Yom Teruah was a Teruah!

A Blast! Get it? Anyway...

That's me blasting the shofar!

Every year our Moed celebrations get better and better. This year was no exception. We had a great time going through the shofar service and the tashlich ceremony. We also enjoyed the food and the fellowship. This year there were folks from 8 different Messianic communities celebrating with us! I think this might be a record. Click on the link below to view photos of our time at Faversham Park in Westminster:

Yom Teruah - 1 Tishrei 5772 | 28, 29 September 2011

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Young Couples Prefer Dogs Over Children

Uh-boy. Why am I not surprised?

More young couples choosing dogs over kids?
A new survey shows more young couples
are choosing pets over having children,
reports KNBC-TV's Jennifer Bjorklund.
Free | MSNBC
Posted: 9/26/2011

Related Article:

At Some Weddings, Man's Best Friend Is Man's Best Man
By Sarah E. Needleman, 6/15/2011



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Children Are Our Future

"The ultimate test of a moral society 
is the kind of world that it leaves to it's children."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945)

I'm telling you, the Ruach is moving the hearts of fathers toward their children. Listen to this sermon delivered by Dr. Michael Brown at Fire Church in North Carolina earlier this month. The message takes on the theme of one of the focuses of their ministry, but the principle to consider the next generation is relevant to every parent and community.

What Are We Leaving The Next Generation?
by Dr. Michael Brown, September 7, 2011




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The D6 Conference

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

- Deuteronomy 6:4-9, (ESV)

"Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us three things: Love God, treasure His Word, and teach this to the next generation. The vision of the D6 Conference is to champion a movement of parents who disciple their own kids and teens in partnership with their local church. The D6 Conference is dedicated to helping churches, leaders, parents, and volunteers to develop a generational discipleship model based on Deuteronomy 6." Learn more about D6: d6conference.com

I sure do wish I could have made it to the D6 conference this week. It looks like it's going to be a good one. Below is a video from last year's D6 conference. The experience this pastor describes is very, very similar to my experience when I saw the light.

D6 Conference
September 21-23, 2011
Dallas, TX

Other relevant, upcoming conferences:

Reunited Conference
December 10-11, 2011
Wake Forest, NC

Teach Them Diligently Convention
March 15-17, 2012
Spartanburg, SC



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Miryam's Very Own Sabbatical Year

Miryam proudly displays the birthday cake that Bubbe made for her.

When our first child turned 7-years old we started a tradition in our family by throwing her a special Blessing Birthday Party. Allow me to explain...

Have you ever noticed that, in the Torah, there is something significant about the number 7? It's a number that Adonai uses over and over again.

• Shabbat is every 7 days.
• Pesach (more specifically Hamatzah) is a 7-day festival.
• Shavuot is 7 weeks after Yom Habikkurim.
• The Fall Festivals are in the 7th month, called Tishrei.
• Every 7 years Hashem instituted a the Shemittah–a year of remission of debts and rest for the land (also known as the Sabbatical Year).
• Every 7 'weeks' of years (49 years) followed Hayovel, the Jubilee Year–a time of freedom and restoration throughout the land.

There are many more examples in the Text; these are just a few that we recently studied at Front Range. Throughout the Scriptures the number 7 is understood to be a number of completeness or fullness. Because of this, Margaret and I saw an opportunity to identify a milestone in the life of our children. At 7-years-old their life is far from being 'full', but it is a milestone physically, mentally, and it can be spiritually. In his book Children Are From Heaven, John Gray describes the development of children in what he calls, 'cycles of seven.'

During the first seven years, children are primarily dependent on the parents or primary caretaker to develop a sense of self. During the next seven years (ages seven to fourteen), children are still dependent on parents, but a shift takes place and they become more dependent on siblings, relatives, and friends to determine a positive sense of self.
(Pg. 333-334, Children Are From Heaven, by John Gray, Ph.D. 1999)

By 7 years old most children are in school and, in one way or another, they interact with children other than their siblings. They are no longer 'little boys' and 'little girls' but 'big boys' and 'big girls'. They are self sufficient in many ways; able to do many tasks on their own. Because of this significant change in their young lives, Margaret and I decided to make this milestone a memorable one by having a special celebration for them. In some ways, this tradition is really for Margaret and I as we raise our children. We can point back to this day and remind them that they are growing and developing and that they are now expected to be more responsible as a 'big boy' or 'big girl'. After this milestone, the next big step is Bar/Bat Mitzvah, which is coming up for Michaela very soon, but that’s another story.

