Shabbat Shalom! - Introduction

The more I study Modern Christianity the more I realize that it has so many man-made traditions that were created out of an anti-Semitic heart and a mindset to repay the Jews for killing the Messiah, Yeshua. These traditions were handed  over from generation to generation so now we do not even know that some of these traditions are really not according to the word of God.This reminds me of  the words of Yeshua in Marc 7:13 "Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”  

 Constantine, the Emperor states in his letter to the synod in 325,  the first ecumenical Church meeting: "It is the most sacred of all parties unworthy to follow the custom of the Jews. It is our duty to have nothing in common with the murderers of our Lord. We wish us to isolate the odious people of the Jews, as a depraved people." (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=http://www.refdag.nl/opinie /laat_pasen_en_pesach_weer_op_een_dag_vallen_1_547858&prev=search).  In the Council of Laodicea, a regional Synod of several clerics from Asia Minor (363–364 AD) many rules and regulation were made for the Christian Church, so called canons. Canon nr 29  stated as follows:  "Outlawing the keeping of the Jewish sabbath (Saturday) and encouraging rest on the Lord's Day (Sunday)". That means that before this time believers in Yeshua, the Messiah kept the Sabbath.

I experience different reactions when I state to people that I keep the Sabbath. Some are skeptical, some immediately start to lecture me on how salvation comes through the blood of Yeshua and not by keeping  the Torah. So, to them keeping the sabbath is like I am trying to fix or buy my salvation by works. Well ... that is not the case at all. To clarify why I keep the Sabbath I will do a series of posts entitled "Why I keep the Sabbath", starting next sabbath. Don't miss it!

Things are Getting out of Hand!

I'm feeling overwhelmed, just like life is passing me by, just like I am loosing control. I got do something about it while I can. I'll take you in on it, so you know how I deal with this. Hopefully you get inspired.

I stop and I pause and then take this information that, I now realize, has been repeatedly brought to my attention, not rudely screaming to be heard, yet softly and constantly "Things are getting out of hand! Things are getting out of hand! Gotta do something about it! Things are getting out of hand!"

First, I pray "Lord-God, things are getting out of hand, I'm loosing control her. THANK GOD .... You have it all in control. What would I do with out you Lord....love Yah".

Second, brainstorming, what a great tool to get back on track. All areas of my life that are getting out of control pass slowly through the TV-screen of my mind.

1. The Foundation Stg. Make A Difference!

• The royal women and the only prince who participated in the MINI-WORKSHOP 'PLANNING 2015', 2e edition need a reminder to attend the Terug-Kom-Dag. I'd love to see them again and hear how they are doing as they pursue their dream to make this year their BEST YEAR EVER!
• The 5 extra-ordinary women who participated in the MINI-WORKSHOP 'PLANNING 2015', 3e edition need to know about the Terug-Kom-Dag of the 2-nd group so they can benefit from this opportunity since there will be a lecture on "How to deal with Stress".
• The same goes for the participants of the 1rst edition. I can't wait to see these inspiring people who really want to make a difference in their lives!

2. Family & Household

• I definitely need to give priority to the bunch of clothes that are just sitting there waiting to be sorted out and organized so that part of the room can look nice again  (.....nasty!)
• I need do prepare lunch today.

3. Carrier

• I want to study certain parts of the Development Plan of Suriname to prepare myself for a new job opportunity.
• I need to make an appointment with the Community Development Workers to supervise them.

4. Spirituality

• I need to do some preps for the next lecture concerning the Biblical feast 'Pesach' .

Third, I now realize that while I was writing all the frustration out, I was also gaining control again and the feeling of excitement kicked in. All I wonna do right now is start my 30 minute work-out....See yah.

God definitely answers prayer! Thank you Daddy!

I 'd love to know your thoughts or quick remarks on this post, so I get to know you personally. (The procedure is simple and easy, use your Google email-address)

Rise to the Challenge!

On the 5th of March 2014 I celebrated the Feast of Queen Ester ('Purim') for the first time since I started my Messianic spiritual journey in April 2014. This lead me to once again study the life of Ester. I want to share with you some of the things that caught my attention and hopefully spark you with it's wisdom.

