Havdalah

It’s a wondering feeling to grow in one’s faith. I feel like every day I read the Scriptures something new, beautiful, unique, and sacred arises. I’m reading through Leviticus right now, which stresses the importance of making a distinction between the sacred and the common. Havdalah is such a distinction that I’ve welcomed into my life with joy.

I feel like I walked into Fort Knox when I began to honor the Shabbat with a small family Erev Shabbat service on Friday nights. The reading of the Scriptures, the kosher wine and homemade challah bread, cholent stew, candles (lit before the sunsets), beautiful prayers, and a chance to do something godly as a family was only the beginning of the blessings. Entering into Sabbath day rest and worship was like the jelly in my sufganiyot: tasty, sweet, and rich.

And then I learned about the beauty of Havdalah. In Hebrew, Havdalah means “separation”. When you enter the Sabbath, you read certain passages of Scripture, bless the wine, bread, family, and Israel. It is a physical reminder of the spiritual truth that the Shabbat is the only day the Lord specifically set aside as the day of rest and worship. When you close the Sabbath, you participate in Havdalah. It is a physical reminder of a spiritual truth that the holy day of rest is coming to an end and the common things are beginning again. The week stretches on blankly ahead, ready for the taking.

Our Havdalah service is approximately 5 minutes long. The beginning prayer is simple: Baruch Hamavdil bain kodesh lichol (Blessed is He who separates between the Holy and the mundane). We re-read Exodus 20:11- “For in six days Adonai made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, but on the seventh day He rested. This is why Adonai blessed the Shabbat and separated it for himself.”

Then the leader says this beautiful acknowledgement: “Indeed, God is my deliverance. I am confident and shall not fear, for God the Lord is my strength and song, and He has been a help to me. You shall draw water with joy from the wellsprings of deliverance. Deliverance is the Lord’s. May Your blessing be upon Your people forever. The Lord of hosts is with us the God of Jacob is our everlasting stronghold. Lord of hosts, happy is the man who trusts in You. Lord deliver us. May the King answer us on the day we call.”

The others listeners respond: “For our fathers there was light and joy, gladness and honor—so let it be with us. I will raise the cup of deliverance and invoke the Name of the Lord.”

Then we bless the wine: Baruch Atah, Adonai, Eloheynu, Melekh ha-olam, Borey p’ri ha-gafen
(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine). We pray for a good week and read Isaiah 20:7-8 “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.” What a fitting verse to begin your week with!

Then we break out the spices, which remind us of the sweetness of the Sabbath day, which is now passed. We say: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam borei minei v’samim (We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, Creator of all spices). We read Psalms 34:8-9- “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.” We praise God for the good Shabbat we just experienced.

Next, we light the double wicked candle and say: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, borei m’orei ha-eish (We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, Creator of fire). We read Psalms 18:28-30 and specifically verse 28, “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”

With the Havdalah candle lit, we recite this prayer to usher in the next week:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol, bein or l’choshech, bein Yisrael laamim, bein yom hash-vi-i l’sheishet y’mei hamaaseh. Baruch atah Adonai, hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol (We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You distinguish the commonplace from the holy; You create light and darkness, Israel and the nations, the seventh day of rest and the six days of labor. We praise You, O God: You call us to distinguish the commonplace from the holy).  

So what’s the big hullabaloo about Havdalah? Is it absolutely necessary to usher in the new week this way? No but it is a beautiful, fitting way to remind oneself that the Shabbat is a sacred day, the oldest treasure that God gave his people, and it is a good way to end something so wonderful. It’s a formal adios to the Sabbath day and a way to get your head back in the game. Six days of work are awaiting, no more rest. The Havdalah service creates a sort of nostalgia to return to the sacredness of the presence of the Lord. It is that last snapshot of the Shabbat to cherish until next time. It intensifies the desire to return to the sacred place of absolute rest and fellowship with the Sovereign, Holy King of the Universe.

That’s why Havdalah is a welcomed tradition for my household….

