Servant Ministries

The Lord God of Recompense

2012-03-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah.

Today we want to look at the Lord God of recompense - יהוה גמול – Yahweh Gemuwl. It is God who repays anyone for what the do (or don’t do). Vengeance belongs to the Lord. His wisdom and His ways are way above ours. He knows what is best – for everyone. When, and if, you are wronged, God knows it, sees it and knows what is the best way to handle the situation. Knowing that His will is for everyone thinks and acts and how they will respond to what they are confronted with. He will set up (allow) circumstances to bring His will to pass, but He needs our cooperation. That is, we need to conform to His will – love our enemies and pray for those that despitefully use us. He knows if that person will repent and turn to Him and He knows that we MUST forgive to walk in the freedom that Jesus died to provide to/for/in us.

Let Him be Lord of all. Otherwise He is not Lord of all – to you. He wants to bless everyone – through us or in spite of us. Let Him determine what to do with whoever or whatever comes against us. No weapon formed against us will prosper – unless we leave an opening in our armor. Put on the full armor of God. Remember – there is no piece of that armor for our backs, we should be marching into the battle. How often we forget – the gates of hell are a defensive structure, not an offensive one. We are supposed to be attacking, not running and/or defending. Sic ‘em in the Name of the Lord.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

The Lord Our Maker

2012-01-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

Today we look at the Lord our maker – עָשָׂה ‘asah. Some call Him Yahweh Hoseenu. It is He who has made us and not we ourselves. Whatever we may be, wherever we find ourselves in this life – He has done it. First, He formed us in the womb – we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Then He made us whatever we are. I have known people with gifts (like teaching) who exhibited those giftings even before they were believers. Some taught school long before they became Christians. After they were converted, the gift continued and even increased, many times branching out into teaching the Word. Many people never know what they were created for – even becoming world leaders because of the gifts placed in them by God.

What has God created you to do/be. How has He gifted you? He has created us all to be servants – to Him and to others. Paul’s use of the physical body to show how spiritual gifts word for the benefit of all is outstanding. Perhaps you have observed, or been involved in a Martha/Mary type conflict. Martha, an example of the serving motive, and Mary, an example of a teaching motive. The one with the serving motive says of the one with the teaching motive;

They are so heavenly minded, they are no earthly good; while the one with the teaching motive says of the one with the serving motive; ‘they are so earthly minded, they are no heavenly good.’ The fact is, they were created and gifted to complement each other. The server serves, tending to temporary things (coffee, donuts, squeaky hinges) so the one with the teaching motive is freed up to study the Word and teach.

We all have been created with differing gifts to benefit the entire body. Recognize that we are not in conflict with each other, we are meant to complement each other, build one another up, consider each other more worthy than ourselves. But God is worthy of all the praise, all the honor, all the glory. Praise His holy Name. Baruch HaShem.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

WOW

2012-01-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

Now we look at אֱלֹהִים. Look familiar? Yes it is – ‘elohiym. Are we stuck on that word? In a way. Although it has been translated ‘your God’ and ‘my God’ it is also translated ‘our God’, where we are today. It all has to do with relationship. That is how we relate to Him or He relates to us. He deals with us as individuals. He also deals with us as a group (His chosen ones, family, church). Hence, He is the Lord our God. He is the head of the body. He is the creator, the manager, the director, the CEO, the COO – HE IS!!! As such, He has given us orders (commands), directives and suggestions regarding how to relate to Him and to each other.

He has provided the ‘manufacturer’s handbook’, also known as the Bible. In its entirety, it is a love letter, an history book, a song book, a prophetic declaration, an instruction manual and so much more. We should have no doubts how to be happy, successful, blessed and a blessing if we follow the directions. He want to be OUR God. He has placed us among His chosen people as His chosen people. We are His people – let’s act like it, give Him reverence, respect, relationship that does not just include Him in all we do but include all we do in Him, for Him, to Him.

Ask and He will give us the nations. Not for us, but for Him. That all nations might see we are His PEOPLE. Give glory to God, yediyd. He is worthy. We were worthless, He made us worthy. Even though, or especially because, we did/do not deserve it! Bless His holy Name – Baruch Ha Shem!!!

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

The Lord My God

2012-01-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

Now we look at ‘the Lord my God’, as opposed to last week’s word. אֱלֹהִים – ‘elohiym the same word again, but the Hebrew context necessitates a slightly different meaning. God is still God, but now declares a personal relationship with the speaker. In Psalm 7:1 David is singing a song to God, declaring Him to be his God. He wants us to let Him be God. This same Hebrew word also refers to rulers, judges, angels divine ones. So we discover from the context, usually who the speaker is, what the intent of the intended meaning is.

