Vayechi - Reading #7

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived - Reading #7

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12

Apostolic Scripture: John 13:1-19

My Thoughts:

In verse 21 Joseph comforts his sons and says he will provide for them. That is how parents have done it for generations. Part of your financial planning should be for your children and grandchildren. Some of us, even at retirement age, live paycheck to paycheck. So, what can we do? One thing would be to pay off your mortgage and place your children in your will to inherit your home. If you are young, work hard to buy a home and pay it off in time for your children. Do whatever you can do. If you are young, set up a trust for your children’s education. My kids inherited a trust from their grandfather, and it was a super blessing. To them and to us as their parents.

Challenge:

Make a financial plan to take care of existing/future kids and grandchildren. Do it today or put it on your planner. Do not delay. Set it up as soon as you are able, and it will put your mind at peace. Look at it as a lifelong gift.

Reading #7 - Genesis 50:21–26

50:21 Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.

22 Joseph lived in Egypt, he, and his father’s house. Joseph lived one hundred ten years. 23 Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children also of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees. 24 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am dying, but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “Elohim will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Haltarah 

My Thoughts:

Not only is financial planning for our children important, but more importantly is teaching them Hashem’s Torah and His ways. We read that Hashem told David if he did this -- then he and his children would prosper in ALL that he/they did. Isn’t that what we really want for our children, spiritual prosperity? My daily prayer is that my children and grandchildren will serve Hashem. The only way that will happen is through prayer and teaching Torah to them. Be intentional in this. So, that they may prosper.

Challenge:

Make a plan how you will teach your children/grandchildren Torah. Do daily readings, such as this one and the internet is rich with Torah videos -- adult and kid. Make your plan and carry it out. Start a routine with readings and study. They say it takes three weeks to make a habit. Do it. It’s super important. It will make the difference between a good life and a not so good life.

Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12

2 Now the days of David came near that he should die; and he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am going the way of all the earth. You be strong therefore, and show yourself a man; 3 and keep the instruction of Hashem your Elohim, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and wherever you turn yourself. 4 Then Hashem may establish His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your children are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you,’ he said, ‘a man on the throne of Israel.’

5 “Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, even what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his sash that was around his waist, and in his sandals that were on his feet. 6 Do therefore according to your wisdom, and don’t let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

8 “Behold, there is with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite, of Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim; but he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by Hashem, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore don’t hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood.”

10 David slept with his fathers, and was buried in David’s city. 11 The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 Solomon sat on David his father’s throne; and his kingdom was firmly established.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

Yeshua knows He is about to leave His friends and die. As in all of our Scripture readings today He begins to prepare those around Him for His departure. In this very unique way, He chooses to “wash the feet” of His disciples. He performs an act of service. A humble act. He is teaching them that no matter who you are, or what your position is, you are not greater than others. In fact, it is an honor to be the “least”. He teaches that it is better to serve than to be served. An important lesson and one that we should be teaching our children and grandchildren. 

Challenge:

How can you “serve” your children, grandchildren today? And how can you teach them to do the same? This should be a daily part of your life, but it should also be a daily teaching to them. Be sure in all you do that your message to them is that we are to serve, and not to be served. Teach them humility and service to Hashem and others. It will make them really good “G-dly” people.

Apostolic Scripture: John 13:1-19

13 Now before the feast of the Passover, Yeshua, knowing that His time had come that He would depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Yeshua, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came from Elohim, and was going to Elohim, 4 arose from supper, and laid aside His outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “L-rd, do you wash my feet?”

7 Yeshua answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.”

8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”

Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 Simon Peter said to him, “L-rd, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

10 Yeshua said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew him who would betray Him, therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” 12 So when He had washed their feet, put His outer garment back on, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘L-rd.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. 14 If I then, Hashem and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you. 16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am He.

Vayigash - Reading #7

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Halftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 24:30-48

Reading #7 - Genesis 47:11–27

My Thoughts: 

Fairness. Joseph buys up the animals and the land from the people that are starving in exchange for food. But then he gives them seeds to plant and raise crops. Yes, they have to give a portion back to Pharaoh, but they will be able to work, eat and live. That sounds really fair to me. If Joseph would not have handled this situation this way -- they would have died. 

