Pushing through the jet lag! It is one thing to teach the weekly Torah portions and quite another to live life in the midst of them. We have all heard of the faith of Abraham, but what about the faith of Sarah? Who is the real hero of faith here?

We begin again at the beginning. But, where is the beginning? If purpose precedes production, then where do we actually need to begin? Who will be side with in our day, the spirit of Cain or Abel, which today is being revealed through the “kiss” of Esau to Jacob.

It is time for a song. The word preceding is hear, but is not the word shema. Why use a different word? What is in this song that not only speaks to that generation, but also to our generation? Moshe could have just walked away, but instead spoke a blessing. Would we have had such grace?

Moshe is nearing his end. He must climb a mountain and die before the Hebrews can enter in. Is the death of leaders prophetic in our day? Will we see new leaders rising up with a focus, not on exile, but on The Land? Why is Matthew 25 after Mathew 24? The answer is in the picture The Feasts paint for us.

Standing on the edge of entering The Land, the Hebrews must now see themselves for who they are called to be. The same is true of each of us today. In light of recent events in the U.S. allow me to pose a question. Is our relationship with Yah driving our politics or politics driving our relationship?

“When you come in!” Those words should come alive within us today. Before we can go in though, we must engage in the war of His Kingdom coming. Are we engaged or just wanting to slip in by default? 

“If you?” How about “As I!” What is our attitude toward His instructions?

At first glance, we can look at the commandments and wonder what how they can possibly speak to our lives today. What if we not only look at the words, but the essence of the words? Opens a door for a whole new life and walk.

What is the difference between justice and righteousness? Which are we to pursue? Just what are we fearful of in this life? In light of eternity, what really matters?

“Consider Your ways!” Those may be the words of the prophet Haggai, but they provide a great backdrop to the teachings of Moshe this week. Are we prepared to be peculiar in the eyes of the world so as to be unique in the eyes of our Creator?

The first few words of “Because” paint a beautiful picture of our lives and our destination. Whose voice are we focused on today? Remember back to the days of record albums and when the needle got stuck in a groove? Kick all a person wants, my needle is not moving from this groove!