Two Bites

Shalom, everyone. I hope you had an easy fast today for the 10th of Tevet. It pays to keep our eyes open on these four fast days, for it is the anniversary of WHO’s declaration of the Covid pandemic in their 21 January 2020 situation report. As with the 10th of Tevet on which the ancient siege on Jerusalem began, so the world's gates were closed up as the world locked down. It occurred on the Fast of the 10th Month, Tevet:

• Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth months will become joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace.’ (Zech 8:19)

Since we know that these fast days commemorating calamities on Israel and the Temple have not yet been turned to joy and gladness over the defeat of Israel’s enemies, it is important to remember them until they are! This week I want to offer a light repast since it’s a fast day until sundown this evening.

Here are two "bites" of wisdom I gleaned from Torah class last Sunday:

• Like Yitro told Moses, we can “wither away” when we carry more than what is good to carry alone.

• Make one Torah blessing in the morning for the entire day, for we ascribe to the day a continuation of learning and say, “If it were up to me, I’d be learning the entire day.” We continue to meditate on the Torah in our thoughts and actions, incorporating its teachings whenever possible during the workday.

The first bite is in the context of Moses judging the whole nation by himself, forcing them to stand all day waiting for his counsel and teaching. Yitro (Jethro) points how disrespectful it was for Moses to make them stand all day waiting their turn and how damaging it was to Moses to overwork himself. Yitro told him:

• You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. (Ex 18:18)

The Hebrew word naval for "wear out" means: "to sink or drop down, languish, wither and fall, fade," like a leaf withers on a branch. Even though Moses was a mighty man of faith and he was doing a good, "Torah thing," he couldn't bear that burden alone. Aaron had the cohanim and Levites to help him with services, yet who would help Moses?

Yitro instructs Moses how to select judges for lower courts and appellate courts, and then Moses would be like the Supreme Court to settle things too hard for the judges he'd train. Adonai affirms this system so Moses won't wear out doing a good thing. This is GREAT advice!

So many take on ministry either formally or simply in our personal walk. The more responsible we are with a little, the more people demand a lot. Many will give us advice as to how to manage the overload (usually so we can meet their need), yet they don't understand all the logistics, finances, limitations, or simply that we are human beings who also have to do laundry, clean house, cook, buy groceries, and tend the garden. This may be why so many pastors' children have struggled. Their parents were worn out doing good, which drained the good energy parents need to invest in their children. Like the people who stood in line all day to talk to Moses, pastors' kids often have to wait at the end of the line.

Ministry is a Kingdom thing, a good thing, yet without other qualified laborers, a person can wither away and lose joy in the work. It reminds me of this advice from Ecclesiastes: "Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth." (11:2)

Like Yeshua, who began his ministry by teaching others how to continue after his exit, we, too, need to disciple others to do what we do. Of course, in this day and age, it would be difficult to find someone who volunteered to leave family, hometown, and job to learn how to teach. Hopefully, you have helpers you can call on to help you carry the load. Don't be afraid to ask!

The second bite was advice on Torah study. When Jews are called up to read the Torah in the synagogue, it is called an aliyah. It is customary to open the reading with a blessing, and after the reading, a closing blessing is spoken. If there is a congregation, they they stand during the reading and have a response to the opening blessing.

The rabbi who was explaining this "bite" on the Torah blessing said that most of us would love to sit and study Torah all day, but we cannot because we have responsibilities to family, work, ministry, etc. What to do? In the morning, say the Torah blessing and read what you can from the weekly Torah portion: a verse, a passage, a chapter even. Then, instead of saying the closing blessing, leave it open...all day!

By doing this, we're committing to continue learning all day. We will go about the workday thinking, meditating on what we read. We may discuss it with someone or write a thought or two in a notebook. Because we tend to notice things when they are already on our minds, we will probably be confronted with a situation related to what we read. We may have an opportunity to put that commandment into practice, even turning it into a blessing for ourselves or someone else. It can transform our day! This is giving the commandment "breathing room" for the Ruach HaKodesh to move.

If you are unfamiliar with the Torah opening and closing blessings, here they are:

THE TORAH BLESSINGS

The “Before” Torah blessing

English

ALIYA bows: Bless the Lord the blessed One.

CONGREGATION also bows: Blessed is the Lord, who is blessed for all eternity.

ALIYA: Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has chosen us from all peoples, and given us His Torah. Blessed are You O Lord, Giver of the Torah.   

Transliteration

ALIYA: Barkhu et Adonai ha-m'vorach.

CONGREGATION: Barukh Adonai ha-m'vorach l'olam vaed.

ALIYA: Barukh Adonai ha-m'vorach l'olam vaed. Baruch atah Adonai, Elohaynu melekh ha-olam, asher bachar banu mikol ha-ameem, v'natan lanu et torahto. Barukh atah Adonai, notein ha-torah.

[Read from the Torah]

The “After” Torah blessing

THE ALIYA:

Blessed are you O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has given us a Torah of truth, and has planted eternal life in our midst. Blessed are You O Lord, Giver of the Torah.