In case you are wondering, the differences between this celebration and other birthday celebrations are this: 1) The party is more formal than most. We dress up. We don't wear casual clothes and we don't go the park. We dress like we're going to Shabbat Service and we try to have a more elegant meal instead of hot dogs and chips. Our two oldest girls wore a very pretty formal dress for their celebration. Because his birthday falls near Thanksgiving, Isaac chose a 'Thanksgiving' theme for his blessing birthday. He dressed in a pilgrim-style outfit and instead of a birthday cake, he requested a pumpkin pie. Miryam has asked to have her celebration at Cinzzetti's Italian Market Restaurant because of the wide variety of desserts. 2) We pronounce a public blessing over him or her and invite others to do the same. On other birthday celebrations we usually give thanks to God for the birthday boy or girl and we go around the table taking turns in sharing fun stories about them. During this celebration, we do the same thing, but it's a bit more polished. It is our hope that adults who have made an impact in their lives or those who are close to the family would participate in this event.

Miryam and her friends at Cinzzetti's during
her Blessing Birthday Celebration. (09/20/11)

Children need to hear that they are loved by their parents, family and community. They need to hear that they are special in the eyes of those who love them. If you have never blessed your son or daughter, what are you waiting for? It doesn't matter what age they are, you can bless them today! It doesn't need to be a special occasion. Below is an article that can be used as a guide to blessing your son or daughter. I recommend printing it out, reading it over and making time to bless your children.

Related Article:

The Blessing
by Mark Merrill, March 25, 2010



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Lakeside Season Comes To A Close

Shutting down Lakeside on 9/11
In this photo: Rachel, Isaac, Maya, Sarah, Michaela

In celebration of Miryam's birthday, the kids had one last 'hooray' at Lakeside before the season ended. We got there when it opened and stayed until it closed. Here are some photos of the day...

Aaron had a great time riding by himself,
however he did make at least 3 friends that day.

Rebekah and Miryam spent the day together. 

I can't believe I got on the Zoom the last time
we came to Lakeside. Free-falling is not fun.

Michaela, Rachel and Isaac survived the Zoom.

"Yeeeehaaaaw!"

Watching the Zoom ascend from the Ferris Wheel. 

Aaron joins the girls in their airplane.

Bumping around on the Auto Skooters.

Aaron had one round on the Auto Skooters. When he went
through the line again they re-measured him; he was slightly
too short and was not allowed to ride again. 

Having an ice cream cone break before going back for more.

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Restoring The Hearts Of The Fathers To Their Children

D6 Conference 2011 from D6 Conference on Vimeo.

I was speaking with an acquaintance this past week who said to me, "I would consider visiting your congregation but, you see, I don't like children." This was probably one of the saddest, most appalling statements that I've ever heard from a believer in Yeshua. Unfortunately, this is the reality of how many senior adults feel about children. They'd rather not be around germ-infested rug rats. They don't want to hear the disturbing cry of an infant or see a snot-nosed toddler throwing a fit. They will put a pro-life bumper sticker on their car, but they want nothing to do with children at all. They don't understand that these are the sites, the sounds, and yes, the smells of life! Children are our hope. Children are our future. If we don't have children, we will have no future.

As I considered the comment made by this person -- and believe me, all week long I have not been able to get these words out of my mind -- I came to the conclusion that this individual has not been educated correctly in the faith. We, as believers in Messiah Yeshua, are all called to a multigenerational faith. We, as a people, are commanded to pass His Torah along to the next generation. One generation to the next; one collective group to the next. Whether you have children or not, this is a command to the community. Seniors who don't have young children should be teaching the younger generations; helping the young parents, sharing experiences with the young adults. This is what Paul teaches us in Titus 2; older teach the younger, younger learn from the older.

I believe that today, there is a move of the Ruach in the body of Messiah; a move back to a multigenerational faith. It started with the homeschool movement. Now, homeschooling parents are beginning to wonder, "Why am I homeschooling my children all week long but when we go to church, I put them in an age-segregated school?" Parents are beginning to open their eyes, God is moving in their hearts. Could this be the beginning of what was prophesied by Malachi? Are the hearts of the fathers being restored to their children? I believe more and more church leaders are realizing this movement of God. Earlier this year, a prominent leader in the Messianic Community of the Metro Denver area told me, "What you are doing is the right thing to do. I can't change what we are doing with our children because we've been doing if for so long. It's already established; but if I could do it all over again, I would keep the children in the service with the adults."

Then children were brought to him
that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said,
"Let the little children come to me
and do not hinder them,
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
And he laid his hands on them and went away.

- Matthew 19:13-15 (ESV)

Related Links:

Some churches cancel Sunday school, put parents in charge
By Adelle M. Banks, September 14, 2011

D6 Conference
September 21-23, 2011
Dallas, TX

Relevant Songs For The Fall Festivals

Over the years I've come across some Christian songs that have more of a Messianic message than most. Below are a couple that I add to my play list around this time of the year. They're not 'profound' but enjoyable songs for the season.

