Friday, August 26, 2022

CHUCK KOLB

 Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Re’eh - The Steps on the Path of Blessing !!!


Previously posted ...
Situation Updates 8/19/22 - Battlefield America - Ghost World - Hegelian Dialect
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2022/08/chuck-kolb-situation-updates_20.html
Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Eikev - the Rewards of Faith in Action !!!
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2022/08/chuck-kolb_20.html
The Healing Power Of Afflictions - 8/20/22
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2022/08/sermon-healing-power-of-afflictions.html  
Situation Updates 8/20/22 - Stop The Clot - Trump Vengeance - Globalist WAR Elements of Life  
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2022/08/chuck-kolb-situation-updates_21.html
Situation Updates 8/21/22 - Great Awakening - Evil Reset Evidentiary - Systemic Dysfunction
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2022/08/chuck-kolb-situation-updates_22.html
Situation Updates 8/22/22 - Mass Culling - EO 14067 - Food Nano Tech - Enemy List
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2022/08/chuck-kolb-situation-undates.html
Situation Updates 8/24/22 - [S]election Code - Free College - Fauxi Out - Aero Vaxx
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2022/08/i-love-lord-because-he-hath-heard-my.html
Situation Updates 8/25/22 - Marjorie Swatted - C(lie)mate Declaration - Vaxx Blame Game
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2022/08/chuck-kolb-situation-updates_26.html
 
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world
ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Luke 12:37
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Eph 5:11
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. I will never forget thy precepts:
for with them thou hast quickened me. Psalm 119:60,93
The war against Truth has been raging ever since
evil was expulsed from the realm of Heaven.  
God instructed Pharaoh, "Let my people go."
God instructs us, "Let my people know."
Shema Y'israel - Maranatha !
Na'aseh V'nishma 
 

✡ ✡ ✡
כבוד שם יהוה Baruch Hashem Adonai
לשבור לחם ביחד Shabbat Shalom Mishpacha  

#ShabbatShalom - Welcome to this week’s Torah Portion, which is called Re’eh (See/ Behold).
We hope you enjoy this portion of Scripture that will be read during the morning services
this Shabbat (Saturday) in synagogues around the world.
Please read along with us; we know you will be blessed!

Last week in Parasha Eikev, Moses promised the Israelites that if they were obedient to the commands of the Torah, they would prosper in the Promised Land. This week, as the children of Israel stand poised to cross over into the Jordan, God sets before the people two separate and distinct directions:  a way of blessing if they choose to obey God’s commandments and a way of cursing if they choose to walk in disobedience to those laws. These two directions, the blessing and the curse, are to be proclaimed on two mountaintops in the Land:  Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.

You can view this Parasha on our website complete with embedded links ...
Re’eh: The Steps on the Path of Blessing

https://free.messianicbible.com/parasha/reeh-the-steps-on-the-path-of-blessing-5782/

Are You a Jew? The Answer Might Surprise You
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/are-you-a-jew-fname-the-answer-might-surprise-you/

You Are Invited to the Banquet of the Ages!
“The marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7)
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/messianic-banquet/

Before You Were Born, the Lord Knew You!
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/born-lord-knew/

How Do You Explain God?
In the Beginning Was the Memra
There may be nothing more Jewish than the idea that “in the beginning was the Word.”
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/beginning-memra/

Revelation and Na'aseh V'nishma
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/11880
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/do-first-understand-later/
We will do and we will listen to all that God has declared. Exodus 24:7

When to Celebrate Yeshua HaMashiach's birthday ...
The Joy of Tabernacles when Yeshua was Born
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2019/10/chuck-kolb-10142019.html
How Yeshua was born on the Feast of Tabernacles by Rabbi Yitzchak
http://www.calledoutbelievers.org/how-yeshua-was-born-on-the-feast-of-tabernacles/

English to Hebrew to English lookup
https://context.reverso.net/translation/hebrew-english/
https://www.doitinhebrew.com/Translate/default.aspx
https://english-hebrew-dictionary.com/
https://alittlehebrew.com/transliterate/  
https://yiddishkeit101.wordpress.com/category/hebrew-word-of-the-day
The Best Jewish Words You Need To Know: A Yiddish and Hebrew Glossary
https://www.joyofkosher.com/from-jamie/the-best-jewish-words-you-need-to-know/
https://www.brighthubeducation.com/studying-a-language/58611-yiddish-expressions-for-the-holidays/
https://hebrew4christians.com/Glossary/glossary.html
A Living Library of Jewish Texts in Hebrew and English translation
https://www.sefaria.org/   https://dictionary.co.il/   https://www.hebrew-verbs.co.il/
https://www.mechon-mamre.org/
 