Divine Appointments

Do you know that God cares for you? That seems like a simple enough question to ask but you cannot really understand the depth of God’s concern for his people unless you know about God’s calendar.

Did you know that God has a calendar? It’s been used and celebrated for the past 3500 years or so. God, the One who wants to be known for his glory’s sake, set up daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly divine appointments for his people to unite for and celebrate.

Did you know that there are a minimum of 801 divine appointments in a year? When I realized that, it blew my mind. I had to do the math myself:

Daily– Morning and Evening Prayers (Deuteronomy 6:7- the Sh’ma Prayer) – Twice daily is a minimum of 730 prayers in a year. In case you did not know this is the twice daily prayer that starts and ends your day right. You can start today. Just get out your Bible and read aloud Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11: 13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41. It is an invitation to remember God, remember redemption, and remember to keep his Ways. These twice daily prayers (not even counting the prayers before…optional… and after meals…not optional) are a chance God have given his people to take time to pause and reflect on what is important in life!

Weekly– The Seventh Day Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11- the Shabbat) – There are 52 weekly Shabbats in a year. The Seventh day is the only day that was specifically “hallowed” or set apart by God. It is the most ancient treasure God gave to his people and it began in the Garden of Eden. God rested on the Sabbath day, the Children of Israel have rested on the Sabbath day for years, even Yeshua kept the Sabbath day (not according to the heavy traditions of man but according to the Spirit of Torah), the disciples of Acts kept the Sabbath day, so why shouldn’t we today? The Sabbath is a weekly chance to recharge, fellowship, and study the Word.

Monthly– The Rosh Chodesh (Ezekiel 46:3, Psalm 81:3- the New Moon or “Head of the Month”) – There are 12 new moons in a year. It is supposed to be celebrated with the blowing of the shofar and the reading of Hallel (Psalm 113-118). It’s a great time to pause and reflect on a new month to rededicate yourself to the Lord.

Yearly– There are 7 Forever Festivals (Leviticus 23) that are also on God’s calendar. These Biblical holidays cause us to remember important themes of the Word: 1) Redemption 2) Purity 3) Thanksgiving 4) The Law and the Spirit 5) God’s Presence 6) The 2^nd Coming of Messiah 7) Eternal Atonement. These festivals don’t even count the optional festivals like Purim, Hanukkah, the fasts, the remembrance days, etc.

The beauty of God’s calendar shows that God wants to “meet” with us several times a year! He’s not some aloof distant force in the sky (sorry Ben Franklin). He’s very real and he’s very present. The God appointed holidays are a chance to celebrate the Living God and his Living Word. There are 801 slots open on God’s calendar for YOU to meet with the King of the Universe. I don’t know about you but I can’t wait for the next one! We’ll it’s after midnight and it’s time to say a late Sh’ma. I’m expecting God to do a great thing when I pray!

Prayers for Zanzibar, Bittersweet Church Safari, and Luke 19

Zanzibar Islands

* Zanzibar is found in the Indian Ocean to the east of Tanzania. This tiny island is has a rich history and a beautiful landscape. There are 51 mosques on the island, six Catholic churches, one Anglican church, and 25 evangelical churches.  (wiki)

Although part of Tanzania, these islands are 97 per cent Muslim. The Muslim extremist element continues to grow and to oppress the Christian minority. Christians struggle to find employment and gain access to education. However, there were no reports of Christians being imprisoned, kidnapped or physically harmed for their faith in 2008, nor were any churches attacked. Churches can now officially register and the Church can work more openly. (Open Doors USA)

Population: 1 million

Christian Population: “Few”, as compared to Islam

Leader: President Amani Abeid Karume

Prayer Requests:

1) Praise God for the presence of Catholic, Anglican, and Evangelical churches in Zanzibar. Also, praise God for the growing unity among church leaders. God IS working here.

2) Pray that Bibles and Christian materials will be able to be distributed throughout the island.

3) Pray that the churches here would effectively minister to the Muslims around them.