I think about fairness in our lives. Sometimes we are called to help those around us in a special way. But, are we fair in our dealings? Do we give, without any expectation of return? This may be a really good concept to learn. I remember for years we helped out a family during the holidays with presents and food, and sometimes throughout the year. They were not expected to give anything in return, and eventually they became very demanding of us. So much so that we had to cut off the relationship. In retrospect it may have been better if we had asked for something in return. Something they could manage. Like repairing or fixing an object for us, cutting the lawn, painting, etc. I know they would have learned and grown, and so would have our friendship.

Challenge: 

The next time you are called to give to someone, pray about how you can ask them to help you out in some way (if it is possible). There are times when people are not in a position to help back -- like when they are ill or incapacitated. But, if someone is healthy and can work or help -- then ask them to! You will both benefit and grow from the situation. It may even encourage them to go out and do this for others too! Who knows, it could even lead to better training or a better job for them. It’s worth a try.

Reading #7 - Genesis 47:11–27

47:11 Joseph placed his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all of his father’s household with bread, according to the sizes of their families.

13 There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. 14 Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. 15 When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph, and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For our money fails.”

16 Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”

17 They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys: and he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year. 18 When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. 19 Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won’t be desolate.”

20 So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh’s. 21 As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it. 22 Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land. 23 Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. 24 It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.”

25 They said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”

26 Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s.

27 Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly.

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts

What a wonderful promise. That the people of Hashem will be gathered back to Israel in the end. To become one Kingdom, one shepherd, one King. Oh, how I look forward to that day. Then there will truly be peace on earth. Joy in the world. The glory of Hashem will fill the Temple and we will all bow down to the Mashiach. That is something we should be praying for every day! Blow the shofars and call on the Mashiach to come quickly. Let us join our Jewish family in doing so!

Challenge

My challenge is simply this. Start praying every day (if you don’t already) for the Temple to be rebuilt and the Mashiach to return. Pray that people’s hearts will turn toward Hashem and get ready for His return. Pray that people will learn more about Scripture like this that promises a united Kingdom in Jerusalem. And get ready yourself. Clean up your life. Focus on Hashem and others, and take your eyes off yourself! Learn and grow in the Word and know what to expect. 

Halftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

15 Hashems’s word came again to me, saying, 16 “You, son of man, take one stick, and write on it, ‘For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions.’ Then take another stick, and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.’ 17 Then join them for yourself to one another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.

18 “When the children of your people speak to you, saying, ‘Won’t you show us what you mean by these?’ 19 tell them, ‘Hashem Elohim says: “Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in my hand. 20 The sticks on which you write will be in your hand before their eyes.”’ 21 Say to them, ‘Hashem Elohim says: “Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, where they have gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. One king will be king to them all. They will no longer be two nations. They won’t be divided into two kingdoms any more at all. 23 They won’t defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. So they will be my people, and I will be their Elohim.

24 “‘“My servant David will be king over them. They all will have one shepherd. They will also walk in my ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 They will dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob my servant, in which your fathers lived. They will dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children’s children, forever. David my servant will be their prince forever. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them. It will be an everlasting covenant with them. I will place them, multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forever more. 27 My tent also will be with them. I will be their Elohim, and they will be my people. 28 The nations will know that I am Hashem who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forever more.”’”

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts

When Yeshua came the first time, many rejected Him. Was it because they didn’t know what to expect? Yeshua warns us that when He returns there will be many false messiahs. Will we believe in a false messiah, or be prayed up and studied in His Word to KNOW that it is truly HIM. Study your Scripture for what the world will look like when Mashiach comes. Be ready and be in truth.

Challenge

Spend some time today (I have challenged you this before) and look up verses concerning the arrival of the Mashiach and the information about the Temple in that time. Ezekiel is a wonderful book to learn from. Take a tablet and write down what to expect. Learn how He will come, what He will do and what YOUR part is in it all. Take time to do this so that you are not deceived. And I need to do this also. People we must pray for His return and we must be prepared in Truth so that we can recognize the one true Elohim!