Torah Teasers Parshat Re'eh by Moshe Erlbaum
https://www.aish.com/tp/i/teasers/Torah-Teasers-Parshat-Reeh.html


Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Ralph Messer ...
Simchat Torah Beit Midrash - Joy of God’s Teaching and Instruction

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  2 Timothy 3:16

What Does It Mean to Choose Life? Every decision you make can be made in a way that you are “choosing life.”
The Torah is God’s constitution; it is His teaching and instruction; it is eternal and it is life.
His Spirit is pure Light, abundant with untouchable, supreme, sovereign power.
God is the Source of all life.
 
רְאֵה  Re'eh means "See."

This Torah portion presents a moral obligation to give to the poor and needy in our midst.  It is not just a duty to support the less fortunate, it is a privilege. The Hebrew word tzedakah means more than just “charity”; it comes from the root tzedek meaning “righteousness” or “justice.”  Giving to those in need is an act of justice and righteousness, and teaches us kindness. Giving should be done with joy, along with empathy and compassion. When giving to those in need, let good character be the fuel that drives you.  In giving generously, with the right heart, you are setting a positive example for your children and those who look up to you. Keep in mind that tzedakah is not restricted to gifts of money only. What have you been blessed with that you can bless someone else with?  In the end, no matter what you have to offer, if you use it to help others who are in need, it is sure to bring joy not only to those you help, but to you as well.
https://stbm.org/reeh/

Arrive a half hour+ early for starting lessons ...
Online> Saturday Shabbat (9:00am ET / 12:30pm ET) Services and Midrash  
Online> Monday Nights with STBM 8:30pm ET  / Thursday Afternoon> 3:00 pm ET
Learn more about special event streaming when you call our team! 866-867-2488
https://stbm.org/live/ - https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphMesser/videos
https://stbm.org/study-home/  https://stbm.org/rrm-subscriptions/  https://store2.torah.tv/  

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Todah Rabah - Dr. Gary Hedrick ...
Reaching the Jewish people with the Gospel
https://www.cjfm.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/
Charles Halff - What It Costs a Jew to Become a Christian
https://store.cjfm.org/product/146/what-it-costs-a-jew-to-become-a-christian


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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Chaim Richman ...
Weekly Torah Study: with Rav Gedalia Meyer
Temple Talk with Yitzchak Reuven and Rabbi Abba Horovitz
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTempleInstitute/videos
https://www.facebook.com/The-Temple-Institute-22738684968/
https://www.instagram.com/thetempleinstitute/ - https://twitter.com/TempleInstitute
https://www.templeinstitute.org/ Weekly Newsletter - 35 years  
The Mystery of the Red Heifer: Divine Promise of Purity
https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer/
Jerusalem Lights - Rabbi Chaim Richman
https://www.youtube.com/c/JerusalemLightsRabbiChaimRichman/videos



Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Chaim Jachter ...
Kol Torah Academy of Bergen County  
Parashah Re'eh - 29 Av, 5782 - August 26, 2022
https://www.koltorah.org/articles/?category=Re%27eh
https://www.koltorah.org/by-parashah  https://www.koltorah.org/about-us
https://www.koltorah.org/rav-jachters-halachah-files
Books > https://www.koltorah.org/books
From Chaos to Kingship: An In-Depth Exploration of Megillat Rut
https://www.amazon.com/Chaos-Kingship-Depth-Exploration-Megillat/dp/B0B14ZP8N2
Yeshiva > https://www.tabc.org/  https://www.instagram.com/koltorah.tabc/

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Parshat Re'eh

https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2272/jewish/Reeh-in-a-Nutshell.htm
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/default.asp?tDate=8/27/2022  
https://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/month_cdo/jewish/Jewish-Calendar.htm
https://www.chabad.org/calendar/converter_cdo/aid/6225/jewish/Jewish-Hebrew-Date-Converter.htm
 
