You Are Not A Dry Tree

1 Thus says YHWH, “Keep justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation [yeshuah-ti] is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”3 Neither let the foreigner, who has joined himself to YHWH, speak, saying, “YHWH will surely separate me from his people”; neither let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” 4 For thus says YHWH, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant: 5 to them I will give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the foreigners who join themselves to YHWH, to minister to him, and to love the name of YHWH, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant; 7 even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” 8 YHWH Elohim, who gathers the outcasts of Yisrael, says, “Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own who are gathered.” 9 All you animals of the field, come to devour, all you animals in the forest. 10 His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they can’t bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. 11 Yes, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds who can’t understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter. 12 “Come,” say they, “I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, great beyond measure.” Yeshayahu 56 (emphases added)

I don't usually do this, but I think it is important that we speak the truth to ourselves. So repeat after me - Ready? - 1 – 2 – 3 “I am not a dry tree. I am not a dry tree. I am not a dry tree!” Do you feel better? The truth will set you free. There are principalities in wicked realms that have sent their messengers out to convince you that you are a dry tree. These are the same spirits that have killed the prophets and they will kill you if you let them. It's time for the people of Yisrael to stand up against these enemies! The people of Ephrayim have a history of committing idolatry on every high hill and under every green tree. We have spent a life time allowing unclean spirits to seduce us away from our heritage, our inheritance, and our beloved Land. And now as we are returning we have forgotten that we are in a spiritual battle. We have failed to address the unclean fruit manifesting from the hidden enemy within. Ephrayim has one big problem. You want to be validated by man. If you believe you are a dry tree this will be one manifestation.

When I think of a well watered tree, I think of the following passage:

1 Blessed is the man who shall not walk in the counsel of the wrong, and shall not stand in the path of sinners, and shall not sit in the seat of scoffers, 2 But his delight is in the Torah of YHWH, and he meditates in His Torah day and night. 3 For he shall be as a tree planted by the rivers of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither, and whatever he does prospers. 4 The wrong are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wrong shall not rise in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For YHWH knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wrong comes to naught. Tehillim 1 (emphases added)

The principalities and powers of wickedness have been our counselors.  They keep saying, “You don't measure up! Look at how the Greeks and Assyrians don't accept you. Join the idolators.”

The Spirit of Cain

1 The man knew Havah his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man with YHWH’s help.” 2 Again she gave birth, to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 As time passed, it happened that Cain brought an offering to YHWH from the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. YHWH respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell. 6 YHWH said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.” 8 Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” It happened when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him.  Bereshit (Genesis) 4:1-8 (emphases added)

There is a spirit of Cain in the camp. This spirit will seek to destroy individuals who seek to desire the commands of their Father. Instead of adjusting and correcting their own wrongs, these individuals have a strong spirit of Cain in them that rises up to kill their brother. I have met these spirits face to face. The person on the surface may appear as one of you. But, if they see you attempting to walk in a way that is pleasing to your Father, the spirit rises up within them to kill and discredit you. The spirit of Cain will turn you over to the persecutors. The spirit of Cain was present that attempted to usurp Moshe's leadership among the children of Yisrael (see Bamidbar (Numbers) Ch. 16). The spirit of Cain was present when those citizens in the Northern Kingdom of Yisrael wanted to go up to Yerushalayim to celebrate the pilgrimage feasts. Yeroboam ordered them to return to worship 2 golden calves, thus killing the peoples desire to please their Abba (see 1 Kings 12:25 and following verses). The Yisraelites who returned to Yeroboam had another spirit – the spirit of the fear of man. The operating of the spirit of Cain through Yisrael would make a very thick history book! I only gave 2 examples, but you will see it rearing its ugly head through the history of our people.

The purpose and driving force behind the murdering spirit of Cain is the denial of access to the Torah which is life. Remember, this spirit manifests through one who is your brother.

