Shavuah Tov,

Rabbi’s Note:  David Harwood has noted that this is the final installment of his 81 messages on Charis/Chen.  I expect he’ll be turning these submissions into his next book, but you got it here first.  Blessings to all y’all and to our beloved friend, David Harwood.  End RN.
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The truths you received through these meditations are like seed sown in the field of your heart. For them to germinate and grow you must guard and nurture them. Why? Well, you have an adversary who does not want you to have confidence that you have found charis in God’s eyes.

In the Parable of the Sower, Yeshua revealed that the enemy is like a bird who seeks to steal truth. (Mark 4:4,14–15). When God was bringing Abram into covenant, the patriarch had to chase away scavenger-birds. They wanted to eat what was holy. That would have defiled the cleanness of that sacred ceremony.  

... but Abram drove them away. (Genesis 15:11)

Truth is always contested by the devil. Stand firm.

... stand against the schemes of the devil. ... and after you have done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:11b,13b)

... this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! (1 Peter 5:12)

Stand firm and guard the word of God’s favor.

Perhaps even more importantly, nurture the truth of the emotional nature of grace. The following are some ways you might find to be helpful.

Firstly, meditate upon the Scriptures. As you read about grace, substitute the word, favor. For instance, we read of “the Good News of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)”. Consider rereading it as “the Good News of God’s favor.” This rephrasing intensifies the intent of what the Ruach ha-Kodesh sought to convey.

Also, pray about what you’ve read. We are exhorted to “call out for insight”, to “lift up our voice” for understanding (Proverbs 2:3). Do that. He is called, “... the God of all grace (charis/favor) (1 Peter 5:10b)”. He will answer you. Pray with perseverance and expectancy. Yeshua will make this reality real to you.

Let’s revisit the Parable of the Sower. Yeshua disclosed therein that there are some godly characteristics of souls that bear fruit.

But the seed in the good soil are those with a praiseworthy and good heart, who have heard the word and hold it fast and bear fruit with patient endurance. (Luke 8:15)

We’re those who must retain the Word. Let’s receive our responsibility to guard and nurture the word of His favor. Also, let’s communicate what we’ve received.

Now I commit you to God and the word of His grace (charis/favor), which is strong to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who have been made holy. (Acts 20:32)

Sharing the truth of God’s charis (chen/favor/grace) is akin to sowing the word. Friends, we will reap what we sow. Paul wrote of that dynamic.

For whatever a man sows, that he also shall reap. (Galatians 6:7b)

knowing that whatever good each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, (Ephesians 6:8b)

This aforementioned principle is true. So, if we want to grow in the experiential knowledge of God’s favor, let’s share the favor we have. We shall reap the quality of what we sow according to the quantity of what we’ve sown.

... whoever sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6b)

Demonstrate favor in how you think of, speak, and act towards others. Deliberately show grace and be a wise sower of favor. God’s favor towards us is lavish. Imitate God.

... the richness of His grace (charis/favor) that He lavished on us. (Ephesians 1:8a)

Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved children; (Ephesians 5:1)

How else may we nurture our experience of grace? Let’s stick with the strategy of sowing and reaping. Sow faith towards God through praise and gratitude.

When we praise the God of Grace for His favor, we open doors to receiving more favor. The same is true regarding gratitude.

We have been given a mustard seed of faith. Let’s sow that seed in the field of God’s favor and expect a bountiful harvest. (Matthew 13:31; 17:20)

I trust that you received some helpful insight from all that has been shared.

May you fare well.


The favor (charis/grace) of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah and the love of God and the fellowship of the Ruach ha-Kodesh be with you all. Amen.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun14-Jun-202629th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 16:1-13Jer 37-38Da 122 Co 2 (Lk 2:1-21)

Shabbat Shalom,

Torah Portion is Korach is named after the Levite Korah. He was a great grandson of Levi and a cousin of sorts to Moses and Aaron. He was a clan leader and had some significant responsibilities caring for and transporting the Tabernacle. Although he had an important position, Korah envied Moses and Aaron and sought a more venerated position. I could easily make a lesson out of envy and coveting…but we will save that for another time.

Numbers 16:32-33 The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, along with all their households, all of Korah’s people and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol, they and everything that was theirs. The earth closed over them and they were gone from among their community.

Now wait a minute. Eleven Psalms were written by the sons of Korah. How is this possible if all of Korah’s household were swallowed up by the earth? In Numbers 26, we get the second census taken just before the Israelites entered the land. In Numbers 26:11 we get the answer – Korah’s sons, however, did not die. Rashi comments that although Korah’s three sons initially joined in with their father and his complaints, before things came to a head, they all repented. Therefore they were not with Korah when the earth swallowed him and all his people.

Not only did the sons of Korah write Psalms, the Great Prophet Samuel was also a “son” of Korah…well, grandson with more than a few greats in front (1 Chronicles 6:33-35). The point is, that had none of the sons of Korah repented and survived, there would have been no Prophet Samuel and fewer Psalms.

So, what is the lesson for us? Even though Korah lives in infamy in the Bible, his family legacy does not. Through Korah’s line we get great people who are true men of God, like the Prophet Samuel, the Korahites, and skilled singers and Psalm writers.

Ezekiel 18:20-22 The soul that sins, he will die. The son will not bear the iniquity of the father with him…The righteousness of the righteous will be on him and the wickedness of the wicked will be on him. But if the wicked turns from all his sins that he has committed, and keeps all My Laws and does what is lawful and right, he will surely live…none of his transgressions that he committed will be remembered…

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.

Mathew 4:17 Turn away from your sins (repent), for the kingdom of heaven is near.

2 Corinthians 5:17 If anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creation. The old things (prior sins) have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Yeshua.

Your family history and prior repented sins do not have to define your relationship with the LORD, your eternal salvation or your family legacy. Regardless of where you come from, or what baggage you are carrying, if you turn your life over to Yeshua and truly repent of your prior sinful activity you can rewrite your future and potentially the future of all your descendants. Your legacy can be like that of the sons of Korah. Shabbat Shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat13-June-2026 28th of Sivan, 5786 Parashat Sh’lach
Nu 15:27-41Jos 2Heb 3:7-17; 4:9-10

(Early) Shabbat Shalom {{firstName}},

Rabbi’s note:  Yesterday was our one full day (between two nights) in the Galilee area of Northern Israel.  We started by driving to Chamat Gader, just east of the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee.  

Rabbi Trail: https://hamat-gader.com/en/עמוד-הבית-english/  We went there, but did not go inside.  https://hamat-gader.com/en/crocodile-farm/  I did walk through the alligator park once, years ago, and felt like bait the whole time.  I counted over 120 alligators (and I’m sure there are more now because that was about 10 years ago). End RT.

This was a day dedicated to the living memory of the Israeli spy, Eli Cohen. (https://books.google.co.il/books/about/Our_Man_in_Damascus_Elie_Cohn.html?id=GDm7AAAAIAAJ&redir_esc=y)
A comment about Eli Cohen, z”l… He is our hero!  The intelligence he provided to Israel saved many lives during the six day war of 1967 and following.  Soviet Union provided technology is how he was captured.  In spite of the tragic ending, this is an inspiring success story.  