We need to declare Him to be our God through whatever means we have available. Preach the gospel at all times, use words if necessary. Yeshua said if we loved Him, we would keep His commandments. His commandments are not burdensome bringing us into bondage but freeing bring us into liberty. If all kept His commandments there would be no need for police or judges or jails, there would be no fear, no need for locks or keys or security systems. If we all operated within His will and His word there would be no divorce, no sexually transmitted diseases…

If every single person could truthfully say the Lord is MY God what a wonderful world this would be – no political parties and campaigns, no wars or rumors of wars. Oh, yeah, that world is coming. Hallelujah!!! We win!!! Our God reigns!! We won!!! (As we rest in Him, the battle is over.)

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Yahweh Elohiym is the Lord your God

2012-01-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

This week we will look at one way people often referred to God when they were in a place they shouldn’t be or doing something amiss or when God is reminding of His relationship to the hearer – the Lord your God. Yahweh Elohiym is the Lord your God. Sometimes we need to be reminded of Who is in charge. Many times in the Old Testament we would hear someone say ‘the Lord your God’ when they knew things were awry. Simon the Sorcerer asked the apostles to pray ‘to the Lord your God’ when they had pronounced judgment against him for trying to purchase the gift of Holy Spirit with money. He knew has actions and intents had put him outside of God’s will and God was no longer his God (money was). Even though he was a believer, he realized that he had fallen out of God’s favor.

So, when God refers to Himself as ‘the Lord your God’- it would appear the addressee may be forgetting or has forgotten. Don’t let that happen to you. Stand up for God, His will, His word and His people. When people ask you to pray to ‘the Lord your God’, recognize they may be feeling (rightly or not) separated from God. Treat them with gentleness, mercy and truth (in love) to draw them closer to Him, the One Who desires that none should perish. Help them come to a better place.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Yahweh (Adonai) Zeker

2012-01-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Mishpochah,

This week we look at יהוה זֵכֶר, Yahweh (Adonai) Zeker, the memorial name. As found in Hosea 12:5, His name is His memorial. He is to be remembered by His Name and His Name is to be remembered. In the context of this verse, He is referred to as the Lord of Hosts. We are to remember that He is Lord of Hosts – the angels and the saints (which we are among the latter). He is the Lord whom we need to memorialize. We should remember and call on His name – whatever we are doing, wherever we are, no matter who is around.

The Jews have such honor and respect for His name, they do not write it casually or try to pronounce it lest they make an error in so doing. They refer to HaShem (the Name) and where the tetragrammaton (YHWH, yod, hey, vav, hey) is found the introduce the vowel points for Adonai and will say that rather than mispronounce ‘the Name.’ Do we reverence Him by being extremely cautious how we pronounce or declare His Name? I think the ones who are most guilty of ‘misusing’ His Name, or taking it in vain, are Christians who declare this or that ‘in the name of Jesus’. We speak and declare in His name when He has not spoken, thinking that by using or repeating the name of Jesus things will happen. That is Christian witchcraft beloved.

When Jesus taught about agreeing (binding and loosing), He really meant we were to pray in agreement with what was going on in heaven and bringing that into the earth. Too often we declare it on earth and expect it to happen in heaven. We pray for healing or deliverance or whatever ‘in the name of Jesus’ and expect heaven to come into agreement with our declaration. I John makes it clear that we have confidence when we pray in agreement with His will which is established in heaven that we will have the requests we have made of Him.

Let us memorialize His Name by praying to find out what His will is in any given situation, then declaring that is what will happen and we can expect for that to happen, yediyd (beloved) that He might be the God who is remembered as being good – all the time.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Elohiym Yesha, God My Salvation

2011-12-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

As we continue to look at the names/attributes of God we consider אֱלֹהִים יֵשַׁע – Elohiym Yesha, God my salvation (deliverance, safety, welfare). How appropriate as we celebrate Christmas, the birth of our savior. He was born, maybe not on December 25 – but He was born as a child, grew up as any other human would yet without sin. His desire is to be born in each of us and grow saving us from sin, delivering us from bondage, sheltering us in safety under his ‘wings’, and granting to us His wonderful welfare package. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that the plans He has for us are for our shalom – total welfare in every area of our lives.

As we celebrate and commemorate the birth of Elohiym Yesha, let us look for opportunities to share our light in the midst of the Festival of Lights. During this season when so many are decorating with lights (I heard of one family that put up over 100,000 lights) we should take every opportunity to share our light, just as Yeshua has shared His light with us and we are lighting our menorah (put yours in a window) for others to see and get a glimpse of the glory of the radiance of Him.

Just as Jesus celebrated the Feast of Dedication, let us renew our dedication to serving Him by serving others and letting our light shine.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS

2011-12-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

As we near Christmas day, many are rushing to and fro with last minute shopping and preparations. Sit down, relax, open your Bible and read the real Christmas story. Oh, the wonder of angels rather than snowflakes in the air. Although we generally believe the shepherds were the first to be told, it is possible that the Magi were told before the angels appeared to the shepherds. It may have taken them the more than two years we generally feel from the tine of Jesus’ birth till they came to the house to worship Him. There are probably more misconceptions we hold about the Christmas story that we will only have answers to when we get to heaven. Like the Magi- there are generally three depicted in song and at the stable (although they did not go to the stable) – there was probably a large company with them, maybe as many as ten thousand. Three kings would not be travelling without their camel drivers, tent tenders, cooks, manservants and maidservants. And where did they come from? Were they leaders of the ‘lost’ tribes of Israel? What countries did they come from? India? Ethiopia? Why were they concerned with finding this new King of Israel? Maybe we can find some clues in the Old Testament or even some other writings, like the apocryphal books found in most Catholic Bibles, not to consider them necessarily inspired – but helpful.