92 If Your Torah had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 Let me never forget Your orders, For by them You have given me life. 94 I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your orders. 95 The wrong have waited for me to destroy me; I understand Your witnesses. Tehillim 119:92-95 (emphases added)

23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life.....Proverbs 6:23

There is the blessing and the curse. The spirit of Cain will attempt to keep you in the curse and the curse may kill you. (See Devarim 23) A curse does not come without a cause (see Prov. 26:2). If we stand against the spirit of Cain, life surrounds us.

What Shall We Do?

11 And have no fellowship with the fruitless works of darkness, but rather reprove or expose them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of what is done by them in secret.  13 But all matters being reproved or exposed aremanifested by the light, for whatever is manifested is light. 14 That is why He says, “Wake up, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Messiah shall shine on you.” 15 See then that you walk exactly, not as unwise, but as wise, 16 redeeming the time,because the days are wicked.     (Ephesians 5:11 -16 emphases added)

We may, unknowingly, have these spirits, in ourselves. First we must expose them. Once we expose them in our own members, we can then begin to have no fellowship with them. Do not entertain their thoughts or ideas. Send those spirits back to their dry places to roam (see Mtthw 12:43-45). A good cleaning on the inside will allow us to see and discern these spiritual manifestations around us. Once we deal with the enemy within, we will be able to handle attacks from without.

Closing Thoughts

Since we are in the Messianic Age (time of Y'shua's first appearance up to His second), these verses are pertinent for us today from Luke 11: 46 "He said, ""“Woe to you Torah scholars also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves won’t even lift one finger to help carry those burdens. " 47 "Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. " 48 "So you testify and consent to the works of your fathers. For they killed them, and you build their tombs. " 49 "Therefore also the wisdom of Elohim said, ‘I will send to them prophets and emissaries; and some of them they will kill and persecute, " 50 "that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; " 51 "from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zekaryah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.’ Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. " 52 "Woe to you Torah scholars! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn’t enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered.”" (emphases added)

During these dark times it is vitally important to associate with those who will exhort and encourage you. Ephesians 4 offers us sound advice, 29 “"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. " 30 "Don’t grieve the Ruach Ha Kodesh, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. " 31 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. " 32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as Elohim also in Messiah forgave you.

Also what will proceed out of your mouth? For Yaacov 3 says, 8“"For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind. " 8 "But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. " 9 "With it we bless our Elohim and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of Elohim. " 10 "Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. " (emphases added) For those who are like-minded let us take the time to encourage one another and leave the bitterness and hatred to the enemies of our souls.

Love,

Tzefanyah Pappas
--
Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong,
let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!

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Feeling the Height and Breadth of the Land: Written on November 5, 2009 while in Yisrael

Sorry for the gap between emails, but with limited computer access we must pick our spots.  So in advance I apologize for the length.  If Judah and Ephrayim are to be a weapon in Abba's hands, then there is going to be a whole lot of bending and straightening.

The Shomeron: Yisrael's Heartland

Abba blessed us by giving us the opportunity to visit the Shomeron.   We spent 2 nights in Alfei (pronounced Al-fay) Menashe (meaning thousands of Menasses).  We had a blessed time with our hosts who took us further inside the Shomeron visiting Har Bracha and seeing the Land which is destined for the sons of Ephrayim.  We were able to visit with an old friend who I have not seen in years as he made aliyah from South Africa.  We conversed about Ephrayim's return and what would need to take place for Judah to receive Ephrayim.  Shall Ephrayim truly realize that they are an untrained calf?  Will Judah receive his late arriving brother with joy?

There are unavoidable observations in the Shomeron.  We gained an understanding how the spirit of Islam spreads out and believes wherever they have placed their foot; their god has given it to them.  They attempt to erase evidence of Yisrael's existence here at any opportunity. The enemy steals spiritual truths from the Word to use to spread their religious influence.  The Shomeron is crying out for the sons of Ephrayim to have as great a regard for this land as the rest of Yisrael.   This really is Yisrael's heartland and the enemy is trying to take it away and steal any sign of our heritage.  Abba is destined to use a bow filled with arrows to accomplish a victory over the mountains of Ephrayim.

