparently, as bad as it seems to us, the sins of this world are not yet complete. When will God put an end to this madness?
 
Matthew 24:26 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, not the Son, except the Father alone.
 
Until the Father sends Yeshua, we can only do the best that we can to be the light by representing Yeshua and the Father bringing people out of darkness by making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them all God and Yeshua have commanded us…oh and praying Bo Yeshua, Bo!
 
Shabbat Shalom

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat      10-Oct-2026             29th of Tishrei, 5787 Parashat Bereshit Shabbat Machar Chodesh
Ge 5:25-6:8               1 Sa 20:18-42           Jn 1:1-17

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God. I will tell what He has done for my soul.

Every follower of Yeshua has a story to tell.  Followers of Yeshua are known today in most of he world as Christians.  In Messianic Judaism we are known as Messianic believers.  The first followers of Yeshua were not known as Christians at all, but as followers of “The Way.”  To walk as Yeshua walked is not a set of beliefs, or even a set of rules.  It is a lifestyle of consistency with the principles of the kingdom of God.  

What does that mean?  To know the answer, we have to read the Bible, all of it, 39 books of Hebrew Scriptures and 27 books of the Christian Scriptures.  I’m purposefully avoiding the term “New Testament” or “New Covenant” because in our mindset, something “new” replaces something “old,” and that’s not what is happening here.  

There is one covenant that began in the Garden of Eden.  It was renewed through Noah and the flood, then revealed to Abraham, and detailed by Moses in the Torah, before being found in its reality in the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Yeshua.  Now soon, it will be completed when He returns.  

This meta-story is called the “Red Thread” that weaves its way from Genesis through Revelation.  The blood of animals was shed to make clothes to cover the shame of Adam and Eve.  The ram, caught in the thicket, was slain by Abraham as a substitute for Isaac.  On the night before the Exodus, Moses and the children of Israel had to kill a lamb and put its blood on their door posts, lintels and basins as protection from the angel of death.  Finally, there was no substitute for Yeshua, Who gave His life on the cross.  

His finished work at Calvary made it possible for we, who believe, to be refined and purified to stand with Him at the marriage supper of the Lamb.  Ephesians 4:13 This will continue until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of Ben-Elohim—to mature adulthood, to the measure of the stature of Messiah’s fullness.

What has Yeshua done for my soul?  Everyone should answer that question.  For me, He has delivered me from death to life.  Our individual salvation is also part of a collective salvation.  1Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were “not a people,” but now you are “God’s people.” You were shown “no mercy,” but now you have been shown “mercy.”

Let us rejoice and be glad, for we have been redeemed.  Psalm 118:22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. 23 It is from Adonai: it is marvelous in our eyes! 24 This is the day that Adonai has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! 25 Hoshia-na! Please, Adonai, save now! We beseech You, Adonai, prosper us!  Let all those who fear God come and listen, while we proclaim what God has done for us.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri       9-Oct-2026                 28th of Tishrei, 5787
Ge 4:23-5:24              Jos 7                Ps 7                 Mt 5:27-48     (1 Pet 1)

Shalom,

Psalm 66:13 With burnt offerings I will come to Your House, fulfilling my vows to You 14 that my lips uttered and mouth spoke, when I was in trouble. 15 To You I will present burnt offerings of fat animals, with the sweet smoke of rams. I will offer bulls with goats. Selah

These verses tell us about David’s commitments (vows) to God and how he plans to complete them.  The question yet to be answered is how will we do the same?  We don’t have the option of offering rams, bulls and goats.  What’s left?  Let’s take this a step at a time.

First, we know God takes our vows seriously.  Yeshua said as much clearly in His Sermon On The Mount.  Matthew 5:37 “But let your word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’—anything more than this is from the evil one.”  Solomon confirmed this in similar fashion.  Ecclesiastes 5:3(4)  When you swear a vow to God, don’t delay in fulfilling it. For He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!

The Hebrew Scriptures use the word “Sh’lom’ei” for “fulfilling” (of vows).  Do you see the word “Shalom” there?  They are both derived from the same Shoresh.  The “peace” of “Shalom” extends to complete wholeness, lacking nothing, satisfied, and fullness.  That completeness means nothing is left undone.  When we fulfill a vow, we can rest, knowing that there is nothing more to be done.

Now, back to you and me.  What offering have we promised to God?  We said it when we received the gift of Yeshua’s sacrifice into our lives.  There was some version of “I give you my heart, Lord!”  It is the only thing in creation that God has not already given Himself.  He has left us with free will.  

The offering of a willing heart will take a lifetime to complete, as it must be offered up daily.  Luke 9:23  Then Yeshua was saying to everyone, “If anyone wants to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross every day, and follow Me.  My heart is no longer my heart, it belongs to Yeshua.  Again, let’s turn to Solomon… Proverbs 23:26  My son, give your heart to me, and let your eyes observe my ways.

When we give God our hearts, we are fulfilling this Scripture… Philippians 3:10 My aim is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the sharing of His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.  Is it worth it?  Matthew 5:12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great!  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu     8-Oct-2026                 27th of Tishrei, 5787
Ge 4:19-22            Jos 6                Ps 6           Mt 5:1-26       (Jas 5)

Shalom,

Psalm 66:11 You brought us into a net. You laid a burden on our backs. 12 You caused men to ride over our heads. We went through fire and water. Yet You brought us out to superabundance.

These two verses contain four descriptions of adversity.  First, we are trapped in a net, as if held captive in a prison.  Then, we are described as carrying a heavy burden that strains our loins (translated as “backs”).  Following that, we are oppressed.  The burden has bent us over, so that we can’t lift our heads.  And finally, we are dragged through fire and water.  Rather depressing isn’t it.  That is, until we read what’s next.  The last half of verse 12 proclaims the victory of deliverance unto overflowing abundance.

God takes us through fire, where we are not burned, and water, the flood where we are not drowned.  (Yes, there is a Scripture for that.)  Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, or through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flame burn you.

We may be oppressed, but our destiny is not oppression.  We may be trapped and confined, but our destiny is not entrapment.  Then what is our destiny?  It is nothing less than freedom in Messiah Yeshua.  John 8:35  Now the slave does not remain in the household forever; the son abides forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!

Sure, that all sounds good.  You know, saved up for eternity with Messiah Yeshua.  You might say, “Do we have to wait?  What about a blessing for today?”  Yes, Scripture has a promise for today too.  Yeshua spoke these words 2,000 years ago.  Its an invitation for us all today, 2,000 years later.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and ‘you will find rest for your souls.’ 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

The Hebrew word translated as “superabundance” in our subject verse, is the same word used to describe our cup in Psalm 23.  That cup is overflowing and so are we, if we will receive it today.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed    7-Oct-2026                 26th of Tishrei, 5787
Ge 3:22-4:18          Jos 5           Ps 5             Mt 4           (Jas 4)

Shalom,

Psalm 66:10 For You have tested us, O God—You have purified us, as silver is refined.

God has placed all of us into a smelting pot, to burn off the impurities and leave us set apart for His use.  Isaiah 48:10 Behold, I have refined you, though not as much as silver. I tested you in the furnace of affliction.  
That “smelting pot” or “furnace of affliction” is our life in this world.