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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Naphtali “Tuly” Weisz ...  
https://israel365.com/  https://www.israel365news.com/
https://www.israel365.com/about/  https://theisraelbible.com/
https://theisraelbible.com/bible/torah/  https://theisraelbible.com/blog/
 
The Portion of Re'eh 

https://theisraelbible.com/2015/08/08/portion-reeh/
https://theisraelbible.com/book-deuteronomy/

A Treasured People
Jewish people were chosen from among all others to be God’s treasured people
https://theisraelbible.com/a-treasured-people/

Israeli Air Force jets infiltrated Iran’s airspace – Report
https://www.israel365news.com/274125/israeli-air-force-jets-infiltrated-irans-airspace-report/

The 39 Acts Forbidden on the Sabbath
https://theisraelbible.com/the-39-acts-forbidden-on-the-sabbath/
https://theisraelbible.com/the-true-day-of-rest/

Anti-Semitism is on the rise in the United States.
Stand with 100,000+ people who stand with Israel.
https://www.israel365.com/the-israel-covenant/

ACLJ Petition - Jay Sekulow
Stop Biden IRS From Spying on You and Your Bank Account
https://aclj.org/government-corruption/stop-biden-irs-from-spying-on-your-bank-account

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DONALD DATES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Trump  
Tiffany 10/13/93
Ivanka 10/30/81  

President Donald J. Trump
Save America Rally in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA
Sat, September 03, 2022 - 7:00 pm (EST)

https://events.donaldjtrump.com/events/save-america-rally-in-scranton-pa

Watch > https://rumble.com/c/RSBN RSBN  
Events > https://www.donaldjtrump.com/events
https://rumble.com/c/DonaldTrump Donald J. Trump 

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Good News From Israel - Achievements and Heartwarming Stories
In the 21st Aug 22 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
https://verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com/2022/08/good-news-newsletter-to-21st-aug-22.html
http://verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com/

Mishpacha Jewish Family Weekly
https://mishpacha.com/

Why Are Prices Going Up?
https://mishpacha.com/why-are-prices-going-up/

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Netanyahu Begins Rise To Power
Self Assembling Circuits in Vaxx CONFIRMED!
vid> https://rumble.com/v1hcm87-live-8pm-self-assembling-circuits-in-vaxx-confirmed-netanyahu-begins-rise-t.html (37:30) 8/25/22
https://rumble.com/c/StewPeters www.StewPeters.tv   STEW PETERS

Jared Kushner speaks out on FBI Trump raid
foxvid> https://youtu.be/m1kg12sdU0A (12:11) 8/25/22
https://www.israpundit.org/jared-kushner-speaks-out-on-fbi-trump-raid/

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Todah Rabah - beloved Ted Belman writing from Jerusalem, Israel for 20+ years ...  
THERE IS NO DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION
Israel should declare three nos;
no to nuclear Iran, no to two-state solution, no to bi-national state  
 
Interfaith dialogue – a failure by definition
T. Belman writes,   I have never been a proponent of inter-faith dialogue.
https://www.israpundit.org/interfaith-dialogue-a-failure-by-definition/

The Genesis of the Jordan Option and “Confederation with Jordan”
by Ted Belman
https://www.israpundit.org/63686041-2/
In my article Jordan Is Palestine I noted
https://www.israpundit.org/jordan-is-palestine-6/
How Arab Rulers Undermined a Palestinian State
https://www.israpundit.org/how-arab-rulers-undermined-a-palestinian-state/

The Two State Solution is no more
>> https://www.israpundit.org/63684392-2/
The Jordan Option Conference Videos reposted
>> https://www.israpundit.org/the-jordan-option-conference-videos/
https://www.israpundit.org/jordan-past-present-and-future-the-jordan-option-revisited/
>> The Jordan Option, plain and simple
https://www.israpundit.org/the-jordan-option-plain-and-simple/
>> The Jordanian Option is the only game in town
https://www.israpundit.org/my-jordan-option-is-the-only-game-in-town/
>> The Ultimate Alternate Israel-Palestine Solution by Ted Belman
https://www.israpundit.org/the-ultimate-alternate-israel-palestine-solution-3/