FFH's Fly Away is a fun Yom Teruah song.

Matthew 24:30-31 (ESV) 

Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

 

Audio Adrenaline's Ocean Floor is a great Tashlich song. 

Micah 7:18-19 (ESV) 

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

 

The mistakes I've made

That cause pain

I could have done without

All my selfish thoughts

All my pride

The things I hide

You have forgot about

They are behind you

They’ll never find you

They’re on the ocean floor

Your sins are forgotten

They’re on the bottom

Of the ocean floor

My misdeeds

All my grief

All the things that haunt me now

They’re not a pretty sight to see

But they're wiped away

By a mighty, mighty wave

A mighty, mighty wave

They are behind you

They’ll never find you

They’re on the ocean floor

Your sins are forgotten

They’re on the bottom

Of the ocean floor

Your sins are erased

And they are no more

They’re out on the ocean floor

Take them away

To return no more

Take them away

To the ocean floor

To the ocean floor

To the ocean floor

They are behind you

They’ll never find you

They’re on the ocean floor

Your sins are forgotten

They’re on the bottom

Of the ocean floor

Your sins are erased 

And they are no more

They’re out on the ocean floor

Your sins are forgotten

They’re on the bottom

Of the ocean floor, ocean floor

Your sins are erased 

And they are no more

They’re out on the ocean floor

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Preparing for the High Holy Days as a Family

For family devotions last night we went through
our Elul Workbooks together.

FREE Elul Workbooks from Torah Family Publications:

1. Elul: Season of Repentance Family Workbook
2. Elul: Personal Bible Study Workbook (Youth & Adults)  
3. Elul: A Bible Study Workbook for Kids

I found these Elul Workbooks four or five years ago and they have been a great resource in preparing for the High Holy Days. There is an exercise for each week. Don't get too far behind, Yom Teruah will be here before you know it! Download them and get started today!



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Restoration The Right Way

“If your brother sins against you, 

go and tell him his fault, 

between you and him alone.”

- Matthew 18:15a (ESV)

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar 

and there remember that your brother has something against you, 

leave your gift there before the altar and go. 

First be reconciled to your brother, 

and then come and offer your gift.” 

- Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV)

Tonight at sundown we will officially begin the 2nd week of the month of Elul, The Month of Repentance. During this time as we all seek to restore relationships with our brothers and sisters in Messiah, please seek to do this in a Biblical manner. There are really only two scenarios for restoration: 1) when we have been offended, 2) when we have offended someone.

1. If you have been offended, if your brother or sister has sinned against you—first go to them alone and try to work it out with them. Begin with prayer and explain to them how you feel. It would be inappropriate to announce to everyone that you know what they've done to you and how it has made you feel.
2. If you have offended somebody and they come to tell you how they have been hurt by you—listen to them and own up to your fault. Begin with prayer and listen with an open mind and a heart ready for restoration. It would be inappropriate to deny someone the opportunity to clear the air about an offense. 

Within these two scenarios there are many variations of how the meeting will be played out. When confronted, some people will deny the actions that they are accused of and some will brush them off as a misunderstanding or a joke that was not meant to be taken seriously; but sometimes it really may have been a misunderstanding or a joke. Sometimes the offense may have taken place years ago and the person confronted does not remember. Whatever the situation, try to make restoration the right way. What if, when you confront someone, they do not take responsibility for their actions? What if, when you are confronted, you are accused of doing something that you don't think you should apologize for? The Apostle Paul says, “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?” (1 Corinthians 6:7b, NAS) In other words, the goal is to be restored, not to be right.



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TRI Classes Start Today

The First Hebrew Primer:
The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew, Third Edition

It's hard to believe that 18 years ago on this very day I was honorably discharged from the Army. I will never forget this date because finishing my tour with the Army was a huge, huge milestone in my life. I had proven to myself that I had staying power and that I could actually accomplish what I had set my mind to do. One month after I was out, I started working towards a degree in graphic design at the Art Institute of Dallas. After college I had a fulfilling 11-year stint in the design industry. Now, close to two decades after leaving the Armed Forces, I have enrolled in a 3-year, online, Messianic, Torah school. My ultimate goal in taking this course is to learn how to handle the Text correctly, so I can study It properly and teach It more accurately. One of the values of our fledgeling community is the proper handling of the Scriptures and going through this TRI program is my contribution. Because I am married at 40 years old with six children and a full-time job, it will be a challenge to find the time to study. But, this will only be one more test of my resolve and this time, I've got Adonai pulling for me and I've got the help of His Ruach.



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The Grammar of Multigenerational Faith

Isaac (back row, far left) in his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class.

