Dear Mishpacha (family),
I would just like all of you to know that we had a good time with Hanoch Young who is our Israeli tour guide and our dear brother. I really appreciate our friendship, and the Temple Mount videos he shares with us weekly. In the times we live in, it is so important to be relational and to cultivate healthy relationships with one another.
The foundation of building healthy relationships is allowing room for grace and displaying a heart of forgiveness. We cannot allow offenses and unforgiveness to cause separation and broken wedges between one another. In Matthew 24:10 Yeshua stated, “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” John Bevere states, “our response to an offense determines our future.” Don’t be afraid to make things right when you have wronged or offended someone. We need to be sincere and honest with one another as we live out our lives. Yeshua states in John 15:15 “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto You.” A true friendship is built on sharing life and personal experiences together. In James 2:23 it says, “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God.” As friends we need to believe in one another as Abraham believed God. In the past two years I have made some new friends and it has enriched my life. Invest in your current and new friendships daily; it’s the only way to cultivate your bond. In Proverbs 18:24 it says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” In regards to this verse it says in the Life Application Bible, “We see loneliness everywhere – many people feel cut off and alienated from others. Being in a crowd just makes people more aware of their isolation. Lonely people don’t need to hear “Have a nice day.” They need friends who will stick close, listen, care, and offer help when it is needed – in good times and bad. It is better to have one such friend than dozens of superficial acquaintances. Instead of wishing you could find a true friend, seek to become one. If you look around you’ll find people who need your friendship. Ask God to reveal to you whom He desires you to build friendships with, then spring into action, and take on the challenge of being a true friend.”
The Spring season begins on March 20th. What a perfect time to bloom and grow in our personal life and with the Lord. Just before Spring begins, we will be celebrating Purim which begins on Thursday, March 13th at sundown this year. We will celebrate as a congregation however, on March 15th at 11AM. Purim; found in the book of Esther, tells the unique story of a brave Jewish woman named Hadassah who saves her people. Hadassah; who was raised by her relative Mordecai, took on the name “Esther.” She was chosen to be the Queen of Persia but hid her true identity of being a Jew. Haman, a wicked man, who served under King Ahasuerus plotted his Genocide against the Jewish people. This was revealed to Esther through her relative, Mordecai, and prompted her to rise up in prayer and fasting to face the king with boldness. After receiving the favor of the king, a decree was given that the Jewish people could defend themselves against their enemies, and they were victorious! This year during Purim, take the time to reflect on being courageous during times of adversity and your personal identity as Israel.
On March 29th at 11AM, former Mayor of Shiloh, Israel, David Rubin will be joining us. Rubin is not just the former mayor of Shiloh, but he is also the founder and President of Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund (SICF). He and his son survived a terror attack while driving their car from Jerusalem. From this traumatic experience that Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund (SICF) was birth. His organization is dedicated to healing the trauma of child victims of terrorist attacks. His testimony is both powerful and moving. You don’t want to miss what he has to say, so I encourage you to be present when he joins us as our special guest.
Danielle and I cannot thank all of you enough for all of your support at Beit Tehila. We hope to see you this coming Shabbat. Until then…
Shalom,
Pastor Nick