Back in Yerushalayim

Being away from Yerushalayim for 2 nights was quite an adjustment.   I felt a spiritual oppression or heaviness upon arriving back into the City.  I asked Abba to show me if I was allowing any spirits to have their way with me, but he was quiet on this matter.  The oppression left 3 days before Yom Kippur at the Kotel (Western Wall).  As I was sitting on a chair watching everyone pass by I saw an ultra Orthodox man speaking in American English to 2 other men.  One was referred to as Rav Kook.  He asked the men, "What are they singing over at the Wall?"  They responded that it was a song of grief.   The man responded, "I don't understand, it's Shabbos! Shabbos is joy!"   Abba pierced through the oppression as it began to lift that night.

Simcha (Joy) in the Whole House

We were invited to go to a house of an Orthodox rabbi in Yerushalayim.  He opens his house to any one who wants to come and has a love for Yisrael.   As many come, he happily packs them in!  They make sure you feel at home and comfortable.  You definitely feel welcomed there!!  Throughout the night we were eating as he discussed tidbits on Yom Kippur.  Some would break out in song after the discussion.   It was a very joyous experience.   Afterwards, I was speaking with a big, burly Orthodox Jew (I say this out of love)!  We stayed late laughing and talking as he was teaching me Hebrew using a child-like approach.  As he was testing me, others behind him and Reyyna on my right side, would move their lips to give me a clue.  He would comment and say, "Hey no helping!"  It became like a game.  It was hilarious!  There was such a sense of family and acceptance.  They asked no questions, nor did we, regarding beliefs.  We were there together and we were family.  I thought about it later and it brought joyful tears to my eyes. The night was a lesson that people of Ephrayim need to know.  Take the opportunity and just be with your brother and leave your agenda at YHWH's altar.

Joy on Yom Kippur?

About 7 years ago I attended an Orthodox Yom Kippur service in Cape Town, South Africa.  It was a somber occasion.  So going to the Kotel on Erev Yom Kippur, I will have to admit, I came with some preconceived notions that Abba dispelled.  It was not somber in the least.  I prayed at the Wall thanking Abba for bringing me in the midst of my brother Judah.  I genuinely felt a sense of family during that time like at the rabbi's house.

Had we not gone to the Wall, we would have not had the chance to witness to a precious group of Indonesian brethren.  They were curious to know what the day "Yom Kippur" was all about and what everyone was doing at the Wall.  After we shared with them, they asked us to pray for them because they've witnessed an increase in persecution in Indonesia.  Like in Yisrael, the spirit of Islam has been the persecuting force amongst believers there.  In the humbleness of heart, they mentioned that the purpose of their pilgrimage was to pray for the peace of Yerushalayim and the people of Yisrael. 

After speaking with the Indonesian kinsmen, we heard singing behind us!  About 25 young men, sitting in a circle, with others behind them, started singing the songs of Yisrael!!!  The ones we knew, we sang along with them!  The Spirit of shalom emanated through the brisk autumn air.  What a way to start a fast!!!  Full of His Shalom!!!  

Conclusion

Abba has shown us so clearly that we are not here to push an agenda.  Ephrayim's role is to stand with Judah, to love their brother, and through our life demonstrate the life of Messiah.  If you come with the right heart and attitude, you will see Judah bending to receive Ephrayim.  Our experience at the rabbi's house demonstrated alot of bending on Judah's part.   Ephrayim are you ready to do what is necessary to straighten your arrow to fill Judah's bow?

Love,

Tzefanyah and Reyyna
--
Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
www.chazakyisrael.blogspot.com

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Enlisted As A Soldier: Written September 22, 2009 while in Yisrael

