A New Month

This month we have been continuing to meet with Rabbi and Susan almost weekly. During one of our discussions the idea came up of having Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, at our house as a beginning step of having the two groups come together. In Numbers 10:10, it says, "Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the LORD your God." In the picture, the crescent moon is not quite visible on Rosh Chodesh. A tradition is to go outside to see if any of the moon is actually visible or not. It's interesting to note that about two weeks later the pagans celebrate the full moon, as Hollywood notes with scary stories, while the Jewish people still celebrate the New Moon. In Jewish life, time is very significant in setting apart a place for God, as evident by Sabbath, Rosh Chodesh, and the other Biblical holy-days. Rosh Chodesh is a new beginning - consisting of thanksgiving, prayer, food, reading of Scripture, lighting of the candle, blowing the shofar, a time for reflection of the past month, and offerings. We had a wonderful time being together and learning more about Rosh Chodesh as a community.



By celebrating the New Moon, we are also celebrating the new month since the Jews operate with a lunar calendar. The new month that we are in now is called Adar. One of the reasons this next month is important is because we celebrate Purim (the story of Esther). If the Jews had been annihilated through Haman's plan, then how would Jesus have come? If you can, find a local synagoue or Messanic synagoue and celebrate this victory!



In addition, we are contining to meet on our Sunday nights as a community for fellowship with a meal, worship, teaching and waiting on the Lord for prophetic ministry. We had a powerful night praying for someone in our commnunity concerning their job situation. It was great to see the whole community come together with their different giftings to help out. We also have been watching Ana Mendez's new videos on some of the warfare missions that have done. We watched the mission to Mt. Everest and their mission in Amsterdam. Both videos were very powerful and inspiring.



Paul conitnues to meet with a group of people taking the initial "Jewish Roots" class for a time of debriefing, questions, etc. He loves this time and comes home all excited about the discussions they had. It is fun to talk to people who are hungry to grow in their knowledge of the Lord. He has also been enjoying his Jewish "Idioms" class that he takes on Tuesday nights, learning about what particular Biblical phrases meant to the listeners of Jesus' day.



Thanks again for your prayers and support as we continue on our journey.