Grammar: the elementary principles of a science or art. 

Multigenerational Faith: faith that is bigger than isolated individualism because it's goal is to be passed on, not only horizontally to the nations, but also vertically to the coming generations.

I recently enrolled Isaac in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy that is right up the street from our house. The place is run by a couple of brothers who happen to be from a family of Sephardic Anusim.These two guys have a deep passion for this martial art; they live it and breathe it. One of the coaches has his son in the class with Isaac. As I expected, the coach's son knows a lot of the basic moves because he's been formally training for more than two years now.

Before he started the class, I had to explain to Isaac the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is basically grappling on the ground, and Kickboxing, which is basically striking while standing. But after the first class I was concerned that he would not understand why he was doing certain 'ground exercises' and not kicking and punching toward a mirror. As an attempt to keep him from becoming discouraged, I rented the 1984 movie, The Karate Kid, hoping that he would see how Daniel-san learned to fight through the obscure exercises prescribed by Mr. Miyagi. He got it and now, he does the sometimes silly-looking exercises without questioning them.

At this point, Isaac is learning the 'elementary principles' of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In much the same way that he is learning the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic Isaac is also learning the basics of this martial art. Sometimes he does not understand why he is learning certain exercises and positions; but once the coach explains it to him and once he uses them on his opponent, he gets it. He can then put the principle that he has just learned to use. It becomes a part of his thinking. I could not help but see some similarities between this class and our faith.

The sites, smells, and flavors of the Havdalah Ceremony
all help to engage the children and give them lasting memories.

Whether we have children or not, we are called to a Multigenerational Faith. Over and over in the Torah we find the phrase 'throughout your/their generations.' The implication of this phrase is that the Children of Israel were to teach and pass along the 'ways' of Adonai to the next generation who were to, likewise, pass it along to the generation after them. If we neglect to pass along our faith to the next generation, we have failed to accomplish this task given to us by Adonai. Being Torah observant is a way of life; it is a lifestyle and not a system of beliefs.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon parents and Messianic communities to equip their children, the next generation, with the elementary principles of their faith. The next generation needs to be taught, from an early age, the ways of Adonai. It needs to be explained to them 'why we do what we do.' They need to be shown the traditions of the community and given the meaning of their significance. The children need to be included in Shabbat and Moed Services and shown that they are an important part of the life of the community. They need to understand that the teachings of the elders are for them too and not just for the adults.

Like the father that diligently teaches his son Jiu Jitsu, Torah observant fathers must diligently teach their children the Torah of Adonai and the halakah of their family and their community. Parents must teach and disciple their own children in the faith and minister to their young hearts at every opportunity. Messianic Congregations must welcome the young people into their community functions and allow them to learn and grow with the adults. Elders must champion the accomplishment of this task to pass along the Torah to the next generation.

For I have chosen him, 

so that he may command his children and his household after him 

to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice...

- Genesis 18:19 (NAS)

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Eul: A Month of Repentance

The shofar (ram's horn) is blown daily during the month of Elul
as a wake-up call stimulating spiritual preparation
for the upcoming High Holidays.

This past Tuesday at sundown we began the 6th month in the Biblical calendar called Elul. It was also the beginning of a 40-day season of repentance known as Yemei Ratzon, the Days of Favor, or more accurately the Days of Divine Purpose. This 40-day period is comprised of the 30 days of Elul (Av 1 - Elul 29), and the 10 High Holy Days or Yamim Noraim, which means Days of Awe. The High Holy Days begin on the 1st of Tishrei, the 7th month in the Biblical calendar, and end on the 10th. Tishrei 1 is called Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets, or more literally The Day of the Shofar Blast. Tishrei 10 is called Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

The month of Elul has traditionally been a time of preparing one's heart for making teshuvah, or repentance, during the High Holy Days. As believers in Messiah Yeshua we know that our sins have been atoned for, but we would do good by taking into account our walk as His disciples. What better time to do this than during Elul, the month of repentance. The Apostle Paul admonishes believers to "test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!" (2 Corinthians 13:5a) For the believer in Yeshua, the month of Elul can serve as a time of introspection and examination of our daily walk and our relationship with Adonai and fellow members of the body of Messiah.

The following song came to mind as I was considering this idea of preparing our hearts for restoration with the Father. Maybe it will minister to you too. Enjoy.



Before You
by Randy Butler

Is there any forgiveness
For the things I've done
Is there pardon for sinners
I know that I'm one
Before You, before You

Would You take this heart of foulness
And make it clean again
Would You pour on me Your mercy
As I confess my sin
Before You, before You

(chorus)
Point my feet
In the way they should go
Place Your Holy Spirit in me
Lead me in the ways everlasting
I long to have a heart that's pure
Before You, before You



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