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

The past few days in Yerushalayim have been amazing.   One thing that Father impressed upon my heart is that we cannot be a soldier until you step on to the battlefield.  Previously, we wrote that Abba has been speaking to our hearts about being tzofim or scouts and how this words root is tzofa/tzofay (female/male)  meaning watchman.   Before we left for Yisrael we went to say goodbye to a brother who we had been staying at.  They had some mail for us.   There was a package from ebay.  The return address said something like, "Soldier services from the Carolinas."  Inside the package was a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for a Pentium 3 computer.   If I wasn't paying attention,  I wouldn't have noticed.  But, I believe it was a package from YHWH.   If you know computers, the CPU controls the computer. It is the "father" of the computer.  The CPU "instructs" other computer equipment harddrives, printers, mouse and keyboard to do their job.  Reyyna and I have been enlisted, conscripted into His Army.  The USA is basic training.  Yisrael is the battlefield.  There are so many forces contending for Yerushalayim and for this country Yisrael.  Basic training cannot reveal to you the fullness of the battle.  Other soldiers in arms may come and speak to you about the battlefield, but until you actually enter the "fray" do you see it and understand the enemies.  Brothers and sisters, come for a month if you can.  Tours insulate you from the battle.  I was here in 1998 on a tour and I did not see what I have been seeing now.  I am in a much different place now.  I really don't think I was ready for the battlefield.  The same spirits that Y'shua faced are still here.  Spirits of greed, religion, fear, unloving spirits.  Light and darkness collide here.   But, never let the enemy convince you that this is not a good land.  Without a spirit of Yehoshua and Calev, you will see all these spirits as giants.  If you haven't begun to face them in your own life, when you get here they will overwhelm you.  Start your basic training Yisraelites in the diaspora, we need more soldiers.

Mishpochah in the USA said to us, "You are going for us."  This reminds me of responses to soldiers who go away to war for their country.  Citizens realize they are going to battle for them.

Yerushalayim is not a "magical" city like Disney land; real battle for the hearts and minds of people is going on here.   Before we entered the Old City a few days ago, we were video taping.  I said to the camera that this is the place where light and darkness collide.  Shortly after, the battle was displayed before us as we went to look at the Western Wall.


Here are highlights of that trip:

• After explaining explain about the collision of light and darkness a man approached us and asked us take his picture.  We came to find out that he was from Denmark.  He came from an Orthodox family and now displayed a hatred for his own people.   He was an atheist and fully in the camp with the enemies of Yisrael and believed the people of Yisrael had no right to protect themselves. He went on and on.  Many of you have already heard this story!   We realized that conversation was going nowhere so we allowed him to walk ahead of us and we went in another direction as we proceeded into the old city.

• As were walking through the streets of the Old City investigating on our own a man came up to us and asked us if we knew where we were going and he could show us around.  He said that he was a Moroccan Jew and a believer in Y'shua.  He said his name was David.  He was very nice and cordial and showed us around and did a good job of explaining things.  You will see him on our video.  By the time we reached the end of our journey his fruit was displayed.  He asked for money when he in no what said that he was a tour guide.  The Ruach already asked us to give him something.  But, he demanded more than what we gave.  We firmly said we could not give more.  The man acted insulted.
  

• Before that final incident with David, an Orthodox man came up to me wanting to put a red thread around my wrist.  I, of course, refused his insistence.  He said it was good luck and I said I already had the blessings of HaShem.  Then he asked for a donation for the poor and needy he said.  We gave him a shekels, but he demanded more.  I explained to him that is all I could give - he finally realized I wouldn't budge and accepted what I gave and gladly he left with his red threads.

• Merchants in the Old City would nearly run after you asking you to come to their store.  We ignored them and they all responded like they were insulted.  Abba made clear that we are not hear to buy trinkets, but we are here to pray for this place, know our enemy, and fight as good soldiers.   One thing is clear if the Temple was rebuilt the merchants would converge on it just like in Y'shua's day.   I will say this.  The Jewish quarter had a much more pleasant atmosphere.  Other than the incident with Orthodox man, we enjoyed being there than any other place in the Old City.
  

Yesterday, we went into the Old City.  This time we had a believer who believes in the ingathering of all of Yisrael's exiles.  We had some blessed fellowship with James and his Israeli girlfriend (also a like-minded believer).  He is a gifted musician.   We went to the Jerusalem Archaelogical Park.  We walked on actual steps from the 2nd Temple period.  And touched a stone that Y'shua would have touched when going into the Hulda Gate.  