Yes, when you said “Yes” to God, He began a work in you that has a destiny.  Paul said as much to the Philippians.  Philippians 1:6 I am sure of this very thing—that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the Day of Messiah Yeshua.

And what about the destiny I mentioned a moment ago?  That “destiny” is identical with the purpose God has in bringing us to Himself.  It’s more than a “yes” to God, it is the harvest of a consecrated life, dedicated to God and His purposes.  Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God—which is your spiritual service.

Rabbi Trail: Notice that in this verse Romans 12:1 (and following through chapter 14) Paul is completing a holiness sandwich.  The foundation (bottom piece of bread) is Romans 6,7 and 8.  In those 3 chapters, Paul wrote a treatise on Holy living (living in victory over sin).  

Then in Romans 9,10 and 11, Paul wrote a treatise on Messianic Judaism.  In these three chapters, Paul shares his heart for the inclusion of Jewish people in the body of Messiah, and that they (we) would remain identifiably Jewish.  We get this again in the book of Hebrews.  

Paul then emerges from these six chapters (6 through 11) of Romans with yet another exhortation (which continues through Chapter 14 (another 3 chapters).  In Romans 12:1, Paul calls us to live holy, which he defines as “acceptable to God.”  End RT.

Peter also writes on this same subject.  As a side note: there are so many Scriptures on the subject of holiness, a blind man could pick them out at random.  1Peter 1:14 Like obedient children, do not be shaped by the cravings you had formerly in your ignorance. 15 Instead, just like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in everything you do. 16 For it is written, “Kedoshim you shall be, for I am kadosh.”

The world is constantly pouring it’s garbage into our lives.  We need to purify ourselves with a constant rhythm of purification through prayer, reading Scripture, worship, and other spiritual disciplines that will allow God to purify our hearts.

Psalm 51:4(2) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin…. 12(10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

This is what it means, when we read… Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my loved ones, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence—work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For the One working in you is God—both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Oh, and that destiny I mentioned before… nothing less than eternity in His presence.  Stop pouring in the junk of this world and allow God to do His perfect work in you.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue     6 Oct 2026                 25th of Tishrei, 5787
Ge 2:20-3:21              Jos 3-4             Ps 3-4             Mt 3                (Jas 3)

Shalom,

Psalm 66:8 Bless our God, O peoples! Let the sound of His praise be heard. 9 Keeping our soul in life, He has not let our foot slip.

The invitation continues.  God has done great things to deliver the children of Israel, and what’s better, the whole world is invited to participate in the blessing.  Back in Psalm 66:5a Come and see the works of God.  Today, we find that verse 8 there is a continuation of that invitation.  Psalm 66:8 Bless our God, O peoples! Let the sound of His praise be heard.

And what’s this in verse 9?  God has conquered death!  Psalm 66:9a Keeping our soul in life.  We should know that when God does something, it keeps on being done.  John 5:24 “Amen, amen I tell you, whoever hears My word and trusts the One who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed over from death into life.  

Then, Psalm 66, verse 9 concludes with a reassuring promise.  Psalm 66:9b He has not let our foot slip.  Of course, like all testimony (Scripture is God’s testimony) it can only be established at the mouth of two or more witnesses.  Scripture testifies to itself.  Psalm 121:2 My help comes from Adonai, Maker of heaven and earth. 3a He will not let your foot slip.  It is God Who is our Protector.  Psalm 121:7 Adonai will protect you from all evil. He will guard your life. 8 Adonai will watch over your coming and your going from this time forth and forevermore.

Let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.  Let’s pray all of Psalm 117 back to God….  Psalm 117:1 Praise Adonai, all you nations! Glorify Him, all you peoples. 2 For great is His lovingkindness toward us, and Adonai’s truth endures forever. Halleluyah!  What a mighty God we serve!  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon    5 Oct 2026                 24th of Tishrei 5787            
Ge 2:4-19        Jos 2           Ps 2         Mat 2            (Jas 2)

Shavuah Tov,
 
Have you ever wondered what emotions are going on in God that motivate His wrath? They are love and hate.
 
What Yeshua loved and hated was part of what made Him wonderful.
 
Hebrews 1 strongly establishes Yeshua’s identity. Briefly, Yeshua is the heir of creation, the One through whom the Father created, and He is higher than all angels. He is God’s radiance and exact image. In addition, Yeshua is our priest who made purification for our sins and is seated at God’s right hand, sharing the place of supreme authority. Hebrews 1 also quotes Psalm 45 about this bridegroom King, calling Him the enthroned, eternal God.

But regarding the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions” (Hebrews 1:8–9).
 
In establishing the Son’s identity, Hebrews 1 primarily focuses upon His nature and role. But I want to highlight something I find to be important: these verses are windows into the emotional life of the Son.
 
The quoted psalm extols the attractive nature of our King.
 
You are the most handsome of the sons of men. Grace pours from your lips. Therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and your majesty. (Psalm 45:3–4)
 
First, I’d like to point out that His love of righteousness and hatred of wickedness is praised by the Father and loved by those who know Him. It is the reason for the anointing of joy placed upon the enthroned Son, who is God. Next, please consider that part of what makes Him attractive (handsome) is what He loves and what He hates.
 
It is easy for me to relate to Messiah’s love as the primary aspect of His beauty. But hatred? This is a strong emotion because it is motivated by His powerful love. In this age, in Yeshua, one is not complete without the other.
 
His hatred is beautiful because His hatred has righteous reasons. Because Yeshua loves what is righteous, He hates wickedness. What are some things the Messiah hates? Why does He hate them? What of His hatred expressed as wrath at the end of this age?
 
There is too much to cover in a blog post, but I’ll try to simplify without being superficial. His hatred in the present is a personal, deeply felt animosity. It is directed toward what is enumerated in Proverbs 6, things that harm people, rooted in pride.
 
Six things Adonai hates, yes, seven are abominations to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that run to evil, a false witness who spouts lies, and one who stirs up strife among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16–19)
 
What a description of unrighteousness! What a picture of the cultures of this world! Is Yeshua pleased with what He sees? No. He hates it. And He hates it now. He is angry with it, and at the end of days, when all evil peaks, He will pour out His wrath upon this wickedness.
 
This is the age wherein mercy is offered. Before the next age begins, God’s wrath reaches its zenith. This revealed anger is a manifestation of supreme hatred. It will respond to the fullness of ferocious wickedness manifested through the man called the feral Beast of prey (thērion), whose followers are energized by the same spirit. His hate does not detract from His beauty. It motivates the King to go to war.
 
We currently live in “this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4b). Does Yeshua hate this age? He does. It is wicked. It is hateful. And when this age’s evil reaches its climax, He shall return and bring it to an end, and He will burn and renew the earth.
 
God’s kingdom is presently experienced as “righteousness, shalom and joy in the Ruach ha-Kodesh” (Romans 14:17b). Through the active presence of the coming King, it is thriving within this present malevolent age.
 
Good news! The evil beings who empower this wicked darkness will be removed. The structures they’ve built will be dismantled. Yeshua’s love of righteousness and His visceral hatred of wickedness will be revealed. His love and His hatred are part of His glory. It is a way His beauty is revealed.
 
But in the middle of the night there was a shout, “Look, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” (Matthew 25:6).

