Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta feast. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta feast. Mostrar todas las entradas
martes, 10 de diciembre de 2013
viernes, 30 de agosto de 2013
A touch of Israel
I decided to share this with you.
I hope you all have a great shabbat
Sue
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sábado, 6 de julio de 2013
Come Let Us Examine Ourselves
Examine yourselves
to see whether you are living the life of trust
For me each
day is a day of close examination to see if I am conforming to the Word of God
and His teachings.
Each time a
thought, memory that is being brought to the forefront of my mind I ask the
Lord to deliver me from the source.
Yesterday
evening I went along to my local Praise and Worship to bring in the Shabbat
with some other local Messianic Believers, we were worshiping and praising God
in English, Hebrew and Spanish, it is awesome to be able fellowship with Born
Again Messianic Jews – those who are restored back the Yeshua, we also
celebrate the Feast days that Appointed Times set forth according to the
Scriptures of which were instigated by God himself throughout the Scripture in
keeping with the way of Life the Messiah lives.
We are called to live
Gods way, and share in His celebrations and His feast days and festivals, WE
are called to Keep His Shabbats, and we are definitely called to Love our
fellow man as He loves us.
On reading a
book called: Replacement theology – Its Origins,
History and Theology by Derek C White. I can see just how far away we
as a Gentile Church going populace have been misled throughout the centuries
because of ignorance and illiteracy. It
is an incredible book and one well worth reading if you are indeed sincere in
discovering how, when and why the split from our Jewish Roots has occurred. I am not going to write a complete rewrite of
Derek C Whites book, however I do recommend that you get yourself a copy as it
is enlightening.
I myself
from the earliest days of being a believer have found it amazing how much we do
not comply with the Scriptures or the teachings of the Messiah and how we have
been separated from the Truth by the false doctrines that arose over the
centuries since the first Apostles of the Messiah.
Paul warns
us in his writings that there would be a time when people would be forced to
receive a false teachings and diverse visions, and separation from the True Way
of God. Bearing in mind that to Follow
Yeshua it is to follow in His footsteps, therefore by association we would be
brought into living His way of life, keeping His fast days, Holy Days, Feast-times,
festivals. Which were ordained by God to be kept forever, never to be changed nor
altered.
We see from
early writings of Paul that he is definitely warning the people to remain
steadfast in their faith as they were taught by the Disciples of the Messiah.
We have
unfortunately over the millennia been deceived by the writings of the so called
“church fathers” John Chrysostom, Origen who was influenced by Plato – who in
his day was classified as a philosopher at the school of Alexandria – who advocated
for homosexuality to become the norm. Which
is totally contrary to the Word of God?
When you read the teachings of John Chrysostom you soon discover his
hatred for Gods people. (I was baptised
in the Greek Orthodox church in my younger days and was told to read the
teachings as part of my education into being a “Christian”) To me, his teachings are abhorrent as they
are making Gods people to be evil and separated from God, when in fact they are
not –
they are Gods people and will always be God chosen people to be lights to the
nations – even in their darkest days of the History of Israel and the
Jewish people they still were lights to the nations. For without their separation we would not
have the opportunity as Gentiles to be grafted into the Olive Tree that is the Messiah –
and Israel. For Israel and the Messiah
are one and the same. He being
born of Israel and brought up under the teachings of God which as a human being
he lived his life according to Gods teachings, yet he himself is the Word of
God – therefore He is the one who is showing us that we are to live according
to His teachings – He being made flesh and dwelt amongst us showing us
that we are to live Gods way, the Way he taught us through His precious
Word.
Therefore as
Gentile being blessed with the knowledge that God sent his precious son into
the World to bring us back in reconciliation to the Father through
His death and resurrection and showing us the clear and precise path we are to
live in accordance to the Scripture – not breaking away and separating
ourselves from the Way of Life.
Bearing in
mind that Yeshua, Himself says that only through Him we can come in the Way of
Life – because He is the Way of Life and only as we surrender to living His Way
will we have peace and harmony.
So, with
this in mind I hope that you too will have the courage to start to study the
scriptures and discover yourself what God has said and taught and ask God
himself for the Wisdom and Knowledge to bring about the understanding of how to
live and be free from fear and separation from your past lives.
For when we
truly ask the Messiah into our lives we can truly see a change in our lifestyles
and patterns of living. We
see that by our coming to Him for healing and revelation of how we are to live
we see we have a lot to do to change our way of thinking and living.
For when you
read the scriptures and decide to take it seriously about what is written there
you too will have the opportunity to be completely transformed in the way of
living and thinking.