While at the Archaelogical Park, we found ourselves in the midst of Yisraeli soldiers.  Now what was the Father impressing upon our hearts?   Quite literally Abba put us in the midst of them while we were looking at the golden menorah which is going into the 3rd Temple.  We said to them we appreciate them and were praying for them.  As we went through the Park on numerous occasions we were amongst them as if Abba was saying we truly are being inducted into service for Him as we contend as watchmen and soldiers for the battle of Yerushalayim and this Land.

A Place of Miracles

If you come here with the right heart and mind, this place will be to you a place of great miracles and blessing.  While fellowshipping with fellow believers at a home here in Yerushalayim, I cried out during worship that I have been delivered from a spirit of fear.  After this declaration, I have experienced further physiological miracles in my body related to spirits of fear.  Before this miracle, we felt refreshing rains coming down for 2 days here!!  A major miracle, particularly if you understand how severe the drought is here.  I believe that YHWH is preparing the heavens for prophetic events soon to take place in the Land.

 Chag Sameach from Yerushalayim,

Tzefanyah and Reyyna Pappas


--
Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
www.chazakyisrael.blogspot.com 

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A Call to Leave in Haste

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for us. We have moved from our previous location to a small apartment (previously, master bedroom in a private home). While having our own private place to call home definitely was involved in our move, there was something more, something deeper that Abba Father was doing. The Spirit instructed us to move quickly and decisively.  Initially we didn't understand it and we did not respond well to His instructions. This was not about trying to make sense of what was happening, but it was all about obedience. In the end, Abba Father found an apartment exactly according to the parameters that He specified (small, affordable, and with space to park cars). He has called us to rid ourselves of more “things” and live more simply. The Spirit moved on our hearts that this was practice for the Greater Exodus. It was an object lesson to learn to leave in haste.

Are you ready to make sacrifices for Abba's greater purpose? Are you prepared mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to leave everything behind when you leave Egypt? Is your heart ready to rid yourself of houses and lands for His Kingdom Yisrael? Our brother Yehudah has endured numerous expulsions and persecutions throughout the centuries, but are you as Ephrayim prepared to endure?

Tehillim (Psalm) 9: 7 But YHWH is seated forever; He has established His throne for judgment. 8 And He shall judge the world in righteousness; He shall judge the peoples in uprightness. 9 YHWH also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of distress. 10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, YHWH, have not forsaken those who seek You.
(emphases added)

The epistle of Yaacov (James) speaks to us of endurance as well. Yaacov makes clear as to who the audience of his epistle is. The following is an appropriate exhortation to the circumstances facing each of us today.

Yaacov 1:1 Yaacov̱, a servant of Elohim and of the Master Y'shua Messiah, to the twelve tribes who are in the dispersion: Greetings. 2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the proving of your belief works endurance. 4 And let endurance have a perfect work, so that you be perfect and complete, lacking in naught. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him
ask of Elohim, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it shall be given to him. 6 But he should ask in belief, not doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man should not think that he shall receive whatever from the Master – 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (emphases added)

Let us be faithful watchman for the coming days ahead. Abba is calling each of us to discern the times in which we live.

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 23: 7 Therefore behold, the days come, says YHWH, that they shall no more say, As YHWH lives, who brought up the children of Yisrael out of the land of Egypt; 8 but, As YHWH lives, who brought up and who led the seed of the house of Yisrael out of the north country, and from all the countries where I had driven them. They shall dwell in their own land. (emphases added)

Though our way to Yisrael will be filled with many obstacles, a Way will be there, the ransomed of YHWH will return and enter Tzion with singing, joy, and gladness. (see Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 35:8-10).   Despite the descending darkness, be not downcast.  Seek and listen for redemption is near.

Shavua tov,

Tzefanyah Pappas

Chazak Chazak v'nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!

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Thoughts on Faith Training, Running the Race

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

Lately, I have been walking for exercise. During these times Abba has spoken to me some spiritual truths which I would like to share with you.