Maybe the greatest Christmas gift to your family can be the first one ever given – the Son of God manifest for us, to us, in us, through us. (And it will not cost you anything, so keep that plastic in your pocket.)

Read the Christmas story before you open any presents and ask what it means to each one gathered there. Determine to do some investigation in the New Year to get some answers to the questions I have posed and some of your own.

Follow our blog and maybe you will be surprised to find some of those posers.

John 10:10
Blessings, Pastor Bill
Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Christmas / Chanukah

2011-12-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah.

What a wonderful time of year. Christians celebrate Christmas while the Jews are celebrating Chanukah.

Both celebrations focus on light. Christians celebrate the birth of the Christ child – the light of the world. Jews celebrate the miracle of the oil in the lamp. The oil was only enough for one day but it lasted for eight. Aside from the overlap on the calendar there are other striking similarities. The light, for one. Jews celebrate the Festival of light or dedication. Christians celebrate the Light of the world born in a manger, dedicated to/for the salvation of all who would accept Him.

As the Chanukah menorah is lit one a day for eight days, they recall the working and wonders of God Who miraculously caused one day’s oil to last for eight days. Eight being the number of new beginnings. Jesus was born to give men a new beginning. (He was also circumcised on the eighth day.)

As the candles on the menorah are lit there is something special depicted. There are nine candles - one is used to light the rest. It is called the Shamash – the servant candle because it serves to light the rest. As it is used, it ‘bows’ to the others to ‘pass on’ the light. Jesus came as one to serve, not to be served. He humbled Himself (bowing) to serve God’s purpose and us. He fives His light to each of us as we receive it from Him on an individual basis. Just as each candle is lit by the Shamash, so each one of us receives His light as He touches our lives.

God is still in the miracle working business today. Hallelujah!!!

The oil, of course, is representative of Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh). This little light of mine….

Psalm 104:4 says; ‘Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.’
Hebrew 1:7 says; ‘And of the angels He says: Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire’

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas. Burn, baby, burn.

John 10:10
Blessings, Pastor Bill
Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Word-of-the-Week - WOW

2011-12-12T16:36:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

A little more ‘aside’. At this time of year we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Although we may not know the exact date of His birth, we do know He was born – of a virgin, in a stable in Bethlehem, which means ‘house of bread’. So He who is the ‘Bread of Life’ was born in the house of bread.

The angels pronouncement (in part) declared; ‘peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests’ or ‘peace on earth to those of good will’. His favor rests on those who have surrendered their will to His will, to those who walk in obedience to the leading of the Spirit of God (Ruach HaKodesh, in the Hebrew). They were not announcing peace to all who dwell on the earth. So we should not be surprised that there is not ‘peace on earth’ but wars and rumors of wars and various ‘natural’ disasters.

We, the ‘favored of God’ experience peace no matter what goes on around us. Psalm 91 says (in part); ‘a thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look on and see the recompense of the wicked. As we see these ‘terrible things’ we are reminded, comforted, and ‘encouraged’ to share the Good News of the gospel – Peace, and even joy, are found in the giving of oneself to the Holy One. Then we experience true shalom – peace in every area of our lives – as we rest in Him.

Merry CHRISTmas to all and to all a good will.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Word-of-the-Week - WOW

2011-12-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

Today we take a little different tack. Most people do not understand how a sailboat moves – it is actually pulled by the wind, not pushed. Likewise, most people do not understand the roots of Christianity. You have heard it said; “the gospel in the Old Testament concealed but in the New Testament revealed. Here is one example from Genesis chapter 5.

In the lineage of Adam we find several descendants by name – each name has a meaning and proclaims the gospel ‘in a nutshell’.

Adam – man;

Seth (Sheth) – compensation, appointment, set;

Enos (Enowsh) – mortal;

Cainan (Qenan or Keenan) – sorrow, mourning;

Mehaleleel – praise of God or blessed of God;

Jared (Yered) – will descend;

Enoch ( Chanoch) – dedicated, teaching;

Methuselah – his death shall bring;

Lamech – powerful, despairing;

Noah (Noach) – rest.

How about that. Man is set as a mortal to sorrow (hard labor) and mourning but the blessed of God will descend, dedicated and teaching, and His death shall bring the despairing rest.