First, God works behind the scenes. In the story of Queen Esther (Hadassah - Hebrew name) it so happened that Jews were carried into exile. It so happened that Queen Vashti ignored the King when he asked her to show up gloriously on his royal banquet. As the story goes Vashti 's royal position therefor needed to be replaced. It so happened that among all the beautiful girls who were brought to the King's palace Esther won the favour of everyone who saw her. It so happened that the King was so attracted to Esther and crowned her as Queen. It so happened that Mordechai came to know about the plot against the King, exposed it and so spared the King's life. It so happened that one night when the king couldn't sleep this particular story of Mordechai 's loyalty to the thrown was read to the king and Mordechai received the honour after all. What a coincidence!

It so happened ... It so happened ...It so happened....Really?! Did it just happen so??? I believe that God worked the scenes beautifully and wonderfully synchronized them in order to save His people. Once you realize that God works behind the scenes the only thing left for you to do is to rise to the challenge and play your part in spite of the fears and doubts you face because you know the serendipity of your God.

Second, rise to the challenge! Once you make it your habit to remember that God works behind the scenes you learn how to go with the flow of life. When you face the  challenges of life your fears will try so hard to stop you from moving forward. But in the flow of life there comes a particular moment when you'll know what to do. One way to deal with fear is to draw your attention from the fear to your God and constantly remind yourself how amazing He is. Think about those times when He rescued you before. Remind yourself until you can wholeheartedly and with a single-mind confirm how amazing your God is. This is the perfect time to just pause and experience how amazing your God is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkElMcGVRmk ........ Did you feel that? I did.... Prepair yourself to rise to the challenge, be it financially, concerning your marriage, your study, your carrier, your sanity or otherwise, it doesn't matter.

Queen Esther rose to the challenge. She developed a plan, starting with a spiritual break through by fasting, step 1.  Step 2 was to courageously approach the King without being summoned and then watch what was next. Step 3 could only be planned by faith, the 2 meals for the King and the accuser, Haman and finally her request to deliver her people, the victory. Her Plan of Action was ready. Ester rose to the challenge after she dealt with her fears and doubts. She decided to die with honour if necessary. (Esther 4:16) ... fast for me  ... for three days. I and my attendants will do the same. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Queen Esther took the steps of faith and God rewarded that.

To me Queen Esther is such an inspiration of how to deal with life challenges. She faced her fears and doubts. She rose to the challenge by faith. Let's walk in her footsteps and rise to the challenge, whatever that may be,  knowing that God works behind the scenes. Take your steps of faith and watch how God gives you victory and to God be all the glory.

Wonna know more, click the link below

 https://forms.aweber.com/form/26/2116122226.htm

Denise Sumter

Lid van de Messianic-Jewish Community

Kodesh L'Adonia (Heilig voor de HEER)

Rest-Rest-Rest!

My Webster's English learner's dictionary describes rest as to refresh oneself as by sleeping, lying down or being at ease (as in free from concern, worry, difficulty). Even though refreshing has to do with providing new strength and energy for years, I could not withstand it when someone told me that a siesta was one of his important after lunch activities. The first thoughts that always came to my mind were "What a lazy-bones! Didn't you get enough sleep last night? Don't you have work to do?" Those who are familiar with the song of 'Trafassi', "Er is nog zoveel te doen" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bHvdCP7wa4 ), can relate to my respond. So the idea of working while other people are enjoying their siesta became an inspiration to me to make a difference as I continued my life journey.

The turning point came in April 2014 when I was compelled by the Biblical concept of the Sabbath. I started to analyze the subject and the more I studied it the more my convictions grew towards the authenticity of the Sabbath. I then decided to not only remember the Sabbath but to keep it sacred as well. Weekly from Friday evening at sunset to Saturday evening at sunset I put my daily routines on hold and refresh myself spiritually, emotionally and physically . This new patterning of time has brought me to experience another dimension of time, another time zone which I will discuss in another blog post.

Definitely my respond to those who enjoy their traditional daytime sleep, the so-called siesta, has changed from condemning it to acknowledging its beauty and refreshing power. The words "What a lazy-bones! Didn't you get enough sleep last night? Don't you have work to do?" are now transformed to "Rest is not a luxury, it's essential!" So I challenge you to join me in keeping the sabbath  ....... and let's watch what happens next.

I 'd love to know your thoughts or quick remarks on this post, so I get to know you personally.