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun     4 Oct 2026                23rd of Tishrei 5787          Simchat Torah
De 33:1-34:12, Ge 1:1-2:3, Nu 29:35-40[30:1] Jos 1   Ps 1   Mt 1    (Jas 1)

Shabbat Shalom,

This week’s Parshah is our final Torah portion for the year and it comes
from Deuteronomy 33 and 34. The name comes from Deuteronomy 33:1
This is the blessing (v’zot ha’berachah) with which Moses, the man of
God, blessed Bnei-Yisrael before his death.

Parshah V’zot Ha’Berachah has two focuses, Moses’ blessings for the
tribes and the account of his death. In this reading, Moses bestows his final
blessing of strength, abundance and protection on the people, and he
recalls ADONAI’s glory and majesty at Sinai. He also gives prophetic
glimpses into the future of the nation. Moses ascends Mount Nebo where
he looks over the promised land from a distance, then he dies. ADONAI
buries Moses in a secret location known only to ADONAI. Full of the Spirit
bestowed on him by ADONAI through the hands of Moses, Joshua takes
command. Israel morns for Moses for thirty days.

The opening verses of Deuteronomy 33, before Moses begins his blessings
for the tribes, provide an interesting insight into how the Jewish people
have been able to hold onto their identity and their faith in ADONAI for
thousands of years despite near constant persecution.

Deuteronomy 33:3-4 Indeed, a lover of people is He (ADONAI) – all His
kedoshim are in His hand. They follow in Your footsteps, each
receiving Your words. Torah Moses commanded us – a heritage
(morashah) for the community of Jacob.

The Hebrew word morashah, translated here as “heritage” is more than
simply something from one’s family’s past. Morashah is the transmission of
belief from one generation to the next. It is a process of actively giving over
to or passing on the historical narrative, Torah, customs, and ethical values
given by ADONAI.

Morashah is not given or received all at one time. It is acquired
incrementally, through ongoing efforts to teach and reinforce Bible lessons
from an early age and throughout one’s life.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 Therefore you are to set these words of mine in your heart and in your soul. You are to bind them as a sign on your
hand, and as frontlets between your eyes. You are to teach them to
your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when
you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.

This sounds a lot like the opening paragraph of the Shema, except it isn’t. In the opening paragraph of the Shema, this is the second paragraph.  In the first paragraph we are instructed to teach the commandments diligently or repeatedly (ve’shinnantom) to our children. Now, in the second paragraph, the LORD seems to be using a bit of diligence in teaching us our heritage.

For Orthodox Jews, the first two Torah verses taught to their children are
1. Deuteronomy 33:4 Torah zivah-lanu Moshe movi’rasha qehillat Ya’akov –
Torah Moses commanded us – a heritage for the community of Jacob.
2. Deuteronomy 6:4 Shema Yisrael ADONAI Elohenu, ADONAI echad – Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.

It is the dedication of each Jewish person to their morashah that ensures the continuity of the Jewish people.

Despite what some Christian communities assert, Torah is our morashah.
ADONAI gave it to all of us. When Paul penned his letter to the Ephesians,
he stressed teaching children properly. In verse 6:4 Fathers do not
provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and
instruction of the LORD.

Paul is teaching followers of Yeshua to bring up their children in the
discipline and instruction of the LORD. We are to morashah our children
and new believers in Yeshua.

Here is an important thing to know. When Paul wrote his letter to the
Ephesians, what “instructions of the LORD” did he use? Here is the
answer: In Paul’s letters there are 107 direct quotes from the Hebrew
Scriptures plus an additional 100 or so allusions or parallel ideas. It
appears that Paul embraced Torah as the heritage for Jewish and formerly
pagan followers of Yeshua.

Last thought. Torah is not exclusively for Bible scholars, rabbis and
preachers. Rather, it is meant to be learned and observed by everyone,
regardless of age or background. Torah is our morashah.  Shabbat Shalom

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat      3 Oct 2026                22nd of Tishrei, 5787 Parashat Shmini Atzeret
De 16:9-17, Nu 29:23-28   1 Ki 8:54-9:1 [8:66] Eccl 1-12 Jn 7:53-8:12

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 66:5 Come and see the works of God. How awesome His deeds for the children of Adam! 6 He turned the sea into dry land. They crossed the river on foot. There let us rejoice in Him! 7 He rules by His might forever. His eyes keep watch on the nations. Let no rebels exalt themselves. Selah

And, three short verses later, another “Selah!”  Again, God is awesome as He performs His deeds among the sons of men.  (The TLV translates it as “children of Adam.”). God is “over-ruling rebels” as He keeps watch over all the nations.  Let’s pause this meditate on that.

Near the end of verse 6, we find the word “there.”  “Sham” in Hebrew is the opposite of “Po.”  “Po” means “here” while “Sham” means “over there.”  This is written as if we just know where “there” is, and we do.  The Children of Israel passed through the Red Sea on dry land, and immediately sang a song about it.

Rabbi Trail:  Some theologians have believed that the Scripture really says “Sea of Reeds,” which would be a marsh.  That would explain how the children of Israel crossed over without a miracle, but it leaves us wondering how Pharaoh drowned in a marsh.  Let’s agree it is easier to believe the obvious.  God performed a miracle, and the children of Israel sang a song on the spot.  End RT.

Exodus 15:1 Then Moses and Bnei-Yisrael sang this song to Adonai: I will sing to Adonai, for He is highly exalted! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea. 2 Adonai is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will glorify Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. 3 Adonai is a warrior—Adonai is His Name!

The song of Exodus 15 goes on, but we’re going to stop here.  Selah, shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri       2 Oct 2026                 21st of Tishrei, 5787
Sukkot VII Hoshana Rabba
De 16:4-8, Nu 29:26-34        Mal 4   2 Ch 36           Rev 22            (Ac 28)

Shalom,

Psalm 66:3 Say to God: “How awesome are Your deeds! Because of Your great power, Your enemies cringe before You. 4 All the earth bows down to You, and sings praises to You. All sing praises to Your Name.” Selah

“Selah” is used 3 times in this Psalm.  It is a word that signifies to the musical conductor that this is a place to pause and allow everyone listening to meditate on what they have just heard.  “Selah,” hold on, lets pause here and allow our hearts to catch up to what our minds have just heard.  What is worthy of our prolonged attention?  Let’s see…

We are speaking to God in a prayer of adoration.  “Ma Norah” is Hebrew for “how awesome.”  The word for “awesome” is “Norah.”  The etymology is from “Yara” meaning “fear,” sometimes translated literally as dread, frighten, or be afraid.  How unfortunate.  Many words have literal meanings and figurative meanings.  Figuratively, “Norah” means to show reverence.  

When speaking of our attitude toward God, there is paralyzing fear (to be afraid of the beating an all powerful God could give us) and there is life giving reverence for the all powerful God Who loves us through our shortcomings.  So there is faith-filled fear that enables us to love God, and crippling-fear that keeps us from walking in faith.

Back to how awesome God is… He has great power, “B’Rov U’z’cha” to subdue his enemies.  This “song” (Psalm) is consistent with another song from heaven.  Revelation 15:3 And they are singing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and wonderful are Your deeds, Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who shall not fear and glorify Your name, O Lord? For You alone are Holy. All the nations shall come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed!”