We followed the 8 stations of the Eli Cohen Trail, all along the Golan Heights.  The 4th station stands out in my mind.  It is a place called “The Porch.”  It was a Syrian Army Officer’s Club where Eli Cohen, z”l gathered a lot of information about the Syrian military, its positions, movements and capabilities.  https://tourgolan.org.il/en/listing/the-eli-cohen-trail-2/  

All in all, it was a great day, and I’m glad we took the time to honor the memory of Eli Cohen z”l.  End RN.
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Psalm 55:11 Day and night they make the rounds on her walls. Iniquity and mischief are within her. 12 Ruins are in her midst. Oppression and deceit never leave her square. 13 For if it were an enemy taunting me, I could endure it. If my foe was exalting himself over me, I could hide from him. 14 But it is you, a man like me—my companion and my close friend!

In verse 11, we switch from “they” (those “opposers” we called “absalomites” yesterday) who make their rounds, to “her,” the “city or place” in which “they” are making their rounds.  Ultimately, David’s lament focuses on “you, a man like me.”  That man of opposition is further identified as “my companion and my close friend!”  One character mentioned in the Bible seems to fit the description.  Ahithophel from the town of Giloh (modern Giloh is a suburb of Jerusalem a little closer than Bethlehem).

2Samuel 15:12 Also Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor from his town Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. So the conspiracy gained momentum for the people following Absalom continued to increase.

Rebellion is a threat to any authority.  God treats rebellion seriously.  As Samuel admonished King Saul… 1Samuel 15:23a For rebellion is like the sin of divination and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry.  

Picture this, God has prepared a highway in the wilderness.  Imagine you’re traveling through the unsettled territory of the wild west without a road.  The going is difficult and you have to literally cut your way through the brush and overgrowth.  Suddenly, you arrive at a paved highway.  Every obstacle has been removed.  This is a picture of “the way” of the Lord.  

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” It is a declaration of Adonai. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Back to our “wilderness (lack of a road) experience.”  What sane person would say, “No, I want to do this my way and make my own road?”  Obey God and you will do well.  1John 5:3 For this is the love of God—that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome…. 12 The one who has the Son has life; the one who does not have Ben-Elohim does not have life.  Now that’s living.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri12-June-2026 27th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 15:17-26Jer 36Da 11:21-452 Co 1(Lk 1:39-80)

Shalom,

Rabbi’s note:  As you are probably aware by now, Jan and I have extended our time in Israel beyond the group ministry and travel by a week.  Yesterday, we traveled north from Jerusalem to Katzrin, the capital city of the Golan Heights region.

Along the way we made an extended stop to visit with our long time friend, Chaim Malespin, who heads up two ministries, The Aliyah Return Center (the red pomegranate) aliyahreturncenter.com , and Faithful Galileans (the blue pomegranate), http://faithfulgalileans.com/   each with distinctly different emphasis.

Look at what the Lord has done through Chaim and his wife, Deanna!  They began about 15 years ago in their tiny apartment.  The Lord breathed life into their work and now He has built a wonderful work of diverse humanitarian aid efforts in the area of Tiberias as well as specific Yeshua oriented ministries like the 24/7 Northern Israel House of Prayer.  We are honored to have him as our friend.  End RN.
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Psalm 55:10 Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. 11 Day and night they make the rounds on her walls. Iniquity and mischief are within her.

Who are the “they” who are mentioned by collective pronouns in both verses?  One commentator calls them “Absalomites.”  They are full of rebellion against God-given authority.  Reminds me of the rebellion at the Tower of Babel.  And just like the Tower of Babel, David calls upon God to “confuse and confound their speech.”

Genesis 11:6 Adonai said, “Look, the people are one and all of them have the same language. So this is what they have begun to do. Now, nothing they plan to do will be impossible. 7 Come! Let Us go down and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand each other’s language.”

What we’re going to find is that this is no ordinary rebellion but a rebellion from within the camp, from those closest friends of David.  Yeshua also, as David’s Lord and Son had to deal with rebellion from within.

Zechariah 13:6 Then someone will ask him, “What are these wounds between your hands?”—and he will answer, “Those that I received in the house of my friends.”

My friends, love God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  This will be your blessing.  Deuteronomy 6:5 Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, are to be on your heart.  

What follows is a little long, but who doesn’t have time to receive a blessing?

Deuteronomy 28:4 “Blessed will be the fruit of your womb, the produce of your soil, and the offspring of your livestock—the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. 5 Blessed will be your basket and your kneading bowl. 6 “Blessed will you be when you come in, and blessed will you be when you go out. 7 Adonai will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck down before you. They will come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. 8 Adonai will command the blessing on you in your barns and in every undertaking of your hand, and He will bless you in the land Adonai your God is giving you. 9 Adonai will establish you as a holy people for Himself, just as He swore to you—if you keep the mitzvot of Adonai your God and walk in His ways.”

And the blessing continues.  Find a Bible and keep reading.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu11-June-2026 26th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 15:8-16Jer 35Dan 11:1-20 1 Co 16 (Lk 1:1-38)

Shalom,

Rabbi’s note:  Boom Boom!!  We woke up in Jerusalem to “boom”s this morning as the incoming missiles were intercepted.  So glad everyone is safe.  We are witnesses to the protective hand of God.   Psalm 121 declares that God is “Shomair Yisrael” (the Watchman or Guardian of Israel).  A few verses later in the same Psalm we read.  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.  This is true today as never before.  We’re either coming or going!  And today is the day (along with every day) He is “watching over” His people Israel (He never slumbers nor sleeps).  End RN.
 
Psalms
Psalm 55:7,8(6,7) – Part 3

Psalm 55:7 So I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. 8 Surely I would flee far away. I would stay in the wilderness. Selah

Rabbi Trail: Please enjoy the attached song recorded live at Shomair Yisrael (circa 2005) during a worship service about 20 years ago.  “Wings Like A Dove” sung by Joe (guitar) and Lynn (bass) Goldovitz of blessed memory.  We ministered with them in Israel in 2003 where they were very popular at the Israel Folk Music Festival a few times.  When we were with them, they were delivering a television to an IDF military base on Mount Hermon in the Galilee. End RT.

The Hebrew in these verses is rich with meaning.  Who wouldn’t like to just grow wings and fly away?  Remember, David is dealing with troublesome rebellion among his children.  The English translation says his destiny is “rest,” while the Hebrew word is “Esh’kona.”  The Shoresh is “Shachan” (from which we get “Shekenah.”  This is an expression of “God’s neighborhood” where His glory dwells.  Who among us, when faced with life threatening trouble, wouldn’t like to “beat feet” and take refuge in God’s presence?

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness is body armor and shield.  Then, just a few verses later (how appropriate for today)… Psalm 91:7  A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

God wants us to seek Him, not just in times of trouble, but at all times.  Isaiah 55:6 Seek Adonai while He may be found, call on Him while He is near.  Shalom shalom.
 
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue9-June-2026 24th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 14:8-25 Jer 33Dan 91 Co 15:1-28 (Mk 15)

Shalom,

Rabbi’s note:  Quiet Quiet!!  We woke up in Jerusalem to “quiet” this Tuesday morning, the product of a revolutionary proposal.  “Let’s not shoot at each other.”  That seems to be working today, but who knows about tomorrow?  While I meant that to be rhetorical, I would also like to provide a reasonable answer.  God knows about tomorrow.  Just as He used Pharaoh to accomplish His purposes 3,500 years ago in Egypt, God is using the leadership of Iran (or what’s left of it) to accomplish His purposes today.  

