1. 17th of Tammuz
Today is the 17th of Tammuz and it
is a Jewish fast day.
The Prophet Zechariah spoke of this
day along with the other major fast days.
[Zechariah 8:19] THUS SAITH THE LORD
OF HOSTS; THE FAST OF THE FOURTH
MONTH, AND THE FAST OF THE FIFTH, AND
THE FAST OF THE SEVENTH, AND THE FAST
OF THE TENTH, SHALL BE TO THE HOUSE
OF JUDAH JOY AND GLADNESS, AND CHEERFUL
FEASTS; THEREFORE LOVE THE TRUTH AND
PEACE.
[Zechariah 8:19] THE FAST OF THE FOURTH
MONTH, - Tammuz.
AND THE FAST OF THE FIFTH, -
Av
AND THE FAST OF THE SEVENTH, - Tishrei
(Gedaliah)
AND THE FAST OF THE TENTH, -
Tebeth (Tevet).
SHALL BE TO THE HOUSE OF JUDAH JOY
AND GLADNESS, AND CHEERFUL FEASTS;
THEREFORE LOVE THE TRUTH AND PEACE.
At all events this day is connected
with the events that lead to the
Destruction of the Temple and to Exile.
The literature concerning this day
also speaks of the Exile of the Lost Ten
Tribes.
Even though the Tribes were exiled
and lost their identity in order to
fulfill their God given task
there was still an element of disaster in the
event.
"Joseph" and "Judah" have a need for
each other and the lack of unity
between us is adverse to both parties.
A primary step for reunification involves
the very fact of establishing the
"IDENTITY" of Joseph.
You can do your part to rectify what
needs rectification by living a better
life, learning the Bible, and by supporting
Brit-Am.
Brit-Am is in need of support at this
time.
2. Bible Learning
It sometimes happens that for all kinds
of reasons a person falls down and
distances Himself (herself) from the
Presence of God.
It is not always easy to pray or get
back on the right track But Bible
learning always works.
I find that just reading the Bible
(without necessarily understanding all
of it) can help a person through dark
periods.
Just read it through, even in translation
it has rhythm and charm of its
own. The message penetrates one's subconsciousness
and has an inspiring and healing effect.
It may take a bit of getting
used to at first but it is not difficult.
Its better than reading other things
and its better than TV, more
pleasurable and interesting.
"The Bible...he who has lost his God
can rediscover Him in this work.
He who has never known Him will inhale
here the breath of God's word."
-Heinrich Heine.
"It is impossible to mentally or socially
enslave a Bible-reading people.
The principles of the Bible are the
ground work of human freedom."
-Horace Greeley.