Kindly donate to support the work I do
by Ted Belman
https://www.israpundit.org/please-donate/

 

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Quest For The Lost Tribes - Full Simcha Jacobovici Documentary
vid> https://www.bitchute.com/video/jbB2ELq4xPw/ (1:33:29) 8/18/19
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simcha_Jacobovici
12 Tribes of Israel: The Shevatim
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3798842/jewish/12-Tribes-of-Israel-The-Shevatim.htm
https://www.jewishvoice.org/read/blog/who-are-tribes-judah


For Jewish foodies, the highlight of this week’s Parsha Re'eh
is the recap of the laws of kosher and the commandment to donate a tenth of all produce to the tribe of Levi and another tenth to be either eaten in Jerusalem or exchanged for money to be taken to Jerusalem to spend on fruits and vegetables.  This evokes a spectacular image of the Holy City as a robust marketplace bursting with fresh produce.  For this week’s Shabbat menu, we highlight some of our favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables worthy of a pilgrimage to your local green market.
https://jamiegeller.com/holidays/a-farm-fresh-shabbat-menu/

HBO to HOLY LAND > Jamie Geller
vid> https://youtu.be/HqT5EqqO_jA (1:10:00) 8/14/22
https://www.youtube.com/c/MeaningfulPeople/videos Meaningful People
https://www.meaningfulpeoplepodcast.com/watch-episodes

School Daze: Nutritious and Delicious Breakfast and Afternoon Snack Ideas
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/nutritious-and-delicious-breakfast-and-afternoon-snack-ideas/
Top Ten Tips for School Lunches Your Kids Will Love
https://jamiegeller.com/guides/top-ten-tips-for-school-lunches-your-kids-will-love/
Mexican Back To School Lunches for YOU and the KIDS
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/mexican-back-to-school-lunches-for-you-and-the-kids/
Back to School Snacks: Israeli Style
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/back-to-school-snacks-israeli-style/

A Dessert That Bakes Better With Kids
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/fresh-and-dried-fruit-galette/

A Meaty Breakfast From The Kosher Butcher's Wife
https://jamiegeller.com/browse/a-meaty-breakfast-from-the-kosher-butchers-wife/

Jamie Geller Reunites with Heroic Farmers in Jerusalem
To keep the biblical mitzvah of shmitah   
vid> https://youtu.be/uDwO31572as (36:30) 5/15/22 JG
$180 donations receive my new Farm to Table Cookbook
https://campaigns.causematch.com/SupportOurFarmers
http://supportourfarmers.org
vid> https://player.vimeo.com/video/660942292 (10:42)
FREE Farmers-Guide-for-Produce (7 page pdf)
https://tinyurl.com/Farmers-Guide-for-Produce

Vegan Recipes
https://jamiegeller.com/search?query=vegan+recipes  
https://jamiegeller.com/browse/the-best-crowd-pleasing-vegan-appetizers/
Cook the 21 Most Popular Recipes of 2021
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/cook-the-21-most-popular-recipes-of-2021/

This is Where You Can Find Me Most of the Time
JewLish - One People - Many Flavors

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLpomjPnHcZ/
https://www.instagram.com/jamiegeller/
https://www.facebook.com/jamiegeller
https://www.facebook.com/jewlishbyjamie/
https://www.youtube.com/c/jamiegeller/videos
https://jamiegeller.com/
 
Joy of Aliyah 
http://jamiegeller.com/tag/joy-of-aliyah/
https://jamiegeller.com/tag/joyofisrael/
Jamie Geller Welcome's You
vid> https://youtu.be/XO-owES713c (0:35)

The answer is, it's made with love from Israel ! 
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/my-jewish-food-memories/
My Love Affair With Jerusalem
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/my-love-affair-with-jerusalem/
Lots of 💕 Jamie - Until next week Shabbat Shalom from Israel !  
 