I believe Ezekiel saw and prophesied over these days.  Read Ezekiel 38 and 39.  Persia is specifically mentioned along with many other nations. Who are those other nations?  The commentators differ over it.  Whoever these nations are, they are described as forming an unholy alliance whose purpose is the destruction of Israel in the latter days.  Why is God making this happen?  To accomplish His desire for all Israel to be saved through faith in Messiah Yeshua.  

Isaiah 45:17 Israel has been saved by Adonai with an everlasting salvation. You will not be put to shame or disgraced, for ever and ever.

But that’s not the intended end result.  The salvation of Israel will lead to worldwide revival which is the salvation of all nations.  

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 last phrase, “life from the dead” is a clear reference to worldwide revival.  Do you get the sense that we’re closer to the end today than we were yesterday?  End RN.
 
Psalms
Psalm 55:9(8) – Part 4

Psalm 55:9 “I would hurry to my shelter from the rushing wind of the storm.”

We continue David’s quote after pausing with “Selah” at the end of verse 8.   His point is simple…. He is expressing his heartfelt desire to be close to God, where he can be protected from the tempest.  This “tempest” is actually two similar Hebrew word in succession. “So’ah” and “Miso’ar.”  It makes me think he is intentionally making a play on words.  These two words can be translated as “rushing tempest.”

In Isaiah 32 we find a description of the kingdom of God (where God is King).  Isaiah 32:1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness and princes will rule in justice. 2 Each will be like a refuge from the wind and a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a massive rock in a weary land.  

I could go on, but this is a short verse, and I’ve said what I want to say about it, so let’s end here for today.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed10-June-2026 25th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 14:26-15:7Jer 34Dan 101 Co 15:29-58 (Mk 16)

Shalom,

Psalm 55:4 because of the voice of the enemy, because of the pressure of the wicked. For they thrust trouble on me, and in anger bear a grudge against me. 5 My heart shudders within me and the terrors of death sweep over me. 6 Fear and trembling come upon me and horror has overwhelmed me.

When King David writes of trouble in his life, he is not being abstract, but specific.  Every “Psalm of David” is about a specific trouble (or set of troubles) in his life.  The wise biblical commentators have put Psalm 55 together with Psalm 41 in ascribing them both to the period of David’s trouble with his son, Absalom.  When David writes of “betrayal by a friend,” he is writing about those who joined themselves to Absalom in rebellion against him and his plan to have Solomon succeed him. 

Now, David is telling us the “why” of verse 3.  Why he is disquieted in his spirit.  He uses vivid language to describe the nature of his complaint.  In fact, at the end of verse 3, David uses a verb type that means he is compelled within himself to make himself utter a “noisy moan.”

These four forces: “the voice of my enemy,” “the pressure of the wicked,” “they thrust trouble on me” and “in anger (they) bear a grudge against me.”… Cause these four affects: “my heart shudders,” “the terrors of death sweep over me,” “fear and trembling come,” and “horror has overwhelmed me.”

Daivd is (as I learned to say in Texas) “wrecked.”  What will be his solution to this high level distress?

Rabbi Trail:  King David and King Yeshua are related both physically and spiritually.  David has His betrayers, and so did Yeshua.  How many times did Yeshua need quiet time alone to pray?  Neither of them was exempt from trouble.  And likewise, both of them turned to God for answers when faced with trouble.  Hint: So should we.  End RT. 

There are many verses in the Psalms that tell us to turn to God in times of trouble.  For instance, Psalm 34:18 The righteous cry out and Adonai hears, and delivers them from all their troubles.  The really smart Messianic rabbi who wrote the Book of Hebrews also makes a similar declaration.  Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us draw near to the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in time of need.  We can always turn to God.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/) Mon8-June-2026 23rd of Sivan, 5786
Nu 13:21-14:7Jer 32Dan 81 Co 14       (Mk 14:43-72)

Shavuah Tov,

From the beginning of the Scriptures, we see illustrations of people appealing for favor (chen/charis/grace) based upon their relationship with the one able to show favor. “Finding favor in someone’s eyes” is an idiom. It is repeated numerous times in the Hebrew Scriptures. It means that the person receiving favor is liked, or loved, by the benefactor.

Consider Joseph’s life. He found favor in his master’s eyes, with the warden of the jail in which he was imprisoned, and with Pharaoh. (Genesis 39:4,21; 50:4) They liked Joseph when they saw him and gave him favor.

The first time it is written that someone found favor in God’s eyes is in Genesis.

But Noah found favor in Adonai’s eyes. (Genesis 6:8)

When it is written that someone found favor in God’s eyes, it means that, just like in human relationships, God liked – loved – who He saw.

Favor is always personal. Grace is relational and the giving of charis (grace/favor) is founded upon affection.

The core motivation of favor (charis/grace) is love. The bestower of favor does so because they favor the recipient. The receiver is a “favorite”; therefore, he receives charis. It’s personal. It is relational.

Grace is given to those a benefactor finds to be worthy. It is not necessarily dependent upon the character of the grace-giver. There can be rotten people who show favor to others. For instance, sinners agape those who agape them (Luke 6:32). In the same way, it is safe to say, sinners show favor to those who favor them.

There are varying degrees of emotion in charis. They are all positive. Favorable evaluations produce different intensities of charis (favor/grace). In human relationships some favored people are loved more than others. Some demonstrations of favor are more costly than others.

Think about God’s favor. Every aspect of God’s grace proceeds from God’s love.

Consider the saving favor shown to sinners, enemies, of God. Consider His grace (charis/favor) to us. There is an element of mercy in its core. Recall, we are not loved because of mercy, we receive mercy because we are loved. We do not receive saving favor (charis/grace) because of any works-based righteousness. Our good works, such as they are, are not the impetus of the mercy we receive. God’s love is. (Ephesians 2:4-9)

Concerning this love our Father has for us, we are not foundationally loved because of our deeds. We have been created to draw His love. He succeeded. He’s an amazing creator.

The most highly favored person, who found favor in Father’s eyes, was His Son. Yeshua grew in favor with God and people. This grace was personal. God, people who knew Yeshua, or knew of Him, had reasons to favor Him. It is written that He grew in grace, not into grace. Messiah’s growth in favor came from a foundation of favor.

Before God Incarnate could crawl, God favored Him. So did Miriam (Mary) and Joseph. So did the shepherds. It was not a matter of what He could accomplish. It was a matter of whose, and who, He was.

To God, His Father, Yeshua didn’t have to do anything to receive favor. Just as a parent of a newborn favors their baby before the infant can do anything praiseworthy, so did Father favor Yeshua. Before Messiah’s first act of obedience, before His first expression of love for God, Yeshua was Father’s favorite and was favored.

Then He grew.

He grew in faith, hope and love. He grew in obedience. He grew in His relationship with Father. He grew in consecration. Yeshua grew. As He grew, He merited favor. As time went on, He merited more and more favor.

Father took Yeshua’s growth in holiness, personally. Father saw the way His Son related to other humans that Father loved, and He took it personally. The favor Yeshua received was personal.