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 24:30-48

30 When he had sat down at the table with them, He took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, He gave it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, then He vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while He spoke to us along the way, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The L-rd is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36 As they said these things, Yeshua Himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.”

45 Then He opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Mashiach to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Miketz - Reading #7

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7

Apostolic Scriptures: Luke 24:13-29

Reading #7 - Genesis 43:30–44:17

My Thoughts:

Some curious Scripture in today’s reading. Joseph has his cup of “divination” planted in Benjamin's sack. He plots all this to bring him back. But, what is so interesting is why does Joseph have possession of an object of divination? A clear sin against the Father? It could be that he just owned the cup because it was tradition for those in royalty. It really isn’t clear if he ever used it. I am guessing that he did not. He seemed to be very blessed by Hashem and a righteous man. Nevertheless, could it be that Joseph was being a little assimilated into Egyptian pagan culture? Isn’t that what happens to us when we begin to hang out with people and go places that are not acceptable to Hashem? What is the “cup of divination” that you carry around? Search your heart.

Challenge: 

Instead of revealing himself to his brothers right away, he carries out plans of deception. Did he need to? What would have happened if he just exposed the truth in the beginning? Do you ever do this? Instead of being “real” with someone you play games first? Search your conscience and see if you have been manipulating a situation that should not be. And try to confront it with truth instead. Right away. You will be blessed.

READING #7 - Genesis 43:30–44:17

43:30 Joseph hurried, for his heart yearned over his brother; and he sought a place to weep. He entered into his room, and wept there. 31 He washed his face, and came out. He controlled himself, and said, “Serve the meal.”

32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians don’t eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth, and the men marveled with one another. 34 He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank, and were merry with him.

44 He commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in his sack’s mouth. 2 Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, with his grain money.” He did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. 4 When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men. When you overtake them, ask them, ‘Why have you rewarded evil for good? 5 Isn’t this that from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.’” 6 He overtook them, and he spoke these words to them.

7 They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing! 8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan. How then should we steal silver or gold out of your lord’s house? 9 With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.”

10 He said, “Now also let it be according to your words. He with whom it is found will be my slave; and you will be blameless.”

11 Then they hurried, and each man took his sack down to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 He searched, beginning with the oldest, and ending at the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey, and returned to the city.

14 Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, and he was still there. They fell on the ground before him. 15 Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Don’t you know that such a man as I can indeed do divination?”

16 Judah said, “What will we tell my lord? What will we speak? How will we clear ourselves? Elohim has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and he also in whose hand the cup is found.”

17 He said, “Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.”

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts:

Prophecy claiming G-d as “Hashem of armies”. What armies? I believe Hashem is the Commander of the angels in heaven. Is that reassuring to you? That the one we serve is the ultimate Chief. With His supreme control over the armies of heaven -- there will never be defeat. This is a very comforting thought. In all reality we have nothing to worry about. Even if the world is spinning around us and sin abounds, we know the “end” of the story. G-d wins! He has all the victory!

Challenge: 

In chapter 4:6 we hear Hashem saying, “...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.” That is how Hashem moves in the Kingdom of Heaven. By His Spirit. Have you thought about the Spirit of Hashem lately? Have ever prayed that His Spirit fills you -- surrounds you in your life? So that you could be used by Him in mighty and wonderful ways? I encourage you to pray this prayer today! And experience a life change.

Haftarah: Zechariah 3-4:7

3 He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Hashem’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary. 2 Hashem said to Satan, “Hashem rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Hashem who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”

3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel. 4 He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”

5 I said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.”

So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and Hashem’s angel was standing by. 6 Hashem’s angel protested to Joshua, saying, 7 “Hashem of Armies says: ‘If you will walk in my ways, and if you will follow my instructions, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by. 8 Hear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you; for they are men who are a sign: for, behold, I will bring out my servant, the Branch. 9 For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave its engraving,’ says Hashem of Armies, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 10 In that day,’ says Hashem of Armies, ‘you will invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.’”