Barukh ata Adonai, eloheinu mehlekh ha-olam, asher natan lanu torat emet, v'chayei olam nata b'tocheinu. Baruch atah Adonai, notein ha-torah.

Shabbat Shalom!

LIVESTREAM IMPORTANT UPDATE

I will be teaching at River of Life Tabernacle this Shabbat, so the YouTube livestream will be via their channel. Service begins at 10:00 AM Central Time. Click ROLT to view.

Looking for the archived newsletters? You can always locate resources on our website at www.thecreationgospel.com, or go directly to the newsletter archives.

Creative Leadership Retreat 

February 25-28, 2024

Only one spot left for this retreat!

Join Dr. Hollisa Alewine and Kisha Gallagher along with special speakers Beth Cloud and Charli Brown for an exclusive Creation Gospel Trainer AND Creative Leadership Retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains on February 25-28, 2024. This event is open to ALL, not just Creation Gospel trainers and students. The Creative Leadership Retreat is designed to equip leaders who serve in any capacity, large or small.

Our focus is two-pronged: Teacher Training and Leadership.

Potential trainers will test with Dr. Alewine for certification, current trainers will be able to connect, network, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Dr. Alewine will instruct in teaching basics for trainers.

The second component will be Creative Leadership, which is designed to give you basic leadership skills and practical ideas no matter whether you are a leader in your home, your fellowship or congregation, workplace, or other organizations. Beth Cloud of Jacob’s Tent will present skills in congregational leadership; Charli Brown of The Rooted Kafe will present skills in organizational leadership; Kisha Gallagher of Grace in Torah will present skills in relational leadership, and Dr. Hollisa Alewine will present skills in creative leadership.

With so few beacons of light who are grounded in the Word, you are needed to shine brightly in these dark, confused, and troubled times. This retreat is designed to polish your skills, put practical tools in your ministry toolbox, and provide networking with those of like kind and like mind. You do not need to be a Creation Gospel trainer to attend these sessions.

We will be staying at Greystone Pointe Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN. This large cabin sits high above Gatlinburg with absolutely amazing views of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. It boasts of over 11,000 square feet, with two hot tubs, two large private decks, two 1,100 square foot gathering rooms - one on each level, a 25 seat theater room, and plenty of spaces to relax or fellowship with fellow attendees. Each bedroom has a private ensuite bathroom, and both decks have fire places to keep you cozy while gazing at the the majestic Smoky Mountains.

  Your registration is all inclusive! 

We have worked hard to keep our all inclusive registration fees at a minimum despite rising hotel and food expenses. For less than a hundred dollars a day, our guests will receive room and board for three nights, teaching/training, CG testing (if applicable), and various retreat activities with giveaways. Eight Biblically clean meals will be prepared by Kisha's local fellowship with most dietary needs being accommodated.* Registered attendees will receive a full itinerary, driving directions, and other important information via email two weeks prior to the event.

  Space is limited, so register today!

* Meals will be Biblically clean, not rabbinically kosher. We will have gluten-free, low sugar, and vegetarian options available.

Reading Recommendation for the Week

4-year-old Emmitt Dean has an unruly dinosaur in his backyard, but only Emmitt can see it. The dinosaur eats his dog's food and pears from their tree. The dinosaur even attempts to drive the lawn tractor. What if he steals the car or hurts Emmitt's baby brother, Mason?

Frustrated from warning his parents that the dinosaur is into mischief and could be dangerous, Emmitt grabs his sword to protect his family, and all hilarity ensues.

Perfect for children ages 4 to 8. Emmitt's Dinosaur is not a "spiritual" book, but it is safe and fun. For those of you who might have had an imaginary friend when you were about the same age, it might evoke a memory or two. This is another creative work from Torah teacher Tekoa Manning. It might even inspire you to write a story for the kids or grandkids!

Want to study Creation Gospel Workbook One or Four with a certified trainer?

New Creation Gospel Workbook ONE* biweekly class starts on Wednesday, February 7th, at 7pm EST. Contact Michelle Shaff to join: 

shaffm20@gmail.com 

New Creation Gospel Workbook FOUR* biweekly class starts on Thursday, February 1st, at 7pm EST. Prerequisite: completion of Workbook One. Contact Kisha Gallagher at:  kisha@graceintorah.net 

*South African students can source their workbooks through Karmal Bookshop in Cape Town.

Thank you all for praying and/or donating to the work at LaMalah Children's Home in Kenya.

Brother Ndungu acknowledged receipt this week of two refurbished laptop computers. We plan to dispatch two more next week. They are anticipating the arrival of Howie and Aline in January. The plan is to teach guitar to the children, minister in praise and worship, and to leave guitars for the children. If possible, they may travel to Uganda to minister as well.

If you feel led to help with the operating expenses of LaMalah, you can always use the Paypal donate button below, Zelle (use creationgospel@gmail.com), or send a check by snail mail to:

The Creation Gospel

PO Box 846

East Bernstadt, KY 40729

Your continual prayers for the children of LaMalah and our brothers and sisters in Kenya are so much appreciated. If you've never heard the story of how LaMalah was conceived and built, please take a moment to look over the brief description by clicking on the photo above or clicking here.