Selah!  Indeed, we must pause so our hearts can catch up to what we just heard.  “Shema Yisrael!”  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu     1 Oct 2026                 20th of Tishrei, 5787 Sukkot VI
De 16:1-3, Nu 29:26-31        Mal 3   2 Ch 35        Rev 21     (Ac 27:21-44)

Shalom,

Psalm 66:1 For the music director, a song, a psalm. Shout joyfully to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of His Name—make His praise glorious.

“Lam’na’tze’ach” is Hebrew meaning, “for the music director.”  Of the 150 Psalms in the book of Psalms, :Lamnatzeach” is used to start 55 of them.  All but two of these Psalms go on to tell us who wrote it (such as “as Psalm of David).  This Psalm and the next one are the only two Psalms not ascribed to an author.  What follows are three instructions: Shout joyfully to God(Hari’u La’lo’him Kol-HaAretz), Sing the glory of His name (Zam’ru K’vod Sh’m’o), and make His praise glorious (Si’mu K’vod T’hi’la’to).  Let’s take a few moments to meditate on this.

“Hari’u” is the command form to make a shout.  We may get our English word “Hooray!” from this Hebrew word.  Got it?  Hooray to God!  Then, we are told to “sing glory.”  How does that happen, how do we sing glory?  The literal meaning of “Kavod” is “heavy or weighty.”  The figurative meaning (which is more commonly used) is honor that is rightfully deserved.  In English we say “glory” or “glorious.”

Then, the third instruction is to “make (literally put or place) His praise (praise given to God) glorious.”  Ezekiel saw it… Ezekiel 1:28a Like the appearance of the rainbow in the cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the radiance. It was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Adonai.  And how did Ezekiel respond?  Ezekiel 1:28b I saw it, fell upon my face, and heard the voice of the One who was speaking.

One more thing.  This was written at a time when the children of Israel had been miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage, through the Red Sea, fed manna for 40 years in the desert, and crossed the Jordan on dry ground, before fighting victoriously (which was ordained by God) to conquer the promised land.  It’s easy to see why Israel would want to be thrilled to glorify God, the instruction of Psalm 66 is to “all the earth.”  

Why should the whole earth be glad that God has delivered the children of Israel?  I’ll tell you why… because the salvation of Israel leads to the salvation of the whole world.  God has preserved His people for a divine end time purpose.  Romans 11:15 For if their rejection leads to the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?  That “life from the dead” is nothing less than the worldwide revival which we have been patiently expecting.  Bo Yeshua Bo!  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed    30 Sep 2026               19th of Tishrei, 5787 Sukkot V
De 15:19-23, Nu 29:23-28    Mal 2   2 Ch 34:18-33    Rev 20         (Ac 27:1-20)

Shalom,

Psalm 65:13 Pastures of the wilderness overflow and hills are robed with joy. 14 Meadows are clothed with flocks and valleys are covered with grain—they shout for joy, yes, they sing!

What’s this?  Pastures, wilderness and hills, then meadows and valleys are all celebrating with characteristics that belong to human people.  All of “them” “shout for joy, yes, they sing!  And, what are they singing?  They are singing the praises of God exactly as the Psalm began.  Psalm 65:2  Praise is awaiting You in Zion, O God, and to You the vow will be fulfilled.

Follow this line of thinking.  What we’ll discover is that this Psalm contains logical, next step “building blocks.”  We’re all very comfortable with praise, but what about that “vow?”  In Hebrew it is a “Neder” (as in Kol Nidre, all vows).  So, what promise is it that all flesh has promised or vowed to God?  The answer is right there in the verse, “praise is awaiting You.”  And not just Jewish people, but “all flesh will come.”  Psalm 65:3 O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come.

What is next?  We need to know why all flesh is coming to praise God.  That’s the next building block of thought.  Psalm 65:4b You will atone for our transgressions.  Are you kidding me?  This is good news beyond our highest expectation.  Our sins are overwhelming, yet God has, is and will provide for our atonement!  Of course and without doubt we will joyfully praise God for that.  How could we just sit quietly when the death sentence that rightfully must accompany our sin has been pardoned by God through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son?  

Isaiah 53:6 We all like sheep have gone astray. Each of us turned to his own way. So Adonai has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7a He was oppressed and He was afflicted yet He did not open His mouth.

1John 4:10 This is love—not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atonement for our sins.

Click this link and join in with praise for what God has done.  “Gadol Adoani” (“Great Is The Lord”).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chG6xRsX7ns Shalom shalom.

Rabbi Trail: Ann Hilsden, who founded King of Kings Ministries in Jerusalem along with her husband Wayne, had a vision 20 years ago to encourage the writing and publication of Messianic Music by artists from within Israel.  She held a music festival every other year for ten years.  The best of the best made it to the live recording of the worship concert.  This song was one of the winners in the final season.  End RT.

Disclaimer: This information is provided to the best of my recollection but may contain errors or omissions.  Please reply to this email (weinerm27@gmail.com) with any corrections or additional information and I’ll pass it along.  

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue     29 Sep 2026               18th of Tishrei, 5787 Sukkot IV
De 15:1-18, Nu 29:20-25      Mal 1   2 Ch 34:1-17  Rev 19            (Ac 26)

Shalom,

Psalm 65:10 You visit the land and make it abundant, greatly enriching it—the stream of God is full of water. You prepare their grain, for so You have prepared the earth. 11 You drench her furrows, leveling the ridges. You soften her with showers, blessing her growth. 12 You crown the year with Your goodness. Your wagon tracks drip with abundance.

In these three verses we see that God is the Lord of agriculture, which is a good fit, because the biblical year matches the agricultural year.  Let’s break that down.  In verses 10 and 11 we have the language of sowing and the early rain necessary for plowing, planting and growth.  Then in verse 12 there is a switch.  The language turns to, “You crown the year.”  God is the Lord of the harvest with increase so great that the tracks of the wagons “drip with abundance.”

The feasts of the Lord are broken into two parts.  First come the spring holidays (early harvest) which memorialize the events of Yeshua’s first coming.  (See Leviticus 23:4-22)  Then we go half way around the year to the fall holidays (latter harvest) which memorialize events yet to take place. These fall feasts are prophetic celebrations in anticipation of Yeshua’s return.  He will be crowned as King (Yom Teruah aka Rosh Hashanah), Who comes to judge the earth (Yom Kippur aka Yom HaDin)

And finally, Sukkot, (today is the third day of Sukkot) which is the holiday of the final harvest, when God will tabernacle with men.  Jeremiah saw this day and prophesied (more than once)…

Jeremiah 32:38 They will be My people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them one heart and one way, so they may fear Me forever; for their good and for their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good for them. I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will not depart from Me.

The first coming of Yeshua and the second coming of Yeshua are pictured in scripture as “the former rain and the latter rain.”  We are “latter rain” people.  Sure there is an agricultural component to all of this, but the reality is Yeshua’s loving provision for His people.  We’ve been living for almost 6,000 years in futility.  Working within Satan’s administration is futility.  The prophet Haggai spoke on behalf of the Lord….

Haggai 1:6 “You sowed much but bring in little. You eat but are never satisfied. You drink but not enough to get filled. You put on clothes but no one is warm. And whoever earns wages works for a bag full of holes.”

Haggai “bookended” this prophecy with this… ““Set your heart on your ways!”  This means, pay attention to how you live your life.  Are your ways God’s ways or Satan’s ways?  Choose your ways wisely and enjoy the blessings of this prophecy from Joel….