Hallelujah!! Baruch HaShem, yediyd. Thank the Lord for sending His blessed Son to purchase our shalom.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Word-of-the-Week - WOW

2011-11-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

As we take another quick look at the tallit, we discover that the Apostle Paul really made tallits. The Greek words for makers of large tents and makers of small (pup) tents were not applied to Paul’s occupation. The word ‘tallit’ is made up of two Hebrew words – tal for tent and ith for small. So, in that sense, he was a tent maker.

When Yeshua said to go into your ‘closet’ to pray, He was referring to your private place – in most probability referring to the ‘secret place’ that Jews of His day were familiar with – under their tallit. I am sure you have seen Jews putting on or pictured with their prayer shawl (tallit) over their heads. When they were in that position everyone knew they were in their ‘secret place’ in prayer and not to disturb them. In much the same way Suzanna Wesley (mother of John and Charles, the two most well-known of her 23 children) would pull her apron over her head and everyone knew she was in her ‘secret place’ in prayer and not to be disturbed. The testimony and ministry of her sons confirms what Yeshua said about being rewarded openly for your prayers in the ‘secret place’.

Where is your ‘secret place’? Great shalom may be found in observing some of the Jewish traditions (as long as they are biblically-based). Again I say I am not trying to Judaize anyone. I only want to help you find more of the glorious foundation we have for the wonderful organism we have as the Church of Jesus Christ. We are being built into a wonderful ‘structure’ as living stones, Christ Jesus being the chief cornerstone and capstone. He is the beginning and the end – the cornerstone being the first placed on the foundation and the capstone being set aside as a ‘model’ for all the other stones to be shaped to as they are place in the building. Hallelujah!!!

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-11-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

Shalom, Mishpochah.

As we continue to think of the tallit and all it means and how it symbolizes all that is fulfilled in Yeshua, just the four corners remind us of so much else that we find in scripture.

Eden was encompassed by four rivers. Israel was bordered by four bodies of water. When the Israelites camped around the tabernacle there were four banners (one each on each of the four sides) with symbols on each that we find as faces (or representations) associated with beings around the throne in Revelation, the four spirits that Ezekiel saw, the four gospels…

There are four horses/horsemen in Revelation that represent four ministries of the Lord. It is the revelation (not plural – ‘Revelations’ although, in a sense, that would be accurate) of Jesus Christ.

There were four in the fiery furnace.

There are four winds and four corners of the earth referred to in scripture.

God gives a four-fold salvation promise associated with the tallit. I will take you out…(remember?)

We are to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our body and all our strength - four things. That speaks to the four dimensions – perhaps a topic for another WOW. More that length, width, height, depth, space. Four Square Church…

How many fours around the throne I Revelation? 3x4=12, 6x4=24…

God is above all, in all, though all, concerned with all – four things.

The list of names/attributes of God that we are looking at has 44 entries. Even His original revealed name is four YHWH – the tetragammaton.

All that to say He is crazy with love ‘four’ you, yediyd.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Word-of-the-Week

2011-11-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

This week I would like to look at Yahweh Yeshua – the Lord of Salvation as found in Psalms 3:8 and 35:3 and others where it states salvation belongs to the Lord. The Hebrew ישועה יהוה (literally yeshuw’ah YHWH {Yahweh or Adonai} means salvation {belongs to or is of} the Lord). One of the first things we should notice is the first Hebrew word here – ישועה – Yeshuw’ah or Yeshua should be a very familiar name. Yeshua (Jesus) is the (only) name by which men can be saved. Even the writer(s) of Psalms knew that Salvation was of God, for God, to God – it is His salvation means for all mankind.

Some say it is awfully narrow to say that Yeshua is the ONLY way, but praise God for providing A way. I think it was Mike Warnke who said; ‘you can afford to be narrow-minded when you are right.’ In our own efforts or by our own merit we would never be able to get to heaven. One of the aspects of the tallit (prayer shawl) is that it has 613 knots – one for every Talmudic law. Yeshua fulfilled every one of them for us and when we accept Him as our savior we are covered over by a robe of righteousness (symbolized by the tallit) which Yeshua gives to us.

Perhaps we will take a little diversion to discuss some of the symbolism of the tallit.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

WOW - WORD-OF-THE-WEEK

2011-10-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

This week we look at Yahweh Gibbor, יהוה גבור The Lord the Mighty One. He is the Mighty One – in battle, in Love, in changing lives, in… He is mightier than any other. He is able to perform His Word – in the world, in your church, in your job, in your family, in your life. As the old saying goes; “Let go and let God.”

What do you need? He is able.

So far we have looked at 19 of 44 names/attributes of God. I hope you are getting the picture of how big He is. He, by His Word, created everything as far as you can see and beyond. The earth is His footstool. (Your feet are pretty much the smallest part of your body.) My recliner has lots of area for me to sit on and rest my back against but a small pad for my feet attached to a larger pad for my calves. He spread out the heavens with the span of His hand. My hand span is about 8” – I can span on octave on a standard piano. How big is God? He placed the stars in the heavens and knows them by name. I have trouble with the names of my 9 children, often having to call three or four names before I get to the one I want. And He knows my name (and yours) and even how many hairs on my head! The Creator of the whole universe lives in me (and you) if we let Him! If you never have – ask Him in. find out how mighty He is! You are yediyd (beloved).