The favor you’ve received is relational. It is personal.

When God saw you, even in your rebellion, He favored you enough to provide the way of salvation. When you responded, you receive even more grace.

As you have spiritually and relationally matured you have grown in favor as well. Just like Yeshua, and as it was with Yeshua, this charis is relational. It is personal.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun7-June-2026 22nd of Sivan, 5786
Nu 13:1-20Jer 31Dan 71 Co 13 (Mk 14:1-42)

Shabbat Shalom,

Beha’alotcha comes from Numbers 8:2, “When you erect the lamps” or “When you set-up the lamps.” The shoresh of beha’alotcha is aleph-lamed-hey, alah, which is “to go up” or “ascend.” Because of how Hebrew works, beha’alotcha is a combination of a preposition, direct object marker, root word, and a pronoun. A direct translation would be “when the go up you.” Good Hebrew, terrible English.

This Torah Portion also includes consecrating the Levites, setting up a make-up Passover date for those unable to observe the regular Passover, the LORD’s cloud/pillar of fire movement, some complaining, appointing seventy elders, quail followed by a plague, Miriam struck with then healed from tzara’at (biblical leprosy).

Numbers 8:2 continues with…the seven lamps are to illuminate the area in front of the menorah.

When the lamps of the menorah were set in place, they were to be set in such a way as to light up the area in front of the menorah. The menorah was the only source of light in the Holy Place which is in front of the Holy of Holies. The menorah lit the path to the Ark. Contained within the Ark were the tablets upon which were written the Ten Words or Commandments.

From the beginning of time, light was a fundamental part of God’s creation. Genesis 1:3-4 Then God said, “Let there be light!” and there was light. God saw that the light was good. The first thing God spoke into existence was light, and light is also the first thing God called “good.”

God views light as such a good thing that he directed Moses to make the menorah in a specific fashion, to place it in a particularly strategic location, and to position its lamps so that they would provide the optimum lighting for the Holy Place.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

When God sent Messiah to the earth, he sent him as a light to illumine our path to redemption.

John 8:12 …I am the light of the world, the one who follows me will no longer walk in darkness.

Matthew 4:16-17 Give us some measure of insight …the people sitting in darkness have seen a great light, and those sitting in the region and shadow of death, on them the light has dawned. From then on, Yeshua began to proclaim, “Turn away from your sins, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Yeshua is the light of the world and came to give us the path to God’s forgiveness through accepting him, confessing our sins and repenting. But in Matthew 13:35, quoting Psalm 72:2 he says: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”

Far from enlightening, this seems difficult to grasp. Even his disciples had to ask in verse 36 to explain what he meant.

Being the good Rabbi that Yeshua was, I believe that he may have been using the traditional rabbinic method of “bookmarking” the section of Scripture he wanted his listeners to study.

Psalm 72:2-7 I will open my mouth with a parable. I will utter perplexing sayings from of old…We will not hide them from their children…For he established a testimony in Jacob and ordained Torah in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach their children…they will put their trust in God, not forgetting the works of God, but keeping his mitzvot.

Once we have turned our lives over to Yeshua and confessed our sins, we are to learn Torah, teach our children, and keep his commandments. This is true repentance. Following Yeshua’s light, trusting in God, and keeping His mitzvot. Shabbat Shalom

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed3-June-2026 18th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 9:15-10:10Jer 27-28Dan 41 Co 10 (Mk 11)
Thu4-June-2026 19th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 10:11-34Jer 29Dan 51 Co 11 (Mk 12)
Fri5-June-2026 20th of Sivan, 5786
 Nu 10:35-11:29 Jer 30Dan 61 Co 12 (Mk 13)
Sat6-June-2026 21st of Sivan, 5786 Parashat Beha’alotcha
Nu 11:30-12:16Zec 2:10[14]-4:7Eph 5:8-21

Shalom,

Psalm 55:1 For the music director, on stringed instruments, a contemplative song of David. 2 Give ear, O God, to my prayer and do not ignore my plea for help. 3 Listen to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint and moan—

When God says, “Shema Yisrael,” you can believe He is holding Himself to the same standard.  God commands Israel to listen to Him, BECAUSE He has already commanded Himself to listen to Yisrael.  David is writing a prayer that transcends both heart and mind.

Rabbi Trail: When we read “a contemplative song of David,” the Hebrew instructs us that this is a “Mas’kil” which means “thoughtful in a way that includes both heart and mind.”  End RT.  

David was a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:!4 and Acts 13:22).  Yet, few men (especially men of such distinction) have made such a mess of their lives.  David spent about 7 years fleeing from his father-in-law, King Saul.  That must have seemed like an eternity at a time when every king’s desire was fulfilled immediately and without question.
Add to that the trouble David had from his son Absalom (various forms of rebellion and treachery) for about 10 years, and you’ve got a lot of disorder, struggle, and strife endured by a “man after God’s own heart.”   All of David’s Psalms apply to a part of what was in his lifetime a very troubled existence.  

Yeshua also, while being God’s anointed Son (and Son of David), suffered, was betrayed, and was crucified within a day of His betrayal.  His life also was filled with upheaval and discomfort.  As followers of Yeshua, how dare we suppose we will fare any better?  As Mordecai instructed Esther… 

Esther 4:13 Mordecai told them to reply to Esther with this answer, “Do not think in your soul that you will escape in the king’s household more than all the Jews.”

We must all develop the character of Yeshua, Who Isaiah described as… Isaiah 50:5 Adonai Elohim has opened My ear, and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn back. 6 I gave My back to those who strike, and My cheeks to those pulling out My beard; I did not hide My face from humiliation and spitting. 7 For Adonai Elohim will help Me. Therefore I have not been disgraced. Therefore I set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. 

Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu28-May-202612th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 7:1-41 Jer 22Job 411 Co 5 (Mk 8)

Fri29-May-202613th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 7:42-71Jer 23Job 421 Co 6 (Mk 9:1-29)

Sat 30-May-202614th of Sivan, 5786 Parashat Nasso
Nu 7:72-89Jdg 13:2-25Ac 21:17-26; 24:14-18

Sun31-May-202615th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 8:1-14  Jer 24Dan 11 Co 7 (Mk 9:30-50)

Mon1-June 202616th of Sivan, 5786
 Nu 8:15-26Jer 25Dan 2 1 Co 8 (Mk 10:1-31)

Tue2-June-202617th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 9:1-14Jer 26Dan 31 Co 9      (Mk 10:32-52)

Shalom,

Psalm 54:8 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You. I will praise Your name, Adonai, for it is good. 9 For He has delivered me from all trouble, and my eye has gazed upon my enemies.

The rabbis consider it ineffable, meaning “never to be spoken.”  What a work of the enemy, to separate God’s name from God’s people.  Even “Adonai” (in the singular, Lord, “Adon”), much like Elohim is also a plural form.  God’s name is known as the tetragrammaton, the “Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay.”  Anyone who knows Hebrew, knows how to pronounce it.  (It is a fable that we can’t know because we don’t have vowels.  All of Hebrew did not have vowels until the Masoretes invented them in the sixth century AD.)   So we sing….

Psalm 92:2 It is good to praise Adonai (Yehovah) and to make music to Your Name, Elyon (moat high God).  