For me, the
change in my life is that I can say that the more I see of my own nature being
exposed and dealt with the more peace I feel in my mind and heart and body. So
go on, take a chance and examine yourselves before the Word of God, ask him to
expose you to you and ask for forgiveness and be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind so that it will also may have a positive effect on your body too.
Even last
night I was shown that despite my every effort to disguise who I am, God exposes the truth. I had been vain in my life to such a degree
that I would want to be invisible – vanity is not only about how you great you
look but also how bad you look, to such a extent that I had allowed myself to
become obese in the hope of hiding myself – and as I did that I actually was making
myself more visible. Which is not what I
had wanted, yet in my vanity of trying to hide I actually did the
opposite. Which is really very stupid –
yet it was only revealed to me by Gods good grace to me last night – which enabled
me to be freed from it. Hence now, I
shall no longer be afraid of how I look and will not any longer seek comfort in
food in the attempt to hide my self-consciousness. Being a shy person growing
up I found it difficult when people would speak to me or notice me, yet at the
same time I felt really bad because I too wanted to be noticed but was
terrified of being seen. I am sure that
there are many out there that also feel that way too.
I was able
to be freed last night as I humbled myself before God in honesty and truth and
was able to receive the blessing of knowing that I am truly forgiven by God and
that In Christ I am an overcomer – for only through His word and way of life am
I able to live my life to the full potential – whatever direction it may
take.
I commit my
life and times into the Hands of the Father and ask Him to lead me to where He
wants me to be.
I know longer am going
to be shy of what God does in me for He does all things for His glory to be
seen – for in Human weakness He is made Strong.
In my determination to live according to Gods ways, I know He will bless
the works of my hands – after all they are His hands to work with according to
His will and purpose.
domingo, 2 de diciembre de 2012
Understanding Traditions - Hanukkah
Understanding Channuka
For me it is an interesting study of History and Faith.
When we see the origins of a tradition and look for its source it is amazing what you find out.
When you think of the "Christmas Lighting Ceremony" that is held in most "churches" worldwide the origins is based in this.
Yeshua the Messiah is indeed a miracle, for without Him we would have no salvation.
Yet he was not born in December as people suppose, as this is not in keeping with Gods Holy Plan.
For He is sent to be an atonement and restoration back to the father, therefore the day of atonement would have been the more appropriate time for Yeshua to have been born.
The celebration of the lighting of the candles is indeed a special event in its own right.
For without God's intervention the light on the candles of dedication would surely have gone out.
Yeshua being the light of the World if He had not come we would still be in gross darkness.
I am at the moment doing some research on the special times of the year that was given to us by God. You can see that in my other blog
I have givng this to you as a way of some understanding of the events.
Hanukkah, meaning “dedication,” is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. The eight-day “Festival of Light,” or “Feast of Dedication,” begins on the twenty-fifth day of the Hebrew month called Kislev, which usually falls in late November or December. Because Christmas and Hanukkah occur around the same time of the year, many people think of Hanukkah as a sort of Jewish Christmas, but that is far from the case.
The meaning and significance of Hanukkah is individual, steeped in Jewish tradition and experience. What the two holidays do have in common, however, is a complex history, and the use of ritual and symbolism in their celebration. Hanukkah, like Christmas, is a midwinter festival, and like Christmas, marks a single event but uses rituals and customs from other holidays and festivals.
When Alexander died, his kingdom was divided up between his generals, one of whom was Seleucis. Seleucis’s domain extended across, Asia Minor and Syria. It was under Seleucis that conditions changed, and laws were brought in forbidding the Jewish people from practicing their religion and forcing them to adopt Hellenic practices instead, enforced by an oppressive army campaign.
Then, in a small village called Modi’in, a priest named Mattathias, along with his five sons, mounted an opposition and managed to surprise and overcome the soldiers. The success of this band, known collectively as the Maccabees, gave their compatriots hope, and soon new recruits from all over were making their way to the hills to train.
Over the next three years, the Maccabees achieved victory after victory. When Mattath-ias died, his son Judah took over and led the Maccabees to the ultimate success: the defeat of the Syrian army and the reclaiming of the Temple in Jerusalem, in the year 165 B.C.
When worshippers went to light the Temple lamps as part of the rededication ceremony, however, they found only enough purified oil to burn for one day. Miraculously, the lamp continued to burn for eight days, which was enough time to prepare new oil.
The eight days of Hanukkah, therefore, commemorate the miracle of the oil, and also the miracle of the Maccabees’ victory over a much larger, better-trained, and better-equipped army. Over time, that has come to symbolize victory and survival in the face of great odds, especially the survival of religious freedom.