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

WOW- Word-of-the-Week

2011-10-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

Shalom, Mishpochah,

Today we look at Yahweh M’Kaddesh, The Lord Who sanctifies. In Hebrew יהוה קדש, Yahweh Qadash we see that is the Lord Who sanctifies us. He is the One Who ‘cleans us up’ – from the inside out. We do have a part in the process – obedience. As we study the book of Romans, we find that as we begin our relationship with Him He imputes His righteousness to us (that is, He puts it on our ‘account’ – when He looks at us, He sees Jesus because we are washed in the blood and covered over with a robe of righteousness.) As we continue in our relationship with Him, He imparts His righteousness to us (causes His righteousness to become ingrained in us so that when others look at us they see Jesus!)

He tells us how to walk and live, then empowers us to be able to do that by the power of His Holy Spirit. Consequently, we are changed from glory to glory into the likeness of His Son. During this process He occasionally lifts the robe a little so we can see where we need to change and gives us the tools and power to change. He receives all the glory! Praise His Name!

He gives the commandment (to keep us safe), then the command how to walk and think and talk, then the order where to go and when, then the information how to fulfill what He has called us to do. Then He pours in His Spirit to show forth His glory as we simply rest in Him (because we have entered His Sabbath rest. Hallelujah! Glory to the Lamb!!

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Word-of-the-Week - WOW

2011-10-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

Shalom, Mishpochah

Today I would like to look at קדש רוח (kodesh ruwach or Ruach Hakkodesh) – Holy Spirit. He is the third person of the trinity, the reason I often omit ‘the’, as does the Hebrew. We don’t say the God or the Jesus (although either would be proper as there is only one God or only one Jesus the Savior) or the Bill. Often referred to as Ruach Hakkodesh – ruach for Spirit, Ha for the, kodesh for holy –literally ‘spirit, the holy’.

HE is not an ‘it’. He is as much God as Jesus is. He is a person, not an object. He is our teacher, healer, guide, etc. He is everything we need as the ‘functioning’, empowering, comforting, presence of God. We should seek His presence, not His presents. He is the one called alongside to assist (paraclete). He is essential in revealing Jesus and drawing people to Jesus and manifesting Jesus in us and through us. He is the One Who transfers us from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of light in Jesus by His transforming power.

Our spiritual heritage is rich in the Jewish faith – I am really enjoying sharing what I have been learning.

Baruch HaShem, Yediyd (beloved ones)

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-10-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today we look at the Lord, Man of War. In Exodus 15:3, יְהוָה אִישׁ
מִלְחָמָה יְהוָה שְׁמֹֽו׃, says; ‘Yehovah ‘iysh milchamah Yehovah shem’,
‘The Lord is a is a man of war, the Lord is His name’. Abraham Lincoln was
asked if the Lord was on our side (the North). His response was that was not
the issue – the issue was ‘are we on the Lord’s side?’ That is still the
question. We do not want to be fighting against God. It would seem He is
sending the same harbingers against the USA that He sent against Israel in
Isaiah 9:10. He sent progressive warning destructions to Israel. I do not
believe it is coincidence that every time our administration makes a move or
statement against Israel disaster strikes our country. It began in 2001
when the site of our founding and dedication of our country to God took
place, just like Israel the strike came at the founding and dedication of
the temple. God’s word is still true today –“If My people, which are called
by My Name, will humble themselves and pray, turn from their evil ways and
seek My face, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and heal
their land.” His Name is Yahweh Shua, or Yeshua, the Lord our salvation.
The burden is on the Church, His people, those called by His Name, to repent
and pray – for the healing of our land, as well as the peace of Jerusalem.

Baruch Ha Shem, Mishpochah

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim

WOW - WORD-OF-THE-WEEK

2011-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Today we look at the Lord being our lamp as described in Psalm 119:105 AND
2 Samuel 22:29. In Psalms it says thy word (John 1 lets us know Yeshua is the
Word) is a lamp unto my feet.

The word for ‘lamp’ is
נִיר, niyr (ner or neer). He is our guide as we walk we will hear a ‘word’
this is the way, walk in it. His desire is to light us up from the inside
and always guide us by His Word – logos and rhema. In Isaiah it says that
(in the end times) darkness will cover the earth and deep (or gross)
darkness will cover the peoples but His glory will appear on us.
Hallelujah!!!

Continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Sha’alu Shalom Yerusalayim.