God’s name appears throughout the Scriptures.  Exodus 6:3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob, as El Shaddai. Yet by My Name, Adonai, (Yehovah) I was not known to them?  (Rabbi’s note: the TLV has it wrong.  The Hebrew clearly says “not known.”). Those four Hebrew letters, “Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay” are the first letter of each Hebrew word in the sentence “He will be (Yi’yeh), He is (Hoveh), And (V’), He was (Hayah).”  Interesting that God sees Himself beginning from the future first (what He will be, or is being revealed).  From that future reality, God works backward from our way of thinking to the present and then finally God sees Himself in the past.

In fact, future, present and past isn’t God’s way of thinking at all.  He thinks of what is completely done (past), what is being done right now in the moment (present) and what is incomplete, or still remaining to be done (but not yet), in our limited perspective (future).

The Book of Isaiah has 66 chapters corresponding to the 66 Books of the Christian Bible.  They match, for instance, Isaiah chapter 1 corresponds to Genesis, and so forth.  Isaiah 40 then corresponds to Matthew.  Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Adonai (Yehovah) is the eternal God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary. His understanding is unsearchable.  Then in Matthew we find this… Matthew 19:26  And looking, Yeshua said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Yehovah, the Self-Existent One.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed27-May-202611th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 5:11-6:27 Jer 20-21Job 401 Co 4 (Mk 7)

Shalom,

Rabbi’s note: Tomorrow is our final day of preparation for the trip to Israel which starts before “o-dark-thirty” on Wednesday.  I’ll try to get an RR out, but I can’t make any promises.
________
Psalm 54:6 Surely God is my helper. My Lord is the supporter of my soul. 7 Let evil return to my foes. Silence them with Your truth!

God is not “one of many” (helpers, as mentioned in verse 6), but the one and only “supporter of my soul.”   David is vocalizing His need for the One True and Living God, and when we read this Psalm, so are we.  What follows in verse 7 are two specific requests.  1. Let evil return to my foes.  2. Silence them with Your truth!

In support of the first request… Psalm 27:2 When evildoers approached me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and my foes—they stumbled and fell.  

Then, in support of the second request… we all remember the first part of the following verse, but the second part is also important.  Isaiah 54:17 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.

Paul wrote to the Romans… Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in view of these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He didn’t invent that thought, He learned it.  Psalm 118:7 Adonai is for me, as my helper. I will see the downfall of those who hate me.  

The enemy wants to sow seeds of confusion into our lives.  Not so with God, Who sows clarity (the straight way) and righteousness.  Isaiah 26:7  The way of the righteous is straight. Upright One, You make smooth the path of the righteous.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue26-May-202610th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 5:1-10Jer 19Job 391 Co 3 (Mk 6:30-56)

Shalom,

Psalm 54:6 Surely God is my helper. My Lord is the supporter of my soul.

Did you notice in part 1 (see the RR for last Friday, May 22nd) this Psalm is labeled (along with some others that are similarly labeled) a “contemplative song?”  In Hebrew, it is called a “Maskil?”  This word is taken from Sachal (Seychel in Yiddish).  It means “understanding” or “wisdom.”  The “Mem” is prefixed to indicate a noun form.  Let me explain further….  

Many Psalms are written to appeal to the emotions of the reader, to bring us to a place of loving God emotionally, “Ki L’Olam Chasdo,” “for His mercy endures forever.”  This “Maskil” is written to appeal to our intellect (our minds which house knowledge) with reason, to love God with all our hearts (of course) AND to know (in our thought life) the difference between good and evil.  We love God and hate his enemies.  

Rabbi Trail: Biblical “hate” is not the same as secular hate.  Biblical hate is anything (or anyone) that is in second place to the primacy of God.  His purposes and His kingdom always come first in our hearts and in our minds.  In the Bible, anything subordinate to God is “hated.”  End RT.

The last half of this verse amplifies the first half.  “God is my helper.”  That’s straightforward enough, and timely too, since we already know we can’t fulfill our calling in our own strength alone.  The amplification is that God is also the Lord of those who “steady my soul.”  Truth be told, we all live in a shaky existence.  Whether we realize it or not, we’re all no more than a heartbeat away from disaster.  Without the Lord and His angels watching over us, we would be destroyed.  Only through faith in God are we established on a firm foundation that cannot be shaken.  Here are three scriptural proof-texts.

1Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what is already laid—which is Yeshua the Messiah.  

Ephesians 2:20 You have been built on the foundation made up of the emissaries and prophets, with Messiah Yeshua Himself being the cornerstone.  

Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 

That’s the life we live in Messiah Yeshua, built on a firm foundation and unshakeable.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon25-May-20269th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 4:38-49Jer 18Job 381 Co 2 (Mk 6:1-29)

Shalom and Chag Sameach,

Everybody should know about God’s grace, and we have the privilege of making His favor known. It is an honor to bear witness to this reality. We can proclaim His saving favor to those who are not yet born from above. Let’s determine to do this. Paul did.

However, I don’t consider my life of any value, except that I might finish my course and the office I received from the Lord Yeshua, to declare the Good News of the grace (charis/favor) of God. (Acts 20:24) 

We also proclaim His gracious acts in our public worship. Consider the following vow.

I will not die, but live, and proclaim what Adonai has done! (Psalm 118:17) 

The following is a declaration of intent and testimony regarding proclaiming God’s attributes within the context of corporate worship. 

I proclaim good news of righteousness in the great assembly. Behold, I am not shutting my lips— Adonai, You know! (Psalm 40:10) 

By the way, here’s something worth proclaiming about the good news of God’s righteousness: favor reigns through righteousness.

Grace (charis/favor) might reign through righteousness, to eternal life through Messiah Yeshua our Lord. (Romans 5:21b) 

Knowing that the experience of God’s grace is actually an outpouring of favor, we become interpreters of charis to those who hear us. Peter did.

I have written to you briefly, encouraging and testifying that this is the true grace (charis/favor) of God. (1 Peter 5:12b) 

In the assembly we publicly proclaim the praise of His favor (charis/grace).  Paul wrote of the glorious praise of His favor.

... the glorious praise of His grace (charis/favor), with which He favored (charis/graced) us through the One He loves! In Him we have redemption through His blood—the removal of trespasses—in keeping with the richness of His grace (charis/favor) that He lavished on us. (Ephesians 1:6–8a) 

Charis is used three times in these short, potent, verses. How worthy of praise is His favor? How rich is His charis? How many aspects of favor has God provided? Let’s think about the manifold nuances of grace and gloriously exalt the Father who has favored us.

First of all, we have redemption through the Messiah’s blood, and the assurance that our sins have been forgiven. If we never experienced His charis revealed in providence, provision, or relationships with others, this justifying grace, which has been lavished upon us, is much more than enough to be the impetus to private and public gratitude (eucharisteo). If this magnificent favor is lavished on us, then the maxim, “the greater includes the lesser” is surely applicable.

What then shall we say in view of these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31–32) 

Let us praise His favor together. The psalmist praised aspects of God’s character. 

Your love, Adonai, is in the heavens, Your faithfulness up to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like the great deep. (Psalm 36:6–7a) 

When we gather, with the Messiah in our midst, let us also proclaim His charis to the brethren. Let us build one another up, speaking of His favor as it is revealed in the Scriptures. Let us also illustrate His grace with firsthand testimony. What does the Word say? Share it. Has the Lord ever shown you favor? Tell a friend.