Joel 2:23 So be glad, children of Zion, and rejoice in Adonai, your God. For He gives you the early rain for prosperity, Yes, He will bring down rain for you, the early and latter rain as before. 24 The threshing floors will be full of grain and the vats will overflow with new wine and fresh oil.

Joel goes on to prophecy that all those years of futility will be restored.  Joel 2:25 “I shall restore to you the years that the locust, the swarming locust, the canker-worm and the caterpillar have eaten—My great army that I sent among you.”  Then Joel sees the fulfillment of Sukkot….

Joel 2:26 “You will surely eat and be satisfied, and praise the Name of Adonai your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. Never again will My people be shamed 27 You will know that I am within Israel. Yes, I am Adonai your God—there is no other—Never again will My people be shamed.”

On Sukkot, we are told to have nothing (get out of our houses and live in huts), and at the same time we are commanded to be happy.  Deuteronomy 16:13a “You are to keep the Feast of Sukkot for seven days, 14a So you will rejoice in your feast… 15b Seven days you will feast to Adonai your God in the place He chooses, because Adonai your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hand, and you will be completely filled with joy.  May we all be filled.  

Let’s give Jacob the last word today… Jacob 5:7 So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it until it receives the early and late rain.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon    28 Sep 2026               17th of Tishrei, 5787 Sukkot III
De 14:22-29, Nu 29:17-22    Zec 14 2 Ch 33           Rev 18:14-24 (Ac 25)

Shavuah Tov,
 
What I see is this: Job's suffering is a picture of God's suffering.
 
Job was happy. Judging by the number of children he had, he was happily married. He was righteous. He provided for the poor and people sought him for judgment because he was wise – He knew God’s ways. He was healthy. He loved his children. He provided for them materially and spiritually. Oh, and Job was really wealthy, honored, popular, and influential. It was heaven on earth.
 
This changed.
 
Due to Satan, Job lost
·      his possessions,
·      his children,
·      his health,
·      his wife (his first accuser),
·      his reputation,
·      and became subject to theologically grounded accusations from friends who provided one explanation after another as to ‘why’ this happened to an apparently righteous man.
 
What fault was there in Job that all this happened? What unrighteousness was there that he should lose his children, his possessions, the respect of his wife, his reputation, his health?
 
The answer Adonai gave was that there was no fault in Job whatsoever. He had done nothing to deserve it. He was a righteous man.
 
Yet Job heard this: “What happened to you is your own fault. You are being judged. You are not righteous. Stop defending yourself.”
 
Consider …
 
·      What fault was there in God that His angels should rebel?
·      What fault was there in God that He should become bereft of His children?
·      What fault was there in God that His cosmos would come under the sway of the evil one?
·      What fault was there in God that He should be subject to accusations of angels and men, that He should be subject to the loss of His reputation?
·      What fault was there in God that He should have to be defended weakly by His “friends” seeking to divine a good “reason” that “He allows” evil to run rampant?
 
What unrighteousness was found in God that He should lose His children, see His cosmos immersed in darkness, lose humanity’s trusting love, become open to slander, and suffer for the sake of His creation?
 
Here are some things said by God’s “comforters” to explain why bad things happen:
 
·      “Before the foundation of the world You willed that humanity’s fall, and all the pain that follows it, would happen.”
·      “You cause bad things to happen for Your greater glory.”
·      “You determine the bad things that happen to us for the sake of our sanctification.”
·      “God allowed this atrocity, or tragedy, to happen.”
 
And then, there’s this:
 
·      “God is not good. If God were good, why would...?”
 
Job’s friends reasoned that his suffering proved his guilt. The world reasons the same way, only pointed at heaven. Fill in the blanks: _________________
 
·      It is God’s fault mom died.
·      It is God’s fault people are cruel.
·      It is God’s fault I lost my money.
·      It is God’s fault that there is sin in the world.
 
You’ve heard it. You may have felt it. You may have said it.
 
I was teaching in Florida, and a brother accosted me: “If God were affected by anything outside of Himself, He would not be God!” I replied, “Says who?”
 
Well, I found someone in the Bible who said it. In one of Elihu’s soliloquies we find this:
 
If you sin, how does it affect God?
If your transgressions are many,
what does it do to him?
If you are righteous, what do you give to God,
or what does he receive from your hand?
(Job 35:6-7 TLV)
 
This misunderstanding of transcendence was known to ancient Israel. But the prophets rejected it. The Son of Man destroyed it. The apostolic writings oppose it. It is plainly written that God experiences grievous loss and takes sin personally.
 
Job suffered loss through no fault of his own. He interceded for his accusers and experienced double restoration. In the same way, God’s loss shall be eclipsed by what shall happen due to Yeshua’s intercession.
 
Consider Job. His dark hour is a silhouette outlining God’s experience.
 
Of Yeshua, the image of God, it was written, “Scorn has broken my heart, so I am sick. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but found none” (Psalm 69:21).
 
But David said...
 
I love You, Adonai my strength! (Psalm 18:2)
 
This “love” – “racham” – is practically always used of God’s compassion towards humanity. Here it is directed towards the one who comforts us.
 
If we’re pointing a finger at God, let’s change our posture and lift our hands in surrender and supplication. Let us identify with God in His affliction and pray for His every desire to transpire.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun     27 Sep 2026             16th of Tishrei, 5787 Sukkot II
Le 22:26-23:44, Nu 29:12-16        1 Ki 8:2-21    Lk 13:22-30

Shabbat Shalom,
 
This week we have another festival reading – Sukkot 1, which comes from Leviticus 22:26 – 23:44. Contained in this reading is an overview of  ADONAI’s appointed times.
 
Note: These are ADONAI’s appointed times. Leviticus 23:2 These are the appointed moadim of ADONAI, which you are to proclaim to be holy convocations, My moadim.
 
A recurring theme in ADONAI’s moadim is remembering.
 
Exodus 20:8 Remember Yom Shabbat, to keep it holy.
 
Exodus 12:14 This day (Passover) is to be a memorial (zikkaron) for you. Zikkaron is from zikor, to remember. In the Hebrew, it is le’zikkaron which means a memorial, remembrance, record, or maybe to memorial…I know, bad English, so maybe better to memorialize to fix the English.
 
Deuteronomy 26:1-15 Gives instructions on presenting first fruits and tithes. Contained within these instructions are statements to be made by the presenter to recount (remember) important interactions between ADONAI and the forefathers.
 
For Shavuot we need to consider what it represents. For Christians, we remember the giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost on Shavuot, but also the Torah is widely believed to have been given to the Israelites on Shavuot, therefore we also remember when God gave Torah to everyone. See Exodus 19.
 
Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets is interesting. We get the command in Leviticus 23:24 In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a Shabbat rest, a memorial (zikkaron - remembrance) of blowing (shafarot), a holy convocation. We aren’t told exactly what we are to remember, but traditionally it is the coming of King ADONAI or in Messianic understanding, King Yeshua.
 
Leviticus 23:27, 28 The tenth day of this seventh month is Yom Kippur, a holy convocation to you, so you are to afflict yourselves…to make atonement for you before ADONAI your God. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 You are to remember all the ways that ADONAI your God has led you these 40 years in the wilderness – in order to humble you, to test you, to know what was in your heart…He afflicted you and let you hunger…to make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of ADONAI.
 