In the years immediately following the Maccabean victory, having these legends to fall back on became increasingly important to the survival of Hanukkah. Within thirty years, the Jewish lands came under Roman rule, and a holiday that rejoiced in Jewish battle success and nationalism would not have been tolerated. So the legend of the oil moved to the forefront, thereby masking the deeper reasons behind Hanukkah until it was safe for them to come to prominence again.
Today in the United States, Hanukkah is celebrated for the most part quietly at home, with family and friends. Though observance of the holiday may vary from house to house, the Menorah—a candleholder with space for nine candles, including a central candle known as the shamash, or “servant,” candle that lights all others—is the central element of any Hanukkah celebration. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle on the candelabrum is lit by the shamash. Each night after the first an additional candle is lit, until all eight are aglow on the final night.
Hanukkah is a happy holiday, full of food and good cheer. On the fifth night of Hanukkah, many families engage in a formal gathering known as the Night of the Fifth Candle dinner. This is typically the time during the festival when family members and friends from far away make a special effort to gather with their loved ones. These days, this special gathering is not always restricted to the fifth night of Hanukkah, but may take place on the night during the festival that the most people can attend.
Over the course of the eight days, families usually entertain friends at home, eating, drinking, singing, and generally being merry. Songs echo through the halls and small gifts are exchanged on many nights. Depending on the family’s preference, the custom of giving one small gift per night can be modified to one or two larger gifts given on only a few nights.
Though not the most important holiday on the Jewish calendar, Hanukkah stands out as a time of great merriment. Hanukkah is important to the Jewish people as a reminder of a miraculous time in their history, but it can be a valuable reminder to all of the potential of the human spirit.
Often served with sour cream, potato latkes are made from grated potato combined with egg, onion, and flour. The mixture is fried in oil, which symbolizes the miracle oil that kept the Temple lamps burning for eight days.
The sufganiyot, or holeless jelly donuts, are another favorite Hanukkah delicacy, particularly in Israel. They’re also cooked in hot oil, after which they might be coated with sugar or cinnamon.
Dairy products are also popular, as a result of the legend of Judith, daughter of the Maccabees. It is said that Judith once entertained an enemy leader by feeding him large quantities of cheese. The man became so thirsty that he had to drink more wine than he should have, which dulled his senses and made him easy to capture.
The dreidel, a top with four marked sides, is by far the most popular Hanukkah toy. Each side of the dreidel is marked with a Hebrew letter representing the words in the sentence, “A great miracle happened there.” As the top spins and comes to rest, nuts, sweets, or pennies are traded among the players.
Money given during Hanukkah is called Hanukkah gelt. In older times, this money was given to children so they could buy a gift for their Hebrew school teacher. These days, they are allowed to keep most, if not all, of the money for themselves. Hanukkah gelt remains one of the more popular Hanukkah gifts.
Katowes are popular among older children. These brain twisters are puzzles and riddles of sorts; all of the answers to these puzzles must be in numbers that equal forty-four, which is the total number of candles lit during the Hanukkah festival. Adults may pass the time playing checkers or chess.
For me it is an interesting study of History and Faith.
When we see the origins of a tradition and look for its source it is amazing what you find out.
When you think of the "Christmas Lighting Ceremony" that is held in most "churches" worldwide the origins is based in this.
Yeshua the Messiah is indeed a miracle, for without Him we would have no salvation.
Yet he was not born in December as people suppose, as this is not in keeping with Gods Holy Plan.
For He is sent to be an atonement and restoration back to the father, therefore the day of atonement would have been the more appropriate time for Yeshua to have been born.
The celebration of the lighting of the candles is indeed a special event in its own right.
For without God's intervention the light on the candles of dedication would surely have gone out.
Yeshua being the light of the World if He had not come we would still be in gross darkness.
I am at the moment doing some research on the special times of the year that was given to us by God. You can see that in my other blog
The Holy Days: God's Master Plan
It is amazing just how much has been added and subtracted from the Word of God for the so called traditions to have been accepted so easily world wide. Integration with pagan symbols, pagan worship and even their deities.
I have givng this to you as a way of some understanding of the events.
Hanukkah
The meaning and significance of Hanukkah is individual, steeped in Jewish tradition and experience. What the two holidays do have in common, however, is a complex history, and the use of ritual and symbolism in their celebration. Hanukkah, like Christmas, is a midwinter festival, and like Christmas, marks a single event but uses rituals and customs from other holidays and festivals.
The Roots of the Festival
More than 2,000 years ago, the people of Judea (Southern Palestine, including Jerusalem) were the subjects of various kings and empires. In time, the people of Judea became subjects of the Greek empire. When Alexander the Great came to rule his empire, he sought to spread Greek culture, known as Hellenic culture, to the world, beginning with his occupied territories. Thus began the so-called Helleniza-tion of the Jewish people, a cultural exchange that was originally peaceful.When Alexander died, his kingdom was divided up between his generals, one of whom was Seleucis. Seleucis’s domain extended across, Asia Minor and Syria. It was under Seleucis that conditions changed, and laws were brought in forbidding the Jewish people from practicing their religion and forcing them to adopt Hellenic practices instead, enforced by an oppressive army campaign.