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

“Messiah Yeshua came into the world to save sinners”—of whom I am foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15b) 

... where sin increased, grace (charis/favor) overflowed even more (Romans 5:20b) 

We encourage one another with the word of His grace. The word of God’s favor is powerful. Allow me to reference this verse again. Paul spoke to elders: 

“Now I commit you to God and the word of His grace (charis/favor), which is strong to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who have been made holy. (Acts 20:32) 

Since we love one another, let us seek to edify one another. Let us proclaim His favor, praise His favor, and build one another up with the testimony of Scripture and our experiences of His grace.

Shavuot (Feast of Weeks)
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun24-May-20268th of Sivan, 5786
Nu 4:21-37 Jer 17Job 371 Co 1 (Mk 5)

Shabbat Shalom,

Here is a reminder that Sunday, May 24th is Shavuot.  We will have a joint service with Grace and Glory in the sanctuary followed by a picnic on the grounds.  Please bring a side, salad, or dessert to share and stay for the fellowship.  

There is a connection between Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks) and Pentecost (the 50th day from the resurrection of Yeshua).  Here is a link to a very good article by rabbi Curt Landry of Oklahoma that gives the details.

https://www.curtlandry.com/what-is-the-connection-between-shavuot-and-pentecost/ 

Day 49 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat23-May-2026 7th of Sivan, 
De 16:9-17, Nu 28:26-31    Hab 2:20-3:19 [3:1-19] Ruth 1-4   2 Co 3

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 54:1 For the music director, on stringed instruments, a contemplative song of David, 2 when the Ziphites came and said to Saul: “Is not David hiding himself among us?” 3  O God, save me by Your Name, vindicate me by Your might. 4 O God, hear my prayer, listen to the words of my mouth. 5 For strangers have risen up against me. Violent men seek after my soul. They do not set God before them. Selah

Let’s put some context to the writing of this Psalm.  It’s actually one of ten Psalms focused on David hiding from Saul, collectively called “Psalms of the Fugitive.”  Psalm 16 is out of order.  The other nine, 52-60, are in order.  

Oh those pesky Ziphites!  They would have turned David and the 600 men who were with him over to Saul for certain destruction.  1Samuel 23:19 Then some of the Ziphites went up to Saul in Gibeah, saying, “Isn’t David hiding with us in the strongholds at Choresh, in the hill of Hachilah which is south of Jeshimon? 20 Now therefore, O king, come down whenever it is a desire of your soul to come down—our part will be to deliver him into the king’s hand.”

How did David end up in the wilderness of Ziph?  The Lord had previously warned David to leave Keilah.  1Samuel 23:12 Then David asked, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my fellow men into the hand of Saul?” “They will surrender,” Adonai said.  It was out of desperate wandering that David ended up in the wilderness of Ziph, but the Lord delivered him from there too.  In fact, the only thing that ultimately saved David was an attack by the Philistines on Israel while Saul was away.

1Samuel 23:26b David was hurrying to elude Saul. Meanwhile Saul and his men were closing-in on David and his men to seize them. 27 But a messenger came to Saul saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land!” 28 So Saul had to return from chasing after David, and go to engage the Philistines. Therefore they called that place the Rock of Separation. 29 From there David went up and stayed in the strongholds of En-gedi.

Watch David’s response to this stressful situation.  Psalm 54:3 O God, save me by Your Name, vindicate me by Your might. 4 O God, hear my prayer, listen to the words of my mouth. 5  For strangers have risen up against me. Violent men seek after my soul. They do not set God before them. Selah. 

Did you hear that?  David’s first response is to turn to God for help.  Of course there is abundant Scriptural support about turning to God in times of trouble.  Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 3:5,6 and Joshua 1:9 all come immediately to mind immediately.  Paul’s instruction to the Philippians also commands our attention… Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.

“Let your requests be made known to God.”  Let’s make that our first option.  The promised result is that God will give us shalom.  This is not the equivalent of Zen Buddhism but the result of a confidence in our relationship with the supreme authority of every thing.  When our “understanding” says “panic” our response is in blessed assurance that God will provide.  He alone will save, and He alone will deliver.  May His name be blessed.  B’shem Yeshua HaMashiach, Amen.

Day 48 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri22-May-20266th of Sivan, 5786  
Ex 19:1-20:26(23), Nu 28:26-31Ez 1:1-28; 3:12   Ac 2:1-41

Shalom,

Psalm 53:7 Who will give salvation for Israel out of Zion? When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!

Today we end our study of Psalm 53 with the last verse.  Of course, as with all the Psalms, we end on an upbeat chorus of enthusiasm.  Even though we start with a question, the question itself is upbeat.  Psalm 53:7a Who will give salvation for Israel out of Zion?  The Hebrew for “salvation” is “Yeshuot.”  It is plural meaning literally “salvations.”  This is a poetic form for complete, total, once for all time SALVATION.

Let’s answer the question from Scripture.  Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved!”  The previous verse clearly specifies the NAME of YESHUA!  Therefore; the captive people (whom God has restored) rejoice and are glad.  They are the children of Jacob, also called ISRAEL.

And what is all the celebration about?  I’m glad you asked… Revelation 7:9  After these things I looked, and behold, a vast multitude that no one could count—from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues—was standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  Now that you know, feel free to join in.  Shalom shalom.

Day 47 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu21-May-20265th of Sivan, 5786 
De 16:4-8Jer 16Job 36 Ro 16 (Mk 4)

Shalom,

Psalm 53:6 There they are in great dread—where there is nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those besieging you. You have put them to shame, for God has rejected them.

Boo!  Did I just scare you?  Maybe not, because only the enemies of God are afraid of nothing.  This has everything to do with our inheritance in Messiah Yeshua.  How did God, “put them to shame?”  Think about this for a minute… Colossians 2:15  After disarming the principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross.

In the kingdom of God, you’re in or you’re out.  In by grace through faith, or out by unbelief.  Romans 1:20(in part) His invisible attributes…have been clearly seen….So people are without excuse.  How many times would a tornado have to pass through a junk yard before the dust would clear and reveal a Boing 747.  Anyone with a face and mirror can see the handiwork of God.  We are all “without excuse.”

What about you?  What about now?  On the road to Emmaus, Cleopas was speaking to Yeshua (but didn’t know it was Him).  Luke 24:18b “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”  Today, 2,000 years later, Yeshua is asking you the same question.  Make your answer, “Yes and amen, I, repent, believe and receive, in Yeshua’s name.”  Shalom shalom.

Day 46 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed20-May-20264th of Sivan, 5786 
De 16:1-3Jer 15Job 35Ro 15 (Mk 3)

Shalom,

Psalm 53:4 All have turned aside—together they have become corrupt. There is no one who does good—no, not even one! 5 Will the evildoers never learn? They consume My people as they would eat bread, and never call upon God.

There is that thought again, “There is no one who does good—no, not even one!”  How appropriate is the follow up question that starts verse 5? “Will the evildoers never learn?”  It is endemic to the title “evildoers.”  If they ever did learn, they would no longer be evildoers!  Ezekiel 18:23 “Do I delight at all in the death of the wicked?” It is a declaration of Adonai. “Rather, should he not return from his ways, and live?”