Leviticus 23:42-43 You are to live in sukkot for seven days…So that your generations may know that I had Bnei-Yisrael to dwell in sukkot when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am ADONAI your God. Although the command is to “know” that God had the Israelites dwell in sukkot when they left Egypt, knowing and remembering aren’t too far apart in their meanings.
 
Remembering is a central part of God’s festivals. Indeed, much of the Bible reinforces remembering the past – certainly the positive things, but also things that went wrong. As I said last week, failure is a powerful teacher. We need to remember things that go well so we can repeat them and things that don’t go so well so we can avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
 
If we don’t remember the roots of our faith and teach Bible truths to our children, who will teach them? What will they be taught? Who will they become?  Remember that our nation was founded on strong Judeo-Christian foundations. Our nation has enjoyed unparalleled success though this foundation. Unfortunately, this is not something our children are being taught in the public domain. Remember what happened repeatedly to Israel when they forgot that God was their nation’s foundation?
 
Psalm 78:2-4 I will open my mouth with a parable, I will utter perplexing sayings from old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, telling to the next generation the praises of ADONAI and his strength and the wonders He has done.
 
Romans 15:4 For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, so that through patience and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
 
Moses gets the last word.
 
Deuteronomy 4:9-10 Be watchful and watch over your soul closely, so you do not forget the things your eyes have seen and they slip from your heart all the days of your life. You are to make them known to your children and your children’s children. The day that you stood before ADONAI your God in Horeb, ADONAI said to me, ‘Gather the people to Me and I will make them hear My words, so that they learn to fear Me all the days that they live on the earth, and so that they teach their children.
 
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sukkot Sameach.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat      26 Sep 2026             15th of Tishrei, 5787 Sukkot I
Le 23:23-44, Nu 29:12-16  Zec 14            Rev 7:9-17
____________________________

Rabbi’s Reflections - Sunday, September 27, 2026
Shavuah Tov {{firstName}},


Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun     27 Sep 2026             16th of Tishrei, 5787 Sukkot II
            Le 22:26-23:44, Nu 29:12-16        1 Ki 8:2-21    Lk 13:22-30

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 65:7 who establishes mountains by His power, being girded with might, 8 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples. 9 Those dwelling in the uttermost parts stand in awe of Your signs. You make morning and evening shout for joy.

It sounds like these verses 7 and 8 are questions, but in context, they are not.  This Psalm of David is here describing how great God is.  Well then, let’s ask the question, “How great is our God?”  Psalm 145:3 Great is Adonai, and greatly to be praised—His greatness is unsearchable.  In the Hebrew of verse 7, God sets the mountains upright (Ma’kun) in power (Ko’ach) and might (G’vu’rah).  Then in verse 8, God continues to show His power by subduing the seas and waves along with many peoples.    

The following verse (9a) further describes the response of those peoples to God’s greatness.   Psalm 65:9a Those dwelling in the uttermost parts stand in awe of Your signs.  Verse 9b provides a concluding statement on the greatness of God.  Psalm 65:9b You make morning and evening shout for joy.

How awesome is God?  We might think we know, but we don’t know anything.  1Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, “Things no eye has seen and no ear has heard, that have not entered the heart of mankind—these things God has prepared for those who love Him.”  But wait!  That’s not entirely true, is it.  God has sent His Spirit to reveal the truth to those who love Him.  1Corinthians 2:10 But God revealed these things to us through the Ruach. For the Ruach searches all things—even the depths of God.

Yeshua taught His disciples that they know things others don’t.  Matthew 13:11 And He replied to them, “To you has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”  We, the redeemed, who follow Yeshua, have this as our inheritance.  Now, back to our original question, “How great is our God?”

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or imagine, by means of His power that works in us, 21 to Him be the glory in the community of believers and in Messiah Yeshua throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.  You were hoping for something greater?  No way!  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri       25 Sep 2026               14th of Tishrei, 5787
Le 23:15-22        Zec 13             2 Ch 32:20-33  Rev 18:1-13 (Ac 24)  

Shalom,

Psalm 65:6 You respond to us in righteousness with awe-inspiring works—O God of our salvation—hope of all ends of the earth and farthest seas.

There is a name for God used in this verse, “Elohay Yish’aynu,” which is translated as “God of our salvation.”  We Messianic believers call Him Yeshua.  Where did we get the idea that the Messiah would be a person, born of a woman without the usual seed of a man?  Did we make this up, or did our ancient Jewish sages completely miss the message of Scripture?

We start in Genesis, in the Garden of Eden.  God spoke to the serpent (the personification of Satan, the adversary) and said, Genesis 3:15 I will put animosity between you and the woman—between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel.”  What’s this?  Women don’t have seed.  

There is scriptural proof that Eve heard God and understood Him correctly.  Genesis 4:1 Now the man had relations with Eve his wife and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “I produced a man with Adonai.”  Oops, the Hebrew says “Et-Yehovah”(YHVH), meaning the son she just birthed and named Cain “IS Yehovah.”  Eve thought she had just birthed the Messiah, the One Who would bruise the head of the serpent.  But that birth wouldn’t take place for another 4,000 years.  

Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of time came, God sent out His Son, born of a woman and born under law— 5 to free those under law, so we might receive adoption as sons.

One more prooftext from the Hebrew Scriptures, although there are many.  Jeremiah 31:22 How long will you waver, O backsliding daughter? For Adonai has created a new thing on earth: a woman surrounds a man.  Again, that “new thing” is poorly translated.  The Hebrew says the woman will “go around” a man.  That really is a “new thing.”  A woman having a baby without having a man, yet that’s what Jeremiah is prophesying.  

Okay, since you’re being nice (and have continued reading), one more proof.  Isaiah 7:14 Therefore Adonai Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive. When she is giving birth to a son, she will call his name Immanuel.  And the sages object because the Hebrew word “Almah” (young woman, which sometimes means virgin) is used instead “Betulah” (which is a more common word for virgin).  

What is so hard to believe?  God makes man from dirt (He made the dirt too), and makes a woman from one of the man’s ribs, so how hard is it to believe God can create His Son from a young woman?  Of course Yeshua was born of a virgin.  That’s the prophesied sign from Adonai, Who is called Immanuel, God with us.

How do the rabbis explain all this?  They believe the Apostles conspired to fabricate a story in which Yeshua fulfills all these prophecies.  To believe that, requires more faith than it takes to believe the obvious truth.  In every RR we turn things back to us.  What is the call to action?  How should I change?
 
Philippians 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves, which also was in Messiah Yeshua, 6 Who, though existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be grasped. 7 But He emptied Himself—taking on the form of a slave, becoming the likeness of men and being found in appearance as a man. 8 He humbled Himself—becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue profess that Yeshua the Messiah is Lord—to the glory of God the Father.
 
That last verse is the Gospel (Good News) message.  Say it and mean it and you are saved from sin and death.  It is the answer to the question Yeshua asked Peter… Matthew 16:15 He said, “But who do you say I am?”  Answer that correctly and the eternal promises are yours.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu     24 Sep 2026               13th of Tishrei, 5787
Le 23:9-14        Zec 12             2 Ch 32:1-19  Rev 17            (Ac 23)

Shalom,

Psalm 65:5 Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts! We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your House—Your holy Temple.