4 The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 He said to me, “What do you see?”

I said, “I have seen, and behold, a lamp stand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are on the top of it; 3 and two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it.”

4 I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?”

5 Then the angel who talked with me answered me, “Don’t you know what these are?”

I said, “No, my lord.”

6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, “This is Hashem’s word to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says Hashem of Armies. 7 Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you are a plain; and He will bring out the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace, to it!’”

Apostolic Scripture Reading

My Thoughts:

Yeshua meets two men on His journey. Only they don’t recognize Him. This gives Him a chance to instruct them about Scripture and His specific prophecies. What I find interesting is that these were men that probably had spent years learning Scripture, but it took Yeshua in person to make things clear to them. It is my prayer that Hashem will open OUR EYES to the truth of Scripture. That He will teach us, just like Yeshua taught these two men. That we will understand and be ready when He returns. That we will recognize Him when He returns.

Challenge: 

Spend some time looking up prophetic Scripture regarding the Messiah. Some say there is the “Suffering Servant” Messiah and the Messiah that comes as King and Ruler. We know the first has come, now we must study how He will come again to this planet. To rule and reign forever. We must get ready so that we can recognize Him and believe it is Him. It’s time to do this.

Apostolic Scriptures: Luke 24:13-29

13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 While they talked and questioned together, Yeshua Himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”

18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”

19 He said to them, “What things?”

They said to him, “The things concerning Yeshua, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before Elohim and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see Him.”

25 He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 They came near to the village where they were going, and He acted like He would go further.

29 They urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.”

He went in to stay with them.

Vayeshev - Reading #7

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled

Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Shabbat Reading #7 - Genesis Chapter 40

My Thoughts: 

Today’s reading is all about dreams. Dreams that are so important that they predict life and death for two people. We all dream, some of us remember them, some do not. The most important thing is that if you have a distinct dream that you pray about it. Ask Hashem to interpret it for you. If it is about someone you know, it may be He wants you to pray about it. It could be a warning, or a prophetic message. What I am trying to say is -- pay attention! Your dreams could really be important and affect your future and those around you!

Challenge: 

In order for Joseph to interpret the two dreams, he had to stand up and say that he could do it (with Hashem’s help), And he began simply by asking them why they were so sad. How many times do you see someone or know someone that looks sad and you don’t ask. Maybe it’s someone you know is going to complain. So, it’s easier to disregard them. I have done that. 

I remember my next door neighbor always wanting to talk to me. It was always when I was getting in or out of my car in some hurry. Sometimes I would listen but often I would just say a quick “hi” and go. One time she was out in her driveway and I felt like Hashem was telling me to go over and listen to her. So, I did. I listened to her and showed her I cared. I am so glad I did. Because right after that she dropped dead from a brain aneurysm. It was my last time to be nice to her. 

Today, if someone crossed your path that looks sad, ask them why? And listen. Take time to minister Hashem’s love to those around you. It’s very very important.

Shabbat Reading #7 - Genesis chapter 40

40 After these things, the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cup bearer and the chief baker. 3 He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he took care of them. They stayed in prison many days. 5 They both dreamed a dream, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the cup bearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison. 6 Joseph came in to them in the morning, and saw them, and saw that they were sad. 7 He asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”

8 They said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.”

Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to Elohim? Please tell it to me.”

9 The chief cup bearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “In my dream, behold, a vine was in front of me, 10 and in the vine were three branches. It was as though it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters produced ripe grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.”

12 Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days. 13 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head, and restore you to your office. You will give Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, the way you did when you were his cup bearer. 14 But remember me when it is well with you. Please show kindness to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house. 15 For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head. 17 In the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”

18 Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head from off you, and will hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from off you.” 20 On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants, and he lifted up the head of the chief cup bearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. 21 He restored the chief cup bearer to his position again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; 22 but he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 Yet the chief cup bearer didn’t remember Joseph, but forgot him.