The way of sin is death.  That message is pasted throughout the Bible from cover to cover.  Genesis 3:19 “By the sweat of your brow will you eat food, until you return to the ground, since from it were you taken. For you are dust, and to dust will you return.”  We all have this terminal illness called sin, that is, until we enter the New Covenant by faith in Messiah Yeshua.  

1Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we, removed from sins, might live for righteousness. “By His wounds you were healed.” 25 For you like sheep were going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Affirm that Yeshua is who He says He is.  Matthew 16:15 He said, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  John 14:6 Yeshua said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life! No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 11:25 Yeshua said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life! Whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She says to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, Ben-Elohim who has come into the world.”

Believe this and never die.  Shalom shalom.

Day 45 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue19-May-20263rd of Sivan, 5786
De 15:19-23Jer 14Job 34Ro 14(Mk 2)

Shalom,

Psalm 53:3 God looks down from the heavens on the children of men, to see if anyone understands, who seeks after God.

The Hebrew word is “Shaqaf” meaning to look down from a lofty position.  In the physical realm, this is looking down from a watchtower or other elevated place.  In the spiritual realm (like in our subject verse) this “looking down” is from a position of higher authority.  

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” It is a declaration of Adonai. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts….12 “Yes, you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills will break forth before you singing, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands!”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH0XbpNY2g8 

Elohim is searching the earth to see who has the understanding (of the high value) of seeking after God.  Jeremiah confirmed Moses’ prophecy.  Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me, when you will search for Me with all your heart. Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek Adonai your God and you will find Him, when you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.  

However; both men (and others as well, who are not mentioned here) prophesy this time of heart connection to God comes to us only after a season of rebellion.  Deuteronomy 4:25 “When you father children and children’s children and have been in the land a long time, and you act corruptly… and do evil in the sight of Adonai your God, provoking Him to anger, 26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that you will certainly be carried off quickly from the land you are crossing over the Jordan to possess. You will not prolong your days on it, for you will certainly be destroyed.  

Here is an invitation… why not skip the rebellion and use the wisdom God offers us?…  Paul spoke this in Athens, addressing all the nations created by God… Acts 17:27 They were to search for Him, and perhaps grope around for Him and find Him. Yet He is not far from each one of us. Psalm 145:18 Adonai is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

Let’s end this today by backing up just one verse from where we began in Isaiah.  Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous one his thoughts, let him return to Adonai, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.  Shalom shalom.

Day 44 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon18-May-20262nd of Sivan, 5786
De 15:1-18Jer 13Job 33Ro 13 (Mk 1)

Shavuah Tov,

God’s favor is as certain as His love. The certainty of His acting favorably towards us is as sure as tomorrow’s sunrise. (Hosea 6:3) His intervening love is everlasting – it is always reliable. Our experience of His favor is like daily bread. 

Favor (charis/grace) proceeds from love. Since we know that God loves us, we need to cultivate the expectation of certain favor. This necessity flows from the Messiah’s direction. For the sake of our souls, Yeshua commanded us to abide in His love. 

“Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you. Abide in My love! (John 15:9) 

I must reiterate this: grace proceeds from love. 

But God was rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us. Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Messiah. (By charis/grace/favor you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4–5) 

The degree of grace we receive is determined by the extent of the love God has for us. 

In Him we have redemption through His blood—the removal of trespasses—in keeping with the richness of His grace (charis/favor) that He lavished on us. (Ephesians 1:7–8a) 

The amount of favor we experience in daily life is connected to our experience of the love of God that is in Yeshua. 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord. (Romans 8:38–39) 

Allow me to remind us that in the same way God’s love is located in Yeshua, so also is His favor.

Therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace (charis/favor) that is in Messiah Yeshua. (2 Timothy 2:1) 

Can anything separate us from the Father’s love that is in Yeshua? No, and nothing can halt His expression of that love – the charis of God. By the way, have you noticed that one sparks faith in the other? If we experience the love of God, we find that our expectation of favor is empowered. If we want the increase of our experience of favor, we may strategically seek the increase of our apprehension of God’s love.

Speaking of expectation, do we expect to experience God’s love? If so, we should anticipate experiencing His favor. After all, as we wrote earlier, Father’s grace towards us proceeds from His love for us. Hoping to experience His favor is a logical consequence of knowing the love of God that is in Yeshua. (Romans 8:38–39)

We are to view life through the grid of God’s grace. “The Grace Grid”... I think I’ll add that to my vocabulary. Hmmm, maybe “The Framework of Father’s Favor”? After all, it is written: 

What then shall we say in view of these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31–32) 

Let’s take a moment and concentrate on the fact that because God favors us, He is for us. God is with us. God is for us. To what degree is He for us? His favor is commensurate with the love with which He loves us.

God is for us.

Then my enemies will turn back in the day I call. This I know—that God is for me. In God—I keep praising His word— in Adonai—I keep praising His word— in God I trust, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:10–12) 

Adonai is for me—I will not fear! What can man do to me? Adonai is for me, as my helper. I will see the downfall of those who hate me. (Psalm 118:6–7) 

To what degree is He for us? Let’s return to Romans 8. This is a definitive word that describes the intensity of God’s determination to act upon the favor He has for us.

Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) 

Let us press on to interpret our pasts, presents, and expectations, from that perspective. Perceive life through The Grace Grid. Why not? After all, God is for you.

Day 43 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun17-May-2026 1st of Sivan, 5786 Rosh Chodesh SivanDayDe 14:22-29Jer 11-12Job 32Ro 12 (Mt 28)

Shabbat Shalom,

This week’s Torah Portion is Bamidbar, which translates to “in the wilderness. This portion includes a census of fighting men, naming leaders, organizing the camp, Levites replacing the first born, and designating Levite tribes for transporting the Tabernacle.

The camp is set up like an army. They march in military fashion, leaders are named, soldiers are numbered, and duties assigned. 

Numbers 1:3 You and Aaron are to muster by their divisions every son from 20 years and upward available to serve in the army of Israel.

Males 20 years and older and able to serve in the army are counted. Those too young, too old, or with physical limitations were not counted. 

Readiness to defend the people didn’t start with this census. At the start of the Exodus, the people were ready for a fight.

Exodus 14:8 …the Israelites went out with a high hand. This is ancient speak for they were ready to fight.

Many of the historical books in the Hebrew Scriptures report on consequential battles. What is in this for us, other than a good history lesson? 

The Prophets:

Isaiah 13:4 A sound of tumult in the mountains like that of many people! A sound of uproar of kingdoms, of nations gathered! ADONAI-Tzva’ot is mustering the army for battle.

Joel 4:9 …Prepare for war, Stir up the mighty men. Let the warriors advance and attack, Beat your plowshare into swords, and your pruning knives into swords…

This is the Messiah expected by most First Century Jews. A conquering King. They were unprepared for the suffering servant.

Isaiah 53:3-5 – He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, one from whom people hid their faces. He was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely he has born our griefs and carried our pains. Yet we esteemed him stricken, struck by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our shalom was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.

Even though the Suffering Messiah was prophesied, Jews in Yeshua’s day were not ready to accept the notion of one like Yeshua. They wanted one who was going to take on the Romans and send them packing. They were looking for a strong military leader.