To be “chosen” by Yeshua is a blessing.  Yeshua is speaking… John 15:16a “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.”  But chosen for what?  We have been chosen to join Yeshua in the “fellowship of His suffering.”   Philippians 3:10 My aim is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the sharing of His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.  As Jewish people joking say about themselves, in prayer to God.  “We rejoice to be the chosen people, but could You choose someone else once in a while?”

The Hebrew word for “chosen” is “Ba’chur” *Bet-Chet-Resh), meaning to be appointed for a purpose.  More specifically, that purpose is to be tried or tested.  Jacob (James) wrote this… Jacob 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  Peter also wrote about this issue… 1Peter 1:6 You rejoice in this greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials. 7 These trials are so that the true metal of your faith (far more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire) may come to light in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Messiah Yeshua.

The promise of the second part of our subject verse is that “we will be satisfied” with the goodness of God’s Temple.  It is written as if our satisfaction is incomplete.  We’re never done being satisfied with the goodness of God!  God will continually (never stop) satisfying us.

Speaking of God’s Temple, that’s not some place that used to exist in the promised land, but rather it is near to where you are right now, and even within you.  1Corinthians 6:19 Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Ruach ha-Kodesh who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.   So then, there seems to be a great blessing for those who are chosen.  Choose to be chosen.  Yeshua chose you, choose Him back.  Shalom shalom.  

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed    23 Sep 2026               12th of Tishrei, 5787
Le 23:4-8                    Zec 11             2 Ch 31           Rev 16            (Ac 22)

Shalom,

In case you have wandered into this conversation from a “Rip Van Winkle” type of existence, let me tell you that Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement.  It is the day set aside in the Torah to “afflict your soul.” (Leviticus 23:27)

What exactly does that mean?  Our sages (historical rabbis who wisely interpreted scripture) called for a day of fasting and prayers of repentance on that day.  When we had a Holy Temple and priesthood, that was the one day each year when the High Priest would enter the Holiest of all (the Holy of Holies).  

It was very much a day of convergence.  Four dimensions all converged on that one day; time, people, space and language.  Let me explain.

In the convergence of time, God appointed a day.  We have an entire year, one circuit around the sun.  Out of that year there are many Shabbats and other holidays (Holy Days).  From all of them, one day (and only the afternoon of that day) is set aside by God for the High Priest to enter in to the place where the only light is the Shekinah Glory of God’s presence.  Other than that day, mankind was not allowed in God’s presence.

In the convergence of people, again God chose.  He chose a people.  He made a nation based on His promise to our father, Abraham, and from Abraham to Isaac and from Isaac to Jacob.  One of God’s names is “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”  From the sons of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel), God made a nation out of children of Israel, whose 12 sons became the 12 tribes.  From the 12 tribes, God set aside the tribe of Levi, and only Levi, to serve Him, without an inheritance.  Out of that tribe of Levi, God set aside the house of Aaron as His priesthood.  And from that priesthood, one man was appointed as High Priest, whose assignment was to enter into the Holy of Holies.  Other than that one day, no one other than that one man was allowed in God’s presence.

In the convergence of space, again God chose.  He chose a land, promised to Abraham.  Out of that land, God chose a city, Jerusalem.  And out of that city, God chose the Temple Mount between the Kidron Valley and the Tyropoeon Valley, God assigned Solomon to build the Holy Temple (Beit HaMikdash).  In the innermost part of the Temple, God made a dark space, where the only light would be His Shekinah glory.  Other than that one day, the one High Priest, and that one place, the Holy of Holies within the Holy Temple, no one was allowed in God’s presence.  

In the convergence of language, of all the languages on earth, God chose Hebrew as the prayer language of His chosen people.  Of all the Hebrew words, God gave Himself a holy name, the Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay.  That name was so holy that it could only be spoken aloud in one place by one man on one day.  Only on that one day, by that one man and at that one place could that one name be spoken aloud, and only in the presence of God.

Now the good news.  Because God sent His Son, Yeshua, you and I are included.  The access that was once so highly restricted is now available to us today, and every day.  We are that promised kingdom of priests with a divine assignment to minister to God on behalf of the people.  Solomon’s Temple has been destroyed.  But now, on account of Yeshua’s once for all time sacrifice, God has set His Temple in our hearts.  And yes, even His holy name must continually be spoken by His saints, today and every day, even to the ends of the earth.  Now, go forth in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10) and proclaim His name to a sick and dying world.
 
Gamar Chatimah Tovah (may you have a completely good signature [in the book of life]) or L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu V’Tekatemu (may you have a good year and be written [signed] and sealed (in the book of life).

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue     22 Sep 2026               11th of Tishrei, 5787
Le 23:1-3       Zec 10            2 Ch 30           Rev 15            (Ac 21:17-40

Shalom,

Psalm 65:1 For the music director, a psalm, a song of David. 2  Praise is awaiting You in Zion, O God, and to You the vow will be fulfilled. 3 O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come. 4 Records of sins overwhelm me—You will atone for our transgressions.

This is too perfect.  I’m writing on the day before Yom Kippur.  (I will not be writing on Monday, Yom Kippur, for Tuesday.  I will probably republish an RR I wrote years ago which is appropriate for the occasion.)  What I’m now writing is the RR FOR this Yom Kippur.  How appropriate it is that our subject text clearly states, “You will atone for our transgressions.”  

Let’s once again meditate on God’s goodness, His love, and His grace.  He is the all powerful creator of the universe and He loves you.  The universe God created, that we have observed from planet earth is more than 90 billion light years from end to end.  That’s as far as we can see from earth, but don’t you know God is much greater than that?  His greatness is far beyond our ability to comprehend.

Psalm 8:4 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You established— 5 what is man, that You are mindful of him? And the son of man, that You care for him?

Rather than dwelling on God’s greatness (which should make us feel small and insignificant), we should meditate on His lovingkindness, (which should make us feel valued and important to Him).  One of His names is El Shaddai, the Almighty God.  Amazingly, He shows us lovingkindness even when we rebel against His righteous principles, and that’s the point of Yom Kippur.

“Kippur” is translated as atonement.  We tend to use the word as if we understand it’s full meaning, but we don’t.  After all, nobody ever went the store for a pound of atonement.  Our atonement is our protective covering. It can only be provided by God.  (What, are we going to protect ourselves?)   Who says it better than this?  

Psalm 46:2 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.    

If my life were a boat, it would be filled with holes, taking on water and in danger of sinking.  But God!  He is our “Kaper” (atonement).  In Hebrew, “Kaper” is the protective coating of pitch that prevents the boat from sinking.  When you trust in Yeshua, He writes your name in the book of life with the indelible ink of His blood.  

How sad that Jewish people are praying on Yom Kippur to be written in the book of life for another year when they could have that eternal assurance of being written forever.  Please pray that this year, Jewish eyes, ears, hearts and minds will be opened to the good news, “Yeshua is Lord, to the glory of God our Father.”  Shalom shalom.  