Jerusalem Street Food with Jamie Geller Spices
vid> https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/CluuvDpk-FSMnt4zj.html (10:56) JewLish   
Machane Yehuda - https://jamiegeller.com/browse/a-haute-market-in-jerusalem-the-shuk/
https://jamiegeller.com/browse/4-israeli-desserts-inspired-by-the-shuk-in-jerusalem/

The Jamie Geller Spice Collection: Now Available Worldwide!
Sending you love and my heartfelt wishes for peace, from Israel.
New Trio of Pilaf Mixes - Mujadara Lentil, Festive Herb and Jeweled Almond
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jamie+Geller/page/55E36343-CF6F-4E88-A4D5-D7C1C0274F7F
https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamiegeller  

Babies, Books, and a Billion Views: My Decade in Review
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/a-decade-in-review/

Best of the Best w Hubby - Family Heirloom Cholent ...
vid> https://youtu.be/Ae2-lQVFsGw (12:01) 8/11/11 JG classic
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/family-heirloom-chulent/
https://jamiegeller.com/blogs/cholent/

Jamie at Aish - Chief Media & Marketing Officer
https://www.aish.com/authors/48868432.html
How You Can Make the Future Brighter
vid> https://youtu.be/fclstyB-1rA (2:48) Aish
https://www.youtube.com/c/Aishdotcom/videos

Free Hebrew course Aleph Bet
This entire four-lesson course in 30 minutes.
https://academy.aish.com/course/aleph-bet

The Influence of the Hebrew Bible on America's Founding Fathers
vid> https://youtu.be/jE6Sqh-kezw (7:15) J-TV
https://www.aish.com/jl/h/h/The-Influence-of-the-Hebrew-Bible-on-Americas-Founding.html
Serpents of Desire: Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden. An Introduction
https://www.aish.com/jl/b/eb/ge/48966101.html

Jamie Hanala Geller
https://jamiegeller.com/author/jamie-geller/
Tamar Genger MA, RD
https://jamiegeller.com/author/tgenger/
Titles by Jamie Geller
https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Geller/e/B001JS2GV8/
https://jamiegeller.com/blogs/
The Ultimate Challah - free eBook
https://koshernetwork.ac-page.com/pinterest-challah
Modern Israeli Kebobs - free eBook
https://koshernetwork.acemlnc.com/lt.php?s=a476321cee1a62660d5e43a07fe84c19&i=109A824A1A5341
Join My Way Better Cooking Class with Jamie Geller
https://get.waybetter.com/jamiegeller/
Jamie's Quick & Easy Shabbat Menu App
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/exclusive-jamie-gellers-menu-plans/
https://www.prepear.com/jamiegeller/cookbooks/quick-and-easy-shabbat-menus/
Fresh Families Healthy Meal Plan
https://www.prepear.com/jamiegeller/meal-plans/fresh-families-healthy-meal-plan/
LIVE Series: FEED YOUR SOUL
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/feed-your-soul/


See (רְאֵה – Re’eh), says Moses to the people of Israel, I place before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. Deuteronomy 11:26–28
 

Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Re’eh - The Steps on the Path of Blessing !!!


 
Welcome to this week’s Torah Portion,
which is called Re’eh (See/ Behold).
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
This is the portion of Scripture that will be read during Shabbat (Saturday) morning services in synagogues around the world.  Enjoy!
 
Re’eh (See / Behold)
Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17; Shabbat Rosh Chodesh: Isaiah 66:1–24; maftir: Numbers 28:9-15; Matthew 7:7–29
 
See (רְאֵה – Re’eh),” says Moses to the people of Israel, “I place before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.”  (Deuteronomy 11:26–28)
 
 
Last week in Parasha Eikev, Moses promised the Israelites that if they were obedient to the commands of the Torah, they would prosper in the Promised Land.
 
This week, as the children of Israel stand poised to cross over into the Jordan, God sets before the people two separate and distinct directions:  a way of blessing if they choose to obey God’s commandments and a way of cursing if they choose to walk in disobedience to those laws.
 
These two directions, the blessing and the curse, are to be proclaimed on two mountaintops in the Land: 
Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.
 
“Now it shall be, when the LORD your God has brought you into the land which you go to possess, that you shall put the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.”  (Deuteronomy 11:29)
 

Today, Nablus rests between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, the mountains
on which the Israelites were commanded to pronounce the blessings and
curses upon entering the Promised Land.  This is also the location of
Biblical Shechem, the place where Abram built an altar to the Lord
(Genesis 12:6–8).

Each one of us has been given this same choice to follow Him or not; in fact, the entire direction of our lives depends on which path we choose— the path of His blessing or of His curse.
 
Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah also told us of two paths — the narrow path that leads to life — and the broad path that leads to destruction.  Sadly, it seems that few choose the narrow path.  Most walk that broad path of destruction.
 
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  (Matthew 7:13–14)
 
Why does Yeshua, who is the Gate to salvation, tell us that the path of blessing is difficult, and that few enter His gate?
 
Because each day, we have to make hard choices between what our carnal nature desires and what is in alignment with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).  To obey God requires that
we crucify the desires of our flesh.
 
“I have been crucified with Messiah.  It is no longer I who live, but Messiah who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  
(Galatians 2:20)
 

Yeshua Bearing the Execution Stake, by James Tissot
 
Staying on the Path of Blessing During Trials
Sadly, human pride, love of sin, and opposition from spiritual forces of darkness keep many walking the broad path of destruction, preventing them from entering into a life of blessing through obedience to God.
 
As well, too many new Believers think that coming to faith in Yeshua and living a life of obedience to God are supposed to make all the problems and trials of life disappear.
 
Yeshua did not promise this.  In fact, He assured us that in this life we will have trouble.  He Himself was persecuted, as were His followers.
 
Despite that, we need not be discouraged.  We can be of good cheer, joyful in the Lord, for He has overcome the world.
 
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)
 

"In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who
loved us."  (Romans 8:37)

Choosing to obey God’s commandments in times of trouble is not always easy, especially when the whole world seems to be going in a different direction.
 
Going against the current can take a great deal of exertion and determination — whether for spawning salmon or for people desiring to live a righteous life.  It takes effort to swim against the current.
 
Even simply making the choice to obey God can be excruciatingly painful.  Yeshua experienced this in the Garden of Gethsemane when facing the choice to submit to God even to the point of death on the tree.
 
It was here, in the dark valley of decision that the battle was won, when Yeshua said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done."  (Luke 22:42)
 
This decision was so agonizing for Yeshua that He seemed to sweat drops of blood:  “Being in an agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”  (Luke 22:44)
 

Messiah in the Garden of Gethsemane, by Vasily Grigorevich Perov
 
We may not actually sweat drops of blood, but we may come to a crossroad in our lives where we must also decide whether to obey God’s will or to choose our own way — and the cost may seem beyond our ability to bear.  But God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us in every circumstance.
 
Choosing to obey God will lead to blessing; however, we may not receive our full reward until Heaven.
 
For that reason, we must always live with an eternal perspective, not allowing the trials of life to weaken our faith.
 
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”  (James 1:12)
 

Father and son walk together in Jerusalem.
 
The Steps on the Path of Blessing
“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”  (Deuteronomy 14:2)
 
This Parasha emphasizes that the path of blessing includes not following false gods or false prophets.  All elements of pagan worship must be purged from our lifestyle so that we may be the holy people that God has called us to be.
 
The narrow way described in Re’eh includes God’s commandments regarding the consumption of clean and unclean animals:  “You shall not eat any detestable thing.”  (Deuteronomy 14:3)
 
Although many Christians consider these dietary commands abolished, Yeshua did not support this kind of thinking.
 
He made this astounding statement:  
 
“Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill ….  Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.  But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” 
(Matthew 5:17–19)
 

A Jewish man eats falafel in Israel.
 
The path of blessing also includes giving tithes to the Levites, who were dependent on the people for their livelihood:
 
“You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you.”  (Deuteronomy 14:27) 
 
Generosity toward the poor is also important.
 
God said we are to open our hand and our heart
to give to the poor in our land: 
 
“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.”  
(Deuteronomy 15:7–8)
 
Prosperity and financial blessing are not simply the result of working hard.  Neither is it owed to us because we are Believers. 
 
It is dependent upon exercising the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping.  As we give, it will be given back to us (Luke 6:38).  
 
God will bless us as we sow generous seeds in giving to the poor and to God’s faithful servants.
 
“You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.” 
(Deuteronomy 15:10)
 

A homeless man in a wheelchair on a Jerusalem street.
 
Choosing the Path to Eternal Life
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed."  (Isaiah 53:5)
 
One of the most important choices each one of us must make is whether or not to receive Yeshua the Messiah as the atonement for all of our sins and through Him receive eternal life.
 
Our Messianic redemption (liberation / salvation / entrance into
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