THIS WEEK’S HAFTARAH:

My Thoughts: 

Today’s reading is about Hashem’s prophets. Some of you may believe that prophecy has ended long ago, that the only prophets are those written about in Scripture. Others may believe that Hashem speaks to man today. There are many “prophets'' that speak through the internet, through conferences and churches. How do we know that they have really heard from Hashem? Maybe look at their “fruit”. Research and see if their previous prophecies have come true -- or are coming true. Pray and ask Hashem if they are for real. I do think it is something we should pay attention to.

Challenge: 

Do you ever feel like Hashem has spoken something special to you? That He has a “word” for someone you know, or that He is asking you to do something special? My challenge to you today is to take a risk. Go forward and do what you think He says, see what happens. Or if it is something you are supposed to tell someone, do it. Just pray and see what happens. It could be very important and relevant. It could be a super blessing. I can tell you this, if you don’t go forward and it is from Hashem, you will regret it for the rest of your life.

Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8

2:6 Hashem says:

“For three transgressions of Israel, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have sold the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals; 7 They trample on the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and deny justice to the oppressed; and a man and his father use the same maiden, to profane my holy name; 8 and they lay themselves down beside every altar on clothes taken in pledge; and in the house of their Elohim they drink the wine of those who have been fined.

9 Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above; and his roots from beneath. 10 Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. 11 I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites. Isn’t this true, you children of Israel?” says Hashem.

12 “But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘Don’t prophesy!’ 13 Behold, I will crush you in your place, as a cart crushes that is full of grain. 14 Flight will perish from the swift;

and the strong won’t strengthen his force; neither shall the mighty deliver himself; 15 neither shall he stand who handles the bow; and he who is swift of foot won’t escape; neither shall he who rides the horse deliver himself;

16 and he who is courageous among the mighty will flee away naked on that day,” says Hashem.

3 Hear this word that Hashem has spoken against you, children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “I have only chosen you of all the families of the earth. Therefore I will punish you for all of your sins.” 3 Do two walk together, unless they have agreed? 4 Will a lion roar in the thicket, when he has no prey?

Does a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing? 5 Can a bird fall in a trap on the earth, where no snare is set for him? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when there is nothing to catch? 6 Does the trumpet alarm sound in a city, without the people being afraid? Does evil happen to a city, and Hashem hasn’t done it?

7 Surely Hashem Adonai will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets, 8 The lion has roared. Who will not fear? Hashem Adonai has spoken. Who can but prophesy?

THIS WEEK’S APOSTOLIC SCRIPTURE:

My Thoughts: 

Today's readings are about dreams. Joseph has a life changing dream from Hashem. He is to accept Mary as his wife and not disregard her. And not only that but in his dream he is told that she will give birth to the Mashiach - the long prayed for Messiah. What an incredible blessing that must have been to him. I wonder if he had a hard time believing this was true? But, maybe his faith in Hashem was so strong he was willing to believe and to accept.

Challenge: 

How strong is your faith in Hashem? If He came to you in a dream or sent an angel to you and told you the Mashiach was returning would you believe Him? I think Joseph must have had incredible faith. Take some time today to think about your own faith. How can you make it stronger? Are you spending enough personal time with Hashem and getting to know Him and trust Him? Ask Him today to build your faith in Him -- confess your sins and admit you need help with this. Then when He shows Himself to you in some unique way -- you can believe it truly is Him!

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Yeshua HaMashiach was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly. 20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of Hashem appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall name Him Yeshua, for it is He who shall save his people from their sins.”

22 Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Hashem through the prophet, saying,

23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child,

    and shall give birth to a son.

They shall call His name Immanuel,”

    which is, being interpreted, “Elohim with us.”Isaiah 7:14

24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of Hashem commanded him, and took his wife to himself; 25 and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named Him Yeshua.

Vayishlach - Reading #7

Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent

Genesis 32:4-36:43

Haftarah: Hosea 11:7-12:12, Obadiah 1:1-21

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Shabbat Reading #7 - Genesis 36:20–43

My Thoughts:

Here we have a history of Esau’s descendants, Kings and Chiefs. For some reason this history and particular names are important. In today's world we don’t pay much attention to ancestry or the recording of names and family trees (some people do). I tried to go back just to my grandparents and their parents -- and it took me years to find names and cities of birth. And quite honestly, because my great grandparents were in Poland, I have very little information about them. It has been impossible to get details. But, then we read the Torah and we see great detail given to names in ancestral lines. Maybe we should try to do this also. You can start today and record all the relatives -- by name -- that you know about. 