Today, many Christians are in danger of the opposite. They are focused on only the suffering spiritual redeemer Yeshua, completely ignoring that he is also a warrior king. Numerous psalms and prophesies speak of how Messiah will defeat God’s enemies.

Jeremiah 51:20 You are my club, a war weapon – with you I will shatter nations, with you I will destroy kingdoms.

Revelation 19:11 The I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse! The one riding on it is called faithful and true, and he judges and makes war in righteousness.

Revelation 19:14 The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following him on white horses.

Isaiah 11:10-14 It will also come about in that day that the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples…that my Lord will again redeem a second time with his hand the remnant of his people…he will lift up a banner for the nations and assemble the disbursed of Israel…they will swoop down on the Philistine slope to the west. Together they will plunder the children of the east.

War is coming. Tough times are ahead. Matthew 24:7-13 Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…They will hand you over to persecution and will kill you…many will fall away…lawlessness will multiply…but the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord!” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say…didn’t we prophesy…drive out demons…perform miracles in your name?...I will declare to them “I never knew you. Get away from me you workers of lawlessness.”

Fortunately, we know the ending. Revelation 22:20 Yes! I am coming soon! Amen, Come Lord Yeshua! Stand firm to the end! Don’t be the one Yeshua never knew. Shabbat Shalom

Day 42 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat16-May-2026 29th of Iyar, 5786 Parashat Bamidbar Shabbat Machar Chodesh
Nu 4:1-201 Sa 20:18-42Lk 1:26-33

(Early) ShabbatPsalm 53:1 For the music director: on Mahalath, a contemplative song of David. 2 The fool says in his heart: “There is no God.” They are corrupt, commit vile injustice. There is no one who does good.

There is a strange word that is part of the introduction to this Psalm.  (The Psalm is attributed to David, but some scholarship casts doubt on that assertion.  I’ll explain later, but not today.)  The word is “Mahalath.”  It is actually taken from Chalah, which is not the braided loaf of Shabbat bread, although it is spelled the same, it means “sick.”  In English we call them homographs.

So the Psalm is about or concerning a sickness, and what “sickness” could that be?  Verse 2, the second part of verse 1 in most Christian Bibles, actually mentions two “sicknesses.”  The fool, who says to himself, “There is no God.” And those same fools who are “corrupt (and) commit vile injustice,” probably because they think no one is watching or keeping account.  

Hello, we’re taking a survey to see if you’re sick.  Do you deny in your heart that there is a God?  Check!  Also, are you corrupt, committing vile injustice?  Check!  Yes, you checked both boxes, therefore; you’re officially sick.  What, you didn’t check the boxes?  You’re still sick… “There is no one who does good.”  Do you suppose Paul read Psalm 53?

Romans 3:10 As it is written, “There is no one righteous—no, not one. 11 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks after God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless. There is no one who does good—no, not even one!”

We all need to be healed, and faith in Yeshua is the cure.  Isaiah 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our pains. Yet we esteemed Him stricken, struck by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our shalom was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  Amen and Shalom shalom.

Day 41 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri15-May-2026    28th of Iyar, 5786 Yom YerushalaimNu 3:40-51Jer 10Job 31Ro 11 (Mt 27:32-66)
 Shalom,

Shalom,

Psalm 52:11 I will praise You forever for what You have done. I will hope in Your Name, for it is good, in the presence of Your kedoshim.

Here is my own amplified translation of verse 11, which is the last verse of Psalm 52.  “I will thank You for all eternity (to the end of the universe), on account of Your works, and I will collect (my thoughts) and wait patiently on Your name.  It is good (to be) in the presence of Your holy and kindly saints.”  

Many Psalms, Psalm 52 included, follow a similar pattern….  They typically start with repentance over sin and the pronunciation of various judgments as a consequence.  Then all that calamity is followed by a “love fest” of praise for God and His ways, leading to a happy ending.  That’s the story of Psalm 52.  The Psalm ends with eternal thanksgiving and an expression of goodness in the presence of God’s people because they are filled with grace.  Echos of Revelation 19…

Revelation 19:6 Then I heard something… saying, “Halleluyah! For Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot reigns! 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.

King David spent many years with his life threatened by Israel’s first king (Saul).  David’s Son, Yeshua, Who is the Lamb, also lived with His life threatened by Israel’s ruler.  Ultimately, Yeshua had His life taken from Him, but then, in victorious resurrection, He was able to take it up again.  

John 10:18 “No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.”

Thus, Yeshua became the first (to be raised from the dead) among many brethren.  We who follow the Lord have this inheritance… Romans 8:28 Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  

As a consequence, we are led to this conclusion… Romans 8:36  As it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38a For I am convinced that neither death nor life, 39b nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.

And that is the reason we wait patiently, with faith, believing our redemption draws near.  Luke 21:28 “Now when these things begin to happen, stand straight and lift up your heads, because your salvation is near!”  Shalom shalom.

Day 40 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu14-May-202627th of Iyar, 5786 
Nu 3:14-39Jer 9Job 30Ro 10 (Mt 27:1-31)

Shalom,


Psalms
Psalm 52:8-10(6-8) – Part 5

Psalm 52:8 Then the righteous will see and fear, and laugh at him: 9 Here is the man who did not make God his stronghold. Instead he trusted in his great riches—and was strong in his evil desire.” 10 But I—I am like an olive tree flourishing in the House of God. I trust in God’s lovingkindness forever and ever.

Here we go!  Finally, the righteous one is mentioned.  This righteous one will see Doeg and have two responses.  First, he will both “see and fear,” as he observes the destruction God brings into Doeg’s life.  Then, this will lead to laughter, as the righteous one laughs over Doeg’s destruction.  All of which leads us to a question.  “On whose team do you want to tie your hopes, dreams and aspirations, Doeg’s team (whose destiny is destruction) or David’s team (whose destiny is eternity in the presence of the Lord.”  Yes, the answer is laughable.  (Even a cave man could get it right.)

Isaiah had some choice words as he prophesied over team Doeg.  Isaiah 66:4 So I will choose their punishments and bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they did not listen. But they did what was evil in My eyes, and chose what I did not delight in.

Those who trust in themselves will be brought low by the greater power of God.  Ezekiel 26:9 He (God acting through Nebuchadnezzar) will thrust his battering engines against your walls. He will tear down your towers with his weapons.  Have you ever asked God, “How will all this end?”  He has answered your question in Psalm 40:4 He put a new song in my mouth—a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and trust in Adonai. 5 Blessed is the one who put his confidence in Adonai, who has not turned to the arrogant, nor to those who fall into falsehood.

That’s right, the inheritance of the righteous is the blessing of God.  1Peter 3:12 For the eyes of Adonai are on the righteous and His ears open to their prayer, but the face of Adonai is against those who do evil.  Is this some “great by and by” promise or is it for here and now?  Yes to both.  Psalm 34:16 The eyes of Adonai are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry. 17 The face of Adonai is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 18 The righteous cry out and Adonai hears, and delivers them from all their troubles.  Shalom shalom

Day 39 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed13-May-202626th of Iyar, 5786 
Nu 3:1-13Jer 8Job 29Ro 9 (Mt 26:36-75)