Shalom, Mishpochah.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

WOW - WORD-OF-THE-WEEK

2011-09-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

As we near the day the UN is scheduled to vote on making Palestine an
'official' state and part of Jerusalem is to be their capitol, we need to
PRAY for Israel. Pray for the Peace (Shalom) of Jerusalem. They shall
Prosper (have Shalom) that love Israel. Shalom means more than 'Peace' - it
indicates an entire welfare package. We all need to take a stand for/with
Israel. We wrestle not with flesh and blood - use your spiritual weapons of
prayer and praise to do battle. I believe it would also be appropriate to
contact our elected representatives by phone, email or any other means
speaking the truth in/with love. In Isaiah 9:10 there are harbingers of the
destruction of Israel for failing to follow God. Those same things are
occurring in the US today. The end is near. We, the people of God and
called by His Name, need to turn from our wicked ways, humbling ourselves
and seeking His face (not His hand) then He will hear from heaven, forgive
OUR sin and heal our land.

I know this is a little off our normal track but the times are perilous. We
need to act - NOW!!

Shalom, Mishpochah

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

WOW - WORD-OF-THE-WEEK

2011-09-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today we continue to pursue something different as we look at the Lord my
song from Isaiah 12:2.

Yahweh Zimrath (זִמְרָת), literally, song of praise.

We used to sing (I think it was a Gaithers’ song) – He is (or, You are) the
Words and the Music, He is (or, you are) the Song that I sing; He is the
Melody, He is the Harmony, He is the song that I sing. Besides that Name
being found in Isaiah 12:2, Most of the Psalms are Songs to, about and for
the Lord and His Mighty Name.

Although the Jews do not speak the tetragrammaton, YHWH, which is the ‘unpronounceable’ Name of God they will instead say ‘Adonai’. Where we would say Jehovah Jireh (which is the
translation found in the KJV when the Old English ‘J’ was pronounced like a
‘Y’), they would say Adonai Yireh. In John 4, speaking to the woman at the
well, Jesus said the Father was seeking those who would worship Him.

He is still seeking. Are you a worshipper? SING!!! (Another Gaither song)

Baruch HaShem (praise the Lord or blessed be the Name), and Shalom,
Mishpochah

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Diane Bristol

2011-09-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to prophetess Diane Bristol starting her prophetic teaching series at Bread of

Life Fellowship at New York Christian Retreat Sept 11 at 6 pm. Come and be blessed!

WOW - WORD-OF-THE-WEEK

2011-09-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

This week we look at the Lord my Strength, Yahweh Ma’owz (ma-oz or ma –ohs).
The Hebrew מעוז, ma’owz, means place or means of safety, protection, refuge,
or stronghold. A masculine noun showing it is meant more of an entity
rather than an action. Again we are reminded that God IS more than being a
possessor or actor. It denotes a place rather than an action. In
Revelation we are told God will keep us in the hour of peril. Many have
believed that means He will remove us from the situation. More accurately,
He acts as what is referred to as a ‘keep’ of a castle – a line or wall of
defense that keeps you safe inside and keeps the enemy out. A thousand may
fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand – but it will not come
near your household because God is ‘keeping’ you safe in His protection.
The Angel of the Lord encamps around those that fear (reverence) Him. We
are always safe in the everlasting arms as He bears us up.

Shalom, Mishpochah.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Church Services in the Dark

2011-08-29T18:09:00.003-07:00

At the beginning of our church service, on Sunday, the electricity in the sanctuary went out. We were unable to get it up and running at the time, but that didn't stop us - we had church anyway!

We ran a cord up to another building, plugged in the overhead for a little light, and worshipped the Lord!

Then, Pastor Phil brought forth the Word of God!

We had an awesome time in the Lord!

Praise God!

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-08-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

This week we look at the Lord thy Redeemer. In Hebrew גאל, ga’al means to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman. Therefore, Yahweh Ga’al is the One who pays the price to redeem us, or buy us back, from the domain of darkness and place us in the Kingdom of Light. He paid a tremendous price – His Son – to cover the ‘ransom’ for us. Can we do any less than give Him our all – He gave His all for us.

Shalom, Mishpachah.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Phil Derstine

2011-08-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce that Phil Derstine will be ministering at Bread of Life Fellowship tonight. We meet at 6pm at New York Christian Retreat at 86 Hatch Road, Hermon, NY.

Come on out and enjoy the presence of the Lord!

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Word-of-the-Week - WOW

2011-08-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Today we look at Yahweh Laharoi, the Lord, He that sees me. The Hebrew,
רֳאִי (ro’iy or ro-i) combines with ‘El to come up with elrohey, which has
several variants, depending on translations and translators. Ro’iy is a
masculine noun meaning seeing. We need to remember that God is always
watching over us – not in a despotic manner but in a benevolent way. He is
always looking to bless us with His favor, anointing and blessing for our
obedience. See Deuteronomy 28:1-15 to better understand why God is always
‘seeing’ us. Remember, this is a noun, another reminder that God does not
‘have’ or ‘do’ many things – He IS seeing, health, prosperity – whatever we
need, He IS. Forget not ALL His benefits – He imparts to us Himself.