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon    21 Sep 2026             10th of Tishrei, 5787 Yom Kippur
Le 16 Nu 29:7-11    Le 18 (afternoon)    Isa 57:14-58:14       Jonah 1-4 (afternoon)        Mic 7:18-20 (afternoon)    Jas 4:1-12, 2 Pe 3:9-14  

Shabbat Shalom,
 
Our Parshah this week is Deuteronomy 32, Ha’azinu – “Give Ear.” This comes from Deuteronomy 32:1 Give ear (ha’azinu), O heavens, and I will speak. Let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
 
Most of this reading is The Song of Moses. In this song or poem, Moses warns of Israel’s future unfaithfulness, and the justice ADONAI will perform when Israel is disobedient, compares Torah to the blessings of rain, that ADONAI has nurtured Israel, and warns of pursuing worthless gods. He also states that even while being disciplined, ADONAI will not abandon His people forever and there is encouragement to hear the message in this prophesy and to share the message with future generations. Moses is commanded to ascent Mount Nebo to see but not enter the land and then he will die on the mountain.
 
We are in the middle of the High Holy Days. These are ADONAI’s commanded times, yet other than our Jewish friends, other Messianic congregations and a handful of others, God’s feasts and festivals are largely ignored. This reading gives us a very good reason why God gave us these festivals.
 
Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of antiquity, understand the years across generations. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders and they will say to you. (other translations – they will inform you, explain to you, tell you, teach you.)
 
The command to remember the past is a recurring theme in the Bible. We are consistently reminded that a nation that forgets their past will not survive for long. In His infinite wisdom, ADONAI gave us His Holy convocations as reminders of His provision, love, forgiveness, and yes, discipline when needed. Celebrating God’s festivals builds a cohesiveness across the communities of His worshipers and reminds us of His past miracles and future promises. Indeed, without the continued celebration of ADONAI’s festivals, the Jewish people would not have survived the persistent persecution they endured across millennia.
 
Exodus 12:26-27 (Passover) Now when it happens that your children ask you, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” You are to say, “It is the sacrifice of ADONAI’s Passover, because He passed over the houses of Bnei-Yisrael in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians but spared our households.
 
Even before the exodus began, ADONAI was reminding the Israelites to remember and to teach the next generations.
 
The Shema also reminds us to teach our children in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 These words are to be on your heart. You are to teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Which I would understand to mean that we should be teaching our children and others at all points during our days.
 
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.
 
Unfortunately, this is something not well remembered in our “modern” society. Part of growing up is learning that failure is always a possibility.
 
Now, I am not meaning that in the whole-life sense. But when playing a game, someone must lose. When taking an exam, some will do better than others. When running a race, someone will win the rest will not. Today, in many schools there are no winners or losers, just participants. Everyone gets the same participation award.
 
Failure and disappointment may not be fun, but they are good teachers. In my years as a Navy leader, I looked at failure (as long as it was not on purpose and no one was seriously injured) as a learning opportunity. We learned and improved through our mistakes.
 
Romans 5:3-5 We also boast in suffering – knowing that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint.
 
We also find teaching as a key part of discipleship.
 
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Ruach ha-Kodesh, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
 
So, what are we told to teach new disciples to observe?
 
John 10:30 (Yeshua speaking) I and the Father are one. If Yeshua and ADONAI are one, then perhaps we just might find what we should teach new disciples to observe in Torah.
 
If we don’t teach our young ones and new believers correctly, who will teach them and what will they learn?
 
Let’s give Paul the last word.
 
2Timothty 2:1-2 Therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace of Messiah Yeshua. And what you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust to faithful people who will be capable to teach others also.
 
Shabbat Shalom

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat      19 Sep 2026             8th of Tishrei, 5787
Parashat Ha’Azinu Shabbat Shuva
De 32:40-52              Hos 14:1-9[2-10], Joel 2:15-27     Heb 12:1-17

Shabbat shalom ,

NO WEAPON
Isaiah 54:16-17
By David Harwood

What an interesting couple of verses:
 
Behold, I created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its work, and I created the destroyer to ruin. No weapon formed against you will prosper and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of Adonai’s servants — their vindication is from Me.” It is a declaration of Adonai.  Isaiah 54:16-17
 
Notice that the Lord knows a thing or two about making weapons. In fact, He created the craftsman. He gives the wisdom and the skill necessary to design and make implements of war.
 
The destroyer is a title given to God’s destroying angel (Exodus 12:23; 2 Samuel 24:16). In Isaiah 54’s context the destroyer is a human agent of judgment — Babylon. He created Babylon to conquer and pillage (Jeremiah 25:9). The principle is broader than Babylon, but look at its outcome: “Babylon is fallen” (Isaiah 21:9; Revelation 14:8; 18:2).
 
The Lord also knows how to render the weaponry of the adversary useless. Is it a problem with the quality of their weapons? No. This is Heaven’s WarLord defending His people.
 
Now, concerning accusations and judgments. Who is completely guiltless? I am not speaking of our judicial righteousness. I am talking about the practical righteousness into which we are growing as we are progressively made holy in attitude and lifestyle. My perspective is this: if a hostile, perceptive person followed any of us around for a couple of weeks, they would probably have no problem coming up with a few relevant, true accusations.
 
Maybe I’m just thinking about me… Not you. Maybe you too?
 
Anyway, there is One against whom no accusation can stand. It is the Servant of Adonai. Yeshua is that Servant, and He was without fault. Yeshua is blameless. Yet He was accused, and people accuse Him all the time. Faultfinders abound. Defenders are scarce.
 
Speaking of His defenders, the Messiah has servants who honor His name. They have been declared righteous, and they are. However, have you noticed the amount of correction they receive in the Scriptures? I have. I am speaking about us now — we are constantly in need of adjustment. That is true, but we are still His servants.
 
Ultimately, those who come against the King’s servants are coming against the King (Acts 9:4). And this King has purposes that cannot finally be derailed. No matter the excellence of the enemy’s weaponry, any and all weapons against Him and His servants shall be found useless. No matter how well-crafted the accusations, they will fall apart on the Day of Judgment.
 
In fact, even true accusations are subject to a higher verdict (1 John 1:8-9). We find that verdict in Romans 8:1.
 
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Yeshua.  Romans 8:1
 
If we should be accused in heaven or on earth, we have an Intercessor with our Father.
 
My children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Intercessor with the Father — the righteous Messiah Yeshua.  1 John 2:1
 
Question: why do we need an intercessor? Why do we need this Intercessor?
 
He answers the accusations. And He is the one who condemns every tongue that rises up in judgment against Him as His servants are attacked. He is Adonai (their) righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6), and Yeshua’s servants overcome the accuser through the Messiah’s blood and the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:10-11).
 
Meanwhile, speaking of weapons, these verses give me ammunition for intercession.
 
When appealing to Yeshua, and when praying to Father on His Servant’s behalf — interceding for His people, His purposes, His servants — I can pray along these lines:
 
Lord Yeshua, You are The Servant of Adonai. No accusation against You can stand. All weapons created to frustrate Your purposes will not prosper. You are the Righteous One against Whom no strategy can succeed.
 
Father, You understand weaponry. You know the devil’s designs. Go to war on behalf of Your Son. He is totally worthy of Your vindication, and because of Him, so are we.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat      19 Sep 2026             8th of Tishrei, 5787 
Parashat Ha’Azinu Shabbat Shuva
De 32:40-52              Hos 14:1-9[2-10], Joel 2:15-27     Heb 12:1-17