Several passages in Scripture speak of training or running a race:

1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. " 25 Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. " 26 I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, " 27 but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

Here, the Ruach has been speaking to me that if we ever allow ourselves to be deceived to believe that we have received the prize, then we are in serious trouble. We will stop running the race. We would no longer train our bodies to submit to the rigors to reach our prize.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, " 2 looking to Y'shua, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the stake, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of Elohim. " 3 For consider Him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls. "

Whenever I read these verses, I have a vision of all these witnesses lining up on a road way encouraging me to continue the race. Weights of the devil that entangle us can frustrate our progress, but if we look to the Author and Perfecter of our faith, we will endure because Y'shua endured. For we died and our life is hid in Messiah our Elohim (see Coloss. 3:3).

Training involves exercise if you have been a “couch potato” in this walk, you may still be a baby on milk. Exercise brings about a need for “good protein”.

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

Have you been training? Has the devil been blind-siding you? Are you blind to sin in your life? It is time to exercise and grow up to discern the wiles of our adversary.

Shavua tov,

Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!

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A Prophetic Friendship

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

I want to share with you a prophetic friendship that has developed over the years with a sabra (native born Israeli). His name is Yisrael and he owns a Kosher market in the Miami area. I worked as an educational consultant around the corner from Yisrael's market. During this time of my life, the Spirit lead me to wear a kippah and a katan (4 corned garment with tassels). My boss who was a Reformed Jew turned Orthodox hired me and stated that it would be a mitsvah (good deed) to hire someone brave enough to wear a kippah since 9/11. This is how I ended up working right around the corner from Yisrael's market. As our friendship developed, whenever I would walk in the store he would express with joy in Hebrew, “Shevet achim gam yachad!” This translates into English as, “Brothers dwelling together in unity.” I explained to Yisrael that I was a non-Jew returning to Torah, but nothing more. Yet, still Yisrael would proclaim to me, “Shevet achim gam yachad.” Abba made it clear to me that I was to let my “light shine forth before men.” I was to allow the glimmer of light within me to testify of Y'shua, our King. I was to speak with my life and not my mouth.

Later, I moved to another job. It had been over a year since I had spoken to Yisrael. During a day off from work, my wife and I decided to visit the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach. Being prompted by the Ruach we decided to drive down to Yisrael's market and have lunch. Since Yisrael catered our wedding, my wife, Reyyna, has had the opportunity to come with me to his market and visit on numerous occasions. I asked Yisrael, “When was the last time we'd spoken? It's been too long.” Yisrael thought that it had only been a few weeks. Actually, I believe to him it seemed like we'd never been away! As we were talking he asked us if we'd ever visited a certain Messianic congregation. Stunned by the question we only answered, “No.” After that question he continued to call us mishpokah (family) and declared as we left, “Shevet achim gam yachad!” After leaving the market my wife and I left with great joy. We were praising the Father that an Orthodox Jewish man knew we were believers in Y'shua without us uttering a word! Truly the light of Y'shua shined forth!! In addition, we weren't treated as cast-offs, but family!

This past Pesach I purchased lamb from Yisrael. I paid for it in advance and he agreed to deliver it to our home. I needed to call him later and make final arrangements. I called one evening and before discussing lamb, Yisrael spoke with me and said, “Tzefanyah, people don't understand that “shevet achim gam yachad” is everything! If we only knew this, the whole world would be transformed.”

Within a few days, Yisrael delivered the lamb to our home. We are renting a room from a brother named Obed. He wanted to meet Yisrael and, therefore, came outside the house with me to greet him. When Yisrael was about to leave, Obed reached to give him a hug. Yisrael responded, “Yes, I like hugs.” I then gave him a hug too. We left that evening in the warm embrace of “shevet achim gam yachad.”

I pray that all of the children of Yisrael will discern and understand the message in this prophetic friendship.

Tehillim (Psalm) 133: 1 See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity –2 Like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aharon, running down on the collar of his robes – 3 Like the dew of Hermon, That comes down on the mountains of Tsiyon.  For there YHWH commanded the blessing, Life forever!

Shavua tov,

Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!