Shalom, Mishpachah

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

This Week's WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-08-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

Today we look at ‘the Lord who hears’. The Hebrew שָׁמַע (shama’ or shamah)
means to hear or perceive with the ear. The Lord is always listening to our
prayer, has His ear inclined to hear our pleas. Not that He is necessarily
always pleased with our prayers but He always hears and even desires for us
to pray. Paul says we should pray without ceasing, praying with the mind
and with the Spirit. God waits eagerly to hear us call to Him. He wants to
bless us, answer our prayers – to bring Him glory. 1 John says “this is the
confidence we have in Him – that when we pray according to (in agreement
with and citing) His word, He hears us. And we know that we have the
requests we have made of Him.” (my paraphrase). Herein is your Father
glorified if we ask anything in Jesus’ Name, we have what we ask for – if
we pray believing. We can pray believing if we pray the Word.
Shalom, Mishpachah.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I grabbed three of the Foote boys, and we made a ministry trip to Albany and Amsterdam.

Blessings to Jubilee Fellowship and in Amsterdam, NY.

Today we will look at the Lord Almighty – El Shaddai, the all-powerful or
all-sufficient One. In Genesis 17:1, the Lord describes Himself as the
Almighty God. The Hebrew, שַׁדַּי – Shadday (shad-dah-e), means almighty or
most powerful. He is capable of performing His word – God said it, that
settles it. Whatever need doing, He is able to do it – simply by speaking
the word. All you need is ‘one word from God’, as Candy Foote says. Don’t
look in the logos for ‘a word’ – look to Him to speak a rhema word to you.
He will make His word to come alive in you by the power of His Spirit. Too
often, we try to find a verse that will say what we believe we need rather
than seek His face to get THE word spoken to US. He gave us two ears and
one mouth for a reason.

We need each other in the Kingdom, as we were reminded at a conference last
week.

Blessing and Shalom, Mishpakah (family)

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-08-09T12:35:00.001-07:00

Once again, we look at ‘Jehovah-Jireh’. In Genesis 22:14 we find Abraham
naming the place where he had gone to sacrifice his son Jehovah-Jireh or,
more appropriately Yahweh Yireh (there is no ‘J’ sound in Hebrew). It was
said that in the mount of the Lord (יהוה - Jehovah or Yahweh), it shall be
seen (ראה – ra’ah). As with salvation, and all of our walk in the Kingdom,
first we believe and then we see. Too often it is said, “I will believe it
when I see it.” In the Kingdom we FIRST believe it, then we declare it,
then we see it. Like Abraham, who told Isaac the Lord would provide the
sacrifice (confession of what he believed) and, at the proper time, BEHOLD –
THE LAMB! Too often it is said, “God said it, I believe it, that settles
it”, which , in a sense is true as to order but the reality is, “God said
it, that settles it.” What is it you need? What does the Word say about
that? God IS everything you need – all you NEED is more of Him.

Shalom and Blessing, Mishpachah (מִשְׁפָּחָה – mishpookah - family).

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

WOW

2011-07-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Lord Who sanctifies – Yahweh M’Kaddesh. קָדַשׁ (qadash or kadash) means
to be sanctified, made holy, set apart. God wants to set us apart from the
world and its desires and ways. Paul writes in Romans; “I urge you,
therefore, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of
worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is – His good and acceptable and perfect will. For
by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself
more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober
judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
(Romans 12:1-3 NIV) The implication is that we should not think of
ourselves as less than what God has made us to be and declared that we are.
We are no longer sinners but saints – transferred from the domain of
darkness to the kingdom of His blessed Son. Shalom to all.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Word-of-the-Week

2011-07-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today we would like to look at God Most High or the Most High God. In
Hebrew עֶלְיוֹן (‘elyown or el-yon’ with a long ‘o’) means ‘high’ or ‘most
high’. In referring to man or an object it is an adjective that means
‘high’. When referring to God it means ‘most high’. He is God above all
gods (although there are no other ‘gods’). He is high and lifted up. His
Name is higher than any other name. His ways are higher than ours. He is
supreme, sovereign over all things and subject to none. Hence, El-elyon is
above all else yet He chooses to love us and thing of us ‘above all else’.
What is man that (He) should think of him? Thank god for His mercy and
love.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Special Guest Speaker from Africa

2011-07-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

Come join us up at the North Country Christian Retreat tomorrow night, for our regular Sunday evening services, at six o'clock.

We are having a very special guest speaker from Africa!

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-07-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Have a blessed Fourth of July. As we celebrate our freedom, we are a day
behind the celebration of the independence of Israel.

Today we look at רָעָה, ra’ah – shepherd. As in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my
shepherd.” He is our shepherd – leading us to green pastures (places where
we can be fed and meditate on the Word of God), watching over us even when
we are sleeping or resting and keeping us safe no matter what dire
circumstances we find ourselves in. He is constantly tending to us, for us
and through us. The Jews do not pronounce the tetragrmaton – YHWH – as we
do when we make the compound names of God as we. The pronounce the inserted
vowel points for Adonai. Where we say Jehovah Jireh, they would say Adonai
Yireh. He is our Shepherd Who frees us from the brambles of life, always
seeking us when we stray and making sure all our needs are met. He is more
than enough.