Then, in a small village called Modi’in, a priest named Mattathias, along with his five sons, mounted an opposition and managed to surprise and overcome the soldiers. The success of this band, known collectively as the Maccabees, gave their compatriots hope, and soon new recruits from all over were making their way to the hills to train.
Over the next three years, the Maccabees achieved victory after victory. When Mattath-ias died, his son Judah took over and led the Maccabees to the ultimate success: the defeat of the Syrian army and the reclaiming of the Temple in Jerusalem, in the year 165 B.C.
When worshippers went to light the Temple lamps as part of the rededication ceremony, however, they found only enough purified oil to burn for one day. Miraculously, the lamp continued to burn for eight days, which was enough time to prepare new oil.
The eight days of Hanukkah, therefore, commemorate the miracle of the oil, and also the miracle of the Maccabees’ victory over a much larger, better-trained, and better-equipped army. Over time, that has come to symbolize victory and survival in the face of great odds, especially the survival of religious freedom.
The Evolution of the Festival
After that first celebration in the Temple, Judah decreed that the miracle of the Jewish victory should be commemorated every year in the same fashion. Over the centuries, borrowing a bit from other Jewish festivals and inspiring some customs of its own, Hanukkah has evolved into the holiday we recognize today.In the years immediately following the Maccabean victory, having these legends to fall back on became increasingly important to the survival of Hanukkah. Within thirty years, the Jewish lands came under Roman rule, and a holiday that rejoiced in Jewish battle success and nationalism would not have been tolerated. So the legend of the oil moved to the forefront, thereby masking the deeper reasons behind Hanukkah until it was safe for them to come to prominence again.
Hanukkah Today
Holiday Helper
There are several explanations for the festival's eight-day duration. The most widely accepted is that it commemorates the eight days that the lamps stayed lit. There is also a legend that Judah and his followers found eight enemy spears in the Temple, which they made into a lamp stand. Some observers think that the eight days are the result of combining the Hanukkah festivities with other Jewish festivals.Hanukkah is a happy holiday, full of food and good cheer. On the fifth night of Hanukkah, many families engage in a formal gathering known as the Night of the Fifth Candle dinner. This is typically the time during the festival when family members and friends from far away make a special effort to gather with their loved ones. These days, this special gathering is not always restricted to the fifth night of Hanukkah, but may take place on the night during the festival that the most people can attend.
Over the course of the eight days, families usually entertain friends at home, eating, drinking, singing, and generally being merry. Songs echo through the halls and small gifts are exchanged on many nights. Depending on the family’s preference, the custom of giving one small gift per night can be modified to one or two larger gifts given on only a few nights.
Festive Fact
Hanukkah observances in the synagogue consist of reading passages from the Torah on each of the eight days. Psalms 113 through 118 and the prayer of Al Ha-Nissim may also be read. Many temples and synagogues sponsor Hanukkah festivals, as do schools and community centers. Most of the activity is geared toward children, featuring plays, concerts, parties, and food.Hanukkah Foods
While food selections for Passover and other Jewish holidays arise from strict observances of religious law and ritual, the specific items of Hanukkah fare have evolved, in no small measure, under the influence of later customs.Often served with sour cream, potato latkes are made from grated potato combined with egg, onion, and flour. The mixture is fried in oil, which symbolizes the miracle oil that kept the Temple lamps burning for eight days.
The sufganiyot, or holeless jelly donuts, are another favorite Hanukkah delicacy, particularly in Israel. They’re also cooked in hot oil, after which they might be coated with sugar or cinnamon.
Dairy products are also popular, as a result of the legend of Judith, daughter of the Maccabees. It is said that Judith once entertained an enemy leader by feeding him large quantities of cheese. The man became so thirsty that he had to drink more wine than he should have, which dulled his senses and made him easy to capture.
Hanukkah Games and Gifts
Money given during Hanukkah is called Hanukkah gelt. In older times, this money was given to children so they could buy a gift for their Hebrew school teacher. These days, they are allowed to keep most, if not all, of the money for themselves. Hanukkah gelt remains one of the more popular Hanukkah gifts.
Katowes are popular among older children. These brain twisters are puzzles and riddles of sorts; all of the answers to these puzzles must be in numbers that equal forty-four, which is the total number of candles lit during the Hanukkah festival. Adults may pass the time playing checkers or chess.
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