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Trumpet Sounding for the Firstborn

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

A few weeks ago we traveled to the northwest part of Florida to visit our son. It was a visit ordained of the Father. He shared with us about his struggles to walk the narrow way. As I started writing this letter a verse came to mind, Mishle (Proverbs) 24:16 for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. I really believe Abba is making our son a righteous man.

During our visit, our son shared with us an incident that deeply impacted him. He was watching TV with 2 friends on the second floor of a townhouse. Above the noise of the the TV they heard a loud sound of a heavenly trumpet overcoming the TV noise. They all rushed outside to look around finding other neighbors doing the same. One of his friends turned to him and said, “Could this be the 1st trumpet?” Needless to say it put a holy fear into each one of them. Now, our son has an ear for music and is an excellent trombonist and very good on the french horn as well. He described the sound as a low sounding trumpet that no human could reproduce. We asked him when this occurred and it turned out to be around Aviv 1; the beginning of the Biblical New Year. This was the same time that other faithful Yisraelites were sounding their shofarot (plural for shofar) in their assemblies or homes marking the beginning of the month, and this month was a very significant one at that!! Just as it says in the Torah, Shemot (Exodus)12: 1 YHWH spoke to Moshe and Aharon in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak to all the congregation of Yisrael, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household; 4 and if the household is too little for a lamb, then he and his neighbor next to his house shall take one according to the number of the souls; according to what everyone can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats: 6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Yisrael shall kill it at evening. (emphases added).

What I found significant was that this Pesach Seder, Abba put on my heart the importance of the firstborn. I asked if any in attendance were firstborn and I said a special prayer for them. I explained that this feast was for them. For Abba is very specific, Shemot 13:2 “Set apart to Me all the first-born, the one opening the womb among the children of Yisra’ĕl, among man and among beast, it is Mine.” But, the Pesach is not only for individual firstborn, but a nation as well, Shemot 4:22 You shall tell Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the YHWH, Yisrael is my son, my firstborn, 23 and I have said to you, “Let my son go, that he may serve me”; and you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.’”

Interestingly, our son Aharon is a firstborn and so were the other 2 young men with him. I was talking to a brother in South Carolina and it occurred to me that this could be the trumpet sound for the firstborn. What does Abba say about those who truly hear the sound of the shofar? Tehillim (Psalm) 89:15 Blessed are the people Who know the festal trumpet-call (the Hebrew word here is Teruah which is one of the shofar calls during Yom Teruah [Feast of Trumpets]. They walk, O YHWH, in the light of Your face.

A Trumpet Call to the Firstborn Nation?

Isaiah 18: 1 Ah, the land of the rustling of wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia;  2 that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, “Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!”  3 All you inhabitants of the world, and you dwellers on the earth, when a banner is lifted up on the mountains, look! When the shofar is blown, listen!  (emphases added)

Could this also be a trumpet call to those who have not listened? Is YHWH sending out one of His final messages to the earth that He is indeed calling forth the seed of Yisrael to arise out of obscurity in the nations?

Closing Remarks

Prophetic events are unfolding before our eyes. It is time to be obedient watchmen. We need to call upon the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to anoint our spiritual senses. I believe the blowing of the shofar has been appointed to us as watchmen over Kol Yisrael (in and outside of the Land). Every Rosh Kodesh (New Moon), and every festival when the shofar is blown could be a prophetic call to the nations. Is redemption to the land of our inheritance near? It may be time to warn the nations and awaken the seed of Yisrael.

Yeheskel (Ezekiel) 33: 1 The word of the YHWH came to me, saying,  2 Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and tell them, When I bring the sword on a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman;  3 if, when he sees the sword come on the land, he blows the shofar, and warns the people;  4 then whoever hears the sound of the shofar, and doesn’t take warning, if the sword comes, and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head.  5 He heard the sound of the shofar, and didn’t take warning; his blood shall be on him; whereas if he had taken warning, he would have delivered his soul.  6 But if the watchman sees the sword come, and doesn’t blow the shofar, and the people aren’t warned, and the sword comes, and take any person from among them; he is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.  7 So you, son of man, I have set you a watchman to the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. (emphases added)
–
Shavua tov,

Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!

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