Baruch HaShem and Shalom. Celebrate the independence and freedom He gives
us.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Join Us Every Sunday at Six

2011-06-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

Pastor Bill speaking at the North Country Christian Retreat

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-06-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Today we look at Lord of Hosts as found in 1 Samuel 1:3. The Hebrew, צָבָא, tsava means army, armies, all creation or hosts. Hence, Jahweh-tsava is rendered Lord of Hosts. And is referenced in both the Old Testament and the New (Romans 9:29). I am reminded of the prophet’s valet who was worriedabout being surrounded but when the prophet prayed and the servant’s eyes were opened (to see into the spiritual) the real picture became clear – the Lord of Hosts had surrounded the surrounders. We need to understand that “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world is still true today. The Lord of Hosts has deployed His armies to fight for us. What have we to fear? NOTHING! Praise His Holy Name. Baruch HaShem and Shalom.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER FROM INDIA

2011-06-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that Pastor Sam, from STAR Ministries in India, will be speaking at our church on Sunday, July 3, 2011!

You don't want to miss Pastor Sam!

Come on out to Manna Hall (the sanctuary) at the North Country Christian Retreat to hear Pastor Sam!

Feel free to email me for more information: bill@jesusfedthehungry.com

Bread of Life Fellowship

2011-06-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Come on out to Manna Hall (the sanctuary) at the North Country Christian Retreat and join us for a wonderful time of fellowship with the Lord every Sunday at six in the evening!

WOW

2011-06-22T07:05:00.001-07:00

Greetings to all. Today I want to look at Jehovah Nissi or Jahweh Nissi,
the Lord my banner.

יְהֹוָה נִסִּי

Yahweh means He Is. He is everything we need including our banner. Nissi,
or nissiy means banner or can mean the pole the banner is lifted up on. In
the New Testament we Jesus (Yeshua - short form of Jehovah-Shua, the Lord my
salvation) lifted up on a ‘pole’, as He said He would be – “if I be lifted
up…”

We sing of “His banner over us” and we “we want to see Jesus lifted high, a
banner…”

In a Jewish wedding, we are reminded of the hoopah – a banner or arbor under
which the vows are exchanged. His banner over the couple reminding them of
His love and all it entails.

He IS everything we need. Too often, we treat Him as if He has things in
His heavenly warehouse that He imparts to us as we requisition them. We
must seek Him and His Kingdom and all these ‘things’ (benefits or
attributes) will be added to us.

Remember to dwell under His banner of love. There is where all His Kingdom
‘benefits’ or characteristics are manifest!

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Guest from India

2011-06-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to hosting Sampurna Rao from India again this year. He is a real blessing as a

man of God and an excellent Bible teacher. I will keep you posted.

Don't forget, our new church home is at the North Country Christian Retreat at 6:00 P.M. on

Sunday evenings!

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-06-13T09:45:00.001-07:00

Pray!! Watch Turkey! It is God's intent to pour out His Spirit as we near
the end of this age.

In Joel it is prophesied there will be two end-time,
concurrent revivals - one of evil and one of righteousness.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

I believe it will only come through great trials.

Israel is the apple of God's eye. We must unite with one another and with
Israel.

God will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse
Israel.

The greatest blessing we can be to Israel is to spend time in
prayer for them and educate ourselves about the root of our Messiah.

Pentecost, which we just celebrated, is based on Shavuot, the Jewish
celebration of the giving of the law.

And God prophesied He would write his law in our hearts - which is what he did at Pentecost, and every time someone is indwelt by His Spirit.

We should not 'celebrate' Pentecost, but live in it and let it live in and through us.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

WOW - Word-of-the-Week

2011-06-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

A little diversion as I undertake to get out the WOW again.

It was a great delight and time of refreshing and encouragement this past
weekend to fellowship and worship with a very diverse group. There were
natives of Trinidad, India, Guatemala, Ghana and the USA. We spent much
time in worship, prayer and fellowship over meals. What a blessing to
gather at SALT Ministries in Lacona, NY. What unity in the Spirit and
ministry as the Lord intends for it to be as normal in the body of Christ.

I am believing that this is a 'springing out' of a new revival that will
sweep, not only the "North Country", but in all places that were represented
there.

I am looking forward with great hope and expectancy for this fresh 'blowing'
of the Spirit of God.

Remember, you can opt out of the WOW by replying with 'cancel' in the
subject line.

John 10:10

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Jezreel Ministries

2011-05-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

With the assistance of Foote Family Ministries and Bread of Life Fellowship, plus the loan of a truck from Michael Maurer to pull the trailer, we were able to deliver a trailer load of goods to Jezreel Ministries in Albany, New York, for shipment to several points overseas.

John 10:10

Blessings,

Pastor Bill

Albany

2011-05-09T11:46:00.001-07:00

Off on a short missions trip to Albany to deliver some much needed stuff.

Incorporated help from some Foote kids!