Challenge:

Today you can start making a family tree. Start with those you know. And start researching. Go to ancestry.com and sign up. It is worth every penny. And usually you can get a lot done in a month’s time. It is so important to do this for your children and your grandchildren. Our ancestors have interesting and some life-changing stories. It’s time you recorded them!

Reading #7 - Genesis 36:20–43

36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 21 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom. 22 The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan’s sister was Timna. 23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. 24 These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed the donkeys of Zibeon his father. 25 These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah. 26 These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 27 These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. 28 These are the children of Dishan: Uz and Aran. 29 These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah, 30 chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in the land of Seir.

31 These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel. 32 Bela, the son of Beor, reigned in Edom. The name of his city was Dinhabah. 33 Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in his place. 34 Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. 35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith. 36 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. 37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place. 38 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place. 39 Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

40 These are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth, 41 chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon, 42 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, 43 chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession. This is Esau, the father of the Edomites.

THIS WEEK’S HAFTARAH:

My Thoughts: 

In Obadiah 1:15 we read a fearful admonition, “For the day of Hashem is near all the nations! As you have done, it will be done to you. Your deeds will return upon your own head.” Nations and the people within them believe that they can cheat, kill and steal -- without repercussion. Simply not true. A nation may get away with sin for a while, but not for long. Every deceitful nation has been brought down throughout the centuries. Now the country I live in -- the United States of America -- is also in trouble. For almost 50 years we have legalized abortion and over 60 million babies have had their lives terminated in the womb. The womb is supposed to be the safest place in the world, now it is truly unsafe. There will be (and has been) a severe consequence from Hashem for what we have done. We have blood in our land and that is one of seven things that Hashem detests (Proverbs 6:16-19). Only sincere, heartfelt prayer and repentance will save us. Let’s begin this process today.

Challenge: 

Take a minute to reflect on what you have done to others that you most certainly would NOT like to be done to you. Write them down. Repent and make amends. If you are unable to make amends directly to the people you have hurt, then go to Hashem and do it through Him. Otherwise, be fearful for your “deeds will return upon your own head.” And that would be just awful. Let’s avoid that if we can.

Haftarah: Hosea 11:7-12:12, Obadiah 1:1-21

11:7 My people are determined to turn from Me.

    Though they call to the Most High,

    He certainly won’t exalt them.

8 “How can I give you up, Ephraim?

    How can I hand you over, Israel?

    How can I make you like Admah?

    How can I make you like Zeboiim?

My heart is turned within Me,

    My compassion is aroused.

9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger.

    I will not return to destroy Ephraim:

    for I am Elohim, and not man; the Holy One among you;

    and I will not come in wrath.

10 They will walk after Hashem,

    who will roar like a lion;

    for he will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west.

11 They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt,

    and like a dove out of the land of Assyria;

and I will settle them in their houses,” says Hashem.

12 Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood,

    and the house of Israel with deceit.

    Judah still strays from Elohim,

    and is unfaithful to the Holy One.

12:1 Ephraim feeds on wind,

    and chases the east wind.

    He continually multiplies lies and desolation.

    They make a covenant with Assyria,

    and oil is carried into Egypt.

2 Hashem also has a controversy with Judah,

    and will punish Jacob according to his ways;

    according to his deeds he will repay him.

3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel;

    and in his manhood he contended with Elohim.

4 Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed;

    he wept, and made supplication to him.

    He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us,

5     even Hashem, the Elohim of Armies;

    Hashem is His name of renown!

6 Therefore turn to your Elohim.

    Keep kindness and justice,

    and wait continually for your Elohim.

7 A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand.

    He loves to defraud.

8 Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich,

    I have found myself wealth.

    In all my wealth they won’t find in me any iniquity that is sin.”

