Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, August 23, 2021
Shalom *|FNAME|*,
Our Congregational Declaration – part 6: Our first Congregational Declaration was the subject of our first 5 parts last week. Now let’s turn to our second Congregational Declaration. This is the one for 2021 that we are currently declaring. It developed that same way as the first declaration, as the result of listening prayer by our extended leadership team.
Every part of this second Declaration is based on 24 Scripture references (without duplications). There are two opening statements followed by 7 “we will” affirmations and a concluding prayer. Without further comment (from me) here is the 2021 Declaration.
Shomair Yisrael Congregational Declaration 2021
We declare that Shomair will be a community of disciples of Yeshua devoted to prayer and worship as we strengthen and build up the body of Messiah by following His teachings.
As a covenant community that believes the promises of God. We are called to walk together in fulfillment of our faith in Messiah Yeshua and to stir up one another to love and good deeds.
We will in Spirit and in Truth, pursue extravagant praise and worship of the only One Who is worthy.
We will rise up as individuals and walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
We will disciple others to abide in Him and bear fruit through obedience to His Word.
We hold fast our confession of hope and stand firm with the full armor of God.
We will stay the course, remain faithful, and endure when hardships come.
We will not be overcome with fear for He has given us power, love, and a sound mind.
We will be still and know that He is God. He holds us in His hands. He will provide, and He is coming, Bo Yeshua Bo.
So we pray: Give us one heart Lord, as we follow after You. And open our eyes to see the opportunities You place before us, for our inheritance endures forever, and we, who are blessed by You shall inherit the earth.
B’shem Yeshua, AMEN!
I want to close today with a comment about the first “WE WILL” statement. “We will in Spirit and in Truth, pursue extravagant praise and worship of the only One Who is worthy.” This addresses our vertical commitment to God. I’m glad this is the first “we will” statement. Lifting up the name of Yeshua is central to everything we do. We must get that right for everything else to be in proper order. (Like getting the top button of a shirt buttoned right.)
I want to express my personal gratitude to the entire worship team. This is not only those with vocal and instrumental talent, but also those who worship through movement in dance, flags and banners. I especially want to thank Mark Smith, who is providing excellent leadership. His countless hours of planning, preparation and practice make the way for us to fully enter into the presence of the Lord every time we gather. Please join me in praying a blessing for Mark and his team.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon 23 Aug 2021 15th of Elul, 5781
De 26:12-15 Amos 5 2 Ch 11 (Ac 5) Heb 11:1-20
Week 35
Memory Verse: John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. The branch cannot itself produce fruit, unless it abides on the vine. Likewise, you cannot produce fruit unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me, you can do nothing.
171 8/23 Monday: John 11; Matthew 21:1-13
172 8/24 Tuesday: John 13
173 8/25 Wednesday: John 14-15
174 8/26 Thursday: John 16
175 8/27 Friday: Matthew 24:1-31