4) Pray for the little Children of Zanzibar, that they could grow up and choose Christ as their Savior!

Bittersweet Church Safari

Today was an unfruitful safari. I went to the Oasis and they were having a farewell service for their pastor. It was so crowded I couldn’t find a seat, so LJ and I left. 😦 Also, even though I am praising God for my new job, I am sad because I know that I can’t join the Oasis due to my Sunday work schedule. So the hunt continues. I have to find a church that has a Friday evening service (Shabbat Service). I think I found one and am excited because I may get to tap into my Jewish roots, as well as grow in faith in Christ. So…this Friday a new sort of Church Safari begins. Hopefully, this is the place for me.

LUKE 19

I haven’t done this in a while so I am going to do a chapter summary because there are lots of important points for Luke 19. I’ll keep it brief…well, I’ll try.

Salvation for the Sinful- Zaccheus

“Zaccheus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed him by, He looked up in the tree and He said, ‘Zaccheus, you come down. For I’m going to your house today. For I’m going to your house today.” This is an old song of childhood. There are cutesy motions to it and its a fun song to sing. But there is a serious message of this little song. Zaccheus was a rich tax collector and not a very nice man. However, he heard of Jesus and desired to hear him speak. Jesus picked him (the bad guy) out of the entire crowd and chose him of all people to have dinner at his house. Zaccheus joyfully let him in and Jesus said that salvation has come into this house because “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Jesus picks the bad guys out of the crowd and says, “You’re my guy.” Another example of grace.

Being Faithful Until Jesus Comes

Jesus told a story at Zaccheus’ house about a rich man who had to leave his servants and gave them all money. Some made great investments of their monies and others did not. They were lazy and didn’t make investments. Jesus said that you have to be faithful in the little I gave you, make the most of it, be faithful to me, and I will bless you when I return. So, use you talents for God and let him find you faithful.

Before Crucifixion Events

Luke 19 is starting to lead up to the crucifixion. Generally, the Gospels recount that before Christ is crucified he is first honored as he rides into the city on a donkey. People lay down palm branches and their coats in the road and cry out “Hosanna”, thinking that Jesus was about to overthrow the Roman government. But this is actually a symbol of spiritual peace to come. It makes me sad that so soon, the crowd who cried “Hosanna” would soon cry “Crucify Him”. After this, Jesus goes to the temple and cleanses it of the dishonest businesses located there. Jesus says that the temple is to be a house of prayer, not a business endeavor.

Prayer Requests:

1) PRAY FOR KHLOE!!!! She had to be air lifted to the hospital because she couldn’t keep up her oxygen levels. I’m sure this is such a disappointment for the Sassmans because she just got to go home. God knows what is best. Pray that the doctors figure out the problem and fix it!

2) Pray for the needs of our brothers and sisters in Zanzibar.

3) Pray for me as I search for a church that has a Friday Night Service.

Dear Lord, Tonight I lift up Khloe. I pray that you heal her body and keep her from harm. Please remove the sadness and disappointment from her parents’ hearts. Give the doctors wisdom and allow them to fix whatever is causing the oxygen problem. Lord, be glorified in Khloe’s healing. I pray for the Christians in Zanzibar. I thank you for the growth of evangelical and other Christian churches here. I pray that the churches would be able to effectively minister to the Muslim community and make an impact for Christ on the island. Please allow the churches to unite in their mission to bless Zanzibar. Also, please allow the sweet children to be able to choose to follow Christ here. Speak to their young hearts and show them the way. Also, continue to bless the many African nations and the Christians here that need protection from persecution, encouragement, and Christian supplies (especially Somalia and Mauritania). Lord, lead me as I try and find a church home. Direct me to the right place. I do not want to forsake the assembly of believers. I want to go to your courts with praise and not miss out on the blessings of fellowship. Reveal this plan. And use me at my new work place for your honor. Help me to be a beacon of kindness, help, strength, and joy. I don’t want to shame you. Use me, Lord. Amen.