9 “But I am Hashem your Elohim from the land of Egypt.

    I will yet again make you dwell in tents,

    as in the days of the solemn feast.

10 I have also spoken to the prophets,

    and I have multiplied visions;

    and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables.

11 If Gilead is wicked,

    surely they are worthless.

In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls.

    Indeed, their altars are like heaps in the furrows of the field.

12 Jacob fled into the country of Aram,

    and Israel served to get a wife,

    and for a wife he tended flocks and herds.

Obadiah 1:1-21

1:1 The vision of Obadiah. This is what Hashem Elohim says about Edom. We have heard news from Hashem, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, saying, “Arise, and let’s rise up against her in battle. 2 Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised. 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ 4 Though you mount on high as the eagle, and though your nest is set among the stars, I will bring you down from there,” says Yahweh. 5 “If thieves came to you, if robbers by night—oh, what disaster awaits you—wouldn’t they only steal until they had enough? If grape pickers came to you, wouldn’t they leave some gleaning grapes? 6 How Esau will be ransacked! How his hidden treasures are sought out! 7 All the men of your alliance have brought you on your way, even to the border. The men who were at peace with you have deceived you, and prevailed against you. Friends who eat your bread lay a snare under you. There is no understanding in him.”

8 “Won’t I in that day”, says Hashem, “destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mountain of Esau? 9 Your mighty men, Teman, will be dismayed, to the end that everyone may be cut off from the mountain of Esau by slaughter. 10 For the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be cut off forever. 11 In the day that you stood on the other side, in the day that strangers carried away his substance, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots for Jerusalem, even you were like one of them. 12 But don’t look down on your brother in the day of his disaster, and don’t rejoice over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction. Don’t speak proudly in the day of distress. 13 Don’t enter into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity. Don’t look down on their affliction in the day of their calamity, neither seize their wealth on the day of their calamity. 14 Don’t stand in the crossroads to cut off those of his who escape. Don’t deliver up those of his who remain in the day of distress. 15 For the day of Hashem is near all the nations! As you have done, it will be done to you. Your deeds will return upon your own head. 16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so will all the nations drink continually. Yes, they will drink, swallow down, and will be as though they had not been. 17 But in Mount Zion, there will be those who escape, and it will be holy. The house of Jacob will possess their possessions. 18 The house of Jacob will be a fire, the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble. They will burn among them, and devour them. There will not be any remaining to the house of Esau.” Indeed, Hashem has spoken.

19 Those of the South will possess the mountain of Esau, and those of the lowland, the Philistines. They will possess the field of Ephraim, and the field of Samaria. Benjamin will possess Gilead. 20 The captives of this army of the children of Israel, who are among the Canaanites, will possess even to Zarephath; and the captives of Jerusalem, who are in Sepharad, will possess the cities of the Negev. 21 Saviors will go up on Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom will be Hashem’s.

THIS WEEK’S APOSTOLIC SCRIPTURE:

My Thoughts:

Dreams in this reading are very important. An angel warns Joseph to take his family into Egypt to avoid being killed. And another angel comes to him other times to direct their paths. I don’t know if we take our dreams as seriously as people in Scripture. Maybe we should. They say it is important to write your dream down as soon as you wake up. To have a pad of paper and pen, right by your bedside. You can forget a dream within minutes of waking up. It is important we write down our dreams that we know mean something. Pray and ask Hashem what they meant and ask for Scripture that might reveal and confirm them. It just may be Hashem is trying to tell you something very valuable, maybe even life saving!

Challenge:

Have you ever had an angel speak to you in a dream? Or has another person ever given you a “message” in a dream? I believe we are in a time of a special release of angels -- especially if the Mashiach is returning soon. Pay attention to those dreams, and ask Hashem to interpret them for you. It may change your life!

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of Hashem appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”

14 He arose and took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Hashem through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Hosea 11:1)

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men. 17 Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying,

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,

    lamentation, weeping and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children;

    she wouldn’t be comforted,

    because they are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15)

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of Hashem appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 20 “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.”

21 He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee, 23 and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he will be called a Nazarene.